Ocg 05 20 16

VOLUME 22 NUMBER 7

FREE

MAY 21,2016

Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews

Gang boss indicted for ordering baby’s murder from prison

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Kenneth Eric Jackson

he head of a Georgia gang has been charged with ordering a retaliation hit from prison that killed a 9-month-old boy in DeKalb County.

The baby’s mother, grandmother and a family friend were all shot and wounded in their home as they tried to protect little KenDarious Edwards, Jr. The three women survived, but the child was killed.

DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James said Kenneth Eric Jackson, the head of the Sex Money Murder

Bloods in Georgia, used a contraband mobile phone while incarcerated at Autry State Prison to order the hit. The murder was in retaliation for the death of another gang member who was allegedly killed by Oslushsla Smith, the child’s uncle.

“This was a ruthless act ordered by a gang leader looking to spread fear and intimidation,” James said in a statement. “We are in a war with gangs in DeKalb County, and too many innocent people are being hurt. This is not your county. Get out or face the consequences.”

Jackson, known as “KG the God,” was indicted on murder and gang charges for his part in the May 10, 2014 shooting death of the baby.

Two alleged gunmen—Marco Watson and Christopher Florence—also were charged with murder and other gang charges, according to the indictment.

Authorities said Watson and Flor-

ence forced their way into the victims’ home on To Lani Farm Road in Stone Mountain. The three women ran into an upstairs bathroom with the baby, but the gunmen kicked in the door and fired multiple times, killing the infant.

Jackson was communicating at the time of the shooting with Sex Money Murder’s national second-in-command, Robinson Lazala, who was incarcerated with the head of the set, Peter Rollock, in U.S. Federal Penitentiary “Supermax” in Florence, Colorado.

In addiction to gang boss Jackson, Watson, and Florence, Devin Thomas was named as a co-conspirator and mid-level ranking member of Sex Money Murder. Thomas pleaded guilty to murder and is serving life plus 20 years in prison.

Oslushsla Smith was convicted of malice murder and felony murder, among other charges. He was sentenced to life plus 40 years.

DeKalb’s partnership with Boys & Girls Club summer camp raises concerns in community

DeKalb ICEO Lee May answers questions about the county’s pilot program with the Boys & Girls Club during a community meeting. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

One of the chief concerns expressed at the meeting was the payment required up front by the Boys & Girls Club. The eKalb County won’t be operating its summer club requires that its $415 fee be paid ahead of the nine-week program this year at the Redan Recreation Center, program, while the county typically allows weekly payments 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia. Instead, the Boys & and permits parents to pay for only the weeks they use.

Girls Club will run the summer program for children.

Parents also were concerned about a discrepancy in pay County officials held an emergency meeting on May for some parents. Parents whose children were already mem16 to discuss the program with community residents after bers of the Boys and Girls Club will have an advantage over DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson said she rethose who are not members. Boys and Girls Club members ceived several questions from constituents. Johnson said she will only have to pay $150 for the summer program, although held the meeting so residents could get clarity. members must also meet other attendance eligibility requireDeKalb Interim CEO Lee May, who spoke at the meeting ments. at Johnson’s request, told the crowd of residents who attended “I know for a lot of parents, paying the money up front that the county is expanding a pilot agreement with the Boys may pose a hardship. It’s something we’re trying to work & Girls Club, which had run an after-school program at the through,” said May. recreation center during the school year. The Boys & Girls Johnson encouraged parents to contact her office for Club pays no lease for running the pilot program at the center, questions and concerns. Her office can be reached at 404May said.

289-2244 “We just felt that the Boys & Girls Club could provide The Boys & Girls Club offers some scholarships and more programming and educational classes. Over the years, wants to work with families and serve the community, reprethe county has faced cutbacks in our budget for recreation and sentatives who were on hand said. The club plans to serve as this was a way to address those issues,” May said. many children as possible, they said.

D

By Valerie J. Morgan

Guinness World Record ASO bass player Jane Little passes

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ith great sadness, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra shares news of the passing of one of its original performers, Jane Little, 87, who lost consciousness on stage during a performance on Sunday, May 15, 2016.

Little collapsed during an encore performance of “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Though emergency responders and a medically-trained chorus member briefly revived Little, she was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where she later died.

Little was Assistant Principal Bass Emeritus in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She celebrated her 87th birthday on Feb. 2 and on Feb. 4, she performed with the Orchestra, marking 71 years to the day of her first concert held on Feb. 4, 1945, securing the Guinness World Record for longest professional tenure with a single orchestra. The Orchestra’s application for Jane Little’s record is under review pending final approval.

Little started her musical career in 1945 as a founding member of the original Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra, the forerunner of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She joined after two years of studying bass in high school and has since played under all four of the Orchestra’s music directors, Henry Sopkin, Robert Shaw, Yoel Levi and Robert Spano, as well as guest conductors including Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, Pierre Monteux, Leopold Stokowski, Sir John Barbirolli and James Levine, among others.

The double bass is the orchestra’s largest instrument. Wrapping one’s hands around a bass requires a great See ASO, page 18

PAGE 2 •MAY 21, 2016

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MAY 21,2016 • PAGE 3

Conyers resident places first in worldwide FitBit competition

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ust call Julius Lee the FitBit King.

It has been three years since Lee met his goal of climbing Stone Mountain 20 times in one day, a feat that took him nearly all day and years of climbing to achieve.

In April, the Conyers resident set a new record landing him first place in the Top 500 FitBit World Rankings, a monthly competition where FitBit wearers compete with one another in several categories of distance such as steps, floors and miles.

The Detroit native said that he purchased a FitBit for himself and his wife as Christmas gifts after Delicia Nwadike, a friend and regular climber at Stone Mountain, told him about the FitBit wristband.

“I was motivated by the thought, ‘How does what I’m doing compare in the world?’” said Lee. Lee, who is 70 years old, is among thousands who have joined the latest fitness craze: FitBit – a wearable tracking device that fuses health and technology to help users become more active, exercise more, sleep better, eat smarter and manage their weight. The hi-tech watch tracks steps, distance, calories burned, food eaten and even records sleep patterns.

A month after purchasing his FitBit, Lee joined two online FitBit leagues –70’s & Steady and 65 and Fit. After

becoming a top leader in both groups Lee got excited.

“That did it, I was hooked! I did a search and found another league, Top 500 of April – FitBit World Rankings. The old competitive spirit got the best of me so I joined,” said Lee. Already seven days into the competition, Lee joined the April challenge and quickly surpassed his FitBit peers, many of whom work out seven days a week.

“I do a minimum of six trips up and down the mountain which totals out to 18 miles a day, five times a week.”

Lee said he takes two days off to attend his weekly Kiwanis Club meeting on Tuesday and church on Sunday.

“During the last three days of the competition, there was one person who goes by the username PuPo who was within two “floors” from catching me, so I increased my trips up the mountain,” Lee said.

On Friday, April 29, Lee climbed Stone Mountain 10 times hoping to stay ahead for the duration of the challenge.

That’s 53,706 steps, 490 floors (each floor represents 10 feet), 30.66 miles and 9,253 calories burned in one day.

On Sunday morning before going to service at Ray of Hope Christian Church in DeKalb County, Lee learned after

Julius Lee checking online that he had won first place in the Top 500 FitBit World Rankings April competition “floors” category.

“This was something I always dreamed of — being world class in something. I had no idea Stone Mountain would be that instrument. It was only through God’s power, grace and love for me that He gave me this goal-setting inspiration allowing me to push myself and

receive such an awesome gift of accomplishment,” said Lee. Lee, who will be 71 in a few weeks, said he will give his body time to recuperate but plans to compete again.

“My main motivation is to do the best I can and be an inspiration to others. I get joy when I hear people say you have motivated me and inspired me.

Free summer concert series at Olde Town Pavilion to kick off May

This summer, you can enjoy free music outdoors at the Olde Town Conyers Pavilion on select Fridays.

The Conyers Visitor Center and Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts are presenting the first ever “Lunch on the Lawn” music series every fourth Friday from May to August. The free concerts will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Old Town Pavillion, 949 S. Main Street, Conyers.

Olde Town event coordinator Sandy Fowler Fowler said the series is an opportunity to promote Historic Olde Town, bring the community together and utilize the beautiful pavilion.

“We have such a huge audience be-

tween the courthouse, school and hospital. I sit in my office and watch the professionals walk to eat and I thought ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we could have a big coming together at the end of the month with live music and food?’” said Fowler.

With the help of the Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts, two local acts have been selected for May and Junes. Acoustic guitar duo, Benson & Leinweber, is scheduled to perform May 27. Benson is actually the Rev. Dave Benson of Conyers First Methodist Church in Olde Town.

Lead vocalist of the A1A Band, Jeff Pike, will perform June 24. Other

acts will be announced as they become available.

Fowler said she believes the series will be a success and looks forward to continuing and expanding the program next year.

Attendees can bring their own lunch or enjoy a boxed lunch from local food vendors. Participating restaurants include The Sandwich Factory, Celtic Tavern, Creamberry’s, Beasley’s Drugs, Whistle Post Tavern, Awake Coffee and the Olde Town Bistro.

For more information, visit www.conyersga.com/visitors/convention -and-visitors-bureau or call (770) 602-2606.

PAGE 4•MAY 21,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Decatur Library hosts teen vacation reading program kick-off party

Coming Up

The Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, wants teens to “Get in the Game” on May 21, 2 to 4 p.m. The Teen Advisory Board is kicking off the summer with games, food and fun. Enter a drawing for a Six Flags season pass. For more information, call 404-370-3070.

GWINNETT

Learn the importance of companion planting

Celebrate music and culture at Caribbean Carnival

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here will be a street parade and festival village showcasing artists from all over the Caribbean on May 28, 12 to 3 p.m., at the historic Fourth Ward Park, 262 Casson Street, NE, Atlanta. The Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association is sponsoring the event and invites the community to come out and enjoy the festivities.

For more information, call 404-519-6120 or visit www.atlantacarnival.org.

Atlanta

27th Annual Malcolm X Festival set Enjoy the 27th Annual Malcolm X Festival on May 21-22, noon to 8 p.m., at the West End Park, 1111 Oak Street, S.W., Atlanta.

The cultural celebration honoring the slain human rights leader promotes unity and diversity and will feature a host of activities including speeches, solidarity and spiritual affirmations, and musical performances. Vendors will have cultural artifacts, paintings, sculpture, carvings, jewelry, literature, clothing, crafts, food and much. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.malcolmxfestival.com or call 404-2886075.

Sign language class for children Registration is under way for a children’s sign language class. The Atlanta Fulton County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta is offering a class for ages 5 to 12, on May 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Children will learn the basics of sign language. The class will be held in the Children’s Department.

For more information, call 404-730-1700.

“On your mark, get set...read! Summer reading kick-off Join the Atlanta Fulton County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, for the Summer Reading Kick-off on June 1, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Enjoy performances, face-painting, and learn how to sign up for the summer program. All ages. Registration required. Cost: Free.

For more information, call 404-730-1700.

DeKalb

How to maintain good health while fasting Get ready for Ramadan on May 21,10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston.

Certified health coach Laila Qadira Yamini will help prepare you for a healthy Ramadan and good health throughout the year with tips about nutrition, exercise, sleep and other factors.

For more information, call 404-508-7175.

Learn about companion planting on May 23, 12 to 1 p.m. , ass will be held in the second-floor conference room of the Gwinnett County Government Annex Building, 750 South Perry St. #400, Lawrenceville. Companion plants are two or more types of plants that, when planted together, are beneficial to each other. Choosing the proper combination of plants will enhance the quality of your garden plants and reduce pest problems.

There is no charge, but register by May 20. To register, contact Timothy Daly at 678-377-4011 or timothy.daly@gwinnettcounty.com.

Get active at Pinckneyville Park Join Dez White from Good Measure Meals and get active outdoors this summer. White will lead participants through a series of body weight exercises on May 28, 9 to 10 a.m., at Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross. White will also and talk about stretching, nutrition and more.

Bring water, towel and tennis shoes. Pre-register today with code PVP37514 by calling 770-822-8869.

Memorial Day ceremony to honor Gwinnett military heroes On May 30, 1 p.m., at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, the county’s military heroes and public service personnel will be honored.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and honor guard units from Gwinnett County Corrections, Fire and Emergency Services, Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, and the Lawrenceville Police Department will take part in this event.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettfallenheroes.

ROCKDALE

Walk of Heroes Memorial Day program to honor military veterans The Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial will host its annual Memorial Day program on May 30, 11 a.m. to noon, at the memorial park, 3001 Black Shoals Road, Conyers.

The keynote speaker will be James Blaylock, Viet Nam War combat wounded marine and past state and national commander Military Order of the Purple Heart.

There will be an afternoon program that will include a patriotic concert performed by Rejoys from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. Also, certificates of honor will be presented during the afternoon program to Viet Nam war veterans who served from June 1, 1954 to May 15, 1975.

