FREEPRESS

the DeKalb FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 VOL. 21, NO. 27 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

Its like
a family
Celebrating
Southwest DeKalb
by R. Scott Belzer Johnson.
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com Johnson said

M
ore than 1,500
alumni from
Southwest
DeKalb High
School came together
Aug. 5 to celebrate the
schools history, shared
history and community
as part of the seventh
annual Southwest
DeKalb Alumni Cookout.
Its just family,
said Danny Davison,
Southwest DeKalb
High School Alumni
Association president
and member of the
class of 91. When I
was in high school there
was five years of high
schoolwe didnt have
middle school. When you
spend five years with
someone, regardless of
age, you get a kinship
with them. As the years
get along, you need a
reason to stick together.
For many Southwest
DeKalb High School
alumni, one reason for
staying in touch is the
annual cookout.
The 2017 cookout
took place at Salem Park
and was also celebrated
as Southwest DeKalb
Day in DeKalb County
by Commissioner Larry
Southwest DeKalb
earned the distinction
because of its student
retention in the
community, appearances
in movies and television
as well as its sense of
fellowship.
Davison said the
alumni cookout began
in 2010 and has grown
each year for the past
seven years. He said the
alumni associations ties
to local businesses and
other governing bodies
allow the operation to run
smoothly.
As part of the Southwest DeKalb Alumni Associations seventh annual alumni cookout, DeKalb
We average County commissioner Larry Johnson officially designated Aug. 5, 2017 as Southwest DeKalb Day in
about 1,200 to 1,500 DeKalb County. Pictured: Johnson, Southwest DeKalb Alumni Association president Danny Davison
and Southwest DeKalb principal Thomas Glanton. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
alumni, Davison said.
Preparation alone
begins in March. We
work with DeKalb County
Parks & Recreation and
[rental companies] and
everybody works with
us.
Davison said the main
comment he receives as
feedback is, We cant
wait for next year.
Weve actually
outgrown Salem
Park, Davison said.
Were looking to move
somewhere a bit bigger.
Davison said the
difference between
Southwest DeKalb High

See SWD on page 5

Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news. @DeKalbChampNews

LOCAL
Former Shadow Rock principal Karen Williams began at Dunwoody High School as
assistant principal Aug. 7 following reassignment for under-performance. Photo
submitted.
COUNTYWIDE
NEED
ASSISTANCE?
School district announces 30
new assistant principals
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County
School District (DCSD)
announced the placement
of 30 assistant principals
July 29, including four
under-performing, former
principals.
Former Shadow Rock
Elementary principal
Karen Williams will be
an assistant principal at
Dunwoody High. Ledra
Jemison, former principal
at Stoneview Elementary,
will be Stone Mountain
Middles new assistant
principal. Former Panola
Way principal Ethan Suber
will be at Stephenson
Middle as assistant principal
while Rodney Mallory
will remain at DeKalb
Alternative School as an
assistant principal.
In total, DCSD welcomed
nine outside hires and
21 current employees to
assistant principal positions
throughout DeKalb County.
The announcement came
approximately one week
after the announcement of
17 new district principals.
Outside hires are now
located at Chamblee
High, Lakeside High,
DeKalb Alternative, Chapel
Hill Middle, Woodridge
Elementary, Towers High,
Redan Elementary, Narvie
Harris Elementary and
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 2
Former Panola Way principal Ethan
Outside hire Clifton Spears began his role as Chamblee High Schools
Suber took on a new role as a assistant principal Aug. 7. Spears is one of nine new assistant principal
Stephenson Middle assistant principal hires for the 2017-2018 school year. Photo submitted.
on Aug. 7, following reassignment for
under-performance. Photo submitted.
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Eleven of the newly
hired principals were
promoted from within
DCSD, Patrick said.
Seven of the newly hired
principals were promoted
from outside of DCSD,
but two of the seven were
former DCSD employees
before leaving for another
district. Twenty-one of
the newly hired assistant
principals were promoted
from within DCSD.
Patrick said no new hires
come from out of state. He
also said the district did not
use signing bonuses during
this recruitment season.
According to Jester,
of the nine principals
reassigned in May, two
Terry Segovis and Syliva
Pilsonhave retired.
Dominique Drew-Terrell
remains at DCSD under
a teachers contract while
Michael Williamson now
works as an instructional
technology manager and
Zack Phillips works as an
early childhood coordinator.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
Volunteer Day at Murphy Candler
Park
The Murphy Candler Park Conservancy
will host a volunteer day Aug. 13 from 1 to 4
p.m. Projects will include removing invasive
ivy/privet, planting native trees and flowers,
trash and limb clean-up, boat crews collecting
floating debris, sports leagues clearing parking
lots and fields and other projects. Volunteers
can sign-in at the caretakers garage1531
West Nancy Creek Drive or the playground
parking lot4035 Candler Lake East. For more
information, email Steve Peters at stevebp@
bellsouth.net.
program, Welcome Wednesdays, on Aug. 16,
Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.
The eventsemphasizing play and learning
through the arts, sciences and literature,
according to History Center officialswill cover
different subject areas for toddlers ages 2 to 5.
In all of the programs, children will listen to a
story and work on an art project based on the
theme of the program.
The theme for the month of August is
Shapes!
Big shapes, little shapes, round shapes,
pointy shapes, how many shapes will we
discover? reads an event description.
Welcome Wednesdays are scheduled for
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $3 for members
and $6 for non-members.
Registration is encouraged. For more
information, contact Marissa Howard at
howard@dekalbhistory.org or call (404) 373-
Womens prayer brunch announced
Ousley United Methodist Church has
announced that its annual fall yard sale will be
held Saturday, Sept. 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.
Book sale announced
What is referred to as a Super Book
Sale will be held, Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10
a.m. until 4 p.m. at Stonecrest Library, 3123

CHAMBLEE
1088. Klondike Road.
Book genres and items to be sold include
fiction, non-fiction, crafts, text books, romance,

Onion Man to host end-of-summer DUNWOODY magazines, encyclopedias and books on tape/
CD, DVDs and VHS.
For additional information call (404) 482-
series 3828.
Onion Man Productionsa nonprofit theater
Lace up for Lekotek Run 4Kids

STONE
company located at 5522 New Peachtree
Roadis scheduled to host The Summer of Lekoteka local nonprofit with the mission
Our Discontent series Aug. 17 through Aug. of helping children succeed and learn through

