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VOLUME 23 NUMBER 45
FEBRUARY 3, 2018
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Mother sentenced for murder in baby’s hot car death
Dijanelle Fowler
Dijanelle Fowler, the 25-year-old mother who left her 13-month-old daughter in a car for six hours during a hair appointment, plead guilty on Jan. 31 and will serve 15 years for the child’s death. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said Fowler entered a non-negoti-
ated guilty plea to charges of murder in the second degree, cruelty to children in the second degree, and concealing the death in connection with the death of her daughter, Skylar Fowler. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Linda Hunter, who presided over the case,
sentenced Fowler to 20 years to serve 15 years in prison with the balance on probation. The court rejected the State’s recommendation of a 40-year prison sentence. District Attorney Boston expressed disappointment with the sentence. “Baby Skylar deserved
more. This family deserved more,” said Boston. “Dijanelle Fowler made a conscious decision that day which cost an innocent child her life. We believe our recommendation was appropriately aligned with the facts and circumstances of this SEE SENTENCED, page 3
Salem Middle School’s Symphonic Band to perform at Carnegie Hall
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By Mackenzie N. Morgan
alem Middle School’s Mighty Lions Symphonic Band will make history in March by becoming the first middle school band from the city of Stonecrest to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The band is seeking to raise $80,000 to help pay for transportation, lodging, concert attire, and meals for the five-day trip for nearly 60 students and a dozen chaperones. Alicia Scurry, who is the parent of an eighth-grade clarinet player at Salem Middle, said she is ecstatic about the opportunity for the band to play at Carnegie Hall. “I’m extremely proud of all of them. They are all my babies. When these kids get in music mode, they will put you in awe,” said Scurry, who also serves as president of Salem Middle School’s Band Booster Association. Scurry, a native of New York, said she contacted Carnegie Hall to inquire about opportunities for gifted young musicians after the band received a standing ovation at a spring concert last year. “This band has always been instructed to play at a level, which is higher than expected for a middle or even high school band, and they have been rewarded with this invitation
Salem Middle School’s Band Director H. T. Monte conducts members of the band during a rehearsal . Photo by Travis Hudgons/OGC News
MARTA to roll out new hightech buses, mobility vans
SEE BAND, page 3
Georgia kicks off annual video contest to fight opiod crisis
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and partners are launching the fourth annual “We’re Not Gonna Take It” MARTA has announced plans to replace 25 video contest to combat opiod percent of its bus and paratransit fleet over the next abuse. The contest, which runs six years. from Feb. 1 through March MARTA will introduce 387 buses and 211 15, is open to high school and mobility vans from now until 2024. The new buses feature Wi-Fi, high definition security cameras, high college students enrolled at a Georgia-based institution capacity heating and air conditioning, including sponsored by a qualified adult. heated entry and exit floors to prevent icing, and Entrants should create a video mobile ticketing. The new mobility vans have or radio submission no longer three wheelchair positions, non-slip flooring, and than 30 seconds. ambulatory seats with three-point seatbelts. “Opioid abuse and misuse “We are excited to introduce these state-of-theart buses and vans to MARTA’s fleet,” said MARTA is affecting all Georgians, Chief Operating Officer Rich Krisak. “The vehicles and we have to join together to strengthen our response to are safer, more comfortable, and feature upgrades this modern day epidemic,” that make the ride more enjoyable for passengers said Carr. “Georgia’s young and operators.” A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new fleet will people can lead awareness and be held on Feb. 5, 10 a.m., at the Five Points Station change. Every year, students continue to surprise us with in downtown Atlanta, on the Alabama Street side. their level of professionalism The new vehicles roll out in March. They were and creativity. This year, we paid for with the local sales tax collected in Fulton, are really looking forward to DeKalb, and Clayton Counties, and the City of expanding the program to the Atlanta. collegiate level and think it will
be one of the best years yet.” On average, approximately 175 Americans, including four Georgians, die every day due to opioid overdoses. In October 2017, Carr created a statewide Opiod Task Force to bring stakeholders together to confront this issue head on. The contest, created by former Attorney General Sam Olens in 2014, is part of the comprehensive effort to raise awareness of the dangers of the opioid epidemic in Georgia.
Video submissions should highlight the dangers, risks and consequences associated with opioid misuse and abuse, the availability of resources and/or the 911 Medical Amnesty and Expanded Naloxone Access Law, established in 2014 to reduce overdose deaths. Representatives from the sponsoring organizations will choose winners in four categories: best high school video submission, best high school radio submission, best college video submission and best college radio submission. Last year, over 200 videos were entered. Winners will be announced this April. The winning submissions will be aired on television and radio stations across the state, thanks to our office’s partnership with the Georgia Association of Broadcasters and the Healthcare Distribution Alliance.
PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 3, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Calvin Bartholomew
Brandon Cayo (No photo available)
Adonis Lewis
Antonio Wilson
DeKalb Sheriff’s investigators arrest four on murder, drug charges
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he DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit arrested four suspects in connection with two murders where drug transactions are alleged to have been involved. Calvin Joel Bartholomew, 29, of Stone Mountain, was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bartholomew shot Maurice Rondrell Stargell multiple times on Ember Drive in Decatur on Jan. 16, according to warrants issued on Jan. 17. The warrants allege that the two men were at that location for a drug transaction when an attempted robbery escalated into the shooting that led to Stargell's death. The arrest took place with assistance from the Atlanta Police Department at an apartment complex near Atlanta. Bartholomew was transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident.
In a separate roundup of three other murder suspects, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Fugitive Unit arrested Antonio Wilson, 18, and Adonis Lewis, 17, both of Decatur, and Brandon Cayo of Conyers on charges of felony murder and armed robbery. Warrants issued on Jan. 23, allege that during the commission of an armed robbery, the trio shot and killed Tre Griffin on Nov. 19, 2017 on Fieldgreen Crossing in Stone Mountain. With assistance from the DeKalb Sheriff's Office Uniformed Division, deputies arrested Wilson at a DeKalb County high school and Lewis at a Decatur residence on Jan. 24 without incident. Cayo was arrested on Jan. 23 in Murphreesboro, Tennessee, where he is being held on local charges after attempting escape. He will be housed at the Rutherford County Jail pending extradition.
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Grady Hospital opens mobile emergency unit for flu care Grady Memorial Hospital has added a new mobile emergency department unit to help treat flu patients. Like other hospitals across the region and nation, Grady is experiencing high patient volumes this flu season and new initiatives have been added to expand care, officials said in a news release. The medical trailer complex, Carolinas Med-1 Mobile Emergency Department, is stationed near the hospital’s emergency room and includes a two-bed operating room and up to 14 extra beds. Additional flu treatment initiatives include temporarily limiting hospital visitors under the age of 14 and restricting adult visitors who show signs of being sick, such as coughing, sneezing, and runny noses. The hospital has posted signs asking visitors not to enter the hospital if they feel ill and hand sanitizer lotion is available at all main entrances.
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
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SENTENCED, continued from page 1
case. We are disheartened by this less punitive outcome.” According to the investigation, Fowler left her toddler buckled in her car seat in the rear of her vehicle while she visited a Lavista Road hair salon in Tucker on the morning of June 15, 2017. Detectives said when Fowler returned to the car approximately six hours later, she discovered her child’s lifeless body inside of the scorching vehicle. The air-conditioner, which she later told detectives she left running, was no longer working after apparently draining the vehicle’s battery. Instead of seeking medical attention, Fowler sought assistance to jumpstart her disabled car while concealing the child’s body. Authorities say Fowler then drove to the parking lot of Emory University Hospital and made repeated calls to 911 claiming she was suffering from a seizure. Medical staff responded to the parked vehicle where they discovered the body of Baby Skylar. During the investigation, detectives found multiple inconsistencies in Fowler’s accounts of the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Warrants were issued for Fowler’s arrest. Deputy Chief District Attorney Dalia Racine, head of the District Attorney’s Sexual Exploitation and Crimes Against Children Unit, prosecuted the case with assistance from DA Investigators Tina Fleming and C.D. Smith. Detective K.E. McQuilkin of the DeKalb Police Department led the initial investigation.
