the News November 15, 2014 Volume 6, Issue 32
75 cents
rockdalenews.com
Medical Marijuana
Raising the debate The Hopkins family lost two children while the debate over medical marinjuana rages on
Page 3 Serving Rockdale County and Conyers
Captains of Industry (Left to right) Melissa Nikolic of Ga. BioEd Inst., Lt. Gov Casey Cagle, Frank Milward of Merial, Ken Howerton of Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Joe Zorzoli of UCB, Inc. (Below) NCCA CEO Chad Walker, Cagle, RCA CEO Miki Edwards
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Page 13
Giving Back
tis the season to give to others
Page 10 Mecca: Best Veteran’s Day Ever
Page 6 Like us at facebook.com/ rockdalenews Follow us @rockdalenews
RCA hosts Lt. Gov summit with bioscience, health IT focus By Michelle Kim
mkim@rockdalenews.com
Rockdale Career Academy students and programs were on display as bioscience industry and information technology leaders and college and career professionals from around the state came together for Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle’s seventh annual Business and Education Summit Thursday at RCA. “First of all, Rockdale is the largest career and college academy in the state,” said Cagle, on why RCA was chosen to co-host this year’s summit. “We have seen tremendous success within the institution. Every year – this is our seventh year – we travel around the state doing our summit. It’s always done at a college and career academy. This year Rockdale was
selected not only because of their size but also their excellence.” The two-day summit focused on the bioscience industry in Georgia and healthcare information technology during panel discussions on Thursday at RCA and Georgia’s film industry on Friday hosted at the Newton College and Career Academy. Thursday morning’s first discussion panel focused on the needs of Georgia’s bioscience industries. It’s an exciting time to be in the bioscience industry, said panelists, because of the impact it can have on people’s lives and the wider economy and the state’s commitment to grow the industry. Panelists said while many might have the perception that bioscience is about research,
Church gets thumbs up to opening private school By Martin Rand III
news@rockdalenews.com
The Conyers-Rockdale Planning Commission recommended approving two new ordinances, moving the church closer to operating as private school and a daycare center. In two 4-0 votes Thursday night, the board gave approval to Kingdom Builders Covenant Church, 1151 Flat Shoals Road, Conyers for two special permits that would allow the place of worship to operate as a private elementary school and a daycare center as an accessory use to the church.
Board member Allan Jones was absent for the meeting and didn’t get a vote, but did make an appearance just before the meeting adjourned. The first special use permit allows the church to provide private school education for grades kindergarten through fifth. The church initially sought to be a private school for middle school and high school grades as well, but doesn’t meet the required number of acres of land to allow such as use. According to Rockdale County law, for a private school needs at least 12 acres of land to operate as a middle school and 20 acres
See CHURCH, Page 15
about three-quarters of the jobs available are in the manufacturing side of bioscience. Milward said, “Our industry doesn’t function just with biologists. The maintenance folks are just as important as the biologists. If the machines don’t work, you don’t work.” While science background and skills are important, soft skills such as being able to work in a team, communicate effectively and constantly learn and change are almost as important as the initial skill set students will emerge with after
See Industry, Page 15
online exclusive
County budget to dip into reserves by $9 million Budget hearings Nov. 18 at 901 Main Street Go to rockdalenews.com for full story
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Suspected metal thieves caught at house TitleBucks robber caught with help from license plate reader Newton County man fatally shot
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Meeting Place Board of Commissioners budget hearing, work session, Tues., Nov. 18, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 901 Main St. Board of Education meeting, Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m., 954 N. Main St. Conyers City Council meeting, Wed., Nov. 19, 7 p.m., 1194 Scott St. Conyers Housing Authority, Wed., Nov. 19, 4:30 p.m., Jack Turner Community Center, 1214 Summer Cir.
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Running out of options local girl passing shows urgency in medical marijuana debate By Meris Lutz
Submitted photo
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Just days before 21-year-old Mary Elizabeth Hopkins passed away, her father, Mike, stood in the driveway of their Covington home at dawn and listened to her singing in her bedroom. Mary Elizabeth was known for her love of music, and would often sing to herself and her family. “She was happy,” he says of his daughter’s last week. “She was just very happy, but underneath she was a fragile child.” Mary Elizabeth died Friday November 7 of cumulative effects related to the mitochondrial disease she was born with. She is survived by her parents, Kelli and Mike, and her sisters Michala, 17, and Marlee Ann, 12. Her 6-year-old brother Abe, who also suffered from seizures, passed away in July. Kelli and Mike say they feel lucky to have loved, and been loved by, Mary Elizabeth for so long, especially given her delicate health. “I think it’s something we knew was going to happen, eventually; I just didn’t expect it to happen three months after her brother ,” Kelli says, her voice breaking. “The timing, I mean, I know—we’re Christians, and we know the scripture and the date was planned already and God knew but I just…I expected to have had more time to process what happened with Abe.” The Hopkins also extend their thanks to the community that has rallied around them throughout the years, especially in times of hardship. In addition to being active church members, the Hopkins have also been vocal about sharing their story in hopes of educating others about special needs children and encouraging legislation that could help them, particularly a medical marijuana bill that would allow for cannabis based treatments. Although they are in mourning, the family is going ahead with their plan to move to Colorado this week so that Michala, who has Aicardi Syndrome among other medical issues, can have access to cannabis oil supplements. Cannabis oil has reportedly been effective in treating seizures in
children and is currently undergoing clinical trial. The move was a last resort for the family after failing to enroll their children in studies that would have allowed them to travel for treatment but continue to live in Covington near family and friends. Now, they are faced with maintaining two homes, one in Boulder and one in Covington, while Mike flies back and forth to continue his job as executive director of the Newton County Water and Sewage Authority. “We just feel like we can’t lose another child. We have to do all that we can to get Michala some help and Georgia’s not doing anything,” Kelli says in reference to Georgia lawmakers’ failure to pass a medical marijuana bill on March 20.
“
We have to do all that we can to get Michala some help and Georgia’s not doing anything ... Hopefully they will do something in 2015 and we’ll be able to come back home.” — Kelli Hopkins
“Hopefully they will do something in 2015 and we’ll be able to come back home.” The bill has faced opposition from law enforcement, faith based groups and some in the medical community, but Mike says much of that resistance is rooted in misunderstanding. He emphasized the difference be-
tween medical marijuana legislation and bills allowing recreational use such as those that passed in Washington, Colorado and Washington D.C. “I would say to those really hard core people who are just completely against it: We’re here every day of the week. Come stay with us, and if you’re still able to walk away and say ‘I still oppose anything that would help a child that’s going through what these children are going through’ then ‘God bless you’ is all I can say,” Mike says. Georgia State Representative Allen Peake, a champion of the medical marijuana bill, says the Hopkins’ case is “a clear example of why we cannot move fast enough on medical cannabis legislation in Georgia.” Peake’s charity, Journey of Hope, is helping the Hopkins and other families move to states where medical marijuana and cannabis based treatment is legal. He said he would oppose recreational use as strongly as he supports the legalization of medicinal marijuana. “It is insane that families are having to leave Georgia, leave their support networks, their families and their jobs, to go to another state where cannabis oil is legal,” he says. “We have to [pass legislation] before more children die.”
How you can help After 21-year old Mary Elizabeth Hopkins passed away the family requested donations in lieu of flowers. Here’s where they requested: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Children’s Foundation, Park North 1577 Northeast Expressway Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30329, choagiving@choa.org The Children’s Miracle Network at donations. childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org Give Kids The World 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746, www.gktw.org.
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Civil War 150th Anniversary
Ethics board vote delayed Sherman’s March By Staff Reports
school year with a difference of a few days in the start and end dates. The school system is also looking The issue of possible school Rockdale County Post 2 Com- at alternative graduation sites for tax abatements over five years for missioner JaNice Van Ness at- high school graduations in May Acuity was brought up at Thursday tempted to get the version of an eth- 2015 in order to get a jump start on night’s meeting, at the request of ics ordinance she proposed passed replacing the grass in all three high the Conyers-Rockdale Economic again during the Rockdale County school stadiums with artificial turf. Development Council, said school The calendar options both have board Chairman Jim McBrayer. Board of Commissioners voting 180 instructional days for students session Tuesday morning. McBrayer said CREDC Director However, the legalities surround- and 190 days for teaching staff and Marty Jones had approached himing the practice of approving a new will end the students’ school year self and Superintendent Autry with ordinance prevented any vote from before the Memorial Day holiday the idea. Discount. in 2016. Holidays and intercession taking place. “It was the joint response that Discount. Discount. The existing laws on the weeks would be the same in both in the interest of good communiDiscount. 4 school system three-member ethics board, which options; intercession days (such as ty partnership the Discount. 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historic markers to be dedicated Nov. 16 By Staff Reports
news@rockdalenews.com
The Rockdale County Historical Society will mark the 150th Anniversary of Sherman's March To The Sea through Conyers on Sunday, November 16, 3 P.M. at a public dedication of an official Georgia Civil War Heritage Marker in Olde Town Conyers at the Conyers Depot. Conyers is part of the Sherman's March To The Sea Trail which depicts two historic driving routes following the Left and Right "Wings" of Major General William Tecumseh Sherman's 62,000-man army in November and December of 1864.
The afternoon's special guest speaker will be Steve Longcrier, founder and executive director of Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails, Inc. A second marker will also be placed earlier in the day at Philadelphia United Methodist Church by Longcrier, the Society, and church members. The Georgia Civil War Heritage Trail, founded in 1999 is a 501c3 tax-exempt Thenon-profit News corporation which interprets Georgia's Civil War era along six regions. The public is invited to attend the 3 P.M. dedication. For more details contact Harriet Gattis, Conyers Convention & Visitors cel 770-929-4270. s Bureau, ebr ear
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Opinion the
Doing everything wrong for an adoption so right
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Our Thoughts Budget
Rockdale County is still in a recovery process from the great recession of 2008. That is why we find it hard to understand why Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard Oden would propose a budget that exceeds the revenue provided by the current tax base. This year’s budget request exceeds last year’s budget by $5 million dollars. Granted, a goodly portion of the proposed budget will go for public safety, which we are sure a majority of local taxpayers support. However, if the Rockdale government had to operate like a private business in order to increase the expense for public safety, then some other departments would have to be cut to come up with the requested increase in expenses. If this budget is approved as presented, either money has to be taken from the reserves or you are going to be asked to pay more taxes. Let your BOC representative know how you feel, but don’t doddle; you only have until December 9
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5
M
y five-year-old son tells people that his big sister came from the airport. We’re trying to teach him that she’s actually from Uganda, but I can see why he thinks she magically appeared at Hartsfield Jackson InterKari national one Apted evening. I’m Columnist kind of glad that my sweet little guy has no idea what all was involved in creating that airport moment. Actually, I find that few people have any idea what families commit to when adopting a child. International adoption isn’t for everyone. Neither is older child adoption. It’s expensive, exhausting, lengthy, intrusive, and has no guaranteed outcome. And according to the experts, we did everything wrong. They recommend using a reputable adoption agency. We adopted independently, having met our girl through a friend’s ministry. With the benefit of hindsight, and months of agony thanks to a totally inept Ugandan lawyer, I’d say the experts were right about using an agency. But you’re definitely not supposed to disrupt birth order, meaning that the adopted child should be the youngest in the family. Our daughter was 12 when she came home, to brothers aged 16, 12 and 5. You’re also not supposed to artificially twin siblings through adoption. As you can see, we
blew that one, too. My middle son was actually our biggest cheerleader throughout the process, and six months later, the “twins” get along well, with just a dash of healthy sibling competition. Though we had the support of all our dearest friends, and most of our family, there were some who were very lukewarm to the entire thing. Thankfully, everyone is OK with it now. When I outline all the things we did wrong, we sound like crazy rebels happily bucking the system. But the truth is, we had the courage to do everything “wrong” because we had deep faith that this was what we were supposed to do. Even so, I tortured myself with the experts’ advice while the process dragged out over two years, fretting over every little thing that could go wrong. And a lot of things did. Fundraising was excruciatingly slow. Our attorney would go months without replying to
Kari Apted is a freelance writer, mother, wife, and blogger. You can find more at www.kariapted. com
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emails or doing anything at all. The Ugandan courts closed for weeks, then reopened, then closed again before anything could happen. Our assigned judge got stuck on a lengthy tribunal, further delaying our court date. Parenting from afar isn’t for the weak-hearted. We communicated every few weeks via Skype and Facebook instant messenger, as much as we could understand one another. We mostly “spoke” with smiles and nods. Our daughter contracted malaria-not once, but three separate times-while we waited to come for her. Once, she was sick enough to be hospitalized. We were constantly worried that she might die before we came for her. And she cried herself to sleep, worried that we’d never come. But things began to improve. Incredibly generous friends donated the funds we still needed to travel. Our January court date was settled. We bought our tickets. We flew to Uganda.
And on a warm, balmy afternoon, in a jet-lagged haze, we met our sweet girl. Her mile-wide smile and sparkling eyes stole our hearts, and all the stress of what we’d been through faded as we basked in the joy of hope fulfilled. Sadly, instead of bringing her home as planned, we had to leave her. Due to factors out of our hands, one journey to Uganda ended up becoming three separate trips. The waiting during those last months felt completely interminable. Finally, the embassy said “Yes” and a few days later, she clutched her new dad’s hand as the jet rose up from the red African soil. 24 hours later, my youngest son bonded instantly to her with their very first airport hug. I often tell people that we won the adoption lottery, because our daughter is funny, considerate, helpful and just about every beautiful thing a parent hopes her child to be. It’s uncanny how well her personality melds with ours, as if she’s always been here. That doesn’t mean we’ve not had moments of conflict-of course we have. But despite the struggles, her adoption-this thing that we did totally wrong-has felt entirely right. Older child adoption might not be for everyone. But I think it might just be intended for more families than those who ever consider it.
Your thoughts on “Man, 29, fatally shot in alleged drug transaction in Newton County Saturday; 27-year-old Covington man charged with Murder” on facebook.com/rockdalenews Dorene Westberry Holmes said: Another mother is without her son due to drugs!
Tracey Logan Conroy said: Not surprised.
Kathleen Hodgens said: I wish people would stop this nonsense.
Eddie Albert said: You are so right
said: No matter Deborah Odom ces, my prayers stan what the circum g man’s family un yo is th to t go ou so people who are u and friends. Yo as w he et rg arks fo ugly in your rem ne. loved by someo
The News
6 • Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
CELEBRATING VETERANS DAY
The best Veterans Day ever By Pete Mecca
Darrell Everidge/The News
news@rockdalenews.com
I’ve been asked many times by readers and friends to relate my military experiences for “A Veteran’s Story.” Well, perhaps at a later date, but for now I’m delighted and honored to represent and convey the stories of my brothers and sisters. I will grant one personal narrative, a report on the best Veterans Day this old Nam vet has ever experienced. The best Veterans Day ever began about two months ago with an email from Mrs. Katy King, a teacher at the General Ray Davis Middle School. She asked for my assistance in the planning for the school’s very first Patriotic Program on Veterans Day. I had penned a story on the Medal of Honor Marine whose namesake graces the school, so I understood the reverence behind the invitation. I was grateful for the opportunity. Mrs. King, other faculty members, and I met to hash out the agenda for one heck of a Veterans Day tribute. After leaving the meeting my only thought was, “Pete, old boy, you may have overextended your contacts and organizational abilities this time.” God granted me good luck and good friends; we pulled it off. So here it is: Veterans Day, 2014. My first call that morning came from Mrs. June Hipps, the widow of Iwo Jima veteran, Gerald Hipps. Her husband guarded the celebrated flag-raisers on Mount Suribachi with his BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) before fighting his way across Iwo Jima for 36 days. Out of 240 Marines from Easy Company, Gerald was 1 of the 27 who walked off the island. Mrs. Hipps wished me a blessed Veterans Day and thanked me for my articles. I could not have wanted a more heartfelt send-off on my very special day. I’ll avoid too many details and cut to the chase. Lt. Col. Jack Coyle and my daughter’s beau, Mr. Bill LeCount, helped me clear debris from the football field so the Army Aviation Historical Foundation could land a helicopter safely, either the legendary Huey or deadly Cobra gunship. I guess the AAHF couldn’t decide on which one because they flew in both choppers. Huey pilots Ron Disney, Army combat veteran of Nam, and Joe Wade, US Army National Guard, had Cobra gunship pilot and Desert Storm veteran LTC John Woodward on their tails. Along with the crew
members, George Meeker, Nam veteran, Saint Clair Williams, USMC veteran of Afghanistan, and SFC Frank Speights, US Army, the choppers made a low level pass over the school that rocked the walls. The students were ecstatic. “Whoaaaaaaa, did you feel that?” Students on the outside witnessed the choppers gracefully land on their football field as the Cobra bent trees over with its prop wash. Here come the students, by class and grade. “Oh, man, the Huey has 2 machine guns attached!” (Non-lethal, of course). “Dude, a Gatling Gun is on the nose of that other thing!” The aviators allowed the students inside the Huey including the opportunity to sit in a pilot’s seat. Students were allowed to sit behind the machine guns, even a few teachers. I’m not sure, but I believe a couple of teachers were disappointed to discover the machine guns non-lethal. The Cobra gunship fascinated the students. A sleek but deadly aircraft, the Cobra saved a lot of lives in Vietnam. You may have heard the song, ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger,’ well, that doesn’t apply to a Cobra gunship; it will kill you. A special needs young man kept saying, “This is awesome, this is awesome,” as he gawked at the Cobra. I don’t think I have ever seen a happier face. And this is where the aviators excelled; this, to me, was the best event of the day, the pilots and crews helping the special needs kids through the Huey and helping several of them into the pilot’s seat. One of the girls could hardly walk, but I noticed how she picked up her pace as she neared the Huey. Nothing was going to hold her back, and nothing kept her out of a pilot’s seat. Special
kids on a very special day…..that, really is special. Time for the choppers to ‘dust off.’ The rotor blades start to whine and whirl, prop wash blows dead grass off the football field into the hairdos of 8th graders. They begin laughing, so did I. As the choppers gain their power for dust off, I spot four Stearman biplanes approaching from the West for their flyover. Uh-oh, choppers taking off into the flight path of Stearman biplanes; this is not a good thing. I metamorphosed into an Alfred E. Newman mode: ‘What? Me worry?’ Pete Smart was in the lead plane, a KC-135 pilot and Vietnam veteran. Larry Taylor flew the #2 position, a C-130 pilot in Vietnam. My friend and fellow veteran, John Laughter, a Vietnam combat fighter pilot with experience in both the F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom jet, was in the #3 position. Vic Syaracuse flew in the # 4 position, a highly skilled aircraft builder and Air Force veteran of Vietnam. With that much know-how behind the sticks one can understand a ‘What? Me worry?’ mentality. These professional aviators even had Jim Ratliff, a Conyers resident, on ‘ready standby’ with his Stearman just in case one of the other aircraft needed to abort. The 2 choppers took off, rock and rolled the school building, circled the field then disappeared below the tree line. One of the students asked, “Where did they go?” Up came the Huey at treetop level then passed over the field at about 150 feet with the Cobra on its tail laying down a trail of smoke. On came the Stearmans. These skilled warriors made 3 passes. The first pass was in a Finger Four Strong Right and the 2nd pass was in the
diamond formation as the slot man laid smoke. The 3rd and final pass was the awe-inspiring ‘Missing Man’ formation. As they flew over the school, one peeled away trailing smoke and headed west. The ‘Missing Man’ always heads west. In pilot jargon ‘heading west’ means he’s gone, lost in combat or an accident, a traditional tribute to those that gave their all. As the choppers and Stearmans winged their way home and 8th graders dusted dead grass out of their hair, the student body began assembling in the gymnasium for the Patriotic Program. A thousand students filled the bleachers while VIPs such as Commissioners Janice Van Ness and Richard Oden took seats near the podium. Veterans, families and other guests completed the gathering. Patriotic music, the posting of the colors, singing the National Anthem, and a drill by Heritage High School’s ROTC started the festivities. RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry and Principal Mike Mauriello presented opening remarks, the band played, then Principal Mauriello introduced me as a guest speaker. Yours truly gave a presentation on the true cost of freedom, plus ended the event with a recital of “The Final Inspection.” Herb Smith, a former Tomb Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns gave an informative speech on the history of Arlington National Cemetery. The school chorus gave a presentation and the cheerleaders performed. Before my recitation I introduced a very special guest, Mrs. Anne Goodwin. She served in the Army Air Corp during WWII and is a very beautiful looking 90 year old. The students and gathering gave
her a standing ovation. Herb Smith and I also received standing ovations but we were the ones who should have been applauding. The students at General Ray Davis Middle School range in ages from 11 to 13 years old; often considered a bit disorderly phase. Not these kids. These students were gracious and respectful, and more importantly, these kids listened. The students at General Ray David Middle School made me feel good. I was proud to be one of their speakers, and I was proud of them. I felt as if the insults and disrespect endured upon my return from Vietnam had come full circle and closure had been obtained. Yes, I know, many other schools most likely had the same kind of program, the same type of celebration. But they didn’t have a Cobra gunship and Huey chopper sitting on their football field, they didn’t have the Stearman Squadron performing an airshow, and they didn’t have me. Not that “Me” was important, because “Me” was just another patriot who answered the call to duty and did what he had to do. But “Me” did serve in Vietnam, and as “Me” stood there receiving a long standing ovation from the Davis Middle School students, I felt the specters of Vietnam leave my soul. I was not basking in the glory, but I was basking in a long needed acceptance. My war was finally over. To the students and faculty at Davis Middle School, you made this old Nam veteran a very happy guy on Veterans Day. Thank you. Hoooorah! (On Veterans Day, this was a Davis Middle School thing; ask one of the students, they’ll be glad to explain)
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The News
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 • 7
CELEBRATING VETERANS DAY
Honoring Rockdale’s black soldiers On Veterans Day, in the centennial of the start of World War I, please join me in recalling the black soldiers E.R. SHIPP who were bareColumnist ly mentioned when the endof-war celebrations took place and memorials were built across the South. In my hometown, Conyers, Ga., there is at least an “Army, colored” section on the memorial placed in the old courthouse by the local American Legion, dedicated to: “Veterans of the World War Who Enlisted From Rockdale County”. The war started in Europe in July 1914; the United States joined the Allies three years later. “Major hostilities,” as the historians say, ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Those “colored” Rockdale
County veterans, young farm boys uprooted and sent abroad to fight “the war to end all wars,” included my future grandfather, Clarence Shipp; his future brother-in-law, Lucious Holden; and his future cousins-by-marriage, Buster and William Giles. (My grandmother, Celia Holden Shipp, who married Clarence a few months after his discharge from the Army, was a Giles granddaughter; Lucious Holden was her brother.) Clarence Shipp was 23 years old and single when he enlisted on Feb. 25, 1918. The registrar described him as just over 5’7” tall and dark complexioned with black hair and brown eyes. As a private in the Army’s 514 Engineers unit, he saw action in France from Apr. 29, 1918, to June 6, 1919 (exactly 36 years before I was born!). He was not wounded, was in “good” physical condition and had “excellent” character, according to the discharge records I found in the
courthouse. Upon his discharge, he apparently received $90.87, which included a $50 bonus authorized by the Revenue Act of 1918. (That’s Big Daddy Shipp in the photo, on the left. He’s with my father, Johnnie Will Shipp, who saw action in France after the D-Day invasion in World War II.) On the maternal side of my family: My grandmother’s uncle, Jodie Aiken, answered the draft in Covington, Ga., on June 5, 1917. The registrar described him as “tall, stout, black hair and eyes”. After unsuccessfully claiming exemption because his parents and a child under the age of 12 were dependent upon him, Jodie was sent abroad and, according to an entry in Big Mama Moore’s Bible, he died in France in 1919. I have not been able to locate military records for him. Jodie Aiken may have fallen victim to the 1918-1919 flu pandemic that killed 20 million to 40 million people worldwide.
ER Shipp’s grandfather Big Daddy Clarence Shipp and her father Johnnie Will Shipp submitted photo /The News
According to some accounts I’ve read, about half the American World War I casualties in Europe were flu-related. On this Veterans Day, let’s remember all who have answered the call in all American military actions, but especially the unsung black veterans and, more specially, those who served in World War I when democracy for them at home was still a few wars away.
E. R. Shipp is a Conyers native, member of the Rockdale County High School Class of 1972 and journalist formerly with The New York Times and New York Daily News. In 1996 she won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary for her column in the New York Daily news. She is now a journalist in residence at Morgan State University and resides in Baltimore, Md.
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4 • Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 8 • Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
The News The News
RCPS Foundation’s Champion of Education
Submitted photo /The News
Family dentist Dr. Fred Hedrick was named the Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation’s “Champion of Education” for his continued support of Rockdale schools. Hedrick was recognized at the Foundation’s annual fundraising gala Oct. 25 at the Acuity Peoples Center. The gala raised more than $7,500 towards supporting Rockdale educators and students. (Left to right) RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry, Hedrick, Foundation Board Chair Dawn Butler, Chamber Chairman Pat Cavanuagh.
Fighting Human Trafficking
Submitted photo /The News
On Saturday, October 25, three local organizations- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Tau Omega chapter, NewRock Legal Society, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Stone Mountain-Lithonia and Covington chapters- co-sponsored a forum on child sex trafficking for teens and their parents. The Newton County Sheriff’s office also assisted with the event by having one of their officers speak to attendees about human trafficking and its prevalence in the metro-Atlanta area. Additionally, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness, survivors of domestic violence also shared their stories with the attendees of the forum. The forum was held at Porterdale Elementary School in Covington and was well attended by local youths from Newton and Rockdale County.
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The News
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 • 9
Oh What a Night! P.O. Box 81551, Conyers, GA 30013 P: 770.262.7816 • F: 770.761.3827 www.familypromiseofnewrock.org Email: director@familypromiseofnewrock.org
Family Promise of NewRock Held Our Second Annual
Dinner and Silent Auction
Benefiting Family Promise of NewRock on Friday, November 7, 2014 at Rockdale Career Academy. Celebrating two years of working together to provide caring and life changing solutions for families facing homelessness, with 250 friends & family.
We were Blessed by these Sponsors this Year Visionary
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If you m issed you can the dinner sti Paver yearend ll make a donatio Conyers Jewelers • Colonial Heating & Air • United Bank Covington n. Cartridge World • Huck’s Tours • Wall Street Conyers • Julian Harwell CLU, CHFC • Gryphus Accounting Service • SCI Land Development Services
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Reverend Billie Cox, Macedonia Baptist Church
Host Congregations Allen Memorial UMC Christ Community Church Conyers First United Methodist Conyers Presybterian Church Epiphany Lutheran Church
Milstead Baptist Church Rockdale Alliance Church
Rockdale Baptist Church Rockdale Community Church St. Pius X Catholic Church The Father’s House Trinity Baptist Church
Support Congregations Grace Community Church Grace United Methodist Church New Covenant Fellowship
Haven Fellowship Church
Macedonia Baptist Church Smyrna Presbyterian Church Starrsville United Methocist Church
10 • Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
The News
Community Calendar The Community Calendar deadline is noon Thursday. Email a description, place, time, phone number to news@rockdalenews.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 15
Ella the Elephant at Stonecrest 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., join Ella the Elephant for her Christmas Adventures; free; Stonecrest Mall off Turner Hill exit on I-20, Lithonia
HHS “The Addams Family” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-15, 20-22; 2:30 p.m. Sundays Nov. 16, 23; musical comedy at Heritage High; tickets $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students; 770483-5428x27177, patriotboxoffice@ yahoo.com
SUNDAY, NOV.16
Prematurity Awareness Service
8 a.m.; Hosted by The Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc; Bethlehem Baptist Church of Covington; Near Usher, St Clark St and Emory St; to educate the public about the importance of prenatal care
Civil War 150th Anniversary marker dedication 3 p.m.; Olde Town Conyers Depot/ Welcome Center; dedication of state historical marker for Conyers events along the path of Sherman’s Army and Sherman’s March to the Sea
THURSDAY, NOV. 20
XYZ Organization meeting
10:30 a.m.; First Baptist of Conyers at 2100 GA. Hwy.; Lunch is $6; rsvp by Nov. 14; call 770-760-0083.
Mobile Food Pantry 12-4 p.m.; The Resource Center for Community Action; 1400 Parker Road
Aubrae Gunderson Memorial Scholarship 5K/1M/High Heel
Conyers, GA. 30094; food is available while quantities last to anyone in need; 678-288-5433 ext.101
7:30 a.m. registration, 8:30 a.m. race; Heritage High, 2400 Granade Rd.; $16 registration online, go to http://aubraegunderson.com
SHS “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Olde Town Christmas
Nov. 20-22, 8 p.m. and Nov 23, at 3 p.m. Salem High, 3551 Underwood Rd SE; Tickets presale $5 students/seniors, $7 adults. At the door $6 students and seniors, $8 adults. (770) 929-0176
5-8 p.m. Celebration in Olde Town Conyers, with children’s activities, shop specials
Choral Guild Christmas Concert
SATURDAY NOV. 22
“A Choral Guild Christmas: A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas,” Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. First Baptist Church, 1139 Usher St, Covington, and Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St, Conyers; $10 tickets at www.choralguild.org
Charity Banquet
The Covington-Conyers Cotton Boll Quilters Charity Banquet will feature everything from hand made quilts to Christmas decorations at Epiphany Lutheran Church, Hwy. 20 SE, Conyers.
Elks Aidmore Turkey Trot 5K 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. event; at Elks Aidmore home for youth, 2394 Morrison Road Conyers; registration adults $20 befeore/$25 race day, children $8/$10; register at www.raceroster.com/3640
TUESDAY, NOV. 25
Rockdale Retired Educators Association
11:30 a.m.; Rockdale Baptist Church at 1295 Smyrna Rd.Conyers; Reservations required; 770-483-6808
THURSDAY, NOV. 27
In His Name Thanksgiving Feast
11 a.m.-2 p.m.; A free Thanks Giving Feast for fellowship; Hosted by Conyers First United Methodist Church; 921 N Main St NW, Conyers, GA 30012; Reservations are appreciated, call 770778-9764 for reservations and further information on donations.
SATURDAY, NOV. 29
and Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement accompany children experiencing financial hardships to shop for Christmas gifts; 770-483-5780 or shopwithacopconyers@yahoo.com
Community Christmas Celebration 12-4 p.m.; The Resource Center for Community Action; Rockdale County Annex; 1400 Parker Rd. Conyers GA, 30013; 770-760-1346
FRIDAY, DEC. 5
Layaway Now For Christmas Firearms • 4 Wheelers Guitars • Laptops Flat Screen TVs
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Hometown Holidays Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony 4:30 p.m. parade through Olde Town ending with Santa Claus, followed by 6 p.m. tree lighting celebration
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
Pilot Club Christmas Tour of Homes Five homes are on this year’s tour decorated to the nines; Tickets are $12 before Dec. 7 and are $15 on the day of the tour at the Olde Town Jail
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
Living Christmas Tree at Conyers First Baptist
Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; a musical and visual Christmas extravaganza by the Conyers First Baptist Music Ministry; free; rsvp at 770-483-8700
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
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The News
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 • 11
Find Me If You Can and Win $50 Let the Great Turkey Hunt Begin! Here’s How to Play: Look for this page in Saturday’s edition. Within 3 of the sponsored turkey ads, you will find 3 clues. Simply put these clues together and try to figure out where in the Rockdale County area the Turkey is hiding. The ceramic turkey will be hidden at midnight on Friday of each week. Simply find and return the Turkey to our office located at 1009 Milstead Ave., Suite 200, Conyers by 5 p.m. on Wednesday and pickup your $50. It’s
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May the good things of life be yours in abundance, not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year. Best wishes from the staff at The NEWS.
Sports
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 Page 12 rockdalenews.com
Salem athlete of the week: Ayanna Mitchell
Mitchell makes it official, signs with LSU The Johnny’s Pizza Salem Athlete of the Week is Ayanna Mitchell for her official signing with LSU. It’s been known for some time now that Ayanna Mitchell was signing to play basketball at LSU. She made it official Wednesday afternoon when she put the pen to the paper in front of friends and family. Mitchell averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game last season as a junior. You can watch Ayanna’s signing at rockdalenews.com’s video section.
Your Majesti is headed to UGA Martin Rand lll/The News
Senior Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology Student Majesti Bass signs her letter of intent to play collegiate level volleyball with the University of Georgia. Bass has won numerous athletic awards during her time playing for the Rockdale County High School varsity volleyball team and says that she’s really excited to finally make her commitment to UGA official. (From Left to right) Majesti Bass’ mother Cumba Bass, Rockdale County High School Volleyball Head Coach Stephen Sansing, Majesti Bass, RCHS Volleyball Assistant Coach Gladys King, Majesti Bass’ father Craig Bass.
The News
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 • 13
Mauriello signs with Maryville
Clingerman headed to Emmanuel
Shakeem Holloway/The News
submitted photo
Rocky Mauriello of Salem High School signed to play baseball at Maryville College on Thursday. Pictured (left to right) Front row: Jim McBrayer, father Mike Mauriello, Rocky Mauriello, mother Tracy Mauriello. Back row: Salem Athletic Director Darren Wilkins, Jim Lovejoy, Tolley Lovejoy, Asst Principal Rodney Williams, Head Baseball Coach Bobby Link, Asst Baseball Coach Rickey Bailey.
Riley Clingerman can do it with the best of them. That includes the boys. Clingerman, who signed a four-year scholarship to play softball at Emmanuel College on Friday morning, played baseball for three years at Peachtree Academy before the school established a softball team and now she is headed to college with all of the support of her school, friends and family.
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Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 • 15
CHURCH CHURCH
INDUSTRY INDUSTRY
The ordinances for Victobound by bricks and mortar. Saturday, same importance for potential Nov. 15, 2014 •em15 ry Tabernacle expired after six The world is the marketplace ployees to have soft skills as well as months of not being in operation. today and it’s all because of their field’s hard skills. ernaclewill expired after six months of use of health data analytics to Sloan that good being willing From front page From front page There be a public hearing technology.” said,attitude, “It seems obvious butto not being in operation. home in on a correct treatment for roll up their sleeves.” for both special permits applied Some of the services and tech- it’s actually very important - having There will beBuilders a publicCovhearing an ailment. Cagle concluded Thursday’s high school, with an additional for by Kingdom nologies offered included tele- that good attitude, being willing to graduating from a twoor four-year From front page From front page for Church both special applied The IT panelists expressed the discussions by emphasizing the acre for each 100 students en- enant at thepermits Assembly health visits allowing patients access roll up their sleeves.” college. for901 by Main Kingdom Builders Covesame importance for potential em- power of CCAs in making edurolled for both types of schools. Hall, Street, Conyers, to specialists would otherwise Thursday’s “We’reuals in a field thataevolves verybackhigh school, with an additional with military nant Church at the Assembly Hall, ployees tothat have soft skills as well Cagle cation concluded exciting and relevantdisfor Kingdom Builder Covenant on Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. be difficult to reach, or biometric cussions by emphasizing theindustry. power rapidly,” said Milward. Students acre forsits each ground. We’re looking to establish as their field’s hard skills. 901 Main Street, Conyers, on Nov. students and attractive to Church on100 fivestudents acres ofenrolled land, On Dec. 9, the ordinances will need tostrong machines customers in make making educationanex“be prepared for change.” for both types of schools. relationships with technical 25 at 9 a.m. “Wediagnosing could find people at with of CCAs “If you a workforce inwhich is the minimum required have a second reading in front of kiosks at grocery stores and big box citing and relevant for students and Baxter is initially looking for peoKingdom Builder Covenant colleges in the area.” dustry will come,” said Cagle. On Dec. 9, the ordinances will technical skills but they didn’t toChurch operatesits anon elementary school Rockdale County Board of stores, or the of health data anayears second of experience five acres of land, thehave Thursday’s panel foa second reading in front ofple with 15-plus have theuse people skills,” said Ryan attractive to industry. privately. The maximum numCommissioners during its voting lytics to home in on a correct treatyou make workforce an in- , as the plant is being built and set up. For more ona Friday’s panels which is the minimum required to the Rockdale County Board of cused on the healthcare IT indus- Sloan. “It seems obvious but it’s “If ber of children that can be ensession. The county board can ment for an ailment. dustry will come,” said Cagle. However, Howerton said, in about a operate an elementary school pri- Commissioners during its voting try. Panelists included Ryan Sloan, actually very important - having go to www.covnews.com rolled one maximum time cannotnumber exceed of either approve, deny or defer the year or Chief two, Baxter will be hiring of forSolo The IT panelists expressed the vately.atThe Marketing Officer session. The county board can 99 students. during variety Baha of positions. “What children that can be enrolled at one special Zeidan, Co-founder eithermerits approve, denytheormeetdefer thea wide Health, “By code, once you go over ing, which is scheduled doing starting today, we’re time cannot exceed 99 students. CEO of Azalea Health out of special merits during to thebegin meeting,we’re and that“By 100code, (students) mark it re-that 10which a.m. at is thescheduled AssembllytoHall. looking for a variety of roles. We’re once you go over Valdosta, Shea Ross, PR/Marbegin 10 quires more acreage,” other business, the planning lookingketing to hireSpecialist nondegree individ100 (students) mark Marshall it requires In of the Georgia a.m. at the Assemblly Hall. Walker, director of Planning board approved of a new a military background.Dan more acreage,” Marshall Walker, Partnership for TeleHealth, In other business, the ordiplanninguals with and Development for Rockdale would redefine theordi-We’re Rivera, looking Area to establish director of Planning and Devel- nance Directorstrong for Intel, boardthatapproved of a new WE CLEAN IT ALL! County, the board members. for children andclas-relationships opmenttold for Rockdale County, told classifications and moderator Patcolleges Williams, with technical nance that would redefine the “There just isn’t enough acredaycare for centers. the board members. “There just adult President, McKenzie Daniels sifications children and adultin the area.” age.” The proposed isn’t enough acreage.” & Associates and Institute Thursday’s second panel focused for daycare centers.law will bring Bright law on child and Bright from fromthe theStart, Start,GeorGeor- the county’s Healthcare Information Technolon the healthcare IT industry. PanThe proposed law will bring the gia’s for early earlychildhood child- adult day care up to theadultelists included gia’s program for ogy Board Chair. Ryan Sloan, Chief county’s lawcenters on child and hood learning, determine laws,up says learning, will will determine thethe max state’s beauty of theHealth, IT field, Officer of Solo day standard care centers to Walkthe state’sMarketingThe max number of children allowed number of children allowed to be er. standard laws, says Walker. said Cagle, is thatand“we’re Baha Zeidan, Co-founder CEO no toenrolled be enrolled the daycare a in theindaycare at a atgiven longer bound by Valdosta, bricks and Board “Wemember want toMax get McFarlin on the sameof Azalea Health out of given Walker added. time, time, Walker added. mortar. The worldSpecialist is the marasked how this new ordinance page,” he said. “We don’t want twoShea Ross, PR/Marketing There’s land There’sprecedent precedentforforthis this land would ketplacePartnership today andfor it’sTeleall betheconfusing City offolks.” Co- of the Georgia sets ofaffect criteria First operating privateschool schooland nyers,Board operating as aa private of technology.” to which Walker toldMcFarlin him Health,cause member Max Dan Rivera, Area Director and a daycare center. The used land to it would a daycare center. The land of the services operations asked only how affect this new ordinancefor Intel,Some and moderator Pat and Wil-techCleaning 470-207-4326 used to be owned by Midway be owned by Midway Holiness based included would affect theCounty. City of Conyers,liams, nologies in Rockdale President,offered McKenzie Dan-tele470-207-4326 Brandy & Jodi Church, Church, also known as Victory visitsandallowing Holiness also known as to which Walker it wouldiels & health “It actually putstold us him a little Associates Institute patients for Brandy & Jodi Tabernacle. Victory Tabernacle access to specialists that would Victory Tabernacle. Victory Tab- more onlyclosely affectinline operations to whatbased the inHealthcare • Affordable Rates • Trustworthy & Information Technology operated as an elementary private city’s otherwise be difficult to reach, or ernacle operated as an elementa• AffordableHome RatesCleaning • Trustworthy & Rockdale County. (ordinance) is,” said Walk- Board Chair. Dependable • Complete Services school until Mayuntil 2012 and2012 an ear- er. “It actually puts us a little more The biometric diagnosing ry private school May Dependable • Complete Home Cleaning Services beauty of machines the IT field, said yourcleaningservices@yahoo.com ly learning until Julyuntil 2012. closely inline to what the city’sCagle, customers at kiosks grocery and an earlycenter learning center is that “we’re no at longer yourcleaningservices@yahoo.com ordinances for Victory Tab- (ordinance) is,” said Walker. stores and big box stores, or the JulyThe 2012.
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