FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 47
JANUARY 18, 2019
News 24/7
ocgnews.com
Stay connected
Published Since April 1995
Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
facebook.com/ocgnews
Springfield Baptist in Conyers to host food pantry, furloughed federal workers encouraged to come
E
very month, Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers opens its food pantry to those who need a helping hand. This month, however, the church is especially reaching out to furloughed federal workers in the community and inviting those impacted by the government’s shut down to come to the church and get food to feed their families. “We want our federal workers to know that we’re there for them—to supplement some of the things that they need,” said Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr., who serves as senior pastor Springfield. “As a church, we are intentional about giving back to the community,” said Pastor Lee, who recently announced that Springfield donated $20,000 to the new Newton County Boys & Girls Club, which is expected to open this spring. Pastor Lee said the government shutdown, which he called a “manufactured disaster,” has hit home, impacting people everywhere including members of his church. “We’ve been impacted throughout the state, throughout the country,” said Lee. “I don’t think anyone expected this to go on as long as it has.” The partial federal government shutdown, which began on Dec. 22, is the longest in history, officials say, and is taking its toll on about 800,000 federal employees and their families who haven’t received
Springfield Baptist Church Food Pantry Springfield Baptist Church is hosting its free food distribution on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., 1875 Iris Drive SE, Conyers. Church officials say that food has been set aside especially for furloughed federal government employees. Anyone who needs food, however, is welcome. For more information, contact the church office at 770-929-1111 or www.sbcgrowth.church. Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr.
their paychecks since the impasse. The shutdown was triggered by an impasse between President Trump and Congressional Democrats over funding for the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump wants $5.7 billion to build the wall. However, Democrats say a wall would be costly, ineffective and immoral, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Congressman Hank Johnson, who serves the Fourth District, which includes Rockdale and portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton counties, shared information about Springfield’s efforts to assist furloughed federal workers in his newsletter after the story appeared in On Common Ground News online edition.
Johnson said he has voted more than half-dozen times to re-open the governed since the 116th Congress convened on Jan. 3. “President Trump continues to hold the nation hostage over a campaign promise to build a wall along the Southern border. One that Mexico was supposed to pay for. Too many hard-working federal employees across the nation are missing mortgages, rent, car payments and other bills. These hardworking Americans shouldn’t have to choose between medications, feeding their families or keeping a roof over their heads,” Johnson said in his newsletter. “… I’m imploring my colleagues in the House and Senate to join me and re-open the government now.”
Morehouse College receives $1.5 million gift from philanthropist Robert F. Smith
M
Smith’s gift will fund scholarships, new park and outdoor study area
orehouse College has received a $1.5 million donation from Robert F. Smith, a philanthropist and the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. College officials say the donation will fund endowed scholarships and the design and creation of a park that will give students a new outdoor study area. The gift to the Atlanta college will launch the creation of the Robert Frederick Smith Scholars Program, which will be supported by $1 million of the donation. Smith founded Vista Equity Partners in 2000. Vista, a global leader in software and technology investments, currently manages equity capital commitments of more than $46 billion and oversees a portfolio of more than 50 software companies, employing 60,000 people worldwide. “Robert F. Smith’s donation of $1 million for student scholarships will have a profound impact on the lives of deserving young men who have the desire to attend Morehouse College, but lack the resources,” said
Robert F. Smith
Morehouse President David A. Thomas. “We appreciate his generosity and his investment in a generation of students who will follow in his footsteps as global leaders and entrepreneurs.” In 2017, Forbes magazine named Smith as one of the 100 greatest living business minds for his visionary
leadership. He is equally celebrated for his record as a philanthropist. Smith was the first African American business leader to sign “The Giving Pledge,” an initiative created by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett in which wealthy individuals and families pledge to give more than half of their wealth
Demonstrators to hold justice rally outside MLK Federal Building Demonstrators plan to protest the federal government shutdown and economic inequities on Jan. 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., outside the MLK Federal Building, 77 Forsyth Street S.W. in downtown Atlanta. Dr. Tarece Johnson, Ed.D., who is organizing the event, is partnering with Alliance for Black Lives, Multicultural Jewish Alliance and the Georgia Alliance for Social Justice to host the rally. Johnson is founder of The Global Purpose Approach and Global Purpose Academy, and a leader in Gwinnett Branch of the NAACP and the Alliance for Black Lives among other organization groups. Johnson said the rally will be a peaceful demonstration. “If the government reopens, we will still participate in a peaceful protest of systemic economic oppressions, injustices and
inequities,” she said. She said confirmed speakers at On Common Ground News’ press deadline include: • Richard Rose, President of the NAACP Atlanta • Kenyette Tisha Barnes, Georgia Alliance for Social Justice • Mary Hooks, Southerners On New Ground • Haroun Wakil, Georgia Streetgroomers Johnson and organizers are urging the public to call Georgia’s governor and state legislators to end the government shutdown; share stories related to economic inequities and the impact of the shutdown; learn about resources to help those impacted by economic injustice; and perform acts of kindness to help those in need. For more information about the rally, visit https:// www.facebook.com/events/221118482173316
to causes such as poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and global health and education. Smith is the largest private donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Recently, Smith also donated $560,000 to purchase land for and build a park in Southwest Atlanta. The new park will be adjacent to the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morehouse College. The College will engage students and alumni in the design and naming of the park. Smith is a 2018 recipient of Morehouse College’s most prestigious award for community service. He received a Candle Award in Business and Philanthropy at the College’s 2018 “A Candle in the Dark” Gala, which benefits student scholarships. Smith is chairman of the Carnegie Hall Board of Trustees, and chairman of the board of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. He is also the founding director and president of the Fund II Foundation, which is dedicated to safeguarding human rights, the environment, and sustaining critical American values.
Helping Hands Outreach Clinic welcomes furloughed federal workers, veterans Helping Hands Outreach Community Health Clinic, 2442 Lake Rockaway Road, Conyers, is offering free primary care to furloughed federal workers and military veterans in the metroAtlanta area who need health care. Federal workers and vets must show identification. Scheduled appointments as well as walk-ins are welcomed. • Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Tues, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Second and fourth Saturdays, 9 to noon. For more information, visit helpinghandsga.org or call 678-607-0759 or 404-276-7674.
PAGE 2 • JANUARY 18, 2019
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
GBI investigates officerinvolved shooting in Atlanta
The Atlanta Police Department (APD) has requested that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) conduct a probe of an officer-involved shooting on Jan. 15 in Atlanta. Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 7:21 p.m., a plainclothes APD officer was gassing up his unmarked police vehicle at a gas station located at the intersection of Whitehall Street and McDaniel Street in southwest Atlanta. While the vehicle was at the gas pump, an individual entered his vehicle. The vehicle began to drive away and the officer attempted to stop it. During the incident, the officer discharged his service weapon. The vehicle continued driving south on Whitehall street where it struck two other vehicles before stopping. APD officers responded to the scene and found an unresponsive male subject in the vehicle. Medical personnel arrived and pronounced the subject deceased on scene. The subject has not been identified at this time. The officer sustained a non-life threatening injury during the incident. The GBI will conduct its independent investigation. Once complete, it will be turned over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for review.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
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
PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@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 P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
JANUARY 18, 2019 • PAGE 3
Potholes loom, Stonecrest SPLOST Committee urges city to move swiftly to get on track
S
tonecrest Mayor Jason Lary said the city plans to soon hire a road maintenance supervisor to begin addressing potholes and other road issues. Residents have been clamoring for help, complaining that potholes are plaguing the city’s streets and tearing up their vehicles. Lary said the city, could start the process as early as Spring using SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) dollars, along with county resources, to start the process. “We’ve put in the budget to hire a road maintenance supervisor with regards to those particular things,” Lary told CBS46Atlanta reporter Melissa Stern during an interview on Jan. 15 just before the City Council’s work session and council meeting was held. “We have money now instituted through our SPLOST Program to be able to repair and fill those potholes, and we’re constituting now, even as we speak, a citizen’s pothole committee, so they can tell us exactly where these potholes are.” While SPLOST-funded
road projects have begun in DeKalb County, the city of Stonecrest is now more than six months behind on its SPLOST program. The program has been at a standstill as the City Council tries to determine who will manage the program. Meanwhile, Kerry Williams, a civil engineer and a member of the city’s SPLOST Advisory Committee, told the council at its meeting on Tuesday that the city must move swiftly to take advantage of this year’s paving season. During a presentation, Williams urged the council to use a Pavement Management System to analyze and prioritize the
road repairs needed and the costs. He recommended that the council use current staffing and city engineer to manage the process, rather than go through a procurement process to hire a project manager. He said if the city moves forward quickly, Stonecrest could get on track for the paving season, which runs from April to early November during Georgia’s warm weather period. “If you wait and hire a SPLOST project manager, data collector and a paving contractor, you may not be able to begin paving until October,” Williams said. “If you start paving in October, then you have
missed the paving season for 2019.” Residents could see new roads improvements as early as July, if the council moved forward immediately, Williams said. “We recommend that the council move forward without the procurements of a project manager, instead hire somebody immediately that will do your road evaluations. This will allow the city to begin paving in July,” Williams said. “A lot of the good paving contractors have already booked their 2019 paving season, so the city must move fast because by March the contractors will be out in full force.” Lary said he is ready to move forward, however, the City Council must vote to approve the funding of the paving projects as well as the method in which the city will move forward with its SPLOST contracts. “Once that is done, we can move forward— hopefully, by the Spring,” the mayor said. Last month, the city’s SPLOST fund balance was $4.8 million. Approximately $600,000 is added to the fund monthly.
Education, civil rights leaders to host forum, film examining privatization of public schools The Georgia Federation of Teachers, JEEPAC and the DeKalb Chapter of the NAACP are hosting a free screening of the documentary, “Backpack Full of Cash,” on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The documentary, narrated by Matt Damon, a Cambridge, MA public school graduate, exams how charter schools, vouchers and the privatization movement are threatening the nation’s public schools. Former Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch, writer David Kirp and policy expert Linda Darling Hammond are among the national thought leaders who provide analysis in the film. Filmed in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Nashville and other cities, Backpack takes viewers through the tumultuous 2013-14 school year, exposing the world of corporate-driven education “reform” where public education — starved of resources — hangs in the balance. Backpack puts a human face on complex social, racial and civic issues confronting educators, students, families, and communities. A discussion will follow the screening. Adults only are invited to the event because of limited space.
NOTICE FOR SETTING OF QUALIFYING FEES FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2019 GENERAL ELECTION Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 21-2-131(a)(1)(A) notice is hereby given that the City of Stonecrest, Georgia has adopted a resolution setting the qualifying fees for the November 5, 2019 General Election, to elect a Mayor and two (2) Council Members. The qualifying fee for Mayor is Six Hundred Dollars ($600.00) and for Council Member is Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00). Qualifying dates will be announced later.
PAGE 4 • JANUARY 18, 2019
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Decatur-DeKalb 100 Black Women set “Healthy Eating & Fitness Day”
Gwinnett sets open house events to educate public on transit referendum, MARTA expansion
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Decatur- DeKalb Chapter, Inc. will host its “ Healthy Eating and Fitness Day” event on Thursday, Jan. 31, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Samson Fitness Center, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest, Join the organization for exercises, healthy snacks and nutrition education to help prevent adult and child hood obesity. Wear workout gear. The event is free and open to the public.
Gwinnett County residents will go to the polls on March 19 to vote on a referendum to expand transit services. If the referendum passes, Gwinnett’s transit system and services will expand based on Gwinnett’s plan and its contract with MARTA. The expansion will be funded through a one-cent sales tax for transit. In preparation for the Transit Referendum, the county will host a series of open house education sessions. The sessions will be held on the following dates: • Tuesday, Jan. 22 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Bogan Park Community Recreation Center Community Room, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford • Wednesday, Jan. 23 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center Community Room, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake • Thursday, Jan. 24 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain • Monday, Jan. 28 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Grayson City Hall Senior Center, 475 Grayson Parkway, Grayson • Wednesday, Jan. 30 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center Community Room, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee • Monday, Feb. 4 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center Community Room, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross • Thursday, Feb. 7 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main St., Duluth • Saturday, Feb. 9 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., OneStop Norcross, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross • Monday, Feb. 11 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dacula Park Activity Building, 2735 Old Auburn Road, Dacula • Tuesday, Feb. 12 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sugar Hill City Hall, 5039 W Broad St., Sugar Hill • Thursday, Feb. 21 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth • Saturday, Feb. 23 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville • Thursday, Feb. 28 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fire Academy, 3608 Braselton Highway, Dacula • Monday, March 11 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, 970 McElvaney Lane, Lawrenceville • Georgia Gwinnett College, dates and location TBD The sessions are open to the public and residents are welcome to drop in anytime. For more information about the contract, visit the County’s website at www. GwinnettCounty.com. For more information about the transit plan, visit www. ConnectGwinnettTransit.com. M E T R O P O L I TA N AT L A N TA R A P I D T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y
Notice of Public Hearings Revised 1/9/2019 Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the
Proposed Bus Service Modifications for April 13, 2019 for the following bus routes:
Route 49: McDonough Boulevard; Route 50: Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway; Route 850: Carroll Heights/Fairburn Heights; Route 853: Collier Heights All route information, videos and comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com.
Tuesday, Jan. 22
Wednesday, Jan. 23
Thursday, Jan. 24
Clayton County Commission Chambers
Decatur Library Auditorium
Fulton County Assembly Hall
112 Smith Street Jonesboro, GA 30236 Community Exchange: 6 pm
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm Riding MARTA: Bus Route 193
215 Sycamore Street Decatur, GA 30030 Community Exchange: 6 pm
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm Riding MARTA: Blue Line to Decatur Station; exit onto Church Street and continue one block east
141 Pryor St., SW Atlanta, GA 30303 Community Exchange: 6 pm
Lifeline shelters offering free adoptions of “Most Valuable Pets” LifeLine Animal Project is offering free adoptions of 100 select dog and cat MVPs (Most Valuable Pets) at the DeKalb County Animal Services shelter, now through Super Bowl Sunday to help find homes for the higherthan-usual number of pets in its care. An MVP is any dog or cat with a football sticker on their cage card. MVPs are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and can leave the shelter today. All LifeLine Animal Project shelters are participating in the MVP promotion. To adopt a shelter pet and save a life, drop by DeKalb County Animal Services, 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Chamblee; Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd., Atlanta; or the LifeLine Dog House & Kitty Motel, 129 Lake Street, Avondale Estates. For more information, visit LifeLineAnimal.org.
“Monadnock Madness” offers hikers, photographers amazing views, fitness and workshops
Are you ready to rock? This March, get out and explore Georgia’s granite giants – Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain and Stone Mountain – during the annual Monadnock Madness. Come celebrate these three major Atlanta-area monadnocks through hikes, workshops, classes and fitness throughout the month. The activities include the ever-popular Triple Hike Challenge, in which hikers summit all three granite mountains in a single day. A Diamorpha and moss on top of Arabia Mountain. Discover celebration of nature, wildlife these beautiful plants through the guided triple hike or via the self-guided “hike as you like” option. and some darn big rocks, Monadnock Madness will change how you see Atlanta’s outdoors. Registration for triple hikes, photography workshop and mountaintop yoga opens on Jan. 22. Now in its seventh year, the month-long outdoor extravaganza gives participants an opportunity to see rare, red diamorpha – also called elf orpine – with white blooms, vibrant vernal pools and amazing landscapes. Hikers can also join in on a variety of activities including photography workshops, mountaintop yoga, various guided hikes and other special programs at all three sites. “This is a great way to roll into spring,” said Mera Cardenas, executive director of Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance. “These are ecosystems not found anywhere else in the country, right here in Atlanta’s backyard.” For more information, visit: https://monadnockmadness.com/ CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH 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.
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm Riding MARTA: Bus Routes 21, 42 and 55
Copies of the proposed Bus Service Modifications will also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5 pm. For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404) 848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665. In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings and want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete an online Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) or fax your comments no later than January 29, 2019 to (404) 848-4179. All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require. Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
RZ-19-001 Blue River Development, LLC c/o Battle Law, P.C. 3898-4001 Panola Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Request to change subject property zoning to R-75 for the construction of 115 single-family unit subdivision. TMOD 19-0002 Community Development Department City Wide Revision to the Home OccupationSec. 4.2.31. Child and Personal Care Home – Sec 4.2.41 regulations and Definitions Article 9
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
JANUARY 18, 2019 • PAGE 5
Celebrating the MLK Holiday 2019
DeKalb’s 35th annual MLK celebration to honor restaurant owners Shelley Anthony, Charles Greene DeKalb County will present its 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration program, “King’s Vision: Humanity Tied in a Single Garment of Destiny,” on Friday, Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The King Day charge will be delivered by Juanita Baranco, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Baranco Automotive Group. The 2019 tribute marks the 51st anniversary of King’s death and the 35th consecutive year DeKalb will host the employee-planned event honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King. Special musical guests will be jazz trumpeter extraordinaire Milkshake Mayfield and his wife, vocalist Tine. Shelley “Butch” Anthony III, owner of This Is It BBQ & Seafood, and Charles Greene, owner of Matthews Cafeteria, will be honored with the Nathaniel Mosby Humanitarian Award which celebrates the recipients’ commitment to tireless community service and outstanding dedication to being an agent for positive change. The celebration is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
DeKalb NAACP’s MLK parade to honor sanitation workers, Vietnam vets, Sara Copelin-Wood The DeKalb NAACP branch will host its 17th annual parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the late civil rights champion, on Jan. 21. This year’s celebration also will honor Vietnam veterans and highlight DeKalb County’s sanitation workers. King was in Memphis, Tennessee advocating for black sanitation workers’ rights when he was shot and killed there in 1968. Several bands from the DeKalb County School District will participate in the parade. Opening ceremonies will begin at Sara Copelin-Wood 11:30 a.m. at Green Pastures Christian Church, 5455 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The parade will follow at noon. Daughters of the late Sara Copelin-Wood, who served as a DeKalb School Board member and county NAACP executive board member, will serve as grand marshals.
Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin to speak at King symposium The Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council will present a discussion on how people can follow in the footsteps of Dr. King on Friday, Jan. 18, 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Georgia State Capitol, North Wing, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta. Presented by Ms. Shirley Franklin Shirley Franklin, the event is free and open to the public. For more information, email rusty.haygood@dca.ga.gov, bharrison@thekingcenter.org or call 404-526-8961.
King Center presents ‘Turning Readers into Leaders’ program The King Center will host a special literary themed event for children on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2 to 4 p.m. at the center’s Freedom Hall, 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta. The program, called “We’ve Got Next: Turning Readers into Leaders”, is designed to encourage youth ages eight to twelve to read in order to be inspired to lead. The event will feature book readings, interactive activities and a book drive. During the event, there will be an opportunity to collect new and used books. This event is free and open to the public. Special guests include Alicia Faye Duncan author of Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop and illustrator R. Gregory Christie. For more information, email JRobinson@thekingcenter.org.
Ebenezer Baptist to host annual commemorative service The public is invited to attend a free service honoring the legacy of Dr. King on Monday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Horizon Sanctuary, 101 Jackson St NE, Atlanta. Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan Stevenson, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker alongside with several special tributes and musical performances. For more information, contact Barbara Harrison at 404-526-8961 or email programs@thekingcenter.org.
MLK Museum Day at Atlanta History Center The Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, is offering free admission on Monday, Jan. 21 during regular operating hours. The MLK Museum Day will feature special programs honor MLK including a film screening and conversation about “Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond the Mask.” For more information, visit www.atlantahistorycenter.com.
MLK celebration set at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta Imaginator Jerry G. White recites Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous I Have a Dream speech at the MLK celebration on Monday, Jan. 21. Activities include the MLK Day Readers Theater, music & movement and story time. For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
Rockdale County Think Tank presents third annual MLK Parade The Rockdale County Think Tank MLK community parade will be held on Monday, Jan. 21, at noon. The parade will travel down Main Street in Olde Town Conyers and end at the steps of the Rockdale County Courthouse. There will be a program and awards ceremony in the Rockdale County Auditorium following the parade. Individuals and groups interested in being in the parade or the program may contact Josie Dean by email at rockdalecountythinktank@gmail.com or via telephone at 770-369-1507.
Rockdale NAACP, Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce set 2019 MLK breakfast at new venue The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale Branch of the NAACP will co-host their breakfast in honor of the King Holiday on Monday, Jan. 21, 7:45 a.m., at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive S.W., Conyers. For years, the breakfast was held at Longhorn steahouse. The breakfast, now in its 16th year, celebrates the birth and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and has become a community tradition for residents and business owners seeking to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The cost to attend the breakfast program is $12 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Tickets are first-come, first-served. There are no advanced tickets and seating is limited. For more information, visit conyersrockdale.com or call 770-483-7049.
Rockdale County government to host inaugural MLK celebration The Rockdale County government invites the public to its first Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration event on Monday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rockdale Career Academy Auditorium, 1064 Culpepper Drive S.W., Conyers., .Dancers from Jenae’s Dance Experience and Showtime Pros, as well as local talent from Rockdale County Public Schools will perform in a show highlighting Dr. King’s legacy and his impact on civil rights, past and present, with the theme being “This is America”. Congressman Hank Johnson will be the special guest at the event. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information, email jorge.diez@rockdalecountyga.gov or call 770-278-7056.
Gwinnett County ready for MLK Parade The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County, Inc. will host the 17th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and parade “Leadership: You Are The Difference!” on Monday, Jan. 21. Parade kickoff is at 11 a.m. in front of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville and will end at Moore Middle School, 1221 Lawrenceville Highway at 3 p.m. The event will feature food, vendors and performances by local community organizations. Grand marshals for the event include City of Norcross Mayor Craig Newton, City of Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson, State Rep. Brenda Lopez Romero (District 99) and State Rep. Sam Park (District 101). For general information, visit www.gwinnettmlkparade.com or call 678856-7602.
PAGE 6 • JANUARY 18, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Community invited to share thoughts at fourth “On The Scene with Dr. Green” DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Superintendent R. Stephen Green invites all students, parents, staff and stakeholders to the fourth “On The Scene with Dr. Green” event of the 2018-2019 school year on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. The event will be held at E.L. Bouie Elementary School, 5100 Rock Springs Road, Lithonia. Green will give a brief statement about the state of DCSD before answering questions from the audience. “On The Scene with Dr. Green” is an opportunity to learn more about DeKalb schools. Throughout the 2018-2019 school year, Dr. Green will visit seven total locations. To learn more, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/on-the-scene.
R. Stephen Green
Arabia Mountain High to host 2019 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Readers at every grade level in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) are poised to compare their knowledge on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Arabia Mountain High School, 6610 Browns Mill Road, Stonecrest. Registration for the 2019 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl begins at 8 a.m. Helen Ruffin, a library media specialist in DeKalb County, founded the Reading Bowl as a way to engage students with the Georgia Children’s Book Awards and encourage them to read. She therefore created a unique reading competition in game format, called the Reading Bowl, using books from the nominee list. Students at every grade level—elementary, middle, and high—are asked questions from respective book lists in a quiz bowl format. Top teams from the DCSD Reading Bowl have the opportunity to compete at the regional, divisional, and state levels should they advance. Winners from the event will have the chance to compete at the Metro Regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl on Feb. 9 at Clayton State University in Morrow. Registration and competition times are as follows: Middle and High School Registration – 8 a.m. Opening Ceremony, Competition – 8:30 a.m. Elementary School Registration – 12:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony, Competition – 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/helen-ruffin-readingbowl.
CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JANUARY 28TH 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following text amendment within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-007 / SLUP-18-007 Beverly J Searles Foundation 6807 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to change the zoning to MR-2 and Special Land Use permit for the development of Senior Housing.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER:
TMOD 18-0007 Community Development Department City Wide Minor modifications to Chapter 27 Article IV Supplemental Uses; Minor modification to Chapter 7 Building Code.
LOCATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0008 Arabia Mountain Overlay Committee City Wide Review of the proposed Arabia Mountain Overlay district and map.
DeKalb high school students invited to show creativity in “Stop Teen Dating Violence” PSA contest In partnership with Fit for a Queen, the Bello Mo Group and Lynette Clove, an Independent sales director for Mary Kay, DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling is inviting DeKalb County high school juniors and seniors to enter the 2019 Stop Teen Dating Violence Public Service Announcement(PSA) Contest. With February being recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Coleman-Stribling and Donna Coleman-Stribling her team are encouraging DeKalb teens to promote healthy teen dating practices that prevent violence by producing a oneminute PSA. The student who creates the most impactful PSA will win a prom prize package, which includes: • Dinner for two • Makeup Artist Services provided by Lynette Clove of Mary Kay • Attire for the winner and their guest from Fit for a Queen and the Bello Mo Group “Teens are often unaware of how small warning signs can lead to the cycle of abuse,” said Coleman-Stribling. “Approximately 7 percent of women and 4 percent of men who experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner first experienced some form of partner violence by that same partner before turning 18. It’s our responsibility as a community to ensure we educate our teens on what positive, healthy relationships look like.” The Solicitor-General’s Office began The Stop Teen Dating Violence Public Service Announcement Contest in 2017 and saw an overwhelming response from local teens interested in participating. “We want to give DeKalb teens an opportunity to showcase their creative ability, while displaying their understanding of what it means to cultivate positive and healthy relationships. Our Stop Teen Dating Violence PSA Contest, does just that. We enjoy watching the various ways they choose to highlight the positive characteristics and we are excited to see this year’s entries,” explained Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling. The winning video will air on local broadcast stations and will be distributed to schools throughout DeKalb County to play at each prom. The deadline to upload entries to the DeKalb Solicitor-General’s web site is Friday, Feb. 22: http://dekalbsolicitorgeneral.com/community-outreach/ stop-teen-dating-violence-public-service-announcement-contest/ The Office of the DeKalb Solicitor-General encourages any teen who is aware of or experiencing teen dating violence to visit www.loveisrespect. org, call the hotline at 1-866-331-9474 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522 for assistance.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
JANUARY 18, 2019 • PAGE 7
RCPS Foundation seeking “Champions of Education” Winners to be honored at Denim & Diamonds gala
Are you or is someone you know a Champion of Education? If yes, the Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation wants to hear from you. The Foundation is seeking nominees for its 2019 Champion of Education awards. Recipients will be recognized during the Foundation’s annual Denim & Diamonds fundraising gala on Friday, March 8, at the Acuity J.H. House Elementary students and their parents took People Center in Conyers. part in a Space Night/astronomy activity, thanks to a grant provided by the Rockdale County Public Schools Champion of Education Foundation. Photo courtesy RCPS Foundation nominees can be either individuals or businesses that have demonstrated outstanding service, support or advocacy to further public education in Rockdale County. The Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation has provided more than $500,000 in funding mostly for educator grants, teacher recognition programs and student scholarships since 1988. The tax-exempt, nonprofit works in close partnership with the school system and is governed by a Board of Trustees. Visit http://www.RCPSFoundation.com to submit Champion of Education nominations by Wednesday, Feb. 6, and/or to purchase gala tickets.
Rob and Vickie B. Turner. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
DeKalb Cultural Exchange: Prayers for Community Leaders Pastors from DeKalb County churches came together to pray for community, state and national leaders on Jan. 12 at Greater Travelers Rest Church (House of Hope) in Decatur. Stonecrest Councilman Rob Turner and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vickie B. Turner, invited the pastors to the prayer breakfast , the first meeting of the year for the DeKalb Cultural Exchange, which the couple founded last year. The prayers were led by Bishop William Murphy, III, of the Dream Center Church; Dr. Sherry Gaither of Stronghold Christian Church; the Rev. Demetrius McCoy, pastor of The Life Center; the Rev. Norman Thomas, Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church Gresham Road; and the Rev. Eleshia Cash, executive pastor Global Leadership Christian Center. A number of elected officials and community leaders attended. Among them were Eric Hubbard, who was representing Congressman Hank Johnson, State Rep. Doreen Carter, newly-elected State Rep. Viola Davis, former DeKalb CEO Lee May; DeKalb Commissioners Jeff Rader, presiding officer and Commissioner Larry Johnson, Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson, Stonecrest Council members George Turner and Diane Adoma, Stonecrest Parks and Recreation Director Sean DePalma and DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy.
19 RCPS students advance to regional Social Studies Fair
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) fifth graders tackled tough questions about our society, economy, history, and more in the annual RCPS Fifth Grade Social Studies Fair, held January 12, 2019 at Memorial Middle School. Students wrote research papers, created visual presentations, and were interviewed by judges on their research, data, analysis, and conclusions. The top 16 projects (Best In Fair, First Place, Second Place) advance to the East Metro Regional Social Studies Fair on March 2, 2019 at MMS. For more information, visit www. rockdaleschools.org/academiccompetitions. (Pictured: Some of the Best In Fair, First Place, Second Place winners at the 2019 RCPS Fifth Grade Social Studies Fair). The projects advancing to the regional fair are as follows: Best in Fair: Timothy Sims, Jr., Flat Shoals Elementary, “Does Technology Make Us Lazy?”; Anthony Davis and James Frazier, Lorraine Elementary School, “How Did the War of 1812 Impact Trade Between the United States and Great Britain?” First Place: Gary Borders, FSE, “Benefits and Drawbacks of Youth Sports”; Aaden Rolland, FSE, “How Serious Are Concussions In Youth Sports?” Second Place: Elizabeth Lovett, Barksdale Elementary School, “Adolf Hitler: Was He the Main Reason for WW II?”; Cassidy Tinsley, BES, “WW I and Diseases”; Olivia Howard, C.J. Hicks Elementary, “Criminal Behavior: Nature vs. Nurture”; Isabella Henry, C.J. Hicks Elementary, “How did 9/11 Affect People’s Lives?”; Chase Jones, Hightower Trail Elementary, “High School Dropouts: How Do They Effect the Economy?”; Cayden Grimes and Mia Sandoval, J.H. House Elementary, “What Impact Did Hurricane Michael Have on Florida’s Economy?”; Yeni Gutierrez and Valarie Macias, J.H. House Elementary, “How Do Mexican Restaurants in Georgia Contribute to the Economy?”; Maxwell Watkins, LES, “Tesla Cars: Are They Worth the Price?”; Miller Watkins, LES, “How Did the United States Participate in the Vietnam War?”; Talia Barron, D.L. Sims Elementary School, “Hands Free: Has Texting and Driving Laws Decreased the Number of Car Accidents?”; Sanai Banner, Shoal Creek Elementary, “What Caused the US to Enter WWII?”; Carson Pruett, SCE, “WW II and Why it Started?”
ON COMMON GROUND NEWS MARKETPLACE LAWN CARE
ROOM FOR RENT Newly furnished, in DeKalb County, $525 monthly. All utilities + Cable + W & D. On MARTA. 1 person room only. 404-401-9767.
PAGE 8 • JANUARY 18, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
We cater to the entire family. Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available
900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006