LEGACY. LEADERSHIP. MATURITY VOLUME 22 NUMBER 48
FREE
MARCH 18, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Jones files ethics complaint against DeKalb’s ethics officer
S
tate Rep. Vernon Jones has filed an ethics complaint against DeKalb County’s Ethics Officer Stacey Kalberman for violating state laws that prohibit the ethics officer from involvement in the county’s political affairs. Jones filed the report on March 15, citing his own personal observations and media reports of Kalberman actively working to get legislation passed to make changes to the DeKalb County Board of Ethics. The state ethics law, passed in 2015, states in Section 22Å (i)(2): “The ethics officer shall not be involved in partisan or nonpartisan political activities or the political affairs of DeKalb County.” Additionally, the Board of Ethics’ own website states the ethics officer must have “no involvement in DeKalb County politics.” Jones said Kalberman was down at the Georgia Capitol on March 6, 13 and 14 lobbying members of the
DeKalb legislative delegation, also in violation of state laws prohibiting anyone who is not registered and approved as a lobbyist. Reached about the complaint, Kalberman said she could not comment on it because she had not seen it. Asked whether she had been lobbying at the Capitol, she said “No, I have not.” In Jones’ complaint, however, minutes from the Board of Ethics’ state the board voted 6-0 last October to direct the Ethics Officer to ask the DeKalb Delegation for changes to the Code of Ethics. Jones’ complaint against Kalberman comes amidst a battle between the House of Representatives’ DeKalb Policy Committee members who are trying to change the way the Board of Ethics members are appointed. The legislators deadlocked 3-3 on State Rep. Scott Holcomb’s local bill on March 13. Also introduced on the Senate side was SB273 mirroring Hol-
comb’s local bill. Jones said the bill should be halted until a judge decides on a legal challenge by former DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton. “We need to wait for that decision before we start changing the laws,” said Jones. “The Ethics Board needs Stacey Kalberman State Rep.Vernon Jones a comprehensive overhaul to protect approved a referendum to establish the the innocent and hold the guilty acnew board last November, replacing countable, including the ethics board’s the former board previously chosen by members and their employees.” the CEO and county commissioners. The new board, which started Sutton’s attorney, Dwight Thomas, work in January, is responsible for said there are too many holes in the reviewing allegations of improper be- current law. havior of county employees and elect- “In her (Kalberman) zeal to pursue ed officials and hiring a full-time ethics officer to oversee the operations, according to House Bill 597. Voters See Ethics complaint, page 11
Arabia National Heritage Area unveils signage program South River Kyak Trail launched
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rabia Mountain National Heritage Area officials, DeKalb County commissioners and other key partners unveiled renderings of the signage that will mark trailheads and other areas of historic and natural interests in the National
Heritage Area. The unveiling followed another big announcement on the same day: the DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs’ launch of the South River Kyak Access Point at 4460 Panola Road, Lithonia.
Once that project is completed, a path will provide access to the edge of the South River Water Trail for non-motorized watercraft. Mera Cardenas, executive director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, expressed excitement over the South River Water project as she announced the March 16 Arabia signage program. She said the comprehensive program would be constructed in phases for the “world class” attraction, which sits in far Southeast DeKalb. “This sign project will allow us to build gateways to welcome visitors to DeKalb County and the National Heritage area at sites like Vaughters Farm, the city of Lithonia and Flat Rock Archives,” said Cardenas, adding that trail users will no longer have to wonder how far they have to go when they enter the trail. She said every trailhead will
have a kiosk and a map. Roadway signage, Cardenas said, will help people unfamiliar with the area identify the sites of interest that have historic and natural interests. DeKalb County Commissioners Mereda Davis Johnson and Gregory Adams, helped unveil the concept drawings and the granite stones donated by the Lithonia Quarry for the signage project. Johnson, who represents District 5 where the National Heritage Area is located, was recognized for introducing a resolution to secure approximately $563,000 in funding for the project. The money will come from the county’s hotel/motel tax. Johnson said her husband, Congressman Hank Johnson, who was on DeKalb County’s Board of Commis-
See Arabia Mountain, page 11
PAGE 2 •MARCH 18, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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MARCH 18,2017 • PAGE 3
Operation Clean Sweep nets 50 tons on kickoff day
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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DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond honors the inspiration for Operation Clean Sweep, Cynthia Houston, as District 7 Commissioner Greg Adams looks on.
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uring the first Saturday of Operation Clean Sweep, DeKalb County crews removed more than 50 tons of debris from a 12-mile stretch of South Stone Mountain-Lithonia, Panola and Redan roads. . “Operation Clean Sweep is an initiative created by DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, voted on by the commissioners and organized across several DeKalb departments,” said Director of Beautification Marcus Kellum. “We all know what we need to do, and we’re ready to do it.” At the March 11 kickoff, Thurmond honored DeKalb resident Cynthia Houston
DeKalb CEO names Talisa Clark chief procurement officer Clark, who served as the county’s interim chief procurement officer since December 2015, began working for DeKalb County Purchasing and Contracting Department in 2005. “Through Ms. Clark’s leadership, the Purchasing and Contracting Department has leveraged the use of current and new technologies to continuously improve the proTalisa Clark curement process and offer worldclass service to internal and external stakeholders,” said Thurmond. During her tenure with DeKalb County, Clark has worked as buyer assistant, administrative operations supervisor, deputy chief procurement officer and procurement deputy director. She was instrumental with the department’s 2014 reorganization and development of new policies and procedures. Clark is a graduate of Clayton State University where she earned a bachelor of arts and a master of business administration in business management. Clark is a member of National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) and Governmental Procurement Association of Georgia. Clark serves as treasurer on the board of executives of the Georgia Chapter of NIGP, which in 2015 named her Procurement Manager of the Year.
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In areas too thick for the street sweeper, crews manually dig debris to clear the curb
who helped inspire the Operation Clean Sweep initiative. “Long before I ever thought about being CEO, I noticed Ms. Houston always out on the side of the road, picking up trash, no matter the weather,” said Thurmond. “We’re kicking off Operation Clean Sweep today in her honor.” “You have to have respect for where you live and your environment,” said Houston. “If you don’t, then nobody else will.” On March 18, an Operation Clean Sweep crew will travel north on Panola Road from Snapfinger Road to Salem Road.
Motorists are advised to drive with caution around employees and equipment. Operation Clean Sweep will continue each Saturday through August to clear grass, trash and debris from roadway drains and curbs, mow rights-of-way and remove litter. Crews will focus on 300 miles of major arterial roads first, then work on collector roads and residential streets. Once the initial clearing is complete, street sweepers will service and maintain all 2,000 miles of DeKalb roadway and 4,000 miles of curbs four times a year. Find updates on Operation Clean Sweep at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/clean-sweep.
Rockdale BOC names Human Resources Director
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) named Toni Holmes, the District Community Development Coordinator. As the new director, she will oversee community development and public relations including the LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. The BOC unanimously confirmed Holmes for selection on March 14. She began her duties on March 15. Holmes has more than 20 years of experience in human resources, employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, labor relations, organization and personnel planning. She is the president and founder of WeAreHR, LLC. Holmes earned her Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. She previously worked in consulting roles with GTM Inc., a marketing firm in Atlanta; Carter Brothers Security Services, LLC; and D&N Electric Company and several other companies where she was responsible for strategic human resource planning, selecting talent, and overseeing operations
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UGA extension offers “jam” packed science workshops for kids
Coming Up
Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
Join the UGA Extension on Friday, March 24, 4 to 7 p.m. for a hands-on canning workshop at the Gwinnett County Annex Building, 750 South Perry Street, Suite 200, Lawrenceville. Children and their parents will learn how easy preserving food is in this hands-on canning workshop. Participants will learn the science behind food safety and food preservation while preparing their own jam that they can take home. Admission for this workshop is $10 and is open to children 5 to 12 years of age. Register for this event in advance and then pay when you get there. To register, email inesb@uga.edu or call us at 678-377-4010. For more information, visit www.atlantasciencefestical.com.
ROCKDALE
36th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival The third annual Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on March 25-26h 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Brookhaven. Families, including four legged friends, are invited out for an afternoon of fun in the sun, food and live music. The two-day festival will include a pet costume contest and pet parade, interactive children’s village, a classic car show, 5K Race and 1K walk, artisan’s marketplace, food trucks. For more information, visit brookcherryfest.org.
