VOLUME 20 NUMBER 49  WWW.OCGNEWS.COM  MARCH 7, 2015  FREE

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

Decatur’s“Touch a Truck” lets kids explore Page 4

Coming Up Reading Across America Day in Rockdale

Page 7

Beverly Hallloses cancer

battle Page 10

PeopleCommunity

GPTC’s Wesley Chapel campus on track

See GPTC, page 6

Stonecrest bill introduced

By Valerie J. Morgan

The proposed city of Stonecrest in Southeast DeKalb County was introduced in the General Assembly on March 3. State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, D-Lithonia, sponsored the legislation, House Bill 539.

“I am so proud that Rep. Haigler is the lead sponsor on our bill. She covers the majority of the Stonecrest proposed footprint and is very well-respected in the Legislature,” said Jason Lary, president of the Stonecrest City Alliance, the group seeking incorporation.

In February, Stonecrest received approval from the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia, which determined through a study that Stonecrest is fiscally feasible. The proposed city of 50,000 residents would generate $9.8 million in annual revenues and have a $.1.9 million surplus, according to the study.

Stonecrest became the third proposed city to be introduced by state legislators this year, joining Tucker and LaVista Hills. A bill for South DeKalb’s Greenhaven also is expected to be introduced in the General Assembly soon.

Greenhaven, which includes 295,000 residents, is the largest proposed city in DeKalb. It would cover about 126 square miles, stretching from Atlanta’s eastern border near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and beyond Stone Mountain.

Kathryn Rice, president of the Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb, the group for Greenhaven, said its feasibility study shows that it also is viable. The Carl Vinson Institute determined Greenhaven would generate $45,611,418 in annual revenues and have a $27,176,981 surplus after expenses.

Rice held a community meeting on Feb. 28 to discuss Greenhaven’s charter, the guiding document that explains the structure for the proposed city. She said more community meetings are planned.

If the cityhood bills pass this year, voters who live within the borders of each proposed city would decide on the measures in a referendum that is likely to be held in November, officials say.

Greenhaven expected next

Tall Tribute to A Hawks LegendBy Joshua Smith

The Atlanta Hawks Philips Arena now boasts a granite statute paying tribute to one of the NBA’s greatest: Dominique Wilkins.

A host of dignitaries, celebrities, family and friends were on hand for the March 5 unveiling ceremony for the larger-than-life statute of Wilkins. The private luncheon brought together about 100 invited guests who got an early look at the 13.5-feet-tall, 18,500-pound granite, gold-colored statue that immortalizes one of Wilkins’ most famous dunks: “the windmill.” The statue opened to the public on Feb. 6.

“Today is a surreal moment. This statue represents not only me and my family but the great sports heritage that this city has already and the competitive, proud, fun, entertaining era of the NBA that players like me and Karl Malone, Clyde Drexler and Charles Barkley represent,” said Wilkins, who is 55. “Nobody loves this organization more than me. I bleed and breathe Hawks. You know, it’s funny, today reminds me of the day I made it to the league and bought my mom a house. Today and that day will stand as some of the most memorable moments of my life.”

The basketball legend’s brother,

Dominique Wilkins is honored with a larger-than-life statue,which will permanently stand in front of the Hawks’ Philips Arena at the ticket booth to welcome millions of fans for years to come.

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCGNews

Kathryn RiceGreenhaven

Jason Lary Stonecrest

Students discuss majors and career changes at GPTC’s Clarkston campus.

See Dominique, page 6

By Joshua Smith

Georgia Perimeter Technical College (GPTC) is moving ahead with plans to open its 11th educational facility in the former 50,000-square-foot Everest Institute on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur. The two-year college’s newest campus is expected to open by June, GPTC President Jabari Simama said.

Simama said thanks to the $5 million renovation that Everest Institute made to the former Wal-Mart building in 2009, GPTC will be able to move in with few upgrades. Everest closed its campus in 2012.

GPTC is expected to get the Technical College System of Georgia’s approval of the lease agreement over the next coming weeks.

“The facility already has lavatories and educational equipment such as labs, display boards and furniture in great shape,” said Simama. “We can basically move right in once the state approves the lease.”

College staff is also looking at nailing down a date for a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

In line with the rest of GPTC’s other campuses, the new campus will offer courses that are “practical and relevant,” said Simama. The new campus also will serve as a pipeline to jobs that are readily available in Georgia and provide educational training to students who want to become entrepreneurs and small business owners.

A complete list of courses offered at the South DeKalb campus is still pending,

but some confirmed classes include Adult Education, Early Childhood Care and Education, Engineering Technology, Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Accounting, Human Resource Management Specialist, Practical Nursing, Information Technology and Health Care Technology.

“At the South DeKalb campus, we have the chance to offer services that will serve as a poverty fighting, job creating program. We will feature programs at this campus that can move students from poverty to the middle

class in 24 months or less,” said Simama. “In 12 to 24 months, you can look forward to getting both your high school diploma and a degree. You could really be looking forward to middle class life and living the American dream.”

GPTC, which provides students with career services including post-graduation counseling, has a 98.4 percent job placement

PAGE 2    MARCH 7, 2015

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The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is offering the use of

its headquarters parking lot and lobby, jail and South Precinct for residents looking for a safe place to conduct transactions that are arranged online.

Sheriff Eric J. Levett announced “Safe Sale” locations for Rockdale residents in the wake of several people using fake Craigslist ads to lure and rob online users in the metro Atlanta area. Because a number of the transactions, which usually involve cash, have proven deadly, metro law enforcement officials are urging buyers and sellers to meet at police departments or precincts.

Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Darryl Tolleson recently announced that seven people including a mother and her two sons were charged with 15 armed robberies where they stole more than $20,000 in cash from victims.

Predators are paying for their crimes. In February, DeKalb Superior Court Judge Cynthia Becker handed down life sentences without the chance for parole to two men, ages 19 and 20, who killed a retired railroad worker in a bogus Craigslist scheme involving two IPhones. The pair used Craigslist to lure Clarence Gardenhire and a relative to an abandoned house where Gardenhire wound up being shot while trying to buy the used cell phones. Malik Rice, 19, and Contevious Step-McCommons, 20, were convicted of staging the robbery and murdering Gardenhire.

“I want our citizens to have a safe place to meet to conduct business transactions that are

initiated online,” said Levett. “In today’s time, more people are utilizing online sites to buy and sell items than ever before. As the Sheriff, I want to be proactive in keeping our citizens safe. To do that, I want to encourage everyone who needs a safe meeting place to utilize one of the Sheriff’s Office buildings.”

Levett said while deputies will not be available to supervise personal business transactions, the intent is to offer a known

safe location to enhance personal safety.

The RCSO “Safe Sale” buildings are located at:

• Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office headquarters- 911 Chambers Drive, 24 hours daily

• Rockdale County Jail, 2385 Sigman Industrial Court, 24 hours daily

• Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Southside precinct, 3552 Hwy 20, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Get the latest news updates ANYTIME.www.ocgnews.com

 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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Community NewsRockdale Sheriff offers “Safe Sale”

sites for Craigslist transactionsBy Valerie J. Morgan

Rockdale Tax Commissioner to host “Tax Talks” for seniors, veterans

Rockdale County Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley will host two Tax Talks—one just for seniors and the other just for veterans—this month.

The Seniors Tax Talk is set for Monday, March 9, at 10:15 a.m. at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center, 1240 Dogwood Drive in Conyers. The Veterans Tax Talk will follow on Tuesday, March 10, at 11a.m. at J.P. Carr Services Community

Room, 981 Taylor Street in Conyers.

Each session will cover important motor vehicle and property tax information, including exemptions, relevant to each group.

Tax Commissioner Talks are free and open to the public. Residents are encouraged to attend and registration is not required.

For more information, call Tisa Washington at 770-278-7605 or email tisa.washington@rockdalecounty.org

Summer camps in DeKalb urged to apply for free summer food program

The DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs Department is accepting applications from summer camp programs interested in participating in the Summer Food Service Program June 1 – July 31. Officials say the free food program is part of an ongoing effort to ensure school children across the nation have nutritious meals during the summer.

Funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and targets children up to age 18. The USDA has set a goal of serving 200 million meals to children and teens in low-income communities this summer – 14 million more than were served in 2014, according to Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Audrey Rowe.

During the school year, more than 21 million children rely on the nutritious, free and reduced priced meals provided by USDA’s National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. USDA’s summer meal programs – which are often linked to summer enrichment programs – ensure that low-income children can receive nutritious food when school is out.

“This is a valuable program for our children. Research shows that many children may only eat one healthy meal a day, and that is at lunch time during the school

year,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May. “The main goal of this program is to ensure children are getting nutritious meals even though school is not in session.”

To qualify as a summer food program site, 50 percent of the children served must meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are members of households that receive food stamps or Aid for Dependent Children (AFDC) assistance automatically qualify.

The deadline for DeKalb agencies to apply for the Summer Food Program is Friday, May 1. Applications for the program are available online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks or can be picked up Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the following locations:

Tucker Recreation CenterAttn: Rose Myrick4898 LaVista Road, Room 12Tucker, GA Recreation, Parks & Cultural

Affairs DepartmentManuel J. Maloof Center1300 Commerce Drive, 3rd

Floor Decatur, GA DeKalb agencies with

summer camps that are interested in becoming a site for the program may also call Rose Myrick for more information at 678-698-1114.

DeKalb opens summer camp registrationRegistration for DeKalb County’s Camp

Superstars summer program is under way at all county recreation centers.

The summer day camp for ages 5-15 runs June 1 to July 31, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at a charge of $55 per week. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Children who participate in Camp Superstars will experience a variety of activities including field trips, swim lessons, arts and crafts, fun with nature, sports, health and wellness clinics, team games and

more. Registration is at any recreation center and with limited space, families are encouraged to register early.

To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button on the department’s homepage or register in person at any recreation center.

For more information, contact the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs at 404-371-2711.

RJ Hadley

Sheriff Eric Levett

Hiring summer workersThe DeKalb County Department of Recreation,

Parks and Cultural Affairs is accepting applications now until May 1 for seasonal summer employment opportunities, including food monitors, camp counselors, recreation assistants, bus drivers and pool lifeguards.

Those applying for positions in aquatics are required to submit proof of current certification

in CPR, first aid, lifeguarding and water safety instruction, provided by the Red Cross, YMCA or other nationally recognized aquatic training programs. All applicants selected will be required to successfully complete a drug/alcohol screening and criminal background check prior to employment.

Applications are available online at www.co.dekalb.ga.us.

PAGE 4    MARCH 7, 2015

City officials to remember Father Thomas O’Reilly

This month, the City of Atlanta will pay tribute to the late Father Thomas O’Reilly, the Catholic priest who saved several local churches, hundreds of homes and the City Hall/Fulton County Courthouse from being burned during the Civil War.

This year marks the 151st anniversary of the rescue. The Atlanta City Council will pay tribute to the priest at its March 13 City Council meeting.

In November 1864, O’Reilly learned of General William Sherman’s plan to burn Atlanta, including several churches. Father O’Reilly argued with passionate eloquence that burning the churches would be an affront to heaven. General Sherman agreed to spare the churches and instead placed guards around them: (Church of the Immaculate Conception, St. Philip’s Episcopal, Trinity Methodist, Second Baptist, and Central Presbyterian. Atlanta City Hall/Fulton County Courthouse (the current site of Georgia State Capitol) also were spared, along with nearly 400 houses.

Atlanta sets St. Patrick’s Day parade

The City of Atlanta will host a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 14, 12 – 3 p.m., in downtown Atlanta. The parade begins at the intersection of Peachtree Street and 16th Street.

Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day parade – started by the city’s Hibernian Benevolent Society (a Catholic and Protestant fraternal organization) – dates back to 1858, making it one of the country’s oldest.

This year’s grand marshal for the parade will be Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s minister of transport, tourism and sport.

The parade features representatives from several Irish groups including the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Clan Na NGael, Fire Emerald Society of Metro Atlanta, the Irish Information Center and the Metro Atlanta Police Emerald Society.

The parade also features clowns, floats, bands, Bagpipe & Drum Corps, children, dancers and drill teams.

For more information, email Barkley Russell at barkley@argonneparades.com or visit http://atlantastpats.com.

Coming Up

ROCKDALE

ATLANTA

Computer workshops offered to seniorsGwinnett

“Touch a Truck” event lets kids explore DeKalb County and the City of Decatur first responders will have their

vehicles on display for “Touch a Truck” event on Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Callaway Lot, 120 West Trinity Place, Decatur.

The City of Decatur Fire, Police and Public Works Departments and DeKalb County Fire, Public Works, Traffic Engineering and Sanitation will bring out lots of trucks and other vehicles for children of all ages to touch and explore.

Last year, more than 2,000 people attended the event. The city is encouraging people to ride their bikes to Touch a Truck. This

event is free for all ages. Donations of canned or non-perishable goods will be accepted for the Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry.

For more information, contact Cheryl Burnette at 678-553-6541 or cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com.

Friends group to host used book sale The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green Street, Conyers, and the

library’s friends group will host a book sale on Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

A wide variety of books from all genres are priced to sell and proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library and their awareness and promotion of the library in the community. Proceeds also benefit free programs offered at the library such as movie/book parties, story times and summer reading entertainers. For more information, call 770-388-5040.

Chairman to deliver State of the County address Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard Oden will deliver the

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

Oden will present a review of 2014 and his vision for 2015. Volunteers who have made contributions of their time and resources also will be recognized at the annual address. The community is invited. No RSVP is needed.

DEKALB

Changing “Lives In America” workshop setDeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and Atlanta psychologist Dr. J. Parker

Griffin, Jr. will host a free workshop, “Changing Lives in America,” on Monday, March 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

The workshop, which will include segments led by young people, will offer a panel

discussion on relevant issues including domestic violence prevention, drug abuse and obesity. There also will be entertainment.

“This community service event highlights two problems that affect society nationally and internationally. The essence of this event will showcase the breakthrough solutions and best practices that unsung heroes working on the front lines of these issues are using to change people’s lives for the better,” said Johnson.

The community is invited. For more information: 404-371-2425 or drjparkerthe1@gmail.com.

Gwinnett County senior citizens can take advantage of free computer courses offered by the Gwinnett Senior Learning Center this month.

Workshops will be held on March 18, 10 – 11 a.m., at the George Pierce Park Community Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee and on March 24, 10 – 11 a.m. at the Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. Adults ages 50 and older are invited.

The courses, which will be taught in a relaxed setting, will cover computer basics such as e-mail, essentials with Windows, and word processing. Workshops are taught by other seniors ready to help.

Advance registration is required for seating purposes. For more information or to register, visit www.gsrlc.org or call 770-564-4699.

Free help for job seekersGwinnett County is hosting a job readiness workshop for job seekers on Thursday,

March 19, 9 a.m. – noon, at the Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross.

Attendees will work with volunteers and county staff to identify job skills, get help with completing job applications, receive tips on having a successful interview, how to create a new and improved resume, and learn about the importance of customer service. 678-255-5400.

East Metro DeKalb CID sets community meetings

This month, the East Metro DeKalb Community Improvement District (CID) will host four community meetings at local libraries .

The “listening sessions” provide a chance to meet the board of directors, learn how CIDs operate and voice your concerns.

CID Administrator Nicole McGhee Hall said the meetings will drive planning initiatives and budget priorities.

“Our path to success involves building relationships and strategicpartnerships, and this includes staying closely connected with ourproperty owners and community leadership,” said Hall. “We want topromote a greater understanding of the CID’s efforts so we can experience

greater growth and accomplish significant enhancements in the district.”The East Metro DeKalb CID was formed in May 2014 when the DeKalbCounty Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution supporting

its creation. The CID currently has 205 property owners who represent 405 parcels. The projected revenue from the 2014 taxes is approximately $175,000, which will be used to leverage projects.

Listening sessions will be held: March 10, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Gresham Road Achievement Center March 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Salem-Panola Library March 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library March 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Covington Highway Library. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit www.eastmetrocid.

com or call 678-525-2500.

MARCH 7, 2015   PAGE 5

Nancy Guinn Memorial Library sets Teen Tech Week The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green Street, S.W., Conyers, will

host Teen Tech Week March 8 – 14. Under the theme “Libraries are for…Making New Discoveries,” teens will

be able to visit the library’s youth services department for more information on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math S.T.E.M. materials.

The library has ordered dozens of books and more than 100 DVDs to showcase STEM careers teens can pursue. The library will also host an interactive display with features such as ongoing videos on STEM careers and QR barcode scanners that encourage teens to scan the codes to link to previews of STEM-related books.

The library is open Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 770-388-5040.

“Love Your Block” program announces grant application deadlines

The City of Atlanta, The Neighborhood Fund and Hands on Atlanta are offering mini grants to community groups through the “Love Your Block” program. This year, there are two application deadlines: March 13 and Oct. 13.

The program, an initiative of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, was started in 2011 to support citizens and neighborhood groups seeking to beautify their communities.

Mini grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to groups throughout the 23-county metro Atlanta area served by the Community Foundation.

For more information on the guidelines for the mini grants or the Neighborhood Fund’s Community Building Grants (up to $10,000 in funds), visit www.cfgreateratlanta.org or e-mail Alicia Clay of the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta at aclaycfgreateratlanta.org.

Upcoming Seminars at DeKalb Medical

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

Doc Talks

www.dekalbmedical.org dekalbmedical

Puberty Rocks For GirlsFriday, March 20, 2015 6:30–8:00 p.m. DeKalb Medical at Hillandale Community Room

Puberty Rocks For BoysFriday, March 27, 2015 6:30–8:00 p.m. DeKalb Medical at Hillandale Community Room

Is it time to address your son’s or daughter’s journey into adolescence? This fun night out will cover body changes, mood swings, peer pressure and more.

Please note that these evenings are only for young adults and their parent/guardian.

DeKalb community panel named for schools’

superintendent searchThe DeKalb County School Board has named 16 members of a community

panel to help pick a replacement for Superintendent Michael Thurmond, whose contract expires in June.

The board has hired the firm, PROACT Search, to lead the recruiting effort for DeKalb’s new superintendent. PROACT will find 20-25 candidates, and the community panel will recommend between nine and a dozen of them to the board. The board will then select two to four finalists for its extended interview process. The first round of interviews are expected to be conducted by the board in early May with finalists interviews done later that month, according to the search work plan.

Here is a look at the School Board members’ nominees by districts: District 1 (Stan Jester): Rick Callihan, CEO/Owner of Ameriglo, and *Al

Tiede, CEO/Owner of Horizon Windows Atlanta

District 2 (Marshall Orson): Carolyn Finnerty, Parent, and *Betty Willis, Senior Vice President, Emory University

District 3 (Michael Erwin): Urcel Fields, Vice President of Network Management, Amerigroup, and Katherine Kelbaugh, Principal, The Museum School

District 4 (James McMahan): Michelle Penkava, Representative of Parent Councils United, and Al Edwards, President-Elect DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

District 5 (Vickie Turner): William Boone, Professor at Clark Atlanta University, and * Eliezer Velez, Managing Director of Youth Programs, Latin American Association

District 6 (Melvin Johnson): Lance Hammonds, NorFalco Account Manager – South Atlantic Region, and *John Evans, President of DeKalb NAACP

District 7 (Gwen Johnson): *Kerwin Lee, Pastor, Berean Christian Church, and Gwen Johnson, Citizen

*Barbara Lee, Retired DeKalb County Schools Educator*Rhina Fernandes Williams, Assistant Professor at Georgia State University*Designates at-large representative nominees

PAGE 6    MARCH 7, 2015

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GPTCcontinued from page 1

Dominiquecontinued from page 1

Gerald Wilkins, who also played in the NBA, joined Wilkins on stage as he spoke.

Brian Hanlon, the official sculptor of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, created the statue.

Actors Chris Tucker and Emmanuel Lewis were among the celebrities who attended the unveiling, which also marked the celebration of Philips Arena’s 15th anniversary.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, City Council President Ceasar Mitchell and councilmember Michael Julian Bond in naming streets around Philips Arena and Centennial Olympic Park, “Dominique Wilkins Lane.” .

“Growing up in Atlanta, Dominique was my favorite player. I think anyone from this city would agree with me on that,” said Reed. “Today I am honored to be on stage with not just a great player, but a great man, a great friend and someone who represents Atlanta all over the nation and the globe.”

Tears came to the eyes of many of Wilkins’ lifelong fans as one NBA great after another came to the stage to honor Wilkins and share stories of his greatness not only on, but also off the basketball court as well.

“He may say he got his jump from me, from mimicking my game but when I entered that dunk contest with him in the 80s, I knew I was leaving the game in good hands,” said Julius “Dr. J” Erving, who ls also in the Hall of Fame with Wilkins.

Wilkins, an 11-time All-Star known

affectionately among Hawks fans as the “Human Highlight Film,” holds the franchise record for points (23,292) and games played (882) over his 11½-season tenure in Atlanta.

One of the NBA’s more dynamic dunkers, Wilkins was the centerpiece of the Hawks team. His on-the-court battle with the Boston Celtic legend and Hall of Famer Larry Bird in the Hawks’ Game 7 loss of the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals is regarded as one of the NBA’s most iconic games.

Wilkins’ No. 21 has been retired by the Hawks. The only other Hawks players to have their numbers retired are Bob Pettit (9) and Lou Hudson (23).

In 2000, Wilkins joined the Hawks in an official capacity as the special assistant to the organization’s executive vice president. In 2004, Wilkins was named vice president of basketball. In 2006, Wilkins was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Dominique Wilkins was hands down one of the most entertaining players in NBA history. But this statue represents so much more than Nique’s on the court highlights,” said Silver. “It’s a symbol of the community that you’ve become and all that you’ve accomplished on and off the court, whether it was winning NBA dunk contests and leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Championship or mentoring young players and educating us all on the importance of staying healthy and the severity of diabetes.”

NBA legends Karl Malone, Dikembe Mutumbo, Charles Oakley and Kevin Willis came together to salute Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins.

GPTC President Jabari Simama

GPTC’s melting pot of students talk with members of the college’s Student Government Association about new programs at the Clarkston campus.

rate. Simama says he is excited to bring that level of success to South DeKalb.

“We are bringing a trusted brand to the South DeKalb community. We know we will be just as successful at this campus because we will offer students assessment tests to meet them where they are academically and our OptimalResume program, which helps students with building their resume, teaches them how to search for jobs in our job bank and helps them with other tasks such as creating a website or building their portfolio,” said Simama. “We will also offer students a free referral service through solid partnerships we have built with local, state and national businesses. That may include interviews on campus, coming to the school to make presentations to students, hosting workshops on career-related subjects and participating in our career fairs.”

The South DeKalb campus additionally will offer support and counseling for students to master soft skills such as interviewing techniques and good communication skills.

Academic and technical programs at GPTC cover more than 120 different occupations. Simama said he believes many residents will be able to attend the college at little or no cost.

“We will be the link to connect students to the resources they need to achieve academic success. We will continue to accept the HOPE scholarship and through our Georgia Piedmont Advantage Program, students can receive $500 - $1,000 educational grants, depending on the area of study,” said Dr. Simama.

Through the government-funded program, Georgia Piedmont Advantage, the college also offers courses to help dropouts rapidly earn diplomas. Students will be allowed to work on their diplomas while starting college.

Adult Education instructor Dr. Lorenzo Nash says college staff and students are very excited about the move.

“A lot of the students here come from that area. Because a large number of them depend on transportation like MARTA, they will appreciate having a new campus in their own backyard,” said Nash, who will be teaching at the South DeKalb campus.

GPTC officials say its students come from about 20 counties across the state to attend its campuses in DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton and Morgan

counties. William Morrison, an HVAC

student at the Clarkston campus in DeKalb, said he has been impressed with the support given by GPTC instructors.

“They want to know where you’ve been if you’re absent,” said Morrison, who missed a day because of his work schedule at his part-time job. “I feel like I’m building my future by going to school. I know the money will come after I graduate and I’m working in my field.”

The school has partnered with DeKalb County’s Workforce Development office to offer a small business incubator program at the South DeKalb campus.

“The incubator will provide numerous benefits to students who are owners of or looking to succeed with a start-up business. Whether it be coaching, providing connections to larger companies, or developing a marketing plan, we want to be their link to success,” said Simama.

Meanwhile, Simama and his staff have hit the ground running by visiting churches, business groups and meeting with community leaders to get the word out about the college’s new campus.

“We need the community to get behind us on this wonderful opportunity. We are asking them to sign on as our marketing partners to spread the word and help us identify as many residents as we can for Georgia Piedmont Advantage and other programs that will benefit them,” said Simama. “We have already received hundreds of applications from church members. When the pastors explain it from the pulpit and bible study, it builds on a great partnership between us and the community for better jobs and letting other residents excel in the skills they already have.”

MARCH 7, 2015   PAGE 7

Reading Across America Day In RockdaleRotary Club of Conyers visits Flat Shoals Elementary

To raise awareness about literacy and commemorate the 111th birthday of Dr. Seuss, the Rotary Club of Conyers read to students at Flat Shoals Elementary School as part of the National Education Association’s 18th Annual “Read Across America” Day on March 2, 2015.

Read Across America Day, which has grown into the nation’s largest reading observance with more than 45 million participating, is sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA) with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Random House, and more than 30 national partners.

“In 2013, nearly 45 million children and adults celebrated NEA’s Read Across America. By taking part in the 2015 celebration, our club will be a part of

bringing an entire nation of readers together under one (Cat in the Hat) hat on Dr. Seuss’s birthday,” said Club President Thua G. Barlay.

Beth Anderson, the club’s literacy chair, said sharing a book with a child can be exciting and meaningful.

“We adopted Flat Shoals Elementary two years ago and reading to the students is one of many rewarding activities we do with the school,” said Beth Anderson, the Club’s Literacy Chair

Since 1993 only 53 to 58 percent of children ages 3 to 5 received this joy on a daily basis, according to the National Center for Education.

C.J. Hicks Elementary, Conyers library hosts Dr. Seuss bash C. J. Hicks Elementary School and

the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library celebrated reading on March 2, honoring the late children’s author, Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel, fondly known as “Dr. Seuss.” He would have been 110.

The birthday party was part of the national Read Across America event, an annual program that encourages children to read and learn.

Applemania Cook, a kindergarten teacher at the elementary school, said staff welcomed middle schoolers and other members of the community who took time out to read to children at the elementary school.

“We all had a blast. Teachers and students dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character. The Cat in the Hat was the most popular costume,” said Cook.

At the library, staff welcomed families and Dr. Seuss fans of all ages. Children were transformed into a mythical world of 10-foot-beards, talking cats and green eggs.

“Dr. Seuss is a great author. He wrote nearly 50 books for boys and girls and their families to enjoy together,” said Carolyn Cathey, manager of the library’s Youth Services Department. “We are happy to see families, the Rockdale County High School Beta Club and members of the community coming together to celebrate a great author and illustrator.”

Dozens of children made crafts and heard some of the late author’s famous works such as “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “Green Eggs and Ham.”

PAGE 8    MARCH 7, 2015

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DeKalb Sheriff’s Office seeks public input on reaccreditation process

The public is invited to provide comment on the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office during a reaccreditation review of its Field, Court and Administrative Services divisions March 23-26, 2015 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).

Comments can be provided at a public information session at on Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 p.m., at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur. Comments also may be made by telephone 404-298-8146 on Tuesday, March 24, 1 to 3 p.m. or by letter to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155.

At the public information session and by telephone, comments will be limited to 10 minutes.

All public comments must address compliance with Commission standards. To obtain a copy of the standards, call 404-298-8183 or pick up a copy at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at 4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has maintained its CALEA accreditation since July 2000.

Registration under way for “Teens Talk Back” programMiddle and high school students,

along with their parents, will have the chance to learn about the criminal justice system and voice their questions and concerns at the “Teens Talk Back” program, which will be at Berean Christian Church, 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain.

The daylong program, set for March 28, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is being hosted by Berean, the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, Youth Spark, DeKalb County Council of PTAs and the DeKalb Lawyers’ Association.

Prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement officers will lead the workshops, which will include a track for teens where topics include “High on Hip Hop, “The Black, White

& Blue,” “Reality Court” and “Sex Trafficking...Protect Yourselves.” Parents are encouraged to participate in small group settings where they will have the opportunity to address members of the criminal justice community and the school system. The adult workshops include the “My Child Has Lost His Mind… Dealing with Unruly Teens,” “Troubled Waters...The School Disciplinary Process,” and “Sex Trafficking…Protect Your Children.”

There will be a youth rally, which will include motivational speakers and entertainment. Breakfast snacks and lunch will be provided. Students and parents must register in advance for the free program at www.teenstalkback2015.eventbrite.com. Space is limited to the first 250 students. The deadline to register is March 23.

Watchdog group to host “Keeping Kids Out of Prison” seminarTeens 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.

Ackerman Medical, the healthcare division of Ackerman & Co., has broken ground on a 40,000-square-foot medical office building at the intersection of DeKalb Medical Parkway and Hillandale Drive in Lithonia.

The $7.5 million facility, Hillandale Physician Place, is scheduled to open in June across the street from the DeKalb Medical Hillandale campus.

Anchor tenant, Harper & Associates Family Medicine, was the first to endorse the new project.

“Dr. Kenneth Harper was our biggest advocate. He recognized the need for independent and affordable Class A medical office space in Lithonia, ” said John Willig, principal of Ackerman Medical.

Harper, whose practice has been located in the area since 2001, said Ackerman’s investment in South DeKalb is the type of commercial development needed and he hopes that more physicians will seize the opportunity to sign on with Hillandale Physician Place.

“I’m very excited about setting up my 5,000-square-foot office, designing my layout, figuring out where my exam rooms and other parts of the office will go,” Harper said. “You’re talking about a multi-specialty facility where each physician gets their own entrance.”

Other tenants that have signed on for the new Hillandale Physician Place include Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia, Thomas Eye Group, and DeKalb Comprehensive Physical Therapy.

Bryan Davis, who is handling Ackerman’s leasing for the new building, said about 20,000 square feet are still available.

Ackerman & Co., headquartered in Atlanta, is a privately held, commercial real estate firm, providing investment, brokerage, management and development services since 1967. To date, the company has developed and acquired more than 30 million square feet of office, medical, retail and mixed-use space, has nearly 4 million square feet under management, and maintains an investment portfolio valued at $750 million.

The company’s healthcare division, Ackerman Medical, has developed more than 1.5 million square feet to date and has more than 5 million square feet of active medical listings across Metro Atlanta.

MARCH 7, 2015   PAGE 9

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

phenomenal women

The Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus honored two leaders from Rockdale County, three from DeKalb County and one from Gwinnett County on March 3.

The six were among 25 women from throughout the state to receive the “Servant Leadership Award” in honor of Women’s History Month. The “phenomenal” leaders, who were nominated by state lawmakers from their districts, were recognized during a breakfast in the Blue Room at the Freight Depot.

The two Rockdale honorees were State Court Judge Nancy N. Bills, nominated by State Rep. Pam Dickerson, and Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart Washington, nominated by State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler.

Judge Bills, who marked her 10-year anniversary on the bench in February, has played a pivotal role in the establishment of DUI, Family Violence, Drug and Behavioral Treatment Accountability Courts. The nomination also included the energy and drive that Judge Bills brings to

successful community collaborations such as the Metro Atlanta United Way Board and as Chair of the Rockdale County Task Force against Family Violence.

In addition to her duties as Deputy Tax Commissioner, Washington serves as chair of Keep Conyers/Rockdale Beautiful, board member of the Nonprofit Consortium and she is a member of the Leadership Rockdale 2015 Class. She also has served as a former chair of the Rockdale Democratic Party and is a member of the Georgia Federation of Democratic

Women, Rockdale/Newton Chapter. The three DeKalb honorees were

former CEO Liane Levetan, nominated by State Sen. Elena Parent; AT&T Manager Mildred Pope, nominated by State Rep. Tonya Peterson Anderson; and Tonie Sanders, a preschool teacher at White Oak Hills Baptist Church, who was nominated by State Rep. Michele Henson.

The Gwinnett honoree was Sharon Fort, Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority Ombudsman. Fort was nominated by State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick.

Four CAU students named NSF Innovation FellowsFour Clark Atlanta

University (CAU) students have been named University Innovation Fellows by the National Center for Engineering Pathways to Innovation (Epicenter), a program of the National Science Foundation. The students are Ariel Rogers, Damon Willis, Aaron Chambers and Tiffany Mitchell.

The University Innovation Fellows program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation and directed by Stanford University andVenture Well (formerly NCIIA), empowers a total of 291 Fellows at 114 U.S. schools to become agents of change. The Fellows comprise a national community of scholars in engineering and related fields working to ensure that their peers gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to compete in the economy of the future. To accomplish this, Fellows advocate for lasting institutional change and create opportunities for students to engage with entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, design thinking and venture creation at their schools.

The new Fellows gathered in Silicon Valley Feb. 20-22 for their annual meeting, where they took part in immersive experiences at Google and Stanford University. At the event, Fellows participated in experiential workshops and exercises focused on topics including movement building, student

innovation spaces, design of learning experiences, and new models of change in higher education. They engaged with leaders in academia and industry from Google, Google for Entrepreneurs, Stanford University and Citrix, among others.

“Participating in the University Innovation Fellows program gives us the opportunity to inculcate best practices from some of the top innovators in the world in creating a culture of innovation on our campus, said David Duncan, director of CAU’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development. “We also will leverage our relationships with Google, Stanford, and other world class organizations as we continue to build our Center to ensure we are a thought leader and a national forum for educating successful, competitive participants in the new economy.”

Humera Fasihuddin, co-leader of the University

Innovation Fellows program for Epicenter, said it is imperative for students to acquire an entrepreneurial mindset.

“College graduates need to enter the workforce skilled in assessing complex problems, conceiving innovative solutions and developing scalable solutions, whether they join a company, non-profit organization or start a new venture,” said Fasihuddin.

Individual Fellows as well as teams of Fellows are sponsored by faculty and administrators at their schools and selected through a biannual application process. Upon acceptance into the program, schools fund six weeks of online training and travel to the University Innovation Fellows Annual Meetup in Silicon Valley. Throughout the year, Fellows take part in events and conferences across the country, learning from one another, Epicenter mentors, and academic and industry leaders.

Past Fellows have created design spaces, founded entrepreneurship clubs and

organizations, worked with faculty to design new courses, and hosted events and workshops. In the last academic year alone, Fellows created 553 activities, 22 new spaces and 65 innovation and entrepreneurship resources at their schools.

“Over the course of the program, we’ve seen Fellows have a powerful impact on student engagement and campus culture at a national scale,” Fasihuddin said. “Word of their success has attracted more than 50

institutions for this new cohort. We’re thrilled to see the impact of the new Fellows in the year ahead.”

View a list of all the University Innovation Fellows and learn more about the program at

http://epicenter.stanford.edu/university-innovation-fellows.

Pictured L-R are: Ariel Rogers, Damon Willis, Aaron Chambers, Center Director David Duncan (and Tiffany Mitchell.

Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus presents Servant Leadership Awards

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

Pictured L-R are: State Rep. Pam Dickerson,with State Court Judge Nancy N. Bills; State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler with Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart Washington; Georgia Superior Court Clerks Ombudsman Sharon Fort with State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick; and former DeKalb CEO Liane Levetan.

PAGE 10    MARCH 7, 2015

Former Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Beverly Hall has died after a valiant battle with breast cancer. She was 68.

The Jamaican-born Hall began her career in New York City as a teacher, principal and superintendent. After serving in top roles with the New York City and Newark, New Jersey school systems, she came to Georgia with a reputation for turning schools around. She clashed with some in each district who criticized her management style, but earned awards for her work. Many considered her the Atlanta schools’ best chance of improvement when she was hired in 1999.

Lead staff members at the Atlanta Public School System released this statement on Monday, March 2, the day that she passed.

“We offer our condolences to the family of Dr. Hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time,” said APS

Superintendent Dr. Meria J. Carstarphen.“On behalf of the Atlanta Board of Education,

we offer our deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Beverly Hall and encourage all to respect her family’s privacy in their moment of grief,” said Atlanta Board of Education Chair Courtney D. English.

As APS Superintendent, Hall shepherded strategic initiatives including more than $40 million in grants for mathematics, science, teacher effectiveness and small schools. Also under her leadership, APS built and renovated dozens of schools and facilities throughout the district.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Beverly Hall,” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said in a released statement. “Dr. Hall fought a courageous battle against breast cancer, and the city of Atlanta mourns her loss.”

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell expressed his condolences.

“I was saddened to have learned that former APS Superintendent Beverly Hall lost her battle with breast cancer. Throughout this adversity,s he kept moving forward and her trademark smile was her umbrella. I will keep her family in my thoughts and prayers,” said Mitchell in a public statement.

Andrew Young, former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador, also issued a statement about Hall’s passing.

“She (Hall) was one of the saints of public

education. She probably wasn’t close enough to know about the cheating at the schools from her perch as superintendent,” said Young. “She refused the plea deal and wanted to fight these allegations, but she couldn’t fight these charges and breast cancer at the same time.”

Hall, charged in what prosecutors called a broad conspiracy to cheat on state exams, never had the chance to testify in the test cheating case that received national coverage. Hall was indicted with 12 other educators in March 2013.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard issued a statement through his office on March 2 with no mention of the racketeering, false statements and theft charges Hall still faced at her death.

“The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office is sorry to hear that Dr. Beverly Hall has lost her fight against cancer,” Howard said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and offer our thoughts and prayers during this period of grief.”

A nationally-recognized educator, Hall was appointed as the 15th superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools in 1999. She served until her retirement in 2010.

Hall, is survived by her husband, Luis; a son, Jason; and a host of other relatives.

Murray Brothers Funeral Home, 1199 Utoy Springs Road, S.W., Atlanta, is handling her arrangements.

Former APS superintendent Beverly Hall loses battle to breast cancer

July 7, 1946 – March 2, 2015

Hidden Hills Chapter of ABWA offers $1,500 educational

scholarshipThe Hidden Hills Chapter of

the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) is offering a $1,500 Outright Grant funded through the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund to a deserving area student.

Each year, local chapters of ABWA provide Stephen Bufton Memorial Scholarships (SBMEF) to female students who will be attending accredited U.S. colleges, universities and community/vocational schools. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours.

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2015. Eligible women interested in applying for the scholarship should contact:

Cheryl Battles, Education ChairHidden Hills Chapter ABWAcbattl@yahoo.com The scholarship recipient will

be notified July 2015. For 60 years, ABWA has helped

women achieve their business and professional success through educational scholarships. Since its inception, more than 16,000 women nationwide have been awarded more than $17 million in scholarships.

The Hidden Hills Chapter meets the third Tuesday of the month at DeKalb Medical-Hillandale (Administration Conference room), 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia. Networking at 6 p.m. The meeting is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.abwa.org.

MARCH 7, 2015   PAGE 11

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