VOLUME 22 NUMBER 14
FREE
JULY 2, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Housing market’s new thorn: Affordable homes hard to find
By Valerie J. Morgan
As the nation recovers from the recession and foreclosures stabilize, America’s housing market has a new thorn: Homebuyers are facing stiff competition to find available homes for sale. Tonya Jones, who works as a real estate agent for Solid Source Realty, says the housing market is now both a blessing and a beast for those like her who earn their living selling residential properties. They sell and pray for another home. “There’s an inventory shortage. Finding affordable homes for sale, especially in South DeKalb, is increasingly more difficult,” Jones said. “As soon as they go up for
Lithonia teen to sing National Anthem at Peachtree Road Race
By Mackenzie N. Morgan
Kameren Saulsberry, 18, will bring in the Fourth of July holiday in grand style singing the National Anthem in front of more than 60,000 people at the 47th Annual Peachtree Former Lithonia Mayor Darold Honore` says the Oakleaf at Stonecrest townhomes in the City Road Race in Atlanta. of Lithonia are selling again as a result of the housing recovery. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan The Lithonia resident was recently announced as the winner of the 11Alive “Oh See Housing Market , page 10 Say Can You Sing” competition, in which the winner gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sing the National Anthem at the Peachtree Road Race. The televised race is the largest 10K in the world, according to the Atlanta Track Club. “I’ve never performed for a crowd this large. I am so excited about singing in front of all those people,” said Saulsberry, who is an intern at Atlanta’s Alliance Theater and spends her free time uploading her cover videos to YouTube. Saulsberry, who plays guitar and writes her own music, said she started singing around the age of 5 and grew up singing in school events and talent shows. “I sing the National Anthem all the time for school events so I thought since I know the song, I might as well try. I didn’t think I would actually win.” Most recently, Saulsberry, who graduated this year from Chamblee High School in Photo vis UGA By Mackenzie N. Morgan DeKalb County, played the lead role in her ockdale County’s track star Candace school’s production of the “Wizard of Oz” and Hill, who holds the record as the placed second at the GRAMMY Foundation’s hitney Ingram, 27, is among an elite group of fastest girl in the world, will qualify annual teen music contest back in December. scholars involved in Physics, the branch of July 2-3 at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Saulsberry plans to major in music education science concerned with matter and energy. In at Georgia State University this Fall. She lives trials in Eugene, Oregon. The trials determine December, the DeKalb County resident (a member of the with her parents, Ken and Shirley Saulsberry, which athletes will compete in the world’s 2016 Stephenson High School class of 2007) will make history and has an older sister and younger brother. Olympics, which will be held in August in Rio De as the first black female to graduate from the University of Saulsberry said she heard about the Georgia with a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics. To date, Janeiro, Brazil. contest on the radio and decided to enter the there are 89 black female PhD physicists in the country – “You have to be one of the top three finishers competition. living and dead. “Our entire family is extremely excited at the trials in order to go on to the Olympics in “I’m honored to be the first at UGA and I’m so happy about Kameren having this opportunity to sing Brazil,” said Jo-Ann Davis, Hill’s aunt who lives that I can reach and inspire others,” said Ingram. at the Peachtree Road Race. We are hopeful in Lithonia. “We’re praying for her (Candace) that this will lead to bigger and better things At the urging of her mother, Ingram contacted the to win in the track and field portion. She faces a for her and her singing career.” outreach and diversity office to verify if she was the first strong field of sprinters at the trials.” African American student to obtain a PhD in Physics at the Kameren Saulsberry said the contest came Hill, who turned 17 in February and recently school. She said the Office of Institutional Research conreally close between her and another student, completed 11th grade, broke the record in the 100, firmed Ingram was in fact the Department of Physics and but she was able to win with the help of social Astronomy’s first black female doctoral candidate. running it in 10.98 seconds in June 2015. She media. “It didn’t really register. I think I was thinking too small turned pro last December at age 16, becoming the “I was so happy. I’ve always wanted to and making it much smaller than it was, but I’m just doing youngest American track athlete ever to become be a singer. I’ll probably get nervous the day what I love,” said Ingram. of the event, but then Sasha Fierce will come a professional. Hill produced a 4.9 grade-point UGA, located in Athens, Georgia, admitted its first out,” Saulsberry joked in a reference to pop average in her last semester. black students in 1961 after a federal court order mandated music superstar Beyonce’s alter ego. The trials will be televised on NBC; NBCSN; the school to integrate its classrooms. The Peachtree Road Race and Saulsberand Streaming on Saturday, July 2, 12:33 p.m. ry’s performance will be televised on 11Alive “Being black is one thing. Pacific Standard Time, and Sunday at 4:02 p.m. at 7 a.m. on July 4. But women and even Ameri- See Physics PhD, page 6 and 5:44 p.m. cans are minorities in the field
DeKalb resident is UGA’s first black woman to earn Physics PhD
W
Fastest girl in the world set to qualify for U.S. Olympics
R
PAGE 2 •JULY 2, 2016
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Stress or Physical Pain?