FEBRUARY 3, 2018 • PAGE 3
Pre-permitting process begins for Atlanta Sports City’s groundbreaking
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tonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and city staff members met with developer Vaughn Irons and the Atlanta Sports City staff on Jan. 31 to begin plans for the construction of the first athletic fields for the sports complex project at Stonecrest. Irons and Chris Daniluk, CEO of Deluxe Athletics, will be applying for permits to build six multipurpose fields and three baseball fields on Mall Parkway. The multipurpose athletic fields can be used for sports ranging from soccer to lacrosse. Construction of the turf fields will begin around March 15, with a targeted completion by the end of June. “We already have tournaments scheduled for July,” Irons said. The complex will be built on a 197-acre tract west of the Mall at Stonecrest and will feature a 15,000seat stadium, outdoor multi-use fields, sports diamonds, indoor courts and a restaurant and entertainment area. Daniluk, whose company will be responsible for the construction of the fields, said he plans to submit the proper plans and apply for the grading
Bill Rowse (wearing red jacket), Vaughn Irons, Ray Bernabei, and Chris Daniluk discuss their site plans with Mayor Jason Lary, Economic Development Manager Sabrina Wright and Assistant City Manager Plez Joyner. Photo provided
permit before the end of February, city officials announced in a news release. The mayor said the construction would involve a change to the Stonecrest overlay district. An ordinance must be adopted to change
the overlay district allowing for the construction of athletic playing fields. Lary said that he and his staff will do whatever it takes to get this project off the ground and make Atlanta Sports City a success.
Congressman Johnson honored as “Environmental Champion” Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) was honored on Feb. 1 by Environment Georgia for his 100 percent clean-energy voting record in 2017. Johnson received the “Environmental Champion” award after he toured clean-energy battery maker sonnen off LaVista Road in Tucker. “Rep. Johnson voted with our planet and our families 100 percent of the time in 2017,” said Jennette Gayer, executive director of Environment Georgia. “Today’s event is fitting–we are touring a facility dedicated to helping us transition away from dirty energy sources and maximize clean energy from the sun.” “It’s an honor to be recognized by such an important organization like Environment Georgia,” said Johnson, a member of the bipartisan Safe Climate Caucus that works to solve the important issues around climate change. “Protection of our imperiled planet is the central challenge of our time. Climate change is real and threatens our health, the environment, national security and our economy, and I’m committed to working with anyone on Capitol Hill, the White House and the Fourth District to invest in clean-energy technologies and jobs.”
Jennette Gayer, executive director of Environment Georgia, presents Congressman Johnson with Environment Georgia’s “Environmental Champion” award. Photo provided
BAND, continued from page 1 to perform at Carnegie,” said Sandra Harris, a band parent and the band booster’s volunteer event coordinator. Scurry said the students are excited about performing at the historic venue where legendary musicians Billie Holliday, Nina Simone and Duke Ellington once performed. “They screamed when they were told that they were going to be performing at Carnegie Hall. They could not believe that they were invited to play where musical legends have played,” said Scurry. The band, comprised of students in the sixth through eighth grades under the leadership of 20-year veteran director, H. T. Monte, will play advance music pieces including Boléro and Earth Dance, both college-level pieces without any sheet music. “He (Monte) is a mastermind. He turns our kids into some wonderful, beautiful musicians,” said Scurry, who
said the students are practicing around the clock. The symphonic band has a distinguished history: The Mighty Lions Band received a “Superior” ratings at the 36th Annual Carowinds Festival of Music in Charlotte NC, the Atlanta Metro Area Spring Music Festival, and the District IV Large Group Festival. Members of the symphonic band also participate with their local high school band. This has allowed the group of symphonic band students to participate at collegiate and professional events such as the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, Atlanta Falcons NFL games, Ohio State University’s Buckeye Invitational, and Tennessee State and Howard Universities’ homecoming activities. On a yearly basis, they participate in the Honor’s Jazz Workshop, the African-American
Heritage Concert, the GMEA District 4 Honors Band, and the MLK Band Extravaganza. Band director Monte also is the Associate Band Director for the MLK Marching Lions in Lithonia and the band instructor for the Atlanta Falcons’ drumline. “Mr. Monte continues to push his students to do better and challenges them to play advanced pieces of music to enhance their musicianship while creating future opportunities in the process,” said band booster volunteer Joi Goolsby. Donations to assist the band to go to Carnegie Hall can be made at: www.gofundme.com/ MightyLionsBandAtCarnegieHal PayPal at https://www.paypal.me/ SalemMightyLionsBand Salem Middle Band Boosters, P.O. Box 2086, Lithonia, GA 30058.
PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 3, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
ARC honors Rockdale as 2017 Green Community
Rockdale County has once again achieved certification as a Green Community, advancing to the Silver level, after first certifying two years ago. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities program is a voluntary certification program that helps local governments implement measures that will reduce their environmental impact. It recognizes their commitment to environmental stewardship and their leadership in sustainability practices. All winners earned certification points for sustainable measures implemented in their communities. Some measures that earned Rockdale certification points include: • Creating and implementing an ENERGY STAR strategy for the future, and actively advertising its status as an ENERGY STAR partner to county employees and citizens. • Installing two cool roofs at the Quigg Water treatment facility. The roofs total 12,000 square feet, and a sign explains the benefits of cool roofs
to visitors. • Installing the Parker Road Demonstration Rain Garden, a 1,500 square foot garden with the capacity to treat about 10 percent of the storm water coming from the road and parking lot of a former manufacturing building. The highly visible location is frequented by residents participating in nearby community events. • Using satellite and aerial imaging to spot water leaks in underground distribution and transmission pipes. Compared to traditional detection methods, this saves both time and water. • Providing educational materials about glass recycling as well as providing a collection location. In metro Atlanta, 20 local governments — 13 cities and seven counties – are currently certified under the ARC Green Communities program. This is the first program in the country to promote sustainability through a green certification program for local governments.
“We applaud these local governments for reducing their environmental impact,” said ARC chairman Kerry Armstrong. “As they do so, they lead the way in creating a greener and more livable region.” ARC developed the Green Communities Program in 2009 to recognize local governments that invest in programs and policies that lead to a more sustainable region. The nationally recognized program showcases the many ways that local governments can reduce their environmental footprint. Together, the green efforts of these local governments have had the following cumulative impact over the past four years: • 3.7 million gallons of water saved or reused • 381 additional acres of greenspace • 19,100 tons of household hazardous waste collected • More than $1.4 million in utility savings • 19,700,000 kWh of energy saved
Rockdale NAACP announces its 2018 History and Heritage Celebration
Free surgical weight loss seminar set at DeKalb Medical Center Register for DeKalb Medical Center’s free Surgical Weight Loss Seminar to get all the facts on Bariatric Surgery and how it can help you improve your health and meet your weight loss goals. The seminar will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Women’s and Surgery Center Auditorium, 2701 N. Decatur Road, Decatur. For more information: 404-445-0504 or http:// bit.ly/SWLSeminar.
The Rockdale County Branch of the NAACP will host 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. 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 Feb. 25,” said Rockdale NAACP President Thomas Brantley, Jr. “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, organizers said. The mistress of ceremony will be legendary media pro-
fessional 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. Youth talent also will be showcased as part of the celebration and there will be a stroll/step-off by fraternities and sororities. Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council are invited to wear their paraphernalia to support their organization.
IRVIN J. JOHNSON Tax Commissioner DeKalb County, GA
ATTENTION ALL DEKALB COUNTY HOMEOWNERS The 2018 Property Tax Exemption Deadline is Fast Approaching! If you owned and resided in a home in DeKalb County on January 1st, you may apply for a Basic Homestead Exemption and Property Assessment Freeze with the County by April 2nd of this year. The home must be your primary domicile and legal residence for all purposes, including the registration of your vehicles and the filing of your Federal and State income taxes. Applications received after April 1st will be processed for 2019. In addition to the basic homestead exemption available to all homeowners, there are special exemptions available for residents 62 and older, disabled veterans or their un-remarried spouses, and other disabled residents. Eligibility for special exemptions is based upon age or disability, total household income, and must be applied for in person. When applying, please bring your State and Federal income tax forms, Social Security 1099, and any other forms of income you may receive, to one of our three offices across the County.
North Office
1358 Dresden Dr., NE Atlanta, GA 30319
Main Office
4380 Memorial Dr. Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30032
South Office
2801 Candler Rd. #66 South DeKalb Mall Decatur, GA 30034
Remember, the deadline for applying for all homesteads is April 2nd! Apply for the Basic Homestead Exemption, the Property Assessment Freeze, or renew your tag registration online at: www.dekalbtax.org Questions? Call (404) 298-4000 or email us at proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100, Decatur, Georgia 30032 (404-298-4000)
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On Jan. 22, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners recognized students during the calendar contest presentation. Photo provided
DeKalb honors DWM calendar contest winners DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners honored 12 elementary school students for submitting works of art that highlighted water conservation and the importance of properly disposing fats, oils and grease. The DeKalb County School District students were selected as the winners of the Department of Watershed Management(DWM) 2018 Art Calendar Contest. Kindergarten through fifth grade students were encouraged to submit artwork that followed the theme of “Protecting Our Water Resources,” such as never pouring fats, oils and cooking grease down drains. The annual contest celebrated its 13th year, and this year 97 students from nine schools submitted entries.
Stonecrest Library Friends to host book sale Feb. 10 Friends of the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, will host its super book sale on Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of books will be available including fiction/non-fiction, crafts, textbooks, romance, magazines, encyclopedias and books on tapes/DCs. Most books are $1. For more information, call 404-482-3838.
