VOLUME 22 NUMBER 12
FREE
JUNE 18, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
GPTC announces new Police Chief, Melody Maddox
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Melody Maddox
eorgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is pleased to announce veteran law enforcement officer Melody Maddox was recently promoted to the position of Chief of Police. During the past five years, Maddox has served as Assistant Police Chief and as a lead officer at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Her duties included selecting and assigning personnel and training staff with regard to campus patrol operations. Additionally, she has held positions with the DeKalb County Police Department, the City of Atlanta’s Police Department and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. “I am delighted Melody Maddox has been named Georgia Piedmont’s new police chief,” said GPTC President Jabari Simama. “She is a dedicated employee with more than 20 years of experience in planning and managing investigations, as well as coordinating police force activities. Her background in DeKalb County is extensive, and I am certain she will continue to serve our Georgia Piedmont community well.” As police chief, Maddox will be responsible for all aspects of planning and administration of the Georgia Piedmont police force, which supports the college’s operations at three main campus locations as well as additional learning centers. Maddox is P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standard Training) certified and is also certified as a defensive tactics instructor. In addition to overseeing police operations, Maddox serves as an instructor on an as-needed basis for Georgia Piedmont’s Law Enforcement Academy (LEA). The college’s LEA is the first of its kind in the State of Georgia to receive accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). “Leading Georgia Piedmont’s Police Department is truly an honor,” Maddox said. “I’m humbled to have this opportunity to continue serving the students, faculty and staff of the college. I look forward to being a part of the leadership team that makes this institution the best it can be.” Maddox earned her bachelor’s degree from Morris Brown College and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. In December 2016, she will complete a second master’s degree in African-American Ministries from the Newburgh Theological Seminary. She is a member of St. Philip AME Church and has been selected as a member of Leadership DeKalb’s Class of 2017.
Good Samaritan injured en route to charity ride for single mom
Members of the N the Zone Motorcycle Club get ready for charity ride to benefit Shanquelle Jernigaan, who had to resign from her job to care for her recovering 4-year-old daughter, Jakiria Geter. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
By Valerie J. Morgan James Lewis, who heads the N the Zone Motorcycle Club, was on his way to the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia to help raise money for a young girl recovering from a heart transplant when
he was struck and critically injured himself. Now, the child’s mother and club members are praying that Lewis, nicknamed “Big Blue,” will recover. “We were all waiting for him to arrive See Motorcycle
Club, page 10
Rockdale celebrates Phase 2 Phoenix Pass housing for homeless moms
Rockdale Chairman Richard Oden presents Jeff Beech, founder of Lighthouse Village and Phoenix Pass, and Jean Yontz, executive director, with proclamation declaring June 10, 2016 as Phoenix Pass Day in Rockdale County. Photo provided. By Valerie J. Morgan
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ockdale County leaders and community partners recently celebrated the completion of the second phase of Phoenix Pass, a nonprofit that provides transitional housing and training to help homeless women and their children become self-sufficient. The year-long construction of the $600,000, 7,200-square-foot apartment complex was a collaboration between Home Aid
Atlanta, which worked with several building trades that donated their services, Cooper Homes of Atlanta, and the community. Officials said last week minor touch-up work will be done over the next few days to fully complete the project. Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard Oden said the new See Phoenix Pass, page 10
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JUNE 18,2016 • PAGE 3
Fatal fire in Rockdale under investigation
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
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Investigators have place yellow tape around the property on Robin Drive where the fire engulfed the home. Authorities say they believe an explosion also took place but are still trying to determine the actual cause of the fire. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG NEWS
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uthorities are investigating a deadly house fire that claimed the life of a 40-year-old Rockdale County man and caused injuries to his 63-year-old mother and 43-year-old sister. The deceased was identified as Samuel Christopher Henry. The fire broke out on Sunday, June 12, around 8:45 p.m., at 771 Robin Drive, Rockdale County Fire Chief Dan Morgan
said. When firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze was already through the roof in one portion of the structure. Authorities said the fire and a possible explosion of natural gas resulted in significant damage to the structure. Samuel Henry died at the scene. His mother, Patricia A. Henry, remained at Grady Hospital where she was transported by air ambulance with second and third
degree burns. His sister, Constance Henry, was taken to Rockdale Medical Center for minor injuries. Fire Investigators with Rockdale County Fire Rescue, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE), and Atlanta Gas Light are investigating the cause of the fire.
They’re Going! Community rallies to send Tucker Middle School students to San Diego By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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group of Tucker Middle School students is going to San Diego. After a weeklong push to raise $5,000, the Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student organization was able to meet its goal to travel to California to compete in the national convention in July. “We are overjoyed that we made our match challenge of $2,500. In fact, we went over. Thank you to all of our donors and to “On Common Ground” for publishing a wonderful article to help us meet our goal,” read a message
Diego, this is the most money the group has ever had to raise during the time that she has served as chapter adviser. “Every year is a challenge, but we never think we’re not going to nationals. We believed with everything within us that we would raise the money. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” said Mayfield, who said Tucker Middle is the only middle school in DeKalb County that has advanced to the National FCCLA competition in the last four years. The group’s campaign will remain open until Friday, June 24, for others who might want from Christine Mayfield, the commitment to match their fund- to give to enable the group to do special activities and sightseeing FCCLA adviser, from the group’s raising efforts from Pastor Lee tours while in San Diego for the GoFundMe page. Jenkins and his wife, Martica of Just a few days after On Com- Eagles Nest Church in Roswell, if competition. If you would like to donate, please visit the students’ mon Ground News’ coverage of they raised $2,500l. GoFundMe page at https://www. the students’ dilemma, Mayfield Mayfield said that due to gofundme.com/263p5us. received several donations and a the location of Nationals in San
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Experienced jugglers coming to Stonecrest Library
Coming Up
Ever wanted to learn how to juggle? Now you can. Charles Shapiro and his team of experienced jugglers will show off their techniques on June 21, 1 to 2 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. The free program, which is for ages 9 to 12, is open to the first 20 participants. Admission tickets will be available one hour before the program starts. For more information, call 770-482-3828.
See live reptiles at Northlake-Barbara Loar Library
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s lineup to include James Brown’s “I Feel Good” The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will have a little soul when it returns to Piedmont Park for a free concert on June 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Oak Hill, located in the southwest corner of the park. Led by Assistant Conductor Joseph Young, the orchestra’s “A Performance in the Park” will feature James Brown’s “ Feel Good” along with an array of pieces. Sit back and enjoy Rossini’s “Overture,” “The Barber of Seville, “ Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” and more. The orchestra’s Brian Hecht will make his solo debut performing Brubeck’s “Concerto” for bass trombone. The orchestra’s history at Piedmont Park dates back to its initial performances in 1976 with Robert Shaw. Since then, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has performed more than 100 concerts in the park, delighting audiences. This year’s concert is presented by Bank of America and the city of Atlanta’s Parks and Recreation Department. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Outside food and drinks are permitted but no grills, glass containers, alcohol or pets are allowed at the concert. The Piedmont Dog Park, however, will be open. For more information, log on to www.aso.org.
Atlanta
Library workshop: Creating a project budget for nonprofits The Atlanta Fulton County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, will offer a class on creating a project budget for nonprofits on June 22, 2 to 4 p.m. Presenter Stephen Sherman of the Foundation Center-Atlanta will provide step-by-step instructions on how to generate a standard project budget for a foundation proposal. The class is free. For more information call 404730-1700.
African dancing at the Atlanta Fulton Library
Take the kids to see snakes, lizards and other scaly, crawly things on June 21,1 to 2 p.m., at the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library, 3772 LaVista Road, Tucker. Jason Clark will present his reptiles for a unique show. Groups of five or more should call the branch for an appointment. The program is open to the first 60 participants. No registration is required. Groups of five or more should call the branch for an appointment: 404-679-4408
GWINNETT
Clicks and Sticks to offer Knitting 101 for adults and children Parents and children can learn to knit together during summer break on June 27, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Centerville Community Center, 3079 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. Start an easy project in class and leave with the confidence of completing it at home. Learn take-home ideas that you can use to make fun articles and gifts. The program is open to children ages 8 and older who are accompanied by a paying adult. Size 8 needles and worsted-weight yarn are required for the class. The cost for the class is $2 (in exact cash notes, no coins). The fee is non-refundable. The class size is limited. For more information, contact the Guild at 770-413-6171 or info@ clicksandsticks.com.
Bethesda Park Senior Center to host summer beach party The seniors are having an indoor beach party on June 28, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. Enjoy Jimmy Buffett tunes, a tropical island-inspired meal and cool concoctions. The cost is $11 per person and pre-registration is required by June 24 online at www.gwinnettparks.com with code: BEP32906 or call 678-277-0179.
ROCKDALE
“Wizard of Oz” fans invited to have a fun time at concert in Olde Town
If you’re a fan of “The Wizard of Oz” movie, you’ll love the concert coming up in Olde Town. The New Depot Players will kick off its 40th Get ready to dance on June 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Atlanta Fulton season with a special one-night-only concert presentation of The Wizard of County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. Children and teens will Oz tunes on June 18, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 S. Main learn African dance techniques from a member of GIWAYEN MATA. The free program is open to children ages 3-18. Space is limited. Registration Street, Conyers. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., mingle with the cast; enter the costume compeis required. For more information, call 404-730-1700. tition with your own Wizard of Oz character costume; pose for pictures with Dorothy, the scarecrow, or any other favorite Oz character; and learn DeKalb about upcoming shows. And don’t forget to bring your own picnic dinner or purchase a snack from one of the local vendors. Commemorative T-shirts also will be sold. Enjoy this live concert version of this beloved American classic. Tickets are $15 per seat under the pavilion; $10 for lawn seating (bring your own chair/blanket. Children 5 and under are free. The community is invited on June 18, 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., to come out and learn how to lower their energy bills, and learn about high-paying energy sector jobs. DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and The Just Energy Circle This week’s Coming Up is compiled by Empish Thomas. Event details are hosting the event at Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizDrive, Decatur. Just Energy Circle is a collaborative initiative of the Partnerer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ ship for Southern Equity that works to establish energy efficient structures are ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our available to all, fair prices, freedom from negative health impacts, and access to readers. The calendar is published weekly as space permits employment.
Lower your energy bills, learn about high-paying energy jobs
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United Professional Firefighters of DeKalb to host inaugural community meeting
The United Professional Firefighters of DeKalb County (UPFFODC) is inviting the community to its inaugural meeting on June 22, 7 p.m., at the DeKalb County Fire Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mills Road, Ellenwood. Networking begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. The nonprofit, charitable organization, which is comprised of active and retired firefighters, wants to share its vision and mission to engage local businesses and the community at large through advocacy, fellowship, partnership, youth development, education and training. Membership fees, which are tax deductible, are $240 per year for active firefighters; retired firefighter lifetime membership, $60; and community/ business members, $60 per year. The organization meets on the last Wednesday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, and November) at various DeKalb County fire station locations. Georgia. For more information, contact Tremayne McMurray, UPFFODC president, at 404-849-9864 or email upffodc@gmail.com.
DeKalb Police employee arrested for selling information
Acting on a complaint from an accident victim, the DeKalb County Police Intelligence Unit arrested a civilian employee of the Police Department following a threemonth investigation. Shirley Waters, an aide with the Auto Theft Unit, has been charged with computer invasion of Privacy for providing and selling vehicle accident information to Reginald Earl Shirley Waters Jenkins. Felony warrants for bribery and criminal conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy were obtained for Jenkins and she was arrested at 1:30 a.m. on June 13.
JUNE 18, 2016 • PAGE 5
Serial killer pleads guilty to pair of DeKalb murders Accused serial killer Aeman L. Presley was sentenced Monday, June 13, to two life sentences without the possibility for parole for killing a Decatur hairdresser and a homeless DeKalb man. Presley, 35, pleaded guilty to all charges connected to the Sept. 26, 2014 shooting death of Calvin Lewis Gholston and the Dec. 6, 2014 robbery and shooting death of Karen Pearce. “His actions were monstrous and had severe consequences on the lives Aeman L. Presley of several individuals,” DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James said. “Although he accepted responsibility for his actions, when a person commits crimes this terrible, he deserves to go to prison for the rest of his life.” Presley was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for Gholston’s death. He was charged with malice murder, multiple counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and armed robbery for Pearce’s death. Presley initially pleaded not guilty to accusations that he murdered Pearce. He is currently charged with murder in two other unrelated Fulton County homicides. Presley will be turned over to the jurisdiction of the Georgia Department of Corrections to serve out his sentence
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PAGE 6 •JUNE 18, 2016
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Voices of Faith Ministries celebrates homecoming
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oices of Faith Ministries celebrated its annual homecoming and tailgate on June 12 at its Stone Mountain campus, located at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W. Church members and visitors spread out on the church’s front lawn with tents, grills and free food following the church’s 11:30 a.m. worship service. There were game trucks, water slides and music. The church is under the leadership of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder and overseer. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Antioch-Lithonia MBC hosts mass wedding for couples
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mass wedding ceremony was held on June 11 at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. The ceremonies were performed for a group that included newlyweds as well as married couples who wanted to renew their vows. “It was a very moving experience to see all of those couples sharing their faith and their wedding vows before their families and friends,” said Pastor James C. Ward, Antioch-Lithonia’s senior pastor. Pastor Ward, who performed the wedding, said the church provided flowers, decorations, the programs, music and a cake and punch reception at no cost to the couples. “It was very beautiful. The volunteers did an outstanding job. A lot of young people want to get married and have a church wedding and their pastor perform the wedding, but they can’t afford it. This was our way of giving back and supporting them,” said Pastor Ward, who said the church decided to do the mass wedding in June because it is one of the most popular months for weddings. Patti Clark Brawner and her new husband, Robert, were thrilled to be part of the experience. “It was beautiful, just a great experience,” said Patti Brawner. “What was nice is that it
didn’t feel like a mass wedding. Each couple said their individual vows so that was sacred and special. At the reception, we decorated a table for our own families and that made it intimate. I am really glad that Pastor Ward held the ceremony because it was definitely a blessing of not having the big expense of a wedding.” Brawner said several of her family members attended as well as her husband’s family
members. Brawner has been a member of Antioch-Lithonia since 1991. Pastor Ward said communion was provided during the wedding ceremony. The couples included Gail and Kent Boyd; Saretha G. and Eddie P. Bradley, Jr.; Pattie Clark and Robert Brawner; and Adrienne C. Pritchett and Minister Maurice Myers. Photos Special to OCG/News David Washington
Victorious Life Church of God to host health fair
Conyers First UMC will host flap jack benefit breakfast
Victorious Life Church of God, 1615 Old McDonough Highway, Conyers is hosting a free health fair on Saturday, June 25, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fair will feature more than 19 healthcare professionals including a wide variety of health services such as dental exams, eye exams, blood sugar screenings, cholesterol tests, blood pressure checks and more. There also will be lots of giveaways. The fair will be hosted by the Angel of Mercies Ministry Health & Allied professionals. For more information, call 770-602-0960.
