VOLUME 21 NUMBER 33
FREE
NOVEMBER 14, 2015
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
HOUSE DISTRICT 92
Doreen Carter is sworn in, ready to work
S
By Valerie J. Morgan
urrounded by family, friends, colleagues and constituents, Doreen Roberson Carter was sworn in as the newest member of the House of Representatives on Nov. 12 at the Georgia Capitol. “I have my I.D., parking pass, and I have my office. I’m ready to go to work,” said Carter, who was elected in the Nov. 3 special election to represent House District 92, which covers portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. DeKalb County Judge Ronald Ramsey, himself an immediate former state senator, administered the oath of office to Carter, who was joined by the eldest of her three sons, Roland Carter, 18. Carter’s two younger sons, Caleb, 16, and Joshua, 14, were in school when the ceremony took place, she said. “Ms. Carter, you are about to embark on an awesome responsibility. You are responsible now or will be for 10 million people in this great state,” Ramsey told Carter at the start of the swearing-in ceremony. The new state representative thanked Ramsey for performing the ceremony and acknowledged Congressman Hank Johnson and his wife, DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Johnson, and several other supporters.
Doreen Carter is joined by her eldest son, Roland, as she is sworn in by DeKalb County Judge Ronald Ramsey. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Carter, who formerly served on the Lithonia City Council and was elected as the 2014 Democratic nominee for Secretary of State, said campaigning for the House District 92 seat was “10 times harder” than the statewide seat she had sought last year because there was such a short window for the Nov. 3 special election. Tonya Peterson
stepped down from the House District 92 seat to run for the Senate 43 seat. “We had 33 days to put a campaign together, raise some money, knock on doors, make phone calls, figure out how to get a few mailers and some friends tweeting,” said Carter, who says the work continues. Carter said she plans to reach
out to constituents in the district immediately. “We are planning our first listening session, which will be held in the upcoming weeks. I am really eager to hear from my neighbors, so that I can vigorously advocate for the issues See Swearing in, page 6
DeKalb: costs too high to bring Atlanta United to the county Plans to bring the Atlanta United pro soccer team to DeKalb have dried up. Atlanta United and DeKalb County have decided they will not proceed with plans to build Atlanta United’s headquarters and training facility on the 41-acre site near Kensington Road and Memorial Drive. The decision followed discussions and a mutual conclusion that the site is not a viable location for the complex due to higher-than-anticipated site preparation and remediation costs necessary for a project of this nature, DeKalb officials said in a news release. Atlanta United’s multi-million dollar training complex is instead headed to Cobb County. The Marietta City Council approved the memorandum of understanding on Nov. 11, outlining a development plan aimed at revitalizing Marietta’s Franklin Road corridor. AUFC hopes to break ground on the complex in January so the team can be ready for its 2017 kickoff. DeKalb’s Interim CEO Lee May said as it turns out, the project would have been too costly for DeKalb to pursue. “As Interim CEO, I always am looking for opportunities for collaborations where all sides come out winners. After reviewing the reports with Atlanta United FC, we decided together that the numbers going into it have changed so much that proceeding would not be a responsible decision for either party, and certainly not the DeKalb taxpayers,” said Interim CEO Lee May. “We hope to work with Arthur Blank on another project in the future.” The land due diligence process, which included environmental and geotechnical site analysis, was directed by the county and began in early September.
Preliminary Renderings Released for Atlanta United FC Complex
Under the terms of the non-binding memorandum of understanding between DeKalb County and Atlanta United, DeKalb County would incur site preparation and remediation costs, which were estimated to exceed $20 million, making the site not financially feasible for the county, its taxpayers or Atlanta United. As is common with due diligence work, both parties knew uncertainties existed entering into the memorandum of understanding, but were not able to accurately predict site preparation challenges and costs for the complex until the detailed analysis was
completed. The Atlanta United plan for developing the entire 41-acre site, in addition to the specific requirements of a Major League Soccer facility, made the remediation challenges unique to the project and factored into the significant additional costs for ground preparation. The site would be less challenging for many other commercial development projects requiring different uses for the land. The county remains committed to the vision of a robust, vital and thriving Memorial Drive corridor.
PAGE 2 •NOVEMBER 14, 2015
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Stress or Physical Pain?
At Full Body Rejuvenation Center our staff offers the most effective quality health care to satisfy every individual's personal needs. Our combination of chiropractic therapy and physiotherapy allow us to focus on the physiological, as well as the biomechanical aspects of the body. Dr. Smith encourages you to come in and begin your healthy approach to pain management, weight loss or stress relief!
