the DeKalb FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • VOL. 24, NO.

40• 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

Sisters’ meal is
Thanksgiving gift
to community
‘Remember we are
our brothers’ keeper’
BY GALE HORTON GAY
FREELANCE REPORTER

Septus Spain wants those who are homeless or

struggling to make ends meet in South DeKalb to have
someplace to go to for a meal and an encouraging word on
Thanksgiving Day.
She and her sister Jonatha Dennis plan to hold a
community dinner under a tent on a vacant lot at Ember
Drive and Candler Road across from the Gallery at South
DeKalb mall on Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Their plans
call for tables with white linens and fixings such as fried
and baked turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, dressing, During the past several years, Septus Spain, left, and Jonatha Dennis have prepared and given out bagged meals to homeless and
rolls and dessert to feed 300 people—for free. in-need persons in metro Atlanta. Photo provided
“I just feel compelled to do it,” said Spain.
The effort has no corporate sponsors. Spain said she
and her sister with support from co-workers are funding the
endeavor. They also plan to give away clothing and shoes,
wellness kits and toiletries.
While this is Spain’s first time hosting the organized
Thanksgiving meal, she said she has routinely given away
bagged meals to the homeless and those in need in Decatur
and Atlanta.
“I feel like I am not doing enough. With what is going
on in the world now, I want to do more,” she said.
South DeKalb is a community that needs people to care
more and do what they can to help others, she said.
“That particular area [Candler Road] is almost all the
working poor,” said Spain. “There’s a great need in that
area.”
Spain, originally from New York, credits her late
mother Gloria Wilson, a pastor, with instilling the spirit of
charity and compassion in her. The family would often give
away clothing and her mother would make home visits and
counsel families on the importance of staying connected
and supporting one another.
“You give, you do, you serve” is what she said had been
ingrained in her while growing up.
Spain, who grew up in a family with seven siblings,
said one of her brothers was homeless for 19 years and,
at times, estranged from the family. She gained firsthand

See COMMUNITY on page 9

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

LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
CDC urges flu vaccination, especially for those at high risk
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
While the Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) reports
that it’s to o early in the
current flu season to
characterize the timing of
the season, what viruses
will predominate, or how
severe the season will be, the
Atlanta-based federal public
health institute is urging
everyone 6 months of age
and older to be vaccinated
against influenza every
season with rare exceptions.
“Most people who get
sick with flu will have mild
illness, will not need medical
care or antiviral drugs and
will recover in less than
two weeks. Some people,
however, are more likely to
get flu complications that
can result in hospitalization
and sometimes death.
Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus
infections and ear infections
are examples of flu-related
complications. Flu also
can make chronic health
problems worse,” according
to CDC’s website.
Vaccination, the website
states, can reduce flu
illnesses, doctors’ visits, and
missed work and school due
to flu, as well as prevent flu-
related hospitalizations. For
some it can be lifesaving.
The CDC identified
groups of people who are
particularly at high risk of
serious complications from
influenza. Among them are:
Adults older than 65
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 2
- “It has been recognized
for many years that people
65 years and older are at
high risk of developing
serious complications
from flu compared with
young, healthy adults. This
is in part because human
immune defenses become
weaker with increasing
age. While flu seasons can
vary in severity, during
most seasons, people 65
years and older bear the
greatest burden of severe
flu disease,” states a CDC
report, which added that
between 70 percent and
85 percent of seasonal flu-
related deaths have occurred
in people 65 years and older
and between 50 percent and
70 percent of seasonal flu-
related hospitalizations have
occurred among people in
this age group.
Pregnant women -
“Changes in the immune
system, heart, and lungs
during pregnancy make
pregnant women—and
women up to two weeks
postpartum—more prone
to severe illness from flu,
including illness resulting in
hospitalization. Flu also may
be harmful for a pregnant
woman’s developing baby,”
the CDC warns. “A common
flu symptom is fever, which
may be associated with
neural tube defects and
other adverse outcomes for
a developing baby. Getting
vaccinated also can help
protect a baby after birth
from flu.”
Young children
- Children also are
particularly at risk, states
the CDC, which reports
that since 2010, flu-related
hospitalizations among
children younger than 5
years old have ranged from
7,000 to 26,000 in the United
States. “Flu illness is more
dangerous than the common
SEE VACCINE ON PAGE 5
OPINION
The flu hits fast and furious
Speaking from personal experience,
I advise all to take every possible
precaution to avoid exposure to this
year’s strains of the influenza virus.
The first symptom was a light
cough on a Monday morning after
spending two nights gathered around
a roaring campfire, which I assumed
was the source of the irritating cough.
By mid-afternoon on that Monday, the
coughing had become more intense and
my throat felt like I had swallowed hot
embers; by Monday evening I was in
the fetal position trying to relieve my
body of the onslaught of deep-rooted
muscular pain. By Tuesday morning, I
felt as if I had been suckered punched,
could not breathe through either
nostril and had zero appetite. I knew
something had hit me hard.
Foreclosures
It truly came on that quickly and
with no warning.
I suffered through Tuesday hoping
that I only had a severe, and short-lived,
cold and began taking over-the-counter
medications advertised to lessen the
Tax Sales/Ads for Bids
severity of a cold if taken early. I still
had hope that by Wednesday morning I
would realize a dramatic improvement
and could be back at work feeling
almost normal again.
Ah, but Influenza B had other plans
for my old body and was determined
Trade Name Registrations
to make its presence known.
Public Notices/Public meetings
Congratulations to new DeKalb State Court judges
Sheriff Sales/Local Legislation
To the Editor:
Notices of Incorporation
The State Bar of Georgia
congratulates attorneys Kimberly
K. Anderson of Dunwoody and
Kimberly A. Alexander of Decatur
on their appointments by Gov.
Brian Kemp to serve as judges for
the DeKalb County State Court.
Judge Anderson, who will serve
To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
or call 404-373-7779, X 0
#ItsInTheChampion
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
Wednesday did not bring the hoped-for
improvement, but rather came in like an
unexpected tidal wave of aches, pains,
sniffles and congestion that were clearly
stronger and more resilient than my
self-diagnosed medication regiment.
I called my doctor early Wednesday
morning telling him that I had a slight
fever, could not breath very well
and was overall just miserable. He
suggested that I come in for a throat
swab to determine if I possibly had
contracted strep throat and that he
would also test for the flu virus.
The doctor, as a precautionary
measure, suggested that when I entered
his office that I use the provided hand
sanitizer and protective masks available
in the lobby. As I approached the
check-in desk, the familiar and usually
smiling faces gazed at me in horror
and extended their hopes for a positive
outcome to the tests.
in the court’s Jury Division, brings
10 years of experience in the legal
profession to her new position,
including the past nine years in
private practice with Robbins Ross
Alloy Belinfante Littlefield LLC
in Atlanta after starting her career
as legislative counsel for the U.S.
Senate Judiciary Committee.
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 3
When the nurse called me back,
another familiar face was coming
toward me in the hallway but quickly
ducked into the nearest open office
door, crossed her arms and said with
a wink and a smile, “stay back,” but it
was obvious that she did not want to
risk contamination.
Once inside the examination room,
the nurse took a throat culture and then
a nostril culture. She explained that
strep test only takes a few minutes and
that the flu test can take as long as 30
minutes depending on the severity of
the infection.
In less that five minutes the nurse
returned to tell me that the strep test
was negative and to just sit tight for the
flu results. She was back in the exam
room in less than a minute with the
dreaded confirmation of “John, you
have the flu.”
The doctor, who is a close friend,
then came in fully protected with
disposable gloves and a mask to tell
me that he had called in Tamiflu for me
and for my wife in hopes of curbing the
spread of the virus.
By the time I was back in the lobby
to check out, two maintenance men
had appeared. One was spraying what
I assume was a Lysol-like disinfectant
throughout the entire waiting room
while the other asked me to show him
Judge Alexander, who will
serve in the court’s Traffic Division,
has 15 years of legal experience,
serving as an assistant county
attorney for Fulton County since
2015.
By accepting these
appointments, Judge Anderson
and Judge Alexander continue to
demonstrate their commitment to
exactly where I had been sitting while
waiting to be called back. He proceeded
toward the chair with more cleaning
products and began thoroughly wiping
every inch of it. It hit me then, that this
is not an illness to be taken lightly.
I can’t emphasize enough [that
all] take every known precaution to
avoid the possibility of contracting the
virus; it is brutal. I would never give
unsolicited medical advice but strongly
recommend that the public make
informed decisions about protecting
themselves and others in whichever
way they see fit.
Some people are avid supporters
of the flu shot and some are adamantly
opposed to it. That is a personal
decision that each individual must make
for themselves.
I had the flu shot 10 days prior to
the appearance of my first symptoms.
Unfortunately, it can take up to two
weeks for the shot to provide the
optimum protection for which it is
designed. I missed the window of
protection by a matter of three to four
days and regret that I did not get the
vaccination earlier as my dear wife
suggested.
serving the public and the justice
system. Their fellow members of
the State Bar of Georgia wish them
well in this new capacity of judicial
leadership.
Sincerely,
Darrell Sutton
President, State Bar of Georgia
OPINION
Georgia currently has more than
7 million registered voters, a record
number. Minority voter registration
and turnout also hit record highs
during the 2018 election cycle
and governor’s race. Democratic
gubernatorial nominee, former State
House Minority Leader Stacey
Abrams received more General
Election votes than any Democrat
for governor in Georgia history. All
facts.
 We all have a right to our own
opinion, life priorities and the
conclusions which we draw, but
we don’t have the option of draw
simply hypothesizing from different
facts.
Minority voter registration
not only spiked, but now exceeds
its percentage of the state’s
population. Voter registration does
not always translate into turnout
though.
In metro Atlanta suburbs and
several of Georgia’s secondary
population centers, though there is
no party registration in Georgia, the
Democratic Party and its nominees
won numerous counties, precincts
and local as well as state elected
offices. Again, facts.  exceeds 350,000. The prospective
Though I look forward to a day
when race is not a major driving
force in Georgia or national politics,
we remain a far cry away from there
as yet. With all that stage setting,
and my revulsion of conspiracy
theories generally clear, I’d like
to challenge one more. There is
no ongoing orchastrated effort
to reduce voter participation,
registration or voting by minority or
Democratic voters in Georgia.  any Georgia voter can now go to
It is county and municipal
election superintendents across
Georgia, and their oversight boards
of election, who determine precinct
boundaries, polling locations
and hours of operation as well as
oversee the tabulation of absentee,
early/advance votes and all ballots
cast on election day, after all polls
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from
its readers. Please write to us and express your views.
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the
writer’s name, address and telephone number for verifi-
cation. All letters will be considered for publication.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 4
No urge to purge
adding voters to Georgia voter rolls.  removed, disenfranchised or
‘One Man’s Georgia also set records in
2018 for early voting and absentee
somehow disabled from voting?
 I will admit though, I still have
Opinion’ voting. Another fun fact is that my doubts about Jeffrey Epstein
the absentee ballot application committing suicide, and I’m not
Bill Crane has no space to indicate race or clear if as a convicted sex offender
bill.csicrane@gmail.com political party preference. The only in Florida, he still had voting
opportunity to even draw such a privileges in New York, but he did
conclusion is to select a ballot in complete the requirements of his
have closed. 
a Democratic Primary or run-off plea agreement, so he may have
 Much is being made of the
or for the election employee to had his voting rights restored. I
potential removal and purge of
conduct a manual/electronic cross still would expect him to be on the
more than 330,000 voter names
reference search of their voter Democratic Secretary of State’s
from current voter rolls across our
registration data base. That action voter registration purge list for the
state. Georgia has nearly 10 million
leaves an electronic trail. As some 2020 election cycle. As we all know
residents and more than 7 million
have pointed out, a disproportionate he was already on Hillary’s list,
registered voters. 
number of minority voters are on right?
Purging every two years, as
the proposed purge list; several
required by state and federal law,
demographers also acknowledge Bill Crane also serves as a
typically removes the dead, those
that minority populations tend to be political analyst and commentator
who have left a particular county,
more transient and more likely to for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
duplicates, non-citizens as well
move, changing residences as well AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
as those who choose for whatever
as voting jurisdictions. FM, as well as a columnist for The
reason to simply not vote for a
 Yet with this proposed purge Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
full four year period, and then
list up and available for several Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
not respond for an additional two
weeks now, there is only a trickle of native and business owner, living
year period when local election
activity being reported by Georgia’s in Scottdale. You can reach him
officials attempt to confirm their
election superintendents or from or comment on a column at bill.
residency and interest in remaining
the Georgia SOS My Voter Page csicrane@gmail.com. 
a registered voter. Ten percent of
via voter address updates. Where
registered voters would be well in
are the masses being intentionally
excess of 700,000. Five percent
purge list is public and available
for searching, as well as updating
online. 
Consider your own circle, and
how many family and friends you
have lost or who have moved from
your community within any six-year
period of time. Voter registration
is tied to one’s legal residence and
domicile and is not automatic when
one’s address changes, however
the Secretary of State’s My Voter
Page and update their registration
and address information online
and for free. That website, created
by then Secretary of State Brian
Kemp (now Georgia’s Governor) is
second only to the automatic motor
voter process when one receives or
renews a Georgia driver’s license in
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Taylor Robins STATEMENT FROM THE
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Chief Financial Officer: We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Social Media Manager: discussion surrounding this and any
Donna Seay issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
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Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 5

Mail theft being investigated by police

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Elementary school playground burned
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Chamblee officials reported Nov. 13 that mail was stolen Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
from a residential leasing office Nov. 6.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. three unidentified suspects
allegedly broke into The Lofts at 5300's leasing office and Toney Elementary
stole mail from three separate cluster mailboxes, according to School’s playground that
Chamblee officials. The suspects stole mail from The Loft’s was recently updated has
more than 200 residents and loaded the mail into a large been burned.
duffle bag, according to Chamblee officials. According to DeKalb
The suspects were captured on video surveillance leaving County School District,
in a dark colored sedan, according to Chamblee officials. DeKalb County Fire
Chamblee police are working to identify two males and Department responded
one female suspect. The investigation is ongoing. to the Toney Elementary
playground fire Nov .3. The
fire was extinguished and
the playground was left with
Stone Mountain woman convicted “extensive damage.”
In July, Toney
in murder-for-hire of husband Elementary, located in
Decatur, was “crashed”
by volunteers, students,
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has parents, and stakeholders
announced a conviction by jury trial in a murder-for-hire as Georgia United Credit
case against a Stone Mountain woman. Jurors returned a Union (GUCU) and Georgia
guilty verdict Nov. 13 against 50-year-old Kecia Leann United Foundation’s 2019
Wright on charges of criminal attempt to commit murder School Crashers program
and aggravated assault for orchestrating the attempted made an estimated $100,000 Remains of the recently built Toney Elementary School playground in Decatur. Photo
murder of her husband, Kentrick Lindo, 46. in repairs and renovations to by Taylor Robins.
The charges against Wright stem from a May 25, 2011, the school.
shooting incident at the intersection of Rock Meadow Drive Students of the school
and Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain when bullets struck teacher who has been are going to be so excited.”
started the 2019-2020 with the school for 19 Volunteers and Toney
Lindo in his left shoulder. According to the district attorney’s school year with new
office, after being shot, Lindo drove to his home and was years, applied to GUCU’s Elementary employees
carpet, flexible tables and program after taking a spent the summer of 2019
taken to a hospital after police were called to the home to chairs for the media center,
investigate a person shot call. Lindo survived his injuries, but student for an outside walk renovating the school and
paint on the interior and and realizing the property finished by the first day of
the shooter was not identified. exterior walls, a seating
Wright and Lindo separated in 2013. In late 2014, needed beautification. school Aug. 5.
area for visitors in the front Dukes submitted the school “Toney Elementary
Lindo’s son and stepdaughter began disclosing details of office, computer lab tables,
several attempts on Lindo’s life in an effort for Wright to into the program to receive just put this beautiful
new classroom signage for an outdoor classroom playground in, now it’s
collect a million-dollar life insurance policy. the hallways, an outdoor
The investigation revealed that prior to the 2011 courtyard. However, after burnt to cinders,” a DeKalb
classroom courtyard, and GUCU officials visited County resident posted Nov.
shooting, Wright asked her daughter’s friend to kill Lindo for a playground and garden
a fee. Lindo’s son told school officials that Wright had also the school’s grounds, 10 to the Nextdoor website.
area─that includes picnic Dukes was notified that the “This is just wrong.”
asked him to stab and shoot his father. Both children stated tables, benches, an outdoor
that Wright had also attempted to give Lindo poison and school had won the School Nextdoor is a private
whiteboard, a shade canopy, Crashers grand prize of the social network for more
drugged food and had additional schemes to kill Lindo. raised planter beds, outdoor
Lindo died prior to trial in 2016 of unrelated causes. outdoor classroom courtyard than 205,000 neighborhoods
murals, a bird sanctuary and a school makeover. in the United States.
Following her conviction, Wright was sentenced to a area, a pollinator garden,
maximum term of 30 years in prison by DeKalb County Dukes said when she The fire is currently
and landscaping, including was notified that the school under investigation by
Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson. The alleged a walking patio.
accomplice, who was accused of firing the shots into the had won the grand prize, she the DeKalb County Fire
Karen Dukes, a was overwhelmed with tears Department.
victim’s vehicle during the murder attempt, was indicted as a Toney Elementary School
co-defendant but acquitted at trial. of joy. She said, “The kids

VACCINE Continued From Page 2

cold for children. Each year,
millions of children get sick with
seasonal flu; thousands of children
are hospitalized, and some children
die from flu. Children commonly
need medical care because of flu,
especially children younger than 5
years old.” Complications among
children may include pneumonia,
dehydration and worsening of long-
term medical problems like heart
disease or asthma.
People with special health
conditions - People with asthma are
at high risk of developing serious flu
complications, even if their asthma
is mild or their symptoms are well-
controlled by medication. This is
because people with asthma have
swollen and sensitive airways, and
flu can cause further inflammation
of the airways and lungs. It also can
lead to pneumonia and other acute
respiratory diseases, according to the
CDC.
People with diabetes, even when
the condition is well-managed,
the public health institute states,
are at high risk of serious flu
complications, which can result in
hospitalization and sometimes even
death. In recent seasons, about 30
percent of adult flu hospitalizations
reported to CDC have had diabetes.
“Because they are at high risk
of serious flu-related complications
it is especially important that
people living with HIV get a flu
shot annually,” the CDC website
states. “Flu vaccination works much
better for people living with HIV
who are receiving antiretroviral
therapy (ART). Because flu vaccine
effectiveness is not 100 percent,
people living with HIV who get flu
symptoms, especially those with
low CD4 cell counts not receiving
ART should be treated with influenza
antiviral drugs right away.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 6

LITHONIA

Church promotes minority- No referrals

required
owned, small businesses
during Kwanzaa Plaza event Cheryl, 65
community picnics
New Birth Missionary

CIGNA
Baptist Church is
redefining “Black
Friday” with its inaugural
Kwanzaa Plaza event
beginning Nov. 29, at the
church’s family life center
located at 6400 Woodrow
Road in Stonecrest. We know you’re more than just a number. That’s why
The Kwanzaa
Plaza will feature Cigna Medicare Advantage treats you like a whole
approximately 100 person — body & mind — so you can keep doing what
minority-owned and
small businesses during you love. Choose Cigna today to get one affordable
a three-day event plan for your medical, dental, vision and prescriptions.
meant to highlight local
entrepreneurs and foster You’ll also enjoy:
commerce within the Pastor Jamal Bryant
African-American community. • $0 monthly premium
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of the African-
American culture that is marked by a weeklong • $0 primary care physician visits
acknowledgment of heritage, unity, creativity, faith and • $0 copay for many prescription drugs
cooperative economics. While Kwanzaa is observed Dec.
26 to Jan. 1, New Birth’s Kwanzaa Plaza was established to • No referrals required
take a new approach to the commercialized “Black Friday”
shopping frenzy and redirect support toward minority- • Fitness program
owned businesses.
Although this is the first year New Birth is hosting the
• Dental allowance and go to the dentist
Kwanzaa Plaza, Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant initiated of your choice
similar efforts in Baltimore, Md.
“Our Kwanzaa Plaza is a direct and unapologetic effort • Hearing and vision services
for New Birth and the community to come together and
support our brothers and sisters who are creating, designing Get your free Medicare Advantage Guide.
and cultivating incredible goods and services,” said Bryant.
“Far too often we read how quickly the ‘black dollar’ There’s no obligation. Visit GetCignaMedicare.com
leaves our community. We want this effort to showcase our or call 1-855-308-2406 (TTY 711).
commitment to keeping those dollars circulating among our
people and set a new precedent for fueling small businesses
and promoting minority-owned ventures.”
This year’s Kwanzaa Plaza will feature fashion
designers, art, cultural products, hand-crafted items,
skincare/personal care products, food vendors and more.
Interested vendors are encouraged to register. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna
“The response has been amazing from both local Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc.
minority businesses as well as the community,” said event Cigna complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
organizer Pamela Booker, who has worked on similar national origin, age, disability or sex. Cigna cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables
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Birth is creating a needed avenue for businesses to thrive you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-888-284-0268
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merchandise.” 得語言援助服務。請致電 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). You must reside in the plan service area. Cigna is
To become a vendor for Kwanzaa Plaza 2019 or for contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid
additional information, visit www.newbirth.org. programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. Free guide without the obligation to enroll.
© 2019 Cigna 936076 Y0036_20_78172_M

WE ARE SOCIAL @DEKALBCHAMPNEWS

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 7

WEEK in PICTURES... As seen on DCTV

DCTV Director Diamond Lewis lands exclusive interview with the first-ever woman to serve as DeKalb DeKalb 25 Manager, AvivA Hoffmann, points to the drop off box in Decatur for public access TV content.
County Sheriff.

The 119th DeKalb County Police Academy Graduation. Congratulations to the 10 officers who took the oath to protect and serve.

Bright Futures Leadership Development Program Graduation took place on Nov. 13 at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. It is a 10-month program designed to develop and prepare employees with leadership potential for higher
level opportunities in county government.

23
DCTV CHANNEL 23
Get your front row seat to all
@DCTVCHANNEL23 things DeKalb County through your
DEKALB COUNTY GOV EMMY Award-winning station.
U USTREAM.TV/CHANNEL/DCTV-CHANNEL-23
WWW.DCTVCHANNEL23.TV
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 , 2019 • PAGE 8

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb County School District students played games with classmates A student plays a game of Hot Spot with an adult. Photo by Taylor Students and an adult play a board game Nov. 6. Photo by Taylor
and parents during a Families Matter event. Photo by Taylor Robins. Robins. Robins.

District spotlights family participation and learning

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) hosted a
game night Nov. 6 that not
only served a recreational
purpose, but an academic and
parent participation purpose
as well.
DCSD’s Families Matter
Game Night is an annual
event, in its third year, in
which families can play
games and explore active
ways of learning math,
reading and critical thinking
strategies. The event takes
place at the Robert R.
Freeman Administrative
and Instructional Complex,
1701 Mountain Industrial
Boulevard in Stone
Mountain.
The event’s main focus
is the promotion of at-home
learning.
“Families Matter is
important because we want
to connect parents and family
members as the first teachers
of their children,” said DCSD
Family Engagement Manager
Marcia Coward. “While the
kids and parents are learning
through gaming tonight, it is
about the family connecting
with each other.”
During the event, families
are able to play board games,
video games, as well as
participate in science projects
and other volunteer-led
activities.
“I can align any of those
games with standards the
students are learning in the
classroom,” said Coward.
DCSD’s family
engagement department is
hoping to make the annual
event a bimonthly event.
According to Coward, the
feedback the district has
received from parents is
that they would like more
Families Matter events.
“This has been one of
those events that we have had
great success with because
parents come out and they
really learn because we are
still playing games in the four
content learning areas,” said
Coward. “We expect parents
to know the content in the
classroom. It is important to
teach parents other strategies
to help their children learn
at home. I live for parents
coming out and getting
involved in their children’s
education. The students
automatically do better.”
According to Coward,
both parents and students
have fun during the event.
“This event is something
that could change a future,”
said Angelia Matreveli,
DCSD parent. “I want to
show my children what is
good for their future, what
will help them and my
children are having fun.”
Most of the parents
who attended the event also
participate in the DCSD GED
program.
“When the parents are
in tune with what’s going on
in school, they can support
in the home more and won’t
have to totally depend on the
teacher in the classroom,”
said Coward.
The family engagement
department, along with
the GED program and the
Families Matter event,
also partner with outside
organizations such as the
board of health and United
Way for “wrap around”
services for DCSD families.

Student detained after another gun found

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) has
confirmed that another gun
has been found on school
grounds Nov. 14.
According to DCSD
officials, a Stone Mountain
High School administrator
reported that a student was
“possibly” in possession of
a gun.
The information was
reported to the school’s
police officer and the
officer initiated the DCSD’s
emergency protocol to
ensure the safety of students
and staff, according to
DCSD officials.
School officials located
and removed the gun
from the student “without
incident.” The student was 19. One week later, another gun and charged Sept. 25. A possession of a weapon Sept.
then detained. The identity of Columbia High School Cedar Grove High School 25.
the student or the reason for student was found with a student was also charged of
bringing the gun to school
was not released by DCSD
officials. City of Chamblee Public Notice
Within the first two
months of the 2019-2020 A copy of the proposed 2020 Operating Budget for the City of Chamblee will be
school year, DCSD had available for review at City Hall, 5468 Peachtree Road, on Thursday, November 21,
2019.
five incidents of students
bringing guns to school. A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on Wednesday, December 4,
A 14-year-old 2019 at 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in the Chamblee
Stephenson High School Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street. Any persons wishing to be heard on the budget may
student was arrested for appear and be heard.
bringing a gun to school
The City Council will vote on the budget on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. The meeting
in August; another student will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Civic Center.
reported the incident to
DCSD administration. Do you have 1 minute a month to help make Chamblee better? The City of Chamblee
A Lithonia High School wants to hear from you! From budgets to road paving, resident input is essential to the
student was arrested at decision-making process. FlashVote surveys are easy one-minute surveys sent once
every couple of months. Once each survey closes after 48 hours, FlashVote sends the
school Sept. 10 after pointing anonymized results to everyone who participated, and your government gets valuable
a gun at another student. feedback.
Two Columbia High School
students were charged with 1. Sign up at https://www.flashvote.com/chambleega
possession of a weapon Sept. 2. Fill out a survey
3. See the results
LOCAL
New playground built at Redan Elementary in one day
BY GALE HORTON GAY
FREELANCE REPORTER
Redan Elementary School
principal Cathy K. Goolsby is
bursting with pride over the school’s
improvement in test scores and
treated her 590 students to an October
celebration.
However, Goolsby said while
academics are important, there are
also other elements that are vital for
the development of young people.
That’s why Goolsby said she’s
excited about what’s taken place
outside the school’s doors—the
renovation and upgrade of the
school’s playground.
On Nov. 15, despite a steady
rain and temperatures in the 30s and
40s, scores of volunteers spent the
day transforming the playground
by working with representatives
of KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit
dedicated to ensuring children have
“great, safe places to play.”
The brightly colored new
playground, which was completed
in approximately six hours, includes
two slides, two ziplines as well as
interactive and social elements with
plenty of mulch underfoot.
Trinity Wheeler, 9, a fourth-
grader at Redan, said she likes the
new playground because it’s big and
new.
The old playground “wasn’t really
that exciting,” said Trinity.
Fourth-grader Nadia Sheriff, 9,
VISIT US ONLINE @ THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 9
Cox volunteer Shawan Allen, KaBoom! project manager Kayla Harris, DeKalb County
School District interim superintendent Ramona Tyson and Redan Elementary principal
Cathy K. Goolsby at the ribbon cutting for Redan’s new playground. Photo by Gale
Horton Gay
said students at the school helped in
the planning of the new play space.
“I like how it has different colors
and it expresses how we feel,” said
Nadia.
Goolsby said she applied for and
received a KaBoom! grant to partially
fund the project. While the school
was responsible for paying for $8,500
in materials, KaBoom! selected a
corporate sponsor to pair with the
school. Cox Enterprises sent 150
volunteers to help with the manual
labor—one coming from as far as
South Carolina.
“Children need to play, to move,”
said Goolsby. “Academics are our
number one but exercise, being
physically fit helps the brain as well.
You need both. I want my students to
be balanced.”
Play also helps children with
social skills, according to the
principal.
Goolsby noted that the old
playground was 50 years old and in
dire need of replacement.
Just before the Nov. 15 ribbon
cutting, volunteers scurried about
spreading mulch, hammering in
spikes and putting other final touches
on the equipment
Kayla Harris, project manager
with KaBoom!, traveled to Lithonia
from Washington, D.C., to oversee the
project.
Despite the construction site
being flooded when she arrived at 6
a.m., she said the work went well and
credited the volunteers who put in the
COMMUNITY
Continued From Page 1
experience about aspects of
homelessness.
Spain is a complaint
manager with MV Transit,
a MARTA subcontractor
that handles small
bus transportation for
seniors and persons with
disabilities. Her sister also
works at MV Transit and
is her supervisor. Spain
and Dennis also operate
a catering business called
The Lady’s Confectionery
Shoppe.
Spain, 52, said she
lived in metro Atlanta
for a number of years but
returned to the Northeast to
care for her mother. After
Wilson died in 2014, Spain
returned to the South and
said she was surprised by
changes she noticed in many
communities.
“When I came back,
labor for their efforts. I couldn’t believe what I
She emphasized that Redan saw,” she said, pointing out
Elementary’s playground is one of a the number of homeless and
kind since its design came about after in need people she observed
meeting with students and gathering in areas such as Five Points
their ideas. in Atlanta, Wesley Chapel
“There’s no other playground like Road in Decatur and
this in America,” said Harris. elsewhere.
“This was not a one-week “It breaks my heart,”
project,” said Harris. “I’ve been said Spain. “I drive into
working on this for the last six work and see people
weeks.” laying out on the street on
Volunteer and mother of a Redan a mattress with all their
fourth-grader Chasma Greenidge of wares….It makes me cringe.
Lithonia said she is pleased with the It just shouldn’t be.”
outcome. Dennis said everyone
“I want to see our community and has a responsibility to serve
our kids have something new,” said others.
Greenidge. “We want them to feel we “I think we are on the
are not left behind.” Earth to give back,” Dennis
“This is the highlight of my said. “I do it not only for
week,” said Ramona Tyson, interim myself but to honor my
superintendent for DeKalb County mother. Whatever she had,
School District, at the ribbon cutting. she gave her last.”
She was in her fourth day in her new Spain said she hopes
position heading the school district. their Thanksgiving gift to
She thanked the volunteers for the community delivers an
“remembering our children.” important message: Don’t
“A playground is an engaging, forget one another.
colorful, stimulating opportunity “Remember we are
to get outside, an excuse to play, our brothers' keeper,” said
fellowship,” said Tyson. Spain. “I am hoping people
School board member Diijon remember we are all human
DaCosta encouraged students to and need to look out for
respect and take care of their new each other.”
playground.
“Make sure we take care of it,” he
told the students. “Make sure no one
messes with our playground.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 10

DUNWOODY

A rendition of Dunwoody’s refugee island to be placed on two busy streets in November. Photo provided by the New sidewalks are designed to improve pedestrian safety. Photo provided by the city of Dunwoody.
city of Dunwoody.

Dunwoody begins to enhance pedestrian safety

BY TAYLOR ROBINS Vernon Road at North Peachtree The location of Tilly Mill and refuge islands. Construction of the
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com Road and Tilly Mill Road and Andover Drive’s refuge island refuge islands began in November
Andover Drive. will improve safety at an existing and will cost $450,000. The
Dunwoody Public Works is Mount Vernon Road at North crosswalk, according to Dunwoody pedestrian refuge islands are being
adding two pedestrian refuge Peachtree Road will get a new officials. Georgia Power will funded by the Special Purpose
islands and additional sidewalks to crosswalk, and a pedestrian refuge relocate two utility poles before Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).
the city. island will be added to connect the construction begins. Installation of “We’re targeting two locations
Refuge islands allow pedestrians Kingsley neighborhood with the new drainage pipes and curb work where the high vehicular traffic
to cross travel lanes one at a time shopping center across the street. are expected to begin in December. volume makes it more difficult for
and provide increased visibility of Paving crews will resurface Mount According to Dunwoody pedestrians to find gaps for crossing
the crossing. They also reduce the Vernon Road between Jett Ferry officials, the city is enhancing its the roadway,” said Dunwoody
perceived roadway width, which Road and Dunwoody Club Drive in pedestrian safety network with Public Works Director Michael
can help lower speeds. preparation for the refuge island and a sidewalk extension and two Smith.
The two locations are Mount lane striping. crosswalks with new pedestrian

CORRECTION
In the article titled “Dekalb municipal and special election results” printed in the Nov. 14-20, 2019 edition of The Champion, it was reposted that the city of Stone Mountain’s Post 1 and 2 city council seats are
headed to a runoff. The seats are not headed to a runoff. Gina Stroud Cox has been elected to the Post 1 seat and Clint Monroe has been elected to the Post seat. We apologize for the error.

AROUNDDEKALB
COUNTYWIDE answered Nov. 25 at Clarkston
Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at 3123 Klondike Road. For more
information, call (770) 482-3828. TUCKER
Questions about email, smartphone,
Donate toys for Christmas tablet, finding something on the web, Church to host Christmas concert
a Microsoft Word document or other
The Dunwoody Police
Department is collecting new and
library resources will be answered
by the library staff. The library is
STONE MOUNTAIN Chorale II will present its holiday
concert, “Songs in the Air,” Dec. 7 at
unwrapped toys and gifts for children located at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church Tucker,
for its annual Christmas for Kids City to host Christmas parade 5073 Lavista Road. Selections run
For more information, call (404)
drive. 508-7175. the gamut from the early English
Toy donations can be made to Stone Mountain will host its annual Sussex Carol to the modern favorites.
the Dunwoody Police Station─4800 Christmas parade, festival and Admission is free, and donations are
Ashford Dunwoody Road in STONECREST fireworks Dec. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m.
For more information, call Kim
welcome. For more information, call
Dunwoody from Nov. 24 to Dec. 25. Karen Bates at (770) 938-0148
Library to host movie screening Cumbie at (770) 630-1727.

CLARKSTON “Toy Story 4,” starring Tom Hanks

and Tim Allen will be screened Nov.
Technology coaching at library 29 at Stonecrest Library from 1:30
to 3:30 p.m. The library is located
Basic computer questions will be
BUSINESS
TUCKER
Tucker bank first to open in Georgia in 11 years
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
The primary difference
between a community bank
and a national or regional
bank is relationships,
according to Charles
DeWitt, founder and CEO
of Tandem Bank, which
recently opened in Tucker.
It is that difference that
prompted him after working
more than 17 years at a
regional bank.to found
and operate a community
bank in the Northlake area.
After operating that bank
for approximately 10 years,
DeWitt has now started
another community bank—
Tandem—a short distance
away. DeWitt noted that
Tandem is the first new–not
a branch, but an original
institution–bank to open in
Georgia in 11 years.
After a soft opening in
September, Tandem held its
grand opening Nov. 14.
“It’s exciting to be part of
the life of a community, its
businesses and its families,
to watch them grow, see
their dreams come true and
know that you’re playing a
small part in their success.
Our mission is to help people
achieve their goals,” DeWitt
said.
DeWitt, who is from
the Tucker area, said he is
delighted by the growth
he has seen since Tucker
became a city. “There are
more than 1,799 small
businesses in this area.
That’s a lot of opportunity
and we’re sitting in the
catbird seat. We’re right on
Main Street in Tucker and
that’s just where we want to
be,” he said.
“As a local bank we have
a lot of flexibility. We know
that every new business is
unique; that’s why we don’t
offer cookie cutter service.
We know what it is to be
an entrepreneur because
we’re entrepreneurs. We
understand and identify with
a small business’ growing
pains,” DeWitt continued.
“We named the bank
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 11
Tandem because we work in
painlessly as possible.”
nimble partnership with our
With more than 30 years
customers, catering to each
in the banking industry,
one’s requirements—we’re
DeWitt said he had no
doing it together.”
trouble pulling together a
DeWitt said he enjoys
leadership team with years of
the close relationship with
experience in banking who
each business client. “I get
share his vision of providing
to learn a lot about different
excellent customer service.
businesses. Each one has its
He described Tandem’s
own challenges and its own
staff as having “extensive
triumphs. It’s fascinating to
experience as entrepreneurs
learn what it takes to build
helping small business
success in different types
leaders navigate their
of businesses and to learn
banking needs.” “We want
about the details, large and
to provide an extraordinary
small, that lead to success or
customer experience,
failure. That appeals to my
whether customers choose
intellectual curiosity.”
to bank traditionally or
After DeWitt decided he
take care of all transactions
wanted to start a local bank
online. We want our clients
with a community identity CEO Charles DeWitt says Tandem Bank’s mission is to help people achieve their
to be able to bank the way goals.
in Tucker, he contacted 13
they prefer. When clients
business and community don’t want to look or feel best of both worlds. Clients
walk into the bank, we give
leaders most of whom institutional.” get the personalized service
them a friendly greeting
have a tie to the Tucker He noted that behind they expect in a local bank,
and we are soon able to call
and Decatur area, inviting the old-fashioned personal yet we leverage the latest
them by name,” DeWitt
them to become part of the service is cutting-edge technology to make banking
said. Pointing to the bright,
venture. “Almost everyone technology. “It’s really the fast, secure and efficient.”
homey décor, he added, “We
said ‘yes’ immediately. They
loved the idea. We quickly
raised more than $21 million
SEEKING LEGAL
from approximately 300 Masonry work
shareholders. We were very Stone
ASSISTANCE
encouraged by that.” Brick
Block
Starting a bank requires Concrete repairs This issue may include $500 million
putting together a lot of
regulatory pieces, according Martinez I am a Community Activist in DeKalb. I am looking for a
to DeWitt. “The state and Masonry lawyer, law firm, legal team or persons to help me with a
federal agencies were great 404.408.4170 1983 Civil Rights action.
MartinezMasonry281@yahoo.com
partners. They helped us Call Joe at (678)-754-2424
get through the process as P. O. Box 1647, Pine Lake, GA 30072
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY OF CHAMBLEE
The Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee, Georgia will hold a public hearing on Thursday December
12, 2019 at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341 at 6:00 p.m. to receive public
comments regarding the following matters:
• PZ2019-558: Applicant: Chuck Ptacek, GDE Renovations, and Owner: SABRA Property Management,
request approval of a Development of Community Impact, from the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances,
Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, to construct a one-story leasing office. The property is located at
2729 Shallowford Rd, being Dekalb County tax parcel 18 246 01 001 and zoned Village Residential district.
• PZ2019-560: Applicant: Kenneth J. Wood, Planners & Engineers Collaborative, Inc; Owner: Copperleaf
Partners, LLC, request an approval of a Development of Community Impact to develop a residential townhome
subdivision and related variances, to not provide the required 5 ft-wide landscape zone along interior private
streets; place required street trees and pedestrian lights behind the 5-ft -wide sidewalk along private streets; not
provide covered 8 ft x 6 ft front porches on all units; not provide 200sf of private outdoor space for every unit;
reduce minimum lot size from 1,600sf to 1,200sf; allow retaining walls to exceed the maximum 8 ft height limit to
varying heights up to 22 ft in the rear and side of the property; from the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances,
Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance. The property is located at 4011 & 4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd,
being Dekalb County tax parcels 18 325 06 001 and 18 332 03 020 and zoned Neighborhood Residential 2 district.
• PZ2019-567: Applicant: Kenneth J. Wood, Planners & Engineers Collaborative, Inc; Owner: Copperleaf
Partners, LLC, request the following amendments to the official zoning map: Rezone 4011 & 4147 Chamblee
Dunwoody Rd, being Dekalb County tax parcels 18 325 06 001 and 18 332 03 020, from Neighborhood
Residential-2 and Neighborhood Residential-1 respectively, to Neighborhood Residential-3.
SPORTS
BASKETBALL
Eugene Brown III, center, signs his scholarship to Ohio State University.
Southwest DeKalb’s Jayla Kimbrough is heading to Austin Peay State University next Fall.
Two SWD athletes sign basketball scholarship offers
BY CARLA PARKER
Carla@dekalbchamp.com
Southwest DeKalb High
School had back-to-back
celebrations for two of its
basketball players who will
play on the next level.
Jayla Kimbrough
signed a scholarship
with Austin Peay State
University women’s
basketball program Nov.
14, and Eugene Brown
III signed a four-year
basketball scholarship
with Ohio State University
Nov. 15. Kimbrough, who
averaged 10.1 points per
game last season, said she
signed with Austin Peay
because the school felt like
home.
“It’s close to home and I
love the coaching staff and
the players,” she said.
Kimbrough scored a
season-high of 26 points
against Chamblee last
season and helped lead
her team to a Final Four
appearance. She said
Austin Peay is getting a
competitive player.
“[Austin Peay is getting
a player] who doesn’t
want to lose, someone
who is really competitive,”
she said. “[I’ll bring]
my driving game, [I can
get] to the basket when
I need to. Getting my
teammates involved and
my competitiveness—that’s
what I’ll bring to the team.”
For Brown, signing his
scholarship to Ohio State
was a surreal moment.
“It still hasn’t hit me
yet. I still don’t believe
it sometimes, but I keep
working and keep my head
on straight,” he said.
Brown missed a
majority of the 2018-19
season after suffering a leg
injury in the fourth game of
the season. He rehabbed and
worked his way back to the
court March 2 in Southwest
DeKalb’s Final Four
matchup against Buford and
scored five points and added
two rebounds.
Despite missing most of
his junior season, the four-
star recruit was still sought
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 • PAGE 12
after by some of the nation’s
top basketball programs.
He committed to Ohio State
in September, picking the
Buckeyes over Georgia,
Georgia Tech, Mississippi
State and Texas A&M.
Brown said the chance
to come in and play right
away for Ohio State is part
of what attracted him to the
program.
“The coaching staff, the
feel, everything is amazing
there,” he said. “The players
are like-minded; they want
to work hard, and they want
to be great. So, I felt like I
could fit in there.”
The 6-foot-6 shooting
guard was a standout on the
court during his sophomore
season, finishing in the top
25 in rebounds (6.7 per
game) in DeKalb County
School District. Brown
said Ohio State is getting a
natural born leader.
“I’m bringing my ability
to score, to defend and my
will to want to be great to
Ohio State,” he said.
GHSA announces
classification placements
for 2020-2022
BY CARLA PARKER
Carla@dekalbchamp.com
Several DeKalb County high schools will play sports
in new classifications for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022
school years.
The Reclassification Committee of the Georgia High
School Association (GHSA) met Nov. 12 in Thomaston to
hear appeals about classification placements. According to
the meeting minutes, three DeKalb schools appealed to be
moved down one classification.
Chamblee’s appeal to move from Class AAAAAA
back to Class AAAAA was approved with a 10-5 vote,
Druid Hills’ appeal to move from Class AAAAA back to
Class AAAA was approved with a 15-1 vote and St. Pius
X’s appeal to move down to Class AAAAA from Class
AAAAAA was approved by an unanimous vote.
Chamblee and St. Pius X will be in Region 5-AAAAA
along with Clarkston, Cross Keys, Decatur, Lithonia and
M.L. King, Southwest DeKalb and Stone Mountain. M.L.
King moved down to Class AAAAA from Class AAAAAA,
and Stone Mountain was previously in Class AAA.
According to DeKalb County School District’s
Athletics Department, Lithonia, Southwest DeKalb and
Stone Mountain appealed to be moved up to Class AAAAA
after being placed in Class AAAA during the realignment
process.
Druid Hills moved down to Region 6-AAAA, joining
several DeKalb schools which also were moved down
to Class AAAA. Stephenson was moved down two
classifications from Class AAAAAA to Region 6-AAAA,
while Arabia Mountain and Miller Grove were moved from
Class AAAAA to Region 6-AAAA. Marist also will be in
Region 6-AAAA.
Dunwoody jumped from Class AAAAAA to Class
AAAAAAA, while Lakeside moved down from Class
AAAAAAA to Class AAAAAA, joining Tucker in Region
4-AAAAAA. Cedar Grove and Redan are remaining in
Region 5-AAA, while Towers and Columbia were moved
down to Region 6-AA with McNair. Columbia dropped to
Class AA from Class AAAAA.
Private schools Greenforest Christian, Paideia and W.
D. Mohammed were placed in the non-football A-Private
classification. Schools wishing to change regions were
heard at the Reclassification Committee’s Nov. 19 meeting.
Results of those appeals and which schools appealed were
not available at press time.