VOLUME 22 NUMBER 45
FREE
FEBRUARY 18, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Water main test planned in Tucker/ Northlake Area
350 jobs coming to DeKalb County with U.S. launch of YETI coolers
W
ater customers in the Tucker/ Northlake area may notice a drop in water pressure on Feb. 24. The drop may be as much as 50 percent in some areas but DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) officials say not to worry. The situation is temporary. The DWM has scheduled a preliminary test of a 48-inch transmission water main that runs along Henderson Mill Road. The test is being conducted in preparation for repairs for the more than 40-year-old pipe. Testing will begin at 6 p.m. In the event that customers experience a water pressure drop of more than 50 percent during the test, they should contact DeKalb Watershed at 770-2706243 or DeKalbWaterOPS@ DeKalbCountyga.gov, as this would indicate that an unexpected circumstance has occurred and the preliminary test would be stopped. Customers outside of the Tucker and Northlake areas also may experience a slight drop in pressure. While these customers will be directly served via one or more other transmission mains, any of these customers that experience more than a 25 percent drop in pressure should contact DeKalb Watershed at 770-270-6243 or DeKalbWaterOPS@DeKalbCountyga.gov, and the preliminary test would be stopped. Additionally, motorists may experience traffic delays during the testing. Upon successful completion of the preliminary testing, a repair will be planned within two to three weeks. For more information, visit www.dekalbwatershed.com.
L-R: State Rep. Vernon Jones tours the Atlanta Rotomolding headquarters in South DeKalb with Mel Mogil and Mathew Jeffries. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan / OCG News
By Valerie J. Morgan
A
tlanta Rotomolding has partnered with a Canadian-based company to bring 350 jobs to DeKalb County. Officials with California Innovations, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, said they chose DeKalb to expand their manufacturing operations for American-made Yeti coolers and sporting goods accessories because it was a “good fit.”
“We were looking on the internet and found Atlanta Rotomolding. We decided to call them and after speaking with them, we liked their track record and we decided it really was a good fit,” said Mel Mogil, president and CEO of California Innovations. Atlanta Rotomolding, a custom molder, is gearing up to manufacture the coolers for Walmart. Officials met with State Rep. Vernon Jones recently to discuss the project and and take him on
a tour of Atlanta Rotomolding’s headquarters at 3290 Panthersville Road in Decatur. “It’s a big undertaking, a gigantic project,” said Mogil. “We’re going to be hiring for everything from office personnel workers to machine operators and engineers.” Jones said he is not only excited about the job opportunities that will be See YETI coolers, page 8
GPTC, Clark Atlanta announce launch of historic partnership
G
eorgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) and Clark Atlanta University (CAU) will offer dual admissions and joint enrollment for qualified students at both institutions beginning late spring. The two schools announced the launch of the historic partnership on Feb. 15 in the Robert W. Woodruff Library Exhibition Hall at Clark Atlanta University. The partnership program entitled “Acess 4 Achievement” will offer students the opportunity to strengthen academic rigor, program-specific transfer agreements and joint faculty and teaching opportunities for graduate students and faculty at both institutions. GPTC President Jabari Simama actively sought a higher education partnership with Clark-Atlanta University to provide additional transfer opportunities for GPTC students who complete their technical education requirements, but wish to pursue a four-year degree and graduate school. “Students enrolled in the Access 4 Achievement program will graduate prepared for today’s job market, as well
as ready to adapt to sudden shifts in market demands well into the future,” said Simama. The partnership is in keeping with CAU President Ronald A. Johnson’s plan to equip every student with stackable credentials, which will make them more globally competitive upon graduation. Johnson said the new initiative will assist students in graduating sooner with both high-demand technical
skills and the soft skills, which are key indicators of long-term employment success. Additional benefits students will receive from Access 4 Achievement include: • Broadened access for talented, college-bound students • Improved graduation rates due to See GPTC, page 8
PAGE 2 •FEBRUARY 18, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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FEBRUARY 18,2017 • PAGE 3
DeKalb CEO, Commissioners honor history makers Several “living legacies of DeKalb County” were recognized Feb. 14 as part of DeKalb County’s Black History Month commemoration. CEO Michael Thurmond, along with each DeKalb County commissioner, recognized a constituent during the commemoration. “In DeKalb County, we are fortunate to have everyday history makers whose acts and ideas changed the course of our future through improvements to our social, educational and economic landscape to reinforce a better community,” states the resolution acknowledging the accomplishments of the honorees. Those recognized included: • Flat Rock Archives president Johnny Waits, who was recognized by CEO Michael Thurmond for his decades-long effort to preserve the history and legacy of the Flat Rock community’s former slaves and their descendants. • Dr. Pamela Speaks, an educator whose governance spans beyond the classroom and into policy and reform. Speaks is a former member of the DeKalb Board of Education and currently serves on the DeKalb Zoning Board of Appeals. Speaks was honored by District 1 Commissioner Nancy Jester. • The Mt. Zion Community on LaVista Road was recognized by District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader for perseverance in the face of tremendous development pressure. The community began as a small African-American enclave in the 1800s by landowners such as the Nelms, Rowe and Stokes families. The area also is the location of the Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest AME church in DeKalb. The legacy of the Mt. Zion
DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners honor DeKalb’s history makers for Black History Month.
community is permanently memorialized in land dedicated as Frazier Rowe Park, a permanent tribute to the vitality of this community. • Henry “Hank” Thomas, who was acknowledged by District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson for his role in the Civil Rights Movement, risking his life by joining the first and second Freedom Rider groups at barely 20 years old. Additionally, Thomas broke the ceiling for equality by rising from a $1.30 per hour McDonald’s employee to a multiple franchise owner. • Lois Curtis, recognized by District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw for fighting for social change in the case of Olmstead v. LC, which is considered one of the most important civil rights judgments for people with disabilities in United States history. • Dr. Thomas Coleman, who was honored by District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson for his more than 45 years of public service, including 25 years of
service as a distinguished Vietnam veteran and U.S. Air Force officer and more than 20 years serving in local and state governments. Additionally, Coleman serves as the vice chairman of the board of directors at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, a member of the Board of Juvenile Justice for the State of Georgia and a Commissioner for the DeKalb Housing Authority. • Mary Elizabeth Brown Wilson, who was recognized by Super District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon for being the first African-American mayor for the city of Decatur, and for her pioneering efforts in social justice and public service. • Priscilla Davenport, recognized by Super District 7 Commissioner Gregory Adams for being the first employee of the first African-American-owned bank in DeKalb County, and for her advocacy for equal access to education and sustainable neighborhood initiatives.
Rockdale NAACP spotlights history, talent and heroes
T
he Rockdale County NAACP’s annual “Black History and Heritage Celebration” was a celebration indeed. The Feb. 11 program featured an array of dancers, drummers, spoken word artists and singers including, singer and songwriter Derrick Monk, who once produced for the late James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul.” The NAACP’s program kicked off with a “Milestones in Black History Parade,” featuring children from the community marching in with handmade posters displaying pictures and information about black historical trailblazers. The celebration, which was held at the Rockdale Auditorium in downtown Conyers, included a lineup of performers from neighboring
cities including the Rainbow Park Baptist Church Choir from Decatur who sang Negro spirituals a cappella; the Uhuru African dancers, also of Decatur; and soloist Monica Hoskins of Atlanta. Chelsea Williams, a fourth-grade student at Live Oak Elementary School in Covington, who portrayed abolitionist Sojourner Truth. Rockdale talent included Corey Brown; the SiSaw Academy of the Performing Arts; and the Mission of Praise Dancers from Love & Hugs Christian Tabernacle. Legendary media professional Carol Blackmon emceed the program. The NAACP honored several people during the program with President
Thomas Brantley Jr., past president Gary King and Dwight Wicks, who chaired the Celebration Committee, presenting the awards.: The Community Service awards went to Sheriff Eric Levett and his Command Staff; Pastor Billie Cox of Macedonia Baptist Church; and the Rev. Alfred Vaughn
of Rock Temple A.M.E. Church. The NAACP Community Legacy Award was presented to Pastor J. H. Battle of Peeks Chapel Baptist Church. Gregory Vann of the Boyz to Men of Honor mentoring program received the NAACP’s Youth Empowerment Award.
In addition to Dwight Wicks, this year’s Celebration Committee included Jackie Johnson-Dickson; Pastor Anthony Smith; and Evetta Washington. More photos On Common Ground News(Official) Facebook page. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan / OCG News
PAGE 4 •FEBRUARY 18, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
spiration from Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Big Bethel A.M.E. Church Chorale; Chancel Choir from East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church; Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir; the Anthem Choir of Maranatha Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Sanctuary Choir of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church; and Choir #1 from Allen Temple A.M.E. Church. For more information, call Mrs. L’Tanya Moore-Copeland at 404-3710749, ext. 8423.
Lou Walker Senior Center Celebrates Black History Month
ATLANTA
Black History Month parade set in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn District The Black History Month Parade will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m., in the historic Sweet Auburn District at Hurt Park, 200 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta. There will be a vendor market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Courtland Street, ending at Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Baker Street. Vendor and sponsor applications are still being accepted. The Black History Month parade will feature various dance and music performances and special appearances by the Legends Marching Band from Nassau, Bahamas and the Infinity Marching Band from Baltimore. For more information, visit blackhistorymonthparade.com or call 404478-7820.
DEKALB
DeKalb History Center sets ninth annual Black History Month celebration Join the DeKalb History Center for a dialogue on the history and preservation of DeKalb’s historic African-American communities Thursday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the history center, 101 East Court Square, Decatur. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will offer opening remarks for the symposium, which will be followed by a panelists of scholars, long-time residents and theatrical re-enactments. Some of the topics for this symposium will include life for African Americans in the historic Flat Rock and Shermantown communities during the Progressive Era to the present; Jim Crow Laws; church life; education; the Civil Rights Movement, and the challenges of preserving these communities. A catered lunch is included in the registration fee of $30 for members. The cost is $40 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088.
African dancers bring history to life at DeKalb library Celebrate the history of the African dance experience on Saturday, Feb. 25, 3 to 4 p.m., at the Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur. Explore the African diaspora with the Giwayen Mata African Dancers during an hour-long lecture and demonstration, which will include a compilation of songs, rhythms, dances, and storytelling along with live narration and audience participation. For more information, call 404-286-6986.
An evening of Negro spirituals at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church Enjoy an “Evening of Spirituals” in celebration of Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, 240 Candler Road, S.E., Atlanta. The free concert will feature Saint Philip’s Choir #1 as well as the Voices of In-
Throughout February, the members of Lou Walker Senior Center are celebrating Black History Month with events open to the public. The center is located at 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia. This year’s national Black History Month theme is “The Crisis in Black Education,” and the center’s performing arts events and speakers will deliver messages around the subject. Upcoming events include: • Thursday, Feb. 23, 2:30 p.m., Crisis in Black Education presented by LWSC Drama Club • Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2:30 p.m., Black History Celebration presented by LWSC Performing Arts Group • Feb. 17—March 3, LWSC Photography Exhibition
GWINNETT
Eleventh annual Black History Month exhibit welcomes visitors Enjoy a self-guided exhibit about the African Diaspora starting Tuesday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. The exhibit will remain open for viewing during the month of February during business hours. Call the community center at 770-985-4713 to confirm schedule.
ROCKDALE
Si Saw Academy to honor Rockdale “firsts” at black-tie gala Join the Si Saw Academy of the Arts for its inaugural Black History Awards ceremony Saturday, Feb. 25, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 2375 Georgia 20, Conyers. The Motown-themed fundraiser will honor Rockdale County’s black “firsts” trailblazers. Tickets are $5 and benefit the Si Saw Academy of the Arts and youth center building fund.
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.
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Deandre Seabrooks sentenced to life for gunning down DeKalb teen
Deandre Seabrooks, 29, was sentenced to life in prison for the shooting death of a 17-year-old girl who was walking home, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced. Sariah Wilcoxson was gunned down on Jan. 11, 2016 after leaving a MARTA bus stop near the corner of Flat Shoals Road and Fayetteville Road where she had just left a friend. As she walked toward the East Hampton Apartment Complex where she lived, Seabrooks opened fire with an AK-47 assault weapon, striking her in the neck Deandre Seabrooks and arm. Seabrooks fled the scene, Boston said. An eyewitness later identified Seabrooks as the shooter. As authorities tracked Seabrooks to a DeKalb apartment complex on Jan. 19, 2016, he led them on a high-speed chase, which they were forced to abandon to safeguard children in the defendant’s car and other motorists. Two days later, A DeKalb SWAT team arrested Seabrooks in Stockbridge without incidence. During the trial, prosecutors played recordings of Seabrooks orchestrating a bribe for a key witness in exchange for an altered statement to police. The witness complied with Seabrooks’s demand out of fear. Seabrooks was found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and several weapons offenses. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 10 years by DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gail Flake. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Lance Cross with assistance from DA investigators Waine Pinckney and C.D. Smith. Detective R.P. VanLeuven of the DeKalb Count Police Department led the investigation.
Two arrested in Conyers Dollar General robbery
Two men believed to be responsible for robbing Dollar General, 1265 Iris Drive, Conyers, are in police custody following information provided to Conyers Police by an alert witness. Jahii Ellison, 21, Conyers, was charged with robbery and Quentin Bussell, 32, Jonesboro, was charged with making false statements in connection to the robbery that took place on Thursday, Feb. 9. One suspect entered the Dollar General around 6:00 p.m. and brought something from the Valentines area to the register. The suspect jumped across the counter pushing the employee out of the way and took an undisclosed amount of money from the register. An alert witness observed the suspect getting into a waiting Nissan Cube vehicle. The witness followed the vehicle to the Tall Oaks Apartments as the suspects fled the scene. Officers and Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene and secured the outside of the apartment where the Nissan Cube was located. Quentin Bussell, the owner of the vehicle, was detained and questioned by officers. Bussell provided false statements to officers and was subsequently arrested. Jahii Ellison was located hiding inside the residence and taken into custody without incident.
AKAs, Pan Hellenic Council to host Stonecrest candidates’ forum The Stone Mountain-Lithonia Tau Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the DeKalb Pan Hellenic Council will host a forum for candidates running for office in the city of Stonecrest. The forum will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., at the Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia. Citizens will be allowed to submit questions for the candidates to answer. There are 12 candidates running for City Council seats and three running for mayor. Election Day is March 21. Residents who live within the boundaries of the new city may find out which of the five districts they will vote in by visiting dekalbvotes.com.
DeKalb Commissioners to host Budget Town Hall meeting DeKalb County Commissioners Larry Johnson (District 3) and Gregory Adams (District 7) will co-host a budget Town Hall meeting on Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive. The community is encouraged to attend for more information about the county’s operating budget.
FEBRUARY 18, 2017 • PAGE 5
Hundreds of volunteers join DeKalb’s water quality monitoring program
DeKalb County’s Adopt-A-Stream program has its highest number of volunteers ever, with 450 signups in 2016. Volunteers monitor various rivers, tributaries and streams throughout DeKalb County. The Adopt-A-Stream program is coordinated by the DeKalb Department of Watershed Management (DWM) in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to educate residents about non-source water pollution. Participants learn how to collect water quality data, gather observations about their local waterways, create partnerships within their communities and use water collection tools. “In addition to fostering ecological awareness, the important thing about the Adopt-A-Stream program is that it expands the community’s stewardship of our precious waterways,” DWM Director Scott Towler said. “It also provides extra eyes for early indicators of waterway contamination, such as high levels of E. coli.” Volunteers learn by experience in one or more workshops. Workshops detail how to collect water quality data, evaluate stream physical characteristics, assess basic stream water chemistry and conduct chemical tests using state-of-the-art field equipment. Attendees also are trained to identify and collect aquatic macro-invertebrates to determine water and habitat quality. A total of 25 DWM Adopt-A-Stream workshops were provided in 2016, which facilitated volunteers to collect 1,200 data points at 32 monitoring sites. For more information about the DWM Adopt-A-Stream program or to schedule a workshop, please contact Michael O’Shield, public education specialist, at 770-7241456 or msoshield@dekalbcountyga.gov.
DeKalb sets Presidents’ Day residential sanitation collection schedule In observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 20, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised collection schedule. The revised schedule is as follows: Monday, Feb. 20 – Presidents Day observed. No sanitation collection service. Tuesday, Feb. 21 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Feb. 20, will be serviced on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Wednesday, Feb. 22 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Feb. 21, will be serviced on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Thursday, Feb. 23 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Feb. 22, will be serviced on Thursday, Feb. 23. Friday, Feb. 24 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Feb. 23, will be serviced on Friday, Feb. 24. The Sanitation Division’s administrative office, Central and North Transfer Stations and Seminole Road Landfill will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, and will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 21, during normal operating hours. For more information on any sanitation-related services, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@ dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.dekalbsanitation.com.
PAGE 6 •FEBRUARY 18, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
2017 Rockdale County Spelling Bee winners are crowned
Pictured: 2017 Rockdale County Spelling Bee 1st place winner Aeneas Moore, a 5th grader at Barksdale Elementary, and 2nd place runner-up Allanah Stanton, a 6th grader at Memorial Middle.
Pictured: The final three contestants before entering the championship round, seated left to right, Allanah Stanton of MMS, Aeneas Moore of BES, Kristy Cooper of CMS.
ongratulations to the 2017 Rockdale County Spelling Bee first place winner Aeneas Moore, a Barksdale Elementary fifth grader, and second place winner Allanah Stanton, a Memorial Middle School sixth grader! Contestants went head to head on Feb. 10 at Edwards Middle School for the right to advance to the regional bee competition and possibly the state competition. This year’s participants (the winners of their respective school’s spelling bee, pictured left to right with their randomly assigned order number) and their alternates (the run-
Jayden Bailey #7 (alternate Ayden Vaughn) - Shoal Creek Elementary. Jorri Murray #9 (alternate Jorunee Lackey) - Sims Elementary. Rose Adams #10 (alternate Amairany Underwood) - J.H. House Elementary. Kristy Cooper #11 (alternate Cyras McMillian) - Conyers Middle. Kameron Bolton #12 (alternate Kamylle Norman) - Pine Street Elementary. Matthew Thacker #13 (alternate Gabriel Edmonson) - Edwards Middle. Kendyl Nimmons #14 (alternate
C
ners-up at their school’s spelling bee, not pictured) were: Dasani Harper #1 (alternate Nisa Washington) - C.J. Hicks Elementary. Allanah Stanton #2 (alternate Johnathan Albaugh) - Memorial Middle. Aeneas Moore #3 (alternate Nathaniel Reynolds) - Barksdale Elementary. Dylan Allen #4 - Flat Shoals Elementary. Zindzhi Evans #5 (alternate Ja’Kiya Thomas) - Honey Creek Elementary. Allison Jones #6 (alternate Josh Comeau) - Lorraine Elementary.
Jahmali Hudson) - Hightower Trail Elementary. Anthony Troms #15 (alternate Paige Missick) - Peek’s Chapel Elementary. This year’s pronouncer was the 2016-17 RCPS Teacher of the Year Kimberly Sanderson of Davis Middle School. The judges who participated were RCPS ELA Academic Coach Sherry Boudreaux; RCPS ELA Coordinator Dr. Erika Tucker; RCPPS Education Assessment Coordinator Ranyatta Roland; and Spelling Bee organizers Audrey Champion and Mleeka Frank.
DeKalb students invited to PSA contest on stopping teen dating violence
DeKalb County Solicitor General Donna Coleman-Stribling is partnering with Cinderella’s Gowns, The Men’s Wearhouse and Day League (formerly DeKalb Rape Crisis Center) to sponsor the 2017 Stop Teen Dating Violence PSA Contest. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and DeKalb County high school seniors and juniors are invited to create a 1-minute video promoting healthy teen dating practices that prevent dating violence. The video should highlight positive characteristics such as honesty, compromise, good communication, individuality, understanding and problem solving.
Making Strides for Education 5K run set Feb. 25 The 7th annual Run RCA Strides for Education 5K/1-Mile Run will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. noon. Register at www.tinyurl.com/ RunRCA2017. The run helps RCA students participate in career pathway-related competitions. It also gives RCA students the opportunity to practice in the real world the lessons they’ve learned in the classroom. Registration can be done at active.com or www.tinyurl.com/RunRCA2017 or on race day. Individual registration is $25 and participants receive a specially designed long-sleeve T-shirt; without the T-shirt registration is $20. Awards will be given to the top finishers in the categories of Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female, top three per age group Male/Female from ages 10 to 75-plus. For more on RCA, call 770-3885677 or go to rockdalecareeracademy. org
The student producing the winning PSA will receive a Prom Prize Package including dinner for two, limo service for the evening, and a prom dress or tuxedo as well as an outfit for the winner’s date. “It’s one thing for adults to stand in front of students and tell them how to act when they’re dating,” DeKalb Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling said. “It’s quite another when the good example is being set by their peers. We’ve got lots of bright, talented kids in DeKalb who are all about doing the right thing. This is an opportunity for them to make a difference using their smarts and creativity.”
The winning video will be broadcast by CW Atlanta and will be distributed to schools throughout DeKalb County to play at each prom. Entries will be accepted from Feb. 13 through March 4 at the “Recent News” page of www. dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org. For questions, email solicitorPSAcontest@dekalbcountyga.gov. The Office of the DeKalb Solicitor-General encourages any teen who is aware of or experiencing teen dating violence to contact www.loveisrespect. org, call the Hotline at 1-866-331-9474 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522 for assistance.
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FEBRUARY 18, 2017 • PAGE 7
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RESTAURANTS Front L-R: Dotti Bala, president of the Rotary Club of Conyers; Manuel Omar Tapia; Andrew Bonar; Martin Augustine Murphy; Poev Prat (Smith Meach’s mother); and Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson. Back L-R: Earl Wise, Senior Vice President Bank of North Georgia; Andy Smith, Rotary Club of Rockdale; Monique Brown; Dr. Chuck Garner; Tiffany Jones; Margie Talevski and Rockdale Schools Superintendent Richard Autry.
Rockdale STAR students honored
Andrew Markham Bonar, a senior at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, has been named Rockdale County’s top 2017 STAR student, earning the highest SAT and ACT scores in the school district. Rockdale Public Schools Superintendent Richard Autry made the announcement and congratulated Bomar during a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Conyers and Bank of North Georgia. Bomar selected his math teacher, Dr. Chuck Garner, as his STAR teacher. Bomar said Garner, whom he met through the school’s Math Team, inspired and pushed him to excel. He said Garner Photo of 2017 District Winner Andrew Markham Bonar and Dr. Chuck Garner of Rockdale Magnet School for Science taught him calculus for the and Technology Photos by Glenn L. Morgan past two years. “He’s helped me with learning a lot more about math than I would have otherwise and making sure that I actually work on these things,” said Bomar, who said he plans to pursue a college degree in programming and computer science. Each year, the Rotary Club of Conyers honors seniors from Rockdale’s four high schools, along with teachers who have inspired them, for the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program (STAR). The students are selected based on their SAT scores and overall academic performance. Bomar had perfect scores on both, the SAT and ACT, Autry said. Awards also were presented to the STAR students at Rockdale’s other three high schools during the Feb. 16 luncheon: Manuel Omar Tapia, was named the STAR student at Salem High School. Tapia selected Mrs. Monique Brown as his STAR teacher. Smith Meach was named Heritage High’s STAR student. Meach, who is in the dual enrollment program and is taking classes at Middle Georgia State University, could not attend the luncheon because of his class schedule, officials said. Meach selected Margie Talevski as his STAR teacher. Martin Augustine Murphy was named Rockdale County High School’s STAR student. Murphy chose Mrs. Tiffany Jones as his STAR teacher. Earl Wise, senior Vice President of Bank of North Georgia, and Leslie Welch, also of the Bank of North Georgia, presented the awards. Wise said the bank was pleased to partner with the Rotary Club and serve as a longtime sponsor the STAR program. Dottie Bala, president of the Rotary Club of Conyers and Andy Smith, Rotary Club of Rockdale and Ruth Wilson, Rockdale Clerk of Courts and youth services chair for the Rotary Club of Conyers, also congratulated the students. Wilson had the room decorated in colorful balloons in honor of the students and encouraged them and their families to take them home. For more on the story, watch the video of Andrew Bomar on the On Common Ground News (Official) Facebook page. More pictures of the honorees also are posted there and at www.ocgnews.com.
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PAGE 8•FEBRUARY 18,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM YETI coolers continued from page 1
provided but the fact that the coolers are being made in America. “I love it that we can display the American flag. It’s just the kind of economic development that DeKalb and America needs,” Jones said. Carlos Garrido, supply chain director for California Innovations, said he, too, is pleased that Wal-Mart has agreed to partner with his company to manufacture Yeti coolers in the U.S. “I think it says a lot that Wal-Mart is selling them,” said Garrido. Garrido said his company expects to go “full tilt” in May, just ahead of the spring sporting season. He said the work crews, comprised of both men and women, are expected to begin producing over 25,000 coolers per week for Walmart. Three sizes of the Yeti coolers will be manufactured, along with accessories. Each cooler is built to last, strong enough to withstand the force of a Grizzly bear, officials said. Sarah Carter, is director of human resources and can be reached at sara. carter@ca-innovations.com or 426-590-7700, ext. 249. For more on the story, visit On Common Ground News (Official) Facebook page. GPTC continued from page 1
support services and flexibility in program design • Immediate higher earning potential • Long-term, consistent employment stemming from an education that stresses flexible, adaptive thinking and skill development
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Rockdale Chairman Nesbitt seeks nominees for Unsung Hero Award
Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. is seeking nominations to honor the dedicated, hardworking and often unnoticed Rockdale citizens with the new Unsung Hero Award at his inaugural 2017 State of the County Evening Address on Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m., at the Rockdale County Auditorium. Nominees should be residents who work in the community behind the scenes or out of the limelight, seeking no accolades for their work and volunteer efforts. The other eligibility requirements include: 1. Nominees can be of any age. 2. Must be a current citizen of Rockdale County. 3. Nominations must be submitted by another person. A person cannot nominate themselves. Nominations cannot be submitted anonymously. 4. Nominees will be evaluated on their volunteer work in 2016. 5. Nominations will only be accepted through the nomination form on the County website or by form in person by the submission deadline of Monday, Feb. 27, 5 p.m. Citizens can nominate members of the community at www.rockdalecountyga.gov/unsung_hero_award. Hard copy forms can be found at the front desk of the Administrative Services Building and returned at 958 Milstead Ave., Conyers, 30012, addressed to Community Affairs and Innovative Programs. For more information, call 770-278-7050 or e-mail caip23@rockdalecountyga.gov
Rockdale NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet set March 18 The Rockdale branch of the NAACP will host its annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, March 18, 6 p.m., at the Georgia International Horse Park Carriage Room, in Conyers. The event will feature artist Irene Banks. Advance tickets for adults are $50 and $60 at the door. Tickets are $20 for children 12 and under. For more information, call 770-374-4445.
Rep. Michele Henson to present Eggs & Issues State Rep. Michele Henson (D- Stone Mountain) will host “Eggs & Issues: A Community Forum” on Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 – 10:30 a.m., at St. Timothy UMC Church, 5365 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain. The event will with feature guest speaker, Larry Pellegrini, executive director of Georgia Rural Urban Summit and community activist, who will share advice on how to best advocate for themselves. Henson will provide updates on the major events of the 2017 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly so far and give attendees the opportunity to discuss their ideas, concerns and Breakfast and coffee will be provided for those in attendance.
AKA’s “Pink Boots on the Ground” Day set Feb. 20 at State Capitol State Representatives Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) and Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) will host members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for “Pink Boots on the Ground” Day at the State Capitol on Monday, Feb. 20. “It is always an honor to welcome and join my sorority sisters and other like-minded people at the State Capitol each year for Alpha Kappa Alpha Day,” said Rep. Bennett. “I am especially looking forward to hosting this year’s event to bring together these women and discuss the issues that are most important to our families and our communities.” “Pink Boots on the Ground” Day will bring together over 200 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority under the Georgia Capitol’s Gold Dome to highlight and discuss issues that are important to constituents with elected officials. The event will stress the importance of organizing and participating in the political process. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by black women and was founded on Jan. 15, 1908, at Howard University. Led by International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, the organization connects thousands of college-trained women who give of themselves to support community service projects and scholarship programs. With a membership of over 265,000 women, the sorority has more than 986 chapters in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea and Africa.
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Rockdale resident named county’s communications director
Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. has named Jorge Lopez, formerly Director of Public Affairs for Unico Communications, as the county’s new Director of Community Affairs and Innovative Programming. The Board of Commissioners confirmed Nesbitt’s selection of Lopez at its Feb. 14 meeting. Lopez began his duties on Feb. 15. “Mr. Lopez’s experience in television, mass media, and public affairs makes him a perfect fit to help move Rockdale forward and reach new potential,” Nesbitt said. “In addition, Mr. Lopez will help coordinate the relationships with economic development inJorge Lopez vestors and partners, partner with local media to help shed light on what Rockdale offers, and help expand and re-develop Rockdale 23 Community Access Channel. Mr. Lopez is full of energy and anxious to hit the ground running.” Lopez, 30, led Nesbitt’s campaign through a crowded field of primary opponents, the primary run-off, and the general election. As Director of Community Affairs and Innovative Programming, Lopez will oversee the county’s communications and branding efforts, major event planning, crisis communications, the website, media relations, all social media pages, and government access channel Rockdale 23. Lopez said he plans to use his journalism and public affairs background to help Rockdale show the world what it has to offer. “Rockdale County each day grows in its potential in becoming the best suburb to Atlanta. I believe there is no better geographically located county in Georgia than Rockdale. The access to I-20 not only makes it easy and quick to get to Atlanta and the airport, but it’s also a middle point for three major research universities and two of Georgia’s largest-populated cities. These incentives and more, along with a growing quality of life, make Rockdale the place to be,” Lopez said. “I was raised in Conyers, and this is personal to me. This is the opportunity for me to give back to Rockdale after all it’s given me throughout the years. I will not disappoint my community.” Lopez is a University of Georgia graduate with a B.S. degree in Digital and Broadcast Journalism and minor in Religion. Lopez began his career with NBC in Atlanta and worked at CBS in Augusta as a City Government reporter. He is the Public Affairs Director for Unico Communications, a consulting firm serving diverse clients in multiple states. Lopez also served as a public affairs consultant for America’s largest energy infrastructure company in North America, Kinder Morgan, Inc., on a $1 billon expansion project.
Love at the Courthouse
CONYERS-- Valentine’s Day was just a little sweeter for about a dozen couples who said “I do” in Rockdale on the most romantic holiday of the year. Rockdale County Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten performed several Valentine’s Day weddings in her Chambers. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Judge Aten sponsored a wedding cake for the couples and their guests. This year, the local Starbucks chipped in complimentary coffee to accompany the cake.
PAGE 10•FEBRUARY 18,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Under and by virtue of certain tax Fi.Fa.’s issued by the Tax Commissioner of Rockdale County, Georgia, in favor of the State of Georgia and County of Rockdale against the following named persons and the property as described immediately beside their respective name(s). There will be sold for cash or certified funds at public outcry, before the Courthouse door in Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia, between the legal hours of sale, on the first Tuesday in March, the same being March 7, 2017. The below listed and described properties, or as much thereof as will satisfy the State and County tax execution on the respective individual and property will be sold between the legal hours of sale, 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This is a buyer beware sale and all property will be sold as is. The Tax Commissioner makes no warranty, neither expressed nor implied, as to title, and all properties are subject to all recorded covenants, easements, and right of ways. Properties are sold under the power of a tax sale deed with specific rights of redemption. Each defendant and tenant in possession, if applicable, has been notified of levy time and place of sale. Purchaser shall pay for title, all transfer cost, all taxes, advertising cost and recording fees. Pursuant to Georgia Law, payment will be required within one (1) hour of the completion of the tax sale. In the event a bid is not properly paid, the property may be re-offered at 2:00 PM on the day of the sale, or the following day that being March 8, 2017.
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