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the DeKalb FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017 VOL. 21, NO. 24 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

Former Stone Mountain resident competes on television show

by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Those who watched the

premiere of NBCs Spartan:
Ultimate Team Challenge may
have seen a former DeKalb
County resident race through the
difficult obstacle course.
Former Stone Mountain
resident and Navy veteran
Mike Thomas was one of 30
participants on Spartan: Ultimate
Team Challenge, which aired
June 12. The show features six
teams of fivegroups of friends,
families and co-workersthat
are put to the test as they
attempt to complete a half-mile
Spartan course to win $250,000.
Thomas, who is a
professional mixed martial arts
(MMA) fighter and currently
lives in San Diego, Calif., was
on the Sparring Spartans team.
Unfortunately, his team did not
move on to the next round of
the show, which Thomas said
was frustrating, but he said the
experience was exciting. Mike Thomas, left, was on team Sparring Spartans on NBCs Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge.
I really enjoyed the
experience, he said. It was He was stationed in Everett, he still does not have full range was not an easy task. They
like killing two birds with one Wash., and he served in the of motion in his hip. However, were homeless and lived out of
stoneI got to hang out with my Navy for four years before he that didnt slow him down. their car for a year before they
family and I got paid to come was honorably discharged due A couple of years after his saved enough money to rent an
out [to Los Angeles] and be on to a hip injury he suffered while surgery, he began learning apartment.
national TV and compete and on a ship. He slipped while martial arts after visiting a friend His journey inspired him to
show some of my skills. moving equipment and fell. and fellow sailor in Texas. set a goal of one day owning his
Thomas heard about the I lost my balance and I fell Ive always had a own martial arts gym to teach
show through his friend and on top of all of the equipment, competitive nature, being an young boys and be a mentor,
fellow MMA fighter Coby Hollier, he said. athlete, and after the surgery and opening a shelter for
who was on the same team with Thomas said he knew the doctor told me I may not be homeless veterans.
him. something was wrong with his as active as Ive had been and I Thomas currently interacts
He gave me a call and said hip but said the doctors delayed refused to accept that, he said. with homeless vets in a
he had an opportunity, and I surgery because they thought I was still going to the gym on spontaneous, one-on-one
said, Give me the details. He he was physically fit enough to post and one day I went upstairs manner.
did and I said, Perfect, Thomas deal with the issues following the and saw this guy, who was my A lot of these [homeless
said. From there, we did our injury. It wasnt until he suffered size, beating the crap out of this veterans] dont understand
demo [video] and made the cut an injury while playing sports heavy-pound dude. the resources that they have
for the show. that doctors noticed that he Thomas said he approached and they dont know how
Thomas, who grew up in a needed surgery. the men, who were brothers, and to attack the situation; they
military family, moved to DeKalb I played for the Navys asked one of them to teach him just accept their fate as is,
County in 1997. He attended basketball and football teams, martial arts. he said. If I were in a [good
Redan High School until his and while playing [on those Thomas has a 3-1 record as financial] position I would
family moved to Houston, Texas, teams] I ended up getting injured a professional MMA fighter and definitely create a safe haven
during his junior year in 2001. and they sent me to get an MRI is 13-2-2 as an amateur. for homeless people, [such as] a
After graduating from high and after they examined the MRI Thomas, along with Hollier, resource center so they can get
school in 2003, he worked at the they said I needed surgery. moved to San Diego in 2013 themselves together so they can
local YMCA before enlisting in Thomas said the surgery left in hopes of finding a job as move forward in life.
the Navy. him with a 60-year-old hip and a martial arts instructor but it

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

LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 2A
LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 3A

AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
City to host 5K race
Brookhaven Parks and Recreation will
host its second annual It Starts in the
Parks 5K race on July 22 at Blackburn
Park at 7:30 a.m. T-shirts and awards for
various categories will be presented at 8:30
a.m. The park is located at 3493 Ashford
Dunwoody Road. For more information or
to register, call (404) 637-0512.
CLARKSTON
Free medical interpretation training
offered
Bilingual or multiple-language speaking
23will focus on Chamblees growth and
changes, Clarkson said, and incorporate
topics discussed at Chamblees State
of the City presentation. Topics include
public works, new construction, parks and
recreation.
Its critical that we come together to
discuss current topics of interest, Clarkson
said. There is a lot happening in the city,
and I want to update the residents as well
as talk about the successes weve had.
The July 26 meeting will take place at
St. Pious X Catholic High School located at
2674 Johnson Road NE.
The Aug. 9 meeting will take place at
Keswick Parks community building located
at 3496 Keswick Drive.
The final meeting on Aug. 23 will take
place at the Chamblee Civic Center located
at 3540 Broad Street.
All meetings will begin at 7 p.m. For
more information, call (770) 986-5010 or
visit www.chambleega.gov.
Volunteers at any skill level are needed
to complete the improvements. Those with
painting, landscaping or construction skills
are encouraged to participate.
Event organizers are also accepting
paint and painting equipment, landscaping
tools, food and water as in-kind donations.
Corporate donations, which will go toward
extra improvements such as benches
and landscaping supplies, are also being
sought.
For more information and to register as
an event volunteer, visit https://gucu.org/
about-us/community-development/school-
crashers.
LITHONIA
Jobs bus coming to Lithonia library
The Mobile Career Center, also called
the Jobs Bus, will be at the Lithonia-

persons are encouraged to earn a free
certification in medical interpretation
courtesy of Clarkston Community Health
Center (CCHC) and Emory University.
CCHC and Emory Institute for
Healthcare Improvement are offering a free
medical interpreter training coursevalued
at approximately $1,000to help non-
English speaking patients understand their
medical care.
The six-week training course will require
seven to eight hours of work per week.
Currently, CCHC is looking for participants
fluent in Somali, Amharic, Nepali or
Burmese in addition to English.
The course is open to 15 participants.
Upon completion, participants will be
required to offer services during CCHCs
Sunday clinics at least twice a month from
10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
To register, visit http://bit.ly/2pR0quu.
If a participant qualifies, one of six team-
members will be in contact.
For more information, contact Reem
Hamoda at (610) 973-4250 or Joyce Kim
at (404) 509-5225.
CHAMBLEE
Mayor to hold series of public
meeting
Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson
announced he will hold three open-to-
the public meetings to discuss topics of
interest.
The meetingsJuly 26, Aug. 9 and
COUNTYWIDE
Davidson Library July 19 from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. The bus includes 13 computer
stations and high-speed satellite internet
connection. The center will provide
Lifeline offering fee-waived residents with essential services, including
job search assistance, resume writing and
adoptions interviewing tips. The library is located at
6821 Church Street.
LifeLine Animal Project is offering
potential pet owners or current pet owners
a special promotion. Until July 31, animal City to host home buying seminar
lovers can adopt any pet from LifeLines
shelter in Decatur and the adoption fee Lithonia, in partnership with realtor
Amelia Inman and lender Lattice
will be waived. This promotion applies to
all pets at all LifeLine Shelters, including Hardwick, will host a home buying seminar
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the community
DeKalb County Animal Services (DCAS),
the LifeLine Dog House & Kitty Motel and center. The seminar is part of the citys
efforts to increase home ownership within
the LifeLine Cat Adoption Center.
Adopters will receive a dog or cat that the city. The community center is located
at 6928 Main Street. For more information,
has been spayed or neutered, has had
all vaccines and is microchipped for no call (404) 932-9461.
fee. For more information, visit www.
dekalbanimalservices.com.
DECATUR
Volunteers needed for school project
Volunteers are needed to help clean up,
repair and refresh Canby Lane Elementary,
located at 4150 Green Hawk Trail in
Decatur, on July 21 and 22.
As part of Georgia United Credit
Unions 2017 School Crashers program,
Canby Lane is scheduled to receive a
fresh coat of paint, landscaping and other
improvements, benefitting 740 students
and 80 staff members.
LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 4A

Former Shallowford Gardens owner John Lantz

said he held the moving fair to make sure the
moving experience, which will affect more than 100
The Shallowford Gardens apartment complex held a Moving Fair for to allow for a smooth transition for displaced renters on June 29. Photos by R. non-English speaking, low-income residents, is a
Scott Belzer pleasant experience for all involved.

Beginning of the end

Shallowford Gardens hosts moving fair
organizers hope will allow a smooth DCSD but said there have been Gardens residents are facing low
BY R. SCOTT BELZER moving process. quite a few for quite a while, which vacancy rates at nearby housing,
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com Lantz said the purpose of the were at first tenuous. especially in the timeframe they are
fair was to make sure renters, Lantz said there were no required to work in.
DCSD and himself have a pleasant absolute commitments or [Residents] have to move
Immigration lawyers, real
experience over the next six weeks. anything binding until the contract in a very short period of time,
estate agents and nonprofits
Lantz said DCSD has been was signed June 12 at DCSDs Nyembwe said. People are
came together at the Shallowford
very supportive, almost a little board of education meeting. He just looking for places to go.
Gardens apartment complex on
pushy in asking him when he will said there was communication with Were trying to keep them in the
June 29 for a moving fair event for
again meet with residents and city representatives in Doraville, community they are used to and
residents.
inform them of options. Lantz and including city manager Shawn keep them in the same area. Were
Renters will be required to
DCSD representatives first met with Gillen and Mayor Donna Pittman. trying to minimize the burden.
vacate Shallowford Gardens
residents on June 14, one day after According to Atlanta real estate Former Cross Keys High School
located at 3630 Shallowford Road
the purchase agreement was made. consultant Diman Nyembwe, who teacher Rebekah Morris was
in Doravilleby Aug. 31 following
Now that its official, were was present at the fair, options for at the moving fair representing
a $8.2 million purchase agreement
finding out what issues have come Shallowford Gardens residents are Los Vecinos de Buford Highway
between former owners John Lantz
up since then and how we can available. to provide residents with moving
and the DeKalb County School
help, Lantz said. The general Here the prices are relatively resources. Similarly, the Center for
District (DCSD).
reaction isbecause of the support affordableI think they are topping Pan Asian Community Services
DCSD plans to build a 900-
from both Shallowford Gardens out at $750 or $800, Nyembwe (CPACS) was present to provide
seat elementary school to alleviate
and DCSD and moving benefitsits said. There are quite a few similar resources residents may need.
overcrowding at nearby Dresden
enough to get almost everyone options. In this area, theyre going Morris said she has contacted
and Cary Reynolds elementary
started at a new place. to be paying a little more, maybe nearby churches to see who may
schools.
According to Lantz, the majority $650 to $900. have access to rental moving
More than 100 families
of the financial incentive is coming Nyembwe said residents asked vehicles.
currently live at the complex. Each
from DCSD. which complexes ask for tax This is a rare thing to see in an
leaseholder will receive a $2,250
DCSD will leave future meetings identification numbers, if there are apartment complex, Morris said.
incentive to help with moving costs.
with residents up to Lantz as per houses available to rent in Doraville I actually credit the former owners
The moving fair gave residents a
the purchase agreement, Lantz and if there are options comparable in trying to make this a smooth
chance to participate in an evening
said. He declined to say how many to Shallowford Gardens. transition.
outdoors, eat ice cream, snack on
meetings have taken place with Nyembwe also said Shallowford
popcorn and seek resources that
LOCAL
Financial advisor:
Take a break without going broke
by Kathy Mitchell
Whether this years family
vacation will be a road trip to a
destination near home or a major
getaway involving international travel,
planning ahead can make for major
savings, according to Dunwoody
resident Tom Singh, whos a
senior resident director and wealth
management advisor at Merrill Lynch.
Even a weekend road trip can
be less expensive for those who
take time to compare gas station
prices and look for specials at
restaurants and attractions,
Singh said.
He offered as examples
museums that charge for guided
tours but provide self-guided
tours that visitors can download
to their phones for free.
Often travelers can spend
less simply by thinking through
what they will be doing and what
they will need. Surprises can be
expensive. In addition, dealing
with the unexpected can use
time thats better spent enjoying
time away from home, Singh
said.
To prevent spending vacation
time solving problems, avoid or
minimize those problems with a
few pre-vacation measures, he
suggested. Leave your passport
number and the numbers of card
numbers youre taking with a
trusted family member or friend.
If your belongings are lost or
stolen on the trip, the person can
relay key information through a
simple phone call.
Its also a good idea to
let your bank and credit card
company know that you will be
traveling, Singh said. If they see
charges incurred at places far
from your homeparticularly in
another country and they are
unable to reach you to verify the
charges, they may suspect fraud
and freeze your account. It could
take hours of precious vacation
time to free up the account.
Singh suggested carrying
multiple forms of payment
because some may not be
accepted at a particular hotel,
restaurant or other place.
Consider travelers checks.
They can be replaced within
24 hours if stolen, and they
may also help save money if
purchased before a trip with a
favorable exchange rate.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, July 14, 2017 Page 5
While credit and debit cards
can be convenient ways to pay
for travel expenses, they might
not be the most cost-effective
because withdrawal fees can
add up, Singh said. Withdraw
as much as youre comfortable
carrying to avoid paying more
fees because of frequent
withdrawals.
Singh also recommended that
those traveling outside the
country pay in local currency.
Even if merchants accept
foreign currency, they may
charge a high exchange rate so
it likely will be worth the time you
spend to exchange American
dollars for local currency.
He said early planning can
allow for flexibility when booking
flights and hotels, for example.
Airlines and hotels may charge
widely different prices for the
same seat or room, depending
on the day. Being willing to go a
day earlier or later or travel at a
different time of day can result in
a major savings, Singh said.
Whether its better to use a
travel agent or book flights and
hotels yourself depends on the
circumstances, according Singh.
If you will be traveling to an area
you are unfamiliar with, using a
travel agent may not only help
assure that the accommodations
youve booked are in a safe area
and what you expect, it can save
you money if the agent can get
wholesale rates or specials that
are not available to the general
public.
Criminals, he warned, often
target vacationers. In addition to
the great inconvenience, being
a crime victim is also expensive.
Let neighbors know you will be
away and ask them to look out
for suspicious behavior around
your house. Also, notify the local
police when you will be away. I
live in Dunwoody, Singh said,
and I always let the Dunwoody
police know when well be away.
Putting a stop on mail and
newspaper deliveries prevents
giving would-be burglars a clue
that no one is home.
Singh also cautioned those
who are active on social media
to be sure information about your
vacation plans doesnt get to the
wrong people because of social
media postings.
OPINION
Whats wrong with this
picture? The same thing over
and over again. I share the
frustration of many South DeKalb
residents. With all of the political
leaders in DeKalb and we get
2019 completion date for the
Flatshoals bridge project. I call
this ineffective leadership and
management. While the city of
Atlanta gets I-85 completed in
6 weeks. The silence speaks
volumes.
The I-285 Flatshoals Road
bridge project started Feb. 2015.
It was amazing how Governor
Deal and GDOT Commissioner
worked so seamless together to
get the I-85 interstate repaired.
The state was able to change an
estimated 8 month project into a
6 week project.
This was amazing. The I-85
overpass collapse was completed
within six weeks. The bid
requirements were waived and
there were rules and regulations
Senior moments in triplicate
After 33 years of marriage,
my wife and I pretty much say
anything to each other and rarely
is either of us offended. We may
discuss, accuse, insinuate or
deny, but it is usually in a jovial
and light-hearted manner. But a
recent situation took it to another
levelstill light-hearted, but more
elevated than usual and this time
the mother-in-law was involved.
One of our dogs had just had
surgery and since we dont have
two-legged children, admittedly
our dogs are a bit pampered. The
surgery was to remove a benign
tumor on my girl Cleos front right
leg. The vet told us she would
have a bandage and wrap on the
leg for 10 days and that we would
need to watch her closely to
make sure she didnt chew on the
leg and rip out the stitches.
In preparation for Cleos
recovery, my wife and mother-
in-law went all-out by buying
different gauzes, wraps, antibiotic
ointments and protective collars
to keep her from licking or
chewing on her leg during the
healing process.
As is the norm for my wife
and mother-in-law when it
comes to caring for the animals,
they at times can become a bit
obsessive with their concerns
and doting ways.
After her surgery, I picked
Cleo up from the vet, brought her
home and tried to get her settled
in the bedroom. I saw a gray
canvas inflatable collar lying on
Letter to the Editor
The tale of two bridges
waived. The workers were paid
overtime, and bonus[es] were
given to the contractor as an
incentive. The workers worked
around the clock to complete the
work.
Now contrast that with the
Flatshoals bridge project. It
was started in Feb. 2015 and
was supposed to be complete
in September 2017, now it is
being projected to be completed
sometime in 2019. We should all
be concerned.
No one at GDOT was
held responsible for storing
the flammable materials
under the I-85, and the GDOT
Commissioner and the contract
workers were praised for the
rapid completion..
It remains to be seen whether
the GDOT was in violation of
federal and/or state laws. At
the very least the GDOT was
negligent and endangered the
public in the first degree in
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
the bedside table but decided we
would only use it if she started
chewing on her leg.
Days later Cleo had shown no
indication that she would attempt
to chew on the leg, so I deflated
the collar and laid it on a table in
our foyer. I later noticed another
inflatable collar on the kitchen
counter in its original packaging
ready to be returned to the store
where it was purchased.
I suggested to my wife that
she should also return the now
deflated gray collar that I had left
in the foyer, as it also had not
been used. She laughed and said
the collar in the foyer was a used
one that her mom had given her
to see if it would fit. She insisted
that it had never been inflated
as her mom had removed the
inflation valve when she used it
on her dog and had stuffed the
collar with plastic shopping bags.
Au contraire!
I confidently told my wife
that I knew the collar that I was
referring to had a valve in it and
proceeded to go into great detail
about how I struggled to deflate it
and that I knew it was not stuffed
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, July 14, 2017 Page 6
storing those materials under the
highway. The GDOT should be
responsible If not criminally, then
at the very least civilly to pay for
the damage as an accessory.
Just because the GDOT is a big
state agency does not make it
less culpable.
There should be some GDOT
members held accountable for
storing the materials under the
I-85 highway overpass. Instead,
the blame is being focused on
the homeless. The interstate is a
major transportation infrastructure
route. This should have never
been used as a warehouse
storage facility.
The I-85 bridge financial costs
rivals any theft that the FBI may
be currently investigating.
Dont get me wrong, I do
believe those that set the fire
should be held accountable,
However, they are certainly not
the only culprits in the major
fiasco. It cost millions to repair
with anything.
She responded with something
to effect of Youve lost your
mind, there isnt another collar.
Ive already taken moms back to
her. I replied in a very sarcastic
manner that perhaps she is the
one whose mind may be failing,
because I knew I hadnt imagined
the struggle.
My wife then called her mom
to loudly and laughingly tell her
about the discussion and tell her
that I must be hallucinating. I hear
them both laughing hysterically at
my expense and I begin shouting
that they are both crazy and that
I know there is another collar
somewhere.
The wife then hands her
phone to me; her mom, laughing
so hard she can hardly breath,
is telling me that she has the
original collar and that if I dont
believe her that I should drive
over to her house and she will
prove it to me.
By this time, Im beginning
to doubt my mental faculties,
but am still relatively certain
that I was correct and that my
wife and mother-in-law are both
delusional.
I leave the den in search of the
collar I know I saw and deflated
earlier, and hear the elevated
sounds of what reminded me of
two old barnyard hens cackling
hystericallytheyre still making
fun of me and reinforcing each
others belief that I am crazy.
Ah ha! Not only did I find the
the I-85 over pass.
Never let a bad situation
happen without making
something good come of it. This
event may have some benefit
if we can get a comprehensive
regional transportation, rail
and bus system funded and
implemented.
I support a review of
ordinances as it relates to
warehouse storage of flammable
materials stored near major
infrastructure
I do not advocate this being
used as a tactic, maybe if a
crackhead or terrorist attacks
the Flatshoals bridge project we
might get some GDOT attention
and a faster response to getting
the project completed.
Ed Williams
Concerned Citizens for
Effective Government
Decatur
collar I was referring to, but I
also found the original box that it
came in. I ran victoriously through
our long sunroom holding the
collar in the air and yelling at
the top of my lungs Here is the
damn collar. Now, tell me whos
lost their minds?
The wide-eyed look on my
wifes face was priceless as she
told her mom, Oh my God mom,
he found it and has it in his hands
right now. The wife then asked,
Where did that come from? I
replied, I sure as Hell didnt buy
it. Obviously, you or your mom
did.
A long silence followed what
moments earlier was a hysterical
cackling fest.
My wife then sheepishly said
Oh, mom bought that one and I
forgot all about it.
You see, there was a third
collar. The mother-in-law bought
it while shopping with my wife.
My wife brought it home and
inflated it. Minutes earlier, neither
of them recalled buying the
collar nor did my wife remember
inflating it.
Perhaps next time, dear,
you wont be so quick to call
your mom and make fun of me.
You two are the ones who are
experiencing the senior moments
this time.
After all the laughter, I told my
wife she would make a horrible
reporter; she just cant seem to
keep the facts straight.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, July 14, 2017 Page 7

From Russia with love

From Russia with love, I fly China that the European Union short agenda and his personal
to you.Much wiser since my and the U.S. are their largest commitment to follow up, as well
goodbye to you... lyrics from One Mans customers.But this is the same as trust but verify.
the title song of the James Bond Opinion Trumpproudly supportive of Trump gave up being a
film of the same name (FRWL, Brexitwho doesnt wow the germaphobe and eschewing
1963), as sung byMatt Monro. Bill Crane E.U. crew in Brussels.They handshakes as a cost and
President Donald Trumps bill.csicrane@gmail.com perhaps now view him more as a investment in presidential
first official meeting with Russian little, not-so-green, sprout. campaigning.But our U.S.
President Vladimir Putin is Trump may have gone in handshake is not the only global
typically high-stakes poker fly zone in Syria, or reopening Tweeting and thumbs blazing, cultural norm for deal-making
for both countries. Hamburg, discussions regarding civil and and there are accomplishments, these days.
Germany, site of the G-20 political rights in the Ukraine and primarily domestic in his young One wonders, even for the
Summit served as the neutral other Balkan states falling under presidency.These foreign photo ops, if this president
location. increasing Russian influence, heads of state were likely under was able to convincingly
The photo ops and hopefully the president also had a similar whelmed by the successful and demonstrate working together or
some meetings of substance meeting planned with his significant weapons system an appearance of unity, without
had perhaps higher stakes than counterpart in China. sales to the Saudis, particularly simultaneous contempt.
usual for Trump.His challenge Recent missile tests in North when this president and his Shake on it?Russian fist
with Russia was to attempt re- Korea indicate the threat there own secretary of state cannot bump?Skoal.
set of the narrative around the is rapidly increasing, with a get on the same page about
two nations and any potential successful ICBM launch bringing how to handle the boycotting of
maneuvers or covert collusion U.S. shores within reach, or Qatar by its surrounding Muslim Bill Crane also serves as a
efforts between the then easily encouraging an unstable neighbors. political analyst and commentator
candidate, and/or his campaign potentate from moving his As with his domestic agenda, for Channel 2s Action News,
or its representatives. underground nuclear testing the president often picks fights WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and
Proving a negative, of back up into the skies or over which are unnecessary now 95.5 FM, as well as a
course, often presents its the broad Pacific. A misfire or perhaps for the pure sport. But, columnist for The Champion,
own challenges. And while another accident of that nature if pursuing the old philosophy DeKalb Free Press and Georgia
there is little question among could trigger a nuclear hit on of my enemies enemy is my Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native
intelligence communities, here allies, including Japan, South friend, one needs to leave and business owner, living in
and abroad, that Putin and Korea or even Taiwan, each of at least a few big players Scottdale. You can reach him
his oligarch buddies favored a which trigger defense treaties untouched.Reagan did this or comment on a column at bill.
Trump presidency.The paradox, with the United States calling for with charm, a simply stated and csicrane@gmail.com.
in part, might be getting our a response in kind.
president to acceptthe why of To ice this foreign policy
that preference. triple-layer cake, the president
Former Secretary of visited with all the other leaders
State and First LadyHillary of the G-20, whom he chose to,
Clintonis a more than known in effect, snub just more than a
commodity to Putin and his month ago.
government.The Democratic Though I am in agreement
Party, from a policy standpoint, with Trump that there was little
was and is closer in terms benefit in our nation remaining a
of philosophy, to the big part of the Paris Climate Accord,
government dictums of the he spent days telling his peers
once Soviet state.But Putin is that he was listening and hearing
in his heart still a KGB man, them; and almost immediately
and a Trump election could upon returning stateside, used
have, and some say has had, the most blunt and dismissive
a destabilizing influence on the language to disregard their
U.S. government, as well as concerns of global warming
our nations position as a world and need for more sustainable
leader. energy practices.
Instead of just focusing on It will be these same allies
resetting Russian relations, Trump will need to help force
potentially adjusting the no- Russias hand, or to remind

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Publisher: Photographer: STATEMENT FROM THE
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PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker issue of interest to DeKalb County.
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LOCAL
Conservation group calls for public support
Development threatens east Atlanta forest property
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
An east Atlanta forest
conservation group is
asking for public support
against local developers.
In mid-June, Save
Ormewood Foresta
group hoping to preserve
six acres of undeveloped,
privately owned greenspace
near Ormewood Avenue,
Shadowridge Drive and Flat
Shoals Avenuestarted a
Change.org petition sharing
its mission.
Ormewood Forest is 6.1
acres of old-growth trees,
abundant wildlife and a
headwater creek nestled in
the heart of East Atlanta,
states the organizations
website. The historically
green property, between
Ormewood Avenue and
Shadowridge Drive, is at
risk of being developed.
The petition states
surrounding community
members wish to preserve
the six acres because its
trees contribute to the
ever-shrinking tree canopy
within the urban heart of
Atlanta, and its formal
preservation would increase
neighborhood greenspace
by 50 percent.
According to the petition,
the space also serves as a
significant wildlife habitat
that provides relief to urban
heat-island effects as well
as storm water runoff. Both
Intrechment Creek and
South River benefit from the
lands watershed resources,
the petition states.
The organizations
primary objective outside
the petition is to have the
city of Atlanta purchase
the property using its Tree
Recompense Fund and
make it a maintained public
greenspace.
Save Ormewood Forests
mission was rekindled in
June after the organization
Lets preserve at least a
little of what makes this
neighborhood so appealing
in the first place.
learned of intentions from
Heritage Capitol Partners
and Heritage Homes
to rezone the land into
high-density, multi-family
residential property (MR1).
[The developers]
rezoning request to MR1
could even allow for some
limited commercial usage
and does not guarantee
that a quality planned
development would
be built, the petition
states. MR1 is not only
inconsistent with the
surrounding neighborhood
zoning, [but] would set an
undesirable precedent for
future developers who may
be unconcerned about
environmental impact or the
existing traditional character
of the neighborhood
as established by
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 8A
the city of Atlantas Ormewood Forest
2016 Comprehensive is a rare, dramatic and
Development Plan. invaluable asset. We
According to the need greenspace. We
organization, Heritage need places of quiet
Capitol Partners and adventure, natural spaces
Tom Rogers
Heritage Homes are also for contemplative personal
considering developing experiences, said resident
the property in accordance Rodger Brown. The
with existing zoning, which petition statement clearly
will allow separating the highlights the critical
property into 10 single- significance of the forest
family home sites. to air and water quality. Its
This would[eliminate] destruction would represent
any meaningful way to a failure by the city of
restore and preserve the Atlanta to acknowledge
stream system, the petition and support these values,
states. and would be an overt,
As of press time, more destructive act executed
than 400 people had signed with disregard of obvious,
Save Ormewood Forests clear and much more
petition. positive options.
Ive seen greenspace Save Ormewood Forest
in my neighborhood is supported by Trees
diminish substantially over Atlanta, the East Atlanta
the last 20 years, said Community Association and
resident Tom Rogers. the Georgia River Network.
Lets preserve at least a According to Heritage
little of what makes this Capitol Partners attorney
neighborhood so appealing David Patton, the site plan
in the first place. completed by developers
allows for planned
development housing (PDH)
zoning. It features 2.4 acres
of green space dedicated
to the city of Atlanta, 20
detached cottage-style
homes and a freestanding
single-family home.
We have amended
our application to reflect
that we would like to
rezone the property from
R-4 to PDH, Patton said.
We believe that this will
provide assurances to the
community that we intend
to build a single-family
detached community only,
and nothing more. The
community expressed
concern that the MR1
zoning might allow for uses
and construction styles that
were not compatible with
their community plan. We
were prepared to accept
conditions that would
provide assurances that
we would only build single-
family detached homes.
A rezoning to PDH should
address those concerns.
Patton said the plan calls
for the removal of no more
than nine trees and the
planting of 53 new trees.
The homes will be built
on a portion of the site
which is predominantly
already clear of trees,
Patton said.
The Champion
will be meeting with
representatives from
Heritage Capitol Partners at
a future date for a follow-up
story.
To view or sign Save
Ormewood Forests
petition, visit www.change.
org/p/city-of-atlanta-save-
ormewood-forest. For more
information, visit www.
ormewoodforest.com.
LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 9A
LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 10A

Dunwoody resident Tim Martin looks at pictures taken during his time spent in West Africa during the Ebola The Ebola exhibit opened at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in DeKalb
outbreak. County. The exhibit will be open for roughly a year, according to museum officials.

A PIECE OF HISTORY Dunwoody resident reflects

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
In 2014, it was the
disease on everyones
mindthe Ebola virus.
According to the World
Health Organization (WHO),
the 20142016 outbreak in
West Africa was the largest
and most complex Ebola
outbreak since the virus
was discovered in 1976.
There were more cases and
deaths in this outbreak than
all others combined.
In an effort to stop the
spread of disease, the
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, located
in DeKalb County, sent
several thousand workers to
the area.
One of those workers
was Dunwoody resident
Dan Martin, 54, a public
health advisor with the
CDC. Martin had a chance
to reflect on his time in
West Africa fighting the
disease when the CDC
recently opened its Ebola
exhibit.
The exhibit, which gives
visitors a look at life during
the outbreak, featured
pieces donated by Martin.
Martin said the decision
to travel to West Africa to
fight the disease wasnt an
easy one. He said there are
some people who run away
from a burning building and
others who run toward it
on time in Africa
to fight the fire. Martin said
hes the type to fight the fire.
In some ways, I had to
process in my own mind the
possibility that I was laying
my life on the line, Martin
said. I had to at least work
through that thought in my
mind before I decided to
HUD.GOV
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary Ben Carson
volunteer for the mission. I
felt like this was something
important and something
that I needed to do.
In the exhibit, Martin is
featured in several photos,
he also donated items that
were used in West Africa
during the Ebola outbreak
See EBOLA on Page 14A

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LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 11A

WEEKinPICTURES

Dunwoody Police Department Officer Caleb Gilbert and Detective William

Yeargin participated in the Peachtree Roadrace in downtown Atlanta on July
4. Photo submitted.

A Chamblee police officer and resident get down during the citys July 4th
Decatur Police Department was well-represented at Georgia Piedmont Tech- Celebration, which featured the bands Band X and the Georgia Sunshine
nical Colleges Law Enforcement Career Fair on July 5. Photo submitted. Band. 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
Chamblee will purchase 8.9 acres of undeveloped green space along North Shallowford Road for a
new park. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
Chamblee invests in greenery
Approximately $4.6 million spent on two park spaces
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Chamblee officials have
announced their intent to
develop 25.4 acres of park
space by fall 2017.
According to a release
from Chamblee public
relations manager Tisa
Moore, Chamblee will
develop 8.9 acres along
North Shallowford Road and
16.5 acres at 4445 Buford
Highway.
The city of Chamblee
is moving forward today
with plans to add more than
33 percent [of] more park
space within the city by the
end of this summer, Moore
said.
The two new parks will
join nine other parks in
Chamblee totaling 76 acres.
According to Moore, new
parks and recreation space
is a frequent request from
residents in the citys 2015
Comprehensive Plan.
In Chamblees 2016
Parks Master Plan,
residents also requested
park space featuring
playgrounds, dog parks,
recreational opportunities
and trail connectivity.
According to Moores
release, the proposed park
at the North Shallowford
Road propertysouth
of The Savoy apartment
complex and commercial
corridorwill connect
Chamblee intends to close on 16.9 acres of property located at
4445 Buford Highway, once the home of Jim Hearn Golf Center.
Photo by R. Scott Belzer
neighborhoods and
businesses on North
Shallowford Road and North
Peachtree Road along
Nancy Creek as part of a
trail system.
Chamblee officials state
both properties are currently
under contract. The 8.9-
acre North Shallowford
Road property, valued at
$111,111, is expected to
close in July. The property
at 4445 Buford Highway
once the location of Jim
Hearn Golf Centerwill
cost Chamblee $4.5 million
and is expected to close in
September.
Moore said city officials
are not far enough in
the process to estimate
development costs.
We are working with
recreation associates and
consultants to develop
a plan for the land that
includes field space and
other features, Moore said.
We are also gathering
feedback from residents
to see what amenities
they would like in the new
spaces.
Moore said the incoming
park at Buford Highway will
preserve existing green
space, protect a nearby
stream and connect to
nearby Dresden Park, also
owned by Chamblee.
Representing a 33
percent increase to the
citys existing parks, to help bring greater
these two additions will
enhance the quality of life
for residents and visitors
and marks a significant
investment in two areas of
the city that were recently
annexed, said Chamblee
Mayor Eric Clarkson.
Chamblee officials
welcome public input We are grateful for their
on the proposed park
spaces, inviting residents
to complete a survey by
Aug. 15. To participate,
visit surveymonkey.com/
STT7QBP. unanimously approved
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 12A
Brookhaven to relocate
Comfort Women of
WWII memorial
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Six days after unveiling
the memorial that honors
the comfort women of
World War II, Brookhaven
officials announced they
will move the memorial to
another location.
The city unveiled the
Young Girls Statue for
Peace June 30 in Blackburn
Park II, which is located
along Blair Circle in a
residential area with limited
space and limited parking,
according to the city. The
statue will be moved to
nearby Blackburn Park on
Ashford Dunwoody Road.
Brookhaven Mayor John
Ernst said the city wants to
better accommodate those
who want to visit the statue.
Blackburn Park will offer
more space, more parking
and a more accessible
location for what is surely to
become a landmark in our
city, Ernst said.
City officials said
the neighborhood
near Blackburn Park II
experienced increased
traffic due to visitors viewing
the statue. The city said
nearly 300 people were in
attendance for the unveiling
of the statue.
Blackburn Park is 51
acres and has more parking
available for visitors. The
city is currently exploring
locations in the park for the
statue.
Baik Kyu Kim, chair
of the Atlanta Comfort
Women Memorial Task
Force, thanked the city for
relocating the memorial.
We applaud the city
of Brookhavens decision
awareness to the comfort
women tragedy through the
more prominent placement
of the Young Girls Statue
for Peace, Kim said. The
[Brookhaven] city council
has been a leader in taking
a very strong stand against
human and sex trafficking.
proactive move to provide
greater accessibility to the
memorial.
During its May 23
meeting, the city council
bringing the memorial that
Brookhaven will relocate the
Young Girls Statue for Peace
to Blackburn Park. Photo from
the Atlanta Comfort Women
Memorial Task Force
recognizes the dangers
and injustices of human
trafficking worldwide, to the
city. The Young Girls Statue
for Peace was donated by
the Atlanta Comfort Women
Memorial Task Force
in honor of the 200,000
comfort women of World
War II.
City Councilman John
Park first brought the idea
of welcoming the memorial
to the city.
The comfort women
tragedy is one the largest
known cases of human and
sexual trafficking in the 20th
century, Park said. The
city of Brookhaven is deeply
honored to be the home for
the Young Girls Statue for
Peace. As we remember
the history of these victims
of human trafficking and
enslavement, we bear
witness to their suffering so
that these atrocities never
happen again.
The statue is a
continuation of the citys
efforts to bring awareness
to human trafficking.
Brookhaven was the first
city to join the Were Not
Buying It campaign, a
national initiative to create
a forum for all 50 states to
collaborate and develop
strategies to end sex
trafficking. In 2014, the city
became first city in Georgia
to train its top managers
and all city employees to
recognize signs of child sex
trafficking.
LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 13A

A test of taste buds

DeKalb County youth chefs compete in salsa competition
BY R. SCOTT BELZER taste, aroma, consistency,
presentation and originality.
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com The winning salsa will be
featured at a local Willys
Tomatoes? Check. restaurant.
Onions? Check. Cilantro? According to East
Check. Chiles? Check. DeKalb club employee
Lime juice? Check. and head of the clubs
Dancing shoes? Check. Salsa, Salsa team Latisha
These are just a few Jordan, the team has an
items required to attend original award-winning
the 2017 Salsa, Salsa concoction.
competition hosted by We have a winner
the Boys & Girls Clubs of here, Jordan said. Its
Metro Atlanta at Piedmont called Tropical Explosion.
Park on July 11. For five Its not your typical salsa.
children from the East It does have tomatoes, but
DeKalb Boys & Girls Club, it also includes pineapples,
mangoes and peaches. We
it was a chance to join
young chefs from 15 other present the salsa inside a
nearby clubs and compare tropical fruit.
notes on concocting the Jordan said the team
perfect salsa. dressed tropical and
The event tested displayed the salsa with
participants culinary palm trees to give judges
prowess as well as the feeling they were
their dance skills, as a enjoying the cuisine at the
professional dance troupe beach.
was on-site to provide Jordan said the team
dancing lessons to all made up of approximately
attendees; restaurant 10 studentshas grown
professionals judged the the ingredients, visited the
salsa competition. farmers market and mixed
Experts, including fruits and vegetables to
chefs, restaurant owners complete its submission.
and fitness professionals, According to Jordan, the
judged the salsa based on club uses a tower garden
to grow its ingredients, as
the club operates out of the
Redan Recreation Center.
She said the team brought
the garden with them to
convey to judges what sort
of work went into creating
Tropical Explosion.
Club director Brandon
Riley said the competition
is a great way to expose a
new hobby or career field
to students.
According to event
organizers, the competition
celebrates healthy diets
and staying active. It
also highlights cooking The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta annually bring together 16 clubs
and gardening programs to dance and enjoy salsa as a way to celebrate fitness, healthy diets and
gardening. Photo submitted.
available to Boys & Girls
Club children throughout
the metro Atlanta region.
Many kids, particularly
from low-income
neighborhoods, do not
have access to healthy
food and safe places to
play, said Missy Dugan,
president of Boys & Girls
Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
Programs like this teach
our kids that eating right
and staying active can be
fun. They help kids build
healthy habits now that we
hope will stay with them for
a lifetime.

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LOCAL
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in DeKalb County launched its new exhibit featuring the Ebola virus outbreak of 2014.
EBOLA Continued From Page 1A
Martin said one of the more challenging
aspects of fighting the disease was learning
and understanding the culture in the area. As a
common burial practice in West Africa villages,
some will touch the deceased body and even
share a drink with the body, Martin said.
However, this practice could potentially
spread more of the Ebola virus if the deceased
person was contaminated. Martin said CDC
staffers, local leaders and religious community
leaders came together to find burial procedures
that were safe for the community and respectful
of their traditions.
[Respect] is vastly important. If Im trying
to convince you of something, it doesnt matter
what my motivations are, it matters what
motivates you, he said. One of the important
things about Ebola is that if a person dies from
it, the body is just packed with the virus and can
still cause infection. We, as scientists, know
that the safest way to dispose of the body is to
remove them with our protective gear on but that
means to the local people that the burial is being
done by someones face you cant see and by
someone you may not even know.
Anne Schuchat, acting director of CDC, said
she was proud of the organizations response to
the Ebola outbreak.
According to Schuchat, the CDCs most
recent museum addition is a way for the public
to learn more about the disease that killed
thousands in Africa from 2014 to 2016.
Even as the outbreak was occurring, we
realized that this was history, Schuchat said.
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 14A
The idea for the exhibit happened when we
were still responding. At the time, we didnt know
if Ebola could be stopped.
The museum and exhibit is free to the public,
Schuchat said, and gives people a chance to
know what it was like to be around the Ebola
virus at the time
There were days when we thought our
control efforts were not having an impact. We
didnt know how the story would end, but we felt
like this was a very important story to share with
the world, Schuchat said.
Martin said he is grateful for the opportunity
to help in the CDCs efforts to control the
outbreak of the virus and he made lifelong
friendships through his experience.
LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 15A

Brookhaven man pleads

guilty in cousins murder
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
A 21-year-old man entered a guilty plea
in connection to his cousins murder, the
DeKalb County District Attorneys Office
announced July 6.
Carlos Eduardo Morales-Gallardo of
Brookhaven opted to plea guilty to felony
murder in lieu of proceeding to trial for the
shooting death of 20-year-old Nicolas
Morales-Garcia.
Morales-Garcia was shot and killed in
November 2015. Brookhaven police officers
responded to reports of a shooting at Esquire
Apartments at 3102 Buford Highway and
Construction crews will repair road damage on Beech Drive and Celia Way after found Morales-Garcia with a single gunshot
a contractor for the county damaged a water main. wound. He had been shot once in the back of
the head.
According to the district attorneys office,
argument between the two men. Morales-
Gallardo was then spotted running toward the
pool, before leaving the area.
The detectives investigation led
authorities to Morales-Gallardos mother
in Covington and she told detectives he
admitted to her that he shot and killed his
cousin, according to the DAs office. Morales-
Gallardo asked his mother for money to
escape to Mexico.
She refused and told her son to turn
himself in to authorities. Morales-Gallardo
was later arrested and confessed to the
shooting, claiming it was an accident,
according to the DAs office. Investigators
discovered that Morales-Gallardo confessed
to family members that he shot Morales-
Garcia over a $400 debt.
Morales-Gallardo was sentenced to life
in prison by DeKalb County Superior Court

Restoration project
witnesses heard gunshots following an Judge Courtney Johnson.

begins for Beech Drive Brookhaven mayor appoints six to Peachtree

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
County workers are set
to repair an area of DeKalb
County that was damaged
due to a water main break
in March.
The break caused a
sinkhole at the intersection
of Beech Drive and Celia
Way that resulted in what
the county defines as a
major sewer spill of nearly
347,250 gallons of sewage.
According to the county,
portions of the road on
Beech Drive and Celia Way
will require a complete
rebuild of the road due to
a contractor for the county
damaging the 36-inch water
main.
Arre Kennedy,
construction project
manager for the county,
said the entire project will
cost roughly $1.3 million.
Kennedy said work
will begin July 5 and last
roughly two and a half
months.
Residents in the area
have [contacted] our [public
information officers] and
they just want to know how
long this project will take
and what were going to be
doing in the area, Kennedy
said. Weve been in the
area for site evaluations
so we hope to be finished
soon.
The scope of the project
will include removing
the damaged asphalt,
backfilling the street,
replacing a portion of the
water main, rehabilitation of
four manholes, repaving the
street and a stream bank
restoration.
The county said it urges
residents in the area to use
caution while on Beech
Drive. Crews will direct
traffic at the location of the
repairs.
Construction hours will
be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday through Friday
except for federal holidays.
Were going to get this
taken care of and my team
is ready. Were going to be
putting boots on the ground.
Me and my crew are going
to do our best looking
after the interests of [the
residents], Kennedy said.
Scott Towler, director
of the Department of
Watershed Management,
issued an apology to
residents and thanked them
saying, thank you for your
patience and cooperation
as we complete this
construction project.
Creek Greenway steering committee
Brookhaven Mayor John
Ernst appointed members
to the Peachtree Creek
Steering Committee at
the citys June 29 council
meeting.
The committee will
provide oversight and
guidance to the PATH
Foundation as it completes
engineering studies and
prepares final construction
documents for Phase I
of the Peachtree Creek
Greenway, according to
the city. This phase runs
approximately 1.25 miles
Five appointed to Brookhaven charter review committee
Former Brookhaven
Mayor Rebecca Chase
Williams is one of five
people appointed by Mayor
John Ernst and city council
to the charter review
committee.
The council appointed
Williams, Kevin Fitzpatrick,
Pat Hoban, Jennifer
Owens and JD Clockadale
to the committee during
the councils June 29
regular meeting. Fitzpatrick
is a lawyer who serves
in the board of trustees
at Oglethorpe University,
from North Druid Hills Road
to Briarwood Road.
While the initial
planning documents for
the greenway provided us
with considerable public
commentary, this last step
will truly benefit from the
expertise we have here
in Brookhaven, Ernst
said. We are fortunate to
have such highly-qualified
individuals who are willing
to donate their time to
represent the community
and provide feedback during
this very exciting stage.
Hoban is the CEO of Capitol
City Nissan, Owens is
the deputy director of the
Georgia Budget and Policy
Institute and Clockadale is
president of the Brookhaven
Police Foundation.
Every five years,
Brookhaven is required by
state law to review its charter
and make recommendations
if necessary. The charter
review committee will
provide a section-by-section
review of the charter and
provide recommendations
to the mayor and council.
The appointees are
Nathaniel Coles, assistant
director of facility operations
at the Salvation Army;
Delores Crowell, director
of intergovernmental
affairs for DeKalb County;
Betsy Eggers, chair of the
Peachtree Creek Greenway
LLC; Kim Gokce,
president of the Cross
Keys Foundation; Marc
Reich, general manager
of REI Outdoor Gear and
Robert Turner, Briarwood
Park Conservancy board
member.
Presentations will begin in
November during public
work sessions; meetings and
deliberations are open to the
public.
We have an excellent
panel rich in history and
knowledge of the city of
Brookhaven, Ernst said. I
look forward to seeing their
recommendations for our
future. We have selected
a cross-section of invested
community stake-holders
who we believe will bring
a wealth of diversity and
knowledge.
EDUCATION
Letter questions DCSD special ed spending
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) renewed
a $700,000 contract with
Southern Behavior Group
(SBG) on June 12 following
approval from the board of
education, raising questions
about the districts spending on
special education students.
According to DCSD
Coordinator for Special
Education and Diverse
Learners Melinda Maddox,
SBG provides the district with
Board Certified Behavioral
Analyst (BCBA) professionals.
BCBA educators at DCSD
provide consultation on
current students, analyze
referrals for new students,
analyze behavior in special
education students and attend
individualized education plan
(IEP) meetings, Maddox said.
Maddox said that in the
2016-2017 school year, SBG
provided more than 3,000
hours of service at a cost
of approximately $400,000.
Services have involved home-
based programs for two
students, ongoing observation
for nine students, evaluations
for five students as well
as training to DCSD staff,
including lead teachers for
special education.
An anonymous letter The
Champion received in early
2017 from someone who
identified himself or herself
as a DeKalb County teacher,
suggests that DCSD may not
have enough special education
teachers in general.
The letterwhich was also
sent to state superintendent
Richard Woods, the U.S.
Department of Education and
other local media outlets
states special education
teachers are often responsible
for teaching in collaborative
classrooms with general
education teachers and other
duties throughout the building,
including presiding over IEP
meetings.
My question is, How can a
teacher be in two places at the
same time? the letter asks.
The answer is, [he or she]
cant.
The letter describes a
situation at an unnamed
school where a general
education teacher was
assigned to a collaborative
classroom with a special
education teacher.
When the special education
teacher was responsible for
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 16A
holding IEP meetings for each
special education student
throughout an entire school,
the general education teacher
was left alone.
She was told, These are
your students, and if she is
absent, you should be able to
handle them, the letter states.
She is not certified in special
education. Special education
students in collaborative
settings are promised
the presence of a special
education teacher to help
them. This is what their IEP
states as a promised service
from [DCSD]. Because the
lead teacher [was] left to hold
meetings, these students did
not receive the services they
were promised.
The letter also said in
DCSD Coordinator for Special Education and Diverse Learners Melinda Maddox recommended the $700,000
at least one instance, the conrtact renewal with Southern Behavior Group on June 13. Photo submitted.
education process was ruined
for 30 special education and
general education students.
When she complained, she
was told the same line, the
letter states. The collaborative
classroom was set up with two
teachers for a reason. It takes
two teachers to effectively
serve the needs of the
students in the collaborative
classroom.
According to the letter,
special education teachers
prioritized meetings with
the entire student body
over teaching in an actual
classroom setting, doing a
disservice to DCSD special
education students.
The special education
students in [the] classroom
were made certain promises
concerning their education in
their IEPs, the letter states.
They were promised by
DCSD the help of a trained
professional in special
education in their collaborative
setting, but did not receive
these services I heard that
this not only happened at my
school, but at several other
schools within [DCSD].
The letter concludes by
stating DCSD is using the lead
teacher of special education
position illegally and is doing
its constituents a disservice.
Funds for the SBG contract
come from DCSDs general
fund as well as its IDEA
Federal fund. Under the
Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA), special
education expenses to local
school districts are offset
through grants.
IDEA Funds can be used
for special education teachers,
training, recruitment, research Margaret Harris Comprehensive School specializes in special education at DeKalb County School District. Photo by
and evaluations. R. Scott Belzer
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BUSINESS
All days are dog days at
Avondale Estates market
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
When Renee Palmer was
looking through the baby book
in which her mother recorded
the early months of her life, she
discovered that the entry under
first words included dog. store, but space is more limited
I guess I shouldnt be
surprised. Ive always loved
dogs, said Palmer, who
recently opened her second
City Dogs Market in Avondale
Estates.
She opened the original City
Dogs Market on Peachtree
Road in Brookhaven in
2008.That was a terrible
year to start a business. Even
businesses that had been doing
well before struggled or even
closed that year, but we did
fine, she recalled.
Palmer said she chose
Brookhaven, which was not yet
a city, because the 30319 ZIP
code had been declared the
most health-conscious area in
the metro Atlanta area. I figured
that if people cared about their
own health, they also would
care about the health of their
dogs and cats.
She explained that pet health
is central to the business. Pet
food and supplies are available
in grocery and big box stores,
but we offer what you want
find therea wide variety of
natural and wholesome foods
as well as toys, accessories and
grooming products. Among the
stores many slogans is cool
stuff for your best friend.
Describing City Dog Market
as both retail and resource,
Palmer said, Were not just a
store, were a place pet owners
can come and talk about their
concerns about their dog and
look for products to help. Were
not veterinarians, but we have
a lot of experience with dogs.
An owner, for example, may be
concerned about the dog having
dry skin and come in looking
for a different shampoo. What
the dog probably needs is not a
different shampoo, but a change
in diet. We can help with that.
Palmer said every employee
is trained for three months
during which he or she not
only becomes familiar with
City Dog Markets products
but also learns the customer
service skills that she said are a
hallmark of the business. Our
goal is to have a person walk
in as a guest and walk out as
family.
The store features a wide
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 18A
variety of dry, freeze dried,
canned and fresh dog foods
as well as a chew bar with 15
to 20 types of treats. We have
more than 30 at the Brookhaven
here, Palmer explained,
adding that anything sold at
the Brookhaven store thats not
stocked at the Avondale Estates
store can be brought over at no
additional charge.
Both stores feature a self-
service dog wash with an
elevated basin with spray
faucets where patrons can clip
the dog collar to a restraint,
Renee Palmer shows the variety of dog treats at her newly opened City Dog Market in
leaving the washers hands Avondale Estates.
free to wash and rinse the dog
without stooping or bending.
We provide the shampoo and
everything else thats needed
for a dog wash for one fee,
Palmer said.
The 2,000-square-foot
Brookhaven store continues
to thrive, Palmer said, as she
opened the smaller Avondale
Estates store. I chose this
location for similar reasons. This
is a community that cares about
quality of life. I love not just
serving individual customers,
but serving a community as
well.
Palmer said she was
delighted when the space
on Avondale Road became
available, especially since
its adjacent to Jabula Dog
Academy, a boarding and
training facility with which she
already had a relationship.
After 12 years in the
corporate world, Palmer
decided to take a buyout
package offered by her
employer and start her own A visitor stops by while walking a Lifeline Animal Project dog.
company, which she had
decided would be dog-related.
Her first business venture was
a dog daycare and boarding
facility.
I learned a lot from my
corporate job and from my
first business. I learned
management skills and
observed relationships between
pets and their owners. I also
was struck by how much
nutrition influences a dogs
health, Palmer said. The
focus of City Dogs Market is
to strengthen the relationship
between pet and owner, she
said. For me this is more than a
business, its a calling. Its more
and a calling, its a passion. I
love my work so much I never The Avondale Estates City Dog Market is a Palmer greets Wilder, a dog available for
smaller version of the one that has operated in adoption from nearby Lifeline Animal
want a vacation. Brookhaven since 2008. Project.
SPORTS THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 19A

Pitcher Jake Brace leads the pitching staff with a 3-2 record and a 1.40 ERA. Photos by Jay Kapp

Brookhaven Bucks second in

leagues east division
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Brookhaven Bucks have
found themselves in second place
in their division after 16 games.
The Bucks, a collegiate
summer baseball team, have
a 9-7 record after 16 games,
which is second best in the East
Division of the Sunbelt League.
Their record is third best in the
First baseman Xzavion Curry leads the team in batting
average with a .340 average.
league.
The top three teams from
each of the two Sunbelt League
divisions (East and West)
advance to the playoffs.
First baseman Xzavion
Curry leads the team in batting
average with a .340, which is fifth
best in the Sunbelt. Outfielder
Zavier Lushington is third on
the leagues home run leader
board with two home runs on the
season. Outfielder Maysoe Wiley
leads the Bucks in RBIs with five.
Pitcher Jake Brace leads the
pitching staff with a 3-2 record
and a 1.40 ERA. Brace has
thrown 23 strikeouts, but Bryan
White leads the pitching staff
in strikeouts with 24. Austin
Weiermiller leads the staff in
saves with four.
The Bucks close out the
regular season July 21 against
the Gwinnett Tides at Georgia
Gwinnett College.

Marist runner
named sprinter
of the year
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Marist graduate Brian Faust was named the

2017 boys sprinter of the year by the Georgia
Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches
Association (GATFXCCA).
He was selected by the associations track
and field committee for his contributions and
performance during the 2017 season. Faust
won gold in the 400-meter dash (47.51) and the
800-meter run (1:54.68) at the Class AAAA state
meet in May.
He won the 400-meter at sectionals and
regionals, and the 800-meter at regionals. He
also won the 800-meter at the Metro Atlanta
Track and Field Championship in March.
Faust won the 800-meter run at the Class AAAA state meet. Photos by Daniel McCauley
LOCAL THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017 Page 20A

Stonecrest council votes against millage rate increase

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
The Stonecrest City Council
unanimously voted against
increasing the citys millage rate
after hearing concerns from local
business owners and residents.
On July 5, the council held
its final public hearing at the
Stonecrest Library in Lithonia
regarding the millage increase
with approximately half a dozen
residents and business owners
urging the council to vote no on a
potential millage rate increase.
We have all suffered too long
from increased taxes from city hall Lary
to Washington. Its disgusting to
see corruption and abuse in local
government entities end up on
the news, said Benny Durden,
president of Atlanta Winsupply.
This is why we wanted to start
Stonecrest. This is a chance
to do it right. As part of the
business community, were all for
governments being accountable for know where the money would go.
spending.
Some who spoke during the
public comment section said they
opposed the increase in the millage
rate because it was not a pressing
need, while others cited not having
seen a hard copy of a budget to
It was never in the plan to raise
city taxes or a millage rate. The
plan was to attract business and
we dont want to start off by raising
taxes. We promised the citizens we
wouldnt do that, said Stonecrest
resident Joel Thibodeaux. Theres
not a pressing need for a millage
rate increase. What would we gain?
A government earns its surpluses
and taxes. You earn it by budgeting
or managing. The only reason to
raise taxes is if theres a pressing
need or to avoid default on a bond.
District 5 councilwoman Diane
Adoma said she would vote against
the millage rate increase because
she promised her constituents there
would be no new taxes. Adoma,
an H&R Block franchise owner
who defeated Tammy Grimes
in a runoff, said there was no
justification for a millage increase.
I promised my constituents
that there would be no new taxes.
I make a motion that we adopt a
zero millage rate, Adoma said
during the meeting. We dont
have a budget and I dont see
the justification. Its important
to understand that economic
development is crucial and at this
time, I dont have any information to
vote for anything else but zero.
Rob Turner, councilman for
District 2, said he never made a
promise to his constituents that
taxes would not be raised. He said
eventually, taxes in Stonecrest will
have to increase.
We will try our best not to raise
taxes, but we cant make a promise
that taxes wont be raised, he said.
I never made the promise to not
raise taxes. I made a promise to
keep the taxes low if we could.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary
said it is important to hear from the
residents in the area regarding the
potential millage rate increase.
I have a resounding no for
any increase, Lary said. We built
this city...we built this city on the
premise and promise that everyone
would contribute and be a player.
As we sit here today, we could have
done the [millage rate increase]
three weeks ago. We put this on
the table so everyone would have a
right to have their say so.

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