On Common Ground News: 10-20-18 by On Common Ground News

FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 35

OCTOBER 20, 2018

News 24/7

ocgnews.com

Stay connected

Published Since April 1995

Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

facebook.com/ocgnews

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan

Africa Umoja stops by Stonecrest City Hall

he cast of “Africa Umoja, The Spirit of Togetherness,” gave the City of Stonecrest a taste of its award-winning performance at the Oct. 15 City Council meeting. The South African dance and theatrical group sang two selections a cappella, including South Africa’s national anthem. Africa Umoja is scheduled to be staged Oct. 30-Nov. 8 at DeKalb County’s Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center. Richard Jordan, who represents the International Arts Foundation, which is presenting the performance, said those who attend should expect a

DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections clarifies absentee ballot envelope color The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections will accept yellow or white absentee return envelopes through 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6. The statewide vendor inadvertently printed absentee return envelopes on white stock, instead of the normal yellow stock. Because of the high volume of absentee requests and to maintain efficiency in processing requests, the white envelopes were used until a new shipment could be received. Either yellow or white envelopes are acceptable. Advance voting is underway and will run through Friday, Nov. 2. Voting sites and times can be found at www.dekalbvotes.com under “Current Election Information.” Sample ballots and other updates also are available online. To vote by mail, voters can obtain applications at www. dekalbvotes.com or by calling the Voter Registration & Elections office at 404-298-4020. Applications can be mailed or hand-delivered to 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur; faxed to 404-298-4038; or emailed to voterreg@dekalbcountyga.gov. Absentee applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, and ballots must be returned no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 6, to be counted.

colorful and exhilarating celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of the late South African civil rights leader, Nelson Mandela. “Everyone in the cast is from South Africa. They are the absolute best. I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I have never seen a more exciting show, a more entertaining show,” said Jordan. Stonecrest resident Faye Coffield said she thoroughly enjoyed the cast members’ surprise visit to City Hall. She said she recognized the national anthem when the group performed. “They were exceptional. We need more of these types of cultural exchange

programs,” said Coffield, who said she would love to attend the performance. Coffield, who has visited Libya and Kenya, said she spent last summer visiting Kenya and she loved it. “I plan to go back,” said Coffield. As goodwill ambassadors for South Africa, the cast will share South Africa’s story, Jordan said. “Africa Umoja is a history lesson—from tribal living, village life, all the way through apartheid and even Hip Hop,” Jordan said. Jordan said some daytime performances of the tour have been set aside for students. Teachers can use a study guide that has been

developed for students who attend the performance of “Africa Umoja.” “There are so many things about people of African descent that people don’t know. They can pull down the study guide at the website (www. africaumojausatour.com) and learn about the history,” Jordan said. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary said he is excited about the performance coming to DeKalb. “Africa Umoja matches our international economic development plan and we’re looking forward to continuing partnerships with international cities and organizations,” said Lary.

Jobs, jobs, jobs for metro Atlanta Vets “ I’m excited about the opportunity to help veterans. A lot of them need jobs and this is a way to put them to work.”

L-R: Amos King and David Gallemore

he Veterans Home & Business Services is seeking to hire dozens of veterans in the metro Atlanta area as entry level and skilled technicians. The jobs range from installing light fixtures, home theatres and appliances to skilled electricians, security system, water heaters and garage door installers, to carpenters, painters and plumbers. The pay ranges from $15 to $30 an hour. Both, part-time and full-time positions, are available, said David Gallemore, president of Veterans Home and Business Services.

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan

“We’re looking to hire 50 to 150 veterans, active and retired,” said Gallemore. “With the holiday season approaching, we’re anticipating a demand for technicians.” Amos King, who is serving as the veterans’ coordinator, said applicants must interview and have transportation. King, who heads Justice For Veterans, has been on the frontlines of assisting veterans and fighting for those who have been wrongfully killed by police. “We want to make placements immediately. The work includes residential and commercial,”

– Amos King said King. “I’m excited about the opportunity to help veterans. A lot of them need jobs and this is a way to put them to work.” Training will be provided for those who need to brush up on customer skills, Gallemore said. Gallemore said veterans would be given priority for the jobs and then others such as public safety workers would be used to fill positions that are not filled by qualified veterans. For more information, contact Amos King at 678-698-8753.

PAGE 2 • OCTOBER 20, 2018

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Christopher Antonio Florence

Kenneth Jackson

Marco Fernando Watson

Alleged gang members to stand trial for home invasion, baby killed, three others injured Kenneth Jackson, Christopher Antonio Florence, and Marco Fernando Watson Jury selection is underway in the murder trial against two alleged members of the Sex, Money, Murder gang and their reputed leader for a deadly home invasion in Stone Mountain that claimed the life of a baby. Kenneth Jackson, Christopher Antonio Florence, and Marco Fernando Watson are charged with Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and weapons offenses in connection with the murder of 9-month old Kendarious Edwards. The incident happened on May 10, 2014 at the Lani Farm Road home of the victim’s grandmother. Armed gunmen stormed the home with weapons drawn. The child’s mother, grandmother, and another woman who was visiting the home, ran to a bathroom and hid inside of a bathtub while trying to shield the child. The suspects opened fire, striking the women and the baby multiple times. The victims were transported to the hospital. Baby Kendarious later died as a result of his injuries. The women were wounded, but survived, as did a teen girl who escaped the gunfire by hiding in a closet. She called 911 for assistance. The case is being tried by the Major Case Unit before DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams.

CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. & CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. The following petition(s) within the City of Stonecrest are scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above at STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

RZ-18-006 William R. Probst 6206 Covington Hwy MU4 (Mixed-Use High Density) Request to change the zoning from MU-4 to MR-1 for the construction of 94 townhome units.

LAND USE PETITION: TMOD 18-0006 PETITIONER: City of Stonecrest PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT: To allow addition of residential dwellings as part of mixed-use development projects in Tier (3) of the Stonecrest Overlay District

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

OCTOBER 20, 2018 • PAGE 3

DeKalb County CEO proposes 4 percent pay increase for public safety employees

PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

mackenzie@ocgnews.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@ocgnews.com

On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has recommended to the county Board of Commissioners a 4 percent pay hike for public safety employees, effective CEO Michael Thurmond the first pay period in November 2018. The total value of the proposed compensation increase is $7.1 million. “DeKalb County is committed to ensuring that our community is safe,” said Thurmond. “The county is taking a holistic approach to increase compensation for the men and women

that play a critical role in protecting and serving DeKalb.” The increase will apply to approximately 2,100 employees including police officers, firefighters, E-911 employees, medical examiner investigators, County Marshal’s Office deputies, State Court probation officers, District Attorney investigators, Solicitor-General investigators, Sheriff’s deputies, animal services officers and DeKalb Emergency Management Agency employees. The county’s investments in recruitment, retention and compensation have helped the county to overcome staffing challenges and

relieve critical public safety shortages, officials said. The attrition rates in the police, fire rescue and E-911 departments have decreased. The E-911 department is fully staffed with 126 employees and staffing in police and fire rescue is the highest in several years. The proposal is also part of a series of significant public safety investments since 2017, including technology upgrades to the E-911 software system, new vehicles for police and rapid response vehicles for fire. The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the proposal at its Oct. 23 meeting.

Stonecrest City Council approves annexation, rezoning for mixeduse project on Covington Highway By Valerie J. Morgan he Stonecrest City Council at its Oct. 15 meeting approved the annexation and rezoning of 11.63 acres at 6024 Covington Highway to MR-R2 (medium density residential) for a mixed-use development that would include a 160-unit townhome development. The council’s approval paved the way for Halpern Enterprises to bring its 24-acre parcel, which was split by the City of Stonecrest boundary, in its entirety into the city. The site was originally two parcels and was part of a plan for a large mixed-use project involving Halpern Enterprises, DeKalb Hospital Authority and Sunstate International, city

Attorney Roxanne Martin of Battle Law Group and Christopher M. Byrd, LDG Development.

Jan Costello, president of the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan

officials said. Halpern is working with Rocklyn Homes to build a townhomes development at the site and add commercial development in the future. The townhomes will start at about 1,800 square feet and have a price

point of about $220,000, according to the applicants. Halpern and Rocklyn Homs worked closely with the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development

SEE ANNEXATION page 6

Stonecrest Mayor Lary announces SPLOST citizens oversight committee Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary has named the members of the city’s new Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Citizens Oversight Advisory Committee. The committee members are Swain Waters, Phyllis Douglas, Shawn Jones, Dave Marcus, Erica Dixon, Lemuel Hawkins, Darrel Taylor, Michelle Emanuel, Eric Carrington, Kerry Williams, Plez Joyner, and the mayor. The City Council approved a resolution for the appointments at its Oct. 15 meeting. Lary said the 12-member committee will ensure the city is accountable for the funds generated by the 1% tax that voters approved in 2017. SPLOST will generate an estimated $47 million for the city over the next five and a half years. Lary said the committee is diverse with a wide range of skills that will be essential for making SPLOST recommendations to the

