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the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
ROTC program leads to Army career for Maj. Rob James
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
D
uring his junior year
at Stone Mountain
High School, Rob
James was looking for
something to do.
That same year, the
Junior ROTC program was
established at Stone Mountain
and James decided to join the
program.
The uniforms seemed cool
and it was something to do,
James said. I did it my first
year and I wanted to excel, so
I stayed in it.
Years later, James is a
major in the Army. James,
39, is in his 17th year in the
Army. The former basketball
player and track and field high
jumper graduated from Stone
Mountain High School in 1996.
He received a scholarship
from the United States Military
Academy at West Point in
West Point, New York. James,
who was a commander of the
Junior ROTC, said he did not
know much about the military
before joining the ROTC
and that being a part of the
program sparked his interest
in serving in the military.
[It was] the exposure to
[the military]. I didnt have very
much exposure to the military
growing up, James said. It
gave me that exposure to the
structure, the traditions and
a lot of the comradery in the
military. It made [the military]
an option.
James said he received a
scholarship offer from Shorter
College and a couple of other
colleges in the area, but going
to West Point was a no-brainer
he said.
To me it was an easy
decision just based on all of
the factors, he said. I wanted
to study engineering for a long
time and they have a great
engineering school.
He is a native of New York,
so going to West Point was
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017 VOL. 21, NO. 11 FREE
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
deployment was in January
2003 to Kuwait for training,
and he participated in
Operation Iraqi Freedom
in March. He served for 13
months in Iraq and said the
experience was good.
We actually got to apply
what we trained to do, he
said. We were trained to fight
[in] wars, among other things.
In that nature, I enjoyed the
experience. It wasnt the best
conditions, but being able to
actually execute what you
were trained to do was very
rewardingto see that our
training paid off.
After his years of combat,
he taught systems engineering
at West Point from 2008 to
2011. He met his wife, an
Army captain, during his three
years of service in South
Korea.
James now serves as the
executive officer to a senior
Army civilian in the Army
Marketing and Research
Maj. Rob James joined the army after his experience with the Junior ROTC at Stone
Mountain High School. Group. The group is the
Armys national marketing,
research and analysis
organization.
We go out and try to show
the Army for what it truly is,
James said.
James moved to Stone
Mountain from New York in the
summer of 1992, before he
started his freshman year of
high school. He comes back
to DeKalb County from time to
time to visit relatives. James
said he hasnt been back
to visit his old high school
because he isnt in the area
during the school year, but he
loves talking to high school
students about the Army and
had special message for his
Maj. Rob James (no. 40) was a member of the Stone Mountain basketball team his
senior year. fellow Stone Mountain Pirates.
My message to them
an opportunity to return to engineering. He later earned would be to work hard for
his home state and serve his a master of science degree whatever their goals are and
country. in industrial engineering keep their options open for
James graduated from North Carolina State whatever opportunities there
from West Point in 2000 University. might be to lead them to their
with a degree in systems His first combat goals, he said.
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL
Doraville increases tax rate
Officials cite county transfers as main reason
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Doraville adopted an
increased millage rate of
8.951approximately a 16
percent property tax increase
on June 19 following three
public hearings.
A millage rate is defined
as dollars of tax 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$5 for every $1,000 the
property is worth.
When property value
increases, typically, property
tax increases when a millage
rate is maintained.
The adopted millage rate
is a 0.58 mills increase from
Doravilles previous rate of
8.371, according to city officials
who state the increase was
made to replace street services
previously delivered by DeKalb
County.
During 2016, DeKalb
County revised its Service
Delivery Strategy (SDS),
[which] outlines which local
governments will provide
which services, reads a
statement from Doraville.
As part of the 2016 revision,
DeKalb County transferred
the service delivery for
street construction and
street maintenance By
incorporating the 0.58 mills,
[Doraville] is effectively
shifting the property tax
revenue from one jurisdiction
to another and is necessary
to provide the resources to
support these services.
As part of the
2016 revision,
DeKalb County
transferred the
service delivery
for street
construction
and street
maintenance.
Officials state adopting a
rollback millage ratea rate
adopted to avoid increases in
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 2
property taxwould allow
expenditures to outpace
revenues by $1.5 million in
2019 and $3 million within five
years.
According to Doravilles
proposed 2018 budget,
property tax revenue will
increase by approximately
$993,000 with the millage rate
increase and the growth of its
tax digest.
Jill Chambers, a
representative from Oasis
Good Time Emporium,
said she opposes the tax rate Doraville City Council voted to increase its millage rate to make up for taxes
formely levied by DeKalb County for road improvements and construction.
increase because the city of
Doraville has not accepted
Champion file photo.
$300,000 in tax checks sent
by the business because of
ongoing litigation.
While the city council
debates on whether to raise
taxes on homeowners, please
be aware you have plenty of
checks across the hallway,
Chambers said.
Resident Leah Flyer said
Doraville homeowners will be
protected under homestead
exemption.
If we were really throwing
a lot of money away, I could
see the opposition to raising
taxes but were not, Flyer said.
We have a lot of very good
infrastructure projects that
will enhance the city... If its a
minor increase, which it is, its
justified.
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
City to unveil monument
Brookhaven will unveil a monument
that recognizes the dangers and injustices
of human trafficking worldwide June
30 at Blackburn II Park at 10 a.m. The
memorial for what were referred to as
comfort women of World War II, named
Young Girls Statue for Peace, will be
Brookhavens latest endeavor into historic
and educational awareness of the global
tragedy of the human sex trade. The park
is located at 3509 Blair Circle.
DECATUR
New trail coming to Mason Mill Park
On June 24 at 10 a.m., DeKalb County
Department of Recreation, Parks and
Cultural Affairs will hold an opening and
ribbon-cutting ceremony for the countys
newest path, South Peachtree Creek Trail.
The ceremony will be held near the
entrance of the Mason Mill Park tennis
court at 1340 McConnell Drive in Decatur.
DeKalb County and PATH Foundation
have partnered to develop the trail.
Plans include expanding the trail to
Emory University and providing bike and
pedestrian access directly to the campus.
The public is invited to join county
officials, parks staff and PATH Foundation
representatives at the ceremony.
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting,
Super District 6 Commissioner Kathie
Gannon will invite attendees to
participate in a group walk on the new
trail.
For more information, contact
LaShanda Davis, Recreation, and Parks
and Cultural Affairs public relations
specialist at, (404)-371-3643 or lsdavis@
dekalbcountyga.gov.
Yoga practice for summer
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with
Cheryl Burnette and Mamie Mabery at
the annual Summer Solstice Yoga practice
on June 24 at 9 a.m.
The event will be held in the courtyard
at Beacon Municipal Center, 420 W. Trinity
Place in Decatur. If it rains on June 24,
the location will change to Ebster Gym in
Decatur.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 3
Donations will be accepted for the
Decatur Youth Fund but the event will be
free to the public. Participants are asked to
bring water and mats.
For more, information contact
Cheryl.Burnette@decaturga.com
DUNWOODY
Actor to speak at Jewish community
center
Actor and best-selling author Alan Alda
will be speaking and signing copies of his
book, If I Understood You, Would I Have This
Look on my Face? on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. at
the Marcus Jewish Community Center of
Atlanta (MJCCA), located at 5342 Tilly Mill
Road.
According to event officials, Alda will
speak with CNN journalist Holly Firfer
about the book, which serves as an
indispensable guide to communicating
better, based on his experience in the
entertainment industry.
Prices to attend are $33 for MJCCA
members and $37 for non-members.
Admission price includes a copy of Aldas
book.
For more information, contact the
MJCCA box office at (678) 812-4005 or visit
www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.
LITHONIA
Farmers market opens
Lithonia will host its weekly farmers
market June 24 behind city hall from noon
to 4 p.m. The market will feature fresh
food, music, food demonstrations and
more. The farmers market will open every
Sunday until Sept. 18, except on July 2.
City hall is located at 6920 Main St.
STONE
MOUNTAIN
Church to host STEM nights
Grace Church for All Nations, located at
650 Rowland Road, is scheduled to host
two science and math focused events for
children ages 6 to 12 on July 7 and July 28
from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Known as STEM-Night-Out, the
events are part of a summer science
series focusing on science, technology,
engineering and mathematics, otherwise
known as STEM disciplines.
On July 7, children can participate
in Physics is Fun, and on July 28,
participants will engage in Biology
is Brainy. According to event officials,
sessions will be facilitated by qualified
science teachers and feature hands-on
activities, including how to make slime,
use LEGOs, build bridges and examine
bacteria.
Each session costs $30 per student. For
more information, visit theprowriterstudio.
com.
City to host music event
Delta Moon will perform June 30 at
Stone Mountains Tunes By The Tracks
event in the municipal parking lot, next
to the Gazebo. Attendees can bring their
lawn chairs. The two-hour concert begins
at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.
stonemountaincity.org.
COUNTYWIDE
Nonprofit seeks translators and
interpreters
DeKalb County nonprofit We Love
BuHi is seeking volunteer translators and
interpreters as part of a Emory Universitys
social change program.
According to We Love BuHi director
Mrian Liou, Emory students KT Grace,
Dillon Wu and Monica Riefkohl are
conducting a survey of Buford Highway
business owners to learn more about their
needs and challenges.
Due to language barriers, our
[students] are seeking volunteers who are
conversational in Vietnamese, Korean or
Mandarin and are willing to walk around
Buford Highway, states a release.
Volunteers will need to be available
from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through
Thursday. For more information, contact
Liou at marianliou@gmail.com.
LOCAL
Clarkston mayor kicks off
reelection campaign
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry
kicked off a crowd-funded
campaign page on June 8,
announcing his continued
commitment to what many
refer to as the most ethnically
diverse square mile community
in America via Facebook.
Its hard to believe its
been four years since I
announced my run for mayor
of Clarkston, Terry wrote. It
was an uphill climb, running
as a young mayor in the most
ethnically diverse square mile
community in America, but
we worked hard, and thanks
to the time, money and hours
you devoted, we won. Since
then we led the way, showing
Georgia and the nation what
a true model for compassion,
innovation and progress looks
like.
Terry referenced the citys
welcoming of native and
foreign-born residents, growth,
industrial expansion as well
as its commitment to the
environment and cityscape as
the highlights of his time in
office.
Clarkston has thrived for
the past four years, Terry said.
Terry said such success is
under threat because recent
actions taken by Clarkston
Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry kicked off
his reelection campaign June 8 via
Facebook. Photo submitted.
City Council put the future
progress in doubt.
He referenced contested
city charter amendments made
in January and February that
eliminated unilateral abilities
held by the Clarkston mayor,
including calling a special-
called meeting, taking part in
reviewing a budget outside of
council and placing items on
agendas without the support of
two council members.
Over the last 12 months,
there have been concerted
efforts to relegate the position
of the mayor, the only
majority-elected position
in the city of Clarkston, to
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 4
a ceremonial figurehead,
Terry said. After a five-
hour city council meeting in
January, where many residents
showed up and voiced their
concerns and objections to the
unprecedented charter changes
being made, the council
proceeded with a vote anyways,
effectively removing most of
the remaining authority of the
mayoral position.
Terry said this opposition is
counterintuitive to Clarkstons
goal as a city and his mission as
mayor.
I will keep fighting for
whats rightwhether that
is defending our vulnerable
community of refugees
being assailed by the Federal
Government, or pushing back
against a council that wants to
silence your voice and stymies
progress, but I need your help, Clarkston councilman Dean Moore called Terrys characterizations of city
council denigrating and unhinged. Photo submitted.
Terry said.
Terrys post concludes with
a link to his campaign page,
and to [Terry]. representing the citys interests.
which asks for $2,000 in total
Moore referenced the In April, Moore said the
campaign contributions.
revision of 17 city ordinances, council will continue to work
Councilman Dean Moore
52 resolutions and numerous with Terry and continue
said Terrys comments
proclamations within the to support good ideas that
regarding council are out of
calendar year that support benefit the public, regardless of
line.
the Clarkston community origin.
Being an election year, [the
as evidence of council
mayor] is prepared to pull out
all of the stops to denigrate
everyone around him, Moore
said. Hes never played well
with others. I think it is
detrimental to our community
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 5

Dancing Granny a treat for young and old

by Kathy Mitchell

What are the best ways to get young

children excited about theater? Bright colors,
high-energy dancing and a simple fun story
with lots of audience interaction seem to turn
the trick with The Dancing Granny. When
this production held its world premiere June
10 at Conant Performing Arts Center at
Oglethorpe University, children elementary
school age and youngerperhaps a fourth
of the audienceappeared totally engaged,
squealing, laughing and shouting answers to
the cast members questions.
The adults who brought them seemed
to be having a good time, too, as Sun
(Akumba Bynum-Roberson)who speaks
only through his drumand dancers Wind
(Chani Maisonet) and Earth (Breanna
Ross) help tell the story of Granny Anika
(Ameenah Kaplan), whos trying to harvest
her vegetable garden, but comes up against
interference from a tricky spider.
The production is based on a childrens
book by 2017 Newbery Honor recipient
Ashley Bryan, whose presence is felt even
before the curtain opens. Artwork on the
panels includes some of Bryans sketches of
his West Indian grandmother Sarah Bryan,
leaping spinning shimmying and sashaying.
Sarah Bryan was one inspiration for
the story. Another was the 1936 Antiguan
trickster talebased on African folklore
He Sings to Make the Old Woman Dance,
according to the playbill notes.
Ashley Bryan, the 94-year-old author,
is suggested on stage by a narrator listed
in the playbill as Old Man and played by
Eugene H. Russell IV.
Adapted for the stage by Jireh Breon
Holder, the story is of Ananse, a spider that
has his origins in African folklore, that tries
to trick Granny by starting her dancing
because the music sweet me so!until
shes far enough from her garden that he
can steal her vegetables. Program notes
explain that Ananse, a cunning spider, is
one of the most popular characters in West
African folklore. The stories of Ananse
derive from the Ashanti tribe in Ghana,
the notes state. As the son of Nyame, an
Ashanti Supreme Being, Ananse created the
sun, moon and stars. His cleverness led to together, in this case dancing, makes the American experiences.This exhibition
mischief, however, causing Nyame to punish task more pleasant and rewarding. showcases the breadth and depth of Bryans
him by turning him into a spider. As a spider, Those who are interested in seeing creative output.
Ananse retained his power and became The more of Ashley Bryans work will find it at The exhibit will be at High Museum
Keeper of all Stories. High Museum of Art, which like the Alliance through Jan. 21, 2018.
In this story, ultimately, Granny turns the Theatre is part of the Woodruff Arts Center As the Alliance Theatres main stage is
trick on Ananse and teaches some lessons. at 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. being renovated this season its productions
Alliance Theatre Lifetime Director Linda According to the High Museum website, are being held at venues around the Atlanta
Davidson notes in a playbill article, This Artist, author, and educator Ashley Bryan area. The Dancing Granny remained at
folktale from West Africa by way of the says he cant remember a time when he Conant Performing Arts Center through June
Caribbean has an important message for all was not drawing and painting. His unending 18, and opens June 24 at The Galloway
of us, particularly for children. Even when creative zeal has fueled a long and prolific School, 215 West Wieuca Road, NW,
someone mistreats you, a gentle response career. Atlanta, where it will remain until July 2. On
may win their friendship. Granny wins over At a young age, Bryan noticed the lack July 8, it opens on the Spelman College
Spider Ananse through patience and dance of childrens books with African American campus, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, where
rather than through anger. The spider learns characters. Bryan is committed to filling that it will be through July 16. For tickets or more
one must work for food, not just take it! He void in Black representation by creating information, call (404) 733-5000 or visit
also learns another lesson: Doing something books about the African and African alliancetheatre.org.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 6