At Full Body Rejuvenation Center our staff offers the most effective quality health care to satisfy every individual's personal needs. Our combination of chiropractic therapy and physiotherapy allow us to focus on the physiological, as well as the biomechanical aspects of the body. Dr. Smith encourages you to come in and begin your healthy approach to pain management, weight loss or stress relief!
Chiropractic Treatment Physiotherapy Your path to Natural Health Bring in this ad and receive a
complementary chiropractic consultation
FULL BODY REJUVENATION CENTER 3636 Panola Rd, Ste B
MOST MAJOR INSURANCES AND OBAMA CARE ACCEPTED!
Lithonia, GA 30038
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com
Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/OCGNEWS
A
JULY 2,2016 • PAGE 3
Chris Tucker inspires DeKalb kids to dream big
A
ctor/comedian Chris Tucker told 500 youths attending the Dream Symposium hosted by DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May that they, too, can dream big and succeed in the entertainment industry with hard work. The symposium, attended by hundreds of children enrolled in the DeKalb County Parks and Recreation summer program, was held at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur on June 29. Tucker, a native of DeKalb, was among a panel of media and entertainment professionals who told the youths, ages 12 to 15, how rewarding the entertainment industry can be and steps they can take to make their own dreams come true. Other invited panelists included Kandi Burruss-Tucker, a Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter; Karmetria Burton, director of supplier diversity for Delta Air Lines; Shanti Das, founder/CEO of Press Reset Entertainment; Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, host of The Big Tigger Show” on V-103 (WVEEFM); and Byron Wright, senior director of writer-publisher relations at Broadcast Music Inc. The event was moderated by Rashan Ali, a freelance sports anchor for
CNN and HLN’s Weekend Express, and founder of the nonprofit Sporty Girls. Glamour, an all-female R&B trio, performed for the audience. “These panelists have realized their dreams and what made them successful is that they kept going, despite the failures,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May told the youths in attendance. “Don’t be afraid to fail. You can have this big dream, but you’ve got to do something. You’ve got to work hard in order to realize your dream.”
Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Fatal hit-and-run driver sentenced to 10 years in prison
DeKalb County ney Robert James judge sentenced said. “But what Andrew James you do in moSpencer to 10 years in prisments of adveron for fatally hitting a man sity is important. changing a flat tire along I-20 Here, we want in 2014, then speeding away. to send a clear Spencer also will serve message that it is five years of probation. never appropriate “This is a tragic case, to leave the scene and there is no way to undo of an auto acciJames Spencer a mistake or bring back a life dent, especially one lost,” DeKalb County District Attorwhere people are injured.”
Spencer was convicted last month of first-degree homicide by vehicle, hit and run, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane for fatally striking Kleeon Cadogan and hitting and injuring Devon Witter on Feb. 19, 2014. Cadogan, a local DJ, died as a result of his injuries. Witter was hospitalized in critical condition, and later recovered. Spencer drove away from the scene after he hit the two men, but
was forced to pull over by a motorist who witnessed the incident. “Even at this point I do not believe Mr. Spencer understands the gravity of his actions,” DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie said before announcing the sentence. “It’s clear Mr. Spencer had a disregard for life.” Spencer will be transferred to the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections to serve out his sentence.
Bond denied for DeKalb barber in deadly crime spree
A
Carlester Gilbert
judge denied bond to a DeKalb County barber accused of fatally shooting one of ex-girlfriend’s sons and critically injuring another. The same
suspect is accused of robbing a convenience store then leading police on a high-speed chase into Atlanta where he wrecked a police car and a civilian vehicle. Carlester Gilbert is charged with murder, multiple counts of aggravated assault, and armed robbery for the June 11 crime spree. That Saturday afternoon, police were called to the Holly Hedge Road home where Rashad Williams was found dead and his brother, Detavious Kwakye, was found with a gunshot wound to his neck. A third brother and a friend fled the home.
Gilbert, 38, had come to the home and was confronted by Williams for allegedly beating Williams’ mother days earlier in Duluth, then taking her vehicle. Gilbert shot Williams in the face and went into the home where he shot Kwakye, before leaving the scene. Shortly afterward, an armed robbery was reported at a Chevron on 3605 Lawrenceville Highway near Tucker. Officers responding to the scene saw a truck matching the description of the one Gilbert was said to be driving at the gas station. Several DeKalb County Police
Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
cars began chasing the truck Gilbert was driving westbound on Highway 78 at speeds of up to 80 mph. During the chase, Gilbert slammed the truck into the side of one of the pursuing police cars, forcing it to crash into a civilian vehicle westbound on I-20. Gilbert allegedly threw a gun out of the vehicle before police were able to stop his truck near Lee Street. Gilbert was arrested, and remains in custody at the DeKalb County jail.
PAGE 4•JULY 2,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
GWINNETT
Extension to host class on growing hearty annuals and perennials Join Gwinnett County Extension Agent Timothy Daly for a class on how to maintain annual and perennial flowers in the home landscape. The free program will be held July 11, noon to 1 p.m., at the Gwinnett County Government Annex, second floor conference room, 750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville. Please register by July 7. For more information or to register, contact Timothy Daly at 678-377-4010 or timothy.daly@gwinnettcounty.com.
