the DeKalb
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Teen Chef: Decatur High School student creates captivating cuisine
by Derek Smith
derek@dekalbchamp.com
S
ome create art with clay
or a paint brush. Aidan
Forgey prefers a more
edible medium.
The 17-year-old Decatur
High School (DHS) junior is in
his third year in the school’s
culinary arts program, and he’s
just now hitting his stride in the
kitchen.
“It really just happened this
year that I realized I was above
average at (cooking),” Forgey
said. “I’ve always really liked it
and I was good at the bookwork
in freshman and sophomore
year, but we didn’t really do a
lot of cooking. It was just really
making sure you didn’t get
people sick when you cook.”
With the safety basics down,
now he can focus on the artistry.
Forgey has just begun
working on food presentation in
class, but he’s been decorating
plates in downtown Decatur for
three months while shadowing
the sous chef at Revival—a
family-style restaurant focusing
on Southern cuisine.
Revival is owned by Kevin
Gillespie, who was featured in
the sixth season of the reality
television series Top Chef in
2009, where he finished as a
runner-up.
The DHS culinary program
has a relationship with Revival,
and Forgey was given his
opportunity after surviving his
first night in early September.
“It was a lot,” Forgey said of
his first night at Revival, where
the staff put him to work with a
trainer and allowed him to prove
himself.
After a few months, Forgey
now says he’s coming into his
own in the Revival kitchen.
“It helps once you’ve been
there for a while and you kinda
have your own system to keep
track of everything.”
Of all the dishes he’s
prepared at Revival, Forgey said
his favorite is a delicata squash
salad.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017 • VOL. 22, NO.
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“I don’t like the taste of the
squash that much, but other
people do,” Forgey said. “But
just making it look really nice…
making it however you want.
There’s a set amount of stuff
you have to put on but not any
set way you have to put it on, so
you can just express yourself.”
Fortunately for Forgey, his
position at Revival allows him to
express himself quite often.
“If we’re really busy, I’ll have
a lot of stuff prepped and I’ll be
trying to go quicker, but if we
only have a couple orders the
whole night, I’ll take extra time
[with the presentation,]” he said.
Beyond his style on
the plate, Forgey also has
developed his own way of
handling himself in the kitchen.
“I’m very loud,” he said.
“I make desserts also, and
we have to call for the front-
of-house to come pick up the
desserts, so I yell a lot.”
His extroverted nature at
Revival goes against his normal
demeanor, but Forgey said it
comes naturally when he’s at his
station.
“I’m sort of shy in any new
environment, but I opened up
really quickly there,” he said. “I
can tell [the kitchen] is gonna
be somewhere I spend a lot of
time. That’s where I feel like I’m
meant to be.”
Decatur High School junior Aidan Forgey prepares an omelet in the kitchen of the
school’s culinary arts department Dec. 20.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 2

New program created to fight blight better address community of roadways in more than “Improving the quality for serving our community.
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN concerns.” five years which has resulted of life for DeKalb citizens I am confident DeKalb
horace@dekalbchamp.com According to county in drainage obstructions that is our goal,” said Stribling. County citizens will look to
officials, prior to Operation restrict water from properly “Each member of the unit them as their advocates and
A new unit under the Clean Sweep, there had not draining off the roads and was chosen specifically for partners.”
DeKalb Solicitor-General’s been a county-wide cleanup into the storm sewers. their experience and passion
office will address recurring
issues in DeKalb such as
blight and abatement.
DeKalb County Solicitor-
General Donna Coleman-
Stribling announced Dec.
18 that the unit will begin
addressing “quality of life”
issues.
The new Quality of
Life unit will partner with
different county agencies
to resolve residential and
commercial quality-of-life
problems, according to
county officials.
The unit will include
two assistant solicitor-
generals, a community
prosecutor, an investigator
and a legal assistant. The
unit will be responsible for
the prosecution of all cases
involving code violations,
blight and nuisances.
DeKalb County CEO
Michael Thurmond said
the unit will help DeKalb
residents in the future.
“Prosecution is key to
effectively send the message
that DeKalb County is
serious about eliminating
blight,” Thurmond said. “The
Solicitor-General’s Quality
of Life Unit is an innovative
solution that will help
improve and beautify our
communities.”
DeKalb County
commissioners recently
approved a budget
proposed by Thurmond
that includes initiatives to
address blight.
One of Thurmond’s
initiates, Operation Clean
Sweep, began in March
and ended its first phase in
November. During that time,
county workers collected
and removed 391 tons of
debris, 1,685 bags of loose
litter and 51 piles of illegally-
dumped material.
“With the announcement
of Operation Clean Sweep,
we saw a need to expand
our reach to efficiently
and effectively address
the concerns of citizens
who suffer from ongoing
blight and code violations,”
said Stribling. “I hired
prosecutors who I know
will work tirelessly to hold
code violators accountable.
By adding new members to
our team, we will be able to
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
MLK Day dinner details
announced
Brookhaven will host its third
annual MLK Day dinner and
program Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at
Lynwood Community Center, 3360
Osborne Road.
The event will feature
DeKalb County CEO Michael
Thurmond as keynote speaker,
with additional speakers to
be announced. Tickets for the
event are $10 each, and can
be purchased at the Lynwood
Community Center, (404) 637-
0542. The program is appropriate
for all ages, and families are
encouraged to attend.
DECATUR
Cryptocurrency: Digital currency
pros and cons
Join Flat Shoals Library in
Decatur Jan. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
to learn about Cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency is digital
or virtual currency that uses
cryptography for security.
Cryptocurrency is difficult to
counterfeit because of this
security feature. Attendees will be
told the pros and cons of using
cryptocurrency, how to have an
e-commerce business, how to
promote the use of cryptocurrency
in the marketplace and the main
types of clients to focus on.
For more information, call the
Flat Shoals Library at (404) 244-
4370 or visit the library at 4022 Flat
Shoals Pkwy., Decatur.
County to observe 50th
anniversary of MLK Jr.’s Death
DeKalb County will present
its annual Martin Luther King Jr.
celebration program, “50 Forward:
Together We Win with Love for
Humanity,” Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m.
in the Maloof Auditorium in
#ITSINTHECHAMPION
downtown Decatur.
The 2018 tribute
commemorates the 50th
anniversary of King’s death and
marks the 34th consecutive year
DeKalb will host the employee-
planned event honoring the life
and legacy of King.
The celebration is free and
open to the public.
 
EAST
ATLANTA
Fireworks and fundraiser in East
Atlanta Village
The East Atlanta Foundation
will hold its New Year’s EAV
Fireworks and Fundraiser Dec. 31
at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Taco in East
Atlanta Village at 1314 Glenwood
Ave. SE.
The family friendly countdown
begins at 8 p.m. with a two-
minute fireworks show, then a DJ
will carry the event through to
midnight. Bars and restaurants
will have food and drink specials
all night, culminating with a
midnight, grand-finale fireworks
show.
The show is a fundraiser for the
East Atlanta Foundation which
has launched more than 250
community grants and projects in
the last 15 years. Admission is free.
Donations are welcome.
TUCKER
Volunteers needed for MLK
service project
The Friends of Tucker
Recreation Center needs
volunteers for its fourth day of
service project in honor of Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 15,
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The project will consist
of repainting the two front
halls and window trimming.
All supplies will be provided.
Volunteers are encouraged to
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 3
wear clothes suitable for painting.
The recreation center is located
at 4898 LaVista Road. For more
information, email info@tuckerrec.
org.
Free DEMA emergency response
training courses
DeKalb County Emergency
Management Agency (DEMA)
is hosting two free community
emergency response team
training courses. The classes will
teach participants what to do
before and during a public health
emergency. The first nine-week
class begins 7–9:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at
DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters,
1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker.
A second nine-week CERT class
begins 7–9:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at
DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters.
Course topics include
disaster preparedness, basic fire
suppression, medical operations,
light search-and-rescue
operations, disaster psychology,
autism awareness, team
organization and terrorism.
The class is free, and all
participants must pass a
background check. For more
information, contact Chayne
Sparagowski at csparagowski@
dekalbcountyga.gov or 770-724-
7812.
DUNWOODY
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of
Service
The city of Dunwoody invites
community members to volunteer
at the city’s Martin Luther King Jr.
(MLK) Day of Service, taking place
Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. at Brook Run Park.
This is a free event for all ages.
Opportunities include planting
trees, cleaning a Dunwoody park,
daffodil planting, sharing time
at local senior living centers,
or completing projects at the
Community Assistance Center or
at I Care Atlanta, Inc. Volunteers
can also make donations of new
or gently used coats or non-
perishable food items on the day
of the event at the pavilion at
Brook Run Park.
Volunteers will check-in at 8:30
a.m. at the pavilion at Brook Run
Park at 4770 N. Peachtree Road,
where the morning will begin
with registration, donuts, coffee,
music and giveaways. Volunteers
can either stay in Brook Run Park
or drive to their selected volunteer
location with a goal of concluding
activities at noon.
Sign-up for an opportunity
to participate by visiting the
Dunwoody Parks Registration
Portal at https://secure.rec1.com/
GA/dunwoody-ga/catalog.
COUNTYWIDE
Free Christmas tree collection
for DeKalb residents
The DeKalb County Sanitation
Division will collect Christmas trees
through Jan. 12.
Trees will be collected during
regularly scheduled sanitation
collection service days. To have
trees collected, residents must
remove decorations from trees
and place them curbside. Only
trees 7 feet in height or less will
be accepted. Trees that cannot be
trimmed to the required size may
be taken to the county-owned
Seminole Road Landfill or collected
by the Sanitation Division’s special
collection unit. Collected trees
will be recycled and converted to
mulch.
For more information, contact
the Sanitation Division’s customer
service team at (404)-294-2900 or
sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, or
visit www.dekalbsanitation.com.
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
DECADE OF GIVING
Sheriff’s office hosts 10th
annual adopt a family program
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
For more than a decade,
the DeKalb County Sheriff’s
Office has given holiday cheer
to local families in need.
On Dec. 20, the DeKalb
County Sheriff’s Office hosted
the 10th annual “Adopt a
Family for Christmas” holiday
event at the DeKalb County
Jail.
The DeKalb County
jail chaplaincy program
coordinates the event
with local social service
agencies and faith-based
organizations. More than 10
families participated in the
event.
Carolina Mincey,
administrator for the chief
jailer at the sheriff’s office
who helped coordinate the
event, said the sheriff’s office
planned a month in advance.
COUNTYWIDE
‘Deadbeat’ parents initiative nabs violators
Deputies of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s office attempted to serve more than 200
arrest warrants, most of which were for late child support payments.
The sheriff’s office treated
families to a luncheon,
providing a free meal to
the children and their
care providers. Gifts were
distributed to children of
incarcerated men and women
who are being cared for by
other family members.  
“It’s a fun feeling. The
sheriff’s office and all the
deputies are able to mingle
with the kids and it’s nice
for them to see us and know
that we are people and we
do have kind hearts and are
willing to give,” Mincey said.
“We’re just excited to see the
smiles on their face and be
able to give them a hot meal.”
Mincey said the adopt-a-
family program also donated
toys to an employee who
works for a vendor service of
the sheriff’s office.
“She works hard and is just
trying to make ends meet, so
we decided to give back to
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 4
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office hosted the 10th annual “Adopt a Family for Christmas” holiday event at the DeKalb
County Jail, Dec. 20.
her as well and provide for
her family of seven,” Mincey
said. “We want them to enjoy
this fellowship amongst the
staff.”
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
While some parents are
getting ready for the holidays,
others who are behind on
their child support and are
served with a warrant, will
spend time in jail thanks to a
DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
program.
The DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office attempted
to serve more than 200
warrants Dec. 20 as part of
the department’s ‘deadbeat’
parents sweep.
Deputies at the sheriff’s
office served warrants related
to violation of child support
and child cruelty laws.
“Once a year we pull all our
child support arrest warrants
and we coordinate to serve
these warrants right before
Christmas,” said Major Roscoe,
Participants included
the DeKalb County Family &
Children’s Services Kinship
Program and Bethany House
Foster Care and employee
field division commander with
the sheriff’s office.
Though warrants are
served year-round, Roscoe
said the sheriff’s office puts
an emphasis on serving the
warrants during the holidays.
“In order for a parent to get
out of jail on an arrest warrant
they must pay cash and that
money goes right back to the
custodial parent,” Roscoe said.
“It’s a little bit different than
a bond. The sheriff’s office
doesn’t keep the money,
there’s no probation officer
that keeps the money...the
money goes directly to the
custodial parent.”
Roscoe said the success
of the program varies every
year. Last year DeKalb County
Sheriff’s deputies made
19 arrests, executed 174
warrants—99 of which were
outstanding child support
warrants amounting to
volunteers.
The event began in 2007
and has served approximately
250 children according
SEE GIVING ON PAGE 11
$139,566.15 in uncollected
court-ordered child support
payments in the county-wide
operation.
Most men and women
arrested were wanted for
failure to meet court-ordered
financial obligation to their
children and some are
accused of cruelty to children,
according to sheriff’s office
officials.
The sweep generally lasts
through the day.
Roscoe said it’s a good
feeling knowing some parents
were able to receive extra
finances for the holidays.
“Sheriff Jeff Mann wants
to help out these families
and most of these people are
quite a bit behind on their
child support payments,”
Roscoe said. “In order for them
to get out of jail they have to
pay that cash amount.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017 • Page 5

A group of Boy Scouts helped deliver bags filled with socks, shirts and toiletry Reece Huffman, Collins Hill High School student and Boy Scout, delivered more
items. than 250 bags filled with personal items for foster children in DeKalb County.
Photo by Donna Seay.

Boy Scout collects supplies for foster children

by horace holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com

B
ecoming an Eagle
Scout is one of the
highest ranks in
the Boy Scouts of
America program, but before
earning such a distinction,
members must complete an
Eagle Scout service project that
will help the community.
As a former foster child,
14-year-old Reece Huffman
said he wanted his Eagle
project to have personal
meaning.
On Dec. 21, Huffman, along
with a group of fellow Boy
Scouts, delivered approximately
250 bags filled with personal
items to the DeKalb County
Division of Family and Children
Services (DFCS).
The bags contained items
such as socks, shoe laces,
books, combs, brushes, DeKalb County’s Division of Family and Children Services received help for the holidays thanks to Boy Scout Reece Huffman.
toothpaste, toothbrushes and
shirts. could do to help. DFCS program. bags to Georgia’s Adoption Unit
“I was adopted, so I wanted “Most of the items we would Kellar said DeKalb’s DFCS is to use for the program’s next
to do something foster related,” just get calls from people the largest in the state. adoption party.
Huffman said. “It’s kind of mind- saying, ‘we would love to help “I think it’s amazing that Kellar said individuals
blowing to think about how your project, what can we he’s been able to put these wanting to continue Huffman’s
much we’ve done.” do?’” Huffman said. “If we said bags together. The items he’s good deed can donate items
Huffman said he was nervous we needed blankets, the next collected will help our kids and such as socks, underwear,
presenting the idea of his Eagle day we would have bundles really help our teenagers,” shirts, jeans, shoes and
project to the review board. of blankets waiting outside Kellar said. “This is an amazing feminine products to DFCS.
Most Eagle projects involve a our door. I can’t believe this opportunity for the kids that “We’re so appreciative of
building component that will happened. This just shows that come into our care.” [Reece Huffman] for these items
benefit the community, he said. the community cares and that According to DeKalb because these items will put
Huffman, who attends Collins this matters.” DFCS officials, there are a smile on a child’s face even
Hill High School in Suwanee, Jerry Kellar, interim deputy approximately 13,529 children though they’re going through
said he received numerous calls director for DeKalb County in foster care statewide and 857 difficult times,” Kellar said.
from neighbors and community DFCS, said the donation will in DeKalb.
members asking what they mean a lot to the children in the Huffman also plans to give 50
OPINION
The evolution of sexual behavior
Many of us who grew up
during the sexual revolution
of the 1960s and '70s may be
secretly asking ourselves if we
did anything then that could be
considered as sexual misconduct
by today’s standards and come
back to haunt us.
The sexual revolution of the
1960s and early '70s was a
dramatic shift in traditional values
related to sex and sexuality. Sex
outside of marriage became
more socially acceptable.
Drugs use was rampant, mini
skirts were the fashion trend,
societal norms were questioned
and challenged, and Playboy
magazine was one of the largest
circulation publications in the
world.
In November of 1970 a pop
song titled “Love the One You’re
With” debuted, it built on the
phrase “if you can’t be with
the one you love, love the one
you’re with”. The birth control pill
became readily available, the
women’s liberation movement
was in full swing, many of our
nation’s youth were caught up in
a culture of sex, drugs and rock
'n' roll, and wife-swapping and
swinger parties were the rage of
the suburbs.
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
What was once considered by
many to be acceptable sexual
expression and behavior during
the more decadent decades of
the late 20th Century would likely
be considered as misconduct by
today’s standards or at the very
least considered questionable.
I recall an office situation
in the late '80s where a
management-level male who
often used a walking cane
regularly would extend his cane
and lift the edge of a female’s
skirt or dress and giggle about
it. The typical response from the
women in the office was to laugh
at his antics and call him a dirty
old man.
In those decades, it was
also permissible to smoke
cigarettes in the workplace.
Nobody though anything about
it. Those decades also allowed
smoking in airplanes; and
allowed age, weight and gender
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017 • Page 6
discrimination when recruiting
flight attendants—who at the
time were all female and referred
to as stewardesses.
Stewardesses of those long-
gone days were typically the
most attractive women one
would see while at airports.
They were expected to be sexy,
friendly and helpful. The long-
standing joke of “coffee, tea, or
me” was used often to refer to
stewardesses and imply that
more than cabin service may be
available for those interested.
If today’s female airline
employees were asked to wear
some of the uniforms from the
'60s and '70s; it would likely be
considered sexual harassment.
And to require that flight
attendants be a certain height
and weight would be considered
discrimination.
A common practice at that
time on college campuses
throughout the country, and
probably the world, was the
practice of panty raids. Panty
raids were typically started by
raucous female coeds who
would hang out of their dorm
windows dangling panties in
front of passersby. Typically,
groups of male students would
gather outside the dorm yelling
obscenities and suggestive
phrases to the females. The men
would then attempt to enter the
dorm building, open dorm room
doors and take the panties from
the females. It was a sort of
popularity contest for the guys to
see who had collected the most
panties during the raid. News of
the panty raids usually made the
pages of the student newspaper,
but the college president or
other officials were not held
accountable for what could have
been perceived as allowing
harassment and most certainly
would have been considered as
sexual misconduct.
Fifty years later, accusations
of sexual misconduct against
many who are now in prominent
positions have become
routine. We have seen news,
entertainment and financial
professionals ousted from their
jobs for conduct that occurred
during the tumultuous time when
that kind of behavior was the
norm for many.
We can’t rewrite history, nor
can we legislate morality. We
can, though, learn from our
mistakes and never repeat those
same offenses.
OPINION
“We make a living by what
we get. We make a life by what
we give,” Sir Winston Churchill,
statesman, British prime minister
and author.
Yes, this year I will again be
blessed by the greatest gift. No,
not the recent tax cuts bestowed
by Congress and President
Donald Trump. Thanks for
that though, just the same. And
though I am Christian, I’m not
speaking of the gift of the Christ
child, or the price he paid when
he sacrificed himself later to pay
for man’s collective sins.
I am speaking of that simplest,
most genuine and lasting gift—
the love and time spent with my
children.
As much as I once nearly
vibrated on Christmas Eve
night, or ran down the hall early
Christmas morning to view
Santa’s bounty around our family
hearth and Christmas tree, I now
just as excitedly look forward to
a period of days in the company
of my two daughters–Barclay
Carson, a grown woman, young
bride and talented educator, and
her younger sibling, Olivia Krista,
a third-grader for whom much
of the world is still viewed with
wonderment.  specific dates. Holiday lights
Joined by Barclay’s husband
of just more than 18 months,
Cody Carson, we headed away
on an adventure and destination
in the mountains of West
Virginia. We took Amtrak and
sleeper cars to The Greenbrier,
a resort located among 11,000
acres nestled in the Allegheny
Mountain range. 
Ours is a non-traditional family
due to the complications of a
divorce and different mothers.
There are six sets of living
grandparents lovingly involved in
the lives and holidays of my two
girls. Cousins, husbands and now
in-laws scattered across multiple
states lay on additional logistical
challenges. My pair (25 and 10)
have never spent a Christmas
Eve or a Christmas together. I’m
FREEPRESS
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017 • Page 7
The greatest gift
at Callaway Gardens around
‘One Man’s Thanksgiving, a Rudolph puppet
Opinion’ show in Atlanta, a Santa breakfast
at Stone Mountain Park benefiting
a favored charity, etc. Each of
Bill Crane our traditions are as treasured
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
now as those gatherings long ago
when our family hung stockings
not whining or blaming anyone on the mantle. We won’t be able
for these circumstances, but the to be together for all of these
rarity of the occasion at hand occasions, but we will hold those
makes its value all the greater. that we can close and dear, and
Both girls are loving and care build happiness, laughter and
greatly for one an other. They love around other dates nearby
were never close enough in age and other traditions of our own
or competing interests to fight making.
or bicker as sometimes siblings But this year, in what
do. Each is a beauty, wonder and some would consider a winter
loving human in her own right. My wonderland, there was hot cider
oldest has compassion for (spiked) and cocoa, the arrival of
everyone, loves unconditionally Santa and Mrs. Claus, a horse
and is an intelligent, thoughtful drawn carriage or sleigh ride
and gifted teacher, following the through the country side, and
career path of her mother. My most important of all—time spent
youngest has never met anyone together hearing about their
who does not become a friend, daily lives, loves and challenges,
and despite some physical building new memories and yes,
challenges and developmental a selfie and family photo or two…
delays, she teaches or reminds thankfully more quickly available
me of the most important of life via the smart phone or Go Pro.
lessons on an almost weekly My grown child, as a result of
basis.  the destination and routing, was
We have developed holiday able to meet up with her mother
and family traditions not tied to and step-father on Christmas
Eve, as she has since early
Publisher: Photographer:
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters:
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker
Horace Holloman
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager:
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley Social Media Manager:
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Donna Seay
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday
Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc.,
Thursday, one week prior to publication date. 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030
Phone (404) 373-7779.
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childhood, in the Shenandoah
Valley of Virginia. Olivia and I took
another train to Washington and
spent Christmas Eve checking out
the tree and the lights around our
White House and nation’s capital.
We returned home midday on
Christmas, where Santa left a few
surprises.
If this reads like one of those
slightly cheesy, holiday, Lifetime
network movies, I apologize for
the saccharin and sentimentality. 
I can’t say that the Christmas
spirit hits or gets me every
year. But I got bit early this year,
and I got bit good, thanks to the
greatest of gifts. Hoping the same
comes your way this holiday
season, and wishing you and your
family the merriest of Christmas
days and a blessed New Year.
Bill Crane also serves as a
political analyst and commentator
for Channel 2’s Action News,
WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now
95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
for The Champion, DeKalb Free
Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
is a DeKalb native and business
owner, living in Scottdale. You
can reach him or comment on a
column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
com.
STATEMENT FROM THE
PUBLISHER
We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
issue of interest to DeKalb County.
The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
discourse for all community residents
on all sides of an issue. We have no
desire to make the news only to
report news and opinions to effect
a more educated citizenry that will
ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
ideas for discussion; however,
we make every effort to avoid
printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL
DECATUR
SEASON
OF
GIVING
Nonprofit gives back
to local community
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
More than 200 children
at Snapfinger Elementary
School received an extra
gift in their stockings for the
holidays thanks to nonprofit
organization Howey,
Hudson, Lowe Foundation.
The foundation provided
activities and gifts for
students at Snapfinger
for the organization’s
annual Winter Wonderland
celebration.
Founded by Brenda
Jackson, Norma
Washington and Goldie
Evans-Upshaw. The group
of women founded the
organization is a way to
honor their deceased
mothers (Dorothy Lowe,
Norma Washington Howey
and Annie Hudson), who
according to the daughters,
had a passion for giving back
to the community.
“We choose this school
because it’s a Title I school
which means 100 percent of
the children are on free or
reduced lunch. That indicates
to us that there’s a deficit at
home. Our goal is to increase
the education and give them
an opportunity to have some
fun,” said Rita Howey.
Howey, a younger
daughter of Norma
Washington Howey, said
she believes her mother is
proud of the organization’s
accomplishments.
“I know she’s looking
down saying, ‘that girl is
doing exactly what I thought
she would do, follow in my
footsteps,’” Howey said. “I
just want people to pour out
their hearts, not just around
the holidays but all the time
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 8
An estimated 200 children and 96 parents participated in the Howey, Hudson, Lowe Foundation Winter Wonderland event
at Snapfinger Elementary School Dec. 16.
because there is a great need
for these children to see that
others care for them.”
Along with children
playing games such as
Twister, Bingo and hula
hoop, participants of
the event also had an
opportunity to meet Santa.
“This is just to give
them a sense of love and
understanding during this
time,” Howey said. “It warms
our heart to do this. Our
organization thrives on
seven initiatives and this is
one of them. We want to go
into the public and see how
we can benefit them socially,
emotionally and helping
them financially.”
The organization receives
donations from Toys for Tots
to provide gift bags for the
children.
During the Winter
Wonderland event, each
Children participating in the annual Howey, Hudson, Lowe Foundation Winter Wonderland had the opportunity to take
child received an “age- photos with Santa.
appropriate” toy box and
goodie bag. The organization
has provided communities
with toys during the
holidays through its Winter
Wonderland celebration
since 2004.
Henry Moon, a lifelong
DeKalb County resident and
local activist, said the event
was well received.
“You can see it on the
faces of some of these kids,”
Moon said. “It brings me
back to when I was their age.
This is the time of the year
when kids should be happy
and enjoy life.”
The co-founders of the
organization said their
Rita Howey speaks to a group of children during the annual Howey, Hudson, Lowe Foundation Winter Wonderland event.
mothers would be proud of
the work they are doing in
the community.
Each year the Howey, Hudson, Lowe Foundation to a local student who to give back to the
provides a scholarship demonstrates a willingness community.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 9

WEEKinPICTURES

City of Decatur officers Sgt. Bender and Ofc. Robinson lend a helping hand to G’oni and TJ as they Members of the North Decatur Presbyterian Church delivered cookies and handwritten cards to the
select gifts for themselves and their family at the Santa Cop program sponsored by the DeKalb Decatur Fire and Rescue Department. Photo provided.
Fraternal Order of Police. Photo provided.

Students of Indian Creek Elementary received early Christmas gifts from The Love of Giving organization on Dec. 20. Photo provided

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

LOCAL
DECATUR
Suspect charged with additional crimes
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
A man suspected of sexual
battery and robbing a woman
in the DeKalb County parking
deck has been charged in a
string of additional crimes
in the area, according to the
Decatur Police Department.
At 9:23 p.m. on Dec. 16,
Deonta Taylor allegedly
robbed a woman of her
cell phone while she was in
search of her car. According
to reports, the alleged
robbery victim walked up the
wrong level of the parking
deck and when she turned
around Taylor was behind
her and snatched her phone.
According to Decatur police,
Taylor demanded that the
woman unlock her phone
then pushed her to a nearby
vehicle and lifted her skirt.
The victim yelled “no,” and
“leave” and Taylor allegedly
jumped over the concrete
BRIEF
School counselor receives Educators Award
A local counselor’s impact
on students was recognized
during an event Dec. 23
Princeton Elementary
School counselor Patrice
Samm was honored for
her five years of service to
students during the 2017
Educators Awards ceremony
presented by Chillzone
Entertainment.
According to a DeKalb
County School District
(DCSD) press release,
Samm has launched such
school-wide initiatives
as Read Dads Read and
WE ARE SOCIAL
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
Taylor
wall of the parking deck
where he was spotted by
witnesses.
Decatur Police
Department Community
Information and Education
Officer Jennifer Ross said
Taylor is also being charged
with kidnapping.
“Some people have a
misconception of what
kidnapping is,” Ross said. “A lot
of people think that you have
to pull up in a van and throw
Samm
Moms on a Mission and
has been instrumental in
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 10
them [to be considered]
kidnapping, but kidnapping
is if someone grabs you and
physically stops you from
moving somewhere. That’s
kidnapping.”
Taylor is also being
charged in connection with
several separate incidents
that occurred in DeKalb
County, including theft by
taking, robbery and theft by
taking of a motor vehicle.   these younger juveniles and
Taylor has a history
of stealing cell phones,
according to Decatur
police. He’s being charged
in connection with a Nov.
15 incident in which he
allegedly knocked a phone
out of a 15-year-old’s hand
and stole it near the 400
block of North McDonough
St. in Decatur.
Taylor is also charged with
a separate Nov. 15 incident in
which he allegedly stole a cell
phone at a Chick-fil-a and is
accused of stealing a phone
from an 11-year-old near the
Old DeKalb Courthouse on
initiatives relating to Read
Across America, facilitating
appearances from local
leaders and celebrities
during her five years at the
school. Her efforts have
resulted in an increase
in community, parental
and family involvement at
Princeton.
In the release, Samm
said she prides herself
on teaching children to
represent themselves well
in everything they do. She
said her personal goal
is to improve the future,
This could be your ad!
Call to advertise in
The Champion Newspaper
404.373.7779 x 110
the Decatur square Dec. 11.
Ross said Taylor may have
had underage accomplices
and will be charged
with contributing to the
delinquency of a minor.
“There were juveniles that
were co-defendants in those
cases, so he’s been charged
Avondale Estates City Manager
with contributing to the Clai Brown submitted his letter of
delinquency of a minor,” Ross resignation. Photo by Travis Hudgons
said. “He’s hanging out with
AVONDALE
he’s getting them to commit
crimes with him.”
ESTATES CITY
Ross said detectives are
still looking for underaged
MANAGER
suspects in connection to cell
phone thefts near a middle
RESIGNS
school.
“He has been charged
with one robbery and we’re
still currently looking for the BY CARLA PARKER
other suspect,” Ross said.
Taylor is also accused of
carla@dekalbchamp.com
stealing a vehicle from the Avondale Estates City
200 block of Robin Street on Manager Clai Brown
Dec. 9. has submitted his letter
of resignation, the city
announced Dec. 16.
Brown’s last day with
the city is scheduled to
be Feb. 16. In a message
from mayor Jonathan
Elmore, he said the Board of
Mayor and Commissioners
(BOMC) announced Brown’s
resignation to the public at
the Dec. 11 work session.
her community, and the
“In the meeting on Dec.
world at large one child at
11, many citizens asked the
a time. Samm was chosen
BOMC to talk with Clai and
to represent DCSD and be
encourage him to reconsider,”
honored among educators
Elmore said. “On Dec. 12, both
from throughout the metro
myself and Commissioner
Atlanta area.
[Randy] Beebe met with
The event was held at
Clai to understand better his
Rendezvous Event Hall in
reasons for resigning and
Forest Park and featured a
to seek a path forward for
live performance by neo-
establishing a better working
soul singer Noel Gourdin.
relationship.”
The Educators Awards are
Elmore said Brown told
designed to honor teachers,
him and Beebe that he would
principals, pastors, non-
reconsider. Elmore and Beebe
profit founders in the
met with Brown again Dec. 15
Atlanta area.
to get Brown’s answer.
“Unfortunately, Clai has
decided to maintain his
resignation,” Elmore said. “I
very much appreciate the
hard work and dedication
that Clai has provided to our
city for the last10 years, and I
wish him the best in his future
endeavors. We will meet
soon with Clai to develop
and communicate a plan that
ensures a smooth transition.”
According to the city,
Brown is on vacation until
Jan. 2 and was unavailable for
comment.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 11

STONE MOUNTAIN

#ItsInTheChampion
Former pro basketball player
creates digital outlet for dancers
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

In August,
Legacy Garden
Park—the former
Tupac Amaru
Shakur Center for
the Arts—in Stone
Mountain, became
the new home for
a company in need
Dodd of a dance studio.
Digital Dance
Culture became the new tenant at
Legacy Garden Park. Digital Dance
Culture is a is a digital production
company whose mission is to deliver all
genres of popular music to the world
through industry quality dance video
productions.
The company was co-founded by
Jerone Dodd Jr., a Southwest DeKalb
High School graduate and former pro
basketball player. He and street dancer
Daniel Price said they co-founded the
company to unite street dance cultures.
“When we came up with Digital Southwest DeKalb High School graduate and former pro basketball player Jerone Dodd Jr. co-founded Digital
Dance Culture, our mission and Dance Culture.
purpose was to be a trust of authentic
street dance,” Dodd said. “We’re going and technology management and With Digital Dance Culture partnering
to preserve these dance cultures consulting group. From there, Digital with Legacy Garden Park, Dodd said he
because [there are] a lot of them Dance Culture was born. hopes to attract more street dancers and
around the country." “We started the company with no give them better opportunities.
Dodd was introduced to Price 10 money,” Dodd said. “We just knew how “We’re using it as a space to develop
years ago in 2007. He said Price was to make things happen. We knew how to the kids and give them outlooks on
a viral street dancer, and when Dodd use resources.” actual ways to monetize this,” Dodd
saw how popular Price had become on Before Dodd founded these said. “We’re industrializing our street
YouTube he knew he wanted to work businesses, the 2002 Morehouse College dance. We’re creating jobs. It gives us
with him. grad was a professional basketball player an opportunity to give them career
“I reached out to him…and we got in Japan. He played for a couple of teams discovery in performing arts, not only as
into technology together,” Dodd said. in the Basketball Japan League before an artist but all the production behind
They started Universal Phoenix moving back to the states in 2011 after a the scenes. It gives us a chance to engage
Group, an entertainment, marketing tsunami hit Japan. them in fun activities and put on shows.”

GIVING Continued From Page 4A

to DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office officials. Employees and
residents have also donated an estimated 100 bicycles and 150
dolls since the program’s inception.
Curtis Crocker, lead chaplin at DeKalb County Jail, said it’s
important to give back during the holiday season.
“We just want to thank the sheriff’s office and Bethany
House for giving us the kids to participate in this event. These
are kids that probably wouldn’t have a normal Christmas,”
Crocker said. “Our goal is to make sure that every child has
something under the tree this year.”
Along with bikes and games, the sheriff’s office also gave
away clothes and electronic items.
“We’re so thankful that this program has grown,” Crocker
said. “The staff, command staff and chaplins all work together
to make sure this program happens. They all contribute by
giving money or buying gifts and the church community
comes and helps as well. We’re just so thankful for everyone
coming together to make sure this is successful.” DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies handed out gifts to children
during the annual Adopt a Family for Christmas event.
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 12

CLARKSTON

Students pose with gifts they received during the Indian Creek Elementary School Gift Giveaway Dec. 20. Photos provided by Dekalb County School District

Charity brings early Christmas to Indian Creek Elementary

BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Christmas gifts came early to
students at Indian Creek Elementary
School in Clarkston Dec. 20.
Each of the schools’ more than
1,160 students received a gift courtesy
of The Love of Giving Inc, a nonprofit
spearheaded by founder and
executive director Katherine Miller.
The gift-giving program began last
Christmas after Miller heard about
the difficulties many Indian Creek
students’ families have providing for
themselves. The organization began
collecting donations but was only able
Students line up to receive their gifts during the Indian Creek Elementary School Gift Giveaway Dec.
to give 500 gifts. After last years’ event, 20.
Miller heard a story of a student crying
because he didn’t receive a present.
“I told one of the counselors ‘We’re
not coming back unless we can give
all the kids a gift,’” Miller told the
Champion Newspaper.
Volunteers from The Love of Giving event by more than 30 volunteers.
started work in August to make sure
they had enough gifts to provide
for every student. The organization
contacted like-minded businesses and “It was all worth it, and I’m still excited
individuals who share The Love of
Giving's mission of helping children.
Miller was joined at the giveaway
“It just made my heart overflow
with joy because we had reached the
schools to help needy students. Then
last year she came to Indian Creek
where the school administration and
staff made an impression.
“They made us feel like they were
really interested and they really
cared because they care about their
students,” Miller said.
After that, Miller decided her
organization would “adopt” Indian
Creek and help the school however
it could. In addition to last year’s
Christmas drive, The Love of Giving
donates treats for the PTA meetings
and donated more than 8,700 school
supplies in a back-to-school drive in
August.But, for Miller, nothing tops
this year’s Christmas drive.
“That was my Christmas present,”
she said.
And the giving is far from over.
goal we were planning on,” Miller said.
The organization plans to continue to
provide school supplies and Christmas
about it.”
presents to Indian Creek each year.
Miller has been working to give
“It’s not about us,” Miller said. “It’s
back to the less fortunate in the metro
about the children.”
area since she began feeding the
homeless in downtown Atlanta in
2011. In 2013, she started going into

CHAMBLEE
Chamblee High becomes first DCSD school to join AP Capstone program
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Chamblee Charter High
School (CCHS) will become
the first DeKalb County
School District (DCSD)
institution to take advantage
of the Advanced Placement
(AP) Capstone Program.
CCHS Principal Rebecca
Braaten announced the
honor in a press release Dec.
18.
“Beginning next year, we
will be among approximately
1,100 schools worldwide and
44 in Georgia to offer the
program,” Braaten said in the
release.
AP Capstone is a diploma
program designed to
teach high school students
independent research,
collaborative teamwork and
communication skills to help
them succeed in college
and beyond. Through the
program, CCHS will add
two advanced placement
courses–AP Research and AP
Seminar–that are designed
to enhance the school’s
other discipline-specific AP
courses.
Through the added
courses, CCHS students
will investigate real-world
issues, gather and analyze
information, and create
evidence-based arguments.
Students will also learn
how to conduct research
with the goal of producing
and defending a scholarly,
academic thesis.
More than 400 colleges
and universities across
the United States support
the program, including
the University of Georgia,
Georgia Tech, Georgia State
University and Kennesaw
State University.
Devry University Decatur,
Mercer University and the
Savannah College of Art and
Design support the program
and have developed credit
and placement policies for
AP Seminar, AP Research, or
both.
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 13

COUNTYWIDE

Photo provided

Family health issues lead to fitness business

BY KATHY MITCHELL to find I was gaining weight and my working with mothers, she said, is she happening,” Campbell explained.
FREELANCE REPORTER mother was developing cholesterol sees the value of a healthy lifestyle “I really want to help people
problems.” being passed from one generation to change their lifestyle. I don’t want
Campbell started studying exercise the next. “Children see their mother someone to lose weight or reach
After Michelle Campbell found
and nutrition and soon learned the exercising and planning healthy some other fitness goal and then
ways to help her mother become
impact these could have. She became meals and that becomes part of their go back to the lifestyle that created
healthier, she used her knowledge as
a certified fitness trainer and started lifestyle as they grow up.” the problems in the first place,” said
a foundation for her business, Body by
offering her services in the East Campbell, who now has a regular Campbell, adding that her company
Chelle Fitness.
Lake community where she lives. “It group of clients most of whom are slogan is “transforming minds,
“My mother was suffering from
wasn’t a profitable business; in fact, women with children younger than transforming bodies, transforming
the side effects of her medication so I
I only had one regular client. Then 6, offers one-on-one counseling lives.”
helped her create a diet and exercise
someone told me about Start: ME, the and training as well as group and She said she is especially proud
wellness plan. When she returned
14-week accelerator program started online support. “It’s very personal; it’s of this year having achieved
to the doctor six months later, she
by Emory’s business school for micro- completely geared to the individual. certification with the Interactive
was told she no longer needed the
entrepreneurs. It was the best move I Each person has fitness goals that Sports and Science Association.
medication,” Campbell said. “That was
ever made,” she recalled. are not always about losing weight. “It’s a top certification program
about 10 years ago. I was so inspired
Through Start: Me, Campbell Some people want to be stronger and includes not only exercise and
that fitness became a passion for me. I
said she had community support for or have more energy. Also, we have nutrition, but entrepreneurship. I am
fell in love with it.”
growing and developing her business to figure out how to fit their routine not a nutritionist, but I have learned
Another personal experience
as well as learning a good deal about into their lifestyle,” Campbell said. enough about proper eating that I am
also spurred Campbell’s interest in
operating a business. “The people at “Each client relationship starts with a certified to advise people,” Campbell
fitness. “I never worried about what I
Start; ME helped me to figure out who conversation.” said.
ate when I lived in Jamaica,” she said.
my target market is. I discovered the She said coaching and a bit of Currently, Campbell’s clients
“There we walked everywhere and
people most in need of my services cheerleading are often part of the are almost all within her East
the exercise offset any calories I was
are busy moms with small children. picture. “Some people need a little Atlanta neighborhood, but she
taking in. We moved to the U.S. when
They want to be healthy, but they push to get out of their comfort said she envisions contracting with
I was 17 and my family and I would
don’t have time to figure out what zone and they need encouragement corporations to develop fitness
go out for fast food on a regular basis.
they should eat or what exercise will to keep going when they aren’t programs for their employees.
Also, we took public transportation
be most beneficial.” seeing results right away. It may take
instead of walking. I was surprised
Another reason she enjoys three months for changes to start

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SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • Page 15

FOOTBALL

DEKALB FOOTBALL PLAYERS SIGN EARLY

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Several DeKalb County

high school football players
took advantage of the early
signing period that began
Dec. 20.
As of Dec. 21, nine
players from the county
announced through social
media that they signed
letters of intent to the
college of their choice. The
new early signing period
allows players to end their
recruiting process and sign
to their school of choice
before National Signing
Day in February. Players
have a three-day window
from Dec. 20 to 22 to lock
Tucker linebacker Michael Harris signed with Auburn. Photo by Travis Hudgons in their spots. Tucker Josh Vann signed with South Carolina. Photo by Carla Parker
Tucker led the way with
four players who signed
early. DeKalb County all-
time leading receiver Josh
Vann signed with South
Carolina. Team leading
tacklers defensive end
Antonio Showers signed
with Troy, linebacker
Michael Harris committed
to Auburn and linebacker
Gerry Vaughn signed with
Iowa State.
Auburn also got
Stephenson offensive
lineman Jalil Irvin. Marist
tight end John Fitzpatrick
signed with Georgia,
M.L. King safety Antonio
Fletcher signed with
Arkansas State, St. Pius X Southwest DeKalb quarterback Justin Tomlin signed with Georgia Southern.
running back Nkem Njoku Photo by Travis Hudgons

Marist tight end John Fitzpatrick signed with Georgia. Photo by Travis Hudgons signed with The Citadel
and Southwest DeKalb
quarterback Justin Tomlin
signed with Georgia
Southern.
Former Towers defensive
lineman Devonte Wyatt
also signed with Georgia
during the early signing
period. Wyatt was part
of the 2017 signing class
but did not academically
qualify to enroll, according
to DawgNation.com. He
enrolled at Hutchinson
(Kan.) Community College
and was there for a
semester before enrolling
at Georgia this month and
resigning with the football
program.
Stephenson offensive lineman Jalil Irvin signed with Auburn. Photo from Jalil Tucker defensive end Antonio Showers signed with Troy. Photo by Travis
Irvin’s Twitter. Hudgons