the DeKalb FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 VOL. 22, NO.

47 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

DeKalb County School District takes issue with changes to Emory annexation
by Derek Smith the pending annexation the boundaries of DCSD
derek@dekalbchamp.com of 744 acres of DeKalb with relation to Atlanta
County by the city of Public Schools (APS).

T
he DeKalb County Atlanta to reconsider But, Green writes in
School District has the annexations current the letter, that changed
made clear it will format. In the letter, on Dec. 14 when the
seek legal action if the Green cites a serious ordinance regarding
City of Atlanta moves negative financial district boundaries was
forward with the planned impact he believes the amended and rushed
annexation of Emory annexation will have on through committee and
University as currently DCSD. on to the council for vote
written. DCSD agreed to the without any notice to
Dr. R. Steven Green, terms of the annexation DCSD.
DCSD superintendent, in September with a DCSD estimates that Dr. R. Steven Green, DCSD superintendent, penned a letter Dec.
penned a letter Dec. 18 provision stating the 18 urging stakeholders in the pending annexation of 744 acres of
DeKalb County by the city of Atlanta to reconsider the annexations
urging stakeholders in process would not affect See Emory on page 5 current format. File photo/Travis Hudgons

Mobile medical services touts early success

by Horace Holloman educating children on nutrition
horace@dekalbchamp.com and exercise and if they

A
have chronic conditions
new mobile unit in getting them help, said the
DeKalb County is organizations founder and
designed to take some co-medical director Lynette
of the stress out of Wilson-Phillips. We offer
going to the doctor. education and consistent
Kids Doc on Wheels, a follow-ups and I truly enjoy
nonprofit organization based the energy that the children
in Clarkston, is bringing the bring.
doctors office to DeKalb Phillips said the idea
Countys school district. started from DeKalb County
The organization operates officials wanting to create a
out of a $150,000, 40-foot school-based health clinic for
bus that includes exam DeKalb. However, there was
rooms, restrooms and a blood not enough space in most
drawing station.
Were committed to See Medical on page 5

Kids Doc on Wheels mobile unit offers DeKalb County students free medical
services such as dental screenings and allergy testing.

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 2

Police arrest suspected pimp

DORAVILLE

Darden.
Councilman elected president of
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Darden, a member of
the Towers Action Group,
DeKalb Municipal Association
has hosted multiple sex
The DeKalb County trafficking awareness Doraville City Councilman
Police Department arrested meetings. Darden said shes Robert Patrick has been
a suspected pimp thanks to witnessed first-hand how sex elected the 2018 president of
a tip. Officers responded to trafficking negatively impacts DeKalb Municipal Association
a suspicious person call at the community. (DMA). Patrick, mayor pro tem
Quality Inn Northlake located I wish I could just take all for Doraville, was also recently
at 2155 Ranchwood Drive. of the [victims] home with reelected in November to
Shaquille Smalls, 23, me. We need to let these his second full term on the
was sitting in a black Dodge young men and women know Doraville City Council for
Charger when officers ran his theres a better way, Darden District 1.
information and discovered said. According to a release
a warrant for his arrest for Smalls Darden and Towers Action DMA is a nonprofit
sexually exploiting a child and Group held a Take Back Your organization that was formed
found in Americas Best Value Community event in March to foster better cooperation
pimping a person younger
Inn on Memorial Drive. to shed light on sex trafficking among the cities of DeKalb
than 18.
Smalls was also charged awareness. County."The purpose of the
The alleged victim was
with possession of marijuana. Sex trafficking is a trillion- association is to promote
originally reported as a
Officers discovered in his dollar industry, Darden said. understanding between
missing person and was
possession a digital scale, a jar I see so much solicitation in government authorities and
found Oct. 22. According
of marijuana and an unknown the area. Our goal is to make to effect ways and means
to DeKalb County Police Patrick
amount of money including people more knowledgeable. of providing maximum
Department officials,
multiple bills ranging from $1 Its everywhere. I call the efficiency and economy
the girl was 17 years old. Brookhaven, Chamblee,
to $20. police all the time if I see of government to the
Under Georgia law, Smalls Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville,
Smalls arrest is part of a something that doesnt look citizens of the municipalities
was charged with sexual Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine
larger problem in DeKalb, said right. located in whole or in part
exploitation of a child. Lake, Stone Mountain.
DeKalb County resident Iris within DeKalb County." The
The girl was eventually DMA also works closely
association also promotes
building vibrant downtowns with the Georgia Municipal
and healthy communities. Association, MARTA, Atlanta
Member cities of DMA Regional Commission and
CLARKSTON include Avondale Estates, other state and regional
organizations.

Community Center opens gallery/shop

Clarkston Community the artists and the Clarkston centered around education,
Center has opened a Community Center. wellness, art, recreation
Obituary
permanent art gallery/ The art shop is an and community building. In
shop where customers can expansion for the Clarkston addition to classrooms and David Charles Hicks, 56, of Lithonia, passed
purchase works created by Community Center, which meeting space, the center on December 5, 2017 surrounded by his family.
artists from around the globe. uses art as a means of includes an activity field David was a dedicated custom cabinet maker.
According to a communication and for sports and recreation, a He is preceded in death by his daughter
spokesperson, selections connection between people community garden, private Maggie Hicks; two brothers, Loy and Roy
change frequently, but often of different languages, culture event space, a bicycle shop Hicks; one sister Brenda Ghee.
include items such as silver and experiences. The center and a kitchen. The center Hicks leaves to cherish his memory his
jewelry from the Miao tribe in serves more than 56,000 relies on private donations, beloved wife, Trina Lewis-Hicks of Lithonia;
Guizhou, China, indigo hand- individuals annually, offers corporate support and daughter, Whitney Hicks of Alabama; mother,
dyed batik pillows, shawls, art classes and programs for financial grants to provide Leola Boozer of Lithonia; brothers, Larry Hicks
scarves, wall hangings, children, adults and seniors, services and programs to the
of Monroe, Lester Hicks of Lawrenceville,
hand-woven clothing, crewel- and has presented several community. For additional
embroidery pillow cases art-oriented fundraisers and information visit www.
Randolph Hicks of Lithonia; sister Barbara
and hand-beaded Indian events, according to a release. clarkstoncommunitycenter. Parker of Monroe; and a host of extended family
shawls. The store will be Established in 1994, org and friends.
open Monday-Friday from 9 the Clarkston Community
a.m. until 5 p.m beginning Center offers programs Notice of Availability
Jan. 2 at 3701 College Ave. in for children, teens, adults
Clarkston. Purchases support and seniors that are
DeKalb County 2018 Executive Budget Recommendation

The Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County presented the 2018 Executive
Budget Recommendation to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on
December 15, 2017 for their consideration.

