OCG NEWS 10-11-19

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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 28

OCTOBER 11, 2019

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Pastor Jamal Bryant (above far right) spoke to a large crowd in front of Sears at The Mall At Stonecrest. The crowd raises their hands in solidarity to show their support. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

New Birth hosts ‘Stop the Violence’ Community Prayer Vigil

N

ew Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s Pastor Jamal Bryant told a crowd of supporters that the community must unite to stop the violence that is plaguing the Stonecrest community, urging them to remain steadfast as God’s soldiers.

“We reverse the spirit of death that has been unleashed in this city!” Bryant declared as he led a prayer vigil and community rally on Oct. 8 in

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program opens Nov. 1 The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, will be available Nov. 1. The federally-funded program assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers.

Beginning Nov. 1, residents aged 65 and older or those who are homebound can apply for assistance through the Department’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. All other eligible residents may apply for assistance beginning Dec. 2. Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.

SEE ENERGY page 7

the Sears parking lot at The Mall at Stonecrest.

Bryant was joined by a contingent of pastors police, and community leaders as he denounced the recent deadly shootings in the Stonecrest comity. Last month, two people were killed in separate shootings—one on Sept. 29, the other on Sept. 30. The shootings took place less than two miles from New Birth.

Police announced the arrest of one suspect

and released the identities of two others sought in the fatal shooting of Kevin Downer (see page 2).

The men opened fire on Downer after a verbal dispute that took place outside the Round One bowling arcade at The Mall At Stonecrest on Sept. 29.

Police said the other shooting incident

SEE NEW BIRTH page 7

Stone Mountain Park is hiring for the holiday season Stone Mountain Park is recruiting seasonal and full-time employees for the region’s popular events including Snow Mountain and Stone Mountain Christmas, which open Nov. 16.

All applications must be completed online, with training beginning in October for many positions.

Offering a variety of fun, flexible jobs as well as entrylevel leadership, professional, administrative and management opportunities, Stone Mountain Park is now hiring team members in food service, attractions,

merchandise and entertainment.

Snow Mountain positions include lift operators, team members and technicians.

Other available positions also include cooks, bussers, servers, dishwashers, custodians, railroad conductors, farmyard animal keeper, educational interpreters, campground host, campground custodian, ushers, performers, stage managers, show technicians and many more.

For a list of current job openings, qualifications and application instructions, please visit https://www.

stonemountainpark.com/ Careers/. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply since positions fill fast.

Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die,” Stone Mountain Park is located 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta.

For more information, visit www.stonemountainpark.com, or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

PAGE 2 • OCTOBER 11, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

1 suspect arrested, two sought in shootings at The Mall at Stonecrest One suspect wanted on murder charges in connection with the Sept. 29 shooting at The Mall At Stonecrest is in custody, DeKalb County police.

Nineteen-year-old Taron Williams Trayvon Williams Jermel Campbell Taron Williams, whose address is listed as Covington in jail records, turned himself in to the DeKalb Police Department and was booked into the DeKalb County Jail, on Oct. 9, police said.

Authorities were still seeking two other suspects — Trayvon Williams, 25, and Jermel Campbell, 26 —in connection with the shooting, DeKalb Police spokesperson Michaela N. Vincent said. She said she did not know whether Taron Williams and Trayvon Williams are related.

The shooting took place around midnight in the mall’s courtyard between the Stonecrest 16 movie theater and the Round One bowling arcade.

Police identified the victim as Kevin Downer. Downer, who was shot in the back after an altercation with the men, was found in the parking lot and taken to Grady Hospital, where he died.

Anyone with information on Campbell or Trayvon Williams is asked to contact DeKalb police.

Karalo Brownlee surrenders to Sheriff's Office in Columbia Drive murder The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Karalo Rafael Brownlee, 30, of Atlanta. According to warrants issued on Oct. 2, there was a shootout involving Brownlee and other individuals at a residence on Columbia Drive in Decatur on the same date.

Brownlee allegedly shot Carlesa J. Reneau, 47, in the back with a rifle, causing her death later at a hospital.

Warrants say Brownlee also attempted to shoot Dedrick Karalo Brownlee Jerrod Lawless, allegedly the son of the victim.

Brownlee was charged with Aggravated Assault Weapon and Felony Murder after surrendering without incident. He was taken into custody at the DeKalb County Jail.

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OCTOBER 11, 2019 • PAGE 3

Stonecrest Law Enforcement Advisory Committee develops police strategies

PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

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EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

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ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

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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.

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On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and Councilman Jimmy Clanton were amid more than 120 years of law enforcement experience at the Stonecrest Police Advisory Committee meeting this week. The committee met to discuss crime in Stonecrest, a needs assessment, and plans for the new Sears out parcel, which is slated for a police department.

“This is the foundation for both our desire to collaborate with DeKalb County as well as our plans to move forward

with a Stonecrest Police Department,” Lary said.

“Stonecrest is going to be a safe place and we have just the experience and knowledge on this committee to make it happen.”

Former Atlanta Police Chief and Former Clayton Commission Chairman, Eldrin Bell said in order to be effective and cost efficient, Stonecrest must innovatively manage its police department.

“You won’t need several levels of management as some traditional departments

have but those you hire must be held accountable for everyone they supervise,” Bell said. The former chief explained to the committee how Stonecrest should manage the handling of calls and the best ways to maximize the police department’s manpower.

Bell was joined

by Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan, who has been praised for expeditiously putting together Dunwoody’s Police Department, and South Fulton’s Police Chief, Keith Meadows, who recently took

command of his city’s new police department. Grogan spoke about the additional data needed to aid the committee in assessing the number of police officers needed. Meadows said the importance of officer assignments and 911 response times.

The committee also includes Antoinette Williams, DeKalb Police Department’s Planning and Research Manager; and former police officers, Barbara Hall, Antonio Render and Adrion Bell.

DCSD kicks off superintendent search community engagement phase The DeKalb County Board of Education formally initiated its search for a new superintendent on Monday, Oct. 7 with presentations fro Debra Hill, Kevin Castner and Percy Mack of BWP and Associates (www.BWPassociates.com). BWP and Associates is a national search firm, specializing in assisting boards seeking superintendents. The firm has conducted more than 800 successful national searches.

“Selecting a new superintendent is the most important task we have as a board, and we are starting the process by asking the community for input,” said Board Chair Michael A. Erwin. “Input and ideas from parents, students, staff, community and business partners will help shape

LOCAL HVAC FIRM SET TO MANAGE A $15 MILLION LOAN FUND Financing available for homeowners and churches to update their HVAC Units The National Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG), a leading, minority-owned Carrier and Bryant HVAC firm, has been selected to manage an $15 million HVAC Loan Fund.

NSEG will be responsible for offering HVAC financing options for homeowners and churches within the faith-based community impacted by the Environmental Protection Agency’s phase-out of the R-22 refrigerant, commonly known as freon.

We will offer financing to homeowners that have excellent, good, moderate and challenged credit scores. As well as our Rent-To-Own financing option.

Due to the mandatory 2020 deadline for the freon phase-out, the cost of freon is expected to increase by as much as 500% over the next year. Homeowners that have older model or non-functional HVAC units 10 years or older are urged to contact NSEG for a free HVAC evaluation. The new refrigerant, R410A, will not work in the older, freon-based HVAC units.

“This will be a game changer within the HVAC industry for homeowners and local churches across the Metro Atlanta area” said Percy Brooks, Founder and CEO of the NSEG. “We will start the program in South DeKalb and Rockdale Counties.” The cities will include: Lithonia, Stone Mountain, City of Stonecrest, Conyers, Ellenwood, and Decatur.

According to Brooks, NSEG has established a solid track record of providing affordable HVAC services within these cities, with over 85% of clients being African American female homeowners. The firm also provides services for senior citizens and veteran homeowners. NSEG’s goal is to now meet with over 100 churches across the Metro within the next six months as well.

Brooks states that NSEG looks forward to providing our HVAC financing and sales to homeowners and churches affected by the mandatory EPA phaseout of freon that has caused major damage to the ozone layer and climate change.

For additional information, please contact Percy Brooks at 404-218-6445 or email at percybrooks.meb@live.com Website address: www.hvachomesystem.com

the leadership profile of what we are looking for in our next superintendent.”

