VOLUME 23 NUMBER 46
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FEBRUARY 10, 2018
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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
Rockdale residents trash outside garbage contractor plan By Valerie J. Morgan
R So many people turned out for the Feb. 6 Rockdale Board of Commissioners’ special called meeting and work session that officials had to send the overflow crowd from the county’s Assembly Hall to the adjacent Rockdale Auditorium to view the meeting on a live video feed. The crowd was upset about a proposed property tax hike and garbage plan that might eliminate private haulers. Pictured above: Brian Jenkins called the board’s contract with Greenhood “unconscionable.” Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
ockdale County residents don’t want anyone to tell them what to do with their trash. A crowd of angry citizens turned out on Feb. 6 to protest a no bid contract that the Rockdale Board of Commissioners awarded to an Augusta firm to conduct a feasibility study that could lead to the company’s takeover of garbage collection in Rockdale. Dozens of residents voiced opposition to the county’s agreement with Greenhood Industries,
saying they wanted to keep their private, local garbage haulers—not be forced to use a single, mandatory hauler picked by the county. After hearing an earful during a meeting that lasted four hours, county officials are now considering if they will move forward with the Greenhood agreement. “The chairman (Oz Nesbitt, Sr.) definitely heard the public’s outcry. I’m not sure if the board will rescind its decision, but I would not be surprised if they did,” said Jorge Diez, the county’s director of public relations. Diez said Nesbitt and SEE TRASH, page 10
Focusing on Men DeKalb Board of Health to offer men free preventive care
M
en in DeKalb County will now have one less barrier to getting preventative health care, thanks to the DeKalb County Board of Health and health partners who have launched a new initiative. The board is opening a health and wellness clinic to provide free preventive care to low-income men who live in DeKalb. The clinic will open on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Board of Health’s T.O. Vinson Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur. Patients will be served on Wednesday and Thursday evenings by appointment. Officials say the evening hours are being held to accommodate men who work during the day and otherwise might not go to the doctor. The new clinic is part of a larger men’s health initiative targeting AfricanAmerican males, who have higher rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma and obesity, officials said. “DeKalb County males experience significantly less than optimal health outcomes and have lower life expectancies than their female counterparts, said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D. “With the help of our partners, we are pleased to provide a resource for men to receive free preventative services and view this accomplishment as a stepping stone to addressing men’s health in DeKalb County.” The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority in partnership with DeKalb Medical Center’s Physicians Care Clinic, Inc. is providing the funding for the new clinic, which will support non-emergency, chronic disease management, primary care medical services and pharmaceuticals for DeKalb men who are low-income, uninsured or underinsured. According to DeKalb’s 2015 Status of Health report, the county’s AfricanAmerican male population has the highest rates of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases (blood pressure, hypertensive heart disease, obstructive heart disease, and stroke) when compared to other racial groups. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for almost 1 in every 4 deaths, affecting significantly more men than women, health officials said. Life expectancy for males in the U.S. is about 76.4 years, compared to 81.2 years for females, according to the Centers for Disease Control. DeKalb health officials said men who are eligible for the free clinic must be a DeKalb resident, 18 or older, uninsured, ineligible for Medicaid and Medicare and they must meet federal income guidelines for poverty. Health officials will conduct an assessment when appointments are scheduled. For more information about the DeKalb County Board of Health’s Men’s Health and Wellness Clinic, call 404-508-7847.
DeKalb County officials gathered to announce DeKalb’s first record restriction summit and job fair. Photo by Travis Hudgons/OCG News
Record restriction program to offer second chance
By Travis Hudgons
DeKalb County leaders are seeking to improve employment opportunities for those with minor arrests. At a Feb. 8 press conference, held at Saint Philip AME Church, officials gathered to announce DeKalb’s first record restriction summit and job fair. A record restriction, formerly known as expungement, is for those who have been arrested by DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Marshals or Police but never convicted or pled guilty. Additionally, those who have successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program are also eligible to apply. The press conference featured DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, Saint Philip Pastor, the Rev. William D. Watley, DeKalb County Circuit Public Defender Claudia Saari, DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry, DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling and DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston. The county officials, surrounded by members
of law enforcement and court employees, discussed guidelines, eligibility, and touted the benefits of the program. “It’s a second-chance opportunity for people who want to correct and improve their lives,” Thurmond said. “This will allow citizens of this county to improve and increase the possibility of them accessing gainful employment.” “A criminal record can create barriers to housing opportunities, jobs and education,” Saari said. DeKalb County’s job fair and record restriction summit will take place on April 21 at Saint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road S.E., Atlanta. Applications for record restrictions must be submitted prior to the event and online. The fee for the application process will be waived. The deadline to apply is March 23. Those who wish to participate, must apply online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/ recordrestriction. For more information, call 404-371-2770 or email: recordrestriction@ dekalbcountyga.gov
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DeKalb Rec hiring summer park employees The DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is accepting applications until March 30 for seasonal summer employment opportunities such as food monitors, camp counselors, recreation assistants and bus drivers. Lifeguard and pool manager positions are available and applicants must be 16 or older to apply. Additional requirements include American Red Cross certification or certification from a nationallyrecognized aquatics training program. Applicants for summer positions, excluding lifeguard or pool manager, must be 18 or older to apply. All applicants will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check prior to employment. To view available positions or complete an application, visit DeKalb County’s job search portal at www.dekalbcountyga.gov, click on ‘How Do I?’, then select ‘Apply For Jobs’. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Parks public education specialist at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Admiration Lodge #25 sets new date for job fair Admiration Lodge No. 25 has set a new date for its job fair. The event, which was postponed due to icy weather conditions, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Managers from a variety of fields and industries will be represented including the Center of Disease Control, Diaz Foods, Department of Transportation, law enforcement, logistics and customer services. Candidates should come dressed for interviews with their resumes and be prepared to speak with hiring personnel. Register for the job fair online at Eventbrite.com.