REDUCE A copy of the entire Executive Budget Recommendation is available for public
inspection in the Office of Management & Budget, 6th Floor, Maloof Center
during normal business hours. The Executive Budget Recommendation is also
REUSE available electronically at www.dekalbcountyga.gov and will be available at
DeKalb County Library locations.

RECYCLE The DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer and Board of Commissioners will
hold Public Hearings on the 2018 Executive Budget Recommendation at times
and places to be announced later.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB
ATLANTA city hall. Lionel Laratte and Elise
Shortell will be sworn in at 6:30 p.m.
Decatur. Additional information
can be found at http://bit.ly/
On Dec. 25, there will be no
collection service. Residential
City hall is located at 21 N. Avondale EngageCSD2017. customers whose regularly
Church to host holiday services Plaza. For more information, visit scheduled collection day is Dec. 25

TUCKER
will be serviced on Dec. 26.
www.avondaleestates.org.
Greater Piney Grove Baptist Residential customers whose

DECATUR
Church is hosting multiple holiday regularly scheduled collection day
events and worship services Nominations open for Tuckers is Dec. 26 will be serviced on Dec.
throughout the Christmas season. January citizen spotlight 27.
Christmas Eve worship service will Elementary boundary planning Residential customers whose
begin at 9 a.m., New Years Eve community meeting announced Tucker residents can nominate regularly scheduled collection day
worship service will also begin one another for the Citizen is Dec. 27 will be serviced on Dec.
at 9 a.m. and watch night service City Schools of Decatur (CSD) Spotlight in the citys monthly 28.
will be held ay 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. and the Elementary Boundary City Hall newsletter. City staff Residential customers whose
The church is located in 1879 Planning Steering Committee are will review the nominees and regularly scheduled collection day
Glenwood Ave. SE in Atlanta. For hosting acommunity meeting monthly choose one person who is Dec. 28 will be serviced on Dec.
more information, call (404) 377- regarding the school zone is working to make Tucker a better 29.
0561. boundaries for all CSD elementary place. Include the nominees name The Sanitation Divisions
schools. According to CSD, the and why he or she deserves to be administrative office, Central
session will be an opportunity recognized (approximately 250 and North Transfer Stations and

AVONDALE for community members to

participate in a facilitated
words). Submit to info@tuckerga.
gov.
Seminole Road Landfill will be
closed on Dec. 25 and reopen on

ESTATES
discussion to provide feedback to Dec. 26 during normal operating

COUNTY WIDE
the CSD Board of Education. An hours.
online survey will also be posted For more information, contact
Swearing in of new to solicit further input after the the Sanitation Divisions customer
commissioners meeting. DeKalb announces holiday service team at (404)-294-2900 or
The meeting is scheduled sanitation collection schedule sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov,
The newly elected Avondale Estates for Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6:30 or visit www.dekalbsanitation.
commissioners will be installed - 8:30 p.m. in the Decatur DeKalb Sanitation has set a com.
Jan. 8 at the Board of Mayor and High School cafeteria located revised collection schedule for the
Commissioners regular meeting at at 310 N. McDonough St. in holidays.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 4

COUNTYWIDE COUNTYWIDE

Thurmond proposes
Local man, nonprofit honored
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN

fiscal adjustments horace@dekalbchamp.com

What started as a way
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN for father and son to bond
quickly turned into much
horace@dekalbchamp.com more for DeKalb County
resident Marvin Hightower.
DeKalb County CEO Hightower, a DeKalb
Michael Thurmond resident since the 1980s,
said hes fulfilling a said he wanted to make a
promise he made to difference in his community.
DeKalb residents by That difference turned out
proposing a budget that to be through the nonprofit
should eliminate deficit organization First Tee of
spending. DeKalb County CEO Michael Atlanta.
Thurmond delivered his budget Hightower, First Tee of
The proposed proposal to county commissioners Atlanta executive director,
budget for fiscal year Dec. 15.
and the organization
2018 plans to buck the were honored by the
trend of county budgets County officials said DeKalb County Board of
that included millions Nonprofit organization First Tee of Atlanta was honored by the DeKalb County
the CEOs proposed Commissioners in December. Board of Commissioners.
of dollars of deficit budget will increase Commissioners said the
spending and unstable the number of sworn organization, which teaches
or non-existent fund police officers on patrol teens in the metro-area the son to First Tee of Atlanta for background, core values
balances, according to as well as funding to game of golf for free, is a lessons. and life skills can take you a
county officials. help prevent juvenile much-needed service to the He enrolled in the long way, Hightower said.
Thurmond said DeKalb area. program and me, my wife and The thing about the First Tee
delinquency and improve We certainly often have him would make the trip from program took something [my
eliminating certain customer service. golf on our mind, but this Lithonia to southwest Atlanta. son] had a passion for and
expenses will create a $75 According to county is a great opportunity to It was just a great experience taught him those core values
million rainy-day fund. staffing reports, the salute a national nonprofit for him, Hightower said. He and golf skills.
We have gotten our number of DeKalb police that provides a service to stayed with the program Hightower said he
fiscal house in order by officers has declined our youth, said DeKalb through high school. wants to help First Tee of
ending deficit spending by 284 officers, or 28 County Commissioner Kathie Hightower said First Tee Atlanta continue to grow in
and building a $75 percent, from 994 officers Gannon. They use the game of Atlanta teaches youth DeKalb County. As a goal,
million fund balance, to 710 officers, since of golf to teach life skills necessary life skills through Hightower said he wants to
or rainy-day fund. We 2012. and healthy habits and the golf. The program does develop more partnerships
must take the next Thurmond said the [Atlanta chapter] is one of not have any residency or for the nonprofits after
critical step and address budget will improve the top-performing chapters financial restrictions and school program Developing
long-festering issues throughout the country. teaches children ages 8 Rewarding and Inspiring
recruitment efforts by The organization through 17. Values for Everyone (DRIVE).
that are threatening to funding and developing expanded into DeKalb Hightower said the Here in DeKalb County
undermine the quality of a recruitment marketing County in 2016 and uses program promotes values we partner with 10 park and
life in DeKalb, Thurmond plan and adding hiring Browns Mill Golf Course and such as integrity, judgment, recreation centers and were
said. incentives. The budget Sugar Creek Golf Course honesty, responsibility, always seeking community-
According to county also includes $7.9 million facilities. sportsmanship, respect, based organizations that we
officials, one of the top to fund 155 positions in Hightower said his son, confidence, perseverance and can partner with, Hightower
priorities for 2018 will be the police department. Xavier, became interested courtesy. said. Were probably serving
road repairs and reducing The CEOs budget in golf during Tiger Woods We teach from the most several hundred kids through
property taxes through also includes a raise for peak and wanted to get affluent family to the poorest that program, but we want to
the countys Special county employees. If involved. Hightower took his family. It doesnt matter your reach even more.
Purpose Local Option the proposed budget
Sales Tax. is approved, all county
For the first time, employees whose salaries
DeKalb County residents have not been adjusted LITHONIA
approved SPLOST since 2016 will receive
through a referendum
in November. The
tax should generate
a 2 percent increase in
pay. A minimum wage Gang member sentenced in fatal shooting
of $14 per hour will also A gang member will spend the rest of his Redding had a dispute over money. Witnesses
approximately $380 be established for all full- life in prison for fatally shooting an associate reported hearing Redding threaten to get
million in funding over time and regular part- over money. a gun and shoot the victim during one of
the next six years. time employees. The DeKalb County District Attorneys their arguments. Kenyattas body was found
In DeKalb, $240 million County commissioners Office announced Dec. 12 that 26-year-old by a passerby walking along a trail behind a
of SPLOST funds will be received the budget Dec. Kerri Redding, a member of the Gangster Treehills Parkway apartment building in Stone
spent on transportation 15 and will vote on it by Disciples, was sentenced to life in prison, plus Mountain. He had been shot in the chest.
while $84 million will be Feb. 28 next year. five years, by DeKalb Superior Court Judge The DAs office said Kenyatta and Redding
used for public safety. Gail Flake. had an argument three days before the
Redding was accused of killing shooting. Redding was identified as the
Christopher Kenyatta, 19, in July 2016. On shooter and later arrested in Alabama by a
Dec. 8, a jury found Redding guilty of murder, fugitive squad from DeKalb.
felony murder and aggravated assault.
According to the DAs office, Kenyatta and
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 5

EMORY Continued From Page 1

$2.25 million in tax revenue will three and 10 total students. two percent of our students are not responded to an email
be transferred from to APS as a According to Green, the on free or reduced lunches or inquiry from The Champion
result of the change. amount of money transferred are in need of special services. regarding the letters claims.
Green calls the tax transfer is not equivalent to the transfer The letter was sent to Though he made clear in
especially egregious and said of obligation, and the change Emory University President the letter that litigation is not
the annexation will not result will make it significantly harder Claire E. Sterk, Atlanta Mayor the preferred way to solve the
in the transfer of a significant for DCSD to serve its 100,000 Kasim Reed, DeKalb County problem, Green said DCSD is
number of students from DCSD students. CEO Michael Thurmond, prepared to seek appropriate
to APS. In an interview with The We need every penny APS Superintendent Dr. Meria legal action to safeguard the
Champion, Green could not give we can get to properly serve Carstarphen, Atlanta City educational opportunities to
the precise number of students (students) needs. Our Council President Ceasar (DCSD) students.
who would be affected, but demographics are pretty Mitchell and others.
estimated it would be between obvious, Green said. Seventy- At press time, Mitchell had

MEDICAL
Continued From Page 1
schools to create a physical clinic,
Phillips said.
The next morning I woke
up with the idea of doing it as a
mobile unit and build out an actual
clinic. The clinic would increase
the opportunity of servicing more
children because we would not be
in a fixed school, Phillips said. It
pretty much would take the walls
off our private-practice model and
put it on wheels.
The program serves students
up to 18 years old. The mobile
clinic also provides physicals,
wellness exams, immunizations,
allergy testing, asthma treatment,
urgent care, chronic illness
treatment, behavioral health
treatment and dental exams.
Executive Director Keisha
Dudley said she is excited to
serve DeKalb Countys students.
Its been a great project
and Im thrilled about it. Its a
great opportunity to be a part of
something thats needed in this
community, Dudley said. I can
relate to a lot of these kids in the
schools we serve.
Dudley said staff tries to make
the children feel as comfortable
as possible with doctors wearing
polos and khakis as opposed to
medical scrubs.
We want this to be a
comfortable environment for them
and we want kids to be excited
to go to the doctor, Dudley said.
Some of these kids havent seen
a regular healthcare provider in a
couple of years, so we want them
to be excited to get on the [Kids
Doc on Wheels] bus.
Dudley said the response from
parents and principals has been
positive. Generally the unit will visit
participating schools twice a week
for half a day. Kids Doc on Wheels
also offers services to local YMCA
youth programs.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 6

The evolution of sexual behavior

Many of us who grew up discrimination when recruiting gather outside the dorm yelling
during the sexual revolution flight attendantswho at the obscenities and suggestive
of the 1960s and '70s may be time were all female and referred phrases to the females. The men
secretly asking ourselves if we to as stewardesses. would then attempt to enter the
did anything then that could be Stewardesses of those long- dorm building, open dorm room
considered as sexual misconduct John Hewitt gone days were typically the doors and take the panties from
by todays standards and come johnh@dekalbchamp.com most attractive women one the females. It was a sort of
back to haunt us. would see while at airports. popularity contest for the guys to
The sexual revolution of the They were expected to be sexy, see who had collected the most
1960s and early '70s was a What was once considered by friendly and helpful. The long- panties during the raid. News of
dramatic shift in traditional values many to be acceptable sexual standing joke of coffee, tea, or the panty raids usually made the
related to sex and sexuality. Sex expression and behavior during me was used often to refer to pages of the student newspaper,
outside of marriage became the more decadent decades of stewardesses and imply that but the college president or
more socially acceptable. the late 20th Century would likely more than cabin service may be other officials were not held
Drugs use was rampant, mini be considered as misconduct by available for those interested. accountable for what could have
skirts were the fashion trend, todays standards or at the very If todays female airline been perceived as allowing
societal norms were questioned least considered questionable. employees were asked to wear harassment and most certainly
and challenged, and Playboy I recall an office situation some of the uniforms from the would have been considered as
magazine was one of the largest in the late '80s where a '60s and '70s; it would likely be sexual misconduct.
circulation publications in the management-level male who considered sexual harassment. Fifty years later, accusations
world. often used a walking cane And to require that flight of sexual misconduct against
In November of 1970 a pop regularly would extend his cane attendants be a certain height many who are now in prominent
song titled Love the One Youre and lift the edge of a females and weight would be considered positions have become
With debuted, it built on the skirt or dress and giggle about discrimination. routine. We have seen news,
phrase if you cant be with it. The typical response from the A common practice at that entertainment and financial
the one you love, love the one women in the office was to laugh time on college campuses professionals ousted from their
youre with. The birth control pill at his antics and call him a dirty throughout the country, and jobs for conduct that occurred
became readily available, the old man. probably the world, was the during the tumultuous time when
womens liberation movement In those decades, it was practice of panty raids. Panty that kind of behavior was the
was in full swing, many of our also permissible to smoke raids were typically started by norm for many.
nations youth were caught up in cigarettes in the workplace. raucous female coeds who We cant rewrite history, nor
a culture of sex, drugs and rock Nobody though anything about would hang out of their dorm can we legislate morality. We
'n' roll, and wife-swapping and it. Those decades also allowed windows dangling panties in can, though, learn from our
swinger parties were the rage of smoking in airplanes; and front of passersby. Typically, mistakes and never repeat those
the suburbs. allowed age, weight and gender groups of male students would same offenses.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 7

