FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
Watchdog for Justice founder Clara King speaks in front of a group of adults and young
teens at the eighth annual keeping kids out of prison workshop at Wesley Chapel-
William C. Brown Library April 22.
Non-profit keeping DeKalb kids out of jail
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Clara King, a retired
employee of the Internal Revenue
Service, restarted her career as
an attorney after the age of 50.
The DeKalb County-based
lawyer said she enjoys her new
career but noticed a troubling
trend early. King said she noticed
too many young adults, especially
young Black males, were ending
up in the prison system for
making the wrong choices.
Thats why King, along with
a group of other female criminal
defense attorneys, started
the Watchdogs for Justice
organization. The nonprofit
educates young adults on the
dos and donts while interacting
with police and helps participants
understand their rights.
We looked at the whole
picture and we started talking
to the young people to figure
out why they were in jail in the
first place and a lot of it was just
ignorance, King said. Some had
no idea you could get 10 years
in prison for robbing somebody,
even if its just a cell phone.
On April 22, the organization
held a keeping kids out of prison
workshop at the Wesley Chapel
William C Brown Library.
The workshop covered
constitutional rights and how to
exercise them, tips on avoiding
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017 VOL. 20, NO. 4 FREE
the criminal justice system, what
to do if youre stopped by the
police, when to talk and when
to keep silent, the penalty for
Georgias seven deadly sins and
what three strikes and you are
out means.
A lot of them get tricked by
their friends because they go
along with something and dont
want to look like a coward. Its a
double-edged sword because a
part of it is injustice, but we have
to control what we can control
on our end, King said. Its also
important for the parents to get
involved because when your
child leaves home, theres certain
things you want them to know.
Daisy Graham, who joined
the organization in 2015, has
been a part of the Big Sister
program for six years and said
she joined Watchdog For Justice
because the organization sends a
positive message.
During the seminar, Graham
acted out scenarios based
on actual court cases to help
participants understand the
consequences of their decisions.
Graham said she joined
partly because of her nieces and
nephews.
One day I thought about
the organization that [King]
started and I realized my nieces
and nephews were growing up
and this is something that they
needed to know, Graham said. I
Participants in the keeping kids out of prison workshop act out a scenario
to demonstrate how making bad choices can lead to prison.
Deputy Davis with the DeKalb County
Sherriffs Office speaks at the keeping
kids out of prison workshop.
contacted [Watchdog for Justice]
and they actually came to our
house.
Soon after Graham joined
the program, her husband Derek
Graham joined as well. Derek
Graham, who retired from the
military, said anyone can benefit
from the Watchdog for Justice
seminars.
Derek Graham said its
important to instill discipline in
todays youth.
Ive seen a lot of younger kids
come into the military, and as we
know, times change and people
change. What I saw then is an
entirely different culture, Derek
Graham said. We have to have
something like this.
Derek Graham said todays
kids have a lack of respect for
authority and parental figures,
but gaining information from an
outside source like Watchdog for
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Justice may help save a life.
[Young adults] mindset is
that they know everything and
they have an it-cant-happen-
to-me attitude. But when you
look at television [you realize]
its happening to us every day,
Derek Graham said. What [Clara
King] and them are doing is just
awesome and we want to spread
it out even more. Im glad to be a
part of it.
King said she hopes to
partner with a police precinct
in the community in the future
so participants can get a full
perspective of what not to do
when an officer stops you.
During an interview with The
Champion, King shared a story
of what an officer once told her
regarding a traffic stop. King said
the officer was approaching a
young Black males car when
the boy reached under his seat.
According to the officer, she
raised her gun and pointed it at
the young man who had tears in
his eyes once he saw the officer
with her gun drawn. Apparently,
the boy was reaching for his
licensenot a weapon.
She said the only reason she
didnt shoot him is because she
was a Christian Black woman.
She had every right to shoot him
and thats what our young people
dont understand, King said.
We want to help and make a
difference.
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 2

by Horace Holloman
SPLOST talk heats up
summer time is coming and it will
be hard to get everyone in a room,
horace@dekalbchamp.com Commissioner Kathie Gannon said.
We still have to find a way to move
A few months after the word forward with this process.
tolled derailed a Special Purpose If SB 156 is signed into law, the
Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) county would be limited to spending
referendum in DeKalb County, funds on transportation improvements,
commissioners are now revisiting the public safety facilities related to capital
issue and hope to talk with constituents equipment and the repair of capital
about SPLOST in the upcoming outlay projects.
months. Last year a project list was submitted
Commissioners, county officials and for approval by a citizen advisory
residents are awaiting the Governors committee. Two members of the DeKalb County commissioners discussed the possibility of new provisions for SPLOST under Senate
signature on two bills that would affect committee were appointed by former Bill 156 at the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners legislative retreat April 14.
SPLOST in DeKalb County. interim CEO Lee May. The committees
Senate Bill 143 corrects the tolling project list included road improvements We get caught up in all these meetings 156. State law defines a capital outlay
language that would have caused and a $40 million government center. and November is going to be here project as a major, permanent, or long-
a property tax increase for DeKalb Officials in the countys law before you know it. The goal for us is lived improvement such as land or
homeowners if SPLOST was passed last department said the SPLOST list to re-engage the community as soon as structure. Under SB 156 the repair of
year. Senate Bill 156, which is currently would have to be analyzed against possible because if were not going to capital outlay projects shall not exceed 15
under review by the governors office, the new requirements to determine if have the government center, you almost percent of the total SPLOST proceeds.
makes certain provisions on what the the proposed expenditures would be have $35 million that you can use for I just want to know what I can leave
county can spend with the proceeds allowed. sidewalk [improvements]. on. Time passes by so fast. The citizens
from SPLOST. According to information presented According to the countys budget have already told us what they wanted,
During a DeKalb County Board of to commissioners during the legislative office, if SPLOST were implemented said Commissioner Mereda Davis
Commissioners legislative retreat held retreat, construction items such as the for five years starting in 2018, it would Johnson. But you cant say we didnt
at the Decatur library, commissioners government center, libraries and parks raise approximately $382 million in have a [project list] approved, because
said they wanted to begin talks with would not be allowed under SB 156. unincorporated DeKalb County. we didnt vote on it. And we didnt vote
their constituents. The [project list] that was put County officials also will have to on it because we were told a week before
Were all feeling a little anxious together by District 3 was a great list, consider what projects qualify as capital voting about the [tolling language].
to move forward on this because the said Commissioner Larry Johnson. outlay projects under the proposed SB

