the DeKalb FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • VOL.

24, NO 24 • FREE

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

CHAMBLEE BREATHES CLEAN

Smokers no longer welcome in public areas
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

C hamblee City Council unanimously

passed a clean air ordinance that
will affect public areas in Chamblee,
as it bans smoking in public places. The
ordinance took effect immediately after its
passing July 16.
Chamblee defines smoking as inhaling,
exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted
or heated cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette, oral
smoking device, pipe or any other lighted
or heated product for inhalation, in any
manner or any form. The ordinance also
bans vaping.
The ordinance bans smoking in any
enclosed area under the control of an
employer that employees frequent during
employment─work areas, restrooms,
hallways, employee lounges, cafeterias,
snack bars, conference and meeting rooms,
lobbies and reception areas; in any public
place─grocery stores, pharmacies, dry
cleaners, banks, hotels, restaurants and other
stores that sell merchandise; any enclosed
area to which the public is invited or in
which the public is permitted, including
common areas of apartments, townhomes
and any outdoor area of a place where the
public is invited or where the public is
permitted that is used or intended to be used
as a recreational area.
The ordinance bans smoking within
50 feet of any outside entrance, operable
window, or ventilation system of a common
area, public place, place of employment,
outdoor recreational public place, any
outdoor seating, serving areas of restaurants
and any service line.
The ordinance also bans smoking in
public parks, playgrounds, greenspace,
plaza or outdoor recreation area maintained
and operated by the city. Smoking is also
prohibited in buildings and vehicles owned
or leased by Chamblee.
Exceptions to the ordinance are
smoking in retail tobacco stores, hookah
bars and lounges, adult entertainment
establishments, designated smoking rooms
at hotels and motels and outdoor areas of
places of employment. However, owners
of establishments included in the exception
have the right to declare their businesses
smoke-free environments.
Residents of Chamblee may still smoke
inside single family homes.
First-time violators of the ordinance will
pay $50 and $75 for the second offense.
DeKalb County and the city of Atlanta
have similar ordinances. The ordinance
for DeKalb County regulates smoking in
unincorporated parts of the county.

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 2

CHAMBLEE

Supporters
and critics
attend PDK
open house
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

DeKalb-Peachtree
Airport (PDK)─located in
Chamblee─officials hosted
an open house July 17,
where residents and other
interested parties were
welcomed to learn more,
and voice concerns about,
the planned expansion for
the airport.
PDK is a county-owned,
public-use airport in DeKalb
County. According to PDK’s
website, it is the third-
largest taxpayer in DeKalb
County and generates
approximately $130 million
in revenue.
PDK is also the second
busiest airport in Georgia.
According to PDK
officials, the number of
planes departing and
arriving is expected to
grow 37 percent in the
next 20 years. The airport
is planning to build
eight additional hangars
for jets and planes near
Clairmont Road. The
eight hangars─part of the
expansion─would require
an additional 19 acres for
PDK.
As of July 17, the
PDK master plan has not
been finalized with official
recommendations. PDK
officials said the master plan
will be finished by the end
of this year or early next
year.
During the open house,
the attendees─mostly
pilots─expressed mixed
emotions about the
expansion.
Leigh Foto, a 30-year
Chamblee resident and a
pilot, says he moved to
Chamblee was because of
the airport.
“People don’t
understand that this place
has been here longer than
99 percent of the people that

