VOLUME 21 NUMBER 17 FREE JULY 25, 2015

Published Since April 1995Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews

Conyers police arrest three in kidnapping, assault of female security guard

Sen. Ramsey appointed to DeKalb State Court, special election on horizon to replace him

It took Conyers police less than 48 hours to crack the case involving a female

security guard who was kid-napped and sexually assaulted in Rockdale County, thanks to news reports and the public’s help.

Police said the father of one of three suspects turned his 15-year-old son in after seeing photos disseminated by the media. Relatives and friends also report-ed the other two suspects after seeing news reports, police said.

Police Captain Jackie Dunn said the citizens’ tips, including the father who took his son into the police station, helped them to solve the case quickly.

“This was very violent, very shocking to the community. We received a lot of outrage and tips from the community. A lot of crimes you don’t get this volume

of cooperation. Crime Stoppers was inundated with calls trying to help with this arrest,” said Dunn.

“This isn’t a child stealing from a gumball machine. This was a heinous crime and I think the father realized it for what it was,” Dunn said.

Police arrested Duwayne Fleeting and Jarius Shorter, both 15, and 17-year-old Justin Kohn, all from Conyers, on July 22. All three suspects were charged as adults for armed robbery, kidnap-ping, false imprisonment, finan-cial card fraud, carjacking and weapons charges. More charges may be forthcoming. Police said one of the 15-year-olds has an ex-tensive criminal background, but they did not identify which teen.

The three suspects are ac-cused of kidnapping the female at

gunpoint on July 20 about 11:30 p.m. while she was working a security job for a company that was filming in Olde Town Co-nyers. She was sitting in her car when the suspects approached her, forced her into the trunk of her own vehicle then drove her to the Bank of America on West Avenue in Conyers where they ordered her to withdraw money using her ATM card and PIN number. They then drove to Johnson Park, where they sex-ually assaulted her at gunpoint before releasing her on Johnson Road. Police said the suspects used duct tape and zip ties in the abduction. The victim walked about a mile and a half to the Texaco on Klondike Road, where she called police.

The victim’s vehicle, a black 2007 BMW 328i with a Texas

license plate, was recovered on Tuesday, July 21, at the Nan-cy Guinn Memorial Library in Conyers after being spotted by a member of the Conyers Police Department VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) Unit. Tips from the public viewing photos of the suspects at the ATM aided police in identifying the suspects.

“During the rash of crimes we’ve experienced lately, we ap-preciate the public’s help in being the eyes and ears of the Conyers Police Department by calling in tips, assisting with our investiga-tions and aiding in the arrest of these criminals,” said Chief Gene Wilson.

The juvenile suspects are being held at a youth detention center and Kohn is being held at the Rockdale County Jail.

Duwayne Fleeting

Shondeana Crews Morris Brian Ross

Ronald Ramsey Keisha Storey

Justin Kohn Jarius Shorter

By Valerie J. Morgan

State Sen. Ronald Ramsey, Sr., a veteran attorney with 20 years in the industry, is among four

judges Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed to oversee DeKalb County’s newly-cre-ated traffic court. And already there is a buzz over who will run for Ramsey’s District 43 seat, which covers portions of DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties.

Ramsey, elected in 2006, is serving his third term as senator. His term will expire on Jan. 8, 2017.

Jason Lary, an activist who led the Stonecrest cityhood movement, said he plans to throw his name in the hat for Ramsey’s seat.

Angela Moore, a Lithonia business woman who ran for the Senate seat in 2008 and Secretary of State in 2010, said she is “seriously considering” running as well.

A special election could be held once Ramsey vacates the seat and the Governor issues a writ of election to the Secretary of State to fill the vacancy not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after

its issuance. DeKalb Elections Supervi-sor Maxine Daniels said that the special election could be held in September.

Ramsey must step down because he cannot hold both, the job as Senator and the state court judge’s position—two elected offices—at the same time. Al-though appointments were made to the bench initially by the governor, state court judges are elected nonpartisan positions.

In addition to Ramsey, Deal also has appointed Clayton County Senior Assistant District Attorney Brian Ross; DeKalb Deputy Chief Assistant Solic-itor General Keisha Storey; and Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Shon-deana Crews Morris to run the DeKalb State Court’s traffic division, which will handle about 175,000 cases per year.

The new division replaces Recorder’s Court, which was abolished as of July 1 under House Bill 300. State lawmak-ers approved the bill in February to do away with Recorder’s Court because it was entangled in lawsuits over the way it handled traffic violations and probation.

Conyers Police Captain Jackie Dunn briefs the media on July 23 in front of the police station.

PAGE 2 •JULY 25, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS JULY 25,2015 • PAGE 3

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

GENERAL MANAGERGlenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith

joshsmith@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.

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

We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904

Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910

News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com

Mereda Johnson begins job as DeKalb’s District 5

commissioner

Clarkston Mayor Terry is inviting interested citizens to a town hall meeting to discuss a master plan for the city’s Friendship Forest Wild-life Sanctuary. The meeting is set for Thursday, July 30, 6 p.m., at the

Clarkston Woman’s Club, 3913 Church St., Clarkston. The 15.7-acre wildlife park is located at 4380 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Clark-

ston. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear a brief presentation about the ex-isting conditions at the 15.7-acre wildlife park, followed by a discussion concern-ing opportunities and plans for future development as well as potential constraints.

The meeting will conclude with all those in attendance participating in an interactive visual preference survey. The results of the survey will be reviewed and will serve as the basis for the development of alternative master plan designs.

A follow-up meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, to present the alterna-tive master plans, to identify issues for further analysis, and establish a concept for a new wildlife sanctuary master plan.

“You do not have to be a resident of Clarkston to attend,” said Mayor Ted Ter-ry. “All individuals who are interested in the wildlife sanctuary or have thoughts or ideas of how to utilize and protect this valuable greenspace are encouraged to attend.”

Big Miller Grove Men ready to entertain at “The Gospel Train”

The Men’s Ministry at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, 3800 Big Miller Grove Way, Lithonia will host “The Gospel Train” on Saturday, Aug. 1, 5:30 p.m.

Scheduled performers are: Testimony, a Decatur-based group of ex-convicts who have turned their lives around through music; 16-year-old Cynterricka McCord of Norman Grove Baptist Church; the Antioch AME Mass Choir of Stone Mountain and the Abraham Singers of Mill-wood, Alabama.

Other performers include 12-year-old Trajan Clayton of Macon, Georgia and the Men of Judah choir of Conyers, Georgia.

Additional performances will be added closer to the concert date. 770-981-3800.

Mereda Davis Johnson, newly-elected to District 5 of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, participated in her first Committee of the Whole

meeting on Tuesday, July 21.Commissioner Larry Johnson, presiding officer of the board,

welcomed Johnson aboard.Johnson took the Oath of Office on July 20, alongside local

elected officials and family, including her husband, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson.

Outdoor burn ban until Sept. 30 for Gwinnett residents

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents that a ban on outdoor/open burning is in place now through Sept. 30.

The ban is in accordance with the Georgia Department of Natural Re-sources. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes an annual ban on outdoor burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations.

During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air can reach unhealthy levels. The EPD has identified outdoor/open burning as a signifi-cant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone.

The safe and cautious use of residential grills for outdoor cooking is still allowed and does not require a permit. The use of grills on balconies of apartment buildings is totally prohibited under the Gwinnett County Fire Ordinance.

The following types of outdoor/open burning are banned: You may not burn trees, limbs, or any other yard waste. This includes a ban on the use of air curtain destructors for land clearing. This is in addition to a year-round ban on burning household waste.

The following types of outdoor/open burning are still allowed, pro-vided the proper permits are obtained: fires for agricultural practices zoned RA-200/residential agricultural or a forestry service prescribed burn. Fires for the purpose of training of firefighting personnel are allowed. Permits are required for all Bonfires for activities sponsored by educational, civic, religious, or other groups for the purpose of celebration.

For more information on permits or the burn ban, call 678-518-6000 or visit www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com.

Clarkston to discuss master plan for city’s wildlife sanctuary

PAGE 4 • JULY 25, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Coming Up

Browns Mill Aquatic Center to feature “Big Hero 6”

DeKalb County Parks and Recreation will host a community screening of Disney’s “Big Hero 6” on Friday, July 31, 8:30 p.m. at the Browns Mill Family Aquatic Center, 4929 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia.

Big Hero 6 is a 2014 computer-animated superhero comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures—the first superhero film in the Disney series of films.

The movie follows Hiro Hamada, a 14-year-old robotics genius who lives in the futuristic fictional city of San Fransokyo. Raised by his aunt, Cass, and older brother, Tadashi, after the death of his parents, Hiro spends his time participating in illegal robot fights. To redirect Hiro, Tadashi takes him to the robotics center at his university, where Hiro meets Tadashi’s friends: GoGo, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and Fred, as well as Baymax, the healthcare companion robot Tadashi created and the movie follows the team’s adventures and friendships from there.

Families are invited to bring low back chairs and blankets to enjoy the film. Admission is free but organizers suggest early arrival to get a good seat.

ATLANTA

City of Atlanta offers cooling stations to beat heat

The City of Atlanta will offer cooling stations to the community throughout the Atlanta area to keep residents a little cooler this summer.

The City of Atlanta’s three cooling stations will remain open until further notice to ensure that Atlanta residents have a safe place to stay cool during the expected high temperatures. Residents, especially senior citizens, are strongly advised to take advantage of these cooling stations if needed. Cooling stations are air-conditioned facilities where Atlanta residents can find relief from the heat. They are open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department is also offering free bottled water at all fire stations.

The cooling stations are located at: the Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center, 250 Georgia Ave., S.E., Atlanta; J.C. Burdine Center, 215 Lakewood Way, S.E., Atlanta; and the Old Adamsville Emergency Shelter, 3403 Delmar Lane, Atlanta.

For more information, call 404-330-6023.

Posh for A Purpose offers health tips, breast cancer prevention

Local group Posh For A Purpose (PAP), in partnership with the Susan G. Komen of Greater Atlanta will host “Lets Get Naked” on Saturday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Georgia Power Company, 241 Ralph McGill Blvd., N.E., Atlanta.

The health and wellness event is intended to raise education on breast cancer awareness and health education as a whole. Organizers say the program will be a day full of education awareness, fun, food and fellowship. Attendees can enjoy cooking demonstrations, fitness trainers and work out tips, education on breast health and relaxation tips from a licensed therapist.

Admission is free. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit the Posh For a Purpose Facebook page.

DEKALB

“Garden in the Parks” to feature talk on bees and beans DeKalb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will host “Garden in

the Parks” on Wednesday, July 29, 3 p.m. at the Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker.

The theme of the workshop is “Bees and Beans: A discussion on community gardens, pollinator gardens, fruit tree orchards and urban farms.” After the workshop, take a guided tour of the recreation center at 4 p.m.

The day of healthy gardening is free and open to the public. Registration is required. To register, contact Charlie Monroe at camonroe@dekalbcountyga.gov or 770-404-3060.

South DeKalb Striders set annual 5K For Hope

The 23rd Annual 5K For Hope charity event sponsored by the South DeKalb Striders Running Club will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

There will be two events: a one-mile fun run, which starts at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K, which begins at 8 a.m. The 23rd Annual 5K For Hope will be held at Georgia Perimeter College, Decatur Campus, 3251 Panthersville Road.

The 5K For Hope road race is held on the fourth Saturday in August annually. Proceeds are donated to Our House Inc., a child care and support facility for homeless families in Decatur.

There are three ways that individuals can register for the 5K For Hope:• Go to southdekalbstriders.org and click on the link to register online at Active• Go to southdekalbstriders.org and download the registration form, fill it out

and mail it in• Register at all Metro Atlanta Big Peach Running Stores For more information about the 23rd Annual 5K For Hope or The South

DeKalb Striders Running Club, contact Terrence Franklin at 404-275-3513 or Robert Truesdale at 404-733-0370, by email at southdekalbstriders@gmail.com or visit www.southdekalbstriders.org.

GWINNETT

Free job readiness workshop set Gwinnett County is currently accepting registration for a free job readiness

workshop for job seekers on Saturday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m. – noon, at the Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross.

The one-day workshop will cover resume writing as well as interview skills and job coaching. The free session will cover how to dress for success.

The workshop is provided by Lift up Atlanta Inc. For more information or to register in advance, call 678-225-5400.

Local race benefits families of firefighters

The Gwinnett Fire Employee Benevolent Fund is registering for its annual 5-Alarm 5K Run/Walk, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 a.m., at the Lawrenceville Lawn, 147 Luckie St., in Lawrenceville.

Day-of registration begins at 7 a.m. The race features running or walking on a mostly flat loop course through scenic downtown Lawrenceville.

The race is broken down into age groups. Firefighters will also race against each other to be named “Fastest Firefighter.” The cost to register for the race is $22. Proceeds will benefit the Gwinnett Fire Employee Benevolent Fund, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help Gwinnett Fire employees and their families in times of crisis.

For more information or to register, visit www.active.com or call 770-822-8000.

ROCKDALE

Rockdale ministries host events for residents

Several ministries in the Rockdale County community will host events to benefit needy residents this summer.

On Saturday, July 25, noon – 5 p.m., Nehemiah Empowerment Group Ministries Inc., 1012 S. Main St., Conyers, will host a “Back-to-School Bash” with free school supplies, food, games and prizes. For more information, email anthonysmith105@gmail.com.

On Sunday, Aug. 2, 1 – 4 p.m., Macedonia Baptist Church will host “Family and Friends Day at the Park” at Earl O’Neal Park, 2709 Old Covington Road, Conyers. The event features family, fun, fellowship and school supplies giveaway while supplies last.

On Aug. 5 – 7, 7:30 nightly, Double Spring Baptist Church, 2705 North Hightower Trail, Conyers, will hosts a “Homecoming Revival.” Some speakers will be Pastor Anton Rowe of Raymond Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Snellville, Pastor Jeffrey Briggs of Summer Hill Baptist Church in Loganville and the Rev. George Levett of Conyers.

City of Conyers sets council meeting

The City of Conyers City Council will meet Wednesday, Aug. 5, 7 – 8 p.m., in the Conyers Police Department/City Council Chambers, 1194 Scott St., Conyers.

The public is welcomed to attend. Meetings are subject to cancellation if there is a lack of items for the meeting agenda, so please check with the city clerk prior to the meeting.

For more information, call 770-483-4411.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS JULY 25, 2015 • PAGE 5

RCSO hosts block party for Lakeview Estates community

Rockdale County Sheriff Eric J. Levett and deputies hosted a block party on Saturday, July 18, in the Lakeview Estates subdivi-sions. The block party was a way to unite neighbors for the purpose of making the community better. Residents were able to interact with Sheriff Levett and deputies.

The RCSO has held several block parties each year since 2013 and is committed to bridging the gap between neighborhoods and law enforcement.

“I have always advocated in having block parties to bring neigh-bors and communities together,” said Sheriff Levett. “I would like to thank the local businesses who donated items to help make the block party a success. As Sheriff of Rockdale County, I will con-tinue to host block parties to bring communities together and foster community policing. ”

Sponsors for the event included:Courtesy FordCowan HardwareGeorge W. Levett, Sr. and Sons Funeral HomeHonda of ConyersJohn Miles ChevroletLowes of ConyersSnellville Wal-Mart (Store #3389) Hwy 124

Atlanta mayor, dignitaries unveil new Ted Turner Drive at historic Spring Street

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed joined elected officials and community leaders to unveil the new Ted Turner Drive at historic Spring Street at a ceremony in downtown Atlanta on July 21. The City of Atlanta recent-

ly approved an ordinance to rename a segment of Spring Street after the entrepre-neur, media mogul, and philanthropist to commemorate his significant cultural and economic contributions to the City.

The renamed portion of Spring Street, between Whitehall Street and West Peachtree Street, is near the area where Turner established some of his most prominent business endeavors, including Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and the CNN Headquarters. Ted Turner Drive at Historic Spring Street also runs past Turner’s nine-story Luckie Street building, which houses his private company, Turner Enterprises, Inc., as well as Ted’s Montana Grill corporate offices and two of Turner’s foundations.

“Ted Turner is an important figure in Atlanta’s recent history for his vision to transform television by creating the world’s first 24-hour global news network, CNN. He has also owned the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Braves and is a lead-ing philanthropist,” said Mayor Reed. “Ted Turner Drive at Historic Spring Street will become a significant part of our history and our future. Turner is very deserv-ing of this honor.”

Ted Turner, his daughter, Laura Turner Seydel; Metro Atlanta Chamber Presi-dent Hala Moddelmog; Founderand CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. Xernona Clayton; and Atlanta City Council member C.T. Martin were present at the ceremony and assisted with the unveiling of the new street sign.

Turner expressed his gratitude at the conclusion of the ceremony.“I am honored that the City of Atlanta has chosen to rename Spring Street to

Ted Turner Drive,” said Turner. “Words cannot express my gratitude for this recog-nition. I am truly humbled.”

Debra DeBerry hosts Community Appreciation Day

DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry is hosting her third annual Community Appreciation

Day on Saturday, Aug. 1, 5 – 9 p.m., at the Browns Mill Aquatic Facility, 4929 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia.

The event will include compli-mentary entry into the facility, a com-plimentary food ticket and music. The aquatic center has a lazy stream, water slides, spray-park and other family-fun features to beat the summer heat. The family-oriented event is designed to thank citizens for their ongoing support of DeBerry and office staff.

DeKalb NAACP, Commissioner Johnson to host health fairThe DeKalb County NAACP and DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson

will host a health fair on Saturday, Aug. 1, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur.

The community can take advantage of free screenings such as HIV/AIDS testing and free dental exams for children before they head back to school, blood pressure tests and glucose tests.

Nutrition and weight counseling will be available. School supplies will be provided by Jarell Sheridan, owner of the Georgia Spartans Basketball team.

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, July 30, 2015 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 SOLICITATION NO. ITEM CLOSING DATE 15-100536 Crane Services (Annual Contract with Two (2) Options to Renew) August 20, 2015 15-100540 Electrical Switchgear Inspection and Repair (Annual Contract with Two (2) Options to Renew) September 1, 2015 Switch Blade 15-100463 Diesel Engine, Generator and Accessory Equipment Services August 14, 2015 (Annual w/ 2 Options to Renew) 15-100552 Brookside Park - Phase I Development August 12, 2015

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: Scott M. Callan, CPSM, Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting  

PAGE 6 •JULY 25, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Attention, Parents: Encourage a Great Attitude about Education

By DeKalb Solicitor-General Sherry Boston

With the new school year right around the corner, most families are busy trying to soak up those

last few days of summer. Before we know it, we’ll have to get the kids up extra early, pack lunches, get uniforms ready, help with home-work...The list goes on and on. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the daily grind. However, with the start of this school year, I want to urge parents to consider how their attitudes can im-pact their children’s education.

Far too often I hear adults say things like: “You must be glad to be out of school,” “I know you’re dreading going back,” or even, “I bet you don’t like school.” Then later parents wonder why their children aren’t doing well in their classes. When we say negative things or just assume our kids don’t like school, they learn that it’s bad to enjoy learning. Since kids have no idea how much education will affect their lives in the long run, they may decide to give up on their schoolwork – especially in harder subjects – altogether.

As parents, it’s our job to keep our children interested in learning and help them see the big picture. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, our kids could earn $630,000 more during their lifetime, simply by not dropping out of high school. And if they go on to graduate from a 4-year college, the U.S. Census Bureau shows us they will earn an av-erage of 235% more than a high school dropout. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us high school dropouts also have a 47% higher unem-ployment rate than graduates.

As your DeKalb County Solicitor-General, I oversee the prosecution of misdemeanor crimes including educational neglect, when parents don’t send their children to school as required by Georgia law. These parents face criminal prosecution because their kids have five or more unexcused absences, and sadly, some have missed as many as 40 days in just six months. We have a diversion program called the Atten-dance Review Team or ART to help parents get back on track because I want to make sure every child gets an education. Failure to complete the program will result in hefty fines, community service or up to 30 days in jail.

Even if you don’t have kids, you should care about our children staying in school because it makes our neighborhoods safer. Almost all – about 90% – of the inmates in the DeKalb Coun-ty Jail never finished high school.

This school year, I hope you will help us encourage kids to strive for perfect attendance and always go to school unless they’re sick. And let’s watch our own attitudes about learning. Helping our children get an education is one of the most important things we can do to improve our quality of life and help all of us build a safer DeKalb.

Georgia sets back-to-school tax holidays

July 31-Aug. 2

The time has come. Summer break is over and school is just a couple of weeks away from starting. This means parents and students can take advantage of Georgia’s tax-free holidays,

which will run from July 31 to Aug. 2. During the holidays, you won’t have to pay sales tax on the follow-

ing: clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100 or less per item; computers; computer components; and prewritten computer software purchased for noncommercial home or personal use with a sales price of $1,000 or less per item; and school supplies such as school art supplies, school computer supplies; and school instructional materials purchased for noncommercial use with a sales price of $20 or less per item.

“As a parent and home school teacher, I find myself every year shop-ping with parents but a lot of teachers are also out there taking advantage of the tax exemption,” said Victoria Cross, who homeschools her two children in Tucker. “This is a weekend we all need to take advantage of, especially those teachers who go beyond and above their lesson plan to do extra activities with their students.”

The exemption does not apply to: belt buckles sold separately; cos-tume masks sold separately; patches and emblems sold separately; sew-ing equipment and supplies, including but not limited to knitting needles, patterns, pins, scissors, sewing machines, sewing needles, tape measures, and thimbles; sewing materials that become part of clothing, including but not limited to buttons, fabric, lace, thread, yarn, and zippers; clothing accessories or equipment; or cell phones.

“We wish they could add some of those items that are not on the list. It’s just a weekend and it helps us so much. I think that would be the next step, widening the list of approved items,” said Michelle Washington who has two students who attend schools in DeKalb County.

Gov. Nathan Deal has supported the tax breaks, extending them for another two years.

“The sales tax holidays will allow Georgia’s families to save money on those necessary items for school.,” Gov. Deal said. “This tax reform package has made our state a better place to work and raise a family, and I will continue my commitment to maintaining our status as having one of the lowest per capita taxpayer burdens in the country.”

Fiscal experts estimate that over a two-year time period, the holiday will save Georgians up to $143 million.

Exp 08-2-15

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS JULY 25, 2015 • PAGE 7

By Valerie J. Morgan

A group of six youths enrolled in the International

Education Program of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County traveled to the Baha-mas this summer to complete their year-long history study program.

“The International Edu-cation Program was designed for youths to discover the cultural connection between Africa and the African Di-aspora,” said Dr. Ray Craw-ford, director of the program. “This summer, students will be traveling to Nassau, Ba-hamas, where they will visit historical African culture sites as well as an orphanage, where they will take gifts to the children.”

The 2015 International Education Ambassadors, who took the cultural trip to the Bahamas, included: Kentravious Brown, Cedar Grove High; Jeremy Wright, Cedar Grove Middle; Haven Christopher Searcy, Tucker High School; Karrissa Ash, Arabia Mountain High; William Phillip Sullivan, Shiloh High; and Ryan Sullivan, Parter Elementary School.

The program has served dozens of students since its inception six years ago. Students in the program have traveled to Africa, Brazil, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, all places that they read about in books and learned about in workshops

before traveling. The trips are made possible by the students raising a portion of the money as well as sponsors’ contributions.

The International Education Program start-ed in 2009 with the vision of Bernard Taylor, an attorney with an international law firm and a past president of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb. Crawford became director of the program, work-ing with his wife, Urenna Crawford, who devel-oped a course of study for youths enrolled in the program.

The program consists of two components: Classroom instruction of the visiting country and a study tour that includes travel to countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The study tour lasts approxi-mately two weeks, providing students with the chance to develop peer-to-peer relation-ships, conduct research and create a documentary of their journey and experiences.

To be eligible for the pro-gram, which is open to boys and girls between the ages of 11 to 17 years old, appli-cants must answer questions, complete an essay, interview and have a recommendation from a teacher or community leader. Students participate in bi-monthly mandatory workshops for a year prior to travel.

Crawford said he has a passion for the program

because it gives students the chance to study and travel abroad, learning about the cultural connec-tions between Africa and the African Diaspora.

“This is the only chapter with such a pro-gram,” said Crawford. “Through this Internation-al Program, we encourage our students of African descent to reclaim their glorious past, rekindle their inner spirit, and reconnect with their great legacy.”

DeKalb’s 100 Black Men send students abroad for ambassador program

Pictured are Student ambassadors Kentravious Brown, Cedar Grove High; Jeremy Wright, Cedar Grove Middle; Haven Christopher Searcy, Tucker High School; and Karrissa Ash, Arabia Mountain High. Not pictured are: William Phillip Sullivan, Shiloh High; and Ryan Sullivan, Parter Elementary School.

404-297-9933“WE DON’T GET

PAID UNTILYOU DO!”

Call us anytime for FREE advice

Auto - Truck Accidents . Slip & Fall

$MILLIONS RECOVERED

24/7

ANYTIMECALL US

(JAG)Former Military Attorneys

www.JasonandBradley.com

we come to you.If you can’t come to us,

JASON & BRADLEYTHE LAW OFFICES OF

PAGE 8 •JULY 25, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Carmen Johnson, Associate BrokerCarmen & Company Luxury RealtorsPalmerhouse Properties & Associatescell 678 898-3404www.CarmenandCompany.comfacebook.com/carmenandco

Build your dream home at...THURGOOD ESTATES

starting from the 300’s

6 presold homes under consturction! Only 20 homesites remaining build your dream home from the High $300’s-600’s

Stress or Physical Pain?

Bring in this ad and receive a 60 minute Swedish Massage for only $45*

*with Chiropractic Treatment

MOST MAJOR INSURANCES AND OBAMA CARE ACCEPTED!

At Full Body Rejuvenation Center our staff offers the most effective quality health care to satisfy every individual's personal needs. Our combination of chiropractic therapy, massage, and physiotherapy

allow us to focus on the physiological, as well as the biomechanical aspects of the body.

Dr. Smith encourages you to come in and begin your healthyapproach to pain management, weight loss or stress relief!

Chiropractic TreatmentMassage Therapy

Physiotherapy

FULL BODY REJUVENATION CENTER3636 Panola Rd, Ste B Lithonia, GA 30038

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

People Movers & Shakers in the Community

Miller Grove High coach brings home gold medal for U.S.By Joshua Smith

Miller Grove High School’s head boys’ basketball coach is

used to being a championship-win-ning coach. But this summer, White took on a new challenge, leading some of the country’s best youths to gold medals as an assis-tant coach with the 2014 USA Bas-ketball Men’s Junior National Team at the International Basketball Fed-eration. The tournament is hosted in an Olympic-style competition, putting the USA teams against teams from all over the world.

White worked under head coach Don Showalter of Iowa City High School in Iowa City, Iowa. Showalter has directed USA teams to six gold medal finishes as head coach of the USA Basketball De-velopmental National Team since 2009.

“It was a great learning expe-rience. Playing in NBA champion Manu Gi-nobili’s gym and learning from him, getting tips from Olympic Gold medal coaches who have been there and done that and helping develop some of the greatest players in the nation—it was priceless,” said White, who assisted in coaching 53 of the top high school basketball players. “As a coach, this is something you always dream of doing. Representing the county on a national stage. I was definitely humbled and blessed by the opportunity. It was a great first for me.”

The team and coaches first flew to Colorado Springs, Colorado to train the boys in October 2014 and then they went on to Bahia Blanca, Argentina in June to take on teams from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Argentina and then Cana-da on June 14 for the gold medal. The team finished the global tournament 5-0 with the new hardware around their necks, as well as a huge trophy to go along with the gold medals.

Other assistant coaches included Cory

Alexander of the Boo Williams AAU team in Virginia, Eric Flannery from St. Edward High School in Ohio, L.J. Goolsby from the KC Run GMC program in Kansas and Mike Jones of DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland.

Since the inception of the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in 2009 and the FIBA U17 World Championship in 2010, USA Basketball men’s teams have dominated the competitions and won six consecutive gold medals and compiled a

perfect 38-0 record at the U16 and U17 championships. Additionally, the United States has won three consecutive FIBA Americas U18 Championships. That’s why the pressure was heavy on White and the coaching staff to bring home the gold.

“It probably would have been my first and last chance at coaching on that level, if we didn’t bring home that gold,” said White, who in 2014 was named the All-USA Boys Basketball Team Coach of the Year by USA Today. “We ran most of the teams but Canada was a real chal-lenge. They got some real ballers over there. The final score of 77-60 doesn’t show it but we had to come back from 20 to win that game. I’m just glad our staff and team could rise to the occasion. We have to keep Canada on our radar for next year. They’ll be coming for us strong.”

With the gold medal, White now turns his focus back on his Miller Grove

Wolverines squad, who has won six consec-utive state titles in Georgia from 2009-2014.

“We all feel good about this upcoming season. Before I left for Argentina and since I got back from there, we have had success-ful practices and we are wrapping up all our summer activities on a good note,” said White, who also serves annually as a NIKE Skills Academy coach, working with bas-ketball greats like LeBron James. “We have a real solid group, led by senior Alterique Gilbert who is currently ranked number 23 out of the country’s top 100 on the ESPN high school basketball players list.”

High School basketball coach Sharman White is proud to add a gold medal to his wall of accomplishments, which includes several state and regional titles.

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS JULY 25,2015 • PAGE 9

Advertise in the

Marketplace. Call

On Common Ground News 678-526-1910

Visit ocgnews.com

Business News Weeyums Philly Style named top spot for locals

Weeyums Philly Style was awarded the “100 Plates That Locals Love”

distinction by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division (GDEcD) as part of its “100 Plates that Locals Love.” The restau-rant, located on Main Street in the city of Stone Mountain, is featured in the state’s new culinary guide, Georgia Eats.

“It’s Georgia’s outstanding local restaurants that truly showcase the state’s rich flavors that locals and visitors love,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Each dish on our list of “100 Plates that Locals Love” epito-mize Georgia’s culinary scene with locally made and grown ingredients. These are the best of the best in Geor-gia and we can’t wait to share them

with our visitors.”The Georgia Department of Eco-

nomic Development Tourism Division is celebrating the state’s culinary

greatness this year. One of the ini-tiatives selected the dishes that make Georgia’s food unique and inspiring. As a part of this designation, each

restaurant is featured in the Georgia Eats official culinary guide, which is being distributed by the 11 Visitor Information Centers statewide; on the state’s consumer tourism website ExploreGeorgia.org; and on Explore-Georgia.org’s 14 social media chan-nels.

“Weeyums has been a part of the Stone Mountain community for many years, serving up the best Philly Cheese Steak the state has to offer. They deserve a “mountain” of con-gratulations!” says Mayor Pat Wheel-er.

About the Georgia Department of Economic Development

The Georgia Department of Eco-nomic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia and drives the expansion of existing industry and small business.

Atlanta Pallet Rack makes multi-million investment in RockdaleAtlanta Pallet Rack, a national

distributor of warehouse storage systems and material handling equip-ment, has made a multi-million dollar investment with the purchase of a building in Rockdale County. Chris Eckles with CBRE represented At-lanta Pallet Rack in the transaction.

The 500,000-square-foot build-ing, which sits on more than 40 acres at 1335 Rockdale Industrial Boule-

vard, is one of the largest buildings in Rockdale. Originally built in the 1950s and with additions and up-grades over the years, the building has a long and vibrant history in the Conyers-Rockdale community and with its families.

“This acquisition speaks to the health of Atlanta’s industrial market,” Eckles said. “As a supplier to this sector, Atlanta Pallet Rack has now

tripled their storage capacity in order to stay ahead of the rapid increase in demand.”

Eckles expressed appreciation to the City of Conyers, Rockdale County and the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council(-CREDC) for their help during this process.

Marty Jones, executive director of the CREDC, noted the continued

renaissance of this industrial corridor in Rockdale. He said this new invest-ment would continue the revitaliza-tion of this area.

The mission of CREDC is to promote and enhance the economic vitality of the Conyers-Rockdale community through the retention and/or expansion of existing business and the resource appropriate attrac-tion of new business.

Multiplex LLC wins construction contract for Lawrenceville senior centerGwinnett County commissioners

have approved a $1.59 million renova-tion project for the Lawrenceville Se-nior Center at 225 Benson St. Multiplex LLC was the lowest of four bidders for the construction contract.

Nearly 80 percent of the work is funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, 11 percent by Gwinnett’s 2014 SPLOST program, and about 9 percent by the Atlanta Regional Commission. A $250,000 Community Development

Block Grant is expected to pay for expanding the dining room, retrofitting the kitchen area and creating more small-group meeting places.

The facility, which first opened its doors in 1994, is a gathering place for adults ages 60 and older to enjoy activ-ities such as exercise, arts and crafts, games, speakers, entertainment, day trips and hot lunches.

The improvements, designed for individuals with low vision, hearing impairments and mobility challeng-

es, include upgraded ADA-accessible restrooms, an enlarged dining area, a more accessible food service line, an upgraded billiards room, a new card room area, a new hearing loop system for the hearing impaired, and a new multi-use room. The existing patio will be enclosed to become a fitness room and a new entry vestibule will be added.

The center will close for renovation on Aug. 3. Activities will temporarily relocate to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

at 797 Moon Road in Lawrenceville and then move again in late September to the Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center until work on the center is complete. Current programs and services, like congregate meals, activities and transportation, will expe-rience minimal disruptions during the relocation.

Gwinnett County runs other senior activity centers in Buford, Norcross and Centerville.

PAGE 10 • JULY 25, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Chick-fil-A internships available at Turner Hill location

Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road, near the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia, is pleased to announce that internships are available.

College students majoring in Marketing, Public Relations, Business, Manage-ment, Leadership, Culinary Arts, Pastry and Baking, Hospitality and Restaurant Management as well as other related fields are encouraged to apply for an internship. Additionally, high school juniors and seniors enrolled in work-study programs may apply.

Please feel free to distribute this letter to your students via email, text and var-ious forms of social media! Interested candidates should email their resume and a brief cover letter to Angela Byrd Reed, Restaurant Marketing Director, at rmd.turner-hill.chickfila@gmail.com. The deadline for receiving resumes is Aug. 3, 2015.

More than 200 vendors from metro Atlanta attended the DeKalb County Watershed Management’s July 17 forum to learn how the county will procure its upcoming engineering services contracts, including Request for Proposals that will be issued in August.

The $1.35 billion Capital Improvement Project(CIP) is the fourth-largest procurement, and it is expected to create a number of opportunities for small-to-medium-sized businesses.

The CIP program is the single-largest water infrastructure project implement-ed in DeKalb’s history. The program ensures continued reliable service delivery to DeKalb’s water and sewer residents and creates sustainable growth for its $5 billion water and wastewater assets.

DeKalb’s Watershed Management’s vendor forum welcomes 200

East Metro DeKalb CID sets ribbon cut-ting for first beautification project

The East Metro DeKalb Commu-nity Improvement District (CID) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Wesley Chapel Road north median beautification project on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m. The project is CID’s first beautification initiative.

Attendees should meet at the Econ-omy Inn parking lot at 2565 Wesley Chapel Road to receive escorted access to the median. Immediately following the ribbon cutting, a reception and news conference will be held at Sanford Realty – 4183 Snapfinger Woods Drive.

CID Administrator Nicole McGhee Hall said community stakeholders identified the Wesley Chapel Road median as a highly visible project in an area that is home to the majority of CID members.

“It was an excellent first project to champion because it is in the heart of the CID, a place that is already commit-ted to boosting curb appeal,” Hall said. “We expect this new landscaping will

distinguish this as an area committed to enhancing its best qualities. This is the kind of project that CIDs are uniquely able to complete for the benefit of an entire community.”

The CID’s project partners in-clude the South DeKalb Improvement Association and Wesley Chapel Curb Appeal Task Force. Russell Landscape Group, Keep DeKalb Beautiful and Home Depot donated plant materials and landscaping expertise to make the beautification possible.

The CID also partners with the Southeast Police Taskforce, which op-erates at the direction of the south and east DeKalb County Police precincts.

The East Metro DeKalb CID formed in 2014 through a unanimous vote of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. The self-taxing CID includes more than 200 property own-ers, and projected revenue from 2015 taxes is approximately $213,000.

Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS JULY 25, 2015 • PAGE 11

THE Weave STOP4717 Covington Hwy Suite 103 • Decatur, GA 30035

404 - 284 - 8833

$40 Sew ins

NEW LOCATION

Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503.

Goat Lawn Service. Need your yard cut, raked, or aerated. Call 678-953-0063.

CLASSIFIEDSSERVICE

E-MAIL YOUR CLASSIFIED TO:

classifieds@ocgnews.com

RESTAURANTSDEKALB COUNTY

INSURANCE

BEAUTY SUPPLIESGWINNETT COUNTY

BEAUTY SALONSROCKDALE COUNTY

CATERINGFULTON COUNTYINTERIOR DESIGN

BARBARA ELLIOTT & JENNIFER WARD WOODS917 Main Street, Stone Mountain GA

(770) 498-7780 • www.decdens.com/belliott

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS®

770-484-33552910 EVANS MILL ROAD, LITHONIA, GA

WEEKLYLUNCHSPECIAL

Visit these advertisers @ OCGNEWS.COMWant to spotlight your business? 678-526-1910

PHOTOGRAPHY

CHARTER SERVICES

On Common Ground News Marketplace

REAL ESTATE

NEW GENERATION LEARNING CENTER AND ACADEMY

Excellent Care & Education

Free GEORGIA PRE-K (LIMITED SPACES)

• Age 6 weeks - Kindergarten• Before/After School Care• Open Monday-Friday (Except holidays) • Student Uniforms (Preschool – K5)• Hours are 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.• Provide Enrichment Programs• Curriculums are Creative & ABeka• Provide highest quality customer care• Moms Morning Out

3271 Turner Hill RoadLithonia, GA 30038678.691.5187

Email: info@generationlearningcenterandacademy.com

ALL EVENT FACILITY

MINI MALL

MINI MALL

678-755-5955CALL TODAY!

7173 Covington Hwy, Lithonia, GA 30058

$500 MOVES YOU INA A

• Parties • Seminars • Wedding

• Church Meetings • Business Meetings• Graduation Parties

$20 -$125 per hourA ABooth Rental $50 1st Month

Free Banquet Hall!Monday-Thursday only Community Events, Non-Profit, For Profit Events.

Dr. Jamal A. Duval, DDS, MS

Braces for Children & Adults• Free Consultation• Low Monthly Payments Starting at $89• Metal and Clear Braces for Children & Adults• Invisalign Certified • Saturday Appointments • Saturday Appointments Available Upon Request

770-482-74008200 Mall Parkway, Suite B 200, Lithonia, GA 30038

M-F 8:30am to 5:30 • www.Lithoniabraces.com

PAGE 12 •JULY 25, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Power Bleaching- Zoom Invisible Braces (Invisalign)Dental Implants Tooth-Colored Fillings Crown & Bridges Porcelain Veneers Low- Radiation X-Rays

www.beautifulsmiledds.com

Cosmetic & General Dentistry

New Patients Welcome!

Mon- Thurs 8am-5pm Every other Friday 8am-5pmRecline in Comfort & Watch TV During Your Treatment !!

Se Habla Espanol!

8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155Lithonia, GA 30038 • (770) 484-4051Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)

!

Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS