the DeKalb
23, NO 24 • FREE
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GETS OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM AND GREENHOUSE
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
On a muggy Saturday
morning, several Eldridge L.
Miller Elementary teachers,
former students and children
partnered to create an
outside classroom to create a
new way of learning.
With the help of DeKalb
Kids Project, volunteers and
a few teachers from Eldridge
L. Miller Elementary
transformed a plot of land
next to the school into an
outdoor classroom and
greenhouse.
Kenneth Cowser,
owner of Quality Precision
Concepts, was a sponsor
for the project and helped
build the school’s newest
amenities.
“I want to try to do
anything to beautify our
community,” Cowser said.
“I can still vividly remember
people who helped me
when I was younger. They
made an impact on my life
and impacted my character
of who I am today, so I
definitely wanted to make
that same impact for
somebody else.”
Cowser is a former
student of E.L. Miller and
said it’s important to give
back to the community any
way he can. He said he was
excited to help transform
the school’s green space into
something beautiful.
“Shoot, I remember
20 years ago we were out
here playing,” said Cower,
laughing. “I remember
walking from class here every
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • VOL.
• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
day going to gym class. This
is really major to get to see
this positive transformation.”
Cowser said he became
involved with the project
through his childhood friend
and current DeKalb County
Schools board member
Diijon DaCosta—also a
former student of E.L Miller.
DaCosta, a 1996 graduate
of E.L. Miller, said the
purpose of the project is to
help children learn how to
produce their own food as
well as learn the value of
hard work.
“The goal is to tie the
community back to the
school so we can have a
better partnership,” DaCosta
said. “The teachers will build
this into the curriculum and
the kids will start to plant
seeds once the school year
starts.”
DaCosta also helps
run DeKalb Kids Project.
According to the group's
officials, the organization
is “focused solely on
transforming the minds of
the youth to become better
leaders.”
DaCosta said the
organization helps the
DeKalb community every
Saturday.
“Our goal is to bridge the
gap. That’s why you see so
many different age groups
out here. Everybody out
here right now either went
to the school, is going to the
school or graduated from
the school,” DaCosta said.
“We just want to teach them
to give back. They could be
doing anything in the world
right now, but they’re out
SEE COMMUNITY ON PAGE 9 Volunteers from Eldridge L. Miller Elementary and DeKalb Kids Project help build an outside classroom July 14.
LOCAL
COUNTY WIDE
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Director Chuck Ellis receives a
proclamation at a DeKalb County board of commissioners meeting.
DeKalb honors Parks
and Recreation month
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
July is National Parks and
Recreation Month and DeKalb
County officials said they
consider DeKalb's parks to be
some of the best in Georgia.
During a DeKalb County
Board of Commissioners
meetings, Director of DeKalb
County Recreation, Parks
and Cultural Affairs Chuck
Ellis received a Proclamation
from the CEO and Board of
Commissioners.
Ellis, along with children
who participate in DeKalb
camps and programs,
was presented with the
proclamation July 10.
“We have such a dedicated
staff here and I truly enjoy
working with them,” Ellis said.
“There are so many things
to do at our parks and we
have great resources here. I
think we have some of the
most remarkable trails in the
country.”
DeKalb County has several
multi-use trails for pedestrians
and cyclists, including Stone
Mountain Trail, Arabia
Mountain Trail, South River
Trail and South Fork Peachtree
Creek Trail.
DeKalb County Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Affairs will
also host several events during
National Parks and Recreation
Month.
DeKalb County
Commissioner Larry Johnson
said the parks and recreation
department is essential to
county residents.
“It’s about wellness and how
we work together,” Johnson
said.  “I tell people all the time
that the parks and recreation
department have an impact on
the quality of life [in DeKalb].
You can go there, exercise,
hangout. You can just do a
whole lot of things.”
Each Tuesday in July,
DeKalb County Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Affairs will
host a movie night. On July 24,
Hotel Transylvania 2 will be
shown at Mason Mill Park in
Decatur. On July 31, A Wrinkle
in Time will play at Browns
Mill Aquatic Center. Both
events are free admission and
begin at 8:30 p.m.
“We have a terrific parks
system and the best is yet to
come,” Johnson said. “We have
a lot of things planned and our
CEO [Michael Thurmond]
is working on a grand plan
to make things happen in
our area, but we couldn’t do
this without the citizens of
DeKalb County. Thank you
for investing in the parks and
making a difference.”
At 10 a.m. on July 21
DeKalb’s parks and recreation
department will host a ribbon
cutting ceremony at Hairston
Park in Stone Mountain.
The Masonic Lodge and
Eastern Stars will also host a
school supply giveaway event
July 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at the Gresham Recreation
Center.
For a full list of events in
DeKalb during National Parks
and Recreation Month, visit
https://www.dekalbcountyga.
gov/parks/parks-and-
recreation-month-calendar.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 2
Adams:
"I’ve never disrespected an employee"
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
With his wife by his side
during an interview with The
Champion Newspaper, current
DeKalb County Commissioner
Gregory Adams said he wanted
to address the “elephant in the
room.”
“I have never, and I never
will, disrespect an employee,”
Adams said. “I make it very
plain. If anyone says I did, or I
have, it’s a lie.”
Adams was referring to a
sexual harassment suit filed
by former employee Ashlee
Wright.  
Last year, Wright filed a
complaint with DeKalb County,
accusing Adams of sexual
harassment. Adams says he’s
innocent of any wrongdoing.
After an independent
investigation paid for by
the county, Nelson Mullins
Riley and Scarborough LLP
concluded that Adams violated
the county’s anti-harassment
policy. The company suggested
Adams attend sexual
harassment training.
“I will stand before any
judge, and or jury, and declare
my innocence. When I stand in
judgment [God] is the only one
I have to worry about,” Adams
said while gesturing to the sky.
“And God will say ‘well done.’ I
have never disrespected anyone
male or female.”
According to documents
from the investigation, Wright
City approves comprehensive study
of North Druid Hills corridor
BY DEREK SMITH
Brookhaven City Council
has approved $127,000 in
funding for a comprehensive
study of the North Druid Hills
corridor from Peachtree Road
to Buford Highway.
City council awarded
the contract for the study to
Gresham Smith and Partners.
The North Druid Hills
Corridor Study (NDHCS)
is intended to develop a
consensus for long-range
options to improve traffic
operations, safety and
multimodal connectivity for
During an interview with The Champion Newspaper, DeKalb County Commissioner
Gregory Adams denied sexual harassment claims by a former employee.
said Adams repeatedly called
her “sexy” and requested to
see her in a bikini. Wright also
said Adams invited himself to
her hotel room at 3 a.m. during
a work-related conference in
Savannah.
The documents also state
Adams blames the late-night
text messages on the effects of
Ambien, a sleeping-aid drug.
According to WebMD, in
some rare cases individuals
who have taken Ambien “have
gotten out of bed and driven
vehicles while not fully awake
(sleep-driving). People have
also sleepwalked, prepared/
eaten food, made phone calls or
had sex while not fully awake.
Often, these people do not
North Druid Hills corridor.
Current Georgia
Department of Transportation
(GDOT) data shows average
daily traffic volumes range
from 50,000 vehicles per day
between Briarcliff Road and
I-85, more than 35,000 vehicles
per day north of I-85 to East
Roxboro Road, and 15,400
vehicles per day between East
Roxboro Road and Peachtree
Road/SR 141. The intersection
of North Druid Hills Road and
Peachtree Road/SR 141 in 2016
was about 45,000 vehicles per
day, according to GDOT.
According to city officials,
the study will be completed
in conjunction with the traffic
remember these events.”
The investigation report also
states Adams said his words
were taken out of context and
believed Wright, at least at one
point, had a romantic interest
in him.
“I don’t use my office as
a commissioner to make it a
cloak for maliciousness. I’m
not that guy,” Adams said. “If I
had an impeccable record as an
officer and as a business owner,
why in the world would I get
stuck on stupid as a county
commissioner? Everyone knows
this lady that sits beside me,
Jacqueline Adams, is always
with me. That’s my choice to
keep her by my side.”
analysis associated with the
Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta Master Plan and I-85/
North Druid Hills interchange
improvement.
“North Druid Hills is
a key city corridor and
this comprehensive traffic
analysis will ensure the major
developments around the I-85
interchange, as well as any
future redevelopment of the
Brookhaven MARTA station
are integrated,” Brookhaven
City Manager Christian
Sigman said in a press release.
City council will host
presentations to communicate
SEE CORRIDOR ON PAGE 8
LOCAL

