FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
State reps help teens
find employment at
back-to-school event
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
J
obs for teenagers
were the focus of a
back-to-school event
hosted by local state
representatives.
State representatives
Karen Bennett (D-Stone
Mountain), Doreen Carter
(D-Lithonia) and Darshun
Kendrick (D-Lithonia) held a
Back to School Zone event
July 29 at Redan Recreation
Center in Lithonia. The
event featured a job fair for
teenagers, National Football
League Foundation helmet
safety clinic, free sports
physicals and other activities.
Kendrick said it was
important to have an event
such as this to make sure
students in their districts have
what they need for school.
I know [school starts]
really soon and we want to
make sure we take care of
our community before they
go back to school, Kendrick
said.
We thought, what better
way to do something for
back-to-school than doing
something very nontraditional
by offering sports physicals
and a job fair? Carter said.
Companies such as
Bojangles, Kroger and Stone
Mountain Parkwhich
employ teenagerswere on
hand to discuss employment
opportunities during the
school year. Carter said
she wanted this back-to-
school event to focus on jobs
because she has heard from
constituents about the lack of
jobs for teens.
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 VOL. 21, NO. 26 FREE
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Theyre getting ready
to go back to school and
everybody is doing school
supplies, but who is helping
them get employment?
Carter said. That was really
the motivation to do what
were doing today. Were State Rep. Doreen Carter interviews one of the vendors about culinary jobs for teens.
going to do some more Photos by Carla Parker
things in the community
to help our young folk find
sustainable and even part-
time employment.
Carter, who serves on the
education and small business
committees through the
House of Repreasentatives,
said one of her goals is to
find employees that will hire
teenagers.
We have some employers
that hire as young as 14, such
as Chick-fil-a, and we have
some that hire only 16- and
17-year-olds, Carter said.
We also look for employers
that have benefits [for teens].
A couple of employers [at
the event] help with tuition
assistance, pensions, and Representatives from Peach State Health Plan talk to a parent about their health plans.
we have employers that
understand that even though
they are young they still need
a decent wage. I think we
kind of hit all of it.
Kendrick said her goals is
to improve S.T.E.Mscience,
technology, engineering and
mathresources for all grade
levels to prepare them for
S.T.E.M-related careers.
Once they graduate from
[high school] there should be
no reason why they cant go
into a career that routes to
STEM, Kendrick said. Ill be
working with other technology
people to develop that
agenda. A representative from Stone Mountain Park tells a parent about job opportunities for
teens.
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 2

Putting a checkmate on violence

Stone Mountain mentor relates life lessons
through chess, free events
mentorship organization because two kings wanted
BY R. SCOTT BELZER geared toward at-risk youth to kill each other for land.
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com in metro Atlanta. Through Wise men came up with the
free engagement events idea for the game so no one
several times each year, would be killed.
For former state trooper
Hudson relates the values The overall goal,
and Navy veteran Orrin
of thinking before acting, according to Hudson, who
Hudson, each day is an
maintaining a clear head, goes by the nickname,
opportunity to reach his
service to the community Checkmate, is to deter
ultimate goal of positively
and gaining intellectual young minds away from
influencing one million
independence. such impulses as greed and
people.
Hudson said he is able violence.
My dream is to help
to relate such concepts to Hudson said his
one millionIm at 50,000,
school-age children through experience as a gang
Hudson said. I get such a
the game of chess. member in Birmingham,
kick out of helping people
Chess makes you Ala., also helps him relate
everyone you meet is
committed to keeping your to at-risk youth.
important, every day is
head in the game, how to I came from a family
an assignment. People
solve problems in real time, of 14 children, Hudson
remember when you help
how to look for solutions said. A guy came into my
them for a lifetime. Even if
and make sure every action house one day with some
its something small.
counts because every move honeybuns and other
Hudson is the head of Be
matters, Hudson said. snacks and said, To have
Someone, a DeKalb County
The game was invented all this, you have to hang

See Chess on Page 10A

Photo submitted.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB
CHAMBLEE
Plaza Fiesta hosts back-to-school
celebration
Plaza Fiesta shopping centerlocated at
4166 Buford Highwaywill host a back-to-
school celebration on Aug. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The event will welcome families from
throughout metro Atlanta and offer attendees
free backpacks and other services. The
resources come courtesy of presenting
sponsors BillMo, Guerrero, Sprint, Wells Fargo
and Telemundo Atlanta.
For more information, visit the events page
on Facebook by searching Back to school at
Plaza Fiesta.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday,
Aug. 8, at Piccadilly Restaurant, Galleria at
South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road in
Decatur, beginning at 1: p.m.
All active and retired federal employees,
spouses, and surviving spouses who are not
currently a member of NARFE are welcome to
attend this free meeting to learn more about
the benefits of NARFE. For more info, visit
www.ganarfe.org, or contact Chapter President
Calvin Stevens at (404)-288-3604.
Fall festival announced
Lilly Hill Baptist Church will hold its fall
festival on Sat. Aug. 5 from 8: a.m. until 1: p.m.
at 344 Robin St. in Decatur.
There will be free hotdogs for children under
10 years of age.A free jumper and game bus
will also be on site.
Vendors such as Aflac, New York Life, Mary
Johnson will present an official proclamation
naming Aug. 5, 2017 as Southwest DeKalb Day
in DeKalb County.
The proclamation presentation will take
place from 5:30 until 6 p.m.
Church announces details of annual
yard sale
Ousley United Methodist Church has
announced that its annual fall yard sale will be
held Saturday, Sep. 9, 7 a.m. 4 p.m. In the
event of rain, the event will be held on Sept. 30.
Vendor booths are available at a cost of $25
for members and $35 for non-members.The
sale will be held at Ousley United Methodist
Church, 3261 Panola Road in Lithonia. For
additional information call (770) 981-0180.

STONE
Kay, Avon, Interim Health Care, Essential Oil,

COUNTYWIDE Decatur Police & Fire Departments will also

participate.

Commissioner elected to Large Urban

Tables may be purchased for $25. For
additional information contact Michelle
Williams at (404)-849-5647 or Carolyn
MOUNTAIN
County Caucus Trammell at (404)-288-4072.
City to host yoga in the park event

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry
Johnson was recently elected chairman of
the National Association of Counties (NACo)
Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) during
the organizations 82nd annual conference in
Franklin, Ohio.
The Large Urban County Caucus is the
premier forum for urban county leaders and is
the voice for Americas metropolitan counties
before Congress and the administration, states
a release.
Americas urban counties play a prominent
role in 150 million residents lives every day,
fostering conditions for economic strength,
building and maintaining transportation systems
and critical infrastructure, promoting community
ELLENWOOD
Stone Mountain will host Yoga in the Park
at Randolph Medlock Park on Aug. 12 from 9
to 10 a.m. The family-friendly event will occur
monthly on the second Saturday until Sept. 9.
For more information, contact Sara Abrams at
Cedar Grove Elementary makes (704) 965-1800.
health a priority
Park clean up announced
Cedar Grove Elementarylocated at 2330
River Road in DeKalb Countywill host a free
Stone Mountain will host a Medlock Park
health fair on Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Community clean up Aug. 12, 9-11 a.m. For
The event will offer participants free health
more information, contact Andrea Redmond
screenings, backpacks, school supplies and angrearedmondstonemountain@gmail.com.
other financial health information. Radio
personalities from throughout metro Atlanta will
also be in attendance.

health and well-being, championing justice
and public safety and implementing a broad
portfolio of federal, state and local programs,
according to the release.
This position will allow DeKalb to leverage
existing and new opportunities to attract
resources to our county, said Johnson,
who also has served on the NACo Board of
Directors.
The health fair is presented by Alpha Kappa
Alphas Lambda Epsilon Omega chapter.
The event is free and open to all metro
Atlanta residents. For more education, visit
www.lambdaepsilonomega.com.
LITHONIA
TUCKER
Book discussion at Tucker library
Circling the Sun by Paula McClain will be
discussed Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. at
Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library. Copies of the
discussion title will be available at the front

