VOLUME 22 NUMBER 37
FREE
DECEMBER 24, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
DROUGHT ADVISORY DeKalb restaurants asked to serve water only by requests
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he DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) recently sent 5,000 notifications to food service establishments in DeKalb County to advise them to restrict serving water to only customers who make requests. The advisory comes in the wake of a Level 2 drought. In November, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division declared a Level 2 drought in 52 Georgia counties including DeKalb. In response to the drought, all food service establishments are instructed to serve water only to customers who request it. To conform with state regulations, this requirement is in effect immediately as part of DeKalb County’s Drought Restrictions response and in conformance with Georgia Administrative Code Rule 301-3-30-.07 (05), county officials said in a news release. “Even though we’ve had some rain lately, we remain in a drought and it is important that everyone conserve water at every opportunity,” said Scott Towler, director of DWM. “DeKalb County will do everything necessary to ensure compliance because it’s the right thing to do.” In addition, DWM strongly recommends the following water saving measures for food service establishments: • Check and repair leaks inside and outside the business. • Fill dishwashers to capacity before running. Make sure there is a full load every time. • Replace spray heads with high-efficiency models. • Scrape dishes before washing them and avoid using garbage disposals. These practices prevent wasting water and can prevent pipe clogs from excessive fats, oils and grease. For more information applicable to homes and businesses on the latest drought status, visit the official Georgia Environmental Protection Division site at www.epd.georgia.gov/ water-conservation. For conservation tips, brochures and videos, visit www.mydropcounts. org.
Organizers set Rockdale’s inaugural MLK Day parade Oz Nesbitt named Rockdale’s Grand Marshal John Evans named DeKalb’s Grand Marshal By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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he Rockdale County Think Tank announced that the county’s very first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade and festival will be held on the national holiday, Monday, Jan. 16, in Olde Town, noon to 5 p.m. The county’s newly-elected chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Oz Nesbitt, will serve as Grand Marshal, helping to usher in what organizers hope will become a lasting tradition in Georgia’s geographically second-smallest county. The community is invited to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King during a daylong festival and parade that promises a fun, festive day with food and fellowship. “This will be the first time in Rockdale County’s history that a MLK parade has been held in Conyers. Dr. King stood for unification and I think it’s time we recognize we have more in common than we realize. This day is an opportunity for us to relish in the legacy of Dr. King while emulating positive behaviors for our children,” said event
co-chair Brian Jenkins. In addition to the parade, there will be Dr. King speech reenactments, a youth basketball game, a vendor marketplace offering food and other goods and services and a variety of family friendly games and activities. “I am excited about the opportunity for Oz Nesbitt John Evans Rockdale to host the many culMLK parade for the first time and I tures. The celebration of the legacy am looking forward to participation of Dr. MLK, Jr. has not been limited from many of the county’s civic to any one race or group therefore, organizations, churches, elected and Rockdale County will also share as appointed officials, businesses and our country pays tribute to one of other groups. The King holiday is a America’s greatest pioneers,” said day on and not a day off,” said event Nesbitt. “I look forward to serving co-chair Josie Dean, who heads the as Grand Marshal and representing Rockdale Think Tank community all citizens as we reflect on the mingroup. istry, the message and the man.” Nesbitt, who will be sworn into Organizers say the parade comoffice as Rockdale’s chairman on mittee welcomes vendors, youths, Dec. 29, says that he is looking for- motorcycle clubs, public safety perward to the MLK Day parade. sonnel and any other entity interest“Conyers-Rockdale County shares a rich history and heritage MLK Day Parade, page 7 deeply rooted in its diversity of
DeKalb’s new District Attorney, Solicitor-General sworn in
Sherry Boston is sworn in by retired Judge Herbert E. Phipps.
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crowd of dignitaries, family and supporters attended the Dec. 19 joint swearing-in and induction ceremonies for DeKalb County’s District Attorney Sherry Boston and Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling. The two women were sworn in at the historic Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta, where the church’s pastor, Dr. William D. Watley, welcomed those in attendance. Boston and Coleman-Stribling secured their victories during the Nov. 8 General Election after defeating their respective opponents in the May Primary. Boston previously served as the DeKalb County Solicitor-General, a posi-
Donna Coleman-Striblingis sworn in by Judge Robert Benham. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG News
tion she held since 2011. During her tenure, Boston was instrumental in the development of DeKalb County’s new Traffic Division and also implemented a wide variety of innovative programming and strategies for community outreach and crime prevention. At the swearing-in, Boston was introduced by former DeKalb County District Attorney Robert Wilson, who discussed how hard he challenged her in considering her bid for office. Boston was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Herbert E. Phipps, retired presiding judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia. Prior to her election, Coleman-Stribling served as Deputy
Chief Assistant District Attorney assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit in the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. In this role, Coleman-Stribling managed the prosecution of child sexual and physical abuse crimes. She also implemented abuse investigation protocol and served as a liaison for local law enforcement agencies. Before she was sworn in, Coleman-Stribling was introduced by her father, Dr. Thomas Coleman, who became emotional as he spoke with pride of the great leader she had become. The Honorable Justice Robert Benham of See Swearing-in, page 7
PAGE 2 •DECEMBER 24, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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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. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
DECEMBER 24, 2016 • PAGE 3
Eric Hubbard announces run for Stonecrest City Council seat
South DeKalb resident Eric Hubbard announced he is running for a seat on the new city of Stonecrest’s City Council. Hubbard, Congressman Hank Johnson’s Outreach Director for the past decade, is running for the District 3 seat. “I am offering myself for service to help build the city of Stonecrest,” said Hubbard. “I’ve been serving the South DeKalb community and beyond for many years. I know this community and the community knows me. As we come together to create a new city in south DeKalb, I’d like the opportunity to make a difference as our representative for District 3.” Hubbard said he is interested in utilizing the city’s zoning and land-
use authority to help bring economic development to the area and preserve and grow the city’s greenspace. “I have served our area as the Executive Assistant to then-DeKalb County Commissioner Hank Johnson and now as District Outreach Director for Congressman Hank Johnson. I know how to make government work, serve the community and help build a strong foundation. My platform is to be a strong voice for the people of Stonecrest. I will be accountable, accessible and a man of action. When Stonecrest succeeds, DeKalb will succeed and Georgia as well.” Hubbard will qualify to run for office on Jan. 9. Residents of the new city of about 50,000 will vote for their city officials in a special election on March 21.
“My pledge to the people of Stonecrest District 3 is to work as hard and be as accessible as I’ve been working for the people of DeKalb County and the Fourth Eric Hubbard Congressional District of Georgia,” Hubbard said. “I’ve gained a great deal of experience over the years, built relationships and have assisted in brining solutions and good will. I’d like to apply what I’ve learned to help the city of Stonecrest flourish, have a strong foundation and make our community even better than it is today.”
CEO Ellis proclaims Dec. 21 “Cedar Grove Saints Day”
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DeKalb Community Hero Awards set Dec.27
eKalb County CEO Burrell On Common Ground News Ellis congratP.O. Box 904 ulated Cedar Grove High Lithonia, GA 30058 School on its AAA state (678) 526-1910 championship title win by proclaiming Dec. 21 “Cedar News 24/7 @ Grove Saints Day.” www.ocgnews.com “I am proud of what these players have accomplished on the field, but also proud of their scholastic achievements,” said Ellis. “Principal Benford’s motto is to ‘keep the main thing the main thing,’ and the main thing is learnAtlanta City Councilmem- ing. These young men are ber Michael Julian Bond leaders at their school, and hosted members of the Atlanta I encourage them to grow Ministry with International into leaders in their comStudents (AMIS) during their munity.” visit to Atlanta City Hall on This year, Cedar Grove Dec. 19. has 22 seniors on its footBond spoke to the interball team. All of them are national students about the attending college in the fall, functions of city government with 17 earning scholarand the importance of interna- ships. tional relations in a growing The Cedar Grove Saints global society. finished the season with 13 AMIS (pronounced ahwins and two losses, demee’) is a French word that feating the Greater Atlanta means “friends” and symbol- Christian Spartans 30-19 in izes the organization’s mission the final game. This state tiof friendship and hospitality. tle win is the first for Cedar With the support of Grove’s football program. churches, civic and service Coach Jermaine Smith has organizations and corporaled the football program for tions, AMIS connects interna- four years. tional students with families Ellis also announced and individuals in the Greater he will host the ComAtlanta area in a number of munity Hero Awards on ways, providing students with Tuesday, Dec. 27, 6:30 opportunities for meaningful p.m., at the DeKalb Hisand personal relationships. tory Center. Since 1978, AMIS has The CEO’s Commubuilt friendship and hospitality nity Hero Awards honors bridges with more than 50,000 individuals and organizastudents. Many of these relations making a significant tionships still exist today. impact in DeKalb County.
Councilmember Bond hosts AMIS visit
“It is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of our residents who are committed to improving their neighborhoods. It’s a small gesture of gratitude thanking them for their tireless contributions to making DeKalb
County a better place to live,” said Ellis. The CEO’s Community Hero Awards ceremony is free and open to the public. Citizens can RSVP at www. onedekalb.com.
PAGE 4 •DECEMBER 24, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
ROCKDALE/Covington Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
Underground says farewell as host site of annual Atlanta Peach Drop
Ring in the New Year with the 2017 Peach Drop this New Year’s Eve on Saturday, Dec. 31, at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama Street, Atlanta. Atlanta has been ringing in the New Year with the Peach Drop since its conception in 1989. This year, locals and visitors will gather at Underground Atlanta for the site’s last year hosting as thousands gather to watch the 800-pound peach descend from a 138-foot tower of lights. The 2017 Peach Drop promises family fun entertainment, food, street performers, and more. Don’t miss this significant annual event to celebrate the end of 2016 and welcome 2017. For more information, visit www.underground-atlanta.com. .DEKALB
Rep. Kendrick to host economic justice forum State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), along with the Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Minority Access to Capital, Inc. will host an economic justice forum on Monday, Jan. 16, 4 – 6 p.m., at Lithonia City Hall. The forum, entitled “Call to Action Under the Gold Dome,” will include a panel discussion on 2017 legislative incentives and legislation designed to help minorities access capital and wealth in Georgia. The forum will be moderated by Karyn Greer, Emmy award-winning journalist, and Attorney Mawuli Davis. Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) will discuss minority contracting; Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas (D-Atlanta) will discuss minority participation in the film industry; other invited legislators and representatives from state agencies will discuss other issues. . Registration is required to attend this event. For more information or to register, visit: https://repkendrickmlkeconomicjustice.eventbrite.com.
Free community bike ride Families are invited for the first community bike ride of the year ON Sunday, Jan. 1, 3 p.m., in downtown Covington. The ride starts and finishes at the Square. The first loop is a gentle, family-friendly 4.5-mile roll around historic Downtown Covington. Participants looking for an extra challenge are welcome to take a ride along the scenic Eastside Trail. The New Year’s Day community bike ride is free and the first of a recurring series that will take place on the first Sunday of each month. The event is hosted by Newton Trails, Main Street Covington and the Covington/Newton County Visitors Center. For more information, visit www.newtontrails.org/community-bike-ride.
Please always 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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DECEMBER 24, 2016 • PAGE 5
Rockdale leaders examine ways to help mentally ill
Valerie J. Morgan
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ockdale County Commissioner Doreen Williams led a symposium on Dec. 20 to discuss ways to better deliver mental health services to Rockdale residents who need them. The issue is one that many who attended the symposium said they have witnessed firsthand as relatives or case managers and through their work in the community. “This is a critical issue, especially during this time of year when we’re celebrating the holidays. These individuals are experiencing feelings of sadness, irritability and anxiety and often don’t know where to turn,” said Williams. The symposium, which brought together a cross-section of 22 leaders including the Rockdale County Jail, court system, nonprofits, churches, school system, health facilities and the business sector, gave leaders the chance to share resources and discuss ways to be more effective in getting the word out to the community at large. Approximately 20-25 percent of the U.S. population experiences a mental health issue and there is a 15 percent increase in the number of individ-
uals seeking help for emotional disorders in December, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) says that 64 percent of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions worse. Triggers may include sadness and/ or anxiety related to grief and loss, strained relationships, or not being able to be with family members, etc. Even the colder weather and less sunlight can impact mental health during the winter, Williams said. Pastor Deland Shorter of Double Spring Baptist Church and Pastor Billie Cox of Macedonia Baptist Church, both in Rockdale, said they would work with Williams to organize pastors from throughout the county to bring awareness to the issue—and to share resources. They are planning a meeting with clergy for sometime in January. Another suggestion during the symposium was to develop a clear view of how to navigate “the system,” specifically resources that are readily available to Rockdale residents. “People need to know where to find the services and what costs are associated with them, if there are any,” said Janice Morris, outreach ser-
vices coordinator for Oakhurst Medical Center and COO for Helping Hands Free Clinic. “It’s important that just as we ring the bell for the Salvation Army, we need to ring the bell to make them aware of mental health issues.” Lt. Dennis Pass of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office discussed using an app to locate available services and ways to work with local media outlets to get the word out about services for both, adults and children, as well as training for volunteers who are on the
frontlines. Help Is Here: On Jan. 28, Rockdale County Public Schools will host a Youth Mental Health First Aid course at the Rockdale Career Academy. The eight-hour course is free, but participants must register. There is limited space. Contact Susan Paul-Smith at spsmith@ rockdale.k12.ga.us to register. Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a one to three hour free training for adults on
suicide prevention that can be scheduled through Susan PaulSmith or Jennifer Wilds: spsmith@rockdale.k12. ga.us or Jennifer.wilds.@ VPHealth.org View Point Health (24Hour Access): Call 678-2092411 or visit www.myviewpointhealth.org Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225 (24/7 access) National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-TALK www.myviewpointhealth.org
PAGE 6 •DECEMBER 24, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Words of Comfort Ministries brings joy to children and their families this holiday season
LAWRENCEVILLE—The Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center was filled with tears and cheers. As the names were called, dozens of little children beamed as they came forward, happy to get not one but several gifts. The kids gave big hugs to Dr. Gayle S. Daniels, founder of Words of Comfort Ministries, Inc. (WOC), as she presented the gifts, some of them bicycles and packages too big for them to carry during the Dec. 17 pre-Christmas event. Daniels said she and her army of volunteers were able to be a blessing to the children because of an outpouring of support from donors throughout the community. Before the presents were presented, the ministry served a holiday dinner complete with all of the trimmings including barbecue ribs, turkey, chicken, dressing, collard greens, string bean casserole, macaroni and cheese and other sides and desserts for the families attended the event. “When people heard what we were doing in the community, they began to give. We received toys and boxes of food for the families to take home including a ham and a turkey,” said Daniels. Since 2011, over 35 families and appropriately 75 children have participated in the ministry’s Adopt-A-Family Program. This year, the program served 10 families and nearly 30 children. Although the nonprofit is based in Gwinnett County, it adopts families from Gwinnett, Rockdale and other Metro Atlanta areas who are referred to the ministry, Daniels said. Daniels founded Words of Faith Ministry in 2005 as a way to reach and be a resource to families that have difficulties tackling the day-to-day life challenges. “We strive to bring hope and encouragement to individuals and the lives of families as a whole through key community partnerships. I believe no matter how dark it gets, there is allows a glitter of hope through God and those willing to serve the less fortunate,” Daniels said. A grateful young father who thanked Daniels and her ministry became emotional as he shared his testimony of feeling overwhelmed at times in raising his young son. He said he had a tough week: He was on his way to pick up the child from daycare when he had a flat tire and was trying to figure out how to get there with the time ticking by and late fees being assessed. Fighting back tears, he told Daniels he had hope that Christmas would be brighter when he learned that he and his family had been adopted. Before creating the Adopt-A-Family Program, WOC was serving area shelters for the holidays, feeding and providing gifts during Thanksgiving and Christmas. “We were being charged fees to use kitchen facilities; even though we were providing the food. In some cases, many children and families would not show up,” said Daniels. “Additionally, gifts could only be distributed by shelter personnel and not WOC. As a result, the board of Directors and I decided to start this program where our limited resources could be better utilized with a more direct impact,” Daniels said. As a result, some parents have joined Words of Comfort Ministries as volunteers and some even provide regular monetary donations and give testimonies on the impact the program has had on their life, Daniels said. The Adopt-A-Family Program is specifically designed for WOC to demonstrate the love of Christ to those less fortunate, Daniels said. “Our success is attributed to a seven-member board of directors, nearly 30 WOC volunteers, and community partners such as Toy for Tots, Wells Fargo, Constellation And Exelon Company, Berean Christian Church, A Kids Dream, Heart Strong Church and many more,” Daniels said. The mailing address for Words of Comfort Ministries, Inc. is 2140 McGee Road, Suite A-1500, Snellville, GA 30078. For more information: Call 678-638-2076 or visit www.wocministries.com.
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Exp 12-31-16
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS MLK Day Parade continued from page 1
ed in participating in the parade that supports fostering a safe and peaceful community. “The goal of this event is to strengthen our community. Rockdale has changed demographically over the years and is now a melting pot of all kinds of people. We want to bring these groups together in a day of fun and service,” said Jenkins. Jenkins said the event also will provide an excellent opportunity for businesses and community organizations to reach Rockdale’s diverse population by participating as vendors. Jenkins said that this event will serve as the catalyst for future community service projects and that this will allow all of the residents of Rockdale to come together in solidarity for the common good of Rockdale. All interested vendors are asked to contact Brian Jenkins at 770-3648115 or by emailing blj1@comcast.net. Those interested in participating in the parade may contact Josie Dean at 770-369-1507 or via email at josiedean59@yahoo.com. The DeKalb NAACP is seeking participants for its MLK Parade, which will be held on Jan. 16. Groups or individuals who would like to participate in the parade may register online at www.dekalbganaacp.org by Dec. 31. John Evans, past president of the DeKalb NAACP will be the Grand Marshal for the parade. The 2017 theme is “Remembering the Dream, Honoring the Dreamer.” Parade participants will line up at Green Pastures Ministries, 5455 Flatshoals Parkway at 10 a.m. The parade starts at noon and will end at Martin Luther King Jr. High School. For more information about the event, call the DeKalb NAACP at 404241-8006. Swearing- in continued from page 1
the Supreme Court of Georgia administered the oath of office to Coleman-Stribling. In her remarks following the swearing-in ceremony, Boston promised a “new day in DeKalb County,” saying she looks forward to serving. During Stribling-Coleman’s remarks, she pledged to make DeKalb a better place, stressing the importance of investing in the county. “We have to invest in the county where we live,” Boston and Coleman-Stribling officially assume office on Jan. 1. Each will serve a four-year term.
DECEMBER 24,2016 • PAGE 7
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