REPORT SEWAGE SPILLS ASAP

Call 770.270.6243 and press 2 report
or email dekalbwaterops@dekalbcountyga.gov
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
AVONDALE ESTATES
Garden Club celebrates 85 Years
The Avondale Estates Garden Club will celebrate
its 85th anniversary with a luncheon on May 7. The
club is looking for descendants of women who at-
tended the clubs first meeting on June 10, 1931. For
more information, contact Mary Crowell at (213)
308-0040 or mqcrowell@gmail.com.
City to host website class
Avondale Estates will hold a day of training classes
to educate residents on how to navigate the citys
website May 10 at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6
p.m. at city hall, 21 North Avondale Plaza. Communi-
cations Manager Debbie Revzin and City Clerk Gina
Hill will lead attendees through the citys website
explaining how to find and download agendas and
minutes, how to register for website notifications, how
to view the citys website calendar and more. For more
information, email Revzin at drevzin@avondalees-
tates.org.
BROOKHAVEN
City to host pageant and talent show
The Junior Miss Pageant and Talent Show will be held
April 29, 4-7 p.m. at Lynwood Park Recreation Center
in Brookhaven. Participants will demonstrate talent
or skills for the chance to win prizes and a trophy.
All participants will get to ride in the Brookhaven
Community Day parade the next week. Age groups
4 and 5-year-olds; 6 and 7, 8 through 11; and 12 and
13. Refreshments and finger foods will be served. The
event is $15 per entry. The recreation center is located
at 3360 Osborne Road.
CHAMBLEE
City reveals latest public piano
Chamblee officials unveiled the newest public
pianoIrvingon April 23 during its Rail Trail
Makers Festival.
Nico Brett, 11, was the first to play Irving at
its new location under Clairmont Bridge along
Chamblees Rail Trail. As a public art piece, following
Bretts performance, the public is allowed to play
Irving at any time.
I love the idea of having a piano located under the
Clairmont Bridge, not only does it highlight one of
our newest assets with the Rail Trail, but I also believe
the acoustics under the bridge are perfect for this art
piece, I hope the piano-playing residents and visitors
who pass by will entertain others while enjoying this
linear park.
Donated by Play Me Again Pianos (PMAP), Irving
is named after former Chamblee business Irvingdale
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 3
Farms Dairy, which was located in Chamblee during
the early 19th century.
Officials state PMAPs goal is to install and
maintain 88 public pianos throughout the metro
Atlanta area. Other pianos are currently stationed
at Chastain Park, the Woodruff Arts Center, the
Memorial Arts Building, Callaway Plaza, Colony
Square and the Dunwoody Nature Center.
Chamblee Middle to host Fun Mud Run
The annual Chamblee Fun Mud Run will take
place at Chamblee Middle School on April 29, starting
at 8 a.m.
The Fun Mud Run is a 5K foot race with obstacles,
water and mud that benefits the Chamblee Middle
School Education Foundation, the schools booster
club.
A child-friendly version of the racetitled the 3K
Muddy Buddywill take place immediately following
the Fun Mud Run.
The event is the largest fundraiser for Chamblee
Middle School.
According to event officials, the 2016 event
which attracted 1,200 participantsraised $43,000
for students and teachers at Chamblee Middle
School. The funds secured two classrooms; iPads;
Chromebooks; software; laptops; computer
workstations in the media center; two drone
competition teams; conferences and training for
teachers; and a new floor scrubber.
For more information, visit www.
chambleefunmudrun.com .
DECATUR
Downtown tour announced
Bring a sandwich, bring a friend, and enjoy
some history! a release from DeKalb History Center
suggests. High Noon History is a new tour offering
on Fridays in May. The tour will last 30 minutes with
topics including architecture of the Historic DeKalb
Courthouse and the history of Decatur Square.
Tours will begin at noon on the south steps of the
Historic DeKalb Courthouse and last until 12:30 p.m.
High Noon History will be offered every Friday in
May. Reservations are not required. Cost is free for
members of DeKalb History Center and $3 for non-
members. All forms of payment accepted.
For additional information contact Marissa
Howard at (404) 373-1088 ext. 20
History center announces new program for
toddlers
DeKalb History Center has announced a new
monthly program for toddlers and their guardians
called Welcome Wednesdays. The series of
programs begins June 14 and will emphasize play
and learning through art, science and literature. Each
class will feature a central theme designed to assist
children in learning about the world.
The first class will explore the colors that make up
the world. Instruction will focus on how to make new
colors by mixing primary colors and a hunt for colors
in the history centers exhibits. In each program,
children will hear a story and work on an art project
based on the theme of the program.
Welcome Wednesdays is designed for children
ages 2-5 with an accompanying adult. Each program
is the second Wednesday of the month 10:30-11:30
a.m. beginning June 14. Cost is $6 for non-members,
$3 for members. There is no charge for infants less
than 12 months and accompanied by an adult.
For additional information contact Marissa
Howardat howard@dekalbhistory.org
Playground opening at Bouldercrest Park
DeKalb County Department of Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Cedar Grove
Community Association will hold an official opening
and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bouldercrest Parks
new playground on April 29, at 10 a.m., located at
4184 Bouldercrest Way. The public is invited to join
county officials and parks department staff at the
dedication ceremony.
For more information, contact LaShanda Davis,
at (404)-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Caliber Collision food drive in DeKalb
In its ongoing commitment to fight childhood
hunger, Caliber Collision is raising the bar with a
national goal to collect 5 million meals during its sixth
annual Restoration Food Drive, from April 17 to May 19.
In Doraville and Decatur, food and cash donations
collected by Caliber will benefit Atlanta Community
Food Bank.
Calibers annual food drive is a grassroots effort
driven by teammates nationwide who challenge each
other in friendly competitions while hosting a variety of
activities in local communities to donate cash and food
items, according to a release.
Collection centers are set up at each of Calibers
13 Atlanta area store locations for food and cash
contributions. Donations can also be made online at
caliberDonations.com.
100 Black Women Decatur to host ABCs of Breast
Cancer health talk
An advocate for womens health education, the
Decatur/DeKalb chapter of 100 Black Women will
host the ABCs of Breast Cancer health talk April
27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Keeton Auditorium of
DeKalb Medical Center on 2701 North Decatur Road.
The health fair is co-sponsored by the DeKalb
Medical Breast Center and the Decatur/DeKalb
chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black
Women Inc.
Participants can bring a brassiere to bling out
with decorations from 6:30 to 7 p.m. The bras will
be donated to the breast center. Doris Jones, a breast
cancer survivor, will also lead a discussion on ways to
detect the disease in its early stages.
The health talk is free and open to the public.
LOCAL
Soccer field use
draws public ire
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Brookhaven resident Gary
Harris said its time DeKalb
County School District (DCSD)
does something about a local
soccer association and its use
of Kittredge Magnet School
property.
Kittredge Magnet School
has gone into a private contract
for non-governmental use,
turning school playgrounds and
a baseball field into a stadium-
lit soccer complex without due
process, following the lay of the
law, or notifying any neighbors
within our community, Harris
said.
Harris addressed the DCSD
board of education on April
17 during its regular monthly
meeting. He said he represented
hundreds of residents who do
not appreciate Kittredge Magnet
School allowing Concorde Fire
Soccer Association to use the
field for games and practice,
citing disagreements with
legality, land use, lights, traffic
and noise disruptions.
Harris asked the board
to investigate the schools
agreement with Concorde. He
said allowing such a contract to
proceed could potentially result
in a massive decline in home
values, for neighbors.
Agreements between schools
and private organizations use of
ball fields exist throughout the
county. Harris said, however,
Kittredge Magnet Schools
case is exceptional because
the school is located within a
residential neighborhood.
Kittredge and the
surrounding neighborhood is
zoned R-100single-family
residentialby the city of
Brookhaven. According to
Harris, such designation does
not permit stadium lights or
after-hours events.
EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD HAS A
DiscoverTheForest.org
Harris said neighbors have
unwillingly been subjected
to stadium lights, whirring
generators, screams and cheers
from players, coaches and
parents, horns and whistles.
Our research has shown
that school districts are not
immune from local zoning
lawsthey have to follow
zoning ordinances when
allowing proprietary use,
Harris said. This project is in
violation of our constitutional
rights to enjoy the privacy of
our home. Other schools that
we have researched have main
road access, traffic lights and
stop signs. We have none of that
in our neighborhood.
Kittredge Magnet School
principal Laura Neely also
spoke at the April 17 meeting.
She said Concorde Fire
Soccer Association has been a
benefactor to Kittredge.
Prior to this partnership,
our field was practically
unusable due to previous use by
neighborhood baseball teams
and weekend cricketneither
one of which provided any
benefit to our school, Neely
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 4
said.
Before Concorde, Neely
said the previous fields
condition was little more than
a dustbowl on dry days and
a pool on wet days. She said it
was mostly made up of mud
and clover.
Neely said the field has an
irrigation system, a paid water
bill, grass and over seeding in
winterall thanks to Concorde
Fire Soccer Association. She
called it a lush green playing
space for children.
According to Neely,
Concorde has done everything
asked, including landscaping
and cancelling soccer practice
on behalf of the school.
All partnerships serve to
benefit the students of DeKalb
County, Neely said. They
are vital to enrich the lives
of schoolchildren in DeKalb
County.
Harris cited cases
where similar situations
have been allowed because
the arrangements did not
have adverse effects on the
neighborhood, was compatible
Naturehood
Kittredge Magnet Schools public-private partnership with Concorde Fire Soccer
Association has stirred controversy with surrounding neighbors. Photo by R. Scott
Belzer
with the neighborhood and
had unique circumstances. He
said none of these could be
found between the Concorde
soccer games and Kittredge
Magnet Schools surrounding
neighborhood.
Doraville is set to get tropical at its 2017 State of the City Address by hosting
A1A, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band.
Doraville gets tropical
The city of Doravilles
Flowers Parklocated at 5921
New Peachtree Road is
set to host a Jimmy Buffett
tribute band on April 28 in
conjunction with its 2017 State
of the City Address by Mayor
Donna Pittman.
The tribute band,
A1A, regularly headlines
Jimmy Buffett Parrot
Head Conventions and
has released three original
albums. Concert goers can
expect Buffett favorites
such as Margaritaville,
Cheeseburger in Paradise
and Son of a Son of a Sailor
in addition to classic reggae
Harris left the board with a
single question.
Would you tolerate this
from your neighborsstadium
lights and soccer games keeping
children awake every night of
the week? Harris said.
and original music.
The event will be the first
of several scheduled Concert
in Flowers events. Attendees
can expect live music, food
trucks and activities suitable
for family members.
According to Doraville
officials, Pittmans address
will include a review of
accomplishments throughout
2016 as well as events and
development plans to be
expected in 2017 and beyond.
Doravilles Concert in
Flowers and 2017 State of the
City are free to attend and
open to the general public.
LOCAL
Bringing HOPE to DeKalb
Single parents
receive college
assistance
by Gale Horton Gay
If all goes as planned, in a
year and a half Antesha Wright
will complete her criminal justice
and forensic science degree
at American InterContinental
University (AIU) and land a job with
the GBI or another agency as an
investigator. When that happens, it
will be the fulfilment of a long-held/
hard-fought for dream.
Wright, a single mother of two,
has found support for achieving
her dream in an appropriately
named organization HOPE, which
stands for Helping Other People
be Empowered.
HOPE provides Wright and
her family with rent assistance
and support services that she
credits with helping her reach her
educational goal.
Its a wonderful program, said
Wright. I am very fortunate.
HOPE founder and CEO
Kenita Pierce-Lewis said the
program is individually tailored to
each participant.
The program provides up
to $400 a month in rental and
childcare assistance as well as
financial training and counseling.
The nonprofit organization is
funded through grants and
donations. It serves people in
DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett
and Clayton counties.
To participate in the program,
single parents must be enrolled full
time in an accredited two- or four-
year college to obtain an associate
or bachelor degree, maintain a 2.7
or higher GPA and work part time
or full time.
Before she started the
organization, which is based in
Duluth, Pierce-Lewis was the
manager at a hospice facility. She
shared her vision for HOPE with
a doctor at the facility who was so
impressed that he gave her start-
up funds.
To date, HOPE has assisted 36
single parents and 75 children and
21 parents have graduated from
college.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 5
Participants interact in a HOPE counseling session.
Financial stress is the main
reason students dont finish
college, according to HOPEs
website.
Our goal is to target those
single parents who do not qualify
for government assistance, but
without assistance are unable
to provide for their children and
plan for a better future. Our
purpose is to help single parents
focus on their academics without
the anxieties of shelter lost and
childcare issues.
The way the organization
operates is providing single
parents with subsidized housing
Lawrenceville-Duluth Kappa Alpha Psi Alumni Chapter (LDAC) donated $1,000 in
vouchers and child care vouchers gift cards to HOPE. From left: Kenneth Haynes, LDAC Foundation treasurer; Arthur
while they attend school. The Lusby, LDAC Foundation president; HOPE CEO Kenita Pierce-Lewis and Steve
vouchers are directly paid to the Dowdley, LDAC Foundation vice president, along with HOPE board members.
apartment leasing offices and child
care providers on behalf of the mentoring and given information She said the woman was not
program participants. about home ownership. She added encouraged in her quest to get her
Wright, who lives in the that HOPE also helped her teens degree.
Panthersville area, said shes been be involved in sports by paying Pierce-Lewis said starting
receiving financial assistance from some activity fees. and running HOPE has been
HOPE for almost a year$200 a Pierce-Lewis said she easily challenging. She said she didnt
month for rent and $85 a month relates to the people she now take a salary from the organization
for childcare. At one time Wright helps. She recalls her struggles for three years and has had to deal
was working two jobs as well as while a former single parent with upheavals in her personal life.
attending classes at AIU, and completing her bachelor and All the sacrifices and
because of HOPE she was able master degrees. commitments have paid off, she
to quit one of the jobs. However She said shes been inspired said. I know what I am doing is
the organizations support is by many of the individuals HOPE actually making a difference and
broader than just monetary has helped and cited a woman its worth it.
help. Through the organization, whos about to graduate, has five For more information on
shes attended support groups, children and will be the first person HOPE, go to www.hopebe.org.
received counseling about in her family to go to college.
domestic violence, had one-on-one
OPINION
Passengers have rights, so do airlines
The recent uproar of the
passenger being forcefully
removed from a United Airlines
flight has likely taught many
a lesson that we either never
knew or thought it would be
highly unlikely that the rule
would be enforced.
The mice type that we never
look at until there is an issue
gives an airline the right to
bump passengers against their
will if flights are overbooked
which is a common practice
among all major carriers.
In 2016, Southwest Airlines
led U.S. airlines in involuntary
bumping with 14,979
according to Department of
Transportation (DOT)data. In
comparison, Atlanta-based
Delta Airlines had 1.238 during
the same period.
The top three U.S. airlines
in involuntary bumpings are
Southwest, American and
United respectively.
DOT regulations require that
airlines first ask for passengers
who are willing to voluntarily
give up their seats in exchange
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
for compensation. Many
people are highly agreeable
to being bumped if they are
not on a tight schedule as
they can often catch the next
flight and receive financial
compensation.
The legality of removing a
ticketed passenger may give
the airline the authority to do
so but it in no way portrays
an environment that most
travelers want to be in. From
a public relations perspective,
Uniteds debacle has become a
nightmare. Memes, jokes and
fake commercials for United
are flooding social media sites.
There have also been huge
financial losses for United.
In the first day following the
removal of passenger David
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 6
Dao and the viral sharing of
videos of the incident, Uniteds
stock took a $255 million loss.
Granted, Dao could have
been a bit more agreeable and
not made such a scene, but
regardless of how one feels
about what Dao did, the airline
and security officers could
have also handled the situation
more professionally.
Since the incident, Daos
background has been exposed
and shows a prior conviction
for soliciting gay sex in
exchange for prescription
drugs and that he is also a
professional poker player. Dao,
a physician, surrendered his
medical license in February
2005 after being convicted
of drug-related offenses,
according to The Courier-
Journal of Louisville, Ky.
Though interesting, Daos
background has nothing to do
with the incident onboard the
United plane and should not
even be part of the discussion.
There are lessons in all
of this that anyone who flies
should keep in mind. Always
confirm your ticket as quickly
as is allowedtypically 24
hours in advance of the flight,
arrive at airports at least two
hours prior to the scheduled
departure time for domestic
flights and three hours prior
for international flights. And,
if given the opportunity and
your schedule permits it,
accept an offer from the airline
if airline representatives ask
for volunteers to willingly
surrender their seats. Often,
agreeable passengers will get
financial compensation and a
complimentary flight voucher
for another flight.
Overbooking by airlines is a
standard practice and a reality
that all must accept. We can,
however, make the best of
an unpleasant situation and
take advantage of whatever
offers are extended to those
willing to give up their seats.
If we dont, we could end up
being removed from the flight
anyway.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 7

