FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 29
SEPTEMBER 8, 2018
News 24/7
ocgnews.com
Stay connected
Published Since April 1995
facebook.com/ocgnews
Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
Straight Talk
With The Mayor
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary is inviting constituents to ask questions about the city’s $47 million Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program, the proposal to lure Amazon to the city, controlling short-term vacation rentals, code enforcement and other hot-button issues. Lary is hosting “Straight Talk With The Mayor” on Sept. 10, 7 p.m., at City Hall. “This is an opportunity to hear from everyone, not just a certain sector, and for me to give full information,” said Lary. The inaugural meeting launches a town hall that Lary said he plans to conduct each month.
Georgia updates law on adoption advertising Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden wants to make the public aware of changes in requirements for advertising adoption services in Georgia, effective Sept. 1. Georgia law requires any person or entity advertising for adoption services or the facilitation of adoption services in Georgia to be licensed by the Department as a child placing agency. A law that goes into effect Sept. 1 extends that requirement to any advertisements on the internet or social media. Birth parents or prospective adoptive parents that obtain adoption services through unlicensed agencies may be at risk for deceptive or unethical adoption practices. In accordance with the law, licensed child placing agencies, or those harmed by a violation of advertising laws, may pursue civil legal action. Violation of the law is a felony punishable by a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 10 years, or both. The additional requirements and restrictions were signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal as part of House Bill 159 (HB 159). The updated state law which outlines the current requirements for advertising adoption services in Georgia is referenced in the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.)19-8-24. To locate child-placing agencies licensed in Georgia and view inspection reports for the past 24 months, visit dhs.ga.gov. For questions or concerns about the licensing requirements for child-placing agencies, please contact DHS Residential Child Care Unit (RCCL) at 404-657-9651 or rcs@dhs.ga.gov.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
MARTA approves contract with Gwinnett, decision angers South DeKalb advocates By Valerie J. Morgan
T
he MARTA Board of Directors approved a contract on Sept. 6 to extend bus, rail, and mobility services into Gwinnett County, paving the way for a countywide ballot referendum scheduled for March 2019. If Gwinnett voters approve the referendum next year, MARTA would assume control of six bus routes and five express routes that take commuters to destinations inside I-285 that are currently operated by Gwinnett County Transit. MARTA Board of Directors Chairman Robert L. Ashe said the agreement would help launch a regional transit system. “We are excited about the opportunity to transform the region and provide greater connectivity,” Ashe said. Said MARTA General Manager & CEO Jeffrey Parker: “Our lives don’t stop at county lines and this is a chance to further connect all the communities of metro Atlanta.” The MARTA board’s decision, however, has touched off a firestorm among advocates who have been fighting for years to bring heavy rail to South DeKalb County. “We’re going to start a new crusade to get some money for black folks,” said long-time South DeKalb community activist John Evans. “They have stolen from us to give to other folks for years. All of the promises have never happened. We just go to board meetings and leave empty handed.” Under the proposed contract, a one-percent sales tax would be collected in Gwinnett County to fund transit operations, capital expenses, and expansion through 2057. Projections show the sales tax would raise approximately $170 million per year, or $5 billion during that period. Gwinnett County recently adopted a transit development plan
Robert L. Ashe
John Evans
that envisions a heavy-rail line from MARTA’s Doraville Station to Gwinnett Place Mall along the I-85 corridor as well as bus rapid transit (BRT) and increased local bus service to serve its fast-growing population and to alleviate traffic congestion. Viola Davis, the newly-elected State Rep. for House District 87, said she was not surprised by the MARTA board’s decision to take over transit in Gwinnett, but questioned why Gwinnett would only have to turn over a percentage of the 1 percent sales tax to MARTA. “DeKalb has had to turn over the full 1 percent. That is not the equation mapped out for Gwinnett,” said Davis, who attended the news conference and MARTA Board meeting with Evans and others, several of whom spoke during public comments. “If they (MARTA) can’t buy the 390 shelters and benches that they’re short of after taking in over $2 billion in taxes in the last five years, how can they afford to put all of that money in Gwinnett?” Davis said South DeKalb must demand that the MARTA address the inequity in South DeKalb. Community activist Josie Dean said DeKalb, Atlanta and Fulton have shouldered the funding for MARTA for years and black riders were supporting MARTA when whites refused to ride public transit. “We’re going to have to raise holy hell,” said Dean. Former State Sen. Vincent Fort,
State Rep. Viola Davis
District 39, concurred, saying: “This is what I call transit racism… The fight has only begun… The Beltline has over $400 million in this. They want all of the money. My attitude is don’t give the Beltline another dollar until they fulfill their commitment for affordable housing and make good on their promise they made 15 years ago.” DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and Board of Commissioners Presiding Officer Jeff Rader said in a letter to the MARTA board that DeKalb wants the same commitment proposed to Gwinnett: “...We believe it is as important for MARTA to renew its commitment to its original members with the same specificity and deference as the proposed contract offers to its newest prospective member,” the CEO wrote ...For several years now, MARTA has made quarterly presentations to the DeKalb County Commission alluding to upgraded bus stops, improved amenities at MARTA rail stations, and new technologies MARTA is planning to deploy, but many of these improvements have not been accomplished. MARTA’s Comprehensive Operations Analysis has largely been experienced in DeKalb as the consolidation and elimination of routes that MARTA deems marginal, but new services and technologies purported to replace the obsolete ones have been conditioned on additional funding from DeKalb.”
PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2018
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Trinity Wayne Bussler
Yuritza Cerda
Trinity Wayne Bussler charged with murder of Conyers woman left on isolated road Rockdale County Sheriff’s investigators have arrested Trinity Wayne Bussler and charged him with the murder of 26-year-old Yuritza Cerda. Deputies responding to a 911 call of a hit person instead found Cerda’s lifeless body in the area of 1400 Frontier Drive N.W. on Aug 30 at 6:22 a.m. Deputies said the victim appeared to have been shot in the head. Bussler, who in a relationship with Cerda, was identified as a person of interest. Investigators located him less than two days after finding Cerda’s body. Bussler was hiding inside a residence off of Old Covington Highway just inside of DeKalb County, investigators said. Bussler was charged with murder, possession of a firearm used by a convicted felon and two counts of felony violation of probation. He was taken into custody without incident, Sheriff’s officials said. Family members thanked
investigators for the prompt arrest, which was made two days after they began working the case. In a Facebook post, Omar Cerde’s, the victim’s brother, wrote: “BIG Thank you to the Rockdale County Sheriffs. The Lakeview Community for reaching out and helping us find this demon. My sister is at peace now and she looked beautiful on her last day on this earth. He did not take that from her. She was just looking for love. She tried to share her life with him and he took it all. This person does not deserve to be on this earth to hurt another person.” Cerde, who was a mother, had started a new job at Diversitech on Aug. 17, according to her Facebook page. Bussler wrote on his Facebook page: “Got Engaged” on Aug. 19. It is unclear what led to the violence in their relationship. Sheriff Eric Levett expressed his condolences to Cerde’s family and commended his staff for their swift action in the case.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 • PAGE 3
DeKalb’s public safety staffing levels increase
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
D
eKalb County Public Safety Director Jack Lumpkin said that staffing levels in police, fire and 911 have increased. For the first time in five years, the county’s 911 emergency center will be fully staffed with 126 employees in October. Additionally, more than 90 police and fire recruits are scheduled to graduate by February 2019. “Under the leadership of CEO Michael Thurmond, we are hiring more character-based individuals and reducing the attrition rates in our police, 911 and fire rescue departments,” Lumpkin said during the Sept. 4 DeKalb Board of
Commissioners Committee of the Whole meeting on DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said
the county’s significant investments in recruitment, retention and compensation have helped the county
to overcome staffing challenges and relieve critical public safety shortages. Thurmond’s approved Fiscal Year 2018 budget included $7.9 million to fund 155 sworn police positions, revamp public safety recruitment efforts and enhance hiring processes. The administration’s budget also adopted a more competitive salary structure for DeKalb County employees including public safety staff and provided a 3 percent increase. On Friday, Sept. 7, the DeKalb County Police Department will host 113th Police graduation class and welcome 14 new officers.