Fabric painting and bead bracelets class at Centerville Community Center
Castleberry Hill to host 2nd Friday Art Stroll
T
ake a self-guided tour of Castleberry Hill, Atlanta’s historic arts district, during the next installment of the 2nd Friday Art Stroll on July 8, 7 to 10 p.m. Visit eclectic galleries and diverse businesses and restaurants to get a taste of what this Atlanta neighborhood has to offer. The Castleberry Hill Art Stroll is held every second Friday and is free of charge. For more information, visit www.castleberryhill.org/ chartstroll/
Atlanta
Teens, tweens, invited to sketch and snack Tweens and teens are invited to join the Atlanta Fulton County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, for a day of painting in the park on July 8, 2 to 3 p.m. Light snacks will be served. Registration is required. Cost: Free. For more information, call 404-730-1700.
Want to learn more about the fashion business? Learn the ins and outs of breaking into the fashion industry at a panel discussion on July 13, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Atlanta Fulton County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square. The panel of local fashion professionals will led by co-partners Felicia Ruiz, Rosa Thurner and Regina Weir of Factory Girls. They will discuss Atlanta’s fashion culture, product development, small-run manufacturing, brand consulting, and classes. The event is free to attend. For more information, call 404-730-1700.
DeKalb
Homeschool Hash meeting at Salem-Panola Library Calling all homeschool families! Attend this interest meeting on July 9, 10 to 11 a.m., at the Salem-Panola Library, 5137 Salem Road, Lithonia. This meeting will explore possible programming to support the homeschool community. Your input is critical for future programming. For more information, call 770-9876900.
Teen Zumba class at the Clarkston Library
On July 9, 3 to 4 p.m., meet up with other teens to ZUMBA at the Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. The program is for ages 13-17 and open to the first 25 participants. Call or visit the branch to register. For more information, call 404-508-7175.
Parents, take your kids to the Fabric Painting and Bead Bracelet Class on July 7, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., at the Centerville Community Center, 3079 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. The class is for ages 5 to 10 and open to the first 15 participants. Parents must remain with their child or children during the program. A $1 nonrefundable fee per child must be paid in exact cash note, no coin. Pre-registration with payment is required to hold spot. For more information, call 770-985-4713.
Scavenge-ART hunt at Pinckneyville Rec Center Experience this free scavenger hunt with an artistic twist on July 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. You will gather a list of goodies from nature, and make crafty creations to take home. The program is open to all ages. Pre-register by July 5 to help guarantee enough supplies are available. Register with the code: PVP31425: 678-2770920
ROCKDALE
Martial arts demonstration set On July 9, 2 to 3 p.m., U.M.A.S. Karate will present an amazing martial arts demonstration and beginner class at Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green Street, Conyers (lower level of the facility). Watch the demo team perform traditional karate forms and board breaking techniques, then join in the class to learn these fun and exciting karate techniques for yourself. The free program is open to all ages. Register with the library’s Adult Services Department. For more information, call 770388-5040.
See “Zootopia” at the Olde Town Pavilion The city of Conyers and AccuGrafix will continue their outdoor summer film series with a free screening of the family flick, “Zootopia,” on Saturday, July 16, at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 S. Main Street, Conyers. Enjoy kids’ activities at 7:30 p.m. and food vendors before the movie. The movie starts at dark. Admission is free. Bring your lawn chair or blankets. For more information, call 770-602-2606.
Get tips on healthy dishes at free cooking class
Tired of cooking the same old thing? In need of some inspiration in the kitchen? Join Chef Carlin Breinig on Wednesday, July 13, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green Street, Conyers (lower level). Learn to cook new healthy dishes that are full of flavor and perfect for the summer. Register with the Adult Services Department. For more information, call 770-388-5040. This week’s Coming Up was compiled by Empish Thomas and Mackenzie N. Morgan. Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers. The calendar is published weekly as space permits.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
JULY 2, 2016 • PAGE 5
SPOTLIGHT ON
DR. NEEL PATEL Neel Patel, MD is a Vascular and Interventional Radiologist who practices in Decatur at Minimally Invasive Center of Atlanta. He specializes in new advanced minimally invasive techniques to treat conditions such as poor leg circulation and women’s uterine fibroids. He has grown up in the Stone Mountain area since childhood and enjoys serving the local community.
POOR LEG CIRCULATION People who have diabetes and/ or smokers for some time are particularly at risk for having blockages in the arteries in their legs. This is termed Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Symptoms can include leg cramping when walking that improves after resting for a few minutes, leg pain/ cramping while resting or sleeping, foot wounds/ulcers that are slow to heal or do not heal, or one leg/foot that is cooler in temperature than the other leg/foot.
O
Dr. Patel performs new minimally invasive techniques to open the blockages in the leg arteries. He is one of the few doctors in Atlanta who performs these advanced techniques. These new techniques have helped prevent limb amputation in those with severe disease. Dr. Patel performs these minimally invasive procedures in his office and patients are sent home the same day. For more information, visit www.legatlanta.com.
FIBROIDS Traditionally, women with uterine fibroids have been treated with invasive surgical procedures such as hysterectomy or myomectomy. Many patients with symptomatic fibroids are not offered an alternate to surgery by their doctors. It has been reported that thousands of unnecessary surgeries are performed every year in the United States for fibroids.