Let the broadcast onslaught beginagain

And the political eyes of the majority female and Republican consolidation and Handel win
nation are upon us One Mans based on voter registration may remain much easier to
data.But Handel has not always forecast, but she exited the
Despite approval ratings in Opinion done best among women voters bruising primary with challenged
low double digits, incumbent and it remains to be seen if the finances, and has demonstrated
members of our U.S. Congress Bill Crane bruises and intra-party/campaign in prior races a mean streak in
continue to enjoy re-election rates bill.csicrane@gmail.com shots fired between the many attack ads and mailers which
in the upper 90 percentiles. earlier GOP contenders will have dont always flatter her candidacy.
In 2016, 393 of 435 House healed in time for this likely lower- All voters across the 6th may
of Representatives members five Democrats and 11 turnout mid-summer runoff. vote in the runoff, regardless of
sought re-election.In the Senate, Republicans, was whittled down A win by Ossoff in a whether they voted in April.
29 of 34 members up for election to two by the Special Election historically GOP district, in a Expect to see unheard of
ran for another term.In the of April 18. With no candidate reliably Red state would not Super PAC donor dollars and
House, 13 incumbents lost, receiving a majority, the runoff bode well for Trump or GOP national surrogates on the stage
and in the Senate, two; giving election will be Tuesday, June 20. congressional incumbents in the at many a shopping center, city
incumbent re-election rates The front-runner, Democrat coming 2018 mid-terms, which hall and county park.The stakes
of 97 percent (House) and 93 John Ossoff, at 48 precent of rarely favor the party in power in are high and the odds can be
percent (Senate).A much higher the vote, is running primarily on the White House. viewed as long, no matter which
percentage of membership a platform of holding Trump and However the 6th District does side you see as the likely winner.
change occurs via retirement, Congress accountable, while not have the high minority voter
taking another job (in a new emphasizing his experience as a populations of the 4th and 5th
administration) or death. congressional staffer. Districts, and there is limited Bill Crane also serves as a
This greatly increases the While Ossoff, a 30-year- Democratic Party infrastructure in political analyst and commentator
value and comparative rarity of old documentary film-maker, place. for Channel 2s Action News,
an open seat election, such as is is not a resident of the 6th The majority of this districts WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now
currently underway in Georgias District, and the vast majority voters are White, suburbanites 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
6th Congressional District. of his contributions have come (70.1 percent). Ossoff has to for The Champion, DeKalb Free
The 6th District was from out of state (95 percent- connect not only with Democrats Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
redrawn after the 1990 census, plus), his GOP-style messaging and independents, but lock down is a DeKalb native and business
acknowledging solid population clearly connected with district thousands of Republicans still owner, living in Scottdale. You
growth in Atlantas northern voters.During the special election unsure of a Trump presidency, or can reach him or comment on a
suburbs, as well as packing he raised and spent in excess of already often repeating I told you column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
GOP voters in north DeKalb, $9 million, delivering a record- so. com.
Fulton and Cobb counties into breaking media airwaves assault. A come-from-behind GOP
one congressional district, by the Ossoff brings a young and
then Democratic Party controlled fresh face to the race, and it
Georgia General Assembly.The appears the GOP standard bearer
first to occupy the newly (with 20 percent of the vote) will
configured seat in 1992 was then- be a well-established hand, in the
Congressman Newt Gingrich. form of formerSecretary of State
When Speaker Gingrich Karen Handel.
left the U.S. House in 1998, his Handel has a track record of
successor was longtime GOP achievements, as chair of the
stalwart and thenState Senator Fulton County Commission, in the
Johnny Isakson, now our senior private sector and as Georgias
U.S. senator.When Isakson secretary of state.Her name
ran for the U.S. Senate, he was identification among Republicans
succeeded byCongressman is also off the charts, including
Tom Pricewho last won the one near-miss race for the GOP
district by 23 percentage points gubernatorial nomination in 2010
in November of 2016. In contrast, and a more recent run for the
President Donald Trump won U.S. Senate.
the same district by only two The race for Handel may
percentage points. seem uphill, given the momentum
An initial field of 18 and financial advantages enjoyed
candidates, two independents, by Ossoff.The 6th District is

