the DeKalb FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • VOL. 22, NO.

50 • 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

BETTER TOGETHER

DeKalb County officials helped unveil the Michelle Obama Trail located
near Georgia State University Perimeter College on Clifton Springs Road
in Decatur. Photo by Horrace Holloman

FIRST OF ITS KIND

Michelle Obama
The mural painted by Tommie Hines, Latoya Thomas and Victor Walker on a wall of the Kelley Lake
Elementary School cafeteria. Photo courtesy Tommie Hines.

Former DeKalb walking trail unveiled

students paint
unifying mural
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

at Kelley Lake DeKalb County residents

and officials were all smiles
during the unveiling
trails in the spring because
we want to keep this county
walking. I try to do about 25
Elementary Artist Tommie Hines talks with a student Jan. 4
in front of the mural he helped paint.
ceremony for the first
walking trail in the country
named after former first lady
miles a week myself,” Johnson
said.
Vineet Nagarkar, project
Michelle Obama. manager with DeKalb County
BY DEREK SMITH The Michelle Obama Parks and Recreation, said the
derek@dekalbchamp.com Davis and Hines decided they wanted the Walking Trail, located near biggest challenge was finding
piece to pull the students’ minds away from Georgia State University the right image for the trail’s
the chaos of today’s world and focus them Perimeter College, is memorial plaque.
A blast of color behind a pair of hands approximately three miles The memorial plaque
clasped in the shape of the Earth, surrounded on a unifying message.
“When I first spoke with Ms. Davis, she was long and connects to the features an image of Obama
by popular cartoon characters. Barack Obama Magnet riding a bike through a trail.
That’s what students of Kelley Lake talking to me about what’s going on in the
area and what’s going on in society,” Hines School. “We just wanted to make
Elementary School saw when they returned DeKalb County sure we did it right. It took a
to their cafeteria after winter break Jan. 4. It told The Champion. “It’s based on coming
together and standing up for each other. Commissioner Larry Johnson little but we wanted to make
is a mural painted by former DeKalb County said he wanted a walking sure the image we encased
School District (DCSD) students Tommie That’s what we wanted to incorporate in the
style of the painting.” trail to honor Obama and her in bronze would look nice,
Hines, Latoya Thomas and Victor Walker. passion for physical fitness. classic and encourage people
The three painted the mural in five Hines then approached Thomas and
Walker, fellow artists and graduates from “The trail concept we to come out,” Nagarkar said.
days during winter break. The project started about 10 years ago “We want people to do
was spearheaded by Hines, a graduate of McNair High School, about helping him
create the mural. because I wanted to make as much walking, hiking,
Ronald E. McNair High School whose son walking an official part of biking—any type of exercise.”
Elijah is a student at Kelley Lake. The idea According to Walker, the project began
with the idea of the shining clasped hands DeKalb County,” Johnson said. Nagarkar said the trail
was conceived in August, when Kelley Lake Johnson said he was is 3.86 miles and starts at
Principal Peggy Davis heard Hines was a painted like a globe, and grew from there.
The cartoon characters came later. inspired by Obama’s “Let’s Georgia State University
tattoo artist, and approached him about Move” health initiative—a Perimeter College.
doing something to decorate the walls of the “We wanted to incorporate something
that the kids would kinda relate to,” Walker public health campaign to The trail then continues
school. reduce childhood obesity.
“My goal is to start walking
SEE MURAL ON PAGE 5 SEE TRAIL ON PAGE 5

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 2

Approximately 70 people were arrested at a house party in Cartersville after drugs and weapons were found. Georgia NAACP claims some of the individuals had their rights
violated.

DeKalb lawyer leads Georgia NAACP investigation

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN claimed the drug, officers justice will be served.” I grew up admiring were back and make sure people
strong advocates of the have their civil liberties
horace@dekalbchamp.com arrested approximately According to police
NAACP. I just want to give protected.”
70 people who were in reports, drug task force
attendance. agents obtained a warrant
Georgia’s branch of the “That seems like overkill,” and found two firearms—
NAACP launched a civil rights Griggs said. “Currently, we’ve one reported stolen from
investigation after nearly 70 assigned all of the defendants Detroit—individually
people were arrested at a with representation and we’re packaged marijuana and
house party in Cartersville, getting their accounts of what several smoking devices in
and DeKalb County lawyer happened.” the home.
and resident Gerald Griggs is Griggs said he met with “CPD responding
leading the way. Bartow County District officers notified the Bartow-
Griggs, chair of the Attorney Rosemary Greene. Cartersville Drug Task Force
Georgia NAACP Criminal Greene decided to drop to assist in the investigation
Justice Committee, said the charges of 64 of the 65 due to the number of people
the rights of some of the people arrested. The ages of inside the residence, the
70 people attending the those arrested ranged from locating of a firearm and the
party were violated by 15 to 31. evidence of wide spread drug
the Cartersville Police In a press release Jan. usage,” Cartersville Police said
Department. 12, Greene said her office in a statement.
According to reports, reviewed the files of the 64 Cocaine also was found at
police were responding individuals arrested and the residence.
to shots fired call Dec. 31. stated there was insufficient A Gofundme account
Officers arrived at a house evidence to convict them. titled “justice for the
party for an individual’s 21st One person will be charged Cartersville 70” has received
birthday. with cocaine possession. more than 100 donations.
Police allegedly smelled “I’ve heard of maybe five “Police searched
marijuana in the front yard or 10 people being arrested individuals without consent,
and entered the home at one time at a party but entered the property without
without a search warrant, never at a party this big,” a warrant and there are
Griggs said.   Griggs said. “It just seems a allegations of potential abuse
At the party, officers bit excessive. We hope that while in police custody,” said
found less than an ounce this case will be resolved, and Griggs. “A lot of the people
of marijuana. When no one

Brookhaven receives key property

on Peachtree Creek Greenway
The city of Brookhaven officially accepted a
donation of land from the Salvation Army that
officials say is crucial to the build-out of the
Peachtree Creek Greenway (PCG).
With the two-acre donation, the city will
be able to build a plaza, add parking for the
disabled and trailhead amenities that are
called for in phase I of the PCG.
“Brookhaven has been striving to
improve its recreation and safe pedestrian
transportation alternatives since our
formation,” Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst
said. “This type of community partnership with
the Salvation Army advances this initiative
forward and brings us closer to the finish line.
I want to thank the Salvation Army for their
partnership and very generous donation.”
The Salvation Army has partnered with
Brookhaven from the start of this project
in 2016. Officials of the organization have
participated in and hosted community
outreach sessions, and contributed valuable
insight as members of the design Steering
Committee.
“This donation is critical to getting
the construction of the PCG underway,
which provides park space, recreation and
transportation alternatives to District 4,”
Brookhaven City Councilmember Joe Gebbia
said. “I appreciate the Salvation Army’s
commitment to Brookhaven and the PCG.”
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
AVONDALE
ESTATES
Greenspace workshop open to residents
Residents of Avondale Estates will have
an opportunity to learn more about the
city’s greenspaces at two upcoming public
workshops hosted by the city’s greenspace ad
hoc committee.
The workshops will be held Jan. 20 at 10 a.m.
and Jan. 23. at 7 p.m. at city hall.
A children’s corner with coloring activities
has been planned of both sessions to
accommodate parents with children who would
like to attend.
To register for the workshops, visit https://
goo.gl/ehnmwb.
DECATUR
DeKalb service to unite community
A community event is scheduled with
members of the DeKalb County Police force and
community leaders.
The service is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.
at St. Philip AME Church located at 240 Candler
Road. Pastors, elected officials, community
activists and citizens of all faiths are invited to the
event.
The event is free and open to the public
and will include discussions of injustice in the
community, according to event organizers.
To learn more about the DeKalb Pastors
Alliance and get more information on the unity
service email dekalbpastorsalliance@gmail.com or
contact Sandy Ferguson at (404)-288-1910.
Youth to honor M.L. King Jr.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta
will conclude its week-long 2018 Martin Luther
King, Jr. celebration with a Youth Celebration
at St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School,
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 3
2560 Tilson Road, Decatur, on Sunday, Jan.
21, at 3 p.m. Kindergarten through middle
school students will share presentations about
the impact of Dr. King’s message and work in
their lives. This celebration, honoring the life
and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is an
annual tradition in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
This year’s theme is “Live in Peace, and the
God of Love and Peace Will Be With You” (2
Corinthians 13:11). The event will honor the life
and legacy of Dr. King, as well as commemorate
the 50th anniversary of his assassination.
In collaboration with the Society of St.
Vincent de Paul Georgia, the Archdiocese of
Atlanta’s Office of Intercultural and Ethnic
Diversity asks guests to bring canned goods or
gently used clothing to the event. “Our hope
and prayer is that the items collected will serve,
in some way, as a beacon of light for those
shrouded in the darkness of homelessness and
helplessness,” the announcement states.
CLARKSTON
Coding class at library
Students ages 7 to 13 can get an introductory
experience with coding and computer science
Jan. 20 at the Clarkston Library from 11 a.m.
to noon. Students must have mouse and
keyboard skills. The class is open to the first
eight participants. Groups of five or more must
call the library for an appointment. The library
is located 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more
information, call (404) 508-7175.
LITHONIA
Jobs bus coming to Lithonia Library
The Mobile Career Center, also called the “Jobs
bus,” will be at the Lithonia-Davidson Library Jan.
22, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The jobs bus includes
13 computer stations and high-speed internet
connection. It will provide residents with services
including job search assistance, resume writing
and interviewing tips. The library is located at 6821
Church St. For more information, call (770) 482-3820.
STONECREST
Civil rights artifacts at Stonecrest Library
A collection of civil rights artifacts will be at
Stonecrest Library Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The artifacts are from the collection of Mike
Glenn, community activist, Georgia NBA Hall-
of-Famer and author of My Next Shot Goes In! Ten
Sacred Characteristics of NBA Players that Lead to
Success. The library is located at 3123 Klondike
Road. For more information, call (770) 482-3828.
COUNTYWIDE
Applications for DeKalb Mobile Farmers
Market stops now open
DeKalb County Cooperative Extension is
accepting applications for Fresh on DeK, the
DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market, stops for 2018.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
Launched in May 2015, the mobile market
has raised awareness about the importance of
fruit and vegetable consumption for healthy
living by providing fresh, affordable produce
and food demonstrations to county residents.
The market visits areas around the
county each week, beginning in the spring and
running 16 weeks. To apply to be a Fresh on DeK
stop, visit www.freshondek.com and click “2018
Season Application.”
For information regarding the application
process or other Extension programs, contact
DeKalb County Extension at (404)-298-4080,
freshondek@dekalbcountyga.gov or visit www.
freshondek.com.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 4

DECATUR

Police Department addresses officer shortage

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
The Decatur Police
Department is starting 2018
with fewer officers than it
would like, according to
department officials.
According to DPD, the
department is trying to fill
six positions.
DPD Community
Information and Education
Officer Jennifer Ross said
the department is working
to fill the positions, but
finding qualified applicants
who want to be police
officers is an issue.
“Police departments
across the country are
having a hard time filling
positions,” said Ross in an
email exchange with The
Champion Newspaper.
“There are just not enough
qualified applicants seeking
jobs as police officers. We
are actively recruiting to fill
the remaining positions.”
Decatur has hired three
new officers, two of whom
have started academy
training. The city of Decatur
also increased the starting
salary for officers Jan. 1.
Lt. Canipe talks to a group of teens on the Decatur Square. Currently, the Decatur Police Department
needs to fill six positions. Photo provided
Because of the shortage,
Ross said some officers are
working extra hours.
“Officers work additional
shifts to cover when
needed and schedules
are altered to ensure shift
coverage,” Ross said.
According to a national
survey conducted by the
National Police Research
Platform, police say their
job has become harder. In
the survey, 93 percent of
the 8,000 police officers
interviewed said they have
become more concerned
for their safety.
“Policing is not a
popular job in our country
at this point in time and
not many people want
to work in a profession
where everything they do
is scrutinized,” Ross said.
“Also, there are fewer young
people willing to adopt the
‘service over self’ choice
to make less money and
work nights, weekends
and holidays to serve their
communities in this role.”
Decatur increased
salaries for police officers in
2018. A non-certified officer
will receive an annual salary
of $43,534. An officer with
a certification or college
degree will make $45,739.
Officers with five years of
experience can earn up to
$54,000 a year.
“We are a small agency
in a small community,
which creates a more
close-knit, family feel. Our
officers are safer, because
backup is never far away,”
Ross said. “We have the
luxury of a lower crime
rate compared to the
jurisdictions that surround
us, which allows for more
proactive activity rather
than constantly responding
to calls and allows for
officers to participate in the
community in other ways
outside of just enforcing
the law. Our department
and our city value
advanced training and a
progressive mindset.”
Ross said individuals
interested in joining the
DPD can contact Captain
Matics at mike.matics@
decaturga.com or visit
decaturga.com/Home/
Components/JobPosts/
Job/167/41.