RCPS to host teacher job fairs in March and April Rockdale County Public Schools is hosting teacher job fairs on March 10, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., at Rockdale County High School, 1174 Bulldog Circle, Conyers, and April 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers. RCPS is seeking candidates for teaching positions in the 2018-2019 school year. All 22 RCPS schools will be represented and may provide on-site interviews. Bring several copies of your resume. To pre-register, please visit www.rockdaleschools. org/jobfair RCPS has 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, three traditional high schools, a virtual campus and four non-traditional schools (Rockdale Career Academy and Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Open Campus, and Alpha Academy). In addition, we offer 15 specialty and choice programs focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), performing and visual arts, aerospace engineer-
ing, pre-medical science, business and leadership, radio and film entertainment, and much more. RCPS has implemented a Strategic Compensation Model to attract and retain the best in the teaching profession. It includes bonuses for hard-to-fill positions in Special Education, Secondary Math, Science, Foreign Language, school-wide team incentives, and Quality Bonuses for teachers – just a few of the components that make RCPS a great place to work. RCPS’s Learning Reimagined one-to-one initiative not only provides students, teachers and classrooms with the laptops, tablets and equipment needed to develop the skills to compete in today’s society, but also provides teachers with the support needed to tap into the educational potential of these technologies. To see the full schedule of opportunities at the job fairs around Georgia and the Southeast, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/recruiting.
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FEBRUARY 10, 2018 • PAGE 3
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
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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. 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 www.ocgnews.com
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Councilmembers Diane Adoma, Rob Turner and Jazzmin Cobble cast dissenting votes for the contract. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
City Attorney Tom Kurrie
Stonecrest officials reviewing SPLOST plan after deadlock on contract proposal By Valerie J. Morgan
T
he city of Stonecrest has hit a snag in conducting an analysis of its roadways—the preliminary work that is needed for the city’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) transportation projects that will get underway. The City Council deadlocked on Stantec Consulting’s proposal to provide a detailed analysis of the city’s roads, after council members raised a number of questions at the Feb. 7 special called meeting. The council questioned how the firm’s work would fit into the city’s overall SPLOST projects plan and ultimately, the motion failed 3-3. City officials said they now must go back to the drawing board to figure out how they will get the analysis of the roads done. Stantec had proposed conducting the analysis at a cost of $69,550. Company officials tentatively proposed starting the work on Feb. 5
Mayor Jason Lary swears in the city’s new building and development officers.
and finishing by April 27. Stantec said it was offering a discount because it was in the area completing an analysis in Tucker. Assistant City Manager Plez Joyner said the costs would increase once Stantec left the area. Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) proposed doing the analysis at a cost of $114,933. Joyner and City Manager Michael Harris recommended Stantec do the work. Councilwoman Diane Adoma, however, raised questions about how
Cultural Exchange Community Breakfast set Feb. 10 The Cultural Exchange Community Breakfast, hosted by Stonecrest City Councilmember Rob Turner and School Board member Vicki B. Turner, will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 to 11 a.m., at the House of Hope, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The meeting will be held in the church’s atrium. Come here updates from community leaders. The meeting is open to the public.
Rockdale schools to offer free SAT prep workshops Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is offering a free series of SAT preparation workshops on Feb. 10, Feb. 24 and March 3, 8 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers. Students are asked to bring their school-issued laptop. Students will rotate through three classes: Reading Comprehension, Geometry Review, and Algebra Review. There is no cost for this workshop. However, spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up soon. Register at www.rockdaleschools.org/SATprep or https://form.jotform.com/80085198990165
Stantec’s contract would impact Grice Consulting, which the council had approved last summer to oversee the city’s SPLOST management. Councilman Rob Turner and Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble also expressed concerns. The three voted against the Stantec proposal. City Attorney Tom Kurrie said Grice’s agreement, which was signed on Aug. 1, included four phases but did not include a detailed scope of the work that would be
performed. Kurrie said after the city received Grice’s initial invoice of $161,000, the city decided to modify the contract and selected Stantec to do the road analysis. “As I looked at the contract, it said here’s what we’ll do and how much it would cost but it did not give any specifics,” said Kurrie, adding it was “unacceptable.” Kurrie said Grice initially worked on identifying a list of SPLOST projects for the voter referendum and conducted community presentations to inform the public about SPLOST. Kurrie said city officials worked out a recent agreement to pay Grice $40,000 for the work. In other action, Monty Hill, Kerry Caldwell, and Josh Reed were sworn in by Mayor Jason Lary as the city’s building and development officers. A second public reading for the City Communications Policy was also completed so that it becomes an ordinance. The council voted unanimously to adopt the policy.