DECATUR
NARFE monthly meeting announced
The National Association of Active and
Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), DeKalb
Chapter 380, holds its monthly meeting on the
second Tuesday of every month (except July
and December).
desk on a first-come, first-served basis. The
library is located at 5234 LaVista Road. For
Salem Park to host Southwest more information, call (770) 270-8234.
DeKalb alumni cookout
Southwest DeKalb alumni will gather in
Salem Parklocated at 5280 Salem Roadfor
a cookout on Aug. 5.
The cookout will feature barbecue, games
and other activities for the entire family. In
addition, DeKalb County commissioner Larry
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 4

DeKalb County teachers

Twitter hacked
Hacked tweets disparage Arabs, family
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

A DeKalb County School District (DCSD)

technology teachers Twitter account boasted a
dislike for Arabs for approximately 10 minutes on
July 20.
District officials and Terri Webb, a computer
teacher at Fairington Elementary with an active
social media presence, state the account@ Residents in Clarkston are contesting proposed high-density zoning of an unincorporated DeKalb County property. Photo
iteachtechgawas hacked and erroneously posted by R. Scott Belzer

Annexation contested
the message, Hey I hate arabs, but thanks for the
follow!
A similar Tweet
on July 18 states,

by Clarkston residents
Hey I hate my
My apologies son, but thanks for
the follow!
Approximately
Twitter family, 10 minutes later,
Webb deleted

my account
both tweets and
posted that her
account was
Undeveloped property questioned by city council
hacked. She
was hacked along with DeKalb
County director
BY R. SCOTT BELZER Clarkston Planning & Zoning board
meeting. At the meeting, members Felicia
of strategic sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com Weinert, Birendra Dhakal and Chuck
earlier. Thanks communications
Andre Rileysaid A plot of undeveloped land in
McFarland voted 3-0 in favor of annexation
as well as applying a high-density zoning
she was unaware unincorporated DeKalb County is being classification.
for notifying of the tweets until
she was alerted by
considered for annexation by city officials in
Clarkston.
Clarkston city attorney Stephen Quinn
said the city is unaware of any construction
colleagues. According to comments expressed plans for the property, making it difficult to
me! My apologies
Twitter family,
at the citys July 6 city council meeting,
residents and city officials support
apply a proper zoning.
This is a new situation for us in terms
Webb posted. annexation but not its potential high-density of annexation, said city manager Keith
My account was zoning classification. Barker. If you make the decision to annex,
hacked earlier. Thanks for notifying me! Ben Hendricks, who lives along Poplar then the assignment and recommendation
Riley said it is unfortunate this happened to Drive in Clarkston near the property, said from planning and zoning and staff is that it
Webb, as her social media presence is considered a high-density development near his be assigned [low-density residential].
a valuable resource for DCSD. home does not meet the character of the Barker said the city is dealing with
She was hacked, Riley said. And it couldnt neighborhood. property owners attempting to market
have happened to a better personthis is someone We have really enjoyed the walkability the property for development. He said
who genuinely cares about DeKalb County schools of that area and being close to the park, the owners perhaps are being advised to
and students. Hendricks said. Theres concern about zone the property a certain way to obtain
Riley said DCSD has guidelines on district-run added traffic. a higher resale value. He also speculated
social media but cannot safeguard employees David Paul, another Poplar Drive owners may want to deal with Clarkston
private accounts. resident, shared Hendricks concern. rather than DeKalb County.
Webbs account boasts more than 550 followers Im all for progress in Clarkston, Paul Barker said it would be a riskier
and regularly reposts things from DCSD, including said. Im concerned about high-density in approach to acquire the property and
event pictures, accomplishments and education that neighborhood. It will certainly impact rezone for a higher density for developers.
news. Webb is followed by education officials in and residents in a negative way. The opposition expressed and
beyond Georgia. Kevin Kipfer, who lives on Carroll Park favor for low-density resulted in the
The account often thanks others for following Drive, expressed how he loves walking in owners withdrawing their application
through an auto-tweet service by Commun.it. the area and said such activities are at risk for annexation. Clarkston city council
According to the website, the serviceavailable to in welcoming high-density development. unanimously voted to deny the application
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterestoffers Resident Laura Hopkins said she would for annexation.
free analytics, focus, management, scheduled posts look for a new place to live if high-density This does not end [the owners] zoning
and content direction. made its way to that area of Clarkston. battle, said Councilman Dean Moore.
The website states Commun.it is trusted by Resident Teresa Best shared similar They may go to DeKalb County to get
over 1 million users in more than 175 countries concern. higher density zoning, just to let people
for smarter social media management, including The plotlocated at 3827, 3835 and know.
such brands as Sony, Nike, Microsoft, TED, Cisco, 3861 East Avenueis near the center of I advise people, including the council, to
McDonalds, Associated Press, Coca-Cola, MTV three low-density neighborhoods and close reach out to DeKalb County commissioners
and more. to Forty Oaks Nature Preserve as well as and let them know your concerns, said
Milam Park. Councilman Awet Eyasu.
The land was recommended to be The county commissioners representing
annexed and classified at a June 18 Clarkston are Steve Bradshaw and Kathie
Gannon.
LOCAL
Islamic Speakers Bureau seeks to
build community understanding
by Kathy Mitchell
Soumaya Khalifa had
talked for years about forming
a speakers bureau to promote
greater understanding of her
Muslim faith in the larger Atlanta
community. Finally, my husband
urged me to stop talking about it
and do it. So I started recruiting
volunteers and getting their help
in designing the organization,
Khalifa recalled.
That was in August 2001.
Three weeks later, the world
was focused on the Islamic
community after the World
Trade Centers twin towers were
destroyed by people claiming
their actions were prompted by
their Islamic faith.
We never imagined anything
like that would happen. We
had to come up to speed very
fast. At first we thought this
isnt the time to start an Islamic
speakers bureau. Maybe we
should put this on hold, but we
already had a website up and
running. Besides, in the wake of
everything people were hearing
on the news, many wanted to
know what people of our faith
really believe, Khalifa said.
The Islamic Speakers
Bureau today has approximately
50 volunteer speakers with a
wide variety of backgrounds.
We have students, doctors,
business owners, housewives,
retireesjust about any
background you can imagine
over a wide range of ages, she
said.
Khalifa said the bureau tries
to match speakers to groups
they fit well with. People are
often surprised by the diversity
with the Muslim community.
There are people from the
Middle East, from Europe,
Africa and Asia as well as many
African Americans in our faith
community. In fact, a recent
Gallup poll indicated that were
the most ethnically diverse
religious group in the United
States.
Members are trained
to teach, but not preach
wherever they go, according
to Khalifa. We give more than
150 presentations throughout
the metro Atlanta area each
year. We only go where were
Flanked by the Right Rev. Robert C. Wright, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of
Atlanta, left, and the Rev. Kenneth Swanson, St. Davids Episcopal Church, Roswell,
Islamic Speakers Bureau founder Soumaya Khalifa promotes understanding of her
faith in the Atlanta community, including among other faith leaders.
invited, which includes schools,
community organizations, book
clubseven Christian churches
and Jewish synagogues. We
have a close relationship with
the DeKalb County Library
system, where we frequently
present special programs,
especially around holidays.
In addition to traditional
speaking engagements the
Islamic Speakers Bureau is
often a training resource for
educators, law enforcement
officials, medical professionals
and others who interact with the
general public and want to learn
what they must do to interact
respectfully and effectively with
those who practice the Muslim
faith.
She said terrorism is among
the topics bureau speakers
are most frequently asked
about. We tell people that our
faith teaches that human life
is sacred. We teach that to
take one innocent human life
is the same as killing every
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 PAGE 5
human from the time of Adam.
Thats how seriously we take it.
Terrorism is definitely not in line
with our beliefs.
We feel that there is a
double standard with regard to
how those who commit horrible
acts are treated. If the person
professes to be a Muslim, the
news media call it terrorism. If
the person is from some other
faith tradition or no faith tradition,
they say the person acted on his
own beliefs that have nothing to
do with his faith or the person is
mentally ill, Khalifa said.
When horrific events such
as 9/11 occur, people dont
look at the whole picture. They
look at the faith tradition of the
perpetrators, but they dont note
that many of the first responders,
law enforcement officers and
medical personnel are Muslims.
Worldwide, 95 percent of the
victims of terrorism are Muslims,
she continued.
Another topic the bureau
often addresses is the treatment
of Muslim women. People
tend to look at this through the
American cultural lens. They see
a woman with most of her body
covered and think she is being
forced to do that. They ask, How
could a woman in her right mind
allow this to be done to her?
Many of our speakers are
women and they explain that
Muslim women have a good deal
more freedom than many outside
the faith imagine. They decide
whom they will marry, often own
property and have advanced
education and high levels of
professional responsibility, said
Egyptian-born Khalifa, whose
parents were both doctors and
who holds advanced degrees
and worked many years as
a corporate executive. She
currently heads a consulting firm.
Audiences also are interested
in conflicts between Sunni and
Shia Muslims, Khalifa said. The
division in the Islamic religion
came about over a difference
in opinion as to who would
head the faith after the death of
the Prophet Mohammad, she
explained. Until recent years,
there were no serious conflicts
between the two groups,
Khalifa said. They lived side
by side and often intermarried.
Unfortunately, human nature can
sometimes cause people in a
struggle for power to demonize
one another.
She compared the conflicts
to those between Catholics
and Protestants in the Christian
religion. We were in Belfast
[Ireland] last year and saw sharp
divisions between two groups
even among people who werent
practicing Christians. It was sad,
Khalifa recalled.
Our goal is to build a
community in which people of
varying backgrounds and faith
traditions respect and trust
one another, she said. Most
people arent mean-spirited. A
few people are, but most want
to respect and get along with
those around them. For many,
its just a matter of gaining
understanding. When people get
to know others from another faith
tradition, they can set aside what
theyve heard about the other
group and live as neighbors.
OPINION
Consider parole beyond O.J. Simpson
Parole hearings happen
all the time, but on July
20 one hearing received
unprecedented national
attention including being aired
live on television.
O.J. Simpson has served
nearly nine years of a 33-year
sentence in a Nevada prison
for armed robbery and assault
with a weapon in 2008 after he
and associates showed up at
two memorabilia dealers hotel
room to retrieve collectibles
that he considered his. A jury
considered it robbery.
Jeers and cheers were
expressed passionately when
the three-member parole panel
announced Simpson would be
paroled beginning in October.
Simpson, a sports legend
who was once a highly sought-
after TV pitchman, was at the
center of what some consider
the trial of the century when he
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 PAGE 6
their case to the board.
In Georgia, 45 percent of
paroled inmates complete the
terms of their parole without
being recalled for any violation
Gale Horton Gay of the terms of their parole,
gale@dekalbchamp.com according to the parole boards
website.
Simpsons casealthough
was found not guilty of the 1994 outside the norm of parole
killing of his ex-wife Nicole situationsshould shed light
Brown Simpson and her friend on the thousands of inmates
Ronald Goldman. who have paid their debt to
While this case has society, have exhibited model
extraordinary circumstances, or acceptable behavior and are
thousands of other inmates getting a new chance of re-
face the same type of review entry into society.
by parole boards across the In 2014 Georgia leaders saw
country with hardly anyone fit to reform the states criminal
paying attention. justice law with a prisoner
The Georgia State Board re-entry reform bill that Gov.
of Pardons and Parole reviews Nathan Deal signed into law.
15,000 cases annually, deciding Its provisions were designed to
who will get a chance to re-start help ex-offenders in obtaining
their lives and who will wait for employment and giving judges
another opportunity to make more leeway in deciding if an
ex-offenders drivers license
should or should not be
suspended.
Former inmates face an
uphill climb in finding places
to live and work as well as
acceptance by neighbors, co-
workers and new people they
meet.
Re-entry to the free world
post-incarceration is a struggle
in a multitude of ways. While
recidivism (tendency of ex-
offenders to re-offend) rates
remain high (one study found
that 76 percent of released
persons were re-arrested within
five years), there are individuals
who are determined to never re-
offend and return behind bars.
Our support, lack of
condemnation and rejection
may make the difference for the
parolees and the community.
Its certainly something for
all of us to think about.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 PAGE 7