AROUNDDEKALB
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 3

CHAMBLEE Back-to-school giveaway announced DUNWOODY

Electronics recycling
Chamblee residents can recycle their
electronics July 21 at the public works building
from 8 a.m. to noon. The building is located at
3210 Cumberland Drive. For more information,
visit www.chambleega.com.
The Bridge at Austin Drive will host their
annual back-to-school bash on July 21 at
1989 Austin Drive in Decatur. Each year, the
organizations partner with local business and
organizations to give students a boost as they
prepare to return to school.
During the event, the organization will
provide of free bookbags, school supplies, as
Road race and walk to benefit children with
disabilities
The Lekotek Run 4 Kids is gearing up for
its 26th year. Its goal is to raise money for the
nonprofit so additional children can benefit.
The event will take place Aug. 4. The course will
start and finish at the Dunwoody campus of

DECATUR well as health screenings, exhibits and other

Sidewalk sale and community flea market
details announced
A flea market grand opening celebration is
scheduled for July 21 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 1900
Second Avenue in Decatur. This grand opening
event is free and open to the public. Event
organizers said attendees can expect to see a
wide variety of items including food, household
goods, electronics, clothing, furniture, toys,
cosmetics and other items.
The flea market will be open every first and
third Saturday. Free parking vendor space
is available. For more information contact
millicent.winfield@yahoo.com or (404) 664-
8250.
resources, according to a release. All DeKalb
County residents are welcome to participate.
DORAVILLE
Movies to be shown under the stars
Doraville will host a Movies Under the Stars
and Family Fun event July 27 at Honeysuckle
Park at 6:30 p.m. Paddington 2 will be screened
at the event. There will be food trucks, music
and games. The park is located at 3037 Pleasant
Valley Drive. Admission is free. For more
information, call (770) 936-3850.
Georgia State University. According to a release,
the event courses provide options for every
fitness level—a four-mile road race and walk
and one-mile fun run. The four mile begins at
8 a.m. and the one mile at 9 a.m. In addition to
pre-race registration, runners can also sign up
the morning of the event, beginning at 7 a.m.
The family-friendly race will feature
refreshments and family activities following
the run. Participants don’t have to be athletes
to participate, just those who wants to make a
difference. 
For additional information, visit
www.lekotekga.org.

