VOLUME 22 NUMBER 41
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JANUARY 21, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
DeKalb CEO Thurmond proposes $1.3 billion budget
Homegoing service set for Bishop Eddie L. Long
B
ishop Eddie L. Long will be remembered with a homeDeKalb County CEO Migoing celebration set for chael Thurmond released his first Wednesday, proposed operating budget of Jan. 25, 11 $1.3 billion for fiscal year 2017, promising to also address chron- a.m., at New ic issues in the county including Birth Missionary Bapinaccurate water billing, blight tist Church, and unemployment. “This budget provides a 6400 Woodframework for strengthening row Road, the government’s fiscal condiLithonia. tion, improving public safety, The public annualizing the fiscal year 2016 viewing will pay and compensation increases be held on and funding various infrastrucMay 12,1953 - January 15,2017 ture and capital improvements,” Tuesday, Jan. Thurmond said. “By proactively 24, 11 a.m. to managing our resources, we will 7 p.m. at the church. be able to maintain a projected Organizers say the public may arrive $50.1 million fund balance, as early as 8 a.m. to attend the funeral which equals one month’s oper- and will be allowed in as space permits. ating revenue.” No cameras or cell phone pictures or Prior to the official adoption video recording will be allowed inside of the budget, the administration will submit funding proposals to the church or on the campus, except authorized news media. Fox 5 News will address inaccurate water billing; residential and commercial provide pool news coverage for all television media. At On Common Ground blight; and unemployment, the News’ deadline, organizers were working administration said in a news release. on a plan for radio and print media. The meeting regularly on Bishop Long, senior pastor of New that… Birth, died before dawn on Jan. 15 after a long battle with an aggressive form of “We will inform the Board cancer. He was 63. of Commissioners and the public During a visit with On Common of the results of our internal evaluations and analysis of cur- Ground News Publishers Glenn and Valrent and past efforts,” Thurmond erie Morgan, Elder Vanessa Long, Bishsaid. Included in the fiscal year 2017 proposed budget is: • $17.2 million to fully fund the pay raises approved last year. • $2.1 million to fund 20 additional police positions and 36 more fire rescue personnel and $600,000 for police body cameras. • $4 million to fund road resurfacing efforts. • $5.4 million to fund the second phase of the Tobie Grant Intergenerational Center, $400,000 for Ellenwood Park and $100,000 for the Lou Walker Senior Center. • $1.4 million to start payments on bonds for the new animal services facility. • $983,000 to contribute toward overdue park maintenance. The Board of Commissioners must approve the budget by the end of February. Two public hearings have been set: Feb. 14 and Feb. 28. Additional public hearings and town halls on the budget will be announced.
Bishop Long speaks to his congregation about spiritual warfare in 2008. OCG News archives
op Long’s wife of 27 years, expressed gratitude for supporters. “She smiled and she looked beautiful as she always does. She was very kind,” the Morgans stated. Elder Long issued the following statement regarding her husband’s death: “I am confidant through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place. Although his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him knowing he’s at peace.” Deeply committed to his church, even in his last days, Bishop Long delivered his final message and helped usher in the New Year with his congregation. Bishop Long was known as one of
Homeless surveys in metro Atlanta set
Volunteers will hit the streets to count the homeless living under bridges, on the streets, in shelters and in other places in the city of Atlanta as part of an annual report for the U.S. Census. The count in Atlanta will take place during a 24-hour period on Jan. 23 that will last overnight. DeKalb County also is participating in the count to determine its number of homeless. DeKalb’s count will take place Thursday, Jan. 26, lasting overnight. The surveys, which will include demographics for individuals living in shelters as well as those who are unsheltered, will help local officials to obtain federal funding to continue assistance and establish programs for homelessness. Last year, Partners for HOME, the Atlanta Homeless Continuum-of-Care and more than 300 volunteers identified a total population of 4,063 homeless individuals, a six percent decrease in the homeless population from 2015 and a 26 percent decrease from 2013 overall. “The Point-In-Time Homeless Count is a vital initiative that the City of Atlanta undertakes annually to determine the state of our homeless population and to determine additional resources and partnerships of value to end homeless- See Homeless surveys, page 10 ness,” said Mayor Kasim Reed.
the most influential faith leaders in the world. He stood strong as a pioneering leader and revolutionary mind changer. Through his global ministry, Long inspired thousands of believers around the world. In addition to his wife, Vanessa Long, Bishop Long is survived by four children: Eric, Edward, Jared and Taylor and three grandchildren. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes is handling the homegoing service. Those who would like to leave messages of condolences for the Long family may do so during visitation or by visiting the web site: levettfuneralhome.com.
Volunteers needed for DeKalb homeless count DeKalb County Community Development Department is seeking 100 volunteers to sign up for a street count and survey of the county’s homeless. The count will take place Thursday, Jan. 26, at 9 p.m., lasting overnight. “The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires each community to conduct a biennial pointin-time homeless count,” said Allen Mitchell, director of Community Development. “For the past five years, DeKalb has conducted an annual count in order to identify the scope of homelessness, document the impact of actions to address homelessness and identify any additional resources that are required.” Volunteers will meet at their designated deployment locations for training and enumeration team assignments. Teams will be comprised of three to four community volunteers: a driver, navigator, recorder and surveyor. Utilizing a See Volunteers, page 10
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Congressman Hank Johnson honors Rockdale Magnet students
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com 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
P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com
Congressman Hank Johnson honored four students at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology as the winners of the 2016 Congressional App Challenge. Sophomore Austin Goodloe and juniors Jeebe Diop, Daniel Garner and Brandon Golston were named the winners in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. The App Challenge was a nationwide contest hosted by the House of Representatives for the second year. In an effort to promote computer science education, 123 congressional districts in 33 states asked students to code original apps. More than 2,150 students participated and created 650 apps in the process. The winners were announced earlier this month during National Computer Science Education Week. The makers of the 123 winning apps will be invited to showcase their products next year to the members of Congress and technology experts at a reception in Washington, D.C. The students also will have the opportunity to meet their district representatives, and their apps will be featured for a year on permanent display at the Capitol. All winners will receive a portion of $50,000 in credits donated to the competition by Amazon Web Services. AWS credits can be used to purchase AWS commodities and services such as accessing storage and database to create websites, mobile applications, blogs and other web-based products.
Key staff members introduced at Rockdale meet and greet Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt held a meet and greet to introduce his Chief of Staff Corey Hambrick and Executive Assistant Claire Harris. Dozens of people turned out Jan. 17 for the event, which was held at the Rockdale Board of Commissioners’ office. More photos at Facebook/ On Common Ground News (Official).
Top left: Corey Hambrick, Claire Harris, and Chairman Oz Nesbit pose for a picture. Top right: Hambrick greets well-wishers. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG News
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS WITH DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT R. STEPHEN GREEN WHO: Dr. R. Stephen Green Superintendent, DeKalb County School District WHAT: On the Scene with Dr. Green: Community conversations with Dr. Green Parents, students, residents and other stakeholders are invited to talk with Dr. Green about issues, concerns, and other important topics concerning the District.
WHEN: • Thurs., Jan. 26, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Peachtree MS, 4664 N. Peachtree Rd., Atlanta • Thurs., Mar. 2, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Marbut Theme School, 5776 Marbut Rd., Lithonia • Thurs., Apr. 27, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Barack H. Obama ES, 3132 Clifton Church Rd. SE, Atlanta
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DeKalb parks and rec to host father-daughter dance
Coming Up
Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
The DeKalb County Department of Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs will host its Father-Daughter Dance onFeb. 2, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. The Father-Daughter Dance is for all ages and costs $15 per couple and $5 for each additional child. The event will include music, refreshments and dancing. Guests are asked to dress to impress. To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click register online, or register in person at any recreation center. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
GWINNETT
Gwinnett Environmental hosts “Night at the Museum”at the pool Join the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center for an after-hours adventure on Friday, Jan. 27, 5 to 10 p.m., at 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford. Night at the Museum seeks to bring the exhibits to life in a new way. Participants will enjoy a mystery museum tour, magic show, hear stories around a campfire and more. Admission is $8 per person. EHC members and children 2 and under and free. Call 770- 904-3500 or register at www. gwinnettEHC.org.
Snowflake princess party set
ATLANTA
REI goes all out for outdoor enthusiasts The public is invited to attend a special event hosted by outdoor retail giant REI on Saturday, Jan. 28, 1 to 5 p.m. at Red Brick Brewing, 2387 Defoor Hills Road NW, Atlanta. Discover fun ways to get outside everyday in 2017 by attending this special celebration of the outdoors. Guests can participate in a variety of outdoor activities such as a mobile outdoor rock-climbing wall or take an REI Outdoor School class. Enjoy an afternoon of food, beer, live music and s’mores, while hanging out with friends fireside. All ages welcome, must be 21 to drink. The cost is $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers. For more information or to reserve your spot, visit rei.com/events.
Atlanta Pageant Prom Show to showcase top formalwear Fit For a Queen of Atlanta will host the Atlanta Pageant Prom Show showcasing the season’s best pageant, prom, and couture gowns, beauty products and services. The event will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, 1 to 4 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta-uckhead, 3342 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta. Attendees are invited to meet top beauty and pageant professionals, custom designers and more. It’s the best of the best under one roof. Come ready to shop for luxury designer formalwear, beauty accessories, and more. Fit For A Queen of Atlanta is located in East Atlanta Village at 449 Bill Kennedy Way, Atlanta. For more information about the pageant prom show, call 678-310-9919 or visit www.gownsfitforaqueen.com. .DEKALB
DeKalb History Center to host reception for photography exhibit The opening reception for DeKalb History Center’s newest photography exhibit will be held Tuesday, Jan. 31, 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the historic DeKalb Courthouse lobby, 101 East Court Square, Decatur. “Reclaimed by Nature: the Historic Davidson Quarries of Arabia Mountain” by Virginie Drujon-Kippelen features historic and contemporary photos of a former granite quarry at what is now the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in Lithonia. The quarries were historically an important part of DeKalb County’s economy. Lithonia granite was used in paving and construction projects, including the Historic DeKalb Courthouse. For more information, visit dekalbhistory.org.
Dress up in your favorite princess dress and enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, light refreshments and fun Saturday, Jan. 28, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross. A photo will be taken of your princess and emailed to you after the event. Each child will make a snowflake craft and receive a snowflake glow wand or bracelet. Ages 3 and up, $11/child (adult free with paid child). Space is limited so register early online at gwinnettcounty.com with code LSP11402 or call 678-277-0860.
ROCKDALE
Story time set for infants and small children Caregivers and small children are invited to attend special story hours on Jan. 23 to Jan. 25 at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green Street, Conyers. Children ages 5 years and younger will enjoy a fun, interactive and educational hour of reading and games. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in all activities. Please register by visiting the youth services desk or by calling 770-388- 5040 ext. 113. Here is a look at the schedule: • Preschool Story Time (Ages 3-5): Jan. 23, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Preschoolers engage in a thematic story time program filled with picture book sharing, songs, music and crafts. • Toddler Story Time (Ages 21 – 36 Months): Jan. 24, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Toddlers and their caregivers take part in interactive stories, music, finger play and crafts. • Baby Time (Ages infants to 20 months): Jan. 25, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Babies and their caregivers engage in open playtime, board book sharing and songs.
Rockdale to host Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your little princess at the Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance Friday, Feb. 19, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. Enjoy a memorable evening of music, dancing and light refreshments. The fee is $8 per person and attire is semi-formal. All ages are welcome. Preregister by Feb. 3. For more information, call 770-278-7529.
Please 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.
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JANUARY 21, 2017 • PAGE 5
DeKalb elected officials sponsor food drive for Atlanta Community Food Bank
Several DeKalb County elected officials have teamed up in an annual food drive to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. District Attorney Sherry Boston, Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling, Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry, DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon and Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson are sponsoring the food drive to collect nonperishable food items. State Court Clerk of Court Melanie Wilson, DeKalb libraries and Department of Human Services also are partnering with the effort. “This is our annual opportunity to help a nonprofit organization that in turn benefits many people in DeKalb County,” Commissioner Gannon said. According to a 2014 study, one in 7.5 people, or an estimated 755,400 people, in metro Atlanta and north Georgia receive assistance from food pantries and meal service programs each year. This includes more than 164,000 children and more than 64,000 seniors. “The support of DeKalb County’s elected officials and residents means so much to the Food Bank, including the 138 partner agencies we work with to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors in need,” said Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “This annual food drive has a huge impact and enables us to continue our mission of helping families in DeKalb County and throughout Metro Atlanta.” In 2016, the Atlanta Community Food Bank gave out more than 8 million pounds of food to partner agencies in DeKalb County. Donations of nonperishable food items are being accepted at the following locations from Jan. 23 to Feb. 17: Brookhaven Library 1242 North Druid Hills Road Atlanta, GA 30319 Phone: 404-848-7140 Flat Shoals Library 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA 30034 Phone: 404-244-4370 Chamblee Library 4115 Clairmont Road Chamblee, GA 30341 Phone: 770-936-1380 Gresham Library 2418 Gresham Road Atlanta, GA 30316 Phone: 404-244-4374 Clarkston Library 951 North Indian Creek Drive Clarkston, GA 30021 Phone: 404-508-7175 Hairston Crossing Library 4911 Redan Road Stone Mountain, GA 30088 Phone: 404-508-7170 Covington Library 3500 Covington Highway Decatur, GA 30032 Phone: 404-508-7180 Lithonia-Davidson Library 6821 Church Street Lithonia, GA 30058 Phone: 770-482-3820 Decatur Library 215 Sycamore Street Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: 404-370-3070 Northlake-Barbara Loar Branch 3772 LaVista Road Tucker, GA 30084 Phone: 404-679-4408 Doraville Library
3748 Central Avenue Doraville, GA 30340 Phone: 770-936-3852 Redan-Trotti Branch 1569 Wellborn Road Redan, GA 30074 Phone: 770-482-3821 Dunwoody Library 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road Dunwoody, GA 30338 Phone: 770-512-4640 Salem-Panola Library 5137 Salem Road Lithonia, GA 30038 Phone: 770-987-6900 Embry Hills Library 3733 Chamblee-Tucker Road Chamblee, GA 30341 Phone: 770-270-8230 Scott Candler Library 1917 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 Phone: 404-286-6986 Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library 952 Leon Street Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Phone: 770-413-2020 Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library 5234 LaVista Road Tucker, GA 30084 Phone: 770-270-8234 Stonecrest Library 3123 Klondike Road Lithonia, GA 30038 Phone: 770-482-3828 Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library 2861 Wesley Chapel Road Decatur, GA 30034 Phone: 404-286-6980 Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams library 1282 McConnell Drive Decatur, GA 30033 Phone: 404-679-4404 Tax Commission Central Office 4380 Memorial Drive Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30032 Tax Commission North Office 1358 Dresden Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30319 North DeKalb Senior Center 5238 Peachtree Rd. Chamblee, GA 30341 (770) 455-7602 Central DeKalb Senior Center 1346 McConnell Drive Decatur, GA 30033 (770) 492-5461 Scottdale Senior Center 3262 Chapel Street Scottdale, GA 30079 (404) 501-0704 DeKalb/Atlanta Senior Center 25 Warren Street Atlanta, GA 30317 (404) 370-7297 South DeKalb Senior Center 1931 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 284-4865 Lithonia Senior Center 2484 Bruce Street Lithonia, GA 30058 (770) 482-0402 Lou Walker Senior Center Multipurpose Facility 2538 Panola Road Lithonia, GA 30058 (770) 322-2900 Maloof Auditorium/Administrative Building 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030 DeKalb County Courthouse 556 N McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 For more information, contact Davis Fox, dfox@dekalbcountyga.gov.
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People
Movers & Shakers in the Community
Dawkins-Haigler honored with President’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Dee Dawkins-Haigler, who formerly represented residents in parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties in the Georgia House of Representatives, is among a group of volunteers around the nation recently honored by President Barack Obama. Dawkins-Haigler received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have completed 4,000 or more hours of volunteering in their lifetime. Along with a congratulatory letter from the President, recipients receive a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion or coin. Dawkins-Haigler has a long list of accomplishments in the community. She served as chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus for the past four years and championed for several critical issues including Sex and Human Trafficking; education on poverty and health care; opportunities for minority businesses; and domestic violence awareness, to name a few. As a breast cancer survivor, Dawkins-Haigler also has been on the front lines educating the public about breast cancer and resources that are available. She has served as president for Jack and Jill of America, and as a member of the National Coun-
cil of Negro Women and the 100 Black Women, among other groups. Dawkins-Haigler also has
worked internationally on economic development initiatives with Africa.