South DeKalb Improvement Association to meet The South DeKalb Improvement Association will meet on Saturday, Feb. 10, Berean Community Center, 2440 Young Road, Stone Mountain. A meet and greet will begin at 9 a.m. The public meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Public Safety Committee will present the program.
FEBRUARY 3, 2018 • PAGE 5
Rockdale celebrates Ruffin Reading Bowl champions
Rockdale's sharpest readers went head to head in the Rockdale County Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl on Jan. 27 at Rockdale Career Academy in Conyers. Lorraine Elementary won first place among 11 elementary school teams. Barksdale Elementary won second place and Shoal Creek Elementary won third place. In the middle school division, defending champion Edwards Middle School reclaimed their trophy and won first place out of four middle school teams. Gen. Ray Davis Middle School won second place and Conyers Middle School won third place. The first place teams advance to the regional competition on Feb. 10 at Clayton State University. (Pictured) Lorraine Elementary Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Team: Victor Olufowote, Christian Bridges, Matthew Lumpkin, Libby Lingerfelt, Gabrielle Hollier, Drew Gilkey, Gabrielle Roberts, Alayna McClendon-Harrell, and Coaches Beth Clark and Brandy Webb. Edwards Middle School Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Team: Zoe Baker, Saidah Hoyte, Nadia Mohammed, Isley Nixon, Logan Sprinkle, Kathryn Ternes, Angelina Gillison, Khalil Sistrat, Gerald Harris, Dafna Pineda, Vivienne Stober, and Coach Mileeka Frank, also pictured EMS Principal Fred Middleton.
DeKalb Commissioner Bradshaw seeking candidates for two advisory boards DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, who represents District 4, is seeking to fill two appointments: one on the county’s Animal Advisory Board and the other on the CATV Citizens Board. Board members serve in an advisory capacity to the DeKalb County CEO and Board of Commissioners. Responsibilities of this board will include monitoring the master plan to ensure its implementation in the provision of professional practices including efficient service delivery and updated clean facilities. In Commissioner Steve Bradshaw addition, the board will serve as liaison to animal advocacy groups, animal professionals and County government for the purpose of creating a method for clear communication. Board members advise the Board of Commissioners regarding the utilization and coordination of the CATV system's facilities, equipment, and access channels which are made available for use by citizens, government, and educational institutions under the franchise ordinances granted by the County. Those who are interested in serving should send a resume and statement of purpose to Alesia Brooks at adbrooks@dekalbcountyga.gov.
PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 3, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Behind closed doors: Opening up to discuss domestic violence By Sheriff Eric J. Levett
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early three women in the U.S. are killed daily by an intimate partner. The recent shooting on Habersham Way has rocked the community already traumatized in November 2017 by another domestic dispute that resulted in death. It also brought to the surface a pervasive, ugly problem of intimate partner homicide that has remained consistent nationwide for years. Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, economic class, immigration status, religion, or gender. It can happen to couples that are married, living together, or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Rockdale County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 2611 Country Trace on November 27, 2017, about 11 p.m. in reference to a person shot. A neighbor called 911 and stated several children had told her that their mother had been shot by their father. At approximately11:54 a.m. on January 21, 2018, Rockdale County Sheriff’s
Retired Army Capt. Tommy Clack with family members. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home on Habersham Way S.E. The husband shot at the deputies causing the deputy sheriff’s to return fire. The wife ran out of the home with the suspect following her into a nearby wooded area. Deputies found her with a gunshot wound to the chest. Reducing domestic violence requires redefining ideas about the aggressor’s behavior away from power and control over others. Additionally, we must break the silence about violence against any person. In order to do this we must commit to talking about domestic violence in our churches, schools, community centers, hospitals etc. One important thing to remember: You are not alone in this. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. For immediate help, call 9-1-1. Project Renewal has a 24-hour assistance by calling 770-860-1666. We also have Family Intervention programs including the Atlanta Intervention Network 770-602-1979 and Families First 404-853-2844.
Conyers educator named DJJ Teacher of the Year Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Commissioner Avery D. Niles Conyers educator Harold James Farmer was named 2017 Teacher of the Year for the Department of Juvenile Justice Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA). Farmer, a social studies teacher at the Rockdale Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC), was recognized as Teacher of the Year as part of winter graduation ceremonies for students from DJJ secure facilities throughout the state. Avery D. Niles, Superintendent of the DJJ School System, honored Farmer at the State of Harold James Farmer (left) was named Georgia’s Tift College campus in Forsyth. 2017 Teacher of the Year. Photo provided “We are genuinely impressed with the progress our students are making and by the dedication of our principals and teachers like Harold Farmer,” Niles said. Farmer has spent his entire 15-year teaching career with GPA. When asked about his teaching philosophies he stated: “As educators, we must understand what is needed to pull the best out of our students. Activities should be real-world and practical so students can stay engaged and enjoy what they are learning. I want my students to make connections to what is going on now and what took place in history.” Farmer founded the “Man Cave,” a parental engagement program that aims to strengthen the bonds between youths and the male figures in their lives. “Through planned activities, the Man Cave creates the perfect environment for the students’ fatherly figures to share their experiences with the students, stress the importance of education and teach them what it means to act like a man,” said Farmer. “The Man Cave is one of our favorite programs. We want to show the students that we care about them as people, and not just academically.”
Conyers-Rockdale Chamber honors six community pillars at 62nd Annual Meeting Retired Army Capt. Tommy Clack received the A.R. Gus Barksdale Lifetime Achievement Award, the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor, at the organization’s 62nd Annual Meeting. Clack was among six award recipients honored during the Chamber’s luncheon at the Georgia International Horse Park on Jan. 30. Clack, who is president and chairman of the Walk of Heroes Memorial in Conyers, has assisted veterans for over 40 years. After losing three limbs and suffering internal injuries on May 29, 1969 while serving in Vietnam, he turned his tragedy into victory by advocating for those who serve the United States. Since 1970, Clack has been recognized more than 200 times on national, state and local levels for his leadership and accomplishments, said Dee Barnes, the Chamber’s outgoing chairperson. “Capt. Tommy Clack is a true hero who has taken a life-altering event and blessed others over and over again,” said Barnes. “He’s a true patriot with his favorite sayings: ‘Freedom isn’t free.’ and the other saying: ‘Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you — Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul and the other died for your freedom.’” Clack said he felt honored to accept the award on behalf of the Walk of Heroes Memorial, crediting teamwork for the memorial. “It is all of us that make this happen,” said Clack, adding that “there is no ‘I’ in team,” which he said is an acronym for “Together, everyone accomplishes more.” Clack expressed his gratitude to God for being able to serve: “The first words out of my mouth every morning is ‘God, thank you for another day to live.’” Other honorees include: Conyers Animal Hospital, which was named the Education Partner of the Year. The hospital was honored for providing students of Rockdale County Public Schools with work-based learning apprenticeships and internships, and for its participation in science fairs, career fairs, fundraisers and Gail Carrouth Dr. Gaines White other activities. Andrea Bowens-Jones was honored with the James P. Culpepper Volunteer of the Year Award. Jones birthed the Chamber’s Women’s we3 Conference. The inaugural conference, which was held last October to engage, empower and educate, drew over 250 participants, 25 vendors and 15 sponsors.
Andrea Bowens-Jones
Darlene Godwin, of Synovus, was named the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year. Godwin earned the highest overall points—960—for participating in various Chamber events ranging from ribbon cuttings to network luncheons and after-hours events throughout 2017. She was unable to attend due to illness. Earl Wise, Synovus senior VP, accepted the award on Godwin’s behalf. Muddessar Ahmad, a businessman and philanthropist, received the inaugural Mayor Charles Walker Community Spirit Award named for the late Conyers mayor who was elected in 1977 and served for 20 years. Ahmad, who serves on various boards and civic groups throughout Rockdale County, was honored for his support of schools, public safety, churches, and veterans, just to name a few. A large pavilion constructed at the Muddessar Ahmad Walk of Heroes Memorial stands as a testament to his generous support. Shawn Bromelle, president of Pro Cutters Lawnscapes, which provides commercial and right-of-way landscape services, received the Jerry Barboe Small Business Person of the Year. Bromelle and her husband, Steve, launched their company in 2010. The company maintains the state’s entry points and welcome centers and rest areas. Its clients include the state Department of Transportation, the City of Conyers and other governments and municipalities. Shawn Bromelle was honored for her volunteer work in Shawn Bromelle Rockdale schools including working in the science lab at Lorraine Elementary School, coordinating fundraisers for Rockdale Magnet School, and mentoring students and providing financial support at Conyers Middle School.
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FEBRUARY 3, 2018 • PAGE 7
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EMAIL YOUR ORDER TO: silverspoonatl@gmail.com
(404) 808-8166
We cater to the entire family. Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available
900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006
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