During the community engagement phase, the objectives include: To learn the strengths, needs and issues of our school district so we can better recruit a slate of candidates to meet our needs; • To be able to describe the district’s strengths, needs and issues to the recruited candidates; • To engage in the process in such a way that will build community understanding and support for the search.

The community can give input through open community forums and focus groups slated for November 2019. Details to follow soon with

dates, times and locations.

Additionally, an online community survey will be available November (dates forthcoming) in multiple languages. This survey, as well as additional details regarding the superintendent search, will also available on the school district’s website: www.dekalbschoolsga.org.

Information received from the community engagement process will be presented to the Board along with a draft profile of leadership characteristics for the next superintendent by BWP in December. A full timeline of the search process is available at https://www. dekalbschoolsga.org/superintendentsearch/2019-2020/.

J.E. Reed

PAGE 4 • OCTOBER 11, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Mark Your Calendars Rockdale County sets P.E.A.R.L Town Hall meeting Rockdale County’s Probate Court Judge Clarence Cuthpert Jr., District Attorney Alisha Johnson, and Sheriff Eric J. Levett invites the community to join them at their P.E.A.R.L. (Protecting our Elderly and At-risk with Resources for better Living) Town Hall meeting on Oct. 24, 6 to 8 p.m., at Excel Church, 1151 Flat Shoals Road S.E., Conyers.

Come out and learn about Rockdale/ PEARL Program Resources. For more information, contact Corporal Dawn Murrain at Dawn.murrain@ rockdalecountyga.gov or 770-278-8159. You may also contact Karen Anderson at karen.anderson@rockdalecountyga

DeKalb 2019 breast cancer awareness 5K run/walk The 2019 “Uniting DeKalb for a Cure” 5K run/walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Northlake Mall, Tucker, 4800 Briarcliff Road N.E., Atlanta.

To register, visit www. komenatlanta.org/dekalb5k or contact Nichole Simms at jnsimms@ dekalbcountyga.gov for more information.

DeKalb offers residents free disposal at landfill Oct. 19 The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host the Third Annual Landfill Amnesty Day event on Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the county-owned Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood.

Residents will have an opportunity to dispose of bagged garbage, yard trimmings, tree parts, bulky items such as furniture and small and large appliances, special collection items such as tires, and construction and demolition materials such as carpet and fencing.

No hazardous materials will be accepted. No commercial participation will be allowed. Residents are limited to 10 tires per vehicle.

Participation is free and open only to DeKalb residents. Proof of DeKalb residency is required.

For more information, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Decatur Library to present Joseph Reed in concert The Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., is hosting Atlantabased musical artist Joseph E. Reed in concert on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7 to 8 p.m. The free event is funded by the Friends of the Decatur Library Reed plays guitar and violin and utilizes a looper pedal to create exciting polyphonic pieces live. He plays a variety of instrumental cover songs by popular musicians.

For more information, visit josephereed.com.

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary named board director of World Chamber of Commerce

Mayor Jason Lary was recently named as Director for the World Chamber of Commerce Board. The World Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote international trade and foster cultural and humanitarian exchange to develop economic opportunities worldwide. Founded in 2008, the World Chamber of Commerce organizes and supports initiatives and events promoting global trade, cultural and humanitarian goals.

“Mayor Lary is a proven leader with an excellent vision and skills to bring different areas of the community together.

His experience will benefit the World Chamber of Commerce and the local community as well,” said Solange Warner, World Chamber of Commerce Chairman.

Lary said he is humbled to have been named director of the board.

“My duties are to represent the United States on the international board,” the mayor said. Also, I will be a part of the international conference in St. Lucia from November 6-9. I was selected for my work with the Caribbean community and my expertise in developing city contracts for services.”

GLCC’s member appreciation luncheon set Oct. 16 The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce is inviting business professionals and community leaders to join the Chamber for its Member Appreciation luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at This Is It banquet hall, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia.

The luncheon is being held to recognize and thank members for their support of the Chamber and the community. All Chamber members will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and provide a two-minute pitch about their business or organization at the luncheon. Business professionals and community leaders will have an opportunity to network and connect.

Real estate consultant Bill Probst, president of Smoke Rise Chateau, Ltd., is sponsoring the luncheon. has developed over 27,000 residential homesites and many industrial shopping centers in the metro-Atlanta area.