BROOKHAVEN

Social media hoax prompts early closure of Starbucks

BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
A Brookhaven Starbucks was
forced to close two hours early Jan.
7 after an alleged hoax went viral on
social media.
A Facebook user claiming to
be an Atlanta Starbucks employee
named Shanell Rivers, who is Black,
published a post to a private group
called “White People Vs Black People
(The Original)." The writer claimed
to have spat, dripped blood and
sprinkled dog feces into drinks,
licked the bread on sandwiches,
wiped tables with bathroom rags
and overcharged customers.
All listed activities were directed
toward White customers, according
to the post.
Screenshots of the post quickly
went viral on social media.
The Brookhaven Starbucks
location on Peachtree Road began
receiving threatening phone calls
Jan. 7 and closed its doors two hours
early, a Starbucks spokesperson told
The Washington Post.
Starbucks spokespeople could
not confirm that report to The
Champion.
“This post is completely false.
Starbucks does not have a partner
(employee) by the name Shanell
Rivers,” Starbucks told The Champion
in an email. “We are working with
local authorities to determine how
these fake posts were created and
circulated.”
Brookhaven Police Maj. Brandon
Gurley told The Washington Post
the department increased patrols
in the area around the Peachtree
Road Starbucks following its early
closure. When contacted by The
Champion, Gurley said in an email
that the postings were still under
investigation.
“We are working to identify
the true identity of the person or
persons responsible for the postings
so that we can better understand
their motives,” the email read. “We
are working with Starbucks
Corporation and our local retail
establishment in this investigation.”
Gurley closed the email saying he
hoped to have more information in a
formal press release in the days and
weeks to come.
The Champion also spoke with
a Starbucks representative on the
phone who refused to speak on the
record about the Jan. 7 incident, but
did say the location has been open
and running normally since Jan. 8.
LOCAL
Students eating lunch in the Kelley Lake cafeteria Jan. 4 look at the new mural painted by Tommie Hines, Latoya Thomas and Victor Walker.
MURAL Continued From Page 1
said. “You definitely want to speak to
them and where they are now in their
childhood.”
Thomas asked her nephew what
cartoon characters he likes, and he
suggested Gumball. Lego Batman
came from Hines knowing that Lego is
popular with his son and other kids, and
according to Walker, the Powerpuff Girls
were the first thing the group thought of
when trying to incorporate something
for girls.
From there, each artist added
personal touches, then the group
decided to make the background as
colorful as possible, with a pink, purple,
orange and yellow sky over a black
landscape of buildings and mountains.
They finished the project the night
before school started, back after break
and Hines was able to keep the secret
from his son.
“He was dying to know what I was
doing,” Hines said. “I was like ‘It’s just
TRAIL Continued From Page 1
past Cedar Grove Elementary and
behind Sugar Creek Golf Course. The
trail ends at Gresham Recreation
Center.
“Eventually the trail will connect
to the remainder of the South River
and connect to Arabia Mountain
and further on beyond the county,”
Nagarkar said. “It was really an honor to
work on this.”
In 2016, the county board of
commissioners approved the
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 5
something that you’ll love when you see
it.’”
Hines, Thomas and Walker were able
to be there the morning the students
first saw the mural and see their
reactions. Hines said he hopes it makes
the students more excited about coming
to school.
“I know if I came to school after being
on break and saw something like that
that the school wanted to give me, it
would make me want to be there a little
bit more,” he said.
But more than that, he said he hopes
the mural helps students think about
their place in the world.
“I hope they [get the message] of just
staying together, because we’re better
together than apart,” Hines said. “There’s
a lot going on in society right now and I
don’t want the youth to see that as what
the world is when it could be a whole lot Kelley Lake first-grader Elijah Hines, son of Tommie Hines, examines the mural
better if we just stand together.” in the Kelley Lake Elementary cafeteria Jan. 4. Photo courtesy DeKalb County
School District.
resolution to name the walking
trail after Obama. The plaque
commemorating Obama includes
a quote stating, “The physical
and emotional health of an entire
generation and the economic health
and security of our nation is at state.
This isn’t the kind of problem that can
be solved overnight, but with everyone
working together, it can be solved. So
let’s move.”
OPINION
Keep fire safety top of mind
It was a horrific tragedy.
A fast-moving apartment fire in
the Bronx, N.Y., took the lives of 12
people, including four children just
days after Christmas. Firefighters
made heroic efforts to save lives
and put out the inferno and several
sustained injuries. Fire officials
determined that a young child
playing with a stove resulted in the
blaze that’s been called the deadliest
in New York City in 25 years.
The loss of life, the recovery
ahead for those injured and the
devastating disruption in the
lives of he building’s occupants is
heartbreaking.
Then days later a seven-alarm
fire in the Bronx injured 23 people
including seven children.
Closer to home on Jan. 3 an early
morning apartment fire in Avondale
Estates resulted in 12 people
being hospitalized including eight
children. Fifty people were displaced
due to the blaze and 45 firefighters
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Gale Horton Gay
fastgale@hotmail.com
put their lives on the line to fight the
fire.
Fire safety should be on
everyone’s mind. In 2015, U.S. fire
departments responded to an
estimated 365,500 home structure
fires, according to the National Fire
Protection Association’s website.
These fires caused 2,560 deaths,
11,075 civilian injuries, and $7 billion
in direct damage.
Each year in metro Atlanta a
number of families experience the
devastation of apartment and house
fires.
The tragedies in the Bronx and
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 6
here at home serve as haunting
reminders of the necessity to think
carefully and seriously about fire
safety measures.
• Talk to children repeatedly about
not playing with matches, stoves or
other heat sources.
• Teach children what to do if they
smell smoke or see fire.
• Monitor young children when they
are in the kitchen or around fire-
places, etc.
• Keep space heaters away from cur-
tains and flammable materials. One
fire official recommends a three-
foot clear perimeter around space
heaters.
• Have fireplaces checked for creo-
sote buildup that can lead to a fire.
• Make sure there are an adequate
number of smoke detectors in
residences and that the devices are
properly installed and working.
• Test smoke detectors monthly.
• Ensure that fire extinguishers are
located throughout a home and are
working properly.
• Discuss the actions that should be
taken in a fire emergency and have
an evacuation plan that all family
members as well acquainted with.
• Keep candles out of the reach of
children and away from flammable
materials.
In the Bronx fire, fire officials said
one of the reasons the fire spread so
quickly was that the mother living in
the apartment where the fire started
grabbed her children and fled,
leaving her door open. The air in the
hallway and stairwell fueled the fire.
So, keep in mind the importance of
closing doors when evacuating.
Let’s keep fire safety and
prevention tips top of mind,
doing so may prevent house and
apartment fires and minimize loss
of life, injuries to occupants and
firefighters and loss of personal
property.
OPINION
“The ultimate measure of a man
is not where he stands in moments
of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of
challenge and controversy,” Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.  bill.csicrane@gmail.com
 On a recent trip to the Left
Coast for the Georgia Bulldogs'
trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, I
picked San Diego, my favorite city
in California, as my entry/exit point
and base of operations for my stay.
 One crisp morning (low 70s
there, high 20s here at the time),
I took a long stroll along the
Embarcadero and the Martin
Luther King Jr. promenade. The
walkway parallels North Harbor
Drive and then the San Diego
Trolley Line; it begins just shy of
Petco Field and continues past the
San Diego Convention Center and
some of the priciest condos and
apartments in the city, with views
overlooking San Diego harbor
and Coronado Island. Along the
way there are pocket parks, a kid’s
playground, small urban gardens
and an off-leash dog park. In the
center of the promenade there is a
large water feature and reflection
pond, for personal reflection and
just hanging out.  most challenged communities.
On Jan. 14, San Diego hosted
its 38th annual Martin Luther King
Day Parade, parallel to that same
promenade. That parade is one of
our nation’s largest celebrations of
the federal King holiday.
Being a Georgia native, I
remember a time of not being
aware of King and his works
and importance, though he had
left this earth before I entered
elementary school. From the early
gospel lyrics of “There Was a Boy
a Georgia Boy,” to King’s famed
speeches, and later to the debate
and legislation to make the date
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 7
Fit for a King?
heard, as well as involved. Much like the new statue
‘One Man’s As our federal holiday is now on the grounds of our Georgia
Opinion’ a full generation old, chances are
that many Millennials might think
Capitol building is there to
inspire and educate, let’s focus
Bill Crane this holiday has always been–like on bringing the realities of King’s
President’s Day (once two separate vision to the communities and
holidays for presidents George neighborhoods along those
Washington and Abraham roadways bearing his name. The
of King’s birth into a state and Lincoln). It’s crystal clear though easy part has been accomplished,
later federal holiday, King seemed on the issues of turning around his legacy is enduring and has
almost omnipresent into my early challenged inner city communities been recognized. Now it’s time
adulthood. and race relations, there remains a for the heavy lifting, seeking and
The first King Day celebration lot of work left to be done. identifying catalysts for change,
in 1969 was a product of the King Attaching the name of the Civil and making more of those long-
Center in Atlanta, and Coretta Rights movement’s leader to a term dreams of Dr. King’s into
Scott King became the primary prominent roadway or local public realities. Happy Martin Luther King
advocate and proponent of a school is significant, and those Jr. Day, and week. 
national holiday. Though fellow are contributions toward healing, Bill Crane also serves as a
Georgian, and later president, but building the path forward political analyst and commentator
Jimmy Carter also became could still use our assistance. Here for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
a supporter of the proposed in King’s home state, as well as AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
holiday, it was President Ronald the birthplace of the Civil Rights FM, as well as a columnist for The
Reagan who signed the federal movement, we might take a page Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
holiday into law in November from San Diego’s playbook. We Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
of 1983, with the first federal might further acknowledge the native and business owner, living
recognition and holiday set for contributions, leadership and in Scottdale. You can reach him
1986. King’s greatness also in places and or comment on a column at bill.
Though most every major stations of grandeur. csicrane@gmail.com.
urban center and capital city in our
nation has its own Martin Luther
King, Jr. Boulevard, or a similarly
named school, those roadways
often traverse some of each city’s
Here in Georgia, and our capital
city, a new statue now adorns the
lawn of our state Capitol, looking
out and along Atlanta’s Martin
Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. As
the road winds west past the
Capitol, toward the Fulton County
Government Center, Mercedes
Benz Stadium and toward the
Atlanta University Center, Atlanta’s
west-side is finally experiencing a
resurgence, as well as a renewed
sense of hope and optimism.
It isn’t perfect, but it’s a strong
start, with a plan, diverse skin in
the game and lots of voices being
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
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Chief Financial Officer: Derek Smith We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
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expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
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LOCAL
TUCKER
City sees drop in
violent crimes
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Violent crimes were down
30 percent in Tucker in 2017,
according to the DeKalb
County Police Department.
The department released
the numbers to the city,
which also saw a 5 percent
drop in property crimes in
a year. In 2016, there were
eight homicides committed,
however, that number
decreased to two homicides
in 2017. Robberies were down
44 percent—from 102 in 2016
to 57 in 2017.
Business burglaries
decreased from 114 to 92
(19 percent) in a year, auto
thefts went from 128 to
109 (15 percent) in a year
and entering auto crimes
decreased 6 percent from 379
to 355 in a year.
Tucker Mayor Frank
Auman said much of the
credit for these numbers
goes to the police officers
patrolling the streets.
“We are fortunate to have
a great relationship with our
partners at the DeKalb County
Police Department,” Auman
said. “Not only are these
officers a presence in the
community deterring criminal
BROOKHAVEN
“The people of Georgia deserve no less”
Brookhaven calls for rebates for Georgia Power customers
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
The Mayor and City
Council of Brookhaven issued
a plea to the Georgia Public
Service Commission (GPSC)
Jan. 10 to require Georgia
Power to rebate all savings
from the recently passed
American Tax Cuts and Jobs
Act to its customers.
“The intent of the federal
legislation was not to make
rich companies richer,”
Brookhaven Mayor John
Ernst said. “It was meant to
activity, they are making
positive connections and
building relationships with
our citizens, especially our
young people.”
Tucker has an agreement
with DeKalb’s police
department, which provided
the city with its own police
liaison, Lt. D.G. Schoeppner.
Schoeppner provides regular
briefings to the city council
and staff on crime trends
and listens to residents’
concerns. Schoeppner told
The Champion that the police’s
day-to-day activities have not
radically changed in Tucker.
“We’re still answering
911 calls and patrolling the
streets,” he said. “So, any kind
of changes were relatively
minor, such as my position,
the liaison position, was
created to help facilitate
communications between
the city council and the police
department. By and large,
DeKalb County is doing the
same things to reduce crimes
like we’ve always done.”
Schoeppner said
homicides aren’t directly
affected by officers patrolling.
“Homicides are a lot of
times crimes of passion,” he
said. “People get killed over
money and things like that, so
Ernst
benefit all Americans across
all economic strata. Georgia
Power’s rate is already locked
in for a few more years,
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 8
The partnership between DeKalb County Police and Tucker residents played a part in the drop in property crime numbers.
there are other aspects, but
the thing is sometimes there
is little rhyme or reason why
the numbers change from one
year to the next, specifically
for homicides.”
Schoeppner said property
crimes are more directly
impacted by officers’ activities
such as monitoring crime on a
daily and weekly basis.
“We’re always looking
for where hot spots are and
putting officers in those areas,”
he said. “The community
helps out a lot because it’s
easy for the community to be
involved.”
There are various social
therefore the utility should
be required to rebate its
windfall to its residential and
commercial customers.
The 2017 federal tax
overhaul passed by Congress
and signed into law by
President Donald Trump
reduced the corporate tax
rate from a maximum of
35 percent to 21 percent.
Other states with utilities
that are either passing
through the tax savings to
customers, or considering
similar legislation, include:
Oklahoma, Kentucky,
Montana, Michigan, Ohio, and
the District of Columbia.
media pages for residents
to communicate on what is
happening in the community.
“I monitor the pages
too so that they can also
communicate with me
directly,” he said. “It’s kind of a
partnership and it’s part of the
reason why we can give credit
for the numbers going down.
There is just a natural ebb and
flow with crime numbers and
you can’t really quantify into
saying this resulted in that.
But, it’s definitely hard work
by the police department and
community involvement.”
City officials said the
council and DeKalb Police
“Not only is it the right
thing to do, it would also
create an economic stimulus
here in Brookhaven and
across the state of Georgia,”
Ernst said.
The GPSC is a public
utilities commission, a
quasi-judicial tribunal,
which regulates
telecommunications,
transportation, electric and
natural gas services in the U.S.
state of Georgia.
According to its website,
its mission is to “exercise
its authority and influence
to ensure that consumers
receive safe, reliable
are negotiating terms of a
longterm intergovernmental
agreement (IGA) to lay the
groundwork for policing in
the city for several more years.
“We know how critical
public safety is for our
residents and businesses to
thrive in Tucker,” Auman said.
“In our discussions, there’s
been a lot of innovative,
outside-the-box thinking. I
really believe that what we
come up with in this IGA will
set a standard that other
communities will look to and
learn from.”
and reasonably priced
telecommunications, electric
and natural gas services
from financially viable and
technically competent
companies.”
“If you apply the 2017 tax
overhaul to Georgia Power’s
bottom line in 2016, the result
would be approximately $111
million in savings. Georgia
Power can’t reduce its own
rate, so the PSC should
mandate a rebate, retroactive
to Jan. 1,” Ernst said. “The
people of Georgia deserve no
less.”
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

The Decatur Police Department received a hand-written thank you card along with assorted snacks from the Glenwood Estates neighborhood. Photo submitted.

Joe Gebbia reciting his oath of office at the direction of Judge Courtney Johnson. Councilmember John Park signing residency and ethics statements with Judge Alvin
Photo courtesy of city of Brookhaven. Won observing. Photo courtesy of city of Brookhaven.

New Tucker councilmember Pat Soltys is sworn in. Tucker Councilwoman Michelle Penkava is sworn in by Tucker Mayor Frank Auman is sworn as his wife, Gaye,
DeKalb County State Judge Ronald Ramsey. holds the Bible.

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 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 10

DECATUR

Residents could decide

monument relocation
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
In 2017, DeKalb County commissioners confirmed
the Confederate monument in downtown Decatur
could be relocated.
Now the only problem is deciding where. Estefania Roman-Aguilar
In a Planning, Economic Development and
Community Services Committee meeting,
commissioners discussed residents having the Brookhaven mom
opportunity to submit proposals for where the
monument could be relocated. wanted for murder of
Last year, Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson
introduced a resolution to have the monument
removed. Calls to remove Confederate monuments
five-month-old daughter
across the country increased after protest turned
violent in Charlottesville, N.C., in August resulting in BY DEREK SMITH
the death of one woman. derek@dekalbchamp.com
“The question is, where will the monument be
relocated? And if that’s the [issue], we should give the
The Brookhaven Police and the United
public an opportunity to make recommendations to
States Marshal’s Service are seeking the
us within 30 days,” Johnson said during the committee
public’s help in locating Estefania Roman-
meeting.
Aguilar, 19, who is wanted for 2016 murder
Deputy County Attorney Viviane Ernstes said
of her 5-month old baby. She is on the run
the monument doesn’t have to stay in Decatur
and believed to be in the southeast, possibly
or in Georgia. According to her legal analysis, the Commissioner Kathie Gannon said the Southern in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, or South
monument can be moved anywhere as long as it is not Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Carolina.
obstructed. Kennesaw may accept the monument. Roman-Aguilar is believed to be living with
“You can relocate it outside of DeKalb or out of Johnson said if commissioners do not receive her father, Jose Hilario-Gomez, 40, who is
the state of Georgia if someone is interested in taking proposals within 30 days, the monument should be wanted by DeKalb County Police for armed
it. The state statute doesn’t state the monument has moved to storage until a decision on its location is robbery.
to be publicly visible. It just says it has to be plainly made. Brookhaven Police officers responded
visible,” Ernstes said. “So that doesn’t mean it has to be “My initial intent was to relocate the monument to a medical call Sept. 21, 2016 at Epic
available to view by the public 24 hours a day.” off of public land. There’s been some amendments Gardens Apartments on Buford Highway.
Johnson suggested residents will be able to give and clarification, but I go back to my original intent, Officers arrived to find the 5-month old girl
proposals on where to relocate the monument in a 30- which is to relocate the statue off of public land and unresponsive and not breathing. CPR was
day time span. make sure it complies with the law,” Johnson said. started and continued until emergency
County officials may advertise the parameters of “I’d suggest if there [are] no proposals that comply medical personnel arrived and transported
how to submit proposals in The Champion Newspaper with the law within the 30 days [the monument] be
and The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Ernstes said.   removed and put in storage until we find a place for it.” SEE CRIME ON PAGE 11

COUNTYWIDE

County officials promise to continue to fight blight in 2018

blighted units at Brannon Hill county’s neighborhoods.” remediation is education the includes two assistant
by seeking court approval to In a recent press release, public. solicitors-general, a
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN raze another four buildings in the county touted its money “I think one of the main community prosecutor,
horace@dekalbchamp.com addition to stabilizing a large spent to address blight. In concerns is addressing the an investigator and a legal
sinkhole in the complex. the 2017 midyear budget, community and educating assistant.
According to county CEO Thurmond proposed and the public on what [blight] “I think part of this is
DeKalb County officials officials, the county must the Board of Commissioners is so that we can get on managing expectations and
recently touted its efforts to receive permission from the approved to redirect $70,000 the same page,” Coleman- knowing exactly what we
demolish blighted properties courts before it can remediate to fund additional staff and Stribling said. “There are can do. Our end goal is to
in the county. blight on private property. training in the solicitor- commercial properties get properties and property
According to officials, 17 “DeKalb citizens deserve general’s office. and residential properties owners to become compliant,”
single-family homes were to live in safe and healthy With the reallocated and [there needs to be an] Coleman-Stribling said. “This
demolished in 2017, which communities, and in 2017, funds, the solicitor-general’s understanding [of ] what is just one of the first steps.
improved the public health we made fighting blight a office created the Quality parameters we have when There’s a greater group of
and safety of neighborhoods priority by funding initiatives of Life Unit, which will dealing with these violations.” people we have to have a
throughout the county. and collaborating with key be responsible for the Coleman-Stribling said conversation with. We just
Two of the homes that partners and agencies,” prosecution of all cases the goal for her office in 2018 have to talk to the public in
were slated to be demolished said DeKalb CEO Michael involving code violations, is to educate more of the general about what this is and
last year have been or are Thurmond. “There is not just blight and nuisance issues. general public and make sure what our end goal is.”
pending sales. one fix to rid a community of Solicitor-General Donna properties are compliant with
In 2018, the county blight, and we will continue Coleman-Stribling said an the law.
plans to further address the our progress to improve the important aspect of blight The Quality of Life Unit
LOCAL
Stonecrest Sam’s closes without notice
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Sam’s Club in Stonecrest
closed unexpectedly without
employees or customers
being notified, according
to Stonecrest officials and
residents.
The Stonecrest City
Facebook page stated the
Sam’s Club near the Mall of
Stonecrest, which opened
in 2003, closed Jan. 11
and the closure came as a
surprise to elected officials,
Sam’s employees and the
community.
“Mayor [Jason] Lary found
out today around 10 a.m.
after a caller informed him
that security guards were
turning the public away,” the
post read. “Mayor Lary and
Councilman Jimmy Clanton
went to the Stonecrest Sam’s
Club for answers. The mayor
was met by several angry and
disappointed Sam’s shoppers
and media representatives.”
The post stated Sam’s
Club management was not
able to provide additional
information about the
closing, other than the store is
permanently closed.
“Two employees were
seen leaving the store with
their personal items,” the
post read. “They elected
not to give their names but
indicated that they were
just as surprised. Sam’s Club
contracted a private security
company who stationed
an officer outside the store
to inform the public of its
CRIME Continued From Page 10A
the child to Scottish Rite
Hospital. The baby was
pronounced dead at the
hospital.
According to the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution (AJC),
Brookhaven police issued a
warrant for child cruelty for
Roman-Aguilar in October.
The warrant was issued
before the medical examiner’s
report was finished, but said
Roman-Aguilar had admitted
to “using a pillow to suffocate
the child.”
The AJC reported she was
arrested, but released on
bond Oct. 31, 2016.
On Nov. 2, 2016,
Brookhaven Police detectives
received an arrest warrant
Lary
closure.”
District 5 DeKalb County
Commissioner Mereda Davis
Johnson, who represents
the district the Sam’s Club is
located in, said in a released
statement that a Walmart
representative informed her
that the decision to close the
store was “simply a business
decision.”
Walmart is the parent
company of Sam’s Club.
“The representative would
not give a specific reason
as to why the Stonecrest
store had been closed, nor
would he explain why the
company abruptly closed the
store without notice to the
public or to its employees,”
Johnsons said. “Walmart’s
representative did [confirm],
however, that the store was
not underperforming.
“The abrupt manner in
which the Stonecrest Sam’s
Club was closed stands as
an insult to the community,”
Johnson said. “Moreover,
this move was callous and
insensitive to its employees,
charging Roman-Aguilar with
murder.
According to a Jan.
10 news release from
Brookhaven Police, the
warrant was turned over to
the DeKalb County Sheriff’s
fugitive team, who eventually
turned the warrant over to
the United States Marshal’s
Service.
Police are asking for the
public’s help in locating
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice that the Public
Hearing previously advertised for Monday, January 22, 2017 at 6:30pm
to consider Re-Zoning and a Variance Application for the property
located at 5233 Cloud Street, Stone Mountain, GA has been cancelled.
Any future public hearings will be posted and advertised as by code.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 11
Sam’s Club in Stonecrest closed unexpectedly without employees or customers being notified.
and to its customers. Our
community deserved
better after 15 years of loyal
patronage.”
Johnson said she
requested that the Walmart
Corporation reconsider its
decision and reopen Sam’s.
“This is an unfortunate
example of corporate
insensitivity and I call on the
residents of the Stonecrest
community to contact the
corporate headquarters of
Walmart to express concern
and displeasure about the
abrupt decision to close
the Stonecrest Sam’s Club
location,” she said. “The
Stonecrest community
deserves better.”
According to
BusinessInsider.com, Walmart
closed 63 Sam’s Club stores
Estefania Roman-Aguilar.
Anyone with any information
on her whereabouts is asked
to contact the Brookhaven
Police Department, or
submit an anonymous tip
through Crime Stoppers
Atlanta online at http://www.
crimestoppersatlanta.org/ or
by phone at (404) 577-8477.
Any helpful information
could result in a cash reward
up to $2,000.
across the United States. of up to $1,000. Sam’s Club
Business Insider also said Twitter account tweeted,
employees at other locations “After a thorough review of
were also not told their our existing portfolio, we’ve
stores had closed before decided to close a series of
showing up to work. Those clubs and better align our
employees learned their store locations with our strategy.
closed when they found the Closing clubs is never easy
doors locked and a notice and we’re committed to
announcing the closing, working with impacted
according to reports. members and associates
The closings occurred through this transition.”
on the same day Walmart The Champion attempted
announced plans to raise to contact a Walmart
starting hourly wages to $11, representative for this story,
expand employee benefits but messages have not been
and offer workers bonuses returned.
Public Notice
City of Brookhaven
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 28-1-14, the City
of Brookhaven hereby publishes notice
that it intends to seek local legislation
to establish a Facilities Authority for
the City of Brookhaven during the
2018 convening of the Georgia General
Assembly.
CALL FOR AND NOTICE OF ELECTION
CITY OF PINE LAKE SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL
VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 20, 2018 SPECIAL ELECTION
TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF CITY OF PINE LAKE, WITHIN
DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 20th day of March, a special election will
be held in the CITY OF PINE LAKE to fill the vacancy in the office of City of Pine Lake
City Council. The special election will be held to fill the unexpired term of Tonja Holder.
Each candidate will file notice of his or her candidacy and the appropriate affidavit
in the Office of City Clerk, 462 Clubhouse Drive, Pine Lake, Georgia 30072. Qualifying
for candidates will begin on Monday, February 5, 2018 through February 8, between
8:30 AM – 8:30 and 4:30 PM each day. The qualifying fee is $18.00.
The last day to register to be eligible to vote in this special election is February 20,
2018.
The special election will be held in the regular polling place, City of Pine Lake
Clubhouse, 300 Clubhouse Drive, Pine Lake, Georgia 30072. The polls will open at
7:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM.
This call is issued by the City of Pine Lake.

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BUSINESS
NORTH DRUID HILLS
In anticipation of the Jan. 11 reopening, dozens of would-be customers camped on the parking lot of the North Druid Hills Chick-fil-A restaurant. The first 100 customers
received coupons for free food. Photos provided
First stand-alone Chick-fil-A reopens
to throng of waiting customers
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
An Atlanta Chick-fil-A awaiting
opening day, drew its customary
crowd of eager would-be customers
camped on the parking lot waiting
for their first meal at the new
restaurant and possibly winning
free meals over the next year. This
time, however, the opening had
special significance. The restaurant
is Chick-fil-A’s historical first stand-
alone restaurant, which was torn
down after 32 years, then rebuilt,
reopening Jan. 11 in what Chick-fil-A
calls “the chain’s most state-of-the-
art building.”
Operator Greg Mapoles, who
took over the franchise at the North
Druid Hills Road restaurant in the
mid-1980 after it operated two years
under corporate ownership, also is
at the helm at the newly opened
eatery.
“This was a new business model,”
Mapoles explained. “Prior to the
opening of the North Druid Hills
location, all Chick-fil-As were inside
malls. As part of its core growth
strategy, the company was exploring
offering customers additional
options.”
He explained that Tim
#ITSINTHECHAMPION
Tassopoulos, president and chief
operating officer of Chick-fil-A, was
given responsibility for evolving
Chick-fil-A restaurants from a mall
concept into adding free-standing
locations, where stores could set
their hours without regard for when
the mall opens and closes and offer
drive-thru service. Tassopoulos is
from the area–he attended nearby
Lakeside High School—and chose
the busy spot near Briarcliff Road,
which had previously been a plant
nursery. Near DeKalb County’s
Adams Stadium, the restaurant is
popular with those going to sports
events.
“It’s a great spot,” Mapoles said,
“In addition to students, parents
and school employees, we have
regular customers from businesses
and homes in the area. Some had
become old friends that we missed
during the five months we were
closed. We look forward to serving
them again.”
Mapoles, who grew up in the
North Druid Hills area, has worked
at Chick-fil-A restaurants since he
was a teenager and met his wife
when they were both working at the
Northlake Mall store. He was chosen
to take over the first stand-alone
restaurant from corporate in 1988
and has operated the business ever
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 13
since. “It was an exciting opportunity
to help pioneer the chain’s entry
into stand-alone growth knowing
that my team and I would become
valuable resources for providing
feedback to corporate and helping
other operators,” he said.
Seeing the old building destroyed
brought Mapoles mixed emotions,
he recalled. “Seeing our historic
restaurant torn down was a little
sad, but I was excited that the new
building would have the company’s
most modern design,” Mapoles said.
The company describes the new
building as a “Heritage restaurant
design with a reconfigured dining
room that seats 102 and showcases
vintage-inspired interior, including
a large gathering table made from
reclaimed wood and light fixtures
made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles
and peach baskets.” It is two-story
restaurant with a dual drive-thru,
designed to accommodate more than
200 cars an hour. It has an indoor
playground area and a high-capacity
kitchen that the company says
surpasses industry standards in food
safety.
In the more than 30 years since
Chick-fil-A originally built at that
location, traffic in the North Druid
Hills-Briarcliff Road area has increased
greatly. Orientation of the new
building was reconfigured for traffic
flow efficiency in the parking lot and
drive-thru with both entrances now
located in the back.
Mapoles said approximately 43
employees, most of whom worked
at other Chick-fil-As during the
construction, will return, including
Angie Dewine, who worked there
nearly 29 years. In addition, the store
will have 60 new employees. The
North Druid Hills reopening is one
of two new rebuilds and three new
restaurants opening in metro Atlanta
the first two months of the year,
creating more than 400 new jobs in
the area, according to Chick-fil-A’s
corporate office.
Like all Chick-fil-A restaurants,
the new ones will close on Sundays,
a practice started by founder Truett
Cathy, when he opened his first
restaurant in 1946. He said that
having worked in a restaurant that
required employees to work seven
days a week, he appreciated the value
of giving employees a day to rest,
spend with family and friends and—if
they choose—worship. Founded in
Hapeville, Ga., Chick-fil-A now has
more than 2,200 restaurants in 46
states and Washington, D.C.
SPORTS
Arabia Mountain
Chamblee
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Opening day for DeKalb County
high school baseball is set for Feb.
13 and teams are ready to hit the
diamond.
The DeKalb County School District
held its annual baseball media day Jan.
11 at Tucker High School. Several teams
that made the playoffs last year were in
attendance and expressed their desire
to return to the playoffs this year.
The Decatur Bulldogs were one of
the teams to make the playoffs last
season, and in doing so, made history.
In Robby Gilbert’s first year as head
coach, the Bulldogs won a region title
for the first time in 66 years. The team
made it to the quarterfinals last year
and hope to get back to the same
position and further this year.
“Certainly, the expectations have
been raised for our program, and
that’s what I really wanted to do in my
first year,” Gilbert said. “The kids have
worked and it’s our job as coaches to
get them to work and prepare them.”
Several teams will open the 2018
season with new head coaches. For
the first time in 29 years, the Columbia
Eagles will have a new head coach
in the dugout. Longtime assistant
Brandon Carter took over for coach
Steve Dennis, who retired after the
2017 season. Carter, who played for
Dennis, spent 11 years as Dennis’s
assistant coach.
“It’s a big step,” Carter said of
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 14
Cedar Grove
Clarkston
following in Dennis’ footsteps. “I
actually played for coach Dennis, so
it’s really easy for me to kind of piggy
back off of the big things that he has
done. But I’m looking forward to the
opportunity to carry that torch on.”
Columbia never won a state
championship under Dennis, and
Carter said he will do things a little
differently in hopes of bringing
Columbia its first baseball state title.
“In addition to some of the things
that [Dennis] did, I want to add some
different things—a little more structure
involved,” Carter said. “I want to be
aggressive, I want to put pressure on
teams each and every game and I think
if we do that we’ll come out on the
better end.”
Tucker also has a new, but old face
Photos by Carla Parker
leading the Tigers this season. Former
junior varsity coach Matt Masce is the
new head coach for the varsity team.
Masce was the JV coach for seven
years. He was the softball head coach
at Tucker for three years, but this is his
first baseball head coaching job.
“I’m excited, I’m looking forward to
it,” Masce said. “I’ve known these guys
for the past four years and I’m definitely
looking forward to it.”
Tucker was another team that made
the playoffs last season and Masce is
expecting to go back.
“Last year, we were undefeated in
the region and we’re trying to do that
again,” he said. “Last year, we made it to
the second round of the playoffs. This
year, we’re trying to go further than the
second round.”
SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 15
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 15

Columbia Cross Keys Decatur

Druid Hills Lakeside Lithonia

M.L. King McNair Miller Grove

Redan S.W. DeKalb St. Pius

Stephenson Stone Mountain Tucker

EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 • Page 16

DECATUR

Students utilize skills, learn about environment in STEM garden

BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Students at the Wadsworth Magnet School for
High Achievers are getting more than a green thumb
from their schoolwide STEM garden project.
Every student at the school, which serves fourth
through sixth grade, spends time in the garden,
using science, technology, engineering and math
skills to grow a variety of produce.
The program began in 2016 under the direction
of STEM lead coordinator and physical education
teacher Jake Carlock. Carlock used items donated
through a grant from the Captain Planet Foundation
to start the project, which was originally one six-foot
by six-foot pollinator garden with native Georgia
plants, but expanded over the summer with five
planter beds for herbs and vegetables to allow
every student to spend at least 15-20 minutes in the
garden.
“I try to spread everything out, so everyone can
say they had a hand in it,” Carlock told The Champion.
“Everyone can say they planted something. I try
to get as much involvement as possible.”
Through partnerships with the Captain Planet
Foundation and Home Depot, the school receives
donations of seeds and potted plants to grow a
variety of produce such as sage, rosemary, basil,
thyme, onions, tomatoes, strawberries, cabbages,
A Wadsworth Magnet student poses with a
plant in front of the STEM Garden.
kale, Swiss chard, red lettuce and turnips.
For 8 to 12-year-old students—many of whom
Carlock said had never seen a garden or know where
their food comes from—the process of growing
vegetables can be enlightening, Carlock said.
“When we plant the beet seeds, it’s amazing for
them to see how such a small seed can grow into
something that tall,” he said.
The garden serves to teach many lessons within
the STEM framework, but it teaches other lessons as
well, according to Carlock.
Carlock said when students plant something,
they take ownership of it. They learn how to properly
interact with environment, how to take care of it and
how to coexist within it.
Carlock said he also uses the health component
of his physical education certification to teach the
students about nutritional values of the produce.
While the garden has grown from one small plot
to six beds in one year, Carlock said it won't stop
growing. By next year, he said he hopes to add an
aquaponics system, which will use live fish to fertilize
the garden while the garden provides the fish with
nutrients.
He also said he hopes to add more planter beds
in the future, so the program can partner with a
homeless shelter or charity and donate the food it
produces for a good cause.
But the stated goal of the project is learning, and
Carlock said he believes the students of Wadsworth
Magnet will carry the lessons they learn in the
garden for the rest of their lives.
“We’re teaching tomorrow’s future—tomorrow’s
engineers, tomorrow’s doctors, tomorrow’s
politicians, environmental specialists, even
tomorrow’s teachers,” he said. “If we can start with
something small, and they can take that seed and
keep it with them over a lifetime of learning, there’s
no way to tell the impact or how it might account for
change.”

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is what we
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In the Publix Deli, that means letting you check the first
cut when you order sliced meats at the counter. If it’s not
sliced to your preferred thickness, we’ll do it again. And
we always respect your time while building your favorite
sub. See how we serve you at publix.com/service.