23.
The series is described by event officials
as an eclectic mix of short plays by local
playwrights that help celebrate the last days
of summer, Local playwrights include Nick
Boretz, Shemetra Carter-Fair, David Allan
Dodson, David Fisher, Kate Guyton, Daphne
Mintz and Marki Shalloe.
Directors include Boretz, Dodson, Guyton,
Scott King, James Beck, Linda Place, Scott
Russeau and Starshine Stansfield.
At the end of a long hot summer during
a very contentious time, there is a lot of
discontent in every political and social camp,
The Summer of Our Discontent seemed like
MOUNTAIN
playwill host The Lekotek Run 4Kids on Aug.
12 beginning at 8 a.m.
The event will feature a four-mile race at
8 a.m. and a one-mile fun run at 9 a.m. Both
events will begin at 2101 Womack Road, the Historical Society to host BBQ
site of Georgia State Universitys Dunwoody
campus. The Stone Mountain Historical Society will
Event officials state funds raised through host a barbecue fundraiser Aug. 19 from 6 to 9
registration will be used so additional children p.m. at the Wells Brown House. The fundraiser
can benefit from their play library and other will benefit the historical society. The Wells
resources. Brown House is located at 1036 Ridge Ave.
This family-friendly race is well organized, For more information, contact Pat Boudreau at
runner-friendly, with refreshments and family p.boud@yahoo.com.
activities following the run, officials state. You
dont have to be an athlete to participate, just
someone who wants to make a difference!

a nice name for this varied collection of short
plays, said Fisher. Our hope is always to
entertain our audience and to walk away from
the experience knowing it was time well spent.
Do I hope these plays will change someones
life? Heaven forbid.
Plays will be presented Thursday, Friday
and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. as well as 3 p.m. on
Sundays. Ticket prices range from $12 to $17.
For more information, visit www.
onionmanproductions.com.
To register, visit lekotekga.org or call (404)
633-3430. Registration prices vary by age.
LITHONIA
Community Appreciation Day coming
DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra
DeBerry will host the fifth annual Community
Appreciation Day on Saturday, Aug. 12, 5-9
p.m. at Browns Mill Aquatic Facility, 4929
TUCKER
Library, police to launch program
The DeKalb County Police Department
and DeKalb County Public Library will launch
Safety with a Cop Aug. 12 at Tucker-Reid
H. Cofer Library. The one-hour event, which
begins at 2 p.m., allows residents to meet with
police officers in an informal, neutral space to
discuss safety concerns and to build a stronger
relationship with police in the community.

DECATUR Browns Mill Road in Lithonia.

History center continues Welcome
The family-oriented event will include
complimentary entry into the facility, a
Residents can also learn how to better protect
themselves, their homes and families. The
library is located at 5234 LaVista Road. For
complimentary food ticket and music. The
event is designed to thank citizens for their
more information, call (770) 270-8234.

Wednesdays ongoing support.

For more information on Community
The DeKalb History Centerlocated at Appreciation Day at Browns Mill Aquatic
101 E. Court Squarewill continue its toddler Facility, call (404)-371-2251.
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Gabrielle Balkan and Sol Lineros 50 Cities of the U.S.A. offers a glimpse into Atlanta and DeKalb County.
LEARNING LOCAL LEGENDS
Childrens book highlights DeKalb, Atlanta
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Students near and far will have
the opportunity to learn about
Atlanta and DeKalb County, as
they are featured in Gabrielle
Balkan and Sol Lineros 50 Cities
of the U.S.A., a childrens book
highlighting cities throughout the
country.
Over the course of 112 pages,
readers are given an all-access
pass to famous and lesser-known
amenities in such cities as New
York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las
Vegas, Miami, Honolulu and
Charleston.
Each city is featured in a two-
page profile that includes an
illustrated map, famous past and
present residents, key facts, as well
as landmarks. Each profile also
includes A day in.. section that
guides readers through an ideal day
in each city.
The book is considered a
companion to Balkan and Lineros
The 50 States, which applies a
similar concept to states.
Included in the spread are
DeKalb Countys The Little Shop
of Stories (133 E. Court Square,
Decatur), The Waffle House
Museum (2719 E. College Ave,
Avondale Estates), the Cator
Woolford Estate (1815 S. Ponce
de Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta) and
Oglethorpe University (4484
Peachtree Road, NE, Brookhaven).
A time capsule was buried here
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 4
Gabrielle Balkan
in 1940, not to be opened until
8113! reads the description about
Oglethorpe. It contains a pocket
watch, aluminum foil, mannequins,
books, newsreels and more.
This is the site of the very first
Waffle House, which opened in
1955, reads the description about
Avondale Estates Waffle House
Museum. Devour a stack of waffles
from the southern institution that is
Waffle Housethere are some 132
restaurants in Atlanta alone!
Balkan includes such locations
alongside such Atlanta landmarks
as The Varsity, CNN studios, Krog
Street Tunnel, the Atlanta Botanical
Gardens, the High Museum of
Art, the Center for Puppetry Arts
Museum, The Dogwood Festival,
Centennial Olympic Park and
Martin Luther King, Jr.s birthplace.
Atlantas own Deborah Wiles,
Spike Lee, Julia Roberts, Carrie
Steel Logan, Andre Lauren
Benjamin a.k.a. Andre 3,000 and
Maynard Jackson are featured
on the books pages dedicated to
Atlanta, also referred to as The Big
Peach.
According to Quarto, who helps
fund more than 30 publishers, the
book boasts more than 2,000 total
facts.
Explore skyscraper streets,
museum miles, local food trucks
and city parks of the United States
of America and discover more that
celebrate the people, culture and
diversity that have helped make
America what it is today, reads a
description from the publisher.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 PAGE 5

For the past seven years, Southwest DeKalb High School has celebrated its character, community and fellowship with an annual cookout event. This years eventmuch
like a giant tailgate at Salem Park attracted more than 1,500 Southwest DeKalb alumni dating back to 1982. Photo by R. Scott Belzer!

Commissioner Larry Johnson said Southwest DeKalbs student retention

within the county, appearances in movies and television as well as its sense of
connectedness makes Southwest DeKalb High School a treasure to the metro
Atlanta region. Photo by R. Scott Belzer

SWD Continued From Page 1

and other metro Atlanta high schools cannot be described,
only felt. He said he regularly keeps in contact with four to
five classmates, but thinks about, talks to and sends well-
wishes to more than 30.
That goes for every class here. Its hard to dictate and
tell people exactly what it is, Davison said. You have to be
a part of it and know exactly what it is. Its like a family
were all cousins. We enjoy getting together and spending
time together, even if its for five hours on one day. We treat
it like its a week.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 PAGE 6

County schools $100,000 day not a wise choice

On Aug. 4, DeKalb County
School District (DCSD) spent an
estimated $100,000 on what is
referred to as a day of fellowship
and celebration by district
officials. Attendance of the event
is mandatory by all DCSD staff
who had reported to work as of
Aug. 4
Much of that money will be
spent outside of Dekalb County
to rent the Infinite Energy Arena
in Gwinnett County. A district
spokesperson said there is no
facility in DeKalb County that
can hold the estimated crowd of
13,000 district employees and
staff. However, the James R.
Hallford Stadium in Clarkston
can accommodate up to 15,000
people.
I understand that DCSD
officials want the comfort of
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
air conditioning for their day of
festivities described in an email
received by The Champion
as having the purpose of to
celebrate, educate, motivate and
dedicate (staff and employees)
to a new school year.
I also understand the
importance of motivating
employees in hopes of beginning
a new school year with
excitement and encouragement.
However, in a time when
it is widely known that many
teachers spend their own
money to purchase needed
supplies for their classrooms and
when numerous organizations
conduct back-to-school supplies
collections to help the less
fortunate students be prepared
and equipped for the new school
year, it would certainly seem
that there are more effective
ways to spend $100,000.
According to DCSDs website,
the district serves nearly 102,000
students, 137 schools and
centers, and 15,500 employees,
including 6,600 teachers.
If that $100,000 were
allocated to the 6,600 teachers,
it would mean approximately $15
per teacher that would not have
to come out of their personal
budgetnot a lot of money but
certainly enough to provide a bit
of enthusiasm at the beginning
of the school year.
Or, if the $100,000 were
divided equally among the
districts 137 schools and
centers, it would represent $730
per school. Its safe to assume
that most principals could do
quite a bit of encouragement
of staff and students with $730
spent locallyin their own
school.
We often hear the importance
of supporting our local
communities, schools and
economy and most would agree
that this important. It seems that
spending $100,000 locally would
have far more positive impact
than spending it on a mandatory
event outside the county, that in
all likelihood many would prefer
to not attend.

Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper

To subscribe, visit TheChampionNewspaper.com or call 404-373-7779
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 PAGE 7

A place to start
The art of medicine pricing of various procedures to just less than $30, making
consists of amusing the patient
while nature cures the disease,
One Mans and drug options will generate
comparison shopping,
no insurance claim.That is
competition and the magic of
Voltaire (1694-1778), a French Opinion competition for businesses and pricing transparency.
author, philosopher and satirist, prices will fall. Only with health care, and
best known for his attacks on Bill Crane My current silver level the thought that someones
the Catholic Church and other bill.csicrane@gmail.com insurance plan, purchased via elses money is paying our bills,
French institutions of his day. the Health Care Marketplace are Americans willing to spend
from a major insurer, all but billions of dollars having no idea
When the ill will of Congress and the Tea Party was birthed requires me to use one primary on costs until after service is
returns to Capitol Hill in early largely on opposition to the pharmaceutical provider.My provided.
fall, a lengthy docket of short ACAmajority became minority one daily medication is for
deadlines awaits.The U.S. debt in the U.S. House during the high blood pressure.Using the
ceiling, Defense Department 2010 mid-terms. insurers preferred provider, and (Continued next week)
budget authorization, And despite those objections receiving a 90-day supply of the
pending of dozens of Trump of 2010, the current GOP drug by mail comes to roughly
Administration appointments leadership nearly replicated $130.Paying in cash, at time Bill Crane also serves
all await, as do major Trump that process in passing their of receipt, and using a free as a political analyst and
agenda items, including tax American Health Care Act of web-based pricing comparison commentator for Channel 2s
reform, immigration reform and 2017, first through the U.S. service call GoodRx.com, I Action News, WSB-AM News/
health care reform. House (no Democratic support) was able to compare cash Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM,
Today, we will focus on the and then ultimately failing by prices of more than 1,000 of as well as a columnist for The
latter, and suggest, even though one vote in the U.S. Senate. the most commonly prescribed Champion, DeKalb Free Press
the GOP is unlikely to ever Compromise has become prescription drugs at most and Georgia Trend. Crane is
adopt or support a single-payer a foul word in the land of major area grocers and a DeKalb native and business
system, that Congressional gridlock and gotcha politics. pharmacies.Printing a free owner, living in Scottdale. You
Democrats are equally unlikely But how about beginning with coupon at the same website, can reach him or comment on a
to agree to a major shift back commonalities and breaking up the cash price of a 90-day column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
to market control or billions health care and pricing reform supply of the same drug came com.
in budget cuts to Medicare, into a series of laws, versus a
Medicaid and existing health massive omnibus bill?
care entitlement programs. We will assume that both
Lets start the dialogue with parties are good to their word in
subjects on which both sides wanting to maintain access for
can agree. those with preexisting medical
Democrats with the wind conditions, and allow families
of President Barack Obamas to keep adult children on their
election still fresh at their backs health care plans up to age 26.
in 2008, took majorities in both Here are some low- or no-
houses of Congress. As drafts cost next steps
of the Affordable Care Act
(ACA) became ready for review, Pricing transparency
hearings were at a minimum,
votes came in late hours of the In those areas of health
night and even with a healthy care typically not covered by
U.S. House majority, the ACA insurance, competition and
passed by only seven votes, price availability in the private
with no GOP support.The sector have dramatically driven
Senate version squeaked by prices down for cosmetic
with a one vote majority, and dentistry, weight loss and gym
bill differences were handled memberships, lasik eye surgery
via the reconciliation process, and a wide array of alternative
instead of a conference medical care procedures.
committee before being sent Requiring health care
to the presidents desk. GOP providers, pharmacies and
Congressional leaders howled, insurers to disclose actual cash

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
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
writers 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,
EDITORS 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, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 8

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb County Sheriffs Office hosted the 8th annual Community Day With Law DeKalb Officers gave away school supplies to students in attendance.
Enforcement event at Stars and Strikes Bowling Center in Stone Mountain.

BOWLING BENEFITS YOUTH

Sheriffs office hosts community day
Department, DeKalb County School District
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN Office of Public Safety, DeKalb County Marshals
horace@dekalbchamp.com Office, and the Georgia Department of Juvenile
Justice.
Captain R. Akies, who spent his most recent This gives us an opportunity to show kids
23 years with the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office, how law enforcement can be in their lives and
admitted his bowling game isnt very strong. how we can have a positive connection and
Nonetheless, Akies said its important for the partnership, said DeKalb County Solicitor-
sheriffs office to interact with local teens before General Donna Coleman-Stribling. The only
the start of the school year. way to communicate and build a better DeKalb
As part of the eighth annual Community Day is to contact the kids that grow up here.
with Law Enforcement, the DeKalb Sheriffs Stribling, raised in DeKalb County and a
Office held its back-to-school event at Stars and graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School, said
Strikes Bowling Center in Stone Mountain Aug 2. she remembers her parents taking her to similar
The purpose of this event is to gather youth events growing up.
in the community prior to them going back to If you want to change something, you start
school and share a day of fun and having the with children. Theres a number of offices that
kids seeing positive role models, Akies said. are involved and were always going to be here
Its just an opportunity for us to engage with to help the kids in the community, Stribling said.
individuals in the community. According to a spokesperson from the
The event started in 1999 as a project of the sheriffs office, the Community Day With Law
DeKalb County Sheriffs Office and Decatur Enforcement event brings together more than
Captain R. Akies speaks to local youth during the 8th annual
bowling alley owner Tom Walker Sr. Akies Community Day With Law Enforcement event. 100 DeKalb County youth from community
said its important for the sheriffs office to lead service agencies and faith-based groups to meet
the way in being a positive influence on the law enforcement representatives.
participants for more than an hour, then
community they serve. Law officials also distributed backpacks and
distributed pizza and drinks.
This lets the youth and community know that school supplies to students.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriffs
we are here for them. We are willing and we The best way to make money and to do all
Office, Sheriff Jeffrey Mann expanded the
are expecting to interact with the people we are the things you want to do is with your education
program to include agencies such as DeKalb
called upon to protect and serve, Akies said. and that starts right now, said DeKalb District
County Solicitor-General, DeKalb County
DeKalb County law officials bowled with Attorney Sherry Boston.
District Attorneys Office, DeKalb County Police

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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 9

WEEKinPICTURES

Clarkston Community Center was visited by Joyce Licorish of Russel

Entertainment USA-UK as part of its summer mentoring program.
Photo submitted.