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Publisher: Photographer: STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! 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
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 8

A DeKalb voter registration official said thousands of people were turned away after finding out they Maxine Daniels (left) tells a DeKalb resident that she is not able to vote in the District 6 special
did not live in District 6. election.

DeKalb voters confused during special election

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Anyone who listened to
the radio or watched television
leading up to the April 18
District 6 special election likely
heard advertisements stressing
voter registration and elections
office in DeKalb is not a polling
station on election day.
Its extremely frustrating,
Daniels said. Weve taken shifts
all day long. At one point, we
had people that were very irate.
Its been a really tough road
because of that. As I heard the
civic duty as a Black man to
vote, but was unaware that only
voters residing within District 6
could vote.
I woke up early this
morning and went to my
polling place and it was closed.
So I came here and saw all
the cars and thought oh, I
Goldsmith said. Then I found
out it was just for District 6.
Daniels said its voters
responsibility to know which
polling station to go to, but
said she can sympathize with
DeKalb residents who may
have been confused by recent
advertisements.
voters because as you can see
they were excited to come
out and vote, but there was
nothing for them to vote on,
Daniels said. Theres some
responsibility for the voters,
but the biggest responsibility is
on the campaign ads because
theyre the ones that are

the importance of residents
getting to the polls and voting.
Some DeKalb residents took
that message quite literally,
which resulted in confusion on
Election Day.
Maxine Daniels, director
of voter registration and
FRITO
commercials, I knew this was am supposed to vote [here], Its unfortunate for the misleading.
going to happen.
With most polling stations
closing at 7 p.m., groups of
people were being told they
could not vote because they
were not residents of District 6
as late as 6:55 p.m.

elections in DeKalb County,
said thousands of voters were
turned away April 18 after they
found out they live in the wrong
district to vote for the District 6
Congressional race.
Ive never experienced it
like this before because theres
never been a race so widely
publicized in a special election,
Daniels said. Most of the ads
said, if you live in DeKalb,
Fulton or Cobb [counties] come
out and vote.
Daniels said once she heard
the advertisements she knew
there would be a problem. In an
effort to lessen confusion, voter
registration officials posted
the names of Hank Johnson
and John Lewis on a poster
LAY
Resident Francine Weaver,
who lives near the Glenwood
area, said she was frustrated by
the process.
I thought it was DeKalb
County but [today] I was
told that I live in the district
of Atlanta and not in north
DeKalb, Weaver said. This
was a waste of gas and I
wanted my vote to be counted.
[Advertisements] told us if you Lung Cancer Other Cancers
live in DeKalb to vote, so I still
dont understand why Im not Special trusts have been set up by vendors and suppliers
allowed to vote. of Frito Lay to pay asbestos victims:
Monique Hobbs went to
several polling stations before If you ever worked at Frito Lay you may have been exposed to asbestos -
and not even know it. You could be entitled to multiple cash settlements without going
she realized that she was not
to court, filing a lawsuit, or even leaving your house.
eligible to vote in the District 6
special election. If you ever worked at Frito Lay, and have been diagnosed with
Lung Cancer (even if you are a smoker) - or Esophageal, Laryngeal, Pharyn-
They should have been
geal, Stomach, Colon, Rectal Cancer or Mesothelioma, or know

of a districting map displayed
to help residents understand
which district they could vote
in.
Even some voters who live
in the 6th District and were
eligible to vote showed up at
the county elections office and
found out they were in the
wrong location. Daniels said the
1-800-478-9578
more clear. The communication someone who died from one of these cancers, call
should have been better. There
are too many people that are
willing to vote, Hobbs said. Its
my civic duty to vote. Its not
fair. That communication was
not put out the way it should
be.
Free www.getnorris.com/asb
Nationwide Service
DeKalb resident Todd Claims Analysis
Goldsmith said it was also his No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
LOCAL
United Methodist Childrens Home sells property
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
After decades of service to
at-risk children in the DeKalb
county area, the United
Methodist Childrens Home in
Decatur sold its property to the
city of Decatur for $40 million.
In an April 17 city
commission meeting,
commissioners voted to
purchase the 77 acres of
property currently owned
by the United Methodist
Childrens Home of the North
Georgia Conference Inc.
John Cerniglia, vice
president of development for
UMCH, said the organization
is working to find a location
that fits the needs of its 80
residents who are currently
living on campus.
Were in the process of
researching options to relocate
the 80 people who live on
campus, Cerniglia said. Were
focusing on DeKalb County
so its not too much of a move
and people can feel close. We
want to be on the MARTA line.
Ideally, we want to be where we
are in a community.
Cerniglia said the
agreement with the city of
Decatur is a win-win for
all parties involved because
the city agreed to preserve
the Moore Chapel and the
gravesite of UMCHs founder
Rev. Dr. Jesse Boring. The
proceeds from the sale also will
help children around the state,
Cerniglia said.
According to UMHC
officials, the nonprofit will
invest $30 million in its
endowment and the rest will
be used for preserving the
chapel, the sale, leasehold
improvements for residential
housing and offices across
north Georgia and associated
relocation costs.
Funds from the sale will
help the United Methodist
.
E
S SE. LE.
U
E D
R RE EC U Y C
R www.dekalbcountypalplus.org
No place like home
The United Methodist Childrens Home announced the sale of its
property to the city of Decatur for $40 million. As part of the deal,
Decatur agreed to preserve Moore Chapel and the grave site of its
founder. Photos by Horace Holloman
Childrens Home to greatly
expand local, community-
based ministries in towns and
cities across north Georgia
and partnership with many
more churches, said UMCH
President and CEO Rev. Hal
Jones.
The only official offer
UMHC received was from the
city of Decatur, though many
expressed interest, UMHC
officials said. In January, the
UMCH board voted to release
assets tied to the property by
selling its Decatur campus.
Decatur city officials will
ultimately decide what to do
with the propertys buildings
and greenspace.
The purchase of this
property fits with the citys
mission, vision and values
and is an investment for
current and future families and
children, said Decatur Mayor
Patti Garrett in a statement.
The city of Decatur will
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 9
conduct a community-based
master planning effort for the
future use of the property once
the sale is final and the city has
possession of the property.
The sale also will help create
a preservation covenant for
former CEO of UMCH Bev
P olice Athletic League
dekalb county p.a.l.
summer academy
ACTIVITIES
Art, career exploration, community
service, fitness fieldtrips, guest
speakers, sports workshops,
swimming, tutorial and more!
seem to be excited about the
Cochran, who led the ministry
for more than four decades.
770-724-7479
$55
per week
City of Decatur officials also
agreed to name the existing
administrative building in
memory of Cochran.
I think, overwhelmingly,
weve had a favorable response
[to selling the property] on
social media. Our residents
opportunity to be living in a
community, Cerniglia said.
Initially, I think some of our
neighbors were concerned
about what would happen with
the property, but now I think
theyre very happy because the
city of Decatur is committing
to preserving green space.
June 5 -
July 28
Lithonia Middle
School
Ages 7-14
Call now to
reserve space
LOCAL
East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club partnered with Buffalo Wild Wings at Stonecrest for a second consecutive year of Boys &
Girls Club Day, when 10 percent of profits were donated to the club. Photos by R. Scott Belzer
East DeKalb tough
Boys & Girls Club receives donations from
Buffalo Wild Wings
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
On April 19, Buffalo
Wild Wings at Stonecrest
transformed into a fundraising
haven benefiting a DeKalb
County nonprofit.
Leaders at the East DeKalb
Boys & Girls Club and Buffalo
Wild Wings partnered to make
April 19 Boys & Girls Club
Day, with 10 percent of the
days profit donated to the club.
The event follows the success of
a similar event in 2016, which
brought approximately $500 to
the DeKalb nonprofit.
More than 25 children
celebrated the event at Buffalo
Wild Wings. Several items
supplied by Buffalo Wild Wings
were raffled with the proceeds
benefitting East DeKalb Boys &
Girls Club.
General Manager Nicholas
Hall, who was reared with
the help of Boys & Girls Club
in Memphis, Tenn., said he
would not be the man he is
today without the organizations
support.
Hall, who has been an
Atlanta resident for two years,
said connecting with the local
Boys & Girls Club was one of
his top priorities upon arrival.
He said it was surreal to emerge
from a tough neighborhood
and begin the process of giving
back.
I used to be one of those
kids, Hall said. The Boys
& Girls Club is very close to
my heart; its one thing I will
cherish for the rest of my life
and one of those things I will
never forget because they didnt
forget about me. I have four
children, and [the club] helped
me make sure Im there for
them before anything else. The
Boys & Girls Club taught me
thathow to be a man.
Boys & Girls Club parent
of four Astrid Varner said its
important that children receive
the benefit of such partnerships.
It brings great awareness to
our community, Varner said.
It encourages our kids to do
better and be more active in the
community. The Boys & Girls
Club has made a huge impact
in my kids livesits caused
a lot of leadership in them,
volunteerism and activity.
Its a huge blessing to have
people come in and donate
to our club, said East DeKalb
Boys & Girls Club director
Brandon Riley.
Riley said it is important
for the club to partner with
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 10
BEWA R E OF T H E
FAKE NEWS
INVASION
local news at its best!
OBJECTIVE
ACCURATE
local organizations to assure
community awareness,
inspiration for children and
long-term investment.
BALANCED
Riley said the donations
help fund Boys & Girls Club
activities such as Passport to
Manhood and Global Girls,
which helps guide children into
productive young men and FOR A LIMITED TIME GET 52 WEEKS OF
women. Funds will also help HOME OR OFFICE DELIVERY FOR ONLY
Torch Club, a middle school
$ 25
leadership group, as well as I
Can Club, a 5- and 6-year-old
leadership group.
Riley said East DeKalb
Boys & Girls Clubs mantra is
East DeKalb tough, which
celebrates the character of
the club following several
transitional periods.
To support the East DeKalb
Boys & Girls Clublocated at
the Redan Recreation Center
at 1839 Phillips Road in
Lithoniavisit www.bgcma.
org. CALL 404.373.7779
FOR DETAILS
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 11