The community is invited to attend the morning and afternoon programs. Anyone who plans to attend should contact 770-786-2302 and leave a message as to how many are in your party and if the party will attend the morning or afternoon or both programs. A head count is needed to provide an adequate supply of bottled water.

—Coming Up is compiled by Empish Thomas—

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.

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DeKalb’s Junior Deputy Sheriff’s Camp to teach leadership, gang resistance

Good citizenship is only one of the outcomes DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann is expecting from the young people who participate in the 2016 Junior Deputy Summer Camp program. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit will host the camp June 20 through July 1 at the Army National Guard Armory in Decatur.

The two-week is open to boys and girls ages 8 through 16. Applications are available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Sheriff’s Office Administrative Lobby, 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. The deadline for applications is noon on Friday, June 10.

The program fee is $65 per week and included in the curriculum are field trips and tours of the jail and county courtrooms. Speakers will address leadership skill-building, positive attitudes, staying in school and graduating, preventing bullying, internet and social media safety, resisting gang involvement, and abstaining from crime and violence.

“Graduates of the Junior Deputy Summer Camp will have an enjoyable experience with our reservists and other professionals, while they learn respect, responsibility, and the importance of making good life choices,” said Sheriff Mann.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Reserve Unit includes some 60 retired officers who provide volunteer services to the Sheriff’s Office and the community.

MAY 7, 2016 • PAGE 5

Rep. Johnson Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Alma Mater Clark ATL

Rep. Johnson (GA-04) receives an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from his alma mater Clark Atlanta University. From left: Bettye Clark, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rep. Johnson, and CAU President Ronald Johnson.

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ongressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from his alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, during the university’s 27th Commencement on May 16.

Johnson graduated from then Clark College in 1976 with a degree in Political Science. He went on to Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas, for his law degree in 1979. This is his first honorary degree.

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sher“This is one of the highlights of my professional and public life,” said ry Boston is commemorating Older AmerJohnson, a former defense attorney, judge and county commissioner. Johnicans Month with her annual “Safety in son has served in Congress representing Georgia’s Fourth Congressional Numbers” Senior Bingo luncheon.

District since 2007.

Seniors were treated to Bingo, prizes “To be honored this way by my alma mater is a feeling I will not soon and lunch on May 20 at the Manuel Maloof forget, and reaffirms that I have a duty to continue serving the people of Auditorium in Decatur. Boston and memGeorgia in Washington in a way that pursues justice, equality and fairness bers of her Special Victims Unit presented for all people.” information about elder abuse and senior CAU President Ronald Johnson (no relation) said Rep. Johnson’s “consafety. Event partner AARP provided tips tributions to the state of Georgia, and general service to the Congress of the Sherry Boston and information about financial fraud.

United States of America, to learning, and to humanity, coupled with intel“Elder abuse is a serious issue impacting millions of people each lectual gifts and moral qualities” were the underpinnings of why Johnson year. Many victims live in fear, neglect and pain and don’t know where received the honorary doctorate. to turn for help,” said Boston. “While we are excited about playing Rep. Johnson was joined for the ceremony by his wife, DeKalb County Bingo and having fun with our seniors, we are equally as excited about Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, his mother Christine Callier, a 1950 having an opportunity to educate and empower them with resources Clark graduate, and his sister-in-law Jacqueline Davis. that could positively impact their quality of life, and/or, save it.”

According to national statistics, approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and over have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some • Free Consultation estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abused each year.

By contrast, the number of elder abuse cases that are reported to au• Low Monthly Payments thorities remains relatively low. Approximately 50 misdemeanor elder Starting at $89 abuse cases are reported to the DeKalb County Solicitor’s Office each • Metal and Clear Braces year, but investigators suspect there may be many more. Warning signs for elder abuse include frequent unexplained injuries, fear of a family for Children & Adults member or caregiver and/or social isolation.

• Invisalign Certified Boston has held a series of Bingo sessions at senior centers • Saturday Appointments throughout DeKalb County this month to raise awareness about elder Available Upon Request abuse. She hopes the events will reach more seniors, particularly those who might be victims in need of help.

This year’s Safety in Numbers Bingo luncheon was co-sponsored

by Morgan & Morgan Atlanta.

For more information about elder abuse, contact the National Center on Elder Abuse at 1-800-677-1116 or visit www.ncea.aoa.gov.

8200 Mall Parkway, Suite B 200, Lithonia, GA 30038 Dr. Jamal A. Duval,

DeKalb Solicitor-General celebrates Older Americans Month with annual Bingo luncheon

Braces for Children & Adults

770-482-7400 M-F 8:30am to 5:30 • www.Lithoniabraces.com

DDS, MS

Summer Food Service Program is available to children throughout the state The federally-funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will again be available to children 18 and under from low income families through several sites statewide.. .

Over one million of Georgia’s schoolaged children are eligible for free or reduced lunch when school is in session. The summer food program provides free meals in low-income areas during the summer months when students are out of school and may not have access to well-balanced meals.

To locate a site where children can access

nutritious, free meals, visit the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) at http://www.decal.ga.gov/Nutrition/ Search.aspx. Use the search function (zip code or county) to find a list of local facilities open to the public and sponsors, addresses, maps, contact names, and phone numbers.

Additionally, sites can be located by calling 1-855-550-SFSP (7377) or by texting “FOODGA” to 877-877 (standard messaging and data rates apply).

Persons with disabilities who require

alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

PAGE 6 •MAY 21, 2016

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Saluting Our Students and Teachers

Three Lithonia students receive scholarships from Thornton Memorial Fund

Tije Wilkins

T

Donavon Ellison

hree Lihonia students have been awarded scholarships from the James L. Thornton Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarships are awarded in memory of James L. Thornton who was a 2002 rising senior at Lithonia High School. Thornton was a passenger who was killed in an automobile accident in August 2002. The scholarship was set up in his memory by his parents, Lovell & Ora, with hopes that teens might think more about safety, teen’s lives might be saved and also as a way of helping others to pursue their post sec-

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ockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is proud to announce two seniors, Michaela Finlayson of Heritage High School and Rajuan Nelson of Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, were recently named Gates Millennium Scholars.

They are among 1,000 scholars chosen this year out of 53,000 applicants in the rigorous scholarship program, which fully funds outstanding students from low-income families pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at accredited colleges or universities.

Both are in the top 10 academically in their class and have also won the RCPS Superintendent’s Academic Award for the past several years.

Nelson grew up in

Kiya Stanford

ondary education.

The recipients of this year’s awards are 1st place winner, Tije Wilkins ($2,516), Arabia Mountain High School; 2nd place winner Donavon Ellison ($1,816), Lithonia High School; and 3rd place winner Kiya Stanford ($1,316), Arabia Mountain High School.

This year is the first time in the 14 years of this award that students from other Lithonia area high schools were eligible for the scholarship.

In addition to Lithonia High School, students from Arabia Mountain, Miller Grove and Martin

Luther King Jr. high schools could participate.

The students were required to write an essay on safety, have at least a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing. If the student possesses a driver’s license they must not have had any moving violations in the past 12 months. The student must attend an accredited institution of higher education.

The goal each year is to award at least three scholarships. This year’s recipients bring the total number of scholarships awarded to 36 over the past 14 years.

RCPS seniors named Gates Millennium Conyers, attending Flat Shoals Elementary, Memorial Middle School, and now Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology. He will be attending the University of Southern California this fall and plans to study environmental engineering.

When he heard he was named a Gates Millennium Scholar, he said he and his mother began screaming and jumping in the air. His first thoughts? “This is huge! My hard work paid off.”

Finlayson was born in Arizona and lived in California before moving to Stone Mountain, Ga. She moved to Conyers and began attending Heritage High in her sophomore year. She plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in chemistry. Her goal is to

become a pharmacist.

Finlayson told her school newspaper, The Sentinel, she was still in shock.

“I still think that winning the scholarship hasn’t quite hit me yet,” she said. “I am extremely grateful for what I have received, and very happy that my parents don’t have to pay for college. But I don’t think the full force of it has hit me yet.”

She was first exposed to the scholarship freshman year when she saw another student win. She made up her mind that she, too, would one day become a Gates Millennium Scholar.

The $1.6 billion Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African

Michaela Finlayson

American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students from low-income families with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose.

Continuing Gates Scholars may request funding for a

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Rajuan Nelson

graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science. This year’s cohort is the final cohort of the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, which has named 20,000 scholars since 1999.

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MAY 7, 2016 • PAGE 7

DeKalb’s Columbia High gets new principal DeKalb Schools Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green has announced Dr. Derrica Boochee-Davis as the new principal of Columbia High School, effective July 1.

Boochee-Davis comes to DeKalb from Clayton County Schools where she is currently serving as an assistant principal. Boochee-Davis is a former employee of DeKalb, having served as an Instructional Coach at McNair High School, and Science Department Chair at Columbia High School.

Dr. Derrica Boochee-Davis “Dr. Boochee-Davis brings with her a wealth of knowledge and is a strong instructional leader who understands the importance of a laser focus on rigorous classroom instruction,” said Green.

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LITHONIA OPEN HOUSE & PUBLIC MEETING Hosted by Wendover Housing Partners

The City of Lithonia has partnered with Wendover Housing Partners, based in Florida, to bring the new development “Granite Crossing” to the Lithonia Plaza.

Come see the proposed plans for the 75-unit Family Apartment Community of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, including a community room, patio, splash pad, connections to the PATH walking & biking trail, a new bus shelter and bus lane.

The developer’s team will be present to explain the project and answer questions before the final plans are submitted to the City for approval.

We NEED your input and help to make sure the project will make Lithonia proud.

Please join us!

WHEN: Monday, May 25, 2016 WHERE: Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main Street TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 PM For more information, contact: Lithonia City Hall, 770-482-8136

DeKalb County School District 2016 High School Valedictorian(s) and Salutatorian(s) High School (HS)

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

Arabia Mountain HS Magnet

Adenike Olagbegi

Anton Turner

Arabia Mountain HS Resident

Quincey Wilson

Tije Wilkins

Cedar Grove HS

LaDe’Sha Jenkins

Chloe’ Lemons

Chamblee Charter HS Magnet

Aomeng Cui

Mati Alemayehu

Chamblee Charter HS Resident

Mutasem Shopon

Joseph Lee

Clarkston HS

Taejah Harper

Alice Cer Tin Mawi

Columbia HS Magnet

Shemar Little

Kiara Bell

Columbia HS Resident

Tamar Harrison

Cierston Atkins

Cross Keys HS

David Nguyen

Agnele Sewa

DeKalb Early College Academy

Aaliyah Stoudemire

Amira Daugherty

DeKalb School of the Arts HS

Christina Burgess

Nasreen Abd Elal

Druid Hills HS

Sarajane Crawford

Zoe Beato

Dunwoody High

Parul Rai

Caroline Kish

Martin Luther King, Jr. HS

Marissa Wilson

Mary Ragin

Lakeside HS

Rishi Chakraborty

Sri Bhat

Lithonia HS

Kamal Hughes

Dominique Jones

Ronald E. McNair HS

KaTerra Johnson

Taylor Welch

Miller Grove HS

Xavier Washington

Michayla Thomas

Redan HS

Kia Smith

Nekabari Ereba

Southwest DeKalb HS Magnet

Hannah Huff

Gabrielle Latimore

Southwest DeKalb HS Resident

Taylor Beard

Jayda Fareed

Stephenson HS

Jodi Robertson

Aurora Morton

Stone Mountain HS

Erin Terrell

Cung Nei Kim

Towers HS

Jennifer Luong

Stephanie McCrary

Tucker HS

Harris Jamal

Jonathan Beaver

Certified by the Division of Curriculum and Instruction on April 27, 2016

PAGE 8 •MAY 21, 2016

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Rockdale Youth Leadership celebrates 2016 graduation

ockdale Youth Leadership (RYL) recently celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2016 at Rockdale Career Academy with Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Richard Autry, Rockdale Sheriff Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and Senior VP at Bank of North Georgia.

The eight-month program, conducted by RCPS and the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, teaches sophomores about the Conyers-Rockdale community, develops leadership skills, and provides networking opportunities.

Pictured, left to right: (Back Row) Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett, RYL Advisor & RCPS Community

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and Student Support Coordinator Susan Paul Smith, Janiece Stewart, Kenecia Smith, JadeBrielle Singh, Alexis Hardy, Kiahra Mitchell,

Regina Sims, Tiaira Parker, Kendal Hill, Abigail George, Destani Stone, Olivia Tomlinson, Asiah McWhorter, Emily Wilcox, Heri-

tage High Asst. Principal Katrina Overstreet. (Middle Row) Haiden Thomas-Williams, Bank of North Georgia Senior VP/Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Chairman Earl Wise, Alexis Berry, Sonja Dessalines, Demetrious Sampson, Nathaniel Buck, Tredarius Lassiter, McKaila Faison, Cameron Bennett, Zachary Ransom, David Duncan.

(Front Row) Zaharia Selman, Tierra Howell, Tahira Summerlin, Yolana Thomas, Jordan Holmes, Sadica Murphy, Josiah Thompson, Madeline Burkey, RYL Advisor & RCPS Work Based Learning/Youth Apprentice Program Coordinator Tami Maddox. Not present: Ariel Alvarado and Jalissa Jackson.

RCA Sports Broadcast Institute wins top national honor

ockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is proud to announce the Sports Broadcast Institute at Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) was recently awarded the top national honor of Best Overall School Broadcast Program by the NFHS Network.

This competitive distinction is awarded to the school that best utilizes the NFHS Network to broadcast events. The school must excel in the number and diversity of live events, original programming, production quality and viewership on the NFHS Network, which has more than 1,700 schools participating in 49 states.

Pictured, left to right: RCA Assistant Principal Jill Oldham, RCA CEO Miki Edwards, RCA Sports NHFS Network executives Broadcast Institute Director Tom White, NFHS Network School Broadcast Program President Alan Powell, NFHS Network Vice President of Marketing Lauren Scherer, NFHS Network Acpresented the award to Sports count Manager Mike Zierolf, NFHS Network Territory Manager Matt Abramson.

Broadcast Institute Director Tom White in front of his seventh peri“This honor is a result of a lot of live basketball games, and games for od class at RCA on May 5th. very eager students ready and willing various sports each season, in addition “We get hundreds of nominations,” to take chances, challenge their comto prepackaged features, commercials, said NFHS Network School Broadcast fort zones, and most importantly, learn commentaries, special events, newsProgram President Alan Powell. “This through the experiences that only take casts and more. year, we’re really excited to award place by taking chances,” White said.

“I will never forget the looks on Rockdale Career Academy and Tom RCA was previously named an the students’ faces when I told them the White for Best Overall School BroadNFHS Network Elite school and a past plan for this year. Shock, awe, deprescasting Program.” finalist for Best Overall School Broadsion, fear, anxiety, and a couple of White beamed with pride as he casting Program.

This year, Sports excited, happy faces were what I saw. accepted the award on behalf of his Broadcast Institute students covered The idea of turning the classroom into students and RCA. more than 30 live football games, 180 a professional quality production house

was scary to most,” White later said.

“This award is for the students and their families, for the sacrifices that they have made.”

RCA seniors Ellie Thompson and Johnzel Smith said Sports Broadcast Institute classes drove home the importance of solving problems independently and time management – both crucial skills in the workplace.

“We have really hard deadlines,” said Thompson, “Especially when it’s midseason of basketball or football. It’s not just creating a project for no reason. It’s going to be aired somewhere, or we’re going to use it or it’s a graphic for something.”

Smith added, “I’m glad I took his class. It prepares you, not just for this area, but in whatever you want to do.

It prepares you to be independent.”

The Sports Broadcast Institute at RCA was launched in Fall 2015 as part of RCA’s Broadcast Video Production program to give students a real, relevant, and safe environment to experience production expectations and deadlines. Students work in four main areas in sports media production - live broadcasts, studio shows, commercial/ feature production, and marketing/ graphics production in two-week rotations.

RCPS honors outstanding Technology Teachers of the Year

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ockdale County Public Schools recognized educators who lead the way in using technology to unlock learning potential at the Outstanding Technology Teachers of the Year ceremony on April 27, 2016. One teacher in each school was honored for being an exceptional classroom teacher who utilizes technology in teaching and implements innovative lessons that promote creativity, collaboration, student achievement and higher level thinking. T The 2015-16 OTTs are: Shawnte’ Whigham (Alpha), Tammy Trail (BES), Olan Kidd

(C.J. Hicks Elementary), Stephen (EMS), Ashley Underwood Williams (CMS), Thomas Schie (FSE), Melanie Hooley (HHS),

LaDonna Denmark (HTE), Joshua Prentice (HCE), Tiffany Moore (J.H. House Elementary), Mackenze Hull (LES), Fabian Bowaman (MMS), Robin Anderson (PCE), Genifer Keener (PSE), Trenetta Wilcox (Program Challenge), Angie Cawley (DMS), Jesse Smith (RCA), Imani Bailey (RCHS), Andrea Allen (RMSST), Carol Brand (Open Campus), Lee Ann Patterson (SHS), Candice Hill (SCE), Patrice Chambers (SES).

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MAY 21,2016 • PAGE 9

Elections 2016 Your Voice Your Vote

Veterans group endorses DeKalb DA Robert James

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group of military veterans is endorsing DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James for re-election in the hotly contested race with Sherry Boston, who is currently DeKalb’s Solicitor General.

Retired Lt. Col. Amos King, who heads Justice for Veterans, says his group is throwing its support behind James because he has the experience for the job.

“We have to have someone in that job who has the experience of prosecuting felony cases. Ms. Boston doesn’t have any experience trying cases,” Amos King said King.

King said Boston, in her role as Solicitor General, has been responsible for misdemeanors and he believes DeKalb must have a seasoned District Attorney.

Boston, however, said during a forum that she has 17 years experience as a lawyer and she has been a defense lawyer handling felony cases across the state.

King, who led protests to bring attention to the Anthony Hill case, commended James for his work on the case. In January, a grand jury indicted a white police officer identified as Robert Olsen on felony murder charges in the shooting death of Hill, a 27-year-old veteran who was unarmed when he was killed.

Olsen responded to a 911 call and found Hill running around naked outside the apartment complex where he lived. Olsen said Hill, who was unarmed, lunged at him.

Hill, who served in the U.S. Air Force, developed PTSD bipolar disorder, after serving in Afghanistan.

Boston has touted receiving key endorsements including former DeKalb district attorneys, Bob Wilson and J. Thomas Morgan, and Congressman Hank Johnson, At a candidate forum held at Agnes Scott College, James touted his record. He said he has had 41 convictions over a three-year period. He said he is not concerned with Boston’s endorsements.

“I have never lost as DA…I have gotten a conviction every time I set foot in the courtroom, and you know what, I’m okay with J. Tom endorsing you, that’s not a big deal to me. But he couldn’t beat me in a courtroom, because he’s been on two of those cases,” James told Boston during the forum.

Boston endorsed by Andrew Young

Andrew Young

Sherry Boston

DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston received another key endorsement in her bid to become DeKalb County’s District Attorney: former U.S. Ambasssador and civil rights leader Andrew Young.

Boston said she was “humbled beyond words” to have received the endorsement. She called Young one of her heroes, “a national treasure.”

Young said he believes Boston will work tirelessly for all of DeKalb County.

“I learned a long time ago that justice is not a standalone ideal. It is comprised of discretion, wisdom, mercy, respect and fairness. I believe Sherry Boston will lead with the total interest of the total county at hear,” Young said in a statement. “She will work tirelessly towards the pursuit of equal justice for all, without a personal agenda. This is why I am endorsing Sherry Boston for District Attorney and I ask all of DeKalb to do the same.”

Young is the most recent high-profile leader to lend support to Boston.

Boston also has received endorsements from Congress Hank Johnson, Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, District Attorneys Bob Wilson and J. Tom Morgan and former Sheriff Thomas Brown.

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Beulah to host community forum to educate voters

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eulah Missionary Baptist Church will host a community forum on Saturday, May 21,10 a.m. to noon, in the church’s Fellowship Hall, 2340 Clifton Springs Road.

Helen Butler, executive director of Dr. Joseph Lowery’s Georgia Coalition for The People’s Agenda, will serve as the facilitator for the program.

Butler will lead discussions on the proposed Opportunity School District (OSD) bills SR287 and SB133, which will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Voter registration, voting rights, voter disenfranchisement and how these issues affect the community will also be discussed.

The OSD bills, if passed, will allow the state to take over more than 140 schools in the State of Georgia, with 25 of those schools being in DeKalb County. Opponents say If passed, the bills would adversely impact the community creating job loss, students being displaced and community deterioration. They are urging voters to view the YouTube video, “A Perfect Storm- New Orleans.”

Beulah, Pastor Black and the Beulah congregation are committed to our community. Beulah is committed to making sure our community is informed of facts in a clear, straightforward manner. Language that is used to deliberately confuse and disguise the truth will not be tolerated. This Community Forum is being held to get the facts to voters, in a clear and concise manner.

The Rev. Jerry D. Black, pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, urges residents to become informed on the issues.

“Information is key. This election year 2016 is critical, as they all have been. The outcome of the votes on issues before us is too critical, not to make every effort to be informed and thoroughly understand the importance, of our vote,” Black said. “Yes, we want to make sure every vote counts, and to quote President John F. Kennedy, “If not us who? If not now when?”

For more information, contact the church at 404-241-3307 or revmseals@beulahbaptist.org or Jo Handy-Sewell at handyjosephine@yahoo. com.

KATHIE GANNON LISTENING. RESPONDING.

DEKALB COUNTY COMMISSION SUPER DISTRICT 6 Vote May 24, Democratic Primary. www.KathieGannonListens.com

“I keep your voice at the table.”

Paid for by Kathie Gannon for Commission District 6.

Donna Coleman-Stribling has the experience and the commitment to help make neighborhoods safer and families more secure.

Donna Coleman-Stribling is ready to get to work for you: a lifelong connection to DeKalb County, extensive trial experience, day-to-day courtroom supervision and the balanced perspective of handling cases both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney prepare her for the job as your next DeKalb County Solicitor-General. As Deputy Chief Assistant DA, she oversaw more than 400 cases annually, supervised attorneys, investigators, and advocates, and has been active in the development of investigative protocols and served as a liaison for local law enforcement agencies. She can do this job for you.

Join us. Elect Donna. Vote in the Democratic Primary. With your vote, Donna can continue to work hard to protect your family.

Jeanine and Brandon McLean of Tucker Mereda Johnson, County Commissioner, 5th District Antoinette Beyah of Conley Roy Barnes, former Georgia Governor Gregory Levett, Gregory Levett and Sons Jamie Dukes, NFL player, sports analyst and author Rhani Lott of the City of Decatur Dr. Alda Underwood-Hall, dentist Dr. Rhoda Sharp of Stone Mountain Dr. Lonnie Edwards, retired School Superintendent Floyd and Virginia Reed of Gresham Park Steen Miles, retired news reporter, former State Senator

Robert and Mattie Atkins of South DeKalb Hank Johnson, Congressman, 10th District Rep. Billy Mitchell, State Representative Frank Bates, retired senior state executive Lawrence Sharp, businessman, realtor Deneta Sells of Druid Hills Liane Levitan, former DeKalb CEO Anna and Hal Davis of the City of Decatur Josephine Handy of Stone Mountain Cindy and Buddy Hull of Brookhaven Tony Scipio, retired Police Chief Lemuel and Rosa White of Ellenwood Melvin Mitchell of Lithonia

Donna is endorsed by The Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys and The Georgia Federation of Teachers, DeKalb County Branch.

Paid for by Donna Coleman-Stribling for Solicitor

Rep. Pam Stephenson, State Representative Mayor Pat Wheeler, Stone Mountain Rev. Walter Kimbrough, retired minister Eldrin Bell, former Chief of Police, APD Dionne McGee and Kevin McGee of East Atlanta Robert Wilson, former DeKalb District Attorney Kimberly Staten-Hayes of Stone Mountain Charles and Delores Johnson of Decatur Hank Stewart, poet and inspirational speaker Dr. Eugene Walker, Former State Senator

Janice and Robert Leslie of Ellenwood Bishop Wiley Jackson, Gospel Tabernacle Boykin Edwards, attorney Myrlin Earle of Dunwoody Darlene Jenkins of Avondale Estates Phillipa Ellis, attorney Moses Ector, retired police chief Gale Walldoff, former DeKalb Commissioner Jonathan Banes of Lithonia Beatrice Williams of Lithonia William Cook of Decatur, retired Harold Dunovant, retired Deputy Chief, APD Vickie Turner, DeKalb County School Board Dr. Tom Coleman, retired senior state executive

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MAY 7, 2016 • PAGE 11

DeKalb NAACP to host candidate forum May 21 DeKalb NAACP offering rides to the polls May 24

The DeKalb NAACP, 3015 South Rainbow Drive, Decatur, will host a candidate forum on Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The forums for CEO, District Attorney and Tax Commissioner candidates will be held 10 a.m. 11:40 a.m. Below are the candidates running for office: Chief Executive Officer Joe Bembry Connie Stokes Michael Thurmond District Attorney Sherry Boston Robert James (Incumbent) Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson Susannah Scott Stan Watson The forums for Sheriff, Board of Commissioners District 4 and District 6 will be held 11:50 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Sheriff Geraldine Champion Harold Dennis Ted Golden Kyle Jones Jeffrey Mann (Incumbent) Michael Williams District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton (Incumbent) Steve Bradshaw Lance Hammonds Willie Willis District 6 Kathie Gannon (Incumbent) Warren Mosby The NAACP non-partisan candidate forums are designed to empower communities by increasing awareness and participation in the full political process. We encourage the participation of everyone and seek to educate and inspire greater voter participation.

Rockdale Democratic Party to host candidate forum The Rockdale Democratic Party will have a candidate forum on Saturday, May 21, at 9 a.m., at the party’s headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Suite K. Candidates running for Chairman; Commissioner Post 1; Clerk of Superior Courts and Probate Judge

The NAACP DeKalb County Branch, 3011 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, is offering transportation to county residents who need a ride to the polls on Election Day, May 24, from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

For further details or to arrange transportation to your district polling precinct, please contact the DeKalb County NAACP Command Center at 404-241-8006.

Additional volunteers are needed to assist with providing rides to the polls. Interested parties are invited to call the number above to volunteer and provide what times they are available to help.

PAGE 12 •MAY 21, 2016

Elections 2016 Your Voice Your Vote

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degree of physical strength — something that Little, who was 4 feet, 11 inches tall did for more than seven decades.

An Atlanta native, Little attended the University of Georgia and studied for four years with the principal bass player of the Chicago Symphony. She was principal bass with the Theater of the Stars Orchestra for 15 years, and played extensively with regional ballet and opera companies, as well as in touring performances of the American Ballet Theatre, Covent Garden Ballet, and Boris Goldovsky Opera Theatre. Twenty years ago this July, Little performed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic opening and closing ceremonies with “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” composer/conductor John Williams.

For most of her career, Little performed using a rare Carlo Giuseppi Testore bass built in the year 1705.

In 1953, she met and married fellow Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musician and principal flute, Warren Little. They were inseparable until Warren’s death in 2002. Jane and Warren had no children. Ms. Little is survived by her nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

According to national and local media reports on her world record performance, Little was a fighter who overcame recent illnesses, including multiple myeloma, a form of cancer. She returned to the Orchestra in February after suffering a fall last year.

“Jane Little was an inspiration for many reasons: she was a woman who succeeded in a role traditionally reserved for men; she was a person of modest stature who played the biggest instrument in the orchestra; she was tenacious, miraculously fighting off multiple health challenges to tag her world record; and she was passionate, doing what she loved until the very end of her life,” said Jennifer Barlament, Executive Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

“Being a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra was deeply meaningful to her. To those of us who had the pleasure of knowing her, she was a loving, generous, modest, kind friend who was full of warmth, with a great sense of humor and style. She was an inspiration for everyone at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and for audiences who enjoyed her performances spanning seven decades. We will miss her greatly.”

DeKalb County kicks off 2016 Mobile Farmer’s Market season

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Financial icon Suzanne Shank to deliver GPTC commencement address

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uzanne Shank, chairwoman, CEO and co-founder of Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C., one of the nation’s top municipal bond underwriting firms, will be the 2016 spring commencement speaker at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

The ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m., will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard, NW, Atlanta. . The ceremony will be conducted in the Georgia Ballroom.

Shank is the first African-American feSuzanne Shank male to lead a publicly-traded financial institution, and is in high demand as a financial expert who is well-respected on Wall Street. As a founding partner of Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C., this native Georgian has watched the firm grow from a start-up organization to a major powerhouse. Her firm has completed over $2 trillion in municipal, corporate bond and equity transactions. Shank’s reputation as an industry leader has led to broadcast interviews on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Wall Street Week.

“We are delighted to have Suzanne Shank as this year’s commencement speaker,” said GPTC President Jabari Simama. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be inspirational to our students and guests. Ms. Shank is a trailblazer who is committed to giving back to the community, with a focus on students in particular,” he said. “We are pleased she has accepted Georgia Piedmont’s invitation to share her insights with our graduates.”

“I am honored to have been invited to serve as Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s 2016 Commencement Speaker,” said Shank. “I am impressed with the high standards and the quality of education the students receive at this institution. This student-centered college is preparing its graduates to succeed in a global economy. I commend the students, faculty and staff of Georgia Piedmont, and I look forward to joining them for this momentous occasion.”

As an advocate for education, Shank serves on the advisory board to the President at the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as the Graduate Board of Trustees for The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Shank holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech and an MBA from The Wharton School.

Doors open at 9 a.m. for the commencement program. The event is open to the public.

DeKalb Sheriff Mann honors jail volunteers

Spring is here, which means fresh fruits, vegetables and the Mobile Farmers Market. DeKalb County, along with DeKalb County Extension and the DeKalb County Board of Health, announce the kick-off of the 2016 Mobile Farmers Market season.

A festival-style event will kic -off the new Mobile Farmers Market season on Thursday, May 26, noon to 5 p.m., 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. Chefs will be on site providing food demonstrations and samples. All produce is 50 percent off during the event. BOOM 102.9 and Praise 102.5 will be broadcasting live with DJ Nabs and Veda Howard.

The DeKalb Board of Health is providing grant funding for the mobile market through the LEAD DeKalb Program. This program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) initiative. REACH promotes healthy eating and physical activity and helps improve health and reduce health disparities among DeKalb County residents.

Through a partnership of The University of Georgia, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County Extension offers lifelong learning opportunities to residents through unbiased, research-based education in horticulture, the environment, communities, youth and families.

For more information on the Mobile Farmers Market, visit DeKalbmobilemarket.com or call 404-298-4080.

DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann hosted an annual program on May 12,to honor some 80 volunteers who provide services to inmates of the DeKalb County Jail and their families.

“Our volunteers are chaplains from all faiths, counselors and educators who give unselfishly of their time and talents to help inmates cope with being incarcerated while they await their court dates,” said Mann. “We are truly fortunate to have them as members of our team because of the special services they provide and the cost-savings their participation represents for the Sheriff’s Office.”

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MAY 7, 2016 • PAGE 17

Rockdale Chairman Richard Oden receives 2016 ACCG Emory Greene Leadership Award

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he Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) has named Rockdale County Chairman Richard Oden the recipient of the 2016 Emory Greene Leadership Award.

Each year, ACCG presents leadership awards to recognize outstanding public service and leadership in county government. The Emory Greene Leadership Award is the highest honor a commissioner can receive from the ACCG’s awards program. Oden accepted the award this month at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center during the 2016 ACCG Annual Conference.

“ACCG is proud to present Chairman Oden with this year’s Emory Greene Leadership Award,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. “It is an honor to recognize his service to those of Rockdale County as well as the members of ACCG with this prestigious award.”

Oden has served as Chairman of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners since 2009. Under his leadership, the county secured a $2.7 million federal grant for the county’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program to redevelop foreclosed properties.

Ninety-nine percent of the recip-

ACCG President and Elbert County Chairman Tommy Lyon presents Rockdale County Chairman Richard A. Oden with the Emory Greene Leadership award. Photo by Greg Newington Photography.

ients in the program successfully maintained homeownership for three years.

Rockdale certification, awarded through the Atlanta Regional Commission. Rockdale, was one of five winners to earn the bronze level Green Communities Certification for its sustainability efforts. The county also was recognized for excellence in financial reporting from the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association.

Under Oden’s leadership, the

county also has fiber ready, thanks to an agreement with AT&T Fiber Ready; more than 40 percent of the county traffic signals has been retrofitted with LED lights; and the county’s Parks and Recreation Department has new software that allows visitors to make online reservations and payments for all county facilities and recreation programs.

“I’m truly appreciative of this award because it’s a result of a wide-reaching, collaborative effort from the County’s directors, deputy

directors, managers and our entire staff who believe in the Rockdale Government Operating Efficiency System known as R-GOES,” Oden said. “So I want to give accolades to them because they reflect what R-GOES is designed to do - build team synergy and break down silos while improving productivity, increasing effectiveness and efficiency. “Also, I want to give my sincere thanks to ACCG because this was a nice surprise.”

Oden is active in his local community as a mentor for middle and high school students. He also serves on various regional and local boards such as the Rockdale County Board of Health, the Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial Park board and the View Point Health-Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities board.

The Emory Greene Leadership Award is named in honor of the late Bibb County Commissioner Emory Greene. As Chairman of the Board, Greene was an outstanding leader in his home county, but he was also admired as a statewide leader in his service on numerous boards and commissions.

PAGE 18 •MAY 21, 2016

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ACCG honors Rockdale Commissioner Doreen Williams for continuing education

ACCG, Georgia’s county association, recognized several county officials for completing core and specialty certification levels in the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy, the education and training program offered to Georgia’s county commissioners.

Commissioner Doreen Williams was among the honorees who earned the designation of Certified County Commissioner.

The training certificates were presented during the recent 2016 ACCG Annual Conference at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.

“ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia work collaboratively to provide yearlong training opportunities to Georgia’s county officials as well as county staff members,” ACCG Executive Director Ross King said. “ACCG is fortunate to have a valued working relationship with such reputable and credible adult learning experts to provide educational opportunities to our county officials.”

Commissioners were presented with certificates for completing the core curriculum and specialty track requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy. Those who received certificates for completing a specialty track have undertaken specific topics of interest in local government such as public safety, intergovernmental relations, and citizen engagement among others.

Class topics Williams focused on included economic development, property appraisal and taxation, ethics, human resources, public safety and health, leadership skills and county government, finance and law.

“The core classes in the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy gave me an overview of how a county works and a commissioner’s responsibilities, which laid the groundwork for me,” Williams said. “I felt compelled to complete them as quickly as possible so I could get up to speed with the job. So I’m grateful ACCG goes above and beyond to assist county commissioners in being as effective as possible.”

Williams has been asked this year to chair the ACCG state legislative policy committee for Health and Human Services, an area to which she is deeply committed.

Elisa retires from DeKalb County Board of Health Marketing Director Vickie Elisa is retiring after a 30-year career with the DeKalb County Board of Health. Elisa, who has worked in health communication, social marketing and health program development, is an Emmy, Telly and Addy-award winning television producer.

A celebration honoring her work and advocacy in the community will be held May 25, 1:30 p.m., at the DeKalb County Board of Health, Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way, Decatur Vickie Elisa (second floor).

A champion for women’s health and financial education, Elisa worked on First Lady Michelle Obama’s 2011-2013 Let’s Move Campaign for DeKalb County and served as a White House Community Leader on Policy Issues. She was the Georgia TV producer for a 2000 White House Teleconference on “What Every Woman Needs to Know about Retirement,” which was hosted by Hilliary Rodham Clinton. Elisa has worked with the Pew Charitable Trust on Social Security education for women. She was honored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau for her work in promoting the field of nursing through the GEM-Nursing Mentor program, according to wiserwomen.org.

Elisa has served as president of Mothers’ Voices Georgia, a non-profit organization working to improve the health and social status of women and their families, she has developed a wide array of health education programs, including Smart Women & Money, a financial literacy program developed and supported by the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement.

Life sentence for man convicted of 2015 Exxon murder A man convicted of the murder of a DeKalb County Exxon store clerk was sentenced to life without parole plus five years in prison.

Rickey Dashun Westbrook, 25, was convicted in April on murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony charges for the death of Harry Wells.

On the morning of July 13, 2015, Westbrook entered the Exxon gas station at 4101 Memorial Drive and fatally shot 54-year-old Wells as he worked the cash register.

Westbrook then fled. He was later arrested and jailed.

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Gunman sentenced to life plus 45 years over $13 debt A DeKalb County jury convicted a man for fatally shooting someone and injuring two others in a dispute over a $13 debt.

Johnie Oliver, Jr., was sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole plus 45 years for killing Rayonte Weems and shooting two other people on the night of June 26, 2014.

The jury found Oliver guilty of malice murder, two counts of felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Oliver also shot Theodore Rollins and Yani Connor during the same incident.

The night of the incident, Oliver called Weems to complain about the quality of marijuana he’d previously purchased from Weems for $13. Weems, Rollins and Connor drove to meet Oliver on Swift Creek Drive in Litho-

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When Rollins and Weems got out of the car they were in, Oliver opened fire, fatally striking Weems five times. Rollins was hit seven times and Connor, who was in the car, was shot ones in the left thigh.

Weems eventually died. Rollins was in a coma for two weeks.

Oliver will be transferred to the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections.

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All creditors of the Estate of John Lamar Gilbert , late of DeKalb County, deceased are hereby notified to render their demands to the undersign according to law and all persons indebted to the said estate are required to make immediate payment to: Anne Pearson Gilbert this 31st day of March 2016.

2016-0454, 5/20,27, 06/03,10.

Smoke Rise Baptist Summer Day Camp Smoke Rise Baptist church offers a convenient extended day with a busy schedule of varied activities for children 5 to 16.

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

MAY 7, 2016 • PAGE 19

Advertise in the Marketplace. Call On Common Ground News 678526-1910

PAGE 20 •MAY 21, 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

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Se Habla Espanol!

8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155 Lithonia, GA 30038 • (770) 484-4051 Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)