SEE PDK ON PAGE 3

EHC-2681 ENY Champion Ad.indd 1 7/18/19 9:46 AM
LOCAL
Chamblee residents were able to learn and ask questions about the Peachtree DeKalb Airport expansion at an open house. Photo
by Taylor Robins
PDK Continued From Page 1
live here,” said Foto. “It’ll
be here long after we’re
gone. It’s a great job creator
for DeKalb County.”
Foto said that most
critics oppose the expansion
because they don’t know
how an airport works,
being a controlled area. An
increase in business for the
airport wouldn’t affect the
community, according to
Foto.
“People should have
done their due diligence and
research before moving here
because the airport has been
here,” Foto said.
Gustavo Barros, a
homeowner in Chamblee,
stated concerns about the
expansion but said he feels
there is nothing he can
do about it. His concerns
include an increase in air
pollution, smell and an
increase in the possibility
of plane crashes. Other
residents have voiced
concerns about increases in
noise.
“We need airplanes and
we need the airport,” Barros
said. “It’s just more of a
possibility something could
happen over our homes.
If I could choose, I’d say
no to the expansion. But if
someone doesn’t like it, they
should move.”
PDK Citizens
Advisory Committee
member Jaime Dutro and
District 2 Appointment of
Commissioner Jeff Rader
were present at the event
and passed out flyers stating
their position.
Their points included
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 3
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain will hold a general
municipal election for three (3) Council Member
seats on November 5, 2019 for four-year terms.
All persons desiring to run for any of these offices
shall qualify at City Hall located at 875 Main Street,
Stone Mountain, GA, 30083. The qualifying period
shall begin on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 and end
on Thursday, August 22, 2019. Qualifying will be
conducted during the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm
daily during the qualifying period. The qualifying
fee for the office of Council Member will be $108.00.
The qualifying fee must be paid during the qualifying
period.
Notice for Setting Qualifying Fees for
November 5, 2019 General Election
Per the City Charter, the Council has staggered four-year
terms. The terms for the Mayor and Council Districts 2
and 4 will expire at the administration of office of his or
her successor elected in the General Municipal Election
on November, 5, 2019 as provided in Section 2.01 of the
City Charter.
The qualifying fees for Council Districts 2 and 4 are set
at $450 and for Mayor at $600. The fees are 3% of the
total gross salary of the preceding year (Georgia Election
Code 21-2-131 (a) (1) (A). Qualifying for the November
5, 2019 General Municipal Election will be held at
the Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard,
that the preliminary plan is forwarding and scheduled Stonecrest, GA 30038 on Wednesday, August 21, 2019,
charter jet operations Thursday, August 22, and Friday, August 23, 2019.
“excessive and unrealistic” The hours of qualifying shall be between the hours of
and that the number of should be capped at current
9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
based-aircraft weighing operating levels─items (Georgia Election Code 21-2-132 (d)(3). Each candidate
more than 75,000 pounds, PDK plans to expand. shall file a notice of candidacy in the office of the City
air cargo and parcel Clerk of Stonecrest and must meet the qualifications of
the Charter and Code of the City of Stonecrest, as well as
all applicable state and constitutional laws.
CITY OF BROOKHAVEN CALL OF SPECIAL ELECTION
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
AND DISABLED PERSONS – PER HB 645 – ACT #165
HEREBY TAKE NOTICE OF THE CALL OF A SPECIAL ELECTION: THE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN has
requested the DeKalb Board of Elections to call a Special Election to be held at the time of the general
election of the City on November 5, 2019, for the purpose of placing before the qualified electors residing
within the limits of the City of Brookhaven, a referendum increasing the existing general homestead
exemption to $40,000.00 through five annual increases. This Call for a Special Election is made
pursuant to the Georgia Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 2, Paragraph II; Ga. L. 2012, p.5527 as amended by
House Bill 645, passed by the Georgia House of Representatives on March 26, 2019 and the Georgia
Senate on April, 2, 2019; and Brookhaven Resolution 2019-05-02. House Bill 645 amended the Act
incorporating the City of Brookhaven by revising subsection (b) of Section 5.10 of Ga. L. 2012, p. 5527 to
read as follows:
“(b)(1) Each resident of the City of Brookhaven is granted an exemption on that person’s homestead from
City of Brookhaven ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the following amounts for the following tax
years:
(A) For tax year 2020 – $24,000.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(B) For tax year 2021 – $28,000.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(C) For tax year 2022 – $32,000.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(D) For tax year 2023 – $36,000.00 of the assessed value of that homestead; and
(E) For tax year 2024 and all subsequent tax years – $40,000.00 of the assessed value of that
homestead.
(b)(2) The value of that property in excess of such exempt amount shall remain subject to taxation.”
This amendment is conditioned on the approval of the majority of qualified electors residing within the
limits of the City of Brookhaven by referendum presented as part of the Special Election to be held on
November 5, 2019. Georgia Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 2, Paragraph II(a)(1). The ballot for the Special
Election on November 5, 2019 shall have written or printed thereon the words:
“Shall the Act to incorporate the City of Brookhaven be amended so as to increase the current general
homestead exemption from $20,000.00 to $40,000.00 through five equal annual increases?”
“( ) YES
( ) NO”
All persons desiring to vote for approval of the amendment to the Act shall vote “Yes,” and all persons
desiring to vote for rejection of the amendment shall vote “No.” If more than one-half of the votes cast
on the referendum are for approval, the amendment shall become of full force and effect on January
1, 2020. If the Act is not so approved or if the election is not conducted as provided in this section, the
amendment shall not become effective, and the amendment shall be automatically repealed on the first
day of January, 2020.
The last day a person may register and be eligible to vote in the Municipal Election is Monday October 7,
2019 (Georgia Election Code 21-2-224(a)). The polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5,
2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
OPINION
What do readers want from a writer?
Recently, I wrote two stories that
were published in the July 4 paper.
One was about the Dunwoody Police
Department’s new Tesla cruiser. The
second story was about John King,
Doraville’s former police chief, being
appointed insurance commissioner of
Georgia. An unhappy reader found a
problem with both stories and found
no problem sending a not-so-friendly
email to me.
The problem with the Tesla article
was the fact that Tesla was spelled
“Telsa,” which I take full responsibility
for. Due to trying to prepare for a
vacation and produce a certain amount
of content for my absence, I dropped
the ball. I don’t think I’ve ever cringed
so much at an error before. However,
most living things on this Earth are
human, including me. There is no
need to make someone feel less for an
oversight. However, I do apologize for
my error.
The reader’s problem with the King
Foreclosures
Tax Sales/Ads for Bids
Trade Name Registrations
Public Notices/Public meetings
Sheriff Sales/Local Legislation
Notices of Incorporation
To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
or call 404-373-7779, X 0
#ItsInTheChampion
TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
article was purely emotional. The piece
I wrote about King was factual and
only pertaining to King’s appointment
and job history. The reader insinuated
King is a “fraud.” I realize everyone
is entitled to their opinion, but I don’t
get why a reader would send an email
that included many capital letters and
exclamation marks about a factual
article.
As a journalist, outside of an
opinion piece, the job is to report facts
in an unbiased way, share people’s
stories and ask questions that aren’t
asked by the public. If journalists are
doing otherwise, they are not being
true to the profession and they are
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 4
not serving their community as they
should? Do readers want a journalist or
a gossip buddy? I try to give facts only,
no matter how I feel and I’m trying to
serve DeKalb County as genuinely as
I can. No matter who or what I report
on, know I’m not doing so to praise or
diminish anyone or anything.
I’m writing this opinion piece
because this is by far not my first
angry reader email. I’ve received
many emails during my time with
the few newspapers where I’ve been
employed. I’ve been told and called
many things such as “a silly token left-
winger” to name a mild example. A
few months ago, my mentor received
major backlash from some residents
in his community because he reported
on local news when he’s normally a
sportswriter.
Contrary to what one might
expect, I actually enjoy getting angry
emails. They make me laugh. I tell
my coworkers and even my mom
and then we laugh together. I believe
if a journalist isn’t getting negative
feedback from readers or viewers, they
may not be doing a good job. I just
wonder what readers really want from
publications?
Aside from pointing out
grammatical and spelling errors, what
do readers want to accomplish when
they complain to writers about a factual
article?
I always suggest to upset readers
that they write a letter to the editor, so
their opinions can be shared with all.
Or, these angry readers should consider
getting a journalism education and
joining this side of the fence.
I also want to acknowledge the
readers who write positive, praising
and encouraging emails and cards to
journalists. Every one that I receive
I pin on my wall to look at when I’m
having a bad journalism day. You are
very much appreciated.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • JULY 26, 2019 • Page 5

“A little healthy fear is a good

Let’s take care out there
thing.” –Anonymous. 
For many, summertime means
more time spent outdoors, recreating
and on occasion taking risks that
we might not normally consider. A
lesson I learned early, though it
admittedly took longer than it should
have to sink in is, “Large risk, small
reward, don’t take the risk.”  wearing helmets, the bulk of the
Two recent tragedies hit close
to home, impacting many friends
and families we know well— and in
both cases potentially avoidable—
reminded me of the importance of
reminding others of two very simple
words that can mean a great deal
in your lives as well as the lives of
others–take care.  on a road shoulder with a scooter or
Georgia’s Lake Lanier has
already had 12 fatalities this
summer, either due to drowning or
watercraft accidents.  funerals in recent years of those
Three lives, all in circles that
intersect mine were sadly and
terribly impacted in the past two
weeks by potentially avoidable
accidents.  During 2017, more
than 169,000 Americans died as
the result of unintentional injuries.  water, are by their nature generally
As a cause of death, accidents are
only surpassed by heart disease and
cancer.
Brad Alexander, 37, was
recently riding one of the many
electric scooters in Midtown Atlanta
when he was struck and killed
by a CobbLinc Transit bus late
Wednesday night, July 17.  The bus
was turning right onto 15th Street,
where Alexander was also riding on
the street, with sidewalks closed by
road construction. With no helmet
or safety gear, the young man was
crushed, and died at the scene.  The
bus driver is on administrative
leave, as of this writing, the Atlanta
Police Department has not cited
the driver nor Alexander with fault
in the accident. This is the second
scooter fatality in Atlanta in as many
months.  distance between non-docked water
Family vacations and holiday
celebrations are also taking place in
our oceans and lakes across Georgia,
as well as neighboring Alabama,
operators.  taken all too young, or helped
‘One Man’s I’ve noted many of these scooter
riders moving at top operating speed
grieving friends recover from such
losses.  Yes, you may seem a bit
Opinion’ (roughly 20 mph), sailing through less courageous wearing a helmet
red lights, ignoring stop signs and when scooting down that sidewalk,
Bill Crane seemingly choosing on impulse the or not running/walking alone on
bill.csicrane@gmail.com road or the nearest sidewalk. Though an unlit path at night; but you will
the electronic contracts with scooter also be more likely reach your
operators suggest or mandate ultimate destination with that solid
Florida and across the south all
accomplishment of arriving safely
summer long. 
younger riders rarely comply.  And and alive. Please, take care out there.
A prominent community leader
though current Georgia law does
in DeKalb County, former Vice-
prohibit bicycles and other moving Bill Crane also serves as a
Chair of the DeKalb County School
objects operated by anyone over political analyst and commentator
Board Jim McMahan, 53, was
the age of 12 on sidewalks, I would for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
enjoying time with his family on
much prefer a municipal traffic AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
Lake Wedowee in Alabama, when
ticket over any type of impact with FM, as well as a columnist for The
he and his 17-year-old daughter
a car, truck or larger motor vehicle Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
collided on two jet skis at 9 a.m.
Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
on Sunday, July 14. McMahan was
bike. Those odds will simply never native and business owner, living
killed almost instantly, while his
be in my favor. in Scottdale. You can reach him
daughter survived, after critical
 I’ve been to too many or comment on a column at bill.
surgery and the loss of her right leg.
csicrane@gmail.com. 
 Training and safety gear
should be a required when using
engine-operated devices on water. 
Georgia now requires a year with
a learner’s permit prior to testing
and the receipt of a Georgia driver’s
license. Young drivers, on land or
less experienced, as well as more
prone to a sense of invulnerability
and risk taking.  
On our recreational lakes and
reservoirs, the combination of fun,
sun and occasional consumption of
alcohol, blended with murky waters
that sometimes require quick turns
to avoid objects, make for a toxic
mix when outboard motors and even
smaller engines are at play.  I know
of other friends and families with
members who were maimed by the
simple act of backing a boat out of
dock without first checking to see
where nearby children were at play.
 As with the two-car minimum
length distance suggested between
vehicles on interstates at higher
rates of speed, 50 to 100 feet is a
generally safe bet when maintaining
craft. Shifting currents, wakes
and operator error are simply too
prevalent given the often infrequent
experience of recreational craft

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Taylor Robins We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: Donna Seay The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; 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
writer’s name, address and telephone number for verifi- Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc., a more educated citizenry that will
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,
EDITOR’S 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
John King is presented a gift from the city of Doraville. Photo by Taylor Robins.
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
A sendoff fit for a King
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
After John King served his last
day as Doraville police chief June
30, Doraville officials and residents
celebrated King’s departure July 12
as he assumed his new position as
Georgia’s insurance commissioner.
“Chief King will always be our
chief,” said Doraville Mayor Donna
Pittman. “I don’t think that we
can call [him] commissioner…this
is much deserved and the state is
lucky to get [him].”
During the July 12 event,
Pittman and Doraville City Manager
Regina Williams-Gates shared
parting words with attendees.
They also presented King with a
proclamation and a framed canvas
with King’s badge that was signed
by event attendees.
King was appointed state
Tucker hires first finance director
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Tucker has hired Toni Jo
Howard as its first finance director,
the city announced earlier this
month.
City officials said Howard
brings to Tucker many years of
experience in municipal government
and accounting. City manager Tami
Hanlin said in a statement that
Howard will be a tremendous asset
for the city.
“As we continue our focus
VISIT US ONLINE @ THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
insurance commissioner by Gov.
Brian Kemp after former Georgia
Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck
was indicted on fraud charges.
“I was very frank with the
governor,” King said. “I told him I
don’t know a lot about insurance,
except how to pay for mine. And
he was clear and said that’s why he
wants me to do it. He wants me to
get the agency back on track. So the
mission is simple and clear and I’m
ready for the task.”
King served his first day as
insurance commissioner July 1.
According to King, his time spent
thus far in the new position has been
a “cascade of information.”
King said his only training for
being insurance commissioner has
been his experiences as a police
chief in DeKalb County.
“It’s about team building,”
King said of his new position. “I
have an incredibly diverse team
on financial responsibility and
balanced budgeting, her expertise
will be key in keeping Tucker a
model for fiscal stewardship,”
Hanlin said.
Howard recently worked for
Seattle, Wash., as its citywide
financial reporting manager. She
has also worked in finance for the
cities of Johns Creek and Smyrna.
Howard said in a statement that she
is happy to return to Georgia and
join Tucker.
“The opportunity to be the first
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 6
John King speaks to Doraville residents and City Council Member Stephe Koontz. Photo by Taylor
Robins.
of experts because there are so commissioner duties, King
many agencies inside the insurance said, “That’s what serving in a
commission. Being a police chief is democracy is about. There’s some
all about building teams and having people that are not going to be
successful teams. This just happens happy. I take the good with the bad.
to be another team of experts that I have to listen to the criticism. I
come together. You give them clear have to be honest and up front and
guidance and prove that they can listen, because in the middle of the
trust you. You have to have ethics insults are some truths and that’s
and a good moral compass and once something that I need to address.
they get that direction they go out But I’m respectful and I’m going
there and do great things. Very few to listen to even my worst critics. I
people know what the insurance can’t change that. I’m going to be
commissioner does.” the same kind of commissioner as
According to King, an insurance I was police chief─straightforward
commissioner oversees all aspects and upfront and my moral compass
of insurance, including fraud. is always pointed north. I have thick
“I’m about service,” said King. skin.”
“I’m about returning value for King said he will continue to
people’s tax dollars. We ought to do be part of the Doraville community
everything we can to make it safe “This is my base and my home. I
for Georgia.” can’t turn my back on my base,”
With residents of Georgia said King.
having concerns about King’s
ability to fulfill his insurance
finance director was appealing to
me, as I will be able to establish
policies and procedures in a
proactive manner rather than
being reactive,” she said. “I look
forward to helping the City staff
and leadership move forward as
we tackle short- and long-term
budgeting goals in this growing
city.”
Toni Jo Howard has been hired as Tucker’s first
finance director.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 7

We’re collecting back-to-school supplies

for Decatur/DeKalb students in need

There is an urgent need for:

• notebook paper • pencils • folders • highlighters
• crayons • markers • hand sanitizer • glue • bookbags
We will gladly accept any school-related items.
Please consider donating.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS INCLUDE:

Decatur Recreation Center The Champion Newspaper
231 Sycamore St. 114 New Street, Suite E
Decatur, GA 30030 Decatur, GA 30030
Sauers Communications, Inc.
1585 Roadhaven Dr.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Collection
Collectionefforts endend
efforts Julysoon!
24

TheCHAMPION
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 8
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Stone Mountain held its annual Back-
to-School Bash July 20 on the city's
pavilion lawn. Students received free
school supplies and a book from DeKalb
County Public Library at the event.
Students were able to get notebooks,
composition books, paper, pencils, scissors,
glue, crayons, lunch boxes and more.
Children also had opportunities to get
their faces painted, dance and sign up for
attraction passes at Stone Mountain Park.
This is the 10th year the city has put on the
event.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

Taylor Sauban visited Cross Keys High School July 17. She discussed with secondary
teachers the importance of independent reading outside of school. Photo provided by
DeKalb ELA Twitter.

Members of the Central DeKalb Senior Center beginner and conversational French classes, both taught by Elizabeth Wilson, gather
July 19 at Café Alsace in Decatur to celebrate French National Day, known also as Bastille Day. The actual holiday is July 14.

Commissioners Mereda Davis Johnson and Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Lithonia Mayor Deborah Johnson were among those
attending the July 15 ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lithonia Park playground. Photo provided by DeKalb County Twitter.

If you would like to see your photo added

to our Week in Pictures page, send high
resolution photos to
DeKalb County Fire and Police provided honor guard service for the Atlanta United
versus D.C. United soccer match July 21 at Mercedez Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Photos
horace@dekalbchamp.com.
by DCFR Twitter page.

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 DeKalb25.com

EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 10

Students work in their garden at a Chamblee preschool. Photo provided by The Akshi Naik, who owns The Goddard School in Chamblee, helped build a garden on school grounds that was recently certified by National
Goddard School. Wildlife Federation. Photo by Taylor Robins.

Preschool gets certification after creating nature habitat for students

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
The Goddard School─a
preschool located in Chamblee─has
taken steps to make sure its students
know the importance of caring for
the environment and animals.
“We wanted to create something
that would not only help the
environment but would also teach
the children STEAM (science,
technology, engineering, art and
mathematics) learning and 21st
century skills they will be able to
use throughout their lives,” said
Akshi Naik, on-site owner of The
Goddard School in Chamblee.
The private franchised preschool
highlights hands-on education
and after learning that the city
of Chamblee is certified by the
National Wildlife Federation (NWF)
decided to become certified itself.
Naik and Curriculum Coordinator
Paige Hardwick started a garden
for the students on school grounds
in May. The school’s garden is now
a NWF certified habitat.
The garden includes lavender,
mint, parsley, oregano, zucchini,
okra, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes,
strawberries and flowers native
to Georgia that can attract birds,
butterflies and other pollinators.
“Creating a butterfly garden
and wildlife habitat at our school
is a great way to allow children to
participate in a hands-on education
and learn about taking care of the
environment,” said Hardwick,
The garden also features a
hummingbird feeder and toad
abodes, where wildlife can raise
their young.
All pupils who attend the school
have had a hand in creating and
caring for the garden.
“They’re learning how to take
care of things and grow their own
food, responsibility for themselves
and to respect the environment and
school. The parents love to see it.
The kids love going outside and
playing in the dirt and watching
their vegetables grow. They get to
see the effects of what they planted
and the outcome of taking care of
the garden. I think it’s really good
for them and it’s fun.”
Even the smaller children take
part in caring for the garden. While
other children water plants, babies
can be seen lying near the garden on
blankets, according to Hardwick.
Not only do the students work to
grow the garden, they also get to eat
what they grow. Some students have
started gardens of their own at their
homes, according to Hardwick.
The preschool has been in
operation since April 2018 and
educates more than 100 students
from 6 weeks to 5 years of age.

EDUCATION BRIEFS by Taylor Robins • Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

Students earn faculty honors
at Georgia Tech
The following students
earned the distinction of
Faculty Honors for spring
2019 at the Georgia Institute of
Technology. This designation
is awarded to undergraduate
students who have a 4.0
academic average for the
semester.
Students who earned
the distinction include Kylie
McArthur of Avondale
Estates; John Blasco, Lee-
Kai Sun, David Sutton
and Hannah Koenraad of
Brookhaven; Sarah Chen,
Edward Jackson, Kendall
Nelson, Maya Karkare,
Joseph Emerson Anna
Sketel, Claire Smith, Josette
Vanderlaan and Julia Grigni
of Decatur; Adrianna Brown
of Doraville; Bret Davis of
Dunwoody; Sarah Harris,
Connor Huddleston, Rohith
Krishnan, Elizabeth Mizell,
Nicholas Poulos, Booth Vogel
and Aaron Weil of Tucker.
UA announces spring 2019
graduates
The University of Alabama
awarded 5,716 degrees during
its spring commencement May
3-5.
Among the graduates
are: Sara Nicole Buxton
of Brookaven; Jazzmine
Z. Alford Brown, Amber
Gupta, Taylor Frank Jordan,
Asanti Monique McRae and
Zachary John Simmons of
Decatur; Lakan Amanda
Smith of Doraville; Kenton
Charles Edwards, Eric
Renard Evans II, Victoria
Synnea Hurst, Cierra M.
Jones, Shametrius Nicole
Long and Arieva Simone
Walker of Lithonia; Janisica
Yasmean Collins, Faylynn
Alexis Edwards, Amelia
Grace Kisling, Marlee
Aunice Mariney and Jenai
Lessie Richards of Stone
Mountain.
Rosenblatt graduates College
of Charleston
Hannah Rosenblatt of
Brookhaven graduated with
a master of science degree in
child life from the College of
Charleston during the college’s
spring 2019 commencement
on May 10-11.
Rosenblatt was among
more than 1,700 bachelor
degree and master degree
candidates who participated
in the annual event in the
college’s historic Cistern Yard.
Worcester Polytechnic the university’s Dean’s List for
Institute announces spring academic excellence for the
2019 Dean’s List spring 2019 semester.
Weddington is a member of
Nicholas Weddington of the class of 2020 majoring
Stone Mountain was among in robotics engineering and
1,598 students from Worcester electrical and computer
Polytechnic Institute named to engineering.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
RFQ 19-315
Construction of Briarwood Park Pool Project
City of Brookhaven
The City of Brookhaven is requesting proposals
for the construction of a community pool
and pool house. Briarwood Park, Brookhaven GA.
Request for Qualifications are Due August 19, 2019
at 2 pm and Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference and Site
Visit 10 am July 30, 2019 at City Hall.
2235 Briarwood Way NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319
For full notice and specifications visit:
www.brookhavenga.gov
LOCAL
DECATUR
City expands affordable
housing options
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Decatur city officials,
Decatur Housing Authority
(DHA) and other
community partners held
a ribbon cutting ceremony
July 17 to unveil the final
phase of a comprehensive
affordable housing
redevelopment program in
downtown Decatur.  onsite laundry, play area
Decatur officially
opened the Oakview Walk
Apartment to address
affordable housing needs in
the city, city officials said.  SEE HOUSING ON PAGE 16
The apartments were
part of a redevelopment
transition that replaced the
former Oakview Apartments
at 1111 Oakview Road in
the Oakhurst area of the
city.  BROOKHAVEN has requested the DeKalb Board of Elections to call a Special Election to be held
Decatur Housing
Authority Executive
Director Douglas Faust
said affordable housing is
essential to the development
of the city.  Resolution 2019-05-02. House Bill 647 amended the Act incorporating the City of Brookhaven by
“I believe that
affordable, achievable and
accessible housing is the
foundation that supports
a stable and positive life,”
Faust said.  “With stability,
families can pursue healthy
habits, greater educational
opportunities and quality
employment.  The Decatur
Housing Authority exists to
provide excellent affordable
housing and to form
positive, supportive and
healthy communities.”   This amendment is conditioned on the approval of the majority of qualified electors residing within the
To provide more
affordable housing in
Decatur, Faust said, the
city planned for five
years to redevelop certain
areas. Decatur invested
nearly $30 million to
redevelop Trinity Walk,
an affordable apartment
complex community built
from Gateway Manor, and
Oakview Walk.  1, 2020. If the Act is not so approved or if the election is not conducted as provided in this section, the
“Our developments help
revitalize neighborhoods,
and Oakview Walk is no
exception.  We are proud
of these new homes, as
they are the capstone of
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 11
CITY OF BROOKHAVEN
NOTICE FOR ELECTION AND QUALIFYING PERIOD
Notice is hereby given that an Election for the City of Brookhaven will be held
on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 for the offices of Mayor and Council Member
Districts One (1) and Three (3).
The qualifying fee for Mayor is $480 and each council seat is $360.00,
which is 3% of the total gross salary of the preceding year (Georgia Election
five years of hard work in Code 21-2-131 (a) (1) (A). Each candidate shall file a notice of candidacy
in the office of the City Clerk of Brookhaven, 4362 Peachtree Road, Georgia
planning, financing, resident
between Wednesday, August 21, 2019 and Friday, August 23, 2019, between
relocation, construction,
the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Georgia
development and property Election Code 21-2-132 (d) (3). Each candidate must meet the qualifications
management,” Faust said.    of the Charter and Code of the City of Brookhaven, as well as applicable State
Oakview walk has laws.
34 family apartments in
a three-story building.  It The last day a person may register and be eligible to vote in the Municipal
includes 27 one-bedroom Election and Runoff is Monday October 7, 2019 (Georgia Election Code 21-
units and seven two- 2-224(a)). The polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5,
bedroom apartments. The 2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The date of the Run-off, if necessary, is
apartment complex also Tuesday, December 3, 2019.
has a multipurpose room,
Questions should be directed to Susan Hiott, City Clerk, at (404) 637-0464 or
susan.hiott@brookhavenga.gov.
and fenced-in community
garden.  Susan D. Hiott, MMC
City Clerk
CITY OF BROOKHAVEN - CALL OF SPECIAL ELECTION
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION – PER HB 647 – ACT #167
HEREBY TAKE NOTICE OF THE CALL OF A SPECIAL ELECTION: THE CITY OF
at the time of the general election of the City on November 5, 2019, for the purpose of placing before
the qualified electors residing within the limits of the City of Brookhaven, a referendum increasing the
existing homestead exemption for senior citizens and disabled persons to $160,000.00 through five
annual increases. This Call for a Special Election is made pursuant to the Georgia Constitution, Art.
7, Sec. 2, Paragraph II; Ga. L. 2012, p.5527 as amended by House Bill 647, passed by the Georgia
House of Representatives on March 26, 2019 and the Georgia Senate on April, 2, 2019; and Brookhaven
revising subsection (b) of Section 5.09 of Ga. L. 2012, p. 5527 to read as follows:
“(b)(1) Each resident of the City of Brookhaven who is disabled or is a senior citizen is granted an
exemption on that person’s homestead from City of Brookhaven ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes
in the following amounts for the following tax years:
(A) For tax year 2020 – $43,200.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(B) For tax year 2021 – $72,400.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(C) For tax year 2022 – $101,600.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(D) For tax year 2023 – $130,800.00 of the assessed value of that homestead; and
(E) For tax year 2024 and all subsequent tax years – $160,000.00 of the assessed value of that
homestead.
(b)(2) The exemption granted by this subsection shall only be granted if that person’s income, together
with the income of the spouse who also occupies and resides at such homestead, does not exceed
$15,000.00 for the immediately preceding year. The value of that property in excess of such exempt
amount shall remain subject to taxation.”
limits of the City of Brookhaven by referendum presented as part of the Special Election to be held on
November 5, 2019. Georgia Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 2, Paragraph II(a)(1). The ballot for the Special
Election on November 5, 2019 shall have written or printed thereon the words:
“Shall the Act to incorporate the City of Brookhaven be amended so as to increase the current
homestead exemption for senior citizens and disabled persons from $14,000.00 to $160,000.00 through
five equal annual increases?”
“( ) YES
( ) NO”
All persons desiring to vote for approval of the amendment to the Act shall vote “Yes,” and all persons
desiring to vote for rejection of the amendment shall vote “No.” If more than one-half of the votes cast
on the referendum are for approval, the amendment shall become of full force and effect on January
amendment shall not become effective, and the amendment shall be automatically repealed on the first
day of January, 2020.
The last day a person may register and be eligible to vote in the Municipal Election is Monday October 7,
2019 (Georgia Election Code 21-2-224(a)). The polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November
5, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
BUSINESS
Business organization borrows speed dating concept
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
Small business owners
who have quick questions
about ways to move their
businesses forward may
find quick answers at an
innovative annual event that
this year moves to DeKalb
County. Access to Capital for
Entrepreneurs (ACE) Annual
Speed Coaching Event
will be held Aug. 15 in the
Perimeter Mall area.
Inspired by the speed
dating idea—a matchmaking
process through which
singles meet several
potential partners in a short
time period—the event
is described by ACE as
a “fun, high-energy and
informative evening…a one-
of-a-kind interactive event
in the Atlanta area [that]
takes its name and structure
from the traditional speed
dating concept and adds an
entrepreneurial twist.” The
event has proven so popular
that it has outgrown its
previous space in Norcross
and this year will be at Le
Meridien Atlanta Perimeter
Grand Salon.
Approximately 50
business and financial
experts from the Atlanta
area have volunteered to
be coaches and offer their
experience and insights
to small-business owners
looking for guidance,
explained Sandra Font,
director of ACE’s Women’s
Business Center, who called
the speed coaching evening
her organization’s signature
event.
During the speed
coaching evening, each
registered business owner
meets one-on-one with
at least three successful
business leaders and expert
coaches in 30-minute
increments to discuss
strategies and solutions for
their businesses.
“Business owners tell
us which topics they are
interested in and we match
them with three coaches,”
said Font, adding that new
this year will be the topic
how to start a business.
“There are people who want
to start a business but have
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 12
no idea how to begin. They
may know a lot about the
service or product they want
to provide but know very
little about how to turn that
into a successful business.”
Norcross-based ACE
is a nonprofit community
development financial
institution that provides loans
and business consulting
services in the metro Atlanta
and north Georgia areas.
Its focus is on assisting
small-business owners of
color, women, low-income
entrepreneurs and others
who lack equitable access
to small-business financing.
Supported by grants and
other forms of funding
from banks, foundations,
government entities and
corporations, ACE reports
that since 2000 it has loaned
more than $69 million to
more than 950 entrepreneurs,
Participants in the ACE Annual Speed Coaching Event meet in 30-minute sessions with seasoned business coaches who offer advice
creating or saving more than and suggestions. Photo by Erik Voss
8,200 jobs in Georgia.
Font said the speed said, adding that no alcohol “It far exceeded my back this year.”
coaching event is intended will be served because expectations,” said Smith, The ACE Speed
for both seasoned and startup organizers want participants who had been in business Coaching Event will be held
small-business owners. to stay focused. “Sometimes approximately four months at 111 Perimeter Center
Coaching topics will include the business owners follow when she participated in West, Atlanta, from 5:30
financial readiness, business up with coaches they meet last year’s session. “I got far until 8:30 p.m. Small-
operations, marketing, and it’s the start of a great more out of it than I thought business owners interested
sources of funding, sales business relationship,” she I would. The 30-minute in participating, should visit
strategy, startups and said. timeframe was perfect. I https://aceloans.org/ace-
financial growth, as well as Rebecca Smith, owner left with great ideas about speed-coaching-event/ or
contracting and certification of a hair salon in Lithonia, marketing and about how to call 678-335-5600, ext. 3.
for women and entrepreneurs called the experience interact effectively with my For more information, email
of color. “awesome.” staff. I’m definitely going acewbc@aceloans.org.
“The coaches are
enthusiastic about doing this.
They see it as an opportunity
share knowledge and give NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
back to the community,” CITY OF CHAMBLEE
Font said.
She said the event has The Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee, Georgia will
grown each year she has hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at the Chamblee
been involved with it. “Two Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341 at 6:00 p.m. to
receive public comments regarding the following matters:
years ago, we had 60 or 70 *PZ2019-509 Applicant: Windsor Stevens Holdings and Owner: Downtown
participants. Last year, it was Development Authority of the City of Chamblee request approval of a Development
closer to 100. Registrations of Community Impact for the construction of two mixed-use buildings, with variances
are still coming in, but from the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development
we’re expecting possibly Ordinance, and the Downtown Chamblee Town Center Planned Unit Development
150 this year.” Participants Pattern Book, to allow more than 60% of units to have floor area of less than 800 sq
ft, to allow less than 50% of multifamily units to include a balcony with a minimum
are required to register in area of 32 sq ft, to eliminate supplemental zone requirements, to allow parking to be
advance and pay a fee of located between a building and the Rail Trail, to eliminate off-street loading require-
$40 before Aug. 1 or $50 ments, to locate a dumpster between a building and the Rail Trail, to increase al-
afterward. Registration lowable fence height, to eliminate interparcel access requirements, to allow window
closes Aug. 8 and walk-ins size to increase from the base zone to the cornice of a mercantile-style building, to
reduce required tree density, to increase the number of allowable accessory struc-
will not be accepted. tures on site, to allow structures to encroach into the Rail Trail setback, to allow more
In addition to the mini- than 10% of a façade along the Rail Trail to include storage or equipment rooms, to
coaching sessions, the reduce the required floor-to-ceiling height, to exceed the maximum amount of upper-
evening provides excellent level fenestration, to not provide compact parking spaces, to not meet sustainable
networking opportunities, certification requirements, and to allow for exposed concrete as an exterior build-
ing material. The property is located at 3543 and 3553 Chamblee Dunwoody Road,
according to Font. There will being DeKalb County tax parcels 18 308 04 002 and 18 308 04 003 and zoned
be time for mingling and Planned Unit Development.
sampling refreshments, she

AROUND
DeKalb
CHAMBLEE
Police to distribute back-to-
school supplies
Chamblee Police
Department’s Cop-N-Stuff
is hosting the Third Annual
Back to School Bash Aug. 3, at Exchange Park─2771
at Dresden Park from 9:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m.─2301
Dresden Drive.
More than 650 new
book bags stuffed with
school supplies for children Church to host train
ages kindergarten through
fifth grade will be given
away. A parent or guardian
must be present to receive
backpacks. There will also
be music, games and free
food.
CLARKSTON
City to host National Night 5901 Hugh Howell Road.
Out
Clarkston will host its northgeorgiamodurail.org.
annual National Night Out
event Aug. 6 at Milam Park
from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The free
event will feature food, a
bouncy house, DJ, give-
aways and more. The park
is located at 3867 Norman
Road. For more informa-
tion, visit www.clarkstonga.
gov.
COUNTYWIDE
DeKalb gets ready for
school
The 9th annual Let’s
Move DeKalb Back-to-
School will take place July
27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The free event is open
THIS COULD BE YOUR AD!
Call 404.373.7779 Ext 110
for more information.
to the public and will offer
free school supplies, a
mobile food pantry, healthy
snack samples, nutritional
education and healthy
lifestyle information.
The event will be held
at Intergenerational Center
Columbia Drive in Decatur.
STONE MOUNTAIN
exhibit
The NGM Club, Inc.
will host a multi-club model
train exhibit July 27-28 at
Smokerise Baptist Church
in Stone Mountain. The
free event will run from
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July
27 and noon to 3 p.m. July
28. The church is located at
For more information,
email mailcar@
TUCKER
Brewing company to host
back-to-school event
Tucker Brewing
Company will host at back-
to-school event Aug. 3 from
noon to 4 p.m. The event
will feature competition
between schools in the
Tucker cluster. There will
be food, games, prizes
and beer. Tucker Brewing
Company is located at 2003
South Bibb Drive. For more
information, visit www.
tuckerbrewing.com.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 13
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CALL FOR AND NOTICE OF ELECTION
CITY OF DECATUR BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICE
NOVEMBER 5, 2019 SPECIAL ELECTION
TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF DECATUR, WITHIN
DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 5th day of November 2019, a
special election will be held to fill the unexpired term of At-Large Board
of Education Member Annie Caiola who resigned from office effective the
1st of August 2019.
Each candidate will file notice of his or her candidacy and the appropriate af-
fidavit in the office of the Election Superintendent at City Hall, 509 North Mc-
Donough Street, Decatur, Georgia. The opening dates for qualifying will start
Monday, August 19, 2019 beginning at 8:30 A.M., and continuing until Wednes-
day August 21, 2019 at 4:30 P.M. The qualifying fee for Board of Education
members is $35.00.
Registration for voting in the November 5, 2019 election will cut off on Tuesday,
October 7, 2019.
The Special Election will be held at the following polling locations within the
City of Decatur :
Election District District: Polling Place for Election
Clairemont East 1 First Baptist Church of Decatur,
308 Clairemont Ave
Clairemont West 1 The Church at Decatur Heights,
735 Sycamore Drive
Glenwood Precinct 1&2 Holy Trinity Parish,
515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Oakhurst 2 Oakhurst Baptist Church,
222 E. Lake Dr.
Ponce De Leon 1&2 First Christian Church of Decatur,
601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave
Renfroe 2 Renfroe Middle School,
(subject to change) 220 W. College Ave.
Winnona Park 2 Winnona Park Elementary School,
510 Avery St.
Those residents qualified to vote at said election shall be determined in
all respects in accordance with the election laws of the State of Georgia.
For the November 5, 2019 General Municipal Election, Early Voting will open
22 days prior to the Election (October 14, 2019). All Advance Voting (Ab-
sentee in person) will be held at 4380 Memorial Drive. Questions concerning
absentee voting, early voting or voter registration should be directed to DeKalb
County Elections Division at 404-298-4020.
The Decatur City Commission gives notice this 15th day of July 2019.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 14

BASEBALL

Burgess twins
sign professional
baseball contracts
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Former Chamblee High School baseball players Brenton

and Christopher Burgess are now professional baseball
players.
Christopher signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles on
June 22 and Brenton signed with the Atlanta Braves July 12.
The undrafted free agents were assigned to the Rookie level
Gulf Coast League (GCL) of their respective teams.
As of July 18, Christopher, who plays catcher and
shortstop, played in seven games for Baltimore and has a .385
batting average, with five hits, five RBIs and one homerun.
Brenton has pitched in one game for the Braves as of July 18.
The twins’ father Caesar said he is proud of his sons because
the journey to becoming professional athletes has been a long
one.
“Both of them have a lot of talent. If they could have stayed
on course [by] playing for a Division-I school such as Georgia
or Georgia Tech, they would have been drafted pretty high,” he
said. They [played at] small schools.”
Brenton last played for Georgia Gwinnett College where he
helped lead his team to the semifinal round of the Avista NAIA
World Series and a 2019 first All-Association of Independent Christopher Burgess signed a professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
Institutions team selection. He batted .347 with 61 hits,
including six home runs last season for Georgia Gwinnett.
Christopher played for Middle Georgia State last season
and batted .217 with an on-base percentage of .410 in 39 games
with three home runs, four doubles, 25 RBI, and eight runs
scored while walking 30 times. The twins started their college
careers on the junior college level at Spartanburg Methodist
College. Brenton then played for Middle Georgia State before
transferring to Georgia Gwinnett, and Christopher played at
Gordon State College before transferring to Middle Georgia
State.
“They went the hard way, but they got in [the professional
ranks],” Caesar said. “It’s hard to sign a pro contract in
baseball. It’s been a long road [and] joyful, but kind of
disappointing and heartbreaking, which a lot of parents,
especially in south DeKalb, can attest to.”
More than 100 players from DeKalb County School
District have been drafted by major league baseball teams since
1968, according to the district’s records, but few have signed
professional contracts and played in minor or major league
games. Brenton was previously drafted twice—in 2016 by the
Texas Rangers in the 40th round and in 2017 by the New York
Yankees in the 38th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft.
Caesar said the Braves had known about Brenton since
high school.
“He had a workout [for the Braves] in Rome, and he did
really well,” he said. “They sent him to the Sunbelt summer
league, and he did well there, so they signed him out of the
summer league a week ago.”
The twins graduated from Chamblee in 2015 and played
both football and baseball. Brenton’s baseball career stats at
Chamblee include a .305 batting average, 65 RBIs, 22 doubles
and five home runs. Christopher had a .300 career batting
average, 50 RBIs, 21 doubles and six home runs.
Brenton Burgess signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Braves.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 15

FOOTBALL

The Druid Hills Red Devils hope to be more competitive this season

Southwest DeKalb coach Damien Wimes, right, said his team focused on finishing the drill this offseason.

New Chamblee coach Scott Schwarzer talks about his expectations for the season with his Marist coach Alan Chadwick, left, Stephenson coach Ron Gartrell and St. Pius X coach Paul Standard were recognized
daughter Olivia by his side. during the annual DeKalb County High School Football Media Day.

Long-tenure coaches recognized

at football media day
BY CARLA PARKER
Carla@dekalbchamp.com
With the frequent turnover of
football coaches in DeKalb County
high schools, the school district’s
athletic department took time to
recognize coaches who have been
with their programs for decades.
Marist coach Alan Chadwick,
Stephenson coach Ron Gartrell
and St. Pius X coach Paul
Standard were recognized during
the annual DeKalb County high
school football media day July 18
at Tucker High School. The three
coaches represent a total of 87 years
of coaching in DeKalb. Chadwick is
entering his 35th season at Marist,
Gartrell is heading into his 24th
season at Stephenson and 32nd
overall, while Standard is entering
his 19th year at St. Pius.
Standard said he is 7400: New
stop signs have been installed at
the intersection of South Columbia
Drive and Talley Street to help with
pedestrian traffic.
7399: construction crews
prepare for the opening of Talley
Street Upper Elementary School.
7394: Decatur Police said
drivers could be ticketed if stop
signs are ignored at Talley Street
and South Columbia Drive. proud
of the players who have come
through the program during his 19-
year tenure.
“We’ve had a great run there of
young men who have come through
our program over those 19 years,”
he said. “I’m very proud of what
they have done after they’ve left
high school.”
Last season, St. Pius won its
region title and clinched another
trip to the Class AAAA playoffs.
Standard said their expectations
have not changed this season.
“We always want to try to win
the region championship and then
move on into the playoffs and make
a run for a state championship for
St. Pius,” he said.
Gartrell said his Jaguars also
expect to win another region title.
“Last year was kind of a good
year for us,” Gartrell said. “We
weren’t expected to do well. We
ended up winning the region
championship and also having our
23rd consecutive winning season.
This year, we’re going to shoot for
another region championship and
with the guys in the program we
should be able to do that.
“We’ve been working hard
all summer,” Gartrell said. “We
stayed away from some of the
things we’ve been doing in the past.
We didn’t go to [Fellowship of
Christian Athletes camp], didn’t go
to any passing leagues, we just kind
of locked them in on campus and
been doing our thing.”
Last season, nine DeKalb
football teams clinched playoff
spots and Cedar Grove went all the
way to win the Class AAA state
championship. Southwest DeKalb
had its first undefeated season since
1999 but had a disappointing loss
in the first round. Coach Damien
Wimes said his team focused on
finishing the drill this offseason.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019 • Page 16

HOUSING
Continued From Page 11
According to DHA
officials, affordable housing
units have increased 9
percent from 475 homes to
518 homes since 2014. 
“I remember when
(Oakview Walk) was just
an idea, and Doug Faust
came to the Oakhurst
Neighborhood Association
with information and
sketches of what was to
come.  And, wow, what an
asset Oakview Walk is to
the neighborhood. Decatur
and the Decatur Housing
Authority are committed
to providing a variety of
housing options for current
and future residents,”
said Decatur Mayor Patti
Garrett. 

City officials held a ribbon-cutting

ceremony for new affordable housing
units in Decatur.

Sunday
Dinner
It’s so much more than a meal. It’s love.
Find new dishes to gather around
at publix.com/sundaydinner.