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additional word $0.60. All ads are
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Ads due by Friday at noon for next
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visit www.championclassifieds.com
DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate,
or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept
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OPINION
Don’t kill, hate the messengers
It’s been more than three weeks
since yet another mass shooting in
America has resulted in death and
despair.
This time it was a newsroom in
Annapolis, Md., where five victims,
four editors and a sales assistant
were gunned down in late June by an
shooter who police say held a vendetta
against the newspaper after it covered
his conviction on stalking charges.
I’ve tried to get this tragedy out of
my head, but it’s been difficult.
I’ve spent almost all of my
professional career in newsrooms
around this country—Texas,
Michigan, Kansas and Illinois and
consider individuals such as the
individuals at the Capital Gazette
newspaper in Annapolis as colleagues
even though we’ve never met. We’ve
dedicated ourselves to the tedious and
often thankless job of keeping our
communities informed about what is
transpiring around them by covering
news stories that we deem pertinent.
Newsrooms long have been places
of conflict. Usually a good many of a
Gale Horton Gay
fastgale@hotmail.com
newspapers’ readers are supportive
of the papers efforts, while others are
not. Whether it’s coverage of politics,
crime, business, sports and sometimes
even lifestyle, folks often blame
reporters and editors for simply doing
their job—covering news, sharing
information and offering opinions.
Politicians and government leaders
often lambast the press for detailing
when they are not living up to their
promises and responsibilities. It’s
not uncommon for some business
people to become enraged when we
reveal the real winners and losers
of deals that they sugarcoat in
glowing terms. Coverage of matters
involving corruption frequently
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 4
bring complaints by those connected
to it. People who commit crimes
of violence, fraud, theft and other
unsavory acts have been known to
question why we put “their personal
business” on the pages of our papers.
Folks from many different
education levels, backgrounds,
professions, ages, etc. take exception
about our reporting of practically
everything if they feel it presents them
in an unfavorable light. Sometimes
people are upset because we don’t
print enough (or exactly what they
want us to print) about them or their
family or business or charity.
We get angry phone calls, angry
letters and emails and, occasionally,
an angry individual in our lobby
demanding to see a reporter, editor
or publisher about something they
consider unfair. They claim they are
misquoted but that’s rarely true. They
claim we’ve been misrepresented
when we’ve often gone overboard
to present information from all
sides. They claim we haven’t told the
whole story but they’ve often refused
to grant interviews and provide
information that we’ve requested to
do so.
And the current occupant of the
White House has certainly added fuel
to the fire blaming the Fourth Estate
for a broad range of ills including
“fake news” and bias, while using
the media to continually advance his
agenda.
Journalists and the support staff
that make the delivery of news on an
ongoing basis possible deserve respect
for their efforts and now, it seems,
safety needs to be of greater priority
for those working in this industry.
The Capital Gazette staffers who
lost their lives in the shooting—Rob
Hiaasen, Gerald Fischman, Wendi
Winter, Rebecca Smith and John
McNamara—should be remembered
for their commitment to carrying
on the tradition of a free press and
wanting to make their community
a better place through access to
information.
OPINION
“There is no one more qualified
for this position, and no one more
deserving,” President Donald Trump
on his recent Supreme Court Justice
nominee, Judge Brett Cavanaugh of
the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of
Columbia Circuit.
I don’t know much about U.S.
Supreme Court Justice nominee
Judge Brett Cavanaugh, other
than he is a reliable, conservative
jurist who formerly clerked for
Justice Anthony Kennedy. But
we do know this, Trump, not one
for taking much advice of others,
sought and got detailed background
and reviews of the legal records
and writings of 25 potential
nominees. The field was vetted by
two well-known conservative think
tanks in Washington—The Heritage
Foundation and the Federalist
Society. The Trump Administration
narrowed that short list to
seven, each of whom were then
interviewed by the president.
 The nominee, an establishment
favorite, Cavanaugh, has a well-
established record on the bench
and elsewhere, including more than
300 decisions and legal opinions.
Cavanaugh is a D.C. native, his
father a longtime lobbyist and
his mother a judge. Maybe not
a "swamp drainer," but certainly
someone who can help with the
ongoing renovations.
 Cavanaugh has an impressive
legal resume. He worked for
Special Prosecutor Ken Starr
on the impeachment case and
investigation of President Bill
Clinton. Following the 2000
presidential election, he was on
the GOP legal team in Florida that
helped then Texas Gov. George
W. Bush be officially declared the
winner of Florida, its electoral votes
and as a result the election. Later
he served as Associate Council to
Bush, until he was appointed to his
current job in 2006.
 And while all Capitol Hill
FREEPRESS
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 5
Trump’s lasting legacy
judiciary toward the right, and a appointee, Cavanaugh, wants
‘One Man’s more conservative interpretation
of federal law. Taking activism and
pro-business, anti-regulatory,
constitutional conservatives on
Opinion’ legislating from the bench out of our the bench. At least in this area of
federal judiciary may in fact become his administration, the president
Bill Crane Trump’s most permanent and lasting is well on his way. This current
bill.csicrane@gmail.com legacy. Though this administration confirmation process is likely to
has the occasional appearance of a be a political food fight of record
chaos-ridden banana republic, when proportion, but either way it goes the
attention focuses on Cavanaugh’s
it comes to appointing and naming federal bench is getting a remake.
confirmation hearings ahead,
federal district court, appellate and What that will mean for the roughly
and Trump’s second Supreme
now Supreme Court justices, with 90 percent of cases that flow through
Court bench selection, the Trump
help from the U.S. Senate, the Trump the district and federal appellate
Administration has been quietly
Administration is becoming a well- courts does remain to be seen. So, in
