FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 36
OCTOBER 27, 2018
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Democratic Party of Georgia: 4,700 DeKalb voters never received absentee ballots By Valerie J. Morgan
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he Democratic Party of Georgia’s is urging voters to cast their ballots in person during the early voting period, after learning that thousands of voters—4,700 of them in DeKalb County—never received absentee ballots they requested. The early voting period started Oct. 15 and ends Nov. 2. Rebecca DeHart, executive director for the Democratic Party of Georgia, said the DeKalb Board of Registration & Elections never mailed absentee ballots to an estimated 4,700 applicants who requested them—some of them as early as September. DeHart said the Party tracked a mailer that was sent to voters who requested absentee ballots and discovered county registrars never fulfilled the requests. “People have been calling the hotline saying they never received the absentee ballots. We’re not sure what happened,” DeHart said. “We’re being proactive and getting the word out to tell them to early vote. We’re also calling people who are on the list as backup to what DeKalb elections officials are doing.” Sam Tillman, chairman of the DeKalb County Board of Voter
Registration and Elections, issued a statement refuting the Party’s claims: “DeKalb County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is in receipt of a list, provided by the Democratic Party of Georgia, of approximately 4,700 registered voters that the Party claims requested absentee ballot forms via a mailer sent out by the Party. After reviewing the list of names, there is evidence that the county received 48 of those voter absentee ballot request forms. All 48 of those forms have been processed. At this time, there is no evidence that there are any missing or lost absentee ballot request forms,” Tillman said. “The Elections Department receives request forms daily and processes them within three days of receipt. At this time there are approximately 250 forms pending processing.” Erica Hamilton, DeKalb’s director of Elections, could not be reached for comment, despite messages left at her office. However, Hamilton told Tillman and the board of elections at the Oct. 11 meeting that her office has been deluged with new voter registrations and absentee ballot requests. Hamilton said that her office had received approximately 40,000 voter registration applications to process and approximately 4,268
absentee ballots that needed to be mailed. She said the office had received about 500 absentee applications per day, according to the board’s minutes from the meeting. Political observers credit Georgia’s heated governor’s race for the surge in early voting and absentee ballots. According to WSB-TV, to the GeorgiaVotes. com website, which compiles data made available by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, 41.9% of all absentee ballot requests are coming from African-American voters, while 44.7% are coming from white voters. DeHart said Congressman Hank Johnson has produced a public service announcement on behalf of the Democratic Party encouraging those who have not received an absentee ballot to cast their ballots in person or call the hotline for assistance, if they still need an absentee ballot. The announcement can be viewed at the Party’s Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/georgiademocrat/ videos/2194178737524464/ The Democratic Party of Georgia also is encouraging anyone who needs a ride to the polls or has any other voting issue during the elections to call the Party’s hotline: 1-888-7305816.
Photo provided
Stacey Abrams breaks family tradition, votes early Early voting Oct. 15-Nov. 2 Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams cast her ballot on Oct. 15, the first day of early voting, at The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Abrams posted a video about the event on Instagram: “Today, I voted early with my family by my side. I voted early in my community, with my community, and most importantly, for my community. In the past, I always cast my ballot on Election Day. That’s when my parents would take me and my siblings to vote with them. But this year, we're leaving nothing to chance. We're getting our votes in early so we have time to fix any problems that could arise – and plenty of time to knock on doors and multiply our votes over these last 15 days. I voted for me and @GeorgiaDemocrat up and down the ballot – but we can’t win on our own. We need you to roll up your sleeves and help get out the (early) vote right now.”
Vigil held for Decatur High grad Kennedy Segars By Travis Hudgons
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Kennedy Segars father, Marvin Segars. Photos by Travis Hudgons
he Decatur High School community mourned the loss of one of its bright stars. Hundreds turned out on the evening of Oct. 24 for a candlelight prayer vigil at Decatur High School for 18-year-old graduate Kennedy Segars. She was killed in a DUIrelated crash earlier this month. The emotional gathering included remarks from friends and family members, prayer and singing. The Decatur High School cheerleaders performed a special cheer for Segars, who was on the cheer squad while at Decatur. “She was very special. She wasn’t average,” said Kennedy’s father, Marvin Segars. “She’s going to be missed. I love her so much. I want to thank the Decatur High School for treating her like family.” Kennedy Segars, who had entered her freshman year at Alabama State University, was
in town visiting her family when the crash occurred on Oct. 13. She died from her injuries after her vehicle was rear-ended by a man traveling over 70 mph at the intersection of Klondike Road and Mall Parkway near The Mall at Stonecrest. The driver, 52-year-old Reginald Stubbs, faces four charges including first-degree vehicular homicide, DUI, serious injury by vehicle and following too closely. Segars left behind many people who cared deeply for her. At the vigil, she was described as a leader, energetic and compassionate by those who knew her. “I can’t put my mind around how something like this could
happen to such a great young woman,” said Decatur High Principal Arlethea Williams. “Every time I think about her my heart breaks.” Williams, like others in attendance, shared fond memories of Kennedy. After the on-field activities at Decatur High’s football stadium, the somber group gathered off the field to light candles, release balloons and remember the young lady taken too soon. Funeral services are scheduled for Oct. 26, 11 a.m., at Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive, SE, Conyers. For more photos, visit www. ocgnews.com
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Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Demolition set for Rockdale County Courthouse’s aging roof The Rockdale County Courthouse is getting a new roof. County officials say the work, which was scheduled to begin on Oct. 22, was delayed a week as workers delivered building materials and blocked off nearby streets in preparation for the demolition. Workers are now scheduled to begin removing the aging roof during the week of Oct. 29. Work is expected to be completed by Nov. 12. The courthouse will get an energy efficient “cool roof system,” officials said. “We are making progress in repairing and renovating Rockdale County infrastructure,” said Sue Sanders, director of Rockdale County Recreation and Maintenance Department. “The new roof for the
Rockdale County Courthouse is one of several energy and cost-saving projects we are managing related to county facilities.” The building’s original roof was patched in the mid-1990s and has reached the end of its life, Sanders said. The demolition of the old roof will be completed in the early morning hours and the roofing work will occur during normal business hours. The courthouse will remain open for business during the repairs. Vehicular traffic and parking will be restricted in the area of Court and Main Streets in the City of Conyers. Court Street will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic from Main Street to the SunTrust entrance driveway only.
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
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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EDITOR Valerie J. 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. 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.
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OCTOBER 27, 2018 • PAGE 3
The Greater Piney Grove Church celebrates groundbreaking of Gardens at East Lake senior housing complex
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By Mackenzie N. Morgan
enior citizens seeking affordable housing can look forward to a new development that is under way at The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church campus located at 1879 Glenwood Ave. in East Atlanta. The three-story complex is expected to be completed by January in 2020 officials said. The Greater Piney Grove Church and community leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 19 for the Gardens at East Lake. The independent living complex will offer 70 one- and two-bedrooms apartments to those ages 55 and older. As a tax credit apartment complex, a portion of the units will be available to low-income seniors. Pastor William E. Flippin, Sr., senior pastor of The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, said he is excited about the project. “It’s a vision that has come to pass after 20 years,” said Flippin. “It will enhance our campus and transform the Terry Mill community through a number of community partnerships.” Chanti Harris, executive director of the nonprofit, The Grove Community Development Corp., Inc., said the apartment complex is the catalyst for a five-year plan to revitalize the Terry Mill community and includes not only the senior housing project but plans to secure funding for the rehabilitation of single-family homes in Terry Mill community. The church’s nonprofit has formed partnerships with several organization and will eventually provide grant opportunities for other organizations that would like to improve Terry Mill, Harris said. “We’re not just constructing a building. We are transforming a community. We’re
considered a community quarterback,” Harris said. Fairway Construction, Inc. is building the project in partnership with the U.S. Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Communities, Inc., DeKalb County, Affordable Equity Partners, Martin Riley Associates, Metro Atlanta Urban Farm and Alonzo Crim High School. Through the partnerships, an urban farm will be established to provide fresh produce and cooking demonstrations to seniors and the surrounding communities. The partnerships also will provide apprenticeships and internships to Alonzo Crim High School students. “The students in the high school’s culinary arts and agricultural programs will be able to participate in the urban farming program and students in the architectural department will be able to gain handson experience by studying the building plans and working along side our builders learning things like cementing and installing wires,” said Harris. Harris said the church’s nonprofit plans to work closely with JENCare Senior
Medical Center and community groups that seek to improve Terry Mill. As part of the effort, we will be securing funding for the rehabilitation of single-family homes, Congressman Hank Johnson, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, former DeKalb CEO Liane Levetan, and Atlanta Councilwoman Natalyn Archibong were among the dignitaries who participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking.
For more photos, visit www. ocgnews.com
Rockdale Democratic Party DeKalb approves pay raise for public safety workers County’s public safety workers sets elections for executive will DeKalb get a four percent pay raise in November. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved DeKalb CEO Michael board, precinct captains unanimously Thurmond’s pay proposal on Oct. 23. On Dec. 1, the Rockdale Democratic Party will hold elections for its executive board (chair; 1st vice chair; 2nd vice chair; treasurer and secretary), and for Post 2 Post holders (precinct captains). All of the positions are for twoyear terms. To run for post holder, candidates must live in the precinct for which they are running and have verifiable members of the precinct attend to vote. To run for the executive board, candidates must be a post holder and have paid their dues for 2018. Candidates running for precinct captains and the executive board must send their name and precinct number to rcdpeb@gmail.com. Nominations also will be accepted from the floor. However, to have your name placed on the prepared ballots, e-mail the information by Nov. 27. For more information, call Cheryl M. Board, Party Chair: 678-463-7725 (c) or 770-648-7226 (o).
The $7.1 million salary increase goes into effect the first pay period in November 2018 and applies to approximately 2,100 public safety employees. “Last year, the county took steps to improve compensation for public safety,” said Thurmond. “With the support of the Board of Commissioners, these salary increases will further enhance the county’s recruitment and retention efforts.” The salary increase applies to 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 FY2018 budget strengthened DeKalb’s economic footing, enhanced county services and provided financial relief to
CEO Thurmond with public safety staff at Sept. 19, 2018 press conference. Photo provided
homeowners. CEO Thurmond’s FY2018 midyear budget included larger property tax cuts for county homeowners, increased spending for parks and an $89 million fund balance or rainy-day fund.
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“Dancing with the DeKalb Stars” raises $21,500 for nonprofits assisting battered women
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eKalb County SolicitorGeneral Donna ColemanStribling raised over $21,500 through her annual “Dancing with the DeKalb Stars” a domestic violence resource expo and fundraiser, for local non-profits, Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and International Women’s House. The event, which was held at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center on Oct. 20 exceeded fundraising goals through ticket sales, sponsorships and a partnership with the DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts. “Our goal for this event was to create a fun and safe environment for our community to learn more about the cycle of abuse. We also wanted Dancing with the DeKalb Stars to truly become a community owned event,” said ColemanStribling. “With students from the DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts selecting our event to donate to and to see such enthusiasm from members of our community, I believe we accomplished our goals. My team and I are proud to deliver a memorable night and we appreciate the continued support we receive from DeKalb County.” The event featured a Resource Expo that included 15 non-profits, who assist victims and survivors of domestic violence, and a dance competition comprised of 9 teams of notable DeKalb County community members. Winners of the ABCinspired dance competition were David Manuel, division manager of DeKalb County’s recreation, parks & cultural affairs, partnered with Shalay Johnson, owner of Infinite Dance Theatre. First runner-up was Judge Fatima El-Amin, with DeKalb County Juvenile Court, and her partner, Calan Bryant.