Finalists announced for Rockdale Chief Appraiser The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has narrowed its search for a Chief Appraiser to two candidates: Willie C. Barkley, who is assistant deputy director of the Rockdale Board of Assessors Office, and Curtis A. Briscoe, Jr., commercial supervisor at the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Assessors Office in Augusta, GA. The candidate selected for the position will succeed Lamar Sims, who is retiring. Barkley has served as assistant
deputy director, personal property manager and accounting officer for Rockdale’s Board of Assessors Office, as well as held a position as Motor Vehicle tax supervisor for DeKalb County and assistant department manager for AMEC, Inc., in Decatur. Barkley earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in finance at Georgia State University. Briscoe has served as commercial appraiser, residential appraiser and property tax clerk at the AugustaRichmond County Board of Assessors
Public meetings set to address redistricting DeKalb’s John R. Lewis Elementary, Druid Hills cluster The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will conduct a series of public meetings as a part of two upcoming redistricting efforts. The meetings will be held regarding the redistricting of the new John R. Lewis Elementary School and the elementary schools in the Druid Hills Cluster. The redistricting efforts are to address additional capacity created by the new John Lewis Elementary School, as well as the overcrowding of elementary schools in the Cross Keys and Druid Hills clusters. John Lewis Elementary Redistricting: Schools affected may include Ashford Park ES, Dresden ES, John R. Lewis ES, Montclair ES, Montgomery ES, Woodward ES, Chamblee MS, Sequoyah MS, Chamblee HS, and Cross Keys HS. The meetings will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cross Keys High School, 1626 North Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven, on the following dates: Tuesday, Oct. 2 Tuesday, Oct. 23 Tuesday, Nov. 27 Druid Hills Elementary Redistricting: Schools affected may include Avondale ES, Briar Vista ES, Fernbank ES, Laurel Ridge ES, and McLendon ES. The meetings will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Druid Hills Middle School, 3100 Mount Olive Drive, Decatur, on the following dates: Monday, Oct. 1 Thursday, Oct. 25 Wednesday, Nov. 28 The public is invited and encouraged to attend. For full details, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/redistricting or contact redistricting@ dekalbschoolsga.org.
Office. Briscoe holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration in accounting from Paine College, Augusta, GA. He has a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in public administration from Strayer University in Augusta. The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is expected to make a decision on the Chief Appraiser position at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 25.
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH 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, SEPTEMBER 17TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following text amendment within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0003 & 004 City Staff Amend Article IV, Section 4.2.5.8 to provide supplemental regulations for Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend and Adopt.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING:
AX 18-0001 Halpern Enterprises 6024 Covington Highway MU-5 (Mixed Use) / C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to annex the western portion of this parcel into the City of Stonecrest and change the zoning of the subject property from C-1 w/ conditions and MU-5 to MR-2 to build a 160 townhomes subdivision.
PROPOSED:
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-005 Riva Usher 6617 Eastbriar Drive RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District Request for Special Land Use Permit to operate daycare home.
PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2018
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Heart of South DeKalb Festival set Sept. 28-29 Join DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, District 3, and Kaiser Permanente for the 6th year of The Heart of South DeKalb Festival, Sept. 28-29. The festival kicks off on Friday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m., at Rainbow Park, 3181 Rainbow Drive, with “A Night Under the Stars with Sasha the Diva.” The radio personality emcee live entertainment and there will be food vendors selling a variety of foods. Bring your blankets and chairs to the free event. On Saturday, Sept. 29, The Heart of South DeKalb Festival’s parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at Exchange Park Intergenerational Center on Columbia Drive and travels to the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The parade features local high school bands and the community. Festival activities will take place at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center. There will be food trucks, job and health fair, car showcase, vendors, county resources, children activities, all day entertainment, prizes and more. This year’s festival theme is “Loving and Celebrating our Diversity.” Sponsor and vendor opportunities are still available. For more information, email hosd13@yahoo.com or visit www.heartofsouthdekalb.com.
“Native Decatur” author to speak at DeKalb History Center’s Lunch & Learn The DeKalb History Center’s September Lunch & Learn will be presented by author Mark Pifer on Sept. 18, noon to 1 p.m., on the second floor of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. Bring your lunch and hear Pifer’s talk about his new book, “Native Decatur,” which explores the deeper history of this area. The Lunch & Learn is free and open to the public. Pifer’s story begins over a billion years ago with Book cover for “Native Decatur” the creation of the current landscape and explains each era of natural and cultural history as a saga of evolution, tragedy, violence, wonder and hope that led to the settlement of the city. Unlike other history books that tell the story of a town beginning with its founding, “Native Decatur” tells the story of how the place came to be. Current points of interest and remnants of the past are identified and explained so that you can visit and appreciate their history today. Pifer has a ad a successful career as a published writer and researcher in various work environments including psychology, non-profits, documentary film and business strategy. He is now focusing that experience into a writing career focusing on Southern history. “Native Decatur” is Pifer’s first published book.
UGA Extension to host “healthy rainbow” food expo The University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Office is inviting families to attend its inaugural Rainbow Party Youth Healthy Eating Expo. The carnival-type event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Rockdale County Government Complex, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The expo is designed to teach children how to make healthy eating choices from a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Event highlights include a food demonstration at 11:30 a.m., interactive food stations based on the colors of the rainbow along with fruit and vegetable giveaways (while supplies last). For more information, call 770-278-7373. CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH 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.