Conyers First United Methodist Church, 921 North Main St., N.W., is inviting the community to its Father’s Day Flap Jack breakfast on Saturday, June 18, 8 a.m. to noon. Come enjoy pancakes, bacon, sausage and refreshments. Tickets are $5. Proceeds will support homeless children and families in Rockdale and Newton counties.
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GPTC to hold two open house events on June 25
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eorgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) will host its final two open house events that are designed to introduce prospective students to exciting, new courses and industry-leading programs currently being offered by the college. The final two events are scheduled Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The two locations are: DeKalb Campus, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston; and South DeKalb Campus, 2460 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. Attendees will have many opportunities to meet directly with admissions personnel to gain valuable information regarding the application process and learn about the college’s programs that are available on the respective campuses. As a bonus, the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation will cover the cost of the application fee for attendees who complete an application on site. This one-stop shopping experience will enable potential students to participate in academic advising and registration processes, including on-site testing and information regarding financial aid options. Prospective students are encouraged to bring copies of their high school transcripts and a photo ID. The high-spirited events will include hands-on demonstrations, workshops, a DJ and boxed lunches. In addition, there will be a Majic 107.5 FM “live” remote broadcast on the Clarkston campus. The college will conduct mini-sessions at several intervals to introduce potential students to the great happenings at Georgia Piedmont. The mini-sessions will be held at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. To RSVP, please go to http://openhousegptc.eventbrite.com or email openhouse@ gptc.edu.
JUNE 18, 2016 • PAGE 7
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JustServe.org comes to Rockdale County
Doreen Williams
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olunteering has a new advocate—JustServe.org. The North America Southeast Public Affairs Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched a website,
JustServe.org, to help match those who want to volunteer with faith, nonprofit, community and governmental organizations that need help. Rockdale and surrounding communities have joined the movement. “We now have about 17 opportunities listed for Rockdale and surrounding areas,” said Doreen Williams, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Rockdale County Commissioner. “This is just another way to become involved in your community and do something to make a difference.” Williams said the website is drawing attention from other parts of the country since news reports of its launch. Many organizations need help and
DeKalb hiring more summer lifeguards The DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is continuing to hire lifeguards for the 2016 swimming season. All applicants must be age 18 or older to apply. Those applying for county pool lifeguard positions are required to submit proof of current certification in CPR, first aid, lifeguarding and water safety instruction, provided by the Red Cross, YMCA or other nationally-recognized aquatic training programs. All applicants selected will be required to successfully complete drug and alcohol screening and criminal background check prior to employment. To apply for a summer lifeguard position with DeKalb County, complete an online application at www.dekalbcountyga.gov and click the “job opportunities” link or contact Justin Blanton at 404-371-6270. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public education specialist, at 404-371-3643.
can’t find enough volunteers, Williams said. Some people have only a little bit of time to spend volunteering and can’t make a big commitment. Others such as retired individuals have more time. The new website and app serve as a way to match people with projects. Those who register will receive email notifications each time a new service project is posted. Volunteers will not be asked to collect money and participating church groups will not be allowed to proselytize. In addition to listing local Rockdale County volunteer opportunities, JustServe.org serves all individuals, Key Clubs, Scout troops, youth groups and organizations statewide and will be accessible by the general public.
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It takes just minutes to get registered on JustServe.org, and there is no cost to join as a volunteer or to list a volunteer project. There is also an app for Android and Apple devices. “This is a wonderful tool to use, grab your family and find a service project that you all can participate in and it teaches the children the rewards and simple joys of serving others,” Williams said. “ We can look to service not just as something we do to feel noble or exceptional, but as something that connects us one to another. It is an opportunity to change our communities and the lives of those around us.” For more information or to submit a project, contact Doreen Williams at 678232-1407 or teachwil@gmail.com
District 3 community gathering and movie night rescheduled for June 23 Because of the storms on June 14h, the movie portion of District 3’s Community Gathering and Movie Night has been rescheduled for June 23, 7 p.m., at Wonderland Gardens, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The “Budget, BBQ & Blankets,” which included a review of the DeKalb 2016 budget and proposed SPLOST projects for District 3, had to be moved inside the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center. The outdoor movie had to be cancelled. The event is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. There will also be free refreshments.
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JUNE 18,2016 • PAGE 9
People
Movers & Shakers in the Community
Rockdale Medical Center names Alan George CEO
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ockdale Medical Center announced that Alan George, FACHE, has been named the hospital’s new chief executive officer, effective July 11. George most recently served as CEO of Palestine Regional Medical Center (PRMC), a LifePoint Health facility in Palestine, Texas. He replaces Jerry Dooley, who has served as interim CEO of the hospital since April. “Alan is a proven healthcare leader who has focused on quality and excellence throughout his successful career,” said Robert Klein, chief operating officer of LifePoint Health’s Central Group, of which RMC is a part. “His strong commitment to quality, collaboration with physicians and all hospital team members truly set him apart, and I know he will do a wonderful job leading the hospital and advancing our mission of Making Communities
Healthier.” As CEO at PRMC, George drove significant hospital growth, completed a $9.1 million hospital expansion and renovation project, and significantly increased physician and employee satisfaction. In 2013, he led the hospital to earn LifePoint’s distinguished High Five Award for excellence in demonstrating the company’s High Five Guiding Principles: delivering high quality patient care, supporting physicians, creating excellent workplaces for our employees, taking a leadership role in our communities, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. “The Board would like to thank Jerry for his leadership through this transition, and we are genuinely excited to welcome Alan to the team,” said Rick Simons, chair of RMC’s Board of Trustees. “Alan has a deep understanding of the ever-changing healthcare environment, an impres-
Alan George
sive background, and the qualities we want in a leader.” Prior to PRMC, George served as CEO of Lakeside Hospital in Bastrop, Texas; Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega, GA; and Walton Regional Medical Center in Monroe, GA. Before that, he held numerous leadership positions at hospitals across the southern U.S. “I am so impressed with the people I’ve met at Rockdale, as well
as the quality of care being delivered daily,” said George. “I look forward to getting to know the employees and medical staff even better and working with them to further enhance the Rockdale community’s access to high quality healthcare services, close to home.” George and his wife of 26 years, Kelly An, have three children: Aaron (22), Brandan (19) and Grace An (13). Rockdale Medical Center is a 138-bed acute-care hospital that offers an extensive range of in-patient and out-patient services and leading-edge technology. Rockdale Medical Center is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, which evaluates hospital patient care for quality, safety and value. Rockdale Medical Center is part of LifePoint Health®, a leading hospital company focused on providing quality healthcare services close to home.
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State Rep. “Coach” Williams celebrates birthday State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams celebrated his 67th birthday with family and friends at Jesse’s Restaurant Lounge on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur on June 10. The longtime DeKalb County Democratic legislator became emotional as he thanked the public for allowing him to represent House District 87 since 2002. Williams, a retired educator, told the audience he was honored to be assigned to the same seat at the State Capitol as the late Julian Bond, one of the country’s greatest Civil Rights leaders. Jesse “Jay” Cunningham, who owns Jesse’s Restaurant Lounge presented Williams with a plaque in honor of his birthday, which was actually June 14.
South DeKalb Business Association Meeting Ad(in shared called SDBA, but the following needs to be added: Please RSVP at Joinus@sdba-inc.org. Bring a friend, raise awareness, and spread the word.
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Hundreds attend senior center’s 10th anniversary Red Carpet event
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pproximately 600 people attended the culminating event of a weeklong 10th anniversary celebration of the Lou Walker Senior Center (LWSC), located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. The event featured a red carpet reception, silent auction benefiting the center, and Broadway-style production celebrating the life, work and legacy of founder Lou Walker. DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May was presented the center’s Spirit of Lou Walker Award. “It means a lot for me to be honored with an award that bears the name of man who did so much for DeKalb County and for seniors,” Interim CEO May said. “The legacy of Lou Walker is alive and well in DeKalb County.” The red carpet event was one of several that celebrated the anniversary of the center’s official opening in January 2006 as a one-of-a-kind multipurpose facility for active senior adults, ages 55 and older. The 40,000-square-foot facility, which offers world-class amenities and programming, has had more than 1.3 million visits in the past decade and serves approximately 600 members daily. “We wanted to use the 10th anniversary as an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all the people who made the Lou Walker Senior Center possible,” said LWSC Director Bettye Davis.
As part of the celebration, The LWSC Drama Club put on a production titled “They Call Him Lou,” which portrays the life of Walker, a community activist for more than two decades and a DeKalb County commissioner from 2000 until his death in 2004. “We wanted people to learn more about Lou Walker the man,” Director Davis said. “The drama club did an excellent job. The audience left the production with a better sense of who Lou Walker was and how the
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center became the place it is today.” Davis said the anniversary celebration has resulted in increased interest in the center. “So many people didn’t know we were here and didn’t know what was going on with the center,” Director Davis said. “Now, more people seem to want to get involved. The anniversary infused a new excitement about getting involved in the community.” For more information about the Lou Walker Senior Center, call 770-322-2900.
The N the Zone Motorcycle gets ready for its charity ride from Lithonia to Athens.
for the charity ride and then we found out that he had been involved in an accident. He suffered internal injuries and had to be rushed to Grady Hospital,” said Lanier Levett, a member of the club. Orlando West, the club’s vice president, told members to go on with the ride, even though Shanquelle Jernigan, the mother of the child who had the heart transplant, urged them to forgo the ride. “She was very upset about what happened and very grateful that we were still willing to go,” said Sheila Weaver, vice president of the N the Zone Social Club for women. Levett said the accident happened on Sunday, June 11, near the railroad crossing at Old Covington Highway and Sigman Road at Interstate 20. The traffic lights were malfunctioning with one light stuck on red and the other stuck on green, Levett said. James was T-boned by a vehicle that had the green light, Levett said he learned. “He (Lewis) was one exit away from the mall where we were all supposed to meet at the Macy’s parking lot,” said Levett. “He is usually early and when he had not arrived, I knew something was wrong.” Levett and West both went to Grady after learning that Lewis had been injured. “He did not have any broken bones but because of his internal injuries, he is still in Intensive Care,” said West. West said he asked the club to carry out the ride because he knew how much the ride meant to Lewis who want to help Jernigan and her 4-year-old daughter, Jakiria Geter. Jernigan said she resigned from her job at a poultry plant to care for her daughter full time as the child recovers from the heart transplant.
apartment complex represents a “new horizon” for the county. He congratulated Jean Yontz, executive director of Phoenix Pass, and Jeff Beech, founder of Lighthouse Village and Phoenix Pass. “We are proud to celebrate this day. Phoenix Pass is providing economic support for Rockdale County by helping families become productive citizens,” said Oden, who presented a proclamation declaring June 10, 2016 as Phoenix Pass Recognition Day at the ribbon cutting and dedication celebration for the project. Phoenix Pass is a welcome resource to the community. The facility’s location on Sigman Road in Conyers is shared by three nonprofits that work together: Phoenix Pass, which provides housing and training to homeless women and their children; Lighthouse Village, which owns the building; and Haven House, which serves developmentally-challenged individuals and their families. Phoenix Pass provides free furnished apartments to homeless, single women and their children for up to two years while they learn to live independently. The complex includes two buildings with eight single-family, two-bedroom apartments in each building and a resource and opportunity development center. The program is currently filled to capacity but opens for applicants as others who are in the program receive the help they need to successfully live on their own. For more information, call 770-918-2152 or visit www.phoenixpass.org
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