VOLUME 23 NUMBER 5
FREE
APRIL 29, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
GPTC’s LPN program ranked #1 in Georgia
G
eorgia Piedmont Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program has been ranked #1 in the state by www. practicalnursing.org, a website dedicated to providing substantive information to prospective students who are considering a career in nursing. GPTC’s practical nursing program achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) from 2012 through 2015, which was practical nursing org’s evaluation period. “I congratulate the students who passed the NCLEX-PN exam and the four full-time faculty members who shepherded them through the curriculum and testing,” said GPTC President Jabari Simama. “Their success is our success.” To determine Georgia Piedmont’s ranking, website officials analyzed 22 schools throughout Georgia that offer LPN programs. Of those, 10 were ranked by the officials. Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s LPN program was ranked first, with Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro placing second and Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta placing third. Practicalnursing.org uses several criteria to evaluate schools that offer LPN programs, but the school’s pass rate on the NCLEX-PN is weighted heavily. The NCLEX-PN exam content is based on four categories: Safe and effective care environment; health promotion and maintenance; psycho-social integrity; and physiological integrity. For more information regarding Georgia Piedmont’s Licensed Practical Nursing program, please contact Kaye Henry, program director, at 770-7869522 ext. 5047 or henryk@ gptc.edu.
Inauguration set for Stonecrest’s new leaders
Mayor Jason Lary
Jimmy Clanton (D 1)
Rob Turner (D 2)
By Valerie J. Morgan
Jazzmin Cobble (D 3)
went on a previously-scheduled vacation after he won the April 18 runoff, he city of Stonecrest’s will take the oath of office and sign newly-elected mayor, Jason his paperwork for the first time. The Lary, and the five-memothers were sworn in during two priber Stonecrest City Council will be vate ceremonies that were held a few sworn in together on May 1, 7 to 9 days after the results were certified p.m., at the Mall at Stonecrest, offiby DeKalb elections officials. cials have announced. The new council members— DeKalb County Judge Ronald Jimmy Clanton (District 1), Rob Ramsey will perform the inauguTurner (District 2), Jazzmin Cobble ration, which will be a ceremonial (District 3), George Turner (District event for all but one of the new4) and Diane Daniels Adoma (Disly-elected leaders. Rob Turner, who trict 5)—will each represent 10,000
T
George Turner ( D 4)
Diane Adoma (D 5)
residents in the city of 50,000. Voters passed a referendum on Nov. 7, 2016 to create the new city in Southeast DeKalb County, joining Dunwoody, Brookhaven and Tucker as the newest cities formed in DeKalb. “We really appreciate the citizens of this corridor giving us a shot at self governance. We will not disappoint them,” said Lary. “I’m predicting we will be the economic boom of See Stonerest, page 6
New Burlington store coming to Stonecrest
The former Best Buy Store is under renovation to become the new Burlington store. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG News
B
urlington Stores, a leading national off-price retailer, has announced that it will open a new 45,775-square-foot store this fall at Turner Hill Marketplace, 2940 Turner Hill Road, in the city of Stonecrest. The new store will be located in the former Best Buy space and will bring 50 to 100 new jobs to the community. Burlington Stores President and CEO Tom Kingsbury said the company is thrilled to provide jobs in the community and
give local residents a valued shopping experience. Burlington Facts • Opening Fall 2017 • 45,775 square feet • The store will feature ladies’ apparel, accessories, menswear, family footwear, children’s clothing, a broad assortment of furniture and accessories for baby at Baby Depot, home décor and gifts, and the largest selection of coats in the nation at up to 65 percent off other retailers’ prices every day. • Burlington’s store design allows for a clean,
simple and attractive shopping experience for our customers, making it easy to navigate the store to find our great assortment of brand name merchandise. Employment Opportunities This summer, interested candidates can visit Burlington’s website for more information about employment opportunities. About Burlington Stories, Inc. Burlington is a national off-price retailer offering
style for less at up to 65 percent off other retailers’ prices every day. Departments include ladies’ dresses, suits, sportswear, juniors, accessories, menswear, family footwear and children’s clothing. It also includes an assortment of furniture and accessories for baby at Baby Depot, home décor and gifts, along with the largest selection of coats in the nation for the entire family. Burlington has 596 stores in 45 States and Puerto Rico. For more, visit www.BurlingtonStores.com.
PAGE 2 •APRIL 29, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rent-to-Own Heating & Air Program expands as summer months approaches
T
he National Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG) has expanded its Rent-To-Own, Heating and Air Conditioning Program for homeowners in Rockdale, Clayton and DeKalb counties. This past week, we installed over 500 new energy efficient HVAC units. The program has 5,000 slots available. Over 440 homeowners have been assisted in DeKalb County alone. We have recruited additional NATE/EPA certified heating and air contractors to keep pace with the call volume, said Percy Brooks, CEO of the NSEG. It’s truly amazing for $89.95 a month, a homeowner will not have to suffer the hot and humid high 80’s and 90-degree temperatures this summer, said Brooks. Qualification for approval: Homeowner property taxes must be current. Monthly payments range from $89.95 to $109.95, depending on the size of the heating and air-conditioning unit and upgrades. All Goodman heating and air units come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Approval and installation can be completed within 5 business days. We are extremely honored to be able to assist so many homeowners that had given up on securing consumer financing to purchase a heating and air conditioning unit. We view this alternative option as one of the finest in the country, said Brooks. I’m sure that we will exceed our goal of assisting 5,000 homeowners across the Metro Atlanta area.
10 WEEK SUMMER CLASSES
JUNE 1 - AUGUST 15 MEETING IN LITHONIA , RIVERDALE AND ONLINE
Would you like to become a Christian Counselor? Would you like to Teach or Preach with Greater Authority? Would you like to Better Understand and Interpret the Bible ? Would you like to Learn the Bible from Genesis to Revelation? WWW.MWENOW.COM | 770-972-0091 INFO@MWENOW.COM
Read On Common Ground News Online: www.ocgnews.com
Stress or Physical Pain?
At Full Body Rejuvenation Center our staff offers the most effective quality health care to satisfy every individual's personal needs. Our combination of chiropractic therapy and physiotherapy allow us to focus on the physiological, as well as the biomechanical aspects of the body. Dr. Smith encourages you to come in and begin your healthy approach to pain management, weight loss or stress relief!
Chiropractic Treatment Physiotherapy Your path to Natural Health Bring in this ad and receive a complementary chiropractic consultation
FULL BODY REJUVENATION CENTER 3636 Panola Rd, Ste B
MOST MAJOR INSURANCES AND OBAMA CARE ACCEPTED!
Lithonia, GA 30038
We are expecting to see a record high of 50+ days of temperatures in the high 80’s and 90’s this summer season. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for homeowners. Our customer testimonials have been heartfelt, said Brooks. The program meets the EPA requirements for the new R-410A refrigerant upgrades. It also improves the quality of life and increases property value for homeowners. Our major objective is to share our program among the faith-based community and Homeowners Associations (HOA’s), said Brooks. We needed an alternative option for homeowners with less than perfect credit, who paid their property taxes on time, but couldn’t obtain traditional consumer financing for heating & air service. We all hit speed bumps in life. Our client has lived in their home for an average of 12+ years said Brooks. Energy home improvements are among the most expensive home improvement projects for homeowners said Brooks. There are over 120,000 homeowners without heating & air service and over 700,000 units working at less than 40% capacity or less. We see this as an excellent opportunity for homeowners to rent and relax. For more information, call 404-220-8719; email percybrooks. meb@live.com or visit www.hvachomesystem.com Paid Advertisement
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com
R
APRIL29,2017 • PAGE 3
DeKalb begins comprehensive cleaning of sewer lines
I
t’s been more than 50 years since DeKalb County cleaned its major sewer lines. To remedy that, DeKalb Department of Watershed Management submitted two contracts totaling $35.4 million that were recently approved by the Board of Commissioners. “We believe the cleaning of these major sewer lines will allow us to recapture capacity and potentially reduce costs,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “This is a significant moment for the taxpayers and residents of this county because our government is working to address capacity issues in our sewer system and reduce sanitary sewer overflows.” One contract for $7.2 million will restore major gravity sewer line capacity by cleaning the main sewers at 19 critical areas around the county. A second contract provides $28.25 million for sewer replacement, pipe bursting, sewer lining, point repairs, manhole interior
coating or lining, manhole height adjustment, manhole frame and cover adjustment or replacement, connection sealing and manhole replacement. Once a sewer is cleaned, flow data will be collected for development of a wastewater stream model which will be used to determine trunk sewer pipe sizes for existing and future growth. The work is expected to take two years to complete. A significant cause of sanitary sewer overflows and reduced sewer capacity is the disposal of fats, oils and grease down sink drains. “With 60 percent of sanitary sewer overflows in DeKalb County caused by fats, oils and grease being poured down sink drains, residents and businesses also play an important partnership role with DeKalb County,” said Ted Rhinehart, deputy chief operating officer for infrastructure. Other ways DeKalb County is addressing its sewer capacity issues include:
• A system-wide assessment of the wastewater collection system to identify and address deficiencies. • Ongoing smoke testing, which has identified such issues as illicit connections, failed private sewer laterals and missing clean out covers. Removal of the extraneous sources of storm water to reduce system overflows.
Rockdale to give update on transportation, wastewater plans
ockdale County and the City of Conyers will host two open house events to provide an update on the county’s 2009 Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The public is invited to attend and give feedback as county officials discuss future needs. The dates and locations are: Thursday, May 4, 5:30 - 7 p.m. American Legion Post 77 674 American Legion Road, Conyers Thursday, May 11, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
St. Pius Catholic Church 2621 Highway 20, Conyers County officials also will provide an update on Rockdale’s wastewater capacity plan. The plans will be unveiled at the Assembly Hall, on Wednesday, May 10, 11 a.m., 901 Main Street, Conyers. The public, developers and investors are invited to learn more about the plans and how they will support economic development and community revitalization within the
Conyers launches mobile app
The city of Conyers has launched a mobile app to showcase area shopping, services, events and attractions. Apple and Android users are now able to download the free app via the app store on their mobile phones. Conyers’ tourism division partnered with software company Mobile Town Guide to create and populate the app with businesses, events and area attractions of interest to both residents and visitors. The app includes a searchable business directory, events calendar, promotions, news and information in the form of opt-in push notifications to the user, points of interest and self-guided tour like the recently launched historic walking tour of Olde Town Conyers. The Conyers app is customized featuring the new city of Conyers logo and color palette. “We think residents and visitors alike will find this app useful,” said Teri Haler, tourism specialist for the city of Conyers and Conyers Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Conyers residents will appreciate the ease with which they can access local events while visitors to attractions like the Georgia International Horse Park will find information incredibly helpful when trying to find a local restaurant or services ranging from automotive care to self-care like manicures and pedicures.” Users can download the app for free by searching for “Guide to Conyers” on their mobile phone. Those attending the upcoming Taste of Conyers on May 6, will have the chance to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card to an Olde Town Conyers restaurant when they show festival staff they’ve downloaded the app to their phone.
county. “This opportunity is one we identified early on and we are proud we have found a solution in the early days of this administration,” said Rockdale BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. For more information on the wastewater meeting, contact Dwight Wicks, Rockdale Water Resources director, at 770-278-7411 or dwight.wicks@rockdalecountyga.gov.
DeKalb Sheriff’s Office makes new arrest in “AK47” murder The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office says the murder warrant that led to the arrest on April 25 of 22-year-old Jaleel Nathanael Dix of Lithonia was subsequently dismissed and authorities have since arrested 23-year-old Javian Bernard Nesby of Decatur for the April 12, 2017 shooting death of Jordon Morris. Based on information received at the time of the incident, the DeKalb County Police Department issued a warrant on April 20, 2017 for the arrest of Dix. FollowJavian Bernard Nesby ing the arrest by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Squad on April 25, homicide detectives conducted interviews, which led to another individual, Javian Bernard Nesby, believed to be responsible for shooting Morris in the face with what was described as an AK47-style assault rifle. A warrant was issued for Nesby, who was taken into custody at the DeKalb County Jail without incident after further investigation. He is being held on one count of felony murder. Dix remains in custody on unrelated charges.
Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK
PAGE 4 •APRIL 29, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
Decatur “Concerts on the Square” returns
P
ack a picnic, spread out a blanket and enjoy an evening of music on Saturday, May 6, 7 – 9 p.m., on the on the square in downtown Decatur. The free show will feature Modern Top 40 group, “Banded,” an upbeat trio from Athens playing popular songs from the 90’s up to now. For more information about this event and other concerts in Decatur, visit www. decaturdba.com.
ATLANTA
Snellville Days boasts big entertainment, over 200 vendors
Candler Park outdoor movie series starts May 6
The public is invited to attend the Snellville Days Arts and Crafts festival on Saturday, May 6 to Sunday, May 7 at Briscoe Park, 2500 Sawyer Parkway, Snellville. Snellville Days features over 200 arts and crafts, food and vendor booths, as well as live entertainment including a bike stunt show, comedy circus, canine show, kiddie area and more. The event runs Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. snellvilledays.org.
Families are invited to enjoy a free outdoor movie on Saturday, May 6, at Candler Park, 1500 McLendon Ave. NE, Atlanta. The movie is entitled “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” rated PG13 with a running time of 2 hours 13 minutes. Festivities and music start one hour before dusk in front of the pool house. Guests may bring their own picnic, blankets and/or chairs. Glass is not permitted. For more information, visit http://www.friendsofcandlerpark.org. .
Chastain Park to host Sixth annual Arts Festival The Chastain Park Arts Festival will host its sixth annual event May 6-7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Chastain Park along Park drive, 4001 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta. Nearly 200 artists and artisans are expected to show off and sell their work. Visitors will enjoy fine art and crafts, a children’s area, gourmet food trucks and local acoustic musicians. This event is free and open to the public and organized by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and volunteer artists. For more information, visit www.chastainparkartsfestival.com.
DEKALB
Senior talent show set to celebrate Older Americans Month The 7th Annual Senior Celebration will be held on Thursday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. If you sing, dance, play an instrument, recite poetry/spoken word or have a specialty act that you want to showcase in the senior talent show, register at your nearest public library location or email adultservices@dekalblibrary.org to receive an electronic entry form. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. You must be 55 years of age or older to participate. Attendees are invited to come dressed as their favorite celebrity. For more information or to register, call 404-508-7190, ext. 2257. Registration and your library card are your entry ticket. Free light lunch will be provided. Funding provided by the DeKalb Library Foundation, Office of Senior Affairs and Lou Walker Senior Center.
GWINNETT
Gwinnett Beer Festival to feature over 150 craft beers The third annual Gwinnett Beer Fest will take place on Saturday, May 6, at Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive NE, Lawrenceville. The festival will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. with a VIP tasting starting at noon. The festival will feature an unlimited sampling of over 150 craft beers, live music and food. For tickets and more information, call 678-482-2270 or visit www.gwinnettbeerfest.com.
ROCKDALE
Downtown to welcome Taste of Conyers, car show Join your neighbors for a Taste of Conyers on Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., in Olde Town Conyers. Sample entrees, drinks and desserts from area restaurants. Samples range from $1-$3. Kids can enjoy the new children’s area while car lovers marvel at the variety of cars at the Conyers Car Show with live music on Railroad Street. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 770-602-2606. .
March of Dimes sets fundraiser in Conyers You can help improve the health of premature babies by participating in the March of Dimes march. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Steeplechase at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. There will be family teams, company teams and people walking with friends to raise money for the March of Dimes. For more information, visit www.marchforbabies.org.
Please check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers.
Get Your Summer Camp Ad Today, Call 678-526-1910
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
Diane Adoma to keynote Rainbow Park Baptist’s GED awards breakfast
Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur is hosting an awards breakfast for its GED participants on Thursday, May 4, 9:30 a.m., in the fellowship hall at 29141 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The special guest speaker for the program will be Diane Adoma, the newly-elect-
ed District 5 council member for the City of Stonecrest. Dr. Adoma will share her riveting success story of how she went from a GED to a PhD. This year’s participants will be recognized for their dedication and commitment to the program. Forty
students are enrolled in the program, said Sandy Ferguson, director. Rainbow Park, under the leadership of Dr. Steven N. Dial, has provided free GED classes for more than 8 years and continues to focus on education and literacy in the community. The GED
program offers classes hand on campus, Ferguson said. The breakfast awards program is free and all are welcome. For more information about the event or the GED program, contact the church office at 404-288-1910.
APRIL 29, 2017 • PAGE 5
Diane Adoma
Rockdale NAACP honors Gary Washington, Tommy Plummer
T
he Rockdale County branch of the NAACP recently honored Attorney Gary Washington with the “Jean Williams Community Service Award” in recognition of his community service. The award, named to in recognition of the branch’s first president, is the highest honor the organization bestows upon a person. Washington regularly conducts workshops to help make young people and the public at large aware of what to do when encountering law enforcement officials. He presents the workshops, “Act like a Student,Think like a Cop—Know Your Rights” and “What to do When Encountering Law Enforcement” to civic organizations, churches, high schools and colleges. Tommy Plummer, vice president of the branch, was honored with the “Keeping the Dream Award.” Plummer is committed to mentoring youths at the Department of Juvenile
Justice. He encourages the youths to continue their education, change their behavior so that they will become productive members of society. He enjoys taking the youths pizza dinners and sharing experiences with them. The Rockdale NAACP presented the awards at its 29th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet, a fundraiser that provides scholarships to deserving high school students. The theme of this year’s banquet was “Learning to Build the Life Envisioned.” State Rep. Vernon Jones, District 91, was the keynote speaker. Thomas Brantley, Jr., who serves as president of the Rockdale NAACP, thanked committee chair Allene Eatman and committee members Gladys Brown and the Rev. Phyllis Hatcher for planning a program that focused on educating youths and recognizing community members who continue to give tirelessly to them.
Dickerson, Anderson to host post-legislative town hall State Rep. Pam Dickerson and Sen. Tonya Anderson will host a post-legislative town hall on the 2017 Legislative session on Thursday, May 4, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Historic Courthouse, 124 Clark St., Covington. The public is encouraged to State Rep. Pam Dickerson attend.
L-R: Attorney Gary Washington and Tommy Plumber
C.J. Hicks Elementary to celebrate Law Day C.J. Hicks Elementary in Conyers is celebrating Law Day with several activities for its students. Law Day in the U.S. is celebrated on May 1 every year to help citizens appreciate their liberties and cultivate respect for the law, vital to our democratic society. Students will enjoy the day by participating in a mock trial, art exhibit and competition, Poetry Power Slam and sidewalk drawings and guest speakers.
Sen. Tonya Anderson
Rockdale Clerk of Court to offer free Notary Public training Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson, in collaboration with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority, will offer free Notary Public training for individuals who are already notaries and those interested in becoming a notary. The training will address basic notary procedures and legal guidelines for fulfilling the duties of a Notary Public in the State of Georgia. The training will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the JP Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. This special afternoon session is being offered to accommodate those who are unable to attend during evening hours. Light refreshments will be served. The deadline to register for the free training is May 2. Please email notary. Training@RockdaleCountyGA.Gov. For more information, call 770-278-7861.
“Relatives as Caregivers” forum set May 2 The South DeKalb Police Precinct Community Outreach will present the “Relatives as Caregivers” forum at its bi-monthly (1st and 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.) community meeting on May 2, 6:30 p.m., in the South Precinct, 2842 H. F. Shepherd Drive, Decatur. The meeting will feature a DeKalb County kinship navigator, who will share information about the many resources that are available to grandparents and others who have custody of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members. For more information, contact Marjorie Clay (marjorieclay@bellsouth.net).
Read On Common Ground News Online: www.ocgnews.com
PAGE 6 •APRIL 29, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Newton students show others how to start their own libraries
E
veryone can make a positive impact on his or her community—even children. Jaclyn Spradlyn, 8, is a shining example of what young people can do to make a difference. The young Newton County resident is helping her community and the community at large by promoting literacy. Jaclyn and her 11-yearold twin brothers, Jaxson and Jayson, recently spent a Saturday handing out free bags of books at the Covington Library’s Book Festival under the supervision of their mom, Marteeta Spradling. “There is a great need for literacy in all of Georgia, but especially in Newton County, where there are many low-income families,” said Marteeta Spradling. “The 2015 Milestone test shows that Newton County’s reading proficiency is
Jaclyn, Jaxson and Jayson Spradlyn share their love for reading at the Covington Library’s Book Fair in Newton County. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
only 34.9 percent. That’s letting you know that nearly 65.1 percent of the county’s students are not reading at grade level,” Spradling said. “I think it’s important for children to inspire
Stonecrest
their peers and share their love for books.” Jaclyn launched a Book Exchange and Build Your Own Library program with the help of her church,
New Covenant Christian Ministries, which received two $500 grants on her behalf. The grants were awarded by Disney’s Summer of Service Youth Change Makers and Youth Service America after Jaclyn submitted project ideas on ways to get children to read including hosting virtual book parties and contests on Facebook and giving away gift cards and other prizes as incentives for reading. At the Covington Library’s April 22 Book Festival, Jaclyn showed parents and children how to build their own library as part of Global Youth Services Day. She gave away both new books and books that were donated so families could start their own libraries. “I love reading and I want other kids to enjoy reading as much as I do,” said Jaclyn.
Rotary Clubs of Conyers and Rockdale honors outstanding students
continued from page 1
Heritage High School Laws of Life Essay Winners
Shadiyah Percival 9th - Grade
Maria Scott 10th Grade
Ronan Fitzgerald 11 Grade
10th Grade Honorable Mentions: Josh Isaac, Miracle Woodard, and Jada Banks 11th Grade Honorable Mentions: Mariela Aguilar and Elijah McWilliams 12th Grade Winner: Naomi Douglas (Not pictured) 12th Grade Honorable Mentions: Jessica Brown and Kalee Martin Run-off winners Diane Daniels Adoma (District 5) and George Turner (District 4) were sworn in on April 24 during a private ceremony performed by DeKalb County Judge Ronald Ramsey at the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute. Adoma was joined by her son, James Augustus, and grandson, Kingsley Augustus. Turner was joined at the swearing-in by his wife, Patsy.
the Atlanta regional area.” Cobble, who is serving as coordinator for the inauguration, said the program will include honoring the Governor’s Commission on Stonecrest and thanking those who have worked to make the city a reality. The commission has been responsible for setting up the structure for the new city. “We’re going to honor the commission and some others. We just want to show appreciation to those who have been involved, and we will have some light refreshments,” said Cobble. The city council plans to hold its first meeting on May 8, 9 a.m., at the Stonecrest Library. Lary said the new city does not yet have a permanent home and meetings will be held at temporary locations. Meanwhile, council member Adoma, said she is preparing to have her first town hall meeting with constituents. She plans to meet around the second week in
T
he Rotary Clubs of Conyers and Rockdale presented their Laws of Life Essay Contest and Outstanding Senior Awards at their April 13 Luncheon. Students wrote compelling essays on overcoming the odds and how they were inspired by their teachers. Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth A.Wilson, Rotary Club of Conyers You Services Chair, officiated the program and helped to present the awards to students at Salem High, Heritage High, Rockdale County High and Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology. The students below were honored as Rockdale’s 2017 Outstanding Seniors. More photos available at www.ocgnews.com. Subject Award Art Career, Technical and Agriculture Education English
May at Arabia Mountain High School, one of three schools located in her district. “During my campaign, I told the citizens of the 5th District of the City of Stonecrest that I would be ready on Day 1 to serve them, and to get to work,” said Adoma. “…The citizens of District 5 are expecting me to represent them and I am ready to work.”
SHS Student Name Jazmine Morgan Princess Clark
HHS Student Name Lindsey Hardwick Lemyrianna Short
RCHS Student Name Lorenzo Toney
Amin Williams
Laurel Holmes
Keyanna Schultz Adaugo Achionye JaMicheal Baldwin Renauj Buckley
Foreign Language Math
Victoria Britton
Mary Kathryn Hutcheson Kayla Ocasio
Manuel Tapia
Luis Pimentel
Music / Band
Mason Smith
Ramone Nelson
P. E.
Paul Moreland III
Blake Roberts
Performing Arts
Allyson Denhart-Fung
ROTC
Tamiria Thomas
Malaikia Sims-Winfrey Kayla Johnson
Science
Detesria Lovelace Akash Patel
Gabriel Cruz Martinez Tony Wilson, Jr.
Social Studies
RMSST Student Name
Rhea Beckford
Jack Dugan
Sulaimane Bangura Emily Barrus Martin Murphy
Andrew Bonar
Sierra Driver
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
APRIL 29, 2017 • PAGE 7
On Common Ground News Marketplace RESTAURANTS
CLEANING
CLASSIFIEDS Services Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503
Lawn care services for all of Georgia 678-953-0063 texting or voice mail. Free estimate.
Summer Camp
UCCY presents Storm Johnson Christian Overnight Football Camp Sunday-Friday Come stay, play and learn. Speed, agility, strength, position, specific skills training. Contact and non-contact drills. Coach Wes 770-652-7711
Classifieds $25 Call
678-526-1910
T H E W E AV E STOP
NEW LOCATION!!
$
40
1ST & 15TH ONLY
East Lake Village 496 Flats Shoals Avenue Instagram@theweavestop
404-288-8833
PAGE 8•APRIL 29,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Cosmetic & General Dentistry Recline in Comfort & Watch TV During Your Treatment !!
Mon- Thurs 8am-5pm Every other Friday 8am-5pm
New Patients Welcome! Power Bleaching- Zoom Invisible Braces (Invisalign) Dental Implants Tooth-Colored Fillings Crown & Bridges Porcelain Veneers Low- Radiation X-Rays Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS
www.beautifulsmiledds.com
!
Se Habla Espanol!
8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155 Lithonia, GA 30038 • (770) 484-4051 Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)