DeKalb FreePress: 10-28-16

Read the Legal notices in the champion
FreePress
See page 6 for locations
the DeKalb
FRIDAY, October 28, 2016 VOL. 19, NO. 29 FREE
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker and Stone Mountain.
Avondale Estates celebrates

grand opening of The ArtLot
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
What was once a depleted vacant lot on North Avondale Road
is now an arts showcase.
Local artists and Avondale
Estates residents celebrated
the grand opening of The ArtLot
on Oct. 22. The event included
live jazz music from the Mike Z
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Jazz Trio, food and drinks. Local artists Daniel Flores, Larry
Holland of Fishbone Art, Nick
Madden and Krista Jones of
Alchemy Ink and Design, which
provides graphic design and art
services, were onsite creating art
work throughout the night.
The ArtLot was an idea
formed by the Avondale Arts Alliance, residents and businesses
See Artlot on Page 5A
Local artists and Avondale Estates residents celebrated the grand opening of The ArtLot on Oct. 22. The ArtLot was an idea formed by the Avondale Arts Alliance, residents
and businesses to create a temporary city park in the vacant lot on North Avondale Road. Photos by Carla Parker
championnewspaper
championnews
championnewsPaper
championnews
local
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 Page 2A
WorkSource DeKalb mobile unit receiving upgrades

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
The WorkSource DeKalb
mobile unit is set to receive
a new look and additional
technology upgrades after
serving DeKalb County area
residents for five years.
In October, the mobile
career center vehicle will be
rewrapped and get a muchneeded upgrade in internet
speed, security and connection.
DeKalb Countys information technology department plans on making the
changes to the internet in
the near future.
Youll continue to see
the DMCC on and off the
road as it gets ready to
provide DeKalb businesses
and residents great service
in 2017 and beyond, said
DeKalb Interim CEO Lee
May in a statement.
The mobile unit travels
to various locations across
DeKalb County and unincorporated DeKalb. Mobile unit
operator Brandon Carter
said the increase in internet speed will make his job
easier and help residents fill
out applications faster.
Currently the unit is
operating on a system that
switches from 3G to 4G service with Verizon.
It can be better. Its just
time for an upgrade, said
Carter while working at a

job fair Oct. 20 on the mobile unit. Weve had it for
a while. They are going to
update us with a Verizon kit
and switch out all our routers
and boards so everything will
be moving in 4G full-time.
Carter said, at times,
the system may slow down
when processing applications.
We can service people
quicker and we wont have
as many outages as far as
download times. A lot of what
we do is we help people apply and you have to upload
a resume, Carter said.
Anytime youre uploading
or downloading, the quicker
you can do it, the better.
So far, the mobile unit
has served 5,300 DeKalb
County residents in the job
search process. The unit
helps serve out-of-school
teens and adults between
the ages of 16 and 24.
Carter said the unit provides job search assistance,
workshops, training, resume
writing and interviewing tips.
However, the units current
design doesnt make it clear
to potential residents what
services they provide, he
said.
On the side [of the
mobile unit] it has people in
different work uniformsbut
we want the words. We want
people to know specifically
The WorkSource DeKalb Moblie unit at a job fair Oct. 20. In late October, the WorkSource DeKalb
mobile unit will be redesigned.
what we do so we can cut

out the guess work, Carter
said. Sometimes we see
people in the parking lot and
theyll wonder what were
here for. We want it to say
on the side jobs or interview [preparation]. If people
know exactly what theyre
going to get, then maybe we
can help bring more people
inside.
On Oct. 27 the mobile
unit will be in Fort McPherson from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
then on Oct. 31 the unit
will be at the Scott Candler
Library in Decatur from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m.
ITS FREE
Fun Fall Time!

Fall, family and fun times
are worth celebrating.
At JenCare, we want
to honor and celebrate
you and those you
care about, too.
Visit JOINJENCARE.COM
or call (678) 460-4171 to
find an event near you.
local
AroundDekalb
clarkston
Community center to host chili cook off

The Clarkston Community Center will host a HOT Chili Cook Off on
Nov. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. The event will include a chili tasting, a judges
choice competition, a peoples choice competition, drinks, prizes and
more.
The event will conclude with a dance performance from Zumba
Foirever and music from the Georgia State University Jazz Band.
Members of the Atlanta Silverbacks professional soccer team will
also be in attendance for autograph signings and free soccer advice. A
raffle for a baseball signed by Atlanta Braves player AJ Pierzinski also
will take place.
Admission until Nov. 10 for adults is $10. After, admission will be
$20. Ages 12 to 18 admission is $10 and children ages 12 and younger
get in free.
Chili Cook Off entry for individuals is $50, which includes a table,
tasting cups and spoons. Cook Off entry for a business is $100, which
includes a table, cutlery and publicity through social media.
For more information, contact Cindy Bowden at director@
clarkstoncommunitycenter.org.
chamblee
Tour of Buford Highway celebrates culture

A free walking tour of Buford Highway will take place on Oct. 29
from 2 to 5 p.m. courtesy of Banchan Urbanism. The walking tour
will begin at the Chamblee Farmers Market, located at 5000 Buford
Highway.
Sally Flocks, Darin Givens and Candler Vinson will host the tour,
which will feature discussions on pedestrian safety, walkability, transitoriented design, affordable housing, redevelopment and other topics.
Banchan is Korean for side dishes, the small plates that
traditionally accompany meals, according to the events description.
We cant decide which is the main attraction and which is the side
dishgood food or good urbanism.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/
events/1765719040311630.
Halloween Spooktacular coming

Chamblee is set to host its Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday,
Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at Keswick Park, located at 3496
Keswick Dr.
According to event officials, there will be an all-ages costume
contest, a haunted house, hay rides, games, a cupcake walk and
additional activities.
Put on your best costume and see if youre brave enough to make
it through this years haunted house! reads the events description.
For more information, contact Chris Madden at cmadden@
chambleega.gov.
40% OF FOOD IN
AMERICA IS WASTED
lithonia
City to host trunk or treat event

Lithonia, Boy Scout Troop 1856 and the Lithonia Police Department
will host the annual Trunk-or-Treat event Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
at city hall. The free event is open to children of all ages. For more
information, call Captain L.E. Owens at (770) 482-8947 ext. 126.
stone mountain
City to host music event
Pretend Sweethearts will perform Oct. 28 at Stone Mountains

Tunes By The Tracks event in the Municipal Parking Lot, next to the
gazebo. Attendees can bring lawn chairs. The two-hour concert begins
at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.stonemountaincity.org.
Tucker
Civic association to host job fair

The Tucker Civic Association and the DeKalb Association of
Realtors will host a job fair for veterans on Nov. 3 at Rehoboth Baptist
Church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Employers from a variety of industries
will be on hand to speak with and interview job seekers. The fair also
will feature information on veterans services, as well as complimentary
resume critiques and on-site printing for resumes. Attendees should
bring, if available, their resume and professional licenses, certificates
or college transcripts, DD-214, and VA Service Connected Disability
Award Letter. For more information, contact Dee Sims at (770) 4936100 or email Dee@dekalbrealtors.com.
local
Regal Hollywood Stadium 24 in Chamblee hosted the final 2016

presidential debate on Oct. 19, joining hundreds of other Regal
cinemas throughout the United States.
Theater hosts
screening of
presidential debate
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Dozens made their way to Regal Hollywood Stadium
24 in Chamblee on Oct. 19.
Some were there to see the family-friendly Miss
Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children. Others arrived at
the theater to see Kevin Harts new comedy What Now?
or Antoine Fuquas remake of The Magnificent Seven.
But some went to the Chamblee cinema for another
reason entirelyto view the final round of verbal jousting
between presidential candidates Donald Trump and
Hillary Clinton.
Regal Hollywood Stadium 24 on Northeast Expressway
joined more than 200 other Regal Entertainment Group
cinemas throughout the United States in airing the final
round of 2016 presidential debates.
The free event, offering a free small beverage with
the purchase of popcorn, gave the dozens who attended
the chance to watch the Clinton vs. Trump event with
comfortable seating, surround-sound and a 50-foot screen.
Regal Cinemas [was] excited to offer voters, debate
teams, political science classes or regular Joes the chance
to watch Clinton vs. Trump in the third and final presidential
debate on the big screen at [many] locations, states Regal
Entertainment Group.
Regal also showed the second round of debates on
Oct. 9. The Wall Street Journal reported more than 80
million people tuned in to each debate, with the first being
aired on Sept. 26.
While our auditoriums feature the likes of Batman v.
Superman or Alien vs. Predator, we are excited to offer
voters a chance to watch Clinton vs. Trump as they go
head to head on the big screen, said Steve Bunnell, chief
content and programming officer at Regal Entertainment
Group. As we continue to look at ways to bring alternative
content to our screens, we invited the public to come cheer
and jeer the candidates at Regal.
Other Regal theaters in Georgia that aired the debate
include cinemas in Alpharetta, Augusta, Sandy Springs,
Newnan, Gainesville, McDonough and Savannah.
DeKalb Police department

awarded grant funds for 2017
by Horace Holloman
he DeKalb County Police

Department (DKPD) recently
received funds to combat
crashes, injuries and fatalities
caused by impaired driving or speeding.
The DKPD received more than
$69,000 from the Governors Office of
Highway Safety. The money is for the
2017 grant season and comes from the
Highway Enforcement of Aggressive
Traffic (H.E.A.T.) grant.
DeKalb police officials said the
money can be used to increase officer
visibility and deter drivers from driving
drunk.
Lt. Gregory T. Vanderpool, a
three-year veteran in the commander
special operations section in DeKalb
County, said the money can help the
department.
DeKalb County has a partnership
with the Governors Office. The goal
[of the H.E.A.T. program] is to reduce
crash injuries and fatalities as it relates
to speeding and further educate the
public and make people more aware,
Vanderpool said. As an awardee of the
H.E.A.T. grant we look at the statistics
where fatalities and crashes are
occurring and we decide to do some
type of public awareness.
The DKPD H.E.A.T Unit will use
the grant to develop and implement
strategies to reduce local traffic crashes
due to aggressive and dangerous
driving behaviors, said the department

in a release.
Vanderpool said police visibility is
imperative to deterring potential drunk
drivers in DeKalb County. Vanderpool,
who has worked as an officer for more
than two decades, said police visibility
is effective for traffic safety.
I seriously believe high visibility is
a deterrent. Just like in any civil society,
we have rules and laws. The best
deterrent is law enforcement presence
and public education. If we can reach
out to a small minority, then they can
pass the word to the big majority,
Vanderpool said.
DKPD partners in safety programs
such as Operation Zero Tolerance DUI
and Click it or Ticket. With the grant,
Vanderpool said the department plans
to continue to talk at high schools
during prom season.
The department also will coordinate
with the governors offices year-round
for road checks, sobriety checkpoints
and high-visibility patrols.
Vanderpool said the department
plans to bring beer goggles, goggles
designed to simulate the visual effects
of being drunk, to high schools around
DeKalb County.
If we can reach out to one youth
during the prom season and [he or she]
sees one of [his or her] peers about
to drive impaired, we hope [the youth
will] say hey dont do this, Vanderpool
said.
Notice of availability of Proposed 2017 Budget, Budget Public