filling numerous other lifetime
oiled machine. the meantime, you be the judge.
federal judicial appointments
 And while Senate Majority
on the Court of Appeals and
Leader Mitch McConnell Bill Crane also serves as a political
district courts across the nation.
(R-Kentucky), is well aware of analyst and commentator for Channel
In Trump’s first year in office, not
complaints of the "do nothing" 2’s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk
particularly otherwise known for
Senate, he has made a re-make of the 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
accomplishment, the president and
federal judiciary a longtime priority, columnist for The Champion, DeKalb
U.S. Senate confirmed 12 appellate
including Senate delays for Obama Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
judges, an all-time record. Three of
administration Supreme Court is a DeKalb native and business owner,
those new appointees are in Atlanta,
nominee Judge Merrick Garland for living in Scottdale. You can reach
sitting on the 11th Circuit Court.
the seat now held by Trump nominee him or comment on a column at bill.
As of July 13, the U.S. Senate has
and now Justice Neil Gorsuch. csicrane@gmail.com.
confirmed 43 judges nominated by
 Trump, like his current
Trump. These include one Supreme
Court justice, 22 U.S. Court of
Appeals judges,  and 20 U.S.
District Court judges. There are
91 additional judicial nominations
awaiting action by the U.S. Senate.
Many of these court openings
occurred during the second term of
President Barack Obama. The U.S.
Senate holds considerable leverage
in the judicial confirmation process,
and a "hold" by one U.S. senator can
delay a confirmation. One of those
on Trump’s short list for the current
Supreme Court openings has a hold
in place by U.S. Senator Jeff Flake
(R-Arizona).  
Though the president has a
sister who is a judge, his initial
awareness of the branches of federal
government and appropriate roles
of the executive, legislative and
judicial branches at times appeared
limited. It does appear though
that the president understands
this historic opportunity, as well
as the gravity of this assignment,
to move the center of the federal
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LOCAL
Cochran-Johnson
Visibility a difference maker
for Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Political newcomer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said she expected
to be in a runoff with DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Gregory
Adams.
With four people running for the seat, Cochran-Johnson said she
thought she had a good chance at a runoff.
“I truly felt throughout the campaign that I was going to be in a
runoff,” Cochran-Johnson said. “When there are four individuals in a race,
it’s highly unlikely there won’t be a runoff.
Adams received 44.74 percent of the votes while Cochran-Johnson
received 41.69 percent. DeKalb County residents Ed Williams and John
Tolbert also ran for the commission seat.
Cochran-Johnson said the difference between her and other candidates
leading up to the May primary was her visibility on the campaign trail.
“I take this very personally and I think the personal approach has made
a huge difference in the campaign,” Cochran-Johnson said. “I get out
there religiously at 7 a.m. and I’m on the side of a street corner...I’ve had
people tell me ‘I have not seen other candidates do this.’”
Cochran-Johnson said she was inspired to run for office after her car
was stolen from her DeKalb residence in January.
Cochran-Johnson said she plans to run on a platform focused on
improving public safety, education and economics in DeKalb County.
She also said she wants to see DeKalb improve property values and
infrastructure.
Cochran-Johnson’s work experience includes being an associate
publisher of Who’s Who In Black Atlanta and vice president of business
development for Real Times Media properties AtlantaDailyWorld.com and
Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine.   committee member of House District 86 and worked with State Rep.
DeKalb County voters will make their selections for district 7
commissioner July 24.
“I don’t plan on losing my seat once elected,” Cochran-Johnson said.
“My concern is with the folks of DeKalb. As a commissioner, I have one
out of seven votes, so it takes having the ability of reaching across the
aisle and working with others, and most importantly being fair. I often
say if you vote for me, I will make you proud and that’s how I plan to
operate.”
#ITSINTHECHAMPION
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 6
Adams
Adams believes experience
should lead the way
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Current DeKalb County Commissioner Gregory Adams said the
people had spoken during the primary election in May this year.
According to the votes, “the people” wanted a runoff between Adams
and challenger Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.
Adams received the most votes in a field of four, which also included
DeKalb County residents Ed Williams and John Tolbert.
Adams led the way with more than 44 percent of the vote.
Adams said he would like to continue representing District 7 and
believes he’s the right person for the job.
“I’m fortunate to be in a runoff and I’m going to continue to work hard
for the people of DeKalb County,” Adams said. “Politics is a different
beast, and it’s a little bit different than what a lot of people think it is. It’s
not just about a title.”
Adams said he’s committed to improving public safety for the county
as well as county roads in need of repair.
Adams is currently a member of the county’s Public Works and
Infrastructure Committee. He said the committee has made important
decisions to improve the county.
“That’s one of the biggest departments in the county because it relates
to all the road projects going on in the county. I enjoy [being a member]
because I get to play a significant role to mitigate a lot of problems that
have been plaguing DeKalb County for the past 50 years,” Adams said.
“This is not the time for a novice individual who is not familiar with
county government to come and try to learn what they should be doing.”
Adams said he learned about government during his time as a
Michele Henson.
Adams, a pastor and former Emory University police officer, ran for
DeKalb County CEO in 2014. He won the then-vacant District 7 seat in
2016 after Stan Watson ran for DeKalb tax commissioner.
“Look at my work and the work I’ve done to improve DeKalb
County,” Adams said. “Look at all the legislation we’ve introduced and
the raises we implemented for our public safety...I would love to continue
to serve the people and I want them to go to the polls and say, ‘I have
done my research on this guy and he has proven to be a dedicated worker
for the people.’”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 7

