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Georgia sets record for total jobs in August

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Georgia set a record in August for total jobs, surpassing 4.5 million for the first time. Butler said other key indicators such as new unemployment claims, increasing workforce and the total number of employed residents showed Georgia’s economy continues to be strong. “The August numbers show Georgia’s economy and outlook for employment remains healthy,” said Butler. “This is a great time to live, work and invest in Georgia.” The August unemployment rate was unchanged from July at 4.7 percent. That compares favorably to last August when the rate was 5.3 percent. From July to August, Georgia gained 19,800 jobs, a 0.4 percent rise, which increased the total number of jobs to 4,510,200. Since August 2016, Georgia has gained 116,500 jobs, a 2.7 percent growth rate. The state is outpacing the national job growth rate of 1.4 percent. The top monthly job growth came in professional/business services, government and manufacturing. Seasonal job losses came in leisure and hospitality, 2,000. The total number of employed residents rose by 9,910 to 4,811,281 from July to August. There are 141,592 more Georgians employed now than in August 2016. “Georgia continues to be one of the leaders in job creation and employment,” Butler said. “It’s great to see our employers continue to create jobs. But it’s even better to see more Georgians going back to work.” Georgia’s year-over-year job growth came mostly in professional/business services, leisure and hospitality and trade, transportation and warehousing. Construction lost 1,500 jobs. At the same time, unemployment claims were down by 4,622 or 16.3 percent, to 23,803 – another good sign for Georgia’s economy. Manufacturing had the most claims last month. But August saw 3,500 fewer claims filed in that sector. Over the year, unemployment claims were down by 3,435, or 12.6 percent, from 27,238 in August 2016. Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com, showed 70,306 new job postings statewide for August.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

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Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary welcomes Prime Minister of Cape Verde Mayor Jason Lary, left, presents a key to the city to Cape Verde’s Prime Minister Ulisses Correia Silva. The private reception for Silva included dignitaries and business owners and professionals from Stonecrest and metro-Atlanta. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary welcomed Prime Minister of Cape Verde, Ulisses Correia Silva, during a trade mission trip to the U.S. The Prime Minister visited the new city of Stonecrest on Sept. 20 to learn more about tourism and economic development. Cape Verde, which is located off the northwest coast of Africa, garnered its independence in 1975 from the Portuguese. The African nation’s officials said they were interested in Stonecrest, which has a population of 53,000, because its residents sought and attained self-governance and because of the city’s focus on economic development. “The two cities are similar in makeup and size. The visit was a learning experience for both of us,” said Mayor Lary. Silva visited the Startup Factory, which is helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses. The Startup Factory is located in the renovated space that was formerly Barnacle’s

restaurant. He also visited the Mall at Stonecrest’s management office and Stonecrest City Hall, Lary said. At a private reception that was held at the Allen Executive House on Evans Mill Road in Stonecrest, Lary presented the Prime Minister with a key to the city and a letter for Stonecrest to enter into a “Sister City” relationship Santo Antão, Cape Verde. “As we look to the future of this alliance, we envision a growing awareness and appreciation of each other’s culture as well as many cooperative activities that will be of mutual benefit to our communities,” Lary stated in the letter. Lary’s letter also stated the city would seek to develop a group comprised of entrepreneurs, leaders and the city’s economic development team to stablish the Sister City Committee to guide the partnership and prepare a plan for initial activities and exchanges.

Georgia extends deadline for SNAP recipients to report food loss in Hurricane Irma

eorgia residents who receive food stamps now have additional time to report food lost due to power outages during Hurricane Irma. Recipients of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) who were affected by Hurricane Irma have until Oct. 2 to file forms requesting a replacement for food lost during storm-related power outages. The Oct. 2 deadline allows recipients of SNAP, traditionally known as food stamps, 10 additional days to request a replacement of their benefits. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services sought the deadline extension to help low-income families--many of whom were displaced from their homes for several days--feed their families as they recover from the effects of the storm. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which oversees the food stamp program in Georgia, approved the state’s request early this week, allowing families additional time to report losses. Approximately 1.6 million Georgians rely on SNAP assistance to feed their families. “We know families are facing several challenges in the wake of Hurricane Irma, and we don’t want feeding their families to be one of them,” said Bobby Cagle, Director of the Division of Fami-