Staying on the right side of the rolling tide of history

They call me the wanderer, example of the wrong side is might that have had anything
yeah the wanderer. I roam
around, around, around.., song
One Mans the removal of four monuments
to Confederate war heroes and
to do with the islands earlier
resort history of segregation and
lyrics from The Wanderer, Opinion the Confederacy in New Orleans confining guests of color to what
byDion DiMucci(February earlier this summer, without any later became the 4-H Camp
1962). Bill Crane public vote or comment.That dorms on the islands south end.
bill.csicrane@gmail.com decision was made unilaterally Im glad we now have
We started rolling across by the New Orleans mayor responsible stewards of history
the causeway and onto magical along with a slim majority vote in charge here, such as the
Jekyll Island in the early 1960s, a monument to those enslaved by its city council. JIA and Georgia Department
conveyed by a Clark Griswold Africans who arrived on the As the JIA is now considering of Natural Resources. So
vacation-looking Ford family Wanderer.Many of the slaves an additional interpretive hopefully, while your children or
truckster stationwagon.The on board the schooner died historic marker at the landing mine roam and wander around
Crane family later purchased enroute, while 409 survived the site of the Wanderer, they are our beautiful Jekyll Island, they
rental properties on the journey. smartly consulting the public, can also learn a few things in
Beachview Road side of Jekyll, Hoping to evade arrest, as well as the families and the process.
specifically on Nelson, Dexter as the U.S. outlawed slave living descendants of Wanderer
and Tyler lanes. importation in 1808, the ships passengers, now living in
Our little cottages were captain and owner were alleged Geechee comunities in Glynn Bill Crane also serves
great for family vacations, as to conspire with Jekyll Islands County and elsewhere along the as a political analyst and
well as learning the legend and then ownerHenry DuBignon Georgia coast.This dialogue, commentator for Channel 2s
lore of Jekyll Island.I know that Jr.to move the slaves to and the language or storytelling Action News, WSB-AM News/
much of my love of history was markets still operating in that may result are not attempts Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM,
in part spurred by touring the Augusta and Savannah, as well to dilute, ameliorate or ignore as well as a columnist for The
historic 19th century Millionaires as Florida and South Carolina. darker passages in our history, Champion, DeKalb Free Press
Village, as well as the DuBignon The arrival of the Wanderer, but instead to better illuminate and Georgia Trend. Crane is
tabby ruins and other points of and dispersment of its human minds encountering those hard a DeKalb native and business
interest dotting the seven-mile cargo caused the administration facts today. owner, living in Scottdale. You
barrier island. of then-President James My own childhood is not can reach him or comment on a
As we drove past and Buchananto beef up efforts by changed by any of this, but column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
sometimes stayed at the the U.S. Navy and government Im inclined to wonder why a com.
longtime Wanderer Hotel (now to end slave ship landings in hotel would be named for such
Jekylls beautiful and completely America.Nearing the end of an infamous ship?And if that
renovated Holiday Inn), I his administration in 1860,
assumed that the hoteliers had Buchanan proclaimed, Since
named the hotel for that famous the date of my inaugural
song by Dion, which seemed to message, not a single slave has
have such an appropriate lilt and been imported into the United
light spirit for a beach property. States in violation of the laws
It wasnt until nearly 30 years prohibiting the African slave
later that I came to realize that trade.
I had thewrong Wanderer.The Though slavery was far
hotel was instead strangely from over at this point, and
named for the last documented slaves were still traded and
ship to bring an illegal cargo of sold domestically, as well as
slaves from Africa to the United children of slaves becoming
States.That Wanderer landed the automatic property of slave
on Jekyll on Nov. 28, 1858.It owners, Buchanan was among
was later used as a Union war the first U.S. presidents to take
ship during the Civil War, then such a strong public stance.
decomissioned and lost off the The establishment of the
coast of Cuba in 1871. Wanderer Memorial on Jekylls
In November of 2008 (150 southern tip in St. Andrews Park
years later) the state of Georgia, is a solid example on staying
Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) and on the right side of observing
Jekyll Island Museum dedicated the flowing tide of history. An

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
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from Production Manager: Horace Holloman expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, discourse for all community residents
its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Kemesha Wadley on all sides of an issue. We have no
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
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LOCAL
A $65,000 thank you
Chamblee business donates to metro first responders
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
A Chamblee business
donated a $6,500 check
to Chamblee Police
Department in late June as
part of a $65,000 thank
you to metro Atlanta
emergency personnel.
Jim Ellis Automotive
Groupa group of auto-
sales centers based in
Chambleeembarked on
a charitable campaign on
behalf of first responders
in May 2017. As part of the
campaign, a portion of each
vehicle sale went into a
fund intended for firefighters
and police departments
throughout Atlanta.
By the end of May,
approximately $65,000
was raised and split evenly
Ethics board getting back to
work, future uncertain
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb Countys Ethics
Board, which had an
overhaul in 2015, met for
the first time in months after
a judge ruled the board was
unconstitutional.
Members of the ethics
board met Aug. 1 in a
special called meeting.
During the meeting,
members went into
executive session to
discuss litigation matters.
Former DeKalb County
Commissioner Sharon
Barnes-Sutton sued the
board alleging the way the
board appoints its members
is unconstitutional.
On April 28 in a written
order, DeKalb County
Superior Court Judge Asha
Jackson ruled that the
board should be appointed
by government entities and
not private organizations.
To pass constitutional
muster, it would seem
that there should be an
between 10 police and fire
departments.
The check was
presented at a lunch for
Chamblee police at Jim
Ellis Automotives corporate
headquarters in Chamblee.
Chamblee police chief
Donny Williams and
assistant chief Mike Beller
accepted the check on
behalf of the department.
Chamblee Police
Department will be free
to use the $6,500 as it
pleases, according to a
release about the event.
Chamblee police have an
approximate $10.4 million
budget.
I am so thankful for
the clients that help our
business be successful to
where we support such
worthy organizations as
the Chamblee Police
Department, said Jim Ellis
accountable government
entity that would provide
final approval to those
seated to serve on the
board, Jackson wrote in
the order.
Currently, Jacksons
ruling is being appealed
to the Georgia Supreme
Court. DeKalb Ethics
Officer Stacey Kalberman
said the board can resume
meetings because all
parties are placed in status
quo or supersedeas while
the case is being reviewed.
Kalberman said she
was not surprised by
Suttons lawsuit stating,
she sued the board almost
immediately.
Sutton is facing ethic
board complaints related to
her spending while she was
a DeKalb commissioner.
Longtime DeKalb County
resident and former DeKalb
Board of Ethics member
Scott Bonder resigned in
March. He said he needed
to resign to notify residents
that DeKalbs ethics board
is in danger.
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 8
Automotive Group president
Jimmy Ellis. While our
local governments do a
great job in providing for the
needs of their departments,
we realize that there are
sometimes needs that
require additional funding
and we wanted to do our
part to help support those
needs. The Chamblee
Police do so much for our
community and we wanted
to do something above
and beyond to show our
appreciation for them.
According to Jim Ellis
Automotive Group, a similar
event took place in Marietta
in June. Others are planned
in Kennesaw on Sept. 14
and Buford on Oct. 19.
In addition, Jim Ellis
Automotive Group will offer
a $500 discount to first
responder customers.
County Sanitation Division,
If DeKalb Citizens want
to keep their functional
Board of Ethics, then they
need to speak out and
participate. A battle is being
waged in your name and
most of you do not even
know it is being fought.
Call your legislators and
demand that the Board
of Ethics be allowed to
continue to clean house,
Bonder wrote in his
resignation letter.
In November of 2015,
DeKalb voters approved
revisions to the ethics
board. The revisions
allowed for the DeKalb
Chamber of Commerce, the
DeKalb Bar Association,
Leadership DeKalb and
local universities to select
ethics board members
instead of the county CEO
and commissioners.
Its very important to
have independent ethics
board members and that
they are chosen by a
that number, approximately
non-political board. Thats
what Sutton is fighting,
Kalberman said.
DeKalb County launched its glass recycling program July 13.
DeKalb launches
glass recycling
program
all recycling collected at
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN the drop-off locations will
horace@dekalbchamp.com be used for manufacturing
new glass containers and
DeKalb County officials, fiberglass.
along with the DeKalb Were investing in these
resources and we found
are urging residents to use residents are serious about
drop off locations for glass protecting the environment
recycling. and this is a way to do this.
We have several locations
As of July 17, DeKalb
residents can no longer throughout the county
place glass in curbside, and locations in all of the
single-stream recycling, districts, Andrea said.
according to the county. Before dropping off glass
Pauline Andrea, containers, residents should
spokeswoman for DeKalb remove all food and liquids.
County Sanitation Division, Only food and beverage
glass containers that are
said the program will help
blue, green, clear or brown
the county become more
glass will be accepted,
environmentally conscious.
according to county officials.
About a year ago
Prior to the countys
we started looking into a
newly implemented glass
county-wide glass recycling
recycling program, most
program, Andrea said.
of the glass would end up
Theres been a nationwide
at a landfill causing cross
trend to send glass to
contamination, Andrea said.
landfills. Based on the
When it was transferred,
feedback we received after
they were separating
we promoted the program,
the glass and the glass
we think residents are
would break and cause
excited about this.
contamination...and its not
Andrea said a complete
as valuable, Andrea said.
list of locations will
Were trying to reverse this
be listed on DeKalbs
[with the new program]. If
sanitation website at www.
you want your glass to be
dekalbsanitation.com.
recycled, you must use the
Residents who dont want
drop off locations.
to sort their glass and
Glass recycling
drop it off at a recycling
containers will be placed in
center should throw it away
parks, recreation centers,
with the rest of their non-
fire stations, libraries and
recyclable trash, she said.
Target store parking lots.
Andrea said the county
This is a good thing
has an estimated 170,000
for DeKalb. Environmental
customers who use trash
stability is a big deal and
removal services, and of
this recycling program is a
major part of that, Andrea
80,000 are recycling.
said.
According to the county,
LOCAL
Preaching to the
non existent choir
Battle over the pulpit at Flat Rock
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Church members at one
of the oldest Black churches
in DeKalb County said they
are fed up with the actions
of the churchs former
pastor and will seek legal
action.
Members of the Flat
Rock Community Church
in Lithonia said the former
pastor Benita Miles did not
follow the proper protocols
before allowing another
pastor to take her place.
Church members said
Miles, who is retiring,
announced her replacement
would be Pastor Michael
Johnson without first
getting the approval of the
churchs board of trustees.
Tammy Anderson,
a chairperson for the
Flatrock Leadership Board,
said the board met with
Johnson May 24 and spoke
briefly about him joining
the church. On June 22,
Anderson said Miles made
the announcement to the
board that Johnson would
be taking over as lead
pastor.
We were just confused.
It totally took us back. She
pretty much told us any
further questions should
be directed to [Michael]
Johnson, Anderson said.
Our question to our pastor
was, why did she do this?
We didnt have a church
meeting, we didnt vote.
None of that. From that
day till now weve had a
problem.
According to Anderson,
Johnson had his first
service at Flatrock July 2
and was approached about
signing a rental agreement.
Anderson said he would not
sign it and thats when the
trouble started.
We didnt agree for him
to be the pastor and we
were trying to figure out as
a church what we needed to
do going forward. We were
just lost and we told him we
didnt think this is the right
way to go, Anderson said.
Were feeling like sitting
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 9
ducks in our own house. In
the church, we have bylaws
and procedures. Thats not
how you handle that.
Anderson said church
members decided to rekey Flat Rock Community Church in Lithonia is on record as one of the oldest Black churches in DeKalb County.
the locks at the building
in an attempt to reclaim
their building. According
to county documents the
church belongs to Flat Rock
Community, Inc, which is
governed by the board.
Johnny Waits, who
works security for Flat Rock,
put up a barricade blocking
access from the entrance
points.
On July 21, Miles sent
an email to board members
threatening to have them
arrested for trespassing on
church property. A reporter
from The Champion
witnessed an unidentified
man attempting to break
the chain barricade with a
sledgehammer. Members of the Flat Rock Community Church in Lithonia said the former pastor of the church, Benita Miles, did not follow
proper protocol before allowing another pastor to take her place.
The man, who claimed
he was sent by the deed
holder, said reporters The deed still belongs to the two feuding sides can down calmly. At the end of
covering the story should the community and its act more like Christians the day, its a difference of
get a life. signed by Pastor Miles. and move forward communication and I wish
Waits said its time for They have a difference of respectfully. we could all come together
Miles and Johnson to leave understanding. Its as simple as that. and talk it out, Johnson
the church alone. Johnson said he hopes I wish everyone would sit said.
All of the lies that
have been told and all
of the mistrust...its just
unbelievable. To think that
someone would want to
rip away a 156-year-old
ministries, its unbelievable,
Waits said. Were tired of it.
We want Benita Miles and
Michael Johnson to leave
us alone.
Johnson, who is also the
pastor of House of Victory
Church, said he hopes the
dispute over the church
can be solved in a peaceful
manner.
In a phone interview with
The Champion, Johnson
said the entire situation is a
misunderstanding.
As much as I appreciate
the free advertisement
and as much as they like
throwing me out there,
it has more to do with
[Benita Miles] Johnson
said. Miles is a wonderful
person and Ive been
somewhat dismayed
on how the members of
this church are acting.
LOCAL
ifeline Animal Project Spokesperson Karen Hirsch interacts with a dog at the new shelter in Chamblee.
A DOGGONE GOOD SOLUTION
DeKalb animal shelter opens in Chamblee
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
During the grand
opening ceremony of
Lifeline Animal Projects
newest animal shelter in
Chamblee, DeKalb CEO
Michael Thurmond joked
that he had very little to do
with the project coming to
fruition.
In fact, plans to build
a new facility and replace
DeKalbs animal shelter
located in Decatur were
more than a decade in
the making, said Lifeline
officials.
On July 26, DeKalb
County Commissioners,
Lifeline Animal Project
officials and animal
enthusiasts were at the
grand opening of the
33,440-square-foot facility in
Chamblee.
The new shelter is a
dream come true, said
Lifeline Animal Project CEO
Rebecca Guinn.
The first year Lifeline
Animal Project took over
the services of DeKalb
Countys animal shelters in
2013, Guinn said roughly 85
percent of the animals taken
in were euthanized. Animals
brought into DeKalb
County shelters were given
approximately a five-day
grace period. If they could
not be adopted within that
timeframe, they were killed,
Guinn said.
We no longer have
to euthanize animals to
maintain a good shelter
environment. They can be
rehomed and be transferred
over to our 100 rescue
partners. But they no longer
have to go to the shelter to
die, Guinn said.
Lifeline Animal Project
achieved the status of a
no-kill shelter or saving 90
out of every 100 animals it
intakes. Guinn said the new
facility will help the non-
profit organization continue
to save animals at a high
rate.
The new shelter
occupies 5.3 acres in
Chamblee and can
accommodate more
than 400 animals. The
facility also features a
1,300-square-foot clinic
that includes a surgery
prep and surgery room,
lab area, secure pharmacy
storage and holding areas
for animals scheduled
for surgery. The clinic will
provide spay-and-neuter
services for animals
adopted from the shelter.
Currently, dogs at the
animal shelter are housed
in separate kennels, which
means they are allowed
access to toyssomething
that was not possible at the
Decatur location.
They all just seem
happier, said Karen
Hirsch, spokesperson for
Lifeline Animal Shelter.
This is beyond my wildest
dreams. This shelter is
absolutely gorgeous. Its
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 10
state of the art and really
sets DeKalb County apart
from other counties in terms
of animal shelters.
In 2014, members
of the DeKalb County
Animal Services Advisory
Committee, urged
commissioners to support
an effort to create a new
animal shelter. have to do.
DeKalb County
Commissioner Kathie
Gannon thanked the
advisory committee for its
persistence.
After all these many
years, what a wonderful
thing to celebrate. Ive
been on the board maybe
too long to count, but
working on an animal
shelter has been one of
my goals, Gannon said.
This has been going back
for maybe three different
administrations and it
took awhile because of
bureaucracy and funding.
The advisory board started
to push us in the right
direction. They really held
our feet to the fire.
The shelter in Decatur
will be open until Aug. 15. A
lifeline spokesperson said
the Decatur location adopts
roughly 15 animals per day
and receives 20 animals
per day. Any animal at the
Decatur location after Aug.
15 will be transferred to the
new location.
The new facility includes
12 adoption rooms and
multiple play areas for
potential adopters.
Stone Mountain resident Orrin Checkmate Hudson has committed himself
to helping one million people through chess as a way of giving back to the
community. Photos submitted.
CHESS Continued From Page 2A
with us. The next thing I
know hes telling me You
have to do this, you have to
do that. I was told what to
do, but I came home with
a lot of food. When you
have that many people in
the house, you do what you
of carrying Edges message
One of Hudsons
teachers, James Edge,
saw what was becoming of
Hudson and offered help.
In addition to conversation
and advice, help came by
learning the game of chess.
I soon realized I was
following another follower,
Hudson said. It was the
blind leading the blind.
To be a true champion,
you have to make correct
decisions. You have to
be a product of your own
conclusions. You have to
make your own path. The
gang members had made
me a follower of another
follower.
Hudson said one wrong
move in life, such as pulling
a gun, drinking and driving
or doing drugs, can end
a life. In chess, according
to Hudson, a single wrong
move can give an opponent
an edge and derail the
course of the game.
Hudson founded Be
Someone after seeing a
report in May 2000 involving
an armed robbery that
resulted in seven people
being shot. For the past
17 years, he said he has
developed a free program
focused on knowledge,
attitude, skills and habits, or
KASH.
According to Hudson,
theres nothing else he
would rather be doing. He
said the program is his way
and paying it forward.
Im living my dream,
Hudson said. Someone
helped me so I decided
to pay it forward. Im sick
and tired of seeing crime in
the news, and evil prevails
when people do nothing. Im
taking action.
Be Someones next
event will take place on
Aug. 5 at the Lithonia
Fairfield Inn & Suites,
located at 7850 Stonecrest
Square, from 1-4 p.m.
Hudson hopes others will
join him in his mission and
help to leave the world a
better place.
Im teaching children
as though my life depends
on it because it does,
Hudson said. Were all
interconnected, we are
all one. If we dont do
everything in our power to
help children win, we all
lose. If they win, we all win.
Children are 24 percent
of the population but 100
percent the future. Id even
correct that and say our
children are now, so we
must do it now.
For more information,
visit www.besomeone.org.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 11

WEEKinPICTURES

Agnes Scott College received a check in excess of $100,000 on July

26 from Georgia Power for participating in energy efficiency efforts.
The check is considered a rebate for upgrading lighting and replac-
ing chillers, resulting in an annual 2,000 megawatt energy reduction.
Photo submitted

The city of Dunwoody partnered with Chiefs Futbol Club on July 28 to celebrate National Soccer
Day at Pernoshal Park. Photo submitted.

DeKalb County School District chief technologist and information

officer Gary Brantley addresses educators at the districts Summer
Leadership Conference July 24-25. Photo submitted.

Three Taverns Brewery in Decatur was temporarily transformed into Three Roads Brewery on July 31 as DeKalb County celebrated the grand opening of a new animal shel-
filming of an upcoming television series took place. ter in Chamblee July 26.

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, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 12

Photo submitted
Janet Pickney

Janet Pickney died July 25 after a hit and run accident involving a DeKalb County police officer. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Community raising funds for family of Janet Pickney

medical bills and memorial
BY CARLA PARKER services Janets family will
carla@dekalbchamp.com have, the thought is that a
fund created in her memory
should help greatly. We are
Tucker residents are
all heartbroken over this
rallying behind the family
loss. Ed, her husband, and
of Janet Pickney, who
the rest of her loved ones
was killed in a hit and run
are in our thoughts and
accident involving a DeKalb
prayers.
County police officer.
More than 30 people
Residents created
have donated money to
a page on YouCaring.
the page, including Tucker
com to raise funds for
City Councilwoman Anne
Pickneys family with a
Lerner. Lerner wrote that
goal of $15,000. More than
she did not know Pickney,
$1,600 has been raised
but learned a lot about her
since the page was created
from fellow runners.
July 26. Pickney, a retired
Ive learned that she
teacher, was jogging near
was a wonderful person
the intersection of Brown
who helped many, Lerner
and Chamblee Tucker
said. Thank you for
roads when she was hit by
organizing this fundraiser,
a DeKalb County police
so we have a way of paying
officer who was swerving to
tribute to Janet.
avoid a car that was turning
A memorial service
in front of him, according to
but did not receive a The creators of the children and loved running for Pickney will be held
reports.
response. YouCaring.com page said in her spare time, the page Aug. 12, at 2 p.m., at the
The Champion made
Pickney, 66, was taken Pickney was an outstanding reads. Many members Unitarian Universalist
several requests to obtain
to Grady Memorial Hospital, part of the community. of the Tucker community Church of Atlanta, located
the police report of the
where she died from her She spent her time have asked what they can at 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE.
incident from the DeKalb
County Police Department, injuries. volunteering, fostering do to help. Considering the
LOCAL
Clarkston kicks off charter review
Outlines goals, intentions during first meeting
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
How does Clarkstons
city charter define the role
of the mayor? How about
city council? How do these
governing bodies relate to
the city manager? How is
that city manager chosen?
What does the city charter
say about the city as a
whole?
These are just a few
questions being asked by
Clarkstons newly formed
charter review committee,
which held its first meeting
July 24.
According to Clarkston
city councilmen Dean
Moore and Mario Williams,
the meeting was the first of
many examining, discussing
and recommending
changes to Clarkstons city
charter. Williams said he
expects to hold at least two
committee meetings per
month.
A city charter acts as a
municipalitys constitution
and defines its form of
government as well as the
role of the mayor, his or her
relationship to city council,
the city managers role, as
well as how these officials
participate in governing.
Clarkston, for example,
is a council-manager
government. Under this
form of government, city
manager Keith Barker runs
the day-to-day business
Brookhaven improves public safety with gate-access transponders
Brookhaven has revised
an existing ordinance to
require radio frequency
access for all new gated
developments as well as
requiring retrofits to existing
gated communities.
The city will spend
approximately $41,000 on
the gate access program.
In an emergency,
first responders lose
precious time entering
gated communities,
Brookhaven Police Chief
Gary Yandura said. Each
Clarkstons newly formed charter review committee held its first meeting July 24, outlining its goals and intent through
October and November. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
of the city and acts as
chief advisor to both the
mayor and council. This
is considered a weak-
mayor form of government,
with the mayordespite
being a majority-elected
officialacting as a fellow
council member rather
than a separate governing
entity.
In late 2016, Clarkston
City Council voted to
amend the city charter and
eliminate Mayor Ted Terrys
unilateral ability to present
and amend a budget, call a
special-call meeting without
support of two council
members and add items to
an agenda.
Following a three-hour
development has a different
protocol for access, and
unmanned entrances
become a real hindrance
for immediate response.
In a real emergency, a few
extra minutes can be the
difference between life and
death.
The change in the
ordinance updates the
definitions and requirements
related to the installation of
radio frequency identification
and siren operating
sensor systems to allow
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 13
meeting on the issue in
January, Terry requested
the formation a charter
review committee. In
July, the committee was
officially formed with
Moore, Williams as well as
former councilman Warren
Hadlock, former mayor
Emanuel Ransom and
residents Brian Medford
and Susan Hood as
members. An additional
member is expected to join
the committee in August.
This is not just a charter
review, well be reviewing
the relationship between
the council, mayor and city
manager, Williams said.
This is a very important
relationship to review.
public safety access to
developments, even if
entry gates are unmanned.
City officials said the city
will bear the expense of
retrofitting the existing gated
developments. All new gated
developments constructed
after the effective date of the
ordinance will be required to
bear the cost of installation
as a condition of their
building permit.
There are currently 59
existing gated developments
located in Brookhaven.
Those issues have to do
with appointment power,
the ability to call special-
call sessions, appointing
judges, solicitors, public
defenders, the city manager
and [placing items on] the
agenda.
Williams said the goal is
to recommend changes to
the charter as they relate to
such issues by October and
November. Further issues
will be analyzed over the
course of another six to
seven months.
Were trying to find
common ground and what
finds a balance of power,
Williams said. Mayor Terry
feels the current charter
is not equitable and some
Lithonia homeowner shoots, kills wig-wearing intruder
Police say a Lithonia
homeowner who killed
an intruder wont face
charges.
DeKalb County police
Lt. Lonzy Robertson
told news outlets the
homeowner was within
his legal right to shoot the
intruder when he entered
the home on the morning
of July 24.
Robertson said
the homeowner was
sleeping on a couch in
the basement of his home
people up here do feel it
is equitable. Were going
to diligently work to make
sure its right. Its not about
conflict. This is coming
together as a group to make
this a better document.
Terry has contested
via an online petition
that, there [have] been
concerted efforts to relegate
the only majority elected
position in the city of
Clarkston, the mayor, to a
ceremonial head.
The petitionpublished
in Aprilcalls for six
changes to Clarkstons city
charter: require the mayor
to appoint the city manager
and conduct an evaluation
process on an annual
basis; require the annual
budget to be reviewed and
submitted by the mayor;
require a supermajority
of five votes to override a
veto; require the agenda
of city council meetings to
be set and approved by the
mayor; require the mayor to
appoint committee chairs;
and require the mayor to
appoint city officers such as
the city clerk, court clerk,
city attorney, judge and
solicitor.
In each of these
changes, the city council
would be required to give
final approval of every
decision, the petition
concludes. This provides
a check and balance within
the city of Clarkstons
charter.
around 2:30 a.m. when
he heard glass shattering.
When he got up to check
on the noise, he saw
a man wearing a wig
climbing through a broken
window.
The homeowner told
the man he had a gun and
to stop, but when the man
continued walking toward
him, the homeowner fired
a shot. The homeowners
wife called police.
The intruder died at the
scene.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 14

DeKalb County approved $70,000 for the solicitor generals office to hire additional staff to handle blight prosecution.

County focused on eliminating blight

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Ask and you shall
receive.
Donna Coleman-
Stribling, a DeKalb County
native and the DeKalb
County solicitor general,
said she asked CEO
Michael Thurmond to
provide additional resources
to the solicitor generals
office to help prosecute
code violations.
Stribling was granted
her request in the form of
one additional attorney, a
part-time legal assistant and
approximately $28,000 for
training.
Stribbling said the
additional help is a step in
the right direction.
I grew up here in
DeKalb County and I want
to see it get back to what it
used to be, Stribling said.
When the CEO walked in
and said blight [is] an issue
I think everyone recognized
it and now were starting
to channel our resources
together.
On July 11, DeKalb
County Board of
Commissioners approved
Thurmonds midyear
budget, which included $1.2
million to reduce blight in
DeKalb.
The funds also included
$70,000 for the solicitor
generals office to hire
additional staff to handle
blight prosecution and for
training on enforcement
efforts.
Stribling said her office
currently has one full-time
attorney to address blight
and code enforcement
violations. In one month
the office receives as many
as 3,000 code violation
complaints, she said.
The additional resources
and attorney will help make
stronger cases when code
LOCAL NEWS AT ITS BEST!
violations go to court.
We were getting more
cases so it is my goal to
make sure we had the
appropriate resources to
address these issues. We
knew we needed more
resources to address them
and this is going to be a
huge help, Stribling said.
This will help us make
better, quality cases and
explain why people need to
be held accountable.
Thurmond said
addressing blight is one of
the main priorities of the
county. In the mid-year
budget, commissioners
approved $300,000 to
board and abate vacant
buildings and $160,000 to will improve all our efforts
demolish 10 to 12 blighted
houses.
We redirected existing money, its about making
funds to fight blight, said
Thurmond in a statement.
The passage of the mid-
year budget marks the
first time in DeKalb that
county funds will be used to
demolish houses.
Stribling said shes
excited for what the future
holds in addressing blight
in DeKalb County. Stribling
said its important to
educate the community
and work with local law
enforcement officers to
remedy blight in DeKalb.
Im seven months in [as
solicitor general]. In seven
months, Ive seen all the
efforts and Im excited about
working with them and
what DeKalb County will
look like, she said. This
of making DeKalb a safer
place. Its not just about the
sure people are safe.

PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF DORAVILLLE, GEORGIA

Notice of Intent to Take Action to Increase

the Compensation of the Mayor and Council
members of the City of Doraville, Georgia.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Mayor and Council,
at their August 21, 2017 Council Meeting, intend FOR A LIMITED TIME GET 52
to consider and to vote upon an ordinance that will WEEKS OF HOME OR OFFICE
provide for an increase in compensation for the
Mayor and members of the City Council, and if so DELIVERY FOR ONLY
approved, will become effective January 1, 2018.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for *New Subscribers ONLY
examination and inspection with the Doraville City
Clerk. All concerned citizens are invited to the public
hearing, which will be located at Doraville City Hall, CALL 404.373.7779 , FOR DETAILS
3627 Park Ave. Doraville, Georgia at 6:30 p.m.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 15

Commissioner advocates for In need of a car?

Little Creek Farm improvements
DeKalb County
Commissioner Steve
Bradshaw will propose
the allocation of $215,000
for improvements to Little
Creek Horse Farm.
Bradshaw, who visited
the farm earlier this year,
will propose the allocation
of the District 4 parks bond
funding during the July 27
Board of Commissioners
meeting.
Little Creek Horse
Farm, a 40-acre park
located in Decatur that
was refurbished in 2010
with park bond funds, has
a 46-stall barn with an
indoor arena, wash stalls
and lounge. Experienced
trainers provide riding
lessons at the farm to
children and adults of all
riding abilities.
Little Creek Horse Farm
is one of DeKalb Countys
many jewels and has
the potential to become
a premier international
attraction, Bradshaw
said. It only makes sense
to provide the funds for
improvements, that will
draw many more visitors.
This allocation of resources
to Little Creek Horse Farm
will take care of much-
needed improvements
including parking accessible
to persons with disabilities,
gutter and roof repairs as
well as pasture and manure
management.
Photo by Travis Hudgons
Additionally, a donor
will build a pavilion that
will greatly improve the
viewing section for visitors,
Bradshaw said.
In its role as steward of
the park, the Little Creek
Farm Conservancy will
be working with the parks
department, volunteers
and community groups
such as the local Friends
of Park group to ensure
efficient and cost effective
management of these
projectsto benefitthe
park and the community,
JaneDonofrio, president
of Little Creek Farm
Conservancy, said.
Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Jaguar
Call Vincent:
678-665-4168
Special Financing Available
420-401488 8/3,8/10,8/17,8/24,8/31jb
NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER
GEORGIA, DEKALB COUNTY
THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION
OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Under and by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in a Security Deed
given by Edith B. White to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.
as nominee for Banc of California, National Association dba Banc Home
Loans, its successors and assigns, dated February 13, 2015, recorded in
Deed Book 24793, Page 505, DeKalb County, Georgia Records, as last
transferred to Banc of California, National Association by assignment to be
recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of DeKalb County,
Georgia Records, conveying the after-described property to secure a Note
in the original principal amount of ONE HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND
EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY-FOUR AND 0/100 DOLLARS
($190,874.00), with interest thereon as set forth therein, there will be sold
at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the courthouse door
of DeKalb County, Georgia, or at such place as may be lawfully
designated as an alternative, within the legal hours of sale on the first
Tuesday in September, 2017, the following described property:
SEE EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF
The debt secured by said Security Deed has been and is hereby declared
due because of, among other possible events of default, failure to pay the
indebtedness as and when due and in the manner provided in the Note
and Security Deed. The debt remaining in default, this sale will be made
for the purpose of paying the same and all expenses of this sale, as
provided in Security Deed and by law, including attorney's fees (notice of
intent to collect attorney's fees having been given).
Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes
(including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), any
matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of
the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances,
restrictions, covenants, and matters of record superior to the Security
Deed first set out above.
Banc of California, National Association is the holder of the Security Deed
to the property in accordance with OCGA 44-14-162.2.
The entity that has full authority to negotiate, amend, and modify all terms
of the mortgage with the debtor is: Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc., 1
Corporate Drive, Suite 360, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 8006694268.
To the best knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the party in
possession of the property is Edith B. White or a tenant or tenants and
said property is more commonly known as 4192 Pelham Circle, Lithonia,
Georgia 30038.
The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not
prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation
and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the security deed.
Banc of California, National Association
as Attorney in Fact for
Edith B. White
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
1544 Old Alabama Road
Roswell, Georgia 30076
www.foreclosurehotline.net
EXHIBIT A
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN LAND
LOT 79 OF THE 16TH DISTRICT, OF DEKLAB COUNTY, GEORGIA
AND BEING LOT 18, OF SOUTHCREST SUBDIVISION, AS PER PLAT
RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 176, PAGE 20, DEKALB COUNTY,
GEORGIA RECORDS, WHICH PLAT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN
AND MADE A PART HEREOF BY THIS REFERENCE.
MR/sju 9/5/17
Our file no. ++5205417 - FT8 WHITE++

Moss (ID# 34229381) is the happiest guy we

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when it is time to settle down. He already
knows his sit command and is eager to
learn more. Moss is a compact 32 pounds
- perfectly lap sized! This cheerful guy would
love to meet you at LifeLines DeKalb Animal
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If you would like to expand your family by 4 furry

little feet; come meet this sweet pup at the DeKalb
Animal Shelter and have a loving friend forever.
During the month of August help us to celebrate the
Tail End of Summer promotion with adoption fees
of only $25 for all dogs over 25 lbs. and all cats. It
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If you would like more information about Moss
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BUSINESS
Executive says integrity and service are good for business
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
Happy employees, a
thriving community and
a healthy, sustainable
enterprise are all benefits
of operating a company
that has passion for treating
people well, according to
Christine Hurtsellers,
a top executive at Voya
Investment Management.
Voya Investment
Management was named
among the 2017Worlds
Most Ethical Companies
by the Ethisphere Institute,
marking the fourth
consecutive year the
company has received that
recognition. According to its
website, Ethisphere Institute
has deep expertise in
measuring and defining
core ethics standards using
data-driven insights that
help companies enhance
corporate character and
believe integrity and
transparency impact the
public trust and the bottom
line of any organization.
Arizona-based
Ethispheres Worlds
Most Ethical designation
recognizes organizations
that have had a material
impact on the way business
is conducted by fostering
a culture of ethics and
transparency at every
level of the company, the
institute states. Voya was
one of 124companies
worldwide to receive the
distinction this year.
Doing the right thing
with regard to clients,
employees and the
community is not just a
policy, its a passion,
Hurtsellers said. Its not
just another box to check
off; its deeply rooted in our
culture. Hurtsellers is CEO
of investment management
at the New York-based
companys Atlanta branch,
Voyas second largest
office. With more than 600
employees in its DeKalb
County-based Atlanta
office, Voya is the second
largest asset manager in
Atlanta with more than
$213 billion in assets under
management, according to
the organization.
She said service is
ingrained in Voyas culture
starting with chairman and
CEO Rod Martin, whom
she describes as a great
advocate of business
integrity.
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 16
That companys
culture is a great fit
with who I am, noted
Hurtsellers, the mother of
five children who said she
has a personal passion for
issues concerning children
in global poverty. She
serves on the Southeast
Board for UNICEF, the
Carter Centers Board of
Counselors and for many
years been involved with
the Covenant House, a
facility that serves homeless
and at-risk youth.
I am proud that
while running the firms
investment management
platform, I also can
lead my team to build a
stronger level of service
in the Atlanta community,
Hurtsellers said. During
the Atlanta offices annual
National Day of Service in
May more than 400 local
employees volunteered at
18 locations around the city.
At Voya service isnt just
a once-a-year effort, she
added. Every employee
gets 40 hours of volunteer
time each year to devote
to the service projects
and charities of his or her
choice. Voya also has an
ongoing relationship with
Girls Inc., mentoring young
women and training them
in financial literacy and
portfolio management, and
with Christo Rey, a faith-
based private high school
for underserved youth.
Voya employs Christo Rey
students who are mentored
by Yoya staff. She added that a giving companies outperform dont have to face those
Our employees love culture is also a win-win for others in the long run. issues. Thats a wonderful
this. They take real joy in the bottom line. Companies When a major ethics benefit, but we really do it
working alongside their that treat employees well slip becomes public at a because we are part of the
colleagues to make a real in an atmosphere of trust company, customers and community. We care about
difference in the community. and integrity retain quality employees lose faith in the doing the right thing; we
The generation currently in employees who are inclined company and that can hurt care about the community
the workforce cares about to work hard and make the its profits in a major way. and we want to see it
more than making a living business more profitable. Companies that do the right thrive, Hurtsellers said.
and building a career; they Statistics show that ethical thing every day, every time
care about serving their
community. Having a culture
of service is very attractive
for potential and current Coming to Decatur and
employees. People want Stone Mountian
to work for a company that
they think is value-based
in August!
and makes a difference. (more locations and dates available)
Its a win-win for everyone, Register now to check the health of your arteries
Hurtsellers continued.
We do an annual 5 important screenings for only $149
employee survey that Carotid artery screening (plaque)
includes the opportunity to Heart Rhythm Screening (A Fib)
offer comments. We read Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
every one of them. A theme Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
that occurs over and over Osteoporosis risk assessment
is that employees enjoy
working for a company Aug. 7- Decatur: Valley Brook Baptist Church
that cares about people, Aug. 21 Stone Mountain: Smokerise Baptist Church
Hurtsellers said. Pre-registration is required call 1-888-653-6441 to receive a $10 discount
CLASSIFIED DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 17

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visit www.championclassifieds.com
to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is
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EDUCATION
Dunwoody Principal Tom McFerrin with Dunwoody grad Ryan Seacrest. Photo submitted.
DUNWOODY PRINCIPAL ON HIS WAY OUT
Accepts move to coordinator position following 22 years in Dunwoody cluster
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Dunwoody principal
Tom McFerrin announced
July 27 he will soon move
to DeKalb County School
Districts (DCSD) central
office, bringing an end to his
three years of leadership at
the school.
My journey as a
Dunwoody High School
Wildcat began as a student,
then a teacher, a coach, an
assistant principal, and now
as your principal, McFerrin
said in a letter to community
members. Therefore, after
working in the Dunwoody
cluster for twenty-two years,
it is with a heavy heart that I
inform my Dunwoody family
about my departure as
principal of Dunwoody High
School.
McFerrin announced
high school students.
knowledge with technical
Dunwoody Principal Tom McFerrin has
accepted a position at DeKalb County
School Districts central office. Photo
submitted.
he has accepted the role
of career technical and
agricultural education
(CTAE) coordinator.
According to DCSDs
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 18
website, CTAE coordinators
plan and organize the
districts CTAE program
through technology,
professional development,
end of education
assessments and CTAE
certification for middle and
The district states
the CTAE department
integrates core academic
and occupational skills to
prepare students for post-
secondary education and
the workforce.
With my teaching
experience and expertise
in career education, this
new role is an exceptional
opportunity that will broaden
my leadership experience
in the district, McFerrins
letter states. I am excited
about this new position,
and I am pleased to be
able to impact not only McFerrins stint brought
the continued success more than 100 students
of the Dunwoody cluster to Dunwoody High School
of schools, but all of the from private schools in the
schools in [the district]. area.
McFerrin will report McFerrin states he will
to CTAE director Delmas remain in his capacity as
Watkins at DCSDs principal until a replacement
administrative offices, is named by DCSD. He said
who reports to Student parents of Dunwoody High
Advancement Executive students will be able to have
Director Manomay input on his replacement
Malathip, who reports to through an upcoming online
deputy superintendent survey.
Vasanne Tinsley. I will forever cherish
According to board of the relationships I have
education member Stan built with the students, staff
Jester, who represents and community over the
Region 1 where Dunwoody years and I will continue
High is located, McFerrins to be involved on some
three-year span as principal level because Once a
brought the schools Wildcat, Always a Wildcat,
College and Career McFerrins letter concludes.
Readiness Performance Thank you for the support
Index (CCRPI) score up you have given me. Ill be
from 73 to 93. around, so stay in touch! Go
Jester also said that Wildcats!
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 19

Thompson leaves
Greenforest for Wheeler
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
After leading the
Greenforest boys
basketball team to two
consecutive state title wins,
Coach Larry Thompson
has left the program to be
the new coach at Cobb
Countys Wheeler High
School.
Wheeler Principal
Peter Giles announced
via Twitter that the school
hired Thompson to be
the new coach of the
boys basketball program.
Thompson is replacing
legendary Wheeler coach
Doug Lipscomb, who Trinity Zackary won the 400-meter freestyle and 100-meter freestyle at the Georgia Age Group State Championships.
announced in June that

Youth swim team finishes

he was stepping from
basketball for a little while.
Thompson said his

fourth at summer league meet

decision to take the
Wheeler job was mostly
based on the pay raise that
comes with it.
In all honesty, the
financial growth for my
family was the deciding
factor, he said.
Thompson spent
three seasons with the
Greenforest Eagles
program. He was an
assistant coach when the
Eagles lost in the Class
A-Private title game in
2015. He was named
the head coach after that
season, and the Eagles
won two consecutive state
championships under his
leadership.
Greenforest defeated
Southwest Atlanta Christian
in the Class A-Private title
game in March. The Eagles
also gained further national
attention under Thompson;
participating in basketball
Coach Larry Thompson has left
Greenforest for Wheeler High School.
Photo by Ty Freeman
tournaments across the
country.
Thompson said he will
miss the people and staff
the most at Greenforest.
Being a really small
school, the relationship I
built with everyone was
genuine, he said. I got
to know them and even
some of their families;
definitely going to miss that.
My time at Greenforest
was like a story book.
Perfect situation for a new
head coach. Great school,
administration, staff and
kids. Perfect place to start
my coaching career. I was
truly lucky and blessed to
work at that place.
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Healthy Lifestyles
Healthy Kids (HLHK) swim
program is continuing to
make a name for itself.
The HLHK Sharks the
organizations summer
league swim teamfinished
fourth in the Atlanta Swim
Association (ASA) Summer
League finals July 1 at
Georgia Techs McAuley
Aquatic Center. The team
earned 940.5 points during
the meet, which was fourth
best out of 108 teams.
Shortly after the
ASA Championships,
the HLHK SEALs won
several medals at the
2017 Georgia Age Group
State Championships.
Trinity Zackary, 10, won
the 400-meter freestyle
and 100-meter freestyle.
Zackary also placed third
in the 200-meter Individual
medley and 50-meter
backstroke.
Jayla Thompson placed
second in the 100-meter
butterfly and 200-meter
butterfly, and finished third
in the 50-meter freestyle
and 50-meter butterfly.
Other SEALs swimmers
who qualified for the state
championships were
11-year-olds Kala Berry
and Zahir Harrison,
10-year-olds Spectacular
King and Nasir Harrison
and 8-year-old Pilar King.
HLHK, is a nonprofit
organization that works
to increase opportunities
for youth to be physically
active in an effort to prevent
childhood obesity. Located
in south DeKalb County,
HLHK provides instructional
and competitive swimming,
soccer and basketball
experiences year-round for
youth ages 4-18.
The program also
teaches children and
parents to eat healthfully.
King said he tries to reach
the children and get them
active at an early age.
The swim team is led by
coaches Jabari King
founder and executive
directorand Brandon
Little, both of whom
are former competitive
swimmers.

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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017 Page 20

Brookhaven demolished Skyland building for future park

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
A new park is coming to
Brookhaven.
The city, led by Mayor
John Ernst, began the
demolition process of the
Skyland Center on Skyland
Drive July 24 to make way
for Skyland Park.
Ernst, controlling an
excavator, was the first to
take part in ripping down the
Skyland Center, a former
school and former location
of the Georgia Vital Records
Office.
Demolition of the building
comes one year after
Brookhaven and the DeKalb
County School District
reached an agreement in
which the district would
purchase the existing
Skyland Park, located next
to the Skyland Center, for
the purpose of building
a new school to relieve
overcrowding.
As part of the
agreement, the district
Photo by Carla Parker
purchased the building from
the state and transferred the
property to Brookhaven to
build a new Skyland Park.
After extensive
negotiation, we reached
courtsthe first sand
volleyball courts located in
a Brookhaven parktwo
picnic shelters, two dog
parks, a new restroom
facility and a large open
space field.
Two shade structures
device made of material that
will incorporate solar panels
will allow park visitors to
charge electronic devices.
There also will be
designated parking spaces
for electric cars with an
electric charging station
another first for a park in
the city. There will be a
playground area located
underneath a canopy of
trees that will be preserved
during construction.
The first phase of
demolition begins with
the removal of asbestos
materials from the property,
a win-win for everyone gets the land right next to which will take up to two
involved, Ernst said. the school for a brand-new weeks to complete before
DeKalb Schools gets the park. the rest of the building can
park land for the new John The four-acre park, a be demolished.
Lewis Elementary School, $3,057,740 project, will
and the city of Brookhaven feature two sand volleyball

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