Decide DeKalb welcomes Mechel McKinley as senior project manager Decide DeKalb is pleased to announce the recent addition of Mechel McKinley as senior project manager. McKinley, who formerly served as the executive director for the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, will work to attract, expand and retain businesses in DeKalb County. “[McKinley’s] economic development background, ingenuity and perspective makes her a perfect fit as our new senior project manager. We are excited to welcome her to the team,” Decide DeKalb President Ray Gilley said. During her three-year tenure with the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, McKinley was instrumental in implementing a signature small business grant program for The Village in Stone Mountain. The BOOST Stone Mountain grant provides $100 to $1,000 awards to assist with the purchase of signage, exterior renovations and advertising for businesses located in The Village. “We were able to engage local investors to contribute to the BOOST Stone Mountain grant which enabled small businesses, located in The Village, an opportunity to move their businesses forward,” said McKinley. ”This is a model example of neighbors supporting neighbors.” In McKinley’s new role as senior project manager, she will create, direct and implement programs to support commercial and industrial development. McKinley, a Stone Mountain res-
ident, will also assist the business development team with workforce and small business development initiatives. “I am excited to continue my work with economic development in DeKalb County and look forward to promoting the place I call home to the global business community,” McKinley said. McKinley holds a degree in business administration from Birmingham-Southern College and is poised to receive her professional
certification in economic development financing. Decide DeKalb serves as the primary economic development driving force to attract, expand and retain businesses in DeKalb County, Georgia. Established in 1974 as the Development Authority of DeKalb County, Decide DeKalb works with partners, stakeholders and the business community to spur capital investments, encourage job growth and business sustainability.
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JANUARY 21, 2017 • PAGE 7
Decatur teen Joshua Smith earns Eagle Scout rank
Troop 155 chartered to New Covenant Christian Ministries, Smith is one of approximately five percent of all Boy Scouts who ever achieve this rank. Smith is the son of Cedric and LaVonne Smith. A leader in both scouting and the community, Smith served as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Chaplain Aide, scribe, and historiecatur resian in Troop 155. He is a dent Joshua D. senior at Arabia Mountain Smith, 18, has High School in Lithonia, earned the highest award the Boy Scouts of America where he is an Honor Roll student, l, a member of the offers to Scouts: the Eagle Future Business Leaders Scout Award. of America, a swim team Smith received the manager, participant in the award after earning 21 merit badges and complet- Work-Based Learning Proing his Eagle Scout Service gram, and has completed the Culinary Arts Pathway. Project. Smith’s project According to Troop created a peaceful and enjoyable prayer area at New 155’s Scoutmaster Steve Covenant Christian Minis- Joseph, an Eagle Scout himself, “The road to tries in Lithonia called the “NCCM Prayer and Praise attaining the Eagle Scout Rank is very challenging, Point.” A member of Boy Scout and Joshua never gave up
D
on his dream of completing this process. I am very proud of Joshua, who is my first Eagle Scout. This is the start of great things to come for Joshua, and he will be able to take the foundation of his scouting values and apply them to all areas of his life.” Smith joins other prom-
inent Americans including former President Gerald Ford, astronaut Neil Armstrong, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. In 2015, 696 Atlanta area Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank. In doing so, these Scouts contributed approximately 114,814
hours of service to improving our schools, parks, churches, and communities through their Eagle Scout projects alone. Smith will be recognized in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor presentation on Feb. 11, at New Covenant Christian Ministries in Lithonia.
Rockdale celebrates its first MLK parade
A
crowd attended Rockdale County’s first MLK parade commemorating the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the national holiday, Jan. 16.
Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt served as the grand marshal for the event, which was organized by Josie Dean, founder of the Think Tank civic group and a host of volunteers. For years, the Rockdale NAACP and Rockdale-Conyers Chamber of Commerce have held a breakfast on the MLK holiday. But this year marked the first time that a parade was held. Dean said she wanted to do an event that would bring the entire community together to honor King. For more photos by Glenn L. Morgan, visit Facebook On Common Ground News (Official)
PAGE 8•JANUARY 21,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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Dart Container Corporation is hiring WorkSource DeKalb has partnered with Dart Container Corporation for a hiring event that will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 774 Jordan Lane, Bldg. 4, Decatur. Dart is hiring more than 30 full-time inspector-packer positions and shift mechanics for its Lithonia facility. Successful inspector-packer candidates will earn $12.26 per hour and shift mechanics $20 per hour. Dart Container will conduct onsite interviews and provide immediate job offers to credentialed candidates.
Interested jobseekers must pre-register for the event at gaworkready.org and fill out an application through Dart’s website at www.dart.jobs. Jobseekers are also asked to mention that they were referred by WorkSource DeKalb on their online applications. Dart is headquartered in Mason, Mich., and is responsible for manufacturing food-service packaging items such as cups, plates, containers, lids and straws. In 2012, Dart purchased the Solo Cup Company, which doubled its business and diversi-
fied its paper product lines. For more information, contact Roderick Wyatt at 404-687-3400 or by email at rwyatt@dekalbcountyga.gov. For more information on upcoming events at WorkSource DeKalb, visit www.worksourcedekalb.org or call 404-687-3400. WorkSource DeKalb funded by the U. S. Department of Labor and is a partner of the American Job Center Network.
American Express to host government WorkSource Mobile Career Lab available in contracting workshop for small businesses Conyers The American Express OPEN for Government Contracting: Success Series for Local Small Businesses workshop will be Tuesday, Jan. 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta. The free full-day workshop is designed to educate small business owners on the benefits of selling to the government. The program will cover a variety of government contracting topics for businesses at all levels of contract readiness and provides attendees with resources and step-by-step instructions to secure government contracts. In addition to networking with other small businesses, attendees can sign up during registration to meet directly with agency officials and experienced contractors. Some of the speakers include Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed; Prudence Howard, Director of Contracting, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Terrez Thompson, vice president, Global Supplier Diversity, The Coca-Cola Company; Deniece Peterson, director, Federal Market Analysis, Deltek; Cassius Butts, Area IV Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration. Some of the Contract Connections participants includes: NASA, Atlanta Housing Authority, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Lockheed Martin Corporation, Delta Air Lines, DHL Express (USA) Inc. To register, visit www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Governor’s Commission on City of Stonecrest will meet on Thursday, Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m., at DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale Radiation Oncology Building Auditorium, 2745 DeKalb Medical Pkwy, Stonecrest. This is a business meeting to update residents on various issues, adopt resolutions, initiate activities of the Stonecrest Community Committee, and other related business. – Joel Thibodeaux, Chair AGENDA Public comments will be heard from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order and Invocation 2. Additional agenda items to be released prior to meeting 3. Adjournment We ask that all wishing to make comments arrive early and sign-in. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Shawn Jones at sj6media@gmail.com.
Do you need assistance with your job search? The WorkSource Atlanta Regional Mobile Career Lab provides information on job readiness and job research assistance to job seekers. The Mobile Lab will be available at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St., Conyers, January through June. For further dates, please visit the library calendar at: www.conyersrockdalelibrary.org. For more information call 404-463-3327 or visit www.atlantaregional.com/worksource.
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JANUARY 21,2017 • PAGE 9
DeKalb Development Authority touts $440 million in capital investments in 2016
Decide DeKalb Development Authority continues to help businesses thrive in DeKalb County. In 2016, the Authority attracted and retained approximately $440 million in announced capital investments and 4,800 jobs. “Success for Decide DeKalb is measured by outcomes,” said Decide DeKalb’s President Ray Gilley. “Over the course of 2016, the Authority successfully closed and landed 17 exciting projects that are bringing resources and jobs to DeKalb.” Decide DeKalb is not only attracting new businesses to the county but also helping existing businesses expand. “We look forward to working with our local and state leaders as well as the international business community in promoting DeKalb as a vibrant, prosperous and ideal location for business development,” Gilley said. Ongoing collaboration with community stakeholders helped launch the DeKalb Thrives initiative, which focuses on implementing economic development recommendations for tourism, transportation, entrepreneurship, marketing and real estate development. “DeKalb Thrives serves as a roadmap to enhance the business climate and landscape in our county,” Decide DeKalb Board Chairman Tyrone Rachal said. In 2016, the Development Authority launched the DeKalb Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Commission to help support Georgia’s booming production industry. “The boom in Georgia’s entertainment industries is phenomenal, and DeKalb is uniquely positioned to benefit from
them,” Andrew Greenberg, Commission Chair and Decide DeKalb Board Member said. Over the course of 2016, Decide DeKalb helped to facilitate business development for both large and small companies as well as nonprofit organizations. The Task Force for Global Health, which is the second largest non-profit in the country, purchased a larger building in Decatur, to expand its headquarters. This new purchase will enable the international organization to create 85 new jobs. Additionally, one of the region’s leading medical facilities, Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, announced a $126 million expansion project that will enhance patient’s access and services while creating an estimated 143 new jobs. “DeKalb County is an ideal location for businesses to relocate and expand because of our highly skilled workforce, unrivaled access to major highways, proximity to the world’s busiest airport and incomparable access to world-class entertainment,” Gilley said. South DeKalb was also home to major economic development activity in 2016. Home Chef, a meal kit delivery service, invested in a 140,000-square-foot assembling, packaging and distribution center in Lithonia. The new Home Chef location is expected to create 1,200 new jobs by 2020. “We’re undergoing tremendous growth and are excited to expand our distribution footprint,” said Pat Vihtelic, Home Chef founder and CEO. “The culture of collaboration makes Georgia the ideal location for us today and tomorrow. We’re confident that DeKalb has the skilled workforce necessary for us to achieve our ambitious growth
goals.” In 2017, Decide DeKalb seeks to build upon ongoing initiatives such as the WE DeKalb (Workforce Enhancement) housing incentive program and Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund program. “Over the course of this past year, we have made tremendous strides and achieved great success,” said Gilley. “Decide DeKalb looks forward to another year of attracting and expanding businesses to every corner of our great county.” For more information or to contact Decide DeKalb, please call 404-687-2730.
PAGE 10•JANUARY 21,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Authors’ Spotlight
Get In The Door with local author Jerry T. Myers Local author talks creating career opportunities
“Get In the Door: 7 Keys to Maximizing Your Career Search” focuses on career search strategies that guide today’s job seeker whether unemployed or underemployed. Get In the Door touches three segments of job seeking through it’s memorable tips for high school students, college students, and mature professionals. Readers will begin thinking like Human Resource professionals while making the mental shift to utilize the tools needed for today’s successful job searches. Myers’ company, In The Door, focuses on workforce development solutions including training career development facilitators, human resource organization training workshops (diversity and inclusion, leadership, change management, skills gap training) and high school/college workshop modules. For more information, visit www.inthedoornow.com. Contact the organization at (678) 973-8112 or via email at info@inthedoornow.com.
Homeless survey continued from page 1
“While there still is much work to be done in our effort to create an effective end to homelessness in our city, I am heartened by the hard work done by Partners for HOME and the agencies that make up the Continuum of Care,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “The decrease of the City’s homeless population documented in the 2016 Point-in-Time count illustrates that through collaboration and cooperation, we can move the needle in a positive direction by providing permanent housing to our most vulnerable citizens. We look forward to the findings in the 2017 census.” Since 2013, the Continuum of Care has seen a 61 percent decrease in the total number of chronically homeless individuals, a 52 percent decrease in unsheltered homeless individuals and a 62 percent decrease in the number of homeless veterans in Atlanta. Since Mayor Reed accepted President Obama’s challenge to end veteran homelessness, the Continuum of Care has permanently housed more than 1,000 Veterans. “We are excited to undertake this year’s Point-In-Time count,” said Cathryn Marchman, executive director, Partners for HOME. “When Mayor Reed created Partners for HOME in 2013, he demonstrated his commitment to create a collective and clear path to make homelessness rare and brief in Atlanta. Results from last year’s PIT Count are encouraging, thanks to the incredible passion and commitment of our provider community, government partners and private sector stakeholders.” Volunteers continued from page 1
smartphone app and real-time mapping from DeKalb County’s GIS department, participants will track the location and demographic information of homeless citizens. Anyone can volunteer, though those under 18 will need to be with a parent or guardian or have a permission slip signed. Volunteers are asked to bring fully charged mobile phones and a car charger. There is a specific need for volunteers willing to drive their own vehicles with their assigned teams. Drivers must have a valid license and insurance. To register for the count, visit www.2017dekalbcountyhomelesscount. eventbrite.com. For more information, call Josie Parker, Ph.D., project manager, at 404-704-2958.
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