OCG News Aug. 23, 2019

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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 21

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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

DeKalb’s District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to host forum on gentrification, crime

By Mackenzie Morgan

D

eKalb County District Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will hold a community forum to discuss the county’s changing communities and address pressing concerns in the Lorraine Cochrandistrict.

Johnson The meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest.

“Many of the residents in District 7 have

SEE HOUSING page 10

Older ranch-style homes such as the one pictured are being crowded out by newer, high-priced homes.

Dermatologist ordered to pay out $190,000 in consumer restitution

Jamie Madden accepted the Best Year-Round Programming Award on behalf of Panola Mountain State Park located in Stockbridge, GA

Panola Mountain among Georgia parks and historic sites honored Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site managers were honored recently during a statewide conference held recently in Savannah. Panola Mountain State Park was among those lauded as an outstanding destination.

Nearly 300 representatives from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and volunteers gathered for the event hosted by the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. The group spent three days learning how to best operate their sites, including historic structure maintenance, programming ideas, volunteer retainment and marketing. The conference also included an awards ceremony celebrating the efforts of those who make more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites outstanding destinations for Georgia’s citizens and visitors.

Award winners included: • Best Year-Round Programming Award – Panola Mountain State Park (Stockbridge). Jamie Madden accepted the award.

• Henry Struble Manager of the Year Award – Bryan Gray, Stephen C. Foster State Park (Fargo) • Most Outstanding Site Operation – Vogel State Park (Blairsville) • Above and Beyond Award – Ellen Graham, Chief Naturalist (Clarkesville)

• Customer Service Award – Robin Glass, Manager of Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site (Warm Springs) • Natural Resource Enhancement Award – Cloudland Canyon State Park (Rising Fawn) • Cultural Resource Enhancement Award -- Chief Vann House State Historic Site (Chatsworth) • Outstanding Golf Course of the Year Award -- Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant State Park (Royston) Award Descriptions: Best Year-Round Programming Award – Panola Mountain State Park (Stockbridge) Panola Mountain offers more than 30 ranger-led programs and hikes each month, including creative twists such as glow-in-the-dark archery. Their adult summer camp includes sleeping in a tree canopy, kayaking and canoeing, bouldering, fly fishing, archery and open-fire cooking – all packed into two days. One of metro-Atlanta’s most creative July 4th programs includes watching area fireworks from atop the park’s granite mountain.

Henry Struble Manager of the Year Award – Bryan Gray, Stephen C. Foster State Park (Fargo) Gray is one of the State Park System’s most versatile and skilled managers, and his expertise is often

SEE HONORED page 8

Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Premiere Dermatology & Surgery, LLC, Aesthetic Laser & Boutique, Inc., Boutté Contour Surgery Windell Davis-Boutté & Dermatology, P.C., and their owner, Windell Davis-Boutté (collectively, Premiere Dermatology) have entered into a consent judgment with the State of Georgia in response to allegations that they violated the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act by falsely representing Ms. Boutté’s medical certifications and failing to provide refunds for cosmetic surgery procedures that were never actually performed.

“In order to make sound health-related decisions, Georgia patients must be able to trust the information they receive from their medical providers regarding their qualifications,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “It is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible for a medical provider to fabricate such information, and our office will hold accountable those who intentionally misrepresent their qualifications.”

Our office’s investigation revealed that Premiere Dermatology’s website and advertising materials represented that Boutté was “board certified” in “surgery,” “cosmetic surgery,” and “skin surgery,” when actually, Boutté was only certified as a “dermatologist” under the American Board of Dermatology (ABD).

The ABD does not issue certifications or sub-certifications for surgery,

SEE RESTITUTION page 11

PAGE 2 • AUGUST 23, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

DeKalb Legislative Delegation to host public hearings on proposed changes to ethics board Members of the DeKalb County Legislative Delegation, co-chaired by State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and State Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur), will host a series of town hall meetings beginning in September to help the public become familiar with Senate Bill 7, which will be on the ballot in a special election in November.

Delegation CoDelegation Co-Chair The meetings will include public Chair State Rep. State Sen. Karla Drenner Emanuel Jones hearings on SB 7, which would implement certain changes within the DeKalb County Board of Ethics. SB 7 was passed during the 2019 session and will require ratification by DeKalb voters in the special election on Nov. 5. Constituents will have a chance to ask questions and address other community concerns.

The town hall meetings are scheduled as follows: • Monday, Sept.16, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia • Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, Tucker • Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at Manual J. Maloof Auditorium, Decatur • Monday, Oct. 21, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Brookhaven City Hall, Brookhaven For more information about the town hall meetings, contact Jocelyn Thompson at 404-656-0502 or Jocelyn.Thompson@senate.ga.gov.