Curbing our aggressive driving habits

Why has driving become
such an anger-provoking
experience?
Psychologists might offer a
range of explanations, but the
reasons for it is something us
average Joes and Janes should
ask ourselves.
On June 5, a 33-year-old
Stone Mountain man was
shot and killed on I-285 by a
39-year-old Decatur man after
the two had what police are
calling a road rage incident. The
victims Lexus and the shooters
Dodge pickup were involved
in a fender-bender accident,
according to police.
On Safemotorist.coms
website its noted that over a
seven-year-period, 218 murders
Gale Horton Gay
gale@dekalbchamp.com
and 12,610 injuries were
attributed to road rage. The
site indicates that the following
statistics compiled from the
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration and the
Auto Vantage auto club show
that aggressive driving and
road rage are causing serious
problems on our roads:
66 percent of traffic fatalities
are caused by aggressive
driving
37 percent of aggressive
driving incidents involve a
firearm
Half of drivers who are on the
receiving end of an aggressive
behavior, such as horn
honking, a rude gesture, or
tailgating admit to responding
with aggressive behavior
themselves.
The families and friends of
these two men are suffering
unimaginable loss, heartbreak
and worry. Consideration of
what if are likely nonstop and
painful for their loved ones.
The June road rage incident
is just the latest. In March,
police cite road rage as what
caused the death of one driver
after an encounter with another
on Highway 78.
All of us who take to the
roadways as drivers and
passengers should think
about our own behavior when
traveling. How do we react to
others bad driving actions?
Do we personally drive in
an aggressive or threatening
manner? What can we do to
lessen the possibility of a tragic
outcome when an encounter
happens?
No doubt more of these tragic
situations will occur, but we
encourage our readers to strive
for greater calm and more self-
control when driving. Arriving
alive should be our most
important goal.

Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper

To subscribe, visit TheChampionNewspaper.com or call 404.373.7779
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 7

With Trump on this one

Today were proposing to would continue to manage And like your successful
take American air travel into aviation and air traffic control Supreme Court justice
the future...finally, President One Mans oversight, as well as numerous appointment, it would
Donald J. Trump on June 5, Opinion other aspects of aviation security be another substantive
2017, during a press briefing at on the ground. accomplishment involving
Cincinnati International Airport, Bill Crane So again Mr. President, Im more than just the executive
discussing plans to update and bill.csicrane@gmail.com with you on this one, improved branch of government.Wishing
replace parts of the U.S. air operations, enhanced safety you luck in this one gaining
traffic control system. and speed of landings and take- momentum and some wind
and guiding aviation traffic offs with fewer delays.During under the wings...and if you are
Though it becomes during inclement weather when inclement weather, the new successful, is there someone
increasingly difficult to envision pilot visibility is challenged and system (satellite-based), would on your team I could chat with
President Trump moving conditions in the air are fluid. be less prone to weather-related about the TSA?
successfully forward with much Better technology, via satellite, service interruptions. And the
of his domestic agendalargely has been available for decades, best part is there are virtually no
stumped or slowed by his own and is accessible to most every new costs for the taxpayers.This Bill Crane also serves
Tweeting, mismanagement and consumer with a GPS or GPS one is a smart, business-focused as a political analyst and
miscommunication with his own mapping system in their phone. win/win. commentator for Channel 2s
teamthere is a recent agenda Trump wants to create, Now if you can only get out Action News, WSB-AM News/
item and project the president or sell the right to manage, of your own way long enough to Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM,
has proposed that is worthy of a satellite-based system to a start building support beyond a as well as a columnist for The
our consideration and support. private enterprise. single press conference during Champion, DeKalb Free Press
The president wants Fees for funding this new Infrastructure Week. and Georgia Trend. Crane is
to upgrade and basically equipment, technology and a If you can get this one off a DeKalb native and business
reconstruct our current domestic vastly improved system would the ground, there will be more owner, living in Scottdale. You
air traffic control system, which come from the airlines and columns in support such as can reach him or comment on a
manages the landing and take- private aviation.This system this one.It is a technological column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
off of dozens of thousands of would be similar to existing upgrade long overdue. com.
commercial and civil aviation private sector ownership of our
flights each day. utility grids (excluding municipal
When the Federal Aviation power systems), cell phone
Administrations (F.A.A.) towers and virtually all wireless
thousands of Air Traffic network infrastructure as well as
Controllers voted to unionize cable, Wi-Fi and satellite dish,
in July of 1981, then-President radio systems and networks in
Ronald Reaganfired all air your home or automobile.All
traffic controllers excluding those systems are privately
managers and temporary staff. owned and operated.A similar
He brought in formerly retired system is already in place in
and military controllers from Canada, where on-time arrivals
the Defense Department to and departures are much more
block formation of the union commonplace.
while managing air traffic until There is also plenty of
new traffic controllers could be precedent elsewhere within our
trained and brought into the national security infrastructure
system. of using private sector vendors
That was 36 years ago.The and contractors. Virtually every
current system runs on ground- weapons system, ship, fighter
based radar and main frame jet and tank is manufactured by
computer systems no longer the private sector, and then sold
manufactured.And that old to the Pentagon and various
equipment (some dating back to branches of service.
World War II), as well as those The president also indicated
anachronistic platforms are the that the new company would hire
backbone of the only system the existing air traffic controllers
preventing mid-air collisions and accept its union.The F.A.A.