Consolidation or complication?
Jacksonville/Duvall County, ty, conversations linger about St. ruptcy due to the ever burgeoning
Fla. consolidated into one gov- One Mans Simons Island becoming its own costs of retirement/pension and
ernment, across the largest land
mass of any county on the east-
Opinion municipality.A city of St. Simons
might afford island residents more
lifetime health care obligations for
thousands of city, county and state
ern seaboard in 1968.At that time,
Brunswick and Glynn County also
Bill Crane control over local zoning deci-
sions, but this new layer of gov-
government employees.In New
York state, there are addition-
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
had a former Navy shipyard and ernment would not come without ally villages, townships and other
port, as well as a manufacturing costs and additional complica- government entities totaling more
jobs base. By the census of 1970, ernment.Decision-making across tions.Perhaps a logical place to than 3,400 active local govern-
the population of Jacksonville/Du- the region is as a result more con- start the broader dialogue could ments with 4,200 separate taxing
vall was 528,865and Brunswick/ centrated and a bit less prone to be with the consolidation of law jurisdictions.
Glynn County had a population local political skirmishes. enforcement services, merging Subdivide or combine and
of 50,528.Combined with Savan- Office of General Coun- the Brunswick and Glynn County right-size?Emotions and commu-
nah/Chatham County (187,767), selIn Jacksonville/Duvall, the Police Departments into the Glynn nity pride as well as local neigh-
the population at that time, across Office of General Counsel oper- County Sheriffs Office. The sheriff borhood control may often cloud
a similar sized land-mass, with ad- ates like a private law firm, serving already maintains the jail, court- the logic of these discussions, but
jacent barrier islands would have the public clients and agencies of house security and is, by state it takes little more than looking di-
been roughly half of Jacksonville/ the consolidated government, as constitution, the chief law enforce- rectly to our north, south, east and
Duvalls at 250,000 (not including well as the Duvall County School ment officer in the county. west to see that the smarter busi-
Darien/McIntosh County). system and several quasi-public New industry and employers, ness decision is abundantly clear.
Forty years later, the popu- authorities. With 39 lawyers, the as well as established enterprises
lation of Savannah/Chatham firm is one of the largest and most considering expansion, review
County has increased by fewer diverse in Duvall County, and bills their costs of capital prior to mak- Bill Crane also serves as a
than 100,000, and Brunswick/ government clients on a detailed ing investment decisions.Income political analyst and commentator
Glynn has gained fewer than hourly basis, as would be the case taxes in Georgia, higher property for Channel 2s Action News,
30,000. Conversely, consolidated with a private law firm, but again taxes and multiple layers of gov- WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now
Jacksonville/Duvall, including the at less cost. ernment are generally not a win- 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
Jacksonville Beach communities In Georgia, Athens/Clarke ning formula for the long term.The for The Champion, DeKalb Free
has surged to 864,263. County, Augusta/Richmond Coun- question to consider for residents Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
These coastal communities ty, Columbus/Muscogee County and voters is the benefits of con- is a DeKalb native and business
share much in common.Savan- and Macon/Bibb County all have trol and complication, versus con- owner, living in Scottdale. You
nah is arguably experiencing a consolidated the primary agencies solidation and centralized decision can reach him or comment on a
renaissance, as well as a tour- of local government.School sys- making. column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
ism surge.And while St. Simons, tems continue to be run separate- We only have to look to north- com.
Sea Island and Georgias other ly and several of these counties ern states, with many facing bank-
Golden Isles may offer some of maintain both a police department
the most beautiful residences and office of sheriff, with separate
and scenery in the southeast, the responsibilities, and dual law en-
consolidated coastal county to forcement authority.
our south has practically doubled Consolidation, in most ev-
its population.What is the domi- ery case, reduces the layers,
nant difference in these two re- duplication and costs of govern-
gions?Jacksonville/Duvall has a ments.There are trends, in the
leaner, consolidated governance opposite direction, in metro Atlanta
structure that provides the major- and elsewhere, where affluent
ity of government services across suburbs and communities feeling
875 square miles of Floridas north not well- or under-served by larger
coast. county governments have instead
Some of these consolidation created new municipalities.These
structural benefits include: new cities are closer to the tax-
Strong mayor-council gover- payers they serve, and an argu-
nance modelThe consolidated ment can be made that services
government charter establishes improve, but primarily these deci-
a strong mayor model, with the sions are more about local control
19-member commission serving than they are about cost.
as the legislative branch of gov- In Brunswick and Glynn Coun-

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Photographer:
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons STATEMENT FROM THE
PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Horace Holloman issue of interest to DeKalb County.
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley Social Media Manager: discourse for all community residents
its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Donna Seay on all sides of an issue. We have no
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
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cation. All letters will be considered for publication. Thursday, one week prior to publication date. 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
Phone (404) 373-7779. ideas for discussion; however,
EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 8

Kamisha Sims with the Decatur Fire and Rescue Department holds some of
the donated items collected by the department.

The Decatur Fire and Rescue Department collects canned food items then Decatur Fire and Rescue Chief Ninetta Violante said its important for the department to give back to the community any way
donates the items to the Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry. it can.

HELPING HANDS
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN provides groceries and firefighting.
Local fire department getting
involved during holidays
According to Decatur what it looks like. I think thats
supplies for three meals Along with collecting Rescue Fire and Rescue good because I want them to
horace@dekalbchamp.com for three days for all family canned food, the department personnel, donated canned see where we live and work
members once per month also delivered holiday gifts to food can be delivered to and it allows for interaction
Decatur Fire and Rescue as well as hygiene products Decatur residents through the Decatur fire station No. 1, fire with the community thats not
Chief Ninetta Violante said such as soap, toothbrushes, Season of Giving program. The station No. 2 or the Decatur emergency scenarios, Violante
she was taught by her mother toothpaste and toilet paper. program allows residents to recreation center. said.
how to help others. Whether Violante said the purchase up to $100 worth of This allows residents to
it was helping someone department collected more items for a senior or child. come into the station and see
carry groceries to the car or than 800 pounds of canned
opening a door, the gesture items for the organization last
was never too small, Violante year.
said. Its something really
The same lessons Violante simple and easy to do and it
learned as a child are the makes us feel good and the DeKalb County's Department of
lessons she said she wants to residents feel good, Violante Watershed Management Reminds You of the
pass on to her department. said. As a department, were Best Practices for Proper Disposal of FOG
Theres so much here to meet the needs of
turmoil and negativity and residents. As a city, we want to
divisiveness. If you can make residents happy about What are Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)?

connect with just one person living in the city. If that means FOG is composed of the animal and vegetable fats and oils that are used to
who you can help, Violante we have to dig a hole for this cook and prepare food.

said. I feel very fortunate to plant, then their need is our

be in this position and come job. Where does FOG come from?
up with ideas of how we can Violante said it can be Baking goods Food scraps Meat fat Dairy products Butter and margarine
be better and do better. difficult, at times, to get Sauces Cooking oil Lard Shortening

One way the Decatur firefighters to buy into her

What happens when FOG is not properly disposed of?
Fire and Rescue Department giving-back philosophy.
FOG should be properly disposed of or recycled. It enters the plumbing
gets involved is by holding She said she enjoys hiring system through home garbage disposals, kitchen sinks and toilets, coats
a year-round canned food firefighters with a community- the interior of pipes, and empties into the countys sewer system. Sewage
overows are caused by excessive accumulation of FOG in the sewer
drive to support the Decatur- first mindset. system, which can result in backups into homes and businesses. These
repairs can increase costs for water and sewer services.
area Emergency Assistance Its sometimes frustrating
Ministry (DREAM). because people want to
The department kicks up come to a fire department Here are three simple practices to help keep FOG out of our pipes and sewers:
can collection efforts during and fight fires. They have that 1. POUR cooled fats, oils or grease into a sealable container and throw it in the trash. Do not pour down
the sink or toilet.
the holidays, Violante said. traditional image of what a 2. SCRAPE plates and cookware before washing. Do not throw scraps of any kind down the sink. Instead,
DREAM provides hero is, Violante said. You can place them in waste containers or garbage bags.

emergency assistance for be a daily hero by helping the 3. WIPE excess grease from all plates, pots, pans, utensils and surfaces with a paper towel before
washing. Throw the greasy paper towels away.
individuals who cannot community. Its a challenge
financially afford food, and its harder, but I think Remember, you can make a difference!
medication or utility bills. its equally important. Were Visit the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management's FOG Program Online!

The organization also trying to do more than just www.dekalbwatershed.com 1580 Roadhaven Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (770) 621-7200
 DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 9

WEEKinPICTURES

Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta CEO Donna Hyland and Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst From left, Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman, District 4 Councilmember Joe Gebbia, Childrens Chief Public
sign documents summarizing the agreement between both parties. Policy Officer, Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst, Childrens CEO Donna Hyland, Hope, Will and Brookhaven City Attorney
Chris Balch. Photos by Burke Brennan/city of Brookhaven

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond was honored by the DeKalb chapter of the
NAACP during a commission meeting Dec. 12.

Members of the Decatur Police Department celebrate the annual senior holiday party at the Decatur Active Living
center.

Wag-A-Lot owner Craig Koch (right) and Wag-A-Lot Decatur Manager Jennifer Hunt
(left) presented LifeLine Animal Project Founder and CEO Rebecca Guinn (center)
with the "2017 Wag Award." Decatur Police Chief Mike Booker sits with seniors at the Decatur Active Living senior holiday party.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

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

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 10

LITHONIA DECATUR

Local student wins

congressional app challenge
BY CARLA PARKER years app challenge. The
entrees were judged by a
carla@dekalbchamp.com committee that included
Georgia Tech professor
Jason Freeman, Microsoft
Jonathan Daniel, 16, Education Partner Dr. Elaine
won the 2017 Fourth District E. Bryan and president of the
Congressional App Challenge. Village Tutorial Enrichment
The Lithonia resident Program Cheryl Allie.
is an 11th grader at the The Congressional
Georgia Cyber Academy App Challenge highlights
and will be recognized as the value of computer
the Congressional App science and STEAM
Challenge winner on (Science, Technology, Art,
CongressionalAppChallenge. Engineering and Math)
us, Congressman Hank education. Students were
Johnson announced. Daniels judged on quality of the
winning app, TEFAP Tracker, specifically food banks that idea, implementation of
will be on display in the U.S. still use paper-and-pencil the idea and the ability to
Capitol along with other based systems. demonstrate their coding and
winners from across the Daniel and the other app programming skills.
country. challenge participants from Launched by the U.S.
According to Johnsons the district will be honored House of Representatives in
office, The TEFAP Tracker Feb. 3 at the Congressional 2015, the challenge allows
which stands for The App Challenge Awards students to compete against
Emergency Food Assistance Reception at Fernbank their peers by creating an Congressman Hank Johnson delivered books to students at Fairington and Flat
Program appwill help Science Center. application (app), or game Rock elementary schools.
food banks better manage Daniel was one of 75 for mobile phones, tablets, or

Congressman donates
the products they distribute, students who entered this computer devices.

CLARKSTON
books to local schools
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN donated when they are no
longer needed for the librarys
horace@dekalbchamp.com use, according to officials.
Johnson also donated
Students at Fairington and books to the schools
Flat Rock elementary schools principals and media center
recently received a special specialist including Women in
visitor. Congress, African Americans
On Nov. 27, Rep. Hank in Congress and Hispanic
Johnson delivered more than Americans in Congress books,
50 books to three elementary as well as official flags that
Students received dictionaries at the Clarkston Public Library. schools, including two in had flown over the U.S.
DeKalb County. Capitol.
Johnson said the books During his trip to

Refugees receive dictionaries

are meant to build the Fairington Elementary,
schools library collection. Johnson complimented the
The guiding principle nonprofit program Kids Doc
behind the program is to on Wheels.
BY CARLA PARKER their English language national Dictionary Project, build library collections, The nonprofit provides
skills and prepare them for a program which distributes but I must say the short full-service pediatric care
carla@dekalbchamp.com naturalization. dictionaries to third-grade to children up to age 18.
tour served as a great
We are always happy to students across the nation, opportunity to talk to some of Services offered include
partner with our community in an effort to help them thecountrys future leaders. I physicals, wellness exams,
Through a Rotary schools on this project, but become good writers, active immunizations, allergy testing
District grant, the Rotary thoroughly enjoyed talking to
this year we had the added readers, creative thinkers the children about what they and management, asthma
Club of Stone Mountain pleasure of helping our and resourceful learners. treatment and management,
gave more than 1,200 want to be when they grow
refugee neighbors, said Sponsors, including civic up, their favorite books and urgent care needs, diagnosis
dictionaries to refugees Gillian Leggett, president groups such as Rotary clubs, and treatment of chronic
who recently resettled in what they want for Christmas,
of the Rotary Club of Stone purchase the dictionaries said Johnson. conditions, behavioral health,
Clarkston. The club said Mountain. Now many of and give them to students dental exams and screenings;
it gave the dictionaries, The books were made
these new families can learn to use at school and at available through the Library and education on healthy
which are designed for English together and feel home. According to the nutrition, habits and physical
third-grade students who of Congress surplus books
more comfortable in their club, educators see the third program. The books are activity.
already speak English, in new home. grade level as the dividing
hopes the dictionaries will Club officials said it has
help the refugees develop for years participated in the SEE REFUGEES ON PAGE 12
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 11

DECATUR DECATUR

Briarlake Students City Schools of Decatur

receives a report card
receive recognition
Nineteen Briarlake Individual Competitions: 1, Fifth grade Vivian
The Governors Office of Student Achievement
recently released the annual report on Georgias public
education agencies, and City Schools of Decatur (CSD)
received an A.
Elementary School students Language arts, Division Dolensky
represented the DeKalb 1,Fifth grade Jackson Holt Special talent Troy Butler, Below is a performance snapshot from the report card:
County School District in a Sketching, Division I Amanda Beckwith, Joshua
statewide competition held Emerson Cowles Yancy CSDs overall performance is higher than 98 percent
Nov. 29 Dec. 1 in Savannah. Sculpture, Division 1, Team Competitions of other districts.
Briarlakes Jr. Beta Club Fletcher Courtney-Long Advertising design, Division CSD elementary students academic growth is higher
placed in four categories Poetry, Division 1 Hunter 1 Tess Cobb, Ava Waters, than 81 percent of districts.
at the 2017 Georgia Junior West Troy Butler, Fletcher CSD middle school students academic growth is
Beta Club Convention, Pastels or charcoals, Division Courtney-Long higher than 52 percent of districts.
where clubs throughout the 1 McKenna Smith Book battle, Division 1:
state showcase their skills Painting, Division I Elise Jackson Holt, Vivian CSD high school students academic growth is higher
in academic achievement, Garcia Dolensky, Rand Musawi than 99 percent of districts.
character, service and Color photography, Division Quiz bowl, Division 1: Troy 81.3 percent of CSD third-grade students are reading
leadership. 1 Elise Cowles Butler, Aaron Gerstle, at or above the grade level target.
Six Briarlake students Black and white Harrison Miller, Haaven 87.4 percent of CSD eighth-grade students are
received awards in the photography, Division 1 Siye reading at or above the grade level target.
following categories: Joshua Yancy Tower of power, Division 1:
Math, Division 1, Fifth grade Fletcher Courtney-Long, CSDs four-year graduation rate is 96 percent, which is
Pastels or charcoals, Division Sienna Beelner Sarah Frierson, Rand higher than 94 percent of districts.
1 McKenna Smith (1st Science, Division 1, Fifth Musawi, Jackson Holt, 72.4 percent of CSD graduates are college ready.
place) grade Aaron Gerstle Amanda Beckwith
Sketching, Division 1 Social studies, Division
Emerson Cowles (1st place)
Social studies, Division 1, 5th
Grade Vivian Dolensky CITY OF DECATUR BOARD OF EDUCATION
(2nd Place) SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF
Book battle, Division 1 SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX PROCEEDS
Jackson Holt, Vivian FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2017

Dolensky, Rand Musawi

(2nd place) 2012 Issue

AMOUNT AMOUNT
Each of the 19 participating ORIGINAL CURRENT EXPENDED EXPENDED TOTAL AMOUNT
students competed in the ESTIMATED ESTIMATED IN CURRENT IN PRIOR EXPENDED TO PROJECT
following categories: PROJECT COST COSTS YEAR YEARS DATE STATUS
To demolish existing structures or portions thereof at $ 960,000 $ 1,114,451 $ $ 1,114,451 $ 1,114,451 Closed
Renfroe Middle School and to design, acquire, construct,
renovate, modify, add to, repair, replace, improve, and equip
Renfroe Middle School and the surrounding green space,
including the conversion of the area formerly used as a
gymnasium for use as classrooms.

340-406659 Acquisition of facilities leased by the City Schools of Decatur, 4,415,000 5,119,891 902,427 4,217,464 5,119,891 Closed
including the College Heights Early Learning Center and the 4-5
12/14,12/21jb Academy at Fifth Avenue, as not existing and as hereafter
NOTICE OF PUBLIC improved.

SALE/AUCTION To acquire, design, construct, renovate, modify, add to,

repair, replace, demolish all or a portion of, improve and equip
Pursuant to OCGA existing school buildings and other buildings and facilities,
including green space, useful or desirable in connection
Section 40-11-6, there within, including:
notice is hereby 4-5 Academy at Fifth Avenue 2,355,000 3,475,680 3,475,680 3,475,680 Closed

given that the Oakhurst Elementary School

Westchester Elementary School
2,990,116
1,300,000
2,954,114
951,683
2,954,114
951,683
2,954,114
951,683
Closed
Closed
following motor Glennwood Elementary School 30,000 20,575 20,575 20,575 Closed
vehicle will be sold Decatur High School
Various School Improvements
671,355
217,997
261,712 409,643
217,997
671,355
217,997
Closed
Closed
to the highest and
best bidder at School improvement and maintenance projects throughout 2,000,000 1,595,126 116,629 1,478,497 1,595,126 Closed

3849 Stephens Ct., the City Schools of Decatur, including but not limited to,
HVAC renovations, repairs and replacements; roofing repairs
Tucker, GA 30084 and replacements; electrical repairs, renovations and

on upgrades, including but not limited to cost-saving energy

efficiency capital projects; boiler renovations, repairs and
January 21, 2018 at upgrades; and other similar capital improvements.
9:00 am To acquire, including, but not limited to, through lease-purchase, 3,015,000 1,110,270 400,725 709,545 1,110,270 Closed
2006 Cadillac design, construct and equip a new Central Office for the City
Deville DTS VIN# Schools of Decatur, including parking.