The luncheon is free to all members. However, members should use their membership code to register for the luncheon. Non-members may attend by registering and paying $20. Registration is available for members and nonmembers at: https://www.greaterlithoniachamber.com/.

State Rep. Vernon Jones special guest speaker at Politics After Dark Rockdale Democrats will host State Rep. Vernon Jones as the special guest for its “Politics After Dark” event on Oct. 14, 7 to 9 p.m., at Nancy’s Pizza, 1360 Dogwood Drive S.E., Conyers.

Come out and learn more about your community politics. Meet your elected officials and new candidates.

Politics After Dark is hosted every second Monday at various businesses in the Rockdale community.

Rockdale Democrats meet every fourth Saturday, 9 a.m., at the Marriott Courtyard, 1337 Old Covington Highway, Conyers.

State Rep. Vernon Jones

Olde Town Conyers hosts 39th annual Fall festival Celebrate fall and Conyers' longest-running crafts festival in the streets of historic Olde Town Conyers on Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival includes arts and crafts vendors, music, children’s activities, food and more.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call 770-602-2606.

Hillcrest Church of Christ

1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm

BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am

“Come join us for our Ladies Inspiration Day Saturday October 12th from 8am to 12 noon. Lunch will be provided. Theme God Renew my Love, Rebuild my Faith and Restore my Soul.”

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OCTOBER 11, 2019 • PAGE 5

Local elected officials participated in the 7th annual Heart of South DeKalb Festival Sept. 27-28, 2019. From left to right: DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Lary Johnson, Dekalb County Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, DeKalb County Chief Deputy Sheriff Melody Maddox, DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Man.

Commissioner Johnson pays homage to teachers at the honor tree where attendees wrote the name of their favorite teacher or support personnel on an apple and placed it on the tree in remembrance.

Students from the Southwest DeKalb marching band participated in the 2019 Heart of South DeKalb parade and festival.

Educators honored at Heart of South DeKalb Festival DeKalb County school teachers were honored at the 7th annual Heart of South DeKalb Festival. The twoday festival, which took place on Sept. 27 and 28 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur, highlighted and celebrated educators

and school personnel.

District 3 Commissioner Lary Johnson hosted the event and recognized local educators and their impact in the community. The festival kicked off Friday night with the “Night Under the Stars”

showcase at Rainbow Park featuring Motown and R&B tunes by The Ray Howard Trio. Attendees kicked back in lawn chairs and enjoyed live music and food from onsite vendors.

Saturday’s events included a parade and village market featuring

local vendors, a kids zone and game truck, health screenings, a job fair, car show, food trucks, live entertainment, performances and giveaways and prizes.

For more photos, go to OCGNEWS.com.

Rockdale parents walk for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Mackenzie N. Morgan OCG News Staff Writer A parade of preschool parents gathered at Rockdale Career Academy’s (RCA) Early Learning Center to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct. 8. The group, dressed in various shades of pink, walked in a caravan from RCA to Wheeler

Park and back.

The Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Parents as Teachers (PAT) program hosted the walk in an effort to get parents engaged in learning early warning signs and what resources are available to parents at little to no cost.

PAT participants were joined by breast cancer survivor and Rockdale County Board

SEE WALK page 7

CHECK OUT SOME OF MAYOR JASON LARY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN ONLY TWO YEARS Zero City Taxes *Zero City Taxes *Zero City Taxes Paved 19 roads including Turner Hill, Rockland, Klondike, and Thompson Mill using SPLOST Relocated the Caribbean Festival and Jerk Fest to Stonecrest which generates more than $10 million annually Acquired nine parks from DeKalb County Purchased 66 acres off Fairington Parkway to build a police precinct and recreation center Completely renovated Browns Mill Recreation Center Purchased land at Salem and Evans Mill Roads to control traffic and build a park Demolished abandoned hotel at the mall and two structures on Browns Mill to prepare for redevelopment Manage and operate city budget from business license fees, franchise fees, hotel/motel taxes, insurance premiums, film shoot revenues and alcohol taxes as a full-time mayor Formed an aggressive Code Enforcement Department and created a municipal court to resolve violations Revitalized marketing of the industrial parks to attract light manufacturing, distribution, and clean energy businesses Completed the City’s Comprehensive Plan Developed and appointed every city board with Stonecrest residents to promote citizen involvement Partnered with East Metro CID (Community Improvement District) for interstate and citywide beautification projects Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jason Lary for Mayor

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Parents as Teachers (PAT) members stop for a photo at Wheeler Park in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019. Photo by Mackenzie Morgan for OCG News

Let’s

VISION TO CREATE A CITY VISION TO GROW A CITY

www.JASONLARYFORMAYOR.com

PROVEN LEADERSHIP . . .

PAGE 6 •OCTOBER 11, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Voices of Faith Ministries to celebrate 25th anniversary

V

oices of Faith Ministries, founded

by Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. The church, which has campuses in Stone Mountain and Conyers, is planning to kick off the milestone anniversary with a Founders Day Gala honoring Bishop Hawkins and his wife, Lady Pamela Hawkins, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, the Voices of Faith Reunion Choir will minister in song.

Pastor Brandon Buckley of Voices of Faith’s Baton Rouge, LA, will preach the 8 a.m. worship service in Stone Mountain and Pastor James T. Murkison of Voices of Faith South in Hampton will preach the 11:30 a.m. worship service in Stone Mountain. Pastor Carlos Marshall of Voices of Faith East in Lawrenceville will

seen over 20,000 people give their lives to Christ.

We witnessed thousands of members grow in their faith and love towards God. We have built relationships that will last eternally,” said Bishop Hawkins. We have watched babies’ birthed in the ministry, graduate college, and return with children of their own. We have raise up doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals, who have reached millionBishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. dollar status. We have seen miracles and breakthroughs. preach the 9:30 a.m. worship We have seen God heal the sick, give hearing to the service in Conyers. deaf, and babies born after Bishop Hawkins said the doctors said they could he is praising God for the not have children. We have church’s celebration and he is looking forward to all who witnessed great saints die and go on to be with God. will join the congregation We have watched sinners for the weekend events. change abruptly and give “What a tremendous their life to Christ. We have impact Voices of Faith has experienced the highs and had on the kingdom over lows of ministry, never the past 25 years. We have taking our eyes off God.”

It is that unwavering faith and love for God that remains the bedrock of Bishop Hawkins’ ministry, one that has been recognized

by Church Growth magazine as the twenty-fifth fastestgrowing church in America with xxx members at its peak.

Voices of Faith Baptist Church was birthed on Aug. 21, 1994, holding its first service at the Greater Life Baptist Church in Decatur.

After two services, Voices moved to Browns Mill Recreation Center in what was then unincorporated Lithonia.

Every Sunday, Bishop Hawkins would have his brother, Deacon Aaron Hawkins, and a few other volunteers set up the Browns Mill Recreation Center with 100 chairs in preparation for worship service.

“Why do we keep placing so many chairs with only a few in attendance?”

Aaron asked one morning.

Bishop Hawkins responded “These chairs are not for those that are here, but for those that God will be sending. Therefore, place as many chairs as you can fit.”

Pastor Hawkins would then preach with all of his might to a handful of faithful worshippers. He never let go of the vision that God gave him or his faith that the church would grow.

In July 16, 1995 Rockbridge Road Baptist Church in Stone Mountain opened its doors to Voices of Faith where the congregation worshiped until Oct. 21, 1997. The congregation then moved to Stephenson Middle School in Stone Mountain, where it worshipped for two years before purchasing the 20-acre tract at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W.,

SEE ANNIVERSARY page 7

RCPS dual enrollment information session set Oct. 24

Pictured left to right: Front row - SSEMC Public Relations Executive Leigh-Anne Burgess, Jessica Kiser (PSE), Nancy Kelly (RCPS Curriculum and Instruction), Donna Malone (RCPS Curriculum and Instruction), Reba Campbell (HCE), Jennifer Schie (FSE), Mary Jane Floyd (SHS). Middle row - SSEMC Vice President of Engineering Services Todd Mooney, Katy King (DMS), Allison Russell (HCE), Theresa Godbold (SES), Peggy Lawrence (RCPS School Food Services), Anna Burdett (CJH), Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. Back row - Terri Anschutz (PSE), Dawn Stocks-Martin (BES), Jessica McLaughlin (RCA), Eric Asbury (CJH), Thomas Schie (RCHS). Not pictured - Heather Webb (CJH), Dr. Linda Fay Adams (SCE).

RCPS educators awarded SSEMC Bright Ideas grants Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) educators were recently named winners in the 13th annual Snapping Shoals EMC (SSEMC) Bright Ideas Mini-Grants for their projects enriching student learning. SSEMC presented more than $18,000 in grants, which are funded from unclaimed capital credits, during a breakfast celebration Oct. 9.

The winning projects and educators are: “Capturing the South River Watershed in Paint” - Katy King, Gen. Ray Davis Middle School “Trunking Through Time” - Theresa Godbold, Sims Elementary School “I Can Feed Myself!” - Mary Jane Floyd, Salem High School.

“Empty Bowls-The Need Continues” - Katy King, Gen. Ray Davis Middle School “How Does Your Garden Grow?” - Reba Campbell, Honey Creek Elementary School “Mindful Yogies” - Dawn Stocks-Martin, Barksdale Elementary School “Please Give Me Something to Do!” - Mary Jane Floyd, Salem High School “Mathalicious” - Allison Joy Russell, Honey Creek Elementary School.

“Make Music Count in 6-8 Mathematics” - Nancy Kelly, CO/Curriculum & Instruction “Reading Counts in Math & Science” - Anna Burdett, C.J. Hicks Elementary School “Print It!” - Thomas Schie, Rockdale County High School “8 mm Celluloid Project” - Jessica McLaughlin, Rockdale Career Academy “P.B.I.S. Success!” - Allison Russell/Elizabeth Trau/Reba Campbell, Honey Creek Elementary School “Feeding the Mind and Body” - Peggy Lawrence, CO/School Food Services “Lego: A Fun Way to Learn” - Dr. Linda Fay Adams, Shoal Creek Elementary School/MORE Program “Argument Driven Inquiry Science Investigation Stations” - Terri Anschutz, Pine Street Elementary School “An Art ‘Full’ Classroom” - Jennifer Schie, Flat Shoals Elementary School “Student Printers” - Jennifer Schie, Flat Shoals Elementary School.

“Mission: Active!” - Eric Asbury, C.J. Hicks Elementary School.

“An Evening of One Acts” - Donna Malone, CO/Curriculum & Instruction “Boogie Down to Math Flexible Seating” - Heather Webb, C.J. Hicks Elementary School “Ukelele Club” - Jessica Kiser, Pine Street Elementary School

Parents and students are invited to learn more about Dual Enrollment opportunities and eligibility at the Rockdale County Public Schools Dual Enrollment Information Session on Oct. 24, at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers. The first information session will take place 6-6:30 p.m. with a repeated session at 7–7:30 p.m.

Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Point University and Georgia Military College will be available after each session to discuss programs at their schools.

Dual Enrollment not only provides an opportunity for eligible students to be challenged with the rigor of a college-level course, but it also can cut the cost and time after high school graduation in pursuing a college degree.

Some students may even earn an Associate degree while in high school.

Participating universities in Georgia include the Technical College System of Georgia, the University System of Georgia, and some eligible private colleges.

In addition, through Dual Enrollment, students can choose to build a career set in welding, technology, business, computer science, and healthcare while in high school. This increases opportunities for employment with higher wages.

For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools. org/de or contact khardy@ rockdale.k12.ga.us.

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OCTOBER 11, 2019 • PAGE 7

ENERGY continued from page 1

ANNIVERSARY continued from page 6 where its Stone Mountain campus is currently located.

The “City of Faith” launched its Rockdale County location on July 18, 2004 with 90 people who attended the first service at Rockdale High School. In December 2006 VOF successfully completed construction of its campus in Conyers. The dedication ceremony was held Feb. 18, 2007.

Today, Bishop Hawkins preaches three worship services on Sundays: The Stone Mountain campus has worship services at 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., while the Conyers campus has worship service at 9:30 a.m.

Bishop Hawkins is overseer of five Voices of Faith locations – Stone Mountain, Conyers, Hampton, and Lawrenceville, Georgia and one location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Bishop Hawkins said he has faith that God will continue to bless Voices of Faith and stretch its members to a new level as they spread the gospel.

Said Bishop Hawkins: “Voices of Faith, our future is bright. The

hand of God will continue to rest upon us.

God is stretching us from faith to faith. Even though we have accomplished incredible things the last 25 years, the best is yet to come.

Over the next 25 years, the favor of God will increase on our church and its members.

“Thank you for 25 incredible years of serving in ministry with me. Thank you for keeping me grounded and accountable. Thank you for being patient with me as I navigated through the uncertainties of ministry until God showed me the way. Thank you for being such an amazing loving church that through my ups and downs you stayed and trusted the God in me to lead you and your families to greener pastures. Voices of Faith, our future is bright. How do I know? Because I have you walking beside me in ministry, battle tested, and equipped with the whole armor of God. The next 25 years in ministry here at Voices of Faith is filled with blessings, miracles, breakthroughs and life changing testimonies.

Let’s embrace our incredible future now!”

NEW BIRTH continued from page 1 involved a Subway employee and a customer who got into an argument. The customer pulled a gun on the employee and the fight spilled into the parking lot, where the employee fired several rounds at the customer. The employee was not charged, police said.

Pastor Bryant said he wanted to hold the prayer vigil to help unite the community.

"Stonecrest is an incredible place to live, work, pray and play; and we take great pride in being an anchor of the economy and the

social infrastructure of this community,” said New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant. “We will not stand idly by while the violence increases here. Instead, we will lead the chorus of voices to declare in unison that enough is enough. This is our home and we will fight for safer neighborhoods and welcoming public gathering spaces for our families."

A video of the rally can be viewed at www.ocgnews.com.

City of Stonecrest sets 2020 Census committee meeting Oct. 15 Stonecrest City Councilman George Turner is inviting the community to the city’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee meeting. Turner, who is heading the committee, is hosting the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at City Hall.

The meeting agenda is as follows: Introduction of members Recruitment strategy for new members Overview of planned training session Review of action timeline Presentation from DeKalb County Complete Count Coordinator Establishment of a 90-day meeting calendar Set next meeting and adjourn

George Turner

All citizens are welcome to join the committee. For more information, contact Councilman George Turner, Jr. at 404-886-2053 gturner@stonecrestga.gov or Communications Director Adrion Bell at 770-224-0200 abell@stonecrestga.gov

In 2019, the LIHEAP program spent over $66 million to assist more than 191,425 clients with their heating bills. Depending on income and household size, those who qualified for the program received between $350 and $400 toward their home heating bills.

To qualify, a family’s annual income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family. For a household of one, the income threshold is $23,776; the income threshold for a household of five is $53,040.

Those seeking assistance must contact their local Community Action Agencies. All applicants must provide the following: • Most recent heating bill or statement of service from their heating providers.

• Social Security numbers for each member of the household; • Proof of Citizenship for each member of the household; • Proof of Income for the last 30 days for each adult member of the household. Proof of income can include, but is not limited to, a paycheck stub or a letter granting public assistance, and Social Security or unemployment benefits for all household members, if applicable.

For more information on the program, contact the Division of Family and Children Services at 404-6573426. To find a Community Action Agency in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa.org.

WALK continued from page 5 of Education member Pam Brown, who shared her story about her battle with breast cancer as a mother of three school-age children.

“My youngest child was 3 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 45 years old and it never crossed my mind that I would get cancer at that age,” said Brown. “Early detection saves lives and I am so grateful that RCA is taking time to bring awareness to this population because we often think of cancer as something that happens in old age, not while we are raising our children.”

RCPS Parent Educator Crystal Guiterrez, who coordinated the event, said every October PAT hosts a breast cancer awareness initiative to promote healthy families. She said the decision was made to specifically reach to parents because of their busy lifestyles, which often excludes taking care of their own health.

“Most people with preschool age children aren’t thinking about getting cancer and we just want to do our part to encourage parents to take care of themselves so they can take care of their families,” said Guiterrez.

PAT provides parent education and family support to families with children ages newborn to 5 years old and pre-natal support for expectant mothers.

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PAGE 8 •OCTOBER 11, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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