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Publisher: Photographer: STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, R. Scott Belzer The Champion was founded in 1991
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from Production Manager: Horace Holloman expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, discourse for all community residents
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FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
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LOCAL
Workers plead with DeKalb County School District officials on June 12, marking the fourth consecutive month laborers requested fair wages and opportunities for raises. Photo by R. Scott Belzer.
Employee discontent continues at DCSD
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
For the fourth month in
a row, more than 20 DeKalb
County School District
(DCSD) employees attended
DCSDs public input session to
deliver a message to the board
of education.
Me and my fellow
employees in the fleet,
maintenance, kitchen and
administration feel that our
service is very important to the
[district] and we feel were not
receiving the compensation we
deserve, said DCSD HVAC
department employee Victor
Floyd.
Floyds message echoes
those heard in March, April
and May, when workers
representing DCSD technicians
and manual laborers demanded
a return to receiving raises, the
rehiring of laid-off workers and
the elimination of vendors.
Many of us work numerous
hours and overtime without
complaining, Floyd said.
Other departments have
gotten raises as well as other
[benefits]. We cant help but
wonder why some receive
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 8
Workers plead with school district
raises and others dont. We had 328 auxiliary workers, Harrison and others to detail numerous conversations with
dont come before [the board] which declined to 236 by 2012. how they feel a 3 percent raise Chief Operations Officer
complaining, but simply asking In May, Hampton, Burdette in 11 yearswhat workers have Joshua Williams but is told the
why? and Dean were joined by receivedis unfair.
Floyd said maintenance DCSD employee Jamie Hampton said he has had See DCSD on Page 14A
department employees in other
counties are making $20,000-
$30,000 more than DeKalb
County counterparts.
Some of us have been
here for years, some of us have
taken steps to become certified
and perform our jobs more
effectively, Floyd said. So
the question arises again, why
havent we gotten a raise? Many
of us are the sole providers of
our family. Some of us hope to
become homeowners one day.
Some simply want to be able
to pay their bills without being
broke.
Floyd said DCSD auxiliary
and operations workers love
what they do to help children
receive a quality education,
including cleaning rooms,
preparing meals, driving buses
and changing lights.
We havent received a raise
in years, Floyd said. Dont you
think its time?
In March, DCSD employees
Robert Hampton, Michael
Burdette and Andrew Dean
spoke about DCSDs 89 in-
house workers. In 2008, DCSD
LOCAL
More arrests made
in prostitution ring
Dunwoody Police Department
provide update on sex sting
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
More than 60 people have
been arrested in connection to
two high-end sex trafficking
and escort service businesses,
according to a recent release
from Dunwoody Police
Department.
Dunwoody police
announced 13 additional
arrests have been made
involving Atlanta Gold Club
and Lipstick & Shoes escort
services. The department
announced more than 50
arrests in January as a result of
an investigation that began in
fall 2016.
Men from Atlanta,
Norcross, Winder, Cumming,
Suwanee, Athens, Roswell,
Ball Ground, Smyrna,
Marietta, Duluth and Macon
are being charged with
misdemeanor pandering as
well as felony racketeering.
According to DeKalb Countys
online judicial system, the
men were booked in mid-May.
They include: Richard
Ross (Atlanta), David
Wang (Cumming), Scott
Friedman (Atlanta), Robert
Blalock (Winder), Jin
Huang (Norcross), Matthew
Key (Cumming), Eugene
Koh (Suwanee), Michael
Maloney (Roswell), Michael
Krokey (Athens), Jason
Norris (Ball Ground), Todd
Pearson (Smyrna), Andrew
Portman (Marietta), Victor
Serrano (Duluth) and Clifton
Montcrief (Macon).
Koh was also arrested in
November 2015 for pandering
to minors.
Investigators have
identified numerous other
individuals involved in
this criminal organization
and additional arrests are
forthcoming, state police.
Dunwoody Police, in
partnership with departments
from Atlanta, Cobb County,
Clayton County, and Sandy
Springs, arrested Sam and
Darliene Crenshaw as
REDUSE. REUSE. RECYCLE
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 9
Crenshaw Blalock
Dunwoody Police Department announced 13 more men were
well as George Moore in arrested in connection to a prostitution ring broken up in
Maloney Serrano January. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
January for keeping a place
of prostitution, pimping and
racketeering.
There were 29 unnamed
women and 24 men also
arrested in connection to
Atlanta Gold Club and
Lipstick & Shoes, including
Gwinnett County Assistant
District Attorney Christopher Key Huang Ross Koh
Quinn.
Gold Club Atlanta had a
Facebook page and message
board advertising models
with blurred faces. Both
websites date back to 2011 and
advertised that the company
was based out of Dunwoody.
Lipstick & Shoes also had a
website complete with phone Pearson Norris Krokey Wang
number. Its location is listed
as Dunwoody.
An anonymous tip led
police to Savannah at Park
Place, an apartment complex
near the Dunwoody Police
Department on Perimeter
Center East. In January,
Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Friedman Moore Crenshaw Portman
Grogan said investigators
believe another unnamed
Dunwoody apartment
complex was involved in the
operation in addition to two
Atlanta apartment complexes.
There is no dispute that
this was a criminal enterprise
for commercial sex operating
here in Dunwoody, Grogan
said in January. It was a
prolonged investigation
but the detectives did a
good job Whether it was
happening in [a nearby]
apartment complex or three
miles down the road, it was
still happening. It concerns us
and it concerns the quality of
life in Dunwoody.
Georgia residents are
encouraged to contact the
Dunwoody Police Department
regarding any sex trafficking
supplier or buyer in the metro
Atlanta area at (678) 382-
6900.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 10
LOCAL

WEEKinPICTURES
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 11

Children at Dunwoody Nature Centers summer camp program react to a live bullfrog on June 14. Photo submitted

Magnolia Room in Tucker celebrated its ribbon cutting June 13. Photo from the city of Three Taverns Brewery in Decatur received new brewing equipment on June 14 following increasing de-
Tucker mand for craft beer in Atlanta. Photos submitted.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

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

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

LOCAL
Following the passage of an amended ordinance allowing chicken ownership in Dunwoody, the United States
Department of Agriculture and Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has offered tips to new poultry
owners. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Tips for new Dunwoody chicken owners
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Following an approved
amended ordinance in
Dunwoody allowing the
ownership of backyard
chickens, the United States
Department of Agriculture
and Animal & Plant Health
Inspection Service (USDA-
APHIS) has offered tips to new
poultry owners.
Avian Influenza can affect
all poultry, and it can be
transmitted by wild birds that
will be actively migrating, said
Emily Borrello on behalf of
USDA-APHIS. Not only is
this important for individual
flocks, but also for collectively
protecting birds in the U.S.
from devastating disease.
Borello said six biosecurity
steps can prevent flocks
from contracting disease and
maintain health.
First, the government
agency recommends keeping
distance. This includes
restricting access to property
containing birds, fencing off
areas where birds are kept,
restricting contact to those
who care for the birds, and
eliminating contact between
the flock and game birds or
waterfowl, such as ducks or
geese.
Wild birds can carry
disease to [an owners] flock,
Borrello said. Restricting
access to flocks and property
can keep them healthy.
Second, owners can keep
things clean. Wearing clean
clothes, scrubbing shoes,
washing hands, cleaning cages,
changing out food and water
as well as regularly disinfecting
are daily steps that can be
taken to keep healthy birds,
according to the agency.
Germs can be spread
quickly and easily, Borrello
said.
Similary, USDA-APHIS
recommends avoiding bringing
germs home by cleaning
vehicles and other equipment
that may have come in contact
with feed stores, poultry shows,
fairs and more. In the same
way, newer birds should be
kept separate from the flock for
at least 30 days.
Wherever you travel, the
germs follow, Borrello said.
Cleaning equipment and
vehicles are simple ways to
prevent spread of disease.
USDA-APHIS officials also
recommend not contacting
neighboring farmers. Sharing
lawn tools, garden equipment
and other poultry supplies
from fellow bird owners
increases the risk of disease,
officials say.
The national agency
recommends educating oneself
on warning signs of infectious
disease. These include sudden
deaths, sneezing, gasping,
nasal discharge, watery stool,
lack of energy, poor appetite,
reduction in egg production,
swelling around the eyes, neck
or head, purple discoloration
of wattles, combs and legs,
as well as tremors, drooping
wings, and lack of movement.
Early detection of sickness
in a flock is critical, Borrello
said. Knowing the signs of a
sick bird can save the others.
Lastly, the USDA
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 12
Brookhaven moves forward with
Peachtree Creek Greenway project
May invoke eminent domain
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Brookhaven will move forward with plans to complete the
Peachtree Creek Greenway, city officials announced June 10.
The Peachtree Creek Greenway will become a 2.98-mile
multi-purpose linear park along the North Fork of Peachtree
Creek to connect to the Atlanta Beltline and Path400 for a
regional tourism product. Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill
575 into law May 8 to increase the hotel/motel tax in Brookhaven
to 8 percent, which aligns with DeKalb Countys hotel/motel tax.
Brookhaven lobbied for the increase to fund the Peachtree Creek
Greenway.
The projects master plan outlines a series of nature trails,
paved multi-purpose and promenade trails that will connect
Brookhavens portion into the 12.3-mile Peachtree Creek
Trail project from Mercer University in DeKalb County to the
PATH400 trail, the South Fork Conservancy Trails and the
Atlanta Beltline. The greenway also will provide connectivity
to other areas as part of a larger network of multi-use trails to
residences, offices, restaurants, bike rental stands, coffee shops
and picnic areas, according to city officials.
recommends reporting sick The greenway, a High Performance Public Spaces (HPPS)
birds as soon as possible. Calls initiative, is similar to the Silver Comet Trail in Cobb County,
can be made to the DeKalb according to the city.
County Cooperative Extension City officials said an easement acquisition has been taking
Office, a veterinarian or the place for several months, and the city is proceeding on its first
USDA directly. major land acquisition in support of the initiative by beginning
For more information, a condemnation process on a 19-acre tract at the trailhead near
contact USDA-APHIS at Buford Highway and Briarwood Drive. More than 83 percent of
1-866-536-7593. More this tract is in a floodplain and unbuildable, according to the city.
information can be found Weve been trying to negotiate a fair and equitable transfer
at APHISs Biosecurity for of this property for over a year to avoid using eminent domain
Birds program at www.aphis. but we are at an impasse, Brookhaven City Manager Christian
usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/ Sigman said. With the funding for the [Peachtree Creek
animalhealth/animal-disease- Greenway] now in place, we are left with no other option in
information/avian-influenza- order to proceed.
disease/birdbiosecurity. By law, Brookhaven will be required to compensate the
current owners for a fair market value for the property.
2017 Mobile Market Stops
June - September
FRESH ON DEK
Cash, Credit, SNAP/EBT Cards Accepted
DEKALB COUNTY
Tuesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Rd., Lithonia
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Taddas Fitness Center, 2615 Park Central Blvd., Decatur
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Watershed Management, 1580 Roadhaven Dr., Stone Mountain
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Austin Drive Community at Bethesda Cathedral, 1989 Austin Dr., Decatur
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mainstreet Community Association, 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr., Stone Mountain
Thursday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. DeKalb County Division of Family and Children Services, 178 Sams St., Decatur
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Rd., Decatur (Alternating Thursdays starting June 8, 2017)
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Rd., Lithonia (Alternating Thursdays starting June 15, 2017)
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Redan High School, 5247 Redan Rd., Stone Mountain
Friday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. DeKalb County Extension, 4380 Memorial Dr., Ste. 200, Decatur
For more info, call (404) 298-4080 or go to www.dekalbmobilemarket.com.
LOCAL
DeKalb County resident Don Roman raised $50,000 with his roast event in
Atlanta for Students Without Mothers.
PAY IT FORWARD
DeKalb man helps students
without mothers
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb Countys Don
Roman knows firsthand the
pain of losing a loved one at an
early age. Thats why Roman
is dedicating his time and
resources to help others in
similar situations.
Roman, 69, of Stone
Mountain, is the board chair
for the nonprofit group
Students Without Mothers. The
organization, founded by Mary
Williams in 2004, provides
scholarships to students who
have lost their mothers.
In part, Roman got involved
with the organization because
of his personal experience. At
age 12, his mother died while
giving birth. The experience
was life-changing, he said.
It was very traumatic
frankly. My mother was
really the foundation for my
family. She was a single parent
raising five children, Roman
said. She died in childbirth
delivering a sixth child. My
siblings and I were really cast
adrift without that anchor.
Roman said that portion
of his life was emotionally
draining. Without the support
of teachers and community
members Roman said his
life could have turned out
differently.
In April, Roman held a
scholarship fundraiser in
Atlanta. It raised more than
$50,000 for Students Without
Mothers. The event was a
roast celebrating Romans
retirement with guests such as
former DeKalb County CEO
Burrell Ellis and judge Glenda
Hatchett.
According to the
organization, Students
Without Mothers has provided
63 students with four-year
scholarships in the amount of
$4,000 each. Roughly $1,000 is
disbursed annually as long as
the students continue to meet
the requirements to remain in
the program.
Roman said the
scholarships are not based on
academics, but rather on the
students needs.
I tell [students] to continue
to dream. Continue to strive
and be the best that they can
be. Dont let this tragedy define
the rest of your life, Roman
said. Its one of the worst
experiences that you can go
through, but it doesnt have to
rob you of your future.
Roman said Students
Without Mothers still
has room to grow. The
organization can only accept
a fraction of the applicants
they receive, he said. The
organization receives roughly
30-40 applications each year.
Scholarship winners are
also required to participate in
the organizations life coaching
program. The program is
geared toward helping students
make the best choices as they
plan for the future.
The need is so great and
we have to find a way to grow
it, Roman said. Its my belief
that if we bring exposure
to this organization, people
would support it.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 13
Residents, first responders eager for pay increases
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
For the second consecutive
board of commissioners
meeting, members of the
public and first responders
of DeKalb County urged the
commission for a 20 percent
pay increase for police and
firefighters.
Travis Pinson, DeKalb
County firefighter since
2007, said his children grow David Light, a member of the Kirkwood Neighborhood Association, stands with
DeKalb County fire and rescue personnel during a commission meeting June 13.
up knowing their daddy
protects them and he feels
his paycheck should reflect and 2016. balanced budget in fiscal
the sacrifice many firefighters David Light, a member of year 2018, Thurmond said
make every day. the Kirkwood Neighborhood in a statement. We are able
The small pay adjustments Association, said its time to redirect existing funds to
have not kept up with the commissioners heed residents address two other priorities,
increased cost of living. We request to pay first responders including salary adjustments
used to be the premier place to more. for public safety personnel and
I spoke to the board in continuing our fight against
work for firefighters, Pinson
said. 2016 and the topic was the blight.
Members of the DeKalb
County Fire and Rescue
same. The problem is an
attrition rate of 13 percent
More than $7.2 million
of existing funding will be
Department and DeKalb annually. An attrition rate of redirected to other operational
County Police Department 13 percent is unacceptable needs and to fund public safety
were in attendance to show by any department. Were pay packages, according to
losing talented individuals county officials. Roughly $1.6
support for a pay increase.
I am hoping to make a in the metro area. They need million will be dedicated to
a 20 percent raise for public the first phase of addressing
statement to the BOC, I hope
they will see that we are a safety, Light said. public safety employee
On June 12, DeKalb compensation.
department of professional,
highly trained, and dedicated County CEO Michael We came here today to
Thurmond sent ask for immediate help for
individuals and do something
about the compression, merit commissioners his proposal our police officers, firemen
for mid-year adjustments. and sanitation workers, said
raises, and the attrition that
we are experiencing, Pinson Thurmond said he wants to John Evans, former president
redirect existing funds to of DeKalb County NAACP
wrote on Facebook.
During the board of address salary adjustments for chapter. When it comes time
public safety personnel. to make good for the people
commissioners meeting
June 13, Pinson said the Our number one priority that work here, we dont do
is to reduce the deficit anything.
department has lost a total of
290 employees between 2011 so that we can propose a
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 14

SERVING SOMETHING GREATER

Brother and sister now both alumni of United States Naval Academy
Theres a constant gaze on opportunities come up.
BY R. SCOTT BELZER you, Seals said. Youre always Seals mother and father,
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com being trained and its very Bernadette and Isaac IV,
demandingall in addition to said seeing their childrens
a new college course load. transformation into adults has
For former Decatur High
Seals said her brother, who been awe inspiring.
School student Jeanelle
started at the Naval Academy Im very proud of both
Seals, choosing the United
three years earlier, made life of them for choosing this
States Naval Academy over
easier. She said she quickly route, Bernadette Seals said.
such prestigious schools as
adapted. Its great to see them grow as
Georgetown or Cornell was
Theres a strength given leaders and into young leaders
not an easy choice.
to youtheres something to serving the country. You
Georgetown was my
do every day, Seals said. I notice how seriously they take
dream school, Seals said. I
made lifelong friends because responsibility.
got into Georgetown, Cornell
of those challenges and Its been an awesome
and a few other schoolsit was
quickly figured out that its all ride for us, Isaac Seals IV
one of the hardest decisions of
about organization and time said. You know your child
my life. It came down to the
management. After that, its isnt attending a normal
wire.
college but not college at the universityits a little more.
Four years later, Seals, now
same time. The Seals family said they
commissioned as an ensign for
Now that she is graduated, want more people to learn
the Navy following graduation
Seals said she will relocate of opportunities outside of
in May, describes her overall
to San Diego to join the USS traditional universities, but
experience as one filled with
John P. Murtha, an amphibious that should not suggest its for
travel.
ship specializing in supporting everyone.
Each summer I was given
Marines. She said she plans to You have to want to take
the opportunity to go on a
again take advantage of any that step, Jeanelle Seals said.
surface cruise for four weeks to
opportunity given. You have to be willing to give
see what its like to be enlisted,
Im qualified as an officer up that time for friends to
Seals said. I went to Bahrain.
in a number of departments, serve something greater than
Ive been to Kuwait. One
Seals said. Ill see what yourself.
summer I went to San Diego.
Ive spent a week on a ship,
a week on a sub and a week
studying aviation. Before that, I
had an internship at the Office
of Naval Intelligence and the
Pentagon, all before I went to Jeanelle Seals and Isaac Seals V are brother-sister graduates of the United
Israel and Morocco If I had States Naval Academy in May. Photo by Arthur Ratliff
to use one word to describe it,
it would be incredible. a 1st Lieutenant Amphibious participating in a weeklong
Seals said she was fortunate Assault Vehicle Commander program that gives you a
to be able to take advantage in the Marines, changed her taste of the life, I knew. In the
of programs at Decatur High priorities. end, I knew I wanted to study
School, including student Isaac was also a high Arabic and join the intelligence
government, marching school stand-out and served community.
band, concert band, lacrosse as inspiration for many of Seals said the first year
and more. Success in such Jeanelles pursuits. He excelled at the academy was taxing
programsin addition to in lacrosse and the classroom because she was a freshman
stand-out gradesallowed and began training for the student, or whats called a
her to choose any college she Naval Academy in ninth grade. plebe. As a plebe, she was
wanted, she said. My brother has forged a forced to wake earlier than
Seeing the opportunities path for me my entire life, upperclassmen, participate in
for travel and life experience Seals said. After seeing the extra morning workouts, feed
given to her brother Isaac opportunities he was afforded, upperclassmen and pay her
Seals V, another Navy knowing I wanted to be in the dues as a new student.
Academy graduate and now Washington, D.C. area and

DCSD Continued From Page 8A

matter is out of Williams hands.
In August 2016, district spokesmen said
there is approximately $1 billion in deferred
maintenance needed, according to a 2015
facilities condition assessment. At the time, the
district had 105 full-time employees responsible
for 1,700 work orders per month.
DCSD officials stated they would consider
suggestions from any worker in developing a
budget and that a strong fund balance trend
would ensure additional compensation.
DCSD appreciates the contributions of
its auxiliary workers in support of student
achievement and we want to ensure they are
treated equally, officials said. We are currently
developing our budget for the 2017-2018 school
year, and anticipate continuing our trend of a
strong fund balance. If that financial outlook
continues, we will seek to apply some surplus
funds to additional compensation for those
workerswhatever we do will be done to ensure
fiscal responsibility and stability.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 15

A member of the Organization of DeKalb Educators addresses Southwest DeKalb teacher Daniel Sobczak addresses the DCSD Lisa Morgan speaks to the DCSD board of education regarding the
concerns regarding class sizes and certified teachers, requesting board of education, requesting resources for smaller class approved 2018 tentative budget. Photo submitted.
the board of education address such concerns in the tentative sizes. Photo submitted.
budget for 2018. Photo by R. Scott Belzer

DeKalb schools expected to pass $1.74 billion budget

Public weighs in on funding for achievement
program at $4.2 million; a 30. Im lucky that my class a certified teacher in every approval on June 13, DCSD
BY R. SCOTT BELZER $2 million summer school sizes are small enough this classroom and resources encouraged the public to come
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com program, $7.5 million for semester, but last semester I to reduce class sizes, fund to its next two millage rate
textbooks; the reinstitution of had classes of 34 or 35. technology and allow raises hearings on June 27 at 11:30
nurses for all middle and high We have to keep class for all school staff. a.m. and 6:15 p.m.
DeKalb County School
schools costing $1.8 million; sizes small enough to use the Resident Willie Pringle The budget process
District (DCSD) approved a
special education teachers resources provided, he said. said the tax dollars he pays started in March 2017 and
tentative $1.74 billion budget
costing $3.5 million; a $3.1 On June 12, more residents to DCSD are not being used the action by the board of
for the 2017-2018 fiscal year
million contingency account; spoke about needs in the transparently. His concerns education is just one step in
on June 12.
more than $1.7 million for classroom. were echoed by Kirk Lunde, the budgetary process, said
According to budget
the CIA2 program; and $18.2 Two individuals from who said the budget should DCSD spokesmen. Between
documents, the $1.74 billion
million for DCSDs regional the Organization of DeKalb have been made public earlier. now and June 27, there could
is made up of an anticipated
support initiative. Educators again requested Following the budgets be changes to the budget.
$611.7 million in local tax
DCSD officials began the
revenue; $21.7 million in local
budget process on March 20
source funding; $569.1 million
and continued the process
in state funding; $73.2 million
with a series of public
in federal funding; and $18.7
meetings in April and May.
in funding classified as other.
The first public budget
Approximately $41.6
hearing took place on May 15.
million will be transferred
Two DeKalb County residents
from other funds, totaling $1.3
voiced their opinion at the
billion. This will be combined
meeting.
to DCSDs anticipated fund
Lisa Morgan of the
balance of $405 million to
Organization of DeKalb
create the $1.74 billion budget.
Educators gave DCSDs board
In addition to daily
her wish list for the FY2018
operations, the $1.74 billion
budget, requesting a certified
will help fund increases in the
teacher for every classroom
offices of the superintendent,
and a reduction in class sizes.
regional superintendents,
I know we have teachers
communications and
retiring, I know we have
community relations,
teachers moving on to other
curriculum and instruction,
opportunities, Morgan said.
finance, information
We need teachers before we
technology, legal affairs,
return on July 31 Weve
student support and
been under a class size waiver
intervention, charter schools
for five years.
and the schools themselves.
Southwest DeKalb High
According to DCSD
teacher Daniel Sobczak also
officials, considerations for
spoke about class sizes.
increases include annual pay
Lets talk logistics,
raises exceeding $31 million;
Sobczak said. Computer
retirement increases of more
labs arent designed for class
than $14 million; health
sizes of over 28. Mobile carts
insurance increases totaling
arent designed for classes over
$1.8 million; a 403b match
EDUCATION
DeKalb County School District announced the purchase of Shallowford Gardens Apartments for $8.2 million on June 13, which will cause more than 100 Buford Highway families to relocate. Photo submitted.
Apartment property in Doraville purchased for elementary school
More than 100 families to relocate as DeKalb County School District finalizes sales agreement
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) announced
the purchase of 9.7 acres on
Shallowford Road in Doraville
on June 13 for the purpose
of building a 900-seat Cross
Keys-area elementary school,
garnering mixed responses
from the public.
We are excited to add a
state-of-the-art elementary
school that will get our students
out of portable units and
into permanent classrooms,
which is always our aim, said
Superintendent R. Stephen
Green.
According to district
officials, DCSDs board of
education approved $8.2
million for the purchase of the
property. DCSD will begin
construction in 2018 with an
estimated completion and
opening date of fall 2020.
DCSD officials said the new
campus will provide relief to
Dresden and Cary Reynolds
elementary schools, which are
overcapacity and reliant of
portable units for classroom
space. In total, the two schools
have 42 portable classrooms on
school grounds.
While the new school will
address overcrowding in the
Cross Keys clustera problem
in DeKalb County for more
than a decadesome residents
feel its the wrong location for a
school.
The property is currently
the site of Shallowford Gardens
Apartments, a 104-unit
complex offering one- and two-
bedroom units ranging from
626 to 825 square feet. The
majority of residents are served
by DCSDs Cary Reynolds
Elementary, Sequoyah Middle
and Cross Keys High schools.
The apartment complex is
located less than a mile from
a MARTA station and serves
a population typical of Buford
Highway, many of whom are
low-income and non-English
speaking.
As of press time, the
property manager and owner
at Shallowford Gardens
Apartments did not respond
for comment.
According to DCSD
officials, tenants at Shallowford
Gardens will be provided
financial incentives by the
district as well as apartment
complex owners to help with
relocation.
We are mindful of the
impact this work will have
on families, many of whom
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 16
the district and constituents. in the intergovernmental
She said, given the current agreement, Morris said. There
decision, she would have liked are also older industrial/
to have seen DCSD participate commercial properties that
in the Doraville tax allocation could have been utilized, but,
district (TAD) proposal to for whatever reason, those
speed along development at the options werent pursued far
Assembly. enough.
Instead, the district Board member Stan Jester,
leadership took a very short- who posted about the purchase
sighted approach with its on his blog, suggested the
refusal to participate in the apartment complex was having
TAD and now it is destroying financial difficulties and that
the homes of the very people its possible the property was
they were ostensibly helping already on the verge of being
by declining to participate sold and torn down.
have children enrolled in our
schools, Green said. We plan
to be good neighbors through
this delicate process.
Former Cross Keys High
teacher Rebekah Morris wrote
a blog post about the purchase
on June 13 shortly after the
announcement.
Morris wrote that DCSD
had neglected the Cross
Keys cluster for more than a
decade, by corrallingstudents
into close to 100 portables,
redistricting students and
described its proposed
displacement as adding insult
to injury.
I simply dont understand,
Morris said. This is what I see,
and maybe someone else can
help me process this.
Morris said she would
prefer to see DCSD work
with the city of Doraville,
DeKalb County board of
commissioners and leaders
of the Assembly project to
negotiate an attractive deal for
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BUSINESS
Watts new? Kirkwood shop offers high-tech electric bikes
BY KATHY MITCHELL
Freelance Reporter
Ryan Hersh didnt set out
to start a business. Initially,
he was just trying to get to
work. I work at Emory,
which is in the heart of the
Clifton Corridor, one of the
most congested traffic areas
in the country, he explained.
Within the Clifton Corridor
are Emory University, Emory
University Hospital, The
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, Childrens
Healthcare, Veterans
Administration Hospital and
other large employersa short
distance from each other.
For many getting to work
each day in a heavy traffic area
can be a challenge, Hersh said.
Some days it would take me
an hour to get to work and I
only live four miles from my
office. He decided bicycling
to work would be fast and
efficient, but it wasnt a perfect
solution. There are a lot
of hills in this area and the
exertion of pedaling uphill can
leave you pretty sweaty. I didnt
want to arrive at work covered
in sweat.
Hersh, who said hes always
been a tinkerer, wondered
whether the batteries and
motor for a bicycle could be
compacted into a small, light
device that could be easily
attached to a bike.
He said he wanted to build
an electric bike that could go
farther, faster and keep him
fresh along the way. Eventually
he found a way to integrate
the battery into the body of
the bike as he obsessed over
every detailthe bead pattern
of the frame welds, the gage of
the wheel spokes, and even the
material the brake pads were
made of.
The battery pack charger,
he said, looks like a laptop
charger, adding that one charge
will take a rider 20 to 30
miles. It takes four hours to
recharge and costs a dime in
electricity.
Hersh built an electric
bike for his own use and soon
people were offering to pay
him to build models for them.
He turned his living room into
a bicycle parts and assembly
shop where he attached battery
packs and motors to a variety
of standard bicycle frames.
He recalled, My wife was not
happy with that arrangement.
In time he found a space
on Hosea Williams Drive,
the main artery through
Kirkwood. There he opened
Edison Electric Bike Company,
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 18
the only local shop that from 100 bikes at 22 stations to
assembles its electric bicycles 500 bikes at 65 stations.
in-housestart to finish. Atlanta City Council
Electric bicycles are not member Natalyn Archibong,
new. The website www. who was on hand June 10 for
electricbike.com shows the grand opening of Edison
electric bicycle patents going Electric Bike Company,
back to 1891. What makes commented, I am proud
Hershs creation stand out to have such a sustainable
is its compact energy unit. product assembled in the heart
Five years ago, we wouldnt of Kirkwood.
be having this conversation, As our city, and the
but weve seen iPhones and world for that matter, grows
other such electronics pack increasingly conscious of our
a lot of energy into a small environment and the impact
space. Obviously, it wouldnt fossil fuels, its nice to have
be practical to try to carry a a way of getting around our Ryan Hersh founded Edison Electric Bike Company, the only local business that
assembles electric bicycles in-house start to finish.
motor and battery like those communities in a way that
in a car on a bicycle, but with produces no gas emissions.
current technology those can Electric bicycles allow riders because of hills, distance or with relative ease, she said.
be carried in a much smaller who might not normally ride physical ability to get around
unit.
The final product is not
cheap, according to Hersh, but
he says it may seem expensive
only when compared to other
bicycles. The components
arent cheap, and I wanted
quality so sourced the
worlds best components, he
explained, noting that prices
start at about the cost of a
high-quality mountain bike,
plus 80 percent.
Hersh said the Edison
Electric Bike shouldnt be
compared with traditional
bicycles. I even thought about
whether to call it a bicycle at
all. Many people buy bicycles
for recreation and exercise.
If thats what you want you
shouldnt buy my productits
strictly for transportation.
Hersh, who grew up in
Atlanta, said hes pleased
that the city has made an
effort to make Atlanta bicycle
friendly with designated bike
paths. Earlier this year, the
city expanded its nonelectric
bicycle share program, Relay,
SPORTS
Emory swimmers earn
NCAA postgraduate
scholarships
Emory University senior
swimmers Marcela Sanchez-
Aizcorbe and Andrew Wilson
have been awarded NCAA
postgraduate scholarships,
presented to student-athletes
who excel academically and
athletically, while serving as
leaders in the community.
The two will each receive a
$7,500 scholarship to be used
for postgraduate study within
three years. Emory has now
been awarded 106 postgraduate
scholarships during the
schools history, and 89 since
2000second only to Stanford
University for the highest total
by any NCAA member.
Sanchez-Aizcorbe played
a key role for the Eagles
in her career, leading the
team to four of its eight
consecutive national team
titles. At the 2017 national
meet in Shenandoah, Texas,
she was part of four national
championship winning relay
teams, helping set three new
Division III records200-
meter medley (1:40.83),
200-meter freestyle (1:30.52
- DIII record), 400-meter
medley (3:39.57 - DIII record)
and the 400-meter freestyle
(3:19.56 - DIII record).
Sanchez-Aizcorbe added
individual All-America honors
in both the 100-meter butterfly
and 100-meter freestyle events
and was an honorable mention
All-American in the 50-meter
freestyle.
During her four-year
career, she was an eight-
time national champion, a
16-time All-American, a
five-time honorable mention
All-American, a six-time
University Athletic Association
(UAA) champion, an eight-
time all-UAA performer,
a first team College Sports
Information Directors of
America (CoSIDA) academic
all-America selection
CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER
DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 19
in 2017, a second team
honoree in 2016 and a three-
time College Swimming
Coaches Association of
America (CSCAA) scholar
all-American. A native of
Nacogdoches, Texas, Sanchez-
Aizcorbe completed degrees in
finance and political science. DeKalb County Announces the Human Services Grant Application Period
Wilson, a Bethesda, Md. Public Information Meeting to be held June 28, 2017 at 10 a.m.
native, returned to Emory
in the fall after spending a DECATUR, Ga. The DeKalb County Human Services Department announces the beginning of its 2017-
year training for the 2016 Rio 2018 Human Services Grant Cycle. Eligible non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for the
Olympics and led the Eagles opportunity to be awarded a grant funded with County General Fund and Victim Assistance funds.
to their first-ever NCAA DIII Agencies that receive Victim Assistance grant funds, must meet the Countys eligibility criteria and must
team title in March. He was also be certified to provide victim assistance programming through the State of Georgia Criminal Justice
named the CSCAA swimmer Coordinating Council.
of the year after winning The purpose of the Human Services Grant Program is to provide opportunities for community
national titles in five events partnership with local organizations that can successfully address identified needs of the citizens of
the 100-meter breaststroke DeKalb County, Georgia.
(50.94), 200-meter breaststroke
(1:50.80), 200-meter individual The Human Services Grant Program is competitive and the total amount of awards allotted each year is
medley (1:44.18), 200-meter based on the availability of funds. Funding from this grant program is designed to supplement existing
medley relay (1:26.14) and programs and activities.
400-meter medley relay
(3:10.51) with all five times Examples of appropriate service areas for the Human Service Grant Program include, but are not limited
setting new national records. to, prevention and intervention of violence against women, youth development (to include addressing
safety and/or risky behaviors, education needs, homelessness and economic well-being), building family
During his college career, unity and sustainability, supporting individuals with disabilities and/or senior adults to live inclusive lives
Wilson became Emorys within their communities, homeless intervention/prevention and cultural arts/ historic preservation.
first two-time CoSIDA DIII
academic all-American of A Public Information Meeting scheduled for June 28, 2017 will provide the specifics regarding the
the year in any sport and Human Services Grant Cycle application process. The venue will be the DeKalb County Extension Office
was a two-time CoSIDA Auditorium, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032.
academic all-America first
team selection. He was a Completed applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 28, 2017, to be considered for
two-time CSCAA national fiscal year 2017-2018 funding.
swimmer of the year, 10-time
national champion, 17-time For more information, call Ms. Lisa Thomas, Grants Coordinator at 404-270-1180 in the Human Services
Department. For information on obtaining Victim Assistance Program Certification, contact the State of
all-American, two-time UAA Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council at 404-657-1961.
swimmer of the year, 15-time
UAA champion, 20-time All-
UAA finisher, 14-time UAA
athlete of the week honoree
and a three-time CSCAA
scholar all-American.
The Emory University
swimming and diving
teams have now seen 49 of
its members awarded the
scholarship, including 27
winners during the last 10
years. Since 2000, the mens
and womens swimming and
diving programs have garnered
45 NCAA postgraduate
scholarships.
LOCAL
Tucker-Northlake CID president to step down
Ann Rosenthal, who has
served as president of the
Tucker-Northlake Community
Improvement District (CID)
since its inception in 2013,
announced she will step down
effective June 30.
Matthew Lee, a training
specialist for Southeastrans,
Inc., has been named the first
full-time executive director
of the CID and will assume
responsibilities July 1.
Rosenthal, a Tucker resident,
was a founding member of the
Tucker Formation Committee
and author of the legislative
strategic plan that created
the Tucker CID in 2013. She
later led the effort to bring the
Northlake Business District
into the organization, which
eventually became the Tucker-
Northlake CID.
It has been a privilege
to serve my community
as president of the Tucker
Northlake CID for the past
four years, Rosenthal said.
Thanks to the support of the
business community, local
government and residents, the
CID has grown from an idea
into an influential organization
that has built partnerships
with and leveraged funding
from local, regional and federal
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 23, 2017 Page 20
and residential areas and the community by leveraging robust economic development
identified potential quality of business and government and provide a clean, attractive
life and beautification projects. investment in the district to and safe community for all
The CIDs mission is to mprove accessibility, connect who live, work and play in the
increase economic value in people and places, facilitate Tucker-Northlake area.
Rosenthal
governments to implement
numerous transportation and
public safety projects.
I have served the CID as
a consultant, and thanks to
its growth, the organization is
ready for a full-time executive
director, Rosenthal added. I
am confident Matthew Lee
will build on what we have
accomplished so far and lead
the CID into its next phase of
growth.
Under Rosenthals
leadership, the CID guided
the development of a strategic
master Plan for the area
which outlined a vision for
transportation infrastructure
and land useprovided
recommendations for improved
multi-modal transportation and
connectivity between business