VOLUME 22 NUMBER 26
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OCTOBER 1, 2016
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DeKalb County judge issues warrant for owner of Creekside Forest Apartments
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DeKalb County judge has issued a bench warrant for the owner of Creekside Forest Apartments, a Decatur complex cited with more than 200 code violations. Chester Meisel, owner of the apartment complex, failed to appear in a DeKalb County courtroom on Tuesday, Sept. 27, for a scheduled appearance. As a result, Magistrate Court Judge Matthew J. McDeKalb Code Enforcement officers issued more than 200 citations this year for deplorable conditions that included trash and unhealthy livCoyd issued a bench warrant ing conditions at Creekside Forest Apartments. The grass and shrubbery are overgrown in many areas, while some of the units are boarded up and others have broken windows. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan of $338,000. “This bench warrant is a tions in connection to the property Inspectors with DeKalb County is a step in the right direction. huge step in the right direction as off Ember Drive. On July 27, code Fire Rescue also made a visit to the “We want to continue making we work to rectify the Creekside enforcement officers found dozens community on Sept. 7. Officers said code enforcement and public safeApartment situation and others,” of violations including abandoned they discovered waste, nonworking ty a priority,” said Johnson. “We said Interim CEO Lee May. “We buildings, water leaks, bed buds, emergency signs and fire alarms and will also continue to collaborate are serious about holding those rodents and trash littering the comsprinklers in disrepair. and build strong partnerships as we accountable who habitually violate munity. Code enforcement issued DeKalb County Commissioner work to help these families improve our codes.” Meisel 228 citations. Larry Johnson said the court ruling their living conditions.” Meisel has more than 200 cita-
Atlanta Workforce Development Agency receives $1.1 million YouthBuild grant
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he Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) has been awarded a $1.1 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor to support the agency’s YouthBuild program, which has helped more than 120 at-risk youths since 2012. The community-based, alternative education program provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youths ages 16-24. Participants work on completing their high school or state equivalency degree; earn industry-recognized certifications within in-demand occupations; and gain construction skills training to build housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities. “The YouthBuild award allows
us to continue and expand the work we are doing to support our youth as they strive to improve their lives,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “This is a crucial investment in the future prosperity of our City and an acknowledgement of our success in supporting Atlanta’s kids and teens. ” The U.S. Department of Labor announced Sept. 29 that it awarded $80.3 million in YouthBuild grants to non-profit organizations in 35 states. The grants range from approximately $700,000 to $1.1 million each and will fund 77 YouthBuild programs. “Atlanta’s continued economic competitiveness needs innovative partnerships like YouthBuild that connect at-risk youth to job skills and career opportunities,” said In-
terim Executive Director Melissa Mullinax. “For Atlanta’s disconnected youth, this program helps us create on-ramps to success where they have been missing.” “YouthBuild Atlanta has been a place of hope for so many atrisk youth in the city of Atlanta,” said Rebecca Birkett, YouthBuild Atlanta, program director. “This program has opened doors for our students, exposing them to opportunities for their lives that they never knew existed. I have watched them become excited to learn, excited about their future, better parents to their children and more engaged in building their communities. This grant will allow us to continue serving the youth within the City of Atlanta who are in need of a program like YouthBuild.”
YouthBuild’s mission aligns with the goals of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which seeks to address persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color, and ensure that all young people can realize their full potential. This is the third time that the City of Atlanta has received the grant since 2012.
Secretary of State to restore many voter applicants who were rejected
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esponding to a lawsuit filed in federal court this month, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp said that he is changing a policy that prevented some residents from registering to vote. The Associated Press reported tens of thousands of Georgians’ applications were rejected because personal information on the application did not match either the driver’s license or Social security records. The policy had been in place since 2010. A letter filed on Sept. 21 by attorneys representing Kemp said the office has stopped preventing people from registering to vote
if their names don’t exactly match other government databases and won’t resume the practice without a court decision. The letter to U.S. District Court Senior Judge William O’Kelley, who is hearing the case, also said those who were rejected using that process in 2015 can cast regular ballots in November with appropriate identification. Under the policy, a mismatch triggered a letter notifying the applicant and gave the person 40 days to respond or their application was automatically cancelled. The lawsuit says, however, that records may not match for numerous reasons includ-
ing typos made by elections officials during the voter application process. The lawsuit, which challenges that Kemp’s office violated the Voting Rights Act, was filed Sept. 14 by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the Georgia Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta and the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda. Meanwhile, the voter registration deadline for the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 11. Early voting starts Oct. 17 and ends Nov. 4.
PAGE 2 •OCTOBER 1, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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2016 Elections: Your Voice, Your Vote
OCTOBER 1,2016 • PAGE 3
DeKalb urges voters to learn more about Referendum No. 2
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he DeKalb Board of Commissioners proclaimed Tuesday, Sept. 27, as a day for DeKalb to raise awareness and unite to “Stop Human Trafficking.” This effort was sponsored by Super District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon. Together, along with D.A.T.E. Watch Unit (DeKalb Anti Trafficking and Exploitation), Solicitor Sherry Boston and Safe Harbor Yes are raising awareness to Human Trafficking and the Safe Harbor referendum, which will be on the ballot in November. Referendum No. 2 provides the resources for counseling and education assistance to help child victims recover from the trauma endured. “DeKalb County recognized that we are in crisis when it comes to the sex trafficking of our own children,” said Commissioner Gannon, “I am grateful to be a part of such an important effort and look forward to supporting efforts that
not only prosecute and work to prevent, but as importantly, the provision of resources that rehabilitate these young victims and provide opportunities to return to a normal life.” For more information about the safe harbor referendum, visit safeharboryes.com.
Viewpoint presents OSD forum with two perspectives Viewpoint is hosting a forum for the public to learn more about the Opportunity School District(OSD) bill on Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m., at The Gathering Spot, 384 Northyards Blvd. N.W. 190, Atlanta. Viewpoint is a community forum that examines one issue with opinions from proponents and opponents. The panel will discuss the proposed state takeover of Georgia’s failing schools and learn more about the comprehensive array of issues, including the law, funding, management, transparency, and the formula for success. Panelists include: Joyce Chandler, Georgia House of Representatives, District 105; Dr. Sid Chapman, president
Ray of Hope to host OSD panel discussion, meet the candidates
Georgia Association of Educators; Janet Kishbaugh, Esq., Committee to Keep Georgia Schools Local; Ralph Simpson, Region V Superintendent, DeKalb County Schools; Honorable Steven C. Teske, Chief Judge, Clayton County Juvenile Court; Kelli Bacote-Boone, Chief Operating Officer of Better Outcomes for Our Kids (BOOK). Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter in Gwinnett County leads the effort in partnership with Better Outcomes For Our Kids, the Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Kappa Omega and Psi Alpha Omega Chapters to conduct the public forum.
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Ray of Hope Christian Church’s Social Justice Ministry will host a panel discussion on the Opportunity School District referendum on Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m., Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Road, Decatur. Former state representative Steen Miles will serve as moderator of the panel. The panel discussion will be followed by a meet-and-greet with DeKalb County candidates running for office. The community is urged to come out and learn about this important ballot issue that we will vote on in the upcoming Nov. 8 election.
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The Southland community to host political forum The Southland Owners Association is holding a political forum on Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., at The Southland Country Club, 5726 Southland Drive, Stone Mountain. The forum is being held to educate and familiarize residents with the candidates running for office in order to make an informed decision in the upcoming election. The candidates for Chief Executive Officer are Jack Lovelace and Mike Thurmond. The candidates for Board of Commissioners District 4 are Willie J. Willis and Steve Bradshaw. The candidates for the Board of Commissioners for District 7 are Gregory Adams, Diane Daniels Adoma, George Chidi, Faye Coffield, Randal Mangham, Edward Patton, Rita Robinzine and John Tolbert Jr. State Sen. Gloria Butler will be in attendance to address the amendments on the ballot. President of Georgia Federation of Teachers Verdaillia Turner will moderate a discussion on the governor’s proposed Opportunity School District. Teresa Hardy of the DeKalb NAACP branch will recruit members for NAACP, and John Evens of Operation LEAD will be in attendance to encourage people to get out the VOTE. Organized by the Southland Board of Directors Vice President Linda Mayhand For more information, contact Delethia Foxx at the Southland office at 770-465-1329.
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Coming Up
DeKalb to host household hazardous waste recycling event The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host its biannual household hazardous waste recycling event Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur. Participation is free and only open to DeKalb residents. Proper identification to prove DeKalb residency may be requested. Participants will have an opportunity to properly dispose of dangerous household chemicals that are no longer in use. Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, artist supplies, paint and paint-related products will be accepted. Items such as agricultural waste, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials, bio hazardous and biomedical waste will not be accepted. Participants will be limited to 10 gallons of paint per vehicle.
GWINNETT
Antioch-Lithonia MBC invites community to fantastic fall festival
Collins Hill Library to offer workshop on planting flowering bulbs
oin Pastor James C. Ward and Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church for a fun-filled Fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. The event is free and includes games, great food, group fitness exercises, health screenings and vendors providing an array of services and information. Entertainment will be provided by a dance group and the Band of Believers. The festival is sponsored by the church’s Personal Support and Development Ministry. For more information, call 770-482-1277.
Learn the secrets to successful flowering bulbs on Thursday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Collins Hill Library, 455 Camp Perrin Road, Lawrenceville. Come and learn everything you need to know about bulbs including which bulbs grow best in Georgia. Find out which ones are grown for their flowers and for foliage. Explore bulbs best grown as potted plants, shrub borders, naturalistic plantings or mass displays. Register by October 4 by contacting Gwinnett Public Libraries at events@gwinnettpl.org.
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ATLANTA Free hip-hop festival brings music to Woodruff Park The sixth annual Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 9, at Robert Woodruff Park, 91 Peachtree St. N.W., Atlanta. The free festival is a tribute to Hip Hop as well as Atlanta’s contribution to Hip Hop. The event will feature B-Boy & B-Girl exhibits, emcee battles, turntablism and graffiti artists. Guests will be entertained by some of Atlanta’s hottest DJs and performances on the main stage. There also will be a plethora of food and vendors. For more information, visit www.atlantahiphopday.com.
Ben Hill UMC to present forum on breast cancer awareness Ben Hill United Methodist Church will present a Breast Cancer Awareness and Empowerment Forum, “African Americans & Breast Cancer: What Everyone Needs to Know,” on Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m.– 12 noon, 2099 Fairburn Road, Atlanta. Medical experts and breast cancer survivors will share solutions that could save your life or the life of a loved one. .DEKALB
Kelly Lake to host fall festival and flea market Kelly Lake Church of God in Christ will host its annual Harvest Festival/Flea Market on Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 2411 Whites Mill Road, Decatur near The Gallery at South DeKalb mall. There will be great bargains on original art, household items, clothes, food, fun, games and fellowship. Proceeds will benefit the youth scholarship fund. For space rental information, contact J. Cleveland at 404-475-8028 or Clara Betterson at 404406-0907.
Beulah MBC to present domestic violence awareness seminar In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, will host a Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar on Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The seminar will be held in the Alan Keith Warford Youth Lounge in the Beulah Community Family Life Center. The guest facilitator will be Irma Walker of the Partnership with Domestic Violence. Walker will provide important facts about domestic violence, what to do if you or someone you know is being abused, and how to prevent abuse. The seminar will celebrate and encourage survivors of domestic violence. Survivors and all others are invited to the seminar. For more information, contact Monique Gadson at 404-241-3307, ext. 1244.
Fall planting 101 workshop offered at county annex Join Gwinnett County for their “Planting the Right Plant in the Right Place” fall planting workshop Monday, Oct. 10, 12 to 1 p.m., in the second-floor conference room of the Gwinnett County Government Annex Building, 750 South Perry St., Lawrenceville. Learn how to get the best out of the fall months to plant trees, shrubs and several other types of plants. The class will cover proper planting techniques, picking tolerable planting sites and the selection of plant material. To register by Oct. 7, call 678-377-4011. .
ROCKDALE
Farm Fresh Farmer’s Market returns to Conyers After a brief hiatus, the Farm Fresh Conyers Farmer’s Market is returning. Seasonal produce and other goodies will be available every Thursday during the month of October 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 S. Main Street, Conyers. Visit Georgia farmers each week for quality fruits and vegetables. All vendors accept cash and credit. For more information, call 770-602-2606.
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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OCTOBER 1, 2016 • PAGE 5
185 bands scheduled for Oakhurst Porchfest
Rockdale accepting registration for Economic Development Breakfast Series
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n Saturday, Oct. 8, 12-6 p.m., 185 bands will perform on an equal number of porches and lawns throughout Decatur’s Oakhurst neighborhood in what’s now become the largest organic, free-range, crowd-sourced music festival in the state of Georgia. It’s community-run, open to all, and free. A joint collaboration of resident Scott Doyon, local blog Decatur Metro, and the nonprofit Decatur Arts Alliance, the Oakhurst Porchfest will transform the neighborhood into an expansive, musically-diverse event a square mile in size where all responsibility for managing the day’s logistics falls to the more than 800 volunteers offering up their porches or performing hourlong sets. “We set the schedule, arrange for port-a-johns, and promote,” says Doyon. “Everything else — performance logistics, keeping order, providing food — gets delegated to the neighborhood. And they handle it beautifully.” The result is a largely self-managed, neighbor-to-neighbor celebration of music and community. Mirroring an event born in Ithaca, New York, in 2007 and since embraced by over 60 cities around the continent, the Oakhurst Porchfest is set to feature rock, pop, funk, folk, jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, electronica, and more. Porches and lawns throughout the neighborhood serve as stages and anyone is free to walk or bike around, enjoy great music, hang out on lawns and sidewalks, and connect with neighbors old and new. Parking is available on-street or in decks and lots throughout the neighborhood, though visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive on foot, by bike, via carshare, or by exiting MARTA’s Blue Line at the East Lake Station. Everything you need to know about attending, including the complete schedule, is available on the event’s website:www.oakhurstporchfest.org.
The Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREDC) and Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce will present the economic development breakfast series 2016. Registration is under way now for the first meeting, which will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Rockdale Medical Center East Tower, 1412 Milstead Ave., Conyers. Marty Jones of the CREDC will present the local economic overview. A work force panel and Q&A will also be conducted. Limited seating. Registration ($10 and includes breakfast) is available online at www.conyers-rockdale.com (Chamber Events). For more information, call 678-509-0133.
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People
Tucker resident meets President Obama
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anielle Perry, a Tucker resident and fellow members of the Tennessee State University (TSU) Marching Band, had a chance to meet President Barack Obama on Sept. 23. President Obama greeted the university’s band on the South Portico of the White House following a reception for the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. The Danielle Perry TSU band performed on the South Lawn for arriving guests, said Danielle’s parents, Pastor Daniel R. Perry and his wife, First Lady Teresa L. Perry. Danielle is a junior at TSU majoring in education. She is an honor student with a 3.5 GPA. A member of the Tennessee Aristocrat of Marching Band Sophisticated Ladies, she is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a 2014 graduate of Tucker High School.
Movers & Shakers in the Community
DeKalb fire chief receives national award
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eKalb County Interim CEO Lee May honored Fire Chief Darnell Fullum on Sept. 27 for completion of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. The four-year course provides senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and emergency services administration. The courses and accompanying research examine how to exercise leadership when dealing with difficult or unique problems within communities. Fire Chief Darnell Fullum Fullum said the training will go a long way in helping with overall risk reduction. “This program gave me even more helpful tools to improve the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department,” said Fullum. “Things like working with the elderly on fire risk reduction is one of the many components of this course and I’m already using those elements within the department.” The National Fire Academy works to enhance the ability of fire and emergency services and allied professionals to deal more effectively with fire and related emergencies.
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GPTC media students get up close with Monica Kaufman Pearson
Georgia Piedmont Technical College recently welcomed WSB-TV veteran news anchor Monica Kaufman Pearson, who addressed students, faculty and staff from the college’s Design and Media Production Technology Program. During her presentation, Pearson briefly discussed the role of citizen journalists, job prospects in broadcast news and ethics in journalism. Recounting how, in her spirit of always giving back to the community, she continues to take time from her demanding schedule to read to elementary students within the Atlanta Public School system. Imparting words of wisdom, Pearson told Monica Kaufman Pearson and them to “…Remember, there are more than two GPTC President Jabari Simama sides to every story. You must ask yourself: “Is there an angle I’m not seeing? What more is there to this story?’…”
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