WEEKinPICTURES

Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson said DeKalb County ignored the citys request for paving for so long that John Cerniglia, vice president of development for United Methodist Childrens Home, speaks
the city took over the service. On April 18, the city announced it will pave eight miles of roads in Chamblee. to a group of people after the nonprofit announced it sold its property to the city of Decatur
Photo submitted. for $40 million. Photo by Horace Holloman

Seniors at the Clarkston Community Center broke into dance on April 18 to Southwest DeKalb High School students were among the first A Cross Keys pitcher throws a pitch to a Clarkston
celebrate a warm and creative energy at the centers core dance class. to receive full ride scholarships to Georgia State University and batter. Photo by Carla Parker
Officials said it was a nice way to refresh and unwind after adult ESL celebrated on April 18. Photos submitted.
classes. 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, April 28, 2017 Page 12

4US hosted community beautification party on March 25 at Redan Mercado Shopping Center on Wellborn Road to clean up the area. More than 50 volunteers came out to pick up trash, tires and other debris
along Covington Highway and Wellborn Road.

Residents come together to serve community

by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Tired of seeing
communities neglected, three
south DeKalb County residents
have taken matters into
their own hands to clean up
unkempt neighborhoods.
John McKenzie, 23, his
brother Kithan Caines, 28,
and friend Jasmin Gresham,
24, co-founded 4US in January
to unify their communities,
through acts of service,
education and economic
empowerment.
Were going out to different
neighborhoods in DeKalb
County and doing cleanups
and hosting events to unify the
community McKenzie said.
Were also getting involved
with the school system to start
the education part of it.
McKenzie said 4US was
created to serve communities
that are not being served.
Were just stepping in and
filling that void because a lot of
the areas that were focused on
dont get as much attention as
far as funding or programs, he
said. Were coming in to bring
awareness and appreciation for
these areas.
4US hosted a community
beautification party on March
25 at Redan Mercado Shopping
Center on Wellborn Road.
More than 50 volunteers came
out to pick up trash, tires and
other debris along Covington
Highway and Wellborn Road.
McKenzie said 4US decided
to tackle that area first after
attending a community
homeowners association
meeting at the Cove Lake
Community.
They talked about the
neglect that was going on in
that area, he said. There is a
no dump area over there that
looks bad. People have dumped
beds, tires and a lot of stuff
there. Thats why we decided to
do [the project] there.
Along with the Cove Lake
Community, C-Los Barber
Shop also partnered with 4US
on the project and gave free
haircuts. Volunteers filled
more than 100 bags with
trash, extracted a dozen tires,
three beds and other waste
on Covington Highway and
Wellborn Road.
People came out to
support us, McKenzie said.
McKenzie said 4US is
planning to host a cleanup
event at Shoal Creek Park on
Glenwood Road on April 30.
The event will feature a 3-on-3
basketball tournament.
Along with their efforts
to clean up communities,
McKenzie said he, his brother
and friend want to go into
classrooms and talk to students
about taking care of their
community and other topics.
We want to teach them
basic things about financial
literacy that are not normally
taught in schools such as
taxes, taking out student loans,
he said. I feel like thats a void
that we have. Just teaching
them about the real world,
things they can apply to their
lives.

Keep DeKalb
beautiful turns
blight into art
by Staff Reports

Keep DeKalb Beautiful is working with communities to

convert blight into art with its Barriers to Beauty program.
The program installs brightly painted concrete barriers to
prevent illegal dumping in key areas. Its most recent project
was installed off River Road.

These barriers are used to prevent dumping in key areas,

and when they are bare, they look institutional, said
Gordon Burkette, program director of Keep DeKalb
Beautiful, in a statement. This hands-on project is
designed to give young people the opportunity to improve
how their own communities look through creativity.

Barriers to Beauty promotes community involvement and

educates citizens about how illegal dumping affects them.
Participants spray paint the base of the block, then use
recycled signs to create stencils of picket fences, flowers,
butterflies and more.

For more information about Barriers to Beauty, or to

organize a project, contact Keep DeKalb Beautiful at (404)-
249-2010 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov. Colorful barriers off River Road block a former illegal dump site and beautify the community.
LOCAL
DeKalb County code enforcement officials said the department is working on a resolution for the blighted property located at 680 Waverly Place.
DeKalbs code enforcement
seeks help on blighted property
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
One DeKalb County
commissioner called the
remains of Waverly Place
Apartments a mini-Brannon
Hills while touring what used
to be an apartment complex
on the outskirts of the city of
Clarkston.
The complex, located
at 680 Waverly Place in
unincorporated DeKalb
just behind Indian Creek
Elementary School, is a
situation DeKalb code
enforcement officials are all
too familiar with. However,
the process of remedying the
situation is at a standstill,
according to DeKalb
County Code Enforcement
administrator Tonza Clark.
Clark said code
enforcement is seeking
help from the Thurmond
administration and the
countys legal department to
determine what steps can be
taken on the blighted property.
Its a very difficult situation
and were actually calling on
our law department [for help],
Clark said. Were actually
putting together a task force.
We need some help. Weve hit
a brick wall and we cant move
forward because of state law.
Because the complex is
considered private property,
despite its condition, Clark
said the owners still have rights
to the area. Clark also said
code enforcement wants to put
the property in rema legal
process that uses public money
to demolish a property. The
process will require taxpayer
money, litigation and a court
order.
Taxpayers have to pay for
that. Number one, we really
dont have the resources, and
number two, do the taxpayers
want us using their money to
clean up someone elses stuff.
Thats the challenge, Clark
said. We are engaging in
conversations trying to figure
out a solution. We have not
neglected it, contrary to belief.
We are trying to find a way
around state law.
One of the issues is
identifying and finding
the multiple owners of the
property, Clark said, as well
as getting permission from
a Superior Court judge to
go on private property and
demolish the building. She
said the cost of litigation will
vary based on the number
of attorneys needed and the
hourly rate they charge, among
other factors. She did note
the process would be very
expensive.
In September of last year,
Chester Meiselowner
of the blighted Creekside
Forest Apartment Complex
in DeKalbwas issued a
$338,000 bench warrant from
a DeKalb County judge for his
failure to clean up his property.
During a press conference
to announce a code
enforcement sweep around
Moreland Avenue April 12,
DeKalb CEO Michael
Thurmond said new legislation
awaiting the governors
signature may help DeKalb
County with its blighted
property issues.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 13
It will give jurisdictions
like DeKalb a much greater
opportunity to identify and
seek court remedies and
ultimately eliminate blighted
residential and or commercial
properties, Thurmond said.
Georgia House Bill 434,
which the House sent to the
governors office on April
5, would shorten the time
municipalities must wait
to convert a property after
acquiring it through eminent
A final notice of violation posted on a burned support beam at a Waverly Place
apartment complex.
domain. Currently law states,
All condemnations shall
to addressing issues such property. We have to take
not be converted to any use as blighted properties, them to court. First, we have
other than a public use for
Thurmond said. to locate them to even get
20 years from the initial Clark said dealing with them into court, Clark said.
condemnation.
blighted properties is a When they get to court and
If the county acquires a complicated issue that takes the judge orders, they still may
property through eminent
time because each owner of the not clean up the property. The
domain, HB 434 would property is allowed due process missing part that we have to do
reduce that time to five years
under the law. a better job with is educating
instead of 20 years after initial We have to give people the residents on what we do
condemnation.
due process. So with that being so we can partner and share
If this law is signed by said, we cant force anyone or information.
the governor, we will be very
make someone clean up their
aggressive moving forward
Your Opinion Counts!
The Housing Authority of DeKalb County is preparing a
Community Transformation Plan for the neighborhoods
off of N. Decatur Road from Scottdale to east of Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
The Plan will focus on improving access to transportation, education, health, and
employment services in this area.
Please plan to attend the community forums for a discussion of these important issues.
Your input will inform and help shape fair housing in DeKalb County for years to come!
Public Forum #1: Public Forum #2:
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 6:00 PM Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 6:00 PM
Hamilton Recreation Center Clarkston Public Library,
3262-B Chapel St. 951 N Indian Creek Dr.
Scottdale, GA Clarkston, GA
*
Children Welcome and Refreshments Provided*
For more information or for any special needs relating to accessibility, vision
impairment, hearing impairment or foreign language assistance, please contact:
Keri Taylor, 404-270-2500
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 14

A DAY OF
EMPOWERMENT
Miller Grove High event emphasizes
community relationships

by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

For more than three hours on April 22, students, parents and
community stakeholders in southeastern DeKalb County had
the opportunity to become empowered, as officials from DeKalb
County School District (DCSD)s Region IV hosted an inaugural
Empowerment Day event. Region IV Empowerment Day featured breakout sessions where students and parents could learn about financial aid,
Today, April 22, is a day [parents] can look back on as a day technology and other aspects of enriching local education. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
they made a positive impact on their family, said DCSD Region
IV parent facilitator Tamesha Favors.
Favors said Empowerment Day for Region IVwhich
includes the Miller Grove, Lithonia, MLK Jr., and Southwest
DeKalb high school clusterssought to bring together the
community and support DeKalb County residents.
The event featured door prizes, giveaways, entertainment
and snacks in addition to more than 25 college representatives,
community resources, financial experts and other vendors.
Attendees were also invited to attend breakout sessions involving
financial aid, student engagement, parent involvement and
technology.
Jabar and Christina Stephens from the Stephens Agency, an
Atlanta-based financial advisory company, said they attended the
event to provide education on savings and investing.
Were here to show students such things as compound
interest, how money works and those types of thingsour
money did not come with instruction, Jabar Stephens said.
Hopefully we can inspire some people to take the next step and
come up with their own financial game plan. We want to see
people in a better place and willing to grow their finances.
Jasmine Douglas of Beulah Heights University and William
Walker of Georgia Piedmont Technical College were present at
Region IVs Empowerment Day to educate students and parents
about opportunities at their respective colleges.
I love the fact that the event is family [focused], Douglas
said. The average age at [Beulah Heights] is 42 Im
encouraged by parents who come out and get the resources
themselves. Betsy Miller with the CT Foundation talks with Region IV community members during the DeKalb County School Districts
inaugural Region IV Empowerment Day event. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
Walker said the purpose of his visit was to inform students
and parents that college level education is always a possibility.
Were affordable, Walker said. We have accessibility. Were
providing good education opportunities for students.
Betsy Miller of the Children & Teenagers Foundation
was present to let community members know about her
organizations services. The foundation provides therapy,
psychiatry, nursing and skill-building in the Region IV
community for more than 300 families per month.
Miller said Empowerment Day provided starts for
relationships in the Region IV community.
Some [people today] talked about recent deaths in their
familyone a pet and one a father, Miller said. Teenagers really
benefit from today. Nowadays, parents are very busy, people are
stressed, and theres a lot of concentration on self. Kids always
need good role models and positive influences.
Favors said the overall goal of Empowerment Day was to
provide support for families.
We want to empower our parents and let them know there
are a lot of resources, Favors said. Were coming together today,
as a family, and experiencing it together. Were making an impact
as a family.

Parents and students engaged with college representatives throughout the day on April 22 during the Region IV
Empowerment Day at Miller Grove High School. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
EDUCATION
DeKalb County School District approved a $1.2 million donation for athletic facility improvements to Dunwoody High School on April 17 that stirred debate on E-SPLOST V projects. Photo
submitted.
Dunwoody donation causes debate
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
An approved $1.2 million
donation from a Dunwoody
booster club stirred controversy
April 17 during a DeKalb
County School District (DCSD)
board of education meeting.
The donationwhich
will go toward artificial turf,
seating, outdoor lighting, track
replacement, restrooms and a
concession standwill be used
in conjunction with $790,000
in E-SPLOST V funds already
allocated to Dunwoody High
School from the district.
According to DCSD
officials, the combination of
funds will allow the project
to be completed faster than
originally scheduled. While
the project wasnt originally
scheduled to begin until July
2020, DCSD chief operations
officer Joshua Williams said
the funds will allow the project
to begin within nine months.
Before approving the
donation, board members
raised questions concerning
the use of E-SPLOST funds,
particularly with regards to
completing a project under
To Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper. Call 404.373.7779 ext. 0
Proposed restroom and concession space for Dunwoody High.
budget.
Board member Marshall
Orson said he appreciates
setting a precedent in public-
private partnerships, but
suggested the board make a
ruling on over-funded capital
projects.
Currently, E-SPLOST funds
for projects that are completed
under budget return to the
district and are used on other
scheduled E-SPLOST projects.
Orson suggested that if
a project is scheduled for
$790,000 but is completed for
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 15
$700,000due to a donation
or similar source of outside
funds the remaining $90,000
should be used for continued
improvements on the same
project.
He said the ruling should
remain consistent throughout
the districteven if it means
modifying policyand not
allow exceptions, as is the case
with Dunwoody High School,
because of a donation.
We have schools that
cannot generate this kind of
contribution, Orson said.
If were going to do it for
[Dunwoody High School], we
have to do it for everyone [If
we didnt] we would almost be
exacerbating inequality. Were
saying to those schools that
dont have the ability to generate
those kinds of donations,
Sorry, you dont get the benefit
of retaining those funds for
additional investment.
Board chairman Melvin
Johnson said setting such a
precedent could be dangerous
for the district.
I think were asking for
trouble, Johnson said. I dont
have a problem with a donation
but if we do it for this category
whats going to prevent us from
another scenario on the same
track? Were opening up a box.
Board member Vicki
Turner said she was fine
with the current policy and
appreciated reallocating
funds from projects that are
completed under budget. She
was supported by fellow board
members Joyce Morley and
Michael Erwin.
The board of education
approved the donation without
adopting a new policy pending
an architectural feasibility study.
The study will analyze whether
the project will interfere with
an incoming 26-classroom
addition to Dunwoody High
School.
Dunwoody High Schools
booster club, the DHS
Community Association,
outlined its intent to raise funds
for the schooltitled the Game
on! Capital Campaignin
October 2016. The organization
has raised more than $400,000
and plans to continue raising
funds for the next few years
to match the approved $1.2
million.
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 16

Retirement is comingare you ready? study asks

by Kathy Mitchell
Many Americans who are
working and caring for families
may consider themselves too
busy to think about what
their retirement years will be
like. That could be a mistake,
according to DeKalb resident
Tom Singh, whos a senior
resident director and wealth
management advisor at Merrill
Lynch.
Two factors in recent
generations have made it more
important than ever for people
to make financial plans for
their retirement years, Singh
said. Fewer companies now
offer pension plans and people
are living longer.
For most companies,
401(k) plans have replaced
the traditional company-
Security, the government-
sponsored program rarely
provides enough for a
comfortable retirement,
Singh said. For most people,
retirement income is what
he called a three-legged
stoolwith money coming
from the government, the
former employer and personal
savings. Local data from the
study indicates that among
those in the region that
includes DeKalb County the
expectation breaks down this
way: government 49 percent,
employer 30 percent, and
personal savings 21 percent.
The study also found that
47 percent wrongly think that
Medicare will cover nearly
all their health care costs in
retirement. The three biggest
retirement-related financial
long-term care insurance in with your financial advisor. indicates that among those
retirement. Even when its tough to in the region that includes
Communication, Singh acknowledge that your savings DeKalb 37 percent say
said, is an important starting is less than youd like it to be they know a lot about their
point. Talking about how or that you have more debt childrens financial situation,
much money you have and than youre comfortable with 74 percent say they feel
how much you need is not or your credit score isnt where uncomfortable discussing their
a comfortable conversation you want it to be, its best to be debt and 59 feel uncomfortable
for many people, he forthcoming on these matters. discussing credit scores.
acknowledged, but adjusting Singh said adult children For many, sound financial
for a more secure retirement should be part of the planning means pushing past
means having full and frank conversation as well so that discomfort and talking
discussions about money the person contemplating openly and honestly about
with your family members retirement knows what their matters that affect you and
especially your spouseand expectations are. The study your loved ones, Singh said.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. ANNUAL
. . . MEETINGS
. . . . . . . . . .

sponsored pension, Singh worries for most Americans

& EXHIBITS
. . . . . . . . . .
. .
.
. . . . . . .
observed. Even when are a costly health issue . . . . .
companies contribute to 401(k) impacting them or loved ones;
accounts, its up to the person inflationthe rising cost of
to plan so he or she has enough livingand not having enough
to live on in a retirement that money to do what they would
could last almost as long as the like.
persons working years. Some working people
Singh referenced a recently also expect to receive an
released study, Finances in inheritance from their parents
Retirement: New Challenges, or other family members,
New Solutions, conducted by
Merrill Lynch in partnership
with Age Wave. The study
but I advise against factoring
that into retirement plans. It
may not be as much as the
Atlanta Hosts the
examines priorities, hopes
and worries leading up to and
person expects. If parents are
still living, they may have to
2017 NRA Annual
during retirement in addition
to a range of adjustments pre-
use those funds to meet their
own needs. In some instances,
Meetings & Exhibits!
retirees may take for a more working people at some point April 27-30, 2017 Georgia World Congress Center
financially secure retirement. have to give financial assistance
It indicates that while most to their parents. If there is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
people say they want to live to an inheritance, it should be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
age 90, only 27 percent of pre- considered a bonus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
retirees ages 50 and older feel While 44 percent of those . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
financially prepared to fund a surveyed say not having . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
retirement that lasts 10 years, enough money to do what they . . . . . . . . . Wayne
. . . LaPierre,
. . . . . .
let alone 20-30 years. want in retirement is a top Chris W. Cox,
. . . . . . . . . . .Vice
NRA Executive . President
. . . . . . . . . . . . .NRA-ILA
. . .Executive Director
When working people are worry, Singh suggested that . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
focused on buying a home, rather than worrying, those not . . . . . . . . . . . .
educating their children prepared for retirement should . . . . . . . .
and other immediate issues make changes. They need . . . . . . . . . . .
retirement may not seem like to make a course correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
a priority, but the sooner they so they will be prepared, he . . . . . . . In Concert:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Special . . Guests:
. . . . .
start, the better off theyll be, explained. This may involve . . . . . . Hank
. . .Williams Jr. . . . . . . .Dana
. . Loesch
. . . . . . . . . .
Singh said, adding that the significantly adding to a . . . . . . . &. Lee
. .Brice
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & Colion Noir
study found that while most retirement accounteven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Americans realize retirement when that means bringing in . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THIS YEARS EVENT FEATURES:
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will be the biggest purchase extra income or cutting current + 600,000 sq. ft. of firearms displays plus high-tech shooting
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
+ Speeches from our nations top Second Amendment leaders
not know how much money retirees in the region that
. . . . . . . + Banquets, auctions, seminars . .and. much . . more
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
they will need to fund their includes DeKalb County
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
retirement. are more likely than those EXHIBIT HALL HOURS:
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While most American in other regions to cut back Friday, April 28: 9 a.m. 6 p.m. Saturday, April 29: 9 a.m. 6 p.m. Sunday, April 30: 10 a.m. 5 p.m.
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UNI_17-NR-147_2017_AM_NP.indd 4 4/7/17 2:26 PM
CLASSIFIED
The
CHAMPION
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AUCTIONS
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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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The City of Stone Mountain is accepting applications for
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medical insurance, paid holidays, vacation leave, sick leave,
short term disability insurance and retirement.
Compensation will be based on qualifications. Candidates
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SPORTS
ANYTHING YOU CAN DO.
Five girls try their hands at baseball at Cross Keys
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
A winless season would be
forgettable for most baseball
players.
However, for five young
ladies at Cross Keys High
School, the 2017 baseball season
wont be one they will forget
soonalthough the team did
not win a game or score a run.
Sophomores Jessica Cotom,
Soyalina Lina Green and
Nicole Herranz, and juniors
Hannah Lutterloah and Vanesa
Rubio were members of the
Indians baseball team.
According to Georgia High
School Associations by-law
1.47(a), girls may participate
on boys teams when there is no
girls team offered in that sport
or activity by the school. Cross
Keys does not have a softball
team, which allows girls, by law,
to play baseball.
Cross Keys coach Mark
Adams said having the girls on
the team this season has been
great.
Theyre not treated
[differently] than other
teammates, we dont make
exceptions for [them] [in] our
routine, Adams said. They
MILLER GROVE WINS GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD REGION TITLE
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The last time the Miller Grove
Lady Wolverines track and field
team won both the DeKalb
County and region titles in the
same season, they went on to win
the state title.
Miller Grove has won the
county title and region title this
year and hopes to have the same
results this year as they did in 2014
when they won county, region and
state.
Its a long way to go, coach
Eric Keddo said.
Miller Grove won the region
5-AAAAA title April 20 at
Godfrey Stadium. The Lady
Wolverines out-scored Arabia
Mountain 171-156 to claim the
title.
Miller Grove was led by
sophomore Emoni Coleman, who
won the 800-meter run (2:19.03)
and the 1,600-meter run (5:23.24).
Freshman Lauryn Griggs finished
second behind Coleman in the
800 with a time of 2:25.91.
Sophomore Marguerite
Vanesa Rubio, Hannah Lutterloah and Soyalina Lina Green were three of five girls to play on the Cross Keys baseball
team in 2017.
practice, play and prepare just
like any other kid on our team.
We dont make a distinction
between our young men and
our young ladies, theyre just
expected to be great teammates
and they dont let us down at
all.
Adams said the girls started
showing interest in baseball
after he announced to the
wrestling team, which he also
coaches, that he would be
coaching baseball in the spring.
After that announcement, one
McGill won gold in the shot put
with a throw of 34-11.25 and
bronze in the discus throw (93-
01).
Sophomore Tacari Demery
and junior Tiara Williams
finished second and third
respectively in both the 100- and
200-meter dash. Junior Jakeeyah
Seymour won silver in both the
100- and 300-meter hurdles,
and silver in the triple jump. The
Miller Grove A relay team finished
second in the 4x100 and 4x400
relays, and the B team finished
third in the 4X400.
Freshman Kayla Williams
finished third in the high jump
(5-00.00). Keddo said this was a
good win for the team competing
in a new region with tough
competition.
Arabia Mountain has been
fishing us all [season] long, so
kudos to Arabia Mountain,
he said. We have a very tough
sectional with region 4, the Henry
County region, and with region 8
and its going to be very tough. We
have to keep them healthy, take
it day-by-day and prepare, so we
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 18
to the outfield or playing boys.
She played softball for three
years while living in Augusta.
She joined the baseball team
because one of her male friends
is on the team. For Lutterloah,
she didnt see much difference
between playing baseball and
softball.
As an outfielder, I didnt see
a difference in playing the same
position in baseball, she said.
Adams said the girls each
have their own strength,
athletically and mentally, that
they brought to the team.
We have girls that can field
and thats their strength, we have
girls that are great outfielders,
girls that are great infielders,
some of them have strengths at
of his wrestler asked about I wanted to try something the plate and for some itss the
playing baseballthat wrestler new because normally I would team spirit, Adams said. Our
was Vanesa Rubio. do another sport and I was like girls have beenmore so than
She said, Coach, is it ok if a Ill try something new, Rubio the boysindestructible inside
girl plays baseball? and I said it said. in regard to our struggle to win,
is, Adams said. Vanesa came, Green, who plays short stop, and it helps a lot to have their
then she had a friend come wanted to try something new as positive outlook. Its really been
along, then another friendwe well. a positive for our team.
ended up having five girls. Each I never played baseball Despite the losing season,
one of them has been a unique before but I felt like trying the girls said they each learned a
asset in their own way. something new would be good, lot about baseball and improved
Rubio, who also runs cross Green said. [The experience] each game. They also said they
country and track, said baseball was good. I feel like I improved will continue to practice during
attracted her because it was since my first day. the offseason to get better and
something new to her. Lutterloah is no stranger prepare for the 2018 season.
going to do very well. Thats the
goalto finish in the top eight at
sectionals to go to state.
The Arabia Mountain Lady
Rams were led by senior Mikayla
Jordan, who won the 100-meter
dash (12.14) and the 200-meter
dash (24.26). Jordan also led the
4x100 (47.58) and 4x400 (3:52.95)
relay teams to a first-place finish.
Senior Destinee Rocker won
the 100-meter hurdle (14.33) and
the 300-meter hurdle (46.17).
Freshman Patra Williams won
the high jump (5-04.00) and
Miller Grove won its second track and field region title in program history.
senior Cicely Kendrick finished
second (5-00.00). Freshman
Samaria Allen won the long jump
(17-05.00) and junior Attallah
Smith finished second (17-03.75).
Senior Jasmine Blackwell finished
second in the discus throw.
Chamblee finished third at the
meet with 110 points, led by junior
Beining Xiao, who won gold in
the 3,200-meter run (11:37.83)
and second in the 1,600-meter
run. Senior Rachel Edler won the
triple jump (38-01.00) and third in
the long jump. Senior Oni Tunson
won the discus throw (106-02.50). Miller Groves Emoni Coleman hands the baton to Jakeeyah Seymour in the
4x400-meter relay.. Photos by Carla Parker
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 19

ARABIA MOUNTAIN BOYS WIN FIRST

TRACK AND FIELD REGION TITLE
Chamblee and S.W. DeKalb take second and third
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com

The Arabia Mountain High School boys track and

field team made history April 20.
The Rams won its first region title after out-scoring
Chamblee 144-132 in the region 5-AAAAA meet at
Godfrey Stadium. Head coach Nathaniel Webb said it
was good to see the team win its first region title.
The kids put in a lot of hard work and Im very glad
for them to see their hard work and dedication pay off,
Webb said. We have a bunch of talent and hard work
paid off.
Arabia Mountain was led by senior Tyler Jones, who
won three individual medalstwo golds and one silver.
Jones won both the long jump (23-01.00) and the triple
jump (45-03.00). Jones teammate, freshman Jordan
Barrow, finished second in the long jump with a 22-
03.00 jump.
Jones finished second in the 100-meter dash with a
time of 11.14. He was also a member of the Rams 4x100
A relay team, which won the race with a time of 41.66.
The 4x400 relay team finished second with a time of
3:23.71.
Senior Michael Willingham won two individual gold
medalswinning the shot put (48-11.00) and the discus
throw (173-01). Senior Berhane Johnson won gold in
the 110-meter hurdles (11.91) and finished third in the
200-meter dash (22.20).
Senior Kameron Gomez finished third in the
300-meter hurdles (41.40), and juniors Sam Garrett (5-
10.00) and Zion Greer (5-08.00) finished second and
third respectively in the high jump.
The Chamblee Bulldogs were led by freshman
Andrew Rodgers, who won the 800-meter run (2:01.02)
and the 1,600-meter run (4:42.04). Senior Will West
won three individual medalsgold in the pole vault (6-
10.00) and silver in the 110-meter hurdles (14.92) and
300-meter hurdles (40.30).
Senior Liam Henderson finished second behind West
in the pole vault (6-04.00) and sophomore Jordan Cole
finished third in the long jump (18.11.00). Chamblees
4x100 relay team finished third with a time of 43.35.
Defending state champions Southwest DeKalb
Arabia Mountains Tyler Jones edges Southwest DeKalbs Terryon Conwell to win the 4x100-meter relay.
finished third in the regional meet with a score of 109.
The Panthers were led by seniors Terry and Terryon
Conwell. Terryon won the 100-meter dash (10.87) and
Terry won the 400-meter dash (48.99). His teammate,
junior Justin Tomlin, finished second (49.35) in the 400.
Terry (21.54) and Terryon (21.82) finished one-two in
the 200-meter dash.
The twins teamed up with junior Marcellus Boykin
and freshman Devin Brewington to win the 4x400-
meter relay (3:22.48), despite dropping the baton.
Brewington mishandled the handoff to Terry during the
second and third leg exchange, but Terry was able to
finish his leg in the top three and Terryon closed it out,
running past the leaders on the last leg to win the race for
the Panthers.
The same relay team finished second in the 4x100
relay behind Arabia Mountain with a time of 41.71.
Junior Nicholas Edwards finished second in the shot put
(48-02.00) and the discus throw (140-10).
Other gold medalists in the boys competition
were Clarkstons Bineyam Tumbo in the 3,200-meter
run (10:09.33) and Jahsun McNeil in the high jump
(6-00.00), and Miller Groves Fereday Chipere in the
300-meter hurdles (39.42). The Arabia Mountain Rams won its first track and field region title. Photos bu Carla Parker
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, April 28, 2017 Page 20

DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann held his third annual volunteer appreciation banquet April 20 at the DeKalb County jail.

Sheriff Mann: volunteers make this prison work

Sheriffs office and organizations that provide volunteer
services to the DeKalb County jail,
Each chaplain gives roughly eight hours
a week of volunteer service and talk to
I see the need and you have to have
something that you know is your calling.

hosts volunteer
appreciation day
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Furqan Muhammad, a chaplain who
volunteers at the DeKalb County Jail,
said his line of work is a calling. Once
the guard doors close everyone cant
handle it, he said.
Chaplains such as Muhammad, along
with the Sheriff s Office Reserves Unit
were honored at DeKalb County Sheriff
Jeffrey Manns third annual volunteer
appreciation banquet April 20.
The banquet, held at the DeKalb
County Jail in Decatur, was a way of
showing gratitude for the jails numerous
volunteers, Mann said.
According to Mann, volunteers save
the jail roughly $286,000 each year.
This is to recognize and honor our
volunteers. Our volunteers are extremely
important. The more volunteers we
have, the more programs the jail can do,
Mann said. Our chaplaincy program
are all volunteers.
DeKalb Countys chaplaincy program
has roughly 70 chaplains, Mann said.
the inmates and staff.
The volunteers love this event.
Everyone wants to be recognized for
what they do and were happy to do it for
them, Mann said. We hope to be able
to do it more often. We really just want
to thank everyone for volunteering.
Lead chaplain Curtis Crocker Jr.
delivered a speech during the banquet
and thanked the chaplain program for
the members hard work.
Crocker said those who serve in the
program believe in something greater
than themselves.
Muhammad said he wants more
Muslim chaplains to donate their time to
the jail.
I have not been able to walk away from
it. Ive tried to walk away but I cant, said
Muhammad, laughing. We want to talk
to inmates and get them out of prison
and we want them to stay out of prison.
Mann said the jail can house up to
3,900 inmates. Currently the jail has
around 1,750 inmates, he said. Many of
the inmates benefit from the volunteers
and Bibles and books that are donated
from service organizations.
Without the continued support
of our dedicated volunteers, we would
incur an enormous additional expense
for inmate programs that we believe
make a real difference in inmates lives,
Mann said.

Beaming with pride.

Graduation is one of lifes proudest
moments. Wed love to help you
celebrate this memorable milestone
for your entire family.

Order delicious party platters and custom-decorated cakes

in your graduates school colors at publix.com/graduation.