FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 19
JUNE 30, 2018
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PUT THE PHONE DOWN Georgia goes ‘hands-free’ July 1
DeKalb offers citation amnesty program
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By Valerie J. Morgan
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here were a lot of questions and concerns about Georgia’s new hands-free law at the June 27 panel discussion hosted by State Rep. Doreen Carter, whose House District 92 includes parts of DeKalb and parts of Rockdale counties. Carter, in partnership with Pastor Eric Lee, Sr. of Springfield Baptist Church in Rockdale County, said she held the forum to inform the community about the new law, which becomes effective July 1. Carter served on Georgia’s Distracted Driving Committee. She conducted the panel discussion with State Rep. Pamela Stephenson, who is a defense attorney; DeKalb State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey; and Lt. Jake Coggins, training coordinator for the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office. The panel fielded questions from the audience, who posed various scenarios that might occur concerning cell phone usage under the new law: dialing while driving during an emergency(yes, but only in an emergency); What is considered a complete stop? Where you can legally pull over? What are the rules for listening to music and watching videos? Is videotaping allowed once stopped by law enforcement? Can you facetime while driving? While there are exceptions to some rules, Coggins summed up the intent of the new law in four words: “Put your phone down.” “You can live a 20-minute drive without it,” he said. “All we have to do is see you support that phone with a part of your body and we can cite you. If we see you supporting it on your shoulder, holding it in your hand, that is a violation.” Coggins said Rockdale County is giving a 30-day grace period to allow law enforcement officers to educate drivers on the new law, which carries 1 point on your driver’s license and a $50 fine for the first offense and goes up by 1 point on your license and $50 additional with each offense. Rep. Stephenson said the more drivers, particularly teens and young adults, are
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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
R-L: Lt. Jake Coggins of the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office, State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey, State Rep. Pamela Stephenson, State Rep. Doreen Carter and Springfield Baptist Church’s Pastor Eric Lee, Sr. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
“HANDS FREE LAW”
• A driver cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone. Drivers can only use their phones to make or receive phone calls by using speakerphone, earpiece, wireless headphone, phone is connected to vehicle or an electronic watch. GPS navigation devices are allowed. •H eadsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes and not for listening to music or other entertainment. • A driver may not send or read any text-based communication unless using voice-based communication that automatically converts message to a written text or is being used for navigation or GPS • A driver may not write, send or read any text messages, e-mails, social media or internet data content • A driver may not watch a video unless it is for navigation. • A driver may not record a video (continuously running dash cams are exempt) •M usic streaming apps can be used provided the driver activates and programs them when they are parked. Drivers cannot touch their phones to do anything to their music apps when they are on the road. Music streaming apps that include video also are not allowed since drivers cannot watch videos when on the road. Drivers can listen to and program music streaming apps that are connected to and controlled through their vehicle's radio. For more about the law, visit http://www.headsupgeorgia.com/handsfree-law/
educated, the less time they will spend in out of courtrooms and avoid costly fines, penalties and legal expenses. Judge Ramsey urged drivers to buy a dashboard device or some other holder for their cell phone. He said those who are stopped by law enforcement for a first offense should be able to produce their device and have their case dismissed, but he also added that each case is different and ultimately, a judge will determine how the statue applies on any given day. Ramsey said bottom line, though, is the new law has more teeth and lawmakers and law enforcement intend to
enforce the law. “They were not able to enforce the old texting and driving bill, which was known as “failure to use due care,” law, Ramsey said. “It was difficult to enforce. It was difficult to get convictions on. I could probably count on two hands the number of convictions that I’ve had on that statue in the last three years.” “Every driver in your house needs this information,” Springfield Baptist Church Pastor Eric Lee, Sr. View the video of the panel discussion at www.ocgnews.com.
he DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division is offering an amnesty program to individuals facing penalties for delinquent traffic tickets. This waives contempt fees for failure to appear in court for individuals facing penalties due to delinquent traffic tickets. The registration period for this program ends on July 9. “The goal of our citation amnesty program is to provide individuals with open or delinquent citations an opportunity to efficiently resolve their matters and restore their driving record,” said Presiding Judge Shondeana Morris. The program is available to any individual with citations issued from January 2010 to December 2017. Court sessions will be held weekdays at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The court is offering online signup at www.dekalbstatecourt.net/ Amnesty. The court will also allow signups for available sessions starting at 8:30 a.m. each day for the same service. Citizens can sign up for text/ email notifications for their assigned court date for amnesty at www. courtinnovations.com/GADCSC. Individuals who wish to clear penalties and warrants under this program are encouraged to sign up early. When the time-limited amnesty period ends, any remaining open cases and outstanding warrants will be rigorously enforced. For information on open citations or warrants issued by the DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division, pvisit www.dekalbstatecourt.net or call 404-294-2099. Motorists who have recently received a citation in DeKalb County can visit www.courtinnovations.com/ GADCSC to opt-in for text notices.
Senior Connections shuts down after 45 years in operation DeKalb County to take over serving its seniors
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By Valerie J. Morgan
enior Connections is shutting down after 45 years of delivering meals and other programs to senior citizens throughout metro Atlanta. DeKalb County officials say, however, the county government is contracting with vendors to ensure DeKalb seniors continue receiving services effective July 1. Open Hand Atlanta will manage congregate and home-delivered meals. Jo Jo Home Healthcare
Providers Inc. and Rem-Kits Health Care Services Inc., will handle in-home senior services. Rem-Kits Adult Day Care Services Inc. will handle adult day care and respite services. The county’s Department of Human Services Office of Aging will provide senior center management and case management services, county officials said. The plan announced is only for DeKalb seniors. Senior Connections, which has struggled in the last few years to
stay afloat, announced its operations would cease on June 30. Executives could not be reached to determine if other counties and municipalities are putting their own plans into place to serve seniors. Since 1973, Senior Connections has distributed thousands of meals each week, home repair, in-home care and neighborhood centers to help seniors “age in place” in the comfort of their own homes. “With increased competitive forces and reduced funding pressures, it has become increasingly difficult for an organization of our size to compete financially, while still providing the level of service needed to keep our clients healthy and safe,” Senior Connections Board Chair Deidra Williams told attendees at the agency’s Senior Prom Gala, which
was held on June 15 at the Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Center in Atlanta. Senior Connections said in a news release that the gala raised $133,000, which will be used to cover final Meals on Wheels deliveries. At the gala, Senior Connections honored CPA Walton C. Bryde, of Rhodes, Young, Black & Duncan CPA, and media conglomerate Cox Enterprises as recipients of the organization’s 2018 “Community Connections” Award, recognizing each as an outstanding leader who has given back significantly to Atlanta’s senior community. Local “soul line dancing” phenomenon Beulah Boys performed. The event also included dinner, the Platinum Band and both a live and silent auction.
PAGE 2 • JUNE 30, 2018
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Corey Griffin arrested in Clarkston rapes
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man who is accused of brutally sexually assaulting two women in their home in Clarkston is in custody. Corey C. Griffin, 48, was Corey C. Griffin arrested on June 24 on a warrant by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office after Atlanta Police received a 911 tip. Police had been searching for Griffin since April when other attacks happened in the Stone Mountain area but had no address for him. The Atlanta Police Department responded to a 911 tip after a BOLO was issued for Griffin and someone reported his whereabouts. Atlanta Police captured him and held him for DeKalb County and the Clarkston Police Department. Griffin attacked the Clarkston roommates on May 11. The suspect had knocked on the back door of the victims’ residence on Market Street claiming he was looking to do yard work, but the woman who answered the door declined. The suspect left without incident, police said. The two women also left their residence soon after. Later that evening, one of
the women returned home and upon entering the residence was immediately attacked by Griffin, who was inside the residence. Griffin attacked her with a blunt instrument and sexually assaulted her. The victim’s roommate arrived home soon after and entered the residence. The suspect viciously attacked the unsuspecting roommate as soon as she rounded the corner, police said. During the altercation, both victims were able to escape the house, at which time the suspect fled on foot, police said. A K-9 and helicopter from the DeKalb County Police Department responded to assist with the search. However, the suspect was able to evade arrest. Within the weeks following, there were other violent crimes in the surrounding Stone Mountain area that are believed to have been committed by the same perpetrator, police said. Through DNA and other evidence, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Division of Forensic Services was able to identify the suspect as Corey C. Griffin. Several outstanding warrants for Griffin are on record in DeKalb County for various charges including simple assault, sodomy, obstructing or hindering a person, aggravated assault (4 counts), terroristic acts, stalking, burglary (3 counts), rape (2 counts), false imprisonment, and home invasion.
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
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ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie 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.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
JUNE 30, 2018 • PAGE 3
Rep. Hank Johnson congratulates winners of SIFMA Capitol Hill Challenge Redan High School seniors ranked No.1 in the Nation
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ongressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) congratulated four Redan High School graduates from the winning team for this year’s 2018 National SIFMA Capitol Hill Challenge’s Stock Market Game at his Washington, D.C. office. “These young minds deserve to be recognized and celebrated,” said Congressman Johnson, who hosted the students on June 13. “We must continue to foster all of our students’ interests in the financial market and support their efforts to become self-sufficient with their finances and their understanding of the global markets.” The Stone Mountain team competed against thousands of students from across the country to bring the first place honor back home to Georgia’s Fourth District. The 14-week challenge organized hundreds of teams of middle and high school students by Congressional district and state and taught the importance of saving and investing, while promoting a better understanding of government. Teams invested a hypothetical $100,000 in listed stocks, bonds, and mutual funds and learned the value of the capital markets as they worked together to maximize the return of their portfolios. Captain Shania Hinds, 18, said everyone on her team set out with one goal in mind and worked hard every day to achieve it, no matter who was actually given the title of team leader. Members of the team said the challenge was a fun competition for
L-R: Redan High School Coach William Roth joins Alexis Goings, Congressman Hank Johnson and Shania Hinds in a discussion about their winning portfolio. Photo provided
them and they enjoyed developing their winning tactics to strategize and analyze stocks. “Finance is big part of business, and since I'm striving to run my own business in the near future, this competition was awesome for that,” said Redan team member Alexis Goings, 18, who is currently developing a business model to operate her own catering business. Since the Capitol Hill Challenge began in 2004, the program has made more than 4,100 matches of U.S. representatives and senators with schools, reaching more than 115,000 students from all 50 states. The competition uses the SIFMA Foundation’s curriculum-based Stock Market Game to help students develop
a better understanding of the global economy, become college and career ready, and improve their knowledge of math, economics, and business. The program is proven to raise student scores on tests of mathematics, economics and financial knowledge. It is also proven to positively impact students’ and teachers’ personal financial behavior. Their coach, William Roth, said he started educating students at Redan about the SIFMA stock market program last year but this was the first time the school produced a team to compete in the Capitol Hill Challenge. “These outstanding young people dominated the country,” said Roth, who teaches English and Language Arts at Redan. “Their future growth and possibilities are limitless.”
DeKalb Board of Education approves FY 2019 budget, millage rate
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he DeKalb County Board of Education approved the adoption of the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) proposed $1.832 billion budget—including $1.097 billion for the General Fund—for the 2019 Fiscal Year on June 26 at two concurrent meetings. The proposed budget focuses DCSD's financial resources toward transportation; an increase in school resource officers; new textbooks; the new DCSD Early Learning Academy; and two new administrative regions, among other items. Also, DCSD employees will receive a total 2.5 percent pay increase during the fiscal year and a new salary step structure for both classified and certified employees will be instituted. Salary steps have been eliminated since 2009 during the recession. “The DeKalb County School District’s future for students, teachers, staff, and stakeholders continues to brighten,” said Superintendent R. Stephen Green. “This approved budget—which has been analyzed, scanned, adjusted, and amended for the past year— allows the district to make such a future a reality. Our students are ready to achieve in ways never seen before, proving there is no limit to learning or achievement in DeKalb County. I want to thank our DeKalb County Board of Education
for its diligence and camaraderie in assuring the best for our students. We are poised to move onward and upward.” Following approval, the millage rate was rolled back to 23.18 mills for FY2019, a reduction from the FY2018 millage rate of 23.28. This marks the fourth consecutive year the DeKalb County Board of Education has reduced the millage rate. Each year, the board recognized that more revenue was being generated each year due to increases in property value, and reduced the millage rate in response. “The DeKalb County Board of Education remains steadfast in its efforts to counteract rising property taxes with a decreased millage rate,” said Board Chairman Michael Erwin. “Our district has led by example—not only statewide, but nationwide—in how to provide an innovative education by trying to reduce the financial impact on the community. I want to thank Dr. Green and other district officials, as well as my fellow board members, for their commitment to education in DeKalb County.” Other budget priorities include: • $2.077 million for the purpose of opening an early childhood learning center.
