OCG Aug. 16, 2019

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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 20

AUGUST 16, 2019 Stay connected

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Stonecrest Housing Authority approves funding for $70 million senior housing

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he Stonecrest Housing Authority recently adopted a bond inducement resolution that will pave the way for a $70 million senior community. The community will include a 238-unit senior housing facility with 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms and a 14,000-squarefoot foot Senior Day Out Community Center to be located at 6757 Covington Highway.

The Housing Authority was developed earlier this year by Mayor Jason Lary and the city council. The authority consists of one representative from each council district. The adopted resolution will allow the city to issue bonds of up to $40 million to help fund the development, which will carry the name Legends of Stonecrest. The bond will be repaid by the developer.

“We are very enthusiastic about the entire development but especially excited about the Senior Day Out facility which will be a community center featuring meals, health initiatives, and activities that will complement the Lou Walker Senior Center, “ said David Searles, Chief Financial Officer of the Beverly J. Searles Foundation, the development’s owner. The senior housing will serve retirees and working seniors age 55 and older with annual incomes between $18,000 and $66,500. Searles said now that all financing is in place, construction

SEE HOUSING page 10

Pictured left to right are members of the Stonecrest Housing Authority: Bill Bruckner, Chairman; Marty Garrison, secretary; Mayor Jason Lary; Nathan Alexander, Vice Chair; Diane Robinson; and Dennis Dae.

Rep. Johnson urges independent testing DeKalb County: $131 million property tax for toxic emissions in Covington Significantly high cancer rates reported in 30014 ZIP Code

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ongressman Hank Johnson (GA04) is urging the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to conduct independent testing at the BD Bard plant in Covington. The plant, which sterilizes medical equipment, is releasing ethylene oxide, a chemical that causes cancer into the air.

Johnson announced on Aug. 14 that he had sent letters to the EPA and EPD demanding answers as to why his constituents in Covington were not informed about the dangerous chemical the plant is releasing into the community’s air Johnson’s letters to the

Rep. Hank Johnson

agencies come on the heels of an Aug. 1 community meeting that drew more than 150 people to the Calvary Baptist Church gym who gathered to discuss the toxic air pollution coming from the plant.

Concentrations of ethylene oxide in neighborhoods around the Cov-

ington plant range from 17 to 97 times the acceptable area concentration or AAC, Johnson said in a news release today.

Although both the EPA and state EPD have known the chemical to be dangerous since 2016, neither agency informed the public.

Johnson said that’s unacceptable. He said independent testing of the air in and around the plant should be conducted. Currently, the only data on emissions of the chemical is self-reported by the plant. No air testing is currently being done near the Covington plant.

In his letters to the EPA and EPD, Johnson wrote: “Despite EPA’s knowledge of the significant danger

SEE EMISSIONS page 10

relief on the way

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eKalb County property owners will receive $131 million in property tax relief soon. Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson has announced that property tax bills will be mailed the week of Aug. 12.

“DeKalb is committed to delivering high-quality services while providing substantial property tax reductions for the second consecutive year,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.

The county rolled back the Combined Countywide Operational rate, which was 10.364 mills in Fiscal Year 2018 to 9.952 mills in Fiscal Year 2019, reducing the rate by 0.412 mills.

The projected value of the millage rate rollback is $12 million, which will provide a property tax reduction of $41.20 on properties valued at $250,000. The benchmark millage rate for unincorporated DeKalb will remain at 20.81 mills.

DeKalb homeowners will also benefit from $119 million in property tax relief generated by the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax Credit (EHOST). The tax reduction is the result of the passage of two measures in November 2017: Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) and the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

DeKalb is the only county in Georgia with an EHOST, which is 100 percent dedicated to homeowner tax relief. In Fiscal Year 2019, the EHOST property tax relief measure will deliver an average tax cut of $889 to

SEE TAX page 10

PAGE 2 • AUGUST 16, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Consumer Alert: Scam artists targeting elderly with genetic testing scheme Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is warning the public of a scam targeting the elderly for “free” genetic testing to gain their personal and financial information.

“We are becoming increasingly concerned about this scam which is making its way throughout Georgia,” said Carr. “Unfortunately, victims taken in by this scheme are often providing sensitive personal information, including insurance and financial information, that could be misused in a number of ways. We want Georgians to be aware that we are seeing more and more of this activity, so they can spot the warning signs and share this information with friends and family members.”

How the scam works: Consumers are approached by individuals at their homes, health fairs, residential facilities or through telemarketing calls. The more sinister con artists will even prey on the homeless by making personal visits to their tent or other temporary places of residence. The scammers offer to provide genetic testing, frequently playing into fears about serious diseases like cancer, dementia or heart disease. Consumers are also told that their insurance will pay for it. Some scammers are even offering individuals cash for consenting to the sample. They then either take a swab from inside the person’s mouth on the spot, or tell the person that a test kit will be mailed or hand delivered to them. The con artists are targeting older Georgians, informing these victims that Medicare or Medicaid will be billed for this service and that it will be “free” to them.

How to avoid falling victim to this scheme: • It is illegal to approach Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries and solicit business the way these scammers do. Many will arm themselves with business cards and IDs to look legitimate. They are not.

• Consult with a trusted physician if you are interested in DNA testing.

• If you can, refuse delivery. If you do receive an test kit in the mail that you did not order, you have no legal obligation to return it although you might want to send a certified letter, requesting a return receipt, to inform them that they should not send you goods or merchandise that you did not order.

• Never share your personal information with someone you don’t know.

If you suspect Medicaid fraud: • Call the Office of the Attorney General at (404) 656-5400.

• E-mail the Office of the Attorney General at report_medicaid_fraud@law. ga.gov.

SEE SCAM page 5

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EDITOR Valerie J. 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.

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AUGUST 16, 2019 • PAGE 3

Arizona’s undergoes thorough scrub, makes upgrades to bring up inspection score

By Valerie J. Morgan A team worked diligently to thoroughly sanitize Arizona’s, a popular restaurant located near the Mall at Stonecrest in southeast DeKalb County, in an effort to bring the restaurant into compliance with food safety standards.

The scrub down, which included assistance from Ecolab, followed two unsatisfactory inspections received in a 24-hour period.

The restaurant scored 21 on Aug. 13 and received a 46 on Aug. 14 during a re-inspection, where state health officials found new violations that included not posting the score of 21.

Inspectors cited the restaurant with violations that included gnats and flies in the kitchen, bar and bathrooms, coolers not maintained at proper temperatures and stored properly and employees observed in the kitchen not washing their hands while handling food equipment or pans.

Roberto Woods, marketing director, said the restaurant, has thrown away food, purchased new commercial grade refrigerators, replaced faulty facility doors and made several other changes after working with the Geor-

gia Department of Public Health in hopes that a re-inspection on Aug. 16 would allow the restaurant to open immediately.

“We’re going to address every violation. It’s going to make us better. It’s giving us an opportunity to improve,” Woods said during an interview with On Common Ground News late Thursday (Aug. 15). “We don’t just work here. We live in this community. Our families and friends dine here and we are going to get back on track.”

Woods said flies made their way into the kitchen during deliveries where doors didn’t properly close.

He said other issues were a result of a need for better staff training.

Woods said management is holding a mandatory staff meeting on Aug. 20 to review policies and procedures.

“We’ve had a lot of turnover, as you would expect in this industry, and we’re going to make sure that everyone is on board,” said Woods.

Woods said the restaurant plans to replace carpet and flooring in the restaurant. He said the restaurant would be closed again when the flooring is replaced in the kitchen.

“We will have to close when the work is done in the kitch-

City of Conyers bans booting in parking lots The City of Conyers has banned booting—the practice in which private companies use mechanical locking devices on unauthorized vehicles that have parked in privately-owned parking lots.

The City Council recently passed an ordinance prohibiting the practice at the recommendation of the Conyers Police Department.

Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson called for action, saying that the regulation of the booting practice has become increasingly difficult to regulate.

He said recent incidents involving booting companies have created a drain on public safety resources.

“The experiences our officers and citizens have had with booting companies have often been contentious and the fines imposed are unreasonable and exorbitant,” said Chief Wilson. “The time and manpower our officers have devoted to attempting to regulate the booting practice in Conyers had reached a point that something had to be done.”

The ordinance was passed unanimously by the council on Aug. 7 and takes effect immediately. Conyers Police have begun notifying the major property management companies in the city limits about the new ordinance.

CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, AUG 6TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, AUG 26TH 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-19-006 Halpern Enterprises. Inc c/o Battle Law 6024 Covington Highway MR-2 (Med Density) Conditional Zoning District Applicant is requesting to rezone 3.0 acres to C-1 (Local Commercial) for future commercial development.

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

RZ-19-007 Rocklyn Homes c/o Battle Law 1794 Phillips Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) Zoning District Applicant is requesting to rezone 30 acres to RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) Zoning District for the development of 240 fee simple single attached units at a density of 8 units per acre.

An Eco Lab van was parked outside the restaurant early Thursday morning (Aug. 15, 2019). The company provides food safety solutions and products among other services.

en and we want everyone to know ahead of time that we’re planning for that,” said Woods.

DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford said the restaurant must address all of the issues cited by inspectors in order to re-open.

“We’re not trying to shut down restaurants but we have a responsibility to ensure that they are as safe as they can possibly be for the public.”

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary said the city plans to work closely with Arizona’s through its “Best of Stonecrest” program, which provides free customer service training to business owners and their employees. confident the corrections and training will be done.

“We want to make sure that training stays in place,” said Lary. “They have my highest confidence that they will return to the 100 percent form of excellence that I know that they are. They are my favorite restaurant and they will continue to be.”

Georgia’s ratings for health inspections: A=90-100 B= 80 to 89 C=70 to 79 Unsatisfactory: 69 and below

PAGE 4 • AUGUST 16, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Sam Wheelock to conduct song writing workshop, perform at Decatur Library The Decatur Library will host Sam Wheelock for a song writing workshop and performance on Tuesday, Aug. 27 in the library’s auditorium, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. The workshop will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a performance at 7:15 p.m.

Sam Wheelock is an blend of the many musical influences of the Eastern Tennessee Mountains. He recalls members of the Carter Family playing in the front yard of a family home but also the influences of mountain blues and jazz.

Sam Wheelock The event is funded by the Friends of the Decatur Library and is free to the public. For more information, visit samwheelockmusic.com.

Pine Lake to host Georgia’s Great Pollinator Census The City of Pine Lake will serve as an official waystation during the first ever Georgia Great Pollinator Census on Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pine Lake Clubhouse, 300 Clubhouse Drive, Pine Lake.

The public is invited to be a part of the historical initiative as citizen scientists by helping record the numbers and types of pollinators that populate the state during late summer. The project, which is sponsored by the University of Georgia’s Extension Office, is open to Georgia residents of all ages. Participants do not have to be an entomologist to participate.

The Pine Lake Clubhouse will serve coffee and offer guided census counting of pollinators from 10 am. to noon. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic and stay for live music from 12 to 2 p.m. There will be kids’ crafts and an opportunity to meet bee and butterfly experts as well as master gardeners. Guests will have a chance to help create a “Pollinator Picnic“ collage on the city’s outdoor art wall.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.pinelakega.net/PollPic.aspx or email PLArtwall@gmail.com

Commissioner Larry Johnson to host Creative Arts Youth Summit DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will host a youth summit focused on the multi-billion dollar creative arts industry on Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

Industry leaders in the creative field from the metro Atlanta area will share their insights in plenary and breakout sessions on how to break into this multi-billion dollar Larry Johnson industry and turn your passion into your profession. Some of the money makers include video and music production, web development and UX/UI design.

The creative industry in Georgia generated a $62.5 billion in total economic impact in 2015 and is only on the rise. The creative industries in Georgia represent a combined $37 billion in revenue and employ an estimated 200,000 Georgians statewide, making up 5 percent of employment in the state.

Commissioner Johnson has been a catalyst and convener bringing resources to the South DeKalb area for the past 18 years. In the last five years, Johnson has pioneered creative economic development projects under his Renaissance Initiative.

Admission to the summit is free. For more information, call 404-3712425.

Community Fun Day set in Lithonia Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Community Fun Day and Fish Fry on Saturday, Aug. 31, noon to 2 p.m. on Main Street in Lithonia.

The City of Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson and DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson will co-host the event.

There will be a petting zoo, horseback riding and other activities for the children with line dancing for the adults.

Free admission offered at Emory Carlos Museum during August To thank the community for 100 years of support, the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory is offering 100 free admission days throughout 2019 in celebration of the museum’s centennial.

Free admission will be offered every Thursday during the month of August, between 1 to 4 p.m. at the Carlos Museum, 571 South Kilgo Circle, Atlanta.

During visits, SmARTy Packs, tote bags that focus families’ time in the galleries with themed activities suitable for ages 5 and up, may be checked out for free at the information desk by leaving a driver’s license.

Rockdale sets recycling, shredding event Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) will host its Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding for Rockdale residents and business owners.

The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., or until the shredding truck is full, in the parking lot of 1400 Parker Road, Conyers.

The free, half-day event will provide the public a place to safely discard and recycle old documents and electronics, regardless of working condition.

There is a maximum of 4 banker boxes per vehicle allowed for paper shredding, and participants must provide photo ID as proof of an address in the County for both shredding and recycling. Professional electronics recycling and paper shredding companies will securely handle all items on site under the close supervision of government staff.

Cash fees will apply to certain items for electronics recycling, including $25 for each TV and $15 for each CRT monitor. All other electronics are free to recycle. The following is a list of items accepted/not accepted at the event.

ACCEPTED ITEMS Paper Shredding Papers that are loose, folded or in envelopes.

Electronics Recycling Desktops CD-ROMS Printers Laptops /Tablets Floppy drives Fax machines Servers Circuit boards Copiers Mainframes Power supplies Scanners Network hubs Hard drives Typewriters Network switches UPS and UPS batteries Modems Cell phones Stereos Desktop phones and systems Lithium batteries VCR Keyboards/Mice Car Batteries Radios Check processing Cable/Wire DVD-players Gaming consoles Gaming controllers CD-players LCD monitors

Toner/Inkjet cartridges Dock stations Blu-Ray players Items Not Accepted Paper Shredding Papers containing foreign objects such as spring loader/binder clips or glue/adhesives Photographs Hanging metal file folders Three-ring binders Electronics Recycling Projection/Console TVs Tires Coffee makers Washer/Dryers Toaster ovens Freezers Vacuum cleaners De-Humidifiers Blenders Speakers (wooden) Gas-powered tools Mixers Gas grill tanks Household trash Ovens Battery-powered tools Microwave ovens Hair dryers Liquid-containing devices Radioactive material Ceiling fans Alkaline batteries Humidifiers Refrigerators For more information, contact KCRB at kcrb@rockdalecountyga.gov or 770-278-7052.

CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: WEDNESDAY, SEP 4TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, SEP 23TH 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.

Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson

DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson

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

Untitled-1 1

SLUP-19-003 Lisa. Foster & Belinda Brunson 66764 Hill Creek Cove R-100 (Med Lot District) Applicant is requesting a Special Land Use permit for operation of personal care home up three people.

8/15/19 3:06 PM

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AUGUST 16, 2019 • PAGE 5

City of Stonecrest honors DeKalb Lions as history makers

By Valerie J. Morgan

Turner also praised Salem Middle School, where many Stonecrest city officials of the team members were honored the DeKalb Lions, students. He said that last presenting members of the year, Salem’s Mighty Lions team and their coaches with a Symphonic Band performed proclamation declaring Aug. at Carnegie Hall. In Novem12 as DeKalb Lions Day. ber, the Martin Luther King, The Lions made history in Jr. High1’s Loins Marching July when they became the Band, which includes some first African-American youth Salem Middle School Lions, baseball team from the United will perform in the Macy’s States and from Georgia in 11 Thanksgiving Day parade. years to compete in the 2019 Coach Marius Nolden Cooperstown Baseball World said the tournament provided “Hall of Fame” Tournament. a life-changing experience Council member George for the students and that the Turner, who joined Mayor DeKalb Lions, which includJason Lary in making the pre- ed one female, represented sentation, expressed his pride DeKalb County well in New for the team.

York.

“If you know anything “It’s a big accomplishabout baseball, you know that ment because every kid’s getting to Cooperstown is the dream is to go to Cooperultimate honor for any basestown. It’s every kid’s dream ball player….Just being invit- to experience the Baseball ed to play in this tournament Hall of Fame,” said Coach made history for DeKalb Marius Nolden. “Out of 16 County,” Turner said. teams, we placed fourth.”

Pictured are Head Coach Marius Nolden, Council member George Turner, team members Skylon Jackson, Jaden Johnson and Daelyn House, Assistant Coach Anthony Jackson and Mayor Jason Lary.

Rockdale County to unveil new ordinance concerning short-term vacation rentals

By Mackenzie N. Morgan A crowd of residents packed the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners’ Aug. 13 meeting to voice their opinions about shortterm vacation rentals as the county prepares to present a new ordinance on Oct. 17 regulating the properties.

The Rockdale Board of Commissioners heard mixed viewpoints on how the county should deal with the properties, which opponents say are a nuisance to neighborhoods.

Vice Chair Doreen Williams ran the meeting in the absence of Chairman Oz Nesbitt. Rockdale County Director of Planning and Zoning Kc Krzic provided an update on the developing ordinance stating that the ordinance is currently under review in all internal departments as well as outside agencies including the Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Health.

Rockdale resident Donna Byer, a proponent who was the first speaker to come before the board during the public hearing to discuss short-term vacation rental, said the extra income allows her to pay her mother’s mortgage since the passing of her husband. She said she has had a strict no party policy since becoming a host in 2016.

She suggested imposing hefty fines to curtail violations, instead of punishing compliant renters.

“I believe that we have the right to use our own home and assets

Karl Blaschle suggests doing more research to reach a common ground for parties both for and against short-term vacation rentals during public comment at the Rockdale Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Aug. 13. Commissioners Sherri Williams and Doreen Williams were present conducted the meeting in Chairman Oz Nesbitt’s absence.

to the fullest extent of our ability.

Our rights end where another’s rights begin. I ask that as y’all are considering whatever you’re going to do ...that you don’t cast a white net, that you take into consideration those who are handling this seriously and considering their neighbors,” said Byer.

Mary Greco argued that the rentals should be banned and have no real benefit to the community.

“It artificially increases rent... [and] the property values of those homes...STRs unfortunately attract disruptive visitors who have no real stake in the community,” Greco said.

Resident Cheryl Garcia

SCAM continued from page 2 • You should also consider contacting your local law enforcement office.

If you suspect Medicare fraud: • Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877486-2048.

• Report it online to the Office of the Inspector General.

• Call the Office of the Inspector General at 1‑800‑HHS‑TIPS (1‑800‑447‑8477). TTY: 1‑800‑377‑4950

added that the short-term rentals compromise public safety and referenced several incidences jeopardizing public safety.

“Are you waiting for an innocent

child or homeowner to get shot...For most of us, our homes are our largest investment and we will not sit idly by while you erode the safety, value or quality of life or enjoyment of our homes and subdivisions,” said Garcia.

Karl Blaschle said the rentals shouldn’t be completely eliminated and suggested conducting a feasibility study along with implementing a 7-day minimum stay.

“Yes, we do have a problem in this community with the party houses. We need to study other communities that have had success with short-term rentals,” said Blaschle.

County officials plan to unveil the new ordinance at the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Associations on Thursday, Oct. 17.

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will continue taking feedback via the public hearing process for the next three months.

Rockdale Cooperative Extension to host inaugural Food and Science Festival The Rockdale County UGA Cooperative Extension Office will host the first Rockdale County Food and Science Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pine Street Elementary School, 500 Sigman Road, Conyers.

The free event will showcase all three program areas of UGA Cooperative Extension: Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS), and 4-H. The goal is to highlight the relationship between food production and consumption and the impact it has on the body and mind in a fun festival-style event.

Attendees will be able to navigate a path through more than 15 different booths with games, challenges and activities. In addition to the booths, there will be special presentations given throughout the day to engage attendees, as well as a photo booth, science demonstrations and more.

Eventbrite ticketholders will receive guaranteed reservations for fresh vegetables to take home at the completion of their visit. Non-ticketholders may also receive free produce on a first-come, first serve basis, while supplies last.

For more information go to Eventbrite.com, by searching for “Rockdale County Food and Science Fest.”

For more information, contact the Rockdale County UGA Extension Office at 770-278-7373.

PAGE 6 •AUGUST 16, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Faith & Spirit Community Calendar

St. Philip AME to host S.T.E.M.S. Career Fair St. Philip AME Church will host a STEMS Career Fair for students at its Family Life Center, 1607 Richard Allen Drive, Decatur, on Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, Math & Service fair is open to all students. Event highlights include 30 to 40 exhibitors, workshops on introduction to coding, college planning and financial aid.

Registration is required and can be made online at SPCCAREERRESOURCEMINISTRY.ORG. On-site registration also is available at 8 a.m. on the day of the event. For more information, email: spc_crm@saintphilip.org

St. Paul AME sets Annual Feed My Neighbor Walk/Run/Bike Join the fight against hunger on Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at First Saint Paul AME Church, 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia. Registration is $15 and $10 for senior citizens. Registrationi s $20 the day of the event.

Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item.

The event is sponsored by the First Saint Paul Women’s Missionary Society. Proceeds will benefit Eldoris S. Williams Food Panty and donations are tax deductible.

For more information, call 770-484-9660.

Discover how to live like never before Corey K. Hambrick, pastor of The Life Christian Center in Conyers, wants to help you to live your most rewarding life. This fall, he is hosting the LIVE Leadership series, a five-course masterclass that will help you to discover one simple goal: “To engage an existence whereby one experiences self fulfillment, accomplishment and enjoyment of without regret.”

Pastor Hambrick said the first 30 participants who register for the masterclass will be allowed to attend totally free of charge—all materials includCorey K. Hambrick ed.

“We’re excited about the possibilities for your destiny, and YOU taking the first step towards an immutable dawn, “ said Pastor Hambrick. “Get ready to live like never before.”

Those who are interested in attending the series may reserve their space through eventbrite.com (search for the LIVE Fall 2019 Cohort).

The event will be held Sept.10, 7 p.m. through Nov. 10 , 10 a.m., at The Life Christian Center, 2009 Iris Drive N.E., Conyers.

Cascade UMC welcomes celebrity gospel artist Byron Cage The Music and Arts Ministry of Cascade United Methodist Church is offering a music workshop with Byron Cage on Saturday, Aug. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Cascade United Methodist Church, 3344 Cascade Road S.W., Atlanta. Registration is $25 and can be made online at cascadeumc.org/music.

Byron Cage

Father James Behrens, OCSO passes Aug. 15 Father James Stephen Behrens, OCSO, a monk at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Rockdale County, died on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the hospital as a result of complications from a lung biopsy procedure. A monk of 25 years and a priest of 45 years, he served as a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark for over 20 years before entering the monastery in 1994. Father James was 71 years old when the Lord called him.

Fr James is the author of six books; two of them containing collections of photographs, each captivating image is accompanied by brief snippets of inspirational words to spark reflection and inner thought. He is the author of the bestseller Portraits of Grace. He is a long-time contributor to the National Catholic Reporter, and his writings have appeared in Notre Dame Magazine, St. Anthony Messenger, the Liguorian, and Living Faith. He is a regular contributor to the Georgia Bulletin and various other publications.

Father James was born in Brooklyn, New York after his parents relocated from New Orleans, Louisiana. Most of his youth was spent in Montclair New Jersey, which is the focus of many of his essays. He tends to write on the significance of the ordinary, the sacredness of what comes our way every day and seems to recede from our grasp. His fresh, downto-earth reflections show how modern monasticism can have a powerful impact on the lives and spirituality of people living far beyond cloister walls.

Father James is one of seven siblings. His brothers John and James Behrens preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters Mary Behrens McCarthy (Brian) of Atlanta, Margaret (Meg) Brown (James) of Herndon, Virginia and brothers Robert F. Behrens (Marnie) of Highpoint NC, Peter Behrens (Bonnie) of Troy Michigan and God Mother Mary Dwyer of Brooklyn NY. Father James was a loving uncle to three nephews and five nieces.

The celebration of the Funeral Mass of the Resurrection and the burial will be on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m., at the monastery church.

Condolences and memorial offerings may be sent in Fr. James’ memory to: The Monastery of the Holy Spirit 2625 Highway 212 SW Conyers, GA 30094 Attn: Abbot Augustine

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AUGUST 16, 2019 • PAGE 7

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“Where the Spirit of God Lives”

Founder & Senior Pastor Vincent Harris, Sr. First Lady LaTonya K. Harris

1140 Reynolds Street 2nd Floor Covington, GA 30014 770-362-6178 | houseofbethelcc.org

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PAGE 8 •AUGUST 16, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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AUGUST 16, 2019 • PAGE 9

Rockdale Constitutional Corner

Oratorical contest prepares students for the workplace The Annual Rockdale County Middle School Oratorical Competition is set for Monday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m., at Rockdale Career Academy.

The district-wide contest is sponsored each year by Lexicon Technologies, Snapping Shoals EMC, Evans Tool and Die, The Rotary Club of Conyers and the Rockdale Clerk of Courts.

The first, second and third place winners receive cash prizes, which they are encouraged to use for college savings. Not a bad way to spend three minutes on a Monday evening. All students, parents and the public are invited to attend and see what it takes to win. This free event is a great

ers in the digital age must know how to effectively convey and receive messages in person as well as via phone, email, and social media. Employers are making effective communication skills a top priority.

The ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and staff is necessary, no matter what

By Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts industry you choose. Workers in the digital age must know how to effectively conway to support young people vey and receive messages in doing positive things with person as well as via phone, their time and energy. email, and social media. EmThe ability to communi- ployers are making effective cate effectively with supecommunication skills a top riors, colleagues, and staff priority. is necessary, no matter what Commuication skills industry you choose. Work- are touched upon during

the preparation, training and practice for the Oratorical Competition. We work with the students prior to the contest to fine tune their speeches and provide specific individual constructive feedback for improvement.

Some of them are so well done, it leaves the audience and judges scratching their heads trying to figure out who won the contest.

Competition topics this year are as follows: 6th Grade: All It Takes Is One 7th Grade: Who Will Lead the Future?

8th Grade: You Are Responsible for Good Government Interested students

should contact the Oratorical Competition Chair for their school: Conyers Middle School – Sonja Vernon Davis Middle School -Patryce Harvey Edwards Middle School – Thomas Gray Memorial Middle School – Patrice Tealer The Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Middle School Oratorical Competition is a public-private partnership that depends upon the goodwill and good deeds of many unnamed Heroes and “Sheroes” inside RCPS. We are deeply indebted to them and to their fine leader, Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts.

Piedmont Rockdale honors students in ‘Volunteen’ program

Rockdale County Public Schools Teachers of the Year for 2019-2020 pictured (left to right): Back Row – Michael Zellous (Open Campus), Reginald Jacobs (Rockdale County High), Janareau Murray (Pine Street Elementary), Natasha Belle (Memorial Middle), Josh Kammerer (Shoal Creek Elementary), Chris Anglin (Rockdale Career Academy). Middle Row – Vita Reed (Edwards Middle), Nabulungi Bolton-Johnson (Alpha Academy), Divya Kharod (C.J. Hicks Elementary), Precious Moon (Hightower Trail Elementary), Beth Withers (Salem High), Francoise Scott (Gen. Ray Davis Middle), Tracee Smith (Honey Creek Elemenary), Dametria Williams (Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology), Cynthia Siren (Peek’s Chapel Elementary). Front Row – Kimberly Tomlinson (Barksdale Elementary), India Whitted (Sims Elementary), Emily Kleisitz (J.H. House Elementary), Kelli Mayo (Heritage High), Brandy Webb (Lorraine Elementary), Arlene McQueen (Conyers Middle). Pictured separately: Jennifer Schie (Flat Shoals Elementary).

RCPS to salute Teachers of the Year Sept. 17 Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is preparing to celebrate its school-level 2019-2020 Teachers of the Year – the women and men who go above and beyond for their students, peers and community.

The RCPS Teacher of the Year Celebration will held Sept. 17 at Rockdale Career Academy. The ceremony will feature all the school-level Teachers of the Year selected by their peers. The district-level Teacher of the Year will be announced during the event and will advance to the state-level competition.

This year’s Teachers of the Year are: Barksdale Elementary – Kimberly Tomlinson C.J. Hicks Elementary – Divya Kharod Flat Shoals Elementary – Jennifer Schie Hightower Trail Elementary – Precious Moon Honey Creek Elementary – Tracee Smith J.H. House Elementary – Emily Klesitz Lorraine Elementary – Brandy Webb Peek’s Chapel Elementary – Cynthia Siren Pine Street Elementary – Janareau Murray Shoal Creek Elementary – Josh Kammerer Sims Elementary – India Whitted Conyers Middle – Arlene McQueen Gen. Ray Davis Middle – Francoise Scott Edwards Middle – Vita Reed Memorial Middle – Natasha Bell Heritage High – Kelli Mayo Salem High – Beth Withers Rockdale County High – Reginald Jacobs Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology – Dametria Williams Alpha Academy – Nabulungi Bolton-Johnson Open Campus – Michael Zellous Rockdale Career Academy – Chris Anglin

The six-week annual summer “volunteen” program at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital recently concluded with students receiving scholarships during the Volunteen Awards Ceremony. The volunteen program is organized and overseen by the hospital’s Volunteer Auxiliary.

This summer, two returning students received scholarships totaling $3,000 to further their education in medicine. Jaylynn Caudle will be attending Augusta University in the fall and plans to pursue a medical degree. She has hopes of becoming an OB/GYN physician. Caudle has served more than 64 hours through the volunteen program and was recognized as the Rockdale Career Academy Healthcare Student of the Year.

Jazmyn Flakes will also be attending Augusta University in the fall.

Flakes has completed 96 volunteer hours through the program, as well as internships in Piedmont Rockdale’s labor and delivery department and emergency department. Jazmyn is completing her EMT courses and would like to become an emergency medicine physician.

The volunteen program provides students with an opportunity to work in various hospital departments and gain valuable healthcare experience while being supervised by auxiliary members and hospital staff. Students work in various departments in the hospital, including the emergency department, cardiology, surgical services, and labor and delivery. They are able to assist in surgeries, cesarean sections, deliveries, and other hands-on procedures.

To be selected for the volunteen program, students must submit a completed application, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and be interviewed by the selection committee.

For more information on volunteer opportunities at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital or the volunteen program, please contact the Auxiliary office at 770-918-3007.

State Rep. Karen Bennett to host annual Back to School sports physicals at Redan Rec Center State Rep. Karen Bennett, District 94, in partnership with Redan Park Association, will once again host the Back to School Zone Sports Physicals for students ages 5 to 17 who are seeking to play recreational team sports this fall.

The annual event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to noon, at Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Philips Road, Lithonia.

Students must be pre-registered in order to State Rep. Karen Bennett receive the sports physicals. A limited number of free sports physicals will be provided by a volunteer Board Certified doctor and volunteer nurses who will be available at the event. Pre-registration is available at redanparkassociation@gmail.com.

Those students with insurance also will be able to receive sports physicals with advance registration. Space is limited for this event.

“I am a doctor of physical therapy and I know how important it is for kids to have sports physicals before they start the sports season. It can be difficult for busy parents to have the time to take their kids to doctors to get sports physicals,” said Bennett. “ This is one way that I can help parents and kids meet the requirements they need to play sports. I am grateful for the doctors and nurses who volunteer their services.”

There will be give-aways for registered students attending. For more information, contact Rep. Bennett’s office at 404-656-0202.

PAGE 10 •AUGUST 16, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Tanguler Gray, Georgia Child Support Services Director, to lead national organization Georgia’s child support director will soon begin her term as the new president of the National Child Support Enforcement Association’s (NCSEA) Board of Directors.

Tanguler Gray, director of the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Child Support Services, received the ceremonial gavel at the association’s annual meeting on Aug. 13 in Minneapolis.

Gray’s one-year term as president will begin Sept. 1.

“As Georgia’s child support services director, Tanguler has been on the forefront of implementing innovative ideas and programs to empower parents to support their children,” said DHS Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden. “I am so proud of all that she has accomplished thus far in the child support arena. I know she will take her work to even greater heights as the president of NCSEA. The children and families of our state are fortunate to have her serving on their behalf.”

Gray, who has been director of the Division since 2013, oversaw the creation of the GA DCSS mobile app, which launched in 2016, making Georgia the first state to provide a full-service child support mobile app to its customers. The mobile app has received two national awards and one statewide award since its launch in 2016. Gray has also been recognized nationally for her work in establishing outreach programs to assist noncustodial parents in overcoming barriers to pay court-ordered child support.

Under her leadership in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2018, DCSS distributed $736 million in support to Georgia’s children.

Gray is a graduate of Valdosta State University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

HOUSING continued from page 1 of the Legends at Stonecrest should begin before the end of the year.

“This is why we developed the Stonecrest Housing Authority, to provide the means for senior development. In Stonecrest, we are focused on providing a better quality of life for those who have given us so much – our seniors,” Mayor Jason Lary said.

The Searles Foundation has built eight similar developments such as Antioch Manor Estates in Stone Mountain and Sweetwater Terraces in Duluth. Searles has three other communities under construction that will open soon in Vine City, Mableton, and Powder Springs. The Legends at Stonecrest will be one of its largest developments with the residential building spanning more than 260,000 square feet.

TAX continued from page 1

Atlanta church offers meditation class

residents owning a home valued at $250,000.

Combined, these two efforts will generate $131 million in property tax relief for DeKalb County property owners and were included in CEO Thurmond’s approved Fiscal Year 2019 midyear budget.

Property tax bills are mailed during August of each year and installment due dates for DeKalb County taxes are Oct. 1 and Nov. 15. Property owners can also pay the full amount in one payment by Oct. 1.

The Shallowford Family Counseling Center will be hosting a weekly mindfulness class at Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 2375 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta.

The five-week Mindfulness & Contemplative Practice course begins Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information on tuition and to register, visit www.shallowford.org/mindfulness or call 404-321-1844.

EMISSIONS continued from page 1 ethylene oxide poses, the agency has seemingly failed to mitigate the release of the toxin. Moreover, the EPA has not issued any press releases about these findings notifying residents living within exposed areas -- failing to even notify families and communities that the air they breathe could be poisonous. Only through dili-

gent reporting did citizens learn of the potential peril from a carcinogenic in the air, information that the EPA held for two years. This lack of action is contrary to the EPA’s mission to ensure Americans have clean air and healthy living conditions.”

The Covington area has higher cancer rates

than the state averages, Georgia Health News has reported. In the 30014 ZIP code, there were 527 cases of cancer diagnosed for every 100,000 people, compared to an average of 474 cases of cancer diagnosed for every 100,000 people statewide.

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Mayor and Council Members needed in the City of Lithonia

(Loan Modification & Foreclosure Prevention)

(404) 842-4600

Behind On Your Mortgage Payments, Facing Foreclosure?

The city of Lithonia is looking for qualified candidates for the position of Mayor and Council positions. The general election will be held on November 5, 2019. Each candidate will file notice of his/her candidacy and the appropriate affidavit in the office of the City Clerk, Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main Street, Lithonia, GA 30058.

Qualifying for candidates will begin on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 and end on Thursday, August 22, 2019 between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. (office closed for lunch between the hours of 1:30 – 2:30 pm).

The qualifying fee is $234.00 for the position of Mayor and $122.40 for the position of Council Member. The City of Lithonia deserves the best.

City Hall Contact Information: Phone: 770-482-8136

Living On a Fixed Income?

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AUGUST 16, 2019 • PAGE 11

PAGE 12 •AUGUST 16, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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