2017 YEAR IN REVIEW
SEE PAGE 7
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
Nonprofit organization Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure held a coat drive Dec. 30 at the Redan
Recreation Center in Lithonia. Photos provided
St. Pius X retires Kelley Cain’s jersey
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
N
o future player on St.
Pius X girls’ basketball
team will ever have 52
e as her jersey number.
The program retired
the number that belonged
to 2007 graduate and All-
American Kelley Cain on
Dec. 28. Cain is one of the
most accomplished players to
come through the program.
During her four-year career
at St. Pius, Cain scored
2,017 points, grabbed 1,420
rebounds, totaled 194 assists
and 219 steals and blocked
660 shots.
Cain, who currently plays
in Poland for the Energa Torun
basketball team, said it is
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
the DeKalb
humbling to have her number
retired.
“I obviously couldn’t have
done this without my coaches
and my awesome teammates
through the four years I was
here,” she said. “I was shocked
when my mom told me.”
Cain won three state titles
while at St. Pius (2004, 2006
and 2007). She averaged
20 points and 13 rebounds
per game. She was the first
player from St. Pius girls’
basketball program to be
named a Parade, Nike, USA
Today, Women’s Basketball
Coaches’ Association (WBCA)
and McDonald’s All-American.
She has been ranked among
the top players in the state
and played in several national
tournaments.
While excelling on the
FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • VOL. 22, NO. 48 • FREE
• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
WARM
H.O.M.E.
Nonprofit hands out coats
during cold weather
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN based nonprofit.
horace@dekalbchamp.com Helping Oppressed Mothers
Endure (H.O.M.E.), in partnership
with Burlington Coat Factory,
W
ith weather dipping to Delivering Good and Good Morn-
single-digit wind chills ing America, handed out ap-
to start 2018, DeKalb proximately 850 coats and winter
County children and adults re- jackets Dec. 30 during the “Warm
ceived a gift thanks to a Lithonia- Coats and Warm Hearts” event.
SEE COATS ON PAGE 6
court, Cain also excelled in
the classroom as a multi-year
honor roll student. Cain said
academics and basketball
were part of why she enrolled
at St. Pius.
“I talked with my mom
about that—it was her
decision,” Cain said. “I’m not
going to lie—I wasn’t for it
because I wanted to be with
my brothers [at Chamblee
Charter High School] and
where my friends were, but
I don’t regret any of it. It was
some of the greatest four
years of my life.”
Cain, who is 6-foot-6, said
she has always been tall for
her age. However, basketball
wasn’t her first sport. She
started playing soccer at four
years old as a goalie, before
playing basketball.
St. Pius X retired Kelley Cain’s number 52 jersey. Photo by Carla
Parker
SEE JERSEY ON PAGE 6
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 2

DORAVILLE

County names new head of public safety

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN management, 911 and the new police headquarters. this agency much better than
horace@dekalbchamp.com medical examiner offices, and In his resignation letter, I found it.”
will manage approximately Lumpkin said he helped Lumpkin also said he
1,600 employees. implement a culture change helped restore the integrity
Several changes are
According to Thurmond, in the Savannah-Chatham of the Savannah-Chatham
expected in 2018 for DeKalb,
Lumpkin will also be department. Metropolitan Police
including a new head of
responsible for managing “Given the police Department.
public safety.
a budget of approximately enhancements in the 2018 “Instead of fractured
DeKalb County CEO
$201 million. City of Savannah Budget relationships with local, state
Michael Thurmond recently
A portion of that budget and continuity of leadership and or federal sector law
announced DeKalb would
will go toward hiring new possessed by the two enforcement, today we have
have a new deputy chief
county police officers and assistant chiefs, I am of [the] productive partnerships in
operating officer of public
increasing recruiting efforts. opinion [that] the future is place that are yielding best
safety.
The county plans to hire an bright for the new Savannah practice peace officer results,”
Joseph Lumpkin, who
estimated 250 additional Police Department,” Lumpkin Lumpkin said.
resigned as Savannah-
officers. Lumpkin stated in the letter. “Forward Lumpkin will officially
Chatham police chief in
Lumpkin will also be in facilities and capital projects thinking internal and external leave the Savannah-Chatham
December, will begin the
charge of managing Special such as new fire stations and customers will attest that I left department Jan. 22.
position Jan. 28.
Purpose Local Option Sales
“Chief Lumpkin has built
Tax proceeds. DeKalb voters
a stellar leadership record in
approved the SPLOST M E T R O P O L I TA N AT L A N TA R A P I D T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y
law enforcement in Georgia
referendum in November of
and across the country,” said
Thurmond. “He will enhance
2017. Advocates stated the Notice of Public Hearings
SPLOST would help improve Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
DeKalb’s public safety
public safety. Transit Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the
departments, which will help
According to county
make the county safer and Proposed Bus Service Modifications for April 14, 2018
officials, Lumpkin will decide
improve quality of life.”
how to spend approximately for the following bus routes:
Lumpkin will be
$85 million in SPLOST funds
responsible for the services Route 1: Marietta Street; Route 3: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive/Auburn Avenue;
over the next six years
of police, fire and rescue,
to improve public safety Route 12: Howell Mill Road/Cumberland; New Route 14: 14th Street/Bland-
animal control, emergency
town; Route 26: Perry Boulevard/North Avenue; Route 37: Defoors Ferry Road;
Route 50: Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway; Route 51: Joseph E. Boone Boulevard;
OBITUARY Route 58: Atlanta Indusrial / Hollywood Road; Route 60: Hightower / Moores Mill;
Route 66: Lynhurst / Greenbriar; Route 68: Donnelly Avenue / Peyton; Route 82:
Whitnell Clyde “Sonny” Knox, Jr., 66, of Clarkston Camp Creek Parkway / Welcome All Road; Route 84: Washington Road/Camp
passed away December 22, 2017 at his residence.
Knox was born October 5, 1951 in Madisonville, Creek Marketplace; Route 93: Headland Drive / Princeton Lakes; Route 153:
KY to the late Whitnell Clyde Knox, Sr. and Juanita H E Holmes / Browntown; Route 180: Fairburn / Palmetto; Route 181: Washing-
Foreman Knox.
He worked as a producer for the Ted Turner Network ton Road/Fairburn; Route 189: Flat Shoals Road/Scofield Road; Route 191: River-
and was a graduate of Western Kentucky University. dale/ATL International Terminal; Route 813 (formerly Route 13): Atlanta Student
He loved entertaining people, acting, and theatre. He Movement Boulevard; Route 850: Carroll Heights/Fairburn Heights; Route 853
also loved entertaining children at the Braves Games by
making balloon animals and painting faces. He enjoyed (formerly Route 53): Collier Heights; Route 856 (formerly Route 56): Baker Hills/
setting up backdrops and decorating for theatre shows. Wilson Mill Meadows; Route 867 (formerly Route 67): Harland Terrace/Dixie Hills
He is survived by his sister, Patti (Johnny) Elkins of
Lexington, KY; his aunt, Margie Chappell; and several All route information, videos and comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com.
cousins.
Funeral services were held Dec. 28 at Barnett-Strother Tuesday, Jan. 16 Wednesday, Jan. 17 Thursday, Jan. 18
Funeral Home with Rebecca Zahrte officiating. Burial
followed in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Decatur Fulton County Govt. Clayton County
Recreation Center Center - Assembly Hall Library - HQ’s Branch
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN 231 Sycamore Street, 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Decatur, 30030 30303
865 Battle Creek Road,
Jonesboro 30236
Community Exchange: 6-7 pm Community Exchange: 6-7 pm
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice that a Community Exchange: 6-7 pm
Public Hearing will be held on Monday, January 22, 2017 HEARING: 7 pm HEARING: 7 pm HEARING: 7 pm
at 6:30pm to consider Re-Zoning and a Variance Ap- Riding MARTA: Across from the Riding MARTA: Bus Routes 32,
Riding MARTA: Bus Route 193.
plication for the property located at 5233 Cloud Street, Decatur Rail Station. 42, and 55.
Stone Mountain, GA.
Anyone wishing to attend the public hearing may do so Copies of the proposed Bus Service Modifications will also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters
Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri
and be heard relative thereto. Please contact the City of 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Stone Mountain Administration Office at 770-498-8984
for further information. For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404)
848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Tele-
phone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665.

REDUCE
In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings and want
to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs,
2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete an online Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com;

REUSE
(4) or fax your comments no later than January 25, 2018 to (404) 848-4179.
All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected
by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places

RECYCLE
and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require.
Elizabeth O’Neill, Interim General Manager/CEO
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
Zumba classes offered throughout January
Beginning Jan. 13, Brookhaven Parks
and Recreation will offer Zumba classes at
Briarwood Park. Classes will be held on Saturday
mornings in the Briarwood Rec Center. Zumba
toning classes will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed
by standard Zumba classes at 11:30 a.m. Classes
will be held weekly until Feb. 3. Regular monthly
classes will follow throughout the spring.
Monthly sessions are $35, and registration can
be done by calling (404) 637-0512 or at https://
www.brookhavenga.gov/parksrec/page/
activities-and-programs.
CLARKSTON
East Ponce de Leon lane closure
Portions of East Ponce de Leon Avenue,
between Interstate 285 and Market Street, will
be closed intermittently from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
to accommodate construction of the Clarkston
Streetscape Water Main Relocation Project. The
project began in September and will replace
nearly 8,000 feet of water main pipes in the
Clarkston area. Single-lane closures will be in
effect for the duration of construction, which is
expected to conclude in April.
Motorists and MARTA passengers who use
East Ponce de Leon between I-285 and Market
Street are urged to plan for extra commuting
time. Lane closure signs will be in the area
alerting motorists to the construction work and
local traffic restrictions.
For more information, visit the DeKalb
County Department of Watershed Management
(DWM) website at www.dekalbwatershed.com,
call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800-
986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.
gov.
WE ARE SOCIAL
#ITSINTHECHAMPION
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 3
LITHONIA
Organization to host free financial
management workshop
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women,
Inc., Decatur-DeKalb Chapter, Inc. will host a
free “Financial Boot Camp” Jan. 6, 2:45-4:45 p.m.
at the Lithonia-Davidson library, 6821 Church
Street in Lithonia. Workshop topics will include
money management, budgeting, credit repair
and retirement planning. The session will be
facilitated by Jason Culp, a private wealth
manager and founder/CEO of Pragmatic
Financial Strategies, Inc. For more information,
call Shana Laster at (404) 981-5952.
STONECREST
Geology hike at Arabia Mountain
Join Ranger Meredith Jan. 20 from 9 to
11 a.m. for an interpretive hike about the
geology of Arabia Mountain to learn more
about the mountain’s 400-million-year-old
history. There will be discussions on rocks and
minerals and attendees can explore what lives
on the rock. Attendees are asked to dress in
long pants, wear closed-toe shoes and bring
plenty of water for this moderate/difficult
hike. For more information, call (770) 992-
5220 or visit www.arabiaalliance.org/events. 
COUNTYWIDE
DeKalb to commemorate 50th anniversary
of MLK Jr.’s Death
DeKalb County will present its annual
Martin Luther King Jr. celebration program,
“50 Forward: Together We Win with Love for
Humanity,” Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m. in the Maloof
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
Auditorium in downtown Decatur.
The 2018 tribute commemorates the 50th
anniversary of King’s death and marks the
34th consecutive year DeKalb will host the
employee-planned event honoring the life
and legacy of King.
The celebration is free and open to the
public.
Free Christmas tree collection for DeKalb
residents
The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will
collect Christmas tree curbside for county
residents through Jan. 12.
Trees will be collected during regularly
scheduled sanitation collection service
days. To have trees collected, residents must
remove all decorations from trees and place
them curbside. Only trees seven feet in height
or less will be accepted. Trees that cannot be
trimmed to the required size may be taken to
the county-owned Seminole Road Landfill or
collected by the Sanitation Division’s special
collection unit. Collected trees will be recycled
and converted to mulch.
For more information, contact the
Sanitation Division’s customer service
team at (404) 294-2900 or sanitation@
dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.
dekalbsanitation.com.
TUCKER
Yoga in Tucker
Main Street School of the Arts will offer a
free introduction to yoga class every Tuesday
beginning Jan. 9 until Feb. 27, from 9:30 to 10:15
a.m. The school is located at 2323 Main Street
in Tucker. For more information, visit www.
MainStreetSchoolOfArt.com.
OPINION
Have the facts before forming an opinion
We have recently seen
legislation passed at the national
level that has caused heated
discussion and ridicule, but
we don’t have much factual
information on which to base
either our dislike or support.
When the possibility of
reversing the rules governing
net neutrality first began to be
discussed there were many who
reacted similarly to Chicken Little
yelling “the sky is falling”. Perhaps
it is human nature to imagine
the worst-case scenario, but this
mindset does little good and puts
believers in a position of possibly
worrying for no reason.
Unless we are involved in
the high-tech world of internet
service providers, we have no
basis on which to form opinions
on what may happen. The realm
of possibilities of what may come
about because of the reversal of
net neutrality are unlimited.
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
I see the reversal of net
neutrality as an effort to remove
government from interfering
with or attempting to manage
the internet. History has proven
many times over that when
government is removed from
business models of any sort that
competition ultimately creates
better opportunities for the
public.
Without government
overreach and controls, internet
service providers will be forced to
offer the best service for the best
rate if they are to maintain their
client base.
As a comparison, when cellular
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 4
phone service first became
available, rates were outrageous
and options for carriers were
typically limited to the mega
providers of the day such as
AT&T. With deregulation of the
industry, many upstart phone
service providers began offering
lower rates and improved
coverage; which ultimately led
to drastic reductions of costs
and improvements in quality of
service.
With the national tax overhaul
that has just passed, some
pundits have weighed in with
extreme criticism and others
have expressed absolute support
of the proposed changes to our
tax codes. The truth is that the
public—and likely many elected
officials voting on the measure—
don’t know all the details yet
and are jumping to conclusions,
or just straight-up deceiving
the public, when they opine
on a subject they have limited
knowledge of.
In one news cast viewed
recently, I heard conflicting
criticisms and support of
the tax reform bill that were
presented as factual news but
were actually one person’s or
group’s assessment of what their
interpretation of the impact of
the new tax guidelines would be.
There is no reason to cry foul
about a topic if we have little
factual information on which
to base our opinions. When we
support or ridicule any topic
without facts, we are doing a
disservice to ourselves and to
others by spreading false or
misleading information.
There is no magic crystal
ball that allows us to see into
the future. It behooves us all to
know the facts before we start
assuming the worst.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 5

Presidential resolutions...we can hope

“It is always during a passing
state of mind that we make lasting ‘One Man’s in his administration.  To get
down to 35 percent, Gerald
tiniest slice of humble pie.
President Trump of course did not
resolutions,” Marcel Proust (1871- Opinion’ R. Ford pardoned Richard ask for my advice, nor is he likely to
1922), French novelist, critic and Nixon follow it. But he has said, time and
essayist, considered by critics and other Bill Crane 3. Make and stick to your again, “I’m here for you.”  His electoral
writers to be one of the most influential commitments—A short list of success is in part rooted in busting
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
authors of the 20th century. honored campaign promises up the cabal of money, lobbyists,
I have found it personally helpful has seen incumbent after inefficiency and corruption that exists
for at least a couple of decades Some of the president’s incumbent re-elected. The in Washington, D.C. Behaving in a
now to use part of the last week longest and choicest battles president’s challenge is way that his school teachers and my
of each calendar year to conduct of this year were with senators that his commitments and mother would be proud of him isn’t a
a bit of personal and professional in his own party. Hardly a day promises can change, with bad way to go. It won’t negate all the
inventory, assessing what works and went by when the leader of the season or even days of the things he thinks brought him to the
what doesn’t, where improvement the free world wasn’t picking week, making it hard to keep dance. He might even find a few new
is needed, and inevitably making a a fight somewhere with track of what he is committing willing dance partners.
handful of resolutions that I generally someone. This dissipates to do; much less later We wish you well Mr. President,
stick to. But all said, my resolutions energy, focus and makes you possibly crediting him with but as you often say, it’s always
won’t matter much to my readers, appear small–not more of a success. Where is the needle, best helping those who first help
much less the nation—so I thought I’d strongman. It makes you look for example, today, on what themselves. God speed, sir, and God
offer some resolution guidance to our like a bully. we are going to do about the bless America.
president for 2018, toward making a 2. Put down the phone–I imagine DACA kids?
few modest adjustments of his own most of us have drunk dialed 4. Simply and credibly look in a Bill Crane also serves as a
that might vastly improve his track or texted at least once. The mirror—The president has political analyst and commentator
record of achievements. president, perhaps drunk with tremendous energy, I am for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
First, I want to acknowledge that power, rants with his Tweets told charm (though I’ve not AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
being new to Washington and politics, most every day. Though he actually witnessed that) and
FM, as well as a columnist for The
President Trump has had several credits this "reach around" the abilities to persuade. Use
successes, and I want to give high those sales talents to close a Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
media and "fake news crowd" Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
marks where he earned them.   with his election victory, it is few more deals. Stop crowing
Trump appointed a solid constantly that you are the native and business owner, living
probably the largest single
constitutional conservative to factor driving his approval brightest, smartest, most in Scottdale. You can reach him
the U.S. Supreme Court, and his rating down from 45 percent expert on every topic, it only or comment on a column at bill.
administration is stacking the federal at the time of his swearing-in makes your failures more csicrane@gmail.com.
bench with younger newly appointed last January, to 35 percent spectacular and causes others
conservatives and Republicans. now–the lowest of any to root for you to stumble. Try
On the international front, Trump modern president at this point eating, on occasion, just the
activated and enforced President
Obama’s red line in the deserts
of Syria, supported the Israel
government’s desire to move their
capital to Jerusalem, and began the
wind-down and withdrawal for the
United States from the Paris climate
accords. The president and Congress
significantly reduced corporate
and personal income tax rates,
and on the regulatory front, the
Trump administration has reversed
or repealed more than 60 federal
rules and regulations considered
burdensome to industry and
economic growth.
To make the above list longer, I’m
suggesting a handful of impactful
resolutions, a few of which my
mother, father and others also
suggested to me over the years –
1. Pick and choose your battles—

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Derek Smith 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 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 6

COATS Continued From Page 1

The group gave out coats for seven hours
at the Redan Recreation center. H.O.M.E.
founder Carolyn Watson said she’s happy to
give back to the community.
“We got together and thought, ‘why
doesn’t H.O.M.E. do a coat drive?’ Watson
said. “God has showed up and showed out...
it’s a blessing to know that he has enlarged
our territory and given in abundance. People
are starting to join us and become a part of
H.O.M.E.”
The organization generally distributes
donated furniture items to single mothers
in need who are starting over, sometimes
from divorce or domestic violence situations.
Collectively, more than 7,500 moms and chil-
dren have received sofas, dinette sets, beds,
computer desks, TVs, lamps, small appliances,
dishes, linen and bedding since the organiza-
tion’s inception.
H.O.M.E. spokesperson Carolyn Tolbert
said the organization expanded its reach in
2017 by participating in different community
related events.
In the aftermath of
Hurricane Harvey, organization officials hand
delivered gallons of water to Baytown, Texas.
The organization collected approximately 300
cases of water through the month of Septem-
ber.
“We tried to stay in our lane, but you
just never know what you will be blessed
with,” Tolbert said. “We’re just trying to
help as many people as we can and with
the coat drive we thought about how cold
it is and some of these people need our
help now.”
H.O.M.E. also partnered with radio station
KISS 104.1 during the event, featuring a live
broadcast of the activities.
Leotis Watson, husband of founder Caro-
lyn, said the coat drive was more than just
handing out winter clothes. He said it was
about getting into the community and lend-
ing help to those in need.
“The coats are one thing, but it’s the words
of encouragement that go along with it. We
are there ministering as we give these coats
out,” Leotis Watson said. “So, the coat drive is
excellent, but the word is going to exceed the
coat drive.”
Watson said the organization is currently in
search of a 2,000-plus square foot warehouse
to store its donated items.
“We have grown by leaps and bounds and
so has our vision for 2018,” Watson said. “We
want a building we can call our own.”

JERSEY Continued From Page 1

“I was a goalie from age 4 to 12,” she said. “I
played church league [basketball], and after 12 I
guess I just decided to stick with basketball full-
time, and it obviously paid off.”
Her play on the court caught the attention of
the late legendary college basketball coach Pat
Summitt of the University of Tennessee. Cain fondly
remembers Summitt’s first visit to St. Pius to recruit
her.
“It was kind of intimidating, but in a good way,”
she said. “When she first came she couldn’t speak
to me because of NCAA rules. I remember it was
such a big deal that she was there, and I was really
nervous. I was sitting at a lunch table and there was
another lunch table in front of me. She sat at the
opposite end and just stared at me the whole time
while I ate lunch. I didn’t know how to act.”
Cain spent four seasons with the Tennessee
Lady Volunteers. She was a member of the 2008
team that won the national championship, but
experienced it from the sidelines after missing most
of the season due to knee surgery, her first of two
during her college career.
During Cain’s three seasons on the court
at Tennessee, she averaged 8.6 points and 6.2
rebounds per game and shot 60.6 percent from
the field. She totaled 228 blocks in 92 games and
led the Southeastern Conference in blocks for two
seasons.
She set a Tennessee single-season record with
113 blocks in her sophomore year. She said playing
for Summitt was intense, but Summiitt was a
second mother to her and her teammates off the
court.
“Anything you needed, any problem you had
you could go to her and she’d help you out,” she
said. “God bless her soul, we miss her so much. She
had an awesome career.”
Cain was drafted in the WNBA in 2012 by the
New York Liberty as the seventh overall pick. She
also played for the Connecticut Sun before leaving
the WNBA to play full time in the European league.
She said she learned a lot throughout her career
to become a better basketball player, however, she
credits God for getting her this far in her career
through the injuries and adversity.
“It’s by the grace of God I got [to having my
jersey retired] and how I’m still able to play,” she
said. “I can’t thank him enough.”
LOCAL
YEAR in
REVIEW
Emory files for annexation
For years, Emory University was part of
unincorporated DeKalb County, but that
will soon change in 2018. Rumors of Emory
officials wanting to annex into Atlanta began
circulating in 2016. However, in 2017 Emory
made it official, filing for petition to annex in
June 2017.
Other institutions such as Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Power Co.,
Villa International, Synod of South Atlantic &
Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention followed suit.
After negotiations, DeKalb County officials
agreed to the annexation. Per the agreement,
the county will continue to provide fire
services in exchange for an annual payment
of $1 million for two to 10 years for a total
payment of $10,250,000. The county may
terminate the fire service agreement after two
years.
Atlanta will also take ownership of all
roads, bridges and 10 traffic signals in the
annexed area.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 7
SPLOST approved in DeKalb
According to Thurmond, DeKalb County
voters approved a Special Purpose Local
Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for the first time in
the county’s history.
Voters approved the SPLOST referendum
Nov. 8, 2017. The referendum increases the
current sales tax from 7 percent to 8 percent in
April 2018.
Some DeKalb residents rallied against
the referendum, stating DeKalb’s history of
mismanaging funds while a portion supported
the measure because of the additional funds to
improve roads and public safety.
“For the first time in DeKalb County’s history,
voters have approved a blueprint for success
with the passage of the SPLOST,” said CEO
Michael Thurmond. “We take this vote of trust
seriously and will continue to work with our
city partners on a better future.”
Approximately 85 percent of the $388
million expected to be generated over the
next six years for the county will go toward
transportation projects, with more than $151
million for road resurfacing.
I-85 bridge collapse
Commuters traveling on Interstate 85
were in for a surprise March 30. Due to a fire,
a section of one of the busiest interstates in
Georgia collapsed.
DeKalb County officials had to adjust to
the increased traffic demands. According to
the county, traffic increased by at least 30
percent on DeKalb roadways.
The day after the bridge collapse, MARTA
ridership increased by approximately 21
percent.
The man accused of starting the fire under
the bridge, Basil Eleby, recently entered
into an 18-month diversion program. If
Eleby completes the program, he will not be
charged for first-degree arson and criminal
damage to property.
Witnesses said Eleby started the fire
while smoking crack under the bridge, in an
interview with The Champion, Eleby said he’s
clean and was offered a job by D&K Suits.
LOCAL
Hurricane Irma
More than 250 homes in DeKalb County were
damaged by Hurricane Irma in September. The
tropical storm decimated parts of the Caribbean,
Florida and Georgia.
Of the 250 homes damaged, 50 homes suffered
major damage and 10 homes were completely
destroyed. In total, DeKalb Emergency Management
Agency (DEMA) assessed the county suffered
approximately $11 million in insured damages.
DeKalb also reported removing 130 tons of
debris, including more than 180 trees.
Thurmond said DeKalb County took the brunt of
damage in metro-Atlanta.
E-SPLOST V project list released
Building a new John R. Lewis Elementary
School along Skyland Trail NE in Brookhaven is the
first project scheduled on DeKalb County School
District’s (DCSD) E-SPLOST V project list.
The list—approved by the DCSD board of
education on March 20—stated the school’s
construction, worth $31.5 million, would begin in
July 2017 and finish by November 2018.
The DCSD board approved a $21 million
general contractor’s agreement with Barton
Marlow Company, an engineering and design firm
based in Alpharetta. According to the March 20
agenda item, Barton Marlow was chosen because
of its experience in working with school districts,
legal history and staff members assigned to the
project.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 8
Jeff Mann arrested
In what was arguably one of the most
discussed stories of the year, DeKalb County
Sheriff Jeff Mann was arrested near Piedmont
Park in Atlanta May 6. He was charged with
indecent exposure and obstruction of an
officer after he allegedly exposed his penis to
an officer.
On Sept. 7, the Georgia Peace Officer
Standards and Training Council voted
to revoke Mann’s certification as a law
enforcement officer.
Ruth Stringer was named as interim sheriff
for DeKalb County after Gov. Nathan Deal
suspended Mann for 40 days in June.
Avondale Estates holds ribbon-
cutting ceremony for The ArtLot
Although The ArtLot has been open since
October 2016, Avondale Estates officials and art
enthusiasts cut a big red ribbon to celebrate the
completion of the city’s newest attraction on
March 9.
The ArtLot was an idea formed by Avondale
Arts Alliance, residents and businesses to create
a temporary city park. The concept of The
ArtLot is to turn unused land into a pop-up art
park where residents and visitors can explore
a “creative experience” that would include
sculptures and visual art installations, green
walls and a performance space. It also could be
used for other activities.
DeKalb remembers longtime
television journalist Amanda
Davis
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Thousands of DeKalb County and metro
Atlanta residents made their way to Decatur
Jan. 2 to pay their final respects to veteran
Atlanta news anchor Amanda Davis.
Davis, 62, died Dec. 27 after she suffered
a massive stroke the day prior waiting to
board a flight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport. According to reports,
she was planning to fly to Texas for her
stepfather’s funeral.
A public viewing was held for Davis at
Gregory B. Levett Funeral Home on Flat
Shoals Parkway.
Davis, an Emmy-award winning journalist,
was at CBS 46 since January 2017 as a
morning anchor after spending 26 years at
WAGA-TV (FOX 5). Davis retired from WAGA in
2012 following a DUI-related arrest. She aired
a three-part series in 2016 on CBS 46 about
her battle with alcoholism.
After her death was announced,
several leaders from DeKalb offered their
condolences via social media.
“My most sincerest condolences to
the family,” DeKalb County Commissioner
Gregory Adams said on Instagram. “May care
and love of those around you provide comfort
and peace to get you through the days ahead.
God Bless you.”
“Amanda Davis will be remembered for her
strength, through struggle, her humility and
her courage to continue to move forward,”
DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda
Johnson said on Twitter. “May she [rest in
peace] RIP!”
U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson also
expressed his condolences for his fellow Clark
Atlanta University graduate on Twitter.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the
family of a great journalist and fellow @CAU
graduate,” Johnson said.
Davis is survived by her mother and
daughter.

