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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 35
DECEMBER 13, 2019
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Miss Nigeria receives keys to the City of Stonecrest
M
iss Nigeria, Olutosin Araromi, visited Stonecrest City Hall, two days after competing in the Miss Universe 2018 Pageant in Atlanta. Mayor Jason Lary presented Aaromi with keys to the city and congratulated Araromi for her participation in the Dec. 8 pageant, along with Araromi’s roommate, Zozibini Tunzi, Miss South Africa, who took the crown at the pageant. “It was a great honor to meet Miss
Nigeria. On behalf of the City of Stonecrest, I presented her the keys to our city to show our appreciation and support for what she and Miss Universe and others like them represent as role models for young, black women around the world.” Miss South Africa beat out 89 other contestants for the Miss Universe 2019 crown. She was joined by Miss Puerto Rico, Madison Anderson, and Miss Mexico, Sofia Aragon, as the top three contestants.
Mayor Jason Lary honors Miss Nigeria, Olutosin Araromi on Dec. 10.
Flooding at Grady Hospital prompts closure of 62 patient beds
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
DeKalb seniors bring warmth to holidays with blankets of love By Mackenzie N. Morgan The East Lake Family YMCA Active Older Adults senior group (AOA) has spent the past year putting their sewing needles to good use with one goal in mind— to bring a little extra warmth to the less fortunate during the holiday season. The group will be gifting
over 50 handmade blankets to local homeless shelters, hospital patients and families in need. Fitness instructor and AOA member Ranette “Ray Ray” Clark, 56, helped launch the program nearly two years ago after a member suggested starting a knitting program. Other members with different niches from knitting
to crochet to looming came together to form the collective and to offer others the opportunity to learn. “Our blankets are 100 percent handmade with love. This project is very special to us because it gives us a chance to share our skills while helping others,” said Clark.
SEE YMCA page 7
Gunman convicted in fatal shooting of 6-year-old Decatur boy
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by guilty plea in the murder and aggravated assault case against a Decatur man accused of killing a 6-year-old boy and attempting to strike a police officer with his car. During plea proceedings on Dec. 11, Meshon Williams, 18, entered a guilty plea to charges of felony murder, aggravated assault (eight counts), fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The extensive list of charges against Williams stems from a series of events spanning several days in May 2018. On May 5, 2018, police responded to a ‘person shot’ call in the 3000 block of Sweetgum Lane in Decatur. The victim, Z’Mari Mitchell, was lying on his living room floor suffering from a single gunshot wound to his head. The child was rushed to the hospital, but died four days later from his
injuries. The investigation revealed that defendant Williams drove a group of teen girls to the home to confront the victim’s sister over a social media spat involving a boy. After a brief altercation, the teens fled the home into a waiting vehicle with the Williams behind the wheel. Shortly after taking off, Williams stopped the vehicle, exited the car and began firing toward the victim’s home, with at least one bullet piercing through the wall and striking the young boy.
SEE GUNMAN page 2
Grady Memorial Hospital is making significant progress in its recovery following the break of a pressurized 24-inch diameter water pipe on Dec. 7, DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson shared in her electronic newsletter. Repairs to the pipe were complete by Dec. 9, Monday morning, and visitation restrictions were lifted Tuesday. Electrical repairs continue in the affected patient care tower, and may take up to three weeks to complete. During that time, 30 percent of the hospital elevators will remain out of service, officials said in a release. Cleanup and repairs have begun in the patient units significantly damaged by flooding. “We hope to reopen 62 beds to patient care within a week. There are 158 beds located in damaged units that will be off-line for several months of repair and restoration work. Those efforts have already begun,” hospital officials said. “We continue to work collaboratively with metro area providers on any additional patient transfers, keeping the best interest of the patient at the forefront of our decisions.” The hospital moved several patients from water-damaged areas to other units at Grady, as well as discharged some patients home. Forty-five Grady patients were accepted by other hospitals for inpatient care and nearly 30 were safely transported to post-acute care facilities. “We are grateful that some Atlanta hospitals have been able to step in and deliver patient care during our emergency. We recognize the serious burden these institutions experienced as they collectively provided care to those who were not able to come to our emergency department via ambulance,” the hospital stated. “Grady averages over 450 emergency room visits per day however, due to our diversion status, we have only been able to care for about 200 patients per day who arrived at our emergency room on their own.” The hospital said it is working with its hospital partners, the state, and emergency management agencies to eliminate full diversion at Grady.
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GUNMAN
On Friday, November 22, 2019, at approximately 1:50 PM, two suspects purchased a large amount of gift cards and other items using fraudulent credit cards. The suspects left in
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Authorities recovered a total of 31 onanonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers May 10, 2018, after leading on a Tipsters will remain with any informa�on: Call: 404.577.TIPS (8477) Click: shell casings from the scene. high-speed chase along Kelly Lake www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org Two days prior to that incident, Drive in Decatur. Williams ignored Friday, 22, 2019, at approximately 1:50 PM,and two suspects purc Friday, November 22,November 2019, at approximately 1:50control PM, twodevices suspects purchased a large WilliamsOn rammed a On police vehicle several traffic amount of gift cards and other items using fraudulent credit cards. The susp amount of gift cards and other items using fraudulent credit cards. The suspects left in several times after being cornered the silver struck another motorist before 2017 Audi RS7 with tag a dealership the silver 2017 Audi RS7 with a dealership displayed.tag displayed. by DeKalb County Police officers bringing the car to a stop. He exited outside �n� informa�on re�ardin� these persons of interest ma� result in a cash of the Spring Valley the vehicle and ran to an area of �n� informa�on re�ardin� these persons of interest ma� result in a cash Apartments on Misty Waters Drive in brush where a K9 Unit tracked his reward of up to $2,000.00. Decatur.reward of up to $2,000.00. Authorities were attempting scent. He was taken into custody to stop Williams and question him without further incident. Following Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers about the stolen vehicle he was his arrest, Williams admitted his with any informa�on: Call: 404.577.TIPS (8477) Click: driving.with any informa�on: Call: 404.577.TIPS (8477) Click: As Williams attempted to involvement in the aforementioned www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org exit the www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org complex, DeKalb Police crimes. Officer E. Mayweather, who was Williams was sentenced to life standing outside of his patrol car with with the possibility of parole, plus his gun drawn, ordered Williams to five years on probation, by DeKalb “stop.” After ignoring the officer’s County Superior Court Judge repeated commands, Williams began Courtney Johnson, who presided charging towards the officer with over plea proceedings. his vehicle, forcing him back inside The case was prosecuted by the car to safety. After ramming the Deputy Chief Assistant District patrol car several times, Williams Attorney Buffy Thomas with fled the scene, giving a brief chase to assistance from Senior ADA Ashley police before getting away. O’Neal and DA Investigator Waine Williams was ultimately captured Pinckney.
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DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 3
Stonecrest Mayor Lary welcomes Tammy Grimes, Revonda Cosby PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. 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 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com
Stonecrest City Council approves 2020 operating budget The Stonecrest City Council approved its general operating budget for Fiscal Year 2020 at its Dec. 9 meeting in a 5-0 vote. In a separate 4-1 vote, the council approved the contract with Jacobs, (formerly CH2M), which was hired to manage the city’s administration. Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble cast the dissenting vote, after raising several questions about a 1.4 percent increase in the lump-sum contract for services with Jacobs. The council passed a proposed budget of $10,460,900, a 7.2 percent increase over the 2019 budget of $9, 704,911. The budget includes an average 3 percent cost-of-living raise for staff employees and a 1.4 percent increase ($217,000) for Jacobs, bringing the firm’s contract to $5.1 million for next year. The proposed budget includes funding for 38 full-time positions that Jacobs
would oversee. Mayor Jason Lary said he was comfortable with the increase for Jacobs. He said the firm has served the city well since it was hired after Stonecrest was incorporated as a municipality in 2017. Jacobs provided the money needed to set up the city, including funding staffing, equipment, vehicles and leases until the city’s revenues began to come in, Lary said. “$217,000 on $5.1 million? I’m OK with that kind of margin difference. There is some level of margin in business for miscellaneous things that we can’t account for and I’m comfortable with the margin difference,” said Lary. Joel Thibodeaux, the city’s auditor, agreed. “It’s a fee-for-services contract. That means that whatever the services are, Jacobs is obligated to fulfill those services—regardless
SEE STONECREST page 7
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary introduced the public to two new community leaders at the Dec. 9 City Council meeting: Revonda Cosby, the new executive director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, and Tammy Grimes, who won the Dec. 3 runoff for the District 5 City Council seat. Grimes did not participate as a voting council member during the City Council meeting because she had not
Mayor Jason Lary and Executive Director Revonda Cosby
Mayor Jason Lary and Councilwoman-Elect Tammy Grimes
SEE WELCOMES page 7
DeKalb BOC approves $1.6 million for improvements in District 4 DeKalb County’s District 4 is slated to receive some major upgrades. The Board of Commissioners approved $1.6 million for improvements at Avondale Dunaire Park, Needham Park, Mystery Valley Golf Course, funding for traffic radar signs and the expansion of the county’s summer jobs program for youths. Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, who represents District 4, secured the support of the board for the improvements at the board’s Dec. 10
SEE BOC page 7
PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 13, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Stonecrest community volunteers to be honored Dec. 19 Stonecrest District 4 Councilman George Turner and District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble will honor community volunteers in their districts during a Town Hall meeting on Dec. 19, 6 p.m., at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, 3800 Miles E. Fowler Way, Stonecrest. The meeting will be Jazzmin Cobble George Turner held in the church’s Fellowship Hall. “It’s the season for giving and we wanted to honor the volunteers who have given all year to their community. They put in the work and their dedication and service means a lot to the city,” said Turner. Turner, who is heading the city’s 2020 U.S. Census Complete Count efforts, said preparation updates for the census count will be shared. The community is invited to enjoy food, refreshments and holiday music.
DeKalb Cultural Exchange’s December breakfast cancelled The December DeKalb Cultural Exchange Community Breakfast has been cancelled and will resume Jan. 11, 2020.
City of Stonecrest hosts first Christmas tree lighting The City of Stonecrest held its inaugural Christmas tree lighting at City Hall on Dec. 12. Dozens of citizens joined Mayor Jason Lary and the city’s First Lady, Debbie Lary, as well as other city officials for the historic event., which included holiday music and refreshments. The celebration marked a three-year milestone. Mayor Lary is considered the founder of the city, which has 54,000 residents. Lary spent years pushing for the city’s incorporation. Citizens voted to incorporate Stonecrest as a municipality in 2016.
King Center to host 37th Salute to Greatness Awards Gala
Christmas concert set at the Monastery The Monastery of the Holy Spirit welcomes the community to celebrate the holiday season at the annual Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Monastery’s Abbey Church, 2625 Highway 212 S.W., Conyers. Music Director Robert Henry will present the concert, now in its 40th year, in conjunction with the Atlanta Boy Choir and its Men’s Alumni Chorus. The program also will include a small chamber group (SATB), featured Artists-in-Residence singers, and a special piano recital by the director and renowned concert pianist, Dr. Robert Henry. Guests will hear classical compositions, along with traditional carols, spirituals and Latin hymns. Accompanied by harp, flute, oboe, violin, cello, piano, and harpsichord, the concert invites the audience to listen to crisp notes and beautiful voices. Attendees are advised to purchase tickets early as this concert sells out quickly. This is a “one performance” event.
Rockdale BOC Chairman invites clergy to attend Pastor’s Table Rockdale County Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. is hosting The Pastor’s Table on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, 6 p.m., at Coaxum’s Low Country Cuisine, 1300 Iris Dr SW, Conyers. Local faith leaders in Rockdale County will network and speak with the Chairman and other religious leaders, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about opportunities to serve the community. Senior level church leaders in Rockdale are encouraged to attend. Space is limited to only one senior level religious leader or associate religious leader per house of prayer. Oz Nesbitt Space is available on a first come, first-served basis. The theme for the event is “Fish and Grits.” The topics will include but will not be limited to: how local government and church leaders can collaborate at a greater level, how local government can help church leaders, and how to ensure churches are properly registered. To RSVP for the event, email Sitarah Coote at sitarah.coote@ rockdalecountyga.gov by Friday, Jan. 31.
The King Center will host its 37th Salute to Greatness Awards Gala in celebration of the annual King Holiday Observance on Saturday, Jan.18, 2020, 7 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street, NE in Atlanta. The annual signature fundraiser is a preeminent gala awards ceremony honoring individuals, corporations, humanitarians, activists and other organizations whose leadership has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, The King Center is proud to salute: • Cathy Hughes, founder and chairwoman, Urban One, Inc.,Salute to Greatness Individual Award • Kellogg Company, Salute to Greatness Corporate Award • Sonjia Waller Young, CEO, Eventions, Inc. and president Young Eventions Group, Christine King Farris Legacy of Service Award • Jaden Smith, actor, musician and activist, Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award (Individual) • Youth Service America, Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award (Organization) • Kirstie Ennis, president of the Kirstie Ennis Foundation, Yolanda D. King Higher Ground Award. “It was important to my mother, Coretta Scott King, founder of The King Center, to recognize the leadership of those who carried on the work of building a just, humane and peaceful world through their work and actions in the spirit of my father,” said Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center. “We are a better world because of the individuals and corporations we choose to honor every year, and hope to hold them up as an inspiration to others. We all can play a part in building the Beloved Community my father envisioned.” Funds raised during the Salute to Greatness Awards Gala are used to support free programming and events throughout the year that are open to the public, and the nonviolence work and training activities around Nonviolence365®.
Hillcrest Church of Christ
1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm
BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am
“Pre-Thanksgiving Singing Concert. The Church of Christ United Worship Chorale will be supporting The Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Relief Effort on Saturday November 23rd from 4 to 6pm. Donations will be collected at the Concert.”
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DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 5
Race Against Violence 5K celebrates 10th anniversary and donation to Project ReNeWal The Race Against Violence (RAV) 5K capped off its 10th Anniversary by making a donation to the local shelter for victims of family violence, Project Renewal. Judge Nancy Bills of the Rockdale County State Court and chair of the Rockdale County Task Force Against Family Violence, presented Vickie Stevenson, executive director of Project Renewal, with a check for $16,000. Stevenson said the annual donation is extremely helpful every year with expenses that are not normally covered by grants. The donation is a result of the 5K run, which was held in October. Nearly 200 participants ran in the cold, rainy morning event. In addition to the runners, the RAV also
received support from 76 sponsors who raised nearly $22,000. This year’s event brings the total raised to approximately $147,000 over 10 years. The weekend activities began with the pre-race party at Mellow Mushroom in Conyers, where participants picked up their commemorative backpack full of giveaways. Judge Bills kicked off the 10th Anniversary celebration by recognizing sponsors who have participated every year. They include Dr. Bruce Beeber; Jorge Flores; Qader Baig; Conyers First Methodist Church; Black Ink; Creative Hair; Marchman Consulting; Cowan Ace Hardware; Premier Platforms; Mellow Mushroom; Olde Town Awards; Snapping Shoals EMC;
Rockdale State Court Judge Nancy Bills presents check to Vickie Stevenson, executive director of Project ReNeWal.
Walton EMC; City of Conyers; and the Olde Town Runners. Race organizers are already planning for next year’s race, which will be held on Oct. 24, 2020.
For more information about the RAV, visit rockdaleaware.com or contact Derek Marchman at 678938-5799.
Davis Bozeman law firm presents community service awards at annual holiday affair The Davis Bozeman law firm honored community three leaders on Dec. 7 at its annual holiday affair, which was held at the Gathering Spot. Fox 5’s Portia Bruner served as master of ceremonies for the Community Service Awards program. This year’s honorees included DeKalb’s Chief Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson, Deputy Solicitor General Kenya Johnson and substance
abuse counselor Original Michael. “As a socially conscious law firm, we are proud to honor individuals and organizations that help build our community. The three honorees this year for the Davis Bozeman Community Service Awards are truly deserving,” Robert Bozeman, Managing Partner. Attorney Mawuli Davis, founding partner, urged the community to do its part by supporting the Kilombo Academic and Cultural Institute,
which offers students an African-centered, educational learning experience. “The holiday season reminds us of the need to give and serve. We encourage our guests and supporters to donate to Kilombo Academic and Cultural Institute.” Donate to Kilombo Academic and Cultural Institute by visiting http://kilomboschool.com
Pictured left to right: GSBA Sponsor Tom Kamierski, Rockdale County BOE Chairwoman Katrina Young, Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Terry Oatts, Rockdale County BOE member Sandra Jackson-Lett, GSBA President Frank Griffin receives inaugural Leading Edge Award.
Rockdale County BOE wins GSBA “Leading Edge Award” The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently honored by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) with the inaugural “Leading Edge Award,” which highlights school districts that are leading the way in ensuring students are competitive in an ever-changing global market. The board was recognized for its innovative college and career readiness efforts during the Georgia School Boards Association / Georgia School Superintendents Association Annual Conference, Dec. 5-6 in Atlanta. “We commend the Rockdale County Board of Education on receiving the GSBA Leading Edge Award,” said Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Terry Oatts. “Our Board of Education, which has a history of leading the way through innovative practices, is committed to providing all students with options and opportunities to be successful. Through its collaborative strategic planning process and active community involvement, the Board and school system are able to respond to the changing needs of our families and local community and position our students for success on the global stage.” The nomination for the GSBA Leading Edge Award highlighted RCPS college and career readiness efforts such as the creation of Rockdale Career Academy, which enrolls more than 1,800 high school students, robust partnerships with community businesses and organizations, growing Dual Enrollment programs allowing high schools students to earn college credit, the wide array of Career, Technical, Agricultural, Education (CTAE) offerings – including more than 30 career pathways in high schools and eight offerings in middle schools – and Work-Based Learning program with 159 students at 96 area employers. The graduation rate for RCPS students involved in CTAE programs is 96.37 percent, closely aligned with the state-wide rate which rose to 96.54 percent for 2019. This rate applies to students who complete a Career Pathway, which requires three years of prescribed coursework. The Rockdale BOE was named a GSBA Exemplary Board, the highest status in the GSBA Board Recognition Program, in 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2015. The GSBA Board Recognition Program was paused during 2017 and revised to require an even higher level of commitment from school boards and individual members.
a d r u t Sa
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THANK YOU!
Retired State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams salutes the DeKalb Chapter of the Albany State University Alumni Association for donating over 1,000 toys and bikes for local families in need this holiday season. Event registration now closed.
ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, DEKALB CHAPTER
www.asuramsdekalb.com
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PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 13, 2019
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THE “REAL BLACK SANTA” COMES TO CITY OF STONECREST
From left to right: Stonecrest Parks and Recreation staff Tamieka Porter, Sean Depalma and Sheldon Fleming pose for a picture at the Real Black Santa holiday bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Browns Mill Recreation Center in the City of Stonecrest.
Lesha Little attended the event as a vendor with her business Basket Kreationz which offers custom and specialty gift baskets.
Santa Claus was on hand for family Christmas portraits at the Real Black Santa community event.
Children eagerly await their turn to sit with St. Nick during the holiday party, which featured inflatable bounce houses, a vendors market, music and refreshments.
THE CONYERS CHRISTMAS PARADE PRESENTS “CHRISTMAS IN THE SOUTH”
Left to right: Newly-elected City Council members Connie Alsobrook and Valyncia Smith greeted Conyers residents with smiles and candy during the annual Christmas parade.
Local step team dancers pranced down the streets of Olde Town Conyers during the Christmas parade.
Crowds of people lined the streets of Olde Towne to watch the parade.
Students from Rockdale County High School marching band played holiday tunes while marching through downtown Conyers at the Conyers Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett and his entourage waved at the crowd.
Georgia Cancer Specialists collect suitcases for foster children Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) is hosting the 18th annual Totes to Tots drive to collect backpacks and suitcases for foster children in Georgia. Donations of new backpacks, duffel bags and suitcases will be accepted at locations across the state. More than 14,000 children, from infants to teenagers, are currently in the foster care system in Georgia. Many of these children shuffle their belongings in garbage bags when they are removed from their homes. Totes to Tots aims to change that by giving every foster child in Georgia a new backpack,
duffel bag or suitcase. Since Totes to Tots launched in 2003, the annual volunteer event has collected and distributed more than 60,000 bags. GCS partners with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to distribute the bags in the counties in which they’re collected. Tom C. Rawlings, director of DFCS, praised those who support the program, which helps to bring a measure of comfort and respect to Georgia’s foster children. “The Totes to Tots program allows children in foster care the ability to transport their belongings with a sense of dignity,” said
Rawlings. “By providing backpacks and luggage, Totes to Tots offers our children a sense of stability during an uncertain time.” Totes to Tots was originally held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a way to honor Dr. King’s vision of philanthropy and give back to the community. The event is now held the preceding Thursday-Saturday to kick-off a weekend of service in his honor. “Dr. Martin Luther King said, ‘Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly;’ that is why the [GCS] physicians and staff take pride in celebrating his memory by
participating in Totes to Tots for the 18th consecutive year,” said Dr. Cheryl Jones, vice president and chief medical officer at GCS. By positively supporting foster children through this program, we are impacting not only their ability to feel valued, but our future when they succeed. Additional sponsorship is being provided by Courier Express, Perimeter Office Products and Akerman LLP. For more information about Totes to Tots and a list of dropoff locations, visit gacancer.com/ locations.
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DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 7
Anisa International launches match donation campaign to benefit LifeLine Animal Project The holiday spirit of generosity has arrived early at LifeLine Animal Project, thanks to a generous gift from Anisa Telwar Kaicker and her team at Anisa Internationa. Anisa International is supporting LifeLine with matching holiday donations for the eighth consecutive year. The organization has pledged to l match every dollar donated – up to $50,000 – through Dec. 31. The campaign will feature some very special stories of adoption matches made possible by the donations. “We are so grateful for the continued support of Anisa and her team at Anisa International,” said Rebecca Guinn, CEO of LifeLine Animal Project. “Their generous grants have helped us take huge strides in making Atlanta a lifesaving city for shelter animals.” LifeLine Animal Project was founded in 2002 with the mission to end the shelter euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals. Since taking over management of both the DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services shelters in 2013, LifeLine has increased adoptions by over 300 percent, officials say. LifeLine most recently opened the Anisa Telwar Kaicker Community Animal Center, which boasts a new shelter that will enable LifeLine to save even more animals, and a fullservice, low-cost veterinary clinic, making pet care more accessible to all. Anisa International, a global leader in the
design and creation of unique beauty tools and solutions, recognizes LifeLine’s impact on the metro Atlanta area and is a committed partner in the organization’s fight to make Atlanta a lifesaving community. “The season of giving is my favorite time of the year because it’s a time for communities to open their hearts and to help those in need,” says Anisa Telwar Kaicker, founder and CEO of Anisa International. “Lifeline Animal Project is such a deserving organization, and Anisa International is proud to continue our support of their mission to provide lifesaving solutions to Atlanta’s animals.” LifeLine not only cares for the animals in its four shelters, but also serves communities in need through the LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinics, which have performed over 135,000 free or lowcost spay/neuter surgeries; Pets for Life, a doorto-door outreach approach which provides free veterinary services and supplies people who have little access to them; and Healthy Pets events, which provide thousands of pets annually with free vaccines, microchips, spay/neuters and pet supplies. For more information on LifeLine, visit LifeLineAnimal.org. To help save twice the lives this season, donate, visit LifeLineAnimal. org/HolidayMatch or send a check by mail to LifeLine Animal Project, P.O. Box 15466, Atlanta, GA 30333.
BOC continued from page 3 meeting. previous commitment.” The board The Board of allocated $1 Commissioners also million for capitol approved: improvements at •$345,000 for Avondale Dunaire improvements at Park, which is Needham Park, which located at the was established in intersection of 1930 as part of the J.F. DeKalb Commissioner George Luther McClendon subdivision. Steve Bradshaw Drive and Memorial The park sits on Drive. Bradshaw said the park approximately three acres on upgrades are an important McClendon Drive in Scottdale. component to the long overdue The funding will address revitalization of the Memorial stream and habitat restoration, Drive corridor between I-28 and protection and enhancements; Stone Mountain. The 16-acre as well as improvements to park is located near the former park access and seating and site of a massive tire dump, community gathering spots as which also would be put to good recommended by the Friends of use. Needham Park, which received “Just imagine: what was once a Park Pride Visioning grant to literally a mosquito-infested study the park needs. dumping ground for old tires • $200,000 for capital could become something that improvements at the aging is special and potentially a Mystery Valley Golf Course. destination point for residents Opened in 1966, the 18-hole and visitors to the area,” golf course was voted in the Bradshaw said. “As I stated 1970s by Golf Digest as one of at the beginning of the master the top 50 courses in America. planning process, I would be Today, however, capital ready to allocate a significant improvements are necessary to amount of the remaining restore the golf club, Bradshaw District 4 Park Bonds Funds said. to help make the plan a reality. • $30,736 from Bradshaw’s This allocation represents midyear reserve funds to me following through on that purchase traffic radar signs.
A radar speed sign, which displays a vehicle’s speed as motorists’ approach, are designed to encourage drivers to obey speed limits. • $62,200 from Bradshaw’s midyear reserves to fund 50 additional slots in the 2020 DeKalb Works Summer Youth Employment Program. The program, sponsored by DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners, received approximately 2,500 applications for the 2019 summer internships season. Approximately 400 youths ages 14-24 received jobs and were paid $10 per hour during the six-week program. “Based on the number of applications submitted for employment, it was apparent to me that there is an overwhelming interest of youth in DeKalb County who want to work,” Bradshaw said. “Keeping young people engaged in work and other constructive activities is a win-win for DeKalb County. The allocation that I have made is my way of contributing to a program that I believe worth every dollar we can put towards youth.”
YMCA continued from page 1 Clark said she initially learned how to knit and later picked up looming after a trip to visit her father in Colorado. Clark said she left with a foundation in looming and a storehouse of supplies. Over the next year, Clark’s father sent yards of material, needles and encouragement to help the group flourish. The president of AOA, Effie Davis, praised the project and thanked the group members for their efforts. “It is so much going on in the world that we cannot control, so it’s important we do what we
can. I just want to see a smile on peoples’ faces,” said Davis. Clark said she keeps the group moving forward by scouting out sales at local craft stores and by partnering with other senior groups such as the Atlanta DeKalb Senior Center’s members who also make hats and blankets for those in need. “It’s a stimulating activity for seniors and an opportunity to give as well. We have an abundance of everything and we should take advantage of the chance to give,” said Clark.
STONECREST
continued from page 3 of conditions on the ground. Conditions on the ground can change throughout the year…. Contingencies come about,” Thibodeaux told the City Council. “Jacobs has given the city its best good faith estimate (on what it will cost for services)…” The greatest expenditures projected in the budget include the Parks and Recreation Department at $2 million, which includes staff, vehicles, professional services, repairs and maintenance; Code Enforcement, at $1 million; Finance Administration (audit services, software, salaries) at $636,000; legal fees at $620,000 and Community Development(city planning) $603,000. The greatest share of revenues in the city’s budget—$3.8 million—is expected to be generated from insurance premiums, followed by business licenses at $1.2 million and building permits at $950,000. Hotel/motel taxes are projected to generate $600,000 next year. The city anticipates generating an additional $6.3 million from its special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST), which is designated for road improvements and other infrastructure projects.
WELCOMES
continued from page 3 been sworn into office. She cannot take the oath office until the elections results are certified on Oct. 13. City officials say they are working on a date to announce the swearing-in ceremony. Meanwhile, Cosby began her new role as executive director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance on Dec. 5. Cosby succeeds Mera Cardenas, who has accepted a position with a National Heritage Area in Cleveland, Ohio.
LAWN CARE
PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 13, 2019
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