By Joshua Smith

Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposal to overhaul 141 failing schools is receiving mixed reactions in DeKalb County, which has 26 schools on the list, the second-highest number behind the Atlanta Public School System, which has 27 failing schools.

Deal’s proposal would give the state control over struggling schools to bring them up to par, convert them to charters or shut them down. The governor wants to launch what he is calling the “Opportunity School District” in the 2017 school year. The measure requires a constitutional amendment and Deal says he will work with lawmakers this legislative lesion to put the amendment on the 2016 ballot to create the district.

The proposal is one that has Donna Priest-Brown, who serves as the South DeKalb Parent Council, concerned.

“The pulse I’m getting from parents is at least give us a chance to fix it first before the governor comes in and takes over our schools with people that are complete strangers to our children,” said Priest-Brown, who also serves as co-chair of the Parent Councils United. “A lot of parents are telling me that they don’t think the proposed plan is even about the children, but more so a way for the governor and others to make money by bringing in vendors that specialize in improving education.”

Priest-Brown has a sophomore at Chamblee High School and says that she would like to hear a response from

the Superintendent or the school district about what they plan to do.

“As I get mixed reactions on this, I have to say I agree with some aspects of it but disagree with others. I have been checking the (DeKalb School District’s) website daily, but I don’t see a game plan from the school system on this. We don’t have to know the game plan, but we just want to know that the school district has plans to work on this before the governor just moves in on us,” said Priest-Brown.

Marshall Orson, who represents District 2 of the DeKalb County Board of Education, says he believes people

need to keep an open mind about the governor’s proposal.

“I believe the governor’s proposed plan is just in the exploratory phase, but we should hear it out,” said Orson. “We have to do something. Parents at failing schools in this district and across the state are eager to find the solution, whatever that may be. As more and more meetings pop up across the county and state on this issue, I expect them to be well attended by parents looking for answers.”

In the governor’s proposal, persistently failing schools are defined as those scoring below 60 on the Georgia Department of Education’s accountability measure, the College and Career Performance Index (CCRPI), for three consecutive years.

The Opportunity School District plan calls for the state to pick up 20

failing schools per year. Schools would stay in the district for no less than five years but no more than 10 years.

“We have a moral duty to do everything we can to help these children. Failing schools keep the cycle of poverty spinning from one generation to the next. Education provides the only chance for breaking that cycle,” said Gov. Deal. “When we talk about helping failing schools, we’re talking about rescuing children. I stand firm on the principle that every child can learn, and I stand equally firm in the belief that the status quo isn’t working.”

Nikki Harris has a ninth grader who attends Columbia High School, one of the failing schools. Harris says she doesn’t want to see her children’s school closed.

“I would hate for this to go through and leave my son going to a random high school,” said Harris, who lives in Decatur. “I think the governor will get this through and I just feel bad about the county. Like the board of commissioners, the governor will have to come in and change our school system, too. It makes the county look bad as a whole.”

On the blog website, DeKalb School Watch, parents and teachers are weighing in on the governor’s proposal.

“The school district’s dirty little secret is that all of Region five needs to be take over by the state. Currently,

By Valerie J. Morgan

Craigslist scam artists may want to think long and hard before luring, robbing and killing innocent people. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Cynthia Becker on Feb. 18 handed down life sentences with no parole to two men who killed a retired railroad worker in a bogus Craigslist scheme involving two IPhones.

Contevious Stepp-McCommons, 20, and Malik Rice, 19, will never be released for their part in the murder of Clarence Gardenhire, a 56-year-old Tallahassee, FL man who was in town for the birth of his ninth grandchild when he was killed in 2013.

Prosecutor Bill Clark had asked the judge to consider parole in mid-life for the killers because of their ages and the fact that neither had a prior felony. Becker, however, rejected the request, chastising the men for showing no remorse during the trial. Noting Rice’s attitude and the fact that he masterminded the plot, Becker gave Rice 55 years to serve in addition to his life sentence.

“While you (Rice) did not pull the trigger, you set this up. If anything, you are more culpable than Mr. Stepp-McCommons,” said Becker. “You just rolled your eyes. That is what I am talking about. You had a lot more opportunity.”

Becker gave Stepp-McCommons, the triggerman,

35 years to serve in addition to his life sentence. Stepp-McCommons did apologize to the victim’s family as he was led away.

The pair used a Craigslist ad to lure Gardenhire and a relative, Jamar Perry, to an abandoned house in southeast Atlanta in 2013. Perry said Gardenhire decided to accompany him to buy two IPhones for the agreed price of $375. Perry told authorities the cell phones were for a new business in Buckhead that sells used cell phones. He said Gardenhire did not want him to go along to do the deal. The meeting turned out to be fatal. Gardenhire was shot several times during the attempted robbery and later died at a local hospital.

“This was a calculated plot to lure innocent victims to a designated, unsafe area with a goal to rob them upon arrival. However, in the course of their interaction, Stepp-McCommons fatally shot Mr. Gardenhire and fled

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 46  WWW.OCGNEWS.COM  FEBRUARY 21, 2015  FREE

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

Angela Garrett, DeKalb busines consultant and community leader passes

Page 10

Conyers erects Purple Heart signs to show support od of veterans

Page 3

People

DeKalb promotes literacy through “Love Your Li-brary” iniatiative.