Photos provided
Second runner-up was Chief Deputy Reginald Scandrett, with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, and his partner, Jazmin Freeman. This year’s Dancing with the DeKalb Stars featured the People’s Choice award. This trophy was awarded to the team who raised the most through their individual Click & Pledge sites. Dr. Connie Stevenson, director of School choice for the DeKalb County school district, partnered with Shervoski Moreland, of Reynold’s Artistic Creations and Performing Arts Center, raised over $1,100. Hosts for the evening were
the dynamic mother-son duo, Monica and Rafael Maldonado. Monica is the president and CEO of Interprint Communications, while Rafael is the creative director of It Media Collective. Judges of the dance competition were Emmy nominated producer, director and choreographer, Stepp Stewart; Principal and Artistic Director of DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts, Bianca Hamilton; Artistic Director for the Academy of the Arts, Susan McGhee Crawford; and Dancing with the DeKalb Stars 2017 champion and owner and attorney at Shah Law Firm,
Parag Shah. Mable’s Barbecue and Smoked Meats catered the resource expo and fundraiser. The Champion Newspaper was the event’s official media sponsor. Congressman Hank Johnson, closed the evening with a special performance with 2017 Dancing with the DeKalb Stars Champion CiCi Kelley of DARE DREAM DANCE. For more information on the Office of the DeKalb County Solicitor-General, please visit our site at www.DeKalbSolicitorGeneral. org For more photos, visit www. ocgnews.com
Judge blocks Georgia election officials from throwing out ballots over “mismatched” signatures A federal judge has issued a restraining order blocking election officials in Georgia from throwing out absentee ballots or applications for a supposed signature Judge Leigh Martin May mismatch without giving the voter an opportunity to contest the determination and confirm their identity. U.S. Judge Leigh Martin May’s Oct. 24 ruling stems from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawsuit against Secretary of State Brian Kemp and county registrars. The ACLU filed the suit on Oct. 16 on behalf of the Georgia Muslim Voter Project challenging that county registrars have no handwritinganalysis expertise to reject an absentee ballot if they think there is a signature mismatch in the voter’s paperwork, without giving prior notice to the voter or an opportunity
to contest that determination. Martin said in the ruling “All county elections officials responsible for processing absentee ballots shall not reject any absentee ballots due to an alleged signature mismatch. Instead, for all ballots where a signature mismatch is perceived, the county elections official shall mark this ballot as provisional. (O.C.G.A. § 21-2-419). The county elections officials shall then provide prerejection notice and an opportunity to resolve the alleged discrepancy.” Sophia Larkin, staff attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, praised the decision. “This ruling protects the people of Georgia from those who seek to undermine their right to vote. It’s a huge victory, especially with the midterms just days away,” Larkin said. Kemp, who is running for governor, has come under fire for using his power as Secretary of State to purge 340,134 voters from
SEE BALLOTS page 5
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Child Advocacy Attorney Appointed as Juvenile Court Judge Temika Murry, who has 15 years of experience in child advocacy, has been appointed as a DeKalb County Juvenile Court judge, effective Nov. 1. Murry is currently a senior supervising attorney with the DeKalb County Child Advocacy Center, where she has worked since the agency’s inception in 2003. Prior to working as a child Temika Murry advocate, Murry completed a public interest fellowship through Washington, D.C.,-based Equal Justice Works (EJW). As an EJW Fellow, Murry served as a legal advocate with Atlanta-based nonprofit, Forever Family, formerly known as Aid to Children of Imprisoned Mothers Inc. A graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, Murry also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and a master’s degree of business administration from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Murry serves on the board of the Georgia Association of Counsel for Children, and is a certified child welfare legal specialist through the National Association of Counsel for Children. She also is a member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys and the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. Murry is a past president of the DeKalb Lawyers Association and graduate of the DeKalb County Bright Futures Emerging Executives Leadership Program certified by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. She also was the inaugural recipient of the Chief Justice P. Harris Hines Child Advocacy Award presented by the Georgia Supreme Court Committee on Justice for Children in 2017. Murry and husband Dorian, a fellow attorney, are the parents of two girls.
OCTOBER 27, 2018 • PAGE 5
BALLOTS continued from page 4 the rolls, based on false information, according to lawsuits filed against him. Investigative journalist Greg Palast is suing Kemp for removing voters from the rolls. Palast said an analysis that he conducted found that voters were removed on the grounds they had moved but actually still live at the addresses where they were registered. Palast, a Puffin Foundation fellow in investigative reporting, is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, Billionaires & Ballot Bandits and The Best Democracy Money Can Buy. His investigative reports can be seen on BBC Television Newsnight. U.S. Judge Leign Martin May’s ruling in the ACLU lawsuit can be found at: https://www.aclu.org/legaldocument/order-grantingtemporary-restraining-order Judge blocks Georgia election officials from throwing out ballots over “mismatched” signatures A federal judge has issued a restraining order blocking election officials in Georgia from throwing out absentee ballots or applications for a supposed signature mismatch without giving the voter an opportunity to contest the
determination and confirm their identity. U.S. Judge Leign Martin May’s Oct. 24 ruling stems from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawsuit against Secretary of State Brian Kemp and county registrars. The ACLU filed the suit on Oct. 16 on behalf of the Georgia Muslim Voter Project challenging that county registrars have no handwriting-analysis expertise to reject an absentee ballot if they think there is a signature mismatch in the voter’s paperwork, without giving prior notice to the voter or an opportunity to contest that determination. Martin said in the ruling “All county elections officials responsible for processing absentee ballots shall not reject any absentee ballots due to an alleged signature mismatch. Instead, for all ballots where a signature mismatch is perceived, the county elections official shall mark this ballot as provisional. (O.C.G.A. § 21-2-419). The county elections officials shall then provide prerejection notice and an opportunity to resolve the alleged discrepancy.” Sophia Larkin, staff attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project,
praised the decision. “This ruling protects the people of Georgia from those who seek to undermine their right to vote. It’s a huge victory, especially with the midterms just days away,” Larkin said. Kemp, who is running for governor, has come under fire for using his power as Secretary of State to purge 340,134 voters from the rolls, based on false information, according to lawsuits filed against him. Investigative journalist Greg Palast is suing Kemp for removing voters from the rolls. Palast said an analysis that he conducted found that voters were removed on the grounds they had moved but actually still live at the addresses where they were registered. Palast, a Puffin Foundation fellow in investigative reporting, is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, Billionaires & Ballot Bandits and The Best Democracy Money Can Buy. His investigative reports can be seen on BBC Television Newsnight. U.S. Judge Leign Martin May’s ruling in the ACLU lawsuit can be found at: https://www.aclu.org/legaldocument/order-grantingtemporary-restraining-order
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Keep DeKalb Beautiful’s “Adopt-A-Stop” program goes pink for Breast Cancer Awareness In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB) is placing a pink ribbon on every sign adopted during the month of October as part of the Adopt-A-Stop (Marta), Adopt-A-Spot and Adopt-A-Road Programs. Each Adopt-A-Program aims to reduce litter and blight in a focused area. To remain in good standing, each group is asked to complete and report four cleanups per year. KDB will provide all the supplies and collect the materials at the end of each cleanup. For more information on Adopt-A-Programs and how to get involved, contact Victoria Burgos, Public Relations Specialist, at vrburgos@dekalbcountyga.gov, visit KeepDeKalbBeautiful.org, or call 404-294-2010.
Priscilla Davenport, breast cancer survivor, stands in front of her adopted MARTA bus stop she has sponsored for the past two years.
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
Photos provided
Conyers hosts 9th Annual RAV 5k The threat of rain did not prevent over 200 runners from crossing the finish line at the 9th Annual Race Against Violence 5K (RAV), which was held on Saturday, Oct. 20 in Conyers. RAV has become an annual tradition for many people in the community as the participants, sponsors and volunteers begin the weekend carbing up at the pre-race party hosted by Mellow Mushroom in Conyers on Friday night and then meeting at the Conyers First United Methodist Church at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday for the start of the race. The Rockdale County Task Force Against Family Violence, chaired by Judge Nancy N. Bills, began sponsoring the RAV in 2010 and has donated over $70,000 to Project ReNeWal, which serves as the shelter for victims of family violence in our community. Held every October, the annual race also serves to promote awareness during Family Violence Awareness Month.
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OCTOBER 27, 2018 • PAGE 7
Fall is here! It’s time for pumpkins, parades and costumes held. From 3 to 8 p.m., there will be outdoor games, sports competitions, bounce houses, a candy drop, food trucks, horse and pony rides, a concert, Drones Technology Demonstration, bonfire and more. The family fun activities are free of charge. For more details, visit www. newbirth.org/events. 770-696-9600.
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bounty of activities throughout the metro-Atlanta area await families and their children now that the weather is a little cooler and the foliage is turning into a riot of colors. It’s officially the season for families to enjoy dozens of free events featuring treats and activities for the kids and opportunities for everyone to wear costumes, decorate and have fun. Listed here are some of the events planned. If you know of others, please e-mail us at editor@ocgnews.com and we will update the information at www.ocgnews.com .
Voices of Faith Ministries sets Trunk or Treat Voices of Faith Ministries Rockdale Campus, 1290 Sigman Road, invites families to its Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 to 5 p.m. There will be candy and treats as well as prizes for the best decorated vehicle (trunk). Greater Love Fellowship to present G.L.O.W Children ages 5 to 18 are invited to attend the God Lights Our Way (G.L.O.W.) youth service on Friday, Oct. 26, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Greater Love Fellowship Tabernacle, 2378 Dogwood Drive SE, Conyers. Kids are asked to wear “nice” costumes only and come ready to enjoy a safe, fun night. Music selections will come from Christian hip-hop groups R.E.B.E.L. and Th1rd L; A praise dance will be performed by Nicky Golden and the guest speaker of the evening will be Minister Becky Russell.
Harvest Fire Festival at New Birth New Birth Missionary Baptist Church & Samson’s Fitness Center, 6400 Woodrow Road, Lithonia, will host its Harvest Fire Festival on Saturday, Oct. 27. There will be fun for all generations. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Taste of Health 5K Run/Walk & Health Fair Screenings will be
Springfield Baptist to host Harvest of Blessings & Trunk or Treat Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive, S.E., Conyers, will host its annual Harvest of Blessings & Trunk or Treat on Oct. 31, 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy food, games and other activities.
Kingdom Builders Church to host Community Block Party Kingdom Builders Church, 1151 Flat Shoals, Conyers, will host its Community Block Party on Oct. 31, 6 to 9 p.m., 1151 Flat Shoals Road SE., Conyers. The free event will offer health screenings, food, games, and fun in fostering stronger families and communal growth.
City of Lithonia sets Trunk or Treat The City of Lithonia will host its annual Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, Oct. 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: 770-482-8136, ext. 128. Rain or shine.
Panola Mountain State Park to host Trunk or Treat The community is invited to attend a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 to 8:30 p.m., at Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. There will also be a costume and trunk contest at 3:30 p.m., tree climb from 2-5:30 p.m. and a movie at 5:30 p.m. Entry is $5 per vehicle. For more information, call 770-3897801.
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DeKalb Parks and Recreation sets Halloween events The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is hosting several Halloween events at recreation centers Oct. 26 - 31. Many of the events are free to attend and will include face painting, movies, games and costume contests. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Here’s a look at the lineup: 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. Saturday, Oct. 27 • Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission. Wednesday, Oct. 31 • Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, 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,, 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, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free admission. • Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Free admission.
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