Photos by Travis Hudgons
Friends of Salem Library to host annual fall book sale Bibliophiles, mark your calendars. The Friends of the Salem Panola Library will host its annual fall book sale, on Friday, Sept. 14, noon to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Salem library, located at 5137 Salem Road, Stonecrest. More than 3,000 donated books, CDs, DVDs as well as concessions will be available for purchase. Most hardcover and large paperbacks will be available for $1 and paperbacks at 50 cents. Membership to the Friends of the Library can be purchased during the book sale for $10/year for individuals and $20/year for families. The Friends’ book sale accepts credit and debit cards and cash. The Friends of the Library is a 501c3 nonprofit group of volunteers created to support the library. All revenues support new materials, programs and equipment and all proceeds support library programs and services. The Friends always seek adult volunteers to help with setup and breakdown during the sale, as well as to help with library tasks throughout the year. For more information, call Ev Shepherd at 770-987-6900. Follow the Friends on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/Friends-of-the-Library-Salem-Panola. METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Notice of Public Hearings Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the
Proposed bus service modifications for December 8, 2018 for the following routes: Route 79: Sylvan Hills; Route 82: Camp Creek / South Fulton Parkway; Route 89: Old National Highway / Union City; Route 95: Metropolitan Parkway; Route 143: Windward Park & Ride; Route 172: [Replaced by Rt. 872] Sylvan Road / Virginia Avenue; Route 178: Empire Boulevard / Southside Industrial Park. All route information, a video with hearing information and comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com
Mon., Sept. 17 Fulton County Government Center 141 Pryor Street Atlanta, GA 30303
Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-004 Mera Cardenas / Flat Rock Archives 3956 Crossvale Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Request for encroachment into 10’ setback for ground sign.
V-18-005 Dekalb Realty Holdings, LLC c/o Battle Law 7218 Covington Hwy M (Light Industrial) District Request to eliminate 75’ transitional buffer.
HEARING: 7 p.m.
Riding MARTA: Bus Rts. 21, 42, and 55.
Tues., Sept. 18 Clayton County Water Authority Community Room
1600 Battle Creek Road Morrow, GA 30260
Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m.
HEARING: 7 p.m.
Riding MARTA: Bus Rt. 193.
Wed., Sept. 19 DeKalb Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m.
HEARING: 7 p.m.
Riding MARTA: Blue Line to Decatur Station, walk one block west.
Copies of the proposed bus service modifications will also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters Department of Planning, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm. For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404) 848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (404) 848-5665. In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings.
IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE HEARINGS AND WANT TO PROVIDE COMMENTS YOU MAY: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Department of Planning, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324-3330; (3) complete an online comment card at www. itsmarta.com; (4) or fax your comments no later than September 24, 2018 to (404) 848-4179. All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require. Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 • PAGE 5
Congressman Hank Johnson named Tourism Champion
Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has received the 2018 “Bill Hardman, Sr. Tourism Champion Award in Government.” Johnson received the award on Aug. 29 at the 2018 Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference, which was held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Johnson was nominated for the award by Discover DeKalb, the trademark of the DeKalb Convention GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of Tourism & Visitors Bureau, nominated Johnson Kevin Langston joins GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson and GACVB President Rashelle for the award. Discover DeKalb to present The Bill Hardman Sr. officials cited Johnson as a tremendous Beasley Tourism Government Champion Award to advocate for the Arabia Mountain Congressman Hank Johnson. Photo provided National Heritage Area (NHA), saying he “understands the importance of creating a positive experience for visitors of DeKalb County.” “Discover DeKalb is proud to be a friend of Congressman Johnson and supports his recognition as a Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Champion in Government awardee,” said James Tsismanakis, CEO of Discover DeKalb. “Rep. Johnson has continued to be an advocate for Arabia Mountain NHA and the entire national heritage area program which supports our efforts to bring millions of visitors to, and, through Georgia’s third-largest county.” Johnson, a member of the U.S. House Travel & Tourism Caucus, has worked to ensure the growth of tourism in Georgia and the United States. He was one of the original supporters of the Travel Promotion Act, which created Brand USA, the national tourism promotion office. “I consider it an honor to be chosen for this award. DeKalb County has so many treasures and because of the film and music industry, those treasures are now being explored by celebrities, working people and families from all over the country and world,” said Johnson. “That is why I will continue to be an advocate for the world’s busiest airport and creating safer roads to make visits to and throughout Georgia more pleasurable ones.” The Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Government Champion Award is given to an individual(s) or an organization that collaborates with the state of Georgia to increase visitation and tourism expenditures in their area and by showing extraordinary support of tourism through their legislative or organizational efforts.
Photo provided
Habitat for Humanity names Sharon Steel new director of development
H
abitat for Humanity has named a new executive director. Sharon Steele has taken leadership of the organization. Steele most recently served as director of development for DeKalb County’s senior services provider, Senior Connections. Her resume also includes stints in construction, mortgage origination and interior design, all experiences that will help Steele guide the 30-year-old organization and raise awareness about Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb. “DeKalb has had Habitat for Humanity since 1988, yet I have found so many people are unaware of our existence,” said Steele. “My first priority as executive director is to re-establish our brand identity, to remind people that there is a very local presence for Habitat for
Humanity that could use their time and resources to help the DeKalb community.” Habitat for Humanity has more than 1,500 affiliates in the United States and 550 international affiliates who coordinate Habitat house-building projects. While Habitat for Humanity International provides support services and resources, Steele’s goal for Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb is to promote awareness of its own projects and, more importantly, its need for volunteers, donations and sponsorships. Steele said she plans to develop workshops that help Habitat homeowners gain a deeper understanding of how mortgages work, how to put together and stick to a budget, and how to use your home to build and maintain a good credit rating.
SEE HABITAT page 7
PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Community invited to share thoughts at “On The Scene with Dr. Green” Helen Butler to lead GOTV training Sept. 12 The DeKalb Coalition for Voter Education and Mobilization is hosting a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) training, which will be facilitated by Helen Butler, executive director of the Georgia Coalition of the People’s Agenda. The training will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m., at the Community Achievement Center, 4552 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Butler will cover the following voter education Helen Butler strategies: • Absentee ballots - (managing voter suppression issues) • How to get Your Neighbors, Church Members and Relatives to Vote Early • Can a convicted felon vote? Voting the ballot from “top” to “bottom” The meeting is touted as “a must attend” for sororities, fraternities, HOAs, church groups, and others who are conducting voter registration drives, and Get Out The Vote initiatives ahead of the Nov. 6 election.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m. • Candidate Forum Beulah Baptist Church 2340 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur 404-241-3307
Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m. • GOTV Stonecrest Library 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia 770-482-3828
Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. • GOTV Tucker Library 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker 770-270-8234
Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. • Early Voting Initiative Community Achievement Center 4522 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur 404-214-7400
Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m. • Candidate Forum Decatur Library 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur 404-370-3070
Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m. • GOTV Scott Candler Library 1917 Candler Road, Decatur 404-286-6986
DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Superintendent R. Stephen Green invites the community, staff and stakeholders to the first “On The Scene with Dr. Green” event of the 2018-2019 school year on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Marbut Elementary Traditional Theme School, 5776 Marbut Road, Lithonia. Green will give a brief statement about the state of DCSD before answering questions from the audience. DeKalb Superintendent “On The Scene with Dr. Green” is an R. Stephen Green opportunity to learn more about your schools and to have your concerns addressed. Throughout the 2018-2019 school year, Green will visit seven locations. To learn more, visit www. dekalbschoolsga.org/on-the-scene.
Reimagine Commercial Street brings downtown Conyers alive
The streets of Olde Town Conyers will come alive for a two-day Re-Imagine Commercial Street festival. Commercial Street will close to through-traffic on Friday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. and will re-open to pedestrian traffic starting at 6 p.m. through Saturday evening, Sept. 15. Enjoy music, games and dining at local restaurants. For more information, call 770-602-2606.
Community meeting against domestic violence set Connecting Neighbors in Neighborhoods is inviting the public to attend a community meeting to support reducing domestic violence on Sept. 12, 6 - 7:45 p.m. at the Redan Rec Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia. Two women speakers will share their personal domestic violence experiences and discuss how they overcame their circumstances. For more information, call Lynn Hesse at 770-498-6729.
