the DeKalb
23, NO 44 • FREE
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
Deonte Brown
Boxers get ready to rumble
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
L
ocal and professional boxers
from Buckhead Fight
Club are set to take “The
Underground Showdown” boxing
stage Dec. 8 in Brookhaven.
“This is where the future of
boxing begins, getting local fighters
in the ring and getting them their
start,” promoter Mark Holmes said.
The event–presented by Holmes
Entertainment–will feature main
event fighters Eric Moon (8-1),
Roxberg Patrick Riley (12-1),
Deonte Brown (3-0) and Abel
Aparicio (1-0).
“This is the hottest boxing card
in Atlanta with some really super
talented prospects,” show producer
Terri Moss said. “Believe me, these
fighters are young, hungry and
ready to put on a show.”
Moss is also a retired world
champion and women’s hall of fame
inductee.
Moon, a super middleweight,
is expected to go 10 rounds in the
main event against Victor Derocha
(21-11). Riley, a featherweight, is
scheduled for six rounds against
Donnie Reeves (3-3).
Moon, who grew up in Alabama
but now lives in Marietta, is trained
by Zahir Raheem in X3 Gym. The
Visit www.thechampionnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • VOL.
Abel Aparicio
27-year-old athlete was introduced
to boxing at the age of 14, started
taking the sport seriously at age 18
and at the age of 19 had his first
'This is where the future
of boxing begins,
getting local fighters
in the ring and getting
them their start.' Mark Holmes
fight, which he won.
“I’m grateful and humble that
I’m able to have a fight,” Moon said.
“There are a lot of fighters out there
that don’t get to be [featured in] a
main event. I’m very blessed and
grateful to do what I love. It’s an
amazing feeling though to close the
show out.”
Moon said that his opponent,
Roxberg Patrick Riley
Muinguia, has MMA background
and fighting skills.
“I believe that he’s confident by
taking this fight,” Moon said. “I’m
not going to take him as a joke.”
Before becoming a professional
boxer, Moon had a stand-out
amateur career, winning three
Golden Gloves, 2016 Olympic
qualifiers and Olympic trials. As
a professional, Moon is described
as having an exciting style and can
perform as a technical boxer who
can end the show with a knockout
• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Eric Moon. Photos Courtesy of Buckhead Fight Club
(K.O.).
Besides winning, Moon said he
hopes to help make the Atlanta area
as a mecca for boxing. He wants
people to realize that there’s talent
in the South.
“I’m really looking forward to
giving people a great show,” Moon
said. “Expect me to be like an
energizer bunny, so don’t get tired.
You can expect me to really put on
a show. On fight night I’m a whole
other animal.”
Riley, who is trained by
Deshone Williams, is described as
a tough competitor; and six of his
wins were won by K.O.s
Originally from Jamaica, Riley,
started boxing when he was in high
school and became a professional
fighter in 2010.
Riley has only one loss on his
record and admits that when it
happened he wasn’t mentally
prepared.
“I had a lot going on inside of
me,” Riley said. “So I wasn’t really
focused 100 percent. I was ready
physically but not mentally.”
Using his most recent fight
for motivation and a learning
experience, the 31-year-old wants
to prove himself and has dubbed
the upcoming fight his comeback.
Riley said that he doesn’t know
who he will be fighting.
“I don’t care who it is,” Riley
SEE RUMBLE ON PAGE 6
LOCAL
AVONDALE ESTATES
Jennifer Hoosier, center, competes on the iconic game show “Jeopardy!” Nov. 23. (YouTube screenshot)
Hoosier gets chance of a lifetime on Jeopardy!
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Fans of the television game show
Jeopardy! may have seen a familiar face in
Jennifer Hoosier Nov. 23 as she competed
on the iconic game show.
“It was one of the most fun things I’ve
ever done,” Hoosier said. “It was just like
I thought it’d be. You’re there on the stage
and you’re answering questions and Alex
Trebek is right across from you. Being
there felt very surreal but it was also a lot
of fun.”
Hoosier competed and came in third
place, winning $1,000. She is a Tucker
resident and a director and lecturer for the
Intensive English Program Center Team at
Kennesaw State University.
The self-proclaimed “super nerd,” who
participated in academic club in middle
school, said her journey to the game show
stage started approximately two years ago
when she came across an online test for
the show.
The show produces two nationwide
online tests biannually that include 50
questions. After completing the test,
Hoosier was contacted a year later for an
in-person audition in Tampa, Fla.
“My husband [Eric Strange] really
encouraged me to do the in-person
audition. I wasn’t going to do it because
it came at a bad time work wise,” Hoosier
said.
After the audition in May, Hoosier was
put into a pool of possible contestants and
was contacted again in August to compete
in October.
“I have definitely told people already
(since I’ve played) that you can’t do (game
shows) if you don’t try,” she said. “I think
a lot of people don’t sign up because so
many people audition and it takes a lot of
time. Chances are small but none of us are
getting any younger. Whatever you try,
make it work because it’s definitely worth
Tucker resident Jennifer Hoosier, right, stands next
to “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek. Photo courtesy of
Jennifer Hoosier
it. I never thought I was going to be on
the show. It seemed like something other
people did.”
Hoosier said she had two goals: to have
fun and to make it to “Final Jeopardy.”
“I did make it to Final Jeopardy and I
felt really good about how I played,” she
said. “Even though I came in third place.
It was still so great because I did my best.
I was with two other people and it was a
good game.”
Hoosier competed against Mary Ann,
the returning champion, and J Cheema,
who won the game and moved on to the
Nov. 26 game. Hoosier described all of
the contestants from her week as friendly,
adding that they all cheered for one
another.
“There were parts of it that didn’t even
feel real,” Hoosier said. “It’s a hard time
realizing that the show that you watched
since you were a kid a show that you see
people on and now it’s your turn to play.
And you only get one shot. So of course
you want to do really well. I felt excited
and nervous.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 2
Hoosier said her winnings will serve
as reimbursement for her hotel stay and
airfare. All contestants for the show pay
their own travel expenses. Hoosier said
that while in Los Angeles, she also went
sight-seeing.
There is no way to practice for the
show, according to Hoosier; however,
she still prepared by watching the show
on television, while standing up and
answering the questions in the form of a
question.
Hoosier said the “Visiting Atlanta”
category was one of her most memorable
moments from the show. She said she was
happy when she saw the category.
“That’s the category I chose when I was
able to choose,” Hoosier said. “I knew all
the answers but I wasn’t the best on the
buzzer for the questions. I did buzz for
two of those clues and I got them correct.”
Mastering the buzzer was a challenge
for Hoosier. She jokingly calls the buzzer
“evil.”
“What people don’t know when you’re
watching the game on TV is it’s not who
buzzes in first,” Hoosier explained the
process of getting to answer a clue. “It’s
who buzzes in first after the clue is finished
and a light on the side of the stage comes
on, and then it’s who buzzes in first. And
if you buzz in too early before the light
comes on, you’re actually locked out of
answering that clue.”
Hoosier had a watch party for her
family and friends, for the Nov. 23 airing.
“I wasn’t expecting people to cheer
when I answered correctly,” Hoosier said.
“That was neat to have that support from
my friends and family.”
Although the show gave contestants
a tote bag and hat, Hoosier said the real
souvenir was the experience of being on
the show.
“I’m glad I was able to do it because it
was like a once in a lifetime experience,”
Hoosier said.
Clarkston sees
increase in proposed
2019 budget
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Clarkston could see a $2
million increase in its fiscal
year 2019 budget.
Clarkston City Manager
Keith Barker presented the
proposed 2019 budget to the
mayor, city council and public
at the council’s Nov. 27 work
session. The proposed budget
for all funds is $15,039,207.
“That’s a little bit more than
a $2 million increase or 16
percent increase this year as
compared to last year,” Barker
said.
City staff projected a
general fund operating budget
of $6,378,468, which is a
$474,063 increase compared to
the 2018 amount of $5,904,405.
Barker broke down
the expenditures of
each department. The
administration department
has a proposed increase of
$152,671 in total expenditures
due to vacation and sick
time payouts upon Barker’s
retirement in January, as well
as increases in salary, health
insurance and retirement
contributions.
Barker pointed out the
decrease in group health
insurance premium costs
under administration and
retirement contributions has
increased.
“The city council has
graciously agreed and
voted to gradually make
some enhancements to our
retirement program that were
sorely needed in order to
stay competitive and provide
employees with a decent
retirement plan,” Barker said.
“Right now, we’re at two and a
half percent times your years of
service.”
The proposed total
retirement contributions for
2019 represent 6.9 percent of
total general fund operating
expenditures, according to
Barker.
“It’s still in a very acceptable
range,” he said.
Another highlight of
the proposed budget is the
recommendation of freezing
six unfunded patrol officer
positions. After the 2015
annexation, staffing levels
increased to 26 positions,
but due to challenges in
recruitment and retention of
officers, a few positions were
SEE CLARKSTON ON PAGE 10
LOCAL
AVONDALE ESTATES
Live music venue could
take over cinema
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Built in 1925, an historic
theater space in Avondale
Estates has been used as the
city’s town hall, a post office,
movie theater, music venue
and various studios over the
years.
The space now could
undergo yet another
transformation after Avondale
Towne Cinema announced
its closing on Nov. 24.
Possibly taking its place will
be performing arts venue 37
Main. The owner of 37 Main
submitted an application for
conditional use of the building,
which will be reviewed
during an Avondale Estates
commission meeting Dec. 10.
Property owner Fisher Paty
of Oakhurst Realty Partners
said he’s excited about 37 Main
coming to Avondale Estates.
“We’ve always wanted the
space to be open to the public
and the historic theater space
offers the ability to be a real
economic driver for the city,”
Paty said.
According to Paty,
Oakhurst Realty Partners
purchased the property in
2012.
Paty said 37 Main has a
strong track record. “We’re
excited about this opportunity,”
he said.
37 Main has two additional
locations, one in Buford and
one in Gainesville. In 2016, 37
Main closed its Johns Creek
location after being cited for
noise ordinance violations and
complaints from residents.
The city amended its nuisance
ordinance to include fines
for “plainly audible” music
reaching a residential property
late at night.
In October, 37 Main—
Johns Creek posted a clip
to Facebook of Johns Creek
Mayor Mike Bodker saying the
owners of the company didn’t
want to do the right thing.
“As it relates to my friends
at 37 Main…[37 Main] did
not want to do the right thing.
They cast aspersions on the
neighbors, they cast aspersions
on the landlord and they cast
aspersions on myself and my
fellow council members,”
Bodker said.
Management of 37 Main
responded to Bodker’s
comments on their Facebook
page stating, “Just another
great example of the almighty
Mike Bodker bullying and
telling lies about 37 Main.
Excuse me Mr. Mayor, but
everyone already knows how
the whole thing went down,
including your angry citizens.
How do you have the nerve to
sit in that seat and call us out
after everything you’ve caused.
Your ‘message’ to us was
completely uncalled for and
lacks the integrity one would
hope to see from a so-called
leader.”
In an interview with the
Champion Newspaper, Bodker
said 37 Main had the potential
to be a thriving business in the
area, but resident complaints
continued.
According to Johns Creek
records, 37 Main received eight
citations for noise violations
and multiple complaints.
“To me, my job is not just
to represent residents but to
represent businesses as well
and try to strike a balance,”
Bodker said. “They were truly
a great business because they
attracted folks from all over,
but they were located right in
front of a neighborhood and
the bass reverberated and they
were never able to contain the
noise. This was a long, well-
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 3
documented saga.”
The Champion Newspaper
attempted to contact
management of 37 Main but
did not receive a response by
press time.
According to the
conditional use application, 37
Main plans to operate at the
historic theater from 11 a.m.
to 2 a.m. Monday through
Sunday with live music and a
bar.
MAGEE
DECATUR
Grindhouse Killer Burgers is the official home of Footie Mob, one of Atlanta United’s
recognized supporters’ groups.
Soccer supporters
embrace Five-Stripe fever
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN supporters’ group. The group
is one of four officially
horace@dekalbchamp.com
recognized Atlanta United
Since its inaugural season supporters’ groups.
in 2017, many Georgia sports James Maggard, co-
fans have embraced Atlanta’s owner of Stratford Pub, is one
newest expansion team Atlanta of the founding members of
United. The Faction. Maggard said he
Atlanta United set a enjoys the atmosphere of his
record in Major League restaurant on game days.
Soccer (MLS) for total home “The best way I can
attendance as 901,033 filled describe it is we’re a family-
the Mercedes Benz Stadium friendly bar and grill. We’re a
in Atlanta across 17 games. place where the whole family
For individuals who couldn’t can come and have a good
attend games in person, going time,” Maggard said.
to a local pub or bar has The Stratford Pub hosted
become a tradition. an official Atlanta United
In Avondale Estates, The viewing party for the Eastern
Stratford Pub is home to The Conference Finals against the
Faction, an Atlanta United New York Red Bulls on Nov.
SEE SOCCER ON PAGE 7
Magee (ID# 37552099) - I wish I may, I wish I
might… go home with you for a Pawliday adventure
this year. That’s what Magee is saying as he comes
up on almost a year here in the shelter. He’s a big,
strong, people loving guy who is obedient (he knows
sit and stay). He has done well while he is here and
is learning to trust dogs that are gentle with him. He
sure could use some love this season. Won’t you
consider him this Pawliday season?
If you would like to expand your family by 4
furry little feet; meet Magee and have a loving
friend forever. All adoptions include spay/neuter,
vaccinations and microchip! If you would like more
information about Magee please email foster@
dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165; all
potential adopters will be screened to ensure Magee
goes to a good home. Hours: Mon-Fri; 11am-7pm /
Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
Not ready to adopt or already have enough pets?
Then please consider fostering a pet. We are in
urgent need of foster homes for two weeks or more,
since our shelter is completely full and we are out of
room. We will provide everything you need, and you
just supply the love. Interested in helping? Please
contact foster@dekalbanimalservices.com.
OPINION
Remembering holidays past and creating new memories
For the last several years, my wife
has spent Thanksgiving with her family;
I would drop by long enough to have a
quick meal and visit but then go home
and spend most of the day alone.
This year, I was invited to my aunt’s
home, and though I’m not usually one
for social gatherings, I knew this was
something that I wanted and needed,
and something that my aunt wanted and
needed.
As we sat at a beautifully set table
for four in my Aunt Jeanette’s living
room to share a wonderfully-prepared
Thanksgiving meal, my mind was
flooded with memories of holidays past.
There were far fewer settings on the
table. There was no loud boisterous
behavior. The smells and tastes were
different. There were no children
running around; they now have been
replaced by dogs! The faces were not
those that my mind fondly recalls
but were faces of restored and new
relationships meant to forge new
memories.
Until my mother’s death, holidays
spent in our family home were loud,
chaotic and crowded—at times with
more than 40 family and friends of
different ages gathered in laughter
and frivolity. Up to 10 adults would be
MARTA off track, state takeover.
Is the New ATL transit authority a bad deal?
Today many see transportation as a
means and a right to access employment,
schools, retail stores, entertainment and
recreation, and hospitals. Legislators
are motivated to come up with solutions
to solve the endless traffic gridlock in the
metro Atlanta area. We are being asked
to fund and choose everything from
toll roads, buses, high occupancy lanes,
commuter trains, reversible lanes, heavy
rail and light rail. The question is will
the state or local governments fund and
benefit from these projects?
In an effort to end the gridlock,
the General Assembly created a new
ATL transit system called the Atlanta-
region Transit Link authority. The law
created gerrymandered board members’
districts which go beyond county lines
and provided for taxation without
representation. The new transit law
allows unelected and elected officials
outside of a particular county or city to
control tax money and federal funding
all in the name of transit without a
local commission vote. The new ATL
region authority is expected to include
Fayette, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,
Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth,
Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and
Rockdale.
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
seated at my mother’s formal dining
table under that shiny brass chandelier,
at least one other table would be set in
the adjacent formal living room for the
children and those who were unable to
secure a seat at the dining room table.
Others would sit in my mother’s kitchen
at the family table.
Those cherished memories are what
many of us long for during the holidays
but for most those memories can never
be replicated. Many of the characters
are no longer with us—deaths, divorces
and other incidents have a way of
permanently changing the settings.
Relationships change over the years,
some for the better and some for the
worse. However, the holidays return
each year and consequently can bring
renewed relationships and experiences.
I’ve been close to my Aunt Jeanette
for as long as I can remember. I fondly
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The new ATL authority will have 16
board members to serve 4 years terms,
of which six will be appointed by state
officials, and the other 10 appointed
board members are a combination
of private and public officials. Their
primary job will be to make decisions
on public policy and funding on a whole
host of the issues and projects for which
they have not been elected by the local
citizens. The difference in MARTA and
the new ATL authority is that future
projects will not have to be approved
by the local governments. Nonetheless,
these officials will have the power to
use our local tax money and state and
federal dollars without even being
elected to a district that they propose to
represent.
The ATL is a state authority, however
there has not been any referendum to
provide for ATL transit authority to
legally control of any of the political
subdivisions assets or transit systems.
Nevertheless, there has been an ATL
board set up by the state to take control
of metro Atlanta transit, and state and
federal funding.
The Marta transit authority created in
1965 was intended to be the sole transit
authority system in the metropolitan
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 4
recall the days of my childhood when
she without fail referred to me as “Baby
Johnny.” But over the years, our lives
took different paths. We stayed in touch
due to her efforts alone. For years, each
Sunday Aunt Net has called each of the
nieces and nephews to remind us that
she is thinking of us and that she loves
us. These phone calls have taken on so
much more meaning since the death of
my mother.
I can hear voice inflections of my
mother in her younger sister, Jeanette.
I see and hear similar mannerisms and
kindness that are so very meaningful. I
feel the unconditional love of a mother.
And, through my renewed
relationship with my aunt, a once-
thought-of-as-distant uncle has now
become like a father to me—the gentle
and loving father from Hallmark
movies who imparts wisdom and
kindness. A man who, like many of us,
has experienced more than his share of
disappointment and loss in his lifetime
but continues to be an inspiration to
those who know and love him.
The fourth person seated at that table
set for four was merely a familiar name
until the beginning of this calendar year.
She was my mother’s doctor for many
years and had been friends with my
area. Today, the state has essentially
taken control of regional transit.
MARTA as a local authority was created
by a local constitutional amendment
to provide transit for Fulton, DeKalb,
Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and the
City of Atlanta. The transit system
never was built out to Cobb, Clayton
or Gwinnett Counties. Although, the
MARTA system has not been repealed
the state has stripped MARTA of control
of federal funding and created a shell
around the MARTA transit system so
that the state can control public transit
in the greater metropolitan area. The
issue that has to be addressed by 2021
regarding the MARTA RTCAA which
is legally supposed to end in 2021 based
on the 1971 vote of the people each
of the political subdivisions. MARTA
has illegally extended the sales tax and
RTCAA contract to 2057 without voters
consent.
The ATL authority is functioning
as a regional government which does
not exist in the Constitution and has
not been approved by the people of the
state, neither voted on by residents by
a political subdivision of the state. The
concept of a regional authority as super
districts beyond the county boundaries
aunt for many years but did not realize
that her friend Jeanette was the sister
of her patient, Edith. My mother often
spoke highly of the doctor’s kindness
and compassion. When the doctor
relocated her practice to a nearby town,
my mother continued as a patient and
would drive the longer distance to see
and be treated by her.
The doctor had retired from practice
but still maintained her relationship
with Jeanette and when my aunt became
very ill at the beginning of this year, she
stepped in to help in any way possible.
That doctor I had so often heard about is
now lovingly known to me as Lindy. Not
only is she a friend but has become like
a sister to me. She is, and will forever be,
family to me.
We can never turn back the hands
of time to earlier days but with open
minds and open hearts we can continue
to make new memories based on new
or renewed relationships. These new
memories cannot replace the memories
of our childhoods, nor should they. They
do, however, create new chapters in our
lives and become future memories.
I’m thankful to have each of these
people in my life and am even more
thankful to be a part of their lives.
is inconsistent with the Constitution
which limits counties to 159 and
controls how counties and school boards
can be consolidated
The local governments and
citizens who have already invested
in transportations infrastructure will
end up with less representation in the
decisions made by the new authority and
will lose their control and independence
to a regional authority. This new form of
governance is antithetical to our consent
form of representative government. This
regional authority is designed to dilute
voters’ self-determination by using a
special configuration of these regional
authorities.
The ATL authority is certainly
needed however there are several things
that need to be addressed in the law
and how it is implemented. The metro
Atlanta citizens need a better deal.
What we have ATL board members
represented by people who do not ride
buses or trains and are not accountable
to voters, and know very little about
transit.
Ed Williams. Chair
Concerned Citizens for Effective
Government
OPINION
“I was offered a job on Wall Street by
my uncle. But I wanted to get out. Make
it on my own kinda thing,” George H.W.
Bush (1924-2018), the 41st president of
the United States to his biographer.
 