Magistrate Court fees to rise in Georgia Sept. 1 On Sept. 1, fees for Abandoned Motor Vehicle (AMV) filings in all Magistrate Courts in Georgia will increase. HB 307 requires that the filing fee be increased to $11 for each action.

The bill also provides for increasing the fee for a certified copy in AMV cases, up to $14. DeKalb County Magistrate Court will charge $10 for a certified copy.

If you have any questions regarding the new AMV fees in DeKalb, contact the DeKalb State and Magistrate Court Clerk’s Office at 404-371-2261.

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AUGUST 23, 2019 • PAGE 3

PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

mackenzie@ocgnews.com Left photo: Councilman Rob Turner and Mayor Jason Lary presented a proclamation to Robert Townsend and named Saturday, Aug. 17, as “Robert Townsend Day.” At right: City officials pose with Townsend and cast members who attended the documentary premiere, “Making The Five Heartbeats.”

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.

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

City of Stonecrest hosts actor Robert Townsend for documentary The City of Stonecrest Film and Entertainment Committee hosted actor, producer, director and screenwriter Robert Townsend recently for his premiere Stonecrest broadcast of “Making The Five Heartbeats.”

The 90-minute documentary premiere, which was held at New Vision Stonecrest 16 movie theatre on Aug 17, covered the challenges and the rewards in the production and release of the 1991 movie, “The Five Heartbeats.”

The documentary, which was writeen and produced

by Townsend and co-writer Kennen Ivory Wayans,

featured behind-the-scenes footage and intense interviews about the lives of several R&B music legends such as The Dells, The Temptations and The Four Tops, whose lives the film was loosely based.

Townsend expressed his struggles with prejudice and the film’s questionable marketing, yet he said that it was a success and told how the film helped saved one man from a drug addiction.

After the documentary, Townsend was joined by actors Bill Duke, Clifton Powell and director Oz Scott. The team answered questions from the audience, which was filled with local

residents and aspiring actors who had a chance to inquire how they could build their own careers in the industry.

The underlying theme and message, “we have for aspiring actors and producers, is to get trained and perfect your craft,” Townsend told the audience.

Scott, known for directing the Broadway musical, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” and television shows “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Black Lightning,” encouraged the audience pointing to today’s technology and how, with the right skills, movies can be shot with an

iPhone.

“So, you have no excuse,” Scott told the audience.

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and Councilman Rob Turner presented a proclamation to Townsend and named Saturday, Aug. 17, as “Robert Townsend Day” in Stonecrest.

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Townsend in our city especially for an evening that gives our residents direct contact with him, his experiences and his triumphs,” Mayor Lary said. “Naming this day in his honor is the least we can do to express our gratitude for all that he has done during his career.”

RCSO issues phone scam alert regarding missed jury duty The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Call Center has received several complaints from citizens who received phone calls from a man identifying himself as “SGT Al Jones,” stating he is with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office.

The caller then informs the victim that they have missed jury duty and that in order to avoid a warrant being issued for their arrest they must pay a $2000 fine.

The victims stated that they received the call from 770400-0774.

Sheriff Eric Levett Sheriff’s officials said RCSO will not contact any citizen to collect any type of fees. “This is a scam. If anyone receives a similar call, we advise them to contact the Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement agency immediately to report the incident,” officials said in a news release.

Officials said scammers will frequently access public records in order to obtain personal information and use it to appear legitimate. Anyone receiving a phone call from persons seeking money should always verify who the individual is and the agency they claim to represent. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to simply hang up, the Sheriff’s Office alert states.

Splish Splash Emoji Party set Sept. 6 OMG! Johnson Park is having a Splish Splash Emoji Party for kids on Friday, Sept. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. ,at Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. Pizza will be served after swimming.

Admission for this event is $5 and is open to kids ages 5 to 12 with and without disabilities. Participants should bring a towel and change of clothes. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, Sept. 4, 9 p.m.

Outdoor fitness program offers free guided hikes at Arabia Mountain Get on the path to health and wellness by joining Ranger Doffice for a guided walk on Monday, Aug. 26, 8 to 10 a.m., at the Davidson -Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 787 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. Enjoy a fun and lively walk and meet new friends. Bring a water bottle.

Special Tribute presented at DeKalb Fire Academy Graduation DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department(DCFR) held a graduation on Aug. 14 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in Decatur for Fire Academy Class 112.

DCFR presented Captain Fred Poole a plaque in honor of his son, Jackson Poole, who died tragical-

ly in a car crash earlier this year.

Jackson was part of the 42 recruits in the graduating class. Graduates completed field orientation, which included approximately 40 weeks of fire and emergency medical training in addition to learning DeKalb County Government protocols.

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.

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.

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Kingdom Stand Up gospel concert this Saturday The Kingdom Stand Up Gospel Concert is taking place Saturday, Aug. 24, 2 to 10 p.m., at the Voices of Faith Rockdale Campus, 1290 Sigman Road NW, Conyers.

The family-friendly gospel event will offer guests a diverse lineup of gospel artists ranging from Gospel R&B, Gospel Rap/Hip Hop, Gospel Reggae and Gospel Soul. Food will be available for purchase on site.

The lineup includes Koryn Hawthorne, Jekalyn Carr, Papa San, Canton Jones, Bizzle, Kelontae Gavin, Mr. Gallimore, Princess Rouche, Tasan. The outdoor concert will also include vendors and food.

Tickets can be purchased online at kingdomstandup.com.

DeKalb sets second annual “Doggie Splash Paw-looza” Get your doggie dressed in their best swimsuit and snap a photo. Jack or Mimi might have a chance at winning a prize. Registration is underway for the DeKalb County Parks’ second annual Doggie Splash Paw-looza, set for Sept. 7. The event, which will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Midway Park Pool, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, includes a swimsuit photo contest.

Photos may be submitted now until Sept. 5 via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag, #DeKalbPawlooza19. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners.

In addition to the swimsuit contest, this year’s event will include a dog swim, pet-friendly vendors, music and a raffle.

Owners must arrive with their dogs on a leash and provide proof of current vaccinations and rabies tag at the Doggie Splash.

Female dogs in heat and puppies less than 6 months old will not be allowed. All pet handlers must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. No more than two dogs per handler will be allowed. Owners will be required to supervise their dogs and clean up after them as necessary.

Admission is $5 per dog to swim and all proceeds will fund enhancements for Brookside and Mason Mill dog parks.

Johnson Park commemorates National Day of Service with free day at the rec Johnson Park is welcoming all military veterans and first responders to a free day of play in honor of the 2019 National Day of Service on Wednesday, Sept, 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers.

Veterans, active duty personnel and first responders are invited to take a dip in the pool, play basketball or just explore the facility and its trails free of charge.

“Movie in the Park” set at Panola Mountain State Park Enjoy a family-fun evening with a movie in the park on Saturday, Aug. 31, 8 to 10 p.m., at Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. A family feature film will play on a jumbo screen while your family relaxes in the park. Bring a blanket and/or chairs. Concessions will be available for purchase from the Friends of Panola chapter. The fee to park is $5 per vehicle.

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AUGUST 23, 2019 • PAGE 5

CHURCHESNOW.ORG A DAY OF HEALING

Diocese of Atlanta to commemorate 400 years of African American History

A

Front L-R: Brandis and Andrew Green pose with their parents, Andrew and Rachel Green, outside their home. Andrew, the Morehouse graduate, beams proudly.

A FAMILY’S FAITH WALK A Stone Mountain student’s Morehouse College debt is wiped out by billionaire, his older brother recovers from brain tumor

By Valerie J. Morgan

was unable to medically explain what happened 103 days after they Rachel Green knows the power checked a new MRI scan and found of faith and power. The Stone no tumor.

Mountain resident says her family “I had prayed: Lord, if you has witnessed two major blessings could just restore my family… and in the last six months and she gives when the doctor said the scan no all the glory to God. longer showed the tumor, I knew In May, Rachel and her husband, that God had answered my prayer,” Andrew, were shocked when said Green. their 23-year-old son, who is also Green recently shared her named Andrew, received a financial testimony of God’s grace and blessing from a man none of them mercy with the congregation of had ever heard of. Andrew was Voices of Faith Ministries. Green one of the 396 Morehouse College ran excitedly to the front of the graduates whose college debt was church as Bishop Hawkins spoke on paid off by billionaire investor “Supernatural Debt Cancellation,” Robert F. Smith, the commencement citing biblical scriptures from the speaker. Smith, founder and CEO book of Isaiah 43:18-9. Green of Vista Equity Partners, announced shared the story about her son, near the end of his speech at the Andrew, who had his college debt May 19 graduation that he was wiped clean. She said he had started paying off the college debt of every a new job with a good salary.

Morehouse graduate in the class of “If I never learned anything 2019. The donation—an estimated from Bishop, I learned that you’ve $40 million—made headline news got to have faith—radical faith. across the country.

You’ve got to trust God,” Rachel For Andrew Green and his Green said. family, the gift meant $30,000 in Andrew said he believed that debt would vanish. somehow his college debt would In December 2018, the Greens’ not be his to pay in the end. As lives were restored, after steadfastly an athlete from DeKalb County’s praying. Their oldest son, Brandis, Arabia Mountain High School, now 26, was clinging to life, unable Andrew had received a football to see, walk or talk. Times were scholarship to Morehouse College stressful for the family. Rachel but his parents still had to pay much Green found solace through of the costs for him to attend the prayer and focused on “radical prestigious historically black college faith--” sermons from Bishop Gary in Atlanta for men.

Hawkins, Sr., of Voices of Faith Andrew spent five years at Ministries, where she and her family Morehouse, after changing have been members for over 15 majors in his third year. With years. tuition, room and board, books and Rachel Green said Brandis other fees totaling about $45,000 miraculously recovered from a a year, Morehouse was expensive tumor that had caused bleeding for his parents—a nurse and truck on the brain. His doctor, she said, driver.

SEE FAITH page 6

TLANTA – Bishop Robert C. Wright has asked Episcopal churches, schools and ministries of the Diocese of Atlanta to remember and honor the first enslaved Africans who landed in English North America in 1619 by tolling their bells on Sunday, Aug. 25.

Wright, whose diocese includes 118 worshiping communities in middle and north Georgia, said he is joining faith leaders from around the United States calling for a commemoration and remembrance of the landing of the first enslaved Africans by ringing bells on Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.

“I’m inviting those of us in The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta to join in this national commemoration as part of our continued work of racial healing and reconciliation,” Wright said. “At 3 p.m., we can join with people of all faiths to remember those who came enslaved, those who came to a country that one day would proclaim liberty.”

Wright, who has frequently spoken out on other issues such as gun violence, access to healthcare, prison reform, says that the Christian Gospels compel believers think, pray and act when groups or governments take actions that are contrary to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

History records that in August 1619 “...20 and odd Negroes....” arrived in the English settlement now called Virginia. Abducted, brutalized, enslaved and transported, they were brought to the “The New World” from their homeland in Africa. A Captain William Tucker took two slaves, a man and a woman, into his household; renamed them Isabella and Anthony and allowed them to marry. Isabella gave birth to William—the first recorded black child born in what would become the United States of America. William was baptized as an Anglican in 1624.

“With the coming ashore of those first few people and William’s birth and baptism began a wildly iterating economic, legal, political, psychological and theological system. A system begun and enlarged for the sole purpose of creating capital to found and maintain a colony and then a nation,” Wright said during a sermon Sunday, Aug. 18, at All Saints Episcopal Church.

The Aug. 25, commemoration is one of many ways the Diocese is seeking to break the grip of racism.

In 2016, The Diocese of Atlanta began a relationship with the Anglican Church in Ghana, West Africa, from where millions of African were shipped to this country. People from the Diocese have taken annual trips to Ghana and the Anglican Bishop of that area has visited the Diocese.

In October 2017, the Diocese opened a center for racial healing.

The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing helps participants “engage their heads and their hearts in the daily work of dismantling personal prejudice and ending systemic racism.”

The Diocese has been a leader in Episcopal Church efforts to confront racism, supporting Episcopal Church resolutions dating back decades on how to respond to racism and seek to atone for its complicity in racial injustice and support for racist systems. These include specifically apologizing for the church’s complicity in and acknowledging that “The Episcopal Church lent the institution of slavery its support and justification based on Scripture.”

A current Diocesan effort is responding to an Episcopal Church resolution encouraging each diocese to research the church’s role in enabling or resisting slavery and segregation, as well as “the economic benefits derived by The Episcopal Church from the transatlantic slave trade and the institution of slavery.”

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FAITH & SPIRIT CALENDAR Angie’s House seeks stylists, makeup and nail artists for Divine Diva Day Angie’s House, which assists domestic violence survivors and their children, is working with community and faithbased organizations to provide a pampering day for survivors in October.

The Rockdale County nonprofit’s “Divine Diva Day” will offer professional stylists to do hair, makeup, and nails for a group of about 25 women and girls.

Volunteers who are interested in helping to provide free services at the event are asked to contact Elaine Nickens Davis at 770-331-2537.

Experience the miracle of prayer Senior Pastor Jon-Michael McKinney will present another installment of Glory Night on Monday, Aug. 26, 7 to 10 p.m., at The Impact Center Church, 2244 Panola Road, Lithonia.

Glory Night is a gathering, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and encompasses the prophetic miracles of prayer. The event is open to the public.