1G6KD57Y16U161452 Debt Service on intergovernmental payable to the City of Decatur 850,000 5,802,032 1,864,700 2,078,932 3,943,632 Ongoing
Lienholder reserves for general obligation sales tax notes

the right to refuse To acquire computers or similar technology for the use of 200,000 192,090 2,810 189,280 192,090 Closed
the final bid. This students and staff in and outside of the classroom.
item will be sold to
Highest Bidder $ 18,115,116 $ 23,225,264 $ 3,549,003 $ 17,817,861 $ 21,366,864
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 12

TUCKER

City
preparing
to take over
parks and
rec in 2018
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Beginning Jan. 1, 2018,
the city of Tucker will assume
responsibility of parks and
recreation centers in the city. was built in 1954 as Tucker projects that have been He said it takes good time
In August, the city hired Elementary School. DeKalb completed just this year in the management to balance both
Rip Robertson, former County Parks and Recreation three biggest parks here jobs, but its something he is
director of Doravilles purchased the building and Henderson, Johns Homestead used to.
public works and parks land from DeKalb County and Kelley C. Cofer parks, Luckily, Im in a position
and recreation, to lead School District and turned he said. Each one of those now where I work with young
Tuckers parks and recreation it into the Tucker Recreation groups were very active this soldiers, so Im not being
department. Since then, the Center in 1980. past year and did some really deployed, Im not going out
city council approved funding Robertson said the amazing things in their parks. to the field, he said. Its more
for eight new staff members department is working on a What I hope to do is come of an office type position.
to work at Tucker Rec Center plan to paint and clean the in and help them continue Luckily it lends itself to a more
and approved the purchase center. that work and expand their flexible schedule for me. Its
of a property adjacent to When [people] walk capabilities, as far as ideas just a matter of balancing that
Rip Robertson and the Tucker Parks
Tucker Nature Preserve to be and Recreation Department will through the door, [we want on other funding avenues so time.
used as expanded park land take over management of parks and them to] see the difference that we can get some funds Robertson said he is
in preparation of the parks recreation facilities in the city on Jan.
1, 2018. from DeKalb County verses available to do the things that excited to be in Tucker and to
and rec take over from DeKalb the city of Tucker, he said. Its they want to do in their park. have the opportunity to work
County. going to be a light facelift, That goes for all of the parks with residents to improve the
In an interview with from paint to signage that in the city. parks and recreation centers.
The Champion, Robertson the dance academy, the
wrestling association, the well get on immediately. In addition to his 20 Its a great time to be in
discussed some of the Tucker has several Friends years of experience working Tucker, he said. We got a lot
goals Tuckers parks and gymnastics group thats
there, Robertson said. There of the Park groups that in parks and recreation, of work to do and luckily the
rec department wants to have worked to maintain Robertson is on reserve duty community already has such
accomplish in the new year. are a number of senior
programs that are existing, parks in the city. Robertson with the U.S. Army. He has an awesome passion for their
Our biggest goal starting recognized the passion Tucker been on active status with the parks and Im just here to help
January is to go in and so our biggest priority and
our biggest responsibility is residents have for the parks Army Reserves for the last six them complete what theyve
establish relationships with and said the department will years. Before then, he served already started.
the existing organizations to go in and establish that
strong relationship with those do what it can to expand 12 years on active duty before
that are [at the Tucker what the groups. starting his career in parks
Recreation Center] such as groups.
Tucker Recreation Center There are a number of and rec.

REFUGEES Continued From Page 9A

line between learning to read and Sanders, special project coordinator distributed, A Students Dictionary, is world, weights and measurements,
reading to learn, and sponsors are for the city of Clarkston. Our newest published by The Dictionary Project the Periodic Table and information on
encouraged to give dictionaries each residents arrive here with little to no and has 540 pages with definitions, the solar system and planets.
year to children in the third grade. English language skills and are trying pronunciations and parts of speech The club purchased 2,400
This year, the Rotary Club Stone to learn a difficult language as adults. for 35,000 words. The club said the dictionaries with the help of a grant
Mountain Club extended its program Many are also studying to become dictionaries also have 150 pages from Rotary District 6900, the club
to refugees living in Clarkston and U.S. citizens, Sanders added. These of supplemental information, said. Half the dictionaries were
partnered with the city to distribute dictionaries will be a vital tool in including the U.S. Declaration of distributed to third-graders in 10
the dictionaries. learning English and a lot about the Independence, the U.S. Constitution, DeKalb County Schools, and half
We are so grateful to the Stone U.S. that will help them more quickly biographies of U.S. presidents, world went into the Clarkston refugee
Mountain Rotarians for their support settle into their communities. maps, information on all 50 states, community.
of our refugee community, said Terry The dictionary that was information on other countries of the
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 13

DUNWOODY

Cutting the ribbon for the grand opening of the Residence Inn Atlanta Perimeter Center Dunwoody are, from left, Bryan DeCort, Hotel Equities; Shelly Faraj, Marriott International; Chuck
Powell, Hotel Equities; Steve Smith, Hotel Development Partners; Denis Shortall, Mayor of Dunwoody; Fred Cerrone, Hotel Equities; Allen OBrien, Hotel Development Partners; Joe Fallis,
general manager of the Residence Inn; Terry Nall, Dunwoody city councilman; and Steven Schumacher, Dunwoody CVB.

New Dunwoody hotel offers extended stay luxury

BY KATHY MITCHELL Like other hotel be an ideal location for a hotel Residence Inn by Marriott high-end to fast-food in the
FREELANCE REPORTER companies, Marriott has like this. Atlanta Perimeter Center area20 are within walking
multiple tiers from the most The property is the site of Dunwoody is 10 miles from distance.
Dunwoodys newest hotel basic to the most luxurious a 100-year-old farm. We were both Sun Trust Park, where The Residence Inn by
was designed with luxury facilities, Cerrone explained, respectful of the propertys the Atlanta Braves play, and Marriott Atlanta Perimeter
in mind, according to its saying of the new hotel, This history and preserved what Mercedes Benz Stadium, Center Dunwoody also has
developers. The Residence is state-of-the-art, the next we could, Cerrone noted. We home of the Atlanta Falcons laundry facilities, dry cleaning
Inn by Marriott Atlanta generation in extended stay built around the century-old and Atlanta United. service, complimentary wi-
Perimeter Center Dunwoody, living. It has seven stories with farmhouse. Its also a good choice fi, a grocery delivery service
which recently held its grand custom-designed furniture, Customers include for people who either are and a fitness center the hotel
opening, operates as a upscale fixtures and finishes people who are in town for in the area either receiving describes as the largest and
Marriott franchise, and is the unique to the brand and the lengthy business dealings, outpatient treatment at one best equipped in the market.
third in the Dunwoody area to market. This is definitely not a vacationing families and of the nearby hospitals or A typical extended-
be owned by Atlanta-based roadside motel. people waiting to move who want to be near relatives stay visit is 10 to 12 days,
Hotel Development Partners The hotel had a soft into a home that is being who are patients at one of according to Cerrone. But we
and managed by Hotel opening in September, built or renovated. Also, them, Cerrone added. The have people who stay for two
Equities. then opened officially in late people visiting friends hotel is a short distance from months and people who stay
The new lodging is an November We like to be sure or relatives who live in the area often called pill hill, for two days, he added.
all-suite hotel with studio, everything is operating as it nearby homes that may not which includes Northside Cerrone described the new
one- and two-bedroom should before we advertise have an extra bedroom Hospital, St. Josephs Hospital hotel as a flagship property,
suites. Residence Inn, a publicly, he said. including the many high-end and other medical facilities. explaining that is an excellent
brand created in 1975, is the Cerrone said building condominiums in the area People can really make example of the type of facility
most upscale of Marriotts a hotel at the Ashford- find it convenient to stay at an themselves at home here, Hotel Equities manages. Its
extended-stay brands. Dunwoody Road site was a extended-stay hotel, Cerrone he said. Each suite has a about a quarter of a mile from
This is arguably Marriotts longtime dream of his. Ive said. kitchenette complete with Hotel Equities headquarters
most successful brand, said lived in Dunwoody for 35 He said Dunwoody is a coffeemaker, microwave so people who are
Fred Cerrone, founder and years and my office at Hotel an ideal location for such a oven and dishwasher, where considering doing business
chairman of Hotel Equities Equities is also in Dunwoody facility for several reasons. people can prepare food or with us often stay there and
and Chief Operating Officer so this is my backyard. Ive This is an upscale area; warm and serve food from a experience for themselves
with Hotel Development driven past this site for 10 or people staying here will nearby restaurant. There are the types of properties we
Partners. 15 years and thought it would look for nicer lodging. The dozens of restaurants from manage.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 14

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SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Page 15

FOOTBALL

Marist falls to Blessed

Trinity in state finals
War Eagles unable to run ball
plays tonight.
BY CARLA PARKER Marist got in the red zone once (in
carla@dekalbchamp.com the fourth quarter down 14-0) and
scored on a 7-yard run by running
Marists dream season came to a back Charlie Addicks, cutting
disappointing end. Blessed Trinitys lead to 14-7. After the
The War Eagles (14-1) fell to the touchdown, Marists defense forced a
Blessed Trinity Titans (13-2) 16-7 at three-and-out to give the offense the
home in the Class AAAA state finals. ball with 1:33 left to play.
Marist was on a quest to have an However, Blessed Trinity punted Marist quarterback Chase Abshier on the sideline after being sacked for a safety.
undefeated season heading into the inside the 10-yard line and Marist had
game and win its first championship to start the drive at the seven-yard line.
since 2003. Two plays later, Marist quarterback
However, the War Eagles struggled Chase Abshier was sacked in the end
to get the offense flowing and into the zone for a safety, bringing the score to a
end zone. 16-7 final.
[Blessed Trinity] is a good football In the second quarter, Blessed Trinity
team, head coach Alan Chadwick said. gained a 7-0 lead after a 9-yard pass
Blessed Trinity played very well and from Jake Smith to Ryan Davis. The
controlled the ball most of the night. lead extended to 14-0 in the fourth
We had some opportunities and didnt quarter on a 3-yard run by Steele
quite take advantage of it. Chambers.
Throughout the season, Marist relied Despite the disappointing ending,
heavily on its running game to open Chadwick said he is proud of his team,
up the offense. They averaged 228.5 especially the seniors.
rushing yards per game. The War Eagles This is a great senior class. These
ran the ball 26 times for 63 yards in the kids have done a great job for us all
title game. Blessed Trinity ran the ball the way through the program and I
45 times for 145 yards. cant be more proud of them, he said.
I think we got away from the run They gave everything that they had
too much and tried to go to the pass every single day, they overcame a lot of
and we werent consistent on that, obstacles. Theyre a class group. Marist players kneel in disappointment after losing at home in the state title game. Photos by
Chadwick said. We didnt make the Carla Parker

CARLA'S CORNER

Lavar Balls interference could hurt younger sons

When LaVar Ball was first introduced to Vytautas is a low-level club from a small, non-
the sports world a year ago after controversial English speaking village of roughly 10,000 people
comments he made after his youngest sons in southern Lithuania. The team plays in a 1,700-
92-point game, there were mixed feelings about seat arena, with 500 of those seats reserved for
Ball from sports fans and media members. Carla Parker team sponsors and their friends.
For some, Ball is an active sports dad who is Carla@dekalbchamp.com Instead of playing in UCLAs Pauley Pavilion
confident in his three sons basketball skills and which has a 13,800 capacity and playing on
wants the best for them. To others, Ball is an national television in their home state of California,
overbearing parent who is doing more harm than made a final determination on the length of his the younger Ball brothers will be playing for a
good for his sons and their future in basketball. sons suspension following an arrest for shoplifting foreign team where the coach reportedly doesnt
At first, I was leaning toward the formerBall while in China last month, it then became a big speak English.
is trying to a good father by being involved in his deal. The elder Ball has said he wants all three of his
sons lives while doing all he can to promote them Pulling LiAngelo out of college sent the sons to play for the Los Angeles Lakers together,
and their brand without depending on the big message that LiAngelo could do whatever he and perhaps he thinks having his sons play in
names such as Nike and Adidas. wants and not deal with the consequences. That Lithuanian will lead to his dream becoming reality.
Now, Im leaning toward the latter. When Ball wasnt a good move by Ball. Who knows? It could happen. This move could
withdrew LaMelo, 16, from Chino Hills (California) Now, LiAngelo and LaMelo have turned pro lead to the younger Ball boys eventually playing
High School early in his junior season so he could signing one-year contracts with Lithuanian club in the NBA or it could lead to disaster, further
homeschool and train him, I raised an eyebrow Prienu Vytautas. Vytautas plays in the Lithuanian derailing their basketball careers.
but didnt make a big deal about it because a lot (LKL) League and the lesser competitive Baltic I hope the former happens, but it will be up to
of students are homeschooled. However, when he League, where the teenagers could see more how LiAngelo and LaMelo respond to this new
pulled his middle son LiAngelo, 19, out of UCLA playing time, according to ESPN. path.
because he was frustrated that the school hadnt