FREE
VOLUME 23 NUMBER 37
ocgnews.com
DECEMBER 9, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
facebook.com/ocgnews
Stonecrest City Council defers vote on proposed charter changes Mayor pro tem’s two-year term in question
T
By Valerie J. Morgan
he Stonecrest City Council voted on Dec. 4 to defer a decision on a resolution to change portions of the city charter, after a recommendation from Mayor Jason Lary. The City Council now will consider the resolution on Jan. 16, 2018. The proposed amendments include the mayor giving up voting power in exchange for the right to veto ordinances; establishing the position of mayor as a full-time position with full time pay; requiring that elected officials (the mayor and council members) must be 21 years old to serve; and establishing a Chief Operating Officer position. Lary made the recommendation to defer action on charter changes after 10 people spoke during public comments at the meeting, which was the first council meeting to be held at the new City Hall. Five people spoke in support of the charter changes, while five opposed the changes
Stonecrest City Council held its first council meeting at the new city hall on Dec. 4. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
with two opponents stating the seven-month-old city is moving too quickly on the proposal. Meanwhile, the validity of Stonecrest City Councilmember Diane Adoma’s two-year term as mayor pro tem has come into question. The mayor pro tem assumes the duties of the mayor during the mayor’s temporary disability,
suspension or absence. At the meeting, Adoma made a motion for the city to hire an outside law firm to give an opinion on whether she may remain mayor pro tem for two years. The council deadlocked 3-3 and the motion failed.
Celebrating Academic Gains
E
SEE VOTE, page 5
Eight more DeKalb schools removed from “Focus” list Rockdale’s Hightower Trail Elementary exits list
ight more schools in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) have been removed from the Federal Focus and Priority lists for underperforming Title I schools. The school shave been taken off the lists, following significant increases in student achievement, district officials announced. DeKalb Superintendent Rockdale Interim Superintendent Since 2016, a total of 13 R. Stephen Green Shirley Chesser DeKalb schools have made academic progress beyond the Focus and Priority lists, according to officials. The Georgia Department of Education announced on Dec. 5 the following are no longer Focus or Priority schools: • Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology – Focus • Canby Lane Elementary School – Focus • Clarkston High School – Priority • Columbia High School – Priority • Cross Keys High School – Priority • Freedom Middle School – Focus • Mary McLeod Bethune – Focus • Smoke Rise Elementary School – Focus “Year after year, more of our schools are raising their achievement and meeting their potential. The progress is clear, and the evidence is emphatic with this latest round of results,” said Superintendent R. Stephen Green. “Increasing numbers of our underperforming campuses are shedding that label, and can now focus on raising the bar higher. This is a good day for our students and campuses.” School Board member Vicki B. Turner praised the district for its efforts and called on state legislators and the community at large to join in helping DeKalb’s schools to succeed. “We’re working diligently to bring the list down to zero. ...It’s going to take a community effort. The School Board can’t do it alone. It’s going to take a collective energy to come together and come help out and help in our schools,” Turner said as she spoke during public comments at the DeKalb House Delegation’s Pre-Legislative Town Hall on Dec. 5 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur. Focus Schools are campuses that rank in the lowest 10 percent of schools statewide based on a three-year average of Achievement Gap scores. To adSEE SCHOOLS, page 5
Photo by OCGNews
DeKalb cleans up illegal tire dump site
Tip leads to more than 20,000 illegally dumped tires
B
ased on a tip from a resident, DeKalb County discovered more than 20,000 illegally dumped tires at Fork Creek Mountain Park. This is the largest illegal tire dump site discovered this year and it will take approximately two weeks to completely remove the tires from the park. “Thanks to an alert citizen, the county was able to immediately respond,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Illegally dumped tires create serious health and fire hazards and the county is committed to preventing illegal dumping in DeKalb.” In addition to being an eyesore and creating blight, illegally dumped tires can increase vector-borne illnesses like Zika, West Nile, and dengue fever. Tires can also become an ignition source for environmentally harmful fires and cause air pollution.
The cleanup is a coordinated effort between six county departments including Code Enforcement, Keep DeKalb Beautiful, Roads and Drainage, Sanitation, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the DeKalb County Police Department. Eight dump trucks, two backhoes and one tractor-trailer were dispatched to immediately remove the tires. The county also will employ several tractor-trailer trucks with the capacity to haul 400 tires each to finalize the cleanup. Illegal dumping is a criminal offense. Any person who intentionally dumps litter including used tires faces misdemeanor charges. Repeated violators face felony charges, fines up to $25,000 for each violation and/ or five years of prison. The county is asking residents to report illegal tire dumping by contacting the DeKalb County Police Department non-emergency number at 678-406-7929.
PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 9, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Helping Hands Health Clinic expands healthcare services for uninsured and underinsured By Mackenzie N. Morgan
S
ince re-opening into a fulltime health clinic in October, Helping Hands in Rockdale County is succeeding at its mission in providing preventive healthcare services to save lives, its founders say. CEO Tolbert Morris recently presented Rockdale County Commissioner Doreen Williams with a basket donated by a 36-year-old woman, who was newly diagnosed with breast cancer. “She wanted to thank Commissioner Williams for sponsoring her mammogram. It was detected early, thanks to Commissioner Williams’ generosity in paying for the tests,” said Janice Morris, president of Helping Hands. The husband-and-wife team said the community in which they operate has a large population of uninsured and underinsured families. Helping Hands helps many of these families by providing preventative and diagnostic healthcare on a sliding scale basis or free of charge. “So many people have lost their insurance due to expensive premiums. We are filling a need and closing the health disparity gap in our community. It’s time to put the care back in healthcare,” said Morris. Morris said Helping Hands has received new state-of-the-art equipment, an increase in volunteer physician support and even new office
CEO Tolbert Morris recently presented Rockdale County Commissioner Doreen Williams
Photos provided
furniture, thanks to donations. “We can do everything that a primary doctor can do – birth control, pap smears, mammograms and even youth sports physicals. We do screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and we recently acquired an EKG machine to help detect if a patient is at risk for heart attack,” she said. Helping Hands makes it possible for patients to get screened and see a doctor within three days to address whatever health challenge they may be facing. The clinic offers a variety of same-day-results lab testing and its suite of volunteer doctors include
a vast array of specialties such as pulmonary, cardiology, internal family medicine, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology. Helping Hands also serves as a training facility for medical students and physicians looking for real world experience. In the coming months, Helping Hands will be rolling out “TeleMed,” an online portal for patients to correspond with doctors digitally about minor illnesses and health concerns. “Everyone deserves a helping hand. We couldn’t do this by ourselves. We are so grateful that people believe in our mission enough
to see to it that we succeed. We will continue to serve as many people as we can,” Morris said. Helping Hands is open Monday through Friday and is located at 1733 Lake Rockaway Road, Conyers. Walk-ins for labs and screenings are welcome five days a week and primary care is offered three days. Bilingual services are also available for Spanish speaking patients. During December, Helping Hands will be offering free EKG heart screenings. For more information and hours, visit www.helpinghandsga.org or call 678-750-3688.
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
DECEMBER 9, 2017 • PAGE 3
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com 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
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
DeKalb House Delegation gets an earful at pre-legislative meeting in South DeKalb The Greenhaven cityhood movement, a proposal for full-time mayor for Stonecrest and MARTA rail expansion were among the hot topics discussed at the House Delegation’s pre-legislative meeting on Dec. 5 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur. Chairman Howard Mosby conducted the meeting with several of the state lawmakers pitching in to field questions and address issues.
State legislators spent nearly three hours listening to the concerns of constituents, allowing everyone in the audience who wanted to speak to have a turn. Several spoke in support of a proposal to create the city of Greenhaven including Kathryn Rice, who is leading the effort, while several spoke against it including Ed Williams, chair of Concerned Citizens for Effective Government. Citizens also expressed opposing
views on a proposal to make Stonecrest’s mayor full time with full-time pay and the expansion of MARTA rail into South DeKalb. The video recorded meeting can be viewed at ocgnews.com. Members of the DeKalb County House Delegation will host a pre-legislative meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at the Manual Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.
CEO Thurmond to provide update on sewer consent decree
Leadership Rockdale to install new sign at Restoration Storehouse
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond will detail progress made toward fulfilling the sewer consent decree on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. In December 2011, DeKalb County reached a Clean Water Act settlement in the form of a consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The 8½-year consent decree calls for significant levels of sanitary sewer system inspection, assessCEO Michael Thurmond ment, rehabilitation and repair. To date, DeKalb’s progress toward fulfilling the consent decree includes cleaning 150 miles of sewer, removing more than 5 tons of debris and completing 1,154 stream crossing inspections. The consent decree update will be available live on “It’s In DeKalb’s” Facebook page and live-tweeted with the hashtag #DeKalbConsentDecree. Citizens unable to attend the meeting can submit questions on “It’s in DeKalb’s” Facebook page or Twitter account, @ItsInDeKalb. The update will be broadcast on Comcast Cable Channel 23 for residents living in DeKalb County and livestreamed at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dctv.
The transformation of Restoration Storehouse is taking shape. The agency that will oversee local nonprofit services under one roof in the former Rockdale County annex is getting a new sign. The Leadership Rockdale Class of 2018 has commissioned the creation of a sign that will be installed on Dec. 11,noon, to mark the location of Restoration Storehouse at 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The sign is one of three legacy projects the class has planned. Chris Conner and his team at Sign Solutions of east Atlanta are partnering with Leadership Rockdale on the project. “We are humbled by the donation and work of Leadership Rockdale Class of 2018 as we can continue to spread the word of what will be coming to 1400 Parker Road,” said Ronald Fairley, executive director of Restoration Storehouse Center. “This is unique and a true example of the generous hearts of the members of the Class of 2018,” said Venus Arthur, project chair. “We are honored to help an initiative that will positively impact so many generations in our community for decades to come.”
Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in locating Lawrenceville motel shooting suspect
Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance’s Executive Director Mera Cardenas was recently honored during the Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 25th annual holiday gala. Cardenas was the recipient of the Bill Hardman, Jr. Award, a recognition presented to an individual who exemplifies outstanding service and dedication to Discover DeKalb’s mission of promoting Mera Cardenas DeKalb as a destination for tourism. Cardenas said she was deeply honored. “I was incredibly surprised, touched and honored to be recognized by Discover DeKalb,” Cardenas said. “I had no idea I was being considered. The Arabia Alliance and our partners have worked for many years to promote the area as a tourist destination. From published brochures, digital promotion and special events to our new visitors signs, we want to be sure people are welcomed and can find their own special place in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The award is reaffirming of our work and commitment to creating a world-class destination.”
The DeKalb County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for assistance in locating a suspect in connection with the Nov. 5 shooting death of Eric Fisher in the parking lot of the Motel 6 on Chamblee Tucker Road in Lawrenceville. According to a warrant issued on Nov. 6, 20-yearold Kaylon Janard “Hooty” Jiles of Tucker is charged with Felony Murder for shooting Eric Fisher multiple times, causing his death. Police investigating the inciKaylon Jiles dent said Jiles fled the scene in a black sedan. Jiles may be armed, in possession of drugs and he may be affiliated with a gang, authorities said. To report information on the location of Kaylon Janard “Hooty” Jiles, call the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 404-298-8402 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).
Discover DeKalb honors Arabia Alliance’s Executive Director Mera Cardenas
PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 9, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Conyers gears up for 10th annual “Shop with a Cop” to help needy families
T
he Conyers Police Department along, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Public Safety are partnering with the Conyers Wal-Mart for the 10th Annual Shop with a Cop. Through the initiative, 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 1,000 children have benefitted from Shop with a Cop. Shop with a Cop will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, 8 a.m., at the Conyers Wal-Mart. Families have been pre-selected for this year’s program. Cash and check donations (made payable to
Photo provided
City of Conyers or Shop with a Cop) and WalMart gift cards are being accepted at the Conyers Police Department, which is located at 1194 Scott Street.
For more information on donating to the Shop with a Cop program, contact Sergeant Buck Vaughn 770 929-4233 or buck.vaughn@conyersga.gov.
MARTA to present ballet, variety show at Five Points Station MARTA will feature unique performances for the holidays at Five Points Station on Dec. 12 and 19. MARTA’s arts program, Artbound, is partnering with the Serenbe Institute to present performances by the Terminus Modern Ballet Theater and Serenbe Playhouse. The Serenbe Playhouse Apprentice Company will perform Playhouse Cabaret, a traveling variety show featuring holiday song and dance numbers, on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m. The performance is high energy and family friendly. Terminus Modern Ballet Theater, which includes five former Atlanta Ballet principal dancers, will perform excerpts of LORE, a folk-inspired story of family lineage as told through dance on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 4:30 p.m. “Atlanta is home to so many incredibly talented performers,” said MARTA Arts Administrator Katherine Dirga. “MARTA is proud to partner with Serenbe to bring live theater style performances to holiday commuters.” One percent of MARTA’s annual budget is allocated for its Artbound program which was developed to enhance the ridership experience through visual and performing arts.
Photos provided
DeKalb Sheriff’s employees pitch in to host holiday party for needy kids DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office will host the agency’s 10th Annual “Adopt-A-Family for Christmas” holiday event on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m., at the DeKalb County Jail on Memorial Drive in Decatur. The DeKalb County Jail’s Chaplaincy program coordinates the event with local social service agencies and faith-based organizations. Participants will include the DeKalb County Family & Children’s Services Kinship Program and Bethany House Foster Care, along with employee volunteers. Since the event began in 2007, sworn officers and civilian employees have collected and personally donated an estimated 100 bicycles and 150 dolls, along with hundreds of games, electronic items and clothing for some 250 children. The gifts are distributed at a luncheon at the jail for children of incarcerated men and women who are being cared for by other family members.
Antioch East AME to celebrate the season with Christmas concert Antioch East AME Church, 1790 Ebenezer Road, Conyers, invites the community to its inaugural Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 17, 5 p.m. The church’s mass choir will perform. Admission to the concert celebration is free.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
Rep. Johnson to honor young App inventor, Jonathan Daniel
Congressman Hank manage the products Johnson (GA-04) is they distribute, espepleased to announce that cially food banks that Lithonia resident Jonathan still use inefficient, Daniel, 16, is the winner paper-and-pencil sysof the 2017 Fourth District tems. Congressional App ChalThe Congressional lenge. App Challenge is open “Science and techto all students in the nology are transforming Congressional District our world and I’m very of Georgia. The compeproud of the students who tition highlights the valparticipated in this year’s ue of computer science challenge,” said Johnson. and STEAM education “The app challenge allows (Science, Technology, Jonathan Daniel us to showcase some of Art, Engineering and the Fourth Congressional District’s Math). Students were judged on brightest young minds as they take the following criteria: Quality of on cutting-edge technology that is the idea, including creativity and becoming an increasing part of all originality; Implementation of the our lives.” idea, including user experience and Seventy-five students entered design; and the ability to demonthis year’s app challenge as indistrate their coding and programming viduals or in teams of up to four skills. students per team. The judging Launched by the U.S. House committee included Georgia Tech of Representatives in 2015, this professor Jason Freeman; Microsoft nationwide effort allows students Education Partner, Elaine E. Bryan; to compete against their peers by and President of the Village Tutorial creating an application (app), or Enrichment Program, Cheryl Allie. game for mobile phones, tablets, or Daniel is an 11th grader at the computer devices. The challenge is Georgia Cyber Academy and will designed to promote innovation and be recognized as the Congressional engagement in coding and computer App Challenge Winner on Congres- science. sionalAppChallenge.us. His winning Congressman Johnson will host app, “TEFAP Tracker,” will also be a Congressional App Challenge on display in the U.S. Capitol along Awards Reception at Fernbank Sciwith other winners from across the ence Center on Saturday, Feb. 3, 1country. 3 p.m. The reception will honor Mr. The TEFAP Tracker–The Emer- Daniel and the other app challenge gency Food Assistance Program participants from Georgia’s Fourth app – will help food banks better Congressional District.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
Oakhurst Medical Centers opens Northlake location Oakhurst Medical Centers, Inc. held its grand opening on Dec. 8 for its sixth location. The new facility is located in the Northlake Office Park professional building at 2295 Northlake Parkway, Suite 55, Atlanta. The nonprofit primary health care centers have provided affordable, culturally sensitive and accessible healthcare to the indigent and underinsured residents of DeKalb, Fulton and Rockdale counties since 1980. Oakhurst’s CEO Jeff Taylor was joined for the new center’s ribbon cutting ceremony by Board of Directors Vice Chair Daphne Byrd, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce President Katerina Taylor, Oakhurst founder Elizabeth Wilson and other officials. The 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offers 14 exam rooms and initially will focus on providing Family Medicine and OB/GYN services, officials said. The facility was opened in partnership with the International Rescue Committee to address the growing population of the area’s underserved refugee population officials said. Oakhurst’s services are delivered by a diverse staff, representing nationalities that include Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Rwanda, Somalia and the United States.
DECEMBER 9, 2017 • PAGE 5
VOTE, conditioned from page 1 Adoma said although she never received a signed document concerning the May 8 resolution stating her length of service as mayor pro tem, City Attorney Tom Kurrie opined the position was for two years, as stated in the city’s charter. Kurrie said at the recent council meeting, however, he may have erred and he recomCouncilmember Diane Adoma. mended the council seek an Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews opinion from an outside attorney—the law firm of Carothers & Mitchell, which he said has dealt with several municipalities. Kurrie apologized for the confusion and he said he would cover the attorney’s fee. “I caused it, I’ll pay it,” said Kurrie. The confusion is over whether the council should hold an election for mayor pro tem at its first meeting in January or if Adoma’s term should automatically be extended to a full two years. Adoma, who represents District 5, and Councilmembers Jimmy Clanton, who represents District 1, and Jazzmin Cobble, who represents District 3, were all re-elected in November with no opposition. Despite only holding office since May, the three members had to run for re-election due to a staggered election system. Here’s what the charter states regarding the position of mayor pro tem and municipal elections in Sec. 2.09 (lines 898 (a)-901): “The city council shall meet on the first working day in January immediately following each regular municipal election. The meeting shall be called to order by the mayor-elect and the oath of office shall be administered to the newly elected mayor and councilmembers collectively by a judicial officer authorized to administer oaths.” Further, the charter states in Sec. 2.09 (lines 916 (b)-918: “Following the induction of the mayor and councilmembers, the city council, by a majority vote of the councilmembers, shall elect a councilmember to be mayor pro tempore, who shall serve for a term of two years and until a successor is elected and qualified.” The charter can be viewed at stonecrestga.gov/charter.php. To view the video-recorded Dec. 4 City Council meeting in its entirety, visit www.ocgnews.com.
SCHOOLS, conditioned from page 1 vance above that level, a school must demonstrate a 2.5-point increase in that three-year average. Priority Schools are campuses that rank in the lowest five percent of schools statewide based on a three-year average of Content Mastery scores, along with a graduation rate of less than 60 percent for two consecutive years. To advance above that level, a school must demonstrate a 5-point increase in that three-year average and obtain a graduation rate above 60 percent. The Rockdale County School System also received good news. Hightower Trail Elementary School has met all of the requirements and has been removed from the Federal Focus list, officials announced. “We are excited to celebrate the success of Hightower Trail meeting all of the criteria to be removed from the Focus list,” said Interim Superintendent Shirley Chesser. “I am proud of the hard work of the faculty and staff to improve their Achievement Gap score. Achievement Gap includes both the size of the gap between the school’s bottom quartile of students and the state average, and the degree to which that gap is closing. To be removed from the Focus list, schools must demonstrate a minimum 2.5 point increase in the three-year average of Achievement Gap scores.” Officials said Sims Elementary School was removed from the Focus list last year. As Georgia transitions from Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Waiver to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Georgia Department of Education will no longer identify Priority and Focus schools.
PUBLIC HEARING FY 2018 BUDGET December 8, 2018 A Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2018 proposed City of Stonecrest Municipal Budget will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017. Adoption of the FY 2018 City of Stonecrest Municipal Budget will be held at a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. Both meeting will be held at Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd. Stonecrest, Georgia. All residents wishing to speak on this subject may do so at the public hearing meeting. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for review in City Hall, City Manager’s Office and on the City’s webpage. www.stonecrestga.gov Brenda B. James City Clerk
PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 9, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Rockdale Probate Court: Our year in review information in the process. As a result, we were able to streamline some processes and become more thorough in others. During our transition period, the Probate Court staff experienced some challenges due to the changes
servatorships for adults; temporary guardianships for minors; issuance of marriage licenses, weapons carry licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates; and Orders to Apprehend (a/k/a 1013s). I sincerely hope that those who have read the articles
As we move into the New Year, the probate court will continue to improve and expand our services. The Probate Court’s participation in activities intended to inform and By Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. Rockdale Probate Judge
O
ver the past 11 months, we have made several changes to the Probate Court to enhance our efficiency and level of service to the citizens and legal community. Prior to the beginning of my first term as Probate Judge in January 2017, and subsequent thereto, I visited the probate courts of several surrounding jurisdictions, including Henry, Fulton, DeKalb, Walton, Athens-Clarke and Gwinnett counties to observe their operations. My primary purpose for these visits was to determine if their practices were more efficient than those used by our probate court. I appreciate those judges opening their doors to me, and I gained valuable
enhance the community will continue as well. that were implemented. These changes included cross-training all clerks, performing tasks beyond the scope of their normal duties, and improving the overall efficiency and professionalism of the Court. I am proud to say that through dedication and hard work, my current staff has made the necessary adjustments, and we are all optimistic about achieving our goals to better serve the community. As Probate Judge, I have also attempted to inform the citizens of Rockdale County of the services provided by the probate court by writing several articles for the Constitutional Corner. These services include the probate and administration of estates; guardianships and con-
found them to be informative and helpful while navigating through the various processes that have been addressed. Additionally, I have spoken to and met with several organizations throughout Rockdale including the Rockdale Autism Society, Olivia Haydel Senior Center, Rockdale County Public Schools, and several churches to provide information about the Probate Court’s processes of specific interest to them. Most recently, my staff and I participated in the Mental Health forums focused on Hope and Recovery, and Suicide Awareness. The forums were well attended and the Probate Court is very proud to have been a part of such a worthy
cause. The Court also participated in the Conyers Latin Festival. This event was huge in that it educated the Latino and Hispanic community in regards to the services available to them in Rockdale. During the course of this year, I also attended the Probate Judges Day at the Capitol with the Council of Probate Judges of Georgia. I had an opportunity to meet with most of the legislators representing Rockdale. I also participated in the Rockin’ Rockdale Countywide Cleanup, served lunch at Conyers Middle School during National School Lunch Week and served as one of the judges for the Rockdale County Middle Schools’ Oratorical Contest. All of these activities were intended to increase awareness of the probate court, as well as its importance and contributions to this community. As we move into the New Year, the probate court will continue to improve and expand our services. The Probate Court’s participation in activities intended to inform and enhance the community will continue as well. Have a safe and Happy Holiday season! Throughout each month, the clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge— Rockdale’s elected constitutional officers—discuss topics relevant to their respective roles
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
DECEMBER 9, 2017 • PAGE 7
On Common Ground News Marketplace RESTAURANTS
HEALTH SERVICES
HEALTH SERVICES
DENTAL Peach Blossom Dental wants to provide you with an exceptional experience. We strive to take the fear out of going to the dentist, offering the latest technology in dentistry. We have a talented dentist and staff that are solely here to brighten your smile.
CATERING
Silverspoon Catering
Call us today to schedule your appointment! (770) 934-5144
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY CATERING All Turkeys are $6.99 per pound
2256 Northlake Parkway, Suite 150, Tucker, GA 30084
www.peachblossomdental.com • Accepting New Patients
99
$
• Healthy Mouth Cleaning • X-Rays New Patients Without • Exam Insurance Only • Fluoride
FRIED or ROASTED: Cajun Turkey, Garlic Turkey, Orange Zinfandel, Buffalo, Rosemary Turkey, Red Wine Brined Turkey, BBQ Turkey, Hot & Spicy Jerk, Traditional Fried Turkey, Honey Pecan
add any sides for an additional $7.99 pound
EMAIL YOUR ORDER TO: silverspoonatl@gmail.com
(404) 808-8166
PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 9, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM