APRIL 2018 • VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Stonecrest Digest News for The City of Stonecrest
STONECREST CITY HALL • 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., Stonecrest, GA 30038 770-224-0200
stonecrestga.gov
stonecrestcity
Stonecrest making progress in mailing name change By Valerie J. Morgan
T
he city of Stonecrest is making progress in getting the U. S. Postal Service to officially recognize Stonecrest as a city, officials said. The Postal Service has notified the city that residents and businesses in the new municipality may receive information as early as this month about the address name change. Mayor Jason Lary says that’s good news. “This is something that we have been waiting for and it officially will put Stonecrest on the map,” said Lary. The city of Stonecrest, which is about 29 square miles, includes 52,393 residents within its boundaries in Southeast DeKalb County. Mayor Pro Tem George Turner, whom Lary appointed to oversee the name change on behalf of Stonecrest, said the city contacted the Postal Service on Feb. 2 and received a response dated Feb. 12, 2018. Atlanta District Manager Samuel Jaudon said in his reply to the city: “Please rest
Mayor Jason Lary
Mayor Pro Tem George Turner
assured that we will make every effort to address this concern contained in the letter. The process is generally completed within 60 days after initiation, depending on the
Want to know if you live in Stonecrest? Visit www.stonecrestga.gov/district_map.php
complexities of the request and the current workload. “We’re hoping that the notifications will go out this month,” said Turner. Lary said the city is working with Congressman Hank Johnson to eventually establish the city’s own Post Office, but that venture expected to be a long process. “The process is arduous because you have to find a location, seek federal funding for it and meet certain criteria,” said Lary.
The First Elected Government for The City of Stonecrest
jason lary
Jimmy Clanton
Robert Turner
Jazzmin Cobble
George Turner
Diane Adoma
Mayor
District 1 Council
District 2 Council
District 3 Council
District 4 Council
District 5 Council
CITY STAFF
District map
MICHAEL HARRIS Interim City Manager mharris@stonecrestga.gov PLEZ JOYNER Assistant City Manager pjoyner@stonecrestga.gov BRENDA JAMES City Clerk bjames@stonecrestga.gov NICOLE DOZIER Community Development Director ndozier@stonecrestga.gov Congressman Hank Johnson
AUDREY MAYS Accounts Manager amays@stonecrestga.gov ADRION BELL Communications Director abell@stonecrestga.gov LEAH RODRIGUEZ Administrative Assistant lrodriguez@stonecrestga.gov AL FERRELL Code Enforcement Manager aferrell@stonecrestga.gov WILLIAM KIRKLAND Code Enforcement Officer wkirkland@stonecrestga.gov MONTY HILL Building Inspector mhill@stonecrestga.gov TUYANNA DANIEL Permit Tech tdaniel@stonecrestga.gov
Juan Parks
Dee Dawkins-Haigler
NCNW presents political candidates at Stonecrest Library Jason Lary | City Mayor Email: jlary@stonecrestga.gov Jimmy Clanton | District 1 Council Email: jclanton@stonecrestga.gov | Phone: 470-381-8519 Robert Turner | District 2 Council Email: rturner@stonecrestga.gov| Phone: 470-381-8555 Jazzmin Cobble | District 3 Council Email: jcobble@stonecrestga.gov | Phone: 470-381-8525 George Turner | District 4 Council Email: gturner@stonecrestga.gov | Phone: 470-381-8556 Diane Adoma | District 5 Council Email: dadoma@stonecrestga.gov | Phone: 470-381-8528
T
he DeKalb Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) presented its “Meet the Candidates” at the Stonecrest Library on April 2. Sixteen candidates running in the May 22 elections introduced themselves to the audience and spoke about their candidacies. About 60 people attended. The candidates included: Congressman Hank Johnson and Juan Parks, one of two challengers for the Fourth District, which covers parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, one of seven candidates running for Secretary of State. State Sen. Tonya P. Anderson and Joel Thibodeaux, who are running for District 43, which covers portions of DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties.
State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, who faces one opponent in the race for District 87. Greg Shealey, who is running for House District 90, in a three-way race. District 3 DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, who is in a two-way race. Super District 7 DeKalb Commissioner Gregory Adams and Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who are in the four-way race. Dijon “Twin” Dacosta, who is running in a two-way race for DeKalb Board of Education, District 6. Incumbent Courtney Johnson and Attorney Genet Hopewell, who are running in the same race for Judge of Superior Court. Judge of Superior Court (To Succeed retiring Daniel Coursey) candidates Attorney Tunde Akinyele, Attorney Roderick Bridges, and Attorney Latisha Dear-Jackson. The race has a total of six contenders.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL PARK WEEK, APRIL 21-29
AWARE ambassador handling an owl in front of families during a wildlife demonstration.
Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Vaughters’ Farm, Historic Lithonia, and Flat Rock Archives. Participants who complete five activities will become official Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Junior Rangers and sworn-in during
Kids hiking and exploring along the Meadow Loop Trail at historic Vaughters’ Farm.
Junior Rangers Ramble in Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area STONECREST– National Park Week is April 21-29 and is a time to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture, volunteer, and find your park. To kickoff National Park Week and National Junior Ranger Day on April 21, the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance presents its first-ever Junior Ranger Ramble. Great for the entire family, the event encourages kids ages 5 and up to discover the Arabia Mountain National Heritage
Area through guided and self-guided activities at many of our partner sites. The adventure begins at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve where families will pick up a passport with a schedule and selfguided activities including guided hikes, birdwatching, nature study and more. After checking in, families can ramble at their leisure at sites across the National Heritage Area including AWARE Wildlife Center, Panola Mountain State Park, the
Family discovering rock remains of old quarry buildings, homestead foundations and other ruins at the DavidsonArabia Mountain Nature Preserve.
a ceremony at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center at 4 p.m. Junior Rangers will receive a badge, certificate and a special prize; accommodations will be made for anyone who completes the activities and cannot attend the ceremony. IF YOU GO: The Ramble will be held on April 21, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with check in beginning at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Road. Registration is $5 and the first 50 kids to sign up will receive a Rambler’s Discovery Kit that includes tools to aid in exploration. Pre-registration for Junior Ranger Rambler is encouraged online at https:// juniorrangerramble.brownpapertickets.com. To download the passport and complete activities on your own, visit http:// arabiaalliance.org/juniorrangerramble. For more information about Junior Ranger Rambler or the AMNHA Junior Ranger Program, contact Sarah Lisle, Director of Interpretation, at sarah@arabiaalliance.org or 404-998-8384 x6. For more information on National Parks Week, visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/ npscelebrates/index.htm
Saturday, April 7 Stonecrest Live! 2 to 4 p.m. Calling poets and musicians to share original creations during our celebration of National Poetry Month. Book authors will discuss and read their work, which will be available for sale to support the Friends of Stonecrest Library. Poet and musician signup begins at 1:45 p.m. Author roster is full. Be sure to pick up your bookstore voucher raffle ticket at the door! Open to first 155 participants. Funding provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library.
STONECREST LIBRARY EVENTS 3123 KLONDIKE ROAD 770-482-3828
Monday, April 9 Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah, 6 to 7:30 p.m.. Funding provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library. Saturday, April 7 Listen to the Butterflies Artist Talk, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Meet photographers Harriet and Renee Harris and learn about butterfly biology and how this beautiful insect can help you gain insight into living a self-satisfied life. Listen to the Butterflies: Bring Shameless Beauty Wherever You Go will be on exhibit through April 28. Funding provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library.
Tuesday, April 17 Teen poetry competition Join DeKalb award-winning poet and writer Gwen Russell Green to celebrate the work of renowned Blues singer Gil Scott-Heron at the first Gil Scott-Heron teen poetry competition on Tuesday, April 17, 6 -7:30 p.m. This creative writing experience, hosted by Green, will explore the theme, “No matter how far wrong you’ve gone, you can always turn around” from the blues singer’s last commercially released work I’m New Here. Poets are asked to listen to the track I’m New Here and submit an original poem in response to the song. Cash prizes will be awarded to first and second place winners. Green, who is retired, had the opportunity to meet the late singer and said that she hopes this event will introduce aspiring young artists to his work.
“His work is so timeless. I realized I had an obligation to keep his work alive and this competition is one way of doing such,” said Green. Students ages 11-19 are invited to call or stop by the library for participation guidelines. Mail submissions to 2991 Rolling Meadows Court Lithonia. Hardcopies should include name, email, mailing address and telephone number. For more information, visit www. gwenrussellgrenn.com or call 770-482-3828. Tuesday, April 17 Toastmasters Club, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Join the Stonecrest Library Toastmasters Club and improve your communication with family, friends, colleagues, clients and even large audiences.
Heal Thyself with Healthy Cooking, 11 a.m. to noon. Chef Asata Reid from the Healing Community Center will teach you quick, healthy recipes and helpful cooking tips. Recipes and samples will be distributed while supplies last. Funding provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library. Saturday, April 21 Gentle Yoga, 11 a.m. to noon. Join Marsha Needham for a fun and relaxing, gentle yoga class. Please bring your own mat. Open to first 10 participants. Funding provided by DeKalb Library Foundation.
Thursday, April 19 Hike at the Library, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Take a one-mile hike from the library entrance to the paved Arabia Mountain PATH and return to the library for a light snack. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a bottle of water. Meet in the lobby of the library. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Funding provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library. Friday, April 20 New Movie Series, 2 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a recentlyreleased, blockbuster movie. Check with branch for movie title.
Tuesday, April 24 Writer’s Support Group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Open to all writers of any literary form and genre. Bring your work, whether completed or inprogress, to read, discuss and receive group feedback. Monday, April 30 The DeKalb Mobile Career Center (also called the “Jobs Bus,”), 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mobile center includes 13 computer stations and high-speed satellite Internet connection. The center also provides residents with essential services, including job search assistance, resume writing, and interviewing tips. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages 18 and older.
2018 MEETING DATES FOR STONECREST CITY COUNCIL
SALEM-PANOLA LIBRARY 5137 SALEM ROAD
Work Sessions are held on the First Wednesday, 10 a.m. City Council meetings are held on the Third Monday, 6 p.m.
770-987-6900
April 4, Work Session April 16, City Council meeting May 2, Work Session May 21, City Council Meeting June 6, Work Session June 18, City Council Meeting July 3, Work Session July 16, City Council Meeting Monday, April 9 The Mobile Career Center (also called the “Jobs Bus”), 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mobile center has 13 computer stations and high-speed satellite Internet connection. The center will provide residents with essential services, including job search assistance, resume writing, and interviewing tips. Ages 18 and older.
Tuesday, April 10 Teens Get Crafty Tie Dye Tuesday, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Using a Sharpie and isopropyl alcohol to tie dye a white tee shirt. All supplies will be provided. Open to first 12 participants. Funding provided by the Friends of the Salem-Panola Library. Wednesday, April 11 Building Blocks, 10 a.m. to 10:45 A.M. Storytime for children ages 2 years and under. Preschool Storytime, 11:15 a.m. to noon. Poems, songs and crafts of the season for ages 3 to 5 years old. Open to first 15 participants. Funding provided by the Friends of the Salem-Panola Library. April 17 Teen Time Tuesday, Celtic Braid Jewelry, 5 to 7 p.m. Learn to make a five-strand Celtic braid beaded bracelet. All supplies provide. Open to the first 12 participants ages 12 to 17. Funding provided by the Friends of the Salem-Panola Library.
Wednesday, April 18 Building Blocks, 10 a.m. to 10:45 A.M. Storytime for children ages 2 years and under. Preschool Storytime, 11:15 a.m. to noon. Poems, songs and crafts of the season for ages 3 to 5 years old. Open to first 15 participants. Funding provided by the Friends of the Salem-Panola Library. Saturday, April 21 Family Story Hour, 1 to 2 p.m.. Celebrate spring in story and song. An arts and crafts activity is included in this program. Suitable for children ages 5 to 17 years old. Open to the first 18 participants. Funding provided by the Friends of the Salem-Panola Library.
Aug. 1, Work Session Aug. 20, City Council Meeting Sept. 5, Work Session Sept. 17, City Council Meeting Oct. 3, Work Session Oct. 15, City Council Meeting
MARK YOUR CALENDAR April 10 - National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, DeKalb Chapter 380, 1 p.m., Piccadilly Restaurant, Galleria at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. All active and retired federal employees, their spouses, and surviving spouses are invited to learn more about the benefits of NARFE. For more information: www. ganarfe.org, or contact Chapter President Calvin Stevens: 404-288-3604. April 14 - DeKalb NAACP Annual Unity Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Greenforest Baptist Church Early Learning Center (Genesis), 3250 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will be the keynote speaker. Tickets: $30 per person. www.dekalbganaacp.org.
UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS April 3, 6 to 8 p.m., Planning Commission meeting April 4, Work Session, 10 a.m. to noon April 12, Education Committee meeting, 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 16, City Council meeting, 6 to 8 p.m. April 17, 6 to 8 p.m., Zoning Appeals meeting April 25, Stonecrest Overlay Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. All meetings are held at Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., Stonecrest, GA 30038