Southeast DeKalb Concerned Citizens Coalition sets political forum The Southeast DeKalb Concerned Citizens Coalition (SEDCCC) will host a Meet and Greet political forum to hear how elected and county officials plan to address the community’s concerns and share their vision for a better DeKalb. The forum will be held on Sept., Wednesday 19, 6 p.m., Hairston Crossing Library meeting room, 4911 Redan Road, Stone Mountain. The public is encouraged to attend. IMPORTANT DATES: Nov. 6: Election Day Oct. 9: Last Day to register to vote Oct. 15: Early voting begins
Cultural Exchange Breakfast set Sept. 8 DeKalb County elections officials will share information about the November General Election at the Cultural Exchange Breakfast, hosted by Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vicki B. Turner. The breakfast will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 to 11 a.m., at Greater Travelers Vicki B. Turner and Rob Turner Rest Baptist Church (House of Hope), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Updates concerning the city of Stonecrest, DeKalb County School Board and other community issues will be provided. The community is invited to enjoy a free breakfast and get important updates. For more information, email: thedekalbexchange@gmail.com.
Rockdale Board of Elections Meeting
COME SHOP FOR FALL AT THE PAUL!
EASTSIDE VENDOR HARVEST FESTIVAL OVER 50 VENDORS WILL BE AVAILABLE.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 7:00 AM.- 5:00 PM. St. Paul A.M.E. Worship Center 1704 S. Stone Mountain Lithonia Road Lithonia, GA. 30058
Food & Fun
Public invited to attend
Clothing, Jewelry
The next regular meeting of the Rockdale County Board of Elections will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m., at the Rockdale County Board of Elections Office, 1400 Parker Road, Lobby C, Conyers. The agenda will include a discussion on weekend voting for the Nov. 6 General Elections. There will be an opportunity for the public to make comments during the meeting. The public is encouraged to attend.
Massage, Health information, & much more.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 • PAGE 7
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Walk it like I talk it By Sheriff Eric Levitt “Walk it like I talk it” is not only the famous hook for a song by the Migos, but also a catchy phrase we are using at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office to meet people in the community, answer questions and get exercise at the same time. My office plans to provide educational information to the citizens by emphasizing proactive problem solving in a systematic and routine fashion. Rather than responding to crime only after it occurs, we will use community policing to proactively develop solutions to the immediate underlying conditions contributing to public safety problems. The community response has been phenomenal. Neighborhoods are scheduled weekly through the end of the
year to walk and talk with me and my staff. We are using both a philosophy (a way of thinking) and an organizational strategy (a way to carry out the philosophy) that allows the Sheriff’s Office and the community to work closely together in creative ways to solve the problems of crime, illicit drugs, fear of crime, physical and social disorders. If your community has an HOA we will send out communications through your president to provide you the dates and times. You may also send an email to my Public Information Officer Yolande. Moore@Rockdalecountyga.gov to let us know you are interested. Otherwise, we will use social media and mailbox notifications to invite you to join us. Every walk: • is less than an hour long • has a short warm up at the start,
followed by a brisk walk and then a short cool down at the end • welcomes new walkers who would benefit from being more active to ask questions and express concerns • is an opportunity to meet the Sheriff and new people in your area This is an added initiative to build trust and accessibility to me and my staff. During the walks, I want to hear any concerns from crime, the agency’s performance to other county issues that we can offer assistance. I would like to address and correct these concerns by incorporating Health and Wellness. Throughout each month, the clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge—Rockdale’s elected constitutional officers—discuss topics relevant to their respective roles
HABITAT continued from page 5 “Many of our clients have no experience with home ownership and have not made the mental transition from renter to homeowner,” Steele said. “They still may not understand that maintenance is their responsibility or as the home values increase, their escrow may change affecting their monthly mortgage payments.” Steele said she also plans to promote DeKalb’s ReStore, its
home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently-used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Proceeds from Habitat ReStoresare used to support the local affiliate’s building projects. Steele said her recent experience with Senior Connections has made her aware of the housing needs of DeKalb’s seniors, many of whom
are unable to safely stay in the homes in which they have lived for most of their adult lives. “Assisted living or a nursing home can cost a senior or family $3,600 a month or higher. I want to expand senior housing services in Habitat DeKalb’s program, where we would help a senior with repair costs or mobility remodeling so they can stay in their homes,” Steele said.
Steele said she is excited about re-invigorating the organization. “Every challenge is also an opportunity,” she said. “Working with my dedicated staff and our enthusiastic board of directors, I have put together a plan with both short-term and long-term goals to raise the profile of Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb, but our ultimate goal is, simply, to build healthy, affordable houses.”
On Common Ground News Marketplace PIZZA
RESTAURANT
MINISTRY
LAWN CARE
CHILD MODELS WANTED CUTE KIDS make money in TV commercials, magazines & movies! Pope Models, 404-246-7823. No classes.
PAGE 8 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
We cater to the entire family. Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available
900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006