February 1, 2014

See Brown, page 6

See Snow, page 6

See Rockdale, page 6

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Arabia High student lends a hand to Towers High ....page 3 AARP employment program opens new office ....page 8 Elizabeth Baptist plants new congregation in Rockdale ....page 9

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 44 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM FEBRUARY 1, 2014 FREE

SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES n WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

By Joshua Smith

Rockdale County Chairman and CEO Richard Oden has big dreams of breaking ground on a

200,000-square-foot civic center and auditorium in Rockdale, bringing jobs and boosting tourism in east metro Atlanta by the end of 2016. Oden hopes the civic center will become a magnet for global trade shows, concerts and other cultural events by the end of 2016.

Oden already has a concept rendition of what Rockdale could look like with a civic center, office complex, five-star hotels and restaurants. He says the civic center would benefit the entire East corridor of metro Atlanta. Now,

Oden is on a mission to get investors who will turn that concept into a reality.

“This has been a conversation I have continually brought up since I was first elected,” said Oden, who was elected in 2008 and re-elected for another four-year term in 2012. “Last year, I was invited to Taiwan by their government. I showed them what I’ve been talking about here. I showed them the vision and the goal. I showed them the benefits of investing in us.”

Last summer, Oden was one of nine people who took a 10-day economic development trip to Taiwan, where he promoted a potential partnership with the Taiwanese government and shared

Rockdale County CEO Richard Oden explains the blueprint for a 200,000-square-foot civic center.

Rockdale CEO hopes to bring a civic center to boost tourism, jobs

Thomas Brown opens campaign headquarters

Community Business We Worship

Jeffrey Mann set to take helm as DeKalb’s

interim sheriff

By Valerie J. Morgan

Thomas Brown says he’s moving into full swing with his bid for Congress. He’s hosting a grand opening

for his campaign headquarters on Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 3728 Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker.

DeKalb County will get a new interim sheriff in early March when Jeffrey Mann leaves his position as the Sheriff’s Office chief deputy to replace Brown, his long-time boss and mentor.

The transition will mark the first time in 14 years the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office has had someone other than Brown at the helm.

Brown, who has served as sheriff since 2001 and has been a public servant for 28 years, is resigning to run for the Fourth Congressional District seat now held by Hank Johnson, who was elected to Congress in 2007 and is in his fourth term in office. Johnson said he will seek re-election. Both candidates are Democrats.

“We’re very excited about the grand opening. People will be able to pick up yard signs and sign up to volunteer. People are gearing up for a winning campaign,” said Brown.

“They are ready for a change in direction and I’m looking forward to being a strong voice in Washington who will not just be waiting for something to happen but making something happen.”

Brown says he is looking forward to the qualifying period for the federal and state races scheduled March 3-7. As soon as Brown qualifies that week, Mann will be sworn in as interim sheriff until a special election is held on May 20. The winner of the special election will finish out Brown’s four-year term, which expires in 2016.

DeKalb Elections Supervisor Maxine Daniels said holding the special election on May 20, when the primaries for federal and state offices also will be held, will save the county money.

“We won’t have to bear the expense of having the special election on another day,” said Daniels. Mann says he is well prepared to lead the Sheriff’s Office. “For the last 12 years I have been working with Sheriff Brown to restore the professionalism of this

Atlanta’s snowstorm tests survival skills, first responders

Jeffrey MannThomas Brown

By Joshua Smith and Valerie J. Morgan

Simone Coleman, 15, spent 13 hours on an Atlanta Public Schools bus, stuck on I-285 in a

snowstorm that turned Atlanta upside down. Coleman didn’t get home until 5:30 a.m. and oh what a relief it was for her and her schoolmates and their worried parents.

“I just tried to sleep through the time and not think about it. Some of the boys peed in sports bottles at the back of the bus, and all the girls, well, we just held it,” said Coleman, a sophomore at Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs. “A girl started selling Oreos five for $10 and people were buying them because everybody was hungry.”

“The bus driver called in an emergency because we weren’t getting anywhere,” Coleman said.

Cars stranded along North Deshong Road near the DeKalb-Gwinnett County line. The winding, icy road proved too much for drivers.

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FEBRUARY 1, 2014 VOLUME 19, NO. 44

EDITOR/PUBLISHERValerie J. Morgan

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ABOUT US On Common Ground News is published twice a month on the 1st and 15th by On Common Ground, Inc . The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties . The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers .

No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher .

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Community News

See Pine Lake, page 7

By Joshua Smith

In 90 days, the shell of Pine Lake’s first major commercial business in 12 years will be completed and the interior work

will begin. An 8,800-square-foot Family Dollar store is scheduled to open in the city this Spring.

“It took about six to eight weeks for Family Dollar to meet all of our city’s commercial code requirements. From building plans for roof modifications and windows, to site plans with a layout for planting trees, Family Dollar has been very accommodating to our needs,” said Pine Lake Mayor Kathie deNobriga.

In DeKalb County, Family Dollar has 25 locations. One is about a mile away from Pine Lake’s city limits. That store sits at the intersection of Rockbridge and Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road. Another Family Dollar is about two miles away at the intersection of Redan Road and S. Hairston Road.

With so many Family Dollars in the near vicinity, Mayor deNobriga said it was critical for Family Dollar to set up shop with “a Pine Lake look.”

“We want ours to look a little different than most Family Dollars, so they have agreed to put up a sitting area with benches, community bulletin board and bike racks,” said Mayor deNobriga, who oversees a city of about 800 residents. “We believe this will make our store unique and will better serve plenty of our residents who will walk or bike to the store.”

Family Dollar reached out to the City of Pine Lake nearly a year ago with plans to build a store in the small city.

“At Family Dollar, our goal is to open

stores in neighborhoods and communities that are in close proximity to where our customers live and work. Our real estate team utilized sophisticated modeling software to determine that Pine Lake would be an ideal site for a Family Dollar store,” said Byrn R. Winburn, Family Dollar public and media relations manager. “We are very excited about bringing our value and convenience to this new location.”

Family Dollar is a discount retailer that carries national name brands and private brands as well. The store sells a wide variety of health and beauty, household, pet and seasonal items, as well as refrigerated and frozen goods. Family Dollar sells clothing and apparel for men, women and children too.

With Pine Lake’s very own Family Dollar comes more than just eight to 10 jobs. Mayor deNobriga hopes the store will attract other businesses as well.

“This could be real big for our city. We don’t have a lot of people in our city so unfortunately, we have watched businesses come in and fail due to lack of support. However, I’m hoping that with the success of Family Dollar, another store such as ACE Hardware would come in. That would really service the need of our residents,” said deNobriga. “We are always looking for ways to increase tax revenue through businesses. I’m putting it out there in the universe for ACE hardware to be next to come to our city.”

Pine Lake’s new Family Dollar will have ‘Pine Lake look’


Caleb Logan, a senior at Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia, dressed warmly when he went to “pay it forward” recently

by doing a good deed at Towers High School in Decatur.

The 17-year-old and a small army of volunteers who pitched in to help him spent a Saturday in the frigid cold sprucing up and planting flowers in Towers’ courtyard. Thrasher’s Landscaping, LLC helped Logan with the landscaping plan and Pike Nursery and Home Depot donated plants for the project.

Logan performed the community service project in pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 997 of Big Miller Grove Baptist Church in Lithonia. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. More than 2 million of 83 million Scouts in the program have earned the Eagle Scout rank since it was first awarded in 1912.

Logan said he decided to revitalize Towers’ courtyard for his project after attending a phenomenal college prep program that was held at the school last summer.

“I was very inspired by the principal, Dr. Ralph Simpson, and I just wanted to do something to give back to the school,” said Logan, who plans to attend college in the fall and major in English so he can become a high school English teacher.

“I’m looking at Morehouse College and Georgia Southern right now,” said Logan, who has a 3.0 grade point average and is involved in several activities at Arabia including serving as editor for the school’s newspaper, student ambassador and participating as a member of Arabia’s Drama Club. Logan, who founded an anti-bullying club at Arabia, also was selected as a Disney Dreamer by radio talk show host Steve Harvey. The program recognizes 100 students nationwide for leadership at school and in their communities.

View On Common Ground’s video news coverage of Caleb Logan at www.ocgnews.com.

City of Pine Lake Mayor Kathie deNobriga stands in front of the future site of the Family Dollar store. It will be Pine Lake’s first commercial-chain business in more than 12 years.

Arabia High student lends a hand to Towers High


Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

FEBRUARY 1, 2014

DeKalbCommissioner Johnson invites the public to Town Halls

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is inviting constituents to attend an upcoming District 3 2014 Budget Town Hall meeting.

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

The second meeting will be on Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m., at Love Life Christian Fellowship, 3980 Panthersville Road, Ellenwood.

The public information meetings will be held for the community to review a presentation of the 2014 budget and share comments with Johnson.

“We need to hear from the community,” Johnson said. “I urge everyone to attend this meeting and give your input on the budget.”

For more information, call the office of Commissioner Johnson at 404-371-2988.

Atlanta

Atlanta libraries ready for Valentine’s Day Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches will host several events for the

community to celebrate love and Valentine’s Day in February. On Friday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m., at the central library, One Margaret Mitchell Square,

Atlanta, you can make a personalized card with your photo to express how you feel. Chandra Brock of Design Plus Me will lead the class. Some other events include making cartoon cards with artist Donald Adams on Feb. 11, 11 a.m.; the “Hearts and Crafts” story time on Feb. 12, 10 a.m.; a teen talk about Valentine’s Day on Feb. 13, 4 p.m.; and making valentine crafts for toddlers on Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m.

For more on this and other events at the Atlanta libraries, call 404-730-1875 or visit http://www.afplweb.com for a complete, detailed schedule.

GwinnettAARP offers help to low and moderate income taxpayers

The American Association of Retired Persons will offer free Federal and State tax help to low and moderate income taxpayers on Monday, Feb. 3 and Tuesday, Feb. 4.

On Monday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m., volunteers will be on hand at George Pierce Park, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee. Volunteers will set up on Feb. 4, 8 a.m. at the Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.

To receive help, bring the following documents with you: last year’s tax returns, valid photo ID, Social Security cards for everyone on your return, all 2013 tax documents and a blank check, if you want any refund money to be directly deposited.

Additional information can be found by visiting www.AARP.org/taxaide. There is a location map at the website that will show you locations and hours of all the tax preparation sites in Gwinnett County in the next coming weeks.

No registration is required. For more information, call 678-277-0910 or 678-277-0179.

Gwinnett school system seeks input in 2014 AKS review Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) invites parents, community

stakeholders, and GCPS staff to participate in the school district’s review of its new curriculum.

The public can participate, offering feedback on new AKS (Academic Knowledge and Skills) standards for the system, as well as AKS standards for new courses. The review begins this week and runs through Friday, Feb. 14.

After visiting the county school system’s home page at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us, the community is invited to read the new standards and give their input.

The current review addresses the system’s fine arts department, five new mathematics courses and 30 career and technical education courses.

Feedback on this school year’s AKS review may be submitted through e-mail to [email protected] or by U.S. mail to: Curriculum Development Office, 437 Old Peachtree Road, N.W., Suwanee. 678-301-6000.

RockdaleMain Street Board sets promotions committee meeting set

The Conyers Main Street Program will host a promotions committee meeting for members of the community looking to draw more people to main street programs on Thursday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m.

Open networking will be held from 6 – 6:15 p.m. The meeting will be held from 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. The meeting invites all merchants in Conyers as well.

“More hands and minds working together equals more accomplished goals in Olde Town,” said Monica Coffin, Main Street Program Manager.

770-602-2606.

Library Friends to host used books sale The Friends of the Nancy Guinn Library, 864 Green St., S.W., Conyers, will

host a used book sale on Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the downstairs Friends of the Library space.

You can browse among books in good condition for every age and interest. All sales benefit the library. For more information, call 770-388-5041 ext. 120.

Coming Up

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon; Solicitor-General Sherry Boston and Clerk of Superior Court

Debra DeBerry are teaming up to sponsor a food drive for the needy, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., until Friday, Feb. 14.

The DeKalb officials say they wanted to team up after considering the plight of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Hunger remains a persistent problem in DeKalb County. According to the food bank, about 17 percent of the households and 28 percent of children in the area do not

always know where they will receive their next meal.

The most needed items are canned tuna, peanut butter, fruit juices, canned vegetables and paper products.

Food collection barrels have been

placed in DeKalb County government office buildings. Employees and citizens are encouraged to bring donations to the following County buildings: The Maloof Administration Building, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur; the County Court House, 556 McDonough Street, Decatur. The courthouse is where the solicitor-general’s and the clerk’s offices are located. Other drop-off locations include the Clark Harrison Building, 330 West Ponce de Leon, Decatur and the Tax Commissioners Central Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. 404-371-4909 or 404-371-6353.

Upcoming Seminars at DeKalb Medical

For a referral to a DeKalb Medical physician or to reserve your space for these free seminars, please call 404.596.4772. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is free.

Doc Talks

www.dekalbmedical.org dekalbmedical

Heart HealthyTuesday, February 18, 2014 6:00–7:00 p.m. Community Room at Dekalb Medical Hillandale campus

In recognition of American Heart Month, Tenecia Allen, M.D., a DeKalb Medical cardiologist, will share tips for improving your heart health and safeguarding against many heart issues, including cholesterol build-up, stroke and cardiac arrest. Call 404.596.4772 or visit www.dekalbmedical.org.

Ricardo Coronary Angioplasty patient

Three DeKalb officials seek help with food drive

Kathie Gannon Sherry Boston Debra DeBerry


Clarkston Festival receives grant from Neighborhood Fund

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The Clarkston Festival Committee has received a $9,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta’s Neighborhood Fund, paving the way for the city to host a community festival on April 26.

The city plans to use the festival to promote and celebrate cultural diversity, and as a way to combat bullying among youths.

“The first thought of a festival came through a community conversation with the youth,” said Kim Ault, a member of the committee. “The youth were from all over the community. They talked about the festival as a way to create a positive alternative to gang violence

and fight bullying. They wanted to highlight their cultures and increase understanding. We approached the process slowly and have been committed to involving as many community members as possible.”

City officials reached out to assist the committee, which was formed in 2012, through the Greater Atlanta Neighborhood Fund, which provides grants and support to community groups to build relationships, develop leadership and change communities within the 23-county region. The grant to support Clarkston’s festival includes $4,000 in community

coaching for the festival committee—coaching committee member Angela Moore said she considers very beneficial. “With their support, the committee will be able to identify new assets, strengthen the group’s leadership and dynamics and be prepared to execute an even greater festival in 2015,” Moore said. Moore said the festival will offer plenty of activities for the community.“The grant will help the committee to produce an effective and successful festival said Moore. “Festival plans include a variety of activities for all ages, live culturally diverse

entertainment, storytelling, a children’s corner with pony rides, henna demonstrations, a dunking booth, food, arts and crafts, a soccer exhibition and so much more.” The festival will be held at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. The event will kick off with a 5K in the morning. “We are seeking even more residents to bring their ideas and gifts and work with us on the various committees, including fundraising, marketing, and activities. We invite residents to contact us,” Moore said. To learn more about the festival committee, visit www.cdfaction.org

Larry Johnson, Stan Watson elected to lead DeKalb BOCDeKalb County Commissioner Larry

Johnson, District 3, was elected presiding officer and Commissioner Stan Watson, Super District 7, was elected deputy presiding officer at the Board of Commissioners’ Jan. 28 meeting. The positions are for one year.

The elections ended a deadlocked board, which failed two weeks ago to reach a consensus on the leadership roles.

The Presiding Officer chairs all Commission meetings, makes appointments to the standing committees for the Board and sets the agenda for the Board of Commission meetings. The deputy presiding officer fills in for the presiding officer.

Watson, who had abstained from voting two weeks ago, cast the swing vote for Johnson. Watson, Commissioners Elaine Boyer and Sharon Barnes Sutton, along with Johnson voting for himself comprised the four votes Johnson needed to become presiding officer. Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader cast the dissenting votes.

The board had bickered over the roles with Gannon and Rader saying they wanted different leadership. This year will mark the fifth time that Johnson has served as presiding officer during his 12-year tenure on the board. Johnson was first elected as Presiding Officer by the BOC in 2009 and was reelected to consecutive terms through 2012.

“I am honored to serve in this capacity again, and feel confident that we can work together on the Board and with the Interim CEO’s Office to ensure that the people’s business is handled professionally, timely and satisfactorily,” said Johnson.

Larry Johnson Stan Watson

Hank Johnson

Rep. Johnson named to Subcommittee on bankruptcy and commercial law WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Hank Johnson

(GA-04) was named ranking member of the House Judiciary subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law this week. “As the former Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, I have long supported competition, consumer welfare, and workers’ rights,” said Johnson.

“I look forward to continuing my work on these issues as ranking member of the Regulatory Reform, Commercial & Antitrust Law Subcommittee.”

Under Judiciary, Congressman Johnson serves on two subcommittees – Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law – where he will pursue his Arbitration Fairness Act, and the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, where he will fight for civil rights, ethics in government and protect citizens’ voting rights. The subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law addresses bankruptcy and commercial law, bankruptcy judgeships, administrative law, independent counsel, state taxation affecting interstate commerce, interstate compacts and antitrust matters. The subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice has jurisdiction over constitutional amendments, constitutional rights, federal civil rights, ethics in government, tort liability, including medical malpractice and product liability and legal reform.

Rockdale-Conyers names 2014 Friends board membersThe Friends of the Rockdale-Conyers Nancy Guinn Library has elected its

2014 board. Friends of the Library are concerned citizens who share the belief that a strong public library is a valuable intellectual, cultural, educational and recreational resource in the community. The Friends group hosts a community book sale on the second Saturday of each month. 864 Green St, Conyers.

L-R front row: Charlotte Gellert, Recording Secretary;Linda Kelly, Member at Large; Mary Ann Holder, President;Charlotte Bauer, VP Membership; and Judy Anthony, Member at Large. L-R back row: Tonya Green, Historian Secretary; Denzil Pugh, Ways and Means; Gwen Ellington, Member at Large; Linda Jarrett, VP Programs; Juanita Howe, Treasurer; Joy Maner, Corresponding Secretary. Not pictured is Barbara Sanders, library liaison.

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Rockdale CEO courts Taiwan for civic centercontinued from page 1

Brown endorses his chief deputy for sheriffcontinued from page 1

Snow heaps misery on Atlantacontinued from page 1

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the benefits of investing in a civic center in Rockdale County. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office funded the trip.

Oden, who represented the Southeast region on the trip, says if companies in Taiwan come to Conyers for trade shows, they will shop, eat and stay at hotels in Rockdale.

“Right now, it is a work in progress, but we are embarking on becoming a sister city and county with Taipei and Taichung. Right now, their companies’ host trade shows and other events in Chicago and Silicon Valley in California. We want them to add Conyers and Rockdale to the list,” said Oden. “I am in constant communication with Taiwan Mayor Jason Hu, his dignitaries and staff. I plan to visit them in the near future to advance this plan.”

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Fred Boscarino says a civic center could mean a economic boost in Rockdale.

“If such a structure with easy access from I-20 were built, it would certainly attract small conventions and other meetings. A civic center could mean an increase in tourists, and thus would reflect an increase in tourism,” said Boscarino. “It is a good idea, but you have to consider all the costs associated, such as the upkeep on such a large facility. When private investors are ready to put in their money, the public side can help make a dream like that come true.”

Oden has his sights set on the north side of Interstate I-20 inside the Sigman Road corridor for the civic center. He calls it the “opportunity zone,” where 1,600 acres is sitting untouched.

“This passageway offers significant local, state and federal incentives for redevelopment in this area. One of my goals is to always find ways to raise sales tax, instead of residents paying the whole bill in the tax digest. The center’s total credit amount may offset up to 50 percent of the taxpayer’s state income tax liability for a taxable year,” said Oden. “This civic center would allow Rockdale to provide an income tax credit of $3,500 per eligible new job with a minimum of two new job creations for leadership roles at the center.”

Some other jobs at the center could include banquet hall staff, box office workers and janitors, Oden said.

Mike Sullivan, a board member with the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREED), likes the idea of a civic center in Rockdale.

“This has been his (Oden) goal for quite awhile. I think a civic center could definitely help our county because as it is now, we don’t have any place to house a large gathering, unless you want to sit out in one of the football stadiums,” said Sullivan, who chairs the board’s development committee. “Large plays, nationally-recognized speakers and a long list of performing arts events could be added to our city with a civic center venue.”

Oden has experience working with top performing arts events. He spent years working in marketing and event planning for Anheuser-Bush, the beer brewing company that also operates Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL, one of the largest theme parks in the country. At Anheuser-Bush, Oden brought in acts for “Def Comedy Jam,” Budweiser’s “Superfest” and the Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball, just to name a few event.

Oden believes global investors will bite on his sales pitch because Conyers is a perfect untapped location for business and commerce.

“This region is centered on first-class academic institutions such as Emory University, Georgia Piedmont Technical College and the University of Georgia. In addition, metropolitan Atlanta is a biomedical and technology hub with international businesses such as Newton County’s Baxter Medical, Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines,” said Oden. “Those companies are the kind of corporate sponsors we could attract to Rockdale for the civic center through a public-private partnership with any public or private entity interested in productions for business, arts and entertainment. We won’t be in competition with the big stuff in Atlanta and other counties. We would get the overflow, bringing in small to mid-size trade shows and concerts.”

The 231,000-square-foot Atlanta Civic Center seats 4,600, regularly hosts touring productions of Broadway musicals, concerts, seminars, comedy acts, and high school graduations. In addition to performances, the civic center hosts conferences and exhibits as well.

“Rockdale’s civic center could be a state-of-the art academic and business incubator of the future, supporting a multi-faceted business complex,” said Oden. “Through the center, I believe Rockdale can be the hallmark of metropolitan Atlanta’s eastern corridor and a destination just minutes from downtown Atlanta and the world’s busiest passenger airport in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.”

office and I have been working with him for over 20 years including when he served as Public Safety Director,” said Mann, who currently oversees the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office, managing 860 employees full-time employees and a yearly budget of more than $78 million. Mann is facing six challengers. The race includes former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones, who is touting his experience in running the county and a desire to crack down on crime; former DeKalb Deputy Dale Bernard Collins; DeKalb Police Sgt. Romaldo Tony Hughes; retired Atlanta Police Lt. LaSalle Smith; Atlanta Police Sgt. Melvin Mitchell; and Georgia Piedmont Technical College Police Chief Melody Maddox. Brown said he is throwing his support behind Mann, whom he considers well qualified for the position. Mann has worked closely with Brown for more than 15 years, first as Brown’s director of Labor Relations and Legal Affairs, and then in 2004, he was promoted to Chief of Staff. His title was changed to Chief Deputy in 2006 after he completed his mandated training. Said Brown: “He has handled all of my administrative matters. He understands the contracting process and the bidding process. He understands good, sound personnel management. He clearly understands the budget. We always pride ourselves in turning money back over to the county every year that we don’t spend back. It’s been under his stewardship of managing that budget that we’ve been able to do that. We haven’t had a hint of scandal in this office in the 14 years I’ve been here and we want to continue that. Jeff Mann understands how this place operates and he will continue that legacy of good government”.

Photo by Richard S. Hill/OCG News

“An ambulance came hours after the call, but it could only take five kids at a time. They took all of us, five at a time, to the Kroger on Cascade Road,” said Coleman. “Kroger was probably the best part of the whole thing. The Kroger manager let us go down the isles and pick whatever we wanted to eat.”

Coleman’s story was just one of many that came to light as thousands of motorists hit Atlanta’s roadways, turning them into parking lots as they scrambled to get home.

Some 1,500 students were forced to sleep overnight at school because the roads were not safe to travel.

Coleman’s parents, Weldon and Shirley Coleman, say the school system did a poor job of informing them what was going on. They said the school system should have just canceled school in the first place.

“If it wasn’t for our daughter texting us, we wouldn’t have known anything. The school system e-mailed a release about the school busses being delayed but that information was wrong,” said Weldon Coleman.

There has been much finger pointing with the way the Jan. 28 storm was handled, namely at Gov. Nathan Deal and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Deal acknowledged that one of the biggest mistakes was in failing to have employers release workers during staggered times to avoid gridlock at once on the roads. Individual school districts, Deal said, had the authority to keep students home if they chose, but many districts in Georgia sent kids to school and then made the decision to release them early afternoon when the snow flurries began falling and sticking.

Officials did not anticipate the storm would be as bad as it was, despite weather reports earlier in the week that suggested differently. Deal and Reed said that they will look at what kind of control guidance they can give districts in the future.

“I want to start off by apologizing to those individuals who were stranded on our roadways, to those parents whose children were unable to return home in a timely fashion. I accept responsibility for the fact that we did not make preparation early enough to avoid these consequences,” Deal said during a press conference.

Although only two to three inches of snow fell, the roads iced, sending some into panic. There were more than 1,200 car accidents on Georgia roads and 130 injuries, according to the Georgia State Patrol. In DeKalb County, police responded to 2,588 calls, and DeKalb Fire Rescue responded to 883 calls The DeKalb Emergency 911 center answered 7,781 emergency calls and 2,793 non-emergency calls for a total of 10,574, DeKalb officials reported.

Marlowe Mathis of Tucker said she took a big hit from the storm financially. “I’ve missed two days of work because of the weather,” said Mathis, who is a

hostess for a restaurant. “Every day I wake up and call to see if I can come in for my scheduled shift or to pick up somebody else’s, but the restaurant has remained closed. I do understand the restaurant closing, though. I have watched several cars in the neighborhood slide down it or get stuck in the ice just trying to get out of the apartment complex.”

Story continues at www.ocgnews.com

In Clayton County, Mt. Zion Road was impassable due to the conditions. Several cars landed in ditches.

Weldon and Shirley Coleman were happy to be reunited with their daughter, Simone, after she spent more than 13 hours on a public school bus.


Pine Lake’s Family Dollar breaks ground Feb. 7continued from page 3

Eugene Walker

Michael Minkoff

McMichael’s Construction Company and the Boos Development Group are building the Family Dollar store, which will be on a little more than an acre of land.

Family Dollar is currently accepting job applications online. “Once open, this store will employ between eight to 10 team members and

we look to hire from the communities we serve,” said Winburn. “Those interested in applying can visit www.familydollar.com or they can fill out an application at a nearby store. Job training will take place in the weeks before the store opens on location.”

The store will be open daily, with hours of operation to be announced at a later date.

Family Dollar is also adding a freestanding store in Lithonia at 6867 Main Street. Store representatives say construction will begin in the Spring and an exact start date on construction will be provided over the next few months.

Winburn says stores like the ones in Pine Lake and Lithonia are part of Family Dollar’s new business plan, which includes new features for shoppers.

“These stores will represent the best that Family Dollar has to offer in our expanded assortment as well as new layout. We’re excited to open both of these new stores and give our neighbors in both areas a great reason to shop with us for the things they need and use every day,” said Winburn. “The new layout for these stores will also provide shoppers with an expanded refrigerated foods section and expanded clothing section for the entire family.”

The City of Pine Lake will host a groundbreaking for the new store on Friday, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m. at the store site, which is located in the heart of Pine Lake at the intersection of Rockbridge Road and Rowland Road.

Construction workers braved frigid temperatures to work on the grounds of what will be a Family Dollar in the City of Pine Lake.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

DeKalb schools accreditation: The Right Thing, the Wrong Way

By Eugene Walker

Does the end justify the means? When the living is easy, the answer is always yes. When things are going south, however, we ponder how we didn’t see the warning signs. This is not one of those times.

These days, we celebrate the accomplishments of the DeKalb County School System. Believe me, there is nothing better for our children and the greater community than to have the SACS school accreditation threat lifted from our shoulders, at least for now. The School Superintendent has done a yeoman’s job, with the appointed school board members, good and competent people all, finishing the job properly. Indeed, it was a job well done.

The trouble is how it was done. SACS made an arbitrary decision, which had the cascading effect of usurping the will of the electorate one of the most revered privileges in our Constitution and sacrosanct principles of the Civil Rights movement that many of our forefathers died for. Without the standards of due process, reasonable doubt or even the Open Records Act to constrain them, SACS’ allegations and subsequent retribution of probation went unchallenged. This led Governor

Deal, no stranger to hijacking the will of the democratic voters, to bend another law. Not that it was constitutional to begin with, but he removed myself and five other board members. Circumstances notwithstanding, his choice under the law was all or none.

The State Constitution, Article 8, section 5 reads, “Each school system shall be under the management and control of a board of education, the members of which shall be elected as provided by law.” As it pertains to appointed members of the school board, it says “Members of such appointed board until December 31, 1993, on which date the terms of office of all appointed members shall end.” As we know, the state supreme court ignored this.

Meanwhile, the Governor had to break the law which he used to remove a partial board, and in doing so he scored the winning goal: SACS backed away nicely, praising the School Superintendant Michael Thurmond all the way. The appointed school board didn’t have anything to do with that choice; Thurmond was the guy the elected board hired. The people rejoiced and the Governor shored up his re-election bid in the process. With the chorus of accolades still in the air, has anyone noticed that the promises of transparency with SACS complying with the Open Records Act are still unkept?

One of the things we teach our children is that it is not whether we win or lose, but it is how we play the game. We should do the right thing the right way. While there is victory in the air for the DeKalb School District and all of its top managers, the community and even Gov. Nathan Deal, I submit to you that the rulebook has been tossed aside. This becomes a problem the next time our state constitution is circumvented, or the next time the folks under the Gold Dome want to expand their reach into local government. Eugene Walker is the former chair of the DeKalb County School Board.

A big thank you to Rockdale Medical Center

By Michael Minkoff

I have always been a person who will give credit where credit is due. My wife Brenda was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer two years ago. She has been in and out of the 3rd floor Oncology wing of Rockdale Medical Center since her diagnosis.

On Friday, Jan. 17, she once again was in the hospital for her illness. At one point on this day, she was going into respiratory distress where she could not breath. Her oxygen saturation level was less then 60%. All of her outward signs were showing an extreme lack of oxygen even being on oxygen. The PA (physician’s assistant) from her Oncologist’s office was in the room making rounds at the time. She summoned the floor nurse immediately and then my wife’s Oncologist who was also in the hospital making rounds entered the room to further assess the situation. It was in my opinion his very quick decision to summon the MET (Medical Emergency Team) to respond that I accredit turning a possibly horrible situation into a lifesaving scenario.

Once this team, besides the floor nurses, her Oncologist and his PA were on the scene (less than one minute), I had the honor and privilege to observe from outside the room (at a vantage point so I was always visible to my wife ), the extreme high quality of total professionalism in action. These unsung heroes knew exactly what to do and when to do it like a very well oiled precision machine.

Once these “angels” of the medical profession had my wife stabilized, she was immediately transferred to ICU (intensive care unit) where she received more of the same extremely high level of total care and professionalism.

In closing, I would just like to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you to all the extremely well trained professionals from Rockdale Medical Center and from Dr. Carter’s (oncologist) office who were in attendance and cared for my wife during her stay for doing what they have trained for all their lives so I can write this letter of praise and be able to take my wife home from the hospital.

Michael Minkoff is a Rockdale County resident.


Business titan Michael V. Roberts shares ideas for wealth Business titan and CEO Michael V. Roberts visited Stephenson High in

Stone Mountain and talked with students about what it takes for entrepreneurs to establish a legacy in business.

Roberts has built a diverse, multimillion-dollar business empire, including ownership of three city blocks in his native St. Louis. Roberts Hotels Group, L.L.C., is ranked No. 40 on Black Enterprise magazine’s Industrial Service list of the nation’s largest black-owned businesses. Roberts Hotels Group does $88 million in annual revenues.

L-R: CEO Michael V. Roberts and Stephenson High Principal Michael A. Jones.

FEBRUARY 1, 2014

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

TO CONTACT USBY PHONE: 678-526-1910BY FAX: 678-526-1909BY E-MAIL: EDITOR@OCGNEWS .COMVISIT ONLINE: WWW .OCGNEWS .COM

Business News

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, February 6, 2014

Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below:

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO.

ITEM

CLOSING DATE

3003142 ITB Sidewalk and Roadway Construction

March 11, 2014

3003155 ITB Conventional Grassing Installation March 10, 2014

13-100384 ITB Sludge Dewatering and Hauling at Pole Bridge Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility

March 20, 2014

14-700041 RFQ Disaster Debris Management Plan

March 6, 2014

Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html

DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise.

By: Kelvin L. Walton, Director/Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting

LEGAL NOTICE

Reservists eligible to apply for SBA working capital loans

Small businesses that suffered economic losses when the owner or a key employee was called up to active duty are eligible to apply for a low interest loan of up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Small businesses can apply for a Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL) any time from the date of notice of expected call-up and ending one year after the date of discharge or release. The program was created to enable eligible small businesses to pay operating expenses it could have covered if the owner or key employee hadn’t been called to active duty.

“The absence of just one employee whose expertise is critical to the success of the company can pose significant challenges for a small business,” said SBA Acting Administrator Jeanne Hulit.

“These Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans provide funds that will help these small businesses cover operating expenses. This way our brave men and women in uniform don’t have to choose between serving their country and growing their businesses.”

The MREIDL is a direct working capital loan, managed by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. The interest rate on these working capital loans is 4 percent, with terms up to a maximum of 30 years. In general, no collateral is required to secure an MREIDL of $50,000 or less. The loan cannot be used to replace lost income or profits, refinance long-term debt or to expand the business.

Businesses can apply online at http://go.usa.gov/BcuA. To get an application by mail, or for other questions about the loan program, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or by email at [email protected].

Project Director Tamika Conde, who cut the red ribbon, is flanked by (L-R): AARP’s Region 5 Manager John Matthews; Washington, D.C. Manager Carlisle Pipkin; Fulton County Project Manager Jerome Webb, Congressman Hank Johnson, DeKalb’s Interim CEO Lee May and Doreen Carter, president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce.

AARP employment program opens new office in Decatur


The AARP Foundation’s Senior Community Services Employment Program has relocated to a bigger office.

The program, which provides job assistance to low-income seniors ages 55 and older, held an open house celebration for its new space at 2754 N. Decatur Road Decatur.

Congressman Hank Johnson, DeKalb’s Interim CEO Lee May and Doreen Carter, president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, conducted the Jan. 24 ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new space, at about 1600 square feet, is double the size of the former office, said Tamika Conde, the program’s project director.

“We moved because we outgrew our old space,” Conde’ said. “Now, we have more room for our senior resources area, a conference room that we can use for training and room to serve our site participants.”

The American Association of Retired Persons

Foundation’s jobs program places low-income seniors who are looking to work in various jobs. Some recent hires have found jobs at MARTA, Marshall’s warehouse and as CDL drivers, Conde said.

The program is seeking employers to participate in

an upcoming job fair. Conde said employers receive tax incentives for low-income residents they hire; seniors ages 55 and older; and veterans 55 and older.

Employers seeking to participate in the job fair may e-mail [email protected].

Congressman Hank Johnson and DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May greet guests at the ribbon-cutting event.

Have you ever wanted to try authentic dumplings and spare ribs, take on the historic 4,000-mile-long Great Wall of China or stand face to face with the mighty, ancient Terracotta Warriors?

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce has extended their payment deadline from Feb. 3 to Friday, Feb. 14, for members of the community to travel with the Chamber to the Far East at discounted prices.

“The good news is our China trip deadline has been extended so people will still have time to sign up to join us on the trip of a lifetime. It’s not too late to sign up. Just send over your registration form, a $200 deposit, a copy of your passport and let the Chamber know if you have any questions,” said Chamber President Fred Boscarino. “This really is a great way to take an international vacation. There will be planned activities and plenty of free time for sightseeing and shopping. “We want to expose people to the commerce and culture. ”

You are invited to join the Chamber in discovering China’s culture, food and history with travelers from diverse backgrounds, coming from states such as Georgia, New York, New Jersey and even California.

DeKalb County resident Pearl M. Parker took China off her bucket list after going with the Chamber.

“Before reading about the Chamber’s trip in On Common Ground News, China was just a dream of mine. China was somewhere I always wanted

to visit and at the prices the Chamber offered, you just couldn’t resist,” said Parker, whose sister, Iona Stuart, traveled from California to join her and the Chamber on the trip to China. “The trip gave us a time to bond on a whole new level. It was so exciting. I encourage anyone who wants to see China to go with the Chamber.”

The Chamber is making the nine-day trip available through steeply discounted rates it receives as a Chamber.

The trip, scheduled April 7 – 15, includes round-trip airfare from JFK in New York, dinners, a dumpling lunch, five-star hotel stay and tours with English-speaking guides for $2,649 per person, double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional $495.

The trip costs include U.S. departure taxes and fuel surcharge, a savings of $495, according to the Chamber.

This year mark’s the Chamber’s fifth trip to China. The trip includes airfare visits to Beijing, Xiau and Shanghai as well.

New this year: Because the business group is using Asia Getaway, Inc., the Chamber’s China trip cost will include a full-day excursion to the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum. The trip was offered at an additional price in the past.

For more information on the trip, call the Chamber at 770-483-7049 or visit www.conyers-rockdale.com.

Final payment extended for low fares to China



We Worship Faith-Based News & InspirationFor more church news, visit

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Elizabeth Baptist Church celebrated its 85th anniversary as an Atlanta institution and the grand opening

of its location in Rockdale County on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Under the leadership of Dr. Craig L. Oliver, Sr., the Rockdale church welcomed a packed house to its first service, said the Rev. Timothy Sims, who is helping oversee the new location.

The 15,000-square-foot Rockdale edifice, located on 20.5 acres on

Highway 138 West in Conyers, is Elizabeth Baptist Church’s fifth location. The facility formerly was the house of worship for the Conyers Seventh Day Adventist Church, which relocated.

In addition to Elizabeth’s newest location, the church also has campuses in Atlanta, Smyrna, Fairburn and Douglasville.

“It was a wonderful celebration. We had 100 first-time visitors and 16 people to join in Conyers on the grand opening day,” said Rev. Sims.

Dr. Oliver, who arrived at the Conyers worship service by helicopter, preached the celebration service. Church leaders said the helicopter helped him to travel quickly to other worship services and join special guests for the church’s anniversary celebration. The Rev. J.E. Hightower, Dr. Oliver’s predecessor, led one of the worship services. The 90-year-old Hightower served at

Historic Elizabeth Baptist plants new congregation in Rockdale

Photos by Richard S. Hill/OCG News

Elizabeth for 51 years, pastoring there for 35 years before retiring in 1994.

Dr. Oliver also welcomed Bishop Neil Ellis of Nassau, Bahamas as a special guest for the church’s anniversary celebration, Rev. Sims said.

Although the church has a “collaborative preaching model” where other pastors at the church sometimes preach the same message on the same day, Dr. Oliver preaches at least five times each week, Rev. Sims said.

The central campus at 4245 Cascade Road, S.W., Atlanta offers three Sunday worship services: 7:15 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.; and noon.

The 2581 Spring Road, Smyrna location offers Sunday worship at 8:30 a.m.

The 861 Highway 279, Fairburn location offers Sunday worship at 10:45 a.m.

The 2990 Bright Star Road, Douglasville location has Sunday worship at 10:45 a.m.

The 1437 Highway 138 West, Conyers location offers Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.

The number for Elizabeth Baptist Church’s central office is 404-691-3146. www.EliabethBaptist.Org

Dr. Craig L. Oliver, Sr.

FEBRUARY 1, 2014


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A series of enrollment events have been scheduled for those who need help signing up

for a healthcare plan under the new Affordable Care Act.

Health care navigators will provide online assistance on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Northlake Barbara Loar Library, 3772 LaVista Road. DeKalb County District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon and State Rep. Michele Henson (House District 86) are sponsoring the event. The Affordable Care Act requires that most people have health insurance in 2014. New health insurance programs are available to help uninsured people find health coverage, and financial assistance is available to help afford health insurance.

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is sponsoring a series of enrollment events around District 3 for residents who are uninsured/under-insured or have questions. Here is a list of places where there will be trained navigators to assist those who need help:

“Changing Faces” workshop takes on post-traumatic stress disorder

Peace Baptist Church, 1399 Austin Drive Decatur, is accepting registrations for a free workshop, “Changing

Faces: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” on Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The two-hour workshop examines the impact of trauma in the lives of people who experience stress, known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Traumatic stress is a significant public health problem that cannot be ignored,” said Peace Baptist Pastor Tyrone E. Barnette. “PTSD was once thought to be primarily limited to soldiers in combat, but now it is recognized in people who have not served in the military as well; including those who have experienced natural disasters, physical and sexual assault, fire, motor vehicle and other serious trauma, as well as those who have witnessed inflicted injury or death.”

The facilitators for the workshop will be Dr. Glenda Louise Wrenn and the Rev. John C. Smith.

Wrenn, an assistant professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Morehouse School of Medicine, conducts health service and community based participatory research on PTSD. Her current research investigates how individuals who experience PTSD navigate their environment and make decisions about seeking treatment.

Rev. Smith is director for the Institutional Review Board (I.R.B.) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). He is responsible for oversight and regulation of all research

involving human participants at MSM. “At the conclusion of the

workshop, participants will have developed knowledge in the following

areas: recognizing hidden trauma, distinguishing PTSD—myths vs. fact, and what works. Attendees will be able to refer individuals to

available resources,” said Constance Smith, co-director of the church’s domestic violence ministry. “We will open with a Q&A and conclude with a constructive wrap-up, in hopes that valuable lessons will be learned.”

Medical experts say PTSD frequently results in a distinctive pattern of persistent and disabling psychological symptoms that may include nightmares, flashbacks, poor concentration, irritability and jumpiness, insomnia, or hyper vigilance.

Registration for the free workshop may be made by calling 404-288-1750 or visiting www.peacebaptistchurch.org.

‘Traumatic stress is a significant public health problem that cannot be ignored.’

– Peace Baptist Pastor Tyrone E. Barnette

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Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wesley Chapel Library

2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA 30034

Thursday, Feb. 13, Noon – 3 p.m. Gresham Library

2418 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316

Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Scott Candler Library

1917 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032


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