Chiropractic Treatment Physiotherapy Your path to Natural Health Bring in this ad and receive a
complementary chiropractic consultation
FULL BODY REJUVENATION CENTER 3636 Panola Rd, Ste B
MOST MAJOR INSURANCES AND OBAMA CARE ACCEPTED!
Lithonia, GA 30038
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER Elizabeth Montgomery ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com
NOVEMBER 14,2015 • PAGE 3
Anderson, Van Ness Runoff Dec. 1
Georgia Democratic Party chair endorses Anderson for Senate District 43 Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter is endorsing Tonya P. Anderson, who is in a runoff for the District 43 seat. The runoff for the special election is Dec. 1. Early voting begins Nov. 16. The Senate 43 District includes about 16,500 voters in DeKalb, 32,000 in Rockdale and 27,000 in Newton counties. Anderson, a Democrat who formerly served as State Representative for District 92, faces Republican challenger JaNice Van Ness, who formerly served as a Rockdale County commissioner. Anderson vacated her seat to run for the Senate seat after Ron Ramsey stepped down to accept an appointment as a judge in DeKalb County’s new traffic court. The race has some Democrats concerned. Only 16 Democrats occupy Senate seats in the Republican-dominated Georgia General Assembly. “Rep. Tonya Anderson has a proven record of fighting for Georgia’s families, championing the principles and values that ensure that no Georgian is ever left behind,”
Tonya P. Anderson
Porter said. “For years, Tonya has demonstrated a deep commitment to her community with hard work and an unwavering advocacy for the people she represents. She is driven by a sense of duty, exemplified by her military service. Tonya is the serious, proven public servant that SD 43 deserves, and I am proud to give her my endorsement and full support.”
JaNice Van Ness
Since neither Anderson nor VanNess garnered more than 50 percent of the votes in the Nov. 3 special election, a runoff resulted. Van Ness was the top vote getter, earning 37 percent or 2,994 votes. Anderson received 26 percent or 2,109 votes, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, which certified the results on Nov. 6.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS NOV. 16 Rockdale law enforcement officials present 8th Annual Shop with a Cop The Conyers Police Department is partnering with the Walmart Conyers to help make this Christmas brighter for local children. The Conyers Police Department along with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) and Georgia State Patrol (GSP) are participating in the 8th Annual Shop with a Cop in which law enforcement personnel accompany children from families experiencing financial hardships to the Conyers Wal-Mart to shop for Christmas gifts. “The Conyers Wal-Mart has been an excellent community partner to assist the Conyers Police in spearheading this effort. Officers interact with children who may not have had a positive encounter with law enforcement until now. The partnership between the CPD and Wal-Mart makes sure that the children are afforded a more positive holiday experience,” said Chief Gene Wilson. Since the program began, approximately 850 children have benefited from Shop with a Cop. Shop with a Cop will take place on Dec. 19, 8 a.m., at the Conyers WalMart. Families have been pre-selected for this year’s program. Cash and check donations (made payable to City of Conyers or Shop with a Cop) and Wal-Mart gift cards are being accepted at the Conyers Police Department located at 1194 Scott Street. For more information on donating to the Shop with a Cop program, contact the Shop with a Cop hotline at 770-483-5780 or email shopwithacopconyers@yahoo.com.
GPTC offers free driver’s education to high school students Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) has been awarded a $25,190 grant from the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission (GDEC) to support driver education in the college’s service area. The grant makes it possible for high school students to participate, free of charge, in driver education courses. Emphasis will be placed on increasing the decision-making skill level for students ages 15-17. “As we all know, driving is a privilege that carries with it great responsibility,” said GPTC President Jabari Simama. “In today’s fast-paced world, it is important for young drivers to have a firm grasp of road rules as well as the ability to protect themselves, their passengers and the general public.” Classes consist of 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training with an instructor. “Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and we are committed to providing students with the education and experience needed to avoid tragedy,” said GDEC Chairman Harris Blackwood. “This grant will help Georgia Piedmont Technical College equip young drivers in the community to be safer behind the wheel.” GPTC will offer the classes on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the driver’s education program, call 404-297-9522, ext. 5500.
PAGE 4 •NOVEMBER 14, 2015
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
CCCSD to discuss Greenhaven cityhood Concerned Citizens for Cityhood South DeKalb (CCCSD) will hold an informational meeting about the proposed cityhood of Greenhaven on Nov. 17, 6 p.m., at the DeKalb Covington Library, 3500 Covington Highway, Decatur. Get an update om Greehaven, get your questions answered and find out how current cityhood movements could affect South DeKalb.
17th Annual Tree of Love kickoff set
Have some fun at ART Station’s Ugly Christmas sweater party If you still have that ugly sweater you received last Christmas, dig it out, put it on and head to the city of Stone Mountain. The ART Station’s youth advisory committee will present The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party fundraiser on Nov. 27 at the ART Station, located at 5384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain. The event will be held after the annual Stone Mountain Village Christmas parade and Fireworks show at approximately 7:30 pm. Participants are encouraged to wear their ugly sweaters to the parade and attend the party afterward. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making ugly Christmas sweater appearances. A grand prize of two tickets to Cirque du Soleil Kurios under the Grand Chapiteau at Atlantic Station will be awarded for the most ugly sweater. The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party is family-friendly and open to all ages. Tickets for the party are $10 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under) at the door and include one beverage, hors d’oeuvres and live music. Additional beer and wine also will be available for purchase. In order to win the grand prize, you must be present at the time of announcement. For more information on tickets for the event, call 770-469-1105.
ATLANTA
Urban League to host ‘Economic Freedom in Black America’ tour The Urban League of Greater Atlanta will present “The Empowerment Tour: Discussing Economic Freedom in Black America” on Thursday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. at Historic Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 220 Auburn Ave., N.E., Atlanta. The public is invited to hear the discussion on how to increase the buying power in the African American community, build and retain financial security and leave a legacy for the next generation. Clyde Anderson, bestselling author and CNN contributor, will serve as moderator. The event is free and open to the public. A business expo will begin at 5 p.m.
MARTA sets self-defense classes The MARTA Police Department has scheduled the final 2015 dates for the informational self-defense awareness classes that have been part of its highly successful “Blow the Whistle” campaign to combat sexual assault. As of mid-November, approximately 2,000 whistles have been distributed with more than 300 metro area residents participating in the sessions. Class participants will learn a variety of risk-reduction and safety techniques taught by MARTA police officers who are trained in self-defense methods. Light refreshments will be provided and all attendees will receive a whistle to be used in case of emergency and a handout featuring a list of safety tips. The remaining safety sessions are scheduled on the following dates: Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 to 11 a.m. Adamsville Recreation Center 3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta Saturday, Dec. 5, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lovejoy Community Center,11622 Hastings Bridge Road, Lovejoy Saturday, Dec. 12, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Impact Apostle Ministries, 110 Selig Drive, Atlanta For more information about the classes, which are free and open to men and women of all ages, call the MARTA Police Department at 404-848-4900.
DEKALB
DeKalb District Attorney to present forum on gangs DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James is hosting a community forum to combat the rise of gang-related violence in the county on Saturday, Nov. 14, at The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (House of Hope Atlanta), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The forum, which begins at 9 am and concludes at noon, will feature presentations from DeKalb County Police Department’s Gang Unit, District Attorney’s Office Gang Unit, former gang members, and victims of gang-related crimes. The event is being moderated by on-air radio personality Rashad Richey, who was a former gang member and now hosts “Real Talk with Rashad Richey” on WAOK.
DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will kick off his 17th Annual Tree of Love event on Saturday, Nov. 21, noon, at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. The community, business owners, churches and civic organizations are invited to come out and take a child’s name from the Tree of Love and buy presents for them. The gifts should be returned on Saturday, Dec. 19 so they can be presented during the Christmas program at the mall. Johnson, no stranger to community involvement, began this initiative at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall in 1999. Since its inception, more than 9,000 children living in foster care, single-parent homes and low- income households have been adopted through the Tree of Love. “This is what Christmas is all about—helping and giving to others. The holiday season is a great time for people to give back to the community and help someone in need,” Johnson said. Children through the Department of Family and Children Services and from the community at-large have been recipients of the Christmas gifts given through the Tree of Love. To adopt a child or showcase your talent on stage at the Tree of Love Christmas program on Dec. 19, contact Johnson’s office at 404-371-2988 or e-mail ystevenson@dekalbcountyga.gov.
NAACP women, Larry Johnson to give away 350 turkeys The Women In NAACP of the DeKalb County branch and DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson will present the third annual Holiday Turkey Giveaway for needy families on Saturday, Nov. 21, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held in the parking lot of the Gallery at South DeKalb mall, (near Metro PCS), 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. Each family will be given a number to receive one free turkey while quantities last on a first-come, first-served basis. About 350 turkeys will be given away. Sponsors “HUGLIFE” and radio station STREETZ 94.5 will provide a ” live remote broadcast.” For more information, call the DeKalb NAACP at 404-241-8006.
Fairfield Baptist celebrates family caregivers November is National Family Caregivers’ month. Fairfield Baptist Church, 6133 Redan Road, Lithonia, will recognize family caregivers during its 10:45 a.m. worship service on Nov. 22. The church is extending an invitation to the community to come out and be part of its celebration honoring caregivers. Organizers say the service will be spiritual, uplifting and educational. Micheal Benton is pastor of Fairfield Baptist.
GWINNETT
Breakfast with Santa set at Courthouse Take the kids to have breakfast Santa on Saturday Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m., at the beautifully decorated Superior Court Ballroom at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, visit with Santa and give him your list, plus get a keepsake photo. The event is $11 per person (infants 12 months and younger are free with a paid adult). Must pre-register by Nov. 20. For more information, call 770-822-5450.
ROCKDALE
Olde Town skating rink opens for winter fun The City of Conyers welcomes the return of the Olde Town Ice Skating rink. The rink, which provides family fun at the Olde Town Pavilion at 949 S. Main Street, will be open Nov. 14 through Feb. 7, 2016. The cost is $8 for children ages 7 and under and $10 for everyone else.
Commissioner Nesbitt seeks turkey donations Rockdale County Commissioner Oz Nesbitt is hosting a turkey drive to assist needy families. Those who would like to donate make drop off their turkey at Nalley Hyndai, 7909 Mall Parkway (Stonecrest), Lithonia. For more information, call Nesbitt at 770-624-9446.
RCCA to host mobile food drive for the needy The Resource Center for Community Action (RCCA) will have a mobile food pantry distribution on Nov. 19 from noon until the free food runs out. The program assists residents from Rockdale and surrounding communities. The drive-up distribution will be held in the parking lot of the Rockdale government annex at 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. For more information, call 770-760-1346 or 678-288-5433, ext. 101.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
NOVEMBER 14, 2015 • PAGE 5
Lithonia Chamber’s “amazing” evening benefits Lithonia high school students
T
he Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 22-year anniversary and inaugural scholarship dinner on Nov. 10 with a crowd of supporters at the Hilton Garden Inn Stonecrest. The sold-out event, which featured special guest speaker Juanita Baranco and keynote speaker CD Moody, raised money to support four high schools in Lithonia with 10 $500 scholarships that will be awarded to seniors. “It was an amazing evening. When we started the evening, we had six scholarships and then Mr. Moody committed to two additional scholarships and Mrs. Baranco wrote a check for two scholarships, bringing the number to 10,” said Doreen Carter, president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce. Carter said board member Aisha Danzy, who chaired the gala, did a phenomenal job. “She (Mrs. Danzy) made my dreams become a reality. I’ve been wanting to have a gala and I’ve been
L-R:Aisha Danzy, CD Moody and Doreen Cater
wanting to offer scholarships and on Tuesday, we accomplished both,” Carter said. The application for the scholarships will include an essay or video presentation that the students will prepare. A panel of judges will decide on the winners. Super sponsors for whom the scholarships will be named include: • Arabia Mountain Heritage Alliance • Peachstate Federal Credit Union • Residential Enhancement • Full Body Rejuvenation • Five Star Insurance • On Common Ground News “Ten scholarships are great and we hope to continue building on the momentum. We’re always looking for more people to join our great organization,” said Carter. Membership to the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce is $200 annually. For more information on membership and upcoming events, visit greaterlithoniachamber.com.
Juanita Baranco
L-R: Chamber board members Elaine Davis-Nickens, Kenneth Browner, Dr. Nailah Smith, Aisha Danzy, Doreen Carter, Cheryl Board, Bonnie Haynes, Valerie Morgan and Gregory Williams. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
Mistress of ceromonies Heidi Fuller
PAGE 6 •NOVEMBER 14, 2015
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Winners of the oratorical contest pose with Clerk of Court Ruth Wilson, school administrators and sponsors of the event. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Rockdale Middle School students take stage to show off oratorical skills
One Memorial Middle School student and two Davis Memorial Middle School students earned the top prizes—$500 each—in the Rockdale County Public Schools Middle School Oratorical Competition. Rockdale Clerk of Court Ruth Wilson sponsored the event, along with several corporate partners, on Nov. 7 at Conyers Middle School. Margaret Hwang, a sixth grade student at Memorial Middle, placed first for her grade level. Corey Kidd, a 7th grader, and Chaz Dooley, an 8th grader, also placed first in their grade level competitions. Both attend Davis Memorial Middle. Second place winners in the competition include Summer Watson, who is in sixth grade; Andrea Campbell, who is in 7th grade; and Avion Levermore, who is in 8th grade. All three attend Conyers Middle School and each received $350. Third place winners include Samuel Clark, who is in sixth grade at Davis Memorial; Connor Mack, who is in 7th grade at Memorial Middle; and Tymesha Kinda, who is in 8th grade at Edwards Middle School. All three received $150 for their speeches. The contestants competed by grade level on specific topics: 6th Grade: “Why Should I Volunteer” 7th Grade: “Imagine A World Where...” 8th Grade: “What It Means To Be A Leader”
• Macrae Brennan-Fuller - Public Affairs Specialist, Rockdale County
• Maria Brown - educator and consultant • Vicki Judd, Esq. - Asst. General Council, Department of Driver Services
The participating panel of judges include:
• Pam Lamar - executive director, The Arts
• Magistrate Court and Municipal Court Judge
• Judge Robert Mumford - Rockdale Superior Court • Maria Von Dickersohn - radio personality, voice-
Garland Moore
• Cory Thompson, formerly an EMMY-Award
winning television journalist who is currently director of marketing at Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Academy over artist
• Sponsors for the competition included Lexicon
Technologies, Snapping Shoals and Evans Tool and Die and the Rotary Club of Conyers.
Swearing in continued from page 1
important to them during the upcoming legislative session,” said Carter. Carter said she plans to make education, healthcare and jobs that provide living wages her top priorities. As president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, Carter said she is inviting the business community to the Chamber’s legislative breakfast, which will be held on Dec. 9, 8;30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Stone Manor events center, 3113 Stone Mountain St. Admission is $20 for guests who register in advance, and $25 at the door. Dr. Stephen Green, superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, will be the guest speaker. Elected officials whose constituents are in the Lithonia area have been invited to attend the meeting. For more information on the breakfast, visit greaterlithoniachamber.com. To view more photos and a video of the swearing-in ceremony for Doreen Carter, visit On Common Ground News(Official) on Facebook.
L-R: Niya Hadley, Christina Brown, Sarah White, Justin Spencer, Layla Dent, Amanda Pye, and Amanda Cathcart were among the contestants in the 4-H competitions
Rockdale students earn top spots in Georgia’s 4-H competitions
Three Rockdale County students took first place in the Georgia 4-H Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging competition, which was held on Nov. 5. Christina Brown of General Ray Davis Middle School; Layla Dent of Memorial Middle School; and Sarah White, a homeschool student ,competed as a team and placed first out of 11 junior teams in the North Georgia contest. In addition, Christina Brown took second place for Junior Student Overall out of 32 participating juniors. Teams are scored in two categories: Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging. Cotton Boll is a cotton related commercial or public service announcement created by the students and then presented to a panel of judges. The Consumer Judging portion of the competition requires the students to judge four classes of items based
around scenarios that are provided. This year, the students judged headphones, hoodies, family,cruises and trail mix. After judging is complete, the students must give verbal reasons as to why they placed the items in the order they chose. Rockdale County’s senior team consisting of Amanda Pye, Amanda Cathcart, Justin Spencer, and Niya Hadley placed sixth out of 12 senior teams that competed in the contest. The students spent weeks preparing for the competition by attending weekly practices held at the Rockdale County UGA Extension office. They learned about the items they will be judging and practice their cotton presentation in front of their peers and staff members. If your child is interested in joining 4-H, contact the Rockdale County UGA Extension office at 770-278-7373 or by email at britj112@uga.edu.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
People
TO CONTACT US
BY PHONE: 678-526-1910 BY FAX: 678-526-1909 BY E-MAIL: EDITOR@OCGNEWS.COM VISIT ONLINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
NOVEMBER 14, 2015 • PAGE 7
Movers & Shakers in the Community
Rockdale appoints new members to Development Authority
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners welcomes three new members to the Development Authority. Community leaders Deborah Armstrong, Sharon Mathis and Donald Murphy were sworn in Nov. 4 to serve a four-year term on the board. Armstrong, who serves as the Chief Executive Office of Rockdale Medical Center, is also the current chairman of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Governors. She also served as Rockdale Medical Center’s Chief Operating Officer and in various leadership roles with hospital systems throughout Georgia. A graduate of Leadership Rockdale, Armstrong invests her time in quality of life issues that impact residents. Also a graduate of Leadership Rockdale, Mathis is a small business owner in Rockdale. With 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, she currently owns Insurance Associates Atlanta, LLC. Mathis moved to Rockdale County in 1994 and has participated in the local rotary and several community service organizations. She looks
forward to attracting to Rockdale new residents and businesses. Murphy brings to the Development Authority a background in local and state government, which includes serving as an auditor and consultant. A small business owner in Rockdale, he is a certified public accountant with nearly 40 years of experience in financial management. As a resident and business owner, Murphy is excited about enhancing the quality of life of Rockdale citizens. The Development Authority consists of five members appointed by the Board of Commissioners with each member serving a four-year term. The president of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor of the City of Conyers and the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners each serve as ex-officio members. In their appointed positions on the Development Authority, Armstrong, Mathis and Murphy will join the other members in encouraging and promoting Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford swears in (from L-R) Donald the expansion and development of industrial and Murphy, Deborah Armstrong and Sharon Mathis to their new commercial facilities in Rockdale. positions on the Development Authority.
GPTC President receives Pacesetter award
Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Jabari Simama has been awarded the 2015 District Pacesetter of the Year Award. The award was made during the 2015 District 2 Annual Conference of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR). The Pacesetter Award recognizes a president or CEO at a two-year technical college, community college or district office who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and support in the area of technical and community college communications, marketing and public relations. Dr. Simama was recognized
for his vision in putting communications excellence at the heart of his strategic plan for the college and for his on-going support of marketing and communications initiatives. The Pacesetter Award is presented annually in each of NCMPR›s seven districts. The district winners are then considered for the national award. The national 2016 Pacesetter of the Year award will be presented next year during NCMPR’s 42nd Annual National Conference. The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations is a professional organization for individuals involved
Braces for Children & Adults • Free Consultation
• Low Monthly Payments Starting at $89 • Metal and Clear Braces for Children & Adults • Invisalign Certified • Saturday Appointments Available Upon Request
770-482-7400 8200 Mall Parkway, Suite B 200, Lithonia, GA 30038 M-F 8:30am to 5:30 • www.Lithoniabraces.com
Dr. Jamal A. Duval, DDS, MS
6007- B Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA • 404-549-3428 _____________ _____________ SIDE ITEMS Baked Beans Broccoli Casserole Coleslaw Collard Green Okra
Open 7 Days 6 A.M. - 10 P.M
Green Beans Crinkle Cut Fries Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Mac & Cheese Potato Wedges
Weekdays Breakfast 6 A.M. - 12 NOON
Weekend Breakfast 7 A.M. - 12 NOON
in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior and technical colleges. NCMPR provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves, and recognizes professional excellence. District 2, the largest among the seven districts, consists of the following southeastern states and areas: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and The Bahamas.
Dr. Jabari Simama
PAGE 8 •NOVEMBER 14, 2015
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
DeKalb announces SPLOST Citizen Review Committee
Congressman Hank Johnson joins Publix in contribution to Atlanta Food Bank U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson joined Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) President Kyle Waide, United Way of Metro Atlanta President Milton Little and several members of the Publix foundation as the supermarket chain donated $120,000 to the ACFB to purchase a refrigerated delivery truck. Under its Publix Super Markets Charities group, the grocery giant also donated $55,000 worth of food to the ACFB. “This generous donation will make a tremendous impact on the lives of those who Hank Johnson struggle to feed themselves in our community,” said ACFB President and CEO Kyle Waide. “As we start the holiday season, we are incredibly grateful to receive a gift that increases our capacity to get food to those who need it most.” Johnson, who served as a guest speaker at the event, said it was an honor for him to be able to join Publix as they gave their generous donation to the ACFB.
DeKalb County has taken one of the first steps toward a 2016 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum by announcing members of a SPLOST Citizen Review Committee. Pursuant to HB 215, signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal, DeKalb County has the ability to call for a referendum that would levy a 1% sales tax through a SPLOST and apply 100 percent of the Homestead Option Sales Tax (HOST) to property tax reduction. The HOST would then apply equally to residents in unincorporated and incorporated municipalities. Both the SPLOST and HOST referendums must be adopted by majority vote for either to apply. In anticipation of placing the referendum on the November 2016 ballot, DeKalb has created a SPLOST Citizens Review Committee to lead the public input process and develop the list of projects for the referendum. The SPLOST Citizen Review Committee is as follows: Committee Member: Nominated By: Robert Miller District 1 Commissioner Nancy Jester Gordon Kenna District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader Alice Bussey District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson Terry Brantley District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton Willie Lewis District 5 Commissioner Mereda DavisJohnson John Keys District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon Bruce McMillan District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson Markus Butts ICEO Lee May Dave Sjoquist ICEO Lee May Each committee member resides within their respective districts to ensure viewpoints from the entire county are considered equitably. DeKalb County is committed to developing a citizen-led list of eligible projects to be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for deliberation and ultimate confirmation. The responsibility of the Committee will include, but will not be limited to ensuring that SPLOST projects are citizen driven, ensuring that opportunities for public input are created, that there is a sufficient and transparent public input process, and assisting the county in identifying and prioritizing its future infrastructure needs.
Candidates sought for DeKalb’s new Board of Ethics On Nov. 3, voters of DeKalb County approved the revision of DeKalb County’s Board of Ethics. This revision included the composition of the board and the appointment process. As provided by the new law, the chief Judge of DeKalb County shall appoint a member to the Board. Tangela M. Barrie, Chief Judge DeKalb Superior Court is seeking candidates to consider for this appointment. To learn more about the position, visit http://ow.ly/ U3D6Z. All interested candidates must meet the following criteria:
Build your dream home at...
THURGOOD ESTATES starting from the 300’s
6 presold homes under consturction! Only 20 homesites remaining build your dream home from the High $300’s-600’s Carmen Johnson, Associate Broker Carmen & Company Luxury Realtors Palmerhouse Properties & Associates cell 678 898-3404 www.CarmenandCompany.com facebook.com/carmenandco
1. Must be a resident of DeKalb County for at least one year prior to appointment; 2. Has not served as a member of an agency or been an official or employee of DeKalb within a two (2) year period prior to serving on the board and cannot do so while serving on the board; 3. Cannot have, or have had within the immediately preceding two (2) year period prior to appointment, any interest in any contract, transaction or official action of DeKalb County; 4. Cannot have been a candidate for or elected to public office in the immediately preceding three (3) year period; 5. Shall have professional knowledge or expertise in matters of ethics, finance, governance or the law; and 6. Must undergo an education and employment background check (and cannot serve if a convicted felon).
Those with an interest who meet the above criteria should send their resume to enowells@dekalbcountyga.gov by Dec. 11, 2015. Judge Barrie plans to conduct selective interviews the following week and make an announcement of her selection before Dec. 25, 2015.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
RCSO seeks public’s help locating missing endangered adult The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Christopher McEwan, a 27-year-old man who is 6’0 and weighs 150 pounds. On Nov. 3, McEwan took a cab from his Conyers home and t old family he was going to the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, black hoodie, black shoes, red drawstring backpack In 2012, McEwan left home and was found in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He is diagnosed with and under medical treatment for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, the Sheriff’s Office said. He has ne He o violent tendencies, but is apprehensive around strangers. “The last tip we received is that he might have been Christopher McEwan in the Jonesboro area, but we still have not been able to locate him,” said RCSO Cpl. Michael Camp. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Sgt. Michael Cobb at 770-278-8154 or call 9-1-1.
L-R: Demonte Grant, Cameron Williams and Jermaine Grant
Three teens face malice murder, felony murder charges
A DeKalb County grand jury indicted three teens for the murder of Shaneku McCurty. Cameron Williams, Demonte Grant and Jermaine Grant face malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault charges for the Oct. 23 shooting at a local gas station. They will be tried as adults. Williams, 16, and brothers Demonte Grant, 15, and Jermaine Grant, 16, took part in the events at the Redan Road Chevron convenience store and gas station, according to the indictment. During the attempted armed robbery, an altercation occurred between one of the co-defendants and McCurty, resulting in her death. “These are very serious crimes that these young men have been charged with,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James. “Our office takes no pleasure in indicting juveniles as adults, however, these senseless acts of violence and this tragic loss of life begs for a response.” No arraignment date has been scheduled for the three co-defendants.
NOVEMBER 14,2015 • PAGE 9
PAGE 10 •NOVEMBER 14, 2015
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
City of Atlanta launches website for Renew Atlanta Infrastructure Program The City of Atlanta has launched a new website for the public to learn about and follow the progress of the Renew Atlanta infrastructure bond program, www.renewatlantabond. com. The Renew Atlanta program was approved by more than eight in ten voters in a special election held earlier this year. Over five years, the City of Atlanta plans to complete more than two hundred transportation and municipal facility projects, including major repairs and upgrades from an infrastructure maintenance backlog of nearly $900 million. Visitors to the site can see up-todate project listings for each category of the bond program, including road resurfacing, bridge repairs, complete streets projects, and upgrades to parks
and recreation facilities across the city. Last week, Mayor Kasim Reed announced Faye DiMassimo as the new General Manager of the Renew Atlanta bond program, effective December. DiMassimo will bring her expertise and strong track record of managing large, complex projects to the Renew Atlanta program. “The City of Atlanta is proud to provide a website for the public to learn about and follow the progress of more than two hundred Renew Atlanta infrastructure bond projects,” said Dan Gordon, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta. “Mayor Reed’s vision is to make the single largest investment in the look, feel and experience of our city in modern times. With this new, publicfacing website and Faye DiMassimo as General Manager, Atlanta residents can
Calvin Sims to discuss personal safety at community meeting DeKalb County community activist Calvin Sims will present a talk to the Chapman Mill/Redan Park Homeowners Association on “Personal Safety in the 21st Century” on Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Berean Christian Church Youth Worship Center, 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain. Sims said he is presenting the talk in the wake of the Oct. 22 shooting involving three teens (two of whom are brothers) who were involved in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Shaneku McCurty. Cameron Williams, 16, the accused shooter, and brothers Demonte Grant, 16, and Jermaine Grant, 15, were indicted this week as adults for McCurty’s murder and attempted carjacking.
Like Us On Facebook:
WW.FACEBOOK.COM/ OCGNEWS
track our progress and feel confident in the City’s management of this important program.” In the months since the infrastructure bonds were approved, the City of Atlanta has completed extensive planning work and preparation to execute on multiple projects across all three rounds of work in the five-year program, including traffic signal synchronization. As the infrastructure program moves forward into construction on projects like the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Natatorium in the Historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, visitors to the website can track progress and spending. In addition, the website will host information about upcoming public meetings for those projects requiring additional research and planning, such
as the proposed changes to DeKalb Avenue. Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the new website and the Renew Atlanta program through the site’s feedback page. The City of Atlanta borrowed $250 million in bond funds earlier this year, after Atlanta voters overwhelmingly approved two ballot questions. The bonds will be repaid through cost savings identified by the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Waste & Efficiency in Government, a panel made up of business leaders, union representatives and elected officials. The City was able to borrow these funds at historically low interest rates due to its financial stability and strong credit ratings. The bonds will have no impact on property taxes for Atlanta residents.
Senior Connections’ golf and tennis tournament rescheduled
Senior Connections’ annual Swing Fore Seniors Golf and Tennis Tournament, originally scheduled for early November, is rescheduled for Monday, Nov. 30. There are still slots available for both tennis and golf. Limited tee signage is also still available for sponsorships. “The weather may stop – or delay – a golf tournament, but it can’t stop our meal deliveries,” said Debra Furtado, chief executive officer of Senior Connections. “The Swing Fore Seniors Golf and Tennis Tournament raises critical funds for our Meals On Wheels program.” The event will still be hosted at the Dunwoody Country Club and registration and shotgun start for golf and tennis will start at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. respectively. Proceeds will go toward supporting Senior Connections’ programs and Atlanta-area seniors. To register, players can sign up at www.seniorconnectionsatl.org. If you have any questions, contact Sharon Steele at 770-216-2576 or ssteele@ seniorconnectionsatl.org.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
NOVEMBER 14, 2015 • PAGE 11
CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503. Goat Lawn Service. Need your yard cut, raked, or aerated. Call 678953-0063. Help Wanted ADVIR HOME CARE Now Interviewing CNA’s, for private duty home care. Visit our website @ ADVIRHOMECARE.ORG to apply only sincere caring individuals are needed.
PURCHASE YOUR CLASSIFIED 4 WEEKS $75
PURCHASE ME FOR
$
75
CALL 678-526-1910
J U S T W E AV E S
$
NEW LOCATION!!
40
Exp 11-30-15
1ST & 15TH ONLY Formally The Weave Stop 2091 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA
404-284-8833
On Common Ground News Marketplace DEKALB COUNTY
INTERIOR DESIGN
RESTAURANTS
770-484-3355 2910 EVANS MILL ROAD, LITHONIA, GA
WEEKLY LUNCH SPECIAL
DECORATING DEN INTERIORS
FULTON COUNTY
GWINNETT COUNTY
CATERING
BEAUTY SUPPLIES
INSURANCE
ROCKDALE COUNTY
®
BARBARA ELLIOTT & JENNIFER WARD WOODS 917 Main Street, Stone Mountain GA
(770) 498-7780 • www.decdens.com/belliott
PHOTOGRAPHY
BEAUTY SALONS
ACCOUNTING
REAL ESTATE
Visit these advertisers @ OCGNEWS.COM Want to spotlight your business? 678-526-1910
PAGE 12 •NOVEMBER 14, 2015
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Cosmetic & General Dentistry Recline in Comfort & Watch TV During Your Treatment !!
Mon- Thurs 8am-5pm Every other Friday 8am-5pm
New Patients Welcome! Power Bleaching- Zoom Invisible Braces (Invisalign) Dental Implants Tooth-Colored Fillings Crown & Bridges Porcelain Veneers Low- Radiation X-Rays Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS
www.beautifulsmiledds.com
!
Se Habla Espanol!
8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155 Lithonia, GA 30038 • (770) 484-4051 Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)