Chamblee passes on
annexation again
Chamblee city officials passed on a proposal
for annexation of an area encompassing
Northlake Mall and the Atlanta campus of Mercer
University on Feb. 24 following a presentation on
Feb. 16.
“The council and I believe no actions
concerning Chamblee annexation will move
forward in this year’s General Assembly session,”
stated Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson. “A
grassroots effort asking council to adopt a
resolution in support of legislative action to allow
an annexation vote was brought forward at the
February work session. The city of Chamblee has
in the past, and always will listen to annexation
requests and be open to the idea if it can be
determined to have a positive impact on our
community. However in this case, and after
hearing from state representatives, it appears that
there is not enough time left in this legislative
session for a proper analysis of the request.”
Unincorporated DeKalb County resident John
Oselette originally submitted an annexation
request letter and map to Chamblee city officials
on Feb. 6 following a meeting with Clarkson and
councilman Brian Mock on Jan. 25.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 9
Death of megachurch pastor Oprah speaks at Agnes Scott
Eddie Long shocks community
According to world-renowned media
icon, philanthropist and entrepreneur Oprah
For many DeKalb residents and the clergy
Winfrey, the best way to build a legacy is to feel
community, 2017 began with the unexpected
everything with love.
death of New Birth Baptist Church senior pastor
Winfrey spoke at Agnes Scott College in
Eddie L. Long.
Decatur on May 13 as the private college’s 2017
Long, 63, died Jan. 15, 2017 after a “gallant
commencement speaker, imparting wisdom to
private fight with an aggressive form of cancer,”
thousands of attendees.
the church announced on its website. His funeral
Winfrey challenged graduates to lead lives
service was held at the church he pastored
filled with compassion, constructive engagement
since 1987. The service lasted nearly six hours
and service.
and featured tributes from DeKalb County CEO
“The world needs you right now—the
Michael Thurmond and DeKalb County School
struggle is real right now,” Winfrey said. “The
District Regional V Superintendent Dr. Ralph
struggle to remain compassionate, the struggle
Simpson.
to remain committed, the struggle to remain
Under Long’s leadership, the church’s
constructively engaged—but I’m betting on you.”
membership grew from 300 to more than 25,000
at its height. The membership decreased after
Long was named in a lawsuit in 2010 by four
former male congregation members who accused
Long of sexual abuse.
City of Gaochun in Nanjing
Province named Doraville’s
sister city
On Jan. 17, 2017 Doraville officially became
the sister city of Gaochun, a city in the Nanjing
Province of China.
Miles service attended by “This is a great opportunity for us to build
thousands community relationships and show that we are a
city that welcomes everyone,” said Doraville Mayor
Donna Pittman. “This is a great opportunity to
come together as one. It’s an honor that they
On April 8, Greenforest Community Baptist
approached us.”
Church’s 2,700 capacity sanctuary was filled
According to the city’s official resolution,
to capacity by family, friends and dignitaries
Gaochun officials contacted Doraville for the
gathered for Ollisteen “Steen” Miles’
purpose of fostering goodwill, establishing a
celebration of life.
deeper friendship and mutual understanding
Miles, a retired journalist, former state
through educational, cultural, sporting and
senator, ordained minister and a member of
commercial exchanges.
countless boards and community organizations
succumbed to her battle with cancer on March
29.
LOCAL
Eleven teams crowned
champions in 2017
DeKalb County’s public and private schools
had another good year in athletics.
Eleven teams from the county won state
championships in seven sports. Marist was the
recipient of six of the 11 championships trophies.
The Marist War Eagles kicked off the year with a
victory in the state swimming and diving meet.
Marist's girls’ swim team won the Class
A-AAAAA state title last February, its third
consecutive title and the program’s ninth overall.
St. Pius X boys’ swim and dive team also won
the Class A-AAAAA, its’ second state title in three
years.
In March, the Greenforest Eagles won their
second consecutive Class A-Private basketball
state title after an 81-57 win over Southwest
Atlanta Christian. It was the third state title in five
seasons for the Eagles.
May 6 was a historic day for the Chamblee
Charter High School tennis program as the girls’
team completed an undefeated season with its
first state title. The Chamblee Lady Bulldogs won
Class AAAAA state tennis title with a 3-1 victory
over Starr’s Mill.
That same day, the Marist boys’ tennis
team won the Class AAAA state title, its fourth
consecutive and 16th state title in program
history. Marist defeated North Oconee 3-0 to
claim the title.
Several more state titles were won in May.
St. Pius X girls’ soccer team won the Class AAAA
state title after a 1-0 victory over rival Marist. It
was St. Pius’ third consecutive championship
victory over Marist, fifth consecutive state title
and eighth in nine seasons.
In track and field, the Cedar Grove Saints
won the Class AAA boys state title, its third
consecutive championship, and Marist won the
Class AAAA boys state title.
The baseball team brought Marist its fourth
state championship of the year. The War Eagles
won the Class AAAA baseball title two games to
one, beating Blessed Trinity 4-3 in the final game
of the championship series. The state title win
was the 13th in program history and first since
2011.
The final two state titles of the year came in
November in cross country. Marist boys and girls
won the Class AAAA cross country state titles. It
was the 12th boys’ cross country state title, its
fourth in seven years, and 10th consecutive girls’
state title and 20th overall.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 10
United Methodist Children’s
Home sells property
After decades of service to at-risk children in
the DeKalb County area, the United Methodist
Children’s Home in Decatur sold its property to the
city of Decatur for $40 million.
In an April 17 Decatur city commission
meeting, commissioners voted to purchase the
77 acres of property from the United Methodist
Children’s Home of the North Georgia Conference
Inc.
John Cerniglia, vice president of development
for UMCH, said the organization was working to
find a location that fits the needs of its 80 residents
who are living on campus.
“We’re in the process of researching options
to relocate the 80 people who live on campus,”
Cerniglia said. “We’re focusing on DeKalb County
so it’s not too much of a move and people can feel
close. We want to be on the MARTA line. Ideally, we
want to be where we are in a community.”
World-famous jewel thief
arrested in Chamblee
For the third time since December 2016, world-
famous jewel thief Doris Payne found herself
lodged in a DeKalb County jail.
Payne, 86, was arrested July 17 at the
Chamblee Walmart located at 1871 Chamblee
Tucker Road. According to police, she was arrested
for attempting to steal $86.22 worth of items.
According to the incident report, Payne was
spotted by a loss prevention officer stuffing items
from the pharmacy, electronics and grocery
department into various bags before attempting
to check out.
Payne was charged with multiple counts of
theft by shoplifting.
Payne, well-known for a six-decade career in
jewel theft, also was arrested in December, 2016
for attempting to steal a $1,995 necklace from
Von Maur at Perimeter Mall. She was subsequently
arrested in March 2017 for failure to appear in
court.
Several cities saw construction
of new developments in 2017
Avondale Estates, Decatur and Lithonia
are among the cities in DeKalb County that
welcomed new development in 2017.
Avondale Estates is in the process of
improving its Westgate entrance of the city with
the construction of a mixed-use development
at Sams Crossing and East College Avenue. The
development, which is being built on 3.17 acres,
will feature approximately 8,000 square feet
of retail/restaurant space on the ground floor,
approximately 197 residential units in four stories
above, a gateway park—which will preserve the
mature trees, a rear parking deck, additional on-
street parking and sidewalks and street trees to
enhance the pedestrian experience. The project
is a part of the city’s efforts to redevelop its
central business district and the city.
Approximately 0.2 miles from that
construction project is another mixed-use
development project at Avondale MARTA
Station. A 7.7-acre Transit Oriented Development
(TOD) is being constructed in Decatur on the
corner of Sams Street and East College Avenue.
The project will feature a pedestrian-friendly
development comprised of 378 apartments as
well as 92 housing options for seniors. It will
also include 22,000 square feet of commercial
space for future entertainment, dining and retail
businesses.
In Lithonia, half of Lithonia Plaza was
demolished to make room for Granite Crossing.
The development, which is expected to be
completed in 2018, is a 75-unit complex that
includes 24 one-bedroom units, 45 two-bedroom
units and six three-bedroom apartments for
residents with annual incomes of up to $40,000.
The development also includes a pool, gazebo,
computer room, community room and other
amenities. City officials said they hope the new
development attracts new residents to the city.
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LOCAL
Clarkston sends message to ICE DeKalb commissioners approve
Clarkston’s public safety committee met April new Doraville TAD
27 to inform residents a non-detainer policy would
be passed May 2 at Clarkston’s monthly city council
meeting.
According to Clarkston officials, the non-
detainer policy urges law enforcement to not
enforce requests from U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless presented with
judicial warrants.
“An ICE detainer request is a voluntary request
from ICE to state or local law enforcement to
arrest or hold an individual until ICE can take that
person into custody,” reads a memo to Clarkston
city officials from city attorney Stephen Quinn. “In
the last year alone, state and federal courts in four
states—Minnesota, Texas, Rhode Island and New
York—held that ICE detainers… raise the specter
of routine Fourth Amendment violations. ICE
detainers are not probable cause that a person is in
the country illegally.”
Quinn said a non-detainer policy will not
violate Georgia law, but did acknowledge potential
retaliation from federal authorities in the form of
withholding funding.
Dozens of residents were present at Clarkston’s
meetings on April 27 and May 2 to show support
for the policy.
Employee discontent continues
at DCSD
For the fourth month in a row, more than 20
DeKalb County School District (DCSD) employees
attended DCSD’s public input session to deliver a
message to the board of education.
“Me and my fellow employees in the fleet,
maintenance, kitchen and administration feel that
our service is very important to the [district] and
we feel we’re not receiving the compensation we
deserve,” said DCSD HVAC department employee
Victor Floyd.
Floyd’s message echoes those heard in March,
April and May, when workers representing DCSD
technicians and manual laborers requested a
return to receiving raises, the rehiring of laid-off
workers and the elimination of vendors.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 11
DeKalb County’s board of commissioners
voted 7-0 to help finance redevelopment of the
former General Motors plant in Doraville on Jan.
24.
Commissioners approved a 30-year amended
intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the
county and Doraville establishing a tax allocation
district (TAD) diverting property tax revenue on
the 165-acre site, now known as the Assembly.
Following the agreement and pending
approval by Doraville City Council, revenue will
help pay for infrastructure, a covered connection
to the Doraville MARTA station and other
redevelopments at the site.
More than 50 arrests take place
in Dunwoody, Atlanta apartments
An alleged “high-end” sex trafficking ring made
up of more than 50 people was broken up in late
December 2016 and early January 2017 by the
Dunwoody Police Department.
On Jan. 18, officials said they arrested three
individuals believed to be the leaders of the
operation—Samuel and Darliene Crenshaw
of Kennesaw as well as George Moore of Sandy
Springs—who all face sex trafficking, racketeering,
prostitution and pimping charges.
In June, Dunwoody police announced 13
additional arrests had been made involving
Atlanta Gold Club and Lipstick & Shoes escort
services.
Handel defeats Ossoff in
Georgia 6th
Republican Karen Handel defeated Democrat
Jon Ossoff on June 20 in the Georgia 6th
Congressional District special election runoff.
Handel received 51.9 percent of the vote while
Ossoff received 48.1 percent, according to the
secretary of state’s office.
Handel’s main support came from Fulton and
Cobb counties, where she received 110,525 votes
to Ossoff’s 91,046, with some precincts favoring the
Republican by as much as 76 percent. Ossoff won
DeKalb County 33,847 to 24,070.
Though Ossoff drew more early votes (76,028
to Handel’s 66,657), election day crowds favored
Handel 67,938 to 48,865.
Mayoral powers changed in
Clarkston
A contested city charter amendment
involving the mayor’s role in government was
approved Feb. 7 despite public outcry and a
January veto from Mayor Ted Terry.
Terry was out of the country Feb. 7 when
Clarkston City Council approved the amendment,
which memebrs say had been discussed for
several years.
“More recently, [council] considered
and voted twice to amend the charter,” said
councilman and Vice Mayor Dean Moore. “It was
overridden by a veto, so we’re voting to override
the veto to make those charter changes.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 12

Battle between Cagle, Decatur

Drew Charter receives $2.5
When fake news hits home
million grant
In March, Champion reporter Scott Belzer
was pulled into a fake news story when parts of Charles R. Drew Charter School—located at
a story he wrote were used to create a fake story 301 East Lake Boulevard SE—was announced
alleging that DeKalb County School District (DCSD) as the recipient of a five-year $2.5 million grant
teachers had been fired for “pro-Trump remarks.” from the East Lake Foundation and the James M.
Nowhere in the story was it stated that teachers Cox Foundation on March 13.
were fired for “pro-Trump remarks,” but that didn’t The funds were granted to contribute to
stop a blog site named WorldDailyNet.com (WDN) research-based professional development classes
from publishing a story with the allegation, which and e-coaching for early childhood teachers,
quickly went viral. Belzer was interviewed by CBS according to Cox Foundation spokesman and
46 as a result, and DCSD Principal Steven Green Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy.
released a statement denying the claim. Officials from the East Lake Foundation
“It is important to know that this outlet never said the grant will provide an extra teacher
contacted the district or me to discuss the facts,” in the classroom and that the professional
the statement read. “The article inaccurately development and e-coaching may serve as a
represents the voluntary departure of three school model to schools throughout the country.
district employees, two teachers and one nurse.”
Assembly CID to issue $55
million in bonds
Doraville’s Assemby Community Improvement
District (CID) is set to issue $55 million in
assessment bonds for the Assembly development,
according to a March 2017 public notice.
According to the notice, the Assembly CID and
Doraville city officials were to plead their case to
DeKalb County Superior Court on March 28, which
would potentially clear the bonds for issuance.
Judge Asha Jackson was scheduled to hear the
case.
The $55 million would fund Doraville’s Assembly
project, which is designed to bring multi-family
housing, office, retail and other commercial space
to the former General Motors assembly plant site.
continues
In September, Decatur “codified” a long-
standing practice by the Decatur police, stating
they would not arrest, hold, extend the detention
of, transfer custody of, or transport anyone based
on the request of U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement unless the agency presented Decatur
police with a warrant first.
On Nov. 1, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle wrote on his
Facebook page that Decatur needs to “abandon
their practice of harboring criminal illegal
immigrants,” or he would work to cut the city’s
funding. Cagle also wrote a statement saying,
“Illegal immigrants shouldn’t be here in the
first place, and if they commit violent crimes,
responsible local leaders should work hand in
hand with federal authorities to turn them over
for deportation. Our state has a responsibility to
prevent crime and uphold the rule of law. That’s
what I intend to do.”
Cagle also filed a complaint with the state
immigration board in November. The board plans
to review the complaint in January of 2018.
Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett responded to
Cagle’s claims, posting a statement on the city’s
website. Garrett said Cagle’s accusations are “not
based in fact.” Garrett also claimed that Cagle was
avoiding further conversation with city leaders.  

Brookhaven, CHOA breaks

ground for pediatric
ambulatory care center
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta along with
elected officials from Brookhaven and DeKalb
County broke ground Jan. 11 for the Center for
Advanced Pediatrics facility. a hairbrush.
Recycle me.
“The Center for Advanced Pediatrics will be a
pediatric destination for the Southeast because it will
have both complex care and research capabilities
in one facility,” CHOA CEO Dr. Patrick Frias said in a
statement. “This innovative facility will improve the
patient experience and create a destination where
much of what these families need medically for their
[children] is in one centralized hub.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 13

COUNTYWIDE

Clinic offers blend of traditional,

alternative medicine
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
With the flood of health
information in periodicals,
online articles and social
media, many people
wonder whether they might
benefit from alternatives
to traditional medical
treatments. At the same time,
they may be concerned that
it could be a serious—even
deadly—mistake to abandon
traditional treatment.
Bindiya Gandhi, a
double board-certified family
medicine physician, said there
is value in both and offers
what is called “integrative
medicine” at her recently
opened clinic, Revive Atlanta,
MD, on North Decatur Road
in Decatur. Integrative
medicine focuses on caring
for the whole human being—
body, mind and spirit, she
explained.
Gandhi, who completed
her family medicine
residency at the Medical
College of Georgia in 2014,
said she began early in her
studies to consider whether
there sometimes might
be preferable alternatives
to prescription drugs. “All
drugs have side effects,” she
said. “Sometimes a drug
prescribed to address one
health problem may create
others.”
With an undergraduate
degree in psychology and
biology from the University
of Georgia, Gandhi has a
keen interest in the health
relationship between mind
and body. “Once when I was
working in a psychiatrist’s
office I got in trouble for
recommending that a patient
try meditation. The doctor
treated people primarily
with prescription medicine
and was opposed to non-
pharmaceutical approaches.
I thought, ‘That’s crazy. Why
not try meditation?’” may ask for an antibiotic
Gandhi emphasized that
she is not opposed to the
use of prescription drugs.
“Sometimes that’s exactly
what’s needed. There are
many very useful drugs
on the market and they
should be prescribed when
appropriate,” she said, adding
that many patients benefit
from a blend of traditional
and alternative medicine.
“I spend more time
talking with patients than
many doctors do. Some
may have multiple health
concerns. We look at their
symptoms together to agree
on an approach. I want to
empower patients to care for
themselves. I am an adjunct
in their healthcare, but they
make daily choices that can
help or hurt their health,”
Gandhi said.
Her integrative care might
include herb supplements,
exercise, dietary changes,
yoga and meditation.
"I meditate twice a day
myself," she said. She also is
a certified yoga instructor
and reiki master. Gandhi said
she is considering offering
meditation classes in the near
future.
Gandhi, who completed
her study of integrative
medicine at the University of
Arizona in 2016, said she also
seeks to educate patients.
“A patient, for example,
thinking it will quickly clear
up the problem when what
the person has won’t be
helped by antibiotics. Also,
the overuse of antibiotics
may make the person’s body
resistant to them. Sometimes,
the person needs a more
long-term approach. If you’re Bindiya Gandhi, MD
looking for a quick fix, I’m
probably not the doctor for clinic Revive Atlanta because large part of her practice.
you.” the name captures the spirit Gandhi said five or
She said patients are of what she’s trying to do. “I six years ago most of the
becoming more educated don’t want to just fix isolated conventional healthcare
on their own—primarily health problems but revive community was resistant
through the internet. “Not the person to a higher quality to alternative wellness
everything on the internet is of life,” she said, adding that approaches, but she finds
reliable or understandable. Decatur is an ideal location that’s less true now. “More
That’s why it’s important to for a practice such as hers. patients are asking about
discuss herb supplements or “People in Decatur are these approaches and more
other alternative approaches interested in living vibrant, doctors are looking at things
with a healthcare professional healthy lives and they like to other than prescription
who understands what the stay on the cutting edge of medicine that might have
supplement can and can’t emerging information that value for the patient. In the
do and how it might interact can improve their quality of future, you’re likely to see a
with drugs they are taking.” life,” Gandhi continued, noting lot more clinics like Revive
Gandhi said she calls her that preventive medicine is a Atlanta, MD.”

ATLANTA

McNair High students to collect shoes for donation to developing countries 

BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Two McNair High School
(MHS) clubs are working together
to provide donations to micro-
enterprise vendors in developing
countries.
The MHS Travel Club and the MHS
High Achievers are collecting gently
worn, used and new shoes to donate
to vendors worldwide. The effort is
facilitated by Funds2Orgs, a social
enterprise that creates and sustains
micro-enterprise opportunities
for low-income entrepreneurs in
developing nations.
According to Tom Henderson,
chief fundraising strategist at
Funds2Orgs, the enterprise is a
nationwide effort to provide shoes
to entrepreneurs in 24 developing
countries. It works with nonprofits
such as the MHS Travel Club and High
Achievers to collect donations, then
pays the nonprofits for donations,
helping to raise money. In turn,
the shoes donated are sent to
developing countries to create jobs
for citizens.
“[Entrepreneurs] clean, polish
and repurpose the shoes for resale
at their own businesses,” Henderson
told The Champion.
As of late December, students
had collected more than 2,225 pairs
of shoes and already completed one
shipment.
The MHS Travel Club will use
funds gathered to provide students
opportunities and educational
experiences around the world
through field trips, impact projects,
competitions, and excursions. The
High Achievers connects students
with conventions, summits and
academic competitions to foster
leadership skills, personal growth and
community service.
The clubs will be collecting
shoes through Jan. 6 from 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m. at each of the following
locations: McNair High School,
1804 Bouldercrest Road; McNair
Middle School, 2190 Wallingford
Drive; McNair Discovery Learning
Center, 2162 Second Avenue; Barack
Obama Elementary Magnet School
of Technology, 3132 Clifton Church
Road SE; Flat Shoals Elementary,
3226 Flat Shoals Road; Kelley Lake
Elementary, 2590 Kelly Lake Road;
Atlanta Sports Complex, 2581
Gresham Road; Dance 411, 475
Moreland Drive; Shane’s Rib Shack,
1221 Caroline Street.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 14

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MISCELLANEOUS

CHURCH FURNITURE: Does your

church need pews, pulpit set,
baptistery, steeple, windows?
BIG SALE on new cushioned
pews and pew chairs. 1-800-

The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.

RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each
additional word $0.60. All ads are
prepaid. All major credit cards accepted.
Ads due by Friday at noon for next
publication date. For more information
visit www.championclassifieds.com
DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate,
or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept
employment advertisements that are not bona-fide job offers. All real estate
advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept
advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination
based on color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
SPORTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 - 10, 2018 • Page 15

WRESTLING

S.W. DeKalb wins second consecutive county JV wrestling title

by Mark Brock Decatur took home
three gold medals won by
Keith Johnson’s
Jared Lester (3-0, 113), Alan
Southwest DeKalb Panthers
Ferguson (4-0, 170) and
junior varsity wrestling squad
Jaccoriyus Martin (2-0, 195).
won its second consecutive
The Bulldogs finished with
DeKalb County School District
three silver medals and two
Junior Varsity Championship
bronzes.
title 219-205 over Decatur
McNair finished third
Dec. 16 at home.
with 200 points, pulling in
The Panthers placed nine
five gold medals and two
wrestlers in the Top 4 in 14
bronzes. Gold medal winners
weight classes to pull out the
included Markell Sutton (4-
win over Decatur, which had
0, 132), Dashan Sutton (4-0,
eight wrestlers in the Top 4.
138), Andre Harris (4-0, 152),
Southwest DeKalb picked
Leetyree Rollins (3-0, 182)
up a pair of gold medals as
and Adrian Collins (4-0, 220).
Christian Harvey went 3-0
Other gold medal
to win the 106-pound weight
winners were Druid Hills’
class and Xavier McKinney
Artavis Brown (3-0, 120),
took the gold with a 4-0
Stephenson’s Myran
record in the 145-pound
Henderson (4-0, 126),
weight class. The Panthers
Tucker’s Justin Carter (4-0,
finished the tournament with
Southwest DeKalb won its second consecutive Dekalb County School District Junior Varsity Championship title. Photo 160) and Martin Luther King
five silver medals, one bronze
submitted Jr.’s Keron Cosh (3-0, 285).
and one fourth place.

WEEKLY BASKETBALL SCORES

Dec. 28
Girls
Boys Greenforest 53, Manchester 44
Arabia Mountain 63, Griffin Christian 52 St. Pius X 52, Charlotte Catholic (N.C.) 31
Greenforest 66, Kell 32 Tucker 68, Opelika (Ala.) 50
Lithonia 65, Whitefield Academy 33 Apalachee 42, Columbia 33
Miller Grove 53, Marshall (Va.) 50 Huffman (Ala.) 69, Stone Mountain 25
Redan 71, Newnan 65 Jonesboro 53, Decatur 42
Southwest DeKalb 69, Lambert 58 LeFlore (Ala.) 60, Southwest DeKalb 45
St. Pius X 86, Bishop Verot (Fla.) 31 Westminster 49, Dunwoody 29
Towers 61, Stockbridge 57
LaGrange 72, Stone Mountain 41 Dec. 30
Rockdale County 61, Decatur 54
Warner Robins 60, Cedar Grove 59 Boys
Washington County 69, Marist 56 Arabia Mountain 69, Southwest Atlanta
Webb (Tenn.) 47, Columbia 33 Christian 59
Woodward Academy 66, Dunwoddy 45 Decatur 59, Spalding 46
Greenforest 52, Southwest DeKalb 44
Girls St. Pius X 58. Canisius (N.Y.) 38
Miller Grove 72, Grady 21 Baldwin 50, Marist 34
St. Pius X 77, Holy Spirit Prep 51 Dobyns-Bennett 80, Columbia 68
Tucker 58, Hapevielle 24 Etowah 37, Lithonia 36
Kennesaw Mountain 49, Dunwoody 31 Fulton Leadership Academy 57, Paideia 42
Midfield (Ala.) 95. Stone Mountain 36 Island 56, Dunwoody 40
St. Francis 69, Cedar Grove 61

Dec. 29 Girls
Greenville 75, Greenforest 43
Boys Hazel Green (Ala.) 63, Southwest DeKalb 51
Arabia Mountain 57, Hapeville Charter 55 John Carroll (Md.) 73, St. Pius X 65
Cedar Grove 74, Dacula 50 Kell 41, Dunwoody 37
Columbia 74, Landstown (Va.) 67 McAdory (Ala.) 50, Stone Mountain 37
Decatur 66, New Creation Christian 64 Whitehaven (Tenn.) 53, Tucker 42
Lithonia 70, Greenforest 48
Marist 59, Lakeside (Evans) 54
Paideia 67, The Weber School 29
St. Pius X 52, Charlotte Catholic (N.C.) 51
Towers 78, North Gwinnett 55
Blanche Ely (Fla.) 73, Miller Grove 58
Douglas County 53, Tucker 50
Etowah 58, Southwest DeKalb 42
Greater Atlanta Christian 77, Redan 48
McIntosh 63, Stone Mountain 49
Riverwood 57, Dunwoody 45
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
DeKalb crosses sewer consent decree hurdle
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County officials
said they have taken another
step toward fulfilling its sewer
consent decree agreement
with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the
Georgia Environmental
Protection Division.
DeKalb officials
announced in December that
the county met an “important
consent decree deadline.”
According to the county, all
new sewer connections will
be certified by a Georgia
professional engineer and
the fully developed hydraulic
model will be used in the
certification process.
“DeKalb County has met
an important deadline that
demonstrates that we are
committed to fully complying
with the consent decree,”
DeKalb County CEO Michael
Thurmond said at the first
public update on the consent
decree. “We want to go above
and beyond the consent
decree requirements to
protect public health and the
county’s natural resources.”
The county entered into
the agreement in 2011. The
agreement is scheduled for
eight and a half years and
requires the county to make
improvements to the sewer
system through inspections,
assessments, repairs and
rehabilitation.   That’s a fact,” Thurmond
According to county
officials, DeKalb has cleaned
220 miles of sewer, removed
5.1 tons of debris and
completed 1,821 stream-
crossing inspections.
“We are paid by the
taxpayers to get a job done.
That’s what we’re here to
do,” Thurmond said. “We will
do better and we are doing
better. That’s what we’re
about and that’s what we’re
doing. We’re learning from
our mistakes, but we’re not
dwelling on the mistakes.”
DeKalb had approximately
200 sanitary sewer overflows
in 2017. Sewer overflows
have not decreased since the
decree was signed in 2011
and will last until June of
2020.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 • Page 16
DeKalb students receive Piedmont
academic honors
Thurmond said DeKalb Three DeKalb County students received academic
residents can do their part honors for the fall semester at Piedmont College in
in reducing sanitary sewer Demorest.
overflows. According to Students named to the Dean’s List finished the
county officials, 60 percent semester with a GPA of 3.55 to 3.99.
of overflows are due to fats, Students from DeKalb County named to the list are:
oils and grease (FOG) being Maryconnor Thompson, Atlanta; Sarah Weber, Decatur;
poured down drains. Samantha Catoggio, Stone Mountain.
“The great majority of
our problem is fog related.
said. “My wife poured some MEETING NOTICE
grease in a little container The regular meeting of the City of Tucker Mayor and City
and she normally doesn’t do Council is scheduled for January 8, 2018 at the City Hall
that. That’s a step in the right Annex at 4228 1st Ave at 7:00 PM. On the agenda will be
direction. We can all change the Swearing-in Ceremony for Mayor and three Council
our habits. There’s no magic Members.
bullet I have in my holster
that can fix this problem.”
DeKalb County
Commissioner Nancy Jester
said she supports a stringent
FOG ordinance for the county.
WE ARE SOCIAL
“I’m cautiously optimistic
about the administration’s
new commitment to this
issue, but we do need a
robust FOG ordinance with
teeth,” Jester said. “I suggest
[residents] talk to your
commissioners during public
comment and let everyone
hear your voice.”
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
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is what we
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we always respect your time while building your favorite
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