FREEPRESS

the DeKalb FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017 VOL. 21, NO. 22 FREE

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

Fighting the summer slide

Junior League of DeKalb County offers free summer reading partnerships throughout June

The Junior League of Dekalb County kicked off its 2017 DeKalb Summer Reading Partnership program on June 5, beginning a summer of group readings, community
engagement and efforts championing childhood literacy. Photos submitted.

by R. Scott Belzer participating in the Guardians Reading

sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com in The Schoolhouse event at the Atlanta

A
ccording to education professionals,
the summer slide phenomenon
occurs when students take time
off school during the summer and
forget things they have learned.
Months of reading and language
skills can be lost because of a lack of
engagement, practice and interaction,
experts say.
Fortunately for DeKalb County, the Junior
League of DeKalb County (JLDC) has been
combating the summer slide for the past two
years by developing community partnerships
and distributing books for multiple age
groups through the DeKalb Summer
Reading Partnership (DSRP) program.
Started in 2016, DSRPmodeled after
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reeds Mayors
Reading Club programdelivers books
to the homes of children up to 8 years old
through public-private partnerships and
reading events. The program is funded by
United Way through a sponsorship with
resources as DeKalb County School District,
Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready
Students (GEEARS).
Last year, DSRP provided 8,000 books to
families in DeKalb County. This year, DSRP
distributed approximately 5,000.
At each event, parents and early
education professionals have the opportunity
to engage in and learn research-based
methods of reading to children.
JLDC kicked off DSRP on June 5 by
Childrens Museum. The event brought
together families and such community
Reach Out and Read Georgia, DeKalb
County Public Libraries, the DeKalb Board of
Health, Great Start Georgia and more.
What we do best is bring groups
together, said JLDC president Shara
Sanders. We facilitate people who are
already doing great work to make their jobs
easier. Our exact role is being the convener.
Since the June 5 kickoff event, DSRP
events have taken place at the Clarkston,
Chamblee and Gresham DeKalb County
Public Library branches, Rowland and
Peachcrest elementary schools, the DeKalb
County Board of Health and Scottdale Early
Learning.
Sanders said DSRP has provided
a training program through the Alliance
Theatre in Atlanta in which an actor
explained how to engage children through
See Reading on page 5

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 2A
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
AVONDALE
ESTATES
Annual 4th of July parade details
released
Avondale Estates will hold its annual
4th of July parade. The parade lineup
starts July 4 at 9:15 a.m. at Avondale
High School, 1192 Clarendon Ave. The
parade begins at 10 a.m. and ends at
Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale
Road. Beginning at 5 p.m., Boy Scouts
Troop 6 will sell hot dogs and drinks by
Lake Avondale. There will also be music
and fireworks. For more information, visit
avondaleestates.org.
CHAMBLEE
Summer concert series celebrates
July 4th
Chamblees parks and recreation
department will continue its Summer
Concert Series on July 4 by hosting Band
X and the Georgia Shine Band at Keswick
Park from 6 to 10 p.m.
Described as one of Atlantas top party
bands, Band X plays a variety of rock
music, including 60s favorites, 70s disco,
80s heavy metal and pop, 90s hip-hop
and alternative and current Top 40 hits.
The Georgia Shine Band describes itself
as smokin hot original southern rock,
with such influences as Lynyrd Skynyrd,
Blackberry Smoke, the Allman Brothers
and Molly Hatchet.
The concert will conclude with a
fireworks display courtesy of the city of
Chamblee. Other activities will include
train rides, bounce houses, a cornhole
tournament and a dunk tank to benefit
local nonprofit, Cop-n-Stuff.
Keswick Park is located at 496 Keswick
Drive in Chamblee. For more information,
visit www.chambleega.com/343/Summer-
Concert-Series.
CLARKSTON
Wind ensemble to perform
The Perimeter College Community
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 3A
Wind Ensemble will perform on July 6 at
8 p.m. at the Georgia State Universitys
Pereimeter Campus, located at 555 N.
Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston.
According to event officials, under the
direction of Slava Michael Prudchenko,
the ensemble will perform Variations
on America by Charles Ives; American
Salute by Morton Gould; Pirates of the
Caribbean Suite by Klaus Badelt; and
Troiysti Muzyki by Levko Kolodub.
The ensembles flute section, double
reed quartet, clarinet choir, saxophone
section, brass choir and percussion
ensemble will also perform.
The concert is a celebration of the
ensembles 50th year. It is free and open to
the public. For more information, contact
Robert Stevens at Robert@saxpress.com.
Gala and auction to benefit
community center
A two-part gala and auction, Embrace
the Future, at Mason Fine Art and Events
in midtown Atlanta on July 14 and 15 will
benefit the Clarkston Community Center
by selling paintings, sculpture, ceramics,
jewelry and handmade crafts.
According to event organizers, art
gallery owner Mark Karelson was so
struck by working with seniors at the
Clarkston Community Centers art classes
that he developed the idea to solicit art
from international artists to benefit the
center.
An evening celebration and silent
auction will take place on July 14. A live
auction will take place on July 15.
The art to be auctioned will be on
display at Mason Fine Art and Events
located at 415 Plasters Ave NE Ste. 100
beginning July 1.
Heval Kelli, a cardiology fellow at
Emory University, will speak at the July 14
event and will recount his journey from
Syrian refugee to Emory doctor. Uhuru
Dancers, a traditional African dance
company, will also perform.
For more information, visit https://www.
facebook.com/events/245223099286465/
or masonfineartauctions.com.
DUNWOODY
July 4th parade route and time
announced
The Dunwoody Homeowners
Association and Dunwoody Crier
newspaper will host the citys annual
Fourth of July parade on July 4 from 9 a.m.
to noon.
The two-mile parade will feature
more than 2,500 participants, including
marching bands, floats, clowns, animals
and local celebrities. According to city
officials, the parade draws more than
32,000 spectators each year.
The parade will begin at Mount Vernon
Road and Jett Ferry Road and proceed
west along Mount Vernon Road to
Dunwoody Village, where it will turn right
(north) onto Dunwoody Village Parkway.
Parade spectators are encouraged to sit
along Mount Vernon Road and Dunwoody
Village Parkway. Traffic will be shut down
along Mount Vernon Road between Jett
Ferry Road and Dunwoody Village from
approximately 8:40 a.m. until 11:40 a.m.
STONE
MOUNTAIN
Yoga in the park continues monthly
Stone Mountain will host Yoga in the
Park at Randolph Medlock Park on July 8
from 9 to 10 a.m. The family-friendly event
will occur monthly on the second Saturday
until Sept. 9. For more information, contact
Sara Abrams at (704) 965-1800.
TUCKER
Library to host book discussion
Nighingale by Kristin Hannah will be
discussed July 3 at Tucker-Reid H. Cofer
Library from 10 a.m. to noon. Copies of
the discussion title are available at the
front desk on a first-come, first-served
basis. The library is located at 5234 LaVista
Road. For more information, call (770) 270-
8234.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 4A

Chamblee
proposes
tax
increase
Millage rate
of 6.40 mills
tentatively adopted
Chamblee residents
can expect a 6.42 percent
Dunwoody Police Department announced the completion of new training required by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, which requires each
officer complete seven additional annual hours of training. increase in property taxes
following the adoption of a

Dunwoody police complete training

tentative 6.40 millage rate.
A millage rate is
defined as dollars of tax

update, see no pay increase

per thousand dollars of
assessed value. If a house
is valued at $100,000,
under a rate of 5 mills, tax
on such property would be
$500 or $5 for every $1,000
Department complies with new state standards the property is worth.
Other factors, such as
homestead exemption, can
also change how much
enforcement demonstrates residents owe in property
BY R. SCOTT BELZER Georgias commitment tax.
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com to providing fair and When property value
impartial policing to our increases, typically, property
communities, Grogan taxes increase when a
Officials from Dunwoody
said. The [department] millage rate is maintained.
Police Department
shares that commitment. Governing bodies have
announced the agencys
The additional training the option of adopting
completion of training
complements the robust rollback millage rates, or
in new state policing
training we provide our rates that would not result
standards on June 19.
officers each year, greatly in property tax increases.
The new standards,
exceeding the number Rollback millage rates
mandated by a multi-
of hours required by the typically do not account
component reform package
state of Georgia. We made for additional expenses
from Governor Nathan
finishing this important, accrued throughout the
Deal as of January 2017,
mandated training a priority fiscal year.
require that all Georgia law
for our department. Chamblees new millage
enforcement officers receive
Though Dunwoody rate is an increase of 0.386
five hours of use of force
police have completed and mills above the rate adopted
and de-escalation training
extended the amount of last year.
and two hours of community
required training, financial Without this tentative tax
relations training.
benefits and pay increases increase, the millage rate
According to Dunwoody
totaling $78 million remain would be 6.014 mills, city
police spokesman Mark
elusive for the department officials state.
Stevens, the community
and other local agencies Chamblee City Council
relations training updates
across Georgia. will hold two additional
officers on cultural
Deals reform package public hearings on the
awareness, fostering
includes pay increases overdue increase goes officers, since they receive millage rate on July 6 at
positive relations with those
for approximately 3,300 into effect, GSP troopers compensation from monies 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
served and procedural
individuals at such state will have the highest set aside in the annual City officials state they
justice.
agencies as the Georgia base salary of any law state budget, Stevens said expect the millage rate to
As of June 19, all
Bureau of Investigation, the enforcement personnel in response to a question be formally adopted that
sworn peace officers of
State Board of Pardons and in the state, going from about a lack of state-funded evening.
the Dunwoody Police
Paroles, the Departments $38,685 a year to $46,422. raises for Dunwoody
Department have completed
of Natural Resources, Deal said the pay police. Municipal and
the newly required annual
Public Safety, Community increases move troopers county officers receive
training, Stevens wrote in a
Supervision, Corrections to the third-highest paid compensation from their
release.
and Juvenile Justice. agencies in the southeast respective municipal
Dunwoody Police
Eight local law only behind Louisiana and and county budgets, not
Chief Billy Grogan said
enforcement organizations Texasand 24th in the the state budget, so it
the training is in line with
pay their entry-level country. would not be proper for
the departments overall
officers more than the With respect to pay us, as a municipal police
mission.
starting salary for a state raises, the governors department, to comment on
[Deals] additional
trooper, Deal states in law enforcement reform matters involving the state
training requirement for law
the legislation. Once this package only affects state budget.
LOCAL
READING Continued From Page 1
active reading. This included techniques
on changing ones voice, making noises
coinciding with books being read aloud and
acting out actions in the story.
Books featured this year include A Color
of His Own by Leo Lionni, Farmer Will
Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline
Briggs Martin and Amaris Big Idea by the
Atlanta Speech School Rollins Center for
Language and Literacy.
Each event features readings, book-
related activities, arts, crafts, free books
and advice to help parents encourage avid
readership in children.
Parents tell us how thrilled they are,
Sanders said. We help curb the summer
melt by making books available. Many
literacy issues are down to not having
access to books.
Sanders referenced the professional
education opinion that early language and
reading skills affect all aspects of society.
Poverty often relates to low reading and
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 5
writing skills, Sanders said. Low reading
and writing skills often relate to dropout
rates. Dropout rates often relate to crime
rates.
Professional research agrees with
Sanders opinion. A March 2017 study
commissioned by the Literacy For All Fund
and Deloitte, The State of Literacy in
Georgia, states one in six Georgia adults
have low literacy skills, costing the state
$1.2 billion in social services and lost tax
revenue annually.
Sanders said she hopes the biggest
takeaways from this years DSRP is that
reading, overall, is fun and that there are
community resources to help make it a
possibility.
Children who read often become more
empathetic adults, Sanders said. It opens
the mind to possibilities and opportunities.
Personally, I had a rough childhood and
reading was an escape. It allowed me to
consider and dream of a better way of life. It
only takes one book to make a child think he
or she can become president.
The final DSRP event for the summer
will be We Grow Readers at the Chamblee
library on July 13 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Sanders said JLDC participates in
programs throughout DeKalb County year-
round. She encourages anyone to join the
organization to help engage young residents
and encourage leadership. These initiatives
include after-school programs, book drives,
social media engagement and more.
People who work multiple jobs often
cant make these events, but were trying to
reach them, too, Sanders said. We dont
just have these [events] over the summer.
We work with the Boys & Girls Club, the
DeKalb County libraries, DeKalb County
commissioners to try and host as many
events as possible.
For more information on the DeKalb
Summer Reading Partnership, visit
mayorsreadingclub.org/dekalb-srp.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 6

Letter to the Editor

Every public school student in the United
States, including those in independent
school systems like Atlanta, Buford and
Decatur, as well as in county districts such
as DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett, will be
affected by a local school wellness policy
required by the federal Department of
Agriculture starting July 1, 2017.
The wellness policies are locally
developed under a federal law, and final
rule passed in 2010 and 2016 respectively.
These local wellness policies are written
to give better attention to what kids eat,
how they exercise, and a range of school-
based activities, which may even include the
condition of school restrooms.
As a parent or guardian each person
can help develop and implement these
policies usually lettered EEE in the board
of education policy manual.
The superintendent of each local district
must designate one or more officials
responsible for administering the policy and
any rules accompanying it.
As stakeholders in public education, we
know in our hearts that we should care for
the whole child, that each student learns
better when he or she is in good health, and
that our goal should be to decrease sickness
and increase wellness in every school.
Tom Keating
Founder
Center for Sanitation And Citizenship
Decatur, GA

Mourning the demise of traditional journalism

I readily admit to being
old-school and a news junky.
As such, I want my news
communicated correctly.
Because I read and write
almost non-stop for a good eight
hours each day of the week,
most of the news I ingest that
doesnt appear in our newspaper
comes in the form of radio and
television news. I routinely
cringe when I hear some of the
colloquialisms that have become
commonplace in broadcast
journalism.
Whether listening to or
watching local, national or
international news, it is not
uncommon to hear phrases that
simply dont make sense and
that would get a big red edit
mark if they appeared in print.
Phrases such as looking
to, took to, reaching out, plan or goal, why the heck not
whether or not and so many
similar ones have become
commonplace, and they are
routinely used incorrectly and
inaccurately.
As a journalism student, we
were taught in newswriting 101
that we should communicate
clearly and concisely in the
fewest number of words
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
possible. We were also
taught that our opinions or
interpretations were never to be
included in our copy unless we
were writing an opinion piece.
When I hear or read looking
to, I assume that one is using
their eyes to view something,
but it seems the newer and
apparently acceptable use of
this phrase can mean planning
to, hoping to, has a goal of
or similar interpretations. If the
intent is to communicate a hope,
just say that?
It is not uncommon to hear
professional journalists use
the phrase took to when
referencing the use of social
media. With Donald Trump
as president and his incessant
use of Twitter as a way of
communicating to the masses,
rarely does a national newscast
not include something similar back whenwhether is defined
to President Trump took to as to indicate alternative
Twitter to respond to the latest conditions or possibilities. Why
round of accusations against do some add that unnecessary
the administration. He didnt and meaningless or not to the
freaking take to Twitter! He phrase?
may have used Twitter to It is also not uncommon
communicate, or perhaps he for a journalist to attempt to
communicated via Twitter, but paraphrase a quote prior to
when I hear took to, I ask writing or speaking a direct
myself What the hell did he take quote. I often hear or read a
to Twitter? The word took is paraphrase and think What the
defined by Merriam-Webster hell? The writers or anchors
as the past tense of take. interpretation is often not what
Take is defined as to get it appears the direct quote is
into ones hands or into ones communicating. This is simply
possession, power, or control;to bad journalism and an attempt
seize or capture physically; to convey the journalists
to get possession of. It is not interpretation. The interpretation
physically possible to take of a direct quote should be left to
anything to any form of social the audience.
media. I often wonder if such
Im so tired of the phrase practices are taught in modern
reaching out that our writers journalism classes or if they
have been threatened with have become so common that
bodily harm if they use it in news copy editors and instructors
copy unless they are referring to have simply given up correcting
using ones hands to physically them. I can assure you that you
touch or retrieve something. will never read these phrases
And the use of whether on the pages of The Champion
or not is nothing short of unless for some odd reason, I
deplorable to me. Again, was not given the opportunity
referencing Merriam-Webster to edit the piece in which it
as we were taught to do way appeared.
OPINION
All aboard the brain train?
From Georgias humblest
of beginnings as Oglethorpes
Savannah colony of debtors, to
an agrarian and later plantation-
based economy, it was the
railroads which helped move
Georgia into the Industrial era, as
well as transport our King Cotton
across the nation and even now
many of our Georgia peaches and
poultry to our ports in Savannah
and Brunswick and across the
globe.
Atlanta was birthed as a
rail switching yard and end
point, and commerce sprung in
most every direction from that
Terminus.But with Atlantas grand
Terminal and Union stations both
gone, and Macons Terminal
station converted into a regional
headquarters for Georgia Power,
the Amtrak rail station in Meridien,
Miss. (also a multi-modal station)
is larger than any rail station in
Georgia.
A new Amtrak station to
service metro Atlanta is included
in plans for The Assembly
development adjacent to the
intersection of I-85 and I-285.This
new rail stop is being designed
with direct access to Doravilles
MARTA station.And while
passenger rail is not about to
replace or significantly alter
demand for air service or in-
market commuting patterns,
it still offers another lifeline of
commerce and connectivity to
hundreds of smaller communities
out of state, as well as Georgias
other population centers in Albany,
Athens, Augusta, Columbus,
Macon, Savannah and the
Georgia coast.
The state of Georgia is
completing long-term lease
negotiations with CSX Railroad for
state-owned rail line connecting
Atlanta to Chattanooga.This
route is among the most profitable
in the large CSX commercial
freight portfolio. Strong rail
connections and partnerships with
both CSX and Norfolk/Southern
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from
its readers. Please write to us and express your views.
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the
writers name, address and telephone number for verifi-
cation. All letters will be considered for publication.
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.
One Mans
Opinion
Bill Crane
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
continue Georgias forward and
solid economic development
positioning, with direct access to
the port of Savannah by both rail
giants as an example.However,
the states leadership should
use this to leverage access and
reasonable rates for commuter
rail along other existing CSX
lines, such as the proposed Brain
Train running from Atlantas Five
Points (originally Terminus) to
Athens.
Peer southern states are
much further down the track with
restoring passenger rail service
between major cities. SunRail in
Florida connects 12 commuter
stations in metro Orlando, the
North Carolina Railroad connects
Charlotte to Raleigh/Durham and
the Carolina coast via 317 miles
of track, and the Music City Star
in Nashville offers six suburban
stops along 32 miles of existing
track. If the state of Georgia had
opted in on the Brain Train
back in 2008 during the last set
of CSX negotiations, passenger
service might have already been
expanded further east to Augusta.
The Brain Train was
championed by many during the
prior decade and would connect
the Atlanta University Center,
Georgia State, Georgia Tech,
Agnes Scott, Emory University,
Mercers north Atlanta campus,
Georgia Gwinnett and the
University of Georgia. Small
depots and stations already exist
along the line at Emory as well as
in Tucker, Norcross, Lawrenceville
and Athens.The city of Decatur
claimed ownership of its small rail
depot by moving it away from the
CSX tracks by several hundred
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR,
The DeKalb Free Press,
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347;
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779.
Deadline for news releases and advertising:
Thursday, one week prior to publication date.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 7
feet, and passenger rail service
existed to Athens as late as the
early 1960s. Rolling stock would
not be difficult to assemble and
the train line could most likely be
managed by the Georgia Regional
Transportation Authority (GRTA).
CSX has nearly 27,000 miles
of track in Georgia.Norfolk/
Southern is a close second, and
there are smaller short lines and
hundreds of miles of abandoned,
existing rail lines connecting
most population centers in the
state.Light rail is cheaper to
construct from scratch, but this
right-of-way has already been
cleared and purchased and the
rail lines are in place. Rolling stock
would not be difficult to assemble,
as the state operated (via lease)
the New Georgia Railroad
excursion train (traveling to Stone
Mountain and Athens) from 1986
to the late 1990s
Although new high-speed
rail corridors may remain an
impractical pipe-dream, commuter
rail along existing rail beds is an
affordable and practical fast-track
option to expanding transportation
and transit options across the
state.
Publisher: Photographer:
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters:
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker
R. Scott Belzer
Production Manager: Horace Holloman
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
Millennials increasingly are
delaying purchase of automobiles,
or even securing their drivers
license.Savvy developers are
already ahead of this curve and
a significant number of large
scale multi-use developments are
springing up adjacent to MARTA
rail stations.The same is true in
metro Boston, New York, San
Francisco and other major cities.
Our state leadership should be
negotiating with an eye toward
making our college and university
campuses even more accessible
to future student populations
increasingly enticed by online
options. This seems like a no
brainer.
All aboard?
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, DeKalb 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
Druid Hills teacher receives national honor
Joins National Cohort of Global Learning Fellows
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
According to Druid Hills
High School teacher Emily
Robinson, each day in the
classroom is an opportunity
to broaden horizons and
gain perspective.
My students come
from all overdifferent
backgrounds, different
languages, different reading
levels, Robinson said.
They all bring something
different. Students are more
aware today than they have
ever been. They care more
than they ever have and
theyre paying attention.
Robinson, a teacher
with DeKalb County School
District for 13 years, credits
her ability to recognize
such opportunities as a
factor in being named to
the 2018 The National
Educators Association
(NEA) Foundations Global
Learning Fellowship.
As one of 48 public
school educators chosen
from throughout the country,
Robinson will take part in
developing global lesson
plans shared throughout
the world through online
coursework, webinars and
collegiate studies. She will
also take part in a nine-day
international field study to
South Africa.
Robinson describes her
initial reaction to her honor
as shock.
I was in class and
there were no students in
the classroom except for
one, who was working,
Robinson said. I just yelled
Oh my God! and called my
mom and told my students.
I could not, and still cannot,
believe it. Im very flattered.
Robinson said she
is excited to see how
teachers, students and
community members
interact in South Africa.
She said she has been
researching teacher
absenteeism in the
countryan alleged
problemand is interested
in determining how it
correlates to the classroom.
We arent considering
things at schools for
teachers, Robinson said.
When people think of
education, they typically
think of students or the
community at large first.
Teachers are importantwe
work hard and dont get
paid much, yet everything
always goes back to the
teachers. I would like to
bring teacher treatment into
the discussion and see how
it is in South Africa.
Robinson said she hopes
to develop a method to
increase teacher morale
worldwide. She said this is
much needed, as teachers
are often criticized.
Id like to learn more
about the climate for
teachers in South Africa,
Robinson said. Is it a
situation of having horrible
students? Is there low
pay? Is there no respect
from administrators and
the community? Is it a
combination of a few
things? Im looking for
similarities so we can learn
from one another.
Robinson said she hopes
the NEA Fellowship trip
to South Africa involves
examining all aspects of the
country and its people.
I want the real deal,
Robinson said. I want to
know whats affecting those
40% OF FOOD IN
AMERICA IS WASTED
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 8A
her a chance to never
stop learning through her
students perspectives and
arguments.
Im going into my 13th
year of teachingthings
become stale at this point,
but Im also nowhere near
the end, Robinson said.
There are certain texts
we read in class, like The
Great Gatsby. Students
always respond well, but
last semester, students
responded much more
strongly. I like thatI dont
want to get too accustomed
and set in my ways. I like it
when students surprise me
and keep me on my toes.
Robinson said she
views the NEA Fellowship
as another way of staying
interested, intrigued and
involved in her profession.
She said it follows suit with
her life outside teaching,
which involves pursuing
Druid Hills High teacher Emily Robinson was named one of 48 individuals to things off the beaten path,
be part of the of 2018 The National Educators Association (NEA) Foundations such as SCUBA diving,
Global Learning Fellowship. Photo submitted volunteering, learning
new dances, photography,
various forms of art and
people. Things like crime of Georgia graduate who research.
and poverty affect students teaches English, journalism You need something
directly, who affect teachers and ESOL courses, holds to keep the fire alive,
directly. the profession in high Robinson said. This is a
Robinson, a University regard. She said it offers great opportunity.
Notice of Public Hearing for
Clarkston Millage Rate and
Notice to Set Millage Rate
Notice is hereby given that the Governing Authority of the City of
Clarkston has tentatively adopted a 2017 millage rate which will
require an increase in the property taxes of 14.95 percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the final Public Hearing on this
tax increase to be held Thursday, July 6 at 7:30PM at the City Hall
Council Room, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021. The City
Council will adopt the 2017 Millage rate at the July 6, 2017 meeting
following the conclusion of the Public Hearing. The public is invited
to attend.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 15.89 mils,
an increase of 2.066 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the
millage rate will be no more than 13.824. The proposed tax increase
for a home with a fair market value of $ 100,000 is approximately $
82.64. The proposed increase on non-homestead property with a
fair market value of $ 475,000 is approximately $ 392.54.
LOCAL
Assembly lands big tenant
Mattress manufacturer to make Doraville its headquarters
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
The Assembly
developmentlocated
along Motors Industrial
Way and Peachtree
Road in Doravillehas
signed a national mattress
manufacturing and
distributing company as one
of its first tenants, according
to city officials.
Leaders at Serta
Simmons Bedding (SSB),
self-described as the largest
bedding manufacturer in
North America, announced
June 19 that the company
will combine all company
locations into a single
headquarters at Assembly
as early as 2019.
Co-locating SSBs
headquarters and our
brands on the same
campus is an investment
in our employees and our
company as we continue
to expand and strengthen
our market leadership,
said Michael Traub, chief
executive officer. An
integrated and unified
work environment that will
foster better collaboration,
innovation and teamwork,
will better support our
growth trajectory. This is
what our new location will
The Assembly development in Doraville plans to bring residential, professional
and retail space close to the Doraville MARTA station in the next few years and
transform DeKalb County. Photo submitted.
deliver.
SSB will design, build
and occupy a five-acre
space with up of 210,000
square feet in work space.
The facility will feature an
Innovation Center as well
as multiple showrooms. The
headquarters will add to
Serta Simmons Beddings
32 manufacturing plants
throughout the United
States, Canada and Puerto
Rico.
We are delighted
to welcome SSB to
Assembly and the Doraville
community, said Mayor
Donna Pittman. We
appreciate their confidence
and investment, and we
look forward to a long and
fruitful partnership.
According to city
officials, Holder Properties
will develop the new
headquarters in partnership
with architects Rule Joy
Trammel+Rubio, interior
designers Hendrick &
Associates as well as
real estate advisor JLL.
Each company will work in
partnership with Assemblys
chief developer, Integral.
Assembly is a mixed-
use development that
plans to bring residential
development, office space,
infrastructure improvements
and retail to Doraville and
DeKalb County. According
to development plans, the
project will cost more than
$200 million to complete.
We are thrilled we will
be calling Doraville home,
Traub said. SSB is pleased
to contribute to the growth
and development of the
Doraville community and
we look forward to further
expanding our business and
joining our teams together
here.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 9A
Serta Simmons Bedding, one of the nations largest bedding manufacturers and
distributors, will be one of Assemblys first tenants. Photo courtesy of Serta
Simmons.
NOTICE OF PROPERTY
TAX INCREASE
The DeKalb County Governing Authority
has tentatively adopted a millage rate
which will require an increase in property
taxes by 10.76% percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the
public hearing on this tax increase to be
held at the Manual J. Maloof Auditorium,
1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur GA 30030 on
Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 10 a.m.
Times and places of additional public
hearings on this tax increase are to be
held at the Manual J. Maloof Auditorium,
1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur GA 30030
on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 6 p.m. and
the Manual J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300
Commerce Dr, Decatur GA 30030 on
Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 10 a.m.
This tentative increase will result in a
millage rate of 9.983 mills, an increase
of 0.970 mills. Without this tentative
tax increase, the millage rate will be no
more than 9.013 mills. The proposed tax
increase for a home with a fair market
value of $250,000 is approximately
$64.96 and the proposed tax increase
for nonhomestead property with a
fair market value of $1,200,000 is
approximately $231.84
LOCAL
Brannon Hills
is falling down
County set to address
blighted property issues
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Brannon Hills is close
to falling downnot from
the dilapidated conditions
and burned out properties,
however, but from county
bulldozers.
The DeKalb County
Community Development
Department issued a public
notice June 15 requesting
the release of grant funds
to demolish burned-out
properties at Brannon Hill,
which were built in 1973.
The DeKalb County
government plans to use
approximately $410,000
from CDBG funds for the
demolition of the dilapidated
buildings located in
Clarkston.
You cant move forward
before you realize theres a
condition that needs to be
addressed,
said Marcus Kellum,
director of Beautification in
DeKalb County. [DeKalb
CEO Michael Thurmond]
has proven that his
perspective on addressing
blight is one of the things
that hes serious about.
A county official said
DeKalb is in the final
procurement process to
secure a contractor for
the demolition. Demolition
could happen soon after
commissioners vote on a
mid-year budget proposal
from Thurmond in July.
Thurmond presented his
budget proposal June 12
which includes $300,000 for
a program of boarding and
abating vacant buildings
that have become eyesores
in the community; $84,079
for three additional code
compliance officers;
$401,700 for additional
trucks and equipment to
assist litter abatement
crews; $160,290 to [residents] to know that
demolish approximately a
dozen blighted houses; and
$200,000 towards additional
tree removal.
Kellum said the countys
program, nicknamed
Operation Clean Sweep, year, a man was found shot
DeKalb County plans to demolish the burned buildings at Brannon Hills Condominiums in Clarkston.
has removed roughly 250
tons of debris.
Code enforcement and
beatification are part of the
big three of enforcement
in DeKalb Countyalong
with the fire department and
police departmentKellum
said.
I think our staff should
be commended for the
amount of effort that we
put in, he said. Id like the
were committed and going
forward.
In 2016, a judge
authorized the demolition
of four buildings at Brannon
Hill. In November of last
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 10A
dead in the complex.
Roughly a year ago,
Commissioner Nancy
Jester posted videos
on YouTube addressing
conditions at blighted
properties across the
county, including Brannon
Hill.
Jester said shes happy
Brannon Hill could soon
be demolished but said
the process has been
frustrating.
Theres the removal
of debris and many of
the buildings have some
significant problems. [The
county] has to go through
legal hurdles and go back
to superior court judges,
Jester said. Its frustrating
and of course DeKalb isnt
the only government that
struggles with it.
Jester said it seems
the countys CEO is taking
his campaign promise of
addressing blight seriously.
Its something we should
have done before I started
waving the flag over here.
I think having done that,
we changed the trajectory
of the county, Jester said.
We have to buckle down
and go through these types
of properties. The CEO ran
on a platform of addressing
blight and Im glad hes
addressing that.
LOCAL
PAWS OF SUCCESS
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Lifeline Animal Project
the nonprofit organization
that manages animal
shelters in Fulton County,
DeKalb County and
Avondale Estateswill soon
move into a new facility near
DeKalb Peachtree Airport in
Chamblee.
In an effort to arrange
adoptions of as many
animals as possible before
the big move, Lifeline
Animal Project hosted a
Clear DeKalb Shelter
adoption event at its DeKalb
location June 17 in hopes
of moving into a new space
with a fresh start.
Adoption fees for the
shelter are waived for the
month of June and the
event was a big success,
said Lifeline Animal Project
spokesperson Karen
Hirsch.
According to Hirsch,
Lifeline arranged adoptions
of more than 100 cats
and dogs at the event and
completed adoptions of
more than 300 animals
since June 1.
Lifeline initially set a goal
of completing adoptions of
500 animals in June.
Month-long adoption event ends soon
Lifeline Animal Project held a Clear the DeKalb Shelter adoption event June 17.
The organization arranged adoptions for 100 animals during the event.
Sarah Rosenberg,
along with her 13-year-old
daughter, has worked with
Lifeline Animal Shelter for
roughly a year as part of
their weekly routine. She
said shes committed to
helping animals at the
shelter find a home.
Our experience
working with LifeLine has
been nothing short of life-
changing, not only for both
of us but for the animals
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 11A
its goal. Rosenberg said to find homes for them and
because of the intake avoid having to transport
numbers for Lifeline, its them to the new facility is
important to get as many a real need, Rosenberg
adopted as possible. said. Our ultimate goal
Our goal of finding is to make our own work
homes for 545 dogs before unnecessary by eliminating
the end of the month is the need for shelters in
mission critical in light of the Atlanta at all, but, until that
sheer numbers we have in happens, well stick with one
daily intake. In the summer step at a time.
months, we can get as Lifelines new facility cost
many as 50 new animals roughly $8.6 million and will
per day, so this big push be 33,440 square feet.
Day Care, Pre-School Elementary School
Middle School High School College/University Students
we spend time with. We
have come to learn such
an important lesson from
spending time with shelter
animals, which is that even
a single person with only a
little time to spare can make DeKalb County Board of Health
offers Saturday and Evening Back-to-School Hours
a huge, positive impact on
the wellbeing of an animal
in the shelter environment, Immunizations Vision, Hearing &
Rosenberg said. Nutrition Screenings Sports Physicals
Hirsch said the shelter No appointment is necessary.
has more than 100 animals Services are available on a first come, first served basis.
to be adopted to reach Regular hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 22, 2017 All services at all centers:
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Extended hours for all
Tuesday, August 1
services at all centers:
Wednesday, August 2 8:15 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 3 Extended hours for dental
Monday, August 7 screenings at T. O. Vinson
Tuesday, August 8 Health Center: 9 a.m. - 6:30
Wednesday, August 9 p.m. Dental screenings at
other Health Centers call for
more information.
Parents should bring:
Each child and his or her immunization record.
Cash, a debit/credit card or a check from a Georgia bank.
Each childs insurance card. We accept Medicaid, PeachCare
for Kids and State Health Benefit Plan (Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of Georgia and UnitedHealthcare). Other insurance
plans may be accepted.
T. O. Vinson Health Center (404) 294-3762
East DeKalb Health Center (770) 484-2600
North DeKalb Health Center (770) 454-1144
Clifton Springs Health Center (404) 244-2200
www.dekalbhealth.net (404) 294-3700
LOCAL
Special Olympics medalist finds special place at Decaturs Tazikis
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Decatur native Christine
Sass is many things. Shes
a funny, energetic person,
according to her peers and
is a multiple medal winner
at the Georgia Special
Olympic Games, winning
two silver medals and a
gold. Shes also something
that unfortunately many
adults with special needs
are notemployed.
Keith Richards, Tazikis
Mediterranean Cafes
founder, wanted to lend
a helping hand to special
needs students and provide
opportunities for special
needs adults looking for
work.
Sass is currently
employed by Tazikis in
Decatur and works the
morning shift. She said
her work at the job can
be difficult at times, but
rewarding.
According to the Center
for Social Development and
Education at the University
of Massachusetts,
unemployment rates for
special needs adults are
twice as high than the
general population.
During a 2017 Autism
Awareness Month event
in April, Sass said its
important for parents
and teachers to prepare
students with disabilities for
the workforce.
I wasnt ready to
have a job right after high
school.Parents can help
their kids learn skills to
become more independent,
she said. My parents have
helped me learn to do
laundry, shop and take care
of myself. Everyone should
treat people with disabilities
nicely and be patient.
Sasss manager Blake
Marshman, 27, said Sass is
doing a great job at Tazikis.
At first, Marshman said he
wasnt sure what to expect
because he had never
hired someone with special
needs.
Marshman, Tazikis
general manager for roughly
three years, said Sass
has become a part of their
family and hasnt had any
problems.
Honestly, shes been
a fantastic addition,
Marshman said. This was
my first experience hiring
a special needs adult. I
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 12A
there that want employment
but arent given the
opportunity, Marshman
said. Theres tons of
people like Christine that
can contribute and help
and I realize the impact it
has on her life..its had a
tremendous boost on my
life as well.
Sasss mother, Beate
Sass, said Tazikis is her
daughters first paying
job and shes noticed a
difference in her daughters
self-esteem.
It is a matter of pride
and dignity. Shes doing
something to help the
community and its so
important for these young
adults, Beate Sass said.
Beate Sass said she
hopes hiring adults with
special needs will become
more frequent in the area.
She said her daughters hire
Christine Sass, a Decatur native with special needs, has found employment at Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe in Decatur. at Tazikis was a surprise
and that she was hired on
the spot.
was cautiously optimistic helps me with tasks that are medal in the 50-meter relay As a parent, Im
at first, but shes exceeded hard for me. and received a gold medal really grateful to Tazikis.
expectations. When my On May 20 Sass, who in the 50-meter backstroke. Theyre on a mission to put
team comes in she brings is a member of the Young Marshman said he employed [special needs]
everyone so much joy. Adult and Transition hopes other businesses people at every one of their
Marshman said Sass can Program at the Community in the area will follow suit restaurants, Beate Sass
sometimes be the jokester School in Decatur, when it comes to hiring said. Theyre committed.
of the group. competed in swimming at special needs students and Its not just a token hire.
Christine is hilarious. Emory University during the adults. This is a mission of theirs.
Shes highly intelligent and Georgia Special Olympic There are a lot of See related story on
some of the stuff she says games and won a silver special needs people out page 21A.
gets people rolling. Shell
say different comments and
then youre laughing about
it for the next five minutes,
he said. She can be very
independent in a good way.
Tazikis has set up a
station for Sass when she
comes into workroughly
three times a week. Shes
in charge of getting the
restaurants dining room
ready by doing prep work
and portioning out the
dressings. Shes also in
charge of getting the chairs
and tables set up.
It can be a challenging
task, but Sass said she
works on staying focused.
Staying on task is hard.
I stay on task by not looking
at the clock. Also, I have a
list of tasks to do at work
each day and that helps
me stay focused. I work at
Tazikis and sometimes I
have to fill 2-ounce cups
with dressings. It is hard
to pour in just the right
amount, Sass said. I keep
practicing and [Im] getting
better. I have a job coach
that comes to my work once
a week for an hour. She
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 13A

WEEKinPICTURES

Mattie Hudgons recently celebrated her 80th birthday. She is the mother of
Champion photographer Travis Hudgons. Photo by Travis Hudgons

DeKalb County Fire Rescue members engage in diving and water rescue training on June 21. Photos courtesy of DeKalb
County.

Tucker residents participate in a hotdog eating contest during Tuckers

DeKalb County School District Chief Information Officer Gary Brantley stands with two students as part of Sprints One 125th birthday celebration June 24. Photo provided
Million Campaign on June 23. Photo submitted.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

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

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 14A
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 15A

Portia Langley of Decatur Active Brookhaven celebrates parks and

Living earns national certification
Langley
Portia Langley, program
supervisor at Decatur
Active Living, was certified
as a Certified Park and
Recreation Professional
(CPRP) by the National
Certification Board (NCB)
and the National Recreation
and Park Association
(NRPA).
The CPRP certification
is granted to individuals
employed in recreation,
park resources and leisure
services professions
who meet the eligibility
requirementsincluding
a combination of higher
education and/or work
experienceand who
successfully complete the
national CPRP examination.
The exam tests
knowledge of general
administration, programming
and operations management
for parks and recreation.
CPRP certifications are
valid for two years, and
professionals who wish to
re-apply are required to
complete a professional
continuing education unit or
equivalent academic course
work.
Individuals certified as
CPRPs meet standards of
education, expertise and
experience established
in the field for park and
recreation professionals,
and many agencies
recommend or require
CPRP certification when
hiring for professional
positions.
Langley was hired as
the program supervisor at
Ebster Recreation Center
in September 2014. She
is responsible for youth
and teen programming as
well as daily operations at
Ebster. She has five years
of recreation experience
from Forest Parks
Recreation and Leisure
Services Department.
Langley has created
several new programs
for Decatur Active Living,
including adult pickleball,
Ebster Community Garden
and Youth Platforma teen
mentorship program.
The CPRP program
is offered by the National
Certification Board in
coordination with NRPA
and the CPRP Certification
Committee.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be
held at 1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur GA 30030 at 10 a.m. July 11, 2017 and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section
recreation month with 5K race
July is National Parks various categories will be registered participants,
and Recreation Month, and presented. taking registration/money for
Brookhaven will celebrate We encourage people signing up on-site,
with a 5K race at one of its everyone to take part in manning the corner of a
parks. this annual event at one small side street intersection
The citys parks and of Brookhavens most while racers pass by,
recreation department beautiful parks, Recreation manning a water table
will host its third annual Coordinator Philip Mitchell during the race, helping
It Starts in the Park 5K, said. All ages and skill pass out shirts and giving
which will begin and end levels are welcome to out awards post-race.
in Blackburn Park July 22 participate. For more information
beginning at 7:30 a.m. at The department is also about the race or to
3493 Ashford Dunwoody seeking volunteers to volunteer, email Philip
Road. help between the hours Mitchell at philip.mitchell@
Race fees are $25 before of 6:15 to 9:30 a.m. All brookhavenga.gov, or call
July 4, $30 through July 20 ages are welcome. Duties (404) 637-0512.
and $35 on-site. Awards for include checking in pre-
Amphitheater coming to DeKalb County
The DeKalb County Board of proximity to interstates 20 and 285, and
Commissioners unanimously approved up can hold approximately 1,000 guests.
to $500,000 for the preliminary design-build According to Marvin Billups, interim
phase of an amphitheater at Rainbow Park director of the Department of Recreation,
on Rainbow Drive in Decatur. Parks and Cultural Affairs, the idea is
This is an exciting time for District 3 to develop a community-friendly facility
as this will go a long way to attract good that can improve the quality of life for the
events to the district and bring added residents.
value to the properties around the area, We intend to involve the public in the
said Commissioner Larry Johnson in a development of this project from start to
statement. finish, Billups said. The overall goal is
This infrastructural investment, to be to create a path that will connect all these
paid for with District 3 park bond funds, facilities around the Rainbow Park area
is the beginning of a comprehensive to increase and encourage usability by
development plan for the 20 acres around citizens.
the park, according to county officials.
The amphitheater will be located in close
NOTICE

Lithonia 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax
digest and levy for the past five years.

moves July COUNTY WIDE

CURRENT 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

city council Real & Personal

Motor Vehicles
19,654,747,022
1,362,176,640
19,617,573,453
1,468,928,740
21,313,728,413
1,231,387,800
23,851,153,020
851,329,130
25,746,789,099
621,157,010
27,691,818,334
547,942,620

meeting date Mobile Homes

Timber - 100%
440,056
0
396,572
0
355,333
0
358,733
0
769,100
0
486,235
0
Heavy Duty Equipment 77,829 34,308 57,864 2,208 76,000 81,886
Gross Digest 21,017,441,547 21,086,933,073 22,545,529,410 24,702,843,091 26,368,791,209 28,240,329,075
Lithonia usually holds
Less M& O Exemptions 2,090,546,483 2,061,365,888 2,345,016,850 2,883,683,825 3,275,538,351 3,562,553,349
its city council regular
Net M & O Digest 18,926,895,064 19,025,567,185 20,200,512,560 21,819,159,266 23,093,252,858 24,677,775,726
meetings on the first State Forest Land Assistance
Monday of each month, Grant Value 0 0 0 0 0 0
however, that will not be the Adjusted Net M&O Digest 18,926,895,064 19,025,567,185 20,200,512,560 21,819,159,266 23,093,252,858 24,677,775,726
case in July. Gross M&O Millage 11.370 11.510 9.020 11.280 9.500 9.983
Due to the Fourth of July Less Rollback (LOST) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
holiday, the city moved the Net M&O Millage 11.370 11.510 9.020 11.280 9.500 9.983
council meeting from July Total County Taxes Levied $215,198,797 $218,984,278 $182,208,623 $246,120,117 $219,385,902 $246,358,235
3 to July 17. The meeting Net Taxes $ Increase $3,785,481 -$36,775,655 $63,911,493 -$26,734,214 $26,972,333
will begin at 7 p.m. For Net Taxes % Increase 1.76% -16.79% 35.08% -10.86% 12.29%
more information, visit www.
cityoflithonia.org.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 16A

BOARD UPS DUDES PAY Former county official, business

City Schools of Decatur superintendent receives $10k raise, $10k bonus
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
The City Schools of
Decatur board of education
unanimously approved
a $10,000 annual pay
increase and $10,000
bonus for Superintendent
David Dude on June 13.
Originally reported June
21 by Decaturish, the pay
increasewhich brings
Dudes annual salary to
$189,000was awarded as
part of the boards second
yearly superintendent
evaluation.
The evaluation occurred
in executive session as it
is considered a personnel
matter.
Section 3 of Dudes
contractsigned by him
and then-board members
Garrett Goebel, Julie
Rhame, Bernadette Seals,
Annie Caiola and Lewis
Jones upon his recruitment
from Iowa City Community
School District in 2015
mandates he receive a base
salary of $189,000 for the
2017-2018 school year.
Section 3 and Section
6 of Dudes contract also
outline a possible bonus of
up to $10,000 should the
board determine he meet all
expectations in his capacity
as superintendent in the
2016-2017 school year.
The board has the be extended at the
City Schools of Decatur Superintendent David Dude was granted a raise and
$10,000 bonus at the conclusion of the districts June 12 board of education
meeting. Photo by Travis Hudgons.
discretion to award the
superintendent an amount
up to the performance
bonus limits set out in
paragraph 3.1 hereof,
pro-rated for any partial
school year, as an annual
performance bonus,
Section 6 of the contract
reads.
Dude was awarded the
full amount on June 13.
According to his
contract, Dude will have
the opportunity to receive a
bonus and a raise of up to
$20,000 at the conclusion of
the 2017-2018 school year.
Should Dudes contract
conclusion of the 2017-2018
school year, he will receive
another $10,000 raise,
making his base salary
$199,000.
Dudes contract
mandates he receive an
allowance of $1,500 per
month$18,000 per year
to cover such expenses
as civic and professional
organization dues, car
expenses, insurance
and housing. Dude is
also entitled to separate
reimbursements for out-
of-pocket expenses while
traveling, including lodging,
meals and mileage.
contractor plead guilty
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Former DeKalb County
deputy chief operating
officer Morris Williams
and a businessman who
cheated the county out of
$4,000 after inflated pricing
for work pled guilty, the
DeKalb County District
Attorneys office announced
June 22.
Williams, 52, and
54-year-old businessman
Douglas Cotter pled guilty
to charges in connection
with a check reimbursement
scheme, DeKalb County
District Attorney Sherry
Boston announced. Cotter
entered a guilty plea to a
misdemeanor charge of
theft by taking and was
ordered to pay $4,000 in
restitution immediately.
Williams pled guilty plea to
a misdemeanor charge of
obstruction.
Cotter and Williams
were each sentenced to 12
months probation, ordered
to pay a $1,000 fine and are
required to perform 80 hours
of community service.
The charges against
Cotter and Williams date
back to 2011 when Williams
served as chief of staff
for the DeKalb County
Board of Commissioners,
according to the district
attorneys office. An
investigation revealed that
Williams intercepted a
$4,000 check from Water
Removal Services to then-
Commissioner Lee May.
The check was
commissioned by Cotter,
a county contractor
associated with the water
removal company, according
to the district attorneys
office. The check was said
to be a reimbursement for
overpayment for services
at Mays home following
damage caused by a broken
county pipe.
The check was given to
Williams, endorsed by an
unknown party and cashed
at an establishment owned
by Cotters family, according
to the district attorneys
office. May said he was
unaware of the check and
was never charged with a
crime.
The scheme came
to light after a tip from
an anonymous source,
See Guilty on Page 24A

Avondale Estates receives national main street accreditation

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Avondale Estates has
been designated as an
accredited Main Street
America program.
The accreditation
came after the city met
performance standards
set by the National Main
Street Center. Each year,
the National Main Street
Center and its coordinating
program partners announce
the list of accredited
Main Street America
programs in recognition
of the citys commitment
to preservation-based
economic development and
community revitalization.
Avondale Estates City
Planner and Community
Development Officer
Keri Stevens said the
accreditation gives
businesses and the city
the opportunity to use the
designed services provided
by the Main Street program
for a very low cost.
It also allows our
businesses to utilize a
very low interest rate and
revolving loan funds,
she said. There are a
lot of great networking
opportunities for the city
to talk to other Main Street
communities about what
they are doing to impact
positively on their main
streets and downtown.
Being a part of the
program will also benefit
potential business owners
in the city, said Stevens.
Some of our buildings
need to be rehabbed and a
lot of people are looking at
occupying those buildings
and different faade
treatments, so those design
services can really help
those new businesses to
see what those buildings
could look like, Stevens
said.
Patrice Frey, president
and CEO of the National
Main Street Center, said
in a statement that it was
an honor to recognize
this years 828 nationally
Accredited Main Street
America programs for its
work to transform downtown
and neighborhood support downtown housing
commercial districts. is more important than
Main Streets are the ever, Frey said. Across the
heart of our communities, county, Main Street America
and the work they do programs truly strengthen
to create quality public the economic, social, and
spaces, catalyze local cultural fabric of their entire
entrepreneurship, and communities.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
Application has been made to the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for an existing communications structure
along railroad right of way near Mile Post 624.70, Chamblee,
GA 30341. The FCC Form 854 file number is file #A1061748.
The structure type is an wooden pole with a total height
including antenna of 60 feet to tip. Interested persons may
review the application by going to www.fcc.gov/asr/applications
and entering the Form 854 File Number. Interested persons
may raise environmental concerns about the proposed
structure by filing a Request for Environmental Review with the
FCC. The FCCstrongly encourages interested parties to file
online any Requests for Environmental Review; instructions
for making such filings can be found at www.fcc.gov/asr/
environmentalrequest, or by paper copy to FCC Requests for
Environmental Review.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 17A

Johnson announces formation

of congressional caucus
U.S. Representative
Hank Johnson (District
4), along with Reps.
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
(R-FL) and Raul Ruiz
(D-CA) announced June
20 the formation of the
Congressional Caucus for
Advancement of Studio,
Talent and Film Diversity.
The new bi-partisan
caucus hopes to
increase opportunities for
representation of minorities
Johnson
in the film and television
industries. Johnson, Ros-
Lehtinen and Ruizall not gone awayminorities
serving as co-chairsplan are underrepresented in
to add to its congressional all key roles in both behind
membership in the coming and in front of the camera,
weeks. Johnson said. The motion
Last year I challenged picture industry has long
The City Schools of Decatur (CSD) board of education tentatively approved maintaining its current millage rate of 18.66 the academy [of Motion been a crucial ally in the
mills on June 13, the same day it approved a final $66.1 million general fund budget. Champion file photo. Picture Arts and Science] fight for justice and served
to be diverse and inclusive. as a long-time vehicle

City Schools of Decatur approves This year, Oscar nominees

were more diverse and
thats good, but the
to give people a better
understanding of other
people and cultures around

tentative budget, millage rate underlying problem has the world.

The City Schools of Decatur (CSD)
board of education tentatively approved
maintaining its current millage rate of 18.66
mills on June 13, the same day it approved
a final $66.1 million general fund budget.
According to district documents, the
budget will fund 30.21 new positions as
well as a step increase of 2.5 percent to
account for an adjusted cost of living.
The budget also takes into consideration
an increase of $98.80 per member per
month to the employer portion of state
health insurance for classified employees
beginning January 2018. The amount
also accounts for an increase in teachers
retirement.
CSD scheduled approximately $37.1
million in construction projects for the fiscal
year, all of which will come from a $41.3
million capital fund account. Approximately
$4.8 million of these funds come from
CSDs special local option sales tax
(SPLOST), which generates an estimated
$400,000 per month, according to district
officials.
CSD is expected to approve its 18.66
millage rate at its July 18 board meeting.

Tonya (ID# 35132548) is ready to relax -

whether it be on your couch, your lap, or
even a comfy dog bed that she hopes to
have in her forever home. This calm gal
prides herself in being a couch potato.
She enjoys walking around slowly, surveying her
surroundings, and nudging you for pets. Meet
Tonya at LifeLine's DeKalb Animal Services!

If you would like to expand your family by 4

furry little feet; come meet this sweet pup at
the DeKalb Animal Shelter and have a loving
friend forever. Through July in preparation for
the opening of the new DeKalb shelter we
are Celebrating our Clear the Shelter event!!
Adoptions fees are waived on all dogs and all
cats and includes spay/neuter, vaccinations
and microchip! Please help us make this a
successful event and a fabulous shelter opening.
If you would like more information about Tonya
please call (404) 294-2165 or email adoption@
dekalbanimalservices.com. All potential adopters
will be screened to ensure Tonya goes to a good
home. Hours: Mon-Fri; 11am-7pm / Sat-Sun;
11am-6pm
EDUCATION
Residents of Shallowford Gardens in Doraville have spoken against the lack of public process involving the decision to sell their homes to DeKalb County School District for the purpose of a new school.
Photo by R. Scott Belzer
Displaced Doraville apartment
residents speak out
Students, residents affected by DeKalb school district purchase share story
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
More than 100 families who
live in the Shallowford Gardens
apartment complexlocated
at 3630 Shallowford Road in
Doravillewill be forced to find
new homes by Aug. 31 following
the $8.2 million purchase of the
property by DeKalb County School
District (DCSD).
According to a statement from
DCSD on June 13, the property
will be redeveloped for a 900-seat
Cross Keys cluster elementary
school to alleviate overcrowding
at Cary Reynolds and Dresden
elementary schools.
Lease holders were informed
at a public meeting held at First
Baptist Church of Doraville on June
14 that they will receive a $2,250
incentive to move. At the meeting,
Thach
former owner and seller John
Lantz said legal action would be
taken if tenants do not find lodging
elsewhere.
Two and a half months is more
than adequate, Lantz said.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 18A
Ramirez
At the meeting, DCSD director of
planning Dan Drake said the school
district considered more than a
dozen other sites for the future
Doraville elementary school. Drake
did not name other properties
considered.
According to residents of
Shallowford Gardensmany of
whom have been there for more
than a decadesay the process is
unjust.
The complex, which primarily
serves low-income and non-English
speaking residents is located near
the Doraville MARTA station, has
been home for Chamblee High
School student Julie Thachs
family for more than 16 years.
Thach said a new school in
the area will be beneficial to the
community but she does not agree
with displacing other people,
especially neighbors she knows
personally.
Im still learning how to accept
that my home is being torn down,
Thach said. I know a lot of my
friends here. A lot of them speak up
for the community. There are plenty
of other buildings around here.
See Residents on Page 19A
EDUCATION
RESIDENTS Continued From Page 18A
Thach said she has
yet to consider how she
will get to workshe
currently walksor how
she will adapt to a new
neighborhood. She said
the available financial
incentives are not adequate
to move her family of five
and keep them together.
It doesnt matter even living in a real big house,
if you were to give $5,000
per familyits still not realize hed have to change
enough to move five people
at once, Thach said. Many we would have to change
of the people living here
have big families, are low-
income and are tight on a
budget. Some have five
people or more living in one
apartment.
Thach said said other
families at Shallowford
Gardens are in more dire
situations.
Resident and recent
DCSD graduate Brendan
Grenajo said he, too,
would have preferred to
have a say in the school
property selection process.
Grenajo heard rumors
about the purchase through
Shallowford Gardens
maintenance man. A week
before the news went
public,Grenajos Family,
and more than 100 other
families, received a letter
informing them of the
purchase.
This was the only
indication his family
received.
I was in disbelief, June 14 non-chalant.
Grenajo said. Ive lived
here all my life. Some of
the greatest memories
Ive had have been here.
I have lifelong friends and
people to talk to here. One
of my friends [whom I met
playing soccer here] is
playing for the El Salvador
national team. Through the
apartment Ive met some of
the greatest people.
Grenajo can remember
growing up playing soccer
with other neighborhood
children and his cousins,
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 19A
all of whom attended Cary
Reynolds Elementary,
Sequoyah Middle and
Cross Keys or Chamblee
High. He said he had hoped
his brothers, 13 and 6 years
old, would have a similar
childhood experience.
My little brother liked
to talk about moving and
Grenajo said. He didnt
schools. When I told him
schools, he said he wants
to stay. It will be awkward;
weve spent our entire lives
just a few houses away
from each other. We can
visit each other just by
walking.
Grenajo, Thach and
other residents say
affordable housing options
in the area are limited and
that they worry about where
they will go after leaving
Shallowford Gardens.
According to residents, a
two-bedroom apartment
at Shallowford Gardens
averages $715 per month.
Thach and Grenajo said
they would have liked to
have voiced their opinion on
the purchase to Lantz and
district officials before it was
finalized. Former resident
Estefany Ramirez said she
had hoped Lantz would be
more understanding when
meeting with residents, but
called his demeanor at the
At the meeting, Lantz
said he did not feel
comfortable informing
residents about the
purchase until a deal
was finalized with the
school district. He said Shallowford Gardens primarily serves low-income non-English speaking residents and is less than a mile from the
conversations have been Doraville MARTA station. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
taking place for months.
Maybe they should
have gotten a consensus taken] place, Thach said. Grenajo said he I know why were here,
from residents who have I give out my opinion as understands why the how we got here, Grenajo
lived here for a long time, much as I can. There are purchase was made but said. But this is the biggest
Grenajo said. many community activists cannot understand why part of our lives. This is
I would have been open who live here who speak up residents were not met with where we spent the entirety
to the idea if meetings [had for the community. earlier in the process. of our childhoods.
DEKALBCHAMPNEWS DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
 July 2017

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

Hartsfield-Jackson general manager to share

economic impact of airport
Roosevelt Council, General Manager of
the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport, will serve as the keynote speaker for
the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce General
Membership Meeting on July 13.
Mr. Council will discuss how Hartsfield-
Jackson contributes to Georgias economy
and how it became the worlds busiest airport.
Small businesses will also learn how they can
leverage business growth opportunities at the
Airport.
Hartsfield-Jackson is the largest employer
for the State of Georgia with 63,000 employees
working on-site. The Airport generates $70
billion economic impact for the state and $34.8 The event is open to the public. Tickets are
billion alone for metro Atlanta. $45 for Chamber members and $55 for guests.
As General Manager, Council oversees Sponsorship opportunities are available. For
airport operations as well as a $6 billion capital more information and to register, please visit
improvement program that will pave the way for www.bit.ly/rcouncil-july13.
growth over the next 20 years. Previously, Mr.
Council served as the Airport Deputy General
Manager and Chief Financial Officer, where
he directed all accounting, budgeting, financial Hartsfield-Jackson General
analysis and forecasting, procurement and Manager Roosevelt Council
treasury operations at the airport. will keynote the Chambers
The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to July General Membership
1:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center, Meeting
2000 Century Boulevard NE, Atlanta.

DeKalb Chamber announces 13th Annual Golf Tournament

On Monday, August 28, the
DeKalb Chamber will host its
13th Annual Golf Tournament
at the Druid Hills Golf Club. The
tournament will unite community
and business leaders of all skill
levels for a day on the greens.
Golfers will play 18 holes while
finding ways to cultivate business
interests in DeKalb and metro
Atlanta.
Women leaders will participate
in the Womens Golf Clinic, where
they will learn the fundamentals
of playing golf and address
their individual needs. The golf
tournament will conclude with a
19th Hole Reception where golfers
will enjoy dinner and participate in
a silent auction to benefit DeKalb
Chamber.
For more information and to
participate, please visit www.
bit.ly/dekalbchambergolf, or
contact Emily Yang at eyang@
dekalbchamber.org or 404-378-
8000.

Upcoming Events
July 13 November 9
General Membership Meeting featuring Roosevelt
DeKalb and Dunwoody Perimeter Chambers 2018
Council, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Legislative Preview 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Airport - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

August 28 December 7
General Membership Meeting featuring Pete Correll,
13th Annual Golf Tournament - 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grady Health Foundation 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
August 28 For more information and to register for any of these
4th Annual Womens Golf Clinic 1:00 p.m. to 3:30
events, please visit www.dekalbchamber.org.
p.m.

September 28
General Membership Meeting featuring Chris Carr,
Attorney General 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 21A

Experts:
Workforce should welcome those with autism
BY KATHY MITCHELL
Freelance Reporter

According to many experts, there

has been, starting in the 1990s,
what an article in The New York
Times described as an explosion
of children who were found to have
autism.
The article quotes Peter
Bell, executive vice president
for programs and services of the
advocacy group Autism Speaks,
as saying We estimate there are
going to be half a million children
with autism in the next 10 years
who will become adults.
We dont know why this is
happening, said Kim Evans,
an assistant program director in
the Young Adult and Transition
Program at The Community School
(TCS). TCS is a private school in
Decatur created, according to the
schools website, to support the
developmental and educational
growth of adolescents and young
adults who are on the autism
spectrum or who face other related
issues.
The numbers may not mean
there are more people with autism;
they may simply mean that more
are being diagnosed, Evans The Alliance Theatre hires many who have been through The Community School job preparedness program, including the young people pictured.
said. In any case, it means large
numbers of young adults who People diagnosed with Autism Often they can perform a wide cover the cost of accommodating
have received such a diagnosis Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are variety of tasks and may be able workers with disabilities, she said,
will be leaving school and entering massively under employed, to do certain things exceptionally adding that there may be numerous
adulthood. according to a report issued by well. other benefits to hiring persons with
The Community School website TCS. In 2009, the percentage of She offered as an example a ASD.
notes, After five years of operation young adults with autism who had a young man who completed TCS ASD is a neurodevelopmental
solely as a school, the staff realized job was nearly half that of all young program who has been employed disorder characterized by difficulty
that there was a clear and growing adults with disabilities33 percent by the Alliance Theatre and is doing in social communication and social
need in the arena of young adult compared with 59 percent, the well. interaction. According to the TCS
support. While many students in the report states. He has a strong interest in report, some may especially like
Atlanta community could complete Placing people with disabilities dinosaurs and has been helpful in routine and may be exceptionally
school in some fashion, life after in the workforce does not just research on a dinosaur project. He dependable because of it. Such
high school often seemed bleak benefit that person, Evans said, was able to tell people designing people may have skills and
and isolating. TCSs work with there are benefits for the employer the project which dinosaurs qualities that make them especially
young adults arose out of a desire and for society in general. People shouldnt be exhibited together productive workers, Evans
to provide an extended learning with developmental disabilities can because they lived at different times explained.
environment and supportive be reliable, productive workers or in different parts of the world, They may bring to the workplace
community that helped young and when they are included in she recalled. motivation to work; attention to
adults more successfully transition the workforce, they become In fact, every person with a detail; adherence to established
into a meaningful, connected independent, tax-paying citizens. condition on the autism spectrum rules and procedures; a high level
adulthood. Evans said many is different, Evans said. Some of accuracy; good performance on
For most, a meaningful, misconceptions keep employers may require accommodations, but complex, repetitive tasks; honesty
connected adulthood means from considering hiring those often these are minor, inexpensive and straightforward directness;
having steady, gainful employment, diagnosed with autism. Often and easily handled. It may be reliability and good retention of
Evans said. Expecting such adults people have conceptions based on something as simple as providing facts and figures as well as a
to live their entire lives with parents what they have read or what they written material in a different font unique perspective and innovative
or other relatives or in group homes have seen in the movies. They have or changing the lighting or the chair ideas, the TCS report states. It adds
is not a practical solution, she the idea that the person will exhibit in the persons office. The young that such employees are more likely
noted, adding that such a path behaviors that make coworkers or adults we work with have been to be focused on the work at hand
may not provide them with the high customers uncomfortable or that trained and are readyusually and to be loyal to their employer.
quality of life they are capable of the supervisor will be unable to eagerto enter the workforce. For more information about
nor is it best for society. manage. Evans said employers hiring hiring those with ASD, contact The
There is a place in the Another misconception, Evans persons with autism may be eligible Community School at (404) 308-
workforce for most of these young added, is that those diagnosed with for government assistance under 8548 or visit thecommunityschool.
adults, she noted. We have a autism can only perform one or two the Work Opportunity Tax Credit net.
responsibility to connect them with tasks. Thats not true, she said. of the federal IRS code. This can See related story on page 12A.
jobs they can do and do well.
CLASSIFIED
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SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 23A

DeKalb track and field athletes perform well at New Balance Nationals meet
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Some of DeKalb Countys track and field athletes
finished in the top 20 of various events against some of the
nations top athletes at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor
meet in Greensboro, N.C.
Recent Arabia Mountain High School graduate Tyler
Jones won the Emerging Elite boys long jump with a 23-
05.50 jump. St. Pius Xs Matthew Harris finished 18th (21-
09.50) in the event. Jones also finished ninth in the boys
triple jump with a 14.76-meter jump.
Jones high school teammate, Arabia Mountain
graduate Michael Willingham, finished 12th in the discus
throw (176-03), and teammate Jordan Barrow finished
third in the freshman boys long jump (21-02.00) and sixth
in the freshman 100-meter dash (11.30).
Miller Groves Jaden Carter finished sixth in the
freshman boys long jump (20-07.75) and finished 11th (41-
09.00) in the freshman triple jump.
Recent Marist graduate Brian Faust finished eighth in
the 400-meter dash (47.27), Decatur graduate Sam Ellis
finished 11th in the 800-meter run (1:53.65) and Chamblee
graduate Will West finished in the top 20 of each event in
the boys decathlon with his highest placement coming in
the discus throw where he finished third (124-00.00).
Other athletes who placed in the Emerging Elite meet
were Southwest DeKalbs Nicholas Edwards who finished
10th in the discus throw (153-08.00) and St. Pius Jeffrey
Del Bagno who finished 23rd in the hammer throw (149-
09.00).
Arabia Mountain graduate Michael Willingham finished 12th in the
discus throw in the New Balance Nationals Outdoor meet. Photo
from www.ga.milesplit.com

Oglethorpes Jacob Arnett

earns All-America honor
Sophomore Jacob Arnett of the Oglethorpe
mens golf team was named to the Ping All-
America Honorable Mention list June 21 by the
Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA).
This is the first All-America honor of his
career, and the 28th time an Oglethorpe mens
golfer has earned GCAA All-America honors.
Other honors Arnett received included a
Ping All-South Region honoree, an All-Southern
Athletic Association First Team selection and
he was a semifinalist for the Jack Nicklaus
National Player of the Year Award. He earned
his first career individual medal at the Jekyll
Island Collegiate Invitational in March, and
was the highest finisher among his Oglethorpe
teammates at the NCAA Division III Mens Golf
Championship in May, finishing eighth among
players.
He posted a 9-over-par 153 for the
tournament after carding a 4-over 76 in the first
round and a 5-over 77 in the second round.
He also finished ninth at the Gordin Classic in
September and finished in the top 20 in all but
two tournaments he played in.
Jacob played outstanding golf throughout
the season, including putting up the best
tournament-long individual performance we
had all year with his victory at Jekyll Island,
Oglethorpe Director of Golf Jim Owen said.
Hes still only a sophomore, so I look forward to
seeing what he can do as he improves over the
next two seasons.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 30, 2017 Page 24A

GDOT to install flashing yellow turn signals along Peachtree Road in Brookhaven
The Georgia Department
of Transportation (GDOT)
is in the process of
installing seven flashing
yellow arrow traffic signals
along Peachtree Road in
Brookhaven.
According to studies
commissioned by
the Federal Highway
Administration and the
National Cooperative
Highway Research
Program, flashing yellow
turn signals result in a
more efficient traffic flow
and enhanced intersection
safety for both pedestrians
and drivers.
The lights will be installed
throughout the Peachtree
Road corridor along the 1.7
miles between Lanier Drive
and the Atlanta city limits at
various locations. they can turn left once they clear of oncoming motorists,
Flashing yellow turn have determined that their bicyclists and pedestrians.
signals alert drivers that intended path of travel is
FREE CUSTOMER FREE FAMILY REUNION
SERVICE TRAINING PLANNING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, July 12th Saturday, August 19th
9:00 a.m. to Noon Workshop - 10 a.m. to Noon
Showcase - Noon to 2 p.m.
Discover DeKalb Conference Room Stars and Strikes Entertainment Center

GUILTY Continued From Page 16A 1957 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 510
Tucker, GA 30084
1741 Mountain Industrial Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

according to the district exposing this persons

attorneys office. Cotter and
Williams were originally
charged with felonies, but
state prosecutors agreed to
a plea agreement involving
misdemeanor charges in an
effort to protect the identity
of that source, along with
other prosecution factors,
according to the district
attorneys office.
This case involved an
anonymous key witness
whose information was
integral to our prosecution,
Boston said. After
balancing all factors, we
chose to proceed in this
manner, in part, to avoid
identity and jeopardizing
their livelihood, in addition to
potentially dissuading future
whistleblowers from coming
forward with information in
high-stake cases for fear of
public exposure.
We believe the
restitution paid by
defendant Cotter, the Register Now!
acknowledgement of
criminal wrongdoing by Discover DeKalb Workshops and Classes
both defendants, who are are free, but pre-registration is required by
no longer employed by calling 770-492-5000. Visit us at
or engaged in business discoverdekalb.com
dealings with our county,
along with the other terms #DISCOVERDEKALB
of the plea agreement, is a
just result, Boston added.

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