the DeKalb FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • VOL. 24, NO.

30 • 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

Parents
turn guilt
into art BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

P
rimrose Schools─an educational childcare
provider─wants parents to let go of their
guilt and make something beautiful of their
feelings.
Primrose Schools has 400 schools nationwide Primrose Schools created an art installation as a way to release parental guilt.
that educate and care for children from the age
of 6 weeks to when they reach kindergarten. It
started a national initiative Aug. 20, asking parents
to write down guilts they’ve felt since becoming
a parent. The initiative is in correlation with
Working Parents Day Sept. 16. The comments were
written on origami paper, folded origami-style
and then hung as an art installation in Primrose’s
headquarters in Atlanta.
“It’s that cathartic activity of actually writing
it down; it feels like you’re doing something about
the worry,” said Sarah Young, public relations
director for Primrose Schools.
According to Young, parental guilts include
putting a child into daycare, spoiling a child, being
tired after work and being too controlling.
“Studies show that when you harbor those
feelings of regret and worries that you’re missing
out on those special moments that happen every
day,” said Young. “So it’s an initiative to be in the
moment and not worry because you’re doing a
great job.”

SEE ART ON PAGE 8

Volunteers help hang the art installation Aug. 20 in Atlanta. Photos by Taylor Robins.

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 2

LITHONIA

Lithonia mayor will not seek re-election

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
After eight years in office,
Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson
has decided to not seek re-election
in November.
Jackson, who served on
Lithonia’s city council before
she was elected mayor, told The
Champion that she is ready to do
other things.
“I plan to do some teaching and
consulting work to [share] some of
the knowledge that’s based on the
experience that I’ve gained [as an
elected official],” she said. “Maybe
[consult] smaller communities that
could use some of the tools that we
were able to develop in terms of
accessing different resources.”
During Jackson’s tenure as
mayor, the city accomplished many
goals, such as acquiring a new city
hall building in 2014. Jackson said
acquiring that building is one of the
accomplishments she is most proud
of.
“We have a professional-looking
city hall space for the community to
meet, as well as host different types
of events,” she said.
Jackson said she is also proud
of the city’s efforts to redevelop the
city-owned portion of the Lithonia
Plaza.
“We turned a dilapidated
building into a beautiful apartment
building for the community,” she
said.
Under Jackson’s leadership,
Lithonia partnered with Arabia
Mountain Heritage Area Alliance to
have the city listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, the
United States federal government’s
official list of districts, sites,
buildings, structures and objects
deemed worthy of preservation for
Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson has decided not to
seek re-election. Photo by Carla Parker
their historical significance.
“We’ve been able to adopt a
number of different ordinances, and
help to improve the city’s credibility
from a public perspective because
there had been a lot of turmoil that
had been going on and part of my
goal was to bring a level of stability
and credibility back to the city,”
Jackson said.
Jackson said the only thing she
regrets not getting done during her
tenure is annexation.
“I would have liked for the city
to have acted on the opportunity to
do some annexation,” she said. “I
think that should still be pursued.
Even though I won’t be the mayor,
as a citizen I am willing to be
involved and continue to support the
city in any way that I can.”
Jackson said as her legacy,
she hopes Lithonia residents will
remember how hard she worked to
improve the community and that she
left the city as a better place than it
was before she became mayor.
“And, that the citizens would
be proud to say that they are from
Lithonia,” she said.

TUCKER

Tucker resident announces

candidacy for city council
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
One of the three Tucker
city council posts will be
contested this election
cycle.
Tucker resident
Christine Bloodworth will
challenge city councilman
Bill Rosenfeld for the
District 1, Post 2 seat.
Rosenfeld has held the seat
since the city’s first election
in 2016. Bloodworth, who
has lived in Tucker for 26
years, said she decided
to take her love of and
commitment to Tucker to a
higher level by running for
city council.
“We’re still a fairly
new city and while we
are growing and making
great strides economically,
several needs of the
community continue to be
overlooked and as someone
who engages frequently
with the community, [I]
would like to see more
positive changes occur,”
Bloodworth said in a
released statement.
Bloodworth is executive
director of Omega Support
Services, a nonprofit
organization in Tucker.
She is also an entrepreneur
and has owned four local
businesses. She said she is
living her dream of helping
others through Omega
Support Services, which
provides resources and
education to start-up and
small businesses.
Bloodworth said she is
engaged in the community
Tucker resident Christine Bloodworth will challenge city councilman Bill Rosenfeld for
in ongoing projects and the District 1, Post 2 seat. Photo from Christine Bloodworth’s Facebook page
awareness programs such
as financial seminars, homeownership. She also and participates in other
homeless assistance and said she is a volunteer community activties.
workshops on steps to driver for women’s shelters

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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 3

CHAMBLEE
Clarkston seeking teens to
serve on youth advisory council
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Clarkston’s teenage residents can help the city address

their issues and needs by joining the newly created Youth
Advisory Council (YAC).
The Youth Advisory Committee’s primary
responsibilities include reviewing, presenting and rendering
input on projects, plans, partnerships and city programs
related to youth, and bringing forth any issues or concerns
to the city’s elected officials.
The council will recommend events, initiatives and
projects that may be implemented within the city to
increase youth and community engagement. The council
also will advise the mayor, city council and city manager on
community issues and issues of interest to youth, including
recommending policies and sponsoring educational and
social events for youth.
The Youth Advisory Council is open to Clarkston
residents ages 12 to 18. All appointments to the council,
Chamblee will break ground on a new public safety building in November. Photo provided by the city of Chamblee. which will be appointed by the mayor and city council
members, will be for a one-year term.

$22 million construction project to begin The council will consist of five to 10 members. Each
city council member may appoint one youth and the mayor
may appoint the remaining number based on applications
for new public safety building and park submitted, or up to four youth to the reach maximum
number of members.
The mission of the council, which was established in
equipment. according to city officials. June, is to provide the mayor, city council and city manager
BY TAYLOR ROBINS with recommendations and input on how Clarkston can
The public safety facility “We have locked in
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com address the needs, community issues and other matters
and park space will share a great interest rate that
parking for public safety allows the city to build a affecting youth.
facility visitors and park tremendous asset in the “The purpose of this is to educate and expose and bring
Chamblee plans to awareness to community and youth issues by allowing
attendees. It also will serve Buford Highway corridor,”
break ground on a new youth to provide recommendations to our issues that
as overflow parking for the said Chamblee City
public safety building and we’re currently having and that we’ll continue to have,”
adjacent Dresden Park. Manager Jon Walker. “This
recreational complex in City councilwoman Y.T. Bell said during a June council
Construction cost for the is the culmination of more
November. meeting. “We would love to get their advice.”
project is projected at $22.5 than two years of planning
The building will be City officials said they appreciate talented and diverse
million and is scheduled to that began as part of the
between 40,000 and 50,000 youth who are committed to improving their community
be complete by December Town Center master plan. It
square feet and the park area through leadership skills and the sharing of ideas that will
2020, according to city is the first city project and
will stretch across 17 acres, improve the quality of life for all Clarkston residents.
officials. investment along Buford
both located at 4445 Buford “Our youth will continue to be a very important part of
The city purchased the Highway and provides a
Highway. the city’s continued development and growth serving as key
land for $4.5 million in much-needed space for
The building will influencers in our future and the overall role the Clarkston
2017. The former Jim Hearn community meetings.”
house Chamblee Police municipal government will play,” city officials said
Golf Center was acquired “Our top-level
Department, Municipal The US Census, 2013-2017 American Community
through a low-interest ratings are a testament to
Court operations and Survey estimated Clarkston’s youth account for 31.7
lease program through Chamblee’s position in
a 2,700-square-foot percent (4,030) of Clarkston’s total population of 12,702.
the Georgia Municipal the market and our sound
community room that’s To join the council, applications must be submitted to
Association (GMA). financial practices,” said
accessible to the public. the city by Sept. 13. To apply, visit www.clarkstonga.gov.
The city is financing Chamblee Mayor Eric
The recreational
the project through bonds Clarkson. “This is great
complex will include a
issued by the Urban news for our residents.
nature trail, a regulation- CALL FOR A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Redevelopment Agency We have a fiduciary
size athletic field, two CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
of the city of Chamblee. responsibility to them, and
multi-use courts, restrooms,
The city was able to secure we take this very seriously.
concessions, bleachers, Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with
the bond funding to build We want to exceed
athletic lighting, a O.C.G.A § 21-2-9, a general municipal election
the facility and park at expectations and offer the
playground, dog park, shall be held in the City of Stone Mountain, DeKalb
an overall interest rate of best service possible while
community garden and County, on November 5, 2019 to fill the office of
2.72 percent for 30 years, keeping costs low.”
storage for maintenance three (3) Council Member seats for four-year terms.

