FREE
VOLUME 23 NUMBER 34
ocgnews.com
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
NOVEMBER 18, 2017
facebook.com/ocgnews
Stonecrest unveils its new City Hall
A
crowd celebrated the grand opening of Stonecrest’s new City Hall. Mayor Jason Lary, his wife Debra, and the five-member City Council held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 11 to mark the historic milestone for the newly-formed city of 50,000 residents. Congressman Hank Johnson and his wife, DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, were among several dignitaries and officials who spoke before the ceremony. The half-day of festivities included a performance by the Arabia Mountain High School Band and entertainment by R&B band, Gritz and Jelly, as well as tours of the 13,000-square-foot City Hall office space. Attendees had a chance to wind their way through the new City Hall headquarters, where they had a chance to see conference rooms named for the four high schools in or in close proximity to the city: Arabia Mountain, Miller Grove and Lithonia, which are all located
within the city, as well as Martin Luther King, Jr. High, which is located just outside of the city. Artwork representing each of the high schools will be showcased in the conference rooms, said Adrion
Bell, the city’s communications director. The tour also included the new chambers where City Council meetings will be held. City officials had occupied temporary office space since July
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
on the first floor of the Strayer University building while their new offices were built directly across from the temporary offices. The address for Stonecrest City Hall is 3120 Stonecrest Blvd.
DeKalb commissioners defer vote on amending alcohol pouring hours
B
Justice for Veterans gets meeting with DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond
D
eKalb County officials are working on an initiative that would include a mobile crisis unit that responds with police on calls concerning the mentally ill, substance abuse, suicides and domestic violence. The initiative is one that former retired Lt. Col. Amos King, who heads Justice for Veterans, applauded DeKalb County’s CEO Michael Thurmond for after a meeting on Nov. 16 with the CEO, DeKalb Police Chief James Conroy and Deputy Chief Sonya Porter. “We had a good meeting. I’m glad we had the opportunity to sit down and talk,” said King, who had spent weeks pressing for a meeting to discuss how police can improve handling cases involving mentally ill veterans. King has been on the front lines fighting for justice for mentally ill veterans who have been killed by the police or are incarcerated. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, King’s organization held a prayer vigil outside the courthouse in downtown Decatur to remember mentally ill veterans who have been killed by law enforcement officers. King said the mother of v27-year-old Quintas Harris, the most SEE VETS, page 3
ar and nightclub owners and their supporters will have a chance to have their voices heard at an upcoming public hearing. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) unanimously voted Nov. 14 to defer action on a proposal to make the last call for alcohol sales at 2 a.m. The deferral will allow for a public hearing on Dec. 5 before commissioners consider the proposal again. The county also placed a moratorium on issuing any 2018 alcohol licenses for on-premises consumption until that vote takes place. Dozens of people wearing red turned out to speak against the proposal, saying it would hurt businesses and their employees, if adopted. Opponents also said a public hearing should be held so the public could weigh in. DeKalb County business owner James McCorkle was among the opponents who spoke out deeming the ordinance unfair. “...You didn’t contact anyone from the Georgia Restaurant Association or the private club association to get them involved with what you deem to be an issue with the pouring and the following of the regulation of the law,” said McCorkle during public comments at the recent BOC meeting. “If you followed the laws that were on the books, you wouldn’t have these issues.” Proponents of the proposal to end alcohol sales for consumption on premises say the latenight establishments negatively impact communities and bring crime. Martha Gross, of the North Druid Hills Residence Association, held up a long list of crime statistics that she said were the results of after-hours establishments. She said after the fire marshal shut them down, the crimes went down drastically. Gross, along with John Walters and Gunter Sharp, of the Briarcliff Woods Civic Association, discussed petitions that supported
James McCorkle
Martha Gross
the proposal to roll back the alcohol pouring hours. Gross said over 500 people signed the petition. During the discussion before the BOC vote, Commissioner Larry Johnson called the measure a “broad brush stroke.” “One size does not fit all,” he said. The proposal comes 10 years after the BOC considered a similar proposal. In 2007, DeKalb commissioners voted to roll back bar hours from 3:55 a.m. to 2 a.m. after the public complained that more late-night establishments had opened in DeKalb in the four years since Atlanta rolled back its hours in 2003. However, then-CEO Vernon Jones vetoed the measure, saying it would reduce revenue from a three-percent tax on alcohol sales.