Hearing and 2017 Budget Adoption
Clarkston City Council
The City of Clarkston Proposed 2017 Budget will be available to view on the
Clarkston City Website (www.cityofclarkston.com) and copies to view will be
available at the Clarkston City Hall Annex (1055 Rowland St) and the Clarkston
Public Library on November 7, 2016. The Clarkston Council will hold a Public
Hearing on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, starting at 7:30pm, Clarkston City
Hall, 3921 Church Street for the purpose of taking public comment on the 2017
Proposed City of Clarkston Budget. The Council will vote to adopt the Clarkston
2017 Budget at their regular Council Meeting on December 6, 2016 at 7:30pm.
The public is invited to attend.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, October 28, 2016
local
Page 5
ARTLOT Continued From Page 1

to create a temporary city park. The concept
of The ArtLot is to take unused land and turn
it into a pop-up art park, according to the
proposal.
The vision is to create a temporary public space where residents and visitors can
explore a creative experience that would
include sculptures and visual art installations, green walls and a performance space.
It also could be used for other activities.
Jen Singh, president of the Avondale Arts
Alliance and project manager for the ArtLot
project, said The Art Lot is 99 percent completed.
There are little bits and pieces were still
working on but for the most part its all complete, Singh said.
Avondale Arts Alliance member Skye
Westphal and her partner Corey Bardin
built the structure for The ArtLot. Bardin said
an art lot has been done in other areas before, but its not common.
Its been done out west a couple of times

and its been done in New York. We studied
those and the idea was to take a dilapidated
lot and put up temporary structures and you
turn it into an art community, Bardin said. If
the lot is sold, then everything can be raised
up and moved to a new location.
It was mainly Skye and myself that built
all the structures, but people from the art alliance, friends and family were the ones that
painted everything, Bardin said. Theyd
come out and gave us a hand sweeping up.
It was really a team effort.
Singh said the plan for The ArtLot is to
host events and exhibitions and any kind of
sculpture installations on this property for a
year.
I think were going to stay here for now
and see how this project unfolds, but certainly if we find it to be a success and its kind
of running on its own then well probably
identify some other locations to do another
project, Singh said.

Avondale Estates Mayor Jonathan Elmore said he is excited to see The ArtLot up
and functioning.
Weve been working on it for a few
months now, had some really big work parties the last couple of weekends, and were
just looking forward to the next year of just
having different kinds of events here, Elmore said. Its just a fun space. We would
like people to stop by.
Elmore said The ArtLot shows that the
city is trying to be more of a proactive city.
We have an arts crowd here and were
trying to build up the arts community, he
said. I think if the community is projecting
arts events it may attract businesses. I think
once we start pulling people in, then the
business will follow. I just want our community to be seen as a fun place to come to.
opinion
Page 6
Letter to the Editor

Vote No on Amendment 1: Defending Local Control Is Not Defending the Status Quo
In a last ditch effort to
mislead voters further, proponents of the so-called
Opportunity School District
have put out an audacious
ad that claims the plan will
actually enhance local control.
This is a blatant lie.
By design, OSD requires
an amendment to the Georgia constitution, which circumvents the authority of local, elected Georgia school
boards and hands control
to a political appointee. This
education czar will answer
only to the governor and will
have absolute power. If the
education czar decides to
fire teachers without cause
or to close a school entirely,
parents and teachers will
have no recourse.
As Ambassador [Andrew] Young stated in a
recent press conference,
Family values and the traditions that have made us
great as nation have very
seldom come from the state
down; they have come from
Reverend Timothy McDonald, III
people up. And public education controlled by communities is the basis of a

continued, growing, creative
society.
The enabling legislation
pays only lip service to our
desire, as concerned parents, teachers and community leaders, to play an active role in our childrens education. It promises opportunity for community input,
but not accountability, while
our schools are steamrolled
by the state. But mere com-
munity input is meaningless

without accountability, and
accountability is what is at
stake.
So let us put to rest the
argument that opponents
to Amendment 1 are defenders of the status quo.
As protesters chanted at a
recent Georgia PTA press
conference: Keep in mind
you ought to know, parents
arent the status quo!
We who oppose Amendment 1 DO seek change,
and we seek progress.
The schools that the state
has labeled failing are in
fact located in communities where the state has
failed the schools, and
that is a wrong that must
be righted. Georgia parents have watched as their
public school childrens art
and music programs have
been decimated. Teachers
have to dig into their own
pockets to buy basic school
supplies, and in 2016 20
percent of Georgia school
districts were still furlough-
ing teachers. Teachers in

these districts cant even
dream about raisestheyre
still living with pay cuts.
Yet, despite the odds,
we are making progress.
In Georgia, were consistently seeing minority
students advance at faster
rates than White students,
despite what pro-takeover
advocates tell us. In 2014
the AJC reported that the
persistent achievement gap
between White students and
other key groups is significantly narrowing.
The key to our success
is community involvement
and accountability, and
that is assuredly tied to local control. The members
of a local school board are
our neighbors, and they
understand the challenges
that are unique to our local schools. Our kids play
sports together, our families
worship together, and we
see one another on the
street. When we have a
problem, question or con-
cern, we talk to them. And

if members of the school
board go astray or are
derelict in their duties, we
can lean on the democratic
process and appeal their
decisions or vote them out
of office.
If given the proper resources, our communities
can continue to make great
strides in raising our children out of poverty. But if
Amendment 1 passes, it will
deplete our power. OSD will
trap families under the rule
of an education czar with no
connection or accountability to our communities. As
Hank Aaron so powerfully
pleaded at a press conference this week (on Oct. 18,
2016), We have to defeat
this. We have to vote no on
Amendment 1.
Reverend Timothy McDonald, III, Senior Pastor
of the First Iconium Baptist
Church in Atlanta, Georgia
opinion
Page 7
Presidential election overtime
I will keep you in suspense.

GOP Presidential nominee
Donald Trump, in response to
the second question by Chris
Wallace, Fox News moderator
of the third and final presidential
debate on whether Trump would
accept the will of the voters and
outcome of the election.
The closest presidential
election in U.S. history was the
2000 contest between VicePresident Al Gore and then
Texas Governor George W.
Bush.As you may recall, the
tight contest hung by the 29
electoral votes of Florida, after
a strong ground-game by the
GOP had moved Ohio and
Virginia back into the Bush win
column.Winning Florida would
give Bush 271 electoral votes,
with 270 required for victory in
the Electoral College.
Without expending the entire
column recounting those days
and weeks, the U.S. Supreme
Court interceded, and finally
ended recounts underway in
several counties, as directed by
the Florida Supreme Court.The
final tally gave Bush a statewide
margin of only 537 votes among
six-million cast in the state, and
he was later awarded Floridas
29 electoral votes. The Electoral
College selected Bush as victor
by a margin of one vote.
Election laws in most states
have mechanisms in place for
some reason, Donald Trump.

Georgia alone, there
One Mans areInmore
than 3,000 voting
precincts,
spread across 159
Opinion
counties.Each precinct has
dozens of individual voting
Bill Crane
machines and chip-enabled
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
voting cards.Results from these
machines are tabulated at the
close contests.Most allow for a
precinct level, relayed to the
recount, at the cost of the state
county, tallied and then relayed
or local jurisdiction, if the margin to the state.The state systems
is less than a single percentage
are 50 closed loops.There is
point.It is not unusual for there
no central cloud, mainframe or
to be close contests, particularly national computer tabulating the
in local elections, but it is rare
results waiting to be hacked.
that recounts actually change
Voters in each state select a
the outcome or result.
slate of electors, as there is
In covering and analyzing
actually no direct popular vote
every subsequent election cycle, for president.These electors
presidential and otherwise, I
are awarded, and sometimes
have never seen a candidate
directed, by varying state laws,
for local, state or federal office,
with the bulk giving winner-takepre-suppose, in advance of
all to that states popular vote
the election and outcome, that
winner by plurality.
the system is rigged or that
But even losing by only one
massive voter fraud is already
electoral vote, in a state where
underway to steal the outcome
the president-elects own brother
of the election. Our system
was governor; Vice-President
of governance, as well as the
Gore did not allege a conspiracy
elections run state by state
nor suggest that his supporters
and county by county, are the
might take to the streets in
envyof most of the free world
protest of the result.In fact,
in large measure due to our
during the most heated moments
ongoing peaceful transition of
of the recount, Gore and Bush
power.Regardless of outcome,
each urged their respective
the will of the voters reigns
followers to remain calm and let
supreme, and offices as powerful the system play itself out, while
as president of the United States sending a flood of lawyers and
yield to that will.But not, for
election experts on each side to
FreePress
the DeKalb
Let Us Know What You Think!

Send Letters To Editor,
THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinions
The DeKalb Free Press,
from its readers. Please write to us and express your
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347;
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com
views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779.
the writers name, address and telephone number for
Deadline for news releases and advertising:
verification. All letters will be considered for publication.
Thursday, one week prior to publication date.
EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
Publisher:
John Hewitt
Photographer:
Travis Hudgons
Chief Financial Officer:

Dr. Earl D. Glenn
Staff Reporters:
Carla Parker
R. Scott Belzer
Horace Holloman
Production Manager:
Kemesha Wadley
The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday

by ACE III Communications, Inc.,
114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030
Phone (404) 373-7779.
www.championnewspaper.com
DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110
Tallahassee, Florida.
As of this writing, with early
voting underway in more than 20
states, and that number rising
above 30 with early absentee
voting, the contest polling is not
close.Of the 100 national polls
since the two national political
conventions, Hillary Clinton has
led in 86.Of the 14 where Trump
has led, that lead has most often
been within the margin of error.
And I suspect in each of those
states the down ballot winners
and losers will each accept
the will of the voters, await
recounts as they are entitled in
contests separated by less than
a percentage point, and then
either move in or move on from
the office they held. That is the
way we do things in the worlds
most established and respected
republic.
The republic survives and the
will of the people is followed. Are
you listening Mr. Trump?
Bill Crane also serves as a
political analyst and commentator for Channel 2s Action News,
WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and
now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist for The Champion, Champion Free Press and Georgia
Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native
and business owner, living in
Scottdale. You can reach him or
comment on a column at bill.csicrane@gmail.com.
Statement from the

publisher
We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
issue of interest to DeKalb County.
The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
discourse for all community residents
on all sides of an issue. We have no
desire to make the news only to
report news and opinions to effect
a more educated citizenry that will
ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
ideas for discussion; however,
we make every effort to avoid
printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
assumptions penned as fact.
local
New Lithonia city administrator focused

on communication, citizen involvement
by Carla Parker
Before Cheryl Foster
was hired to be Lithonias
new city administrator, she
knew that although the city
was small, city leaders are
good at using the resources
available to them.
I know they utilize a lot
of programing, Foster said.
Were short staffedwe
dont have a whole lot of
people, but we utilize our resources. For a small city we
have done so much.
Now that Foster is city
administrator, she is focused
on spreading the word about
the resources and programs
as well as bringing in more
resources and improving
citizen involvement and the
organizational structure of
the citys government.
Foster, a DeKalb County
native and Towers High
School graduate, was introduced last month as the
citys new administrator. She
has worked for several municipalities in legal departments and city government.
Foster said one of the reasons she applied for the city
administrator position was to
get into management.
Ive been in government for a good amount of
time, so one of the things I
wanted to do was actually
Lithonia City Administrator

Cheryl Foster is focused
on improving the citys
organizational structure, budget
and citizen involvement.
be more integrated in how

government functions, she
said. Being a city administrator allows you to do more
of those thingsthe day-today operations and be more
involved with the citizens
and really being able to give
them what they want, as
well as allowing government
to run more efficiently. I decided that this would be a
good move for me, to really
grow and develop and also
give back to the community I
grew up in.
Foster has spoken with
many residents about their
concerns and thoughts on
the city, and the main question Foster has heard from
residents is how they can
become more involved.
[We have to be] more
transparent as far as what
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Mayor
and Commissioners for the City of Avondale Estates
will hold a Public Hearing for the 2017 Proposed
Budget on November 14, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at City
Hall. Any person wishing to be heard on the budget
may appear.
Final Adoption of the 2017 budget will occur in
conjunction with the Boards regular monthly
meeting on December 12, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at City
Hall, 21 North Avondale Plaza.
The proposed 2017 budget is available for public
review on the City website and at City Hall during
normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICE
THE CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA WILL
HOLD A TOWN HALL MEETING REGARDING
ANNEXATION AT
875 MAIN STREET,
STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016 AT 6:30 P.M.
programs can we offer for

them to get involved in, putting out more information,
she said. What we really
want to implement is getting
the community to merge
with government to make
things happen. So citizen
involvement is the biggest
key.
When Foster began
making her own analysis of
the city, the aspect that she
addressed right away was
the organizational structure
of the city.
I think that was one of
the other reasons why I was
brought in, was to streamline processes to make
sure that we are more selfsufficient and very transparent, she said. We want to
update the website, but we
also want to make it so that
[the citizens] know what
were doingthat its out
there. Regardless of whos
in office, who is in place,
it can always self-sustain
itself.
The handling of city
business and contracts

has come under scrutiny
recently and led to Mayor
Deborah Jackson being
censured by the city council after the majority of the
council disapproved of how
she handled a contract situation surrounding the public
works building renovations.
Foster said situations such
as that could be avoided
with better communication.
A lot of things may look
or appear to not be [legitimate] but may actually be
[legitimate], Foster said.
Its just that [it wasnt] communicated the best way or
[it wasnt] handled how [one]
could have better handled
it.
Foster said she will work
on updating the council on
the day-to-day functions of
the city and bring in more
policies and procedures.
One of the things I will
try to implement, even with
the council, is to let them
know whats going on the
day-to-day side because
theyre not here every single

day, Foster added. [They]
just get the end product
when everything is negotiated. But there are nuances
in government that go on a
daily basis and the council
doesnt always see that.
Even the mayor might not
see it all of the time.
Im looking forward to
really utilizing the resources
that we have in Lithonia,
as far as really being in the
community, showing my
face and saying I am here
let me be the bridge for you
and the council, whatever
anyone needs, she said.
But also, lets focus on
moving forward. Lets focus
on business improvement,
the small business association. We love the businesses
in the area. Were going to
be starting programs, so I
hope citizens stay active on
our website, look at stuff and
really get involved because
were nothing without our
citizens.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ANATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE
ELIMINATION SYSTEM PERMIT TO DISCHARGE TREATED WASTEWATER
INTO THE WATERS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is considering the issuance
of an NPDES permit for the following applicant, subject to specific pollutant limitations
and special conditions:
Dekalb County Department of Watershed Management, 1580 Roadhaven Drive,
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083, NPDES Permit No. GA0026816, for the Polebridge
Creek Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 4664 Flat Bridge Road,
Lithonia, GA 30038. Up to 20 MGD of treated wastewater is being discharged to the
South River in the Ocmulgee River Basin.
Persons wishing to comment upon or object to the proposed determinations
are invited to submit same in writing to the EPD address below, or via e-mail at
EPDcomments@dnr.ga.gov, no later than thirty (30) days after this notification. If
you choose to e-mail your comments, please be sure to include the words NPDES
permit issuance- Polebridge Creek WWTF (GA0026816) (Dekalb County) in the
subject line to ensure that your comments will be forwarded to the correct staff. All
comments received prior to or on that date will be considered in the formulation of final
determinations for these permits. A public hearing may be held where the EPD Director
finds a significant degree of public interest in a proposed permit or group of permits.
Additional information regarding public hearing procedures is available by writing the
Environmental Protection Division.
A fact sheet or copy of the draft permit is available by writing the Environmental
Protection Division. The permit application, draft permit, and other information are
available for review at 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 1152 East, Atlanta, Georgia,
30334 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For
additional information contact: Gigi Steele, Wastewater Regulatory Program at (404)
463-1511.
Please bring this to the attention of persons who you know will be interested in
this matter.
local
Stephenson senior honored by Boys & Girls Club

by R. Scott Belzer
tephenson High School

senior Brenda Rolle-Davis
will be honored on Nov. 3
with 19 other young adults
from the metro-Atlanta region.
Rolle-Davis was chosen by the
East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club as
its 2016 Youth of the Year for her
exemplary behavior and leadership
at the club, her community and
Stephenson High School.
Ive always been a positive
person, Rolle-Davis said. My
mom, my friends, my teachers
everything in life keeps me
motivated. Im never a negative
person. Theres enough negative
stuff out there right now, so I want
to be a light to the world.
Being chosen means RollesDavis will go to the annual Youth
of the Year dinner and award
ceremony at the Intercontinental
Buckhead Atlanta Hotel on Nov.
3. Rolles-Davis will then compete
with 19 other young adults to earn
the Metro Atlanta Youth of the Year
award.
Were thrilled to celebrate these
teens and their accomplishments,
said Missy Dugan, president of
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
Each day in our clubs, we work
to show kids the power of positive
choices and the impact of giving
back. This years nominees are

not only driving change among
their peers and at their clubs, they
are making real change in their
communities.
Rolle-Davis earned the honor
by touring local companies
such as Coca-Cola, answering
questions about her character
and showcasing her academic
success, her commitment to a
healthy lifestyle and her vision for
Americas youth, she said. RollesDavis expressed her views in essay
to qualify for the contest.
In addition to being an honorroll student at Stephenson High,
Rolles-Davis is president of East
DeKalb Boys & Girls Clubs college
readiness program, College Bound.
Rolles-Davis said her
experience as a premature baby
has led to her advocacy for healthy Brenda Rolles-Davis, East DeKalb Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year nominee,
recently toured Georgia Senator Janice Van Ness around the Lithonia facility with
lifestyles in young people.
director Brandon Riley. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
I was born one pound, four
ounces, Rolles-Davis said. I feel
that everyone should take care of
can always come to me and look
We write three essays about
their body.
up to teenagers and other people
those topics and send letters,
Rolles-Davis said Americas
that are at the Boys & Girls Club
Rolle-Davis said. Its to let
youth needs leaders inside friend
every dayparents, grandparents,
everyone know what Boys & Girls
groups as well as mentors outside
uncles, anybody.
Club is all about, what we think
such friend groups. She said she
Last year, Rolles-Davis played
about our youth, what we want our
has acted as such in her community a role in food drives, fundraisers for youth to knowanything to get
and made a difference in the lives
animal shelters and Hosea Helps
them involved.
of her peers.
to aid people and pets in need. She
According to Rolle-Davis, Boys
Everyone needs a leader and
said her involvement has helped
a lot of kids out there dont have
both her and the club she happily
See Stephenson on Page 10A
one, Rolles-Davis said. People
represents.
Tucker announces inaugural zoning board of appeals

by Carla Parker
Tucker continues to
steadily build its own
government with the
creation of community
committees and boards.
The city announced
Oct. 19 that five residents
have been selected
to serve on the citys
inaugural zoning board of
appeals. The five members
appointed were Charles
Abbott, Keith Easterling,
Chris Hartley, Pat Soltys
and Neal Stubblefield.
The board will consider
requests for alterations
from the zoning ordinance
and hear appeals regarding
analysis made by the
community development
director.
We are thankful
these residents are willing
to share their wealth of
knowledge and experience
with the city of Tucker,
Mayor Frank Auman said
in a released statement.
They make an outstanding
team and will serve us

well.
Abbott is a civil
engineer and the owner of
Tucker-based engineering
firm, Abbott Concepts and
Design, Inc. A graduate of
Southern Polytechnic State
University, he has 18 years
of experience in civil site
design in metro Atlanta.
Easterling, a senior
lecturer at Emory
University, has worked in
community organizations
as president of an Atlanta
neighborhood association
and as a member of
an Atlanta task force
designed to revitalize
Cheshire Bridge Road
through zoning changes.
He also has served on
Emorys Clifton Corridor
Transportation Advisory
Board and its committee on
the environment.
Hartley has a bachelor
degree in communication
arts from Georgia Southern
University and works as
a project manager for
a custom home builder,
which projects are primarily

located in Decatur.
Soltys is the lead listing
agent for the Smoke Rise
Agents Team of Realty
Associates of Atlanta, LLC.
She also has worked as a
real estate consultant.
Stubblefield has been
a consultant for more than
37 years in public water
infrastructure. He currently
works at Barge, Waggoner,
Sumner & Cannon and

was previously the vice
president at Jordan, Jones
& Goulding and national
practice leader for Jacobs
Engineering. He has
worked for municipal clients
throughout the southeast
including Atlanta, DeKalb,
Fulton and Gwinnett
counties. He has served
as past board chair at
Georgia AGAPE, present
advisor to Tucker-based
EIRO, and is an active
member of the Council for
Quality Growth.
Tucker is moving into
its comprehensive plan
development with a zoning
board of appeals in place
and a planning commission
currently hearing requests.
The board will hold its first
meet Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at
Discover DeKalb.
Coming to Dekalb
County in November!
Register now to check the health
of your arteries
5 important screenings for only $149

Carotid artery screening (plaque)
Heart Rhythm Screening (A Fib)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
Osteoporosis risk assessment
Nov. 7, Living Grace Lutheran Church-TUCKER

Nov. 9, Lions of Juda Event Center-STONE MOUNTAIN
Nov. 15, Fairfield Baptist Church-LITHONIA
Pre-registration is required call 1-888-653-6450 to receive a $10 discount
local
Rebate program helping

water conservation
efforts in DeKalb County
by Horace Holloman
Fifty-three counties,
including DeKalb County,
are experiencing level 1
drought conditions. Due
to the drought, a rebate
program offered by the
county could help with
conservation efforts if
homeowners buy in.
The Toilet Retrofit
Rebate program, offered
by the DeKalb County
Department of Watershed
Management, gives DeKalb
County homeowners a
one-time rebate check by
switching to a low-flow
toilet.
Homeowners with
individually metered homes
built prior to 1993 are
eligible for a rebate after
replacing old toilets with
high-efficiency toilets.
Older toilets can use
anywhere between 3.5 to 7
gallons each time you pull
the handle, said watershed
management director Scott
Towler in a statement. By
using low-flow toilets, you
can cut your consumption
dramatically as soon as its
installed, and that will save
money on the water and
sewer bills every time. Plus,
well rebate some of the
cost to do it.
Toilets that have a
flush capacity of up to
1.28 gallons are eligible
for a rebate of up to $100.
Toilets with a flush capacity
of 1.6 gallons are eligible
for a rebate of up to $50,

according to department
officials. The offer is
limited to three toilets per
household.
The entire [MetroAtlanta] area is a growing
area, and we have limited
resources. [DeKalb
County] draws from the
Chattahoochee River and
the strain on it is well known
and has been going on
for years, said watershed
spokesperson Burke
Brennan. We all have a
responsibility to use what
we need and leave for
others.
In September of this
year, DeKalb Watershed
issued $138,000 in rebates,
according to Towler.
The fact that it
represents more than 1,400
conservation-friendly toilets
is even better, said Towler.
Brennan said the
program has had a great
deal of success since it
was initiated in 2008. The
county has also worked on
education campaigns to
make residents aware of
potential savings, he said.
As the world becomes
more populous, we become
more aware, Brennan said.
Frankly, the drought is the
perfect time to talk about
water conservation. [This
program] helps us conserve
valuable resources.
Since the program was
initiated, more than 29,000
toilets in DeKalb County
have been upgraded.
On Nov. 3, Brenda Rolles-Davis will compete with 19 other young adults from the metro Atlanta area
as part of the organizations 2016 Youth of the Year celebration. Rolles-Davis will represent East
DeKalb County. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
stephenson Continued From Page 9A

& Girls Club plays a vital and positive role
in shaping future adults.
People think its like a little daycare,
Rolle-Davis said. Its anything but a
daycare. We have plenty to offer; children
are going to be at their best here.
East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club
director Brandon Riley said Rolle-Daviss
speech will set her apart from Novembers
competition and embody the clubs spirit.
I believe in Brenda 100 percent, Riley
said. Shes loyalshes been with the club
through the ups and the downs. Shes seen
the club mature and transition from where
we started to where we are now. At the end
of the day, shes always been there.
Riley called Rolles-Davis a leader within
the club as well a leader of her community.

Shes a great overall person, Riley
said. Our motto is East DeKalb tough.
When she is out at different places and
clubs, she sets the tone to know that its
not about what you have, its about getting
through a situation with more knowledge.
Thats what shes all about.
Rolles-Davis said she plans on
attending Fort Valley State University and
majoring in communications and media.
She said she would like to pursue a career
in journalism, media, sports marketing or
film.
For more information on the East
DeKalb Boys & Girls Club, visit www.
bgcma.org/club/eastdekalb/.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE
ELIMINATION SYSTEM PERMIT TO DISCHARGE TREATED
WASTEWATER INTO THE WATERS OF THE
STATE OF GEORGIA.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is considering the issuance
of an NPDES permit for the following applicant, subject to specific pollutant limitations
and special conditions:
Dekalb County Department of Watershed Management, 1580 Roadhaven Drive,
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083, NPDES Permit No. GA0024147, for the Snapfinger
Creek Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 4124 Flakes Mill Road,
Decatur, GA 30034. Up to 44 MGD oftreated wastewater is being discharged to the
South River in the Ocmulgee River Basin.
Persons wishing to comment upon or object to the proposed determinations
are invited to submit same in writing to the EPD address below, or via e-mail at
EPDcomments@dnr.ga.gov, no later than thirty (30) days after this notification. If
you choose to e-mail your comments, please be sure to include the words NPDES
permit issuance -Snapfinger Creek WWTF (GA0024147) (Dekalb County) in the
subject line to ensure that your comments will be forwarded to the correct staff. All
comments received prior to or on that date will be considered in the formulation of final
determinations for these permits. A public hearing may be held where the EPD Director
finds a significant degree of public interest in a proposed permit or group of permits.
Additional information regarding public hearing procedures is available by writing the
Environmental Protection Division.
A fact sheet or copy of the draft permit is available by writing the Environmental
Protection Division. The permit application, draft permit, and other information are
available for review at 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 1152 East, Atlanta, Georgia,
30334 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For
additional information contact: Gigi Steele, Wastewater Regulatory Program at (404)
463-1511.
Please bring this to the attention of persons who you know will be interested in
this matter.
local
DeKalb holds cancer

awareness run
by Horace Holloman
Cancer sucks.
Wanda Fields, 46, wasnt shy about
expressing her disdain for cancer during
the first Uniting DeKalb for a Cure
eventa 5K walk/run that coincided
with national Breast Cancer Awareness
monthOct. 22.
Fields, who has been cancer-free for
24 years, said she came out to support
those who are still fighting the disease.
I have friends that are fighting cancer
right now and one in the hospital. This is
very dear to me, Fields said. This is so
uplifting. The fact that I can come out here
knowing that people are suffering behind
it, I get emotional. This is an emotional
walk for me.
Nearly 300 people registered for the
event, hosted by interim CEO Lee May.
The 5K walk/run began at Northlake Mall
in Tucker.
The event featured a health fair with
healthy cooking demonstrations and
free health screenings. Fields said early
detection is important when fighting
cancer. Fields first developed cancer at
22 years old.
I have a social club of about nine
women and we support breast cancer
[awareness] all year round, Fields said.
I was 22 when the [doctors] initially told
me and I think thats why a lot of women
are out here today because their mom,
or someone they love, had to go through
this. But Im out here for me and my

friends that are going through the same
thing.
Radio personality Darlene McCoy of
Praise 102.5 served as an event partner.
Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders were also
on hand for the 5K run.
As of Oct. 22, the 2016 Breast Cancer
Awareness 5K Run/Walk had raised
$4,572. All proceeds from the 5K run/walk
go to benefit Oakhurst Medical Center.
Personal trainer Eric Nicoleau helped
participants get ready for the 5K run/walk
by going through stretching and rhythmic
exercises.
May said hes hopeful that a cure for
cancer is on the horizon.
This is something we really wanted
to bring awareness to and we just wanted
to do our part in DeKalb County, May
said. You cant resolve or fix a situation
unless youre fully aware of a situation.
I truly believe that we will find a cure for
breast cancer, or cancer as a whole, in
our generation. Were just doing a small
part of the solution.
Annette Brown, who came with her
church group, said her husband passed
away of cancer and participating in the
Uniting DeKalb for a Cure event was one
way to honor his memory.
It feels great to support this
community, said Brown. Its important to
get checked early. This is great exercise
and you get to meet people and talk with
people and listen to their stories.
GEORGIA PIEDMONT
DeKalb County held its first Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk themed, Uniting DeKalb for
a Cure. More than 200 participants registered for the event.
R
E
V
O
W!
O
C
S LN
L
2017
DIENROSpring
Semester
HIGH JOB PLACEMENT RATE97.3%
LOW COST1/3rd of the cost of other institutions
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULESonline, hybrid, evenings,

weekends
IN-DEMAND PROGRAMSmore than 40 programs in
high-demand fields
ACCREDITEDfor nearly 50 years
NOW OFFERING WEEKEND COLLEGE

An innovative, accelerated hybrid-style
learning format offered on Saturdays that
allows you to earn a degree in two years.
CHOOSE THE BEST CAMPUS FOR YOU!

MAIN CAMPUS
LOCATIONS:
Equal Opportunity Institution
DEKALB CAMPUS
495 N. Indian Creek Dr.
Clarkston, GA 30021
404-297-9522 ext. 1602
SOUTH DEKALB CAMPUS

2460 Wesley Chapel Rd.
Decatur, GA 30035
404-297-9522 ext. 6000
NEWTON CAMPUS
16200 Alcovy Rd.,
Covington, GA 30014
404-297-9522 ext. 3100
Contact us at (404) 297-9522 | www.gptc.edu | Equal Opportunity Institution

www.gptc.edu/gainfulemployment
local
Doravilles 20-year plan approved

City approves comprehensive
plan outlining growth,
annexation and development
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.
com
n Oct. 17,
Doraville
City Council
approved a 20year comprehensive plan
attempting to facilitate
growth and build a distinct
identity.
Since December 2015,
Doraville city staff has
hosted public meetings,
conducted interviews and
taken notes on how to bring
the communitys vision for
the future to life.
In 2005, the Georgia
Department of Community
Affairs (DCA) adopted an
ordinance requiring cities
to plan for their futures.
The planconsisting of
a vision, policies, and
implementation route
guides the growth and
development of a city over
a 20-year period.
According to the DCA,
required subjects include
community goals, needs
and opportunities, projects,
proposed ordinances,
land use, transportation,
housing and natural
resources. Optional
subjects include economic
development, design,
historic resources and
community facilities.
After 15 stakeholder
interviews, five meetings of
a citizens advisory panel,
three public workshops,
three group input sessions,
one open house, four
public hearings and a
community survey of 425
residents, a draft of the
comprehensive plan was
presented to city council on
Aug. 15.
This has been worked
on a very long time, said
Mayor Donna Pittman.
Its very impressiveI love
this. [Staff] has done an
outstanding job.
Enrique Bascunana,
Doravilles director of
community development
and planning, said
Doravilles previous plan
was adopted in 2006

and outlined 10 years of
development.
Because of the
expansion of the city with
annexation and some new
developments, we decided
it was time to update
our policies and goals,
Bascunana said. This
really has been a collective
effort.
According to the plans
vision statement, Doraville
will stand out as a vibrant,
diverse and open-minded
community that offers
unique opportunities to live,
work, shop and enjoy the
best of what the Atlanta
region has to offera
balanced mix of uses,
strong neighborhoods,
good schools, family
friendliness, a diverse
employment sector and a
multi-modal transportation
network.
Doravilles planknown
as Design Doraville
outlines annexation of
unincorporated areas within
its borders, the creation of
a four distinct business and
preservation districts, the
development of a Buford
Highway cultural corridor
and the establishment of
an official town center until
2037.
The goals were decided
on after meetings with the
public. According to the
plan, suggestions from
the meetings included
improved schools within
the community, embracing
change while keeping
the cultural diversity of
Buford Highway intact,
and creating an area for
community events.
At the meeting Aug. 15,
consultant Amanda Hatton
said the Buford Highway
corridor transition from
commercial use to mixeduse.
Were talking about a
change of vision, Hatton
said. We are talking
about the importance of
preserving the diversity
of the community but also
making it a walkable,
A central piece of Doravilles comprehensive plan is The Assembly, a mixed-use district offering
housing, office and retail space at the former General Motors Plant site.
A central focus of Doravilles 20-year comprehensive plan is the development of a distinct

downtown corridor.
vibrant district. We want to

make it a vibrant center of
the city.
Hatton said the public
response was a focus on
new opportunities. Hatton
said the comprehensive
plan will work hand-in-hand
with Doravilles Buford
Highway Livable Centers
Initiative study that began
in July.
During the public
comment section we
discovered we need to be
focused on providing new
housing opportunities and
bringing in new housing
products that help bring us
into the next phase of our
vision, Hatton said.
According to Marian
Liou, founder and director

of WeLoveBuHi, an
advocacy group for the
Buford Highway corridor,
the road that spans
Chamblee and Doraville is
a paradox.
The challenge
on Buford Highway is
harmonizing the dreams
of the people who [have]
given Buford Highway
its identity and vitality
with an ugly, unsafe,
underdeveloped,
underutilized corridor
designed to move cars
and trucks, Liou wrote
in an op-ed published in
June. The paradox is that
these very unpromising
conditions have enabled
continuous waves of our

most recently arrived
immigrants to find housing,
jobs, and resources among
people of similar economic
and ethnic backgrounds
in other words, to thrive.
On Aug. 15, resident
Tom Hart said Doravilles
comprehensive plan held
no other interest than to
satisfy the Atlanta Regional
Commissions vision
of building workforce
housing.
On Oct. 17,
Doraville City Council
unanimously approved the
comprehensive plan, set to
be in effect 2017 through
2037.
local
weekinpictures
More than 700 pets received free vet services at LifeLine Animal Projects Healthy Pets Atlanta.
Photos provided
A bald man decided to turn his head into a canvas during the Uniting
DeKalb for a Cure event Oct. 22 to support breast cancer awareness.
Photos Horace Holloman
Members of Cedar Groves band performed at the first Uniting

DeKalb for a Cure event Oct. 22.
Decatur Christian Tower residents recently collected and

donated shoes for homeless men and women. Shoes for
the Homeless was sponsored by Barbara Johnson of
Open Door Community. Photo provided
Volunteers from Hands on Atlanta

worked at Wylde Centers Community
Garden & Greenspace on Oct. 18.
Bamboo gathered on Oct. 18 will
be used for future trellises. Photo
provided
Kindergartners from Austin Elementary visited Dunwoody Nature

Center on Oct. 18 as part of the schools creative writing program.
Photo provided
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
By the numbers: A look at early voting in DeKalb County
by Horace Holloman
In the first few days of early
voting in DeKalb County, voter
registration officials have seen a big
turnout so far.
In DeKalb County, more than
50,000 residents have cast an early
vote as of Oct. 24, including 7,483
mailed-in ballots.
On the first day of early voting
Oct. 17, approximately 7,636
residents cast their votes. The
number of early voters decreased by
14 percent the following day and 22

percent on Oct. 19.
However, Oct. 24 early voting
across the county picked up once
again with 7,666 residents casting a
vote across the three polling sites.
The main voting office on
Memorial Drive is one of the busiest
polling stations. Through the first five
days of early voting in the county,
16,544 residents voted in the main
office. At the DeKalb Mall, 8,716
votes were cast and at the Tucker
polling station, 8,313 individuals
voted.
Our multi-award-winning Sports section brings you

the best in-depth sideline coverage available.
Dont miss an issue.
Call our office today for this limited offer.
The best coverage.
The best photos.
The best action.
Every week!
$25 /year
Call 404.373.7779 X 100 to start your discounted subscription.
local
Avondale Estates to request GDOT to consider modified road diet model
by Carla Parker
Before spending more money
to update its road diet model for
U.S. 278, Avondale Estates officials
will ask Georgia Department of
Transportation officials to consider
taking a second look at a revised
model.
Avondale Estates Mayor
Jonathan Elmore told city
commissioners at the Nov. 19 work
session that he, City Manager
Clai Brown and City Planner and
Community Development Officer
Keri Stevens are trying to arrange
a meeting with GDOT officials to ask
them to look at the citys road diet
model again.
We want to consider making
changes to the road diet model,
so we would like for them to take a
second look at that after we have
modified it and tweaked it, which we
just didnt do the first time, Elmore
said. Were not asking them to
look at the same thing again. We
want them to consider a modified
modeling of the road diet.
A road diet involves converting
an undivided four-lane roadway
into three lanestwo through
lanes and a center two-way left

turn lane. Elmore said they want
to get advice on the model before
spending money to have the model
revised, which could cost $45,000 to
$65,000.
In January 2014, the Atlanta
Regional Commission announced
it would award the city a $50,000
Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant

to conduct a feasibility study to
determine the best design for U.S.
278, including the intersection at
U.S. 278 and Clarendon Avenue.
The city received three
proposals from firms to complete
the study and selected Nelson\
Nygaard. In December 2014, the
city conducted a road diet and

roundabout demonstration, which
is proposed in the citys downtown
master plan update.
The consultant team and city
staff presented the concept plan
and associated research at a public
meeting in March 2015. Since then,
there have been no public meetings
about the project.
Elmore said at the work session
that the ARC is taking applications
for supplemental grants, which could
cover the cost for revising the model.
There is a possibility that there
is some grant money out there
to help us with that $45,000 to
$65,000, he said.
The commissioners agreed that
the city should seek guidance from
GDOT first.
I think its a move in the right
direction, Commissioner Adela
Yelton said. It probably feels
like were taking a step or two
backwards, but I think in the long run
itll be in the right direction.
I think its definitely a step in the
right directionto get some type
of deal before we put more money
into something that may or may not
get passed, Mayor Pro Tem Terry
Giager said.
VOTE NO ON AMENDMENT 1
STOP THE TAKEOVER OF OUR SCHOOLS

Amendment 1 is a political power grab
that would silence our communities
and fire our teachers.
Join Former Mayor Andrew Young,
the NAACP, Georgias teachers, the
Georgia PTA, and hundreds of elected
officials and clergy.
KeepGeorgiaSchoolsLocal.org
VOTE NO
Paid for by the Committee to Keep Georgia Schools Local.
on Amendment 1.
local
Clarkstons public safety committee hosted a public discussion regarding the Clarkston Clean Indoor Air Act roughly two month after it passed in August.
Clean Indoor Air Act reexamined in Clarkston

Public safety committee discusses ordinance with business owners
by R. Scott Belzer
Following opposition at meetings
held Sept. 6 and Oct. 4, Clarkstons
public safety committee hosted a
public discussion regarding the
citys Clean Indoor Air Act on Oct.
20.
Patricia Bernard, an Atlanta
attorney representing Sunrise
Caf and Kabu Lounge, may have
convinced city officials to amend
certain parts of the ordinance
following an hour-long discussion.
The citywide ordinance bans
smoking inside any Clarkston
business and mandates smoking
occur no closer than 30 feet from a
businesss entrance. This includes
the use of electronic cigarettes
as well as flavored pipe tobacco,
commonly referred to as hookah.
Despite protests from a
statewide vaping community,
Clarkstons only adult entertainment
establishment as well as business
owners offering indoor use of
hookah, Clarkston approved the
ordinance in August.
In September and early
October, Bernard spoke on
behalf of Sunrise Caf and Kabu
Loungetwo Clarkston businesses
offering hookah indoors. According
to Bernard, the ordinance has been
responsible for a loss of income at
both locations.
The quality control people
came around Monday [Sept.
26] and by Tuesday [Sept. 27],
everyones business died, Bernard
said Oct. 4. Since Tuesday, no
restaurant that sells hookah has
been making money. Friday night
was dead, Saturday night was
dead, every day has been dead.
Youve taken away a cultural
practice.
Bernard also brought up
the grandfather clause of the
ordinance, which allows existing
adult entertainment establishments
two years to comply with its bylaws.
This will allow adult entertainment
businesses to allow indoor smoking
until December 2018.
Councilman Mario Williams, head of Clarkstons public

safety committee, hosted a public discussion regarding the
Clarkston Clean Indoor Air Act roughly two month after it
passed in August.
She said businesses offering

hookah also should be included,
even if its primary source of income
is not tobacco, which is a stipulation
required by the ordinance. Another
stipulation is that the businesses
only allow patrons who are 21 and
older.
On Oct. 20, Bernard said the
businesseswhich once made
approximately $6,800 per month
are now making as little as $300
per month.
Bernard spoke again with
Clarkston councilmen Mario
Williams, Awet Eyasu and Ahmed
Hassan on Oct. 20 seeking a
resolution to the issue.
There are two key provisions
in dealing with this issue, Williams
said. We have a grandfather
clause for the adult entertainment
business and for all people whose
primary sales are tobacco. Its
come to our attention that other
business owners are affected by
this ordinance and the grandfather
clause that it does not include
them.
Williams, an attorney
specializing in matters of
discrimination, said the ordinances
current wording is neutral
and lawful. He did, however,
Attorney Patricia Bernard, representing Sunrise Caf and

Kabu Lounge, has criticized the Clarkston Clean Indoor Air
Act.
acknowledge certain businesses

are driven by tobacco sales
and that the ordinance does not
currently account for them.
Unfortunately, this was not
brought to our attention prior to
passing the ordinance, Williams
said. I do believe the ordinance,
as written, is lawful. However, in
the spirit of good will were here to
discuss a special circumstance.
Bernard requested the city
council consider expanding the
grandfather clause to businesses
driven by tobacco sales.
This will give them a chance to
adjust and figure out what theyre
going to do, Bernard said.
All three councilmen requested
the businesses strictly enforce a
21-and-older policy.
Adult entertainment has 21
and older, Williams said. If no
one under 21 comes into your
establishment... that may be
something we can work with.
Im adamant about the 21 and
up, Hassan said. But we have to
make sure that is being enforced.
Bernard said Clarkston should
examine its policies concerning
different ethnicities when passing
ordinances in the future.
These are some of the
challenges a unique city like this

faces, Bernard said. When you
have so many cultures, so many
languages, this situation serves as
a learning tool for all sides. It makes
people get involved and challenges
the city of Clarkston.
Councilman Eyasu said that no
matter what Clarkston City Council
decides to do, city officials will
continue to restrict smoking within
city limits to the best of their ability.
I hope we dont have to come
back and do this again, Eyasu
said. This is just the beginning.
I can assure you there will be no
indoor smoking in Clarkston past
December 2018, whether its adult
entertainment or not.
Williams said that health
issues have taken a backseat to
economic issues in Clarkston.
Smoking is occurring in
Clarkston until 2018 in certain
establishments, Williams said.
I dont want to downplay the
health aspects of this ordinance.
The tobacco smoke issue is very
serious. The secondhand smoke
issue is very serious. Economics
and business played a factor in this
ordinance.
Clarkstons next scheduled city
council meeting is Nov. 1.
local
Restaurant for Repairs, local organization continue to give back

by Horace Holloman
Since 2003, one of
Decaturs volunteer groups,
the Martin Luther King
(MLK) Jr. Service Project,
has helped low-income
residents in need of home
repairs.
Recently, the group
held one of its biggest
fundraisers of the year
Restaurant for Repairs.
The Restaurant for
Repairs fundraiser uses
the help of DeKalbbased restaurants with a
percentage of the proceeds
going toward the service
projects annual repair
efforts.
Each year in January,
MLK Jr. Service Project
volunteers help with
maintenance and
repair of Decatur senior
homeowners houses.
Paul Mitchell, MLK Jr.
Service Project chairman,
said hes impressed with
how the Restaurant for
Repairs fundraiser has
grown over the years.
This year we had 16
restaurants [participate].
When we first did it, we had
eight, Mitchell said.
Its pretty great, its
one of our big fundraisers
and the restaurants really
appreciate it and the
customers like knowing
theyre helping someone in

need.
On Oct. 18, various
Decatur-based restaurants
participated in the event.
The Square Pub in
Decatur donated 20 percent
of its proceeds on Oct. 18.
Pub owner Bob Rhein said
he was glad his pub was a
part of the Restaurant for
Repairs fundraiser.
Decatur has always
had a very communitydriven mentality. We love
the people and the people
that we deal with on a
daily basis, Rhein said.
Whether its a festival or an
event that the city puts on,
we all seem to support each
other.
Rhein said on a typical
Tuesday night, the pub will
get 80 to 100 customers,
but during the Restaurant
for Repairs event the
number doubles.
The service project
provided participating
restaurants with a captain
from the organization to
explain to customers where
the proceeds would go.
According to the MLK
Jr. Service Project, the
100-percent volunteer
organization had
approximately 1,300
volunteers who contributed
more than 10,000
hours helping 41 senior
households during the
three-day weekend project

last year.
We appreciate all of the
support from the restaurants
and other members of the
community who thought
this was a great opportunity
to go out to dinner on a
Tuesday, said Lee Ann
Harvey with the city of
Decatur.
Harvey said funding from
Restaurants for Repairs
allows the group to do a few
large-scale projects.
Mitchell said the
volunteer group plans to

visit and repair 35 homes
from Jan. 14-16, 2017.
Despite the community
support from the area,
Mitchell said the MLK
Service Project is still in
need of volunteers, among
other things.
Throughout the weekend,
Mitchell said MLK Service
Project will provide more
than 1,200 tools.
We basically need
skilled people that are good
with carpentry or home
repairs skills, Mitchell said.

We also need a materials
coordinator and someone
to write our content on the
website.
In 2003, the MLK Service
Project worked on five
homes in half a days work,
now Mitchell said hes proud
of how much its grown over
the years.
We just want to thank
all the restaurants for
their support and the
community, Mitchell said.
NOTICE OF SALES AND USE TAX ELECTIONTO THE QUALIFIED

VOTERS OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 8th day of November 2016, an election will be held in all of the precincts of the City
of Atlanta (the City). At the election there will be submitted to the qualified voters of the City for their determination the question
of whether an additional 0.4 percent sales tax shall be collected in the City of Atlanta for 5 years for the purpose of transportation
improvements and congestion reduction.
Voters desiring to vote for the imposition of such sales and use tax shall do so by voting YES and voters desiring to vote against the
imposition of such sales and use tax shall do so by voting NO, as to the question propounded, to wit:
Shall an additional 0.4 percent sales tax be collected in the City of Atlanta for 5 years for the purpose of transportation improvements
and congestion reduction?
The several places for holding the election shall be in the regular and established precincts of the City, and the polls will be open from
7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. on the date fixed for the election. Those qualified to vote at the election shall be determined in all respects in
accordance and in conformity with the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America and of the State of Georgia.
This notice is given pursuant to joint action of the City Council of the City of Atlanta and the Municipal Election Superintendent of the
City, subject to action taken by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-8-269.995(b)(1).
City of Atlanta
Municipal Clerk/Election Superintendent
Rhonda Dauphin Johnson
NOTICE OF SALES AND USE TAX ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED

VOTERS OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED on the 8th day of November 2016, an election will be held in all of the precincts
of the City of Atlanta (the City). At the election there will be submitted to the qualified voters of the City for their
determination the question of whether an additional sales tax shall be collected in the City of Atlanta for the purpose of
expanding and enhancing MARTA transit service in Atlanta.
Voters desiring to vote for the imposition of such sales and use tax shall do so by voting YES and voters desiring to
vote against the imposition of such sales and use tax shall do so by voting NO, as to the question propounded, to wit:
Shall an additional sales tax of one-half percent be collected in the City of Atlanta for the purpose of significantly
expanding and enhancing MARTA transit service in Atlanta?
The several places for holding the election shall be in the regular and established precincts of the City, and the polls
will be open from 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. on the date fixed for the election. Those qualified to vote at the election shall
be determined in all respects in accordance and in conformity with the Constitution and the laws of the United States of
America and of the State of Georgia.
This notice is given pursuant to joint action of the City Council of the City of Atlanta and the Municipal Election
Superintendent of the City.
City of Atlanta
Municipal Clerk/Election Superintendent
Rhonda Dauphin Johnson
education
An Oct. 17 special called public meeting at Dunwoody City Hall attracted hundreds over concerns about the rebuilding of Austin Elementary and two baseball fields. Photos
submitted.
First public meeting on Austin ES rebuild draws criticism

by R. Scott Belzer
More than 100 people attended
the first of four public meetings
regarding a real estate deal
between Dunwoody and DeKalb
County School District (DCSD).
On Oct. 5, the two governing
bodies announced a $3.6 million
deal placing approximately 10.8
acres in Dunwoody under the
ownership of DCSD. The exchange
also places 9.8 acres at the current
Austin Elementary School and
8.2 acres near Peachtree Middle
School under the ownership of
Dunwoody.
The announcement also
included notice of four public
meetings, the first of which took
place Oct. 17 at Dunwoody City
Hall. The meeting showcased
renderings, provided conversations
with officials and offered
opportunities for residents to voice
their concerns.
Dunwoody and DCSD have
received criticism from residents
about rebuilding Austin Elementary
where two baseball fields currently
are and relocating the fields to
Peachtree Middle School. The
fieldsoriginally built in 1974
and included in the $3.6 million
dealcurrently offer the Dunwoody
community club-level baseball via
Dunwoody Senior Baseball.
The agreement stipulates
Dunwoody residents have access
to the two new fields. Peachtree
Middle students will have a
mandated five-hour window to
use the fields at times yet to be
determined.
According to Dan Drake,
director of planning at DCSD, the
district approached city officials in
Dunwoody more than a year ago
about rebuilding Austin Elementary.
We had the need to tear down
and rebuild Austin Elementary into
a 900-seat school, Drake said.
What this partnership allows is to
build the school, with a commitment
to our community on or near
Roberts Drive. Instead of looking
for swing space, which would
Fields at Dunwoody Park are set to be relocated to Peachtree Middle School following a signed intergovernmental agreement
between DeKalb County School District and Dunwoody.
have required them to go far away,

or have to invest dollars to build
something temporarily, we are now
able to use these dollars and the
city can build new parks and move
forward.
Drake said the school will
mirror Peachcrest Elementary and
Fernbank Elementary in layout. He
called the schools schematics a
prototype school, when explaining
blueprints to gathered stakeholders.
Drake said if Dunwoody City
Council approves the agreement
in writing, the real estate deal will
officially close in January 2017. He
said the future Austin Elementary is
strategically located at Dunwoody
Park to take advantage of its
amenities.
Were excited about the future
collaboration with the Dunwoody
Nature Center, Drake said. This is
a win-win for both parties.
In return, the Dunwoody Nature
Centera city parkwill receive a
paved drop-off and pickup loop as
part of Austin Elementarys rebuild.
In addition, Dunwoody Finance
Director Chris Pike said the two
baseball fields at Dunwoody Park

will not go out of service until two
new baseball fields are established
near Peachtree Middle School.
For more than two hours,
attendees at the meeting
questioned Pike and Drake about
adding to Austin Elementary,
rebuilding the school where it
stands and traffic. Some opposed
the idea of having limited time on
the planned fields after Peachtree
Middle students while others
opposed the closure of the current
fields altogether.
Drake said the structure of
the building cannot accommodate
extra floors and the school cannot
be rebuilt at its current location
because it would not be the best
use of money. He said a traffic
study of Roberts Drive is likely to
take place in January.
Were not willing to go ahead
with a traffic study until the deal has
been signed, Drake said. The key
of this is getting the addition of the
school built. After we get it built, we
can come back and look at how to
improve the space.
Dunwoody Senior Baseball

president Jerry Weiner voiced
concern about damaging one of
the largest middle school programs
in the United States. Weiner
suggested moving the parks or
renegotiating the deal to move the
fields to Brook Run Park.
We have serious concerns over
traffic and parking, Weiner said.
We can have 350 people show up
at games. Were concerned what
Peachtree Middle School will get
out of two baseball fields in the
middle of the day. Having those
kids trample those fields during the
day is a concern. We spend about
$30,000 to keep fields maintained
and it is a legitimate concern. Its
a logistical nightmare and would
cause us to curtail our program.
Weiners commentary was met
with applause.
Pike said Weiners suggestion
is being considered.
The final public meeting will
take place Nov. 14 at Dunwoody
City Hall. All meetings will begin at
6 p.m.
education
The power of grace
Rowland Elementary celebrates, honors custodians 80th birthday

by R. Scott Belzer
ccording to Rowland
Elementary employee
Cory James, there is no
secret to long life, healthy
relationships and an exemplary
work ethic.
It is only by the grace of God
that these things are possible,
James said.
The first thing that comes to
mind is grace, James said. Its not
me; its nothing that I do. I do what I
can do to help, but God does some
things that only he can do. Thats
my answer. When I think about my
age, my marriageI cant take any
credit for it.
Jameswho will celebrate
his 80th birthday on Nov. 10has
worked as a kitchen employee and
custodian at Rowland Elementary
for 20 years.
He said he hopes to be doing
the exact same thing 20 years from
now
Originally from a farm in
Shellman, Ga., James moved to
Savannah when he was 13 years
old. He married in 1959 and moved
to Atlanta in 1965 for work. He
began working for Kraft Foods
approximately three years later and
retired in 1993.
Because of powers he
considers beyond his control, he
has remained working and is still
content.
I retired from Kraft Foods in
1993, James said. After I retired, I
sat around for three or four weeks,
got bored and starting cutting grass
in the neighborhood. I did that for
about a year before hearing about a
job here.
Some may call James a natural.
He worked in Rowlands cafeteria
for 20 years in addition to custodial
work. The work also mirrored work
James has done in his local church
for 30 years.
While he still maintains a
presence in the cafeteria to mentor,
advise and interact with students,
much of James time is spent
cleaning rather than producing. He
said the interactions with kids and
work relationships with colleagues
keep him coming back year after
year.
Its one of the best things
that could have happened to
me, James said. A lot of people
Rowland Elementary custodian Cory Jameswho celebrates his 80th birthday on Nov. 10 is DeKalb County School Districts
oldest employee.
have asked me when I plan on

retiring and how long I plan on
working. I tell them, As long as I
can. Its like therapy for me Im
doing something I like doing, Im
interacting with people I like to be
around. It helps me physically and
mentally.
James said his wife, daughter,
three grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren are encouraging
about his work. They, as does
James, see the benefits and
purpose of what he does each day
at school.
I like what I do and Ive been
around long enough to realize that
if you like what you do, theres
not as much stress, James said.
Anything you can tell kids in this
generation that will help them
get on or stay on the straight and
narrow path is a plus. When I was
hired, I was told they needed a man
in this schoolthat encouraged me,
too. After being here a while, [I] can
see the need. It encourages me to
know I have that purpose and am
making a difference.
While custodian remains his
formal work title, Rowland Principal
Vanessa Jones said James
along with his three custodian co-
workersis also a mentor, educator

and ideal representation of the
schools community.
The kids love them, Jones
said. The students stay in the
cafeteria, talk to them, [they] mentor
the boys. The boys dont really
seem to have many father figures,
so our custodians take them under
their wings, just like our male
teachers.
Jones said James and other
custodial staff take part in looking
at progress reports, grades and
behavior of students. School
leaders have deemed them
Eagle Buddies after Rowland
Elementarys mascot.
According to her, James age
hasnt slowed him down at all.
He doesnt differentiate from
other custodians, Jones said. You
would think, being ready to turn 80,
that he wouldnt be doing as much
physical stuff. But he does it right
along with the rest of them. To us,
its normal. He pulls his weighthe
shows up, he cleans, he mentors
the kids.
Jones said she found James
work ethic, energy and positivity is
rare.
I probably wont be working
when Im 80, Jones said. To be

80 years old, to come in, faithfully,
every day with a smile on your face
and say Good morning, to kids.. I
dont know of any 80 year olds that
are doing that.
Jones discovered there arent
any employees in the school district
as old as James. With help from
the DeKalb County School District
(DCSD) home office, she confirmed
James is the oldest employee in the
district.
Jones said Rowland Elementary
offers a unique work environment
without much turnover. The
constant greetings from staff and
teachers give the school a unique,
small-town feel. She began her
teaching career at Rowland 28
years ago.
Working with children is
different, Jones said. Your job,
your number one priority is children,
and it keeps you young. The
students help keep him young, I
think. Hes here on time every day
and very rarely is he ever lateat
80. The kids love him.
James said he views his time at
Rowland as a higher calling.
For me, this is more than just
a jobits a purpose, he said.
business
Upscale restaurant a hit on Tuckers Main Street
by Kathy Mitchell
fter operating a
successful restaurant
on Tuckers Main
Street for four years
James Haggard and his
partner Jason Hylton decided
to open a second restaurant
just a few feet away. A year
later, they concluded the
decision was a good one.
The original restaurant,
Local No. 7, has a pub
atmosphere. The owners
decided that an upscale
dining concept would appeal
to local diners as well.
We use the term upscale
in describing m572, Haggard
said of the restaurant
now celebrating its first
anniversary, but that doesnt
mean its expensive or that
we expect diners to come in a
suit and tie. The atmosphere
and the menu are more suited
to adult tastes. Its more a
date night destination than a
place to go with the family or
where buddies watch a ball
game together.
As he and his partner
had hoped, Haggard said,
both restaurants are thriving.
We have made a few
adjustments during the first
year, he noted. We tried
being open for lunch, but we
decided lunchtime diners are
more interested in having
a meal quickly and getting
back to work or whatever
theyre doing. M572 is more
for leisurely diningtaking
time to enjoy the food and
the people youre with. Now
were open just for dinner and
brunch on the weekends.
Both restaurants are
named for local features.
Local No. 7, near Tuckers
old railroad track, derives its
name from the number that
appears to recur in Tuckers
history. Tucker is seven miles
from Atlanta, Stone Mountain,
Decatur, Chamblee, Doraville
and Lilburn; at one time had
seven churches; seven high
schools within seven miles of
Tucker, and Tucker was laid
out in 1907, states the Local
No. 7 website. Similarly, m572
takes its name from the early
1800s Militia District 572,
which included the area that is
now Tucker.
Haggard, whose first
restaurant, Matador Cantina,
continues to operate in
Oakhurst, said his recipe for
a successful eatery is hiring
good people, training them
well and bringing them along
in the business.
He and his partner

decided that finding the right
chef would be the key to
the success of m572. We
searched for a year before
we settled on Jon Allen, who
is perfect for what we had in
mind, he said. We wanted
someone who would help us
create a restaurant that fits
the culture of the community it
serves.
Allen, who said he grew
up about three miles from
the heart of Tucker and lives
about that distance from the
city now, declared himself
about as local as you can
get.
The Cordon Bleu trained
chef said the menu is inspired
by the Southern foods he
grew up with but given a more
sophisticated twist. Among
the big sellers is slow-roasted
Angus beef cooked in beer
with mushrooms and mashed
potatoes, called 572 pot roast.
The shrimp and grits is one
of our most popular menu
items along with the fried
green tomatoes, he said,
adding that the porchetta is
so popular he is thinking of
removing it from the regular
menu and making it an
occasional special because
he is unable to get enough of
the pork cut used in the dish
to meet demand.
The restaurant uses
fresh, locally grown produce
to build a menu that changes
seasonally, he said.
With the decorating
scheme, according to
materials provided by the
restaurant, designers sought
to bring the nostalgia of
Tuckers past into an upscale
dining restaurant of Tuckers
future. The interior features
an open kitchen design that
allows diners to see food
being prepared, farmhouse
tables and linear wall dcor
that provides a Southern
twist on urban style. The first
to secure an alcohol license
on Tuckers Main Street, the
owners installed a full-service
bar that runs nearly the
length of the south wall and
serves such specialties as
an old fashioned made with
brown sugar and the house
signature martini.
Haggard said he and his
partner are finding the newly
incorporated city of Tucker
to be a good location for
business. We have been
impressed with Tucker. It has
the neighborly feel of a small
town and the energy of a
larger city.
James Haggard and Jason Hyltons second Tucker restaurant is a few feet from the original on
Main Street.
James Haggard says m572 is for diners who want to take time to enjoy good food and the company of those they are with.
Cordon Bleu trained chef Jon Allen says his menu is inspired by the Southern food he grew up
with.
local
NOVEMBER 2016
News and events of the

DEKALB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave. Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Focus on Education
ducation is a fundamental piece

to strengthen and grow our
community. The DeKalb Chamber
of Commerce has been working with the
DeKalb County School District to bridge a
strong relationship between the business
community and the school district.
From our meetings with Superintendent
Dr. R. Stephen Green, we used our
resources and our membership to support
parents trying to reenter the workforce. We
partnered with the school district and the
DeKalb Workforce Development and hosted
our first Parents Pounding the Pavement
Workshop and Job Fair in the spring.
Parents attending the workshop
received resume critics and work readiness
information. The job fair offered an
opportunity for more than 200 parents to
meet DeKalb Chamber members and local
businesses ready to fill local positions.
On November 1, DeKalb Chamber of
Commerce will partner with the DeKalb
County School District to host a Seeing is
Believing Tour. During this tour, more than
DeKalb Chamber and

Business Community to
Serve Senior Citizens
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
and the DeKalb business community
will give back to the senior citizens. On
Friday, November 4, 25 DeKalb Chamber
board of directors and members will
volunteer their time to help prepare and
deliver meals to senior citizens.
The Day of Service will consist of
two shifts. The first shift will begin at
9:00 a.m., where volunteers will work
in kitchen production on a variety of
tasks including plating food for Meals on
Wheels program, bagging bread, making
and packing boxes and assisting with
food preparation. The second shift will
begin at 10 a.m., where volunteers will
deliver meals.
Space is limited. For more information
or to register to volunteer, please visit bit.
ly/servedekalb or call Rachea Brooks at
404-378-8000.
Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs

to the people who prepare for it today. Malcolm X
50 DeKalb business, civic and community
leaders, as well as realtors will meet at the
DeKalb County Schools Administrative and
Industrial Complex and board a bus to tour
the schools. They will hear from regional
superintendents, school board leaders and
principals on the schools performance
and see how communities are transformed
through education.
After the tour, Dr. R. Stephen Green
will give a State of the District Address
to the business community. He will share
accomplishments from his administration,
address concerns about the Opportunity
School District, and explain projected
E-SPLOST spending.
The State of the District Address is from
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Stone Ridge
Event Center, 1750 Stone Ridge Drive,

Suite A, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.
The address is open to the public.
Tickets to attend are $40 for Chamber
members and nonmembers. For more
information and to purchase your tickets,
please visit bit.ly/2016DCSDAddress or call
Rachea Brooks at 404-378-8000.
Katerina Taylor
President & CEO

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Events
November 1
November 15
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

State of the District Address
bit.ly/2016DCSDAddress
December 8
7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Seeing is Believing Tour
November 4
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

DeKalb Chamber Day of Service
Senior Connections Meals on
Wheels
bit.ly/servedekalb
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

New Members Orientation
bit.ly/novorientation
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
2017 Legislative Preview
bit.ly/2017legispreview
For more information and to register for any of

these events, please visit www.dekalbchamber.org.
Classified
The
Champion
Classifieds
The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
HELP WANTED
Graphic Designer. FT. Design
graphics for regular and seasonal
marketing. Create promotional
displays, packaging, and
marketing materials. Front end
web design and maintenance.
Req: Associates in Graphic
Design. Foreign equiv. accepted.
24 mos experience in the
offered job duties in a wholesale
company. To apply: Mail resume:
Ace Handbags, 5748 Buford Hwy
NE, Doraville, GA 30340.
Business Opportunities
SSC/Compass Group is looking
to hire experienced Maintenance
Technicians for all skilled trades.
Must be customer service
focused. Effective communication
skills are a must. Email resume
to Julie. nelms@compass-usa.
com Compass Group is an EOE/
AA/M/F/D/V.
Drivers
CEVA Team Drivers are needed
in Buford, GA Home Daily/Great
Benefits and Pay 888-593-2705
EEOC statement
AM. Preview Monday-Tuesday

10AM-3PM. Buses, portable
school trailers, desks, chairs. Visit
www.raysauctionandlandco.com
404-202-8382
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION
in over 100 newspapers for only
$350. Your 25-word classified
ad will reach more than1 million
readers. Call Bruce Washington
at the Georgia Newspaper
Service, 770-454-6776.
DIVORCE SERVICES
DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT
children $125.00. Includes name
change and property settlement
agreement. SAVE hundreds. Fast
and easy. 1-888-733-7165, call us
toll FREE 24/7.
EDUCATION/CAREER
TRAINING
AVIATION Grads work with
JetBlue, Boeing, NASA and
others-start here with hands on
training for FAA certification.
Financial aid if qualified. Call
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
(888)873-4120 www.FixJets.com
HELP WANTED
AUCTIONS
SCHOOL AUCTTION ABSOLUTE
Fayette County Board of
Education Surplus Liquidation.
Wednesday October 26 at 9:30
25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED

NOW at Stevens Transport! NO
EXPERIENCE NEEDED! EARN
$900 PER WEEK! PAID CDL
TRAINING! All costs covered!
1-877-649-3153 drive4stevens.
com
signup, courtesy of SatelliteDeals!

Start saving now! 855-400-4334
Entry Level Heavy Equipment

Operator Career. Get Trained-Get
Certified_Get Hired! Bulldozers,
Backhoes& Excavators.
Immediate Lifetime Job
Placement. VA Benefits. 1-866362-6497
Stop paying EXPENSIVE AUTO

REPAIRS! Get discounted
warranty coverage from the
wholesale source, and dont pay
for expensive covered repairs!
Start saving now! Call 855-2264187
MISCELLANEOUS
Struggling with DRUGS or

ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS?
Talk to someone who cares. Call
The Addiction Hope & Help Line
for a free assessment. 888-4975176.
SAWMILLS from only $4397.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with

your own bandmill-Cut lumber
any dimension. Ins stock ready to
ship! FREE Info/DVD: http://www.
NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800578-1363 Ext. 300N
Looking to earn money on your
schedule? Have a car? Drive with
Uber. Call 800-315-8524.
Suffering from hearing loss? You
might qualify for ListenClears
FREE 45-day, in home trial of
revolutionary, practically invisible
hearing aids. Experience the
difference-FOR FREE! Call 866932-3958
HIGH RISK DRIVER? HAD A
DUI? Stop paying too much for
SR-22, FR-44, or similar HighRisk Car Insurance! Call our
FREE hotline today and SAVE
money! 877-874-3961
SELL your structured settlement

or annuity payments for CASH
NOW. You dont have to wait for
future payments any longer! Call
1-800-481-0635.
VACATION RENTALS
ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION
PROPERTY, to more than 1
million Georgia newspaper
readers. Your 25 word classified
ad will appear in over 100
Georgia newspapers for only
$350. Call Bruce Washington
at Georgia Newspaper
Service, 770-454-6776 or
online at www.gapress.org/
georgianewspaperservice.html
DISH SPECIAL! Get 47% off

our best TV package, Plus get
a FREE $50 prepaid card with
For prices, deadlines and information visit www.championclassifieds.com

Rates: $30.00 for up to 40 words, each additional word $0.60. All ads are prepaid! All major credit cards accepted!
Ads due by Friday - Noon for next publication date.

DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are not
bona-fide job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on color,
religion, sex, nationalorigin, handicap or familial status.
SPOT A STROKE
StrokeAssociation.org
sports
Marist advances, Arabia Mountain falls in softball stat playoffs

by Carla Parker
The Marist Lady War Eagles are
on to the quarterfinals of the Class
AAAA state fast pitch softball playoffs
after a two-game sweep over
Columbus Oct. 19 at home.
Marist won the first game in the
best-of-three series 3-0, and ran
away with the second with a score of
11-1. In game 1, pitcher Kylie Burke
pitched her third consecutive playoff
shutout. She gave up one hit in the
first inning, struck out nine batters
and allowed no walks.
Gabby Terans solo homerun
gave Marist a 1-0 lead in the bottom
of the fourth inning. An RBI single
by Peyton Probst in the fifth inning
brought the final score to 3-0.
It took only five innings for the
Lady War Eagles to put Columbus
away 11-1. Columbus only run
came in the first inning on a leadoff
homerun off of Burke, but she
and the Marist defense shut down
Columbus offense the rest of the
Marist defeated Columbus in the second round of the Class AAAA

state fast pitch softball playoffs. Photo from marist.com
game. Burke pitched a complete

game with nine strikeouts and no
walks.
Marist would tie the game at
the bottom of the inning and then
in the second inning, the Lady War
Eagles scored seven runs on six
consecutive hits. Teran led the team
with three hits and three runs.
Arabia Mountains Myia Lewis waits for the ball at third

base.
Marist will face Ridgeland in the

Class AAAA quarterfinals Oct. 27 in
Columbus.
The Arabia Mountain Lady Rams
lost to Starrs Mill at home in the Class
AAAAA playoffs on Oct. 19. Arabia
Mountain lost the first game 11-7 and
fell in the second game 10-7.
In game 1, the Lady Rams
jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first

inning, but Starrs Mill would tie the
game in the second inning and took
a 5-4 lead in the fourth inning.
Arabia Mountain went up 6-5
in the fifth inning, but Starrs Mill
regained the lead, outscoring Arabia
Mountain 6-1 the rest of the game.
Stephenson gets important region win on homecoming

by Carla Parker
The Stephenson Jaguars bettered their
chances of a playoff berth after a 29-0 win over
region opponent Mt. Zion-Jonesboro on Oct.
21, homecoming night, at Hallford Stadium.
Stephenson, which has a 5-3 overall record
and a 4-1 region record, is in third place in
region 4-AAAAAA with two more region games
to play. The Jaguars will face M.L. King (2-6,
05) on Oct. 28, and will take on region leader
Tucker (7-1, 5-0) on Nov. 4.
The Jaguars were able to take down
Mt. Zion (1-7, 1-4) with good defense and a
dominate run game led by running back Jaylen
Marson-Knight, who rushed for 226 yards on
19 carries and scored two touchdowns.
On the Jaguarss opening drive, a 23-yard
run by Hassaan Littles and a 43-yard run by
Marson-Knight set up a 8-yard touchdown run
by Marquise Whitmire, giving Stephenson a
7-0 lead.
Marson-Knight got his biggest run of the
night in the second quarter. With time running
out before halftime, Marson-Knight was able to
avoid tackles at the line of scrimmage and ran
93 yards down the sideline, behind blockers, for
a touchdown, giving the Jaguars a 14-0 lead.
The third quarter turned into a defensive
battle for both teams. Stephensons defense
kept Mt. Zions offense out of the end zone and
held them to 222 yards of offense.
Stephenson scored again early in the fourth
quarter on a 17-yard touchdown pass from
DVonn Gibbons to Littles, extending their lead
to 21-0.
Later in the quarter, Marson-Knight got his
second touchdown of the game on a 24-yard
run and dive at the pylon. Gibbons threw a
short pass to Izaiah Salaam for the 2-point
conversion, bringing the score to a final of 29-0.
Stephensons Jaylen Marson-Knight, rushed for 226 yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns. Photo by
Travis Hudgons
Week 10 football scores

Oct. 20
Lovejoy (5-4) 20, M.L. King (2-6) 6
Oct. 21
Stephenson (5-3) 29, Mt. Zion-Jonesboro (3-5) 0

Glascock Co. (2-6) 48, Cross Keys (1-4) 20
Tucker (7-1) 41, Drew 7 (2-6)
Arabia Mountain (7-1) 47, Chamblee (1-7) 8
Towers (4-4) 18, Redan (2-6) 14
Pace Academy (5-3) 45, McNair (3-5) 7
Druid Hills (3-5) 36, Henry Co. (0-8) 35

Miller Grove (3-5) 30, Columbia (2-6) 14
Blessed Trinity (7-2) 28, Marist (4-3) 26
Lithia Springs (1-7) 14, Decatur (1-7) 7
Jefferson (7-1) 24, St. Pius X (0-8) 0
Oct. 22
Cedar Grove (6-2) 55, Stone Mountain (1-6) 0

Centennial (3-5) 63, Dunwoody (2-6) 28
SW DeKalb (5-3) 21, Lithonia (3-5) 10
Open: Clarkston (1-7), Lakeside (4-4)
sports
Trail to the Title

playoff scores
Oct. 22
Chapel Hill (6-1) 16,
Henderson (3-4) 2
Tucker (7-0) 33, Bethune
(5-2) 0
Cedar Grove (5-2) 20,
Freedom (5-2) 12
Stephenson (7-0) 34,
Champion (3-4) 0
Semifinals schedule
Oct. 29
Godfrey Stadium
Tucker (7-0) vs. Cedar
Grove (5-2), 10:30 a.m.
Stephenson (7-0) vs.
Chapel Hill (6-1), 12 p.m.
Photos by Travis Hudgons
My day is all
about making

DeKalb FreePress: 10-28-16

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

DeKalb FreePress: 10-28-16

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Read the Legal notices in the champion

FRIDAY, October 28, 2016 VOL. 19, NO. 29 FREE

Avondale Estates celebrates

A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

See Artlot on Page 5A

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 Page 2A

WorkSource DeKalb mobile unit receiving upgrades

Carter while working at a

what we do so we can cut

Fun Fall Time!

Community center to host chili cook off

Tour of Buford Highway celebrates culture

Halloween Spooktacular coming

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 Page 3A

City to host trunk or treat event

Pretend Sweethearts will perform Oct. 28 at Stone Mountains

Civic association to host job fair

Regal Hollywood Stadium 24 in Chamblee hosted the final 2016

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 Page 4A

DeKalb Police department

he DeKalb County Police

driving behaviors, said the department

Notice of availability of Proposed 2017 Budget, Budget Public

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, October 28, 2016

ARTLOT Continued From Page 1

Its been done out west a couple of times

project, Singh said.

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, October 28, 2016

Letter to the Editor

Reverend Timothy McDonald, III

people up. And public education controlled by communities is the basis of a

munity input is meaningless

ing teachers. Teachers in

cern, we talk to them. And

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, October 28, 2016

Presidential election overtime

I will keep you in suspense.

some reason, Donald Trump.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Chief Financial Officer:

The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday

Statement from the

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 Page 8A

New Lithonia city administrator focused

Lithonia City Administrator

be more integrated in how

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

programs can we offer for

business and contracts

theyre not here every single

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 Page 9A

Stephenson senior honored by Boys & Girls Club

tephenson High School

back. This years nominees are

Tucker announces inaugural zoning board of appeals

team and will serve us

which projects are primarily

Sumner & Cannon and

5 important screenings for only $149

Nov. 7, Living Grace Lutheran Church-TUCKER

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 Page 10A

Rebate program helping

for a rebate of up to $50,

stephenson Continued From Page 9A

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, October 28, 2016

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, October 28, 2016

DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, October 28, 2016