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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 13
JUNE 28, 2019 Stay connected
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Stonecrest’s “Zero Tax Boy” mascot wins World Series State Rep. Karen Bennett
State Rep. Nikema Williams
GLBC: U.S. Supreme Court’s gerrymandering decision sets stage for 2020 Census push By OCG Staff Georgia’s black lawmakers are blasting the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to remove itself from adjudicating partisan gerrymandering cases, saying that politicians now have a “green light” to continue taking advantage of manipulating the boundaries in the redistricting process. The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) issued a statement calling the June 27 decision another step toward disempowering voters: “Today’s U.S. Supreme Court (5-4) decision not to adjudicate gerrymandering cases sends a clear and present warning that politicians will select their voters, versus the right of voters to select their politicians,” State Rep. Karen Bennett, who chairs the GLBC, stated. The leadership of the GLBC views this ruling as a green-light for partisan politicians to continue taking advantage of the annual redistricting process. The court set aside the principles and values of freedom and equality in today's ruling. This era of judicial restraint in the political process continues to disempower voters. First, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, then Shelby County v. Holder and today's decisions are clear indications of the courts being out of touch with disenfranchised voters. Since Shelby County v. Holder, several states, most notably Georgia, have gone to great lengths to disenfranchise voters using techniques such as exact match, closure of polling locations and broken voting machines to name a few. The court's decision only encourages these nefarious activities with its current practice of judicial restraint.” The court’s conservative majority wrote that federal judges have no place in determining state electoral maps and that that was a job for voters and elected officials. In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the following: “Federal judges have no license to reallocate political power between the two major political parties, with no plausible grant of authority in the Constitution, and no legal standards to limit and direct their decisions.” With Republicans currently controlling both chambers of the General Assembly and every statewide office, the GOP majority holds the power to draw district lines to their benefit. Democrats could do the same if they overtake the Legislature in the 2020 elections. The GLBC says getting people to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census is now more urgent than ever before. The census, the caucus said, will be key in determining how Georgia’s lawmakers prepare to redraw the state’s legislative and congressional districts. The caucus is urging everyone to participate: “As the 2020 U.S. Census approaches, GLBC leadership asks that its members and constituents be ignited by this ruling. We ask that communities in urban and especially rural Georgia ensure they are
SEE CENSUS page 11
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and Jaymeon Render
W
hen 8-year-old Jaymeon Render paraded across the stage as Zero Tax Boy at Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary’s State of the City Address, many probably thought he was just a boy dressed as a superhero. Few knew they were looking at a baseball champion. Render, a Stonecrest resident, is a right fielder and pitcher with the Bullpen Braves, an 8U, AAA, USSSA tournament baseball team in McDonough. During the week of June 17 -21, the team played in a Southeastern 8 and under, USS-
SEE STONECREST page 11
Jaymeon Render
DeKalb installs 3,500 new water meters DeKalb County has installed more than 3,500 water meters as part of its New Day Water Meter Exchange and Upgrade Initiative. The county has reached 10 percent of its goal to replace 30,000 water meters during the first year of the initiative. “The initiative has reached an important milestone in improving the accuracy of water billing service in DeKalb,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “The new meters are durable, efficient and include smart technology to accurately track customer water usage.”
SEE METER page 11
DeKalb is on track to replace 30,000 water meters during the first year of the New Day Water Meter Exchange and Upgrade Initiative.
