The News, Rockdale Dec 27th, 2014 V6 I39 by The Covington News

the News

Dec. 27, 2014 Volume 6, Issue 39 rockdalenews.com

Veteran’s Story Joe Neely took up the family tradition. serving in the Navy

Page 6

Home for the Homeless Phoenix Pass needs your help

Page 3 Young Professionals group grows

Page 4 Like us at facebook.com/ rockdalenews Follow us @rockdalenews

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EBOLA. ISIS. ROBIN WILLIAMS. FERGUSON. WHITEHEAD TWINS. ELECTION. ACUITY. CRASH. PROSTITUTION. BOIL WATER. ROCKDALE. RUSSIA. UKRAINE. ASTEROID. COMET. CIA. NSA. OBAMA. DEMOCRATS. REPUBLICANS. BILL COSBY. CAMPUS RAPE. LEBRON JAMES. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. JANICE VAN NESS. DOREEN WILLIAMS. VETERANS. EBOLA. ISIS. ROBIN WILLIAMS. FERGUSON. WHITEHEAD TWINS. SNOWMAGGEDON. ELECTION. ACUITY. CRASH. PROSTITUTION. BOIL WATER. ROCKDALE. RUSSIA. UKRAINE. ASTEROID. COMET. CAMPUS RAPE. LEBRON JAMES. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. JANICE VAN NESS. DOREEN WILLIAMS. VETERANS. EBOLA. ISIS. ROBIN WILLIAMS. FERGUSON. WHITEHEAD TWINS. SNOWMAGGEDON. ELECTION. ACUITY. CRASH. PROSTITUTION. BOIL WATER. ROCKDALE. SNOWMAGGEDON. DEAL/CARTER. NUNN/PERDUE. RUSSIA. UKRAINE. ASTEROID. COMET. CIA. NSA. ALS ICE BUCKET. Pages 10-14 HERITAGE. ROCKDALE. SALEM. TMZ. RAY RICE. CHURCH DAYCARE. SNOWMAGEDDON. BILL COSBY. LEBRON JAMES.

YEAR in REVIEW

Help for mental health helpers Mental Health Summit addresses community questions By Martin Rand, III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

A group of about 30 gathered at the Rockdale Career Academy to hear a panel discussion about all things related to mental illness. The panel of eight specialists spoke to a group of caretakers and family members who tend to people dealing with some kind of mental illness. This “Community Mental Health Summit,” was sponsored by Rockdale County Probate Court Judge Charles Mays, who said he wanted to hold this event because the court

and families had issues getting the help they needed from the hospital, law enforcement or housing authority. “The idea came to me when we kept getting repeat persons were going through stress and families were going through stress from the problems that they faced when a person in their family had mental illness,” he said to the group. “We wanted to find answers and we wanted to come together with professionals like these to see what you as a family member and what we as the court that’s responsible can do to aid the citizens of Rockdale.” Dana Reynolds, business development representative for Laurel Heights Hospital in Atlanta, has over 30 years of experience working

See Help, Page 15

Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Conyers Family Support Group: Meets first and third Mondays of the month, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran, 2375 Ga. Hwy 20 South, Conyers; Diane Marinelli, 678-314-1017, vdiannem@gmail.com Ga. Crisis Access Line (24-hours): 1-800-715-4225 Rockdale-Newton Suicide Prevention Task Force: Jennifer Wilds (ViewPoint), 770-856-8034, 770-209-2632 NAMI, GA: www.namiga.org, 770-234-0855 ViewPoint Health (services for behavioral health and developmental disabilities): www. myviewpointhealth.org

The News

2 • Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014

What’s Trending

Sworn In

Three of Rockdale’s officials elected in November - Chief Rockdale Superior Court Judge David Irwin, District Attorney Richard Read, and Post 2 Commissioner Doreen Williams - were sworn in Dec. 18 at the Rockdale County courthouse. All three were elected to serve a four year term. Irwin and Read faced no opposition; Williams defeated two-term incumbent JaNice Van Ness in the general election. Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford administered the oath of office.

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Dec. 20-26

Suspected serial killer had Rockdale history Heritage student arrested after assaulting teacher Rockdale schools hit with flu wave

Santa Hunt winner

Darrell Everidge/The News

(Top) Doreen Williams, joined by her husband John, was sworn in for her first term as the Rockdale County Post 2 Commissioner. Judge David Irwin (right), joined by his wife Lisa, was sworn in for his fifth term, as was District Attorney Richard Read (left), who was joined by his wife Theresa. Susan Grajko/The News

Jessica Terrell was the first to find our Santa figurine in the final (Dec. 20) hunt hding in the Love Light Tree at the East Tower entrance of Rockdale Medical Center. For being the first to find the Santa and return him safely, she is the winner of the $50 prize. Thank you to all the participants of this year’s hunts. No Santas were hurt in the carrying out of this year’s Santa Hunts.

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News Briefs | full story at rockdalenews.com

City OK’s $3.5M police radio system By John Ruch

jruch@rockdalenews.com

A $3.5 million, state-of-the-art police radio system was approved by Conyers City Council at its Dec. 17 meeting. The deal with Motorola will erect two new radio towers-each 250 feet tall-at the Horse Park and behind City Hall on Scott Street. It will also mean totally new radio equipment for the entire force, as well for use by other city departments. A year-long construction and installation process is expected to begin next month. Nearly two years in the making, the deal will update the city's 1980s-era gear. City Chief Operating Officer David Spann likened it to "going from the old box that you carried as a cell phone in the early '80s to an iPhone."

Homes for children

Phoenix Pass homeless transitional housing program needs community help to finish campaign, double in size By Tiffany Bentley

news@rockdalenews.com

This holiday season make sure you leave a little wiggle room in your budget to support a worthy cause. Phoenix Pass offers transitional housing options for single moms and children with nowhere else to go. And now the non-profit needs the community’s help to give even more families a safe and stable environment to get back on their feet. This year, they received a large grant from an anonymous Atlanta foundation that will allow them to double in size, adding eight additional apartment buildings. But, the project requires $50,000 more before they can begin construction, and Phoenix Pass is hoping to raise the remaining money from the community. “We have been overwhelmed with the support for the Capital Campaign to expand our facilities and services,” said Phoenix Pass

Director Marcie Howington. “We are over half way there, but we still need a lot of help.” “The women who come to us have experienced trauma and they just need help and time getting back on their feet. Because of the support from this community, we’ve been able to successfully provide safe housing, programming, and one-on-one coaching to help them re-establish self-sufficiency." Phoenix Pass, located on the Light House Village campus at 541 Sigman Road, is a partnership between First Baptist Church of Conyers and Rockdale Emergency Relief, a non-profit organization supported by United Way in Rockdale. You can donate online www. phoenixpass.org/donate or you can contact the director for more ways to get involved at director@ phoenixpass.org or call 770-7601020.

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A Phoenix Pass resident proudly displays her Christmastime creation. The Phoenix Pass program provides families a stable place to live for up to two years while they find employement and requires they save 30 percent of their income towards finding a home after they graduate Phoenix Pass.

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4 • Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014

Rockdale Young Professional Leaders group grows By Martin Rand III

lot more on recruiting new young members to the organization, which doesn’t collect membership dues. It’s important to reach out to the younger generation of people because they are the ones who will shape the future of Rockdale County, said Howington, who hopes Rockdale will become a networking hub for youngsters. “We need more community engagement with people our age,” said the 29-year-old Howington. “We’re trying to have ripple efRockdale Young Professional Leaders’ first ever Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl social networking event. fect in the community.” The next scheduled event for RYPL (profor senior citizens, an investing 101 class she said. “I’m really proud of how people nounced similar to “ripple”), will be Ice and a patriotic bowling event, that usually have gotten involved. Skating in Olde Town on January 15, 2015. saw about 10 to 25 people attend. The group already has a full list of sched- For more information, call 770-483-7049 or “People have joined us for all the events,” uled events for 2015, but will be focusing a email RYPL@conyers-rockdale.com. Submitted photo/The News

mrand@rockdalenews.com

Rockdale Young Professional Leaders, a Chamber of Commerce social and networking group for ages 21 to 40, is proud of the strides it’s made in its inaugural year. With many events held throughout the year, the group feels like it accomplished what it needed to accomplish in 2014, and that was to get out in the public eye and make their organization known to the community, says RYPL Executive Director Marcie Howington. “We focused a lot on figuring out which events worked best,” she said. Howington says the group had some good events, including a pub crawl, a prom

RCPS ‘report card’ higher than GA, drops from last year By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Rockdale public schools scored higher than the state as a system on the newly released Georgia College and Career Ready Performance Index scores, which measures schools and school districts on a 100 point scale. Rockdale’s middle schools averaged slightly lower than the state and high schools averaged lower than the state average. The CCRPI is the new accountability system that replaces the No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) measurement in Georgia. The U.S. Department of Education granted Georgia’s waiver from NCLB on Feb. 9, 2012. The state’s average score for each level is: State Average - 72 Elementary School - 73.2 Middle School - 73.5

High School - 68.7 Rockdale County Public Schools’ results are: District - 72.9 Elementary School - 77.2 Middle School - 73.3 High School - 66.2 “We are pleased that our elementary scores remain well above the state and our middle schools have held steady with the state average, although our overall results followed the state trend of a slight decrease,” said Superintendent Richard Autry. “Our scores continue to indicate the need to focus on improvements at the high school level. While we are starting to better understand the state measures for this new accountability system, we realize that we must focus more on where a student starts and ends, looking at progress and growth. We must also change how we monitor that progress for each student throughout the school

year. We appreciate that this complex accountability system uses multiple measures of school success and will take the necessary time to analyze the data so that we can celebrate our successes and pinpoint our challenges.” Last year, for the scores released in 2013, the RCPS district score was 76 while the state score was 75.8 Rockdale elementary schools scored 78.9 and state 78.5 in 2013. Rockdale middle schools scored 77.7 versus 75 state-wide in 2013 Rockdale high schools scored 70.6 versus 72 state-wide in 2013. The scores released in 2012 were for the pilot year, 2011-2012, that had assessments that were a slightly different formula. The CCRPI was designed to help parents and the public better understand how schools are performing in a more comprehensive manner than the pass/fail system previously in place under AYP. “While decreasing CCRPI

scores are disappointing, they are not unexpected,” Ga. Superintendent Dr. John Barge said. “This index is still relatively new and demands different areas of focus for our schools. Improvements

will not happen overnight, but the CCRPI is giving them a roadmap to tailor an education that is student-centered and one that will ensure they are college and career ready.”

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Our Thoughts Positive New Year “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain We think it’s safe to say for most 2014 was not the best of years. For those of you that it has been, we are pleased for you and hope 2015 is even better. For those of us who have struggled to run a business or have lost faith in our leaders and don’t quite know what direction we should go in 2015, please pay heed to the words of Mark Twain, who gives us a positive blueprint to follow. If we want to have a positive 2015, we have to think positively and act positively and believe positively. We believe that 2015 can be a progressive year for all of us if we just step up and remove the chains of ill will and non-positive thinking. We live in a great area we have neighbors that are good people. Put some effort into making 2015 your best year yet and it will be; we are sure of that. All of here at the paper wish for you and your family the happiest, most positive, most hope-filled New Year and we look forward to working side by side with you to help make it that way.

Man on the Street What is your New Year’s resolution?

Cherie Ullo, RCPS Teacher of the Year

Sheriff Eric Levett

I would say that my resolution is to get more sleep, but I know that’ll never happen! Instead, my resolution is to worry less and laugh more.

We’ve done a tremendous job to reduce crime in the county, so my goal is to reduce it even further in 2015.

s we celebrated Christmas 2014 we may have felt somewhat apprehensive concerning the ills that befall our nation currently, and with good reason. Not only are Americans being terrorized and attacked by Islamic extremists without as well as within; we are besieged by aliens illegally crossing through our borders. We are experiencing Charles unrest and Walker outright Columnist distrust of our legal system, including law enforcement authorities and our courts. If that isn’t enough, consider that there is a seemingly ever-widening gulf dividing our political parties, and liberals from conservatives. Add to that the painful results of the financial miasma which has stifled our economy, and the realization of the poor economic legacy we will be leaving for our descendants for generations to come. These very irksome systemic ills are in our mental foreground while our young men and women are engaged in an unending need to fight war after war. The picture is pitiful indeed, and most discomforting. There is a truism that is good to remember at times like these. There are no coins with only one side. In every confrontation; in

Zach Ames, YoungLife Coordinator To read more books. I’d like to read 100 this year.

Sen. Ronald Ramsey I vow to eat healthier and do better with my excercise regimen.

Christmas 1941 every conflict or disagreement it is wise to examine both sides of the “coin” before rushing to judgment. When considering the dismal state of affairs that

“

On December 7th, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and declared war on the United States a few hours later. Both Germany and Italy declared war on

He spoke of the whole world being locked in deadly struggle, with war creeping nearer to our hearts and homes, and suggests that amid all the tumult, for this one night we make for the children an evening of happiness in a world of storm.

besiege our peace of mind today, be careful to consider the opposite side of that coin. In spite of the recent very real economic downturn we have experienced, it doesn’t compare to the downturn of the Great Depression of the late ‘20s and early ‘30s. We survived that one and recovered from it because Americans believed in America. We passionately considered this wonderful nation worth saving and saved it. Christmas of 1941 found us recovering from the Great Depression, but with enough economic problems to touch everybody in one way or another. The mischievous boll weevil had “gutpunched” the southern farmers into a struggling existence, and African-Americans had migrated en masse to northern cities for better gainful employment. But December 1941 was an especially discomforting month.

“

the

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5

the United States on December 11. The United States gave its RSVP in the form of reciprocal declarations of war. The American congress opted to suspend all legislative activity and devote its energies to winning the war in which we were engaged for the duration. You may imagine the unsettling and chilling effect of this as a background for Christmas 1941 and to a large effect for the remaining years of WWII. On the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, Prime Minister of England Winston Churchill was in Washington, D.C. conferring with President Roosevelt, and gave a Christmas message to America. He spoke of the whole world being locked in deadly struggle, with war creeping nearer to our hearts and homes, and suggests that amid all the tumult, for this one night

we make for the children an evening of happiness in a world of storm. Let them enjoy a night of fun and laughter, “before we turn again to the stern task and the formidable years that lie before us, resolved that, by our sacrifice and daring, these same children shall not be robbed of their inheritance or denied their right to live in a free and decent world.” Do we not find ourselves in circumstances similar to those of 1941 with the sternest of tasks lying before us, which will require sacrifice and daring that our children not be robbed of their right to live in a free and decent world? May the “Peace that passeth understanding” abide with you and our nation during this Christmas season. Charles Walker served as the mayor of Conyers for two decades and was the first president of the Rockdale Historical Society.

HAVE YOUR SAY We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must be 350 words or less. They should be limited to issues of public interest and may be edited for content, grammar, spelling and length. • Mail: Editor, The News, 1009 Milstead Ave., Suite 200, Conyers, GA 30012 • Email: news@ rockdalenews.com

10• •Saturday, Saturday,Dec. Dec.27, 6, 2014 6

The News News The

AA Purple for ‘Mama Bear’ Life of Heart Service P

August 7, earl Harbor babies are hard 2013: Forward O p e r to a tlocate. i n g Joe Neely is one of the few. Base (FOB) “My dad’s Shank, Logarship, the USS San Francisco, Province was in moored in Pearl Harbor on Dec Afghanistan. 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked. I was three She rememmonths old. The family was getting bers a ‘thump’ PETE ready for church theMECCA bombs followed by when COLUMNIST and torpedoes fell. I certainly don’t the sensation recall the attack, but my 4-year-old of a big hand brother 7–year-old sister witpickingand up her body then squeeznessed Day from her lungs. ing thethebreath of Infamy.” Hurled through the air, her body The USS a blast wall, smashes against San Francisco called an Alaska Wall by the U.S. was Military.moored A water truck packed between with 3,000 four lbs. of explosives had other ships, two ‘inside the wire.’ just detonated on each Major Pattyside; “Mama Bear” Justice damage was lies wounded and motionless, ansuperficial. Joeof another pete mecca other casualty suicidal said, “The oth-She isColumnist terrorist attack. 49 years old. er During four vessels WWII her father worked didn’t fair too Manhattan Project on the secretive well. Dad hitchedthe a ride withbomb our to help develop atomic neighbor and reported to his duty that ended the war. By the time station amidborn, the fighting. I really Patty was her father was don’t know exactly what Dad did vice-president of a steel company in that day, City. but I’m he was very Mexico Shesure recalled, “When busy.” we moved back to the states I was San Francisco 8 The yearsUSS old, bilingual and withwas dubeing overhauled, especially her al-citizenship. I didn’t lose dual-citweaponry, so Ithe crew only ashad izenship until took the oath an small arms and two 7.6 mm maofficer in the U.S. military.” chine guns fight Patty back.attended Many After hightoschool crossed the USSMilitary New Orleans to the NewtoMexico Institute help withman highanti-aircraft hopes of anguns. ArmyWork milon thecareer San Francisco resumed afitary upon graduation. An ter the attack. One week latercamp she incident in advanced boot put to sea. November, ’42, the spoiled theIndream. “I ruined my Naval of Guadalcanal sent knee,”Battle she said. “That terminated two Neely scholarship brothers into my ROTC so harm’s I transway and another American family ferred to Mount Saint Mary’s, an would all five of theirs.in Calall-girllose Catholic school Joe said, “The Naval Battle of ifornia. After graduation I later Guadalcanal was a horrific sea worked in defensive contracting battle. My dad, of course, was on the USS San Francisco and my uncle was on the USS Atlanta. Both were very lucky sailors; they survived.” The USS San Francisco took 45 major hits, 77 men killed, 105 wounded. She stayed afloat and finally returned stateside for repairs. During the battle, the USS Juneau transferred medical personnel to the San Francisco to assist in treating the many wounded. An hour later USS Juneau was struck by an enemy torpedo. The ship literally disintegrated, killing almost all her crew, including the five Sullivan brothers. Only 10 crewmen survived. The Atlanta was in the thick of things, fought valiantly, yet received so much damage she was eventually scuttled. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, military families were evacuated

until moving to Peachtree City, pital moves at a more industrious due perceived threat GA to in a1989. I met invasion a great guy, we tempo. They expect more.” To exfrom Japan. Joe continued, “Mom got hitched, and I decided on a pand her knowledge as an officer, and theinkids ended up I in Long Patty joined a civil affairs outfit career nursing. First attended Beach, but after the USS San in Dallas, TX for 2 years. “Those GordonCA, College before receiving wanted the promotion ‘before’ I Francisco returned stateside for re- 2 years gave me a better rounded my nursing degree from Brenau (Clockwise) USS Valley Forge / Joe pairs my father was reassigned to and Pat Neely / Joe Neely in basic University. I worked at Piedmont background and bestowed realPuget Sound actuallyuntil served training, far right (Submitted photos) Hospital for and 11 years, the ly great training,” she said. Patty on the Towers USS Puget Sound. I was still would need all the training for her Twin fell.” justPatty a young kid, but I do remember received a card in the mail future deployment. reenlisted. We couldn’t agree on being in Washington seeUp for a promotion to Maexplaining a need state for and qualified when and where so it was time to ing all the vessels come in and out, nurses in the military. She said, “I jor without slots available, she leave.” living in one halfI’ll of atry Quonset thought, ‘shoot, again,’hut, and received a call from the 228th “When and where” for Joe and seeing military parades.” I took a chance on being accepted.” Combat Support Hospital in San turned out to be the new Mobile A typical “military brat,” as Joe At 40 years of age, Patty Justice Antonio. Their offer was unemChemical Plastics in Covington. put it, theafamily constantreceived direct moved commission into bellished: promotion to Major if “I worked there until being transly. US Joe Army. said, “Kindergarten and she’d accept deployment to the the “I didn’t even have ferred across the street to the Foam first grade in the state of Washto wear the butter bars of a 2nd Lt.,” 628th Forward Surgical Team Plant in 1970. The Foam Plant ington, second and third grade in she said, grinning. “I was commis- hunkered down at an isolated loburned down in 1972 but I stayed Long Beach, then my parents dication in Afghanistan called FOB sioned as a 1st Lieutenant.” on for the ‘clean up’ and rebuildvorced. My brother and ended up Shank, better known as Rocket Patty was assigned to Ithe 3297th operate in the waters off Hispanio- ing.” folk, VA to board his home for the at the Southern California Military out of Fort Gordon, GA after at- City. Patty accepted the promo- la to evacuate American personnel News At theDarrell countyEveridge/The fair in 1975 Joe the aircraft carrier, Academy,anSCMA, as we course called next tion,four and years, the challenge. Soon nick- if needed.” tending officerorbasic talked to recruiters for the Army CVS-45, USS Valley Forge. “I was it, Southern California Miniature at Fort Sam Houston, TX. The named “Mama Bear” by her colByatthe 23rdI had of January, 1962, National Guard. “I fire signed up,” soldiers hit by sniper or sufferout’ night, the impression firemanMajor apprentice should Alcatraz. moved In 1955to I had the opporPatty and Justice was the battalion Brooke Army aleagues, Valley Forge had scraped along he said. “For the next four years I ing from frost bite or hypothermia. many of the enemy fighters were have been assigned to engineering tunity to live with Dad, which I Medical Center in San Antonio going to war. From September of the sides of the Panama Canal and a weekend Then I apIt was horriblywarrior. cold during the basically lazy, like, ‘It’s time for was somehow ended up the 1st did. As harbor commander New but 2012 to September of in 2013, she anchored as the campaign in Iraqinheated at her newmorning.’ homeportOur in plied andBut received a position with winter. then the ‘killing seabed, see you in the Division for regular seamen. There Orleans, he obtained the rank of up. Patty said, “I was there for 18 would reside in ‘Rocket City.’ CA. for AGR (ActiveMay Guard Reserve). I son’ began, through Decemsouth Beach, side base didShe getset hit sail at night learn how to paintAfghanistan: and clean a Long Lieutenant until he youFOB Shank, months. WeCommander were the last in a chain duty with the Seventh Fleet three stayed with the AGR for the next ber, and the American casualties so I guess it depended on which ship, which I did. After a week an was transferred to Mobile. I attendof care spectrums. Casualties were “Well, it reminded me of the months later. years.” really picked up.” in lived a corridor and area had less lazy fighters. Any- 21 ed grades eighth through Regional tenth in officer moviestopped MASH;mewe in tents, flown in from Landstuhl “In May we weremortars, ordered toRPGs, land Joe Neely’s lifelong servicesolto When discussing American way, we received asked why I wasn’t in engineering. Mobile, Dad retired in 1957, and Medical Center in Germany into no real roads, just about every- the Marine Team via helicopters in his country included military exdiers, she stated, “Those guys are and sniper fire on a regular basis.” I ‘enlightened’ him that I was just we moved back to our family roots Brooke for the completion of their thing brought in by air, and that Thailand,” said Joe. “The Commuin Germany, good, resilient, and doassignment what they Her comments on the base med- ercises whatthe I was orderedand to do. He in Newtonbefore County. I graduated included wounded dying. treatment going to a VA doing nist Pathet Lao forces in did Laos had to the state headquarters inofAtlanare told. The average age a solical field facility: “They a great was livid and swore a blue streak. from Newton County High School hospital nearest their hometown.” We stayed busy and learned a lot renewed the assaults against the ta, attending the20,Sergeant Major dier was about our field surgijob considering we only had 14 That afternoon I reported to engiin May of 1960. One month later I During this time the 3297th was about different cultures, the Af- Royal Laotian Government and at Fort25, Bliss El Paso, cal team about andinthere I am people. We were on call 24/7, no Academy joined the Navy with twothe buddies.” ghans and Nepalese. Afghan men the disbanded to become 3274th neering.” government of Thailand was TX, instructing at Fort Bliss, worka 49 year old “Mama Bear” fussin’ shift work because the shifts deNow Joe acquired his real trade. Joereorganized was, as Hank William’s, then a second timeJr. as in the villages could not under- concerned about an invasion of theboys.” Inspector General’s Ofoverforour learned and inmaintained hy- pended on casualties. A 72 hour ing crooned, “Carryin’ on a Hospital Family “I stand a woman uniform, packthe 75th Combat Support their own country. Our taskyet force fice, until completing military August 7, 2013 - his “Our small shift was nothing for us, the draulic systems, air compressors, Tradition.” ing a .45 automatic, and so bold closed the coastline and sent the out of Tuscaloosa. career with the and human resources medical facility living quarters next time we’d only work 4 hours. steam, refrigeration, catapults, the Within a week of signing on Patty returned to Piedmont as to look them in the eye. They Marines in. Luckily, by July the in June of 2001. were Joe no retired more than a 30 second elevators; shoot, wethat.” pretty We saw and treated a minimum of outfit. the dottedafter line,completing Joe and hisherbudjust couldn’t comprehend Hospital as- airplane crisis abated.” “I tried to get back in after 9/11,” walk from ‘the wire’. We lived 1,100 patients. These were not mimuch had the run of the ship. The dies were en route to Chicago for “Mama Bear” kept count of the signment at Brooke. She recalled, “The training and retraining nevhe said “But nothing wasbecause availclose to where we worked nor injuries. We dealt with the reValley Forge was huge, at least to training at the Great Lakes Training “Boy, talk about going back to action. She recalled, “We got hit er let up, for good reason. By 1964, at the Besides, myforwife we had to time. respond quickly the boy, like ship. sults of IEDs and combat, severed able Camp. 278country times during mya cruise tour, mainslow motion. It was like being de- this the Valley Forge was positioned off became ill and I lost her in 2003. medevac flights, coming in and limbs; people absolutely blown I never complained about the food “Well,from that’s another moted the big leaguestory,” back ly in the mornings, into the after- the Vietnamese coast after destroyavoided invitations to were dances, out. That night we hit away. During the fall and winter Igoing enjoyed duty.” he “When we Piedmont left Atlantaisita either, noon, and but Inot very my often at night. ers to said. the little league. Turner Joy andcare Maddox were singles clubs, things like that. But we mainly took of Afghan In the Atlantic, the Valley Forge was 92 degrees and I’m in a short great hospital, but a military hos- Even though we were ‘blackedattacked North Viet- in 2004See I was talkedBEAR, into aPage singles soldiers, except forbythe American MAMA 11 sleeve shirt and a thin pair of trou- took part in “Operation Mercury.” reportedly namese torpedo boats. Joe recalls, dance at the American Legion Post sers. Upon arrival at Chicago it was She recovered nose cones from 49 degrees and raining, and getting space shots at Cape Canaveral and “We were on station 57 days, pre- 77 in Conyers. Well, I met Pat. She colder. We were supposed to be is- in Sept of 1960 rescued 28 sea- pared for whatever came our way. was also there for the first time. We sued uniforms at Camp Berry but men off the merchant tanker Pine But as an assault ship, we were were married 77 days later. Five none were available. We waited Ridge. Joe recalled, “By the time soon shuttling Marines to and from years later we realized we met at Post 77 and were married exactly two weeks for basic clothing. Un- we reached the Pine Ridge she had Okinawa, Japan, and Vietnam.” Four years aboard the Valley 77 days later, so as they say, it was til then, we had the clothes on our broken into two pieces. I saw the backs. We washed our clothes ev- aft section with the bridge standing Forge came to an end in 1964. “I meant to be. She is the love of my ery night, hung them to dry in the straight up in the water. The 28 sea- received orders for shore duty,” life.” • HISTORICAL Joe and Pat Neely stay busy supwere clinging to the still-afloat Joe recalled. “Of all things, I was steam room, yet every morning we menSWORDS assigned to the base commissary. porting and participating in Legion stern section but we were able to still donned damp clothing. It was • ANTIQUE FIREARMS The war in Vietnam was heating and other veteran events. “We love rescue the entire crew.” not very pleasant.” In July of 1961, the Valley Forge up and there I was stocking shelves to travel,” Joe said. “So far we’ve Basic training took virtual• place POCKET KNIVES With Adstore. been on 16 cruises.” of This a grocery ly across the street from Camp Ber- was modified to suit her new role as in the equivalent Expires 12/25/14. • MILITARIA Keep cruising, Joe… you’ve ry at the Great Lakes Naval Train- an Amphibious Assault Ship LPH- That didn’t last long, though. I was put in charge of ordering all beef earned it. 8 (Landing Platform Helo). Joe ing Center. Joe recalls, “Training • SCI-FI / FANTASY ITEMS Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm ~ Sat 10 am - 4 pm was basic stuff, and our rifles were stated, “In September we trained products to the commissary, the Pete Mecca is a Vietnam vetersingle shot .22’s with an indoor with troop-carrying helicopters largest in Long Beach.” VISIT OUR SHOWROOM In 1966, Joe had to make a de- an, columnist and freelance writwas good because a crisis range. Ya see, you don’t carry ri- which cision: reenlist or return to civilian er. Reach him at aveteransstory@ soon developed in the Dominican fles in the Navy… but our guns are Gees 2147 Mill Road • Conyers, GA 30013 Republic. The Trujillo regime was life. “I was offered a promotion if gmail.com bigger!” RN Call 770-922-3700 • www.museumreplicas.com overthrown so we were ordered to I stayed, ‘after’ I signed up, but I In August Joe reported to Nor-

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The News

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 • 7

The Rockdale Rockers A 55 & Older Social Club

Rockdale Medical Center Social Gatherings, Monthly Lunches, Health Education, Screenings & More!

The Rockdale Rockers will meet on the third Thursday of each month 11:30-1:00 for lunch, guest speakers, bingo and much more! Meetings are located in the East Tower Classrooms Annual ‘VIP’ membership $15 for one year; two year membership $25 For More Information: Deanne Mance 770-918-3908 • Jessica Smith 770-918-3190 Marianne Freeman 770-918-3111 • Charlene Rodriguez 770-918-3124 2015 SCHEDULE January 15 .............................................................. Darrell Huckaby, Local Author February 19 .......................................................................................... Heart Healthy March 19 ...............................................................................Don’t be Scammed... April 16 ....................................................................On the Move; Staying Active May 21..................................................................................Home Improvements June 18 ..................................................................................... Medication Safety July 16 ........................................... Estate Planning, Living Wills, & Funeral Planning August 20 .........................................................................All About Hospice Care September 17............................................................................All About Urology October 15 .................................................... All About Supplemental Insurance November 19 .............................................................................All About ‘Joints’ December 17 ............................................................................... Christmas Party

RSVP 1-800-424-3627 • Please RSVP one week in advance

8 • Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014

The News

Ringing In the NEw Year Not sure where to go to to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Here’s a range of events in Rockdale and metro-Atlanta for family fun and a night on the town. Plus, get a jump start on your New Year’s health resolution with activities on New Year’s Day.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Whistle Post Tavern: Dinner specials, DJ laser lights show, midnight balloon drop and champaign toast; 935 Railroad Street NW; 770-785-5008; www.whistleposttavern.com

Marshall’s Sports Bar and Grill: 8 p.m. - close; Live DJ, party favors, buffet and champagne toast; Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door; 1180 Sigman Rd, 770-929-9277.

The Pointe: Cash prizes, midnight champagne toast and a balloon drop; open unitl 3 a.m.; 939 Railroad St. 770483-1918.

American Legion: 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., karaoke, music, and breakfast after midnight for members and guests at the Conyers Post 77 Hall, 674 Legion Road, off Hwy 138. 770-483-8216.

Third Base Sports Bar: Karaoke, midnight champagne toast, Texas Hold ‘Em poker; 2174 Salem Rd., 770-918-2133

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Peach Drop 2015: Celebrate in The Underground in Atlanta with live entertainment from 6 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. and count down to the Peach Drop and fireworks at midnight; free.

Panola Mountain First Day Hike: Noon; $7 plus $5 parking; start the New Year off right with a brisk hike up beautiful Panola mountain. Join a journey that begins by writing, then burning, last year’s burdens. Hike to the top of the mountain to symbolize all the great things you will accomplish in 2015. Finish with s’mores and hot chocolate around a campfire. Register in advance. Ages 6 and up. 770-3897801.

New Year's Eve at Phillips Arena: Old School Music Fest featuring The Isley Brothers, Morris Day, Mint Condition, Jeffrey Osborne and Dru Hill; tickets $29-129; 800-745-3000

Resolution Run 4 Miler/1 Mile/Kilometer Kids Dash: 10 a.m., $25; Brookhaven MARTA Station. akowaleski@hopebeckham. com or 404-604-2209; http://atlantatrackclub. org/events/view/2015-resolution-run

LEGOLAND Noon Year’s Eve: 12 p.m. (noon)-9 p.m.,

Resolution Run 5K/10K: 11 a.m. $25; Stockbridge. michelle@getsetgrow.com or 678-554-6410; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ resolution-run-registration-13705965913

Legoland Discovery Center invites families to kick off 2015 at noon with a balloon drop and a countdown displayed on screens around the center. Throughout the day, Lego fans can also take part in the large 2015 group build; Free; LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 3500 Peachtree Road; 404-848-9252

Development Graduates

First Day 5K: 1 p.m.; $25; Red Brick Brewery, Atlanta. phil@southerneventsynergy.com or 404-474-7309 ; http://southerneventsynergy. com/portfolio/first-day-5k/

HCE Star Students

Peachtree Homecoming

Submitted photo/The News

Honey Creek Elementary’s Star Students for Nov. 2014 are: Mary Clark, Deanna Crutchfield, I’rhiana Doomes, Layla Farooq, Sashiana Grant, Tashaun Harville, Erica Hope, Isabelle Jean-Louis, Tosin Johnson, Mallory Jordan, Samuel Longo, Armanei Lloyd, Takyra McSubmitted photo/The News Clendon, Riley McDaniel, Marvin Mercier, Deangelo Middlebrooks, Three leaders from Rockdale graduated Dec. 3 from the 2014 Bryan Mitchell, Trace Patterson, Aadith Putta, Taylor Rakestraw, Ga. Academy for Economic Development’s Region 3 Multi-Day Jamirah Smith, Madison Stewart, Alexander Williams, Tyler WilTraining Program: Deanne Barnes, CEO of Evans Metal Stamping, liams Inc.; Miki Edwards (not pictured), CEO of Rockdale Career Academy and Martin Jones, Exec. Dir. of Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council.

Submitted photo/The News

Jordan Ozburn was crowned Peachtree Academy’s Homecoming Queen Oct. 24. Jordan is a member of the varsity cheer squad, National Honor Society, a student ambassador and student body president. She plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Homecoming Court and Princesses include: (Front Row) Morgan Hayes, Skylar Waters, Darcy Tyndall, Mia Reagin; (Back Row) Rylee Smith, Lexie Branche, Callie Barnes, Jordan Ozburn, Haley Campbell, Carlie Argo, Karley Johnson, Riley Clingerman (not pictured).

The News

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 9

The News

10 • Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014

2014

In Photos

YEAR in REVIEW

1 4

National/World stories of the year Ebola

Ferguson/ Eric Garner/ Police

As the rest of the county learned more about this deadly disease, medical professionals who had gone overseas to fight the disease and contracted it were brought to facilities such as Emory. Local health facilities, such as Rockdale Medical Center, local doctor’s offices and clinics revised their screening procedures and protocols. Local agencies met to discuss the issues and many unanswered questions.

Grand jury decisions not to indict the officers involved in the fatal shooting of an unarmed young black man, Michael Brown, in Ferguson, MO, and the choke-hold death of an unarmed black man, Eric Garner, in New York, brought nation-wide protests and a closer look at police practices. Two NYC police officers were shot and killed by a gunman angry about Brown and Garner. In Rockdale, law enforcement, clergy, and school, city and county officials began dialogues before the grand jury decision.

NFL, domestic violence and other issues It was a year where the NFL made more headlines off the field than on the field. The video of Ray Rice knocking out his then-fiance and now wife Janay Rice in an Atlantic City elevator and the NFL’s mishandling of the review process and sanctions brought the issue of domestic and family violence to the national spotlight.

The News

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 • 11

1. Rockdale County High principal Mary Ann Suddeth Heritage High principal Greg Fowler doused each other at the Aug. 22 football opener as the schools competed in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge fundraiser. 2. World War II veteran and former Commissioner Bud Soesbee was honored with France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor, at the Ga. Capitol in April. 3.Patriot defenders tackle a Salem Seminole. 4. Salem basketball standout Ayana Mitchell signed with LSU. 5. The Kim Atkins Foundation Tennis Tournament fundraiser to fight breast cancer was held at the Snellville Summit Chase Country Club Aug. 22-24.

6. Football season opened Aug. 22 7. Karen and Vanessa Lopez’s parents drop off the sisters for the first day of school at CJ Hicks Elementary. 8. Conyers Police patrol vehcile coated in ice during the Feb. snow storm that brought Atlanta to a standstill. 9. JROTC member looks at the names of cancer victims at the Relay for Life. 10. Hometown Holidays floats and paradegoers were soaked during a downpour Dec. 6. 11. Kaison Joyner, 8, dressed as Tonto from The Lone Ranger, was the winner of The News Costume Contest at the Olde Town Fall Festival Oct. 25.

7 8 9

11 10

Darrell Everidge/Marvin Maner/Submitted/The News

National/World stories of the year (continued from previous page) Sony hacked

Senate Intelligence Committee on CIA “en- The clock went back to the Cold War era as The hacking and release of information from hanced interrogation” practices after 9/11 Russia invaded the Crimean peninsula in Ukraine following political unrest. Sony Pictures and threats against theaters was released. showing Sony’s “The Interview,” staring Seth Rogan and James Franco, caused the studio ISIS Malaysian Airlines to pull the story of an assassination attempt A brutal new terrorist organization – the Is- The mysterious disappearance of Malaysian of the North Korean leader from its original- lamic State in Iraq and Syria – gained control Airlines flight MH370 in March captured ly scheduled Christmas Day opening. Public of swaths of land in Syria and Iraq, using bru- world-wide attention; it remains missing. backlash on the decision brought the movie tal acts and horrific videos of American and back to theaters. western hostage beheadings to spread ter- Donald Sterling ror. The former owner of the LA Clippers lost

CIA Torture Report

A 500-page report years in the making by the

Russia/Ukraine

ownership after racist remarks about the team’s players and audience went public.

12 • Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014

2014 YEAR in REVIEW

Biggest LOCAL stories of the year SNOWMAGEDDON Drivers were stuck for hours or even days, babies were born on highways, schools and businesses shut down, and neighbors opened their homes to strangers in random acts of kindness. What happened? Two inches of snow. That’s all it took to shut down most of metro Atlanta for a week. Luckily, most Rockdale students were able to get home just in time before the weather set in. Rockdale residents commuting back home found themselves stuck on the roads, at offices or the recipients of kindness and hospitality.

Whitehead Twins guilty plea Four years after the death of their mother Jarmecca “Nikki” Whitehead and just before their trials were set to start, twin sisters Tasmiyah and Jasmiyah Whitehead entered a guilty plea in February to voluntary manslaughter. They were sentenced to 30 years in Rockdale County Superior Court.

Acuity Brands expands Acuity Brands Lighting, one of the largest manufacturers in Rockdale, recently announced plans to expand its operation, creating 700 jobs and investing more than $16 million into Rockdale and DeKalb counties over the next five years. After difficulty and miscommunication between the Development Authority and local leaders negotiating the incentive package, a tax abatement exempting the company on new and existing taxes for 10 years was worked out and approved.

Election 2014 Rockdale completed the transition to Democratic elected officials on the Board of Commissioners when Doreen Williams defeated two-term incumbent JaNice Van Ness. Statewide, Georgia reelected incumbents and Republican candidates.

Prostitution crackdown Not in this town: Conyers Police and local law enforcement launched a campaign to crack down on sex-trade activities with a series of stings targeting “johns,” or the customers, and prostitutes. According to investigators monitoring online activity, posts for Conyers have dropped significantly.

The News

MOST VIEWED stories of the year rockdalenews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Statutory rape charge for girl, 16, in sex with boy, 14, at middle school (March 4, 2014) Boil water advisory lifted (June 8, 2014) 2nd Whitehead twin pleads guilty to manslaughter (February 7, 2014) Storm Update: School in session next week (February 10-14, 2014) Update: Rockdale schools closed Friday (January 27-30, 2014) Conyers man found dead on I-20 New Year’s Day (January 3, 2014) Crash, overturned vehicle on Hwy 138 (May 28, 2014) One dead, two arrested after Sunday night shooting (May 27, 2014) 20-year-old killed in fiery car crash (February 24, 2014)

Heritage student arrested after assaulting teacher (December 15, 2014)

Sports

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 Page 13 rockdalenews.com

2014: A Semester in Review

he year is coming to a close as we prepare for a brand new year in 2015. This time of year brings resolutions for the future, but we decided to remind you of some of the best memories of the past. There are number of great stories that didn’t make the cut, but each story in its own is always special. Here you will find some of the top stories in sports for 2014, from June until now.

Ayanna signs to LSU Salem beats Winder With the ball at Salem’s one-yard line and just a fews seconds left on the clock, Winder Barrow dialed up CeCe Green’s number and he was stuffed by Salem’s superb defensive line to give the Seminoles a 31-24 win at home.

Ayanna Mitchell has been a basketball phenomenon ever since she stepped on the court at Salem as a freshman. Her hard work and talents have paid off, culminating in her signing a full scholarship to play basketball at LSU in fall 2015. Ayanna, who averaged a 18 points and 11 rebounds as a junior, verbally committed in the summer and signed the paperwork in November officially making her a future Tiger.

Lady Patriots beat Loganville

Hubbard goes Gamecock Morgan Hubbard signed her letter of intent to attend the University of South Carolina on June 25, 2014. Hubbard was a 2013 and 2014 state champion at Heritage High School. Hubbard signed with the Gamecocks after graduating from Heritage with a 3.5 GPA.

The Lady Patriots softball team was able to beat Loganville and tie for the region lead in a stunning victory. With the count 2-2 and Ta’lor Bynum up to bat with the winning run on second, Bynum hit a blooper over shortstop to bring in the winning run.

Candace Hill wins athlete of the year Candace Hill was named the 2013-2014 Gatorade Georgia Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year on June 19 making her the first-ever chosen from Rockdale County High School. Hill is coming off her freshman year at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology where she maintained a 4.54 GPA. Continued Page 13

The News

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 14

Majesti signs with UGA Senior Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology Student Majesti Bass signed her letter of intent to play collegiate level volleyball with the University of Georgia this summer. Bass won numerous athletic awards during her time playing for the Rockdale County High School varsity volleyball team.

NEWS

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The News

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 • 15

ATTENTION ENTREPRENEURS!

Rockdale County Probate Court hosted a Mental Health Summit Dec. 13 at Rockdale Career Academy to bring more information to caretakers. (Martin Rand, III/The News)

HELP

From front page

with adolescents with mental health issues. She was asked how to determine if someone has or might be developing a mental health issue. It’s best to let a mental health professional make that determination because it can very difficult to read all the signs and differentiate the problem a medical issue, she said. Nyree Jackson, a panelist who has worked in the behavioral health services field for more than 16 years in the public and private sectors, tried to get the audience to understand why a family member with a mental illness might sometimes lash out towards them. “Its human nature to take out your frustrations and your anger and whatever else is going on within you on the people that are closet to you,” she said. “Not to mention, if they don’t understand what’s going on within them and you’re trying to tell them what you believe is going on, it’s a power struggle. So you’re trying to get them do something or convince them of something that they don’t want to accept.” Reynolds elaborated a little more on the situation. “We know that a person that loves us is going to tolerate so much more,” said Reynold. Rockdale County Sheriff Office

Are you looking to start or have recently started a business? Deputy Jacob Baird, who was on the on panel and answered questions about how families can acquire a 1013 form, which allows somebody who is a danger to themselves or people around them, he said, to be transported to a mental health facility involuntarily. “In order to get that down, you have to go and apply at the Probate Court and it has to be accompanied with a certificate by a physician or licensed social worker saying this person is in need of assistance,” Baird said. “At that point, it is up to law enforcement to get that person into custody and to a emergency facility that can do the evaluation and provide treatment as needed.” He also answered a question from a concerned mother who worried about her son, who has a mental illness, being shot by police. Baird spoke about the training officers receive in the training academy and other certifications an officer can receive to handle such a situation. “I know Sheriff (Eric) Levett likes his officers to be crisis intervention trained. I believe that many of the field operations officers do have that class under their belt. That allows them to perceive the situation and what is indicative of a behavioral problem (and) not necessarily an aggressor towards that officer. There are many situations where an officer may protect themselves if they perceive a threat. However, if the situation is such, that

they know the person has a mental health or behavioral health problem they can back away from that situation and try to resolve it peacefully.” Baird is heading up a new program for the RCSO that works with adult offenders who have a mental illness. The objective of the program is to reduce the likelihood of the person returning to jail after they’re released. “Unfortunately, jails and prisons have become the de facto mental health facility in the state because over the last one or two decades, mental health facilities have been closing down losing funding,” he said. Laura Nicholas, assistant director of care coordination at Emory Wesley Woods Hospital in Atlanta, discussed state funding for mental health treatment and different organizations people, who may not have health insurance, can join to help them with the healthcare cost. A couple of the organizations she listed for people to go to for healthcare relief cost and support groups included the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Family Caregiver Association and the government health exchanges. But still, Nicholas said “funding is stretched so thin when it comes to caregivers of mental health that, unfortunately, we’re alone.”

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