(Above and below) A tree dedication ceremony was recently held at Tucker High School for former foot-
ball player Solomon Rashad Jackson. Head football coach Bryan Lamar along with Jacksons parents and
former and current Tucker football players were in attendance to honor Jackson who died last year. Photos
by Cindy Brewer

Doraville participated in National Night Out on Aug. 1, bringing

residents together with first responders countywide for a night of
fellowship, community and awareness. Photo submitted.

Dunwoody Police Department joined agencies throughout the United States in National Night Out, which brings first responders face to face with the communities they serve. Photos
submitted.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb Countys Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or upload your content via the internet.

(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 10

COUNTYWIDE Thousands of DeKalb County

students headed back to class on
Aug. 7 to begin the 2017-2018
school year. Photo submitted.

Narvie J. Harris Elementary School Student Jasmine Wadley is DeKalb County School District Superintendent R. Stephen Green rode the bus with students the morning of Aug. 7 as part of the
all smiles while posing Aug. 7 with her Jasmine is a first grader first day of school. Photo submitted.
flyer. Photo by Kemesha Wadley
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 11

The weekend of Aug. 5 featured more than

Third grader Xavier Powell is ready for his
first day of school at Marbut Elementary
Dunwoody High School joined high schools throughout DeKalb County School District Aug. 3 in School. Photo by Shaunda Powell
hosting its open house event for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Photos submitted.
100 back-to-school registration and events
throughout DeKalb County. Certain events
featured supply giveaways while others
included tours and registration. Photo by R.
Scott Belzer

Chamblee Police Department held a Back-to-School event on Aug. 5 at Dresden Park, which included Lakeside High School hosted a Viking Visit Day on Aug. 2 to educate incoming students and
the department giving away more than 100 backpacks filled with school supplies. Photo submitted. parents about the clubs and opportunities available to Vikings. Photos submitted.

DeKalb County School District held a convocation ceremony at the Infinite Energy Arena in Gwinnett County on Aug. 4 to celebrate the new school year. Photos submitted.
LOCAL
CLARKSTON
Communities
coming together
Clarkston, county celebrate
National Night Out
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Clarkston joined
communities throughout
DeKalb County and
the rest of the country
Aug. 1 to celebrate
community partnerships,
first responders and other
emergency personnel at
the 2017 National Night
Out.
This is where
the community and
department come together
to try to bridge the gaps
and come together, said
Clarkston Police Chief
Christine Hudson. We
have a huge refugee
population and we really
want people to realize
we are their friends and
were here to help. Its Henson. Its a good
important, because if there
are any issues, people
need to know we can work
together to solve problems
and issues at hand.
Local nonprofits joined
members of the Clarkston
Police Department, DeKalb
County Fire Rescue,
city officials and local
representatives to show
the community the benefits
of city and county services.
All across the country,
this is an opportunity for
law enforcement to engage
with the community,
said Clarkston City
Manager Keith Barker.
Clarkston has such a
diverse community. We
have people here from
other countries who are
somewhat intimidated by
law enforcement and we
want to make sure those
folks, and folks born here,
understand theres nothing
to be afraid of. Call on us
and well come and help. County is here for you. By
The event, which
featured, games,
equipment demonstrations,
music, hamburgers and
hot dogs took place at
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 12
Tucker taekwondo performed demonstrations at Clarkstons National Night Out on Aug. 1, which celebrates local services
and first responders. Photo by Travis Hudgons
Tahoe Shopping Center
located at 4660 E. Ponce
de Leon Ave. While a
taekwondo demonstration
took place on stage,
children drove a cart
through an obstacle
course wearing goggles
that simulate intoxication
or explored the inner
workings of a police siren.
This is to help make
sure people know the
police are friends to the
community and that the
community can go to Clarkston joined cities throughout the country in hosting National Night Out, which unites city services and first
police for support and to responders with the rest of the community.
help remind the police they
can go to the community
for support, said Georgia
State Senator Steve
bonding experience and
good opportunity to meet
neighbors. The biggest
thing, anywhere, is building
a sense of community and
coming together. Clarkston
is a great community and
located in the best section
of metro Atlanta.
DeKalb County District
Attorney Sherry Boston
said, National Night
Out is one of my favorite
nights of the yearpeople
DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston and State Senator Steve Henson called National Night Out their favorite community
of the community come event of the year.
out, interact with law
enforcement, and together,
take a stand to say We
want safe streets. We want
fun. Theyre telling the
criminal element, These
are not your streets.
This gives people the
opportunity to interact with
law enforcement [in ways]
they may not consider
possibleeating hot dogs,
playing with sirens and
everything else. DeKalb
coming out to events like
this, people feel that, see
that, and celebrate that,
Boston said.
Clarkston City Manager Keith Barker said National Night Out brings together residents and those who serve them.
LOCAL
STONE MOUNTAIN
St. Timothy School
adds grade levels
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
According to Lora
Ingram, director of St.
Timothy School in Stone
Mountain, each child should
have the opportunity to
develop intellectually,
physically, emotionally and
socially.
At St. Timothy, however,
students also have the
opportunity to develop
spiritually, a factor that has
led to growth at the school.
St. Timothy School,
which operates out of St.
Timothy United Methodist
Church at 5365 Memorial
Drive, offers students
an accredited education
involving language arts,
reading, math, science,
social studies, handwriting,
Spanish, physical
education, computer, art
and music as well as Bible
and chapel.
According to Ingram, the
schoolfounded in 1972
has increased its enrollment
from 60 students in pre-
Kindergarten through grade
five in 2015 to 120 currently.
Ingram said theres also a
waiting list.
St. Timothy School
Brookhaven street paving
program 90 percent complete
July ended with
Brookhaven completing
90 percent of its 2017
paving schedule, the city
announced Aug. 1.
City officials said 51
roads9.24 milesof the
citys roads have been
repaved so far.
Infrastructure and
maintenance are important
components of the citys
strategy for 2017 and I am
glad to say that the citys
most ambitious paving
project has advanced
steadily and punctually
throughout the course
of this past summer,
Mayor John Ernst said.
I remain grateful to our
residents for their patience
recently announced the
addition of sixth and
seventh grade classes
following demand from the
community. According to the
announcement, St. Timothy
School also plans to add
an eighth grade at the
beginning of the 2018-2019
school year.
Ingram had a one-word
answer when asked what
led to the decision.
Interest.
Ingram said prospective
DeKalb County parents
looking for a viable
education option often tell
her they desire smaller
class sizes, a nurturing
environment, a place that
meets their students needs
and a strong academic
foundation.
St. Timothy School,
according to Ingram, can
offer all of the above.
That comes with a
higher staff-to-student
ratio, Ingram said. Our
largest classes might be
15 students. When class
sizes get to be above 15,
we usually just split the
class or add a teaching
assistant. We shoot for the
basics; to the students who
are excelling, we encourage
them to excel, and those
who need more time and
and understanding as we
progress to the finish line.
All major paving work
is expected to be complete
by the end of August with
finishing work remaining,
according to the city.
Finishing work includes
utility adjustments, roadway
striping, shoulder grading,
manhole adjustments and
material testing.
On April 11, the mayor
and city council approved
a $4.72 million paving
contract with CW Mathews
to repave 58 city streets.
At the end of the season,
10.7 miles of Brookhaven
roadway is expected to be
either resurfaced or fully
reconstructed.
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 13
St. Timothy Schoollocated at 5365 Memorial Drivewill offer its educational services to middle
school students beginning this year. The school held an open house event Aug. 5. Photos by R. Scott
Belzer
help, we address that, too. and at that point, Ingram are approaching their 30th
St. Timothy School, said she realized how much work anniversary at the
according to Ingram, has of a resource the school school. She said younger
needed to expand for the is to the DeKalb County or newer teachers often
past few years. She said community. remark during their first
its environment is ideal for Our staff is so talented weeks of work how special
students and parents who and they bring all of their the school is.
seek focus and support. gifts to students every day, We have a lot of
Weve even had parents Ingram. I realized how longevity here, Ingram
ask, Can you build an many smart people we have said. Its heartwarming. Its
addition to the back and here and how many people a Christian environment.
add a high school? Ingram have masters degrees Its a school where its quite
said. here, which is unusual in a obvious that teachers care
The School went through small Christian school. about students and their
its formal Association Ingram also credited families.
of Christian Schools the schools low turnover, For more information,
International accreditation boasting that some St. visit www.sttimothyschool.
process a few years ago, Timothy School teachers com.
CITY OF ATLANTA PUBLIC NOTICE
A Municipal General Election for the City of Atlanta will be held on November 7, 2017 to fill the offices of
Mayor, City Council President, City Council Members and Board of Education Members.
Candidates shall qualify to fill the aforementioned offices at Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, Second
Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30303; between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, on:
Tuesday August 22, 2017
Wednesday August 23, 2017
Thursday August 24, 2017, or
Friday August 25 2017
Candidates may qualify by either of the following methods:
a.) Filing a Notice of Candidacy and paying a set qualifying fee to the Municipal Clerk/Election
Superintendent or designated agent for the desired office as follows:
Mayor $5529.00
City Council President $1860.00
City Council Member $1809.00
Board of Education Member $ 444.00
b.) Filing a Notice of Candidacy, a Qualifying Petition and a Paupers Affidavit affirming under
oath the candidates povertyor inability to pay the qualifying fee as required by O.C.G.A. Sections
21-2-132(g) and 21-2-132(h) with the Municipal Clerk/Election Superintendent or designated
agent.
Rhonda Dauphin Johnson
Municipal Clerk/Election Superintendent
City of Atlanta
Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper. TODAY!
Call 404.373.7779, For Details
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 14

TUCKER

DeKalb County Police Department Detective J.K. Walker talks to a group of participants during an active shooter workshop at First Christian Church of Atlanta.

The DeKalb Police Department hosted an active shooter workshop at First Christian Church of Atlanta in Tucker Aug. 2.

Better safe than sorry Local church prepares for active

shooter, other scenarios
prepared, the DeKalb Police connect with a lot of people areas around the church. may happen, Edmondson
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN Department hosted an and connect with people Officials with the DeKalb said. Ive learned in my
horace@dekalbchamp.com active shooter workshop to spread our message County Fire Department own personal experience
at First Christian Church of in dealing with active and Citizens Emergency the value of neighborhood
Atlanta in Tucker Aug. 2. shooters, Walker said. Response Team also spoke watch. Were vigilant and
Dylann Roof, who shot
These workshops are During the event, Walker at the workshop. concerned about our
and killed nine people in
in such great demand that emphasized the importance Tom Edmondson, community.
a historically Black church
we make sure to tell people of being alert, not only with senior pastor at First Approximately 100
in Charleston, S.C., may
whenever we do [an active active shooters, but with Christian Church of Atlanta, individuals came to the
have been the catalyst for
shooter workshop] to tell other situations as well. said he wants to establish church to participate in the
other churches to be more
everyone in the community, Walker said arson is also regulations for safety at workshop. Edmondson said
prepared in the event of an
Walker said. This allows a serious issue in DeKalb the church. Edmondson he wants to establish the
active shooter, said DeKalb
that business or place County. said a week prior to the church as a community-first
County Police Department
of worship to develop a In February of this year, event there was a shooting church.
Detective J.K. Walker.
great relationship with our an arsonist attempted at a Target store near the This is what its all
Months after Roofs
department. to set several fires at church. about. This is what we need
shooting in June 2015,
Walker, who is also part Restoration Ministries We need it. We need to to be doing. My goal is to be
Walker said churches in the
of a homeland security unit, in Decatur. Community be prepared. The shooting here for the community and
area began contacting the
has hosted active shooter members contacted the fire happened just a quarter to be an asset to the police
department to ask about
events for roughly five department and were able mile from [the church]. We and an asset to the fire
active shooter workshops.
years. to prevent the fires from just want to be prepared department, Edmondson
As part of the effort
In one day we can spreading in four separate just in case something said.
to keep communities
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 15

DeKalb officials oppose STONE MOUNTAIN

Emory annexation
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
The process of Emory
University annexing into the
city of Atlanta just got a bit
more complicated as DeKalb
County commissioners
approved a resolution to
oppose the move.
On Aug. 1, DeKalb
County commissioners
held a special meeting and
voted to officially object to
Emorys request to annex
into Atlanta, citing traffic
concerns, burden on existing
infrastructure and land
development regulations.
Emory, located in
unincorporated DeKalb
County, filed a petition
along with U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and
Childrens Healthcare of
Atlanta (CHOA) June 27.
Emory released a
statement saying the move
County and city of Atlanta
residents so that there are
no gaps in serving citizens of
both jurisdictions.
According to the countys
resolution, more intense land
use, as allowed by Atlanta,
will negatively impact the
countys stormwater utility
and traffic. Currently, the
county collects $131,000
annually from the owners of
the Emory parcels in storm
water fees. If that area were
to be annexed into Atlanta,
county officials said they Stone Mountain residents and visitors had an opportunity to view the proposed renovation plans for the Stone Mountain
are unsure whether the fee Train Depot. Photos by Carla Parker
will continue to be collected
and the county may still be
required to provide storm
water service to the area.
Officials also cite traffic
concerns. The resolution
states [the] annexation
creates a disproportionate
impact on traffic and roads in
the adjoining unincorporated
area of the county.when
more intense development
occurs in this annexed
area, the bulk of the traffic

Train depot renovations

to Atlanta is the most viable, and road impact falls on
long-term option. According unincorporated DeKalbs
to Emory President Claire roads and residents, rather
E. Sterk, annexation into

continue in Stone Mountain

Atlanta will help the DeKalb
and Atlanta area.
We are enriched by
our relationships with the
county and the city as
well as the larger region
and the state and look
forward to building upon our
commitment to community
involvement, academic
excellence, innovation and
entrepreneurship, Sterk
said in a statement.
However, county officials
stated that Emorys move
could negatively impact the
county if certain issues are
not addressed.
Our objections are
designed to ensure that all
the issues associated with
the proposed annexation
are thoroughly vetted
and that citizens have
the ability to be informed
regarding potential impact
on their neighborhoods,
communities, and the
county as a whole,
DeKalb County CEO
Michael Thurmond said
in a statement. It is also
imperative the appropriate
intergovernmental
agreements are entered
into with the city prior to the
annexation that ensures the
appropriate service delivery
of police, fire, 911 and water
and sewer to both DeKalb
than on the citys roads and
city residents.
Some have speculated
that Emorys possible move
into Atlanta is meant to
jumpstart the Clifton Road
light rail system in the Clifton
Corridor area.
Thurmond said the rail
system could benefit DeKalb
and Fulton counties if done
properly.
Mass transit is a way
to enhance the quality
of life for all citizens of
DeKalb. We believe that
the construction of both
the Clifton Corridor and
the I-20 rail extension are
essential to promoting the
continued economic growth
and prosperity of DeKalb
County, Thurmond said.
The objections submitted
by the county should not be
seen as opposition to the
proposed Emory annexation.
We believe the annexation
will be a positive step if the
process includes open,
transparent negotiations with
all parties involved including
DeKalb County government,
city of Atlanta, Emory
University, MARTA, DeKalb
County School District and
Atlanta Public Schools.
The Atlanta City Council
plans to vote on the
annexation this fall.
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Stone Mountain
Visitors Center is expected
to move to the Train Depot
next year.
The city will soon begin
Phase II of the Train Depot
renovation project, which
would allow the center
to move into the depot
on Main Street. The city
received $149,000 from
the 2016 DeKalb County
Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) to
complete specific projects in
the depot.
The city plans to
transform the train depot
for community use as a
welcome center, senior
activity center, event venue
and museum featuring local
exhibits. Mary Beth Reed
of the Stone Mountain
Historical Society said the
organization has three
projects it would like to
complete with the funds.
We want to finish the
gutters and downspouts
from the first phase, which
we could afford, Reed said.
Other projects include
renovating the 1914 City of Chamblee
womens restroom into an DeKalb County, GA
accessible restroom that will
The City of Chamblee
meet requirements of the Council will have a
Americans with Disabilities Called Meeting/Workshop
Act (ADA); and constructing on Saturday, August 12,
a raised timber railroad 2017 to discuss a variety
platform along two sides of of topics.
The agenda is posted
the southern section that
will expand the use of the on the city website,
www.chambleega.gov,
building and that will allow
ADA access to this portion and at City Hall.
The meeting will be
of the depot. held in the conference
Once the renovations room at City Hall, 5468
are complete, the visitors Peachtree Road,
Chamblee, GA 30341.
See Train on Page 16A The meeting will begin
at 8:30 am.
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
to consider and to vote upon an ordinance that will
provide for an increase in compensation for the
Mayor and members of the City Council, and if so
approved, will become effective January 1, 2018.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for
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,
3627 Park Ave. Doraville, Georgia at 6:30 p.m.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 16

TUCKER
TRAIN Continued From Page 15A
center will be moved to the
depot.
Were really excited
about it, Reed said.
Having this kind of facility
will allow us to open up and
get this thing moving and
hopefully energize people
about the depot and its
history. It has an incredible
history.
The city allowed
residents and visitors into
the depot Aug. 1 to see the
plans for the depot.
The idea is to get the
message out that were
A DeKalb County Police officer chats with young Tucker residents. Photos by Carla Parker starting, Reed said. Were Company completed
going to have to do it in
safely, happily and just be
on Main Street. I think that
will be pretty cool.
Exterior renovations on
the depot were completed
in 2015. The city received
a $352,150 Transportation
Enhancement Grant from
the Georgia Department
of Transportation to fix the
exterior of the old police
station section of the train
depot and the drainage
issues.
The south side of the
train depot was built in 1857
after the Georgia Railroad
the line from Madison to

Tucker hosts first

phases. Theres no big
foundation behind us at this
point in the game but we
will be looking for further
funding to get the other
Atlanta. The north side was
built in 1914 as a passenger
office and waiting room. In
the early 1960s, the train
depot served as the city

National Night Out

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Hot dogs and
conversations between
Tucker residents and the
DeKalb County Police
Department were plentiful
at Tuckers first citywide
National Night Out Aug. 1.
Residents got to know
a few of the police officers
from the Tucker Precinct
while eating on hot dogs
served from the Palookaville
food truck during the event
at Idlewood Elementary
School. The event also
included face painting for
children and lawn games.
National Night Out,
created in 1984, is an
annual community-
building campaign that
promotes police-community
partnerships and
neighborhood camaraderie.
According to the National
Association Town Watch,
more than 38 million people
in an estimated 20,000
communities nationwide
held celebrations in 2016.
Some homeowners
associations in Tucker
held individual National
Night Out events for their
subdivisions, but Tucker
officials wanted to have one
for the entire city.
We have a lot of
neighborhoods with
homeowners associations
that are doing their own
[National Night Out events]
tonight, but there are some
[neighborhoods] that dont
phases done. But the first hall and city jail. It remained
big threshold is getting the in use until 2012 when the
visitors center over here new Municipal Building was
and making appropriate completed.
space so people can work
have an association or an excellent since Tucker
organization to put one incorporated and the city is OBITUARY
on, Mayor Frank Auman committed to staying under Johnny William Levengood
said. So, were kind of the DeKalb polices watch.
umbrella for the whole city We just began the Johnny William Levengood of Tucker, GA,
if anybody wants to come process of negotiating born January 17, 1932, died on July 26, 2017.
out. our [intergovernmental Johnny is survived by his wife of almost 65 years,
When Tucker was in the agreements] with them and Janet Keep Levengood, his sister, Sue Parker, of
initial stages of cityhood what it will look like going Leesburg, FL, four children, J. Michael Levengood,
discussions, planners forward, Auman said. We Esq., Gary A. Levengood, M.D., the Rev. Patti
decided not to form a city have some really innovated Axel, M.Div., and Shari Freyermuth, Ph.D., two
police department because ideas and creative ways to daughters in law, Peggy Levengood and Lisa
they were satisfied with the continue to work with them, Levengood, two sons in law, Jeff Axel and Wilson
services they were receiving but emphases Tuckers Freyermuth, eleven grandchildren, Tommy,
from the DeKalb Police own specific needs. Were Michael, Timothy, John, Eric, Mark, Bryn, Lauren,
Department. Auman said excited about it. Ryan, Jacob and Sarah, five great grandchildren,
the policing has remained Audrey, Parker, Rex, Eli and Jackson, and six
nephews and nieces, Virginia Miller, Cheryl Neff,
Gaile Cassiani, Frank Coleman, Rikki Coleman
and Vikki Coleman. Johnny was preceded in death
by his sister, Stella Coleman and his nephew John
Parker. Johnny and Janet were charter members of
Destruction of Special Education Records Living Grace Lutheran Church in Tucker, GA, where
the celebration of Johnnys life will be held at 2:30
The DeKalb County School District, in accordance with federal and p.m. on August 27, 2017, the Rev. Dr. David Hardy,
state law, announces its intention to destroy, on or about January officiating.
31, 2018, education records collected, maintained, and used in the
provision of a free and appropriate public education for students with
disabilities. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Johnny graduated
from Miami High School and served in the United
Special education records maintained by the District for students born States Army during the Korean Conflict. After
between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1993 are no longer completing his military service, he attended the
needed by the District for educational purposes. However, these University of Florida and State University of
records may be needed by the student and/or parent or guardian for New York where he graduated with bachelors
Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, or and masters degrees in Electrical Engineering.
other purposes. Johnny joined Bell Laboratories as an electrical
engineer in 1960 where he worked on the Telstar
If you, as a former special education student or parent/guardian of
a special education student, wish to obtain these records prior to satellite project in Whippany, NJ. After a two year
destruction, please contact the Special Education Records Office at assignment working on the Sprint ABM project at
678-676-1802 or in writing at: White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruces, NM,
Johnny moved his family to Tucker in 1970 joining
5867 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Western Electric Company when it opened its cable
Or via email @ SpEdRecords@dekalbschoolsga.org manufacturing plant in Gwinnett County, where he
Or via fax @ 678-676-2027 was a senior electrical engineer until he retired.
The request window opens October 15, 2017 and closes January
31, 2018. The request for records (scheduled for destruction) form is In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be
available on the DeKalb County School District website on the Special made to the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation or
Education page. Records will be made available within 30 days of the Living Grace Lutheran Church. On-line condolences
written request; if you plan to pick up the records in person, please can be made at www.wagesandsons.com.
notify us at least 5 days in advance. Proof of identity is required.
CLASSIFIED
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BUSINESS
COUNTYWIDE
FROM THE GROUND
Local partners start coffee company
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
At his government job,
Ricardo Richardson was
chatting with a coworker from
Senegal, West Africa, when
the topic turned to something
Richardson is passionate
aboutcoffee.
I had been thinking for
a long time about doing
something for myself
starting my own company,
recalled Richardson, who
is now CEO and president
of Historic Noir Coffee
Group. My friend was
talking about Senegal as
a coffee-exporting country
and it just clicked with me. I
liked the idea of going into a
business where there wasnt
already a lot of minority
participation. Richardson
said he realized he could
bring a special product to
market while helping growers
in developing countries. A
business should always be
about more than making
money, he said. We want
to help provide opportunities
for people across the country
and around the world.
Richardson invited
longtime friends Christopher
Brown and Daron Moreman
to join him in the new
enterprise. Each partner
brought unique expertise
to the business, he said.
My background is in project
management; Chris is a
details manhis specialty is
quality controland Daron
knows sales and operations.
We work really well
together. If two of us
passionately agree on
something, the other one will
go along. We have a strong
bond of trust and confidence
in one another, Richardson
continued.
Among the details the
partners agreed on was a
name for the new enterprise.
Historically, Atlanta has
been the birthplace of many
Black-owned businesses,
Brown explained. Thats
why as African-American
men starting a business
we incorporated the words
historic and noirthe importing from anywhere in
French word for blackinto
our name. The current
blendsFourth Ward, West
UP
End and Decaturhe said,
also honor Atlanta and
the founders. I grew up in
Decatur, Rick grew up in
West End and Deron grew
up in the Fourth Ward. We
decided those would be our
initial offerings. We plan to
create blends to honor other
Atlanta area neighborhoods
such as Buckhead.
We took our time building
a business infrastructure.
We wanted everything in
placefinancing, licensing,
insurance. We wanted a Dun
and Bradstreet number so
that any potential partners
could easily learn whatever
they needed to know about
us. We wanted anyone who
does business with us to
know were a solid company;
were not some fly-by-night
operation, Brown said.
All the pieces started to
come together at a trade
show at which the partners
met the Seattle-based
company that would become
their importer, roaster and
packaging company. We
stood out at the trade show
African American guys in
the coffee business. The
Seattle company approached
us. Once they checked us
out and found out we had
a sound operation, they
wanted to do business with
us, Brown recalled. They
even got involved in package
design, helping us create
an eye-catching black and
orange package that stands
out on the shelves.
In a process called
cupping, Brown and
his partners sampled
combinations of beans
and flavorings at various
strengths and temperatures
until they hit upon blends
they wanted to call their
own. Historic Noir Coffee
Group was established in
2009; in 2014, the company
was ready to place its
product in retail stores and
coffeehouses as well as
making it available online.
The roasting company
had already taken care of
NAFTA (North American
Free Trade Agreement)
compliance. That made
the world easier, Brown said,
adding that current blends
use beans from Central and
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 18
just distributing our coffee
products, but providing
a service to the global
community of farmers,
suppliers, retailers, roasters
and ultimately the end
consumers.
Brown added, We also
continually look for ways
to work with nonprofit
organizationsgive back
to the community here in
Atlanta. Weve all been richly
blessed and we want our
company to be a blessing to
others.
The partners say they
are proud to have started
a business that is unusual
Quality control Vice President Chris Brown, left, and CEO and President Ricardo in African-American
Richardson show Historic Noir Coffee Groups current offerings, which honor communities, but add they
Atlanta residential areas. dont want that to be the
extent of their legacy. We
dont want people to buy
South America. In the future, Historic Noir Coffees our coffee because were
we may use coffee from Haiti
website notes that its an African-American owned
and African countries. Its
partners are fair trade company; we want people
great when we can establish
coffee importers that to buy it because its an
a business that helps uplift
respect humanity and the excellent product, Brown
others financially.
environment.We are not said.
2017 Notice of General Election and Qualifying Information
Notice is hereby given that the City of Doraville, Georgia shall hold Nonpartisan
Municipal General Election on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 from 7:00am-7:00pm.
A municipality shall fix and publish a qualifying fee for each office to be filled in
upcoming election. Such fee shall be (3) three percent of the total gross salary of the
office paid in the preceding calendar year including all supplements.
OFFICE SALARY QUALIFYING FEE
Council Member, District 1 $8,400.00 (3%) $252.00
(Incumbent) Robert Patrick
Council Member, District 2 $8,400.00 (3%) $252.00
(Incumbent) Dawn OConnor
Council Member, District 3 $8,400.00 (3%) $252.00
(Incumbent) Sharon Spangler
Qualifying for the election shall be held at City Hall, 3725 Park
Avenue, Doraville, Georgia 30340 beginning on Wednesday, August
23, 2017 through Friday, August 25, 2017 from 8:30am - 4:30pm.
O.C.G.A. 21-2-132(c)(3) & SB199
Qualifications to Hold Public Office In the City of Doraville
Pursuant to the Doraville City Charter, the Qualifications of Mayor and
Council Members shall be as follows:
No person shall be eligible for the office of Mayor or Council of Doraville
unless he/she have been a resident of Doraville for a period of one (1) year
immediately preceding the date of the election, and a resident of Georgia for
at least two years; and
Shall have attained or passed his/her twenty-first birthday (21); and
No persons name shall be placed on the ballot as a candidate for Mayor or
Council member unless such person shall have filed a Notice of Candidacy
with the Office of the City Clerk.
Sherry D. Henderson, City Clerk
Election Superintendent
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 19

BASEBALL

Brookhaven Bucks season comes to an end by Jay Kapp

Brookhaven Bucks

The Brookhaven Bucks (16-13) season came

to an end July 29 with a 12-5 loss to the Atlanta
Crackers in game 3 of the best-of-three Sunbelt
Baseball League East Division championship
series.
The Bucks finished second in the Sunbelt
League East Division and advanced to the division
championship seriesthe first time since 2014by
beating the Gwinnett Tides July 25 in a wild card
playoff game.
The Bucks offense was led by Lithonia native
Daino Deas, who hit .333 for the season with four
doubles and 12 runs scored, and Connor Stutts,
who hit .328 and led the team in both slugging
percentage (.500) and on-base percentage (.463).
Zavier Lushington tied the Bucks single season
record with three triples.
The Bucks pitching staff was one of the best in
the Sunbelt League. Tyler Elwer was 2-1 with a
1.22 ERA in 22 innings, Jake Brace was 3-3 with
1.70 ERA in 42.1 innings, Dylan Biumi had a 1.76
ERA in 15.1 innings, Tanner Thomson had a 2.66
ERA and struck out 37 batters in 27.0 innings and
Bryan White was 2-1 with a 2.80 ERA and struck
out 36 batters in 25.2 innings.
Austin Weiermiller set the Bucks single-season
The Brookhaven Bucks offense was led by Lithonia native Daino Deas, who hit .333 for the season with four doubles and 12 runs record for saves (four) this year.
scored. Photo by Jay Kapp

TENNIS

Youth tennis team second in USTA Atlanta City Championship

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Dottie Bridges 14u Tennis
Team finished the United States Tennis
Association Atlanta City Championship July
15 as runners up.
The south DeKalb County tennis team
fell to Johns Creek WAF Rec tennis team in
the14U Intermediate Championship match
at Harrison Tennis Center in Marietta. Dottie
Bridges lost the championship 4-1, with its
one win in the boys singles match.
The Dottie Bridges 14U team, which is
comprised of 11-, 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds,
qualified for the Atlanta City playoffs as the
top-seeded team from USTA Intermediate
Division 2, which also includes Druid Hills
Country Club. Dottie Bridges completed the
regular season with a 5-1 record.
Dottie Bridges advanced to the semi-final
round of the playoffs against the Harrison
Tennis Center team of Marietta. They won
the boys singles, girls singles and mixed
doubles lines, all in straight sets to advance
to the championship.
The 2017 USTA Atlanta City
Championship is the fourth United States
Tennis Association final that Dottie Bridges
Tennis Center has appeared in, in the
last five seasons. The program is now
3 -1 in those competitions. In 2013, the
8u team won the USTA Georgia State
Championship, the 10u Team won the
USTA Atlanta City Championship in 2014
and the 12U Team won the Atlanta City
Championship in 2015. The Dottie Bridges 14u Tennis Team finished second at the United States Tennis Association Atlanta City Championship. Photo submitted
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017 Page 20

COUNTYWIDE

THOUSANDS OF WATER BILLS MAILED penalties. Extended payment options

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN will only be available for residents
with held bills. Any account balance
horace@dekalbchamp.com
that was due prior to September
2016 will still be due and will carry
According to DeKalb County, forward on the current bill.
roughly 5,000 residents should County officials said residents
receive previously held water and who need an extension to pay their
sewer bills by Aug. 14. bills can contact the Utility customer
The newly released bills, which Operations Center in Decatur or call
will be July and August 2017 monthly (404)-378-4475.
or bi-monthly billing statements, are Star McKenzie said since
based on actual meter readings, she created the Facebook group
according to DeKalb officials. Unbelivable DeKalb Water
We are making significant Bills, residents are frustrated
progress as we continue to work and concerned with the lack of
to restore trust and integrity to the communication between water
water billing system by reducing the DeKalb County plans to release 5,000 previously held water and sewer bills on Aug. bill and sewer customers and the
14.
number of held bills, said DeKalb county.
County CEO Michael Thurmond. eventually be fixed. not enough. Since the Facebook group
In September 2016, DeKalb There is no overnight solution, DeKalb County resident Lisa began, I have been blown away by
County held an estimated 37,000 but at the end of the day we want to Rushton said some residents, such how many strategic ideas residents
of the countys 194,000 water and develop a high-quality system that as elderly and non-English speaking have chimed in with in regard to
sewer accounts because their we can all be proud of, Thurmond residents, are vulnerable when it fixing the billing crisis, McKenzie
accuracy could not be independently said at a May water billing meeting. comes to customer service. said. Myself and other members
verified. As of Aug. 1, nearly 13,000 Thurmond said the watershed Im still pushing for a solution for have shared some of these ideas
residents received held bills. department is taking steps to correct elderly and vulnerable citizens. The with DeKalb and watershed leaders,
Since taking office, Thurmond has issues by hiring 12 additional Hispanic language barrier will be but it felt as if we were throwing [the
hosted multiple meetings regarding customer service reps and 12 tough to crack, Rushton said. ideas] into a black hole with no way
water billing and sewer issues and additional field service technicians. According to county officials, held of holding them accountable for
assured residents the issues would However, some residents say its bills will not include late fees or other implementing them.

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