L-R: Assistant City Manager Plez Joyner, Swain Waters, Shawn Jones, Phyllis Douglas, Dave Marcus, Erica Dixon, Mayor Jason Lary, Lemuel Hawkins, Michelle Emanuel, and Darrel Taylor. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan

council. “We have the best collective team of talent to help oversee the city’s SPLOST program. Our committee members have backgrounds in engineering, legal, procurement, accounting

and finance, construction project management, public safety, parks and recreation, and information technology,” Lary said. The committee, comprised of residents from each of the city’s five districts, will meet later this month

to begin reviewing the SPLOST management scope of services and set goals for projects recommended by Stonecrest citizens. Last year, the city sponsored several public meetings at which attendees suggested improvements and projects to be funded by SPLOST. Several residents also expressed their desires during a recent public meeting with the mayor called Straight Talk. Topping the list of projects was road repairs and paving. In other cities and counties, SPLOST Citizens Oversight Committees ensure that vendors are properly selected, and their projects are completed on time and within budget, Lary said. “Our committee will do the same. We are going to get these improvements done right in a timely and fiscally responsible manner,” Lary said.

Commissioner Steve Bradshaw to host “Quarterly in the Fourth” breakfast meeting Constituents and stakeholders are invited to join DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw for his “Quarterly in the Fourth” community breakfast meeting on Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 to 11 a.m., at Druid Hills Middle School, 3100 Mount Olive Drive, Decatur. Bradshaw has held

meetings at Clarkston High School, Stephenson High School and Elizabeth Andrews High School this year to make himself available to constituents in District 4. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will speak at Bradshaw’s meeting this month to provide updates on county issues and concerns.

“DeKalb County constituents will also have opportunity to hear directly from our CEO about his vision and plans for the County,” said Bradshaw. “I support CEO Thurmond and his agenda for DeKalb County and I look forward to the two of us spending time in Central DeKalb hearing from our constituents.”

Representatives from DeKalb County Government service departments will be available as well. Additionally, the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Fresh on DeK, DeKalb County’s Mobile Farmers will be on site. Event attendees will be able to purchase fresh produce at a reduced cost.

Steve Bradshaw

PAGE 4 • OCTOBER 20, 2018

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Conyers selects Precision Planning, Reeves Young to design and build new City Hall The Conyers City Council approved two contracts at its Oct. 17 council meeting to begin work on the new City Hall building. Precision Planning, Inc., based in Lawrenceville, will provide the architectural design and engineering services for a fee of $482,500. Reeves Young, based in the city of Sugar Hill, will provide preconstruction management services at a fee of $19,980. A second contract will be executed with Reeves Young once a maximum price for construction is established. A kick-off meeting with members of both firms and city staff is scheduled for the week of Oct. 22 to discuss design and pre-construction activities related to the new complex. “The experience, qualifications, and enthusiasm of the teams at Precision and Reeves Young are exemplary and match the excitement city staff have for this project,” said Mayor Vince Evans. “The new city hall will be a facility our community can take pride in and serve as a catalyst for new growth and redevelopment in Olde Town and surrounding areas of the city.” Precision Planning, Inc. has

Conyers City Hall rendering

more than 35 years of experience providing professional design services to cities and counties across Georgia, among them 15 city hall projects including the cities of Sugar Hill, Lilburn, and Lawrenceville. Precision Planning was one of eight firms that submitted requests for qualifications this summer and was evaluated by a panel of city staff members. As the selected firm for architectural design and engineering, Precision Planning will be responsible for full architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, interiors, site

lighting and landscape design plans, cost estimating and construction administration. Precision Planning will complement the services of Reeves Young, the firm selected by the city council for construction manager at risk (CMAR) services. Reeves Young cites more than 60 years of contracting experience and a portfolio of qualifications include the McDonough, Georgia City Hall, Nancy Guinn Library, Newnan Public Safety Complex, Jim R. Miller Park Exhibit Hall, and DeKalb County Courthouse. Reeves Young has completed more than 25 projects

in the Conyers-Rockdale area since 1993. Reeves Young’s CMAR duties will include the full oversight, construction administration and coordination of required trades and their contracts to complete the construction of the city hall facility. Construction duties include site work, concrete flatwork and foundations, structural, mechanical, fire protection, electrical, plumbing, roofing, doors, windows, hardware, interiors, finishes, furniture fixtures and equipment, parking area lighting and landscaping, as well as relocation assistance from the current city hall and coordinating with Precision Planning. Precision Planning and Reeves Young project groundbreaking for the new city hall on O’Kelly Street will occur in the spring of 2019 and, weather permitting, take approximately 18 months to complete. A page has been created on the city’s website to provide updates on the progress of the new city hall: http://www.conyersga.com/ government/about-conyers/new-cityhall-updates.

“Fall for Justice” community awareness event set Oct. 27

Watchdogs for Justice and Mothers Against Gang Violence will host the “Fall For Justice” community awareness event on Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Baha’i Unity Center, 2370 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. There will be music, food, karate and golf demonstrations, face painting and interactive skits based on actual court cases to show young people how to avoid trouble in interacting with police officers. Come out and interact with the DeKalb County Police and Fire Departments, YMCA, Southland Golf, Wesley Chapel Martial Arts, Bahai Unity Center, Anytime Fitness and many others. All ages are invited. For more information, call 678-412-2299 or visit www. watchdogsforjustice.org.

RZ-18-006 William R. Probst 6206 Covington Hwy MU4 (Mixed-Use High Density) Request to change the zoning from MU-4 to MR-1 for the construction of 94 townhome units.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

DeKalb business leaders to explore ways to engage with DeKalb School District The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the DeKalb County School District will host the “Seeing is Believing Tour” and State of the District Address on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7:30 to 11 a.m. More than 50 business, civic and community leaders will tour six schools and learn how the school district is educating students in the 21st century. “As we strive to strengthen our workforce in DeKalb County, it’s important for us to connect the business community with the local school district,” said Katerina Taylor, DeKalb Chamber President and CEO. “The Seeing is Believing Tour will be an opportunity for our business members to witness how students are learning and advocate for career readiness skills in their respective industries.” The State of the District Address will immediately follow the tour from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Stone Ridge Event Center on 1750 Stone Ridge Drive in Stone Mountain. Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green will share how the school district is addressing early education; preparing students for the workforce; hiring and retaining staff to support students and schools; and progressing with the E-SPLOST projects. The district address is open to the public. Tickets to attend are $45 for Chamber members and $55 for nonmembers. To purchase your tickets, please visit bit.ly/2018SOTD. For more information on the “Seeing is Believing Bus Tour” or the State of the District Address, contact Emily Yang at eyang@ dekalbchamber.org.

Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce to host 25th Anniversary Scholarship Gala The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) and President Kendra Price will host the Chamber’s 25th Anniversary Scholarship Gala on Friday, Nov. 9, at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The GLCC Board of Directors will host a private reception from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. ahead of the gala, which begins at 7 p.m. The signature event provides the opportunity for the Chamber’s community and business partners to enjoy an evening filled with networking and entertainment while creating scholarships for deserving students. For tickets and more, visit www.greaterlithonia.chamber.

HVAC loans available for homeowners with moderate credit During the first week of marketing the new E-Z Pay HVAC Financing Services for homeowners with moderate credit scores of 550 or higher. The National Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG) received 47 calls for new HVAC financing and HVAC installation services from homeowners living in Dekalb and Rockdale counties. Needless to say, our Comfort Advisors are working around the clock to complete energy evaluations for our perspective clients. Homeowners that have been without HVAC services for several years are calling us to schedule energy evaluations for new service for Goodman HVAC units. Evening and Saturday appointments are booked through the next 2 weeks. “We are honored to be in the position to assist homeowners with HVAC financing with moderate credit. This is the game changer that we needed for our clients in the communities that we serve” said Percy Brooks, CEO of NSEG. “The housing recession of 2008 still has had a lingering effect within the African American community.” The NSEG will now offering its HVAC financing options to local licensed HVAC contractors that have clients with moderate credit as well. “Collectively we have the capacity to provide financing for 7500 HVAC loans” said Brooks. For additional information call 404-218-6445 or visit us at www.hvachomesystem.com

OCTOBER 20, 2018 • PAGE 5

PAGE 6 • OCTOBER 20, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Hope + Help for Cancer Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary walks with Marbut Theme School Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary has been on the front lines of increasing awareness about cancer. On Oct. 13, Lary joined DeKalb County's Marbut Theme School for its “Second Annual Walk For A Cure” breast cancer awareness walk. The PTA of Marbut sponsored the sponsored. Lary, who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, is urging the public to get regular health checkups as he undergoes treatment an looks forward to recovery. “Early detection is the key " Lary said. "I'm exercising, eating better and keeping a positive outlook.”

Think Pink 365 Helping Hands Outreach Clinic in Conyers sponsored its Third Annual Think Pink 365 event on Oct. 6. The clinic, headed by Morris and Janice Tolbert, held a benefit jazz concert featuring Groove Centric at the Rockdale County Auditorium.

Uniting DeKalb Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run DeKalb County, along with Susan G. Komen Atlanta and Northlake Mall, will host its third annual DeKalb Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 20. A fun one-mile run, kids zone and health fair have been added to this year’s event. Both routes begin and end at Northlake Mall, located at 4800 Briarcliff Rd. NE in Tucker, at 9 a.m., with the kids’ zone and health fair opening immediately after the race. All proceeds from the event benefit and fund Susan G. Komen Atlanta programming initiatives in DeKalb County. Registration fees for the 5K and fun run are $15 (adults), $10 (seniors 55 and above and teams of 10 or more), $5 (kids and employees). Participants will receive a t-shirt and can register by visiting: www.crowdrise. com/2018UnitingDeKalbforaCure.

KDB rain barrel workshop to benefit Susan G. Komen Foundation Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB) will host a rain barrel workshop on Saturday, Oct. 20, at noon, located at Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main Street, Lithonia. Participants will learn how to build rain barrels and leave with a completed project. The rain barrel workshop is $20 per household. All proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation as part of the 2018 Uniting DeKalb for a Cure breast cancer fundraiser.

Participants work together to build rain barrels. Photo provided

ANNEXATION continued from page 3

Corp. to ensure the property would meet overlay requirements such as tree preservation, landscaping, and restrict certain commercial uses. Jan Costello, president of the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp., said during the public hearing at Monday’s meeting that the Hidden Hills community was pleased with the negotiations with Halpern Enterprises and Rocklyn Homes. “We want to thank Halpern Enterprises and Rocklyn Homes for coming to the table and agreeing to the park benches, a walking trail around the community, a 30-foot buffer, and all of the landscaping and tree plantings,” said Costello, adding that Hidden Hills supported the 24 conditions Halpern and Rocklyn Homes recommended in its rezoning application. The conditions included installing an opaque 8-foot fence along the interior of the eastern boundary of the property adjacent to the townhomes and other beautification efforts. The applicants also agreed that the front and sides of the townhomes would be predominately brick. The conditions further stipulate that no self-storage facilities, mini warehouses, liquor stores, pawn shops, pool halls and sports bars, adult entertainment or adult bookstores, check cashing, nightclubs, skating rink and indoor and outdoor recreation would be permitted.

Former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis to discuss wrongful prosecution at voter mobilization event Oct. 24 As early voting gets underway this week, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Georgia and the Georgia State University Black Law Students Association are presenting a panel discussion that features former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. For the first time since the State Supreme Court unanimously reversed his wrongful conviction, Ellis will Burrell Ellis speak publicly about his ordeal of being wrongfully prosecuted. Ellis, now political director for the ACLU of Georgia, is one of three Georgians featured in a video series, “Voices of Smart Justice,” which the ACLU is debuting to highlight the importance of electing candidates in 2018 who support real reform. The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m., at the Ceremonial Courtroom at the GSU Law School, 85 Park Place NE, Atlanta. After each video, Ellis, Dorothy Adams and Kate Boccia will discuss their experiences and answer questions from the audience. The MC for the event is Ariane Davis, known for her role in Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta. “I use my platform to promote a message bigger than myself. This is the reason I’ve teamed up with the ACLU of Georgia to promote Smart Justice Georgia,” said Davis. The event moderator is Miguel Dominguez, who became the first Latino prosecutor in several metro Atlanta counties, including Rockdale, DeKalb, and Clayton. Dominguez is now in private law practice. “Criminal justice reform is on the ballot in November,” said Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia. “Criminal justice reform is a pre-eminent racial justice issue which is the reason we must vote for candidates who support Smart Justice.” The ACLU of Georgia’s Campaign for Smart Justice is an unprecedented, multi-year effort to reform the criminal justice system by ending mass incarceration and eliminating racial disparities in the criminal justice system. African-Americans make up 31 percent of the state’s total population yet represent almost two-thirds of its prison population.

How to fix sagging pants, crime and violence Noted youth mentor, antiviolence, and crime activist Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson will use a life-size chessboard to bring life lessons to young people. Hudson is hosting a free mentoring event for youths on Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Be Someone training center, 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson Mountain. Hudson will teach young people strategies for outthinking the competition, moves he says will help students avoid dangerous pitfalls. Families are invited to attend as Hudson brings his anti-violence message, "Brains Before Bullet, Peace Over Violence" to the chessboard. Hudson, a former gang member, found purpose through the game of chess and is founder of Be Someone, Inc. www.besomeone.org . Hudson has been awarded the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leader Award and the DeKalb County CEO Community Hero Award. Since the year 2000, his program has brought 64,000 students the lifeaffirming message of “Pants Up, Grades Up, and Never Give Up”! There will be free food at the event.

DeKalb Commissioner Gregory Adams to host Fall Arts Festival Super District 7 Commissioner Gregory Adams, in partnership with 25 To Art, The Sauce Creative Agency and Just About Blessing You (JABY) Inc. will host a Fall Arts Festival on Saturday, Oct. 27, 1 to 6 p.m., at Wade Walker Park, 5585 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. The family-friendly festival is free. There will be live music and entertainment from local artists, a game truck, food, candy, arts and a costume contest. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Gregory Adams

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

OCTOBER 20, 2018 • PAGE 7

DeKalb parks and rec centers set for Halloween fun

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host several Halloween events at recreation centers on Oct. 26 - 31. Many of the festivals are free to attend and will include face painting, movies, games and costume contests. The public is invited and children are encouraged to wear costumes. For more information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs at 404371-2711. Friday, Oct. 26 • Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Free admission. • Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, 7 – 9 p.m. Free admission with individually-wrapped bag of candy. • N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission with individually-wrapped bag of candy.

Wednesday, Oct. 31 • Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, GA 30038, 6–8 p.m. Free admission with individually wrapped bag of candy. • Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, 6 – 9 p.m. Free admission. • Gresham Recreation Center and Booster Club, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission with individually wrapped bag of candy. • Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079, 6 – 8 p.m. Free admission with individually wrapped bag of candy.

• Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA 30033, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free admission. • Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, GA 30079, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission. City of Lithonia

The City of Lithonia will host its annual Trunk or Treat on WednesdayOct. 31, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the City Hall parking lot, 6920 Main Street. Participants are encouraged to decorate their cars and open up their trunks filled with treats for the kids. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes. For more information: 770482-8136, ext. 128. Rain or shine.

Saturday, Oct. 27 • Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia, GA 30058. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission.

Teal is the new orange for Halloween How teal pumpkins are helping to create a safer, happier Halloween

By Mackenzie N. Morgan

ideas on non-food treats and how to get involved with the Teal Pumpkin Project, visit www.foodallergy.org.

his Halloween, having the blues will be a good thing for some trick-or-treaters. For most kids, Halloween is a holiday for earning bragging rights for collecting colossal amounts of candy — but not all kids get to fully enjoy the holiday due to some candies containing allergens or whose caregivers have opted out of the junk food tradition. The Teal Pumpkin Project is an initiative by the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) group and a movement to create a fun, safe Halloween for children with food sensitivities. Food allergies are a life-altering and potentially life-threatening disease, and a growing public health issue. According to FARE, in the U.S., one in 13 children has a food allergy – that’s roughly two in every

Steps to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project:

classroom. For families managing food allergies, even a tiny amount of allergens has the potential to cause a severe reaction. Homes participating in trick-ortreating are asked to offer children

On Common Ground News Marketplace

with allergies non-food items such as pencils, stickers, glow sticks, bubbles, temporary tattoos and other small toys. FARE encourages and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters through its national effort. For more

NOW HIRING Kenley’s Catering and Restaurant is hiring cooks and cashiers. For more information, call 404-217-2455.

LAWN CARE

• Provide non-food treats for trickor-treaters. • Place a teal pumpkin – the color of food allergy awareness – or sign in front of your home to indicate you have non-food treats available. Teal pumpkin templates are available on the Teal Project website. • Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project map on www. foodallergy.org • Share the Teal Pumpkin Project with your friends and family. Be sure to use #tealpumpkinproject on all social media.

ROOM FOR RENT Newly furnished, in DeKalb County, $525 monthly. All utilities + Cable + W & D. On MARTA. 1 person room only. 404-401-9767.

YOUR AD

PAGE 8 • OCTOBER 20, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

We cater to the entire family. Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available

900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006