OCG 5-24-19

FREE

VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8

MAY 24, 2019 Stay connected

News 24/7

ocgnews.com

Published Since April 1995

Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

Gwinnett foster mom honored for showing compassion to teens

DeKalb announces sites for summer food program

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host the Summer Food Service Program from June 3 to July 19. The participating sites will provide free meals to students who need a nutritious meals during the summer.

Applications and full program site participation requirements can be found at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/ parks under “Summer Food Applications.”

Current program sites for summer meals are listed below: June 3 – July 19 ATL Unique Steppers 3913 Covington Hwy. Suite B Dectaur, GA 30032 Breakfast: 8 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Photo (L to R): Candis Jones, Director of the Independent Living Program; Gracie Kennard, honoree; Tom C. Rawlings, DFCS Director

T

he Georgia Division of Family and Children Services honored a Gwinnett County resident as a Foster Caregiver of the Year during an appreciation luncheon and awards ceremony on May 20 in Atlanta.

Gracie Kennard was chosen among foster parents nominated by Division staff statewide based on her outstanding service and partnership with the agency.

“We are grateful for all of Georgia’s foster parents for opening their homes and hearts to children in need,” said Division Director Tom C. Rawlings. “Our Foster Caregivers of the Year, however, deserve special recognition because they consistently go above and beyond what we ask of

caregivers.”

Kennard has been a foster parent for over ten years, supporting a great need in her community. Recognizing there is shortage of foster homes in Gwinnett County willing to accept teens, Kennard is dedicated to providing a safe place where they can feel comfortable and accepted.

“She is devoted and always on call, including in the middle of the night, to assist the Division by accepting challenging-to-place children until a more appropriate placement is secured,” said the case manager who nominated Kennard.

Kennard makes sure the children in her home are up to date with medical and dental appointments, actively participates in foster parent training sessions, and maintains a

SEE FOSTER page 7

DeKalb Fleet Apprenticeship Program offers trainees the chance to learn and earn

By Sarita Mason OCG News Intern Four recruits are gaining hands-on experience in the automotive world, thanks to DeKalb County Fleet Management, Georgia Piedmont Technical College and DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, District 5.

The students are among the first to participate in the DeKalb Fleet Apprenticeship Program.

The two-year program launched on Sept.4, 2018 and is now providing the opportunities for students to get directly under the hood and on the ground as they learn to repair big fleets such as firetrucks, police cars and tractor trailers used by county government workers.

Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson said the program was launched to provide

Browns Mill Recreation Center 5101 Browns Mill Road Lithonia, GA 30038 Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m Camp Jewell Summer Camp 5271 Snapfinger Woods Drive Decatur, GA 30035 Breakfast: 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Big Miller Grove 3800 Miles E. Fowler Way Lithonia, GA 30058 Breakfast: 7 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Camp Buzz 3304 Henderson Mill Road Atlanta, GA 30341 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 11 a.m. – noon Camp Peace 222 East Lake Drive Decatur, GA 30030 Breakfast: 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.

Lunch: 12:15 – 2:15 p.m.

Decatur/DeKalb Housing Authority Community 481 Electric Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 12:05 – 1:05 p.m.

Four Season Sport Camp 1855 Brockett Road Tucker, GA 30084 Breakfast: N/A Lunch: noon – 1 p.m.

Grace Church Intl.

3434 Pleasantdale Road Atlanta, GA 30340 Breakfast: 7 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Exchange Recreation Center 2771 Columbia Drive Decatur, GA 30034 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 1 p.m.

Hamilton Recreation Center 3262 Chapel Street Scottdale, GA 30079 Breakfast: 7 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Georgia Stars of Dance #1 1054 Main Street Suites H,I and J. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 1 p.m.

Kidde Kingdom Center 2102 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 Breakfast: 8:30 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 12:30 p.m.

Gresham Park Recreation Center 3113 Gresham Road Atlanta, GA 30316 Breakfast: 7:15 – 8:15 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Kim Brothers Taekwan Do Kickin’ Kids 3450-B Stone Mountain Hwy. Snellville , GA 30078 Breakfast: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Kim Brothers 5895 A- Memorial Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Breakfast: 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Kingdom Culture 4815 River Road Ellenwood, GA 30294 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 11 a.m. – noon.

SEE FLEET page 7

Lithonia, GA 30058 Breakfast: 9 – 9:30 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 1 p.m.

Crown of Glory Church International 2007 2nd Avenue Decatur, GA 30032 Lunch: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Kameo Productions Studios, LLC 2575 B- Snapfinger Road Decatur, GA 30034 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 1:30 p.m.

training that will yield promising jobs and careers.

“District 5 has the highest dropout rate in the county.” said Johnson. “This program is an alternative to help students get

facebook.com/ocgnews

L.E.A.D.S Learning Center of Gwinnett, LLC 2720 Centerville Hwy. Snellville, GA 30039 Breakfast: 9 – 10 a.m.

Lunch: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Lithonia C.H.I.L.D 7302 Conyers Street

Latter Rain Church 4633 Covington Highway Decatur, GA 30035 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Leapin Lizards 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy #1003 Decatur, GA 30033 Breakfast: 8 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lou Walker Park 3569 Larkspur Terrace Decatur, GA 30032 Breakfast: 8:45 – 9:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Lucious Sanders Recreation Center 2484 Bruce Street Lithonia, GA 30058 Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Midway Recreation Center 3181 Midway Road

SEE FOOD PROGRAM page 7

PAGE 2 • MAY 24, 2019

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

DeKalb Sheriff’s Office makes third arrest in murder of Ellenwood 7-year-old The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has made another arrest in conjunction with the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl who was at her foster parents’ home on Satellite Boulevard in Ellenwood when she was killed on April 12.

Scottdale resident Dwayne Eric Allen, 27, is in custody at the DeKalb County Jail after sheriff’s deputies apprehended and arrested him on May 20without incident at an Atlanta-area business.

Allen is charged with murder and aggravatDwayne Eric Allen ed assault.

According to warrants issued May 16, Allen and his nephew, 21-year-old Antoine Allen, shot up the Satellite Boulevard home with an AR-15 assault rifle, and the victim, Mariasia Thomas, suffered head wounds during the shootout. The nephew and a niece, Keadesia Allen, 23,were arrested by the sheriff’s office on May 13 on murder and aggravated Assault charges. They remain in custody.

Murder suspect arrested in Doraville

Alexandra Liz Bodie

A suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of a woman on May 11.

On May 18, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the U.S Marshals and Chamblee Police Department, arrested 29-year-old Alexandra Liz Bodie of Lithonia on a warrant charging her with the felony murder of Brandy Jean Brummett, 40, of Atlanta.

According to the warrant, Bodie shot Brummett in the chest with a black handgun at 2800 Northeast Expressway in Chamblee, causing her death. Bodie was arrested in Doraville and transported without incident to the DeKalb County Jail.

VISIT US ONLINE AT OCGNEWS.COM

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

mackenzie@ocgnews.com

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

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.

No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com

MAY 24, 2019 • PAGE 3

DeKalb to pay $750,000 in federal Workforce settlement DeKalb County has agreed to pay $750,000 to resolve alleged civil claims under federal law.

According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the county and its agency, WorkSource DeKalb, violated the False Claims Act by misusing grant funds for the Department of Labor’s On-the-Job Training (“OJT”) program.

The civil settlement resolves the United States’ claims that, between Jan. 1, 2013 and Dec. 18, 2016, DeKalb County falsely certified compliance with Department of Labor regulations related to OJT. According to the allegations, former WorkSource DeKalb officials improperly administered an on-the-job training program, using monies to subsidize the salaries of employees from Fire and Rescue Department and several other agencies including GIS Department; Human Resources; Emergency 911; District Attorney’s Office; Board of Commissioners Clerk; Planning and Sustainability; Chamber of Commerce; Sanitation, Information Systems; Child Advocacy; and Voter Registration. The settlement also resolves claims that WorkSource DeKalb enrolled ineligible employees with VetConnexx, a private employer.

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and DeKalb County officials.

“Rather than using the funds to provide training for its citizens who needed it the most, DeKalb County used those funds to subsidize its own payroll,” U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak of the Northern District of Georgia said on May 21. The settlement relates to conduct occurring prior to DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s administration. “Public servants who have the fiduciary responsibility of managing federal grant programs should never forget that taxpayers trust them to use grant funds properly. We will aggressively pursue all available remedies against individuals or entities that violate that trust.”

Prior to being informed of the federal investigation, Thurmond initiated a departmental review of WorkSource DeKalb. This resulted in the removal of the former manager and other senior staff. A new director, Theresa Austin-Gibbons, was appointed in April 2018.

DeKalb County was first notified of the federal investigation four months later in August 2018.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, WorkSource DeKalb provides workforce investment activities through state and local agencies to increase occupational skills.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated “the claims settled in the civil settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. As part of its settlement with the United States, DeKalb County has also entered into a Corrective Action Plan with the Department of Labor, in which the County will be subject to reporting and monitoring requirements related to its administration of the OJT Program.”

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc. to host Casino Royale Scholarship Gala 2019 The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc. is preparing to host its annual Casino Royale Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Aug. 10, 6 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 265 Peachtree St., Atlanta.

Casino Royale, the 100 Black Men of DeKalb’s largest fundraiser, supports its Leadership Academy by providing mentoring and leadership training to students in grades 6-12 who are enrolled in the program.

Last year, the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc. served approximately 100 students through the academy.

Casino Royale chairman, Naim Shaheed, M.D., said the organization is seeking sponsors to partner and support the worthwhile event.

“We have several levels of sponsorships available to businesses, and others who would like to participate,” said Shaheed. “The support we receive from sponsors helps to equip a new generation.”

Shaheed said the 2019 Leadership Academy graduates would be

honored at the scholarship gala.

“We are looking forward to recognizing and presenting our 2019 Leadership Academy graduates with scholarships to their school of choice to begin their higher learning educational journey,” Shaheed said.

This year, the Atlanta-based R&B group, SILK, will headline the gala. Violinist Brianna Robinson will perform as guests arrive and enjoy Las Vegas-style casino games.

The gala also includes a three-course dinner, raffles with fabulous prizes, and a live and silent auction.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities and tickets for the event, contact Mae D. Jones at mae.jones@100bmod.org or 404-241-1338.

CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MAY 28TH 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

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

SLUP-19-001 Dileane Matthews 3317 Panola Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Applicant is requesting to a special land use permit for the operation of a personal care home for four to six people.

DeKalb NAACP visits DeKalb County Jail, following up on protests

DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann hosted a meeting on May 22 with members of the DeKalb County NAACP to discuss allegations by groups identifying themselves as protestors for inmate rights.

Mann said he reached out to the local chapter of the national organization to correct misinformation being disseminated via social media and news reports following a recent series of protests outside the DeKalb County Jail. During those events, eight individuals were arrested for disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic on Memorial Drive in Decatur. In the first incident, a DeKalb Police Department officer was injured when protestors threw firecrackers and smoke bombs into the jail lobby.

Mann spent nearly three hours with NAACP members, who visited the jail’s medical and dental clinics, an inmate housing unit, and GED classrooms. They also received a demonstration of how kiosks in inmate housing units are used to communicate with loved ones, make appointments, request services or file grievances.

Teresa Hardy, president of the DeKalb NAACP, said over 20 members of the group met with Mann to discuss concerns raised by protestors.

“It is important that we work with the community to address issues that need to be resolved. That is

Sheriff Jeff Mann

why it was important that we address the concerns from the community with the Sheriff of the County Jail,” Hardy said.

Mold at the jail remains one of the issues that protestors have voiced concern about, Hardy said. Sheriff Mann explained the remediation that started in 2018 and continues today, she said.

Mann said protestors have used social media to allege inmates are complaining of unsafe and unsanitary conditions and an inability to voice grievances.

Mann said he personally invited protest leaders to visit the jail, report any specific grievances they have received from inmates, and learn generally about the facility’s operations but the offer was declined via social media.

“We were pleased that the DeKalb NAACP chose to accept our invitation,” said Mann. “They are advocates for human rights in our community, and we are glad to share factual information with them about our operations.”

PAGE 4 • MAY 24, 2019

DeKalb County pools to open May 25

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Time to shred all that paper As part of the Operation Clean Sweep 2019 initiative, the DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host a free paper shredding event on Saturday, June 15, 8 a.m. - noon, at the DeKalb County Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur.

DeKalb Fire Rescue sets open house in Ellenwood The DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department will host its annual open house on Thursday, May 30, from 4 – 7 p.m., Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood. Residents will be able to tour fire safety equipment including ladder trucks and the event will feature fire safety information and car seat safety checks.

D

eKalb County’s pools will open Memorial Day weekend starting on Saturday, May 25. Residents can splash into summer by visiting a neighborhood pool. The official season runs May 25 through Labor Day, Sept. 2.

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs also offers various programs including swim lessons, water aerobics and more.

For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks or contact (770) 414-2119.

Pool locations and hours of operation • Browns Mill Aquatic Facility, 4929 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 7 p.m.

• Exchange Splash Pad, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Hours: Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday and Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m.

• Gresham Park, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta Hours: Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Monday closed; Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

• Kittredge Park, 2535 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta Hours: Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday closed; Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. This pool will close Aug. 2 for the season.

• Lithonia Park, 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia Hours: Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Monday closed; Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

• Tobie Grant Park, 644 Parkdale Road, Scottdale Hours: Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Monday closed; Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. This pool will close Aug. 2 for the season.

• Midway Park, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur Hours: Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday closed; Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

• Medlock Park, 874 Gay Lemont Circle, Decatur Hours: Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday closed; Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

Aquatics program for seniors to begin DeKalb County Human Services Department and Community Development Department will partner with local YMCAs to launch an aquatics program for seniors. The program will provide seniors with water safety education, water fitness and water aerobics classes.

The program will be available for one year and will offer seniors classes every week Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aquatics classes will vary at each location. Transportation will be provided to and from locations.

Participating YMCA locations include: • Cowart Family YMCA, 3692 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta • Decatur Family YMCA, 1100 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur • East Lake Family YMCA, 275 Eva Davis Way SE, Atlanta • South DeKalb Family YMCA, 2565 Snapfinger Road, Decatur • Wade Walker Park Family YMCA, 5605 Rockbridge Road S.W. Stone Mountain To participate, seniors must be a DeKalb County resident and a member of a DeKalb County Human Services senior center.

Officials say the partnership will allow the Human Services Department to double its aquatics programming for seniors throughout the county. Approximately 200 seniors will be able to participate.

For more information, contact Kathryn White, management analyst, at 770-322-2941 or kawhite@dekalbcountyga.gov.

DeKalb Park Association receives Flag Football Grant DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs announces the Metro Athletics Network, on behalf of the Lithonia Lions, has been awarded $9,730 to fund the NFL Flag Football program.

The program is managed by Dennis Allen, vice chair of the DeKalb Park’s Citizen Advisory Board and has been recognized by the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and the Georgia Shape Initiative. Both organizations have partnered to provide a two-year grant to help fund youth football leagues. Funding will assist after-school providers and schools to start new NFL Flag Football leagues and enhance existing programs. The organizations are also interested in increasing participation among children with physical disabilities and girls.

The grant will be used to assist with program registration fees, nutritious snacks, equipment and supplies, transportation costs and field rentals.

The Lithonia Lions have a six-week spring camp that operates out of the Southeast Athletic Complex Park and serves children ages 4 to 14. The NFL Flag Football program is looking to service the Scottdale area and to hold a summer and fall camp this year.

For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@ dekalbcountyga.gov.

Rockdale to host 2019 Rockdale Employment Summit Rockdale County is hosting the 2019 Rockdale Employment Summit on Friday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Salem High School, 3551 Underwood Road SE, Conyers.

The job fair will include a mobile career lab that will assist with resume building and job training. The event also offer services for veterans as well as training and employment information concerning Rockdale Works.

The summit will offer record restriction services. Persons who have been arrested in Rockdale County, but were not convicted, may be eligible to have their arrest record restricted and potentially sealed by the courts for free. All applicants who pre-registered for the restriction services must be present at the Employment Summit to receive their results packet. A state-issued photo ID is required for an applicant to receive their results packet.

For more information about the job fair, call 770-278-7582 or email Claudette Rancifer at claudette.rancifer@rockdalecountyga.gov.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

MAY 24, 2019 • PAGE 5

Rockdale County

PAGE 6 • MAY 24, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Law students from China visit DeKalb Magistrate Court

Hillcrest Church of Christ

1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm

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

Calendar of Events for the Month of May and June Mother’s Day Breakfast and Worship Service May12th beginning at 8:00 am.

Vacation Bible Camp June 3rd to 7th from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Register online @ hillcrestcoc.net.

DeKalb Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson, center, hosts law students from China.

Earlier this month, the Magistrate Court of DeKalb County hosted four students from China who recently completed their Master of Comparative Law Program at Emory Law. The students volunteered for a three-day “internship” where they had the chance to take a tour, observe court, and shadow judges within the Criminal, Ordinance and Civil divisions of the DeKalb Magistrate Court.

“My court was honored to host these law students from China,” said DeKalb Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson. “Our judges and the students had a unique opportunity to learn from each other during their time in Magistrate Court.”

The Master of Comparative Law Program is currently offered in partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University—KoGuan Law School, and provides students the opportunity to engage in a one-year legal education experience, including comparing legal systems and practices between the People’s Republic of China and the U.S.

DCSD welcomes graduates to free 2019 Summer Transition Centers Recent DeKalb County School District (DCSD) graduates can learn more about college entry, military enrollment, and entering the workforce courtesy of the Department of Student Advancement’s Summer Transition Centers (STC).

STCs are scheduled to open June 3 at locations throughout DeKalb. The free centers offer assistance in finalizing college paperwork, receiving financial aid, answer questions about what to do after high school, college application, and reviewing other options.

“When a student graduates from a DeKalb County DeKalb Superintendent R. Stephen Green high school, we make sure they have the tools needed to succeed at the next level available,” said Superintendent R. Stephen Green. “The success of our graduating seniors is among our top priorities--their success reflects and validates our duties as educators. Our students remain a valued part of the DeKalb County School District family even after graduation.”

STC sites are designed to combat the ‘summer melt,’ a Harvard-studied phenomenon in which 10-40 percent of college-intending students—particularly students with low-income backgrounds—fail to enroll in college the following semester for various reasons.

Ten STC high school sites—Cedar Grove, Clarkston, Columbia, Cross Keys, Druid Hills, Lakeside, Miller Grove, Redan, Stone Mountain, and Tucker—will be open to DCSD graduates at varying times until June 19. At least one postsecondary transition specialist, college advisor and financial aid advisor will be available to students.

For a complete schedule of when and where STCs will be available, visit our Summer Transition Center website.

For more information, contact the DCSD Department of Student Advancement at 678-676-0218.

‘LIKE US’ on FACEBOOK for BREAKING NEWS, LOCAL HEADLINES, EVENTS, PHOTOS, VIDEOS and MORE!

facebook.com/OCGNEWS

ChurchesNow.org is coming in June, Churches Now is a digital display network for Churches.

For more info on Churches Now call 678-770-7851.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

MAY 24, 2019 • PAGE 7

FOREST

NOTICE

continued from page 1

Per the City Charter, the Council has staggered four-year great working relationship with other foster parents. Understanding that reterms. The terms for the Mayor and Council Districts 1 and unification is the goal, Kennard is a strong advocate for birth family visits and 3 will expire at the administration of office of his or her suc- collaborates with other providers for transportation and supervision. cessor elected in the General Municipal Election on NovemOther foster parents honored include: ber, 5, 2019 as provided in Section 2.01 of the City Charter.

Stephen and Cynthia Wagner, Fulton County The qualifying fees for Council districts 1 and 3 are set • Helen Kincaid, Murray County Jose and Paula Bachman, Union at $600 and for Mayor at $450. The fees are 3% of the toCounty tal gross salary of the preceding year (Georgia Election • Cassie Laminack, Haralson County Daniel and Jennifer Nolder, Code 21-2-131 (a) (1) (A). Qualifying for the November 5, Coweta County 2019 General Municipal Election will be held at the Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, Stonecrest, GA • Robert Daggett, Clarke County 30038 on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, Thursday, August • Daniel and Laura Wright, Jones County 22, and Friday, August 23, 2019. The hours of qualifying • Thelma Ivey, Warren County shall be between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and • Maleny Marquez, Muscogee County 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Georgia Election Code 21-2-132 • Michael and Barbara McBroom, Jeff Davis County (d)(3). Each candidate shall file a notice of candidacy in • Timothy and Paula Harbin, Colquitt County the office of the City Clerk of Stonecrest and must meet the • Jim and Erma Barnett, Tift County qualifications of the Charter and Code of the City of Stone• Carolyn Tabor, Camden County crest, as well as all applicable state and constitutional laws.

With the recently passed Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) going into effect soon, Georgia will need even more foster parents as they move children out of group home settings to family-style placements.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, or ways to support them, call 1-877-210-KIDS or visit www.fostergeorgia.com. Interested individuals must undergo background checks and pre-service training to help them enhance their skills for parenting and nurturing children.

FOOD PROGRAM continued from page 1 Decatur, GA 30032 Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lunch: 11 a.m. – noon Mason Mill Recreation Center 1340-B McConnell Dr. Decatur, GA 30033 Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

N.H. Scott Recreation Center 2230 Tilson Road Decatur, GA 30032 Breakfast: 8:30 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

FLEET

continued from page 1

New Piney Grove Baptist Church 2580 Snapfinger Road Decatur, GA 30034 Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Park Central Sports 2575 Park Central Blvd. #1 Decatur,GA 30035 Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

P.A.L. Plus 1775 Young Road Lithonia,GA 30058 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Rainbow Park Baptist Church 2941 Columbia Drive Decatur, GA 30034 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Potter’s House 2300 West Park Place Blvd., Suite 135 Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Breakfast: 10 – 11 a.m.

Lunch: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Y.M.C.A. @ Tucker Recreation 4898 Lavista Road Tucker, GA 30084 Breakfast: 10 – 11 a.m.

Lunch: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

June 10 – June 28 Inventor Club @Redemptive Life 406 Pleasant Hill Road N.W. Conyers, GA 30012 Breakfast: 8:30 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 12:40 p.m.

June 17 – July 12 I Discover Camp 105 Electric Avenue Decatur, GA 30030 Breakfast: N/A Lunch: 10:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

Porter Sanford 3181 Rainbow Drive Decatur, GA 30034 Breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 1 p.m.

Restoration Ministries 4311 Mercer Road Decatur, GA 30036 Breakfast: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Lunch: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Tobie Grant Recreation Center 644 Parkdale Drive Scottdale, GA 30079 Breakfast: 8 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 12:30 p.m.

June 10 – June 28 Camp Mosaic 1812 Cooledge Road Tucker, GA 30084 Breakfast: 8:30 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: noon – 12:30 p.m.

June 17 – July 19 Fugees Family 141 East Collage Ave. Decatur, GA 300300 Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

July 1 – July 12 Living Sanctuary 7173 Convington Hwy Lithonia, GA 30058

For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

off the streets and provide jobs.”

Officials say the program awards a two-year degree equivalent to Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s curriculum. Students who complete the two-year program are almost guaranteed a job afterward, said Robert Gordon, Director of Fleet Management.

Participants are paid $15 an hour during the program, receiving benefits and are full time employees of DeKalb County. “Entry-level positions in Fleet Management have a starting pay of $16.50 to $22.50 an hour depending on experience,” said Gordon.

Students must be enrolled in a two-year technical school to become an apprentice. They also must have a valid driver’s license and pass a drug test to enroll in the program. Gordon and Fleet officials visit various technical schools to recruit students.

“We hope to expand the program and offer four more positions,” Gordon said. “There are currently job openings for DeKalb Fleet Management and we want to have those positions filled.”

ON COMMON GROUND NEWS MARKETPLACE CAMP

LAWN CARE

Storm Johnson Sports and Academic Programs

DAY & OVERNIGHT

FOOTBALL

CAMP Weekend Warriors Athletic Training NCAA approved classes ACT/SAT Prep Final Semester Program for High School Seniors Information: Coach Johnson 770-652-7711

ROOM FOR RENT Newly Furnished in DeKalb County, $525 monthly. All utilities + Cable + W & D. On MARTA. 1 person room only. 404-401-9767.

PAGE 8 • MAY 24, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

We cater to the entire family.

Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available

900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006