• $6.5 million for new textbooks. • $772,418 Increase in the Transportation budget for 35 additional Bus Monitors • $3.5 million for the district’s summer school program. • $860,000 for 10 new school
resource officers and one new sergeant. • $1.5 million to ensure a nurse is present at each middle and high school • $3 million multiple-division impact for the creation of two new district regions.
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 10TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JULY 16TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038
The following Land Use Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-002 Pawanjit Kavr 6721 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) District Request to Special Land Use permit to construct a liquor store.
TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0003 City Staff Amendment to Article IX, Section 9.1.3 to add a definition for “Short Term Vacation Rental”.
TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0004 City Staff Amend IV, Table 4.1 Use Table as to the permitted locations of Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend Article IV, Section 4.2.5.8 to provide supplemental regulations for Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend and Adopt.
PAGE 4 • JUNE 30, 2018
DCSD adds two new regions,
reorganizes district’s superintendents The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is reorganizing the leadership of its schools increasing the number of academic regional superintendents from five to seven in order to provide more support to underperforming schools. Sean Tartt, who served for 12 years as principal of Narvie J. Harris Elementary School, and Bernetta Jones, principal of Clarkston High School, have been appointed as the two new superintendents. DeKalb’s five regions were reorganized into smaller regions and Superintendent R. Stephen Green has appointed the following leaders to the new regions: Sherry Johnson, Region 1 Superintendent; Trenton Arnold, Region 2 Superintendent; Sean Tartt, Region 3 Superintendent; Michelle Jones, Region 4 Superintendent; Triscilla Weaver, Region 5 Superintendent; Pamela Benford, Region 6 Superintendent; Bernetta Jones, Region 7 Superintendent The new organizational effort will provide the district the opportunity to: • Increase the number of schools demonstrating improved academic achievement and growth as defined by CCRPI • Expedite completion of school-based work orders and identification of schools for deferred maintenance status • Reduce the number of high needs schools • Increase district and division support of students, teachers, and schools “Each and every day, DeKalb County School District is finding innovative ways to move onward and upward,” said Green. “This organizational initiative will allow us to better serve and support our students. We are poised to improve test scores, school campuses, and the overall educational experience in DeKalb County.” Two Board of Education members who represent schools in South DeKalb, say the additional support is all about helping students succeed.
“We want to do everything that we can to see that all of DeKalb students succeed and we’re providing additional resources and attention to those areas that need more,” said Dr. Melvin Johnson, who represents District 6. School Board member Vicki Turner, who represents District 4, agreed. “The goal is to get the underperforming schools where they need to be. The regional superintendents will have fewer schools they are responsible for, which will give them more time to devote to underperforming schools.” Interim principals will be named to Narvie J. Harris Elementary and Clarkston High schools until school officials and parents work together to find new principals for those schools, Johnson said. For more information, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org.
DeKalb Youth Commission accepting applications The Office of Youth Services is currently seeking applicants who are interested in serving on the DeKalb County Youth Commission. The Youth Commission is a leadership program that provides youth with opportunities to learn about the roles of county government, participate in civic and community activities, and represent the views of DeKalb County youth. There are currently 14 scheduled vacancies on the DeKalb County Youth Commission. To apply, applicants must be DeKalb County residents entering grades 10-12. The application deadline is Wednesday, July 18. To register, go to www.dekalbcountyga.gov/youth-services/upcoming-events and click on the “student application” graphic. For more information on the DeKalb County Youth Commission, contact Jashawn Williams, (404) 687-7108 or jrwilliams@dekalbcountyga.gov. CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 17TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-003 Highland Asset-Sanpfinger LLC / Edward French 3332 Snapfinger Rd C-1 (Local Commercial) District Request to for encroachment into rear yard setback and reduction of transitional buffer for the construction Family Dollar.
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Free emergency response training available for DeKalb residents DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency is hosting two free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Workshops. The first nine-week workshop begins on July 10 and will be held on Tuesday from 7–9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. A second nine-week CERT workshop for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, with certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, begins on July 12 and will be held on Thursdays from 7–9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters. Participants of the DeKalb CERT program coordinate their response during the search and rescue exercise. Participants learn what to do before, during and after a disaster occurs. The workshop will also train citizens to care for family members and neighbors. Course topics include: • Disaster preparedness • Basic fire suppression • Medical operations • Light search and rescue operations • Disaster psychology • Team organization and terrorism • Autism awareness Participants in the DeKalb CERT program practice basic first aid skills learned in the workshop. The workshop is free for DeKalb County citizens and all participants must pass a background check. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dema and click the “Community Emergency Response Team” menu option. For more information, contact Emergency Management Specialist Thomas Paige at tpaige@ dekalbcountyga.gov or 678-406-7858.
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JUNE 30, 2018 • PAGE 5
Community activist Josie Dean says Rockdale sheriff’s officials are trying to silence her
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By Valerie J. Morgan
ommunity activist Josie Dean said during a June 26 news conference that Rockdale County Sheriff’s officials are trying to silence her from speaking out about the two people who died while they were in custody of the Rockdale jail. Dean said she concurs with Attorney Mawuli Davis, who is representing the families of the deceased, that the jail deaths are the result of negligence. She said the sheriff’s office is harassing her in a threatening manner over her public statements. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations determined that Shali Tilson, 22, died of severe dehydration on March 12 after being locked up nine days on misdemeanor charges. Jamie Henry, a 40-yearold mother, had been in jail for about 12 hours when she died on May 26. The Sheriff’s Office is still investigating her death and has not provided the cause of her death. Henry’s mother, Renai Donaldson, who stood with Dean during the news conference, said she didn’t understand why the Sheriff’s Office was investigating the death, instead of the GBI. Dean said she plans to continue standing with Donaldson and Tilson’s family. She said Deputy Chief Dale Holmes, who is second in command at the Sheriff’s Office contacted her last week and warned her that she needed to be careful. “I was told by Deputy Chief Dale Holmes that I need to be careful who I stood next to,” said Dean. Dean said Holmes made the call days after she received a call from the sheriff, whom she said expressed his concern about her involvement with the cases. “…We’re here today because we’re not going
Josie Dean (holding the American flag) stands with supporters at her June 26 news conference. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
to be ran off and told who to talk to and who not to talk to and not to go against the Sheriff,” said Dean. “We’re not going to shut up and he’s not going to harass us and tell us what to do and how to do… That’s why we are coming out here today.” Sheriff Eric Levett said he never threatened Dean. He said he called to let her know that the case was still under investigation. Holmes, who walked in while Levett was doing a telephone interview with On Common Ground News, said he also never threatened Dean. He said he called her to find out how he might be of assistance to her. Holmes said after greeting Dean, he said: “I hear you (Dean) keep asking to speak with the sheriff. I hear people are looking for him... I just wanted to know from her was there anything I can get for her in reference to the sheriff.” Holmes went on to say that he has known Dean for a long time. She was living in DeKalb County and at the time, he was working with Sheriff-elect
Derwin Brown, who was assassinated on Dec. 15, 2000 on the orders of his defeated rival Sydney Dorsey, now 78 years old and serving life in prison. “I know her (Josie) from way back. She don’t have a violent bone in her body. You can print that. That’s my thought. But I told her she has to watch these people who are latching on to her because if she don’t know them, she don’t know what they will do. Is that clear? That’s about as bare as I can put it. There’s no threats that’s been made against Ms. Dean. There never will be. I don’t threaten people. That’s not my job. My job is to protect. And I want you to print that also,” Holmes said. Larry Cox, who stood with Dean at the news conference, said he was disturbed to hear about Holmes’ call. He said Dean contacted him to tell him what happened and it appeared that Holmes was trying to “squeeze her into backing off because they felt that Josie was an influential person in our community.” “…Josie is an influential person in our community. Josie started and founded the MLK Day Parade here in Rockdale County…Josie has fought for the rights of citizens for years. “…For our sheriff’s department and a ranking official as the chief deputy to want her to be silent and then tell her to be careful about who she stands beside, that’s not the kind of language that we want from one of our chief law enforcement officers in this county. They should be proud of any citizen who stands for the rights of other people,” Cox said. I’m concerned about the direction that our sheriff’s department is going and our county government.” After the press conference, Dean also spoke about the calls during public comments at the June 26 Board of Commissioners meeting. Watch the video (35:00): https://vimeo. com/277149605
PAGE 6 • JUNE 30, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Fourth of July Roundup: Here’s a look at events in Metro Atlanta Avondale Estates
7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand and features the Callanwolde Concert Band. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.). For more information, visit http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com.
Avondale Estates will host its Fourth of July celebration on Independence Day. The schedule of events are as follows: 9:15 a.m. - Parade lineup at DeKalb School of the Arts, located at 1192 Clarendon Ave. 10 a.m. - Parade begins and ends one hour later at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale Road Dusk - Fireworks at Lake Avondale
Stone Mountain
Conyers Kick off your Fourth of July festivities on Saturday, June 30, with Conyers’ second annual Celebrate Community Parade at Conyers First United Methodist Church on Main Street at 10 a.m. Awards will be given to the most patriotic adult, kid, pet, and set of wheels including strollers, wagons, bikes, and golf carts.
Stone Mountain Park
Community Choir and the Drive Time Band. A1A: The Official & Original Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band will perform at 8 p.m., followed by a veterans’ tribute, National Anthem, and fireworks at 9:40 p.m. For more information, visit https://downtowncovington.wixsite. com/july4th.
Covington
Decatur
The Covington Fourth of July Stars and Stripes Festival will take place on Wednesday, July 4, on the square from 3-10 p.m. There will be food, fun, music and fireworks, along with a 4 p.m. golf cart parade to benefit the Newton County Special Olympics Equestrian Team. There will be performances throughout the evening by the Hannah Thomas Band, the Newton County Community Band & Mass
Reed’s Custom Framing & Fine Art Gallery held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 19. Reed’s is located at 984 S. Main Street NE, Conyers, GA 30012. For more information: 770-761-0905 or 678756-0707 or www.reedscustomframing.com.
Join family and friends to walk, bike or skate in the Pied Piper Parade as it makes its way through downtown Decatur on July 4. Parade lineup is at 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Pedestrians should gather on the lawn and vehicles will line up in the parking lot. The parade begins at 6 p.m. The Concert on the Square starts at
Tucker The City of Tucker and Old Town Tucker Merchants Association are teaming up for the “Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Spectacular” on Tuesday July 3, 7 – 10 p.m. The show, which will be staged on the practice field behind Tucker High School, will best be viewed from Main Street. A street festival will accompany the celebration including live music, food, drink and games. For more information, visit tuckerga.gov. Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan OCG News
Dr. Nancy’s Body Soul Essentials held its ribbon cutting on Tuesday, April 24. Dr. Nancy’s is located at 1174-A West Avenue S.W., Conyers, GA 30012. For more information: 678-481-9658 or 888-509-4439, or www.bodysoulessentials.com.
The Listening Ear LLC held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 17. The business is located at 1175 Green Street NE, Conyers, GA 30012. For more information: 770-929-1470 or www. lecounselingcenter.com.
COMMERCE CLUB 2018 KBCN Radio Station held its ribbon cutting on Tuesday, May 1. KBCN is located at 2365 Wall Street S.E., Suite 200-02, Conyers, GA 30013. For more information: 888-705-0036 or 404- 956-7153 or www.kbcnvoice.com.
Interested in joining the Conyers Rockdale Chamber of Commerce?
Enjoy a spectacular laser show and fireworks every evening during the Fantastic Fourth Celebration July 1 –7 at Stone Mountain Park. The Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision® features new music, animation, water effects, an immersive laser canopy, and a fleet of robotic drones synced with music in front of the mountain. There also will be a K-9 showcase featuring a world class fleet of high-flying dogs. Free, except parking. For more information, visit stonemountainpark.com.
ARC Homes Realty Group, LLC Awake Coffee Community Consolidated Copier Services Conyers Animal Hospital Conyers Flower Shop Copy Central, Inc. Farmers & Merchants Bank Georgia United Credit Union
Infinity Network Solutions LaRitz Spa & Salon Lueder, Larkin & Hunter, LLC Massey Law Firm, LLC MAU Workforce Solutions National EMS Randy’s Carpet Plus Retirement Wealth
Management Strategies Right at Home Rueping Associates PC, CPA Sleep Number The Tabb Insurance Agency, Inc.
THANK YOU
Contact us at 770-483-7049
We are located at 936 Green St SW, Conyers, GA 30012
Natural Textures Beauty Supply held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 26. Natural Textures is located at 1573 Georgia Highway 20 N, Suite 101, Conyers, GA 30012. For more information: 678-607-0307 or www.naturaltexturesbeautysupply.com.
Pure Thoughts Publishing, LLC held its ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 23. For more information: call 470-440-0875, or www.purethoughtspublishing.com.
CHAMBER PACESETTERS 2018 PLATINUM Evans Tool & Die Georgia Power Company High Priority Plumbing and Services, Inc. Kaiser Permanente Piedmont Rockdale Hospital Snapping Shoals EMC GOLD Corner Market LioChem, Inc. S&A Recycling Shurett Dental Group SYNOVUS THP Creative Group
SILVER 4D Printing, Inc. About Conyers Magazine Acuity Brands Lighting BB&T Colonial Heating & Air, Inc. Covington Family Chiropractic Georgia Piedmont Technical College Gas South Hedrick & Dodson Family Dentistry Monastery of the Holy Spirit Nana’s Chicken-NWaffles Omega Builders Peachtree Academy
Private School Pratt Industries Premier Medical Careers Premier Platforms Pro Cutters Lawnscapes, Inc. Raymond EngineeringGeorgia Inc. Rehorn Professional Group Risk Management Associates of Georgia Scot Ward Funeral Services Talley & Associates, PC United Community Bank
THANK YOU
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JUNE 30, 2018 • PAGE 7
Spreading the joy of riding a bicycle By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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olunteers from across Rockdale County and Atlanta including students, teachers, and volunteers from the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Explorers program teamed up to help a special group of campers learn to ride a bicycle. The iCan Bike Camp, now in its fifth year, hosted 21 campers ranging from 8 years old to 43 years old, at Memorial Middle School in Conyers June 25-29. The volunteers offered a hand spotting riders during the weeklong camp. “By Day 3, we had six riders riding on two wheels without assistance. It’s amazing to see their faces filled with such joy and excitement as well as their parents,” said Esther Maclin, who heads the Rockdale County Autism Support
Group, which sponsors the annual iCan Shine Bike program. “My son went through the program back in 2012, but I felt like the program needed to be on the east side of Atlanta because everybody doesn’t have the ability to travel to Alpharetta.” Maclin said her organization has had more than 120 riders participate in the program since its inception in 2014. She said 90 percent of participants are able to ride independently at the completion of the camp. For more information about the bike program or to make a donation, visit www. icanshine.org/conyers-ga. To learn more about autism, visit www.rockdaleautism. org. The Rockdale County Autism Support Group meets on the first Thursday at First Baptist Church of Conyers, 2100 Old Hwy 138 NE, Conyers.
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
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