DeKalb County Seeks Audit Oversight Committee Members DeKalb County Government is seeking interested county residents to fill two vacancies on a five-member volunteer Audit Oversight Committee as required by House Bill 599 of the Georgia General Assembly. The role of the Audit Oversight Committee is to function independently in conducting performance and financial-related audits for all departments, offices, agencies and programs of the county. The objective is to ensure county programs are effectively achieving the purpose for which they were authorized and funded. Individuals must meet the following requirements: • Reside in DeKalb • Possess expertise conducting performance audits • Have a minimum five years of experience and be certified in one of following: – Public accountant – Internal or performance auditor – Management accountant – Ten years other relevant professional experience Board terms vary from one to five years. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted through February 28, 2018, via email at AOCRecruiting@dekalbcountyga.gov.
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T
he observance of Black History Month actually started as Negro History Week. American historian Carter G. Woodson established the first weekly celebration on Feb. 12, 1926 to honor the contributions that African Americans made to the nation. Woodson’s goal was to teach children and adults throughout the African Diaspora about the proud history and tradition that Africans have. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for the celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded to a month. Today, celebrations across the country run the gamut—from parades and festivals to school and church events and everything in between. While we celebrate the legacies of a long list of African American trailblazers–from Harriet Tubman to President Barack Obama–we are writing the stories of African Americans of our time and our community.
History in the Making:
Former DeKalb student becomes first generation Naval Aviator By Mackenzie N. Morgan Former DeKalb County student Connor Owens’ career as a Navy pilot is finally taking flight this month. Owens’ accomplishment as a first-generation pilot comes during the national celebration of Black History Month. After years of training and dedication, the 23-year-old was commissioned into The United States Navy on December 15 as a Naval Aviator and reported for duty on Thursday, Feb. 8 in Pensacola, Florida to continue rigorous flight training for the military. “I’m definitely excited and looking forward to starting pilot training. I’ve been dreaming about this moment for a very long time and it’s still surreal to know that I am doing something I’ve been dreaming to do my entire life,” said Owens who took his first assisted flight at fourteen. Owens’ mother, Sandra Owens, who lives in Lithonia, said she is extremely proud of her son. “I’m very proud because he’s remained focused and kept his eye on the prize. He has not been sidetracked by anything. His whole focus was becoming an aviator for the Navy. I’m just proud that he reached his goal,” said Owens. Owens said her son’s fascination with airplanes began when he was just four years old and that both his grandfathers, the late Thomas Calvin Owens II (paternal) of Johnson, South Carolina and
the late Lemmie J. Smith (maternal) of Dothan, Alabama were both in the military. “He built his own model airplanes with anything he could find from wood to Legos,” said Owens, who lives in Lithonia. When Owens began to display an interest in aviation early in his childhood, his mother began searching for opportunities to feed his growing curiosity in planes. This led them to the Aviation Career Enrichment (ACE) program. Founded by CEO Julius Alexander, ACE provides youth with flight training and exposure to major airline pilots for kids interested in pursuing aviation careers. Under Alexander’s mentorship, Owens conducted his first solo flight at age 16 and landed his Private Pilot license on his 17th birthday with the help of his mentor Mike Gaillard, a Delta pilot and ACE volunteer.
Through the DeKalb County School District, Owens joined the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program while attending Dunwoody High School and later transferred to Arabia Mountain High School where he graduated in 2012. Owens attended Tuskegee University on a full ROTC scholarship where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. While attending Tuskegee University, Owens worked part time at the local airport while expanding his knowledge of aircrafts. Owens was a participant in several aviation programs including the Organization of Black Aerospace Pilots (OBAP), Flight Line Academy, Black Pilot of America (BPA), Civil Air Patrol, and The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar program. Throughout his endeavors, Owens said that he remained focused on his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator and that his message to any person wanting to realize their dream is to “work hard, stay focused and dedicated and your reward will come.” Outside of aviation, Owens was a participant of Breakthrough Atlanta and a member of Berean Christian Church. Owens’ hobbies include swimming, fishing, flying, and being a positive role model for his 15-year-old sister, Alexandra Sinclair, who also attends Arabia Mountain High School.
“Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In observance of Black History month, let us commit ourselves to remembering the important events and significant contributions made by Black people that advanced America to be the world’s best place to live.
Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. Rockdale County Probate Court
Commissioner Steve Bradshaw District 4 srbradhsaw@dekalbcountyga.gov 404-371-4749
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FEBRUARY 10, 2018 • PAGE 5
Mike Glenn leads a group on a guided tour of his Civil Rights exhibit. Photos by Travis Hudgons/OCG News
A visual walk through time By Travis Hudgons
Civil rights history was shown from a different perspective. DeKalb County’s Stonecrest Library recently hosted a civil rights visual exhibit, “Expanding Civil Rights: From Congressman Robert Elliott through Nelson Mandela.” Curated by former NBA player Mike Glenn, the free exhibit featured approximately 120 framed, historical artifacts and documents. “For the past 15 years, I’ve collected books, newspapers and magazines. I wanted to share them with people. There are great lessons to be learned from history. I decided this was my mission to share this and
empower people,” said Glenn, who is a Georgia native. Glenn noted that he has more than 1,000 books, and approximately 400 newspapers, magazines and documents in his possession. He purchased many of them from auctions, flea markets and online. Once he determines a theme for an exhibit, he carefully culls through his collection to choose the pieces that best represent the theme. The Stonecrest Library exhibit featured a variety of print documents that chronicled notable events surrounding the Civil Rights Movement. Among the items on display were Jet, Ebony and Life magazine
I am black history As the first African-American woman to serve as Rockdale County Tax Commissioner, I understand, every day, I am building a bridge for those who will one day serve after me. "I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed. Sojourner Truth was a bridge. Harriet Tubman was a bridge. Ida B. Wells was a bridge. Madame C. J. Walker was a bridge. Fannie Lou Hamer was a bridge." – Oprah Winfrey
Tisa Smart-Washington
Rockdale County Tax Commissioner
covers — including a Life cover that featured the funeral of Medgar Evers, a Mississippi civil rights activist who was assassinated by white supremacists. The exhibit also included a two-page photo spread of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral in The Atlanta Constitution. Other notable items include a Harper’s Weekly from 1875, Angela Davis’ FBI wanted poster and one of the first articles that reported the murder of Emmett Till, the black teen who was beaten by a white mob. “We consider civil rights from Rosa Parks in 1955 to Dr. King’s death in 1968. I wanted to expand the Civil Rights Movement: time wise, participant wise and geography.”
Glenn credits his parents, both educators, for his zeal for history. “My parents taught me a lot of history around the kitchen table. Mom was a huge fan of Fredrick Douglass—she passed that on to me.” The next exhibit Glenn will display will focus on the life of Fredrick Douglass. The free exhibit will feature pictures, editorials, books and other artifacts. The exhibit will be on display through February at Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center, 1st Floor Atrium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on Mike Glenn, visit www.mikeglenn.com.
PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 10, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Voices of Faith to present 13th Annual Black History program
Rockdale NAACP to host History & Heritage Celebration The Rockdale County Branch of the NAACP will hosts its 2018 Black History & Heritage Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 10, 3 p.m., at the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main Street, Conyers. “We are pleased to be in partnership with the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library to bring several Black History Month activities to Rockdale County, said NAACP President Thomas Brantley, Jr. “We are also working in collaboration with Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company to showcase participants from the August Wilson Monologue Competition and to attend August Wilson’s play King Hedley II on February 25th. We cordially invite all to come out and celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to American History and culture The Black History & Heritage Celebration committee, co-chaired by Dwight Wicks and Evetta Washington, has worked to bring exceptional talent to the auditorium. The mistress of ceremony will be legendary media professional Carol Blackmon. The program will include performances by producer, singer and songwriter Derrick Monk; renowned trumpeter Milkshake Mayfield; gospel singer Monica Hoskins; comedian Big Sean Larkins; Neo Soul/Smooth R&B group Corey Brown and the TCB Band. Talent youths also will perform. There will be a stroll/step off by fraternities and sororities. Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council are encouraged to wear their paraphernalia to support their organization. Tickets, which are $10, may be purchased at www.rockdalenaacp.eventbrite.com or by calling 470-236-9550.
Donate LIFE through ORGAN and TISSUE
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ore than 115,000 Americans are in need of life-saving organ transplants, over 5,300 in Georgia. 63% of those on the transplant waiting list in Georgia are African American, as are 67% of patients in need of a kidney transplant specifically. An athlete throughout high school, D’Sean Bray played nearly every sport. When his senior year began, he decided he wanted to focus more heavily on academics than athletics; a decision that ultimately had more bearing on his future than he realized. In December 2014, D’Sean felt very weak and spent the majority of his days falling asleep in class. After collapsing at a family member’s house, he was rushed by ambulance to the hospital where tests showed his heart was barely functioning. D’Sean was placed on the heart transplant waiting list and a LVAD – left ventricular assist device - was implanted to help his heart function while he waited. D’Sean received his heart transplant, graduated high school and is continuing his education at The University of Alabama. D’Sean met his donor family nearly a
Voices of Faith Ministries will host its 13th Annual Black History Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2 to 5 p.m., at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W., Stone Mountain. Come enjoy a program of singing, dancing and dinner. Afrocentric attire is encouraged. The 50-Plus Ministry is sponsoring the event. A donation of $15 is requested. For tickets, contact the church at 770-498-5850. Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. is founder of Voices of Faith.
Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith to Give Reading at Emory Seven churches unite for “An Tracy K. Smith, the current U.S. poet laureate and Pulitzer Prizewinner, will give a reading of her poems on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m. at Emory University’s Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. The event is open to the public at no charge. Tickets are not required, but seating will be limited. Books and a limited-edition broadside will be for sale at the reading, with a signing immediately after. Smith is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, “Ordinary Light,” and three books of poetry. She won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for her collection “Life on Mars,” which also was selected as a New York Times Notable Book. The reading is part of Emory’s Raymond Danowski Poetry Library Reading Series, now in its 13th season. Smith is the seventh U.S. poet laureate to be featured in the series.
Evening of Spirituals”
Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, 240 Candler Road, SE in Atlanta, will host “Kumbaya” at an “Evening of Spirituals” on Sunday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m. in the sanctuary. The free concert will feature the Negro Spiritual as lead by Saint Philip’s own Choir #1; the Inspirational Voices from Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church; the Big Bethel Chorale from Big Bethel A.M.E. Church; the Chancel Choir from East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church; the Celestial Choir from Greenforest Community Baptist Church; the Bell Choir from Mount Calvary Baptist Church; and the Adult Choir from Conyers Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Spirituals, originally an oral tradition that imparted Christian values while also describing the hardships of slavery, today are recognized as a distinct genre of music. The Reverend William D. Watley, senior pastor of Saint Philip A.M.E. and the Worship Arts Ministry cordially invite the community to this soul-stirring event. For more information, call L’Tanya MooreCopeland: 404-371-0749, ext. 8423.
You can make Life Possible. D’Sean Bray
Register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor at www.DonateLifeGeorgia.org.
Heart Recipient
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year after transplant. He says, “They were able to listen to their loved one’s heart and I was able to thank them in person for the life I now have.” One organ and tissue donor can potentially help as many as 75 people. Organ and tissue donation does not disfigure the body or interfere with funeral arrangements, including open casket services. The donor’s family does NOT pay for the costs associated with donation and all major religions approve of organ and tissue donation. In fact, many religions consider donation the ultimate charitable act. Georgians can join the state’s organ and tissue
donor registry through the website www. DonateLifeGeorgia, when obtaining/renewing a driver license or identification card at a local driver license office or by calling Donate Life Georgia directly at 1-866-57-SHARE (1-866577-4273) and requesting a registry card. In conjunction with donor registration, please share your donation decision with your family and encourage them to do the same. LifeLink® of Georgia is the not-for-profit organization that coordinates organ and tissue donation in the state of Georgia. For more information about organ and tissue donation, please contact Tracy Ide, Sr. Public Affairs Coordinator, at (800) 544-6667 or visit www.LifeLinkFoundation.org.
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FEBRUARY 10, 2018 • PAGE 7
Nancy Guinn Memorial Library to present “Marshall” and “Hidden Figures” movie showings The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library and the Rockdale County Chapter of the NAACP will host showings of the highly-acclaimed movie “Marshall” and the Academy Awards nominated movie “Hidden Figures.” The library will show “Marshall” on Saturday, Feb. 17, at noon, in the lower level meeting room and “Hidden Figures” on Monday, Feb. 19, 5 p.m., in the lower level meeting room. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks. The library, in conjunction with the Rockdale County Chapter of the NAACP, will host a variety of Black History Month programs in February, including the “Black History Festival: A Celebration of Cultural Heritage” at the library on Saturday, Feb. 24, noon to 4 p.m. Additional Black History Month programming information is available at www. conyersrockdalelibrary.org.
Oakland Cemetery offers African-American History Tours The Historic Oakland Foundation and City of Atlanta are hosting free, guided walking tours of its African-American grounds from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, through Thursday, Feb. 22. Tours will take guests to the final resting places of Atlanta black history pioneers like Carrie Steele Logan, founder of the city's first orphanage for African-American kids, and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta's first AfricanAmerican mayor. For more information, visit www.oaklandcemetery.com.
Black History Month Parade set Get your march on at the 2018 Black History Month Parade in the Historic Sweet Auburn District in Downtown Atlanta on Saturday, Feb. 24. Spectators can watch the parade along Peachtree Center Ave, Marietta and Peachtree Street near Five Points Station or at Centennial Olympic Park Drive & Baker Street. Parade begins at Hurt Park at 1 p.m. and ends at Centennial Olympic Park Drive & Baker Street.
“Expelled because of Color” My Black History moment is dedicated to the 33 Black State Legislators who were elected but expelled in 1868 from the Georgia House of Representatives because of their color. A sculpture and book was dedicated to this little known black history fact. The sculpture is erected on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol.
