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the DeKalb FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • VOL.

24, NO 13• FREE

Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker • A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

Public safety officials work to build


relationship with community

Safe Kids DeKalb hosted Safe Kids Day April 27 at Wade Walker Park in Stone
Mountain.
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

With public safety officials on hand, Safe Kids DeKalb


hosted a Safe Kids Day event April 27 at Wade Walker Park in
Stone Mountain.
The event featured activities such as games, bounce
houses and dancing. Public safety officials also taught parents
and children about car seat, bike and water safety. A DeKalb County police officer assists a young girl in wearing “driver impaired” goggles.
Event organizers said Safe Kids Day is a way to
strengthen communication between community members and
public safety officials.
DeKalb County Police Officer T.P. Dunn, a drug
recognition expert and member of DeKalb’s DUI Task Force
unit, said members of the department attended the event to

See Safety on Page 9

DeKalb County Fire and Rescue officials attended the Safe Kids DeKalb event at Wade
Walker Park. Children and adults danced at the Safe Kids DeKalb event in Stone Mountain.

Visit www.TheChampionNewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.


LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 2

COUNTYWIDE

Older Americans' Month celebrated


BY HORACE HOLLOMAN track and field, billiards, Brown said. “The kids keep
swimming, table tennis, line me motivated and keep me
horace@dekalbchamp.com
dancing, water volleyball and moving. I’m just trying to keep
other sports and activities. going.”
DeKalb County Board
Events will be held at different The 2019 theme for Older
of Commissioners issued a
venues throughout the county. Americans’ Month is “connect,
proclamation declaring May The Lou Walker Senior Center Drill Team performs at the opening ceremony of the
DeKalb County resident create and contribute.” The 33rd annual DeKalb County Senior Olympic games.
2019 as Older Americans’
George Brown, 69, said he’s DeKalb Human Services
Month in DeKalb County.
excited to participate in this Department also will host
In coordination with Older
year’s Olympic Games. Brown other events for DeKalb’s
Americans’ Month, DeKalb
said he will be participating senior residents such as an
County Human Services
in the 25-yard dash, 50-yard art exhibit at the Central
Department hosted the opening
dash, a relay race, three-on- DeKalb Senior Center, an
ceremony of the 33rd annual
three basketball, free throw exercise expo at the South
DeKalb County Senior
contest and football toss. DeKalb Senior Center, jazz
Olympic Games on May 1.
“I’m with the Boys and performances and a Motown
Opening ceremonies of
Girls Club of Metro Atlanta Revue at the Lou Walker
the DeKalb Senior Olympics
and participating with them Senior Center; and dance
were held at the Porter Sanford
keeps me active,” Brown said. performances at the North
III Performing Arts and
“I’m just trying to stay young.” DeKalb Senior Center,
Community Center in Decatur.
Brown said being Lithonia Senior Center and
Those who attended the
physically active and eating DeKalb Atlanta Senior Center. DeKalb County Human Services Department hosted the opening ceremony of the 33rd
ceremony witnessed a special
healthy help him live a healthy Events for this year’s annual DeKalb County Senior Olympics on May 1 at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts
performance from the Lou
lifestyle. Older American’s month were and Community Center in Decatur.
Walker Senior Center Drill
“You just have to keep planned by DeKalb County
Team.
your body moving. I never Public Library, DeKalb “Every year people are director of recreation and parks
The Olympic-style
drank, I never smoked. You Recreation, Parks & Cultural excited for these events and for DeKalb County, said. “It’s
sporting events will include
have to take care of the body. Affairs Department, and City the Olympic Games are very
free-throw basketball, bowling,
That’s what it’s all about,” of Decatur. competitive,” Chuck Ellis, SEE CELEBRATED ON PAGE 6
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 3

Buckle up for the 2020 political season


More than a year-and-a-half prior all in an effort to further divide our believing or sharing this information.
to the 2020 presidential election, nation. As tempting as it may be for
20 presidential candidates have Though most of the world is some to gleefully share information
announced their intent to run on aware of Russian interference in our that is critical of candidates they
the Democratic Party ticket. On the electoral process, it is highly unlikely do not support, or supportive of
Republican side, Massachusetts John Hewitt that we will ever know the extent of candidates they do support, in the
Governor William Weld has already johnh@dekalbchamp.com the interference. It is imperative that end it does more harm than good
announced that he will challenge candidates, supporters and voters when the information has not been
Donald Trump, and others are be more mindful of the possibilities verified.
expected to announce similar plans of outside influences and not be so Do yourself and others a favor,
soon. communicate and often share the quick to share information that has leave the political infighting to the
While many voters are still accusations on social media with not been verified. politicians. Our collective future
seething over the results of the 2016 little or no concern for the validity Unfortunately for all, the same is at stake and we are stronger as a
election and our elected officials at of those statements or who may be technological advancements that people and as a nation when we are
the national level are exhibiting a hurt by the spreading of inaccurate allow for instantaneous news sharing less divided and more focused on
lack of desire and/or ability to work information. and global communication have our commonalities rather than our
together for the betterment of all, The much-anticipated and also become tools of disinformation differences.
we are on the cusp of what is likely recently released Mueller Report intentionally designed to divide Every election cycle brings
to be another period of extreme factually detailed numerous incidents the American public, decrease an onslaught of ugliness that isn’t
divisiveness and rhetoric from the of Russian interference in the 2016 confidence in our elected leaders and necessary. Perhaps if the people set
candidates and the public. election. Many of the efforts by influence our elections. a tone of civility, politicians may
As candidates attempt to solidify Russian operatives were focused Social media conglomerates say eventually get the hint and follow
their support base, we can expect on social media platforms such as they have placed more emphasis on suit. I realize it is highly unlikely that
all sorts of accusations against Facebook and Twitter and were verifying information shared on their we will ever have representatives
opponents that are often crafted to packaged to appear as legitimate platforms and have hired staffs of from opposing political parties who
be intentionally misleading. As these news. There is also evidence that thousands to attempt to curtail the treat each other and the public with
candidates begin their maligning Russian operatives placed paid spreading of false information; but respect, but we can have hope.
of others, their supporters are political messages in American the public also has a responsibility
likely to hang on every word they media and organized political rallies to fact check information before

Foreclosures
420-423503 5/9,5/16,5/23,5/30jb
NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA
By virtue of the Power of Sale con- tained in that certain Commercial Deed To Secure Debt And
Security Agreement given by Joseph J. Sofet, a Georgia individual ("Borrower"), in favor of Cor-
nerstone Bank (“Lender”), dated May 2013, filed June 17, 2013 and recorded in Deed Book 23836,

Tax Sales/Ads for Bids


Pages 311-317, Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia Records (“Security Deed”), being given
to se- cure a Promissory Note made by Bor- rower in favor of Lender, dated May 24, 2013 in the
principal amount of SIX HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND A N D 0 0 / 1 0 0 t h s D O L L A
RS
($640,000.00) (“Note”), with interest
on the Note from the date thereof at the rate as provided therein on the unpaid balance until paid;
there will be sold by the undersigned at public outcry to the highest bidder before the courthouse

Trade Name Registrations


door at DeKalb County, Georgia, within the legal hours of sale on the first Tuesday in June 2019,
the following described real property (the “Property”):
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN LAND LOT 226 OF THE
18TH DISTRICT OF DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA, BEING LOT 11 OF MRS. VELMA ADAMS
PROPERTY ACCORDING TO PLAT OF SURVEY BY M.A. FREER, DATED MARCH 20, 1950,

Public Notices/Public meetings


RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 17, PAGE 63, DEKALB COUNTY RE- CORDS, AND BEING
MORE PAR- TICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOL- LOWS:
BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE WESTERLY SIDE OF CHAMBLEE- TUCKER ROAD,
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) FEET NORTHWEST- ERLY FROM THE NORTHWEST
IN- TERSECTION OF LAVISTA ROAD AND CHAMBLEE-TUCKER ROAD; RUNNING
THENCE NORTHWEST- ERLY SEVENTY FIVE (75) FEET; RUNNING THENCE WESTERLY
ONE HUNDRED NINETY AND NINE TENTHS (190.9) FEET; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY

Sheriff Sales/Local Legislation


EIGHTY (80) FEET; THENCE EASTERLY ONE HNDRED FIFTY TWO (152) FEET TO THE
WESTERLY SIDE OF CHAMBLEE-TUCKER ROAD AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND
BEING IMPROVED PROPERTY AND KNOWN AS NO. 5121 C H A M B L E E - T U C K E R
R O A D , DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA.
[The other tract described in the Se-
curity Deed has been released.] The debt secured by said Security Deed has been and is hereby

Notices of Incorporation
de- clared due because of, among other possible events of default, failure to
comply with the terms of the Note. The debt remaining in default and having been accelerated,
this sale will be made for the purpose of pay- ing the same and all expenses of this sale, including
attorneys’ fees (notice of intent to collect attorneys’ fees having been given).
Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (in- cluding taxes which
are a lien, but not yet due and payable), and to any as- sessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning
ordinances, restrictions, cov- enants, or other matters of record which are superior to the Security
Deed set out above.
To the best knowledge and belief of Lender, the described Property is in the possession of the
Estate of the Borrower. Said Property is more com- monly known as 5121 Chamblee Tucker Road,
Tucker, De Kalb County, Georgia 30084 .

To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com


The sale will be conducted subject to
(1) confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and (2) final con-
firmation and audit as to the status of the loan with the holder of the Security Deed. Cornerstone

or call 404-373-7779, X 0
Bank,
as Attorney-in-Fact for Joseph J. Sofet and/or the Estate of Joseph J. Sofet
Mitchell S. Rosen, Esq. Kitchens Kelley Gaynes, P.C.

#ItsInTheChampion
5555 Glenridge Connector, Suite 800
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
404-237-4100
THIS LAW FIRM IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A
DEBT. ANY IN- FORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
++ SOFET++
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • MAY 10, 2019 • Page 4

Mothers, others and more


“An ounce of mother is worth a many of us, though many seniors often and blessed Mother's and others Day to
pound of clergy,”~ Spanish proverb. fear or withdraw from that as well.    each and all of you.
  ‘One Man’s I’m clear that watching my
If you are reading or being told of
this column, you also at some point Opinion’ mother’s capacities and world
shrink will always bring on a mix of
Bill Crane also serves as a political
analyst and commentator for Channel 2’s
had a mother, or if you are blessed, you emotions—anger, frustration, even Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750
are a mother, grandmother or other in Bill Crane desire for more time with the mother and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
the raising of children and shaping of bill.csicrane@gmail.com of our youth—and yet, the empathy for The Champion, DeKalb Free Press
lives in your family, with each trying to and compassion that do exist in me and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
make sense and make their way on this also need to become stronger muscles native and business owner, living in
planet of ours.  can give her more of our time. Dad that I can more easily and readily Scottdale. You can reach him or comment
Each day, 10,000 American Baby reminded me of this recently, and that flex. We love you mom, and a happy on a column at bill.csicrane@gmail.com. 
Boomers reach the age of 65. By 2050, with the early loss of our brother—
the number of living Americans at or just more than five years ago—I am
above that anniversary milestone is her oldest, and now, only son. I have
projected to reach 82 million. Only tried to make the visits more frequent,
the Millennial generation at that point the texts near daily and deliver more
is expected to outnumber seniors in a frequent communication throughout the
nation with a projected population of week. 
roughly 400 million. Georgia remains I am my father’s son however,
a top tax- and location-friendly state and being emotive, on the phone or
for retirees, as ranked by Kiplinger in in person really isn’t in my DNA. I’m
2017, and our capital city of Atlanta is working on it. Phone calls, in my
the nation’s No.1 rapidly aging city (in mind, are more transactional in
terms of core population).  nature. Information is exchanged,
Many dual income families can’t meetings and appointments are
provide the round the clock support/ confirmed. Mom wants to know how
supervision or health care their senior I am feeling, or how my life is going.
family members may need; therefore She isn’t satisfied at all when I just say,
an increasing number of seniors may “fine.”  
also be living in medical and assisted Having a child with special needs
living retirement communities. An has made me a better parent and a more
industry leader, researcher and well- patient person, but I’m still struggling
regarded practitioner in this space is with translating that into being a better
Wesley Woods, an affiliate organization son.   
of Emory University and its health care Our mother who long worked
system, founded by the North Georgia while managing our household now
United Methodist Church. Wesley struggles with the most basic of life
Woods now houses and cares for more chores and daily events. Stepping in
than 1,800 seniors (1,100 women) there is not a problem, it’s just not
of all denominations in 10 locations possible every day. Even with three
across north Georgia.  siblings and grandchildren reasonably
A core vision of Wesley Woods is nearby, assisting in managing two large
to establish a world where everyone households is a stretch. Thankfully,
can age with grace, dignity and we are in a position that mom and dad
purpose.  will be able to age in place, and absent
While that purpose is noble and drastic changes in health/conditions,
good, making it reality is no easy task. their lives will be spent as they choose
Wesley Woods promotes independent in their own homes; but I am again
living with most residents in their own reminded that is not the case for many,
apartments, married couples sharing an if not most, families.
apartment, or receiving assistance and  Though the flowers will arrive
home care via federal subsidy or HUD for the coming holiday, and a Sunday
housing assistance.  supper with favorites is already being
As Mother’s Day nears, I am again planned for delivery, I know in the days
reminded that our family has been and weeks ahead, the greatest gift I
fortunate, and my folks want for very can give, or those of you with family
little. They have two homes, and more in Wesley Woods or another retirement
than two of most everything. What community can give is your voice, your
mom wants more of is time. We can’t presence and your time. Technology
control or quite deliver that, but we clearly facilitates and assists this for

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Taylor Robins We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: Donna Seay The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; 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
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
writer’s name, address and telephone number for verifi- Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc., a more educated citizenry that will
cation. All letters will be considered for publication. Thursday, one week prior to publication date. 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
Phone (404) 373-7779. ideas for discussion; however,
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 5

COUNTYWIDE COUNTYWIDE

Fire safety event targets


communities in need
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Volunteers with DeKalb
County Fire Rescue
Department and American
Red Cross partnered for
a “lifesaving” education
initiative, according to event
organizers.
On May 1, the DeKalb
County Fire and Rescue
Department hosted a public
education and service event
titled Sound the Alarm. During DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson hosted the third annual Opioid
the event, volunteers working Symposium at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in
with DeKalb County Fire Decatur.
Rescue staff replaced existing

Opioid crisis affects all


smoke alarm batteries and
educated families about fire
prevention and safety.
Approximately 300 smoke
alarms were installed at homes
in south DeKalb during the BY HORACE HOLLOMAN more biased in prescribing
event. horace@dekalbchamp.com opioids, so [Black] people
Kelly Sizemore, captain at don’t get prescribed as many
DeKalb County Fire Rescue, During the third annual prescription drugs,” Harley
said working smoke alarms Opioid Symposium at the said. “Over a period of
can increase the chance Porter Sanford III Performing time it looks as though the
of surviving a fire by 50 Arts and Community Center in black market has grown and
percent. Sizemore said the Decatur, Dr. Sharon Harley narcotics dealers are mixing
event also allowed volunteers said America’s opioid crisis synthetic opioids like fentanyl
an opportunity to educate is affecting more than just the and the death rate is catching
residents on fire prevention White population. up to the White population.”
measures. DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department and the American Red Cross hosted a Sound Harley said there’s a The Opioid Symposium
the Alarm event at DeKalb Fire Station 26 in Decatur. misconception in society that was hosted by DeKalb
“We provide prevention
information because the best opioids mainly affect White, County Commissioner Larry
fire is one that doesn’t start at rural communities, but that’s Johnson. Organizations such
alerted about the fire. One Terri Badour, executive as Aetna, National Association
all. We don’t want people to director of the American Red not true, she said.
of the saddest things is we of Counties, Fulton DeKalb
be out of [their] homes. That’s Cross of Georgia, said during “What we do know is
went to a home and the first Hospital Authority and
what we’re here for. We want the Red Cross’ three-week that when it comes to death
thing people say is they’re Morehouse School of
to prevent that,” Sizemore nationwide smoke alarm by opioid overdose, in the
thankful someone was driving Medicine partnered with
said. initiative, volunteers installed African-American population,
by and alerted us to the fire,” Johnson for the event.
Sizemore said smoke more than 100,000 free smoke we are now starting to close
Martin said. “This is critically Johnson said the opioid
alarms can usually give alarms in at-risk areas. the gap. This is something we
important. We not only install crisis must be taken seriously.
individuals enough warning to “It’s really important to need to look at,” Harley said.
smoke detectors, but we talk According to an investigation
get out of the home if a fire is have a smoke alarm in the According to a report from
about fire safety.” by the Associated Press and
present. house. You have less than two the Centers of Disease Control
Martin said a lot of fires Center for Public Integrity,
“A home can be minutes to get out of your and Prevention, opioids are
are started by overloading approximately 227 million
replaced—people cannot. We home when a fire occurs,” the most common cause of
power strips and unsafe opioid prescriptions were
try to save lives on the front Badour said. “It can literally overdose deaths in the United
cooking practices and that issued in the United States in
end,” Sizemore said. mean the difference between States among all races and
families should create and 2015 generating opioid sales
Red Cross volunteer and life and death.” ethnicities. In 2016, the drug-
routinely practice a fire escape of $9.6 billion. Approximately
DeKalb County Fire and Badour said she wants related mortality rate (per
plan. 356,000 Americans died of
Rescue reserve Denise Martin local communities to know 100,000) for Whites was 25.3,
“Everyone has been very drug overdoses between 2006
participated in the Sound the they can contact the American Blacks 17.1 and Hispanics 9.5.
appreciative of us being there. and 2014, according to the
Alarm event and said she felt Red Cross at any time if Harley said medical
If we can just save one life, report.
like she made a difference in they’re in need. bias may have played a role
that’s critical,” Martin said. Johnson said his third
the community. “So many folks know in “saving” Blacks from
According to the National Opioid Symposium addressed
During the event, Martin about the Red Cross because the opioid crisis in its early
Fire Protection Association, how youth are impacted by the
encountered a 90-year-old we’re there during a huge stages but said now it’s clear
an average of 1,450 fire deaths crisis.
female who was unaware national event or disaster, but the crisis is affecting all
occur every year in homes with “If family members are
her smoke detector batteries they don’t know that day in communities.
missing or non-functioning going through this addiction,
needed to be replaced. The and day out we’re responding “When the medical
smoke alarms. According then they are all going to be
detector also was outdated, to home fires. That’s the provider does not look
to the American Red Cross, impacted by it. The youth need
Martin said. biggest disaster we respond like you, they tend to be
26 percent of families have
“We’ve been in too many developed and practiced a to,” Badour said.  
homes where people aren’t home fire escape plan. SEE OPIOID ON PAGE 6
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 6

DORAVILLE

Mattress company’s plan for new headquarters comes to rest in Doraville


BY KATHY MITCHELL close to MARTA and takes into
FREELANCE REPORTER consideration the commute for
employees already in Atlanta.”
She said the company
Serta Simmons Bedding, looked for a site that could
which bills itself as the largest accommodate both office
manufacturer, marketer and space for more than 500
supplier of mattresses in North employees as well as light
America, now has its corporate manufacturing. “We needed
team at one location—the a single tenant space to
Assembly development in keep our team together. The
Doraville. Assembly location met all
“It has been our long- these requirements,” according
term goal to bring our teams to McGuffey.
together, and a few years ago The more than 460
we started exploring potential employees who moved to the
locations. We are thrilled to new campus are from existing
now have everyone together Atlanta locations along with
in Doraville,” said Kristen some who chose to relocate
McGuffey, the company’s from the Chicago area. “All
general counsel, who was new positions, except those
intimately involved in the site that are by design, remote—
selection and build of the new such as sales roles—will be
corporate campus. based out of the Doraville
The five-acre, office, at all levels. In fact,
210,000-square-foot facility Gov. Brian Kemp was among the luminaries gathered May 3 to welcome Serta Simmons to its new headquarters in Doraville. Photo
by Taylor Robbins our new CEO, who is also
is now the workplace for our chairman, will be moving
approximately 500 Serta to Atlanta later this month,”
Simmons Bedding employees McGuffey said.
as the company combines its additional talent, it made were met.” floor, to maximize the natural
sense to find a new location The new headquarters, lighting and the campus She remarked that the
four U.S. office locations into state and local business
one space. in this region. The Assembly which is already fully includes a fitness center and
location met our requirements operational, held its grand two cafés with mini-markets. communities have been helpful
“We recognized the value and welcoming, adding that “a
of having our corporate team and we are excited to be the opening May 3. “All “We are also piloting an
first corporate business to be employees are moved in and on-campus food service for great champion of our move
together in one campus. here” has been Doraville
Previously, based on our in the development. Also, we have been getting positive employee convenience—but
the plans for mixed use, with feedback about the design,” we know that the Doraville/ Mayor Donna Pittman, who
company history and how was among those at the grand
we came together, we had retail and dining options, McGuffey said. She noted that Chamblee area also has
make it an attractive campus employees have commented many great dining options opening, which McGuffey
three campuses in Atlanta— said was held “to introduce
Simmons and some corporate for employees as the site is on such features as the interior nearby and Assembly, once
populated with additional design, which she said has a completed, will provide dining ourselves to the greater
functions in Concourse; business community, and we
corporate headquarters in businesses. residential/industrial feel. “For options in walking distance.”
“There are always hurdles every office or workstation She explained that the look forward to being good
Buckhead; and research and neighbors.”
innovation in Norcross—and when you undertake a project there is another chair in a Assembly location was chosen
of this scale and scope but on collaboration, meeting or open after the company considered The facility was designed
our Serta brand was based for growth, according to
in Hoffman Estates outside the whole our transition was space to encourage our teams various locations. “We
smooth,” she acknowledged. to work together and to work quickly narrowed it down to McGuffey. “Currently we have
Chicago,” McGuffey said. more than 460 employees
She said because the site “We had great internal differently. These include Atlanta because most of our
resources and worked together conference rooms, huddle team is located in the Atlanta on-site and we have capacity
is “almost the epicenter to for more than 600. Also, the
where our current employees with our real estate firm, the rooms, focus rooms, lounge area,” McGuffey continued.
builders, the architects and areas and even two rooms with “We explored both existing space was designed to be
in Atlanta lived when we configurable and flexible so
started this project and we corporate relocation specialists treadmills.” and new sites in and around
to make sure that all of our McGuffey said all offices Atlanta. Our selection criteria we can adapt the space as our
thought the location near employee base and business
MARTA would attract move and occupancy deadlines are on the interior of each included a location that is
needs change.”

CELEBRATED OPIOID
Continued From Page 2A Continued From Page 5A
not just about having fun, they are to know the signs and symptoms of addiction
really competitive.” and what steps they can take to help their family
The oldest male participant in recover,” Johnson said.
this year’s Senior Olympics is 87 and Johnson said his fourth opioid symposium
the oldest female participant is 81, will discuss addiction and how it affects opioid
according to event organizers. providers, public safety personnel and family
“I love watching the line dancing members.
every year because that gets people “I’m here to educate the people of color
up and moving. I like seeing people about this disease and let them know this is
having fun and getting up and moving. something that impacts everybody,” Johnson
This is our 33rd year doing this and said. “We can now have a discussion with every
that’s a pretty good history. We’re group and ask ourselves, ‘where do we go from
always trying to take input every year here?’”
on how to make it better,” Ellis said.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 7

WEEK in PICTURES

Attendees experience Nemesis 360 during Dunwoody's Lemonade Days festival held April 27-28. Photo
provided by city of Dunwoody Twitter page.

Clarkston recently held a Culture Fest April 27, where attendees were able to learn about the different
cultures in DeKalb County. Photo provided by DeKalb County School District Twitter Page.

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon, UGA Extension and DeKalb County 4H taught children how
to plant flowers and pick up litter at Fork Creek Mountain Park. Photo by Keep DeKalb Beautiful. Evansdale Elementary School held their annual Art/Music Night April 30. Photo provided by Raylene Lowe

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.

@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
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
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 8

ATLANTA IN DEKALB

Supporters of James O’Donnell attend an event celebrating the teacher’s career with DeKalb County School District. Photo provided by Todd Tahtinen.

Teacher of the Year award stripped one day before celebration


policies, practices, rules or HMES Assistant Principal
BY TAYLOR ROBINS regulations or change in
taylor@dekalbchamp.com Gail Jones were also in
employment status.” attendance.
O’Donnell allegedly sent “[O’Donnell] probably
James O’Donnell, a a student out of the gym
Henderson Mill Elementary greeted every single person
because of unacceptable with a big smile and a hug,”
School (HMES) physical behavior in November 2018.
education teacher, has been said Herron Carson.
According to community The private “Support for
stripped of his Teacher of members, the student
the Year award by DeKalb Dr. James O’Donnell (OD)
was asked to stand in the Henderson Mill Elementary
County School District doorway in O’Donnell’s
(DCSD) following an School” Facebook page
line of sight, under an has gained 904 supporters
incident that resulted in his awning that connects the
suspension. since Nov. 28. Members
school’s gym to the main of the group attended
After O’Donnell was building. At the time there
voted teacher of the year school event and board of
was rain and temperatures education meetings until
by HMES staff in March, were in mid-40s. After the James O’Donnell cuts a cake with his student supporters at an April 27 event. Photo
DCSD officials rescinded provided by Julie Herron Carson. O’Donnell was allowed
student went home wet, to work at HMES again.
O’Donnell’s award O’Donnell was suspended
April 26─a day before agreement that allowed Julie Herron Carson, an A GoFundMe page was
and allegedly told by school created by the group to help
his celebration to thank district officials to retire or O’Donnell to return to work O’Donnell supporter.
community members for Feb. 25. After O’Donnell’s with O’Donnell’s legal fees.
be fired. As of May 1, the page has
their support during his After O’Donnell’s According to eligibility award was rescinded,
suspension. criteria for the award, a approximately 200 of raised $20,728 with 173
suspension, a group of donations.
“Mr. James O’Donnell HMES alumni, former nominee should not “have his supporters─students,
does not meet the eligibility disciplinary documentation parents, teachers and other “It is unfortunate
teachers, community that this harassment of
criteria for Teacher of members and students or negative performance community members─still
the Year,” said DCSD evaluations currently or gathered at Shallowford [O’Donnell] and disrespect
attended DCSD board of for teachers and the
officials in a press release. education meetings and for the past two school Presbyterian Church April
“The district reserves the years (including the current 27 to celebrate his 40-year community continues,” said
other district events to an unnamed supporter on
right to use alternates or advocate for O’Donnell’s year).” career with the school.
exclude winners for non- “What in the world [was DCSD board member the GoFundMe page.
return. O’Donnell and
compliance of school board the district reached an DCSD] thinking?” asked Allyson Gevertz and former

EDUCATION BRIEFS by Taylor Robins • Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

Locals accepted to University of the students are David Davis Jr. of Dunwoody and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), was a member
Jacqueline Petty of Lithonia. of a student team that recently completed a, hands-on
the Cumberlands’ class of 2023 Term 3 graduates include students at TROY’s research project through the WPI project center in
campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery, Bangkok. The project was titled Conserving Energy
University of the Cumberlands admitted the Ala., along with teaching sites outside of Alabama for Orphans.
following students for the fall class of 2019: and online. At WPI, all undergraduates are required to
Chris Stephens and Antonio Kilgore, who complete a research-driven, professional-level project
both attend Decatur High School and are Decatur that applies science and technology to address an
residents; and Jordan Battles, who attends Riverside Weddington returns following important societal need or issue. About two-thirds of
Military Academy and is a Doraville resident.
Troy University announces Term 3 graduates
research project students complete a project at one of the university’s
more than 50 off-campus project centers, which are
Troy University has recognized students who located around the world.
Nicholas Weddington of Stone Mountain, a
completed the requirements for graduation during
member of the class of 2020 robotics engineering
Term 3 of the 2018-2019 academic year, among
and electrical and computer engineering major at
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 9

CLARKSTON
SAFETY
Continued From Page 1A
educate individuals on the
City adopts moratorium on
demolition of historic structures
dangers of driving while
impaired.
“We want to make sure
people know the dangers of
impaired driving and distracted
driving. We’re also here to BY CARLA PARKER need to go through a process the city is in the process of which apparently submitted
make sure the children are and get approval from the appointing members to the an application to demolish
buckled up correctly, and if carla@dekalbchamp.com HPC,” Quinn said. “If the commission and establishing a after this meeting was noticed
they’re not, we want to provide home is deemed to be both historic preservation district. to the public,” Quinn said.
resources as far as car seats Clarkston city council
approved a resolution historic and not falling down, “This resolution would “Potentially, they could file
and car seat inspections,” then I would not expect that only last for six months or a lawsuit and ask for what’s
Dunn said.    that imposes a six-month
moratorium on demolition demolition to be approved.” less if the historic district is called vested rights. What
Dunn also said such events Quinn said the issue the established, then the resolution would be at stake is the
help build a relationship requests of structures within
the potential historic district of city is facing is property moratorium would go away permission to demolish the
between communities and law owners possibly demolishing and that process to ask for a structures.”
enforcement. the city.
The council approved historic structures before the permit to demolish would be in Quinn said the council
“This is great because city implements its historic place,” Quinn said. should pass the moratorium
normally people would see us the resolution with a 4-0
vote at an April 30 special preservation program. Before the vote, resolution in order to preserve
and tell their kids ‘If you don’t “Under the state law councilmembers Jamie the structures.
behave, I’m going to tell that called meeting. The vote
comes after the city council and in the ordinance that we Carroll and YT Bell had “I personally don’t see
police office.’ We don’t want adopted, there is a provision concerns about potential legal what would be the bargaining
that. We want the community adopted a historic preservation
ordinance to preserve historic for the historic preservation risks the city could face if power that the city would
to be able to come with us and commission to impose a developers file a lawsuit in bring to asking nicely not to
not be afraid to ask questions. structures and neighborhoods
in the city. The North moratorium when they’re response to the moratorium. demolish to a developer that
At the end of the day, we’re considering designating “I do think buildings has already told us they want
here for the community.” American Missionary Board
has submitted an application a property or an area [as] should be saved, but I think to demolish,” Quinn said.
DeKalb resident Rae Diaz historic and the purpose is we should see if there is a way Mayor Ted Terry said
said she came to the event to demolish structures for
its expansion project for obvious,” Quinn said. “Once to work it out consensually since the expansion plan was
with her family to learn about someone who is interested in before going to the moratorium brought to the public, there
safety for children. Diaz said Clarkston International Bible
Church. development learns that that route because I think that were concerns about some of
she was interested in water property might be categorized there are legal risks in going the historic properties in the
safety instructions offered at City Attorney Stephen
Quinn said the next step as historic, then they’re going this route even if the city neighborhood.
the event. to rush to city hall to try to get ultimately triumphs,” Carroll “We’ve had lots of public
Diaz said Safe Kids Day in accomplishing historic
preservation is to appoint a permit to demolish before the said. “If it can’t be worked feedback about establishing
was a great opportunity for her historic preservation rules can out consensually then I would this historic preservation
children to meet public safety a historic preservation
commission (HPC), which will be put in place. support the moratorium, but commission,” Terry said. “I
officials in person. The resolution approved I want to make sure that that think this is right in line with
“It’s good for them to see consist of volunteers who have
skills in historic preservation. by city council would place route has been exhausted.” what the council has been
this up close and personal. I a six-month moratorium on Quinn said he believes the saying for almost a year about
think this is great. The kids “Once that’s set up; then if
anyone wants to, for example, demolitions within a potential moratorium is legal. the desire to do this.”
come out and they can see that historic district if a demolition “I believe that the North
all these people care about you. demolish a structure in a
historic district, they would application is filed while American Mission Board,
These people are here to help
you,” Diaz said.
Diaz said she wants
her children to develop
relationships with law
enforcement to help deter them
from committing crimes in the
Juvenile suspect arrested after pellet gun attack
future. process started April 25.
“As long as we do the right BY TAYLOR ROBINS According to an April 25
thing, law enforcement will Taylor@dekalbchamp.com DCSD statement, there was
always be there to help you. no threat of the suspect getting
This is important for the youth into the school building.
After a pellet gun
because they get into so much DCSD Police identified the
shooting at Wynbrooke
trouble nowadays,” Diaz said. suspect April 26. After police
Elementary School on April
“Building these relationships secured a search warrant,
25 in Stone Mountain, a
are important.” the suspect’s residence was
juvenile suspect was arrested
May 3. searched and a pellet gun was
The unnamed suspect retrieved, according to DCSD.
SUBSCRIBE was found in Durham, North DCSD has not released the
suspect’s identity.
Carolina after DeKalb County
TO THE CHAMPION School District (DCSD) According to a DCSD
Police Department press
NEWSPAPER Police issued a warrant for the DCSD gives update on Wynbrooke incident that involved a pellet gun.
suspect’s arrest April 30. release, the department isssued
area. The students, who had Egleston Hospital to be treated
404.373.7779 Nine students were hit non-life-threatening injuries, or picked up by their parents,
an arrest warrant for the
juvenile suspect April 30. The
with pellets April 25 when the
EXT. 100 suspect started shooting at the
were taken to Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at
according to DCSD officials.
The student’s discharge
suspect faces nine counts of
playground from a wooded aggravated assault.

THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
AROUNDDeKalb
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 10

BROOKHAVEN are welcome to fill the role.


To register for the event,
Tigers and the Feed & Seed
Marching Abominables.
Adult field day scheduled be purchased at the front
desk of Tucker Recreation
Mother, son dance visit Brookhavenga.org. Atlanta Braves organist Friends of Tucker Center during business hours
scheduled and former Tucker resident Recreation Center will host or at the gate on the day of
TUCKER Matthew Kaminsky will Tucker’s first Adult Field Day the event or online at www.
Brookhaven Parks and serve as grand marshall May 18, 5-8 p.m. The event tuckerrec.org/adult-field-
Recreation Department Tucker Day coming soon for the parade. For more will feature standard tailgate day-registration. Proceeds
is launching its first ever information, visit www. games as well as bubble from the event will go
Mother/Son Dance planned The 63rd annual Tucker tuckerday.com. soccer, a water balloon toward helping with the cost
for May 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Day will be held May 11 toss competition and a DJ of tuition for need-based
at Lynwood Park Recreation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on spinning classic tunes from students attending Tucker’s
Center, 3360 Osborne Road. Main Street. The one-day the '80s and '90s. Tickets can 2019 Summer Camp.
Refreshments, celebration will include
decorations, giveaways will food, crafts, professional
be available and a DJ playing local-centric music, a M E T R O P O L I TA N AT L A N TA R A P I D T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y
the latest hit songs and human-powered parade,
taking special requests. The a community stage for
event is intended for boys up and coming amateur
performers and a battle Notice of Public Hearings
ages 5-15. If mom is not
available, “substitute” moms of the bands between The
(grandmother, aunt, etc.) Tucker High School Marching Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will hold public hearings
for the purpose of considering the

Proposed FY 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets

Monday, May 13 Tuesday, May 14 Wednesday, May 15


Decatur Library
Auditorium MARTA Clayton County
Headquarters Commission Chambers
215 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30030 2424 Piedmont Road NE 112 Smith Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30324 Jonesboro, GA 30236
Community Exchange: 6 pm
Community Exchange: 6 pm Community Exchange: 6 pm
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm
Riding MARTA: Blue Line to
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm
Decatur Station; exit onto Riding MARTA: North Line to Lind-
Church Street and bergh Station Riding MARTA: Bus Route 193
continue one block east

Copies of the proposed FY 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets will also be available for public viewing at
MARTA’s Headquarters Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during
regular business hours, Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5 pm.

For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations con-
tact, (404) 848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained
by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665.

In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings
and want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Office
of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete an online Comment
Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) email to custserv@itsmarta.com; (5) or fax your comments no later than
May 24, 2019 to (404) 848-4179.

All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests
are affected by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at
said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require.

Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO


SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 11

BASKETBALL

Greenforest center Aminata Ly signed with Cleveland State University May 2. Photos by Carla Parker Aminata Ly finished her senior season averaging 16 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.

Greenforest’s Aminata Ly signs with Cleveland State


BY CARLA PARKER Ly, who is 6-foot-3, said the “She’s one of those players that’s had a quadruple-double, [which was]
Carla@dekalbchamp.com coaches told her they were impressed definitely going to blossom at the next the first time in school history for boys
with her height and needed someone level because of her potential." and girls,” he said.
with her arm length on the team. Her Ly moved to the United States from Ly recorded the quadruple-double
Greenforest senior center Aminata height has led her to finish first and Dakar, Senegal two years ago. She said (23 points, 22 rebounds, 13 steals and
Ly will take her talents to Cleveland second in blocks her junior and senior the transition was hard in the beginning 11 blocks) her junior year against W.D
State University. seasons respectively in Class A. but got better day-by-day. She said Mouhamed.
Ly signed her letter of intent Ly finished her senior season her two years at Greenforest was a “She’s been a joy to coach because
to Cleveland State May 2 in front averaging 16 points, 13 rebounds, phenomenal experience. of her attitude and because of her
of family, teammates, coaches and four blocks and three steals. She “I like everyone at Greenforest,” commitment,” Burnam said. "I’m
supporters. The Senegal native said was a unanimous first team all- she said. “The coaches, everybody kept looking forward to seeing her do well
one of the reasons she signed with region selection in region 5-A and a pushing me and that’s been a great at the college level because her ceiling
Cleveland State is its business program. Class A all-state honorable mention. thing for me.” is super high. As long as she commits
“I’m [majoring] in business and Greenforest coach Fredrick Burnam Burnam said Ly made a lot of and work hard in the classroom and
they have one of the best business said Ly was the cornerstone of the team progress on the basketball court in two on the court, I think she’s going to do
programs in the U.S.,” she said. “I like the last two seasons. years. some great things on the next level.”
the basketball team and my family lives “She has a great attitude and she’s “She shattered the school records
in the area.” a beautiful person,” Burnam said. in blocks and rebounds and she even

TENNIS

Chamblee wins third consecutive


girls’ tennis state title
BY CARLA PARKER second victory for Chamblee
in No. 2 doubles after winning
Carla@dekalbchamp.com their match 2-0 (6-3, 6-3) over
Kell’s Abby Johnson and
The Chamblee Lady
Sam Goss.
Bulldogs’ tennis team became
The No. 1 doubles
three-time state champions
team of junior Madison
after their 3-0 victory over
Trinh and senior Madeline
Kell in the Class AAAAA
Meer clinched the state
title match on May 4 at
championship for Chamblee
Rome Tennis Center at Berry
after a 2-0 (6-4, 6-3) win over
College.
Kell’s Alex Rapplean and
Sophomore Lila David Senior Madeline Meer, pictured, and teammate Chamblee girls’ tennis team won its third consecutive Class AAAAA state title
Paulina Katsoudas. Madison Trinh clinched the state championship after beating Kell 3-0. Photos by Mark Brock
gave Chamblee its first game
Chamblee became the for Chamblee after a 2-0 victory in No. 1 singles.
victory of the day with a 2-0
first girls’ tennis team to win
win (6-2, 6-0) over Kell’s
three state titles and three
Samantha Norman in
consecutive titles (2017-2019) for Chamblee boys (Class postponed due to rain and time.
No. 3 singles. Chamblee’s
in DeKalb County School AAAAA), Marist girls thunderstorms. The matches To view the results, visit
sophomore Samantha
District’s history. (Class AAAA) and Paideia were held May 7 and results www.thechampionnewspaper.
McCrery and freshman
The state title matches boys (Class A-Private) were were not available by press com.
Allison Lvovich clinched the
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 • Page 12

STONECREST

Purchase of land at Stonecrest intersection finalized


BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Stonecrest officials
announced May 3 that Mayor
Jason Lary and city attorneys
have finalized the purchase of
land on the corner of Evans
Mill and Salem Roads
The purchase of the 8.8
acres comes a little more than
a month after Stonecrest City
Council unanimously agreed
to purchase the land at 5987
Salem Road in an amount not
to exceed $350,000 or the
appropriately appraised value
under municipal law. The vote
came weeks after Lary and
councilman George Turner Stoncrest is in the process of evaluating and selecting traffic engineering companies to determine the intersection’s safest options, including a roundabout. Photo provided by
stopped the development of a Stonecrest
proposed convenience store and
gas station at the intersection. station when Lary approached purchase was so that everyone gives us space for a park and is in the process of evaluating
Many residents in the area him about selling the property. in the scenario could win,” the unique opportunity to and selecting traffic engineering
opposed having a gas station With the purchase of the Lary said in a released transform one of the city’s most companies to determine the
at the intersection. According land, Lary said, city staff will statement. “The citizens didn’t dangerous intersections with intersection’s safest options,
to city officials, property have an opportunity to evaluate want a gas station on that a safety control device or a whether it’s a traffic light,
owner Shawn Ali applied the area and how they want it corner. We have the money to roundabout." roundabout or other road
for a permit and was moving to look. purchase park land using our According to city engineer construction measures.
forward with his plans to build “The purpose of the SPLOST funds. The purchase Ken Hildebrandt, city staff
the convenience store and gas

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