VOLUME 22 NUMBER 19
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AUGUST 6 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
SWD’s head football coach Michael Tanks dies after stroke
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outhwest DeKalb High School is mourning the loss of its head football coach, Michael Tanks. Tanks died at Grady Memorial Hospital on Aug. 3 after suffering a massive stroke on July 25 at his home. He passed one day before he would have turned 49. A candlelight vigil is set for Sunday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m., at SWD High Auditorium, according to a post on Tanks’ FB account. “We are praying for his family. It’s a traumatic situation for everyone,” said Dr. Melvin Johnson, who chairs DeKalb County Schools’ Board of Education.
Tanks is a Southwest DeKalb alumnus who played for the school’s legendary Buck Godfrey in 1983-84 as a linebacker and went on to become an All-America center at Florida State University in 1989. Tanks took the reigns from Godfrey as Southwest’s head coach in 2013. Tanks’ son, Michael II, is a senior defensive back and punter for Southwest DeKalb. The Panthers were 4-6 in 2015. The high school football season kicks off in DeKalb County on Aug. 19. The Southwest DeKalb High Panthers will play the Redan High Raiders on Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Godfrey Stadium.
Aug. 4,1967- Aug. 3, 2016
By Mackenzie N. Morgan
Getting rid of blight in DeKalb
February 2012. Eight court citations were issued in April 2012 and $4,000 in fines were assessed in eKalb County is continuing its campaign Recorders Court to the owners of record. to wipe out blight, taking a tougher In February 2014, as a result of a structure stance on code enforcement and utilizfire, code enforcement staff met with the property ing the court system to clean up problem properties. owner and issued 9 new court citations. The ownInterim CEO Lee May assisted in the demolier failed to appear in court, a judgment of $4,500 tion on Aug. 4 of a fire-damaged, vacant home on was assessed, another FTA warrant was issued Walnut Ridge Court in Stone Mountain. The demand a lien was placed on the property. olition of the property is the result of collaborative In December 2014, Code Enforcement comefforts of the DeKalb County’s Code Enforcement menced with an In-Rem action and a final order Division and Legal, Community Development and to demolish was awarded to DeKalb County to Sanitation departments. proceed with demolition of the structure in May “This demolition shows DeKalb County’s 2015. commitment to address blight in our communities This year, the county has demolished four in order to make DeKalb a better place to live, work structures with three additional structures that are and play,” said May. “Beautification of our county currently being demolished: is a priority that we will continue to address with 7043 Pine Mountain road, Lithonia additional demolitions in the upcoming months.” 7037 Pine Mountain Road, Lithonia County officials first issued warning notices for 1328 Biffle Road, Stone Mountain high grass and weeds and open storage of trash and County officials say they expect to demolish debris for the property on Walnut Ridge Court in at least 20 structures by the end of 2016.
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Film industry generates $7 billion for Georgia’s economy Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Georgia-lensed feature film and television productions generated more than $7 billion during fiscal year 2016. The 245 feature film and television productions shot in Georgia represent $2.02 billion in direct spending in the state. “Georgia’s film industry provides a significant impact on our state’s economy, employing thousands of Georgians while developing infrastructure and boosting small businesses,” said Deal “The film industry has created a home in Georgia, and I am committed to retaining this relationship by constructing a strong, filmready workforce that will continue to help the industry thrive.” As a result of the High Demand
Career Initiative in 2014, developing the film and television industry workforce was identified as a high demand career opportunity for the state. In 2015, Deal created the Georgia Film Academy, a collaborative effort between the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia to fast track students into the film and television workforce. Since its opening, the program has been adopted at eight Georgia campuses. By the end of the year, 610 students are projected to have completed Course One, and 274 students will complete on-set production internships and receive certification. “Georgia’s film industry is on a steady rise year over year and now ranks number three in TV and movie
productions, just behind California and New York,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Chris Carr. “As long as we continue to deepen our crew base and add even more studios and businesses to support the industry, Georgia is ensuring its place in the film industry well into the future.” In addition to the increase in production expenditures, Georgia has experienced enormous infrastructure and business growth, including the opening of Atlanta Metro Studios in Union City and a significant expansion at Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Fayetteville. More than 130 new businesses have relocated or expanded in Georgia to support this burgeoning
industry, creating jobs for Georgians as well as economic opportunities for communities and small businesses. Georgia-filmed movies will take over the big screen in 2016 with “Solace,” starring Colin Farrell and Anthony Hopkins on Sept. 2; “Sully,” starring Tom Hanks, Anna Gunn and Laura Linney on Sept. 9; “The Birth of a Nation,” starring Nate Parker and Armie Hammer on Oct. 7; and “The Accountant,” starring Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick and Jon Bernthal on Oct. 14. Upcoming Georgia-filmed television productions premiering within the next few months include “Atlanta,” on FX; “The Walking Dead,” on AMC; and “Halt and Catch Fire,” on AMC.
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AUGUST 6,2016 • PAGE 3
DeKalb ICEO Lee May to host DeKalb Clerk DeBerry to host Community 7th Annual Family Fun Day Appreciation Day
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
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Avondale Estates armed robbery suspect arrested
The 24 year-old Avondale Estates armed robbery suspect who boasted on social meWilliam Jalvon McLeod dia about his ability to elude law enforcement authorities has been arrested. of Decatur was located and apprehended Aug. 3 by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit working with the U.S. Marshals and the DeKalb County Police Department. On July 26, 2016, DeKalb police issued a warrant charging McLeod with obstruction when he allegedly refused to comply with officers and ran from the scene as they attempted to arrest him on charges stemming from an incident in September 2015 in which he was charged with felony armed robbery and battery, and a separate charge of probation violation. McLeod was arrested without incident on Aug. 3 at an apartment complex off LaVista Road in Atlanta and is in custody at the DeKalb County Jail.
Musician JFly
Musician JFly and his How BIG Is Your Dream?! Foundation will provide entertainment during DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May’s seventh Annual DeKalb Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2-7 p.m., at Bransby Outdoor YMCA at Rock Chapel, 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. This event is free and open to the public. Interim CEO May, DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and JFly are partnering to host the funfilled family event, which also will provide local students with 500 book bags
filled with school supplies. “Families will have the opportunity to enjoy the summer one more time as students transition into the school year,” said Interim CEO May. “And it’s a time for all residents to support the education of our youth by donating school supplies.” The Annual DeKalb Family Fun Day, which is expected to attract more than 4,000 attendees, will feature a live remote by V-103, food trucks, DeKalb’s Mobile Farmers’ Market, a game truck, rock climbing, swimming, basketball, a bounce house and face painting. Vendors and county departments will be represented and free food and water will be provided while supplies last. DeKalb County is seeking additional sponsors for the event. Anyone wishing to be a sponsor can contact Nichole Simms at 404-3712552 or e-mail jnsimms@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry is hosting the 4th Annual Community Appreciation Day, Saturday, Aug. 13, 5 to 9 p.m., at Browns Mill Aquatic Facility, 4929 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia. The special event will include complimentary entry into the facility, a complimentary food ticket and music. The family-oriented event is designed to thank citizens for their ongoing support. For more information on Community Appreciation Day at Browns Mill Aquatic Facility, call Debra DeBerry’s office at 404-371-2251.
Gwinnett approves millage rates for 2016 The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved the property tax millage rates for 2016 during its regular business session on Tuesday, Aug. 2. The new general fund rate will be 5.6 percent lower than last year and down 7.8 percent over two years. Rates for special service districts and countywide levies for voter-approved debt and recreation remain unchanged. The 2016 total property tax millage rate for unincorporated Gwinnett County will be 13.176, as compared to 13.579 last year. In addition, the Tax Commissioner’s Office plans to mail all property tax bills by Aug. 15. Payments will be due Oct. 15. For more information about the millage rate, including an interactive online tool that shows the value you get for your property tax dollars, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Pursuit ends for Decatur father wanted on assault, domestic violence charges
A 21-year-old Decatur man wanted by DeKalb County Police since 2014 on various charges was apprehended Aug. 1 by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit after he crashed his vehicle while trying to flee deputies. Deraus Bernard Jeffery was temporarily hospitalized for non-life threatening injuries sustained when he ran his vehicle into a utility pole near Belvedere Plaza on Memorial Drive after deputies tried to pull him over. Warrants stemming from earlier year incidents had been issued for Jeffery on two charges of felony aggravated assault with a weapon, two charges of misdemeanor family vio-
lence battery and four charges of misdemeanor third degree child cruelty. Jeffery allegedly injured his child’s mother by slamming her to the floor and punching her in the face at his residence on Belvedere Lane in Decatur in April, 2014. In a similar attack on the same woman nearly a year later, he allegedly struck her with a gun and threatened to kill her. Three children were present during that incident, according to a warrant. In an incident on Jan. 14, 2016, Jeffery allegedly assaulted another woman with a handgun during an argument at her place of employment on Columbia Drive in Decatur. According to police
reports, Jeffery is also the father of the second woman’s child, who witnessed the altercation. Jeffery is in custody in the DeKalb County Jail facing additional charges Deraus Bernard Jeffery of driving while his license was suspended or revoked; three citations for failure to stop at a stop sign; striking a fixed power pole; reckless driving; fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer; and obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers.
Conyers Police sets annual Citizens Police Academy Conyers Police Department (CPD) is accepting applicants for its Citizens Police Academy for local clergy and citizens. Applications are due by Sept. 1. The Citizens Police Academy is a free, 11-week course held every Tuesday beginning Sept. 13. Each session will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and most sessions will take place in the Conyers Police Department training room at 1194 Scott Street. “The Citizens Police
Academy is one of our most popular community outreach programs,” said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “This behindthe-scenes glimpse into law enforcement is a favorite with citizens because it is so hands-on and interactive.” Academy participants will learn about the various divisions of the CPD, solve a mock crime scene, obtain identity fraud and cybercrime tips, and participate in various scenarios utilizing a judgmental shooting simulator.
“The Citizens Police academy was very informative. Every citizen should enroll in this class and should experience a shoot, no shoot scenario,” said the Rev. Al Sadler of the Church of New Beginnings. Rev. Sadler participated in the first ever Clergy Police Academy last year. Participants will also be educated on officers’ use of Tasers and have a chance to run laser devices on trafficked roadways. They will spend one evening with
CPD’s Special Response Team as well. Those interested in participating in the Citizens Police Academy can go to the Conyers Police website to download an application. For questions, contact Sergeant Peggy Franklin at 678-374-5603. There is no charge to participate in the academy and participants must be over the age of 18. The class is limited to 20 participants. For an application, visit: www.conyerspolice.com.
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GWINNETT
Coming Up
Recycle Day Gwinnett set Gwinnett County residents are invited to Recycle Day Gwinnett on Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross. Take your gently-used clothing and shoes to donate, along with unwanted documents to be shredded and old tires for recycling to the Recycle Day Gwinnett. Up to five boxes of paper per vehicle will be accepted and up to eight tires per vehicle (no dealer tires) may be recycled. Clothing of all sizes will be accepted. Recycle Day is being held in partnership with Gwinnett County Solid Waste and Recovered Materials Division. For more information, call 678277-0906 or 678-277-0920.
Book sale, Scribes & Vibes event set at Stonecrest Library
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he Friends of Stonecrest Library will host its “Super Book Sale” on Saturday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. Choose from a variety of topics including fiction/non-fiction, crafts books, text books, romance novels, magazines, encyclopedias, books on tape/CD, DVDs and VHS. Also, don’t miss Scribes & Vibes, a monthly celebration of the arts, which will be held the same day, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library. Enjoy poetry, music and fine art through musical performances, open mic and art exhibits. Funding for Scribes & Vibes is provided by the Friends of Stonecrest Library. For more information, call 404-482-3828.
ATLANTA
Hammonds House to host panel discussion observing Black August In recognition of Black August, the Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples St. S.W., Atlanta, is hosting a community discussion on Aug. 6, 6 p.m., “Black August: Contemporary Critical Resistance, PART 1: Building Effective Community Action against State Sanctioned Violence in the United States.” Thr community discussion will be moderated by Georgia State University’s Dr. Makungu M. Akinyela and feature a panel discussion with Davis Bozeman Law Firm Attorney Mawuli Davis, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM) founding member Watani Tyehimba and MXGM National Coordinator Taliba Obuya. Dating back to the late 1970’s, the observance of Black August is centered by the communal study and discussion of Pan African History as a contemporary weapon in the fight against oppression, structural racism and State sanctioned violence. Part II of the discussion will be held on Aug. 20: “Building People’s Power and Real Democracy.” For more information, call 404-7302130.
Register for the septic tank maintenance workshop Gwinnett County residents are invited to attend the Septic Tank Maintenance Workshop on Thursday, Aug. 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at GJAC Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Learn what to look for to determine when a problem exists, what to look for in a good contractor, and what permitting requirements are required for new systems. Septic tanks are on-site sewage management systems that treat the wastewater generated in your home and allow the treated water to soak into the ground through a drain/leach field. These systems require regular maintenance in order to continue working properly and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs. Failing septic systems contribute to sewage overflows and the pollution of lakes and streams when maintenance is not performed. For more information or to register, please email dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com with your name, address and telephone number or call 678376-7193 and press 5. The workshop is free to attend.
Senior citizens invited to learn how to avoid scams A free workshop on how to avoid scams targeting senior citizens will be held Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. Seniors will receive information on how to recognize and avoid potential fraudulent offers, scams, and identity theft. The Gwinnett Council for Seniors is sponsoring the workshop. Spaces are limited. Register early: www.gwinnettparks.com with code: BEP32908 or call 678-277-0179.
ROCKDALE
Bill Pickett Rodeo tour brings black cowboys to Conyers
Rodeo fans are invited to attend the 32nd annual Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 7, 6 p.m., at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. Some of the nation’s most skilled and entertaining Black cowboys and Open your chakras. A free evening yoga class will be held Wednesday, cowgirls will compete in the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m., at Atlantic Station’s Central Park , 1380 Atlantic Drive only touring Black rodeo competition NW, Atlanta. Evolation Yoga and Athleta Atlantic Station are sponsoring the Dust will fly as spectators cheer for their favorite competitors during event. thrilling Calf Ropin’, exhilarating Bareback Ridin’, Bull Doggin, Ladies The hour-long session will be held on the lawn. Participants should bring Barrel Racin’, Junior Barrel Racin’, Ladies Steer Undercoatin’, and griptheir own mat. For more information, call 404-410-4010. ping Bull Ridin. Ticket prices for children: $18 in advance, $23 at the door. Adults: $23 in advance, $30 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.billpickettrodeo. DEKALB
Atlantic Station: Free yoga in the park
com.
Scott Candler Library to mark 4-year anniversary Join the Friends of the Scott Candler Library on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Scott Candler Library facility, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur. Meet the staff and learn about all the library offers the community and find out about the Scott Candler Friends group and how to join. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 404-286-6986.
This week’s Coming Up was compiled by Mackenzie N.Morgan Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews. com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers. Calendar events are published weekly as space permits.
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AUGUST 6, 2016 • PAGE 5
National Association of Active and Retired Employees to meet
N.H. Scott Rec. Center to host back-to-school bash with hip-hop artist Silentó The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs will hold a Back-to-School Bash at N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur on Saturday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hip-hop artist Ricky Lamar Hawk, better known as Silentó, will make a special guest appearance at the event. Patrons will receive school supplies, book bags, giveaways and food while supplies last. The goal for this event is to promote a healthy start to the school year. Patrons are encouraged to join in this celebration to mark the beginning of the new school season. School supplies are limited and a guardian must be present with children to receive supplies.
Future Staff of Conyers to host hiring open house Future Staff of Conyers will host an open house on Aug. 11, 9 a.m. to noon, 1803 Overlake Drive, Conyers. The staffing agency is recruiting for several positions including: Machine operators: Drill/tap operator, resistance weld operator, stamping tech/ equipment setup Experienced Forklift Operators, Assemblers Packers, Warehouse Associates, Administrative/Clerical Experienced, Accounts Payable/Receivable. Please apply online prior to attending the open house: www.futurestaffnow.com.
The National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), DeKalb Chapter 380, will meet on Aug. 9, 1 p.m., at Piccadilly Restaurant, at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. All retired federal employees, their spouses and surviving spouses are invited to attend a meeting to learn more about the benefits of NARFE. NARFE meets monthly (except July and December). For more information, go to www.ganarfe.com, or contact Chapter 380 President Calvin Stevens at 404-288-3604.
Two new dates for DeKalb WIC Farmer’s Market DeKalb County Board of Health centers will host Farmers Markets for WIC recipients on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tucker WIC facility, 4394 Hugh Howell Road (located in the Tucker Station shopping center). To make an appointment, call 404-508-7777. The clinic’s phone number is 678-791-0016. On Aug. 25 and Aug. 26, Farmers Markets for WIC recipients will be held at: • North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Road, Chamblee 770454-1144 • East DeKalb Health Center at 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road in Lithonia • 770-484-2600. • Clifton Springs Health Center at 3110 Clifton Springs Road in Decatur 404-244-2200. Qualified WIC recipients will receive vouchers valued amounting to $30 to spend at the market. Markets will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program offers locally grown, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products to nutritionally at-risk women and children who are in the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
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130 RCPS students named AP scholars, three State school superintendent forming 201617 Student Advisory Council national AP scholars State School Superintendent Richard Woods is seeking students enrolled
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) congratulates the 130 students in the district recently named 2016 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars for their outstanding performance on the 2016 exams. Each year, thousands of high school students across the world take AP exams. The College Board recognizes the hard work of top students through the awarding of several distinctions: AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, AP Scholar with Distinction, and National AP Scholar. Three RCPS students received the prestigious honor of being named National AP Scholars: Caira Anderson, Matthew Le, and Julia Long. These three students, all of whom recently graduated from the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, scored 4 or higher on eight or more of their AP exams and had an average score of at least a 4 on all AP exams. Seventy-six RCPS high school students were recognized as AP Scholars. This distinction is given to students who receive a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. Additionally, 21 RCPS students were recognized as AP Scholars with Honor, which is given to students who receive an average score of 3.25 on all AP exams taken and score a 3 or higher on four or more of those exams. AP Scholar with Distinction, which is awarded to those students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams and score 3 or higher on five or more AP exams, was given to 33 RCPS students. This is an increase of 10 students from the 2015 awards.
More foster parents needed in Gwinnett Did you know that on any given day, there are more than 450 children in foster care in Gwinnett County, with less than 50 foster homes to care for them? The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services urges Gwinnett residents to make a difference in a child’s life by becoming a foster parent. Get involved by attending an upcoming orientation sponsored by the Gwinnett County DFCS held the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To register, call Kimberly Griffin at 404.852.3694 or send an email to Cathy Chapman at cathy.chapman1@dhs.ga.gov.
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in public middle and high schools throughout Georgia to serve on his 2016 Student Advisory Council. Students will attend several meetings with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impacts of state policies on schools. State Sen. JaNice VanNess (R – Conyers) is encouraging all eligible students to apply for the Council. “The Student Advisory Council is an outstanding opportunity for our students to be a part of something that will have a great impact on the future of our public education system in Georgia,” said Sen. VanNess. “I want to thank Superintendent Woods for his leadership in creating this council and his desire to provide the best education possible to all Georgians.” Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. August 16 to Ron Culver at rculver@doe.k12.ga.us. Selected students will be notified via email. To apply for 2016-2017 school year, visit http://www.gadoe.org/Pages/Student-Advisory-Council.aspx.
CCCCSD announces new board elections results The Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb (CCCSD) announces the results of its recent Board of Directors election. Isaac T. Finley, formerly vice chair, will replace Kathryn Rice as chair. Rice affirmed that while she plans to pursue other goals, she looks forward to a continued working relationship with CCCSD. The other elected CCCSD officers are as follows: Vice Chairperson Ron Mangham Secretary Sandy Johnson Treasurer en Blakely CCCSD is committed to creating economic growth and enrich the quality of life for the residents within South DeKalb County. The organization’s proposed city of Greenhaven will join with the county to provide governmental services for the betterment of all citizens in South DeKalb. d has its place in today’s urban society. oin us in the effort for change by your participation. Let your voice be heard. For more information, visit www.Greenhaven-ga. org.
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AUGUST 6, 2016 • PAGE 7
Is your home-schooled student interested in a sports program?
Johnson Park Recreational Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers, will host its monthly Home School Sports Program beginning Aug. 10, 11 to 11:45 a.m. The program will offer home schooled children the opportunity to learn sports skills, exercise and have fun in a supervised setting with a developmental format. Many sports will be incorporated into the program such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, kickball, swimming and floor hockey. Participants will be grouped by age and ability as much as possible. The program is open to ages 5-12 years old. The fee is $20 per month/per child. For more information, call 770-2787529.
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DeKalb communities go all out for National Night Out DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May and members of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners toured several locations throughout the county on Aug. 2 to promote crime prevention initiatives during National Night Out, observed in communities across the nation. “National Night Out is a great way to promote partnerships between communities and law enforcement to make DeKalb County a safe place to live, work and play,” said May. May kicked off National Night Out in the parking lot of the Gallery at South DeKalb in Decatur with nearly 30 communities represented at the event, which ran from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Participating in the event were representatives from DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, Code Compliance, Gang Unit and Library Services. Additionally, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Home Depot, NAACP and Girl Scouts along with various vendors and live music. During the annual event, neighbors celebrate across communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases. In DeKalb, National Night Out events will be held in more than 25 locations where law enforcement officials will join and engage with members of the community at cookouts and other events. National Night Out, “America’s Night out against Crime,” is a grassroots effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. National Night Out is designed to send a message to criminals that local residents are organized and fighting for their neighborhoods.
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AUGUST 6,2016 • PAGE 9
FIRST PERSON
DeKalb resident meets President Obama during Atlanta visit By Orrin Hudson
right moves, to make bold decisions. I was now faced with one of my own. I ug. 1, 2016 will be a day had to make a decision, now! I suddenI will never forget. I met ly had the image in my mind of me, the President of the United Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, a product States. of inner-city Birmingham, Alabama This Monday started like any other. shaking hands with the nation’s first It was 10:45 a.m. and I had an appoint- African-American President. In a ment to discuss my beloved program, heartbeat, I was in my car headed Be Someone, Inc. This time I was in downtown and it was the best move I the office of Dr. James Jones, princihave ever made. pal of Stone Mountain High School, I will never forget the moment waiting on my 11 a.m. meeting. Dr. as long as I live. First, I listened to Jones had a previous appointment that President Obama as he addressed the was running over so I pulled out my Disabled American Veterans. He said cell phone to check messages. I had to our nation needs to show its gratitude step outside to get a connection. There for its disabled veterans by taking care was Dr. Jones’ message explaining his of them. I remember feeling especially running over meeting but I noticed a proud at that moment since I’m an Air text message from Congressman Hank Force veteran and I have two brothers Johnson that got my attention! who are disabled American veterans. The message was short: “If you President Obama seemed to be talking want to see the President address the to me personally. He also called on loDAV, be downtown at 11:30 a.m., cal leaders to do more to help veterans, Hyatt Regency.” I glanced at my watch, calling the nation’s commitment to its 11:12 a.m. I’ll never forget the time veterans a “sacred covenant.” because I instantaneously entertained “I don’t use those words lightly. several thoughts. Could I possibly It’s sacred because there is no more make it? What about my appointment solemn request than to ask someone to with Dr. Jones? The President of the risk their life, to be ready to give their United States of America Barack H. life on our behalf,” the President said. Obama…! I have devoted my life to During his speech at the DAV/DAV teaching young people to make the Auxiliary’s National Convention in
A
Atlanta, the President also said veterans have received an 85% increase in funding since his election and his administration has expedited the process of applying for benefits and support. After the speech, I stood in line with many other veterans. One by one, they shook President Obama’s hand. Finally, it was my turn. It was so noisy and there was so little time for meaningful conversation. I thought I would challenge President Obama to a game of chess. Instead, I settled for a quick handshake and cordial greeting. And that’s just fine. Those few seconds will
Exp 08-15-16
last me a lifetime. I left there with a new sense of meaning and wanting to do more for our veterans. By the way, I explained to Annie Gay, the secretary at Stone Mountain High School, that I had to leave and go hear the President’s message. I asked her to let Dr. Jones know my dilemma. She said would reschedule our meeting soon to discuss Be Someone, Inc. and…. the day I met the President of the United States. Orrin C. Hudson is founder of Be Someone, Inc., 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain.
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Hidden Hills shows community spirit at Picnic in the Park Day
Vending Opportunities and Sponsorships Available “A Night of Smooth Jazz” Presented By JFly and On Common Ground News
Neighbors in the Hidden Hills community in Stone Mountain came together for a cookout, fellowship and fun recently at Biffle Park. The Hidden Hills Homeowners Association’s “Picnic in the Park” Day offered music with a DJ, dancing with the young and young at heart showing one another some moves, bicycling for teens and other activities. The HOA hosts three or four events per year including Neighbor Day and outdoor movie, organizers say. State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, who lives in Hidden Hills, was among the residents who attended the “Picnic in the Park” Day.
Featuring Legends Ronnie Laws, Lonnie Liston Smith and Joey “Papa J” Sommerville Aug. 20, 2016 Lithonia Amphitheater 678-526-1910
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A NIGHT OF on Tickets sale now
SMOOTH
JAZZ
hosted by MORRIS BAXTER 91.9 WCLK
BROUGHT TO YOU BY ON COMMON GROUND NEWS Featuring Legends
Ronnie Laws Lonnie Liston Smith and Special Guest
Jaman Laws Julie Dexter Also Featuring
Joey ”Papa J” Sommerville Rhonda Thomas Groove Centric DJ Naturel Hosted by Morris Baxter 91.9 WCLK
JULIE DEXTER
JAMAN LAWS GROOVE CENTRIC
RONNIE LAWS
LONNIE LISTON SMITH
RHONDA THOMAS
JFLY & THE FLY TRAP
MUSIC BY
JOEY ”PAPA J” SOMMERVILLE
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Proceeds benefit the How Big Is Your Dream Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit Organization that promotes music and arts education for our youth.