WEEK in PICTURES

An officer appreciation cookout was held July 14 at the Tucker Precinct. Photo from
City of Tucker’s Facebook page

Meadowbrook Acres, a neighborhood in unincorporated Decatur, petitioned and

received approval for street sign toppers in their neighborhood from DeKalb County
in March. With a grant from Towers Action Group they were able to receive funding
for purchasing and installation of the street sign toppers. The street sign toppers Youth volunteers picking up litter at Gresham Park. Photo provided.
were installed June 2018. Photos by Kevin Polite

Have you created programming you’d like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb County’s 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 404.373.7779

DeKalb25.com x 110
LOCAL
COUNTY WIDE
Bulky item program a ‘success’ Brookhaven staff submits
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
During June, DeKalb
County sanitation workers
collected oversized and large
items from residents free of
charge.
Workers collected items
such as furniture, mattresses
and large appliances during the
bulky item collection.
The service, known as
the residential Bulky Item
Curbside Collection Project,
was very successful, said
DeKalb County Public
Works Department Sanitation
Division Public Relations
Manager Pauline Andrea.
Sanitation workers
collected 2,348 tons of items
and serviced 5,785 homes
during the five-week program.
“The main focus of the
project was to ensure that
residents were provided
with an opportunity and the
convenience of disposing
unwanted household items,”
Andrea said. “It was an
absolute success.”
Andrea said DeKalb
County hosted a similar
program in December of last
year called “Operation Holiday
Sweep.”
During the December
event, county sanitation
workers serviced 2,151 homes.
Workers also collected 1,204
tons of items—51 percent
less than this year’s collection
event.
Andrea said the difference
could be attributed to the time
of year and a stronger effort to
inform residents of the project.
“We had a more aggressive
public outreach campaign in
regard to the spring event. That
too contributed to the success
of this year’s program and it
aligns with the whole ‘spring
cleaning’ mantra. I think it was
a combination of the two,”
Andrea said.
Andrea said DeKalb
residents responded positively
to the programs.
CORRIDOR Continued From Page 2A
status update and inform the public, according to
Sigman.
“The public input over the next several months
will be vital toward developing that consensus and
ensuring that we have the best models possible,” he
said.
Work on the NDHCS begins in August. According
to city officials, there will be at least three open houses
to solicit public input. The NDHCS is expected to be
DeKalb County collected 2,348 tons and serviced 5,785 homes during the free bulky
item collection in June.
Sanitation workers collected bulky items along county streets and roads.
“The residents are certainly
asking for it to be an annual
event and we’re getting a lot
of positive feedback on social
media,” Andrea said. “One of
[CEO Michael Thurmond’s]
priorities is reducing blight and
making DeKalb communities
cleaner and more aesthetically
pleasing. This project is
certainly consistent with CEO
Thurmond’s vision for the
county.”
Andrea said that while a
definitive decision has not
been made on making the
completed in April 2019.
According to city officials, the study will ensure
the corridor serves the needs of all users and
minimizes adverse impacts to property owners and
neighborhoods in the corridor. In the press release,
officials said they wanted to “develop a vision” for
the corridor that “is harmonious with existing
development and future growth along the corridor,”
and “is cost-effective, implementable and has broad
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 8
project a yearly project, it is
under consideration.
Thurmond, with the
approval of DeKalb County
commissioners, launched
Operation Clean Sweep.
According to the county,
Operation Clean Sweep is
a multidepartmental effort
focused on litter collection,
illegal dumping, and removing
debris, trash and grass from
streets, neighborhoods,
sidewalks, roadway drains and
county rights of way.
BROOKHAVEN
park bond project list to
city council
recommended an additional
BY CARLA PARKER
$13.5 million in funding to
carla@dekalbchamp.com address needs in Lynwood,
Blackburn and Murphy
Brookhaven could have a
Candler parks.
park bond referendum on the
“Lynwood Park is a
November ballot.
historically underserved
Brookhaven officials
community and has received
announced July 10 that City
very little capital funding
Manager Christian Sigman
investment in decades,”
forwarded a recommended
Sigman said in a statement.
project list of parks capital
“Murphey Candler Park
improvement projects to
is the city’s largest and
Mayor John Ernst and city
most utilized recreational
council. The list follows a
asset and needs significant
study of the potential park
capital improvements. The
bond referendum to continue
administration also included
progress on the city’s parks
high priority investments in
master plan, officials said.
Blackburn Park.”
Officials said the
City officials said, according
administration has worked
to PARC, there is unanimous
with the Parks and Recreation
support within PARC for their
Coalition (PARC) since
$26.5 million list. The list is
October 2017 on the future
not a recommendation, but a
funding for the capital
consideration to the mayor and
improvement needs in
council.
Brookhaven parks.
“With an overall $39.9
“I want to thank the
million project list, a
engaged citizen volunteers
parks bond referendum, if
of PARC for their hard work,
passed, would not increase
their vision, and ultimately
Brookhaven property taxes,”
identifying a project list that
Sigman said. “The increase at
we can all agree upon,” Ernst
this level would be offset by the
said in a statement. “Likewise,
reduction in the city’s property
I appreciate the inclusions
tax rate due to DeKalb County
from the city manager and
Park Bonds maturing in 2020
staff to augment the PARC list
as well as the increased EHOST
to ensure the greatest number
property tax credit.”
of stakeholders are adequately
Residents can view the
served.”
recommended project lists on
For the park bond
the city’s website and submit
referendum to be on the
feedback to city council. The
November ballot, the
website for the parks bond
city council must adopt a
referendum information,
resolution calling the election
including the referendum
ballot question at its July 24
report, recommended
meeting.
project list and supporting
The project list includes
documentation, can be viewed
$26.5 million to complete
at www.brookhavenga.gov/
Ashford, Briarwood and
parksrec/page/parks-and-
Brookhaven parks, and $2.1
recreation-future-funding.
million for Murphey Candler
Park. City administration also
community support from citizens, stakeholders, and
other partners.”
Gresham Smith and Partners also conducted a
study last year of the Ashford Dunwoody corridor.
Brookhaven is currently working on five short-term
projects connected to that study, according to the
press release.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 9

A group of volunteers, Eldridge L. Miller Elementary teachers and representatives from DeKalb Kids Project. Finished product of outside greenhouse and classroom at Eldridge L. Miller Elementary. Photo by Kaneica
McNeil.