Change will not come if we wait for some other person, Or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. – BARACK OBAMA
– Senator Gloria Butler
REP. EARNEST “COACH” WILLIAMS
is one of the longest-serving black legislators in the DeKalb County Delegation. Williams was elected in 2002 and serves District 87.
PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 10, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” – Shirley Chisholm
The First Elected Government for The City of Stonecrest
jason lary
Jimmy Clanton
Robert Turner
Jazzmin Cobble
George Turner
Diane Adoma
Mayor
District 1 Council
District 2 Council
District 3 Council
District 4 Council
District 5 Council
STONECREST CITY HALL 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., Stonecrest, GA 30038 770-224-0200
stonecrestga.gov
stonecrestcity
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FEBRUARY 10, 2018 • PAGE 9
Suspect wanted in alleged kidnapping of teen girl The DeKalb County Police Department is searching for a suspect after an alleged abduction of a -14-year-old girl on Feb. 6. The Miller Grove High School student reported to school officials that she was forced into a vehicle as she walked to school. The male drove a short distance with the victim before letting her out near the high school. In December 2017, three other female students reported encounters with a male fitting the description of the suspect. The suspect is described as a Black male, about 50 to 60 years old, bald with a brown complexion and approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall. He was driving a light blue mid-size SUV with a partial plate number beginning with RIH. Anyone with information leading to the identification or location of the suspect is asked to call the DeKalb County Police Department Special Victim’s Unit at 770-724-7710.
Second suspect arrested in child rape at Brookhaven apartment DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office investigators have arrested the second suspect, Kelvin Armstrong, 38, in the kidnapping and rape of a 12-year-old boy that took place last week in Brookhaven. The first suspect, 46-year-old Kevin Walker, who has HIV, was arrested shortly after the Jan. 29 attack, investigators said. Kevin Walker Warrants were issued on Jan. 30 Kelvin Armstrong for Armstrong, of Atlanta. Armstrong was charged with aggravated assault child molestation, aggravated sodomy, and first degree cruelty to child. Armstrong’s arrest followed an intense investigation over the weekend that led the DeKalb Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit to locations in Atlanta. A request for public assistance with Armstrong’s apprehension had been issued after Walker’s arrest last week. Armstrong was taken into custody without incident and transported to Brookhaven Criminal Investigation Division, after which he will be housed in the DeKalb County Jail. Investigators said Armstrong and Walker kidnapped the boy at a Buford Highway apartment complex. The men approached the child from behind, grabbed, and dragged him into a nearby apartment, where they raped and sodomized him over a period of several hours. Brookhaven police arrested Walker on Feb. 2. Walker was charged with possession of methamphetamine, reckless conduct – HIV infected person, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, kidnapping, aggravated child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes and first degree cruelty to children.
Rockdale BOC approves resolution for $140 million bond referendum The Rockdale Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution during a special called meeting for a $140 million general obligation bond referendum. The bond will fund the construction of a new courthouse, renovated administrative offices, a 675-space parking garage and a 500-seat amphitheater in downtown Conyers. Their action paved the way for voters to decide on the bond referendum on May 22. Garvin Haynes was the first of five speakers during public comments following the board’s 3-0 decision to place the bond referendum on the ballot. Haynes acknowledged the county needs a new courthouse to replace the aging building that exists, an issue he said that officials have grappled with for many years. He said, however, residents should have input into the project and the county should take bids on the project. “The board could have arbitrarily done this on their own. I thank you for not doing this, but for putting this up for the people to have an opportunity to have an opinion on it come May,” Haynes said. Scottie Spence questioned the county’s recent $4 million purchase of Costley Mill Park as it called for the bond referendum, demanding: “If you knew good and well we needed this stuff, why did we buy a park?” Josie Dean vowed that voters would remember the officials at election time. “Y’all making and signing contracts and you don’t talk to us about any of this stuff. …If we have to recall y’all to get up out of here, we’ll do it,” Dean said. County officials estimate a 4-mill increase in property taxes if the bond passes. The increase would amount to about $13 per month more in property taxes on a home valued at $100,000. The proposed project includes: New 222,000-square-foot courthouse— $72.145 million Renovated 53,000-square-foot administration center— $10.851 million 675-space parking garage— $12.1 million 500-seat outdoor amphitheater — $1 million Site work/professional fees — $24.4 million Land acquisition, infrastructure — $7 million Contingency — $11.95 million
First-place winner: 16-year-old Lithonia resident Jonathan Daniel. Photo provided
Congressman Johnson honors Congressional App Challenge winners Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) celebrated the winners of his third-annual Congressional App Challenge at a Feb. 3 reception for the students, teachers, parents and judges who participated in this year’s competition. “It’s so important that our young people see what the future is,” said Johnson. “Today, our kids heard from Ryan Killgore, a Cartoon Network game developer, who is working in an industry that generates over $100 billion. These are the kinds of top-earning professions that the App Challenge gives our kids exposure to. We must continue to support our educators and parents who encourage their kids to compete in the App Challenge.” The Congressional App Challenge is a competition that allows students to compete against their peers by creating and an application “app,” or game for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. It is designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding. The reception was held at the Fernbank Science Center, as a part of a nationwide program that celebrates bright, young minds across the country. Seventy-five students entered the Congressman’s 2017 App Challenge as individuals or in teams of up to four students per team. The judging committee included Georgia Tech professor Jason Freeman; Microsoft education partner, Dr. Elaine E. Bryan (Grant –Bryan Foundation); and President of the Village Tutorial Enrichment Program, Cheryl Allie. This year’s first-place winner, 16-year-old Lithonia resident
Jonathan Daniel (creator of the “TEFAP Tracker” mobile application), said he enjoyed creating and developing the app, which will help local food banks in his community by tracking their inventory in a more efficient way. “App development is what I enjoy to do because you can make an app do whatever you want and whatever you need,” said Daniel who attends the Georgia Cyber Academy. “I enjoy making apps cleaner, more precise and learning from my mistakes; every time I sit down and start to create.” Second-place winners were a team of young ladies from the Rockdale Career Academy in Conyers: Gabrielle Wood, Nakira Oglesby and Brittany Valencia; who said they created the “One Aid” medical app because health issues are something that everyone could relate to. Third-place winner Cameron Bennett, who also attends the Rockdale Career Academy, said that he received motivation to create his “Auxilla” music app after attending a program sponsored by Gov. Deal, brainstorming with friends about similar technologies. Bennett has other apps that he is developing and has been accepted into Stanford University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Daniels has been invited to attend the National “House of Code” Congressional App Challenge Reception in Washington, D.C. All of Johnson’s winners are invited to tour iHeart Radio Studios, Georgia State University and Turner Broadcasting/Cartoon Network, as well as attend a Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets basketball game.
DeKalb extends recycling roll cart exchange deadline The DeKalb County Sanitation Division has extended the residential recycling roll cart exchange deadline to Friday, Dec. 28. All recycling subscribers can receive: • A complimentary 35-gallon roll cart, or • A 65-gallon roll cart upgrade for a one-time $15 prepaid fee. Existing recycling subscribers should trade in 18-gallon bins by Dec. 28 and can use 40-gallon recycling bags until inventory is fully depleted. For more information about the roll cart exchange process, visit www. dekalbsanitation.com, call 404-294-2900 or go to the Sanitation Division’s administrative office located at 3720 Leroy Scott Dr., Decatur.
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TRASH, continued from page 1
A crowd awaits outside the Assembly Hall, where the people spilled into the foyer of the building. The overflow crowd was sent to the Rockdale Auditorium, which has a balcony, to watch the meeting via live stream video. Over 60 citizens spoke during public comments, which lasted nearly four hours. For more pictures, visit ocgnews.com. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan and Travis Hudgons/OCG News
the board would continue discussions and an announcement would be made regarding the county’s next steps. Nesbitt gave everyone who wanted to speak on the Greenhood contract the opportunity to do so at the meeting. More than 60 people came to the podium to comment.
‘We don’t want it here in Rockdale County. Period.’ – Brian Jenkins Brian Jenkins perhaps best summed up the crowd’s sentiments, drawing applause seven times as he spoke near the end of public comment period. Jenkins, who ran for BOC Chairman in 2012, called the board’s decision “unconscionable,” saying the board members should be concerned about the “vulnerable”— namely military veterans and the elderly living on fixed incomes who often struggle with keeping a roof over their heads and paying for their prescriptions. “Let’s just keep this thing simple: We don’t want it, simple as that,” said Jenkins. “Don’t spend any more money on consultants. We don’t want it here in Rockdale County. Period.” Jenkins told the three members—Nesbitt and Commissioners Sherri Washington and Doreen Williams—that they were “negligent” in not calling for a referendum on the contract to allow taxpayers and homeowners to weigh in. “It seems to me, you put the cart before the horse, as opposed to the horse before the cart. I think that had you done it the proper way, we wouldn’t be where we are today. This backlash that you’re experiencing is because you all failed. Period,” Jenkins said. Another speaker, John Bowers, told the board that he is extremely satisfied with the sanitation services he receives and like other residents, he values the freedom to decide who provides those services. He blasted the board for making its decision with no prior discussion and information to residents. “We value individual freedom and personal choice. We are incensed that this Board of