PAGE 2 • NOVEMBER 18, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
DeKalb tax commissioner to cut ribbon on new Kroger tag renewal kiosk
Rockdale receives grant to fund murals at Milstead Park, J.P. Carr Center
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson will perform a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 7, 10 a.m., for a new tag renewal kiosk inside the Kroger store, 6678 Covington Highway, Decatur. The Department of Motor Vehicle kiosks are available to customers during normal store hours Sunday through Saturday. Johnson first introduced this convenience to DeKalb taxpayers in concert with Kroger, and the Georgia Department of Revenue and Intellectual Technology, Inc. in April 2016. Customers can scan their Georgia driver’s license, or enter registration information, then DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson follow the easy-to-use touch screen prompts to renew up to 10 vehicle registrations in as little as one minute. The self-service kiosks accept payment by credit or debit cards for a fee. Instructions and voice prompts are in English and Spanish and are as easy to use as an ATM, officials said.
A community park and cultural center will be the launching pad for two mural exhibits, thanks to a $5,000 Georgia Council for the Arts Vibrant Communities Grant, which was awarded to the Rockdale Parks and Recreation Department. The Rockdale Youth Mural Exhibit (RYME) will fund two projects: one at Milstead Park and Splash Pad, which will depict a playful theme; the other at the J.P. Carr Community Center, which will depict the center’s historical significance as Rockdale’s former segregated public school for blacks. Jason Redmond, deputy director of Parks and Recreation Operations, said the county hopes to promote local talent with the mural projects. “We want to create public canvases in these two neighborhoods, for starters,” said Redmond. “Murals build a sense of community. We hope to promote local talent and engage the community.” To develop the artwork, the county will search for and select an artist who has prior experience and a passion to lead youth. An essay contest will be the primary source for recruiting young people to participate. Parks and Recreation plans to have both murals completed by June 1, 2018.
Self-service kiosks are available at the DeKalb County Kroger stores listed below: Street City Zip Hours 2875 N Decatur Road Decatur 30033-5911 24 hours 3559 Chamblee Tucker Rd Atlanta 30341-4409 24 hours For more information, go to: dekalbtax.org
DeKalb Thanksgiving sanitation schedule announced
In observance of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 23, sanitation collection service for residential customers will be based on a revised collection schedule as follows: Monday, Nov. 20 – Normal collection day. Tuesday, Nov. 21 – Normal collection day. Wednesday, Nov. 22 – Normal collection day. Thursday, Nov. 23 – Thanksgiving Day observed; no collection service. Friday, Nov. 24 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Nov. 23, will be serviced on Friday, Nov. 24.
RIDER
Conyers Police to prepare citizens for active threats
Conyers Police Department is offering active shooter/threats preparedness training to citizens interested in learning how to best react to such an incident. The goal of this training is to educate citizens on where to go, what to do in the event of an active shooter or other threat. The session is scheduled Nov. 28, 7 p.m., and will last approximately 90 minutes. Email Lieutenant Greg Carson, greg.carson@conyersga.gov for additional information. Please leave your name, phone number, and the number attending. RSVP as soon as possible as space is limited. “In today’s climate, we realize the importance of training not only our officers, but educating our citizens as well,” explains Chief Gene Wilson. “We had great success launching this program last year and are pleased to offer it once again.”
Rockdale Sheriff’s Office seeks toys for needy children The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office is conducting a toy drive to bring joy to needy children this Christmas. Deputies are seeking donations of new toys, which will be accepted at its upcoming Coffee With A Cop on Nov. 29, 4:30 p.m. until close, at Starbucks,1515 Highway 138, Conyers. Those who would like to bring buy a toy may drop in at any time during the toy drive.
ALERT
NO RAIL SERVICE West of 5 Points
November 20th Dome Implosion
Rail replaced with SHUTTLE BUS Service. Details: www.itsmarta.com/DomeImplosion MODIFIED EAST LINE SERVICE: Blue Line 10-minute frequency between Five Points and Indian Creek until regular service is restored. No Green Line trains. Listen to station announcements for platform changes at Five Points, Georgia State and King Memorial stations.
@MARTAtransit @MARTAservice
Stress or Physical Pain?
At Full Body Rejuvenation Center our staff offers the most effective quality health care to satisfy every individual's personal needs. Our combination of chiropractic therapy and physiotherapy allow us to focus on the physiological, as well as the biomechanical aspects of the body. Dr. Smith encourages you to come in and begin your healthy approach to pain management, weight loss or stress relief!
Chiropractic Treatment Physiotherapy Your path to Natural Health
GREEN
ts in Po e
ve Fi
e Vi n
D om
C ity
y hb As
tL W es
H am H ilto ol n m E es .
ak
e
Bankhead
Bank., Ashby, TRSFR, 5Pts
Bring in this ad and receive a
complementary chiropractic consultation
BLUE
H.E.H.,W.L. TRSFR, 5Pts
FULL BODY REJUVENATION CENTER
PURPLE
H.E.H., 5Pts
– STOPS: – FREQUENCY: Green - 10 minutes Blue - 10 minutes Purple - 5 to 7 minutes
– HOURS: Shuttle Bus Service will begin at 4:30am until event clears.
3636 Panola Rd, Ste B
Walmart GRN
Martin Luther King Dr NW
BLU
GRN
BLU
Paschal Blvd NW
– STATIONS: Hamilton E. Holmes, West Lake, Ashby and Bankhead customers will be transported via shuttle bus to and from Five Points.
Green & Blue Bus Shuttle Transfer Point
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank you for riding MARTA.
MOST MAJOR INSURANCES AND OBAMA CARE ACCEPTED!
Lithonia, GA 30038
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com
NOVEMBER 18, 2017 • PAGE 3
DeKalb Delegation sets community meetings for 2018 Legislative Session As state lawmakers prepare to convene for the 2018 Georgia General Assembly session on Jan. 8, the DeKalb Delegation is hosting a series of community meetings. State Rep. Howard Mosby, who chairs the DeKalb House Delegation, said the meetings will provide an opportunity for legislators to share updates, answer questions and receive input from State Rep. Howard Mosby the community on issues and concerns. It’s really a listening session to hear from constituents,” said State Rep. Howard Mosby, who chairs the DeKalb Delegation. “We expect that we’ll be dealing with Emory’s annexation into Atlanta, cityhood of Greenhaven, transportation and MARTA. Also, the ethics bill is under appeal. Casino gambling will likely come up this Session. According to informal polls, rural areas are more open to the idea than urban areas such as Atlanta, Macon, and Augusta, where there is the perception that it generates crime.
The Delegation has scheduled the following meetings: Date: Tuesday, Nov. 28 Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Place: Tucker Annex 4228 First Ave., Tucker Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Annex Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5 Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Place: Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center 3181 Rainbow Drive, Drive Date: Monday, Dec. 11 Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 p.m. Manual Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur For more information, contact State Rep. Howard Mosby, chairman of the DeKalb Delegation at 404-656-0287.
Congressman Hank Johnson announces bid for re-election Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has announced that he will seek re-election for another two-year term. Johnson, a Democrat, has represented the Congressman Fourth District, Hank Johnson since 2007. The district covers portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton counties and all of Rockdale County. “I want to thank the people of Georgia’s 4th Congressional District for entrusting me with the honor of
Decatur Library to host guitarist Larry Hall The Decatur Library branch is hosting a performance by recording artist, guitarist Larry Hall, on all Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7 to 8 p.m., 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. Come and groove to the sounds of Hall in celebration of the art of jazz and R&B music. Hall, an Atlanta native, has performed with acts such as Johnnie Taylor, The Four Tops, The Drifters and The Tams. His style shows his deeply-rooted background in blues, R&B, jazz and gospel music. The performance is free and open to the public.
representing them in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Johnson, who turned 63 in October. “Having served during the terms of three Presidents, and I am committed now more than ever to public service. Because of the daunting challenges we face as a nation, I want to continue working to bring people together to get things done in Congress for the American people and my constituents specifically.” Johnson said he plans to push for affordable healthcare, fair and livable wages, more resources for public education, affordable higher education and vocational training to prepare young people ad adults for
21st century jobs. Johnson is a senior member of both the Judiciary and the Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committees, where he is top Democrat on the T&I Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management that oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and which is also responsible for programs promoting economic development in communities suffering economic distress. Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District encompasses parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton counties and all of Rockdale County.
Rockdale awarded $22.7 million loan for new water pollution control plant
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners has received a $22,680,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) board of directors. The loan will finance the construction of a new 3 million gallon-perday water pollution control plant. The project will address the county’s aging infrastructure by decommissioning three water pollution control plants. The county will pay 1.89 percent interest on the 20-year loan. GEFA Executive Director Kevin Clark said the federal water and sewer programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure. “I’d like to express appreciation to Gov. Deal, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, U.S. Sen. David Perdue, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, state Sens. Tonya Anderson and Rick Jeffares, and state Reps. Doreen Carter, Pam conditioned from page 1 Dickerson, Vernon Jones, Tom Kirby, Pam Stephenson, and Dale Rutledge recent veteran killed by police, attended the prayer vigil. Harris, who suffered for their support,” Clark said. “The state’s commitment to helping cities from PTSD and schizophrenia, died on Aug. 8 after a shootout with police. and counties finance infrastructure development is a main contributor to Harris fired, injuring one officer’s hand. GEFA’s success.” King said his two-hour meeting with DeKalb officials took place at the DeKalb County Police headquarters in Tucker. Deputy Chief Porter shared information on how the mobile unit, which will have a nurse and officer on board, would operate, Porter was promoted to assistant chief of the newly elevated Support Services Division in July. In addition to overseeing the mobile crisis unit, Porter is over the Police Training Academy, recruitment and outreach services including the Police Athletic League, chaplain program and the Citizens Police Academy. King said his visit included a tour of the 911 center. “I wanted to let them know that we’re here to help them in any way that we can,” said King. King said although the CEO said he could not discuss any of the policeinvolved shootings, he was satisfied that the county is taking steps to address the problems. King said he would continue to monitor the case involving Anthony Hill, the unarmed veteran who was shot and killed by a DeKalb County Police officers after officers responded to a call of a naked man acting erratic outside of an apartment complex. Hill was shot by former DeKalb Officer Robert Olsen. King said Millicent Williams, 78, might still be alive today, if her grandson, Gregory Williams, had gotten the help he needed. Gregory Williams, who was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, is preparing to stand trial for her death.
VETS,
PAGE 4 • NOVEMBER 18, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary welcomes Guyana Brigadier Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and the staff of the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute recently welcomed the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier David Granger. Lary said Granger came to Stonecrest to discuss economic development and trade relations. Lary presented Granger with a welcome plaque during a special luncheon on Nov. 4.
DeKalb Medical, Emory Healthcare sign Letter of Intent to form strategic partnership DeKalb Medical and Emory Healthcare have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a strategic partnership between the two institutions. The Letter of Intent signals the beginning of the process to formulate a definitive agreement to bring the two health systems together under the Emory Healthcare system. The partnership would allow for continued growth and expansion of services to even better serve the community. The two institutions anticipate finalizing the partnership in 2018, after receiving final approval from regulatory agencies. “Both Emory and DeKalb Medical have a strong and historical commitment to providing exceptional care to the community,” said Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, Emory University executive vice president for health affairs and CEO of Emory Healthcare. “We understand the importance of both community hospitals and academic medical centers in delivering optimal care to our patients. A partnership with DeKalb Medical will strategically support these efforts.” Robert E. Wilson, president and CEO of DeKalb Medical said he is excited about the future. “Our community has counted on us for 56 years and we’ve always been here – growing to meet our community’s needs,” said Wilson. “This partnership will strengthen our ability to continue to deliver high quality community-based healthcare.” DeKalb Medical is a not-for-profit health system consisting of three hospital campuses in DeKalb County as well as 50 DeKalb Medical Physicians Group offices with 115 providers in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Its medical staff includes more than 800 physicians in 49 specialties. Emory Healthcare is the clinical component of Emory University. As the most comprehensive health system in Georgia, Emory Healthcare includes the Emory Healthcare Network, a clinically integrated network with nearly 2,000 Emory and private practice physicians and seven hospitals in Metro Atlanta, the Emory Clinic, the Emory Wesley Woods campus, 200 provider locations across the state, and nearly 60 urgent care clinics in Metro Atlanta. Emory Specialty Associates is an outreach physician practice organization with 34 locations in 11 counties throughout Georgia.
Hanson Aggregates hosts Greater Lithonia Chamber’s Coffee Connection By Stacey Thibodeaux
T
he Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce recently held its final Coffee Connections of 2017 at Hanson Aggregates Lithonia Quarry, which offered business owners and stakeholders a bus tour of the world-class operations. Hanson Aggregates supplied the rock for the concrete used to construct the new Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta. Chris Edwards, office manager for the quarry, led the tour through the many layers—350 down to the bottom of Pine Mountain—where rock is excavated for
various projects around the world. During the tour, Edwards discussed the quarry’s history, including the fact that the quarry at one time was used to supply chicken feed. He also spoke about some of the more recent projects that Hanson Aggregates worked on such as the new Mercedes Benz Stadium. Edwards said that Hanson Aggregates was the only source used to create all of the concrete for the stadium. The company supplied 250,000 tons of rock for the project, he said. Hanson is committed to educating the community about what it does, and the steps taken to ensure that the environment is protected during their processes. Tours of the quarry are open to the public.
GRAND OPENING OF STONECREST’S NEW CITY HALL
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
NOVEMBER 18, 2017 • PAGE 5
Conyers DDA presents 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award
T
he Conyers Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presented its third annual Outstanding Achievement Award to John Shelley for his efforts in preserving and beautifying the Magnolias Assisted and Memory Care facility located in Olde Town Conyers. The building, originally a residence built by the Tucker family in 1900, opened as a personal care home in 1983 and was acquired by Shelley in 1998. The facility is a licensed 24-room assisted living and memory care service in a former Victorian home. Shelley made façade improvements to the facility this year, as well as interior improvements such as installing new showers and fixtures in bathrooms for residents. “The Conyers Downtown Development Authority Board wanted to recognize the restoration efforts of Mr. Shelley and his contractors to paint the exterior of 964 South Main Street. The new paint, trim, and improvements they are undertaking inside the facility to improve the quality of life for their residents is to be commended,” said DDA Chairman Daniel Digby. “Lindsey Preiss of Olde Town interior design business, Preissless Design, was also instrumental in
recommending a complimentary paint palette for the Magnolias building, so we appreciate her expertise and enthusiasm for the project,” added Digby. This is the third year the DDA has presented the Outstanding Achievement Award to a business in Olde Town Conyers that has taken great care and consideration with beautification and preservation of buildings in the historic district. The inaugural recipients of the award were Andy Shipp and Steve Carter for their preservation efforts of the Old Coca-Cola building at 882 Main Street, followed by Jorge Flores for improvements to his law office located at 951 Railroad Street. The Conyers Downtown Development Authority was created by the Conyers mayor and city council to be a catalyst for revitalization, promotion, development and redevelopment in Olde Town Conyers. The Conyers DDA Board of Directors consists of Chairman Daniel S. Digby, Vice Chairman Brandon Mitchell, Vince Evans, Ronald Godwin, George Levett, Renee Marrett and Keish Momin. The DDA meets the first Tuesday of each month in the city manager’s office at Conyers City Hall at 6 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.
Front row, L-R: Magnolias Director Tina Pierce and Magnolias Executive Assistant Pam Dorman. Middle row: Magnolias Activities Director Mary Barnes. Back row, L-R: DDA Member Keish Momin, John Shelley, DDA Vice Chairman Brandon Mitchell, and DDA Chairman Daniel S. Digby.
Valerie Boyd appointed to DeKalb Public Library Board of Trustees Acclaimed author, scholar and journalist Valerie Boyd is the newest member of the DeKalb County Public Library Board of Trustees. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved Boyd’s appointment as a Library Trustee at its November meeting. Boyd is the author of Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston, considered the definitive biography of Hurston. The book was a winner of the Southern Book Award and was recognized as a Notable Book by the American Library Association. Currently, Ms. Boyd is editing Gathering Blossoms Under Fire: the Journals of Alice Walker, scheduled for publication
Valerie Boyd
in 2018. The collection of personal journals by the Pulitzer Prizewinning Walker spans more than 50 years. Boyd, who was honored by
Gov. Nathan Deal in October with the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities, says she is eager to serve the community in her new role. “Libraries have meant so much to me over the course of my life. As an inquisitive child growing up in a working-class family in Atlanta, I saw the public library as a magical place where I had free access to amazing books that opened up new worlds to me,” Boyd said. “It was at the public library that I first encountered writers like James Baldwin and Alice Walker—writers whose work is still so important to me today. And now, as an author who often writes from the archives,
I still consider the library a magical, vibrant place. I look forward to serving on the Board of Trustees to give back just a fraction of the goodness I’ve received from libraries over the decades and to do my part to keep our DeKalb libraries vibrant and relevant in these challenging times.” Chair Sara Fountain said Boyd is an excellent addition to the Library Board because of her “broad knowledge and appreciation of literature, her extensive reporting and journalism background, her close ties with the arts and culture scene in Metro Atlanta, her teaching expertise and deep appreciation of libraries.”
Discover DeKalb honored for outstanding web site design Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau was recently awarded two 2017 MarCom Awards recognitions. The MarCom Awards, sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, recognizes outstanding achievements by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of marketing and communications materials and programs. Discover DeKalb won Gold for “New Website Design” in the Digital Media/Design (Web) category and received Honorable Mention for the “2017 LGBT Destination Guide” in the Print Media/Print Creativity category. “To be recognized by experts like the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) and MarCom Awards is an honor. The effort we put into producing fresh, strategic content and material goes without saying because we love what we do,” said James Tsismanakis, Executive Director. "Our staff is known to be creative and dedicated to developing collateral with the visitor in mind." MarCom is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious creative competitions in the world. MarCom is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), a 23-year old international organization consisting of several thousand creative professionals.
PAGE 6 • NOVEMBER 18, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Let’s be thankful every day
Ruth A. Wilson Rockdale Clerk of Court My day started out something like this: Me: God, can I ask you a question? God: Sure. Me: Promise you won’t get mad? God: I promise.
Me: Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today? God: What do you mean? Me: Well, I woke up late. God: Yes. Me: My car took forever to start. God: Okay. Me: At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait. God: Hmmm. Me: On the way home my phone went dead just as I picked up a call. God: Okay. Me: And on top of all that, when I got home I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massage and relax, but it wouldn’t work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that? God: Well, let me see. The Death Angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I
let you sleep through that. Me: (humbled): OH... God: I didn’t let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road. Me: (ashamed) God: The person who made your first sandwich today was sick and I didn’t want you to catch what he has. I knew you couldn’t afford to miss work. Me: (embarrassed): Ok... God: Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn’t even let you talk to them so that you would be covered. Me: (softly) I see, God. God: Oh, and that foot massage had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn’t
think you wanted to be in the dark. Me: I’m sorry God. God: Don’t be sorry, just learn to trust me in all things, the good and the bad. Me: I will trust you. God: And don’t doubt that MY plan for your day is always better than your plan. Me: I won’t, God. And let me just tell you, God, thank you for everything today. God: You’re welcome, child. It was just another day being your God, and I love looking after my children. Every day we are fortunate to wake up and see is a day to be grateful for. If you are reading this article, you are blessed abundantly. Keep in mind there are millions around the world who would love to trade places with you.
The Spirit of Giving The Resource Center for Community Action (RCCA) hosted its Thanksgiving mobile food pantry distribution on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. Volunteers helped pass out food boxes during the half-day give away. Food also as given away at Mayor’s Park in Lovejoy, Georgia on Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year marked the second year that RCCA has held the Community Thanksgiving giveaways at two locations. RCCA’s free giveaway was one of several efforts to assist those in need in the local area. The Unique Corvettes Club also pitched in to assist 50 needy families at Pine Street Elementary School in Rockdale County. The club provided 50 turkeys to students from needy homes, said Tommy Plummer, who is a member of the club. Plummer also made sure juveniles at the county’s detention center received a preThanksgiving Day meal with all of the trimmings. The Rockdale NAACP partnered on the effort. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
NOVEMBER 18, 2017 • PAGE 7
On Common Ground News Marketplace RESTAURANTS
HEALTH SERVICES
HEALTH SERVICES
DENTAL Peach Blossom Dental wants to provide you with an exceptional experience. We strive to take the fear out of going to the dentist, offering the latest technology in dentistry. We have a talented dentist and staff that are solely here to brighten your smile.
CATERING
Silverspoon Catering
Call us today to schedule your appointment! (770) 934-5144
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY CATERING All Turkeys are $6.99 per pound
2256 Northlake Parkway, Suite 150, Tucker, GA 30084
www.peachblossomdental.com • Accepting New Patients
99
$
• Healthy Mouth Cleaning • X-Rays New Patients Without • Exam Insurance Only • Fluoride
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 18, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM