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FEBRUARY 1, 2019

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TOUCHDOWN FOR JESUS

New Birth hosts huge Super Bowl Party for homeless

By Valerie J. Morgan

O

n Super Bowl Sunday, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is sending a caravan of buses into Atlanta to pick up the city’s homeless. The DeKalb County mega church, located in the city of Stonecrest, is bringing those who are homeless to its worship service and a star-studded Super Bowl party that will follow with food and entertainment.

The “Soup and Souls” event is part of a larger initiative New Birth’s newly-appointed senior pastor, Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, has launched to help combat homelessness in greater Atlanta. With a goal of collecting 5,000 cans of soup in just a few weeks before the Super Bowl, the congregation brought in more than 15,000 cans to give away to the needy. Members purchased soup by the can and by the case. Several held canned food drives at their businesses and schools.

The canned goods will be distributed to families in the Stonecrest/Lithonia area on Saturday, Feb. 2. Homeless visitors also will enjoy soup and other party foods at New Birth’s Super Bowl party on

New Birth senior pastor, Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant

Sunday, Feb. 3.

Pastor Bryant is excited about his congregation’s hunger to serve.

“While all of America will be focused on the entertainment of sports, it’s important that the Body of Christ focuses on the encouragement and the empowerment of spirits,” Pastor Bryant said. “Food insecurity is such an issue in this nation that it is not a game. We want to make a touchdown for Christ by feeding as many people as we can.”

New Birth’s “Soup and Souls” event comes amidst Atlanta’s efforts to count the city’s homeless for the U.S. Census report. Teams of census workers hit the streets the week of

Super Bowl, braving the cold as they looked underneath bridges, along sidewalks, inside shelters and other areas in search of people down on their luck. Survey workers handed out $5 gift cards from McDonald’s to those who took the survey.

Still, many homeless people remain undocumented as frigid temps keep them shuffling through city streets to keep warm.

In 2018, Atlanta reported 3,076 homeless people, a 14 percent decline from 2017. But according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Bill Torpy, many homeless individuals are overlooked during the census count as they move around to keep warm

Photo via Mercedes-Benz Stadium Facebook

during freezing weather or wind up in the hospital. In December at least 11 homeless people died from hypothermia.

New Birth officials said it is their hope the Soup and Souls event will bring a little warmth this winter season while cultivating a culture of kindness within the church congregation.

New Birth’s members were challenged to see who would bring in the most cans – the under-age 45 group or over-age -5 group. It was a friendly competition, which Pastor Bryant referred to as “Black

SEE SUPER BOWL page 7

Columbia’s Gerald Everett used Atlanta’s Civil Rights hard work to make Super Bowl LIII Center names Jill

Savitt as new director

By Mark Brock

DeKalb County School District Athletics

D

eKalb County is no stranger to having players in the Super Bowl and Columbia High School’s Gerald Everett is making DeKalb proud as he becomes the 12th player from the DeKalb County School District to reach the world stage in the 2018 NFL’s championship game.

Eight of the previous 11 players from DeKalb have come home with Super Bowl rings including Dunwoody High School’s Harris Barton (San Francisco 49ers), Chamblee High School’s Steve Wallace (San Francisco 49ers) and Tucker High School’s Patrick Pass (New England Patriots), who all have three Super Bowl Championships rings.

Tucker’s John McMakin was the first DeKalb player on record to reach a Super Bowl playing in Super Bowl IX with the champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

The last DeKalb County players to play on the winning Super Bowl team were Jeff Saturday and Robert Mathis for the Indianapolis Colts in 2006.

Gerald Everett

Everett persevered against the obstacles put in his path on the way to be playing tight end for the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII in his hometown Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Everett transferred several miles across DeKalb to Columbia from Martin Luther King Jr. High heading into his senior year in the summer of 2011. He had dreams of playing basketball for legendary Columbia Coach Phillip McCrary (598 wins, 5 state championships). It was going to be hard for him to break onto the squad that had won two consecutive state championships and going for what would be a third.

Coaches talked the 6-4, 200

Photos by Hiro Ueno/Rams

pounder into playing football for the first time since his freshman year. He would go on to catch 13 passes for 224 yards (17.2 yards/ catch) and three touchdowns as senior in a run oriented offense.

Everett did not get the attention from Division 1 schools as several teammates and many other DeKalb athletes got and after signing with Bethune Cookman, he decided to put in some work at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas to improve his skills.

“Physically, he already looked impressive, but the real difference was that he was mentally tougher than other kids,’’ said then-Columbia Head Coach and current Banneker

SEE EVERETT page 7

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights Board of Directors has appointed Jill Savitt as chief executive officer effective March 11.

Savitt, a genocide prevention expert, will resign as acting director for the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Jill Savitt Prevention of Genocide at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Interim CEO, Brian Tolleson, will step down but continue serving on The Center's board.

“Jill Savitt has the distinct caliber and experience to lead The Center. Throughout last year, Brian has catapulted our operational and financial health, and Jill begins her tenure at a fantastic moment for us,” said Shirley Franklin, former mayor of Atlanta and board chair. “A strategic visionary and an incisive communicator with a successful track record of human rights advocacy, Jill has the exceptional qualities to lead us when The Center is poised for a watershed moment.”

“I am honored and excited to lead the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to advance our mission to empower people to promote and protect every human's rights,” Savitt said. “The Center is more vital than ever as a steward of Atlanta's civil rights legacy and as a conduit for education and action. I am eager to continue its efforts to transform the world.”

PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 1, 2019

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DeKalb Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit makes arrest in Decatur murder The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit has arrested Brandon Tyrone Smith, 27, of Decatur, in the Jan. 19 shooting death of Charles Smith, who is also of Decatur and believed to be his uncle.

A warrant was issued on Jan. 20 charging the suspect with felony murder. Charles Smith was shot several times and died on the scene on Wyndham Way, Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. No Brandon Tyrone Smith motive was reported.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Fugitive Unit arrested Brandon Smith at a business in Atlanta. He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident.

Conyers Police Department conducting annual survey on police performance The Conyers Police Department is currently conducting the annual Service Satisfaction Survey for calendar year 2018.

The goals of the service satisfaction survey are to measure levels of citizen concern for safety, levels of police performance, public confidence in the department as well as to provide an opportunity for public comment on police performance.

“It is helpful to know how we are viewed by our citizens to gauge the quality of our work. We aim to judge the different facets of our job to include contact with the public, the way we protect our citizens and their property, and the overall job we are performing,” said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “The results of this survey are taken directly to our patrol officers and any issues are addressed, positive and negative.”

The online survey will be conducted beginning now through Monday, April 15, 2019 at midnight. The link to the survey will be on our website www.conyerspolice.com. Please make sure your opinion is heard by participating in the survey.

The direct link for the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/ r/2018CSSS Any questions regarding the survey can be directed to the Certification/ Accreditation Manager at 770-785-6684 or police@conyersga.gov.

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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

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FEBRUARY 1, 2019 • PAGE 3

Stonecrest City Council gives green light to move forward with pothole repairs

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he city of Stonecrest took a significant step on Jan. 28 toward getting the city’s potholes repaired. The City Council gave city staff the green light to move forward with a digital analysis of the city’s 283mile roadways.

City staffers have received bids for the project and estimate the cost will be $71,000 for the analysis, which will report the condition of the roads, prioritizing them from worst to best.

The road analysis will also give the city an assessment of the number of street lights needed to help alleviate the city’s dark areas.

“Citizens should see work begin around the end of April or beginning of May when the weather warms up,” said Mayor Jason Lary.

Before the City Council voted on authorizing the road analysis, Lary encouraged the council to change their positions and grow in their roles as public servants as they continue to make Stonecrest the best city possible.

In the past, the majority of the council voted against conducting its own road analysis instead supporting using data provided by DeKalb County government.

“You should change your position, if it helps your neighbors and those who need help,” Lary said.

“I have never been opposed to a road analysis,” Councilman George Turner said. “It was just a matter of which analysis was most appropriate for Stonecrest and who should order it.

The digital road analysis is supposed to provide additional information that can be helpful to the city on future projects and the digital road analysis is quite swift. The DeKalb analysis appears to be good for road repairs only. I suspect we will use both,” Turner added.

Recently, the mayor held a town hall meeting called “Straight Talk with Mayor Lary” in which residents expressed concerns and frustrations about the city’s potholes.

“Salem Road is an imminent danger,” Tammy Grimes told a packed house at the Jan. 22 Straight Talk. “I don’t have an expendable child and I would hate for our city to be on the news because we have not moved fast enough.”

Lary agreed, vowing to get the roads fixed.

“The provisions of this analysis move us right into our public safety with the proper lighting of our streets, which will allow us to install safety cameras. It moves us toward ensuring safe entrances and exits to our parks. It

moves us toward our city of innovation and excellence in technology,” Lary said.

City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt said the road analysis also would help the city spend money wisely for road repairs.

“This is not only a pavement analysis, but it is also a budget tool.

The road analysis company will be able to rate the damage on your streets and identify the most cost-effective way to spend your repair dollars,” Hildebrandt said.

Councilwoman Diane Adoma, however, did not support moving forward with the road analysis. During the City Council meeting, Adoma questioned whether the city should wait to complete an intergovernmental agreement(IGA) with the county.

“I think the first steps should be to get our IGA, then do the road analysis and pave like mad and get rid of the potholes,” Adoma said. “I may be out

SEE STONECREST page 5

City of Stonecrest’s Finance Department receives top award Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary honored the city’s finance department at the Jan. 28 City Council meeting for its excellence in accounting and financial reporting.

The city’s finance department was recognized with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management, city officials said in a news release.

In conjunction with the GFOA award, Mayor Lary and City Manager Michael Harris presented an Award of Financial

Reporting Achievement to City Accounts Manager Audrey Mays. Mays and Harris worked on the CAFR with representatives from Mauldin and Jenkins, the city’s external auditing firm.

“I feel great. The CAFR is a great recognition, especially for our first year.

We were in total compliance with the high standards set by the Government Finance Officers Association. Usually, cities don’t do CAFRs until they are about five years old.

We intend on doing a CAFR every year as we have set our standards high,” Mays said.

The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the program’s high standards which include demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

City Manager Michael Harris, City Accounts Manager Audrey Mays, James Pence of Mauldin and Jenkins, the city’s external auditing firm, and Mayor Jason Lary. Photo provided

PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 1, 2019

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Stonecrest officials receive training certificates Stonecrest Councilman George Turner received a Certificate of Recognition from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Mayors’ Day Conference in Atlanta on Jan. 27. Turner is the current mayor pro tem on the City Council.

Diane Adoma Diane Adoma Councilwoman Diane Adoma also received a certificate of recognition from the institute for completion of training. Adoma served as the city’s first mayor pro tem.

The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, a cooperative effort of GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provides a nationally-recognized series of training opportunities for city officials. To receive the certificate, a city official must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours, including at least 18 hours from a list of required classes. The training program consists of a series of more than 60 courses.

“This is an outstanding achievement,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We commend Councilman Turner for this accomplishment and for the dedication he has shown in using this valuable resource to become a more effective city official.”

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, research, training, employee benefits, and technical consulting services to its 538-member cities.

DeKalb Peachtree Airport installs new aircraft stopping system System is first of its kind in Georgia DeKalb Peachtree Airport has installed a new system to quickly stop planes in their tracks during emergency landings. The Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) is the first in Georgia. EMAS technology uses a series of crushable blocks to decelerate the speed of an aircraft during an emergency overrun.

The EMAS technology is placed 200 The gray area inside the black asphalt area is the new EMAS technology on Runway 3R-21L feet off the end of a runway to prevent at PDK Airport. an aircraft from running off the runway.

EMAS is used in cases where there is limited land, such as PDK’s 6,100foot primary runway for corporate tenants. The EMAS technology was designed and implemented to improve safety for flights using this runway.

For more information, visit www.pdkairport.org.

DeKalb For Seniors hosts Business, Community Expo Feb. 6 DeKalb for Seniors, Inc. will host its 5th Annual Business and Community Expo on Feb. 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest.

DeKalb For Seniors, Inc. is the nonprofit that serves as the fundraising and advocacy arm for the Lou Walker Senior Center, which is an award winning multi-purpose facility for seniors 55 and older. The center serves more than 3,000 members throughout the year. On a daily basis, approximately 300 seniors attend the center.

DeKalb Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to address Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition The Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition (SCC) will host DeKalb County’s newly-elected Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson for its monthly meeting. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest.

Cochran-Johnson will share with her 2019 plans for DeKalb County.

The meeting is open to the public.

Lorraine CochranJohnson

Conyers sets Coffee With A Cop The Conyers Police Department is hosting “Coffee With A Cop” on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 8 to 9 a.m., at Beasley Drug Company, 933 Center St., in downtown Conyers.

Meet officers from the Conyers Police Department and enjoy a free cup of coffee.

Decatur-DeKalb 100 Black Women hosts Fitness Day The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Decatur-DeKalb Chapter, Inc. hosted its "Healthy Eating and Fitness Day" on Jan. 31 at Samson Fitness Center, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest. The free event, open to the public, offered healthy snacks, nutrition education and on-site exercise. One of the organization’s main health initiatives is to prevent adult and childhood obesity. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

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FEBRUARY 1, 2019 • PAGE 5

Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt invites clergy leaders to the “Pastor’s Table” Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt is hosting the Pastor’s Table, on Thursday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m., at the Black Shoals Park Retreat House, 3001 Black Shoals Road N.E., Conyers.

The event is being held to bring local clergymen and clergywomen in Rockdale a chance to network and speak with the Chairman and other leaders, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about opportunities to serve the community.

Senior level church leaders whose ministries are located in Rockdale are encouraged to attend. Space is Oz Nesbitt limited to only one senior level leader or associate leader per house of prayer. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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 ensure their church is properly registered.

To RSVP for the event, email Sitarah Coote at sitarah.coote@ rockdalecountyga.gov.

State Rep. William State Rep. Dar’shun Boddie, House Minority Kendrick, House Minority Whip Chief Deputy Whip

State Rep. Pam Stephenson, Deputy Whip

State Rep. Karen Bennett, Deputy Whip

State Rep. Pam Dickerson, Deputy Whip

House Minority Deputy Whips announced for 2019-2020 term Georgia House Minority Whip William Boddie (D-East Point) today announced the appointment of the House Minority Deputy Whips for the 20192020 legislative term.

“I'm pleased to announce our 12 new House Minority Deputy Whips for the 2019-2020 legislative term. The appointment of our Caucus' Minority Deputy Whips is a reflection of the increased diverse population and changing demographics of the citizens of the State of Georgia,” said Minority Whip Boddie.

“I'm proud that our Minority Deputy Whips are not only dynamic leaders within their own communities and our own House Democratic Caucus, but they are also leaders in other House caucuses and in their own county legislative delegations spanning the entire state.”

The House Minority Deputy Whips for the 2019-2020 legislative term will include Reps. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), Chief Deputy Whip; Debra Bazemore (D-Riverdale); Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain); Pam Dickerson (D-Conyers); David Dreyer (D-Atlanta); Spencer Frye (D-Athens); Craig Gordon (D-Savannah); Betsy Holland (D-Atlanta); CaMia Hopson (D-Albany); Derrick Jackson (D-Tyrone); Sam Park (D-Lawrenceville); Brian Prince (D-Augusta); and Matthew Wilson (D-Brookhaven).

“Our Chief Deputy Whip, Rep. Dar'shun Kendrick, and our Deputy Whips will help our caucus push inclusive legislation and policies that will be beneficial to all Georgians - from filing legislation to increase Medicaid expansion in Georgia, to improving access to broadband internet across rural Georgia, to fighting for the protection of voter rights for every citizen of this great state,” Boddie said. Our Minority Whip team, our House Democratic Caucus leadership committee and every member in our Democratic Caucus will answer the call to better the lives of all Georgians.”

Kendrick said she is looking forward to her new leadership role in the House.

“I am honored that my Democratic colleagues choose to elect me to serve them as the Chief Deputy Whip,” said Kendrick, Chief Deputy Whip. “I look forward to coordinating our efforts more to serve the people of Georgia and fight for good policy within the state.”

STONECREST continued from page 3 of my lane, but I need for you all to help me understand why we wouldn’t get the contract in place with the county,” she added.

Hildebrandt responded that warm weather is needed for successful road pavement. He said the city could miss the 2019 paving season, if it waited for the IGA with the county.

“You can write off 2019 and you will probably be looking at Spring 2020,” Hildebrandt said. He further explained that the county would not pave the city’s roads. Instead, they would only patch the roads. Road paving, he explained, is a capital improvement that must be done by the city.

Recently, Stonecrest received funds from a Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) that will give the city money toward road improvements. The grant will be given to the city annually. The city must match 40 percent of the state grant with Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPOST) or general funds. This year, the city’s LMIG and matching funds will total $1.2 million.

“I am not willing to wait another day on IGAs or politics,” the mayor said. “None of that is necessary. I promised the citizens that we would move as soon as possible because this is now a safety issue. It’s simple. We have the money in the bank and the talent on staff to get it done. It’s no use in waiting. It’s no use in putting our citizens’ safety at risk. We are a city of action and I took action,” Lary added.

Congressman Hank Johnson earns A+ from Humane Society Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, announced that he received a 100 percent from the Human Society of the United States(HSUS) and the Humane Society Legislative Fund for his voting record, co-sponsorship of legislation and leadership in helping prevent cruelty to animals.

Johnson was the only member of the Georgia delegation to receive a 100% score from the Humane Society for his work during the 115th Congress. In Congressman Hank Johnson 2012, he received the Humane Society’s Animal Welfare Leadership Award for his work protecting and advocating for animal rights.

“How we treat animals as a society speaks to how we treat fellow human beings and all life on planet earth,” said Johnson. “Animals are capable of feeling pain and suffering just like people. We must make every effort to protect their welfare as well.”

According to HSUS President Sara Amundson, there is growing awareness of animal protection issues in our society.

“Americans care about the humane treatment of animals and want to see common-sense policies enacted to protect these creatures from cruelty and abuse,” she said. “We’re pleased that a bipartisan group of senators and representatives championed these issues in Congress.”

Rep. Doreen Carter reminds constituents of FDA recall for blood pressure medication State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) is alerting constituents that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a voluntary recall on valsartan, a drug commonly used to control blood pressure and prevent heart failure. The FDA has recalled valsartan due to the presence of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDEA), which has been classified as a probable human carcinogen.

Carter said NDEA reportedly used in rocket fuel, softeners and lubricants.

“I want to warn heart patients and consumers of the cancerState Rep. Doreen Carter related risks that are associated with these medications. If you use valsartan, please consult your health care professional as soon as possible,” Carter said.

In light of this recall, the FDA issued following information for patients and health care professionals: Because valsartan is used in medicines to treat serious medical conditions, patients taking the recalled valsartan-containing medicines should continue taking their medicine until they have a replacement product.

To determine whether a specific product has been recalled, patients should look at the drug name and company name on the label of their prescription bottle. If the information is not on the bottle, patients should contact the pharmacy that dispensed the medicine.

If a patient is taking one of the recalled medicines listed below, they should follow the recall instructions provided by the specific company. This information will be posted to the FDA’s website.

Patients should also contact their health care professional (the pharmacist who dispensed the medication or doctor who prescribed the medication) if their medicine is included in this recall to discuss their treatment, which may include another valsartan product not affected by this recall or an alternative treatment option.

Carter represents District 92, which includes portions of Rockdale and DeKalb counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Education, Industry & Labor, Small Business and Special Rules committees.

CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH 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, FEBRUARY 25TH 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

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

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

RZ-19-001 Blue River Development, LLC c/o Battle Law, P.C. 3898-4001 Panola Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Request to change subject property zoning to R-75 for the construction of 115 single-family unit subdivision.

TMOD 19-0002 Community Development Department City Wide Revision to the Home OccupationSec. 4.2.31. Child and Personal Care Home – Sec 4.2.41 regulations and Definitions Article 9

PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 1, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Georgia International Horse Park installs new trail signage

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he Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP) in Conyers has completed its new trail signage installment project, making recreational usage easier and safer to navigate for residents and visitors.

The trail system extends through 1,139 acres of the park, and provides 24.33 miles of recreational opportunities, including pedestrian hiking, running, walking, biking and equestrian riding, while protecting cultural and natural resources.

The self-guided trails connect the equestrian core of the park, steeplechase field, Bald Rock Meadows and Big Haynes Creek Nature Center.

The project has added over 186 trail markers, four trailhead signs and two additional maps throughout the trails.

The GIHP staff installed the new, easily identifiable signs and added color-coded signs which feature an interactive QR code system that can be scanned with a smartphone, so that trail users can pinpoint their exact location in proximity to entrances and exits.

“The QR codes are an important communication feature that can significantly reduce chances of trail users getting lost, allow participants to meet up with each other more easily, and can assist emergency personnel, should any unforeseen incidents occur,” said Lonnie Abercrombie, GIHP facility manager.

The trail management plan has six sign colors to better direct visitors: yellow, pink, orange, blue, purple and red. Blue, pink, orange, purple and yellow trails are designated for walkers and equestrian riders, while the red trails are only for mountain bikes. Large maps of the trail system and individual pocket maps are available at trail entrances.

The orange trail, the shortest in length, is located at Bald Rock Meadows off of Costley Mill Road, and is the GIHP’s most pedestrianfriendly trail. It boasts some of the original structures remaining from the 1996 Olympics,

including a covered bridge, two ponds and a mill. The easiest horse-riding route is the pink trail, which is one of the original Olympic crosscountry courses.

The red and blue trails are the most difficult, as they run through the entire park and steeplechase field, into heavily wooded areas, open pastureland and streams. The red trail is the longest trail, and is specific to cyclists only. The blue trail, named after Mike Medlock, a devoted volunteer who helped create and maintain some of the original equine trails, starts at the trailhead in the equestrian core, winds through Bald Rock Meadows to the edge of the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, crosses Costley Mill Road and Centennial Olympic Parkway, and ends near the Yellow River.

The purple trail, named after Chris Bowen, former city councilman, begins at the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, a unique trail where nature lovers can spot wildlife throughout the wetlands.

There is no charge to use any of the trails.

Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and biking to explore and learn about the cultural resources unique to the park, and can now do so with more navigational confidence.

Jennifer Bexley, director of GIHP, feels that the timing of the signage unveiling could not be better, noting, “We’ve always been committed to delivering a great guest experience to all visitors, and these new features will certainly improve that. In this new year, we encourage the community to take advantage of the GIHP’s resources, and return often throughout the seasons.”

For more information about the Georgia International Horse Park’s trail system, visit www.georgiahorsepark.com. Trails are open from daylight to dusk. On occasion, trails may be closed due to other events occurring at the park.

Visit the calendar of events page on the website for dates the trails may be closed.

Photos provided

DeKalb Entertainment Commission, DeKalb Schools to showcase top student filmmakers Local students on the red carpet will be the focus of paparazzi as the DeKalb Entertainment Commission (DEC) partners with the DeKalb County School District for the first annual “DeKalb Student Film Festival.”

The event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m., at the DeKalb County School District headquarters, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain.

Students will compete in three categories of films: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Judges from the film industry will serve on a panel evaluating the films. Awards will be distributed in each category for “Best of Show,” “Audience Choice” and one final “Overall Winner.”

A total of 14 high schools and one middle school from the DeKalb County School District’s AV and Film Programs will participate in the film festival. The participating schools that will compete are: Arabia Mountain School Chamblee High School Columbia High School DeKalb High School of Technology South DeKalb School of the Arts Dunwoody High School Lakeside High School Miller Grove High School MLK High School McNair High School Southwest DeKalb School Stephenson High School Towers High School Tucker High School Tucker Middle School The event is free and open to the public.

About the DeKalb Entertainment Commission The DeKalb Entertainment Commission offers businesses in Georgia’s fast-growing entertainment industry access to a collaborative, supportive infrastructure which stimulates the growth and success of creative ventures in film, television, music and digital entertainment.

The Commission is the primary driving force attracting and expanding businesses supporting the film, television, music and digital entertainment industry in DeKalb County.

Left to right: Rockdale County Clerk of Courts and Middle School Oratorical founder Ruth Wilson; Memorial Middle School teacher DaMeka Whitehead; first place winner for seventh grade Joshua Jamison of MMS; RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts; first place winner for eighth grade Laila Wood of Edwards Middle School; EMS teacher Hazel Lammie; Gen. Ray Davis Middle School teacher Lisa Tompkins; first place winner for sixth grade Barkley Dowdy; and Conyers Rotary President Mike Lassiter. Photo provided

Rotary Club of Conyers honors middle school oratorical winners The Rotary Club of Conyers honored the first place winners of the 2018 Rockdale County Middle School Oratorical Competition at the club’s luncheon on Jan. 31. The luncheon was held at the Conyers First United Methodist Church 921 North Main St. N.W., in the second-floor assembly room.

The Oratorical Competition was developed in cooperation with Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) by the Clerk Of Courts Office to provide enrichment opportunities, support, recognition and rewards to middle school students. The Competition is open to RCPS 6th - 8th grade students selected by RCPS. The district-wide contest is sponsored each year by Lexicon Technologies, Snapping Shoals EMC, Evans Tool and Die, The Rotary Club of Conyers and the Rockdale Clerk of Courts. The first, second and third Place winners receive cash prizes, which they are encouraged to use for college savings.

The 2018 Oratorical Competition winners who were awarded $500 cash prizes are: Sixth Grade – Barkley Dowdy, Davis MS TOPIC: Should Americans be required to vote?

Seventh Grade – Joshua Jamison, Memorial MS TOPIC: Democracy Depends Upon Good Citizenship Eighth Grade – Laila Wood, Edwards MS TOPIC: A Big Problem in local government is…

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FEBRUARY 1, 2019 • PAGE 7

SUPER BOWL continued from page 1

Full Ride

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Eight DCSD students named “Posse Scholars” Eight students from DeKalb County School District (DCSD) have earned all-expenses paid trips to some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, thanks to the Posse Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

Students from seven DCSD high schools—including one charter school specializing in educating individuals on the autism spectrum— have been named Posse Scholars for the 2018-2019 school year. As recipients, the scholars will receive full tuition at a college or university of their choice for up to four years.

“I am so proud of our students and the many new and different ways they demonstrate success and innovation,” said Superintendent R. Stephen Green.

The eight students, their chosen colleges and universities, as well as their respective schools, are: Robert Felton – Boston University – Chamblee Charter High Isabelle Yap – Boston University – Chamblee Charter High Mariya Kurbatova – Bard College – DeKalb School of the Arts Emmanuel Zelalem – The George Washington University – Druid Hills High Maya Lavender – Bard College – Dunwoody High Caleb Wyatt – Bard College – Stephenson High Bawi Par – The George Washington University – Stone Mountain High Xavier Butler – Brandeis University – Tapestry Public Charter Each student was recognized during a ceremony on Jan. 10 at the Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta.

According to the Posse Foundation, the scholarship is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a “posse”—can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development.

The Posse Foundation began seeking talented students in Atlanta in 2007 with help from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

Each scholar goes through a lengthy selection process, consisting of nominations, written references, and more. For more information, visit www.possefoundation.org.

Lives Matter” vs. “Civil Rights.” The over-45 group won the challenge, although the younger group was diligent and creative about fulfilling the task, church officials said. Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha sororities donated hundreds of cans of soup for the Soup and Souls project.

Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha sororities donated hundreds of cans of soup for the Soup and Souls project. New Birth’s members were challenged to see who would bring in the most cans – the under-age 45 group or over-age -5 group. It was a friendly competition, which Pastor Bryant referred to as “Black Lives Matter” vs. “Civil Rights.” The over-45 group won the challenge, although the younger group was diligent and creative about fulfilling the task, church officials said.

The DeKalb Sheriff’s Office and private bus companies are assisting New Birth in transporting individuals and families from Gateway, My Sister’s House, Salvation Army, Evolution Center and other local shelters.

The homeless community will be a part of the 9:30 a.m. worship service, which will feature praise and worship led by gospel artist Jonathan Nelson, and a riveting message by Pastor Bryant. During the service, football teams from Cedar Grove, Redan and Lithonia high schools will be celebrated and honored.

After the service, the Super Bowl celebration for the homeless community begins at the Bishop Eddie L. Long Family Life Center.

The party will feature a menu crafted

by Executive Chef Donald Wilson

and Chef Yachecia Holston, a finalist in the top 5 of season 8 of “Master Chef.” Comedian/actor Palmer Williams, Jr. of Love Thy Neighbor and House of Payne, viewed weekly on the OWN Network, will serve as the host with performances by artists Silento, who sings the popular dance song, “Watch Me;” Crissy Collins of Beyonce’s background vocalist group, The Mamas, and Y’Anna Crawley, winner of season 2 on Sunday Best, among others.

New Birth’s own praise team, Kingdom Sound, and Tiffany Boone also will be on stage, as well as Sharon Woodruff, a singer from the Civil Rights era known around the globe. Pastor Owen Wallace, Martha Wallace, Gary Howard, and LaDonne Howard of Vision 105.1 will broadcast the party live from New Birth.

Guests will be treated to complimentary haircuts and hairstyling by the staff of TAG Concept Salon, Salon D’Vine and other barber and beauty shops. Free health screenings, clothing and employment information also will be provided.

Hosting homeless guests is a regular occurrence for New Birth.

Every month, New Birth buses go to downtown Atlanta and transport men, women, and children from shelters to the church. After the worship service, they receive hot soul food lunches, clothes, and free haircuts and hairstyles. Showers are also available.

New Birth also delivers food and holds worship services to the Safe House, an Atlanta day shelter, on a regular basis.

EVERETT continued from page 1

Head Coach Mario Allen. “Other kids would’ve folded. He didn’t want to go to junior college. He had a hamstring issue. He could’ve easily given up. I think he was just mentally tougher to get past those obstacles in his life.”

After finishing at Hutchinson, Everett went to the University of AlabamaBirmingham in 2014 and played in seven games with 17 receptions for 292 yards (17.2 yards/catch) and one touchdown. UAB shut down its program following that season and Everett was tested again as he looked for another place to land.

He found a spot at the University of South Alabama and made the most of it where in two seasons he caught 90 passes for a total of 1,292 yards (14.4 yards/catch) and 16 touchdowns. His performance in the Senior Bowl got him noticed and in 2017 he was the Los Angeles second round pick (44th overall).

Everett went from 16 receptions for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns as rookie in 2017 to 33 receptions and 320 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Rams finished 13-3 as the NFC West and NFC champions and a trip to the Super Bowl.

Everett’s big game was in a 54-51 Rams win over Kansas City when he had 3 receptions for 49 yards and two touchdowns. He had two receptions for 50 yards in the Rams 26-23 come-from-behind NFC Championship win over the Saints in New Orleans to earn the trip to Atlanta.

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PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 1, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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