ly and Children Services. “We are grateful for the USDA’s support in our efforts to support Georgia families in their time of need, and we hope, by extending the deadline to report food losses, we will relieve at least some of the anxiety families are experiencing as they continue to recover from this storm.” The deadline extension is part of an ongoing effort by Georgia DFCS and FNS to support families affected by the hurricane. Ahead of the storm’s arrival, the Division worked with FNS to release all food stamp benefits for the month of September, which was an early release for most recipients in the state. DFCS has also requested assistance from FNS to provide a mass benefit replacement for recipients who live in counties that were most affected by the storm. That request, which would eliminate the need for some recipients to file paperwork to receive a replacement, is still

pending with FNS. Georgia DFCS has also worked to support utility companies as they focus on efforts to restore residents’ power. The Division has temporarily eliminated the need for recipients to go to utility companies to verify individual outages related to Hurricane Irma. In most situations where power outages cause food purchased with SNAP funds to perish, SNAP policy requires recipients to report the loss off food via a Food Loss Replacement Form (Form 841). Customers typically have 10 days after the loss to submit the form, which includes a verification of the outage by the recipient’s electricity provider, to their local DFCS office. Recipients whose food was lost in Hurricane Irma must submit the Food Loss Replacement Form (Form 841) in person or by mail to the local DFCS office no later than Oct. 2. The form does not need to be accompanied with verification from the utility company. To download Form841, visit https://dfcs. georgia.gov/food-stamp-benefits-replacement. For more information and updates, visit www.dfcs.georgia.gov or visit the DFCS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gadfcs.

PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

DeKalb commissioners approve SPLOST project list

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved the capitol project list recommended by CEO Michael Thurmond to be funded by a one-penny sales tax increase. County residents will decide on a referendum for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST on Nov. 7. The commissioners voted 5-2 to pass the project list, with Commissioners Nancy Jester and Jeff Rader opposed. Nearly 60 percent of the $388 million expected to be generated over the next six years for the county will go toward transportation projects, with more than $151 million for road resurfacing. Funding will also go to new fire stations and police cars as well as the renovation of parks, libraries, senior centers and health centers. “This is a transformational moment for DeKalb County,” Thurmond said. “The county and its 12 cities are in agreement on a plan to work together for all of DeKalb citizens. With the support of the DeKalb legislative delegation which passed enabling SPLOST legislation earlier this year, we will be able to improve the quality of life for all residents.” DeKalb cities will receive $249 million for projects within their jurisdictions. The project list includes: • Transportation - $240.3 million • Road resurfacing - $151.3 million • Matching funds for state and federal projects - $25.5 million • Pedestrian improvements - $14.5 million • Transportation enhancements - $9 million • Multi-use trails - $7 million • Bridge repairs - $7 million • Sidewalks - $4 million • Traffic signals - $2.4 million • Community Improvement Districts matching funds - $1.5 million

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

orridor beautification - $1.3 million C Public transportation shelters - $150,000 Transportation project management - $9.7 million Commission district projects - $7.1 million Public safety - $84.7 million Repair, replace and construct fire stations - $44.3 million Upgrade fire radio system - $1.5 million Purchase fire quick response units - $2 million Repair and replace police precincts and facilities - $2.9 million Purchase police vehicles - $5.6 million Repair or replace Bobby Burgess building - $27.3 million Planning and design for public safety training facility - $1.2 million Parks and recreation repairs - $37.3 million Athletic fields (repair) - $11.7 million Renovate athletic and recreation facilities - $8.4 million Parks, playgrounds and recreational areas (repair) - $6.9 million Pools and other aquatic facilities (repair) - $4 million Resurfacing trails and paved areas - $3 million Golf courses (repair) - $1 million Tennis court resurfacing - $2.3 million Stream bank restoration/drainage and stormwater improvements $200,000 General repairs - $20 million County courthouse administrative complex, including parking - $16.5 million General senior center repairs – $1 million Repair county-owned health care facilities - $1 million General library repairs - $1.5 million

Stonecrest City Council approves SPLOST resolution

The Stonecrest City Council approved a resolution affirming support for the referendum on a one-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) during a special call meeting on Sept. 21. The council’s unanimous vote positions the city to be in support of a county referendum that would be placed on the ballot on Nov. 7 The city has held a number of town hall meetings to educate the public about the SPLOST. The city plans to spend its share of the anticipated money that would be raised over a six-year period—$47,760,000—on the following projects: Resurfacing/street paving Transportation improvements Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Construction Program Management

$10 million Transportation improvements design planning $500,000 $18,039,000 Parks and Recreation $5,000,000 $3,240,000 Fire Station and Police Services, City Hall $7,161,000 $3,820,000

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SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 • PAGE 3

City of Stonecrest competing for Amazon’s new headquarters

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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Mayor Jason Larry

The city of Stonecrest is among several municipalities across the country competing to lure Amazon’s new headquarters, which will be built in North America. Mayor Jason Lary announced at the Sept. 18 City Council meeting that Stonecrest has formally expressed its interest in attracting the tech giant. “We are sending in our bid. We

will be competing with Vancouver, Toronto, Atlanta and other major cities across the country,” said Lary. “I believe we have a good shot at drawing that type of platform.” Lary said Stonecrest’s close proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, direct access to rail, train, subway and bus routes, and more than 300 acres of shovel-ready greenspace and abundant industrial space make the new city a prime candidate for consideration. He also said the city’s proximity to a strong talent pool—Georgia Technical Institute and other technical schools-- also makes the city a strong contender. Stonecrest, which has 53,000 residents, became DeKalb County’s largest city when voters approved a referendum creating the municipality in 2016, “We’re focused on economic development and having Amazon locate its headquarters here would be a great benefit to our city,” said Lary.

The city’s announcement has created a buzz among residents and well-wishers, many of whom have expressed their excitement on social media. Amazon said its new HQ2 facilities, its second headquarters, would be equal to its campus in Seattle. Amazon said the new location should have easy access to an airport with direct flights to Seattle, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. The company plans to spend billions of dollars developing the headquarters and will hire 50,000 workers. “We expect to invest over $5 billion in construction and grow this second headquarters to include as many as 50,000 high-paying jobs,” Amazon said on its website. “In addition to Amazon’s direct hiring and investment, construction and ongoing operation of Amazon HQ2 is expected to create tens of thousands of additional jobs and tens of billions of dollars in additional investment in the surrounding community.”

Heart of South DeKalb Festival set Sept. 29-30 The community is invited to join DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson to celebrate the Heart of South DeKalb Festival 2017. This year’s theme is “Honoring Our Senior Citizens for their Leadership, Legacy and Love.” The festival, which showcases the best of South DeKalb’s local talent and businesses, will be held on Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30. The festivities begin on Friday at 6 p.m. at Rainbow Park, located next to the Porter

Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs for the Friday Night Wind Down. There will be food trucks on site. On Saturday, a parade and festival will resume at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and the festival will follow with radio personality Sasha the Diva as host. A variety of family activities are planned for the day. Admission is free.

Protecting Storm Drains

Volunteers needed for Stenciling Day projects

ockdale County Stormwater Utility is seeking volunteers to participate in its Storm Drain Stenciling Day on Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. to1 p.m., at Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. Registration for the event ends Sept. 22. The event will educate the public about the significance of stormwater and its impact on water quality and aquatic life. Community residents will spend the day attaching markers to storm drains with the slogan: “No Dumping. Drains to Stream” as a reminder to think twice before throwing an object down a storm drain. The Stormwater Utility invites civic and neighborhood groups, businesses, Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches, youth groups, individuals and families to help keep trash and other debris from entering Rockdale storm drains. Registration forms to participate in the Stenciling Day are available from the County’s Administration and Services Building, 958 Milstead Ave., Conyers or by emailing RCSWU@ rockdalecountyga.gov. This is a “rain or shine” event. For more information, call 770-278-7155. DEKALB COUNTY- The DeKalb County Roads and Drainage Division’s stormwater stenciling program is seeking volunteers to help prevent pollution. The stenciling program increases the awareness about the dangers of stormwater pollution by marking county catch basins and encouraging residents to keep trash, debris, yard litter and pollutants out of the county’s storm drainage system. Catch basins collect rainwater from streets and serve as an entry point to the county’s stormwater drainage system. The basins also receive and accumulate any debris that is in the rainwater. The stencil is a visual reminder to not pollute or dump waste into any stormwater drainage structure.

Homebuyers educational conference set

In addition to raising public awareness about stormwater pollution and illegal dumping, the program helps to reduce local flooding. Keeping catch basins clear of trash, such as yard debris and leaves, reduces clogging and allows rainwater to drain easily. Interested volunteers are encouraged to attend a stormwater stenciling program information session. After receiving approval, Roads and Drainage will provide stencil marking materials and locations to place the markings. For more information, contact Angel Jones, stormwater program supervisor, at 404-297-4464 or darjones@dekalbcountyga. gov.

he Columbia Alliance Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative (CASNI) will host a Homebuyers and Homeownership informational and educational conference on Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Columbia Drive United Methodist Church, 2067 Columbia Drive, Decatur. Find out about down payment assistance programs (up to $55,000), HUD homes available for school teachers and police officers at 50 percent off the price and what you need to do to prepare a will. Real estate agents, insurance agents, housing counselors and financial planning advisors will be on hand to provide information. To RSVP: E-mail Columbia.DSNI@gmail.com or call 404-285-0945. The event issponsored by CASNI and DeKalb Metro Housing. CASNI was founded in 2012 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit initiative supported by DeKalb County Human and Community Development Department.

PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rockdale sets National Preparedness Day event

DeKalb Drive-Thru Flu Clinic rescheduled for Sept. 29

Tropical Storm Irma caused a temporary, inconvenient detour for those who planned to get their flu The Rockdale Emergency shot from the comforts of their vehiManagement will host National cle on Sept. 15. Now that the lights Preparedness Day on Sept. 30, are back on and the trees have been Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 2 clear, health officials are giving resip.m., Rockdale Career Academy, dents the green light to drive through 1064 Culpepper Drive S.W., on Sept. 29 Conyers. The DeKalb County Board of The event is being held to Health’s first-ever drive-thru flu shot provide the citizens of Rockclinic will take place from noon until dale County information of 6 p.m. in the Northlake Mall parking how, what, and when to prelot near Macy’s at 4800 Briarcliff pare in the case of a natural, Rd. in Atlanta. man-made, or technological In addition to protecting the disaster. Presentations and demonstrations will be conduct- community against the flu, the ed by a wide range of entities drive-thru clinic will also test the and are scheduled throughout Board of Health’s emergency prethe day. Lunch will be providparedness capabilities. ed for the first 100 registered Should a bioterrorist attack or participants. To register: visit widespread disease outbreak occur, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ national-preparedness-day-tickets-37047630460?aff=eivtefrnd.

public health officials in every county in Georgia must be prepared to dispense medication to all residents within 48 hours of notification. The flu shot is recommended for anyone age 6 months and older, particularly those who are at high risk of serious flu complications. These groups include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease) and those who are age 65 and older. Two options will be offered at the health centers, the standard vaccine for $30 and the high-dose vaccine for those ages 65 and older for $65. Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Cigna, Medicaid, Medicare Part B, PeachCare for Kids, and State Health Benefit Plan (excluding Kaiser Permanen-

te) are accepted. Cash and checks drawn on banks located in Georgia are also accepted. Other insurances may be accepted, but you are asked call ahead to verify acceptance and all are asked to bring your insurance card. For more information about the flu or the DeKalb County Board of Health’s immunization programs, including on-site worksite or community flu clinics, visit www.dekalbhealth.net/flu or call 404-294-3700.

Angie’s House launches youth academy to address bullying, violence

WorkSource DeKalb to host disability awareness forum, recruiting event In celebration of Disability Awareness Month, WorkSource DeKalb and the One-Stop Disabilities Committee will host a disability awareness forum and recruiting event on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 774 Jordan Lane, Bldg. No. 4, Decatur. The forum will provide information to the community, serve providers and job seekers about accommodation and services for persons with physical and mental disabilities. Several business professionals and organizations with a vast amount of experience in disability awareness will be on hand, including the Georgia Department of Labor, Goodwill of North Georgia, Disability Link and others. At noon, jobseekers are invited to attend a recruiting event with employers seeking to fill positions for call center representatives, customer service representatives, retail sales representatives, rehabilitation counselors, program assistants and marketing consultants. Interested candidates can register by visiting www.worksourcedekalb.org and clicking News and Events. For more information: 404-687-3400.

Young people in metro Atlanta are raising awareness to bullying and other violence, thanks to Angie’s House and its Healthy Relationship Training (HRT) Academy. The HRT Academy kicked off this month with participants from Rockdale, Newton and DeKalb counties. The new initiative will provide educational and skills-building training for young people, caregivers and organizations that provide services to young people. “Since 2012, Angie’s House has been educating the community about the effects of domestic and family violence on children,” said Angie’s House Executive Director Elaine Davis-Nickens. “To this end, the Healthy Relationships Academy will work to ensure that young people know that feeling safe, comfortable, and at ease expressing feelings are important qualities of a healthy relationship. We will also work to make sure the community at large and caregivers understand that young people model the behaviors that they see among their peers, family members and adults.” The Academy’s flagship program – Youth Advisory Council – will guide the development of Angie’s House’s teen dating violence prevention, self-esteem, and anti-bullying programs. The council is comprised of nine youths ages 1217 who have completed leadership training and will develop their own unique leadership style and presentation and platform skills by co-facilitating Angie’s House forums and workshops. The council will help Angie’s House reach its target

CITY OF STONECREST PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, O.G.G.A. § 50-1871(b) this is public notice that the City of Stonecrest has designated the City Clerk as the official records officer pursuant to the Open Records Act. All Open Records Request must be submitted in writing to the City Clerk directly. Such written request may be submitted in person, via mail or by sending an email to bjames@ stonecrestga.gov.

population through peer-to-peer relationships. “If we are going to help young people develop healthy relationships, it’s important we meet kids on their own level using language they understand,” said Davis-Nickens. “We have the platform and our council members will provide us with direction so that we can be the most effective. It’s young people talking to young people.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, 20 percent of high school students reported being bullied on school property and an estimated 16 percent reported they were bullied electronically. Additionally, among high school students who dated, 21 percent of females and 10 percent

of males experienced physical and/ or sexual dating violence. Programs and strategies developed by the Youth Advisory Council will work to prevent young people from becoming either victims or perpetrators. “Unfortunately, many young people experience abusive behaviors, but do not identify the abuse as dating violence. For them, these behaviors are incorrectly seen as “normal,” and are not considered problematic,” Davis-Nickens said. “Our goal is to put an end to this vicious cycle.” For more information on the Healthy Relationships Academy and Youth Advisory Council, visit Angie’s House online at www.angiesfirsthouse.org.

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SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 • PAGE 5

Mother’s Legacy Hometown Country Cookout honors long-time Kirkwood residents Nine longtime residents were honored at this year’s “Mother’s Legacy Hometown Country Cookout,” held earlier this month in the Kirkwood community in East Atlanta. Alleah and Ayana Salone, who are 22 and 19 respectively, founded Mother’s Legacy in 2010 as a way to honor their grandmother, Leila Johnson, who devoted her life to helping others, beginning with missionary work at the age of 12. The Salone sisters say the celebration, held every other year, has evolved into a family-friendly block party where residents come together for food, fellowship and children’s activities. This year, the nonprofit provided school supplies to those in need, hosted a dance contest and a macaroni and cheese cook off. “It is a great event celebrating elders and others in the community who give back,” said DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, who spoke at the celebration. “They are carrying on a wonderful legacy in honoring their grandmother.” The residents who were honored this year are: Willie Mae Hardy, who was born on a plantation in 1908 in Junction City, Georgia, She came to Atlanta in 1939. She joined the Butler Street Baptist Church, where she became a devoted member. She worked as a housekeeper for many years. Velma Speakman, a speaker for many women’s group retreats and workshops. She is the former owner of Wonderland Academy, Inc. in Decatur, which was honored by gov. Roy Barners as a “Center of Distinction.”

The Rev. Thelma Virgil, associate minister at The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church. She serves on the Pastoral Care and Counseling Team and shows great concern for the well-being of her neighbors. Sarah Fitten, who served 41 years as Assistant Director of Services for the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority. Advocate for children and school reform, she is known as “Mama Sarah” and has fostered enrichment programs to benefit the entire community. Cassie Nell Edwards, who was born in 1925 in Junction City, Georgia. She moved to Atlanta in 1939 and has remained a pillar of the community as a public servant. Henry Thomas Austin, who was born in 1924 in Clarkston, Georgia. He served in World War 11 and moved to Kirkwood in 1964. He was a brick mason who owned a contracting company until he retired in 1968. Louise “Granlou” Robinson, who was born in 1916 in Conyers. She is a member of Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Decatur and actively attended until health issues. She

SHOWING SUPPORT DeKalb’s District 5 showers Hurricane Harvey seniors with gift cards DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and Bettye Austin Davis, director of the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia, thanked the community for the successful community gift card drive to assist seniors impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Johnson and Davis said the donations were sent to St. Johns United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, which is serving as a base of operations for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. During the weeklong drive, residents dropped off gift cards at the Lou Walker Senior Center. Some of the cards donated included Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart and Target. Other donations included prepaid cards for VISA, restaurants and gas stations. A number of people impacted Hurricane Harvey are still living in hotels as work to rebuild infrastructure continues.

Springfield Baptist Church to host benefit concert Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive S.E., Conyers, will host a free concert benefiting Hurricane victims and their families on Friday, Sept. 29, 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Those who attend are asked to bring cases of water and toiletries. A freewill offering will be taken. All donations will go toward hurricane relief and helping victims. The concert is a collaboration of the Atlanta Gospel Music community organized by The Key of David Music Group, LLC and High Praise Ministries, Inc. Eric W. Lee, Sr. Is pastor of Springfield Baptist Church. For more information, contact the church office at 770-929-1111 or visit www. sbcgrowth.church.

L-R: DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and Bettye Austin Davis, executive director of the Lou Walker Senior Center, show off the box of gift cards collected to assist seniors in Houston.

celebrated her 101st birthday and 50 years as a Kirkwood resident. Rosetta Mitchell, who vas born in Covington, Georgia in 1938. She came to Atlanta at the age of 10. She retired in 2001 from the Fulton County Juvenile Court as Chief Deputy Clerk. She volunteers for the United Methodist Children’s Home Auxiliary and is a member of East Lake United Methodist Church. John B. Davis, who was born in 1932 in Mayfield, Georgia. He was employed with the Georgia State Highway Department for 40 years, retiring in 1998. Mr. Davis is a long-time member of Israel Baptist Church.

First Baptist in Decatur to host Women’s Day program DeKalb School Board member Vickie Turner will speak at the First Baptist Church’s Women’s Day program on Sept. 24, 10:30 a.m. The church, under the leadership of Pastor Norman Thomas, is located at 2394 Gresham Road, Decatur. All are invited.

Antioch AME celebrates 149th anniversary Antioch African Methodist Episcopal in Stone Mountain, 765 S. Hairston Road, is celebrating its 149th anniversary this month and it will honor the oldest members of the church as part of the festivities. Pastor Vandy Simmons will pay tribute to five members who are 100 years old and older at the 10 a.m. worship service. The centenarians include Peggy Baker, Relda Mackins, Mary Randall, Tabitha Reid and Elizabeth Simon. A homecoming dinner will follow the worship service. The community is invited to attend the 10 a.m. service or the early morning worship service , at 7:30 a.m. Pastor Simmons will speak at both services. For more information, visit the church’s website: www.antioch-ame.org or call the church office at 404-299-3388.

PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner

What steps should you take to register your vehicle or renew your tag?

free in some cases. When it comes to renewing your registration, you are required to renew on your birthday, even if you do not receive a renewal notice. If there are multiple owners on the title, the renewal is based on the birthday of the first owner. Owners on the birthday tax system are required to pay the current year taxes and registration fee at the time of renewal. Those who paid the tax at the time of purchase or title transfer are required to pay the registration fee at the time of Tisa Smart Washington renewal. Tax Commisioner The fee to renew a standard tag is $20 and a specialty tag is In Rockdale County, regis$55. There is no fee to renew tering your vehicle and renewing your registration can be quick and a free military tag. Contrary to easy with a little bit of preparation. popular belief, registrations expire at 11:59 p.m. on your birthday, While the process may vary from not at the end of the month. If the initial registration to renewal, a registration is not renewed by the few things are needed for both: a deadline, a $5 penalty on the tag valid Georgia Driver’s License, (and 10 percent penalty on the tax valid Georgia insurance and a if you are still on the birthday tax passing emissions test (depending system) will apply. Registrations on the year of the vehicle). can be renewed up to 60 days in If you recently purchased a vehicle from a dealership, in most advance, and if your birthday falls on the weekend or a holiday, you cases, the dealer will handle the have until the next business day to processing of the title work. Once the title has been processed, which renew without penalty. If your car does not pass usually takes about 30 days, the vehicle is ready to be registered. If emissions in time to complete your renewal, a 30-day extension can be the dealer orders a tag at the time issued for a failed emissions test. of purchase, the license plate will be mailed to you. Owners who buy Simply come into our office for new vehicles from a dealership can the extension. If you have any questions request a 2-year registration at the about registering your car for the time of purchase. If the dealer does first time or renewing your regisnot order the tag, the owner can visit our office to pay for the registration, please stop by our office tration. If you purchased a vehicle and we’d be happy to help you. from an individual, or received Throughout each month, the one from a family member, the title transfer and registration can be clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge— completed at the same time. The Rockdale’s elected constitutional taxes must be current to receive a officers—discuss topics relevant permanent tag. The cost of a plate to their respective roles. is $20 and up, with the exception of military plates, which may be

State Representative Earnest “Coach” Williams’ Annual Golf Tournament

Golfing Pleasure

October 9, 2017 Mystery Valley Golf Club 6094 Shadowrock Drive Lithonia, Georgia Sponsorships Team of Four $360 Hole Sponsorship $100 • Individual $100 Schedule

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Rep. Johnson’s Think Tank connects small businesses to federal resources Congressman Hank Johnson hosted his small business Think Tank to connect more than 100 small business owners with federal resources. The Sept. 18 event was held at Georgia Piedmont Technical College campus in Clarkston. The event included one-on-one sessions, panel discussions and a working lunch roundtable. The Think Tank was the culmination of a series of small business roundtables hosted by Johnson this summer throughout the Fourth Congressional District. The round tables were held to innovative ways for small businesses to access capital. “We know that small businesses are the engines of job growth in our communities, so I really hope everyone was able to take advantage of today’s fruitful and productive event,” said Johnson. “I’m here to serve the small business community, and I’m privileged to represent them here in the district and in D.C.” Johnson said the event couldn’t come at a better time as Democrats in Congress have launched “A Better Deal,” a proposal to create 10 million, well paying, full-time jobs

Congressman Hank Johnson

over the next five years, aggressively lower prescription drug costs and put economic power back into the hands of America’s families by cracking down on corporate monopolies and mergers. “Georgians, and the American people in general, deserve A Better Deal that puts them first – not a recycling of the tired, failed proposals that tilt the playing field in favor of corporations and the super-rich. I am proud to join my fellow Democrats to support this new ambitious proposal to provide real solutions to create a brighter, more secure economic future for all of us,” Johnson said. “Today’s Think Tank serves as a down payment on a better deal to help create jobs and grow our local economy.”

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