Commissioners has initiated a contract whose ultimate goal is to eliminate individual freedom and choice by monopolizing residential waste management services,” Bowers said. Neighboring DeKalb County runs its own garbage pickup services. Rockdale, however, has never had a county-run sanitation program. Many of those who attended the meeting were seniors, some in wheelchairs, some with medical devices and canes. They brought copies of information circulating on social media and through e-mails about Greenhood Industries’ professional services contract. The company proposed developing a comprehensive sanitation plan that would include collection of household grease to be sold for fuel; a recycling program for other waste; and county-wide curbside trash pickup. The board approved the contract on Jan. 23. Corey Hambrick, Rockdale’s chief of staff, said the discussion on Greenhood was held to bring clarity and to dispel “notions of government corruption.” Rumors have been circulating that BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr., who is from Augusta, members of his staff and others stand to gain financially from the Greenhood contract. Hambrick said he put together a presentation to “debunk” the “falsehoods” that were circulating on Facebook. Hambrick shared one of the Facebook posts, saying that the county chose not to engage in a social media battle but to address the issue in a public forum such as the meeting held where facts could be presented. Although he blurred out the name of the individual (Thomas Chastain) during his presentation, he shared the following post, denouncing the comments as political propaganda: “ROCKDALE COUNTY RESIDENTSPLEASE SHARE!! It Looks like there is Government Corruption in our county and here is proof!! Chairman Oz Nesbitt has pushed a Mandatory trash collection on our community. Not only did he do this without a bidding process, He also gave the contract to a company in which he is friends with leaders of and are from his home town of Augusta. One of the leaders is an ex-senator from Ga who is a Convicted Felon and served time for 127 counts of corruption, and the other is his son who has also had brushes with the law himself. AND To top it all off, this company (Greenhood) that is being granted millions of Rockdale taxpayer dollars is also just a Startup company with no reviews or qualifications to
show that it is capable of taking on a contract that is this complex. The slideshow below documents some interactions with Chairman Oz Nesbitt and ex-Senator Charles Walker during different times of Nesbitt’s last election cycle. It’s obvious our Chairman made this deal to help his friends and possibly line his own pockets.” Commissioner Washington, who has taken the brunt of the public’s criticism because she initiated discussions on having a comprehensive sanitation program, said during an interview with On Common Ground News that there is no corruption. She said she was simply looking for a solution to address citizens’ concerns about dumping, litter, recycling and a way to combat the issues of household grease that is polluting Rockdale’s water resources. Washington, who lives within the city limits of Conyers, which has one garbage hauler that handles garbage pickup and recycling, said she likes what the city offers and hoped to make the county better. Commissioner Williams, who also lives within the city limits of Conyers, supported Washington’s idea, along with Chairman Nesbitt. Washington said that she wanted to see Rockdale design a program that combines the desires of the citizens but provides a “cleaner, greener community.” However, that doesn’t necessarily mean Rockdale should have one garbage hauler, she said. Washington also said she wanted to lay to rest the idea that she was seeking to increase garbage rates from $50 to $100 a month. “There is no way that I would do that. My number one concern was designing something that was comparable to what citizens have and where we need to be in the future,” Washington said. Hambrick said the BOC voted to give the professional services contract to Greenhood and the action did not require that the contract go out for bid. The county’s director of finances, Roselyn Miller, has the discretion to make a recommendation for the study, which did not have a cost associated with it in the planning stages. County Attorney M. Qader A. Baig agreed, saying this kind of professional services contract did not require a bid. Hambrick said there was no truth to the rumor that Greenhood received an $8 million contract or that residents would face an increase for sanitation services because no such deal is on the table. “All of this was just misinformation,” Hambrick said.
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Rockdale BOC sets evening meetings The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC), in an effort to be more accessible to the community, will hold evening meetings throughout the county at various elementary schools. The meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. The first meeting of this series will be held Feb. 20 at J.H. House Elementary School, 2930 GA-20, Conyers. The dates for the 2018 BOC on the Road Meetings are as follows: • March 20, 7 p.m. – Hightower Trail Elementary, 2510 GA-138, Conyers • April 17, 7 p.m. – Shoal Creek Elementary, 1300 McWilliams Rd. S.W., Conyers • May 15, 7 p.m. – Honey Creek Elementary, 700 Honey Creek Rd SE, Conyers • June 19, 7 p.m. – Barksdale Elementary, 596 Oglesby Bridge Rd. S.E., Conyers • Sept. 18, 7 p.m. – Pine Street Elementary, 960 Pine St NE, Conyers • Oct. 16, 7 p.m. – Lorraine Elementary, 3343 E Fairview Rd. S.W., Stockbridge
Rockdale NOW! App unveiled to keep citizens in the know
Rockdale County is unveiling a new app called Rockdale NOW! With the Rockdale NOW! App, users will be able to access features including the latest updates, social feeds, county locations, a means to submit code violations, water bill payments and sign up for CodeRED – a notification system for emergencies or weather threats. “The Rockdale NOW! App is a way to keep the community informed and connected to everything happening in Rockdale, bridging the gap between the citizen and county government,” Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. said. Commissioner Sherri Washington came up with the idea for the app as a way to reach citizens and keep them informed. “We are excited that with this app, members of our community will have county news and services right at their fingertips,” Washington said. The app was a project carried out by the Rockdale County MIS and Public Relations departments. This is the first release of an app from the county. “The Rockdale NOW! App is an exciting means for the citizens of Rockdale County to stay in touch with the people who are here to serve the citizens,” said MIS Director Al Yelverton. “Look for enhancements to improve citizen interaction in the near future.” All citizens are encouraged to download the free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app can also be downloaded at http://rockdalenow. mobapp.at.
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