PAGE 2 • JUNE 28, 2019
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Gabriel Fordham indicted in hit-and-run that injured girls playing in yard A DeKalb County Grand Jury has indicted the driver accused in the hit-and-run crash that injured two girls who were playing in front yard of the 9-year-old’s home. Gabriel Jabri Fordham, 29, was charged with serious injury by vehicle, hit and run resulting in serious injury or death, reckless driving, failure to stop at a stop sign, and failure to maintain lane. The incident happened on March 29, 2019. According to the investigation, Fordham was allegedly driving recklessly at a high rate of speed as he traveled along Cherokee Gabriel Fordham Valley Drive in Lithonia. The car went airborne as the driver attempted to negotiate a turn at the intersection of Cherokee Valley Circle. The car landed in the front yard of a home in the 2200 block of Cherokee Valley Circle striking 9-year-old LaDerihanna Holmes as she played with a friend. The driver crawled out of the car and fled the scene without rendering aid or providing identification. LaDerihanna was transported to the hospital by her father. She sustained a fractured skull and a broken pelvis. Her friend, 11-year-old Alayshia Phillips, suffered minor cuts and bruises. L. Chris Stewart, the family's attorney said it’s a miracle that Holmes survived, WGLC reported. “It hit her head on, and it didn't just hit her, it knocked her through a brick wall into their house," said Stewart. The incident was captured on home surveillance video and broadcast extensively. Fordham surrendered to authorities at the DeKalb County Jail three days later without incident. Following indictment, the case will be scheduled for arraignment and set for trial. Fordham remains jailed without bond.
Armed robbery suspects arrested in DeKalb The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit arrested two armed robbery arrests. Sheriff's investigators, with DeKalb County Police and U.S. Marshals, arrested Anthony Baggett, 17, and Shawn Darin Smith, 28, both of Decatur on June 26. A warrant charges Baggett with felony armed robbery on May
Anthony Baggett
Shawn Smith
SEE ARREST page 11
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. 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.
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JUNE 28, 2019 • PAGE 3
Citizens weigh in on plans for new Stone Mountain senior center By Sarita Mason Nearly 200 people attended the June17 community meeting where DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw and project officials unveiled plans for the proposed Southeast DeKalb senior center in Stone Mountain. The meeting was held at Antioch AME Church, 765 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, which is located in the vicinity where the new facility will be built. Bradshaw, along with Community Development Director Allen Mitchell, architect Wood, Inc., said they were pleased with the turnout, which underscored the significant interest in the project. The Southeast facility will serve residents in Districts 4 and 7, joining four other existing senior centers in DeKalb: the Lou Walker Senior Center; South DeKalb Senior Center; Central DeKalb Senior Center; and North DeKalb Senior Center. Bradshaw said construction on the new center is expected to take 18 months. He said the project will begin in
October 2019 and be completed by March 2021. During the meeting, seniors told Bradshaw they were looking forward to the opening of the $7.8 million facility slated to be built at 4875 Elam Road. They also offered input on what they believe is needed for the new facility--namely transportation, accessibility and security. Some seniors said the location for the new facility might pose a problem for elderly who cannot drive. The seniors suggested that the county provide buses or vans to and from the center. Seniors also suggested that plans include walking trails from Hairston Park, which runs off of Elam Road, so that seniors who live nearby can reach the center by foot. Project officials are working to provide transportation options for seniors and will also coordinate with MARTA to determine the feasibility of bringing a bus route onto the property for passenger drop off, said DeKalb County spokesperson Andrew Cauthen. He said the project also includes walking trails from Hairston
L-R: Commissioner Steve Bradshaw and Allen Mitchell
Park to the center. Developers have been working since 2017 to secure funding for the project from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HUD Section 108 loan was approved in September 2018, county officials said. State Rep. Michele Henson, District 86, who represents parts of Stone
Mountain and attended the meeting, said she was worried that the center would not be large enough to accommodate the population it is targeted to serve. “I love the fact they we’re going to put something that’s of need in this area, but this center is going to pull lots of people from different areas,” said Henson.
SEE MEETING page 10
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
PARADE
Saturday, June 29th at 10 a.m. Join us at the Conyers First United Methodist Church parking lot (921 S. Main Street NW) with decorated golf carts, bicycles, wagons, pets and you!
RED WHITE & BOOM! H presented by
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary (far right) poses with the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners at City Hall. L-R: DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson, Steve Bradshaw, Jeff Rader, Nancy Jester (back row) and Mereda Davis Johnson.
WEDNESDAY JULY 3, 2019 6 P.M. - 10 P.M.
Stonecrest hosts DeKalb commissioners’ evening work session Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary welcomed the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) to City Hall on June 18. The board’s Committee of the Whole evening work session was held at the Stonecrest City Council auditorium for the first time. The BOC passed a resolution in 2016 to hold meetings three times a year in communities so the public would have easier access to attend. Lary thanked the Board of Commissioners for bringing its meeting to the city. “This continues to strengthen our partnership with DeKalb County and the city of Stonecrest. Bringing government closer to the people is our collective goal,” Lary said. The Board of Commissioners normally meets at 9 a.m. at the Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. About 50 people attended the evening meeting at Stonecrest City Hall. The board discussed its mid-year budget, provided an update on MARTA’s quarterly meeting, shared committee reports and opened the floor for public comments. DeKalb Commissioner Jeff Rader, presiding officer of the Board of Commissioners, led the meeting. Board members in attendance included: Commissioners Mereda Davis Johnson, District 5; Larry Johnson, District 3; Steve Bradshaw, District 4; and Nancy Jester, District 1. Commissioners Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, District 7, and Kathie Gannon, District 7 had prior commitments and were not present for the work session.
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BOOM! 949 S. Main St., Conyers, GA 30012 H 770-602-2606 H VisitConyersGA.com
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City of Stonecrest celebrates Juneteenth, spotlights African-American Flat Rock community as historical treasure
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS SET IN METRO ATLANTA Centennial Olympic Park gets ready for July 4 The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, is bringing its annual Fourth of July Celebration back to Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta on Thursday, July 4. Music and a variety of food trucks will be available including ANGELFIRE7 BBQ, Atlanta Seafood Company, and Jerkbrothersatl. Gates open at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin at 9:45 p.m. Visitors under 17 years of age are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian 25 years of age or older at all times. Admission is free and advance parking can be purchased online at www.gwccparking.com.
Conyers to host “Red, White and Boom” fireworks show The city of Conyers and Rockdale County will present the “Red, White and Boom” celebration in Olde Town Conyers on Wednesday, July 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The fourth of July celebration includes live music, entertainment, children's activities, food trucks, fun and a fireworks show. For more information, visit conyersga.com.
Decatur to host parade, concert and fireworks Get on your feet and join the Pied Piper Parade as it makes its way through downtown Decatur on Thursday, July 4. Gather friends and family, ride your bike, walk or skate in this community parade. Lineup is at 5:30 p.m. and commences at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Pedestrians should gather on the lawn and vehicles will line up in the parking lot. A concert on the Square will follow the parade at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand and features the Callanwolde Concert Band. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The City of Decatur and the Decatur Business Association are sponsoring the event. For more information, call 678-553-6573.
Fourth of July Fireworks hike set at Panola Mountain State Park Slow down this July 4th and join a ranger for a leisurely stroll to the top of Panola Mountain on Thursday, July 4, 8 to 10 p.m. at Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. As the sun sets, enjoy a panoramic view of Stone Mountain and Atlanta's Independence Day celebrations from a distance. Bring water, bug spray, and a flashlight for the walk back down the mountain to a waiting campfire and s'mores. For more information, visit arabiaalliance.org.
Chamblee to host fireworks, live music on July 4 Join family, friends and neighbors in Downtown Chamblee for the Chamblee Summer Concert Fourth of July show on Thursday, July 4, 6 to 10 p.m., at Keswick Park, 3496Keswick Drive, Chamblee. The line-up includes fireworks and live music by the Crystal Clear Band. For more information, visit chambleerocks.net. CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 16TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-19-002 Colin Jones 3585 River Rock Road RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District To encroach into the rear yard setback for the construction of a deck. *Applicant was administratively held from June BZA hearing.
The City of Stonecrest celebrated Juneteenth, the national commemoration of the June 19, 1865 announcement of the last slaves freed in the U.S., by hosting a black history exhibit at City Hall. The exhibit, which was set up in the Martin Luther King, Jr. High School Conference Room, featured local black Mayor Jason Lary greets Shirley Smith, who visited the exhibit at City Hall with her grandchildren and Kayna history and history makers, including pictures and artifacts Sanders, DeShawna Smith. from the Flat Rock community, one of the oldest African-American communities in DeKalb County. Mayor Jason Lary said the Flat Rock community and the Flat Rock Archives, which are located within the city of Stonecrest, are considered historical treasures, attracting visitors from around the world. The Flat Rock Archives is the only African-American archival facility in DeKalb. “This historical treasure makes us unique to both DeKalb County and the state. Stonecrest is the only city in DeKalb with such a historical African-American tribute,” said Lary. “Flat Rock sits in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, another jewel that makes us a world-class city.” The Flat Rock community began as an agricultural community bordered by three slave-holding farms: The South, Lyon and Johnson farms. Following the Civil War, the freed slaves remained in the area and created churches, schools and civic organizations. Actor and comedian Chris Tucker, and Warren Moon, former NFL quarterback, are descendants of the Flat Rock community. The Flat Rock Archives, 3979 Crossvale Road, Stonecrest, is located within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The area was designated by Congress to recognize the unique history, environment and culture of the surrounding communities. For more information about the Flat Rock Archives: 770-797-5625.
Rockdale government offices closed for Independence Day Rockdale County government offices will be closed in observance of the Independence Holiday on Thursday, July 4, 2019 and on Friday, July 5, 2019. CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019 AT 7:00 PM CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BOULEVARD STONECREST, GA 30038 The Department of Community Affairs and the Atlanta Regional Commission has completed the regional review of the Revised 2019 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Stonecrest. DCA/ARC determined that the Revised Comprehensive Plan 2038 conforms to the Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning. The Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing to adopt the approved Plan at its regularly scheduled meeting. Congratulations to Stonecrest’s leadership, staff and The Collaborative Firm for the development of its very first Comprehensive Plan! For more information, contact Plez Joyner, Assistant City Manager with the City of Stonecrest at pjoyner@stonecrestga.gov, or Mary Darby, Director of Planning with The Collaborative Firm at mdarby@tcfatl.com.
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 2ND 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JULY 22ND 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:
RZ-19-005 Jose Ayala 2193 Panola Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Applicant is requesting to rezone 2.6 acres to C-1 (Local Commercial) for the development of a commercial building.
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JUNE 28, 2019 • PAGE 5
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SUNDAY DRIVE
Newnan Court Square By Valerie J. Morgan After you’ve gotten your praise and worship on and finished your Sunday dinner, you’re ready for a relaxing Sunday drive. If you haven’t visited Newnan, Georgia, you may want to put it at the top of your list. The city’s downtown Court Square is quaint and picturesque, thanks to the colorful fiberglass farm animal art sculptures that recently made their debut. The hand-painted pigs, roosters, cows and mules are part of the Storybook Town project hosted by the ChildrenConnect Museum and the Newnan-Coweta Art Association. The farm animals represent prominent historical figures in a commissioned children’s storybook, “Newnan, A Storybook Town,” that explains Coweta’s agricultural heritage and history in a fun way. When my husband, Glenn, and I recently visited Newnan for a wedding engagement reception, we stopped on the square and took pictures of some of the adorable sculptures. We’re looking forward to taking our 3-year-old granddaughter, Luna, to visit. I’m sure she’ll spot an ice cream shop. She thinks summer is made of ice cream. Newnan is about 45 minutes from the Conyers/Stonecrest area but it feels like it’s worlds away from metro Atlanta. Share your Sunday Drive picture and story with us by emailing: editor@ocgnews.com.
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JUNE 28, 2019 • PAGE 7
What’s Your Church Flow? Let Us Know! Send us your photo of an outfit that you enjoy wearing, your name and where you worship and we will share it with out readers in churchesnow.org. The digital magazine is a publication of On Common Ground News. Please e-mail editor@ ocgnews.com. SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH
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BLAZING A PATH FOR HBCU ACHIEVEMENT
Join six future Black media stars as they begin their journey. Head to www.nnpa.org/chevydtu and be there at the beginning.
JUNE 28, 2019 • PAGE 9
PAGE 10 •JUNE 28, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Admiration Lodge No. 25, community partners feed 500 kids at Lithonia apartments By Mackenzie N. Morgan When the last bell rings on the final day of school, that, for many students is the signal for long summer days filled with fun, friends and freedom to explore and unwind. But for children whose only guaranteed meal comes during school mealtimes, it means finding ways to stave off hunger. Fortunately, a slew of summer feeding programs have been cropping up around the country in an effort to ensure children from low-income families have access to nutritious food year round. The Summer Feeding Initiative is one such program and recently provided more than 500 hot lunches for kids in three Lithonia apartment complexes June 24-26. The Summer Feeding Program, sponsored by Admiration Lodge No. 25, Cooking for a Cause, I Am a Father, Inc. and the Arby’s franchise, provided the meals for the first time during the summer season as an extension of a pre-existing program that provides meals during spring
break. Participating locations for the summer meals included The Hills at Fairington, Terraces at Parkview and The Park at Edinburgh. The sites were selected based on need and recommendations from members of the community. “During summer break, students can miss an average of 10 meals per week. There are so many kids in need, so we do this as a way to give back to the community that we are a part of,” said Miguel Ramos, who helped facilitate the event on behalf of Admiration Lodge No. 25. According to the national nonprofit, Feeding America, research shows that children from homes that lack consistent access to food are more likely to experience developmental impairments in areas like language, motor skills, and behavior and that kids at risk of hunger may be less equipped to reach their full potential. Dre Moore, who serves as resident services manager at the Terraces at Parkview, said the summer food program is a response to help allevi-
ate summer food insecurities. “During the summer months, kids from low-income households are at risk for experiencing food insecurities. Providing meals for kids during summer break helps to ensure these kids aren’t missing meals,” said Moore. Resident services coordinator at Terraces at Parkview, Job Cannon, runs the summer camp for the complex and said the free meal program is critical for the children who reside in his community and that the initiative is part of an ongoing effort to provide their residents with the support they need. “Seasonal hunger occurs any time children are out of school for breaks and our mission is to ensure our kids are never hungry and positively engaged within our community,” said Cannon. The three-day pop-up event included food, games and even the chance to see a doctor via a mobile pediatric clinic provided by the Kids’-Doc-On-Wheels program. Geoffrey Fulton, who is the mo-
Arabia Alliance to offer paid internship in honor Tom and Killian Smith, long-time volunteers Honoring the work of long-time volunteers Tom and Killian Smith, the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance has announced it will offer a two-week paid internship to undergraduate and graduate students starting this winter. The internship at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve will provide students with experience in a variety of park stewardship responsibilities to inspire them to seek careers in parks, land management, conservation and education. Successful candidates will work on projects such as expanding the Nature Preserve pollinator garden, building trails and managing the geocaching program. The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and the Arabia Alliance will begin the internship selection process this fall. “Part of being a National Heritage Area is supporting and educating those who will ensure the future of these parks and historic sites,” said Mera Cardenas, executive director of the Arabia Alliance. “Through this program, we’re helping open the door to the next generation of park stewards.” For nearly 20 years, the Smiths have donated their time, energy and knowledge to make the Nature Preserve a more welcoming place for visitors. Officials say Arabia Mountain has become a beloved jewel of the DeKalb County park system, thanks to the Smiths. The Tom and Killian Smith Stewardship Interns Program will continue the couple’s work of caring for the greenspace. Tom and Killian began volunteering at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in the early 2000’s. One of Tom’s first initiatives was removing and covering up graffiti on Arabia Mountain’s granite outcrops. Tom also posted wayfinding signs, made sure the trails stayed clear and built stairs and bridges at the preserve. In addition, he worked with long-time volunteer and former ranger, Tyrone Burkette, to build trails and mark the park boundaries.
Tom and Killian Smith
Killian Smith has been one of the main forces behind the popular geocaching program within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. She installed Little Free Libraries for book lovers of all ages, helped out with numerous administrative and outreach needs at the Visitors’ Center and created a detailed archive of any and all news clippings about Arabia Mountain. Both she and Tom have spent days staffing the Nature Center, providing countless park visitors with help and advice. They have also been active in the park’s education efforts, leading tours including Tom’s annual Ruins Tour of the historic and natural resources located throughout the greenspace. “Tom and Killian’s contribution is unmatched. This park would not be what it is today without them,” said Robby Astrove, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve Ranger. The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance is partnering with DeKalb County Parks & Recreation to create the Tom and Killian Smith Stewardship Interns Program. The Alliance plans to conduct the two-week program annually during winter break. The Alliance will announce the formal application process in the fall.
bile unit driver, said the full-service mobile medical suite offers kids the same medical services they would receive at a regular doctor’s office. “Our job is to serve underserved populations who might not otherwise have access or be able to afford regular healthcare. We are the only unit in the state of Georgia that is certified to give immunizations and we also offer all of the health services you can get a traditional doctor’s office,”Fulton. Volunteer nurses were on hand to provide wellness exams, sports physicals, immunizations and a smorgasbord of health screenings free of charge. Kids who participate receive a gift just for showing up and are sent home with a health report card for their parents. “We’re giving them food, not just for their bodies, but through our presence, food for their minds,” said Marcus Collins, who serves as the worshipful master for Admiration Lodge No. 25.
MEETING
continued from page 3
“It would be good to put something in place so that it could be expanded at a future time.” Henson said the new center should be at least comparable to the Lou Walker Senior Center, which is located at 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The 40,000-square-foot center was built in 2006 at a cost of about $10.5 million. The proposed Stone Mountain center is planned at 21,000 square feet, officials said. “This one facility cannot be all things to all people,” said Bradshaw. “This is an ongoing planning process for the center. As it continues, we will try to work in as much as we can to get what people need.” In addressing the public’s questions about security at the new facility, the community development director said that a security guard would be on duty during daily hours, but anyone hosting events after operational hours would incur separate charges. “We are very security conscious in regard to the safety of members who will use the new facility,” said Mitchell. The new facility will include an indoor therapeutic pool with lap lanes, fitness room, multipurpose classrooms, library, billiards and game room, lounge, locker area with showers, kitchen, dining hall and stage, covered main entrance dropoff area and approximately 100 parking spaces.
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JUNE 28, 2019 • PAGE 11
Rockin’ Rockdale Summer Concert Series returns Rockdale County’s Rockin’ Rockdale Summer Concert Series is back for another season. The county will present four free concerts on the last Sunday of the month at Costley Mill Park beginning June 30 and running through Sept. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from local wellknown artists featuring classical, jazz, R&B, rock and classic hits. The lineup for the Rockin’ Rockdale Summer Concert Series include:
• June 30 - Brooke Alford, the Artist of the Violin • July 28 - Stay Here, the Hard Rock Millennials • Aug. 25 – Jaylen Gilstrap & Key Harmony, Sounds of Smooth Jazz and R&B • Sept. 29 – Reckless Abandon, provides the Rock ’N Roll Classics In addition to the bands, concert-goes can look forward to food trucks, beverages, and fun activities for children in Kids Zone from 5 to 6 p.m.
CENSUS continued from page 1
STONE CRESTcontinued from page 1 SA, World Series. The Bullpen Braves earned a spot in the final game thanks, in part, to a grand slam by Render. The team won the final game 6-2. Throughout the season, the tournament team played in Rockdale, Walton and Henry counties, Griffin and Jackson, Georgia and even Gulf Shores, Alabama. The Bullpen Braves’ season record of 18 wins and 2 losses, yielded five gold championship rings, one gold medal, and a number three ranking in Georgia. Mayor Lary said he is proud of Render. "As mayor, it makes me proud to see the success of Jaymeon and young men like him who are excelling at an early age. This is our legacy,” said Lary. “As
a father of two sons, I can attest to the importance of exposing our children to the valuable lessons taught during team sports participation." Render started playing baseball at age 3 at DeKalb County’s Browns Mill Park and was recruited by the Braves last year, according to Tiffany Adams, his grandmother. “He is excited about winning and about the game,” Miller said. “He wants to play major league baseball, own a construction company, and be a police officer,” she added with a glowing smile that only a grandmother could exude. Render is following in the footsteps of his athletic grandfather, Antonio Render, who
METER continued from page 1 The advanced water meters are equipped with radio transmitters that collect water consumption remotely, eliminating the potential for human error caused by manual reading. The meters also include technology that allow the county to monitor data in real time for water usage spikes. To improve water billing customer service, the county increased call center staffing. Additionally, a verification process was added to independently review customer accounts for unusual or high water usage. Future program updates include imple-
For the June 30 concert only, enter the park at 2455 Costley Mill Road, Conyers. Parking for the remainder of the series will be available at 2599 Salem Church Road, Conyers. Alcohol is prohibited in the park. For more information, contact Sharon Newsom, Rockdale County Recreation and Maintenance Communications Manager, at 770-2787225 or sharon.newsom@rockdalecountyga.gov.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and Jaymeon Render at the State City address, which was held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
was a former DeKalb Police officer and an allstar defensive back for DeKalb County School District’s Columbia High School and the University of Georgia Bulldogs, during their 1980s championship
years. The elder Render is also a partner in Arizona’s steakhouse restaurant and chief of security at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, which are located in the city of Stonecrest.
counted in the census by participating in the process. We are willing to do all we can to ensure each and every Georgian is counted in the 2020 U.S. Census to ensure all are fully represented when redistricting occurs,” Bennett stated. The Supreme Court’s decision on the Census citizenship question also has come under fire. Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Nikema Williams released a statement regarding the decision saying: “Adding a citizenship question to the U.S. Census was a blatant attempt to scare people away from making their voices count, and the Supreme Court saw right through it. Republicans will do literally everything possible to stop the American people from exercising their rights, because they are terrified of the result—Republican loss of power. Now we must continue the fight for a fair census, and free and fair elections across the country by electing Democrats to protect our institutions and our democracy,” Williams stated.
ARREST continued from page 2
30. According to the warrant, Baggett used a semi-automatic pistol to take $200 from Derrick Henry on Glenwood Road in Decatur. A Grand Jury Arrest Warrant charges Smith with armed Robbery, false imprisonment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of firearm by a convicted felon. No details were specified regarding menting enQuesta, a state-of-the-art billing system. the incident. DeKalb County water customers scheduled Both suspects were located and appreto receive new meters will be notified by a door hended at an apartment complex on Glenwood hanger at their residences. Upon completion, Road, where authorities also found several another door hanger will be placed notifying the weapons. Baggett and Smith were taken into resident that a new meter has been successfully custody and transported to the DeKalb County installed. Jail without incident. Launched in April 2019 by Thurmond, the three-year program will replace 102,000 aging and potentially defective water meters. ABANDONED VEHICLE
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PUBLIC HEARING NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT: In accordance with Section 12-8-24(d) of the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act, as amended, the City of Stonecrest, Georgia will hold a “public hearing” regarding the issuance of a permit for the proposed recycling Materials Recovery & Processing Facility at the Metro Green Recycling Three, LLC facility located at 5152 Snapfinger Woods Road, Stonecrest, Georgia 30035. The “public hearing” will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. to receive citizen input on the proposed recycling Materials Recovery & Processing Facility. The public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, Stonecrest, Georgia 30038.
PAGE 12 •JUNE 28, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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