Perhaps not our most articulate
president, but among the most genuine
of the modern era. Born possibly with
the silver spoon of which former Texas
Governor Anne Richards so derisively
spoke, George H. W. Bush, the son
of a former Wall Street banker and
powerful U.S. Senator, Prescott Bush
(R-Conn.), graduated prep school and
at age 18 joined the Navy; by age 19, he
became the U.S. Navy’s youngest aviator
and aircraft tail-gunner. Shot down
over the Pacific in 1944, Bush would
parachute out of his flaming aircraft,
after also hitting most of his assigned
bomber targets. Following a post-war
graduation from Yale, Bush broke out
for Texas and a shot at the oil business
with his young bride Barbara.  and forth all night, only the north
While Bush had modest successes in
the oil business, he would soon begin
to cut a path of public service. Bush
was elected to Congress, representing
suburban Houston and later was twice
an unsuccessful candidate for the
U.S. Senate. President Richard Nixon
appointed Bush as ambassador to the
United Nations, and then chairman of
the Republican National Committee,
during the Watergate years. Bush
was actually one of the first voices
to publicly call, in a written letter to
Nixon, for the president to resign for
the good of the country. Ford would
later appoint Bush as the U.S. Envoy to
China, and then director of the C.I.A.  him that Paul has won.”
When Bush began his campaign for
president in 1979, he was joined early
by a prominent Georgia Republican—
Paul Coverdell—and their strong
friendship would last for decades.
 After winning the White House
in 1988, Bush appointed Coverdell
as his U.S. Peace Corps director. In
1992, Coverdell left the administration
and returned to Georgia to seek the
U.S. Senate seat held by incumbent
Democrat Wyche Fowler.
 Coverdell faced four statewide
elections that year, including the state’s
first U.S. Senate runoff. On that long
runoff election night, three weeks
after Bush had lost his own re-election
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 5
The Bush league
of us.” Bush league. 
‘One Man’s  The Bush family’s favored
biographer, Jon Meacham, has
God bless you, Mr. President.
Opinion’ often referred to 41 as “The Last
Gentleman.” I don’t think that is quite Bill Crane also serves as a political
Bill Crane accurate as George W. Bush (43), his analyst and commentator for Channel 2’s
bill.csicrane@gmail.com brother Governor Jeb Bush of Florida Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750
and a few others in public life still and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
remain in the arena, but it is a shrinking for The Champion, DeKalb Free Press
to Bill Clinton, President Bush was league, which was once a much larger and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
attempting to keep tabs on the race of league of extra-ordinary gentlemen native and business owner, living in
his pal Coverdell. a thankfully, the Bush bloodline isn’t Scottdale. You can reach him or comment
 But in 1992, Al Gore had not quite done serving America, and on a column at bill.csicrane@gmail.com.
yet invented the internet and the thankfully there are still a few stars
Associated Press did not track results America hasn’t met quite yet in that
of state contests for national wire
distribution. The president’s eldest son
and family campaign manager, George
W. Bush, was constantly calling my
mobile phone for updates to relay to his
father, who had lost the White House
three weeks prior, and his beloved
mother Dorothy Walker Bush the
week prior.
 With election results swaying back
metro Atlanta suburbs remained to
be tallied, George Bush asked me via
mobile, “What’s still out?”
 I told him what we knew was that
most of north Fulton County was still
out (some things never change). 
 Amid the sound of rustling papers
W. said, “You mean places like Roswell
and Alpharetta?”  I had forgotten at
the time that the president had kicked
off his re-election campaign in nearby
Woodstock.
 Me - “Yes, those are still out.”
 W. - “Well...dad carried Roswell by
more than 70 percent and Alpharetta by
nearly 80. I’m going to go ahead and tell
 Before I could say, “Wait..” or make
it across that ballroom to Coverdell
with the phone, the unmistakable voice
of Poppy Bush came on to say...”
 “Congratulations Senator.”
 I apologized and asked the
president to repeat himself as I thrust
the phone into the hands and ear of
my boss, soon to be Senator-elect Paul
Coverdell.
 The slightly premature
congratulations boost Coverdell’s ego
and often stooped stature visibly by
several inches, a smile beamed across
his face as he thanked the president for
bothering himself with keeping track. 
“You’ll be our 51st Senator Paul...
this one is more important than either
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
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Chief Financial Officer: Taylor Robins We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
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FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
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LOCAL
RUMBLE Continued From Page 1
said. “I’m just ready to fight.
“I’m training hard and my family is going
to be there. So I’m ready this time,” Riley
continued. “So just look forward to a good
show.”
With a 3-0 record, Brown has two wins by
K.O. He is originally from New Orleans. While
an amateur, he had a total of 35 bouts.
Brown is described as “a slick left-handed
boxer with a killer instinct.”
He is currently trained by Moss at Buckhead
Fight Club. The two have been training together
for three years.
“There are more K.O.s and more victories on
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 6
the way,” Brown said.
Aparicio started boxing five years ago but
became a professional boxer on his birthday
Sept. 21.
“It was my gift to myself,” Aparicio said
laughing.
The fighter is also known as “Dinamitar,” the
Spanish word for dynamite. Aparicio, who has
a bubbly personality, started boxing with his
brother David. He also has experience as a sushi
chef.
As of Nov. 29, Aparicio has had one
professional fight with his second scheduled for
Dec.1 in Mississippi.
“It was a whole new me when I stepped
into the ring,” said Aparicio about his first
fight. “I won against a guy that had over 50
(professional) fights. I thought to myself ‘I’m not
that bad.’”
The boxers weigh in for their fight at the
Atlanta Marriott Century Center Dec. 7 at 1:30
p.m.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for fight night at
Buckhead Fight Club, 3293 Buford Hwy. NE
#500 in Brookhaven, on Dec. 8. The first bell of
the night will ring at 7 p.m. Tickets are available
now at Buckhead Fight Club or online at www.
undergroundshowdown4.doattend.com.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 7

DECATUR

Crossing Guard of the Year award winner Charlene Germany poses for a picture in front of the Decatur crossing guard Charlene Germany was named 2018 Crossing Guard of the Year for the Atlanta Metro Area by the GA
Decatur Police Department headquarters. Safe Routes to School Resource Center.

Crossing guard of the year loves her job
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Longtime Decatur resident
Charlene Germany said she takes her
job as a school crossing guard very
seriously. So much so that she missed
accompanying her husband during a
surgery.
“When his nurse called me and
asked me to miss work I said, ‘No I
can’t; I’m a crossing guard. I have to
be there.’ I asked my husband to have
his surgery done after the Christmas
holiday,” Germany said, smiling. “I told
[my husband] you do your thing, and
I’ll do mine. I let him know upfront.”
Germany’s commitment to the job,
along with her personality, helped her
win the 2018 Georgia Safe Routes to
School Resource Center’s Crossing
Guard of the Year for the Atlanta
metro area. Germany received the
award during the Crossing Guard
Appreciation Week breakfast in
November, co-hosted by Decatur Police
Department and Decatur Active Living.
Germany said she loves coming to
work and seeing the smiles on children’s
faces. For Halloween, Germany said she
purchased $40 to $50 worth of candy
and gave the candy to children along
her route.
“Parents told me I was the first
crossing guard to ever hand their
children candy. It made me feel good.
I just like helping and doing for others.
That’s what I enjoy doing,” Germany
said. “Parents always ask me, ‘What do
you need?’ and I tell them I don’t need
anything. I just want them to be happy.”
Cheryl Burnette, assistant
director of Decatur Active Living, said
Germany and other crossing guards
are important in their role of keeping
children safe as they walk to school.
“The city of Decatur is proud to
have Charlene Germany as one of our
many crossing guards. She and the
other crossing guards in the community
are an important part of Decatur’s
successful Safe Routes to School
Program,” Burnette said. “You can find
Charlene in action crossing children on
South Candler Drive. Be sure to give
her a wave and a smile.”
Germany had lived in Decatur
since 1965, but recently moved to
Jonesboro. Despite the commute, she
said she still enjoys waking up early
and serving her community. Germany
also volunteers once a month at the
food pantry at Early Learning Center at
Terry Mill—located at the former Terry
Mill Elementary at on Fayetteville Road
in Atlanta.
Germany started her job as a school
crossing guard in August and said she
plans to “just do me,” and continue to
put a smile on children’s faces.
“This job is so fulfilling. I just love
giving and seeing those children.
Even my family knows how much I
love this job. They’re proud of me,”
Germany said. “I told [Decatur Police
Department] if they would just give me
a chance and hire me, I would be the
best crossing guard. I didn’t let them
down.”
DPD Lt. Chris Clark said he’s happy
to have Germany on board.
“She’s very energetic and she’s always
happy, which is good,” Clark said. “She’s
here all the time and we appreciate
that because sometimes we don’t have
enough [crossing guards] to cover her
shift. We just appreciate her and we
think she does a great job and we’re
glad to have her.”

SOCCER Continued From Page 1A

29, featuring 92.9 The Game.
“We’ve been embraced by the
community and it’s a very festive and
upbeat atmosphere for the games,”
Maggard said. “This is fulfilling.
Growing up in Atlanta in the early
'90s, we love to support our team. This
reminds me of my childhood and to be
able to do that for this community and
bring that back has been very rewarding.
It’s a warm and fuzzy feeling.”
In Decatur, Grindhouse Killer Burgers
owner Alex Brounstein is a season ticket
holder for Atlanta United. Brounstein
said the atmosphere on game day for
Atlanta United is like no other.
“The atmosphere upstairs in Decatur
during [Atlanta] United games is
bonkers,” Brounstein said.  “Footie Mob,
who is one of four supporters’ groups,
hosts official watch parties for all away
matches. They have chants, bring drums
and horns and just have a great time
cheering on the team. We provide some
drink specials as well.”  
After Atlanta United defeated the
New York Red Bulls in a two-game
series 3-1, large crowds are expected in
and around Atlanta as the MLS finals will
be held at the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Decatur High School graduate Steven
Broyles said supporter groups are doing
a great job of getting fans excited for the
Five Stripes.
“The buzz around the city is crazy.
We had a great season last year, but it
was cut short. To watch this deep playoff
run is awesome,” said Broyles during a
watch party at The Stratford Pub. “If we
get through this leg, the championship
is coming to Atlanta. There’s no
comparable feeling.” The Stratford Pub held a playoff watch party for Atlanta United Nov. 29.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 8

TUCKER

Good Neighbor Christmas Gift Shop sells unwrapped toys, electronics and winter clothing at discounted prices for low-income families in the Northlake, Embry Hills and Tucker communities. Photos provided

Holiday gift shop opens for Tucker’s low-income families

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Low-income families in the
Northlake, Embry Hills and Tucker
communities can shop for Christmas
gifts at discounted prices at Good
Neighbor Christmas Gift Shop in
Tucker Dec. 7-9.
Good Neighbor Christmas Gift
Shop sells unwrapped toys, electronics
and winter clothing for low prices
at Tucker First Baptist Church’s
gymnasium. The shop was established
by NETWorks Cooperative Ministry,
a network of churches in Northlake,
Embry Hills and Tucker that responds
to the food and financial need of
residents in those communities.
NETWorks Cooperative Ministry
Executive Director David Fisher said
this is the eighth year the non-profit
organization has operated the shop.
“It’s a way to help people at
Christmas time that still honors the
dignity that each person has; because
we believe people prefer to provide for
themselves rather than take a handout,”
Fisher said. “So, instead of doing a
Christmas giveaway, we decided to do a
Christmas shop.”
Fisher said they do two shops a
year—a back to school shop in July and
the Christmas gifts shop in December.
“We take new donated items and
See Gifts on Page 10A
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

A family enjoys family game night that DeKalb County School District hosted at the DeKalb Schools Central Office Nov. 28. (DCSD Twitter Page)

REDUCE • REUSE
RECYCLE

Decatur Police asks residents to move back from Winona Park Elementary as they investigate threats made to City
Expressions of gratitude were sent to Decatur Police officers after school threats were reported.
Schools of Decatur Nov. 27. (Nicole Carr Twitter Page)

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

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb County’s Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or upload your content via the internet.
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS (404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 10

COUNTYWIDE

Coach, graduation dates big topics at school district discussion

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
During the third DeKalb
County School District “On
the Scene with Dr. Green” of
the school year at Columbia
Middle School Nov. 29, an issue
involving a gym teacher and
recently scheduled district-wide
graduation dates and location
were topics of discussion with
parents.
According to parents at the
event, a 39-year DeKalb veteran
Henderson Mill Elementary
coach James O’Donnell was
suspended as a result over
how he allegedly disciplined a
fifth-grade student. O’Donnell
is being “pressured” to resign,
according to parents.
A group of students and
parents wore t-shirts in support
of O’Donnell at the event.
“We all feel heartbroken
over that situation,” a parent
named of Charles said. “We’re
also heartbroken that this has
happened in a manner where
there’s little communication.”
O’Donnell allegedly sent
a student outside as a form of
punishment during rain.
“This is a personnel matter,”
said DCSD superintendent
R. Stephen Green. “It’s
confidential and under
investigation as we speak. I’m
not at any liberty to engage
with you or talk with you about
this. All I can say is that you’re
entitled to your opinion. I will
sit and listen.”
Green gave similar answers
to three other parents who
came to speak on behalf of the
teacher.
More than 600 supporters
have joined the “Support for
Dr. James O’Donnell (OD)
Henderson Mill Elementary
School” Facebook support page
since Nov. 28.
Some attendees at the event
expressed concerns about the
recently announced graduation
dates and Georgia World
Congress Center location.
DCSD graduations begin May
28 through June 2.
“The decision to move
graduation outside of the
traditional school year into
the summer was a surprise to
everyone,” parent Katie Crane
said. “It was not communicated
until the beginning of
November which is terribly late A group stands up during a district event in support of a school teacher Nov. 29. Photo by Taylor Robins
in the school year to announce
something that impacts so
many people.” School District deputy “There has been a dramatic at the average its 75 percent…
Parents and teachers superintendent Vasanne drop in our suspension and That’s the highest it’s been in
expressed concerns about Tinsley said. “We know that it’s expulsion rate,” Green said DCSD.”
students, family members and not the best move for everyone. about the improvements in the Heating problems in DCSD
teachers who may not able to But most importantly we’re district. “It’s dropped 40 percent classrooms were also discussed
attend the graduations and looking at a venue that can hold and that’s average.” after some schools were left
asked possibly rescheduling all graduations for the 24 high “If you want to talk with no heat during cold
the graduations. Parents and schools in DeKalb County.” about improvements,” Green weather. DCSD officials assured
teachers suggested that each “We’ve rested with the continued. “As an average this parents and faculty members
school could hold graduation decision that we’ve made,” said district’s College and Career that 18 faculty maintenance
services at their school site. Green. Ready Performance Index score members were recently hired
Green and other district A concerned taxpayer is the highest it’s been since to combat heating and air
officials said scheduling told Green there has been no CCRPI was put into place. The conditioning problems.
conflicts with various locations improvement to the district graduation rate is the highest The next On the Scene with
caused the later than normal since Green became DCSD it’s been, not in all schools… Dr. Green is scheduled for Jan.
graduation scheduling. superintendent in 2015 and we still have schools that are 24 at E.L. Bouie Elementary
“We know that it’s not that Green is a “pass-through” struggling and I know that and School, starting at 7 p.m.
optimal,” DeKalb County superintendent. I own that… but if you look

CLARKSTON Continued From Page 2

unfunded in the budget.
“[Since the annexation], I don’t
believe we have ever had more than 20
staffers in police services,” Barker said.
“Last year and the year before, we froze
three positions. It doesn’t make any
sense, if you can’t fill those positions,
to carry them on the books and charge
property taxes, and then amass more
money in the budget than you need.”
Barker said he will recommend
freezing six positions this fiscal year
because the city has not been able to fill
those positions.
“We’re going to continue to make
ever effort to attract and retain officers,”
Barker said. “My recommendation
is if at any time in the year we get to
our total allocated staffing level and
there are additional viable candidates
that are out there, then we’ll certainly
recommend that they are hired, and
we’ll amend the budget if necessary,
down the road.”
City council held a public hearing
at its Dec. 4 regular meeting to hear
public comment on the proposed
budget and was scheduled to adopt
the budget after press time. The
results of the vote will be published
on The Champion’s website, www.
thechampionnewspaper.com.

GIFTS Continued From Page 8

we sell them at 50 to 75 percent less than what they
would cost if you were buying them at the store,”
Fisher said. “So, they can buy what they want and
need for their families at a price that they can afford.”
NETWorks Cooperative Ministry receive many
donations from residents, whether it’s items or money.
“I always think we’re not going to have enough,
and then stuff starts rolling in and we wonder where
we are going to put it all,” Fisher said. “It seems to be a
good match between donation and demand.”
Fisher said they use monetary donations to buy
items that they need for the shop.
“If we don’t have enough baby dolls, then we
can go to the store and buy what we need from the
[money] that we received,” Fisher said. “We also work
with parents from the community to help put together
a wish list that we have on Amazon. So, people can
actually order online and ship them to us if they want
to do it that way.”
Good Neighbor Christmas Gift Shop will be open
for low-income families in the Northlake, Embry Hills
and Tucker communities Dec. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.; Dec.
8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Dec. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m.
First Baptist Church Gym is located at 2367 Main
Street in Tucker.
EDUCATION
REDAN
Students watch as a drone takes flight over Redan High School Nov. 30. Photos by Taylor Robins
Students learn about
technology careers
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Juniors and seniors at Redan
High School recently got to
experience how interactive
activities can turn into a career
Nov. 30.
DeKalb County School
District and WorkSource
DeKalb partnered with STE(A)
M Truck to introduce Georgia
Trade Five skills to youth most
underrepresented in some
of the fastest growing STEM
careers.
“This is exposing students
to career choices and also
doing it through hands-on and
interactive activities,” DCSD
Postsecondary Transition
Specialist Shani Hall said. “A
lot of times we just talk to them
about careers, so this gives them
an opportunity to see these
careers in action.”
Activities for the STE(A)
M Truck were drone flying and
learning to use solder machines
and 3D printers.
WorkSource DeKalb and
DCSD made the partnership
with the interactive program
to more effectively get students
interested in technology and
engineering career fields.
“One of the things that
we’re doing right now is getting
the students ready for the 21st
century work-place,” Redan
A student learns how to use a solder machine at Redan High School.
High School engineering
technology teacher Pamela
Graydon said. “We want them
to see how engineering careers
are not out of reach. So it’s
really good to talk to them and
teach them about the content
in the classroom but this is the
application piece. This is the
hands-on experience for them
to be able to see it and touch it.
It’s just a great experience for
them to know that these skills
that they already have translate
to the 21st century workplace.”
Graydon said the STE(A)M
Truck is the first step to getting
students to see technology as a
career path. She will continue to
talk about career paths in class
while partnering with STE(A)
M Truck.
Some of her students are
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 11
Education Briefs
BY TAYLOR ROBINS • taylor@dekalbchamp.com
already interested in the career
path, according to Graydon.
WorkSource DeKalb also
had a truck on site to introduce
the students to their program.
According to the program’s
website, “(the organization
is) a collaboration of service
organizations providing
unified education, training
and employment programs
for job seekers, and workforce
development services to
businesses.”
Through WorkSource
DeKalb students could earn
$10,000 toward career training
and technical school by
working through the program.
The STE(A)M Truck has
also visited McNair High
School this school year.
Kapembwa named Enactus Fellow
University of North Georgia senior Kondwani
Kapembwa of Brookhaven has been named a
Bank of New York Mellon Enactus Student Fellow
for the 2018-19 school year.
As part of the program, she will receive
training on financial skills in a free market
economy, project management and
entrepreneurial thinking.
Kapembwa is part of UNG’s Enactus group ”a
community of student, academic and business
leaders committed to using the power of
entrepreneurial action to transform lives and
shape a better, more sustainable world.”
Originally from Zambia, the finance major
came to the United States in 2006 and lived in
the Atlanta area before enrolling at UNG.
Kapembwa traveled to Belize to work on an
Enactus service project and was a speaker on the
presentation team at the Enactus USA national
competition. She will be recognized at the 2019
Enactus national event in Kansas City, Mo.
“This is a really great opportunity for
Kondwani,” said Katie Simmons, associate
dean of students and undergraduate programs
in the Mike Cottrell College of Business. “And
it is great for us as it raises the profile of the
Mike Cottrell College of Business with many
major corporations who are Enactus partner
companies.”
Jay participates in regional research
conference
The Georgia Undergraduate Research
Conference experienced a boost in submissions
for its 2018 forum, resulting in more than 250
college students, faculty and staff members from
across the southeast participating in the event at
the University of North Georgia.
UNG students participating in the conference
included Jillian Jay of Stone Mountain.
Jay, a senior biology major, said sharing
research data from the project with fellow
students and lead author Kiera Chan was her
priority. Jay and Chan, a senior majoring in
sociology from Dahlonega, conducted a survey
on how nonprofits in developing countries help
girls receive an education.
JOB OPENING
The City of Stone Mountain is accepting resume’ for the
position of Municipal Court Judge. This is a part time position.
Compensation will be based on a set salary as previously
approved by the Governing Body of Stone Mountain. To apply:
Interested candidates may email a résumé to
manager@stonemountaincity.org no later than December
14th, 2018. Job description and other relevant information can
be found on the city’s website at www.stonemountaincity.org.
The City of Stone Mountain is an equal opportunity employer.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 12

AROUNDDEKALB
CLARKSTON
Library to host knit and crochet club
Clarkston Library will host the knit
and crochet club Dec. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Attendees can bring their current project.
Beginners who would like to learn can call
or visit the library to sign up. The library is
located at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more
information, call (404) 508-7175.
DECATUR
County showcases youth-services music
The DeKalb County Human Services
Department’s Office of Youth Services will host
a “Sights N’ Sounds” arts showcase Dec. 18 at 7
p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts
and Community Center in Decatur.
The showcase will feature work of DeKalb
County high school students who participated
in the “Sights N’ Sounds” arts pilot program.
Students will perform original songs written,
produced and recorded while participating in
the program.
The showcase is open to the public and
there is no cost to attend.
For more information about the “Sights N’
Sound” arts showcase, contact Edward Long,
at (404) 683-5308. To learn more about current
youth programs provided by the Office of
Youth Services, call (404) 687-7195.
COUNTY WIDE
Bulky item curbside collection offered
The DeKalb County Sanitation Division
will offer free residential bulky item curbside
collection every Friday and Saturday until Dec.
22. as part of the Operation Holiday Clean
Sweep 2018 campaign.
Residents will have an opportunity to
place bulky items–including furniture and
large appliances–curbside for collection by
the sanitation division. Weekly collection
schedules will be based on residents’
designated sanitation service day.
Residential customers whose regularly
scheduled sanitation service day is Tuesday
will be serviced either Dec. 7 or Dec. 8. Items
should be placed at the curb no later than 7
a.m. on Dec. 7.
Residential customers whose regularly
scheduled sanitation service day is
Wednesday will be serviced either Dec. 14 or
Dec. 15. Items should be placed at the curb no
later than 7 a.m. on Dec. 14.
Residential customers whose regularly
scheduled sanitation service day is Thursday
will be serviced either Dec. 21, or Dec. 22.
Items should be placed at the curb no later
than 7 a.m. on Dec. 21.
Based on this collection schedule, residents
with missed collections should call the
Sanitation Division’s customer service team at
(404) 294-2900 to be placed on a bulky item
collection escalation list.

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LOCAL
Expert: End of year can prompt financial decisions
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
As the year winds to an end,
many people find themselves
barraged with financial
decisions that include holiday
spending, charitable giving and
planning for the upcoming tax
season. Tom Singh, DeKalb
County resident and wealth
management advisor with
Merrill Lynch, offered tips
to help folks assure that the
red they see at year end is in
holiday decorations—not their
financial ledgers.
For both holiday spending
and charitable giving, Singh
has a central piece of advice:
set a budget. Buying gifts for
loved ones can be exciting—
and it should be since it’s an
enjoyable part of the season
for many people, but spending
more than one can afford can
quickly take the joy out of a
joyous season, he cautioned.
Singh said that the most
common financial mistake is
overspending, especially for
gifts to one’s children.
“Parents love being able
to delight their children with
special gifts but trying to buy
Tom Singh
everything on the children’s
wish list can easily strain the
budget. I had a client recently
whose children wanted
expensive electronic devices
and tickets to a popular
concert. She realized she
was going over her budget. I
suggest that she not get the
concert tickets and she was fine
with that,” Singh said. “It’s OK
to say no.”
Sometimes families agree to
scale back on holiday spending
to free up money for some
other family event such as an
upcoming cruise to celebrate
a milestone birthday, he said.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 13
"It’s important to communicate
so that everyone has realistic
expectations.”
The best strategy for
gift buying, Singh noted, is
stretching it out over a long
period of time—even over
the entire year. “You can keep
an eye out for bargains and
not feel pressured to spend
more than you had planned
to because the holiday is
approaching. This is especially
helpful for those looking
to buy big-ticket items,” he
said adding that setting up
a private holiday spending
fund to which a little is added
each month or each week can
make year-end spending less
stressful. “We have that type
of fund in my family and we
add to it with money we make
selling things we don’t need on
consignment.”
At this time of year, many
charities will ask for money
and it’s a good time to think
about deductions on your
2018 taxes, according to Singh.
“Rather than simply giving to
those who ask, it’s prudent to
think about which nonprofits
you want to support and how
much your budget will allow
you to give,” Singh said.
He added that some
ways of giving may have tax
advantages over others. “If you
are planning to donate money
withdrawn from an IRA or a
401(k) plan, it may be to your
advantage to avoid capital
gains taxes by giving the stock
directly to the charity rather
than converting it to cash then
giving cash to the nonprofit,”
Singh pointed out.
Those who want to make
charitable gifts but are not yet
sure which charities they want
to donate to might consider
establishing a donor-advised
fund, which allows individuals
to contribute to an account
designated for nonprofit giving
without specifying which
nonprofit. The tax deduction,
however, may be taken
immediately. “This gives you
time to research the charities
you’re considering to find the
ones that best match your
interests and goals.” Singh
recommended consulting
a financial advisor before
making a large charitable gift.
The final weeks of the
year also could be a good
time to put money into a
Path2College 529, which
allows parents or grandparents
to set money aside tax free
for their children’s education.
“An individual can put up to
$14,000 a year in the account
and a couple can put in up
to $28,000,” Singh explained.
He added that the plan has
flexibility if the intended
beneficiary ultimately decides
not to go to college. “It’s
possible to change beneficiaries
or even withdraw the money
for other purposes. If the
money is not used for bona
fide education expenses, it
would then be taxable and
there would be a penalty, but
the money would not be lost
completely.”
Sing said the end of the year
is a good time to pay attention
to finances generally and
make changes where they will
improve your situation. “You
should to look closely at which
credit cards you’re using. You
may find ones with a better
interest rate or with a cash-
back deal. If you’re not taking
advantage of 401(k) programs
in which employers offer
matching funds, you’re leaving
money on the table,” he said.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 14

FOOTBALL

Former Redan football

coach Bill Cloer dies
BY MARK BROCK
One of DeKalb County’s top
10 coaches in career victories
Bill Cloer died at his home in
Athens Nov. 27.
Cloer coached high school
football for 23 seasons, with 16
of those at Redan High School
from 1980 to 1995.
He put together 10
winnings seasons, three 5-5
seasons and three losing
seasons while compiling a 104-
69-1 record, which stands 10th
all-time on the DeKalb County
career victories list. His tenure
was the longest for any Redan
coach and Redan has only
seven other winning seasons
over the 42 (1977 to present)
years of the program.
His 1985 Raiders team went
11-1-1 overall winning the
Region 7-AAAA title with a
24-13 win over Columbia and
advancing to the Class AAAA
state quarterfinals, where
they fell 17-0 on the road
at LaGrange. The team was
ranked as high as No. 3.
Redan’s defensive
coordinator on that 1985 team
Tom Clark, who also served
as Redan‘s baseball coach from
1984-88, credits Cloer as being
one of the biggest influences on
his life.
“One of the things about
Bill was he didn’t talk much
about himself and it took a
while to get to know him,”
said Clark. “It wasn’t until
Bill Cloer coached football at Redan High
School from 1980 to 1995.
years later I found out he was
awarded a Bronze Star for his
service in Vietnam.”
Clark was coaching in
Michigan and his wife was
from the South. She suggested
he check on job openings
and he found one at Redan,
interviewed with Cloer and
got the job. He served as the
linebacker coach in the fall of
1983 and Cloer gave him the
defensive coordinator’s job the
following year.
“Bill had a dry sense of
humor and before my first
game as the DC he told me
I was too excitable on the
sidelines and not to get him a
penalty,” Clark laughed. “He
was very involved, but he let
me do the job. I remember
working in practice one year
and my top pitcher was our
quarterback. I was putting in
some stunts and Bill looked
over at me and said, ‘You might
want to quit blitzing your best
pitcher.’”
Clark left in 1988 when a
college baseball job came his
way.
“I loved my time at Redan
and working with Bill,” he
said. “I learned a lot in football
from him [and] I used in my
baseball coaching.”
Clark’s assistant baseball
coach Greg Goodwin, who
took over the baseball program
on the recommendation of
Clark, would go on to become
principal at Redan.
“I worked with Coach
Cloer for several years,” said
Goodwin. “He did such a great
job with the football program
due to his attention to detail
and organization. He was a Former Redan High School football coach Bill Cloer died Nov. 27 in his Athens home.
stickler for good defense and
had some tough hard-nosed practice every day. We even Bill,” he said. “We would go to
teams. He also sent a lot kids polished our shoes every a lot of coaches’ clinics and I
on to college.” Thursday night after practice would hang out with him in
Former DeKalb County and Bill didn’t trust anyone meetings that included all the
football coach and Athletics else with getting the footballs old timers he had known for
Coordinator Mike Cammack and he carried them on the years. I was just the young guy
served on Cloer’s staff from bus himself. But even with all hanging out in the corner and
1990-1995 and worked as a his discipline and attention to listening.”
scout two years prior while details he was a fun person to Cloer also coached seven
working at then Miller Grove be around.” seasons (1973-1979) at Elbert
Junior High. Cammack also said he County after serving as an
“Bill was a regimented learned a lot from Cloer that assistant for four seasons.
guy. We got on the bus every he carried over into coaching Cloer was laid to rest Dec.
Friday at 6:01, not 6:02 or 6:00, and life. 1 at Oconee Hills Cemetery in
but 6:01,” Cammack laughed. “I learned a lot about Athens.
“We had a 24-period scripted discipline and football from

WEEKLY BASKETBALL SCORES

Nov. 27 Henry County 49, Druid Hills 41 Greater Atlanta Christian 48, St. Pius X 31
Jackson 65, Decatur 51 Henry County 71, Druid Hills 34
Boys Meadowcreek 61, Lakeside 43 Jackson 56, Decatur 31
Cedar Grove 73, Stone Mountain 39 Pace Academy 67, Towers 46 Lovett 61, Redan 29
Columbia 68, Arabia Mountain 48 Therrell 74, McNair 31 Pace Academy 55, Towers 14
Marist 57, Pinecrest Academy 53 Therrell 58, McNair 24
Miller Grove 68, Chamblee 54 Girls
Paideia 56, The Weber School 44 Arabia Mountain 74, Columbia 47 Nov. 29
Redan 68, Lovett 61 Chamblee 36, Miller Grove 35
Southwest DeKalb 77, Clarkston 34 Lakeside 55, Meadowcreek 6 Girls
Stephenson 74, M.L. King 62 Marist 59, Pinecrest Academy 13 Elite Scholars Academy 47, Miller Grove 41
Tucker 56, Forest Park 53 Southwest DeKalb 66, Clarkston 25
Centennial 71, Dunwoody 70 Stephenson 84, M.L. King 54 Nov. 30
Eagle’s Landing Christian 84, Greenforest 83 Stone Mountain 57, Cedar Grove 55
Greater Atlanta Christian 85, St. Pius X 64 Centennial 45, Dunwoody 29 Boys
Forest Park 63, Tucker 16 Arabia Mountain 59, Clarkston 51
See Scores on Page 15
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 15

FOOTBALL

Cedar Grove to play for second state

title in three seasons
Marist’s season comes to an end
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Two years after winning their first
state title in program history, the Cedar
Grove Saints have an opportunity to
bring home another state title.
The No. 2-ranked Saints (13-1) will
play in the Class AAA title game against
No. 4-ranked Peach County (12-2) Dec.
11 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Cedar
Grove advanced to the title game after
a 30-6 win over No. 9-ranked Pierce
County (13-1) in the semifinals Nov. 30.
Running back Robert Jones led
Cedar Grove with 256 rushing yards
and two touchdowns. He scored on the
Saints’ first offensive play, running 78
yards to the end zone. Jones became the
first DeKalb County running back to go
more than 1,000 yards this season (1,100
rushing yards).
Rashad Jordan also scored two
touchdowns for the Saints. He had a
70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown
in the first quarter and had a 29-yard
touchdown reception in the second
quarter.
Cedar Grove’s defense scored on a
safety, had 12 tackles for a loss and held
Pierce County’s offense to 217 total
yards.
The Class AAA championship game
will kick off at 1 p.m. The game will air
live on Georgia Public Broadcasting and
streamed on www.gpb.org.
Marist falls to Cartersville
Marist will not have an opportunity
to avenge its loss in last year’s Class
AAAA title game.
The No. 7-ranked Marist War Eagles Cedar Grove running back Robert Jones, left, runs by Pierce County cornerback Dee Bethea. Photo by Mark
fell to No. 5-ranked Cartersville Purple Brock.
Hurricanes 17-14 at Cartersville No. 30
in the Class AAAA semifinals. A few seconds later, defensive end Hurricanes a 17-14 lead.
Cartersville had a 10-point lead in Jalen Clark recovered a fumble and With 31 seconds remaining in the
the first half before Marist scored in the returned it for a touchdown, giving game, Marist tried to go for it on fourth
final two minutes of the second quarter Marist a 14-10 lead. After a scoreless down but failed to pick up a first down
to take a 14-10 at halftime. A 2-yard third quarter, Cartersville regained and lost the game.
touchdown run by Marist fullback the lead in the fourth quarter on a 38- Marist finished the season with an
Lincoln Parker cut Cartersville’s lead to yard touchdown pass from Tee Webb 11-3 record.
10-7 with 1:20 left in the second quarter. to Devonte Ross, giving the Purple

NEXT SCORES Continued From Page 14

Druid Hills 83, Luella 65 Drew Charter 85, Cross Keys 10

LEVEL
Lakeside 61, Parkview 57 Luella 57, Druid Hills 42
Lithonia 67, Chamblee 60 Parkview 53, Lakeside 44
Paideia 47, Notre Dame Academy 43 Wesleyan 91, St. Pius X 28
Redan 55, Pace Academy 50
Southwest DeKalb 78, Columbia 47 Dec. 1
Each week The Champion spotlights former high school players from Stone Mountain 57, Westminster 42
DeKalb County who are succeeding in athletics at the college level. Tucker 61, M.L. King 47 Boys
Alpharetta 63, Dunwoody 58 Cedar Grove 56, Miller Grove 41
Carver 51, Decatur 50 Chamblee 71, Dunwoody 49
Lovett 64, Towers 50 Clarkston 68, B.E.S.T. Academy 56
Mundy’s Mill 75, Stephenson 68 Druid Hills 83, Towers 71
South Atlanta 87, McNair 45 M.L. King 68, Stone Mountain 64
Young Americans Christian 64, Cross Keys 17 St. Pius X 59, Pace Academy 58
Pinecrest Academy 52, Paideia 25
Girls
Arabia Mountain 71, Clarkston 14 Girls
Chamblee 42, Lithonia 32 Arabia Mountain 69, Therrell 37
Decatur 56, Carver 26 Clarkston 52, Coretta Scott King 33
Greenforest 78, Southwest Atlanta Christian Druid Hills 50, Towers 29
Kevon Harris, Stephen Lamont West, West Asia Durr, Louisville
F. Austin (basketball): Virginia (basketball): (basketball): The 17 Dunwoody 42, Chamblee 31
The junior guard/ The junior forward senior guard from St. M.L. King 46, Tucker 43 Paideia 62, Pinecrest Academy 43
forward from M.L. King from Miller Grove Pius X led the team in Paideia 62, Notre Dame Academy 37 Sandy Creek58, Tucker 34
had a double-double scored 10 points and scoring with 19 points Southwest DeKalb 81, Columbia 68 Stone Mountain 55, M.L. King 51
of 15 points and 10 had five rebounds in in the 107-52 win over
rebounds in the 66-51 the 106-72 win over Tennessee State Dec. Stephenson 67, Mundy’s Mill 38 Pace Academy 53, St. Pius X 23
win over Milwaukee Youngstown State Dec. 2. Stone Mountain 67, Westminster 20
Dec. 1. 1. Alpharetta 66, Dunwoody 33
 LOCAL
STONECREST
Stonecrest ‘eyesore’ is no more
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
An abandoned structure at
the corner of Klondike Road
and Browns Mill Road in
Stonecrest that was considered
by many as an eyesore has
been demolished.
Stonecrest officials
announced on the city’s
Facebook page Nov. 27
that the building would be
demolished after citing the
property owner multiple
times. According to the social
media post, Stonecrest Code
Enforcement Officer William
Kirkland issued a citation
to Salim Damani of Roshan
Business Inc., listing several
building code violations.
NEWSPAPER ROP 10” x 6.5”
“Code Enforcement
Manager Alejandro Ferrell
said the owner was given the
option of fixing the building in
compliance with city codes or
destroying the structure,” the
Facebook post said.
Stonecrest officials said
Damani responded to the
code enforcement citation and
appeared in court Oct. 25. A
judge gave Damani until Dec.
13 to destroy the building,
comply with city codes or be
fined. The post said there are
no published plans for the
lot once the demolition is
completed.
According to city code
enforcement, officers can
document incidents for
possible litigation and inform
the public through personal
contact and published
material. Code enforcement
officers also issue warnings
and, as a last resort, citations
for violations.
In a second Facebook
post published Nov. 29, city
officials said Damani met with
Mayor Jason Lary, Ferrell
and Kirkland that day at the
property site to discuss plans
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 • Page 16
for the property. Damani
owns all the property at
the intersection except the
northeast corner, according to
the city.
According to the Facebook
post, Damani told city officials
that he bought the property
in 2005 with plans to build a
drugstore, but the plan did not
come to fruition due to the
market crash in 2008. Damani
said he is open to the idea of An abandoned structure at the corner of Klondike Road and Browns Mill Road in
Stonecrest was demolished.
building a coffee shop and
drugstore at the intersection,
according to the post. He also
wants to attract a grocery
store.
According to the Facebook
post, Lary told Damani the
city will work with him to
bring quality development to
the intersection.
“We are going to make
it happen and help move
Stonecrest forward with more
new developments,” Lary said.
Property owner Salim Damani, second from left, met with Stonecrest Mayor Jason
Lary, left, and Stonecrest code enforcement officials to discuss plans for the
properties at the intersection.
SWEETEN THE HOLIDAY