Ocg 11 11 17 by On Common Ground News

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 33

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NOVEMBER 11, 2017

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DeKalb County voters approve SPLOST

n Nov. 7, 70 percent of DeKalb County voters approved a one-cent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) to address serious transportation needs and other capital improvements. Proposed by DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and the 12 cities wholly within the county, the measure will increase the current sales tax from 7 percent to 8 percent in April 2018. “For the first time in DeKalb County’s history, voters have approved a blueprint for success with the passage of the SPLOST,” said CEO Michael Thurmond. “We take

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

this vote of trust seriously and will continue to work with our city partners on a better future.”

Eighty-five 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. The tax will also fund new fire stations and police cars as well as the renovation of parks, libraries, senior centers and health centers. DeKalb cities will receive $249 million for projects within their jurisdictions, allocated by population. Each city has its own project list. More than $110 million annually of the one-cent sales tax will go toward residential property tax relief. Also, homeowners will have their tax assessments frozen as long as the SPLOST is in effect. Unprepared food and drugs are exempt from the sales tax increase.

Stonecrest City Council mulls full-time mayor’s position, changes to the city’s charter

he newly-formed city of Stonecrest is reviewing proposed changes to the city’s charter that include making the mayor’s position full time, clarifying responsibilities and powers of the position and separating the executive branch from legislative branch. The changes are among several recommendations the City Council discussed at its Nov. 8 work session, which lasted four hours. “We’re looking at several things in the charter and making suggestions to forward to the General Assembly,” said Councilman George Turner, noting that the upcoming Legislative Session begins in January. “We’re looking at having a full-time mayor. I believe we need a full-time mayor, based on what has to be done in terms of setting up the city and working on economic development. We know that we cannot operate with a part-time mayor with what we’re facing.” George Turner is not alone in his belief. Councilmembers Rob Turner and Jimmy Clanton concur. “When we had our Council retreat three weeks ago to discuss our goals and vision for the city, we said we wanted to create a world-class city. As a group, we said our city deserved to have a full-time mayor,” Clanton said. “I believe that our commitment was prophetic because

now we have SPLOST to manage, along with setting up the city. We’re not going to be able to do that with a part-time mayor.” Clanton also said the mayor’s position should include pay that is commensurate with CEOs who run corporations. “I don’t think that a mayor running the largest city in DeKalb County with over 50,000 people should be making what you’d pay an administrative assistant. This notion that public servants shouldn’t be compensated for the level of services they are providing is ridiculous,” Clanton said. Said Councilman Rob Turner: “We’re starting to build a city from scratch and having to be available and accessible for all kinds of meetings. The head of a city has to be available as we put in place the groundwork for our infrastructure. It’s critical that the head is at the table.” Councilwoman Diane Adoma said, however, she is concerned about changing the mayor’s position to one that is full time—and the $85,000-a-year salary proposed for the job. The current salary for mayor is $20,000 a year. Adoma said she also is not in favor of increasing salaries for City Council members as Mayor Jason Lary has proposed. The salaries for council members would increase from $15,000 a year

to $25,000 under a recommendation by the mayor. “I want what’s best for the city of Stonecrest. As a new city, it is extremely critical to be frugal on the front end, factoring in cushion for uncertainty,” said Adoma. “There are 539 new cities in the state and there are an infinite number of ways to get things done. This is about what is the best way for the city of Stonecrest. There are long-term implications to our decisions. It’s important to understand this is a city of 55,000-plus people who should also play a role in this decision. This fight needs to go to the people. My constituents have told me they want to have input in this decision. They want to feel like it’s their city, too.” Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble said she believes there are valid arguments on both sides concerning the proposal to make the mayor’s position full time. “I understand the position that there is an expectation for elected officials to be available at every beck and call, but do you rectify that by making the position full time? I don’t have the answer for that as of yet. I agree with Diane that we should extend the opportunity to the public for feedback before we finalize any decision, especially those that have implications on the budget,” Cobble said. “I’m still working through the fact that we have a robust staff to run

the city and a $16 million contract with CH2M to provide us the best and brightest candidates, so how much oversight from the office of the mayor is truly needed for the day to day functionality of the city?” Cobble said she has asked constituents to send in feedback, which she plans to bring up at the next work session, scheduled for Nov. 15. Meanwhile, Mayor Lary said he remains focused on the city’s mission. “We’re building Stonecrest on community, commerce and culture, working together as a world-class city. We can’t do that with a parttime mayor,” said Lary. “The council members have additional duties that other city council members do not have such as the development of our film market, oversight of planning and zoning, beautification of the entire town, Smart City initiatives and Public Finance, which is why I’m recommending raising their salaries. We are developing a full-fledged police department and by law, we have to take over roads and drains. We are real city now. We have the budget to take care of all of our needs, including salaries.” All of the council members said they expect to spend a lot of time pouring over the proposed charter changes before voting on any resolution to present to lawmakers by the end of the month.

Rockdale Sheriff’s deputies make three major drug busts The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office Surge team, along with state and local agencies, have made three major drug busts over the last three weeks, seizing over $3.5 million in cocaine and heroin. The most recent seizures and arrests were made on Nov. 1 when a search warrant was executed by the team and DEA agents at a residence on Georgia Highway 212. Five kilos of cocaine valued at $250,000 was seized. Agents also confiscated $67,000 in cash and two handguns. Jorge Vargas, 21, and Miguel Angel Ruiz-Serma, 43, both of Conyers were arrested and are now facing charges of trafficking cocaine. Vargas is facing additional charges of

Victor Gomez-Perez

Miguel Angel Ruiz-Serma

Jorge Alberto Vargas

obstruction of officers. Agents also made a major bust on Oct. 28 during a traffic stop on I-20 westbound between West Avenue and Sigman Road. Investigators seized 38 packages containing 97.96 pounds of cocaine. Investigators said the esti-

mated street value was worth $2 million. Victor Gomez-Perez was arrested during the stop. Perez was charged with trafficking cocaine and transported to the Rockdale County Jail. “This seizure is proof that this Surge Team is following my vision of continuing to rid this county of criminals, especially those who attempt to bring drugs in,” said Sheriff Eric Levett. “I am a crime-fighter and I made a promise to my citizens to keep Rockdale safe. Criminals are not welcome in Rockdale and we will catch them.” The first bust occurred on Oct. 18. Ten pounds of heroin valued at more than $1.5 million were seized and two men were arrested in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Conyers.

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Long-time councilman Vince Evans elected Conyers’ first new mayor in 20 years

oters in the city of Conyers overwhelmingly elected long-time City Council member Vince Evans as its first new mayor in 20 years. Evans, who served 18 years on the City Council (the last 8 as mayor pro tem) will succeed Randy Mills, who served as mayor of Conyers for two decades and did not seek re-election, deciding instead to spend more time with his family. At his victory celebration, which was held at the Celtic Tavern, Evans thanked those who supported him, including 80 people who donated to his campaign. He also thanked his wife, Cyndi, who joined him on the campaign trail as he walked door to door stomping for votes. “This was a difficult thing to do…knocking on doors, making phone calls, it was tough,” said Evans, who promised to make public safety a top priority, along with advocating for improvements to parks, diversity on city boards, and bringing more businesses into downtown Conyers. Evans received 549 votes (52 percent) in the three-way race that included two opponents who have never held public office. Ronnie Godwin came in second with 301 votes (28.6 percent), while Olivia Ware received 198 votes (18.8 percent). Godwin campaigned on a promise to address “the culture—from the chief down to the newest employee,” while Ware campaigned as the only black Democrat in the non-partisan race seeking to improve economic development and the city overall. As Election Day neared, the race intensified. Allegations that Godwin promoted a free gas offer to voters on his Facebook page prompted an investigation by the Secretary of State’s Office. Godwin allegedly promoted that a Shell Station in Conyers was giving the first 100 early voters $5 of free gas if they showed their “I Voted” stickers

Vince Evans and his wife, Cyndi, are all smiles as they celebrate his victory at the Celtic Tavern in Conyers. Photos By William E. Thomas/Special to OCG News

and identification proving they lived in Conyers. Elections supervisor Cynthia Welch said she visited the station to let the owners know that giving freebies and requiring voters to show their “I Voted” sicker and personal identification is against the law. Freebies can be offered, she said, as long as they are offered to everyone. Also, the Conyers Housing Authority informed the public in a Facebook post that there was no truth to an allegation that residents would be evicted, if they didn’t vote for Godwin. Not even the rumors, however, prompted more people to go to the polls. Welch had predicted a light turnout for the election—about 12 percent (roughly 1,000 of the city’s 8,000 registered voters) and her projections were correct. According to preliminary results, 1,054 of the city’s 7,681 voters cast ballots. Welch said the certified results would be released on the Secretary of State’s website on Nov. 13. The Conyers elections served as a pilot for the state, which tested new voting machines that allow voters to print their selections, review the ballot and then insert into a tabulator to be counted. “We didn’t have any technical

issues or require help from the vendor, Elections Systems and Software,” said Welch. “We had poll workers on hand to assist voters but no one required it. The system is very user friendly.” Welch said she plans to provide a full assessment to the Secretary of State’s Office, which will decide what steps to take next. “We’re hoping state legislators will provide the funding for the new system and replace antiquated voting machines around the state,” Welch said.

elow are the unofficial results for B the Conyers City Council races: City Council, District 1, Ward 1 Cleveland Stroud (Incumbent) ran unopposed.180 (96.86 percent) City Council District 2, Post 1, Ward 2 Blair Barksdale (unopposed) 370 (96.86 percent) City Council, District 2, Post 2, Ward 2 Jacob L. Bailey 257 (65.73 percent) Tom Clark Harrison 130 (33.25 percent)

Message from Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary on the voter’s approval of SPLOST Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and the Stonecrest City Council would like to thank the citizens for their overwhelming support of DeKalb County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), which was overwhelming approved by voters on Nov. 7. The citizens of Stonecrest were vital to the passage of SPLOST. “The $47 million that Stonecrest will receive over the next six years will give us the ability to address many of our neglected infrastructure needs, including paving roads and repairing potholes,” said Mayor Lary. “We will move swiftly to engage the citizens of Stonecrest to complete a series of Mayor Jason Lary transportation improvement plans. Citizen participation will be needed in upcoming community meetings to ensure that our transportation plans are reflective of our needs.”

Dodd, Howard, Inman elected to fill three Lithonia City Council seats City of Lithonia residents returned incumbents William Ric Dodd (57 votes) and Diane W. Howard (65 votes) to their seats on the City Council. Voters also elected political newcomer, Amelia Inman, who received 69 votes, to fill a third open seat.

ROADS, ROADS, ROADS After the city’s comprehensive assessment of road conditions, Stonecrest will immediately work to resurface and repair potholes. Road repairs are projected to start in January. Additionally, in the weeks to come, the city will create a Pothole hotline, as well as a citizen driven SPLOST Oversight Committee. PUBLIC SAFETY SPLOST also allows us the ability to address our Public Safety needs. In the coming months, we will be completing a feasibility study. This gives us the opportunity to enhance Public Safety services for our citizens and encourages economic development for our businesses. Working together to build a stronger Stonecrest!

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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com

GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com

On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

NOVEMBER 11, 2017 • PAGE 3

Baby AJ recovering at home, awaits kidney transplant

he parents of 2-yearold AJ Burgess took their son home on Nov. 8 after the toddler was released from Egleston’s Children’s Hospital, where he was treated for a potentially deadly infection and pneumonia, attorneys for the family said. AJ will be home recovering with his family in preparation for a transplant surgery to receive his father’s kidney, said Attorney Mawuli Davis of the Davis Bozeman Law Firm in DeKalb County. AJ was born without kidneys. His father, Anthony Dickerson, volunteered to give him a kidney but the transplant initially was denied by Emory Healthcare because Dickerson violated

Carmellia Burgess and Anthony Dickerson, parents of baby AJ Burgess, thank the public for prayers and support.

his parole. After mounting pressure and protests from the public, however, Emory reversed its decision and is

now working with the family to provide the transplant. "The family is encouraged by the strength and

resilience of this amazing child. Baby AJ has battled and won his recent bouts only to continue to fight to be ready to receive his kidney from his father,” said Davis. “We are working with Emory to expeditiously have Baby AJ's father medically cleared to donate his kidney when Baby AJ is healthy enough for the transplant surgery. The family thanks the community for the overwhelming love and support and ask for their continued prayers through this difficult ordeal." Dickerson must complete a series of tests before a transplant date can be set. The family is hopeful that the transplant will be performed by January, Davis said.

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Stonecrest veterans honored at Town Hall meeting Stonecrest City Councilwoman Diane Adoma hosted a Town Hall meeting and Veterans Day program on Nov. 6, just ahead of the Nov. 11 national holiday. Every military veteran who attended the event at the Stonecrest Library was honored, said Adoma. “We had all of the veterans to stand on stage. We asked everyone to take a moment of silence to thank the veterans for their service,” said Adoma. State Sen. Tonya Peterson, District 43, served as the keynote speaker for the program. Peterson, who served in the U.S. Air Force, also was honored and thanked for her service during a presentation of proclamations. Proclamations were presented to Eddie Hawes, retired U.S. Navy; Broderick Johnson, retired

U.S. Army; David McKinney, U.S. Army; Johnathan Stegall, U.S. Army; Bruce A. Brim, retired U.S. Army; Richard Hawkins, retired U.S. Air Force; Gregory Brown, retired U.S. Air Force; and Monty Telford, U.S. Army. Dr. Duane Williams, a retired veteran who lives in Stonecrest’s District 5, and First Lt. Nathaniel Williams, who is a member of the Arabia Mountain High School Colorguard under direction of Major Charles Baker, also were honored with proclamations. During the Town Hall portion of the program, Adoma announced a community partnership with District 5 landowner, Sandra Jackson, who is exploring building an upscale Veterans Village. Adoma said Jackson plans to break ground in 2018.

L-R: Darryl Andrews, Mayor Jason Lary, and Curtis Nelson

Showing Community Pride

Two retired veterans routinely clean up Stonecrest community Each week, Darryl Andrews and Curtis Nelson show their pride for the city of Stonecrest by volunteering several times to pick up trash and litter in the city. The two retired veterans’ efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, Mayor Jason Lary thanked Andrews, a retired U.S. Marine, and Nelson, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, as they filled bags of trash they had collected along Mall Parkway near Evans Mill Road. "Who is going to invest in a dirty community?" Nelson de-

manded when asked why he volunteers. Nelson added that he wants the new city to grow and he’s doing his part to make sure that it’s attractive for residents, visitors and businesses. Mayor Lary said the men’s source of pride is one that he hopes will take root and spread as the city builds a coalition of volunteers to keep Stonecrest beautiful. Anyone who is interested in volunteering for the city’s beautification efforts should call 770-224-0200 and ask for Code Enforcement.

CHANGE OF MEETING LOCATION FOR CITY OF STONECREST MEETINGS Effective November 15, 2017, all Work Session and City Council Meetings will be held at the City Hall of Stonecrest, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, Suite 190, Stonecrest, Georgia 30038.

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DeKalb Medical at North Decatur to host tree lighting Join DeKalb Medical for some family fun to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy live music, refreshments, gingerbread creation displays and the main event: the tree lighting. This holiday event takes place on the front lawn at 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, Thursday, Nov. 30, 5:30 -6:30 p.m. A brief program begins at 6:30 p.m. and the tree lights will be turned on at 7 p.m. Experience the joy of giving. Community members are invited to make a donation online by visiting www.dekalbmedical.org. Donations also will be accepted at the tree lighting. Any amount is appreciated. Guests may also take a peek at the newly-renovated Emergency Department reception area. The hospital is also accepting donations of new, plain T-shirts and drawstring or elastic sweat pants for its Emergency Department closet. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the Dr. Bobbie Bailey Tower. Complimentary parking is available. For more information, call 404-501-WELL or visit www.dekalbmedical.org

20th annual Olde Town Conyers Candlelight Tour of Homes set The 20th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes in Olde Town Conyers will offer a candlelight tour on Saturday, Dec. 9, 5 to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 10, 1 to 5 p.m. Conyers was developed in the 1900’s as a train station and you can visit the original Depot in the historic downtown village area. Each home on the tour will be decorated for the holiday season and guests will be able to see the architecture and décor that makes each unique. The walking tour will allow each visitor to also see the noteworthy “sidewalk churches,” which are located in the downtown area. Tickets, which are $15 in advance, go on sale Nov. 10 at rockdaleemergencyrelief.org. Tickets will be $18 on the day of the event. Tickets are available at the Conyers Welcome Center, which is located in the Depot at 901 Railroad Street. For more information, visit rockdaleemergencyrelief.org or call 770356-7301. Proceeds will benefit Rockdale Emergency Relief (RER), which is celebrating its 50th-year serving the needs of citizens in Rockdale who need food, utility assistance, and housing needs.

Rockdale BOC sets holiday drop-in The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners invites citizens to its Holiday Drop-In on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Board of Commissioners Office, 962 Milstead Ave., Conyers. During this free holiday-themed event, the public can enjoy an evening of fellowship, refreshments and holiday music.

Community to discuss Rainbow Park improvements The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a public meeting to discuss Rainbow Park improvements on Monday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. For more information, contact Dawn Cribb, public relations specialist, at 404-371-6295 or dmcribb@dekalbcountyga.gov.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION 6 PM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 STONECREST LIBRARY 3123 KLONDIKE ROAD LITHONIA, GA 30038

CITY COUNCIL 10 AM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2017 STONECREST CITY HALL BLVD 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 ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

RZ-17-001 Riwan A. Syed and Saira T. Naiaz 2523 Panola Road C-1 (Local Commercial) Conditional C-1 (Local Commercial) Conditional Change in conditions to allow an office.

State Rep. Pam Stephenson

Nicole Garner Scott

Tiara L. Johnson

Rep. Stephenson to celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol State Rep. Pam Stephenson (D-Decatur), along with Nicole Garner Scott, founder and president of 100 Female Entrepreneurs, and Tiara L. Johnson, founder and CEO of TLJ Headlines, will host Women’s Entrepreneurship Day at the Georgia Capitol on Friday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The event, one of the largest gatherings of women in business, will unite women from across the state to celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Stephenson and female entrepreneurs will deliver remarks and attendees will learn more about the 100 Female Entrepreneurs Atlanta Chapter, which is launching in 2018. A luncheon will follow the remarks. To register for the event or for more information, visit eventbrite.com (100 Female Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol).

DeKalb K-5 students invited to express artistic talents in DWM calendar contest DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is looking for artistic elementary students from across the county to enter its 2018 Art Calendar Contest. The annual contest awards 12 students in kindergarten through 5th grade during a ceremony, which will be held at a 2018 Board of Commissioners’ meeting. The 2018 calendar theme is “Protecting our Water Resources” and artwork submission ideas include: • Don’t litter in creeks and rivers. • Don’t pour cooking grease down the drain, put it in a jar and throw it away instead. • Planting trees to slow water erosion; and • Clean up after your pets. Submitted artwork must be drawn horizontally (landscape) on 8½ x 11 inch white paper and submitted by Friday, Dec. 15. Submissions must include the artwork title, student’s name and address, school name, grade level, age, teacher’s name, teacher’s contact number, and teacher’s email address on the back of each entry. For complete rules, visit www.dekalbwatershed.com. For more information, contact Michael O’Shield, DWM public outreach specialist, at 770724-1456 or msoshield@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Probate Court judges announce scholarship contest for high school seniors, current college undergrads The Council of Probate Court Judges is pleased to announce a scholarship contest for Georgia high school seniors and current college undergraduates. Each year, the Constitutional Officer’s Association of Georgia (COAG) offers Georgia students a chance to win scholarships. This year, the Association will offer three scholarships: one each in the amounts of $500, $1,000 and $1,500. To be eligible for this year’s scholarship, students must be residents of Georgia, graduate high school by the spring of 2018 or be enrolled in an accredited Georgia college or university. Students must also seek a degree in a field related to government/law enforcement, political science, accounting/finance or business, or pre-law. To apply, applicants must submit a typed 1,000-word essay that answers the question: How do the duties and responsibilities of the Constitutional Officers in your county work together to serve the people

of the county? Pick two offices and explain.” Applicants must also provide a letter of acceptance or enrollment from an institution of higher education, a copy of a college application or transcript to provide verification of degree field, and the COAG scholarship application. All completed applications, documentation and completed essays should be mailed flat in a 9 x 12 envelope to: Suzanne Cross, COAG, P.O. Box 1644, Decatur, GA 30031, by March 31, 2018. Probate judges are members of the Constitutional Officers’ Association of Georgia (COAG), a body whose membership is made up of constitutional officers from each of Georgia’s 159 counties and also includes Tax Commissioners, Superior Court Clerks, and Sheriffs. For more information, visit www. coag.info or contact Suzanne Cross at 404-377-1364 or coagoffice@bellsouth.net.

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NOVEMBER 11, 2017 • PAGE 5

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber names Jean Yontz as Woman of the Year at we3 Women’s Conference

Jean Yontz was announced as the Woman of the Year at the first annual we3 Women’s Conference, presented by the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. Yontz, executive director of Phoenix Pass, a nonprofit for transitional housing for women and children, was presented the award on Oct. 20. She was recognized as a woman who has distinguished herself, her profession, and her commitment to uplifting women in the Conyers-Rockdale community. Other finalists were Robin Chance, branch manager for Georgia United Credit Union, and Vickie Stevenson, executive director of Project Renewal Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Inc. Over 250 women attended the conference, which was held at Discovery Point Church in Conyers. The goal was to engage, empower, and educate. The attendees had the opportunity to connect with businesses

and women leaders in the community during the full-day event. “The community response was amazing, and the room was packed as women from Rockdale County and the surrounding areas came together to celebrate each other,” said Cheryl Young, who oversees membership with the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. Attendees experienced the empowering messages of women leaders in the community. The keynote speaker was Andrea Bowens-Jones, president/CEO of IDG Vision, LLC and Certified John Maxwell Coach, Speaker and Trainer. The conference also included a breakout session with a diverse panel including Yontz; Dee Barnes, chief executive officer and president of Evans Tool & Di, Inc.; Jenae Duncan, owner of Jenae’s Dance Experience; and Katrina Young, who serves on the RCPS Board of Education.

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Rockdale-Newton NCNW honors 13 trailblazers

he Rockdale-Newton Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and its president, Rhonda Taylor, honored 13 community trailblazers at the organization’s Third Annual “The Lady Loved Her Hats” Celebration. The event was held on Nov. 3 at the J.P. Carr Community Center in honor of the late Dorothy Heights, who served as the NCNW’s president from 1957 to 1998, when she became Chair of the Board and President Emerita until her death in 2010. The notable civil rights and women’s rights activist, who loved wearing matching hats with her outfits, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 by President Bill Clinton and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004 through an act of Congress. In addition to Taylor, the Rockdale-Newton Section’s 2017 luncheon committee included Stephanie Holloman-Curtis, chair; Evetta Washngton, program chair; Lynette Vick; Taci Perkins-Walker; Deborah Carter; Linda Evans; and Precious Sidwell. The 2017 trailblazers who were honored at the luncheon are as follows: Retired educator Zelma Stewart, who was recognized for dedicating her life to teaching children in Newton County; Eric Washington, who was recognized for volunteerism in advocating for the NCNW, financial inclusion, economic empowerment and financial dignity of the working poor;  State Rep. Pam Dickerson, who is currently serving her fourth term representing District 113, which includes Rockdale and Newton

counties;  Kendra Williams Boone, who was lauded for her service on the boards of FaithWorks, Covington Kiwanis and the Arts Association of Newton County; Tolbert and Janice Morris, whose Helping Hands Outreach Clinic has served the community since 2004; Meik Lee, who works for the Newton County School System where she’s been employed for over 15 years with the Pre-K Special Needs and the mentally impaired population in Newton County Schools and is the wife of Pastor Eric Lee of Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers; Glenn and Valerie Morgan, founders of On Common Ground News, which marked its 22 anniversary in April; the Newton County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which was chartered September 1946;  Special Agent Felicia N. Jefferson, for her work with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Investigations Unit;  Richard Oden, who was elected in 2009 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rockdale County Government and served until 2016; and Stephanie Holloman-Curtis, for her work with the NCNW and the community at large. In addition to chairing this year’s luncheon, she has served as the Section’s personal decorator for all events. She also has advocated for abused and neglected children through the Rockdale CASA program and served on Rockdale’s SPLOST Oversight Committee, D. L. Sims Elementary School’s PTO as president; Georgia School Council; and as senior advisor to Heritage High School.

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Alcovy Media held their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 15th. They are located at 1122 Monticello Street, Suite 12, Covington, GA 30014. They can be reached by calling (678) 532-8663, or visit their website at www.alcovymedia.com.

Castle Point CSG held their ribbon cutting on Wednesday, August 16th. They can be reached by calling (888) 799-8005.

Beyond the Bell held their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 29th. They are located at 1500 Klondike Road., Suite A101, Conyers, GA 30094. They can be reached by calling (770) 285-6037, or visit their website at www.beyondthebellkids.org.

Only Innocence held their ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 7th. They can be reached by calling (678) 806-8445, or visit their website at www.onlyinnocence.org.

Career Biz Solutions held their ribbon cutting on Wednesday, September 13th. They can be reached by calling (281) 795-9785, or visit their website at www.careerbizsolutions.com.

Rapid Authority Inc. held their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, September 19th. They are located at 1107 West Ave SW, Conyers, GA 30012. They can be reached by calling (770) 648-0504, or visit their website at www.rapid-authority.com.

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THANK YOU

CHAMBER PACESETTERS 2017 PLATINUM Evans Tool & Die Georgia Power Company Kaiser Permanente Rockdale Medical Center Snapping Shoals EMC GOLD Bank of North Georgia Corner Market Eastmore High Priority Plumbing LioChem, Inc. Shurett Dental Group SILVER Acuity Brands Lighting Alcovy Media Asurety Construction Services BB&T Gas South

Hedrick & Dodson Family Dentistry Honda of Conyers Jenae’s Dance Studio Monastery of the Holy Spirit Omega Brothers Pleasant Peds Care of Conyers Pratt Industries Premier Medical Careers Premier Platforms Risk Management Associates of Georgia Rockdale Physician Practices Scot Ward Funeral Services Southeast Connectionns LLC Talley & Associates, PC THP Creative Group

THANK YOU

Interested in joining the Conyers Rockdale Chamber of Commerce? Contact us at 770-483-7049

We are located at

936 Green St SW, Conyers, GA 30012

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

NOVEMBER 11, 2017 • PAGE 7

On Common Ground News Marketplace RESTAURANTS

HEALTH SERVICES

COVERAGE FOR ALL THE THINGS YOU CARE FOR HEALTH SERVICES

■ Automobile insurance ■ Home-owners insurance ■ Life insurance

INSURANCE

COVERAGE Darold "Mayor" Honore' FOR ALL THE THINGS COVERAGE COVERAGE FOR ALL THE YOU CARE FOR THINGS Your Local Agent 6886 MAIN ST LITHONIA, GA 30058 DHONORE@FARMERSAGENT.COM

FOR YOU ALL CARE THE THINGS FOR YOU CARE FOR ■ Automobile insurance ■ Home-owners insurance

AUTOMOBILE HOME OWNER INSURANCE ■ LifeINSURANCE insurance LIFE INSURANCE ■ Automobile insurance Call 678.749.7434 today! ■ Home-owners insurance Get smart about your coverage. Darold "Mayor" Honore' ■ Life insurance Your Local Agent 6886 MAIN ST LITHONIA, GA 30058 Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance DHONORE@FARMERSAGENT.COM

is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Darold "Mayor" Honore'

Your Local Agent 6886 MAIN STtoday! Call 678.749.7434

GA 30058 Get smart aboutLITHONIA, your coverage. DHONORE@FARMERSAGENT.COM

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Call 678.749.7434 today! Get smart about your coverage.

CATERING

Silverspoon Catering BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY CATERING All Turkeys are $6.99 per pound

FRIED or ROASTED: Cajun Turkey, Garlic Turkey, Orange Zinfandel, Buffalo, Rosemary Turkey, Red Wine Brined Turkey, BBQ Turkey, Hot & Spicy Jerk, Traditional Fried Turkey, Honey Pecan

add any sides for an additional $7.99 pound

EMAIL YOUR ORDER TO: silverspoonatl@gmail.com

(404) 808-8166

PAGE 8 • NOVEMBER 11, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM