VOLUME 22 NUMBER 10
FREE
JUNE 4, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Silver Spokes In Decatur
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popular DeKalb senior center is celebrating a decade of helping seniors remain active. The Lou Walker Senior Center, located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia, announces “Life Begins at Lou Walker,” a weeklong tenth anniversary celebration, June 3-11. “The Lou Walker Senior Center has become a premiere LWSC Director Bettye Davis example of how government should take care of those who have worked hard, supported families and served in the community for so many years,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May. “This center is a place where seniors can remain physically active, mentally engaged and socially connected as they reap the benefits of their labors.” Opening officially in January 2006, the multipurpose facility serves active senior adults, ages 55 and older. The 40,000-squarefoot facility, which offers world-class amenities and programming, has had more than 1.3 million visits in the past decade. The center serves approximately 500-600 members daily. The LWSC’s anniversary week activities include: • Friends & Family Day, June 3, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will feature the center’s Anniversary Parade, a $3-a-plate fish and grits breakfast, and the unveiling of portraits of the 10-year Trailblazers. “The Trailblazers are 33 members who have been instrumental in starting programs, clubs and the choir, and volunteering for the past 10 years,” said LWSC Director Bettye Davis. “They have Lou Walker Senior Center page 6
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he City of Decatur is launching its Silver Spokes program this month to encourage senior citizens to exercise by riding a tricycle. The city applied for and received a $1,000 mini grant through the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association to purchase three adult tricycles for the new pilot program. “I had read about tricycle programs for seniors in Austin (Texas) and Portland (Oregon) and thought it would be great to start a pilot program here for our seniors,” said Tracie Sanchez, adult programs supervisor , Decatur Active Living. “We are designated as a bike-friendly city plus we have three solid miles of dedicated trails right here in the city through PATH.” Sanchez said the city kicked off the program on with a training session, which included one woman who had never ridden a bike before and another who was eager to overcome the fear of losing her balance. Sanchez said the city plans to initially operate the program in June on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 to 10 a.m., and then in the fall when the weather is cooler. Seniors who are interested in using one
Lou Walker Senior Center Turns 10
MARTA rolls out “accordion” buses
of the tricycles may sign up with Sanchez at 678-553-6559. The trikes will be available at the Ebster Gym courtyard, 105 Electric Ave. “We have three bikes and three helmets and participants can take turns riding them in the plaza,” said Sanchez. Participants should wear closed-toes shoes, comfortable pants or leggings and bring a water bottle.
MARTA has purchased 18 articulated buses that will complement the agency’s current fleet of 565, 40-foot buses. The “bendy” buses, which have a distinctive, accordion-like feature, are powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and cost about $845,000 each. The articulated buses will be used on routes that have the highest ridership, such as the #39, #196 and the Braves Shuttle. With capacity for 53 seated passengers and space for 4050 standing passengers, the buses are enabled with Wi-Fi that can accommodate light web-surfing and email accessibility.
PAGE 2 •JUNE 4, 2016
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JUNE 4 2016 • PAGE 3
Recount in Rockdale: Votes remain the same for BOC contender Thua Barlay
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
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Thua Barlay
here was no change in the number of votes received by Thua Barlay, who ran for the Rockdale Board of Commissioners, Post 1 seat, Rockdale elections officials have determined. Barlay, who placed third in the seven-way race, had requested a ballot recount in the May 24 Democratic primary. Elections officials held the recount on June 1 and there was no difference in the ballot results, said Rockdale Elections Supervisor Cyn-
Sherri L. Washington
thia Welch. Barlay earned 1,340 votes (18.85 percent). Phyllis Hatcher earned 1,386 votes (19.49 percent). As a result, Hatcher will be in a runoff on July 26 with front-runner Sherri L. Washington, who received 2,305 votes (32 percent). A runoff is required because none of the candidates received more than 50 percent of the vote. “There was only a difference of 46 votes and because it was less than 1 percent, he (Barlay) was entitled to a
Phyllis Hatcher
recount,” Welch said. “The only time there would be a discrepancy is with the mail-in ballots. There weren’t that many of those. The machines tabulated the other ballots and there was no change in the numbers.” Welch said that several of the candidates or representatives attended the recount. The Democratic winner of the runoff will face Republican T.P. Chastain in the November General Election.
Lithonia Farmers Market to kick off inaugural season The city of Lithonia Farmers Market kicks off its inaugural market season on Sunday, June 5, 1 to 5 p.m. at Lithonia City Park, 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia. Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson says the market will run every Sunday through Sept. 18. “We’re really excited about bringing fresh, locally-grown produce to our community,” said Jackson. “This is a way to address
the critical health issues that impact so many in African American communities.” Jackson says the Sunday market will provide a fun day filled with activities including games, prizes, music and Zumba classes. SNAP/EBT will be accepted at the Farmers Market. For more information, call 770482-8136.
Atlanta fashion designer lands deal with Belk
By Mackenzie M. Morgan
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tlanta designer Donna King has what it takes when it comes to fashionable business sense. King, the CEO and chief designer for P. Sherrod & Co., recently won the 2016 Belk Southern Designer Showcase Contest, landing her a coveted spot as a vendor for retail department store giant Belk. “Oh my gosh, I was super surprised! I know you’re supposed to think all that positive, law-of-attraction stuff, but who really thinks, ‘I’m going to win’?” said King. A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, King embraces Southern living and the “Southern Girl” title she has earned since moving to Atlanta to attend Clark Atlanta University, where she obtained her MBA, and where she got involved in the community as a member of the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumni Chapter for
Delta Sigma Theta. In 2009, King founded P. Sherrod & Co., a lifestyle brand offering fashionable, classically styled, fine leather handbags & accessories. King said she applied for the Belk showcase contest after a friend sent her the information and encouraged her. After presenting their designs to a panel of Belk executives and buyers at the company’s headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. on May 19, four winners were selected out of 300 applicants. “I was so excited! I didn’t realize they were going to tell us that same day,” said King. Belk’s Southern Designer Showcase features designers from across the South who specialize in Southern style in the categories of women, men and kid’s apparel, shoes and women’s accessories. Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and live in the South or have a strong affiliation with the Southern region. “I design for a very specific wom-
an – she’s modern, busy and she likes to be stylish, but she needs function,” said King. King said she was inspired to get into design while vacationing in South America several years ago. Moved by the beautiful, bold and supple leather found in Colombia, King met with a small family-owned manufacturing company and the rest is history. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for fashion,” said King. Prior to founding P. Sherrod & Co., King worked as a consultant for IBM. “I learned a lot from working in corporate, but Information Technology is really robotic work and I was traveling all the time,” King said. “I’ve always been creative and designing was a release outside of work.” King said that while owning her own business has been deeply rewarding, it has its challenges. “I had so many NOs in the beginning, but I kept pushing through because
I felt like I was going to get a yes. People liked the bags and I felt like I offered something different to the market,” King said. “Everybody has a Kate Spade or Michael Kors, but P. Sherrod & Co. offers quality, authentic leather carefully crafted by a local designer without the astronomical price tag.” King said that having a foreign manufacturer also presents distance and communication barriers. “I’ve been taking Spanish classes to improve my Spanish and I try to take a trip at least once a year to touch basis with the manufacturer,” King said. “After leaving corporate, I learned it’s all about time and place and being available for opportunity. I’m not 25, but you have to never give up on your dreams. What God has for you is for you,” said King. P. Sherrod & Co. can be found in boutiques all across metro Atlanta as well as Charlotte, N.C. and Florida. Find the entire collection at www.psherrod.com.
PAGE 4•JUNE 4 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
Workshop: How to start a business for teens Teens are invited to learn the basics of entrepreneurship on June 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Atlanta Fulton County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta A member of SCORE (also known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives) will discuss how teens can start a business. The program is free, but registration is required. To register or for more information, call 404730-1700.
DEKALB
NCNW-DeKalb to host annual signature tea
Miniature train rides at Horse Park in Conyers
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ant to do something fun? Join the North Georgia Live Steamers club for a ride on its miniature trains on Saturday, June 18, 1 to 4:30 p.m., in Conyers. The train track is located near the Georgia International Horse Park, 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway (across from Hawthorn Suites). Pulled by steam and diesel locomotives, the trains will chug along a track that is enjoyed by both, adults and children. Train rides are $2 per ride. The event may be canceled for inclement weather so check before you go: at www.northgeorgialivesteamers.org.
The National Council of Negro Women—DeKalb Section will host its 8th Annual “Signature Tea With A “Hat-titude” on June 11, noon to 3 p.m., at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 1650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The tea is one of the DeKalb NCNW’s major fundraisers supporting service activities throughout the year. The tea, open to women and men, has become an annual fellowship for women throughout DeKalb County to show-off their grand hats by participating in the event’s hat parade. Tickets are $45. For more information, call 404-798-6948.
Get free information at Will Seminar If you died today, would your family be financially secure? If you died today, would your money or belongings be divided equally amongst your family members? Do you have life insurance? Do you have a will? If you answered no, you’re invited to attend the Will Seminar on June 11, 11 a.m. at Clarkston First Baptist Church, 3999 Church St., Clarkston. The church’s Bereavement Ministry is sponsoring the free event.
GWINNETT ATLANTA
Hammonds House film screening: “Ethnic Notions: Black People in White Minds” The Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples Street, will host a screening of Marlon Riggs’ Emmy-winning documentary, “Ethnic Notions: Black People in White Minds,” on June 18, at 10 a.m. Hammonds House Museum, in collaboration with Auburn Avenue Research Library and The Baton Foundation, is hosting the screening in honor of Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of black slaves in Texas who learned they were free two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s orders were issued. The film examines the historical origins and contemporary relevance of archetypal racial stereotypes (loyal Toms, carefree Sambos, faithful Mammies, grinning Coons, savage Brutes and wide-eyed Pickaninnies) in the United States. A community discussion facilitated by Anthony Knight, founder and Chief Executive of The Baton Foundation, will follow the film. The Baton Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves the emotional, intellectual and cultural needs of Black boys. For more information, call 404-730-2130 or email farmers.market@ lithoniacity.org.
Caribbean Film Festival presents documentary on Jamaica’s national hero, “Queen Nanny” “Queen Nanny” documents the struggle from slavery to freedom by the Jamaican Maroons, who were led by the invincible 18th century military genius and Jamaica’s only female national hero. This historical film will be presented on June 12, 2:30 to 5 p.m., at the Atlanta Fulton County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square. A discussion with one of the filmmakers will follow the screening. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 404-730-1700.
Summer class: Kids can learn to prepare a summer garden Gwinnett County parents are encouraged to register their children for the “Preparing Your Summer Garden” class June 9, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., at the Centerville Community Center, 3079 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. Kids can get some gardening tips with Ms. Kathy as she teaches how to plant and decorate for the summer. Supplies and a birdhouse will be provided. The program is open to ages 5-10. This is a parent-assisted program and parents must remain with their child during the entire event. There is a $1 non-refundable fee per child (in exact cash note, no coins). The class is limited o 15 children. Call the center to pre-register. For more information, call 770-985-4713 or log on to www.centervillecommunitycenter.com.
Free cursive handwriting class for adults
Do people have a hard time understanding your handwriting? Need to improve your penmanship? The Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross, is offering a class for adults who would like to learn and improve their cursive handwriting on June 9, 9 to 11 a.m. No registration is required. For more information, call 678-225-5400 or log on to www.gwinnettnhsc.com
ROCKDALE
Olde Town Summer Film Series on the Lawn The city of Conyers partners with AccuGrafix to present outdoor films on the lawn at the Olde Town Pavilions, 949 S. Main Street, Conyers. On June 11, 7:30 to 11 p.m., “Minions” will be shown. Kid’s activities start at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dark. Come enjoy food vendors and fun. For more information, call 770-602-2606.
—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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JUNE 4 2016 • PAGE 5
Lou Walker Senior Center continued from page 1
been the catalysts that have kept the legacy of Lou Walker alive.” The Trailblazers’ portraits will be displayed on a special “Wall of Fame” at LWSC for the rest of the year. • Game Day, Monday, June 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can enjoy games all day long. Among the games available will be Wii, Pinochle, Bid Whist, Scrabble, dominos, chess, billiards and bridge. • Fab Fun Fitness Day, Tuesday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join LWSC seniors for a day of fitness and fun featuring Tai Chi, Zumba, chair aerobics, Stretchercising, Dynamics Abs, Pilates and more. Participants must sign a waiver to participate. • Dance with Us, Wednesday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn hot new dance moves with Line Dancers from LWSC’s more than 20 dance groups which will lead dances at the start of each hour. • Reflections of the Soul—LWSC Inspiring Art, Thursday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. LWSC seniors will showcase some of their talents. Books by several LWSC seniors will be on display, as well as exhibits and demonstrations by various center clubs and classes. Additionally from 5 to 8 p.m., there will be a movie shown with dinner prepared by Piccaddilly’s. • Red Carpet Reception and Broadway-style production, Saturday, June 11, 3 to 6 p.m. The week of celebration will culminate in a red carpet reception, silent auction benefiting the center, and a Broadway-style production celebrating the life, work and legacy of founder, Lou Walker. The LWSC Drama Club production, They Call Him Lou, begins at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are $10 each. All anniversary events are open to the public. “This is an opportunity to invite our family and friends to come and see what we’re doing at the LWSC,” Davis said. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Broadway-style production, contact Bettye Davis, 770-322-2900.
DPH offers mothers free bassinets, other resources to protect infants from sleep-related deaths
New mothers will receive free resources to help protect their babies from sleep-related infant deaths under a new statewide initiative. Georgia’s 77 birthing hospitals are participating in the state’s “Safe to Sleep” program and are providing every mother and newborn an infant gown with “This Side Up” messaging to remind them and caregivers that babies sleep safest on their backs. The mothers also will receive a “Safe to Sleep” book reminding them about the importance of safe sleep practices. Travel bassinets will be given to Medicaid and uninsured families for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds or are four to six months old. The bassinets can be used in another room in the home or when the baby is being cared for outside the home. First Lady Sandra Deal helped the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to launch the initiative, along with the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); Georgia Bureau of Investigation; Georgia Hospital Association and Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. Georgia has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. Sleep-related infant deaths occur suddenly.Every week, three infants in Georgia die as a result of sleep-related problems. To learn more about the campaign and how to properly put infants to sleep, visit www.GeorgiaSafetoSleep.org.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College to host June open house in Newton
Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) will host the first of two Open House events designed to introduce prospective students to exciting, new courses and industry-leading programs currently being offered by the college. The first Open House is scheduled Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., on the Newton County campus, 1600 Alcovy Road, Covington. Attendees will have many opportunities to meet directly with admissions personnel to gain information regarding the application process. They will
also receive information regarding the college’s industry-leading programs that are available on the Newton campus. As a bonus, the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation will cover the cost of the application fee for attendees who complete an application on site. This one-stop shopping experience will enable potential students to participate in academic advising and registration processes, including on-site testing and learning about financial aid options. Prospective students are encouraged to bring copies of their high school transcripts along with a
photo ID. The event will include hands-on demonstrations and workshops. A DJ will provide entertainment and refreshments will be served. The college will conduct mini-sessions to introduce potential students to the extraordinary things happening at Georgia Piedmont. The mini sessions will be held every hour in the Newton Auditorium as follows: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. To RSVP, go to http://openhousegptc. eventbrite.com or, email: openhouse@gptc.edu.
PAGE 6 •JUNE 4, 2016
South DeKalb churches join Kelley Chapel UMC to host Juneteenth Celebration Several churches in South DeKalb will hold a “Community Juneteenth Celebration” for a day of unification, fun and education. The Juneteenth celebration will be held on Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Kelley Chapel United Methodist Church, 3411 Kelley Chapel Road in Decatur, where the Rev. Derrick R. Rhodes is senior pastor. Juneteenth is also known as “Freedom Day” of “Emancipation Day.” It is a holiday recognized in 41 U.S. states, including Georgia. It is called Juneteenth because, though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed to be effective Jan. 1, slaves in East Texas were not aware that they had been freed until some two years later. Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops rode into Galveston, Texas on June 18, 1865 and on June 19, 1865 read the contents of “General Order No 3.” The order informed the state of Texas that all slaves were free. All are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket for South DeKalb’s community celebration. The day will be filled with outstanding performances by dance groups, drama presentations, spoken word, mimes, singers, praise dancers and much more. There will be representatives on hand with information on housing assistance, senior services, community and veteran services. Anyone who would like to showcase his or her talent or participate as a vendor should call 404-545-3497 or email Kfosben@aol.com.
Peace Lutheran to sponsor three-day Vacation Bible School Peace Lutheran Church, 1679 Columbia Drive, Decatur, will have its Vacation Bible School on June 20-22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The free program is open to children ages 5-12. There will be arts and crafts, games and praise songs. Lunch, snacks and dinner will be provided and a closing ceremony and block party will be held on the last day of the program. Peace Lutheran Church is sponsoring the program in partnership with the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centerville, Virginia. The registration deadline is June 14. To register a child, call 404-289-1474.
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Clarkston First Baptist set for Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School 2016 will take place June 13-June 17, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Clarkston First Baptist Church’s main campus, 3999 Church St., Clarkston, and the Clarkston South location at 4518 North Henry Blvd., Suite 117, Stockbridge. Each day, individuals will submerge to find the truth below the surface, learning more about how Jesus sees; Jesus knows; Jesus saves and is needed by everyone through Bible stories and activities. VBS is free and open to the public. A combined service will be held on Friday night at the main location.
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JUNE 4 2016 • PAGE 7
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RESTAURANTS
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Notice To Debtors and Creditors All creditors of the Estate of Howard Lenoy Jacksont, 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: Velma Annette Jackson. 2015-1352 5/20,27, 06/03,10.
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