All persons who are not registered to vote and who

desire to register to vote in the general municipal

Visit us online at election may register with the DeKalb County Board
of Elections and Voter Registration, 4380 Memo-
rial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30032 through

www.thechampionnewspaper.com the close of business on Monday, October 7, 2019.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on
Election Day.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 4

Let’s tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Last time I wrote an opinion
piece, I expressed frustration with
some readers. This time, I’m going
to turn my attention to the media
after seeing some online posts.
A local news outlet posted
on Aug. 20 an article titled “New
DeKalb high school to cost nearly
$90M, much more than school
miles away” and naturally the
article caused a stir with residents
concerned about their tax dollars.
The article compares the total
costs of the not-yet-built Cross
Keys High School to newly built
Gwinnett County schools. The
Gwinnett schools cost the school
district $127 per square foot and
the DeKalb County School District
(DCSD) project is expected to cost
$256 per square foot.
The Gwinnett and DeKalb
school districts’ projects are being
handled by Evergreen construction
company, however the school
districts have different agreements
with the construction company.
DCSD also purchases kitchen
equipment, lockers, landscaping
and other items from Evergreen.
Gwinnett does not purchase such
TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
items from Evergreen, according to
the construction company.
The DCSD building project
is designed to mirror the district’s
new McNair Middle School that is
described as “future-ready.” Along
with the building being designed
to support additional classrooms
that can be added at a future date,
the new McNair Middle building
is innovative in its features and
rivals some college campuses.
Evergreen also recently increased
its prices, according to a company
spokesperson.
On Aug. 21, news outlets
reported that President Donald
Trump canceled student loan
debt for “permanently” disabled
veterans. On the surface, I’m happy
for that group of people. They
deserve something like that for their
sacrifice and service.
I have always thought a benefit
of military service included
education funding. I read the
articles for some sort of statistic
or student loan average debt for
disabled veterans. There were none
listed in these articles. The only
statistic I found was “currently,
Americans hold around $1.6 trillion
in student loan debt,” according
to Fox News. Well, that statistic
includes people such as myself who
have never served. So, what’s the
total debt that was cancelled for
these 25,000 veterans?
With student loan debt being
a hot topic for the upcoming
elections, this executive order
seems suspiciously timed.
An Aug. 22 email from another
news outlet included the title
“Dying pal of Nipsey Hussle tells
NYPD cops ‘F—k you’ when asked
to ID shooter.”
Ermias Asghedom─who
went by the stage name Nipsey
Hussle─was a Grammy nominated
rapper who was shot and killed
in California March 31. Since his
death, Asghedom’s legacy as a
rapper, entrepreneur and community
activist has lived on and his loss
has been deeply felt by many in the
music and Black communities.
Asghedom had nothing to do
with Arsenio Gravesande’s death.
The article does not reference the
two’s friendship nor Asghedom.
The article’s first few sentences
read, “A mortally wounded
gangbanger hated cops so much,
he defiantly refused to identify
his killer—instead telling officers,
“F–k you, son!” with one of his last
breaths, law-enforcement sources
told The Post.”
There was no reason to call
Gravesande a gangbanger. Even
if he was affiliated with gangs.
There was an insinuation that he
hated police because he refused to
identify his killer and cursed at a
police officer.
Articles such as these set a tone
that doesn’t need to be set.
So, as I end my rant, I want
to encourage both readers and
writers─including myself─to dig
a little deeper and report fairly and
accurately.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Refugees have reaffirmed my faith in the

American dream. We can’t shut them out
Ten years ago, Atlanta experienced historic
flooding that damaged more than 20,000 homes
and businesses, including mine. Today, as presi-
dent of R. James Properties, Inc., I manage 35
apartment communities around the metro Atlanta
area. But in 2009, I lived in Clarkston, a refugee
resettlement zone, where I supervised two apart-
ment properties.
I was asleep at one of those communities
when Kareem, an Iraqi refugee who had just re-
cently joined our company, woke me up at 4 a.m.
to tell me the property was flooding. That night,
with the help of many of our refugee residents,
we pushed two dozen cars uphill to keep them
from being submerged. In the days that followed,
we worked around the clock, pulling up carpet
and replacing drywall in 50 flooded apartments.
Kareem was beside me every step of the way and
the residents, many of whom were also refugees,
were patient and understanding as we worked to
restore their homes. In fact, many residents vol-
unteered to help with the cleanup. It was amaz-
ing to watch the community pull together. In the
end, only one resident decided to vacate.   billion in spending power, according to the
Today, approximately 30 of my more than
100 full-time employees are refugees and hun-
dreds of my residents are also foreign-born. I’ve
seen firsthand how grateful these individuals are
for the opportunities afforded them in this coun-
try. My refugee employees work hard for me,
and our collections at our properties in Clarkston
are consistently among the strongest in our port-
folio. These individuals come to this country in
search of a better life and work extremely hard to
make ends meet. Refugees have reaffirmed my
faith in the American Dream.  before being allowed to enter this country. FBI
Therefore, I was disappointed to hear that the
Trump administration is considering cutting refu-
gee admissions to zero, effectively shutting down
the refugee resettlement program. Nationally,
refugees fill jobs in such industries as healthcare
and manufacturing that are already facing worker
shortages given our record-low unemployment
rate. One in 10 refugees works in such service
industries as dry cleaning, housekeeping and
machine repair. With these jobs, refugees
pay $20.9 billion in taxes, leaving them $56.3
immigration nonprofit New American Economy.
In Georgia, refugees have $1.2 billion in
spending power to invest in our communities.
According to New American Pathways, the
largest refugee resettlement agency in Geor-
gia, more than 90 percent of the refugees they
place are self-sufficient within six months. Refu-
gees do not come to this country to abuse the
welfare system. Furthermore, refugees are not
a threat to our safety. On the contrary, refugees
must undergo a strict years-long vetting process
statistics show that in nine out of the 10 cities
that resettled the most refugees between 2006
and 2015, crime rates fell.  
Refugees work to build new lives here. They
don’t just adapt; they thrive. We have much to
gain by welcoming them to this country, and
much to lose by closing our doors.
 —Kelly James, Decatur
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 5

Thank you, Johnny

Not even a decade out of the as well as a healthy percentage of and focused on GOP priorities
University of Georgia (Class of
1966), Johnny Isakson was first
‘One Man’s moderates and independents who
long followed and supported him,
and his vision for Georgia and our
nation.  I will miss those jingles and
elected to the Georgia House of Opinion’ he only lost the one political contest upbeat ads as well. 
Representatives in 1976 in the in 1990.  Thank you, Johnny.
aftermath and GOP wreckage of Bill Crane Isakson is the only Georgian to  The bumper of my late model
Watergate. Most Americans were bill.csicrane@gmail.com have served in both chambers of the Jeep Liberty proudly holds a
still running from the party of Georgia General Assembly, as well bumper sticker in its right-hand
Nixon, while Isakson and a handful as in the U.S. House and Senate. He corner, touting Isakson’s last
business, Northside Realty, which
of others in Georgia were instead is also the only GOP U.S. senator to statewide contest, it says simply
would go on to become one of
trying to build a two-party system.  win three terms and the only current “Johnny 2016.” It definitely says
the largest independent real estate
Throughout the remaining ‘70s member of our Senate to chair two something about the place you
forces in the Southeast. Through the
and ‘80s, Isakson, soon the Georgia committees, Veterans Affairs and have reached in life when one word
Reagan/Bush and later Bush–again
House Minority Leader, would join Ethics.  clearly tells folks who you are and
years, Isakson was continually
his State Senate counterpart Paul Thank you, Johnny.  what you are asking about–Cher,
seen as a voice of consensus and
Coverdell, along with DeKalb Slowed by the onset of Farrah, Prince–Johnny. 
moderation, reaching across the
GOP Senator Bob Bell, in building Parkinson’s Disease, which Isakson We now know that Johnny
aisle whether from the minority or
a party calling for smaller, more made public in 2013, Georgia’s won’t be seeking our votes again,
majority position.   
efficient government, free markets, senior senator was still walking though he will always have
“I’ve been in the minority
individual responsibility and the 10 miles each day on his home mine. They don’t make ‘em like
and the majority. The majority is
fiscal conservatism which would treadmill to maintain muscle that anymore. And that sticker isn’t
better (pause, wink and smile),
long define the Georgia Republican strength and coordination. Though coming off the Jeep. 
but you still need the other side
Party.  his steps are smaller and slower, his Again, thank you, Johnny.
to reach a solution, pass laws and
Isakson, Bell and Coverdell mind remains sharp as ever.   
solve the problems facing our
were a strong trio, raising funds, His recall for detail, names and Bill Crane also serves as a
nation. Compromise may seem
credibility and visibility, traveling faces, figures to the decimal point political analyst and commentator
to some a dirty word, but it is
the state and particularly seeking as well as minor amendments made for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
necessary to the infrastructure of
support from Georgia’s fast- to legislation is legendary. And AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
building legislation,” Isakson said. 
growing business community.  though some of his critics would FM, as well as a columnist for The
This moderation would be
Congressman Newt Gingrich occasionally forget his role Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
viewed by some critics as weakness
would arrive later on the scene, as architect and builder of the Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
and caused a few election nights
create GOPAC and begin building Georgia GOP, calling him a rhino, native and business owner, living
to last longer than they otherwise
the machinery that would result moderate or worse, Isakson was in Scottdale. You can reach him
might have for Isakson. But
in the GOP takeover of the U.S. never one to exchange that kind of or comment on a column at bill.
thankfully, in part due to a loyal
Congress in 1994 (as well the fire. His political campaigns and csicrane@gmail.com. 
core of support in metro Atlanta,
Georgia Congressional delegation commercials would remain positive
majority which it has held
since). But while Gingrich was a

Foreclosures
grenade thrower always seeking the
spotlight and attention, the man who
would later hold his Congressional
seat—Isakson—was instead focused Tax Sales/Ads for Bids
on building consensus and getting
results.  Trade Name Registrations
Thank you, Johnny. 
Isakson would carry the mantle Public Notices/Public meetings
for a GOP contest for governor in
1990, losing to then–Lt. Gov. Zell Sheriff Sales/Local Legislation
Miller. Miller thought enough of
his opponent that he would later Notices of Incorporation
appoint him chair of the state school
board. Isakson would serve as state To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
GOP party chair, a member of or call 404-373-7779, X 0
the State Senate and all the while
continuing to build the family #ItsInTheChampion

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Taylor Robins We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: Donna Seay The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
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Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
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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, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 6

COUNTYWIDE

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
Horace@dekalbchamp.com

Six properties at Hillside Condos were demolished on Aug. 30 as part of the county’s efforts to address blight. Photos provided by DCTV 23.

Demolition efforts continue throughout the county

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN last two and a half years repeated citations. coming after the owners of “Code compliance is
Horace@dekalbchamp.com in demolishing unsafe and “This is another good these properties and we’re a critical piece to what
unsecure properties.” day in DeKalb County,” demolishing blight within you see here today,”
In the last three years, At the beginning of said DeKalb County our community.” said DeKalb County
DeKalb County workers 2017, DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Solicitor-General Donna Commissioner Lorraine
have demolished or abated board of commissioners Davis Johnson. “We have Coleman-Stribling also Cochran-Johnson. “I am
approximately 400 blighted approved $3.8 million in heard the citizens of DeKalb formed a Quality of Life excited and I’m proud to
or dilapidated properties, funds to enhance blight- County and we have Unit, which is responsible support this effort and I
according to county CEO fighting initiatives and acted...we will not tolerate for the prosecution of am committed to ensuring
Michael Thurmond.  address derelict properties blight in our community. cases involving code resources are in place so we
On Aug. 30, six more in DeKalb.  It may be slow, because violations, blight, nuisance can continue these efforts.”
properties were added to The county hired 11 new the courts are slow, but and other issues plaguing
the list when workers tore code enforcement officers to you will know that we are communities.
down units at Hillsides enforce ordinances related
condominums in Decatur.  to property maintenance,
The demolition is part zoning, planning, special
of a county-wide effort to land use, signs and permits. 
address blight, Thurmond DeKalb Magistrate
said.  Court and the solicitor-
“When we reduce general’s office also created
and eliminate blight, we blight-fighting programs.
are also reducing crime... Chief Magistrate Judge
this represents a new Berryl Anderson formed
day in DeKalb County,” a three-judge Magistrate
Thurmond said. “We’ve Court Ordinance Division
made major, multi-million- to review cases involving
dollar investments over the properties that have failed
to be improved despite
Thursday, September 19 • 7:00 p.m.

GOT A
Decatur Marriott Conference Center
130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030
All proceeds from the event support DeKalb County Public Library.

NEWS TIP? Tickets may be purchased for $70.00 per person at dekalblibraryfoundation.org

We’d love to hear from you.

404.373.7779
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 7

WEEK in PICTURES

DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, right, greets U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson, center, also attended “Family Fun Day.” Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson cohosted “Family Fun Day.”
comedian Hurricane Andrew after his performance at “Family Fun
Day.”

HUNDREDS ATTEND FAMILY

FUN DAY IN LITHONIA
BY CARLA PARKER fourth annual “Family Fun Day” Aug.
31 in Lithonia. The event feature music,
Carla@dekalbchamp.com
food, vendors, musical performances and
a dance performance by the Lou Walker
DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner
Dance Troupe and Bruce Street Line
Mereda Davis Johnson and Lithonia Children were able to get their face painted.
Dancers.
Mayor Deborah Jackson hosted the

A representative from Sno Biz makes shaved ice for a customer.

Vendors offered a variety of items. Photos by Carla Parker The Lou Walker Dance Troupe performed.

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

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

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

LOCAL
Parents wrote reasons for feeling guilty on origami paper that was folded and made into an art installation. Photos by
Taylor Robins.
Volunteers put together an art installation at Primrose Schools’ headquarters Aug. 20.
ART Continued From Page 1A
An unidentified parent shared his story
about guilt with Young. According to
Young, the parent feels guilt about missing
his son’s last living moments; the son died
in May from cancer.
“We’re really encouraging parents to be
present and mindful and not carry that guilt
around,” said Young.
DeKalb County parents contributed to
the 10,000 pieces of paper that created the
art installation.
Greg Rossino of Chamblee is the father
of 2-year-old Elodie Rossino who attends
school at a Chamblee Primrose location.
“I said I feel guilty about being on my
phone too much around her,” Greg Rossino
said. “Everyone feels like they need to be
connected all the time whether it is social
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 8
Don’t Wait.
Communicate.
media or seeing what’s going on in the
world. So I’m guilty of that. After a long
day at work, sometimes I just want to sit on
my couch and waste away on my phone and
I could be spending time with my daughter Make your
or teaching her something.”
Greg Rossino said parents may not think emergency plan today.
highly of themselves as parents at times, but
shouldn’t be hard on themselves. “This is a Visit Ready.gov/communicate
good exercise to realize that we all are good
parents and everyone wishes they were
better. We all have an opportunity to do that
today,” he said.
“As long as you’re making an effort to
be part of your child’s life on a regular basis
and you want to be, you’re doing a great job
as a parent,” Greg Rossino said.
ADC29448_3.75x21_Newspaper_NATFire_Eng.indd 1 9/25/15 3:07 PM
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 9

C.H.A.M.P.S. comes to DeKalb

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

DeKalb County Sheriff’s office started its first

educational C.H.A.M.P.S. program at DeKalb County Hutmacher has been named executive director of
School District’s Toney Elementary School in Decatur. nonprofit. Photo provided by the Playworks Georgia.
“Our mission is to provide an educational program for
Georgia’s youth which provides guidance and the skills,
ability and knowledge to be safe, healthy, and happy in Emily Hutmacher
preparation for a successful life,” DeKalb County Sheriff
Jeffrey Mann said.
The C.H.A.M.P.S.─ Choosing Healthy Activities and
becomes executive
Methods Promoting Safety─program started in DeKalb
County Aug. 23 but was founded in 2003 by the Georgia
Keith McNeil juggles for Toney Elementary students. Photo provided by DeKalb
County Sheriff’s Office.
director
Sheriffs’ Association to address social issues faced by
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
young people.
DeKalb County Deputy Keith McNeil will teach Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
the class and cover topics such as the harmful effects of
alcohol and drug use; bullying; consequences of good Emily Hutmacher is no
and bad decisions; avoiding gang activity; managing peer stranger to philanthropic work
pressure; coping with stress; and avoiding violent behavior as she adds the title of executive
in conflict resolution. director of Playworks Georgia to her
“[McNeil], a certified instructor for this 12-week resume.
program, is also experienced in guiding and mentoring “I’m excited to help improve
young people in the DeKalb community. As a popular school climate for all kids and
juggler off duty, he relates well with young people,” said school staff throughout Georgia,”
Mann. said Hutmacher. “The beginning of
According to the sheriff’s office, the C.H.A.M.P.S. the school year is when our coaches
program can help students progress into adolescence and hear about needs that schools would
encourages parents to participate through class workbook like to address.”
projects and discussions on lessons. Playworks Georgia is a
The program targets fifth graders and is taught each nonprofit organization that
DeKalb County Deputy Keith McNeil, left, and Sheriff Jeffrey Mann, right, start implements recess back in school
school day for approximately an hour. All instructors must the county’s C.H.A.M.P.S. program at Toney Elementary. Photo provided by
be certified in the program. According to the Georgia DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. to help improve children’s social
Sheriffs’ website, the program will eventually extend to and emotional learning skills. Its
middle and high schools. play a pivotal role in fulfilling that commitment… We are programs and services help reduce
“We are delighted and honored to have [McNeil] delighted the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has chosen bullying, improve conflict resolution
educate [DCSD] students on such important subject to partner with us.” skills, increase physical activity and
matter,” said DCSD Superintendent R. Stephen Green. The program is scheduled to launch at DCSD’s Rock improve academic performance.
“McNeil’s expertise as a law enforcement officer will Chapel Elementary in Lithonia early September. The organization announced
Hutmacher’s new position Aug. 15.
Hutmacher’s experience
EDUCATION BRIEFS includes executive director of the
Sandy Springs Arts Foundation,
Tidd graduates at summer 2019 Balloon graduates from Troy achievement list, a student must board member of the Fulton County
commencement University have earned at least 12 credit Court Appointed Special Advocate
hours at GSW, be enrolled in three (CASA), board member of her local
University of North Georgia Germany Balloon of Lithonia to 11 hours of courses, and earn a synagogue, volunteer work in local
held commencement exercises for graduated from Troy University with 3.5 or higher GPA. schools with PTAs and 20 years
nearly 300 graduates Aug. 2 at the a master of social work degree during of fundraising for metro Atlanta
Convocation Center on UNG’s the summer semester of the 2018- Cook named to Union College organizations such as United Way
Dahlonega Campus. Graduates 2019 academic year. dean’s list of Greater Atlanta, Year Up, Emory
include Zoe Kate Tidd of Decatur Healthcare, Piedmont, Visiting
who earned a bachelor of science DeKalbites make Georgia Octavious Cook of Decatur was Nurse Health System and Hospice
degree in art marketing degree. Southwestern State University’s named to the summer 2019 dean’s list Atlanta. She is also experienced
academic list at Union College. in project management, capital
Decatur residents graduate from Cook is a member of the class of fundraising, special events, board
Clemson University Angelic Hogan and Rhonda 2019 majoring in anthropology and engagement and community
Johnson of Lithonia and Olivia sociology. relations.
Students graduating from King of Decatur made the summer Hutmacher graduated from
Clemson University Aug. 9 include 2019 academic achievement list the University of Texas with a
Decatur residents William Haston, at Georgia Southwestern State phychology degree and holds
Emily McLaughlin and Bethany University (GSW) and were a MBA from Rice University.
Thompson. The students were among 400 students recognized for She is also the wife of Warren
among more than 1,000 who received scholastic achievement. Hutamcher, former Avondale
degrees at Littlejohn Coliseum. To be eligible for the academic Estates and Dunwoody city
manager.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 10

BUSINESS

Theater school opens in south DeKalb

by Kathy Mitchell
Mickey Cole
Jr. said he first became
enthralled with theater and
acting when he was a child.
Now, he hopes to pass
the skills and passion he
developed at an early age on
to the current generation of
youngsters.
“I’ve been acting in
theater since the age of 7
and in film since the age of
10,” explained Cole, who
recently announced that he
is opening Kids on Camera,
a school for children
interested in theater arts.
“Every year since then I’ve
been involved in the theater
or film industry one way or
another from acting, prop
making, stage managing,
directing, costumes, camera
work, self-taping, coaching,
and much more. I’ve studied
mime, clowning, improv,
acting, dance, singing,
lighting and sound, and
have taught children theater
skills for the past 10 years
at summer camps and
workshops,” he said.
“I first got a taste for
children’s theater when I
started doing tour shows
in college to elementary
and middle schools. I
loved performing for kids
and have since been in
numerous children’s plays
for audiences ranging in
age from babies to high
school age teens. I furthered
that love for children in the
theater with summer camps
and workshops, teaching
kids theater skills and
now I wish to teach them
film acting skills too,” he
continued.
Cole has appeared in
more than 30 productions,
including theater
appearances in Death of
a Salesman, Don’t Fly
and Other Known Facts,
Spamalot and Lyle the
Crocodile as well as several
television productions and
commercials.
The school, open to
youth between the ages of
8 and 12, holds classes on
Saturdays and Sundays at
a facility in the Edgewood
Building on the campus
of Greater Travelers Rest
Baptist Church on Flat
Shoals Parkway in Decatur.
Cole said he is excited about
establishing a business in
the area he called home as
a child. “I was born and
raised in south DeKalb
and love Atlanta. I want
to share my experiences
from far away with those
in my hometown,” he said,
adding that his classes are
for “the newest of newbies”
as well as for experienced
professionals.
Cole said in preparing
for a career in the
entertainment field “two
skills a person must
have [are] improv and
imagination. Both are
crucial to any career,
I believe, for it forces
the individual to be
communicative as well as
creative. I emphasize the
‘play’ aspect of acting for
it forces the individual to
create the unknown and
unexpected as well as be
themselves, being real.
I work toward their
sense of play growing, their
imagination expanding,
and their vulnerability and
empathy to shine brighter
than all else. All these things
make a great actor.”
Georgia is an especially
good place now for
aspiring entertainers,
according to Cole, who
said recent growth of the
industry within the state is
“providing a door for the
new and inexperienced to
not only look in, but step
through and try something

SEE THEATER ON PAGE 12

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SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 11

The Champion’s game of the week:

Chamblee vs. Dunwoody
by Carla Parker • carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Golden Spike trophy will be on the line
Sept. 6 as the Chamblee Bulldogs take on the
Dunwoody Wildcats at North DeKalb Stadium.
Although the rivalry between the two football
teams began in 1974, the “Battle of the Golden
Spike” began in 2014. The Golden Spike trophy is
representative of a railroad that connected the cities
of Chamblee and Dunwoody.
The schools have faced each other 21 times in
44 years. Dunwoody leads the series 12-9 and is 5-0
in the Golden Spike series. Chamblee is hoping to
bring home its first Golden Spike trophy this year.
Both teams are coming into this game winless
and looking for their first victory. The sixth annual
“Battle of the Golden Spike” will kick off at 7:30
p.m.
Dunwoody and Chamblee will face off for the sixth annual “Battle of the Golden Spike.” Dunwoody leads the series 5-0. (file
photo)

TENNIS

SWD graduates earn

tennis scholarships
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Two recent graduates of Southwest
DeKalb High School are now attending
college on tennis scholarships.
Southwest DeKalb’s tennis
program announced last month that
2019 graduates Khalil Moss and
Southwest DeKalb 2019 graduate Khalil Moss signed a tennis scholarship with Fort Valley State
University. Photos provided Khalen Wimes were awarded tennis
scholarships. Moss signed with Fort
Valley State University and Wimes
signed with Point University.
Moss was a four-year letterman for
Southwest DeKalb’s tennis team. He
began his career in No. 1 doubles and
finished third overall in DeKalb County
doubles with an 8-3 in 2016 with
teammate Kevin Butler. In 2017, Moss
finished the season 9-4, second overall
in the county. He competed in singles
in his junior and senior years with a
combined 25-7 record and finished
seventh and third overall in the county
in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Wimes, son of Southwest DeKalb
football coach Damien Wimes,
competed in doubles during the 2018
and 2019 seasons. He finished the
2018 season with an 11-9 record, ninth
overall in the county. Last season,
Wimes and his teammate Kevin
Vazquez-Reyes finished the season as
the best doubles team in the county with
a 12-4 record.
Moss and Wimes are the eighth and
ninth tennis players from Southwest
DeKalb to receive a tennis scholarship
since 2012.

PLEASE RECYCLE
THIS PAPER
Southwest DeKalb 2019 graduate Khalen Wimes signed a tennis scholarship with Point
University.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • Page 12

THEATER Continued From Page 10

new. With the laws surrounding the film industry here, an actor
without an agent or manager, without joining the union, can still
find bountiful work here.”
Cole emphasized the need for patience in those pursuing
PET WEEK
the arts. “A common mistake is thinking they will become a My name is Strawberry
star overnight,” he said. “Though that kind of story is loved and
admired, it rarely happens. I’ve been doing this for 16 years and (ID# 42206059).
have friends that have been in this career far longer. Very little I love to play and have never
success has come from it, so don’t expect to become a celebrity met a stranger. I'm good with other
in a day or even 10 years. If it does happen, then congratulations, dogs and would love to share my new
but more often than not we will be doing this ‘til the day we die home with a doggie friend or be your
for no other reason than loving it.” only love. I came in very skinny and
While those taking theater classes most often think of
acting careers, there is a broad array of possibilities within the
in rough shape, but the people at the
industry—“everything from directors to producers to personal shelter gave me lots of food and now
assistants and everything in between,” according Cole. “The I'm quite svelte. My coat is so shiny.
trick is finding the right person who will help you step in. This It's amazing what a little love can do. I
industry is built on supporting others. The more selfish you are, love to snuggle, but can also be your
the less likely you are to be hired,” he said. hiking/jogging buddy. Will you be my
“Don’t be afraid of any type of class,” Cole advised. new family?
“Learn anything and everything you can about this industry. It
will force you to respect the careers of those around you more I'm ready to go home today!
when you know how much work everyone does in their job.” more information about Strawberry
Cole said there are benefits even for those who If you would like to expand your
ultimately choose careers outside the entertainment industry. family by 4 furry little feet; ask to please call (404) 294-2165 or email
“The classroom of any art form can greatly help anyone with meet Strawberry and have a loving adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com.
any career. With my class, students will learn how to speak friend forever. All adoptions include All potential adopters will be screened
publicly to anyone; they will learn critical but creative thinking
your new pet's spay or neuter, to ensure Strawberry goes to a good
to problem solve, and especially how to have fun with anything home. Hours: Mon-Fri; 11am-7pm /
given to them.” vaccinations, microchip and more! For
Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm

WilD^
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