COMMUNITY Continued From Page 1

here at 7 a.m. in the morning and we won’t
stop till the job is done.”
E.L. Miller Principal Mark Bryant said
the new outdoor classroom is part of a
transformation at the school.
Bryant, who helped mix concrete and
guide volunteers during the building process,
said he wants to teach his students “survival
skills” they can use later in life. Bryant said
during his tenure as principal students have
gone on several field trips each year and
developed valuable social skills.
“It builds character for them,” Bryant said.
“I’m a product of DeKalb. I’m in education
because of my former teachers. I’m one of
those statistics that shouldn’t have made it.
Our kids [at E.L. Miller] have grown so much
socially and emotionally. When you talk
Former Eldridge L. Miller Elementary student Diijon DeCosta prepares to plant seeds about development, it’s not just about test
in the greenhouse at E.L. Miller Elementary July 14. Photo by Kaneica McNeil.
scores.”
Zajerria Godfrey, a fifth-grade science
teacher at E.L. Miller, also volunteered her
time for the greenhouse project.
Godfrey said she hopes all teachers at the
school will use the outside classroom.
“The goal is for it to be an outside
classroom and provide different teaching
environments for the students. It will be a
fun, learning experience and that’s always
a good thing,” Godfrey said. “I’m looking
forward to introducing it to the staff.”
Officials at DeKalb Kids Project said they
would like to add volunteers. Individuals
wanting to participate in upcoming DeKalb
Kids Project events should visit www.
dekalbkidsproject.com or contact the
organization via phone at (404) 793-2713.

ARC approves $31.29 million in transportation projects for DeKalb

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Millions of dollars of
transportations projects are
scheduled to be completed in
DeKalb County by 2023.
The Atlanta Regional
Commission (ARC) Board approved
$31.29 million in transportation
projects for the county. ARC
officials said they developed the
project list in discussions with local
governments to meet the DeKalb
community’s needs.
Projects on the list include the
Peachtree Creek Greenway Trail in
Brookhaven—which will extend the
greenway from the city of Atlanta to
North Druid Hills Road, connecting
to the Atlanta BeltLine Trail;
improvements to the I-285/I-20
East interchange improvements.
Funding will provide preliminary
engineering and design for a rebuild
of the interchange to improve traffic
flow and safety.
Other major projects include
Panola Road in Stonecrest—which
will be improved to include a center
turn lane, bike lanes and sidewalks
between Browns Mill Road and
Fairington Road. A curve between
Salem Drive and Oaktree Trail/Old
Panola Road will be straightened,
and traffic signals along the corridor
will be optimized to improve traffic
flow. U.S. 278 in Avondale Estates
will be redesigned to become a
pedestrian-friendly “main street”
with improved sidewalks, new bike
lanes and pedestrian crossings with
medians.
Avondale Estates also received a
$1.5 million Georgia Transportation
Infrastructure Bank grant to fund
the U.S. 278 redesign project. Mayor
Jonathan Elmore said the city is
excited about the grant and funding ARC board approved the update on
from ARC. June 27.
“What it means is an opportunity “These projects address some
to make 278 a better street with of the most significant local
transportation needs and will
wider sidewalks and hopefully fewer
help people get where they need
car lanes,” Elmore said. “Our desire
to go safely and efficiently,” ARC
is for a road diet, but it would mean
Executive Director Doug Hooker
reduced lanes, possibly bike lanes
said in a released statement. “This
and wider sidewalks.
will provide more options for many
“Hopefully, it will turn more
residents and will strengthen our
into a main street,” Elmore added.
economic competitiveness.”
“The thing is [278] will be safer for
ARC officials said the potential
pedestrians, cars and cyclists.”
impact is significant, from cleaner
All projects are scheduled to be
air to reduced congestion:
under construction or complete by
• The bike-ped and transit projects
2023, with funding from federal,
will take enough cars off the road
state and local sources.
to reduce annual vehicle miles
ARC officials said DeKalb
traveled in the Atlanta region by 3
projects are among more than 100
million miles;
across the region funded as part of
• tailpipe emissions will decrease by
an update to the short-term portion
19,900 tons per year;
of ARC’s Regional Transportation
• and vehicle travel delays will
Plan—The Atlanta Region’s Plan—
at a total cost of $400 million. The decline by 7 million hours a year.
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 10

STONE MOUNTAIN

Arts academy to
present classic musical
The Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts (SRAA) drama
department will present in August the classic musical Annie
Get Your Gun. Staged by the teen class, the production will be
performed Aug. 24 through Aug. 26 in the Fellowship Hall
of Smoke Rise Baptist Church. Members of the Smoke Rise
and surrounding community are invited to attend this free
performance.
Annie Get Your Gun is a musical with lyrics and music by
Irving Berlin and a book by Dorothy Fields and her brother
Herbert Fields. The story is a fictionalized version of the life of
Annie Oakley, a sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild
West Show, and her romance with fellow sharpshooter Frank E.
Butler. The 1946 Broadway production was a hit, and the musical
had long runs in both New York and London, spawning revivals,
a 1950 film version and television versions. Songs that became
hits include There’s No Business Like Show Business, They Say It’s
Wonderful, and Anything You Can Do.
Annie Get Your Gun is a family show suitable for all ages.
Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday,
and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Each show will have live pre-show
entertainment, and concessions will be available for purchase
during intermissions. Attendance is free with no tickets required.

ATLANTA

Oglethorpe University named to Fiske’s Top 20 “Best Buy” schools

The Fiske Guide to Colleges
has once again designated
Oglethorpe University among
its Best Buy Colleges and
Universities. Oglethorpe is the
only university in Georgia to
make the 2019 list, narrowed
to 10 private and 10 public
colleges and universities
nationwide.
For 35 years, the Fiske
Guide has chosen a select
group of schools noted for
quality academic offerings and
affordable cost for its annual
Best Buy list. These are schools
that, in the judgment of the
Fiske editors, offer “outstanding
educational value as determined
by academic quality in relation
to the net cost of attendance.”
Specifically for Oglethorpe
University, Fiske noted: “This
urban-based liberal arts
college attracts a student body
rich in socioeconomic and
racial diversity, thanks in part
to a generous financial aid
that includes a $1,000 grant
for every admitted student
who completes the FAFSA,
regardless of need.”
Oglethorpe’s student
population of 1,250
undergraduates is 59 percent
women; 41 percent men;
56 percent U.S. minority;
8.5 percent international;
38 percent first-generation
students; and 40 percent Pell
eligible. According to the
Oglethorpe, the university
awards more than $22 million
in financial aid each year, with
97 percent of students receiving
merit or need-based aid.
“Oglethorpe’s financial
aid makes us an attractive
alternative to state schools,
and the added value of the
Oglethorpe experience is that
it’s highly individualized,” said
Dr. Glenn Sharfman, provost
and vice president for academic
affairs. “We’re a close-knit
campus, with small classes
taught by exceptional teachers
who know their students on a
one-on-one basis and whose
mission is to change lives.”
Oglethorpe has reported
that 81 percent of Oglethorpe
students complete at least one
internship or field experience;
86 percent of graduates are
employed or in graduate
school within one year of
graduation; and that 95 percent
of graduates say their education
prepared them to communicate
effectively and think critically.
For 2019, Fiske has
limited their list to 20 public
and private U.S. colleges
and universities. Private
institutions recognized include
Birmingham-Southern College,
Grinnell College, Houghton
College, Kalamazoo College,
Mount Holyoke College,
Oglethorpe University, Olin
College of Engineering,
Rice University, Vanderbilt
University and Warren Wilson
College. SUNY - Binghamton University, information on which to base
Public institutions Texas A&M University and their educational choices.
included in the 2019 list Truman State University He wrote the Fiske Guide to
include University of Arizona, Edward B. Fiske served for College to help students in their
Evergreen State College, 17 years as education editor decision-making process of
University of Florida, University of the New York Times, during selecting a college or university;
of Iowa, New College of Florida, which time he realized that the guide is updated annually
University of North Carolina at college-bound students and by the Fiske editorial team.
Chapel Hill, Purdue University, their families needed better
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN OF THE CITY OF CHAMBLEE
TO WHOME IT MAY CONCERN:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 16th day of August, 2018, at 6:00
p.m. in the Chamblee Civic Center, which is located at 3540 Broad Street in
Chamblee, Georgia 30341, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee
will hold a public hearing (the “Hearing”) on an urban redevelopment plan
entitled “Urban Redevelopment Plan Chamblee URA 2018” (the “Plan”). The
Plan sets forth the urban redevelopment areas (the “Areas”), the initial urban
redevelopment project planned for one of the Areas (the “Initial Project”) and
the process by which additional urban redevelopment projects will be planned
for the remaining Areas. The Areas covered by the Plan generally include 1)
136 acres along and proximate to Savoy Drive and the frontage of Interstate
285, 2) 56 acres in the historic downtown center (“URA 2”), 3) 139 acres in
the area where Buford Highway and Chamblee Tucker Road intersect, 4) 88
acres along and proximate to Buford Highway near Dresden Park and 5) 124
acres in the Shallowford interchange area and along and proximate to Johnson
Road. Maps of the Areas are available at City Hall. The general scope of the
Initial Project is the implementation of the Downtown Chamblee Town Center
Plan, including the demolition of certain buildings owned the by the City, the
construction of a new City Hall, the relocation of the Police Department and
the addition of new public space and a new street. Any interested person may
submit oral or written comments on the Plan at the Hearing. The Plan is on file
at City Hall, and a copy may be obtained from the City Clerk.
Emmie Niethammer
City Clerk
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 11