World Changers Church to host business+ finance seminar for women World Changers Church’s Radical Women’s Ministry for Net Worth is hosting a finance seminar on Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at World Changers Church International, 2500 Burdett Road,

College Park.

The free seminar will focus on strengthening business relationships and adding additional streams of wealth using your God-given gifts.

The event will feature a session on real estate investments and a panel on building a business team.

Antioch East AME Church welcomes new pastor Join Antioch East AME Church, 1790 Ebenezer Road S.W., Conyers, for worship on Sunday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m., to welcome the church’s new pastor, Bishop John Young, his wife, Lady Chasity, and their son, Israel.

Pastor Young was appointed by Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District.

Previously, Pastor Young led two congregations in Brunswick, Georgia and Columbus, Georgia. He has served as an interim pastor and church administrator for two churches in the metro Atlanta area. Young comes to Antioch East and Rockdale County with a wealth of knowledge, youthfulness and innovative approaches to ministry, officials said. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Savannah State University(’08) and later completed his Master of Divinity at Turner Theological Seminary at the ITC in Atlanta, Georgia (‘14).

“I look forward to working with the people of Antioch East AME Church in loving God and serving our neighbors in the greater community,” Pastor John said. “The congregation has extended a warm and generous welcome to me as their new pastor and we are growing and A welcome celebration dinner will be held immediately following the worship service.

AKAs to host International Day of Prayer at Greenforest Church The Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will observe an International Day of Prayer on Sunday, Aug. 25, 10:30 a.m., at Greenforest Community Baptist Church, 3250 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Members of the sorority will worship together in solidarity in an effort to promote peace.

A group photo op, fellowship and “saladbration” luncheon will follow service immediately. For luncheon tickets, visit https://bit. ly/33QC4p9.

Author Jaye Peabody Smith: “Heels, Hearts & Halos: Lessons on My Journey” Celebrate the launch of Jaye Peabody Smith’s first book, “Heels, Hearts & Halos: Lessons on My Journey,” on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2 to 4 p.m. , at the Purple Corkscrew, 32 N. Avondale Road, Avondale Estates.

The book is a collection of short stories reflecting the author’s experiences with finding God in the most unexpected places. Smith will meet and greet guests, provide a selected reading and share in a question-and-answer time.

Guests are welcome to purchase a “Sip & Read” package, which includes a flight of wine (3 two ounce pours off of the tasting menu), Artisan cheese, charcuterie and crudites and a signed copy of the book.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is encouraged. Copies of “Heels, Hearts & Halos” will be available to purchase on the day of the event.

FAITH continued from page 5

Mom Rachel Green poses with sons Andrew (left) and Brandis (right).Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

Andrew said he had never heard of Smith, but he is thankful for his generosity. Forbes cited Smith’s net worth at $4 billion, making him the richest black man in America.

Andrew, like many of the graduates and their families, were in a daze when Smith made his announcement. Everyone had been outside since early that morning and as temperatures rose, the sweltering heat took a toll on the crowd. As Smith wrapped up his speech, he made an announcement out of the blue: “On behalf of the eight generations of my family who have been in this country, we’re going to put a little fuel in your bus,” Smith said. “…

My family is going to create a grant to eliminate your student loans.”

As Andrew Green processed what Smith said, he and the other graduates found themselves applauding as if a wave had gone through the crowd.

“It was surreal. Amazing. I couldn’t believe it. A total stranger just wiped out all of my college debt,” said Andrew, who owed about $30,000.

Green’s mom, Rachel, was stunned and ecstatic, too.

“I couldn’t believe it. When he (Smith) said it, I asked my husband: ‘What did he just say?’ He said something about paying some loan, my husband said. I said he said he is going to pay their loan? And I just took off running. I could not believe it. I fell to my knees and said ‘Thank you, Lord,” Rachel Green said.

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Get rid of paper and old electronics the right way Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful is hosting a free recycling event on Saturday, Sept.

7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. Rockdale residents and businesses are invited to bring items for paper shredding and a variety of electronics including computers, mobile devices, TVs, printers, game consoles and more.

Participants must have proof of residency and are permitted to bring a maximum of four banker boxes of paper per vehicle. For the full list of accepted items, visit rockdalecountyga.gov. For more information, call 770-278-7052 or email kcrb@rockdalecountyga.gov.

HONORED continued from page 1 sought after by others. He recently volunteered to be DNR’s onsite incident commander at Seminole State Park during Hurricane Michael cleanup. He fosters an atmosphere of creativity and excellence, leading the way for Stephen C. Foster to be designated as an International Dark Sky Park. He has also helped several employees develop into successful managers at other parks.

Most Outstanding Site Operation – Vogel State Park (Blairsville) One of the most beloved parks in Georgia, Vogel hosts 250,000 campers, hikers and vacationers annually, with many complimenting the staff’s exceptional customer service and memorable ranger-led programs. The park added new campground bath houses, a playground, outdoor fitness area and accessible parking this past year. Vogel’s team also earned praise for exceptional financial management and dedication to the park’s success.

Above and Beyond Award – Ellen Graham, Chief Naturalist (Clarkesville) Graham does an exceptional job leading the programming efforts for Georgia’s State Park system, including training workshops and large, statewide annual events. This year she went above and beyond by revamping Georgia’s Junior Ranger Program to include 59 site-specific activity books and badges. For three years she has served as the national coordinator for First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day. While working on these time-consuming projects, she also participated in DNR Leadership Academy and National State Park Leadership School in West Virginia.

Customer Service Award -- Robin Glass, Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site (Warm Springs) Manager Robin Glass and the team at Roosevelt’s Little White House make memorable impressions for their 60,000 annual visitors, including many from across the nation. Their story-telling and enthusiastic tours transform historical facts into a walk back in time, helping visitors appreciate FDR’s love for Georgia. They proudly present themselves in the pressed uniforms which are synonymous with State Park Rangers.

Natural Resource Enhancement Award – Cloudland Canyon State Park (Rising Fawn) Cloudland Canyon’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly to be good stewards of the park, working with Save Georgia Hemlocks to combat woolly adelgids and additional conservation groups teaching trail maintenance.

They are improving butterfly habitat by adding pollinator plants and native grasses to a meadow, plus protecting wood lilies with small fence borders. A recent land purchase has re-established access to Bear Creek and additional trails along the canyon. The park’s interpretive center has been recently remodeled as well.

Cultural Resource Enhancement Award -- Chief Vann House State Historic Site (Chatsworth) Protecting a 215-year-old Cherokee mansion and farmstead has been a priority for Chief Vann House’s leadership and volunteers. The large project included wood replacement, mortar and brick repair, front and back porch floor replacement, window repair, pressure washing and painting of the house. Farmstead work included chimney stabilization with period-correct timbers at the Little Scarecorn cabin and log replacement at the Sugar Creek cabin. The 100-year-old Bardford Barn is also undergoing work.

Future improvements may include interpretative signage with Cherokee translations and river cane planting.

Outstanding Golf Course of the Year Award -- Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant State Park (Royston) Highland Walk Golf Course is a consistent leader in teamwork, customer service, creativity, budgeting and maintenance. The staff works to improve guest experiences, recently expanding fairways and creating “no cut” zones. They also hosted a 7-AAA area tournament with 83 golfers from 14 teams, as well as a DNR employee/retiree outing.

Tire disposal events set for DeKalb residents The DeKalb County Sanitation Division, in partnership with the Tire Management Unit of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, will host two Tire Amnesty Day events on Saturday, Sept.

14, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. The events provide an opportunity for residents to dispose of car and light-duty truck tires, and will be held simultaneously at the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office parking lot, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, and the Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood.

DeKalb County residents also will have an opportunity to dispose of small tires from wheelbarrows, golf carts and bicycles. Event participants will be limited to 10 whole or partial tires. Commercial vehicle tires and tires with rims will not be accepted.

The Tire Amnesty Day events will be instrumental in diverting tire disposal at the county-owned Seminole Road Landfill and commercial dumpsters. The events also aim to reduce the amount of illegal dumping of tires in streams, rivers and other areas throughout DeKalb County.

Improperly disposed tires can be harmful to the environment. In addition to being an eyesore and creating blight, illegally dumped tires can increase vector-borne illnesses such as Zika, West Nile, and dengue fever.

Tires can also become an ignition source for environmentally-harmful fires and cause air pollution.

Tire recycling services for the event will be provided by Quality Tire Recycling Inc. and Liberty Tire Recycling LLC. All tires collected will be recycled for other applications.

The events are free and only open to DeKalb County residents. Proof of residency may be requested.

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AUGUST 23, 2019 • PAGE 9

Metro South CID continues push to fight blight, clean up Moreland Avenue DeKalb County District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon says the Metro South CID is continuing to partner with DeKalb County government to file court cases to fight blight.

Gannon applauded the CID for its commitment to wipe out eyesores in the district during a recent meeting where she addressed the Conley Area Business Association.

The Metro South CID is monitoring 22 properties Kathie Gannon cited for code violations. The trouble spots include 11 parcels in Conley and several other parcels in the Moreland Avenue/Fleetwood Drive area.

In addition to fighting blight, the CID is working with Keep DeKalb Beautiful to clean up and enhance the Moreland Avenue median. Keep DeKalb and Beautiful helped fund the removal and cleanup of dead trees and bushes along the median. Although the enhancements are not fully complete, the CID is working to get the job completed, said Emory Morsberger, who heads the CID. Morsberger is dedicated to cleaning up DeKalb to attract more businesses to the county.

As part of its cleanup push, the CID also recently added signage to display roadside cleanups that are underway in the district and Adopt-A-Road signs to encourage businesses and community groups to help enhance the area.

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has vowed to wipe out blight throughout the county. County officials have approved the first-ever comprehensive study of blighted properties. Currently, 139 parcels are slated for review by the Demolition and Abatement Task Force. Since 2017, DeKalb has demolished 292 vacant, abandoned or poorly-maintained properties, officials said.

In other news, the Metro South CID has been approved for a $200,000 grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission to conduct a freight study. The study will research traffic patterns and movements of freight coming in and out of the district. The Community Improvement District is in the process of raising matching funds to hire a consultant to supervise the study and present its findings.

Commissioner Steve Bradshaw DeKalb County District 4 Presents

The 2nd Annual Veteran’s Resource Expo

Saturday, September 14, 2019 Central DeKalb Senior Center at Mason Mill Park 1346 McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA 30033 10am-2pm Resources Onsite:

Housing, VA Benefits, Care Giver, Legal, Telehealth, Employment & Training, Mental Health, Women’s Program, Health Screenings, VA Burial Benefits Refreshments Provided and Children are Welcome For more information, contact Robin Flieg at 404-371-4749 or rlflieg@dekalbcountyga.gov

In collaboration with:

Atlanta VA

Georgia Grace

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 91 AMVETS Post 44

PAGE 10 •AUGUST 23, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

DeKalb announces Labor Day Residential Sanitation Collection Schedule In observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 2, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised collection schedule as follows: • Monday, Sept. 2– Labor Day observed. No sanitation collection service.

• Tuesday, Sept. 3 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Sept. 2, will be serviced on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

• Wednesday, Sept. 4 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Sept. 3, will be serviced on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

• Thursday, Sept. 5 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Sept. 4, will be serviced on Thursday, Sept. 5.

• Friday, Sept. 6 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Sept. 5, will be serviced on Friday, Sept. 6.

The Sanitation Division’s administrative office, Central and North Transfer Stations and Seminole Road Landfill will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, and will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 3, during normal operating hours.

For more information, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, visit www.dekalbsanitation.com, or follow the Sanitation Division on Twitter @ DKalbSanitation.

DCSD offering free GED program for parents, guardians DeKalb County School District (DCSD) parents will have another opportunity to earn their General Education Diploma (GED) through a free program.

DCSD’s Family IMPACT Hub, headed by the Department of Parent & Family Engagement, is partnering with local higher education institutions to continue offering a free GED program throughout the 2019-2020 school year.

The program will begin with an information and orientation session on Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m., at the DeKalb Early College Academy auditorium, located at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain.

Attendance is mandatory for the GED Tutorial Class. Participants must also be a parent or guardian of a current DCSD student. These are the only requirements for this free opportunity.

Registration for the informational meetings is encouraged but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. To RSVP, complete the form at http://bit.ly/ DCSDParentEd3.

For more information, contact DCSD Parent & Family Specialist Narva Dunlap at narva_dunlap@dekalbschoolsga.org or 770-865-3750.

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AUGUST 23, 2019 • PAGE 11

Georgia issuing more secure driver’s licenses, ID cards The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) recently began issuing new, more secure driver’s licenses and identification cards at its 67 customer service centers. The cards have a modern design and feel with the most secure credentials the State of Georgia has ever issued. All previously issued Georgia licenses and ID cards will remain valid until expiration. At that time, customers will be issued a newly designed card whether visiting in-person or via the DDS 2 GO mobile app.

The new cards are made of premium polycarbonate to reduce document forgery and protect against identity fraud. Perhaps the most dramatic change is the adoption of the new industry best practice of using black and white customer photos on the licenses and IDs. Images are laser engraved and are virtually tamper resistant and increases the overall security of the license.

The symbolic Georgia peach and outline of the state are also integrated into the design of the card. Under 21 cards remain vertically oriented. The Real ID Homeland Security Star continues to be at the top right corner when applicable.

As with the previous licensing process, a temporary with photograph and barcode is issued to all customers whether visiting in person, choosing to use DDS 2 GO or online services. The temporary serves as proof of driving privileges until the permanent card arrives in approximately thirty days.

Customers are reminded that previously issued driver’s licenses and IDs will remain valid until their expiration and do not need to be renewed until they are due. When it is time for a renewal, the new cards will be available via the official DDS Mobile App, DDS 2 GO and DDS Online Services at www.dds.georgia.gov. These two renewal options offer a $5 discount to obtain the new and more secure card.

HOUSING continued from page 1 shared with me their concerns regarding the changing landscape of their neighborhoods,” said Cochran-Johnson. “As a fellow resident of the district, I understand their apprehensions and believe we have taken great care to select an agenda that will not only answer their questions but provide courses of action and valuable insight into the changing landscape of our communities.”

The forum will focus on various issues including gentrification and displacement, property taxes and home values, affordable and senior housing, crime and justice reform, small business survival, traffic, infrastructure, and the future of DeKalb County.

“A lot of people in my district have expressed their concerns about the aggressive nature of realtors seeking to acquire their homes. I just want to ensure that my constituents, particularly elderly residents, are informed and receiving fair market value for their homes.

Cochran-Johnson stated that one of the major issues with gentrification is home loss or displacement, especially for senior citizens who have been living in the community for decades. As gentrification occurs, the property values rise, making affordable housing a concern.

“Someone who sells their home in this housing market could potentially be unable to afford a home in a community they’ve been living in for decades,” said CochranJohnson.”

“Because we will be concentrating on robust topics,” said Cochran-Johnson, “it is imperative to have experts present whose professional experience is rooted in DeKalb County and can speak to the dynamics of each issue.

Representatives from various DeKalb County departments and community agencies will include Peggy Allen (associate director, Roads and Drainage), Andrew Baker (director, Planning and Sustainability), Michael Yarbrough (assistant chief, DeKalb County Police Department), Allen Mitchell (director, Community Development) and Reginald D. Wells (director, Watershed Management), Edward Patton (president, DeKalb Board of Realtors) and Pete Walker, Jr. (president & CEO, Housing Authority of DeKalb).

Additional scholars and experts in attendance will include James D. Cromarti (special initiatives senior manager, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc.); Paul Denard (assistant district engineer, GDOT); Michael J. Rich (professor of political science and environmental sciences, Emory University); and Michael German (Georgia Field Office director, HUD).

The DeKalb community forum is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2PfuBwD or call 404-3713681.

RESTITUTION continued from page 1 skin surgery, or cosmetic surgery. The Attorney General also alleges that the website contained false or unsubstantiated representations concerning Boutté and her staff’s affiliations and qualifications. In addition, the Attorney General alleges that Premiere Dermatology has refused to refund payments made by consumers for unperformed surgeries after Boutté’s medical license was suspended.

To resolve the Attorney General’s allegations, Premiere Dermatology has entered into a consent judgment with the State of Georgia requiring it to pay $190,000 in consumer restitution. Additionally, the consent judgment prohibits Premiere Dermatology from again making false or misleading statements concerning Boutté and her staff’s qualifications. Should they do so in the future, they must pay $680,000 in civil penalties to the State.

The Attorney General’s Office has identified 38 consumers who are entitled to refunds under the terms of the consent judgment. These consumers prepaid for Boutté to perform a surgery, procedure, or other service, which never occurred and for which they were never refunded.

Claims must be submitted by or on behalf of identified consumers who can demonstrate proof of payment to Premiere Dermatology & Surgery, LLC, Aesthetic Laser & Boutique, Inc., Boutté Contour Surgery & Dermatology, P.C. or Windell Davis-Boutté for one or more procedures that did not occur and that have not been fully refunded.

To receive refunds under the settlement, consumers must fill out a prescribed claim form and submit it to the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division, along with supporting documentation. Claim forms must be postmarked, faxed or hand-delivered no later than 5 p.m. EST on Saturday, January 18, 2020 in order to be considered for restitution.

Filing a Claim Consumers can download a claim form at

https://bit.ly/31SQiDO Completed claims should be faxed to the Georgia Department of Law-Consumer Protection Division at (404) 651-9018, sent via mail or overnight delivery, or hand-delivered to: ATTN: Premiere Dermatology Restitution Program Georgia Department of Law-Consumer Protection Division 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Suite 356 Atlanta, GA 30334-9077 Claims must be postmarked or faxed no later than 5 p.m. EST on January 18, 2020.

ON COMMON GROUND NEWS MARKETPLACE LAWN CARE

PUBLIC NOTICE Mayor and Council Members needed in the City of Lithonia

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

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PAGE 12 •AUGUST 23, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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