Page 5

Community News

See Craigslist, page 9

Community

Craigslist killers get life with no parole

Gov. Deal’s overhaul list of failing schools gets mixed reactions

DeKalb District Attorney warns online users to practice safety

Malik Rice Contevious Stepp-McCommmons

Clarence Gardenhire was killed during an attempted armed robbery.

See Deal, page 9

Donna Priest-Brown

Marshall Orson

Gov. Nathan Deal’s

PAGE 2  FEBRUARY 21, 2015

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Go Ahead. Admit it. The Prospect Scares You.

VOLUME 20, NO. 46 

EDITOR/PUBLISHERValerie 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 

  ABOUT US   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. 

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Suite 107 Conyers, GA 30012 (678) 526-1910 (P) (678) 526-1909 (F) www.ocgnews.com

Community NewsConyers erects Purple Heart signs to

show support of veteransThe city of Conyers is showing

its support of veterans as a designated “Purple Heart City.” The “Purple Heart City” signs are being erected on City Limits signs throughout Conyers, thanks to a local donor.

Conyers officials proclaimed the city as a Purple Heart City in December 2014 after Councilman Vince Evans learned about the designation through Commander Doug Middleton of the Georgia Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Evans had attended the Purple Heart ceremony for Major Patty Justice at the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial when Middleton told him about the designation.

City staff collaborated with Tommy Clack, chairman of the Walk of Heroes Foundation, to order and install street signs denoting Conyers as a Purple Heart City. Local businessman and veteran Greg Grimes of Patriot Storage donated the funding for the signs.

“We are grateful for the service and sacrifices made by all of our veterans and those recognized as Purple Heart recipients in our country and this community,” said Mayor Randy Mills. “These signs are just one way we can publicly thank them and show our support.

We are very appreciative of Mr. Grimes’ donation of the signs.”

City staff collaborated with Tommy Clack, chairman of the Walk of Heroes Foundation, to order and install street signs denoting Conyers as a Purple Heart City. Funding for the signs was generously donated by veteran and local businessman Greg Grimes of Patriot Storage.

The Purple Heart City signs will be installed by Conyers Public Works and Transportation employees along the following roadways that denotes motorists are entering the city limits:

• Georgia Highway 20 at the Target shopping center

• Pine Log Road near C.J. Hicks Elementary School

• American Legion Road• Georgia Highway 138 at Centennial

Olympic Parkway• Milstead Avenue• Green Street• Parker Road• Irwin Bridge Road• The north and south ends of Main

Street

L-R: Proudly showing off one of the new signs are Veteran and Walk of Heroes Foundation board member Pete Mecca; Conyers City Councilman Chris Bowen; veteran and Walk of Heroes Foundation Chairman Tommy Clack; veteran and Conyers Public Works employee Charles Drake; and veteran Greg Grimes of Patriot Storage.

Sheriff Eric J. Levett to hold a virtual town hall meetingSheriff Eric J. Levett will take to

Facebook for a virtual town hall meeting on February 26, 2015. The purpose of the virtual town hall meeting will be to allow Sheriff Levett and the RCSO to receive feedback on how the Sheriff’s Office is performing, answer questions, and hear concerns. With the town hall meeting being on Facebook, it will allow people to give feedback and ask questions to the sheriff from the comfort of their own home or business. The virtual town hall meeting that Sheriff Levett held in 2013 proved to be very beneficial and was a great success.

Citizens will be able to submit questions to Sheriff Levett on the RCSO Facebook page and get immediate answers just as they would by attending an actual town hall meeting. In addition to being able to submit questions, some of the same information on the progress and plans of the RCSO will be presented. The virtual town hall meeting will take place on the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page on February 26, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm. Some of the key topics for this virtual town hall meeting will be the body worn cameras, the 20% reduction in crime for 2014, and the RCSO

community survey. “The first virtual town hall meeting

I held gave me some great feedback as it relates to what the Sheriff’s Office can do to become better,” said Sheriff Eric J. Levett. “I am committed to hearing what the citizens have to say and this is just another way of interacting with them. I participated in a town hall meeting in January, but I understand that not everyone could attend. I want to afford everyone the opportunity to have their comments and concerns heard, so the virtual town hall meeting will be another opportunity for people to voice concerns.” Sheriff Eric J. Levett

It is one thing to lose your hearing as you age. It is entirely different to lose your memory and develop Alzheimer’s disease while growing older. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging.

“Studies show that African Americans age 71 and older are two times more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia than whites of the same age and so it is important to educate communities of color about maintaining brain health,” says Monica Parker, MD, at the Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center ADRC.

To address this issue, the ADRC has received a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation to provide education on brain health and offer memory screenings for people of color. With this

funding the ADRC will host free community Brain Health forums around Atlanta.

The free Brain Health forums, will include breakfast and lunch and the opportunity for participants to sign up for free memory screenings. Professionals from Emory, Grady Hospital, the Centers for Disease Control, Morehouse School of Medicine and other community resource agencies will teach at the forum. The workshop leaders will explain the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and Alzheimer’s Disease and the steps to take to maintain brain health.

The first forum will be held March 14, 2015 at Ben Hill United

Methodist Church located at Ben Hill United Methodist Church, 2099 Fairburn Road, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30331. The doors open at 8 a.m., memory screenings begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program starts at 9 a.m.

While the event is free, registration is required. To register, go to www.benhillwellness.eventbrite.com http://www.benhillwellness.eventbrite.com or contact Natalie DiSantis at 404-712-2084 or natalie.disantis@emory.edu

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) supports the efforts of Emory ADRC in educating people about brain health. Through this community outreach program, participants will take away vital

information about how various conditions and healthy habits may impact the progression of symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” said Morgan Kendrick, president of BCBSGa.

About the Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research CenterThe Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Center (ADRC) is the only National Institutes of Health designated ADRC in the Southeast, signifying the highest status an institution can receive in Alzheimer’s research and care. Emory’s ADRC is a magnet for patients in the region, a catalyst for research and a vital source of training and education for the community and other professionals.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation

Through charitable grant making, the Blue

Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, promotes Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that the company serves.

PAGE 4  FEBRUARY 21, 2015

Decatur Rotary to host ‘Light Up Rotary’ community celebration Decatur residents are invited to join members of the Decatur Rotary Club as

they celebrate the founding of Rotary International and the organization’s efforts worldwide to end polio.

A community gathering will be held on Monday, Feb. 23, 7 to 8 p.m., at the bandstand located at the historic Old Courthouse on the Square.

The club will light up the logo of Rotary International on the building as part of this year’s theme: Light Up Rotary! Rotarians will be giving free hot cocoa, hot cider and cookies to all residents who stop by the bandstand.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will not be held.

ATLANTA

Computer workshop offered to seniors The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Stewart-Lakewood branch, 2893

Lakewood Ave., Atlanta, will offer senior citizens a free computer workshop on Monday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. – noon.

Atlanta seniors are invited to learn basic computer skills. Organizers say the event is perfect for seniors who are reluctant about using a computer or seniors who own a computer but don’t understand how to use it. The hands-on workshop will cover subjects such as how to use the mouse, how to use the basic keyboard and a small introduction to the Microsoft Office suite.

Adults who can benefit from basic computer skills, who are not seniors, can also attend. 404-730-1700.

AUCC hosts finance series at SpelmanThe Atlanta University Center Consortium is registering for “Common Cents

Saturdays,” a free finance workshop series that will be held March 14, 21 and 28, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at Spelman College Camille Cosby Academic Center, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta.

Organizers say the workshops will help participants learn to “stop living paycheck to paycheck,” along with providing information on how to raise your credit score, how to plan for financial emergencies, choosing the best loan for you and how to avoid “predatory lending.” Negotiating Annual Percentage Rates (APR) also will be discussed.

To register or for more information, visit www.auccommuniversity.org or call 404-523-5148.

DEKALBAre you a victim of identity theft?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) will host a workshop, “Identity Theft Awareness,” on Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., at Stonecrest Library, Klondike Road, Lithonia.

With tax-related identity theft on the rise, TAS aims to help taxpayers protect their personal and business information. Several topics will be discussed including:

· What is identity theft?· Are you a victim of identity theft?· How can you prevent identity theft?· How can you protect your records?The community is invited to attend the workshop. There is no charge to attend.

Parks and Recreation sets public meeting DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host a master plan

meeting to discuss adding neighborhood parks to the community. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, 3797 River Road, Ellenwood.

The community is encouraged to provide input regarding desired park designs, facilities and potential uses for park space. Current development and designs of county parks will be discussed as well.

For more information, contact Vineet Nagarkar at 404-687-3709.

Georgia Piedmont offers STEM workshopIn an effort to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, or

STEM activities in the community, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is hosting a free workshop, “Welding and Joining Technology,” on Tuesday, March 3, 10 – 11:30 a.m., at 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston.

The workshop offers one-on-one conversations with people working in STEM-related careers who will share their knowledge about their professions and the transition from college to the workforce.

For more information or to register in advance, call Natoshia Anderson at 404-297-9522, ext. 1239 or email STEM@gptc.edu.

GWINNETTBOC sets town hall meetings

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners (BOC) wants to hear from residents about ways to improve the county.

The board is hosting several town hall meetings throughout the county. Beginning at 6:15 p.m., representatives from County departments will hold an open house to answer questions and discusses services they provide.

At 7 p.m., the commissioners invite you to share your thoughts and ideas about county government services. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford.

Four other meetings are scheduled: Thursday, March 26, at the Dacula Park Activity Building, 2735 Old Auburn Ave., Dacula; Thursday, April 23, at the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake; and Tuesday, May 12, at the Hudgens Center for the Arts, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 300, Duluth.

Residents may come to any or all of the meetings. 770-822-8000.

ARC seeks input from residents The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is hosting an online survey for

residents in Gwinnett to voice their opinions about the county and developments in Gwinnett.

The ARC says this survey is an influential step for future development of the region. The survey focuses on new technologies and innovations that may impact where and how residents travel and live over the next quarter century. The input gathered through the survey will help the ARC develop and update the region’s plan, which is a long-range comprehensive blueprint for transportation, land use, community development, water quality, workforce training, arts and culture, as well as aging and health resources.

The survey is available until Tuesday, March 31, and takes five minutes to complete. According to the ARC’s website, the survey gives you a chance to tell the ARC how to respond to upcoming trends in technology and remain economically competitive.

The survey is online at https://atlantaregionalplan.metroquest.com. 404-463-3100.

ROCKDALE

Democrats to host monthly breakfast The Rockdale Democratic Party will host a breakfast for Democrats in the

community on Saturday, Feb. 28, 9 a.m., at the Party’s headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers.

Representatives on the state and county level will provide updates on legislation and other significant developments. The Party also will discuss ideas and new committees to move the Party forward.

Anyone interested in joining the Party may pay their $25 membership dues at the meeting. 770-331-2537.

BOC chairman sets State of the County address Richard Oden, chairman of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, will

present his State of the County address on Thursday, March 12, 6 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Services Community Room, 981 Taylor St., Conyers.

Oden will provide the community at large with a review of the county’s accomplishments for 2014 and his vision for 2015.

In addition to the traditional address, Oden will hold a first-ever State of the County Breakfast exclusively with business stakeholders, sponsored by the Council for Quality Growth and the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. The business breakfast will be held Thursday, March 5, 8 a.m., at Springfield Baptist Church. The breakfast is $25 to attend.

For more information or tickets to the breakfast, call 770-813-3370 or 770-278-7000.

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DeKalb promotes literacy through “Love Your Library” initiative DeKalb County Library officials have been

touring the county, putting up signs to garner support for literacy programs for students.

The “Love Your Library Month” campaign is seeking $1 donations until Feb. 28 to support literacy outreach initiatives at the Scottdale-Tobie Grant homework center; Project Horizon, which helps children of homeless or transitional housing families improve early literacy skills and keep up with homework; and Project Reap, which helps immigrants and refugee children and parents improve their spoken English and literacy skills.

“Our outreach initiatives are funded by the DeKalb County Library Foundation, outside of tax dollars provided by the government. This month means so much to supporting and continuing our initiatives,” said Jill Joplin, executive director of the DeKalb Library Foundation. “Whether we are helping with getting a grip on homework or working with parents and children in the waiting room of DeKalb health facilities, we want to continue to share the joy of reading with others throughout the county.”

When you donate $1 at your local branch, a literacy heart will be placed on the wall there. You can also join the cause on social media with hashtag #LoveDCPL on Facebook and Twitter or donate online at www.dekalblibrary.org.

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Pastor Aldren Sadler of New Beginnings Church in Rockdale County

addressed the Georgia Senate on Feb. 19. As the honorary Chaplin of the Day, Sadler prayed for the lawmakers and shared a story from the book of II Samuel, Chapter 9.

Sadler was invited by State Sen. Ronald Ramsey, whose District 43 includes Rockdale, to bring words of inspiration to the Senate.

View the video on On Common Ground News’ homepage at www.ocgnews.com.

Rockdale pastor serves as Chaplin of the Day at Georgia Capitol

Hearses to lead “Stop the Violence” parade in South DeKalbA motorcade of hearses from several local funeral

homes will travel through South DeKalb on Feb. 22, starting at 4 p.m. from the House of Hope Atlanta (Greater Travelers Rest Church), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur.

The Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association in partnership with Pastor E. Dewey Smith of The House of Hope Atlanta are hosting a “Stop the Violence” campaign to call attention to the violence in DeKalb County, particularly acts that have escalated to murder. Recently, a 19-year-old woman

who was sitting at a MARTA bus stop in Lithonia was shot to death by a man who snatched her purse.

“We are mobilizing to do everything within our power to save our children and raise the awareness of gun violence in our local communities and the entire state of Georgia,” said Tri-Cities Funeral Home Owner Shameka Reynolds, who is helping to organize the event.

Reynolds, past chair of the Legislative Committee of the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, said it’s time for the community to take a

stand and fight to stop the violence. “If one life is saved as a result of our efforts,

we can categorize the campaign as a success,” said Reynolds.

The National Association of Funeral Home Directors have led a number of the campaigns across the country, Reynolds said.

The campaign is scheduled to end at 6 p.m. with a candlelight service honoring families who have been impacted by violence.

PAGE 6  FEBRUARY 21, 2015

Scavenger hunt in Atlanta The Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library

system’s Thomasville Heights Branch, 1700 Thomasville Drive, S.E., Atlanta, will host a Black History Scavenger Hunt on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 4 p.m.

All ages are encouraged to be a detective and find the clues around the library and surrounding property to solve black history questions. The hunt covers several topics such as science factoids, African American visionaries, African Americans who are on stamps and discovering more information about Africa. Prizes will be awarded. 404-624-0620.

Free Jackie Robinson movie at Conyers library

The public is invited to view a popular film based on the life of baseball great Jackie Robinson on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Nancy Guinn Library, 864 Green Street, Conyers.

Please use the lower level entrance to Meeting Room. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy free refreshments.

Rockdale school invites leaders to participate in

black history program C.J. Hicks Elementary School, 1300 Pine Log

Road, Conyers will host “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture” on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 8 – 10 a.m.

Some confirmed speakers for the program include entrepreneur Maria Wills; saxophonist Trey Black; athletic trainer Cord Parks; and African American opera singer Noelle Black.

“Our theme allows us to explore music, art, sports, politics, and entrepreneurship. The time that you will spend sharing your story will greatly impact our students and can foster life-long memories,” said Applemaina Bradford, who is helping coordinate the program. “We have already invited leaders in the community who have had an amazing impact but we still want to invite more leaders to share their uplifting and motivating testimonies with our students.”

For more information or to speak at the black history program, call 770-483-4410, ext. 14205.

Rockdalde NAACP, Bald Rock Baptist set black history program

Bald Rock Baptist Church and the Rockdale County NAACP will host a Black History Month program on Saturday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m. at the church, 2284 Old Covington Highway, Conyers.

Pastor Chris Shipp of Bald Rock Baptist Church said the event promises to be both, educational and entertaining.

“All youth are invited to participate and join the Youth Council under the leadership of Brian Jenkins,” said Shipp.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Deborah Anderson at 678-458-0968.

LWSC sets black history performance The Lou Walker Senior Center (LWSC), 2538

Panola Road, Lithonia, will host a black history program and performance on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Performances from the LWSC choir, the Theatre Arts Group and the Mothers of Zion will perform contemporary songs, as well as hymnals dating back to the 1800s.

For more information, call 770-322-2900.

Georgia Black Caucus sets banquet to honor the arts

The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus will host its heritage dinner, “Our Heritage, Our History: A Salute to African Americans in the Arts,” on Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard, Atlanta.

The banquet will be hosted by what organizers say is the largest state black caucus in the nation. Each year, the dinner marks historical achievements for African Americans and this year, the caucus will focus on contributions to Atlanta from the arts, entertainment and the film communities.

The event will celebrate African American history through paintings, music, dance and the recognition of pioneers in the community who diligently served to improve and enhance communities of color in Georgia. Proceeds will benefit the caucus’ Young Scholars Legislative Internship program.

Ticket prices vary. Group rates are available. 404-651-5569.

Storytelling: African American heroes in Snellville

The Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville, is hosting a storytelling event about African-American heroes on Friday, Feb. 27, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Local storytellers will be on hand to share stories about great African American leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Gwinnett County residents can also enjoy interactive activities to increase knowledge about African American heroes. 770-881-0100.

Black History Family Day is set The DeKalb County Public Library’s Flat Shoals

branch, 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, will host “Black History Family Day” on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Families can come to the library for black history trivia games with prizes at stake. Families can learn how music inspired the civil rights movement, see

photographs of the civil rights movement, learn about the origins of the civil rights movement and learn more about some of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s most famous speeches, among other items of history. Along with the fun activities, snacks will be provided. 404-244-4370.

Photo gallery celebrates three great civil rights leaders

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site’s visitors’ center, 450 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, will host a photo gallery, “Bobby, Martin and John: Once Upon an American Dream,” Feb. 23 – 28, 9a .m. – 5 p.m.

The free exhibit is comprised of pictures from photographer Stanley Tretick. The exhibit shows the public and private lines of Atlanta civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. 404-331-5190.

African American History Month Poster contest in Buckhead

Atlanta children are invited to enter the African American History Month poster contest until Saturday, Feb. 28, 1 – 5 p.m., at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Buckhead branch, 269 Buckhead Ave., N.E., Atlanta.

Kids can submit their original artwork celebrating African American history and culture to be displayed in the library. This year’s theme, “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture,” allows a wide range of subjects. Choose to highlight an individual or a cultural achievement.

The contest is open to children in grades K-8 with winners chosen from three grade ranges: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. 404-814-3500.

Celebrate African dance in Decatur The City of Decatur is inviting residents to

celebrate the art of African dance, “Afridance,” on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 12 – 2 p.m., at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., Decatur.

Organizers say the unique body workout combines deep-breathing techniques, stretching, and low-to-medium aerobics, mixed with traditional West African dance steps. The dance workout develops choreography skills as well. The cost to attend the dance workout is $15.

Celebrating Black History Month 2015 Artwork celebrates journey from

Ethiopia to AtlantaAn art exhibit celebrating Ethiopia,

“Chalom Yashan—A Journey Back Home,” runs through Tuesday, March 31, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

This show features original works by artist Hirut Yosef. Drawing inspiration from her Ethiopian roots, Yosef’s work honors strong African

women using vibrant color and traditional design.

“Color is my native tongue,” says Yosef. “I seek to build a visual bridge between my native origins and contemporary art and culture. In doing so, I created a language of my own.”

Admission is free. 678-812-4000.

FEBRUARY 21, 2015   PAGE 7

Office (404) 228-9145

Lou Walker Senior Center celebrates black history through dance

From ballroom dancing to line dancing, the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia celebrated Black History Month through the art of dance at a Feb. 18 program.

“When our people first came to America as slaves, dancing was all a lot of them had to keep their spirits up. We celebrate our freedoms today. They had to dance for their slave masters’ entertainment. We dance now for fun and to entertain ourselves,” said 63-year-old Taliah Hasan, who instructs the center’s Smooth Sophisticated Gents dance group.

Along with Hasan’s group, urban ballroom dancers, Cenilla’s hip hop dancers and line dancers hit the floor. .

The Lou Walker Senior Center is hosting another Black History Month program, “Afro-American Culture through Song & Dance,” on Feb. 23, 2 p.m. The center is located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. 770-322-2900.

For more pictures on the Black History Month celebration, visit www.ocgnews.com.

PAGE 8  FEBRUARY 21, 2015

at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

isitors are welcome year-round at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the inspirational home of Georgia’s Trappist

Monks. Nestled on 2,300 acres in Conyers, the Monastery offers a scenic and peaceful environment to explore.

Experience a day in the life of a monk, or learn about the Trappists in Georgia at the Historic Museum. See the beautiful Abbey Church. Browse through the Bonsai Garden, Bonsai Nursery and gift shop. Visit the Abbey Store for monk-made biscotti, fruitcake, fudge, free trade items and the largest selection of Christian books in the state.

Stay for the day – or experience our overnight retreats.

www.trappist.net

BE INSPIRED...

First Saint Peter A.M.E. Church, 1074 South Indian Creek Road, Stone Mountain will have a community prayer and healing service on Saturday, Feb. 21, 3 p.m.

The Atlanta East Area Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church is inviting congregations of all

denominations. The worship service will be conducted by several clergy and is being held to uplift families and the community. You may come as you are for one-on-one prayer and spiritual fellowship.

For more information, call 678-231-0732 or 404-821-0242.

Stone Mountain church sets prayer, healing service

Gwinnett County has closed on the $14 million purchase of Simpsonwood from the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. The 223-acre property is located in Peachtree Corners.

Gwinnett’s 2013 Parks and Recreation Capital Improvements Plan pointed out a need for a large open space park in western Gwinnett. Funded by SPLOST, the Simpsonwood acquisition provides an opportunity to preserve green space and provide passive recreational opportunities for residents of Gwinnett.

“The acquisition of Simpsonwood is a significant addition to our already nationally recognized countywide parks system. I am especially excited to preserve a large corridor of property along the Chattahoochee River and look forward to the development of future park plans with the help of the Gwinnett County Recreation Authority and County residents,” Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said.

The Simpsonwood property is predominantly forested with hardwood

and evergreen trees with approximately 2,140 linear feet of river frontage along the Chattahoochee River.

“I am so thankful that the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church agreed to sell this special place to Gwinnett County,” District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard said. “We plan to continue to abide by Miss Ludie Mae Simpson’s wishes by protecting and preserving this land and its natural resources as a Gwinnett County park. It is a great place for Gwinnett residents to learn about and connect with the great outdoors.”

A timeline has not yet been established for planned improvements to the park property. The first step in the process is to develop a park master plan, which is anticipated to begin within the year.

Gwinnett County’s parks and historic sites received national recognition last year as a finalist for the National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal award. Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation won the national award for best parks in 2008.

Simpsonwood property to become Gwinnett’s newest park

The DeKalb Board of Commissioners honors the American Heart Association for its awareness efforts.

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At the Feb. 19 State of the College address, Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Jabari Simama announced plans for a new campus that will open this summer on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur.

The new campus will be located in the former Everest Institute. The 91,124-square-foot institute opened in 2009 and closed in 2012.

“We are planning to bring an adult education campus there with the summer term of 2015. We will

offer our most comprehensive adult education program available, including accelerated opportunities for employment,” said Simama. “We also plan to open an entrepreneur and business development center in conjunction with the DeKalb Development Authority, as well as provide community space for meetings and events, much needed in that part of the county.”

Simama said the college will bring practical and relevant adult education closer to the community including training in healthcare

technology, information technology, practical nursing, early childhood education, diesel mechanic, welding, certified engineering technician, computer programming and film and set design.

GPTC will offer courses at Wesley Chapel and other campuses to help dropouts rapidly earn diplomas. Adults will be allowed to start college and work on their diploma.

To hear Simama’s State of the College address, watch the video at www.ocgnews.com.

GPTC President: New campus coming to Wesley Chapel Road

FEBRUARY 21, 2015   PAGE 9

the scene,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James.

During the sentence hearing, Gardenhire’s widow, Joan, gave a tearful victim impact statement.

“My best friend and life partner was stolen from me without any warning,” Joan Gardenhire said. “I know that this sentence will not bring my husband back. My heart hurts.”

Recently, there have been a rash of Craigslist-related shootings in the metro area.

Earlier this month, James Jones, Jr., a 21-year-old Clark Atlanta University student, was killed in a Craigslist scam. Jones was attempting to buy an Apple iPhone 6 when he was confronted by three men who shot him twice and robbed him.

In January, Elrey Runion, 69, and his wife, June 66, were shot to death after driving from Atlanta to meet a South Georgia man they contacted to buy a classic car. Ronnie “Jay” Adrian Towns, 28, was charged with their murders and armed robbery. The Runions’ bodies were recovered in woods in rural Telfair County.

Also in January, a man posing as a buyer in response to an online ad was killed when he tried to rob two dog breeders who met him in a subdivision near Stone Mountain. One of the victims killed the man in self-defense, according to police.

The DeKalb District Attorney warned online users to practice safety when meeting people to buy or sell.

“There have been a number of Craigslist incidents throughout the greater Atlanta area that have resulted in deaths. I want to strongly caution those utilizing Craigslist and any online site where communication with total strangers to be mindful of the potential dangers when

dealing with various online platforms,” said James.

Craigslist continued from page 1

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DeKalb Commissioner Barnes Sutton promotes American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month and DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton has been on the frontlines helping to spread the word about good heart health.

Barnes Sutton presented a proclamation on Feb. 10 to the American Heart Association (AHA) for its efforts to raise awareness of heart disease, especially the disease’s impact on women.

“I’m so glad of everyone’s participation. From the level of enthusiasm on National Wear Red Day to the support during our proclamation presentation, the message has been clear: People are demonstrating that they want to help take a stand and save lives,” said Barnes Sutton.

Founded in 1924, the AHA has worked continually to promote heart health.

“The American Heart Association does so much to help improve the quality of and extend the length of lives on its own. I embrace their efforts and urge others to do so, also,” Barnes Sutton said. “We never know how the actions which we take, today, will help save lives, tomorrow.”

Barnes Sutton encouraged DeKalb County employees and residents to support the movement by wearing red on Feb. 6, National Wear Red Day. She also sponsored her third annual “Go Red for Women Employee Lunch & Learn Fashion Show” on Feb. 19 at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium. Participants enjoyed a complimentary lunch and learned about the causes and prevention of heart disease in addition to watching volunteers don red apparel in support of the movement.

The DeKalb Board of Commissioners honors the American Heart Association for its awareness efforts. Craigslist Safety RemindersWhen meeting someone for the

first time, please remember to:• Insist on a public meeting place like

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where you’re going.• Take your cell phone along if you

have one.• Consider having a friend

accompany you.• Trust your instincts.Source: www.craigslist.org/about/safety

Deal continued from page 1

only two Region 5 schools have CCRPIs above 60 and those two are just barely about 60: Cedar Grove HS has a 61.6 while Columbia MS has a 62.0,” said one blogger who did not provide his or her name.

Nikole Allen, a teacher at Region 5’s Midway Elementary School, says she is opposed to the governor’s plan.

“Most of you will never understand what it’s like to work as hard as you possibly can in a failing school and fall further and further behind each year. This region has the highest homeless rate in the county and an extremely high rate of transience among students,” said Allen, responding to bloggers on the site. “I watched my school excel when it was a primary school with a class size reduction grant and fall deeper into the abyss every year since the grant was ended. Check the data on Midway Elementary.”

Former School Board member Jay Cunningham said the majority of Region 5 schools on the list are Title 1 schools with children who come from low-income families, many of them from single-parent households who are forced to learn in classrooms that have 30 or more children with one teacher.

“It’s been the same schools the district has been dealing with for the last eight years. As long as there is no strategic plan to specifically address those schools, you’re going to continue to have zero results,” said Cunningham. “We need to look at restoring and utilize Title 1 funds and all funds toward academics, that would provide for two teachers in the classroom where you have 30 or more children. We must continue to do more to get parents to be engaged in their children’s education as well.”

While Senate Democratic leaders disagree with Deal’s plan, stating that they should be more involved with the process of transformation, Deal says he is considering organizing community

engagement sessions to gain input on how to proceed.

Under Deal’s plan, the superintendent of the new district would report to the governor. The opportunity school district’s superintendent would pick the school leadership team and each opportunity school would have a nonprofit board to oversee its governance.

The funding of the program would come from several streams of revenue. Each school would still receive its allotment of state grants, funding from the state’s education formula and federal dollars. To pay for the administrative side of the new school district, its superintendent would be allowed to withhold up to three percent of a school’s funding.

The Georgia Partnership for Educational Excellence, a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocate for public education, is hosting a community discussion on the proposal on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Developers Association founded the group in 1992.

“Our duty is to inform Georgia leaders and stakeholders through research and non-partisan advocacy. By hosting meetings like this one, we want to make an impact on education policies and practices for the improvement of student achievement,” said Stephen D. Dolinger, Ed.D, the group’s president.

The Feb. 24 discussion will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Georgia Freight Depot, 65 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, S.E., Atlanta. For more information, call 404-223-2280.

Watchdog group to host “Keeping Kids Out of Prison” seminar

Teens can learn how to avoid the criminal justice system at an upcoming seminar entitled “Keeping Kids out of Prison.”

Watchdogs for Justice (WFJ), a nonprofit established to deter young people from crime, will host the seminar on Saturday March 14, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur.

WFJ is a group of criminal defense attorneys, a private investigator, and a juvenile advocate who joined forces to educate youths, their parents, and concerned citizens about the pitfalls that lure young people into behavior that can land them in prison.

The seminar will include information on:

• Your constitutional rights and how to safely exercise them

• Tips on how to avoid getting caught up in the criminal justice system

• What to do if stopped by the police

• When to talk and when to keep silent

• The penalty for Georgia’s seven deadly sins

• The importance of showing respect for those in positions of authority

The seminar is free and parents are encouraged to attend with their teens. For more information, call 678-412-2299, email wfj@watchdogsforjusice.org or visit www.watchdogsforjustice.org.

Jesse “Jay” Cunningham,

PAGE 10  FEBRUARY 21, 2015

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

Angela Garrett, DeKalb business consultant and community leader, passesThe DeKalb County business

community and greater Lithonia community are remembering Angela Garrett for her dedication and work to make the community better.

Ms. Garrett, former president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce and a well-known financial business consultant, passed away Feb. 12 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 57.

“I was extremely saddened to hear Angela had passed away. I appreciate all of the work she had done as my predecessor. She will be greatly missed,” said Doreen Carter, Chamber president.

Ms. Garrett played a vital role in the progress of the Chamber. She was employed as a Compliance and Management System Representative at

IMS Electronics Recycling. Ms. Garrett was an independent financial consultant with AFG Strategic Planning Group. She started her own firm in February, 2008 after working with Edward Jones in 2005 as a financial advisor with clients in Lithonia. Before joining Edward Jones, Ms. Garrett worked as a project manager for Risk Management Alternatives and as an adjunct teacher with DeKalb Technical College teaching Business Administration and Project Management courses.

Ms. Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She earned a Master of Science degree in Project Management and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management.

She was a past member of the DeKalb County Community Relations Commission, and past vice president of the Lithonia Leads Group. She was president of the Omega Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

The funeral for Ms. Garrett will be held on Monday, Feb. 23, at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, Georgia. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority sisters will have a ceremony from 5 to 6 p.m. Visitation/Family Hour for others will be held 6 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Ms. Garrett will be taken to Nashville, TN to the Terrell Broady Funeral Home, 3855 Clarksville Pike. The final service will be held at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1300 South Street, Nashville.

DeKalb Chamber welcomes new board of directors

The DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce used their Feb. 12 77th Annual Meeting in Atlanta to introduce the community to new members of the chamber’s directors.

The new directors started their three-year terms on Feb. 12. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Board is comprised of 47 members.

New DeKalb Chamber directors include: Sondra Brooks, community outreach coordinator at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; Vincent Bucci,

general manager of the Atlanta Hyatt Villa Christina; Tharon Johnson, managing director of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP; Ryand McClendon, assistant general manager External Affairs at MARTA; Trevor Quander, manager of Community Affairs & Economic Development at Atlanta Gas Light; and David Scott, senior vice president of the Integral Group.

The incoming directors will fill the slots vacated by board members whose terms expired this year and represent a cross-section of industries and companies

with a local, regional and national presence.“Board members provide the strategic direction

and shapes strategy for a 77-year-old business organization. The DeKalb Chamber board has always consisted of women and men who are highly distinguished in their respective fields,” said Katerina Taylor, president of the DeKalb Chamber. “The individuals selected represent major corporations, long time partners and small businesses in the region.”

Angela Garrett

Trevor Quander Tharon Johnson David ScottRyand McClendon Vincent Bucci Sondra Brooks

Anthony Flack named vice president of Private Bank of Decatur Private Bank of Buckhead has

named Anthony Flack Vice President and Relationship Manager. He will be based out of the Private Bank of Decatur location, and service customers across the Metro area.

Flack, a resident of Conyers, brings experience in banking and sales to the position, as well as a team approach honed during his time as a starter for the University of Georgia and playing for the Dallas Cowboys.

“Anthony is very focused on providing customers with superior care while strategically partnering with them to ensure their success,” says the bank’s Rob Beall, senior vice president and senior lending officer. “We are excited to have him join our team.”

The University of Georgia graduate (Bachelor of Science in Business, with a

concentration in Marketing) was a starter for four years on the school’s football team, as well as part of the All Southeastern Conference Football Team. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the tenth round. Off the field, Flack has excelled as well, winning top sales and a Chairman’s award in his previous positions.

“I enjoy partnering with customers to find ways to reduce costs and maximize opportunities, always with an eye on cash flow and their bottom line,” he says, “whether their needs relate to equipment, expansion, financing or how best to leverage banking and banking technology solutions.”

Flack previously worked with PNC as well as other area banks, and excelled in sales and sales management roles with Equifax and other national organizations.

Flack volunteers with Hosea Feed the

Hungry, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the Conyers Chamber of Commerce, and the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, and is a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Private Bank of Buckhead brings a private banking approach to all clients across all functions of the bank. The bank – now in its ninth year – is designated a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and includes a dedicated mortgage solutions unit, PrivatePlus Mortgage. Private Bank of Buckhead is located in Piedmont Center (Building Three). Private Bank of Decatur is located at 150 East Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur, at the corner of Ponce and Church Street. The mortgage division is represented in both Buckhead and Decatur, and does business nationally.

Anthony Flack

Gwinnett parents among six selected for state leadership awardsThe Georgia Department of Education and the

Georgia Parent Teacher Association are recognizing six parents from across the state with the 2015 Georgia Parent Leadership Award.

Crystal Eplin, a parent at Gwinnett County Schools’ W.C. Britt Elementary School and Antwan McKee, a parent at Beecher Hills Elementary School, are among winners across the state.

The parents will receive the honor during a ceremony on Tuesday, March 3, during the 2015 Georgia PTA Day at the Capitol event in Atlanta.

“From kindergarten to graduation, we know that active family engagement does absolutely contribute towards the academic success of individual students as well as the entire school,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods.

“This is why I applaud these parents for their continuous involvement in their child’s education and their contributions to their entire school community.”

Public school personnel nominate parent leaders each November during Georgia’s Parent Engagement Month. Any caregiver who assumes the responsibility

for nurturing and caring for a student’s entire well being consisting of educational, emotional, spiritual, and physical health is eligible for the honor.

The other recipients are: Melinda Gittleman, Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, Marietta City Schools; Lori Rowe, G.O. Bailey Primary Schools, Tift County Schools; Towana Walker-Miller, Mamie Lou Gross Elementary School, Camden County Schools; and Tyesha Whitley, Shuman Elementary School, Savannah Chatham County Schools.

FEBRUARY 21, 2015   PAGE 11

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