ATLANTA
Local author presents civil rights lecture with rarely seen photos The Auburn Avenue Research Library, in collaboration with Arcadia Publishing and Preserve Black Atlanta, will host author and historian Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado on Thursday, March 23, 7 p.m. at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta. Sims-Alvarado will discuss her latest book, Atlanta and the Civil Rights Movement: 1944-1968. The book gives a visual account of the Modern Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta and depicts the courageous men and women who made it possible. Sims-Alvarado is the founder and CEO of Preserve Black Atlanta, Inc. and has served as a historian and consultant with the Herndon Home Museum, Georgia State University and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.afpls.org.
DEKALB
Walking food tours offer glimpse of international food scene Get ready for an enticing feast on foot on Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m., in downtown Decatur. Prepare to enjoy foods from some of downtown Decatur’s finest restaurants while learning about the diverse culture and history of the city. Along the tour, a Cultural Culinary Connector will take your senses on a stroll to five local restaurants where you will sample a variety of cuisines including authentic Korean, Italian and Latin along with some traditional American fare. Guests will also get to visit an artisan olive and vinegar tasting room to learn the varied usage for oil and vinegar. For more information or to book a tour, visit downtowndecaturfoodtours.com. to 14. Email NGATLCommunityRelations@ngc.com to register.
The City of Conyers will present the 36th annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival on March 25 –26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. The festival was created to encourage cultural understanding and friendship through international music, dance, games, food and crafts. The festival offers multiple stages for continuous entertainment, hundreds of art and craft booths, food vendors, children’s activities and civic and nonprofit organizations. There is a $5 charge for one-day parking or $8 to attend both days. Admission is free and there are no pets allowed. For more information, visit www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com
Conyers production team brings Jack and the Beanstalk to life Families are invited to experience the childhood classic, Jack and the Beanstalk, on March 28, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Rockdale Auditorium, 901 Main Street, Conyers. The David Stephens brings to life the popular children’s story with a twist. The audience will get a different look at the tale of Jack and his encounters with magic beans, a beanstalk, a giant, and some other fairy tale favorites during the play. Student tickets are $4. Adults are free. Contact Rick Caruso at the Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts for ticket reservations at 770-922-3143 or at rcaruso@conyersarts.org. .
DeKalb to host free career-readiness expo for Youths WorkSource DeKalb will host its 2017 “Youth ROCK! EXPOsed,” April 3-4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center, 495 North Indian Creek Road, Clarkston, Georgia. The free event aims to prepare DeKalb County youths for summer employment opportunities with workshops such as resume writing, dressing for success, effective communication and entrepreneurship. Attendees also can participate in a job fair and gain assistance researching scholarships. Youths who complete the career readiness training at the expo and are selected to participate in the DeKalb Works Summer Employment Program will be able to apply participation in this event to the work-readiness requirement of the summer program. Space at the expo is limited. Register online to reserve a spot at www.bit.do/ youthrock. For more information, contact WorkSource DeKalb at 404-687-3400. WorkSource DeKalb (WSD) is an EEO/M/F/D/V employer/program. Auxiliary aids/services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
GWINNETT
Gwinnett County to host local artisans market The public is invited to purchase unique pieces of art from local crafters on Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Various types of art will be on sale including handmade craft pieces, photographs, paintings and more. Admission is free of charge. Vendor spaces are $21 and include 1 table and 2 chairs. Spaces are limited. To register, call 678-277-0890.
Please check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers.
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DeKalb tax commissioner to discuss exemptions for homeowners
Join DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson and staff members along with District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw for an in-depth look at how homeowners and senior citizens may save money on their annual property taxes. The meeting will be held on Monday, March 27, 7 p.m., DeKalb County Fire Station Community #25 Community Room, 7136 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner or call 404-298-4000. Commissioner Bradshaw can be reached at Srbradshaw@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-371-4907.
MARCH 18, 2017 • PAGE 5
287 Homeowners Participate in Rent-to-Own Heating & Air Program
City of Decatur to hold Touch-A-Budget Expo March 21 The City of Decatur is hosting its annual Touch-A-Budget Expo, 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, on the MARTA Plaza. Every one in the community is welcome at this free event. The purpose of Touch-A-Budget is to engage people of all ages in the city’s budgeting process in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. In addition to learning about the city’s plans for spending in the July 2017 – June 2018 fiscal year, the expo will feature music, food and prizes. The popular Card of Strategy game returns this year, appropriate for ages 5 to 105. Public safety and public works vehicles will be parked in front of the Old Courthouse for children and adults to see up close. A tiny officel also will be on hand for touring. Touch-A-Budget attendees will be able to visit the Visitors’ Center tent and sign up as special events volunteers. For more information about the event or the city’s annual budget, visit www.decaturga.com/budget.
During the first 2 months in business the National Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG) has approved 287 homeowners for the Rent-To-Own, Heating and Air Conditioning Program in DeKalb County. The program still has about 1200 slots available. We had to recruit additional heating and air contractors to keep pace with the call volume said Percy Brooks, CEO of the NSEG. Qualification for approval: Homeowner property taxes must be current. Monthly payments range from $89.95 to $109.95 depending on the size Sen. Tonya Anderson to host town hall of the heating & air conditioning unit and upgrades. All Goodman heating State Sen. Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia) will host a town hall meeting on and air units come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Approval and installaMonday, March 27, 6:30 until 8 p.m., at Antioch A.M.E. Church, 765 S. Hairston tion can be completed within 5 business days. Road, Stone Mountain. We are extremely honored to be able to assist so many homeowners that The meeting will cover bills that have passed in the Senate, bills on the calendar and how this legislation could affect you and your family. Sen. Anderson encourag- had given up on securing consumer financing to purchase a heating and air conditioning unit. We view this alternative option as one of the finest in the es members of the public to attend as this meeting serves as a forum for concerned country said Brooks. I’m sure that we will exceed our goal of assisting 1500 citizens to have their voices heard by legislators. homeowners across the Metro Atlanta area. Anderson represents the 43rd Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties. She may be reached by email at tonya. Our partners include UtiliPro, Omega Heating and Air, and Goodman anderson@senate.ga.gov. Mfg. UtiliPro has provided service to over 3 million homeowners in North America and Canada. The program meets the EPA requirements for the new R-410A refrigerant upgrades. It also improves the quality of life and increases property value for homeowners. Our major objective is to share our program among the Faith-based community and Homeowners Associations (HOA’s) said Brooks. We needed an alternative option for homeowners with less than perfect credit, who paid their property taxes on time, but couldn’t obtain traditional consumer financing for heating & air service. We all hit speed bumps in life. Our typical client has lived in their home for an average of 12+ years said Brooks. Energy home improvements are among the most expensive home improvement projects for homeowners said Brooks. There are over 120,000 homeowners without heating & air service and over 700,000 units working at 40% capacity or less. We see this as an excellent opportunity for homeowners to rent and relax. Phone Number: 404-220-8719 percybrooks.meb@live.com www.hvachomesystem.com Paid advertisement
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For the latest updates on the elections, visit www.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
www.ocgnews.com
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MARCH 18, 2017 • PAGE 7
Election Day Tuesday, March 21
Stonecrest Candidates City Council, Post 1
Mayor
Douglas E. Favors II
Charles E. Hill II
Jason Lary, Sr.
City Council, Post 2
Plez A. Joyner
Alexis Bethel Morris
Gretchen Jones Torbert
Jesses “Jay” Cunningham
Mary-Pat Hector
Charles Ross
City Council, Post 37
Rob Turner
City Council, Post 4
Geraldine Champion
Jimmy Clanton, Jr.
Jazzmin Randall Cobble
Eric Hubbard
City Council, Post 5
Jonathan “JP” Phillips George Turner Jr.
Diane Daniels Adoma
Tammy L Grimes
LLoyd Morrison
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Deal honors international trade leaders’ statewide impact
MARTA bus operators honored for “Million Miler”
MARTA recently honored two veteran bus operators for driving more than a million miles without a preventable incident. Bus operators Arluther Deadwyler and Coy Dumas Jr. received MARTA’s Million Mile Safe Driver Award — earning an elite designation among their peers nationwide. For more than four decades, Deadwyler and Dumas navigated busy streets across MARTA’s service areas. While Deadwyler and Dumas’ routes may have changed over the year, their commitment to safety never wavered. “I’m thankful to have been recognized,” said Deadwyler, who has driven more than 1,290,000 miles incident free. “We have a job to do and rules to guide our work that puts safety first. There’s no better feeling than being appreciated for the work we do.” Despite traveling more than 1,330,000 miles without a preventable incident, Dumas considers mentorship his greatest on-the-job accomplishment, as he continues to share his passion for safety with other operators. “The work we do here is on the same level as emergency teams because we carry the most valuable cargo — human lives, and one of my many roles is being an instructor and a mentor,” Dumas said. MARTA GM/CEO Keith Parker says it is no accident these two, longtime employees are joining this prestigious group. “This award speaks to the daily commitment our bus operators have to drive safely and provide the highest level of customer service at all times,” Parker said. As MARTA continues to expand both its rail and bus options across the region, safety remains the Authority’s top priority. “Our operators play an essential role helping more than 400,000 MARTA travelers reach their destinations safely on a daily basis,” Parker said. “I applaud Mr. Deadwyler and Dumas for their ongoing commitment to being a shining example of exemplary safety and customer service to our riders.”
The 2017 GLOBE Award winners are: • AMK9 – West Point • American Panel Corporation - Alpharetta • Aventure Aviation - Peachtree City • Bell Plantation, Inc. - Tifton • CentricsIT - Norcross • Crider Foods - Stillmore • Ecolink Inc. - Tucker • GF Health Products, Inc. - Atlanta • Global Atlanta - Atlanta • Heat Technologies Inc. - Atlanta • Hydro Dynamics, Inc. - Rome • Innovative Supplies Worldwide, Inc. - Columbus • Interactive Communications International Inc. - Atlanta • MuniRem Environmental LLC - Duluth • One World Inc. - Tucker • OptiLedge LLC - Newnan • PolyCase Ammunition LLC - Savannah • Quantum Aviation Solutions - Athens • Richland Rum - Richland • SASCO Chemical Group, Inc. - Albany • Savannah Bee Company - Savannah • Vayando - Atlanta • Zcorum - Alpharetta GDEcD also unveiled a new interactive trade map, which provides users with detailed information regarding Georgia’s top trade partners around the world. You can explore the map here.
Gov. Nathan Deal, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), presented 24 businesses with GLOBE (Georgia Launching Opportunities By Exporting) Awards at the 2017 Go Global reception. The stateled awards program recognizes companies that entered into a new international market in the previous year. “The Go Global event highlights innovative businesses and the enormous impact trade has on Georgia’s economy, Gov. Nathan Deal while providing industry leaders an opportunity to network and strengthen relationships with international partners,” said Deal. “These businesses contribute heavily to Georgia’s success in exports and significantly bolster the state’s economy by reaching new markets. In 2016, total trade between Georgia and the world exceeded $121.7 billion and exports exceeded $35.5 billion. With our strong international presence, Georgia is ready and able to support companies looking to achieve new levels of success while reinforcing Georgia’s position as a leader in global commerce.” The fourth annual Go Global reception allows Georgia companies to network with the state’s international representatives from 11 strategic markets including Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Ireland. The top markets among this year’s winners include Australia, Japan, Latin America and the United Kingdom. “It is because of the dedication of this year’s GLOBE Award winners that Georgia is able to tout another year as a leader in international trade,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “International business and trade are both extremely vital to Georgia’s economy, and I am proud of the important work that these companies have done to keep us competitive in the global economy.” The 24 GLOBE Award winners from 15 counties collectively expanded into 129 new markets in 2016. Of the winners, 75 percent are classified as small businesses, employing less than 100 employees. “Leveraging international trade opportunities is integral to economic development in Georgia. Companies in nearly every county in Georgia have utilized GDEcD’s international trade services to expand their business on a global scale,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of International Trade Mary Waters. “Receiving a GLOBE Award not only provides a chance for companies to be recognized for their hard work, but it also highlights the opportunities we offer at the state level to help companies thrive in competitive markets.”
Kingdom Builders sets prayer breakfast to recharge your mind, body and soul TUCKER—The Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards will host its inaugural Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Restoration Church of deliverance, 4874 North Royal Atlanta Road, Tucker. The theme, “Activate Your Now Faith,” Prophetess Alicia Cardwell Alston Evangelist Valerie Curtis will equip, empower and enable men and women to pray with greater power. Evangelist Valerie Curtis of Open Door Outreach Center in Riverdale, Georgia will be the keynote speaker. Currently, she serves as an associate minister of the Open Door Outreach Center and a Ministerial Liaison to Apostle Mary D. Lawrence. As a proponent of programs that foster the complete development of today’s youths, she strongly believes that she has been set aside to impact the lives of the last day generation. “It is a great blessing to serve others as we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” said Evangelist Curtis. The prayer breakfast will highlight the importance of the relationship between prayer and faith and engage attendees in lively praise and worship with recording artist Patrick Parker Jr., producer of Unified Praise and Waiting. Elder Donna Frazier of Worshippers Interceding For Excellence Church and executive producer of Metro Café: Sanctified in the City will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Prophetess Alicia Cardwell Alston, who founded the Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards three years ago, said the attendees can look forward to being spiritually recharged and rejuvenated. “This prayer breakfast is timely as many are seeking answers to life challenges and constant changes in their lives. Prayer is the foundation to a life of faith in God, Prophetess Alston said. “It’s time to pray.” For more information, call 404-455-6678 or visit www.Kingdombuildersawards.com or email Kingdombuildersawards@gmail.com.
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MARCH 18,2017 • PAGE 9
Celebration of life for Bishop Egleton Leroy Woodside, Sr. set March 18.
T
December 12,1938- March 10,2017
he Honorable Bishop Egleton Leroy Woodside, Sr. received his Wings of Glory and went home to be with God on Friday morning, March 10, 2017. He was 78. Bishop Woodside was a premarital counselor, mar-
riage counselor, life teacher and he was over benevolence at Voices of Faith Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr.. Bishop Woodside was the fifth son of eleven children born to the late Bishop Herbert Woodside, Sr. and the
late Evangelist Lillian Maude Woodside on Dec. 12, 1938. He was raised and educated in Florida and it was there that he received Christ as his personal savior. He moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. to live with his aunt and uncle. In 1958, he met the love of his life and married her on Sept. 5, 1959. He was married to Eva Woodside, for 57 years. To this union were born seven children, who all are serving in ministry: Pastor Regina Williams(Bishop Fabian); Pastor Leroy Woodside, Jr. (Pastor Yvonne); Pastor Tyrone Woodside (Pastor Frances); Antoniette Woodside; the Rev. Bernard Woodside (Patricia); Elder Charmise Desire (Yves); and Pastor Tabreeca Woodside. The couple began their new life and ministry as one. They joined the Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn, N.Y. under the leadership of Bishop C.L. Sexton, Sr. Bishop Woodside’s ordination was per-
formed by Bishop O.M. Kelly. In 1974, he founded First Church of God in Christ and over the years, his ministry flourished with him becoming the overseer of a group of Pakistani churches. Locally, he worked with a host of Spanish-speaking congregations and in 2002, he was consecrated as a Bishop and appointed presiding Prelate of the Inner City International Churches, Inc. After years of laboring, Bishop Woodside turned his ministry over to his son, Pastor Leroy Woodside, Jr., and he and Mother Woodside moved to Snellville and connected with Bishop Hawkins at Voices of Faith. Bishop Woodside wore many hats in his life, one being the Chaplain of Nassau City, NY Sheriff’s Department. He also retired from NYC Transit. “Mother Woodside,” affectionately called by those who know her, said her husband retired, but he was such
a hard worker that he didn’t really know what retirement was. He never stopped working for the Lord. With a servant’s spirit, he would give away food to those in need, before it made it to his own house. In his pastime, Bishop Woodside enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading books such as “Rich Man Poor Man,” The Leader Within You by John Maxwell, “Spiritual Apprenticeship (Opening Doors of Promotion)” by Mark Carrillo and the books of Tony Evans, to name a few. Bishop Woodside also loved to work in his yard and to garden. The celebration of life for Bishop Woodside will be held Saturday, March 18, 11 a.m. at Voices of Faith Ministries, 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W.,Stone Mountain, GA. The body will lie in state 10 a.m. at the church . -Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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Clear Speech, LLC held their ribbon cutting on Monday, January 30th. They are located at 2395 Wall Street, Suite 190, Conyers, GA 30013. They can be reached by calling (404) 202-8490, or check out their website at www.clearspeechllc.com.
Essential Family Care held their ribbon cutting on Monday, February 27th. They are located at 1765 Parker Road, Suite B240, Conyers, GA 30094. They can be reached by calling (678) 609-6282.
Edward Jones – Jason Witcher held their ribbon cutting on Thursday, February 23rd. They are located at 1795 Parker Road, Suite 110, Conyers, GA 30094. They can be reached by calling (770) 648-6235, or check out their website at www.edwardjones.com/ jason-witcher.
Le Finch Bistro held their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, February 28th. They are located at 936 Green Street SW, Suite 400, Conyers, GA 30012. They can be reached by calling (770) 918-5015.
COMMERCE CLUB 2017 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Atlanta 4D Printing, Inc. ARC Homes Realty Group, LLC Barlay Law Group LLC Caliber Home Loans Colonial Heating & Air, Inc. Consolidated Copier Services Conyers Animal Hospital Conyers Flower Shop Copy Central, Inc. Farmers & Merchants Bank Future Staff imijit.net Georgia Piedmont Technical College Georgia United Credit Union Infinity Network Solutions Massey Law Firm, LLC Peachtree Academy Private School Randy’s Carpet Plus Raymond Engineering, Inc. Rehorn Professional Group Rueping Associates PC, CPA Retirement Wealth Management Strategies Servpro of Conyers/Covington The Tabb Insurance Agency, Inc. Zaxby’s
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MARCH 18,2017 • PAGE 11
On Common Ground News Marketplace
Ms. Sutton, she has broken the law herself,” said Thomas. “Who investigates her?” Thomas said he is challenging the legality of the ethics board appointments by four organizations, which constitute the quorum of the board: Leadership DeKalb, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the DeKalb Bar Association and a group comprising six local universities and colleges. He said he didn’t have a problem with the other three appointments to the board, which are made by the probate judge, Superior Court Judge and the DeKalb Legislative Delegation because those are elected officials. “Appointments by the four organizations is unconstitutional. It is illegal. Private citizens can’t run government,” Thomas said. “The Board of Ethics is a governmental entity and it’s a regulatory entity. The Georgia Supreme Court has said over and over again that private organizations can make recommendations, but they’re not mandatory recommendations.” Thomas said the ethics board should be comprised of members who are elected by the voters so that they can be held accountable. John Evans, who heads the civil rights Operation LEAD organization, questions why none of the four groups who make the appointments, are from predominately black organizations such as the NAACP. “The NAACP ought to have an appointment on the board. It’s the same old mess—not enough diversity,” Evans said. “We need to scrub the whole list.”
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sioners in 2001, allocated parks bond funding for Arabia. “I’m very happy to be here today. I wish Hank could be here to see what his seed has produced,” said Mereda Johnson, adding that the hotel taxes will fund stage 1 and a portion of stage 2 of the total amount requested for the signage project. “This is a prize jewel and it needed to be treated as such. We have to have the best possible signage ever to sell this mountain (bring in tourists),” said Johnson. Earlier in the day, Johnson also praised the launch of the South River Kyak project, saying it would be the first among several projects the county’s parks department has planned to promote the underused natural resource that is the South River. Adams said he was excited to help kick off the signage project and looks forward to “whatever role I can play with Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson to continue the vision and the passion that her husband put into this, Congressman Hank Johnson, and for everyone that played a significant role and part in getting this.” Cardenas said having a National Heritage Area in a community has a significant economic impact on communities, according to a 2012 report from the U.S. Department of Interior. “This is similar to having a manufacturing plant or a hospital in a community,” Cardenas said. The Alliance commissioned the design concepts for the comprehensive signage program with Signature Design. Each site, ranging from the Arabia Mountain PATH trailheads to gateways such as the Vaughters Farm, Flat Rock Archives and the city of Lithonia, will have signs designed and produced to assist visitors. Hanson Aggregates Southeast designed the first phases of the Arabia Mountain PATH and is donating stone for the gateway structures and entrance signs. Hanson also will provide specialized equipment and personnel to assist with the construction. The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area includes portions of DeKalb, Rockdale and Henry counties with nearly 18 miles of paved hike/bike trails. Arabia is one of only 49 areas across the country recognized as “National Heritage Area.” The Arabia Alliance is supported by a network of public jurisdictions and private partners. Partners collaborating on the signage project include DeKalb County, City of Lithonia, Discover DeKalb, Stonecrest Business Alliance and Hanson Aggregates Southeast, which donated a portion of the granite materials.
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