A newer less invasive procedure to treat symptomatic fibroids in certain patients is called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This procedure involves a catheter (a small tube less than 5mm in diameter) inserted into the arteries that feed the fibroids. Tiny beads that are barely visible to the eye are injected into the fibroids causing them to shrivel. Dr. Patel performs this procedure in his office and patients are sent home same day. For more information, visit www.thefibroidprocedure.com.
He accepts all insurances. Dr. Patel is located at: 5040 Snapfinger Woods Drive Suite 206 Decatur, GA 30035 For an appointment, call
(404) 977-1238.
Orrin Hudson to host Summer Leadership Chess Camp for kids
rrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder of the Be Someone mentoring organization, will hold his annual Summer Break Leadership Chess Camp, July 5-8, in Stone Mountain. The four-day camp will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with early drop-off and late pickup available. Hudson will use his chess skills to teach youths the importance of making every move in life count. He has trained more than 50,000 students utilizing the tools a teacher equipped him with as a student who was headed down the wrong path. “I was a young know-itall teenager in Alabama and I was on the road to certain destruction and possibly even a premature death, ” Hudson readily admits. “But
I had a teacher who saw potential in me, I’m not sure what that was, but he taught me the game of chess. My teacher showed me that for every move I make on the chess board, there are consequences.” Hudson said learning to play chess saved his life and set him on a new course. “I not only learned how to play chess but I also gained self-esteem and realized I could be someone, if only I chose the right moves in my life,” Hudson said. Hudson went on to serve as an Alabama State Trooper but later realized his true calling. “I knew I had to give back. I saw too many young African American males headed down the wrong path—gangs, drugs, crime, sexual irresponsibility, no
education and focus—the same path I was on until someone cared enough to set me straight,” Hudson said. Hudson deftly uses the thinking man’s game of chess to both teach and mentor at the same time. It is a combination that is effective and unobtrusive. “These kids love this game and it opens doors. They often are surprised that they can handle the game that many educated adults shy away from, but more importantly, they naturally learn lifelessons along the way,” said Hudson. Hudson’s summer camp will be held at his Be Someone headquarters, 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. For more information, call 770-465-6445 or visit www.besomeone.org.
GLCC sets Third Wednesday Luncheon The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce will host its Third Wednesday Luncheon on July 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the This Is It Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia.
The Chamber will present a discussion, “Taking a Look at the Behavioral Health System.” Chamber members attend the luncheon free with advanced registration or
pay $10 at the door without registration. Guests may attend for $20 with advanced registration or pay $25 at the door. To register, visit www. greaterlithoniachamber.com.
Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ OCGNEWS
PAGE 6 •JULY 2, 2016 See Physics PhD continued from page 1
Ingram wins first place at elementary science competition
of physics said Ingram.” Ingram said she hopes more women will consider studying physics. “I’m basically an anomaly. I’m the first, but I don’t want to be the last. Now that I think about it, I don’t see any black females coming up under me and none of my teachers were black or even American. I want females to be inspired to do this,” Ingram said. Ingram said she first gained an interest in the sciences in elementary school where she participated in a number of science fair competitions throughout the region. “Around third or fourth grade, I read a National Geographic article about the sun exploding and engulfing the Earth. Though that event was at least another billion years away, that did terrify me a lot,” Ingram said. Fixated on the fate of the planet, Ingram’s interest in science was ignited. In high school, Ingram was one of three students enrolled in Advanced Placement Physics. “I really liked my high school physics teacher Mr. Billinghurst’s approach to the subject and I found it fun and easy to understand,” Ingram said. Ingram later learned that her high school teacher deferred retirement for a year to serve as her mentor so she could compete in the Science Olympiad, a national competition in which students compete in various scientific disciplines. “My parents have also been a big influence on my childhood. They tell me they are so proud of me all of the time. Their presence and support has definitely been helpful,” Ingram said. Ingram was born premature, weighing just a little over a pound, and her parents wondered if she would survive, let alone have the mental aptitude comparable to her peers. “I wasn’t the smartest kid. It took me a lot longer to understand things. Every summer, I had to do these workbooks my mom would get and I had to complete them if I wanted to go outside,” said Ingram. As a youth, Ingram enjoyed playing outside and doing at-home science projects. “Science projects were like arts and crafts to me. I feel like science is art,” said Ingram. “It just never felt weird. I always liked what I liked even though it was not popular. It’s something fun about building things and knowing what you’re doing has a purpose.” Ingram said that though she enjoys physics, it is challenging and very competitive. “It is difficult. If anybody could do it, they would,” she said. “You don’t hear a lot about the late nights spent trying to solve a problem or meet a publication deadline. That comes from passion, patience and persistence. Not only is it pressure to graduate, but at this level of research, it’s a business. In order to get funding, you need to complete projects.” Ingram’s interest lies in a specialized field of physics called “nanotechnology.” Because of the vast potential of applications, governments have invested billions of dollars in nanotechnology research. Currently, Ingram is part of a research team at UGA that is exploring the use of devices called nanomotors to control the direction of potentially fatal blood clots to assist doctors in the removal of clots that are in inoperable places. Last year, Ingram was nominated by her lead professor, Dr. Zhao, to represent the U.S. delegation at the annual Nobel Laureate Conference in Lindau, Germany. “It’s not everyday that you get to meet Nobel Laureates. It’s intimidating and inspirational. I remember having a conversation with one of the laureates and he lost me, but it was one of the best experiences of my life.” Ingram says she is applying for jobs and plans to enter the workforce upon graduation. Her dream job is working for the Department of Defense and to eventually teach at the collegiate level. In her spare time, Ingram enjoys attending church services, volunteering, hanging out with friends, traveling and going to movies when she has the time.
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Gwinnett commissioners endorse civic center expansion
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution endorsing and supporting Explore Gwinnett’s revised master plan for the Infinite Energy Center complex. Concepts in the overall plan include an expansion of the exhibit hall, new outdoor gathering spaces, new parking lots and decks, a headquarters hotel, new and improved access to the center from surrounding roadways and additional arena seating, plus a mixed-use district that offers entertainment, dining, retail and housing options. Progress has already been made toward some of these goals, including the County’s acquisition of land adjacent to Meadow Church Road that will eventually become additional access points into and out of the complex. “What began as a $30 million investment of SPLOST funds to build a civic and convention center nearly 30 years ago today includes an arts center, ballroom and the Infinite Energy Arena,” said Board Chairman Charlotte Nash. “My fellow board members and I are proud to support Explore Gwinnett’s plan to turn an already successful complex into a vibrant destination for residents and visitors to ‘come early and stay late.’” A one-year comparison of activity at the Infinite Energy Arena shows total attendance grew by more than 100,000 between 2014 and 2015 and the number of events and performances increased by about 20 percent during the same period. Similar growth occurred in the number of events held in the convention center space. The existing 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall lets the Infinite Energy Forum compete for 20 percent of the mid-sized meetings in the industry, said Explore Gwinnett CEO Preston Williams, who added that expanding to 125,000 square feet will let the Center compete for up to 70 percent of the meetings market. “The Infinite Energy Center master plan has been part of our vision for 10-plus years. Expanding the convention center, creating the entertainment district and adding a headquarters hotel will elevate the Center to the next level of meeting facility,” said Williams. “The partnership and support of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has been one of the keys to our success and is part of the reason the Center generates more than $175 million in economic impact annually. JASON LARY CONCERTS PRESENTS
“Jazz Under The Stars” Saturday, August 13, 2016 • 7pm – 11pm
Featuring:
Liz Spraggins, Vocalist
George Bohanon, Trombone
Ralph Jones, Saxophone
PTAN Williams Ensemble
WHERE Lithonia Amphitheater 2515 Park Drive Lithonia, GA 30058
ADVANCE TICKETS: • $20 Lawn Areas (Bring Chairs)
• $25 Stadium Seats • $35 Tables on Pavilion Level (6 Seats Per Table)
To Purchase Vendor Booths Contact: Joyce Reid: 770-482-1571
• $50 VIP Section (6 Seats Per Table)
To Purchase Tickets Contact: Dorothy Wiley: 770-482-4361 or Billy Walker 404-312-7416
TO PURCHASE ONLINE:
www.ticketriver.com/event/20476
“New Day Band” Featuring Larry Hall, Guitar
ALL AGES EVENT
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
JULY 2, 2016 • PAGE 7
Lithonia Housing Authority hosts high tea for seniors
T
Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
he Lithonia Housing Authority hosted a high tea on June 28 for seniors and other volunteers who have supported the housing authority. Martha Calloway, the housing authority’s executive director, said the tea was a way to show her appreciation to those who have given back to the community. The event, themed “High Tea In Paris,” was held at the Stone Manor Event Facility in Lithonia. Guests enjoyed tea service with select teas and a luncheon. They also received gift bags with tea bags and other items. Latarsha Williams, manager of DeKalb County’s Office of Senior Affairs, provided information about her program. Retiring City Manager Eddie J. Moody, former Mayor Darold Honore and Lithonia City Council members Shameka Reynolds, Fred Reynolds and Ric Dodd also attended the event.
Anytime Notary Call to schedule your appointment 678-468-6852
PAGE 8 •JULY 2, 2016
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Vacation Destinations Near and Far
Traveling solo to Ghana, Morocco, France and Spain a wonderful adventure
I
By Essah T. Cole am still reflecting on the life-changing trip I recently experienced as a solo traveler. I spent three magical weeks in Ghana, four days in Morocco, four days in France, and two days in Spain. I could fill a book up writing about this trip, but I will leave you with some of the highlights of my time abroad. When I first landed in Ghana, I cried because I never imagined traveling to Africa at the age of 24. My time in Ghana was divided between staying with my cousins, my classmates, and making new friends. Every person I met welcomed me. Many thought I was Ghanaian because of the tooth gap in my smile that they call “dimples” and the way I ate fufu and groundnut soup with my hands, as if I was raised right in the village. In Ghana, I traveled to Cape Coast and Elmina to visit the old slave castles, which allowed me to realize the intense sufferings that my ancestors faced as they entered “the door of no return” for a voyage to a new world where they were enslaved. I felt empowered, though, knowing that I am a descendant of
The Big wheel in Paris.
survivors. Beyond the “door of no return,” I visited the Volta River where the Akosombo Dam provides electricity to the country. I toured the old king’s palace in Kumasi and learned about the warriors of the Ashanti
people. I visited Jamestown and the memorial of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who was Ghana’s first president; and the W.E.B. Dubois memorial center (Dubois mentored Nkrumah). After Ghana, I traveled to Marrakech in Morocco and I was hit by
scorching heat and red dust during the month of Ramadan. Of course, I paid the fee of an overpriced taxi to travel to the Medina area, where it was busy with people. There were men and See Traveling Solo , page 10
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
JULY 2,2016 • PAGE 9
New Birth fireworks show returns to light up DeKalb skies
A
By Erica Hubbard OCG News Intern
fter taking a break for several years, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s fireworks show will return this Fourth of July. The DeKalb County mega church plans to light up the skies with a professional mega fireworks show that will begin at dusk.
Those who want to barbecue are invited to bring their grills and lawn chairs to the church’s parking lot on the holiday around 6 p.m. to tailgate and get a good spot to watch the fireworks. Used charcoal must be disposed of properly after grilling. Admission to the event is free. And of course, if you live in the area, you can watch the fireworks from your own backyard or front porch. New Birth is located at 6400 Woodrow Road, Lithonia.
ATLANTA
Celebrate July 4 at Lenox Square For over half a century, Lenox Square has celebrated Independence Day in grand tradition with patriotic activities for the entire family. This year’s July 4 activities will include the largest fireworks display in the Southeast, musical entertainment and food concessions. At 6 p.m., the Jimmy Buffet tribute band Sons of Sailors will open the live music performance. Headliner Party On the Moon will play the latest in current dance, classic rock, disco/funk, swing R&B, Motown and new country will perform at 7:45 p.m. Party on the Moon played at President Obama’s inauguration ball and New York Giants quarterback and Super Bowl champion Eli Manning’s wedding. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Lenox Square is located at 3393 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta. Paid parking is $10 at Lenox Square for the celebration VIP parking is $20. Those who plan to go, however, are encouraged to use MARTA. Several streets and highways will be closed due to the celebration. For more information, call 404-233-6767 or visit www.simon.com/mall/ lenox-square.
4th Celebration at Atlanta’s Centennial Park Downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park’s Fourth of July Celebration will offer fun and entertainment for the entire family, including free music and fireworks display. Certain items are not permitted in the park. To find out what’s not permitted and for more information, visit www.centennialpark.com or www. centennialpark.com/index.php/plan-your-visit/event-calendar/springsummer-events/4th-of-july 9th Annual Chastain Park community parade The annual walking parade in the Chastain Park community brings residents together on the 4th of July for patriotic tradition and celebration. This event is especially targeted to children in the community who are invited to ride their bikes or dress up in patriotic attire and walk in the parade. The parade will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on West Wieuca Road at the intersection of Dudley Lane and Pool Road. For more information, email tejas.patel@alston.com or call 404-881-4987.
DEKALB
Avondale Estate sets parade, hotdogs and fireworks The 4th of July Celebration is a time-honored tradition in Avondale Estates. Residents and friends come together to enjoy the Fourth of July festivities, including a parade and fireworks at Lake Avondale. At 9:15 a.m., the parade lineup will be at the DeKalb School of the Arts, 1192 Clarendon Ave. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and ends one hour later at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale Road. At 5 p.m., the action picks up again with the Boy Scouts on hand selling hot dogs, drinks, and snacks at Lake Avondale. At dusk, the fireworks begin at the lake. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit www.avondaleestates.org or call 404-294-5400.
New Birth’s fireworks show joins a host of other Fourth of July celebrations in the metro Atlanta area to observe America’s birthday. The events range from small town celebrations like the golf cart parade on the Covington Square in Newton County to the annual large-scale bash at Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead, touted as the largest fireworks show in the Southeast. We have compiled the listing below for your planning purposes:
Chamblee to offer bike parade, live music and “phenomenal” fireworks The city of Chamblee will offer a kids’ bike parade, live music, a corn hole tournament, free mini locomotive train rides and a “phenomenal” fireworks show on the Fourth of July. The event runs 5 to 10 p.m., at Keswick Park, 3496 Keswick Drive. The celebration kicks off just before 5 with a kids’ bike parade that will leave from Chamblee Middle School and end at Keswick Park. There will be food vendors on site. Attendees may also bring their food and beverages (excluding alcohol). Police officers will be directing parking for the event. If it rains, the fireworks show portion of the event will be rescheduled. For more information, visit www.chambleega.com (see Community Calendar). City of Decatur July 4th Pied Piper Parade, concert and fireworks Decorate your bicycle, skateboard or wagon to ride, skate, or walk in the Pied Piper Parade as it winds through the streets of downtown Decatur on the Fourth, starting at 6 p.m. Following the parade, a concert on the square will feature the Callanwolde Concert Band and a fireworks show will be held at dark. This free event is sponsored by the Decatur Business Association.
Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park Don’t miss the Fantastic Fourth Celebration, July 1-4, at Stone Mountain Park. Enjoy fireworks, laser shows, train rides, sky rides, a 4D theatre adventure with Yogi Bear and other attractions from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The laser show and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. For admission, parking fees and other information, contact: www.stonemountainpark.com or 800401-2407.
GWINNETT
Get set to celebrate with Star Spangled Snellville Get your Fourth of July off to a good start with Snellville’s Independence Day Celebration. Enjoy the fun on July 4, 4 to 10 p.m., at the Towne Green, 2342 Oak Road S.W. The afternoon begins with games and musical entertainment and ends with a fireworks display at dusk. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.snellvilletourism. com or email info@snellvilletourism.com.
Newton
Independence Day on the Covington Square Celebrate Independence Day on the square by enjoying food, a golf cart parade, antique car show, and old-fashioned fun. There will be dunking booth, hamster roll, spider jump, bucket truck rides, face painting, inflatables, hydrant release, touch-a-truck, a rock wall and much more for the kids. Even enjoy live music from featured bands: Newton County Community Band, Battle Hymn of the Republic Mass Choir, Hudson Road, Tedo Stone, Drive Time Band, Whiskey Bent and more. For more information, contact Main Street Covington at 770-385-2077; call 770-786-8188 or visit www.newtoncountyarts.org.
PAGE 10•JULY 2,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Traveling Solo continued from page 8
With the school children visiting the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah museum.
women dressed in their traditional gowns and hijabs, foreigners who wore modern day clothing looking at maps. There were motorbikes, taxi cabs, and brick buildings. The walk to my riad on the first day was quite difficult but by the second day, I was able to easily find it. I toured Essaouira, a beautiful city on the coast. There, I saw fishermen selling seafood that I’d never seen before. I quickly made friends with a family and toured the city with them to sightsee and shop. We stopped at a restaurant and enjoyed the most delicious fish and shrimp for lunch and couldn’t have been more satisfied. We also visited the Ouzud waterfall, where the view was amazing, and we enjoyed an hour hike where we snapped pictures of monkeys and fed them.
Rowing across the Ouzud Waterfall in Morocco. The view out of the door of no return in Elmina.
By the time I arrived in France, I felt more comfortable being alone and figuring out things to do on my own. I arrived in Beauvais, which is an hour and half train ride from Paris. The homes were so beautiful in their gothic styles, and it was so peaceful that I decided to stay an extra night at my Airbnb instead of getting a room in Paris. When I visited Paris, I used maps to get around, hopping on trains and roaming the city. The best thing about traveling alone is that you can do what you want, when you want. You have plenty of daylight time to do things since the sun doesn’t go down until around 10 p.m. After Paris, I went to south France to Nice, and it was paradise filled with seaside shops, bars and restaurants. In Spain, I stayed with Colombians, whom I met in Morocco. They took me to Madrid where we
went to supermarkets, ate tapas and drank beer. We laughed so hard as if we had known each other for years. I feel blessed to have experienced all these wonderful countries and people I met along the way. I’m blessed to say knowing English, Spanish, and French gave me the opportunity to hear great stories, and to share my own. Essah T. Cole is a former intern for the Davis Bozeman Law Firm in Decatur. She is a graduate student studying English Literature at the University of Puerto Rico. What my trip costs:
Airfare: $1,500 (Orbitz) from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Ghana European airlines: $250 to travel to Morocco, France, and Spain Tours: $15 - 30 each Airbnb: $35/night Meals: $10-15
Housing Market continued from page 1
sale, they’re gone. Just like that. ” According to a new Trulia report, the number of starter and trade-up homes on the market nationally has decreased over the past four years with inventory down most in the West and South. The rising prices is causing homebuyer gridlock. The growing price spread between premium homes and trade-up homes in some markets is highly correlated with fewer trade-up homes coming onto market, the report said. Alesia Harvey knows firsthand how competitive the housing market is right now. Harvey listed her 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Stone Mountain on a Friday with Jones and had three offers for the full listing price of $125,000 within 24 hours. “I couldn’t believe it. My husband and I didn’t expect it to go that quickly,” Harvey said. We had done some upgrades to ensure that it was in movein condition and we were hoping to get close to what we were asking. We didn’t know, however, that we’d sell it for the actual price listed.” The Harveys, who had lived in their DeKalb County home for 20 years, moved to a bigger home in Gwinnett County for the schools there. Harvey said they found their search very competitive, even though homes in the community where they were looking were selling for in the $300,000s and up. “When we found one that we wanted, we jumped on it. It was really a blessing because we didn’t want to get into a situation where we were carrying two mortgages. We were thankful that we were able to sell our home and purchase our new home,” Alesia Harvey said. The Harveys had been looking for a home to buy for about a year. Ashely Copeland, 29, said she had to put in three bids before she finally succeeded in putting a contract on the Ellenwood home where she has
lived a year. “I was pre-approved for $150,000 and I was getting so discouraged because I couldn’t find anything. My apartment lease was going to end I didn’t want to take out another lease. I didn’t know what I was going to do,” said Copeland, who found a home that had been listed on the market for one day. She said she knew she had to move quickly or she would lose the opportunity to buy it. LaQuita Williams, who moved from Conyers to Covington, had a similar story. “I spent about five months searching. After I lost a couple of bids, I came up lucky the third time. It’s hard to find something nice when you’re looking for a starter home,” said Williams. Jones blames the housing inventory shortages on corporate hedge fund investment groups such as the Black Stone Group (doing business as Invitation Homes), which purchased thousands of residential foreclosures in bulk buys. “They were buying them, fixing them up and turning them into rental properties. You could see the Invitation Homes rental signs in communities everywhere at the height of the recession,” said Jones. “Black Stone began unloading the homes to Altisource.” For example, in August 2015 alone, Altisource purchased 342 homes in communities in Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Decatur and Ellenwood, court records show. Darold Honore`, who used to sell real estate full time, agrees hedge fund investment groups are partly to blame for the inventory shortages, but he said many properties also are still under water with owners owing more than the properties are worth. “People are just sitting on them because they can’t get what they’ve bought them for—let alone sell them for a profit,” said Honore`, who now works as an agent for Farmers Insurance full time
and does real estate part time. The former Lithonia mayor said he is hopeful, though, that there will be a turn around in the housing market. He points to the construction that has resumed at the Oak Leaf townhome development located within the city of Lithonia. “Activity there has picked up. With homes in the $180s, young people want them. They’re not interested in the big, luxury homes and cars that the baby boomers went after to show their success. The millennials would rather travel and enjoy life than pay a big mortgage,” Honore` said. “We’re glad to have them and any other homeowners to help with our tax base. We need them.” Jones says although the affordable homes market might look bleak, there are still ways to become a home owner. “First, get approved for a home mortgage so that you know how much home you can afford. Next, work with an experienced real estate professional who knows where the available homes are,” said Jones. “For home sellers, the takeaway is to avoid foreclosure. Seek help from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency to keep your home or a licensed real estate professional to get your home sold. Mortgage companies are still foreclosing and selling homes to investors. This process will eventually cause areas like South DeKalb to become overtaken by corporate landlords instead of This process will eventually cause areas like South DeKalb to become overtaken by corporate landlords instead of stable homeowners.” Jones is hosting a free home buyer workshop Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Register at homeownershipmatters.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 770-369-5483.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
JULY 2, 2016 • PAGE 11
On Common Ground News Marketplace
CLASSIFIEDS Services Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503
RESTAURANTS
For Rent Mni Mall All event facility. Parties, Church Meetings, Seminars, Business Meetings, Wedding, Graduation Parties. $20-$125 per hour. 7173 Covington Hwy 678-755-5955 Now Hiring
770-484-3355
Now Hiring Sub-Contractors for Directv Installers/ Sales. Exp will cable, phone, electric a must. Must pass background. Must have van, truck, suv..$1000 weekly. Call Byram at 678-7760228
2910 EVANS MILL ROAD, LITHONIA, GA
WEEKLY LUNCH SPECIAL
Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
Advertise in the Marketplace. Call On Common Ground News 678-526-1910 J U S T WE AV ES
$
NEW LOCATION!!
40
Exp 07-15-16
MINI MALL
7173 Covington Hwy ,Lithonia, GA 30058
500
$
Special Banquet Hall
ALL EVENT FACILITY
1 & 15TH ONLY ST
Formally The Weave Stop 2091 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA
404-458-3581
* Parties * Seminars * Wedding
CALL TODAY!
* Church Meetings * Business Meetings * Graduation Parties
678-755-5955
HOMEOWNERSHIP MATTERS How to Go From Renter to Homeowner This Year!
Braces for Children & Adults
A FREE Home Buyer Workshop Topics will include:
• • • • • • •
• Free Consultation
• Low Monthly Payments Starting at $89 • Metal and Clear Braces
Get pre-qualified for a mortgage on the spot by bringing your last 30 days of paystubs!
for Children & Adults
Refreshments will be served. This event is free, but registration is required.
• Invisalign Certified
Registration and more information:
• Saturday Appointments Available Upon Request
770-482-7400 8200 Mall Parkway, Suite B 200, Lithonia, GA 30038 M-F 8:30am to 5:30 • www.Lithoniabraces.com
Current market trends in the Atlanta Metro area Determining how much home you can afford Working with a REALTOR® to find your new home Making an offer to purchase and entering into a contract Applying for a mortgage and the mortgage process Down Payment Assistance Programs Insurance coverage for your home
homeownershipmatters.eventbrite.com WHEN
WHERE
Saturday, July 9, 2016 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (EDT)
Dr. Jamal A. Duval, DDS, MS
Porter Sanford III - Performing Arts & Community Center
3181 Rainbow Drive Decatur, GA 30034
QUESTIONS? CALL TONYA JONES AT 770-369-5483.
Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
PAGE 12 •JULY 2, 2016
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Cosmetic & General Dentistry Recline in Comfort & Watch TV During Your Treatment !!
Mon- Thurs 8am-5pm Every other Friday 8am-5pm
New Patients Welcome! Power Bleaching- Zoom Invisible Braces (Invisalign) Dental Implants Tooth-Colored Fillings Crown & Bridges Porcelain Veneers Low- Radiation X-Rays Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS
www.beautifulsmiledds.com
!
Se Habla Espanol!
8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155 Lithonia, GA 30038 • (770) 484-4051 Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)