On Common Ground News: 12-29-18

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Wesley Chapel Library kicks off first night of Kwanzaa

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By Mackenzie N. Morgan

crowd packed out a conference room at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library in South DeKalb for a Kwanzaa celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Kwanzaa, which is observed around the country Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, honors African heritage and promotes seven principles: unity, selfdetermination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Community member Mildred Clayton led the candle lighting ceremony and gave the historical significance of the holiday.

Kwanzaa was founded by Black Studies professor, Dr. Maulana Karenga, in 1966 and is an American holiday honoring the heritage of Americans of African descent. Kwanzaa, which means “the first fruits of the harvest” in Kiswahili, is a forum for cultural expression and is the only nationally celebrated, indigenous, non-religious, non-political African-American holiday.

Effie Chisholm, branch manager, said she was very pleased with the turnout for the event.

The Kwanzaa celebration is part of the DeKalb library system’s Doris K. Wells Heritage Festival series commemorating the culture of AfricanAmericans. The series, which takes place during the months of December and January, was named for Wells, who became the first African-American to work at DeKalb’s library system and is responsible for creating the Kwanzaa Awareness Festival in 1983.

The ceremony included a night of song, poetry and a performance by the ‘Each One Teach One’ African dance troupe, which is comprised of students from a local homeschool collective.

Refreshments were served at the conclusion of the event.

For more information on the Doris K. Wells Heritage Festival, visit dekalblibrary.org.

Photos by Mackenzie N. Morgan/OCG News

DeKalb, MARTA invest $1 million in rider improvements 70 new DeKalb shelters to be constructed in 2019

Annual Peach Drop returns to Underground Atlanta

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eKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and MARTA General Manager/CEO Jeffrey Parker announced that $1.5 million dollars in capital improvements such as bus shelters, benches and bathroom upgrades are coming to the CEO Michael Thurmond county.

“DeKalb County has supported MARTA since its inception nearly 50 years ago,” said CEO Thurmond. “The county’s investment and partnership with MARTA has spurred economic development, affordable housing, greater mobility and access to jobs.”

MARTA is also enhancing its partnership with Keep DeKalb Beautiful by increasing the annual maintenance contract from $75,000 to $150,000, to support shelter maintenance and county

beautification efforts.

Going forward, MARTA plans to install up to 70 new shelters and benches per year for the next four years, totaling up to 350 new shelters.

“We value our longstanding partnership with DeKalb County,” said Jeffrey Parker, GM/CEO of MARTA. “Going forward, we remain committed to providing quality transit service and customer amenities that riders in the county want and deserve.”

In 2018, MARTA installed 20 new shelters across the county, at a cost of $400,000. These new investments will improve the quality of ridership in areas that have been underserved in the past.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the City of Atlanta will host the 30th Annual New Year’s Eve Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta on Dec. 31. This free and family-friendly event will include live musical performances by Jagged Edge, 112 “The Xperience,” and Better Than Ezra.

The Peach Drop is an annual celebration on New Year’s Eve that began in 1989 at historic Underground Atlanta.

Underground Atlanta will open its doors at 6 p.m. and the entertainment will start at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

No weapons are allowed on the event premises and personal items such as handbags and book bags will be checked at all entrances.

For more information, visit www. atlantaga.gov/nyeatl.

PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 29, 2018

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Two brothers crash stolen GBI investigating hostage, officerinvolved shooting in DeKalb vehicle in Conyers: 1 dead, 1 arrested

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wo brothers from Virginia led Conyers Police officers on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle, killing one of the men and injuring the other, police said.

Demetris Taylor, 19, was killed after crashing into a tree. His brother, Lyndell Taylor, 23, a convicted felon was arrested on several criminal charges after being hospitalized for injuries.

The incident occurred on Dec. 22 about 4 a.m. after police ran the license plate of the Lyndell Taylor 2018 Toyota Corolla the two men were in and discovered the car was stolen out of Virginia.

Three officers attempted to box in the vehicle in the parking lot of the Walmart but the suspects maneuver around the officers and fled eastbound on Dogwood Drive toward Salem Road.

The vehicle, driven Demetris Taylor, the younger brother, sped down Dogwood Drive in excess of 100 miles per hour as reported by two Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputies who were passed in the oncoming traffic lane. The deputies called in the vehicle as a reckless driver unaware that Conyers officers had identified the vehicle as stolen.

Taylor turned all of the vehicle’s lights off as deputies and officers attempted to follow. Due to unsafe conditions and the vehicle’s speed, officers backed off the chase in strict adherence to Conyers Police policy. Conyers officers lost sight of the vehicle as it approached Salem Road.

Taylor lost control of the vehicle failing to negotiate a curve near Leer Trucking ultimately striking a tree on the eastbound side of the shoulder. Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene and his brother, Lyndell Taylor, was transported to Atlanta Medical Center with minor injuries.

Lyndell Taylor was found to be in possession of marijuana and a handgun and also wanted out of Virginia for failure to register as a sex offender. He is facing drug and firearm charges. He was booked in to the Rockdale County Jail after being released from the hospital.

On Dec. 23 the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested by the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) to investigate a shooting incident.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 3:30 a.m., DeKalb officers responded to a domestic disturbance involving a man and a woman in the 3000 block of Fire Oak Drive, Decatur.

It is believed that the male subject was holding a female hostage in a residence. The responding officers were situated in a nearby driveway. At some point, a gunshot was heard, which is when it is suspected the female sustained a gunshot wound from the male subject.

The sequence of events remains under investigation, but the female was eventually rescued and the male subject was taken into custody by DeKalb SWAT. One of the officers standing in a nearby driveway was adjusting equipment when his shotgun discharged. The round struck the ground then ricocheted into an officer. The officer was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released. The female was also taken to a hospital and her condition was listed as stable.

DKPD is conducting the investigation into the hostage situation and will be handling any charges relating to the male subject.

The GBI also is conducting an investigation. Once completed, the information will be turned over to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Juvenile arrested in Scottdale murder The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit has arrested a suspect in the Nov. 28, 2018 shooting death of Rene Betancourt on Hatton Drive in Scottdale.

According to the arrest warrant, the suspect, who is a juvenile, shot Mr. Betancourt in the face during a dispute on Dec. 11. No reasons were given for the dispute.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, located and arrested the juvenile suspect at an apartment complex near Lithonia on Dec. 21. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the DeKalb County Jail before being taken to DeKalb Criminal Investigation Division for booking into a youth detention center. He was charged with murder. No booking photo was made available because the suspect is a juvenile.

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DECEMBER 29, 2018 • PAGE 3

Brush fire breaks out at Voices of Faith’s Rockdale campus

PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

mackenzie@ocgnews.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@ocgnews.com

On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.

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We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

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

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ockdale County firefighters responded to a brush fire that broke out in a wooded area behind Voices of Faith Ministries, which is located at 1290 Sigman Road, Conyers. The fire occurred on Dec. 27 around 3:30 p.m.

Firefighters arrived on the scene a short time after the fire started and quickly contained and extinguished the blaze. The firefighters said they were returning from another fire in the north end of the county when they were dispatched to the church.

One truck responded to the fire. No injuries were reported and no one was at the church when the incident occurred.

Conyers Police Sgt. Kim Lucas said according to an initial report, no cause was determined. Lucas said an electrical box at the church may have triggered the call to 911, but stated she did not have any further information. The blaze and thick smoke were visible from Sigman Road.

Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. is pastor and founder of Voices of Faith. The church has a campus in Rockdale and Gwinnett County.

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

City of Stonecrest, Kiwanis Club and others partner to help needy DeKalb students for holidays More than three dozen needy students at three DeKalb County elementary schools received winter coats and Christmas presents, thanks to the local community pitching in to help.

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and the city of Stonecrest worked in partnership with the Lithonia-Stonecrest Kiwanis Club on “Project Warmth” to provide students at Stoneview Elementary School with coats for the holidays this year. The city also provided toys and clothing at Stoneview, Flat Rock and Fairington elementaries, thanks to city staffers and other partners.

Other partners who pitched in to help the students include the City of Lithonia, Caribbean Shipping International; Cross Culture Church, where Rev. Woodrow Walker II is pastor; and Hen Pen, Inc. The students received the gifts just before the DeKalb school district’s Winter Break began.

Back row, L-R: Shevon Lopez, student counselor; Lori Goldammer, student support specialist; Henry Laws, Hen Pen Foundation; Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary; Assistant City Manager Plez Joyner; Angela Power, counselor, Principal Walter Burke. Front row, L-R: Al Franklin, Community and Cultural Affairs Manager; students; and Johnathan J.P. Phillips, DeKalb Commission District 7 Constituent Liaison for Commissioner Elect Lorraine Johnson. Photo provided

Robin Gomez is Clarkston’s new City Manager

DeKalb County Accountability Courts Select New Leader

The city of Clarkston has hired Robin Gomez as its next City Manager. Gomez will succeed Keith Barker, who is retiring.

The city council approved Gomez appointment unanimously on Dec. 4.

Gomez and his family will relocate from Fairmont, West Virginia, where he served as City Manager for three years. During his tenure, he established a reputation and a successful track record for being a proactive economic development and redevelopment advocate and creator.

Robin Gomez Gomez brings vast experience in dealing with and resolving issues surrounding housing, affordability and blight in a small city setting, officials said in a news release.

“Quickly learning new cultures and languages and adapting, have instilled a strong sense of community and re-enforced the importance of family, which are traits that I continue to embody in my daily life and that I will utilize as the City Manager for Clarkston,” Gomez said.

Gomez’s first day on the job will be Jan. 7.

“I very much look forward to meeting and interacting with the Clarkston staff, residents, and business owners and operators to quickly learn how I can begin to contribute to Clarkston's wonderful future on my first day. My family and I are ready to begin experiencing the fabulous charm and diversity that makes Clarkston a dynamic city to live, learn, work, and play,“ stated Gomez.

DeKalb County Judge Mark Anthony Scott has been elected presiding judge of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit’s Accountability Courts for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1.

Scott will succeed Judge Tangela H. Barrie who has been, and will continue to be, involved with the Circuit’s Accountability Court Program since her election to the bench in 2008.

Through its judicial system, DeKalb County continues to provide services to men and women who have come into Judge Mark Anthony contact with the courts due to drug addiction or mental health Scott impairment. Additionally, through its Parental Accountability Court, it has worked to remove barriers for persons making child support payments, at a cost savings of millions of dollars for the restoration of individual lives and families.

Scott said he is excited to get started on writing a new chapter for the circuit and its accountability courts. He said he will continue the level of excellence his predecessors have established.

The present composition of the Accountability Courts includes the following components: Drug Court Track 1—Judge Mark Anthony Scott; Drug Court Track 2—Judges Courtney L. Johnson and Tangela H. Barrie; Mental Health Court—Judge Asha F. Jackson; Veterans Court—Judge J.P. Boulee; and Parent Accountability Court—Judges Mark Anthony Scott, Gregory A. Adams and Gail C. Flake.

CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petitions located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

V-18-007 Lashley Tractors 6953 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to exceed maximum ground sign height and sign development standards.

PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 29, 2018

DeKalb announces New Year’s residential sanitation collection schedule In observance of New Year’s Day on Tuesday, Jan. 1, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised collection schedule as follows: onday, Dec. 31 – Normal M collection day.

Tuesday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day observed; no collection service.

Photo via Twitter Wednesday, Jan. 2 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Jan. 1, will be serviced on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Thursday, Jan. 3 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Jan. 2, will be serviced on Thursday, Jan. 3.

Friday, Jan. 4 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Jan. 3, will be serviced on Friday, Jan. 4.

The Sanitation Division’s administrative office, North Transfer Station and Seminole Road Landfill will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1, and will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 2, during normal operating hours.

For more information on this schedule and any sanitation-related services, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, visit www.dekalbsanitation. com, or follow the Sanitation Division on Twitter @DKalbSanitation.

100 Black Women Decatur - DeKalb Chapter to present “Bling Your Bra” event The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Decatur- DeKalb Chapter, Inc. will host its Third Annual Bling Your Bra free community event on Jan. 5, noon to 2 p.m., at Emory Decatur Hospital in the Keeton Auditorium, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur.

There will be speakers presenting on the awareness, risk factors and preventive measures for Breast, lung and Ovarian Cancers in Women. Free validation parking will be provided.

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DeKalb BOC to hold Committee of the Whole Special Called meeting Jan. 3

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will hold a Committee of the Whole, Special Called Meeting and Executive Session, Thursday, Jan. 3, 9 a.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.

The tentative agenda follows: Committee of the Whole

• Committee Reports

• Decide DeKalb – Quarterly Report

• Review of the Proposed Executive Agenda for Jan. 8, 2019

• Review of Commissioners’ Preliminary Agenda for Jan. 8, 2019

Special Called Meeting

• Executive Session

Other Matters

2019 meetings set for Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Association

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is holding the first meeting of 2019 for the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Association on Thursday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m., J.P. Carr Community Room, 981 Taylor St., Conyers.

County officials plan to present representatives from several departments in a setting to discuss updates, new initiatives and information with leaders of local homeowner associations, civic groups and interested citizens.

The coalition meets quarterly. Each meeting will be held at the J.P. Carr Community Room at 6 p.m. Dates for the 2019 meetings follow: • Jan. 17 • April 18 • July 18 • Oct. 17 For more information or to RSVP for the January meeting, please contact Jeannettia Owens at 770-278-7058 or jeannettia.owens@ rockdalecountyga.gov.

Rockdale recycling Christmas trees at annual “Bring One for the Chipper” event Keep Conyers/Rockdale Beautiful is reminding Rockdale County residents to recycle their Christmas trees at the upcoming “Bring One for the Chipper” event.

The event will be held on Jan. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Home Depot, 1330 Iris Drive, Conyers.

In DeKalb, the city of Chamblee’s Keep Chamblee Beautiful is coordinating a recycling event for Chamblee residents at Chamblee’s Public Works Department, according to keepgeorgiabeautiful.org.

Bring One for the Chipper is Georgia’s annual statewide Christmas tree recycling program sanctioned by Keep Georgia Beautiful. This year marks the 27th year of the program. According to Keep Georgia Beautiful, the program has recycled an estimated 6 million Christmas trees since its inception, according to Keep Georgia Beautiful. The mulch from these trees has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects and individual yards.

For more information on the Rockdale event, call Keep Conyers/ Rockdale Beautiful at 770-278-7052.

Brookhaven to honor MLK Day with dinner, program Jan. 21

Brookhaven will host its fourth annual MLK Day Dinner and Program at Lynwood Park on Jan. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the historic Lynwood Community Center, 3360 Osborne Road.

The event will feature former Lynwood Park resident U.S. Army Brigadier General Richard Dix as keynote speaker, with additional speakers to be announced.

The event is held annually at the historical Lynwood Community Center, once the site of Martin Luther King Jr. the segregated Lynwood schools, whose students bravely integrated the DeKalb School System in 1968.

“This annual tradition continues to honor the true spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. by recognizing trailblazers in our community and the historical significance of Lynwood Park, a true treasure in our City,” said District 1 Councilwoman Linley Jones, who represents the Lynwood community. “We invite the public to join us for an evening that will be both educational and inspirational.”

Tickets for the event are on sale for $10, and can be purchased at the Lynwood Community Center, 404-637-0542. The program is appropriate for all ages, and families are encouraged to attend.

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DECEMBER 29, 2018 • PAGE 5

Tucker Middle Robotics wins FIRSTLEGO Award

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roblem-solving skills.

Critical thinking skills.

Engineering know-how.

Teamwork. These are just a few things one DeKalb County School District (DCSD) robotics team channeled when claiming a recent victory at Jekyll Island.

Tucker Middle School’s robotics team, TMS Robotics, recently claimed the Champion Award at a FIRSTLEGO League event on Jekyll Island. As winners of the Champion Award, Tucker’s Robotics team was considered the best overall team of the competition.

The team will also be eligible to compete in upcoming regional and state competitions following the victory.

“This feels awesome—the kids worked really hard and have been working hard for months,” said Amber Clinton, technology and engineering teacher at Tucker Middle and TMS Robotics coach.

“To see this culmination makes it all worth it.”

Clinton, with fellow coaches Nathan Williams and Eric Knapp, said her team—made up of Brooke Slone, Skylar Slone, William Vickrey, Jayden Mcliwaine, Ayden Whitely, Rebecca Larkin, Kylie Slone, Parsa Arani, Skyler Roberts, Kathy Reyes-Gomez, Obsineeti Muddle and Jade Lowery—was yelling in jubilation and crying with happiness upon being named the best at the competition.

FIRSTLEGO League robotics competitions involve participating in

a field exercise, developing a unique solution to a particular problem, and using the league’s core values. Past competitions have revolved around nanotechnology, the environment, climate, transportation, and more.

This year, students’ projects revolved around outer space, titled “Into Orbit.” Each team addressed a problem having to do with space, such as a spacecraft, space food, colonization, the moon, other planets, and more.

In addition, robotics participants obtain real-world application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) principles.

“These students have contacted industry professionals,” said Clinton. “In some cases, they’ve emailed college professors. They do it all on their own at their own volition. Not a lot of middle schoolers have that mindset.”

Where such motivation comes from is hard to pin down. According to Clinton, robotics students are typically more motivated than the average student, but certain students become motivated by simply participating.

“I’ve seen students succeed— not initially, but after they’ve developed into it,” Clinton said.

“Some jump right in. Some see their peers behaving that way, and it inspires them to become better and perform better. It’s seeing everyone around them being motivated, but it’s also about wanting to do well at competitions. They all want to be great and at the same level.”

CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: THURSDAY, JANUARY 3RD 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JANUARY 21ST 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following text amendment within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

RZ-18-008 David Miles 2374 Cove Lake Rd MR-1 (Med Density Residential) District Request to change the zoning to C-1 for the development of Storage Facility.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

RZ-18-007 / SLUP-18-007 Beverly J Searles Foundation 6807 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to change the zoning to MR-2 and Special Land Use permit for the development of Senior Housing.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

TMOD 18-0007 Community Development Department City Wide Minor modifications to Chapter 27 Article IV Supplemental Uses; Minor modification to Chapter 7 Building Code.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

TMOD 18-0008 Community Development Department City Wide Review of the proposed Arabian Mountain Overlay district and map.

Photo via Facebook

‘This feels awesome—the kids worked really hard and have been working hard for months.

To see this culmination makes it all worth it.’

– Amber Clinton Technology and engineering teacher at Tucker Middle and TMS Robotics coach

PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 29, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

Words of Comfort showers adopted families with love

Founder Dr. Gayle Daniels remembers her late husband during holiday celebration

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By Valerie J. Morgan

he piles of gifts kept coming as the names of the “adopted” children were called out during a holiday celebration hosted by Words of Comfort Ministries, based in Snellville. In fact, the children had so many gifts that Marvin Lee Daniels volunteers had to pass out large garbage bags so the families could July 30, 1963—Sept. 28, 2018 haul the presents home. The wrapped presents weren’t the only gifts received. Several kids also received bicycles.

Dr. Gayle Daniels, who founded Words of Comfort Ministries, Inc. community outreach, worked with several partners to provide the abundance of gifts to the 15 families (40 children included) the program served this year. The ministry also provided a sit-down holiday meal, a turkey for each family to take home and grocery store gift cards.

Daniels was filled with emotion as several family members gave testimonies about the blessings they received at the event, which was held at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Daniels fought back tears as she spoke about the comfort that she herself received from members of her organization..

She said she struggled with whether she would host the annual Christmas celebration this year, having suddenly lost her husband, Marvin Lee Daniels, on Sept. 28. They were married for nearly 27 years

when he became ill and passed away suddenly.

Dr. Daniels said her inner-circle of prayer warriors embraced her with love and encouragement, giving her the strength she needed to pull off the event that she and her husband labored together with volunteers to conduct.

“I lost my husband 84 days ago and we are honored that you all are here with us because we all know that my husband would have wanted me to carry on with this program,” Daniels told the families as she acknowledged several people for their support including her children, Marvin and Marissa Daniels, and her sister-in-law, Jewel Massaline, who traveled from Orlando, Florida to attend the celebration.

Words of Comfort also provided Justice Bigot, a Gwinnett County resident, with a $2,500 scholarship. Bigot, who is a freshman this year, said he made the Dean’s List at Savannah College of Art and Design. He thanked Dr. Daniels for the scholarship, saying he was extremely grateful for the donation.

Daniels, a conference speaker, counselor and mentor, founded Words of Comfort in 2005 to offer hope to hurting women and those who search for help in their day-to-day challenges.

The organization began with four volunteers and now has 40 volunteers who donate their time and resources.

Elder Wanda Holmes-Brooks opened the Dec. 22 celebration with prayer and Yolanda Dupree, founder of Faith Walkers Group for Women, served as they keynote speaker.

Gwinnett Alphas celebrate 18th anniversary with holiday project Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Rho Kappa Lambda (RKL) Chapter marked the 18th anniversary of the chapter’s founding by distributing food to needy families this month.

More than 20 of the fraternity brothers gathered at Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Lilburn to box fresh vegetables and perishables for families in need.

Photo provided The fraternity participated in a host of service activities each year since the chapter was founded on Dec. 8, 2000. The chapter partners with its companion, the RKL Education Foundation, to support the Future Men of Distinction mentoring program for ages 13-19; the Alpha Youth Academy partnership with Gwinnett County Juvenile Justice; multi-level voter registration programs; partnerships with the Gwinnett County Public Schools; and much more.

After another successful community service effort, the members of RKL met for a celebratory lunch that included two of its Chapter Charter members, Dewayne Eason and Jerry Pope Jr. To learn more about the Gwinnett Alphas or to partner in support of Gwinnett County and beyond, visit http://www.rhokappalambda.org/.

AKA’s Chi Tau Omega Chapter donates books to Elks Aidmore, Inc. The Reading Committee of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority’s Chi Tau Omega Chapter, which serves Rockdale and Newton counties, donated books to 25 residents of Elks Aidmore, Inc., a residential program that assists families in crisis. Each resident received two books from the Peyton Skky series, which is written by local author Stephanie Perry Moore. The presentation was made on Dec. 23.

Pictured left to right: Melva Henderson, president elect of Chi Tau Omega Chapter; Pattie McGrew, Education coordinator – Elks Aidmore Inc; Dr. Joy Jackson Guillford, President Chi Tau Omega Chapter; and June Hawkins Jones, Chi Tau Omega Chapter Reading Committee chairperson

Photo provided

Photo provided

DeKalb Sheriff hosts holiday luncheon for “Kinship program” families DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann (kneeling, front) is surrounded by kids who were guests at the 14th Annual Adopt A Family luncheon on Dec. 20 at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff was joined by Jail Division Commander Major L. Akies (standing right) and guest Debra DeBerry, Clerk of Superior Court, (back row fourth from left).

The children and their guardians are participants in the DeKalb Family and Children’s Services Kinship Program and Bethany Foster Care.

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

“Angel Wings” provides gift cards to homeless, transient students

DeKalb State Court Judge Ron Ramsey coordinated the third annual “Angel Wings” initiative this year to provide $50 gift cards for 30 homeless and transient students and their families. McDonald’s franchise owners John and Shiroleen Hurt again collaborated with Judge Ramsey to provide the gift cards. The Hurts, who own 17 McDonalds, DeKalb and other metro Atlanta counties, supported the same effort last year, assisting 25 homeless students with $50 gift cards.

Judge Ramsey said he hopes that the effort will continue to grow each year and is very grateful to his friends, the Hurts, who share his heart for the community.

As the former Chief Legal Officer for the school district, Ramsey said he fully understands the needs of students and their families who struggle with economic stability and often live in extended stay, or other transitional housing. He added that it is our collective responsibility to lift up other members of community in need, especially our youths who with help and support can choose the right path and be productive and positive citizens and future leaders, instead of choosing a path of lawlessness.

School Board member Vickie Turner annually coordinates efforts to target students in need with various principals. This year, Fairington Elementary School, where Dr. Walter Burke, Jr. is the principal, was the target school. This is Turner’s third year supporting the project as well, along with the blessings and support of Superintendent Dr. Stephen Green.

Judge Ramsey said that he is grateful for the collaboration that is being cultivated with parties involved in this initiative. He quoted one of the long held tenets of the school district: “The school cannot live apart from the community.”

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DECEMBER 29, 2018 • PAGE 7

U-Work Conference Center held its ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Aug. 14. The business is located at 581 Sigman Rd. NE, Suite 500, Conyers. U-Work Conference Center can be reached by calling (678) 206-3415, or by visiting its website at www.uworkspaces.com.

House of Victory Christian Church held its ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Aug. 22. The church is located at 2375 Wall Street, Suite 240, Conyers. The church can be reached by calling 833-784-2867, or by visiting its website at www.myhouseofvictory.com.

Poppin Stop held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, Aug. 23. Poppin Stop is located at 1596 Dogwood Dr. SE, Suite C, Conyers. They can be reached by calling 678- 607-0067, or visiting their website at www.poppinstop.com.

Impact Branding Consulting, Inc. held its ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Aug. 28. The business can be reached by calling 770-337-1995 or 678-390-2681, or visiting its website at www.ImpactBrandingConsulting.org.

The Fit Factory held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, Sept. 6. It is located at 2200 Salem Rd, Conyers.

The facility can be reached by calling 404-553-1090 or 770-342-8680, or visiting its website at www.thefitfactoryconyers.com.

State-Wide Printing, LLC held its ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Sept. 25. The company is located at 130 N. Salem Rd, Conyers. They can be reached by calling 770-785-4440, or visiting their website at www.state-wideprinting.com.

CHAMBER PACESETTERS 2018 PLATINUM Evans Tool & Die Georgia Power Company High Priority Plumbing and Services, Inc. Kaiser Permanente Piedmont Rockdale Hospital Snapping Shoals EMC

GOLD Corner Market LioChem, Inc. S&A Recycling Shurett Dental Group SYNOVUS THP Creative Group

SILVER

4D Printing, Inc. About Conyers Magazine Acuity Brands Lighting BB&T Colonial Heating & Air, Inc. Covington Family Chiropractic Georgia Piedmont Technical College Gas South

COMMERCE CLUB 2018

Hedrick & Dodson Family Dentistry Monastery of the Holy Spirit Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles Omega Builders Peachtree Academy Private School Pratt Industries Premier Medical Careers Premier Platforms Pro Cutters Lawnscapes, Inc.

Raymond Engineering-Georgia Inc. Rehorn Professional Group Risk Management Associates of Georgia Scot Ward Funeral Services Talley & Associates, PC United Community Bank

THANK YOU

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PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 29, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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