STONE MOUNTAIN

Fitness franchise a family enterprise

a business career. “Every get people of all different age
BY KATHY MITCHELL member of our family is an groups, fitness levels. You may
Freelance Reporter entrepreneur and they have have a marathon runner on a
gone about creating their own treadmill, and a person who’s
businesses in numerous parts never worked out a day in his
Omar Haram, co- of the world,” he said. “This
owner of an Orangetheory life, yet it’s such an encouraging
stems from my grandfather, atmosphere that nobody is
Fitness franchise in Stone who left a war-torn country
Mountain, said he and his made to feel that they don’t
all by himself, at the age of 17, belong. Ages range from 15 to
family members chose the and established a very healthy
Orangetheory program 75—seriously. Of course, we
living for himself. He’s built have athletes that come in, but
because they found it to schools, hospitals all over the
be “the perfect blend of a we also have people who are
world and for that reason, I far from athletic, all trying to
traditional workout class and believe his influence on the
the one-on-one benefits of reach their goals but with the
rest of us has been vital to support of everyone around
personal training.” what we’re currently doing.”
“The room is filled with them, we make it happen.”
The business name, Haram said he and his
high energy, good music, and he explained, comes Members of the Haram family, from left, Ahmad, Michael and Omar, celebrate the
instructors that are guaranteed partners chose the location Stone Mountain business they say is a perfect choice for their talents, training and
from the program used at after examining the metro
to make you work hard,” he Orangetheory. “Orangetheory experience.
added. Everyone works out at Atlanta market. By the time
is basically a one-hour full they were aware of the growth
their own fitness level, whether body workout, focusing on
you’re a walker, jogger or of the Orangetheory brand, over two years now so I’d like and how much they’re enjoying
endurance, strength and many areas of metro Atlanta to think that’s a reflection on themselves at work.” 
runner, you can come in here power. It is scientifically
and still feel accomplished. had franchises already. how well they’ve been treated
based, using heart rate interval “Lilburn/Stone Mountain was
It’s also a new workout every training. The duration of the our best option. We’ve also
single day, offering a unique class is one hour, and members opened studios on the west CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
challenge each time you walk are all wearing heart rate coast and those have also PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
through our doors.” monitors, and striving to get
Originally from Beirut, proven to be very good for us. 
themselves in the 'Orange “I’ve been well received in The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice
Lebanon, Haram his father, zone,’ for 12-20 minutes of of a correction on the street address for the Public
Michael, and brother Ahmad Stone Mountain,” he said. “I’ve
the class. The orange zone found that everyone has been Hearing that will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018
teamed up to open their first is 84 to 91 percent of your very kind to me and respects
at 6:30pm to consider a Conditional Use Application
Orangetheory Fitness location maximum heart rate, which is for a micro-brewery at property location 5368 E.
in 2016. A competitive soccer the work that I’ve put in to Mountain Street, Stone Mountain, GA, parcel # 18
an uncomfortable zone for all make this as great as it can
player who has played all over of us. 089 27 007.
the world and for Penn State be. I genuinely try to establish
“If you manage to stay in connections with everyone I
University, Haram decided his that zone for that much time, Anyone wishing to attend the public hearing may
knowledge of fitness and his come across and treat everyone do so and be heard relative thereto. Please contact
you create what we call EPOC, with the upmost kindness. My
father’s business background which stands for excess post the City of Stone Mountain Administration Office at
would be the perfect staff has also been with me for 770-498-8984 for further information.
exercise oxygen consumption.
combination to open a fitness This results in burning fat up
training center. to 36 hours after the workout IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Haram said of his is complete. The personal
father, “He’s been CFO of trainers in every class push DeKalb County Community Development Department will submit
every company he’s ever everyone to get into that zone. HUD SECTION 108 LOAN GUARNTEE APPLICATION to
worked in for the last 20 years. It’s designed so that every The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
Prior to that, he was a Wall participant burns anywhere For the Construction of the New District #4 Senior Center
Street man. He knows the between 500-1,000 calories in
ins and outs on how to run a that one hour.” Beginning June 28th until July 27th, 2018 the DeKalb County Community
business, sustain it and make Despite the precision Development Department will accept public comments on the submission of a
sure it’s operating smoothly workout program, Haram HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee application in the amount of $7,835,375 to
and at the highest of levels.”  said it’s not just for young construct the New District #4 Senior Center with pool.
His father, he added, is not athletes. “The beautiful thing
the first in the family to pursue about Orangetheory, you
The proposed center will be located on County owned land at 4875 Elam
Road, Stone Mountain, GA. The area was selected for a center based on
a 2016 Comprehensive Feasibility Study that identified the area as a high
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN priority for senior services. The proposed 21,000 sq. ft. center will include
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE a modern and functional facility to include: multipurpose dining room,
classrooms, fitness room, and a therapeutic pool with lap lanes and many
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice that a other exciting amenities.
Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018
at 6:30pm to consider an Ordinance 2018-07 to Amend Community Meeting
Chapter 5, Building Regulations, Chapter 13 Motor A Community Meeting will be held to discuss the application and
Vehicles and Traffic, and Appendix A - Zoning, primarily proposed New District #4 Senior Center amenities and programming on:
to reinstate parking regulations omitted in the re-write of
Chapter 5. Date: Wednesday, July 18th
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice that a Location: The Sue Kellogg Library Community Room
Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018
at 6:30pm to consider a Conditional Use Application for 952 Leon Street
a micro-brewery at property location 5368 E. Mountain Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Street, Stone Mountain, GA, parcel # 18 089 27 007. Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Anyone wishing to attend the public hearing may do so
and be heard relative thereto. Please contact the City of A copy of the application can be viewed on the DeKalb County website; www.
Stone Mountain Administration Office at 770-498-8984 for dekalbcountyga.gov. For more information, please join us at the Community
further information. meeting or call the Community Development Department at (404) 371-2727.
SPORTS
COUNTY WIDE
DeKalb student athletes receive more
than $6 million in scholarships
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Recent graduates from the
DeKalb County School District
raked in millions of dollars in
athletic scholarship during the
2017-18 school year.
The district’s athletic
department announced July
11 that 173 student athletes
received a combined estimated
$6.37 million in scholarships
in 10 sports from 103 colleges.
Those colleges come from 27
states with Georgia leading the
way with 21 colleges signing 41
athletes. Alabama followed with
13 colleges signing 26 athletes,
Tennessee with 10 colleges
signing 12 athletes and Florida
with eight colleges signing 13
athletes, according to the athletic
department.
Over $7.5 Million Donated!
Thank you for supporting the March of Dimes and helping more children reach their dreams.
Your generosity has helped us raise more than $79 million over 20 years!
Reagan
future musician
Colleges as far north as New
Hampshire and west to California
also signed DeKalb student
athletes.
The district’s football players
earned the most in scholarship
money with 90 players earning
a combined estimated $3.76
million. Tucker High School’s
football program had 17
signees, Stephenson had 10 and
Columbia, Lithonia, Miller Grove
and Southwest DeKalb had eight
each.
Twenty-seven basketball
athletes (15 girls, 12 boys)
combined for approximately
$976,000 in scholarship money.
Miller Grove (four boys, one
girl) and Cedar Grove (four girls,
one boy) each had five signees
followed by Columbia (three
boys) and Tucker (three girls).
Girls’ (12) and boys’ (8)
publix.com/marchofdimes
Maurice Brody
future firefighter future pilot
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • Page 12
Redan graduate Hunter Todd signed a baseball scholarship to Florida A&M
track and field combined for University.
20 scholarships for more than
$525,000. Arabia Mountain led
the way with four (three girls, one
boy) signees followed by Cedar
Grove (all boys) and Druid Hills
(two boys, one girls) with three
each.
Redan led the way in baseball
scholarships with nine signees. A
total of 16 baseball players across
the district received a combined
estimated $450,000 scholarship. Tucker graduate Dylan Wonnum signed a football scholarship to the University
of South Carolina.
Soccer (four boys, three
girls) and girls’ fastpitch softball
(six) had more than $157,000
and $105,000 respectively in
scholarship money.
Boys and girls lacrosse
($55,000), wrestling ($42,000),
girls’ volleyball ($28,000) and
girls’ tennis ($8,000) round out
the scholarship money offer to
athletes in other sports.
Miller Grove graduate Caleb Tannor signed a football scholarship to the
University of Nebraska.
Catherine Giannah Thames Anastasia
future teacher future teacher future meteorologist future doctor