Jan. 10, 2020

VOLUME 25, NUMBER 39

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JANUARY 10, 2020

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Stonecrest’s founder Jason Lary takes oath of office for second mayoral term

S

tonecrest’s visionary and founder, Jason Lary, was sworn in for his second term as mayor tonight (Jan. 7) during a ceremony at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Lary took the helm, turning the city’s pages of history again, as the mayor of DeKalb County’s largest city, boasting 54,300 residents.

Lary spent four years pushing for the incorporation of the municipality, which was approved by voter referendum in 2016.

“Stonecrest will be the most recognized city of commerce, production and jobs, collaboration, partnerships and economic growth the nation will ever see from a newly-created city. Period.,” Lary told the audience following the

STORE CLOSING Macy’s at South DeKalb Mall begins clearance sales

M

acy’s is closing at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2731 Candler Road, Decatur, and will begin clearance sales this month, a store spokesperson said.

Jacqueline King, director of media relations for Macy’s South Region, told On Common Ground News that Macy’s does not have a specific closing date but the clearance sales are expected to run approximately 8 to 12 weeks.

“The decision to close a store is always a difficult one, but Macy’s is proud to have served the Decatur community over the past 50 years, and we look forward to continuing to do so at nearby Macy’s stores including Macy’s Northlake Mall, Macy’s Lenox Square Mall, Macy’s Stonecrest Mall and online at macys.com,” King said in a statement.

King said Macy’s has about 80 workers at the South DeKalb store and some of them may be placed at nearby stores, while others will be offered severance compensation.

“Regular, non-seasonal colleagues who we are unable to place at nearby Macy’s stores will be eligible for severance, including outplacement resources,” King said.

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson said Macy’s is an “institution” that will be missed in South DeKalb.

“We are truly going to miss the South DeKalb Macy’s. They have been great community partners, not only as a retail store offering great customer service but lending support to several community projects such as helping local shelters,” said Johnson, whose District 3 includes The Gallery at South DeKalb. In December,” Johnson hosted his 21st Annual Tree of Love program to assist needy families at the stage outside of Macy’s.

Johnson said he was proud of the accomplishments Macy’s has made during its long tenure at the Gallery at South DeKalb mall.

“The store had made a turnaround from being a customer return store to carrying designers

SEE CLOSING page 7

State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey performs the oath of office to Mayor Jason Lary, who was flanked by his wife, Debbie, and their youngest son, James. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

SEE LARY page 7

Pictured left to right are Charles West of CW Network Studios; actor Lou Gossett,Jr.; Mayor Jason Lary; and actor John Amos. Photo provided by Adrion Bell/ City of Stonecrest

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary meets with movie legends for studio relocation consideration

Actors John Amos and Louis Gossett, Jr. were among the guest attendees at Stonecrest’s Development Authority meeting at City Hall on Jan. 9. The actors were present to endorse the efforts of Charles West, of CW Network Studios, who is considering Stonecrest as the location site for a $50 million state-of-the-art animation facility.

West as joined on the agenda by Brian Livesay, founder of Soanes Consulting, which helped launch Atlanta Metro Studios, a $100 million film studio that replaced Shannon Mall in Union City. A third presenter, Jim Voyles, gave a presentation on a biomaterials manufacturing plant that his company, Phoenix Biomaterials,

LLC, wants to place in Stonecrest.

West said his 180,000-square-foot facility will build and operate on 150 acres and yield 1,500 jobs within its first two years. The animation studio will be the only African-Americanowned animation studio to produce and distribute its own content. It will also be the nation’s largest animation studio, housing several sound stages, a backlot, 10 voiceover booths and an orchestra production recording facility for live music scoring.

Livesay’s firm is proposing a 260,000-square-foot facility with seven stages, office space and a parking lot for 700 cars. The facility will bear the name, Stonecrest Film Studios. Livesay said the demand for production space has increased over

the years and spending on film and production is projected to increase 10 times in the next decade so the studio’s success is almost guaranteed.

“I am overjoyed to be here. This is an incredible opportunity,” John Amos said. “Louis and I have been around for quite some time. We have seen the changes that are happening, and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished in Stonecrest. I am proud to say that I am a part of this development and we are doing great things,” Amos said.

Mayor Jason Lary agreed, saying that Stonecrest has the space and support for both film facilities.

“Councilman Rob Turner and I have formed the Mayor’s Film Committee to work with the

SEE LEGENDS page 7

PAGE 2 • JANUARY 10, 2020

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Sean Haughton arrested in armed robbery spree in Rockdale, accomplice sought Sean Haughton, a convicted felon, has been arrested in connection with a spree of armed robberies on Highway 138 in Rockdale County, the Sheriff’s Office said today (Jan. 6).

Detectives arrested Haughton after he turned up at the emergency room at DeKalb’s Emory Hillandale Hospital with two gunshot wounds on Dec. 27 Deputy Lee A. Thomas, spokesperson for the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office, said Haughton was one of two suspects wanted for the armed robbery of Starship Enterprises, Inc., Quick Stop Superette in Conyers and Elite A. Sean Haughton The owner of Elite A shot Haughton when he tried to rob his establishment. Haughton fled the scene and ended up at the hospital in DeKalb County. Authorities in DeKalb recognized the description put out on the suspect and Haughton was arrested and charged.

Authorities are now seeking Haughton’s accomplice, Wallace Thomas II. The first robbery took place on Dec. 22, around 11:08 p.m. at Starship Enterprises, 1682 Highway138 NE., Conyers. In that incident, a female employee was shot twice in the leg in a holdup. Video surveillance showed the two suspects in the robbery.

About 90 minutes later, the second robbery took place at Quick Stop Superette, located at 4669 Highway 20 S.E., Conyers, where Haughton was seen on video surveillance, investigators said.

The third robbery took place on Dec. 27, just before midnight at Elite A, 1370 Highway 138, Conyers. The business owner opened fire as the gunman entered the store, authorities said.

Haughton was charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and false imprisonment in the first incident. He was charged with armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in the second incident. Haughton was charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the third incident.

Haughton was booked into the Rockdale County Jail.

Authorities are still searching for Wallace Thomas, III. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Hinds at 770-278-8023.

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JANUARY 10, 2020 • PAGE 3

PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

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Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten and Conyers City Council members Connie Alsobrook and Valyncia Smith Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com

First African-American women join Conyers City Council The swearing-in ceremony for the first two African-American women to join the Conyers City Council drew a packed crowd on Jan. 8 at the Cherokee Run Golf Club in Conyers.

Connie Alsobrook and Valyncia Smith were sworn in by Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten, the first African American to hold the the Magistrate judge’s seat. Alsobrook and Smith are the first African-American women in the city’s 165-year history to take seats on the City Council.

Gerald Hinesley was sworn in by Conyers Mayor Vince Evans.

A packed house, which included elected officials from Rockdale, DeKalb and Newton counties, attended the short ceremony.

The swearing-in ceremonies were followed by the mayor’s State of the City address: “Framing our Future.”

Rockdale Board of Assessors offers extended hours for homestead exemption filers The Rockdale County Board of Assessors, 981 Milstead Ave., is offering extended hours of operation on Saturday, Feb. 29, and Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. – noon, ahead of the homestead exemption Chief Assessor deadline.

Will Barkley The deadline for homeowners to file for their homestead exemption is April 1.

To be eligible for homestead exemption, you must have owned and lived in the property as your primary residence prior to Jan. 1, 2020. You must have a Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID with the property address you are applying for the exemption on. Proof of residency includes water, gas or electric bills, car registration and/or voter’s registration prior to Jan. 1 of the taxable year.

For more information, contact the Board of Assessors office at 770-2787676.

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com

Lithonia Mayor Shameka Reynolds takes helm Council members Darold P. Honore, Jr., Vanneriah Wynn take their seats

Shameka S. Reynolds was sworn in tonight, Jan. 6, 2020, as mayor of Lithonia, along with Darold P. Honore, Jr. and Vanneriah Wynn, as the newest members of the Lithonia City Council. Lithonia’s Chief Judge Tunde Akinyele performed the oaths of offices, as a packed audience witnessed the ceremony at Lithonia Middle School. Actor Chris Tucker and well-known Attorney Dwight Thomas, who is a cousin of Reynolds, were among the VIPs and dignitaries who attended the ceremony.

Representatives from the local to the state and national levels serving Lithonia turned out for the ceremony: Eric Hubbard, who represented Congressman Hank Johnson, District 4; State Rep. Doreen Carter; State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick; State Sen. Tonya Anderson; DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson; DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irwin Johnson, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary; and former Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson.

Both, State Rep. Carter and Sen. Anderson, who started their political careers on the Lithonia City Council, congratulated the new mayor and council during special presentations.

Dr. Marvin Crawford, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Lithonia, gave the opening prayer. Neena Lee Weans, a member of St. Paul A.M.E., sang the National Anthem.

Reynolds, who succeeds Deborah Jackson as mayor, hails from a family of funeral directors who have served the area for decades.

Swearing-in set for Stonecrest City Councilmembers George Turner, Rob Turner Stonecrest City Council members George Turner and Rob Turner will be sworn into office for their second terms at the first City Council meeting of 2020. The meeting will be held on Jan. 13, 7 p.m., at City Hall.

George Turner, who represents District 4, and Rob Turner, who represents District 2, were re-elected to their seats after running unopposed in last November’s elections.

Rob Turner

George Turner

CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JANUARY 21ST AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

V-19-005 Metro Green Recycling 5152 Snapfinger Woods Drive OI (Office Institutional) District To encroach into the 75’ no impervious setback for the construction of commercial driveway.

10 WEEK WINTER 2020 SEMESTER JANUARY 13 – MARCH 21

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PAGE 4 • JANUARY 10, 2020

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The Southeastern F.O.G. Alliance awarded DWM with the 2019 FOG Program of the Year award.

DeKalb honored for outstanding FOG program management

Samson Health & Fitness to host ribbon cutting Jan. 12 New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is reopening Samson Health & Fitness Center with a special ribbon cutting on Jan. 12 following the worship service, expected to end around noon.

“This investment represents our ongoing commitment to the community and serves as a critical community asset for all to enjoy. Our ribbon cutting serves as an important step forward in solidifying New Birth as a local leader in health and wellness efforts,” said Dr. Jamal Bryant, New Birth’s senior pastor.

The state-of-the-art fitness facility features 80,000 feet of workspaces featuring four full basketball courts, speed and agility areas, weight room, cardio area, group class space and snack bar.

During the month of January, Dr. Bryant is focusing his weekly sermons and online messages on topics of health and wellness.

“We are in a serious health crisis across America where far too often we find African Americans leading in those staggering health statistics mainly due to a lack of information and access quality healthcare. These health disparities are real and disproportionately affect our communities,” said Bryant. “New Birth is committed to not only brining awareness about these issues but also providing a path to help address some of these preventable and manageable health challenges.”

In addition to the extensive training and workout facility, Samson offers the entire community access to first-class personal training, group workout classes and more.

“We are so excited about the renovations and upgrades we have made to the facility,” said Melanie Render, who manages Samson Health & Fitness Center. “While the facility sits on the New Birth campus, it is not just for New Birth members. We invite the entire community to come out and experience all that our great facility and staff have to offer.”

There is no signup fee to become a member of Samson Health & Fitness Center. Individual monthly plans starting at just $15 for adults, $45 for a family membership and $10 for youth and seniors over 62 years old.

Hours of Operations Monday – Friday: 5 a.m. – noon and 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. until noon Sunday: closed

St. Paul AME to host documentary on voter suppression in Georgia The public is invited to attend a free film screening of “Suppressed: The Fight to Vote” on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., at St. Paul AME Church, 1704 S. Stone Mountain -Lithonia Road, Lithonia.

The film, created by Robert Greenwald, weaves together personal stories from voters across the state of Georgia to paint a picture of voter suppression in the 2018 midterm election in which Stacey Abrams ran to become the first black female governor in the US. Featuring experts, poll watchers and everyday Georgians, the film speaks about the impact of voter suppression and the threat it poses in 2020.

For more information, call 770-482-4361.

The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) was recently recognized with a top award for prioritizing public health and preventing sewer spills caused by Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG).

Awarded by the Southeastern FOG Alliance, DWM recently received the 2019 FOG Program of the Year award for outstanding program management including inspection, documentation, enforcement and public education.

Approximately 40 percent of sanitary sewer overflows in DeKalb County are caused by FOG being poured down sink drains. FOG coats the inside of pipes and eventually forms a blockage leading to a spill.

The “No FOG, No Clog” education program educates residential customers and students on the importance of keeping FOG out of the sewer system. The campaign partnered with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and developed FOG disposal education materials for its English as a Second Language (ESL) students. The county also partnered with the DeKalb County School District to educate more than 102,000 elementary, middle and high school students about the hazards of grease clogs.

The Southeastern FOG Alliance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to public education and the promotion of a cleaner environment.

The alliance has been helping to prevent FOG for more than 17 years and is represented in eight states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

For more information about DeKalb County’s FOG program, visit www.dekalbwatershed.com.

Stonecrest library offers mock college exams The Stonecrest Library will offer college-bound students a college readiness workshop on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the resources the library has to help prepare for SAT, ACT and AP exams. Students also will have the chance to take a sample test. Registration required.

The workshop is limited to the first 12 participants. For more information, call 770-482-3828.

DeKalb LifeLine Animal Project selling pets for $20 During the month of January, the DeKalb LifeLine Animal Project will be offering $20 pet adoptions. Adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchip and more.

DeKalb LifeLine has nearly 1,000 pets in its care and it is seeking those willing to adopt a pet or serve as foster homes for pets, if adoption is not feasible.

For a list of shelter locations or for more information, visit lifelineanimal. org or call 404-292-8800.

Mayor Jason Lary to preach at First St. Paul A.M.E. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary will be the guest speaker on Sunday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m., at First St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia, where Dr. Marvin Crawford is pastor.

Lary, an ordained deacon, said the title of his sermon will be “David and Goliath: Faith Can Take Giants. “ Lary said that it was his faith that helped him to battle health challenges, including cancer, while serving as mayor and going on to win re-election in November. He was sworn into a second term in office on Jan. 7.

Hillcrest Church of Christ

1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net

Mayor Jason Lary

WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm

BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Hillcrest Church of Christ”.

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DeKalb to honor two at MLK celebration

Emory University President Claire Sterk and Dr. Eugene Walker, a former state senator and former DeKalb school board chairman, will be honored during DeKalb County’s 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Sterk and Walker will Dr. Claire Sterk and Dr. Eugene Walker will be honored during DeKalb’s King Celebration. receive the Nathaniel Mosby Humanitarian Award, which celebrates the recipients’ commitment to tireless community service and outstanding dedication to being an agent for positive change.

Appointed to head Emory University in 2016, Sterk is the first woman to serve as Emory University’s president. Additionally, she is the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Public Health at Emory and has been recognized internationally for her work on addiction and infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Walker served as a state senator representing District 43 from 1984 to 1992 and was the first African-American to serve as majority whip. Walker served as the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice from 1995 to 1999 and served on the DeKalb County Board of Education.

The celebration, “King’s 2020 Vision: The Beloved Community – The Fierce Urgency of Now,” will be held Friday, Jan. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.

The 2020 tribute marks the 52nd anniversary of King’s death and the 36th consecutive year DeKalb will host the employee-planned event honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King.

The celebration is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Nichole Simms at jnsimms@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-371-2552.

JANUARY 10, 2020 • PAGE 5

Congressman Hank Johnson to celebrate app challenge participants District 4 Congressman Hank Johnson will honor students and teachers who participated in the 2019 Congressional App Challenge on Friday, Jan. 24, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Black Box Theater, 910 Center St., NE, Conyers.

The challenge was open to students and faculty from Congressional District 4, which includes DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Newton counties.

Judges for the contest included representatives Congressman Hank Johnson from Pandora Music and the Culture Base Mobile Application.

Established in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide contest hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives in effort to promote computer science education. A total of 123 districts in 33 states participate annually.

“Science and technology are transforming our world, and we must do all we can to ensure our kids are taking part in that growth,” said Johnson. “Join me in showing how proud we are of the students who participated in our annual app challenge.”

To find out more about the Congressional App Challenge, visit congressionalappchallenge.us/.

Conyers Police to provide active shooter/threats preparedness training for citizens Conyers Police Department is again offering active shooter/threats preparedness training to citizens interested in learning how to best react to such an incident.

The goal of the training is to educate the public on where to go and what to do in the event of an active shooter or other threat.

“In today’s climate we realize the importance of training not only our officers, but educating our citizens Police Chief Gene as well,” said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “We have had Wilson great participation in similar programs last three years and are pleased to offer it once again.”

The public, pastors and church leaders are encouraged to attend.

Parents should use discretion as to whether to bring children to the training. No child under 13 years of age, however, will be permitted.

The topics discussed and the video that will be shown depicts violence.

The session is scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., and may last two hours. The session will be held in the City Council Chambers, 1194 Scott Street SE Conyers.

PAGE 6 • JANUARY 10, 2020

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A Royal Wedding in 2020 It is with great honor and excitement that Anthony J. Royal, Sr. and Leslie E. Royal announce the impending nuptials of their daughter Antasha Jenise Royal to Julius Ibiyi Wilson, son of Mrs. Mary Iyam Wilson and the late Mr. Ubi Ogban Wilson. The wedding will take place in early spring at beautiful Georgia Palms & Gardens in Powder Springs, Georgia.

How they met: First comes car trouble, then comes marriage… They met when Julius worked on Antasha’s car.

Anyone who knows her knows that she does not take care of cars. (lol) He asked for her number. He was cute and respectful (and handy) so she gave in. He says she played too hard to get for almost a year before they got serious. They have since been inseparable.

The proposal - 6.06.19: Their friends, Joel and Lisa, hosted a cookout at their home. Little did Antasha know that this was her surprise engagement party! When Julius gave her a little box of chocolates and got down on one knee, with everyone surrounding them (including her family who had been hiding in the house), she knew she had been duped. They had been planning this for weeks and Antasha knew nothing of it. He opened her mind and her heart, and she happily said YES!!

Antasha and her parents have resided in metro Atlanta since her birth while Julius and his parents hail from Cross River State, Nigeria. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Lizzie Mae Dukes Guess of Atlanta and Mrs. Bernita Marie Sanders Royal of Savannah, Georgia. Family and friends will come from far and near to attend the semi-formal wedding ceremony. The couple will reside in Atlanta.

Rockdale teacher releases book:

“Who am I? The Teenage Girl”

By Candice Guthrie For OCG News Nastasha Johnson, a Rockdale County middle school teacher, hopes to help parents, mentors, teachers and others better understand the issues and challenges that teen girls face as they approach puberty and young adulthood.

Johnson has published a book entitled “Who am I? The Teenage Girl,” which is centered on the lives of three fictitious teen girls.

“Although the characters are fictitious, they are dealing with reallife issues,” said Johnson, a minister, mentor and mother of three. “The book sheds light so that people who deal with children may be more aware, more compassionate.”

Johnson said the book also is intended to provide comfort to teen girls who may be experiencing similar situations to the characters in the book.

“They may be tired a lot and unable to put their best foot forward in the classroom because they are helping to take care of their siblings, working and going to school. They may come across as promiscuous when, in fact, they are victims of molestation. “ I wrote the book to not only bring awareness to let people know

and understand that there is more to what you see to the teenage girl, but to also let teens know they are not alone.”

Johnson said writing the book has empowered her as an advocate for women and teen girls. She said she plans to host a book signing in the spring. The book also soon will be available in bookstores at Voices of Faith Ministries, which has campuses in Stone Mountain and Conyers. Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. is founder and pastor of Voices of Faith.

“Who am I? The Teenage Girl” is available now at www.amazon. com for $10.

(Left to Right) Stonecrest Library’s first branch manager, Theresa Totten; Louise E. Alexander; Vice President of The Friends of Stonecrest Library; Jennifer Moore, President of The Friends of Stonecrest Library; and Stonecrest Branch Manager Michael Strong. Photo provided by The Friends of Stonecrest Library.

Stonecrest Library welcomes new branch manager Michael Strong

By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer A host of supporters and patrons showed up to welcome Stonecrest Library’s newest branch manager, Michael Strong, on Jan. 6 at a meetand-greet reception held at the library.

“It was truly an overwhelmingly awesome experience being welcomed into the Stonecrest family.

I am looking forward to getting to know the people of Stonecrest and building new relationships,” said Strong.

Strong, a Decatur native, has been with the DeKalb County Library system for more than 30 years. He will succeed Lylah Lockridge, who has moved on to pursue her master’s degree in public health “We’re looking forward to having him on board. I believe that

he will be instrumental in working with the Friends group to provide more programming, especially for children, by securing more grants for the Stonecrest library branch,” said Louise Ellen Alexander, vice president of the Stonecrest Library Friends group.

Strong has served as manager of DeKalb’s Covington branch for the past two years and said that he is looking forward to his new assignment.

“Proverbs 18:16 says ‘A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.’ My gift has brought me before the great people of Stonecrest and together we will do great things as a community,” Strong said.

Amanda Lindsay will continue to serve as the acting manager until Strong begins his role as the new branch manager in the coming weeks.

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JANUARY 10, 2020 • PAGE 7

Enrollment now open for DCSD School Choice programs

Photo provided by Adrion Bell/City of Stonecrest

LEGENDS continued from page 1 Development Authority and ensure that projects like these are successful. We are projecting that the film industry will soon be our fifth largest revenue generator,” Lary said. “We want these developers and others to know that we are open for business and we will be the leader in film production and distribution. Studios of any size that desire to open in Stonecrest will have access to highways, the available land to build their facilities and most of all full support of the city.”

The Development Authority, along with its attorney, Dan McCray, must now proceed with their due diligence before approving the projects, according to the city’s business development manager William Settle.

Stonecrest Chamber of Commerce to host “Tax Geaks” The Stonecrest Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Tax Geaks” at its first meeting of the year on Thursday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. at the AEI Startup Factory, 7310 Stonecrest Concourse.

Tax Geaks will present a tax planning workshop to educate business owners on how to stay compliant, organized and financially strong. Attendees will learn about recent updates in tax law, how to keep good filing records, ways to track deductions and more.

For more information, visit www.stonecrestchamber.com.

LARY continued from page 1 swearing-in. “We are the largest city created since Reconstruction—the largest city created since after slavery with 97 percent African Americans. That is something alone that we should be proud of.”

Lary was joined in the pulpit for the ceremony by his wife, Debbie, and their youngest son, James. Their eldest son, Jason, Jr. was unable to attend due to his job in South Florida but was “watching” online via Facebook live, Lary said.

DeKalb County State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey performed the oath of office as several dignitaries and elected officials looked on including Lithonia Mayor Shameka Reynolds and Lithonia Councilmember Darold Honore,

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is accepting enrollment for its School Choice programs for the 2020-2021 school year Open enrollment, which began on Jan. 7, ends on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.

Families who live in the DeKalb school district can apply for DCSD’s many diverse programs, such as the dual immersion language programs and distinguished magnet programs. The School Choice Programs are available at the elementary, middle, or high school level.

Students currently enrolled in DeKalb County schools will need their student ID number and a parent’s email address. New, private- or home-schooled students need a parent’s email address, proof of residency, birth certificate, the 2019 Fall semester report card, a DCSD-issued affidavit of residence (if applicable), and the student’s latest MAP test scores (for High Achievers Magnet programs only).

Parents with questions or in need of support can visit the Parent Support Center at 1192 Clarendon Ave, Avondale Estates, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., or by calling 678-6760050 or 678-676-0035, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m..

During the open enrollment period, families can apply online by visiting www. dekalbschoolsga.org/school-choice. The website has a complete list of School Choice programs as well as a schedule of tours throughout January and February.

Applications to provide Georgia’s pre-K program now available The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is accepting applications for new and returning licensed childcare providers of Georgia’s Pre-K program for the 2020-2021 school year. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m.

Georgia’s Pre-K Program is an educational program for age-eligible children in Georgia funded by the Georgia Lottery for education. To be eligible to apply for the Pre-K grant, an applicant must be a licensed childcare program, local school system or a Head Start program. Programs are offered in a variety of settings: public schools; for profit and nonprofit child care learning centers; military bases, and faith-based organizations.

To attend Georgia’s Pre-K in the 2020-2021 school year, a child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2020. Georgia’s Pre-K Program normally operates on the regular school system calendar for the length of a typical school day.

This year, approximately 81,000 4-year-olds are being served in 3,859 Georgia’s Pre-K classes at 1,866 locations.

The purpose of the program is to prepare children for success in Kindergarten and later school years. Programs are offered in a variety of settings: public schools; for profit and nonprofit child care learning centers; military bases, and faith-based organizations.

who were sworn in to office on Jan. 6; State Rep. Doreen Carter; State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick; DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox; DeKalb’s Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, wife of Congressman Hank Johnson; DeKalb County Tax Commission Irwin Johnson, DeKalb School Board member Vicki B. Turner and Chief Judge of DeKalb County Juvenile Court Vincent C. Crawford, to name a few.

Among the community leaders were Teresa Hardy, president of the DeKalb NAACP, and Kendra Price, president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce. Several members of

the mayor’s fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, also attended, along with all of the members of the Stonecrest City Council.

Deputy City Manager Plez Joyner brought greetings on behalf of the City of Stonecrest.

State Rep. Vernon Jones presented the occasion and DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond brought greetings during the program. Dr. Jamal Bryant, New Birth’s senior pastor, performed the invocation. The mayor’s pastor, Edward L. Randolph, Jr. of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, did the closing prayer and benediction.

CLOSING continued from page 1 and goods the Melony Hope, community wanted. another South DeKalb I loved shopping resident, shares there for perfume Leonard’s sentiments. and other gifts for She said she fears that my mom when she the mall itself will close was living and my with Macy’s departure. wife, and myself,” "If Macy's leaves, DeKalb Commissioner the mall is going to shut said Johnson. “They Larry Johnson remodeled the second down. I don’t have a floor. They worked car. So, I really do need hard to keep the store open. that mall,” said Hope. “They are They have been an institution in taking all the stores away from this community.” us. I'm a senior. There are a lot Dierdre Leonard, a resident of people on Candler Road that who has lived in the area for need that mall.” over 30 years, said she was The South DeKalb Macy’s shocked to hear the news and is was originally a Rich’s hoping that something can be department store, which opened done to keep the South DeKalb in 1968 under Thor Equities.

Macy’s open.

Macy’s opened in 1969, King “Macy's was one of the said. first stores to come to the area In addition to the South when I moved here. That’s all DeKalb store, the iconic retail we have. I buy everything out giant is shutting down at least of South DeKalb Mall,” said 11 other stores nationwide Leonard. “What do we have to including its Northgate Mall do to keep it open?" store in Cincinatti, where

Macy’s Inc. is headquartered, ROOM FOR RENT officials said. The Cincinatti store also will begin having its Newly Furnished in DeKalb County, $550 clearance sales beginning this monthly. All utilities + Cable + W & D. On month, running for up to three MARTA. 1 person room only. 404-401-9767. months, officials said.

King said she could not provide details about the LAWN CARE decision to close the South DeKalb store or whether the company plans to look at developing more business online.

“In today’s retail space, we continuously review our brickand-mortar locations, evaluate opportunities to maximize value and ensure the sustainable, long-term growth and success of our store business,” King said.

“This is all the information we are able to share at this time.”

Macy's plans to unveil a three-year strategy and growth plan on Feb. 5 during its Investor Day that it is hosting at the New York Stock Exchange, officials said.

PAGE 8 • JANUARY 10, 2020

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