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Volume 19 Number 36
Burrell Ellis and Vernon Jones mend fences, weigh issues on radio talk show ....page 5
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january 4, 2014
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Springfield Baptist marks milestone with closing on Iris Drive property By Valerie J. Morgan
CONYERS—For 66 days, Springfield Baptist Church members fasted and prayed for God to help them complete the closing on their 42-acre property on Iris Drive along I-20. God answered the church’s prayers. Springfield ushered in the New Year rejoicing over a new chapter in its 134-year-old history. The church closed on its $12 million, 25-year loan with Evangelical Christian Credit Union on Dec. 18. Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr. and his church, one of Rockdale County’s largest congregations, never stopped trusting God. “We faced adversity all the way to the finish,” said Lee, who had a flat tire as he and his wife, First Lady Meik Lee, were on the way to sign the closing papers in Alpharetta. “We give God all the glory, honor and praise. We thank God for all 115 acres of Springfield Baptist Church. We thank Him for every penny, dime and nickel that has been raised.” The 42-acre site, previously home to Church in the Now, was listed at $18.8 million when it went into foreclosure after declining membership in 2011. Springfield and others made offers, but Evangelical Christian See Springfield, page 6
Mega CID proposed for South DeKalb
I
Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr., flanked by church leaders and supporters, signs document at the closing.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
DeKalb’s Towers High goes to uniforms
By Valerie J. Morgan
nterim DeKalb County CEO Lee May hopes to create a mega Community Improvement District (CID) to help bolster economic development and improvements in South DeKalb. The 39-mile mega South DeKalb CID would include commercial property stretching from the area near the Mall at Stonecrest in DeKalb’s far east to Gresham Road in South DeKalb. The proposed CID includes about 1,250 commercial property owners and $1.385 billion in property value. The South DeKalb CID would join the Perimeter CID, Stone Mountain CID and DeKalb’s newest self-taxing area, the Tucker CID. May said he and DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson and Stan Watson have appointed representatives to a planning board that will begin working on the mega CID this month. Doreen Carter, a former Lithonia City Council member and president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, has been tapped to lead the 7-member planning board. A CID study that Johnson initiated for Wesley Chapel Road in South DeKalb served as the catalyst for the proposed mega CID, May said. He said the DeKalb Development Authority is providing $120,000 in seed money for the formation of the mega CID, which would include Wesley Chapel. See May, page 7
Towers High School Principal Ralph Simpson talks with students about the new dress code.
By Valerie J. Morgan and Joshua Smith
DECATUR--Towers High School students are returning to classes from Winter Break in school uniforms, and belts for slacks will be required. No “sagging” will be tolerated under the new policy, which takes effect this month, Principal Ralph Simpson said. “It’s not an option,” Simpson said. “We decided to start the policy after the holidays to give the students a chance to get the uniforms. We hope some of their Christmas presents were khaki bottoms and Polo style or Oxford shirts because they are going to need them,” said Simpson.
Simpson said many students and their parents are excited about the new policy, which is aimed at keeping students focused on their school work—not their clothes. “We had several meetings with the PTSA and the uniforms were approved overwhelmingly,” Simpson said. “It’s one of the tools we are using to improve this school.” Simpson said 300 of 900 students signed a petition in support of the new dress code. About 100 parents surveyed also consented to the change, he said. Students don’t have to buy a particular brand of khaki pants, skirts or shorts (when the weather
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
is warmer). They also don’t have to wear a particular color shirt. However, the shirts must be a Polo style or button up Oxford with a collar. Students who fail to wear the uniforms initially will receive a warning and then tougher penalties will follow, including parental conferences with school administrators and in-school suspension for students who violate the school policy. Simpson said there is a assistance for students who really need help buying uniforms. See Principal, page 10
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Community News
January 4, 2014 Volume 19, NO. 36 EDITOR/Publisher Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn 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 twice a month on the 1st and 15th by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.
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DeKalb School Board to elect chair, vice chair
T
he DeKalb Board of Education will elect a chair and vice chair at its first meeting of the year on Jan. 6. The board will choose its leaders at its workshop meeting at 2 p.m. There also will be a community input session at 5:45 p.m. Four constituents have signed up to speak at the input session, which will be followed by the board’s business meeting at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the School Board headquarters, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. in Stone Mountain. For the past year, Melvin Johnson, who represents District 6, has served as chair and James “Jim” McMahan, who represents District 4, has served as vice chair of the nine-member board. In addition to Johnson and McMahan, Marshall Orson, District 2, holds an elected seat on the board. DeKalb’s reconstituted board also includes six others who were appointed last year by Gov. Nathan Deal: Karen W. Carter, District 8; David Campbell, District 5; John W. Coleman, District 1; Michael A. Erwin, District 3; Thaddeus “Thad” Mayfield, District 9; and Joyce Morley, District 7. Deal made the appointments to replace board members who were suspended after the school district was placed on probation by its accrediting agency for financial mismanagement and a history of division.
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DeKalb community leader Matthew Ware to report to prison
D
By Valerie J. Morgan
eKalb County businessman and community leader Matthew Ware will begin serving a six-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in a money laundering drug trafficking operation. He is scheduled to report to a minimum-security prison camp on Jan. 9. The 57-year-old Tucker resident was sentenced in federal court over 12 weeks ago, but news of his conviction and sentence was not widely known until Christmas Eve when several media outlets picked up on the story and began reporting it. See Drug, page 7
Matthew Ware
Stone Mountain neighbors imagine good life for mega millionaire Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
By Joshua Smith
STONE MOUNTAIN— The camera crews and reporters are gone. The house where Ira Curry lives in the Water’s Edge subdivision has been locked tight. Neighbors Ira Curry say there’s been no sign of Curry or her family since she became a mega millionaire in December. Life is normal again. Curry, 56, won half of the secondlargest Mega Millions jackpot in U.S. history, Georgia Lottery President Debbie Alford said on Dec. 18. Curry took the cash option, which after taxes, will be about $120 million. It’s enough dough for some neighbors to have a little hope that Curry will be “a good neighbor,” as the State Farm insurance slogan goes. “We would wave and speak shortly, but of course I wish I knew her a little better. I bet that lady is somewhere across the globe right now,” said Michelle Oxley, who has lived in Curry’s neighborhood for five years. “I bet she’s not coming back. I wouldn’t. I would just have somebody pick up my personal items.” Curry told lottery officials she picked the winning numbers using a mix of family birthdays and her family’s lucky number, 7. The winning numbers were 8, 14, 17, 20 and 39, with a Mega ball of 7. Curry found out from her daughter that she had won after calling to find out what the winning numbers were. Jonathan Jones, who lives in Water’s Edge, says he’s happy somebody from Georgia won. “It’s good to see a winner from Stone Mountain. You always see people win the big jackpot in other states. This close to home though? Wow, I’m so happy for her,” said Jones, who was home for the holidays from college. “I’m sure she will do good things with all that money.” Two tickets matched the winning
numbers in the Dec. 17 $648 million jackpot. Curry’s half of the cash option comes to $173,819,742.50, before federal and state taxes, officials said. Officials say the odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 259 million. Lottery officials say Curry bought the ticket at the end of the day on Dec. 13 and it was a last-minute decision. Amber Epps, whose parents live in Water’s Edge, said she doesn’t expect to see Curry anytime soon. “I wish my mom, Angela, knew her. That would have been so cool,” said Epps, whose family has lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. “That lady is probably hiding somewhere in Jamaica with her feet kicked up. Man, I wish I could help her spend just some of that money.” Curry is not completely tucked in a shell. She has been communicating with well-wishers via Facebook. On Dec. 21, she posted a note: “Thank you for the messages and friend requests. I’ve just been so busy, I will read all messages and consider each and every request. Blessed,” wrote Curry. “When I found out, I was in a state of disbelief. I still didn’t believe it when my daughter told me.” One of Curry’s Facebook friends and neighbor, Tanya Crews, says she hopes Curry is reading this story. “If you see this, don’t forget about the little people,” Crew said laughing. “I’m glad things have got back to normal and the hype is over. I don’t want to see any more newspapers or news channels coming in here, unless Ira is with them.” Curry bought her winning ticket in Atlanta at a Gateway Newstand in the lobby of an office building near Atlanta’s Buckhead community. The other ticket was sold in San Jose, California, lottery officials said. This jackpot was so large in part because Mega Millions became tougher to win. The prize rises with each miss, and no one had won it since organizers increased the pool of numbers to choose from—making astronomical odds even longer—in October. The California winning ticket was sold at Jenny’s Gift Shop in a San Jose strip mall, lottery officials said.
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january 4, 2014
Coming Up
Remembering Trayvon: A Community Collective Exhibition Jan. 6 – Feb. 23 This community collective exhibit will feature various renderings of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old who was shot and killed in his own neighborhood as he walked home. This exhibit will be on display during library hours at the Hammonds House Museum in collaboration with the Auburn Avenue Research Library. The Hammonds House Museum is located at 503 Peeples St. SW, Atlanta. 404-612-0500.
DeKalb
Gwinnett
Ted Terry to be sworn in as new Clarkston mayor
Library sets puppet show for the family
CLARKSTON—On Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m., Ted Terry will take the oath of office as the city of Clarkston’s new mayor. The swearing-in ceremony and meeting will be held at the Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave., Clarkston. Terry will be sworn in by Clarkston Municipal Court Judge Stephen Nicholas. Terry says he is excited about his new role. “With all the different nationalities and religions represented here, Clarkston features the best of what America has to offer,” said Terry, who is 30. “My platform Ted Terry is still centered on three areas to improve Clarkston: safety, sustainability or a greener Clarkston and prosperity.” After the inauguration, Clarkston’s first City Council meeting of the year will follow. The other item of business on the council meeting agenda will be the appeal of a sign application permit that was previously denied. There will also be an inauguration ceremony to celebrate Terry’s new job as mayor. 404-296-6489.
The Gwinnett County Public Library system will host an interactive puppet show for the entire family to enjoy on Monday, Jan. 6, 3:30 p.m. at the library’s Snellville branch, 2740 Lenora Church Road, Snellville. Take the family on call an adventurous romp in the forest . The 30-minute puppet show will feature stories adapted from books in the library. 770-822-4522.
Electric heaters needed to help seniors stay warm The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services in partnership with Gwinnett County Senior Services are collecting portable electric heaters until Thursday, Feb. 28 for area senior citizens. You may drop off your donation at any Gwinnett fire station. Only new, ULtested heaters will be accepted. Donated heaters are currently being distributed to seniors through Project AWARE (Added Warmth Assistance for Residences of our Elderly), which is led by Gwinnett County Senior Services. Your donation is tax-deductible through the nonprofit, Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be mailed to Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services, P.O. Box 1680, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Seniors who wish to receive a heater from this program must meet criteria. For more information on the requirements, contact Gwinnett’s Senior Services Helpline at 678-377-4150.
Rockdale Friends to host book sale
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to host free library concert Join the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for a free musical performance, Symphony in Your Neighborhood, on Jan. 11, 1 to 2 p.m., at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 Lavista Road, Tucker. The casual concert will provide audience members the opportunity to learn about the music being performed as well as interact with orchestra musicians. 770270-8234.
Fulton Check out a free day at the museum Children ages 8 and under are invited to attend a free day of museum admission on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 1 – 7 p.m. The museum says visitors who may not have the finances to visit or just want to try the museum free of charge are able to do so through this event. Ticket holders will have access to vending machines inside the museum, or if you prefer, you may bring your own bag lunch. Some museum exhibits include “Moneyville,” “Leaping into Learning,” and “Fundamentally Food.” You cannot buy tickets in advance. Advance registration is not accepted. The Children’s Museum is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404659-5437.
The Conyers-Rockdale Library Friends group will host a community book sale on Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the library, 864 Green Street, S.W., Conyers. Members say you can find a great selection of well-organized, clean used books at bargain prices. The book sale will be in the library’s lower level at the rear of the building. To enter the “book store,” come to the door with the label Friends of the Library. Proceeds will benefit the Friends Group as it continues to host book clubs, discussions, teen activities and other events at the library promoting reading. 770388-5040.
John K. Morgan scholarship deadline Jan. 31 A deadline of Jan. 31 has been set for Rockdale students looking to apply for the John K. Morgan Scholarship to further their education. The Rockdale Coalition for Children & Families says applications must be postmarked no later than Jan 31. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The scholarship will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding community service in Rockdale and plans to continue that level of commitment while pursuing post-secondary education. The John K. Morgan Scholarship Committee will select finalists to be interviewed prior to making a selection. Interviews will be conducted in February. The recipient(s) will be announced on March 8, 2014 at the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Annual Awards Reception, to be held at the Rockdale Career Academy at 5 p.m. There is no age limitation for applicants. The scholarship will assist with college-related expenses for students enrolled in an accredited institution. Applications can be downloaded at www.rockdalecoalition.org. For more information, call 770-761-9244 or email rockdalefamilies@bellsouth.net.
january 4, 2014
PAGE 5
Ellis and Jones mend fences, weigh issues on radio talk show Ellis’ attorneys fight to quash indictment By Valerie J. Morgan
S
Photo provied
By Valerie J. Morgan
uspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones sat down together to discuss politics, the future of DeKalb, their personal accomplishments and even some of the trying times they’ve faced. The first two African-American CEOs of DeKalb County, who have had their share of disagreements in the past, spoke congenially during a radio talk show that Jones hosted on WAOK (1380 AM). The Dec. 20 radio interview was the first time in months that Ellis talked publicly about being CEO since he was indicted on corruption charges by a grand jury last summer and suspended from office by Gov. Nathan Deal. The governor appointed the Board of Commissioners’ presiding officer, Lee May, as interim DeKalb CEO. Attorney Dwight Thomas said Jones asked his client to be a guest on the show and Ellis accepted the invitation. But on the advice of his legal counsel, Ellis did not discuss his
pending court case. Ellis’ attorneys are scheduled for court on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24. “I thought that it was appropriate for CEO Ellis to discuss his viewpoints about the county’s future and other issues. He is still the elected CEO of DeKalb, and as the CEO, he is still relevant,” Thomas said. While Ellis did not discuss his court case, he did make a reference to it, reiterating he has committed no wrongdoing. “It is unfortunate that someone or some have targeted me and decided to take out a political vendetta against me, in order to move me aside,” Ellis said. “We are looking forward to full vindication. We are standing on God’s word… I want the people to know I look forward to the day of returning to the office that they elected me to serve.” Jones told Ellis that he understands what he’s going through. “I know what it’s like to be falsely accused, to be completely exonerated and vindicated. They do it sometimes just to taint you, knowing that it’s a bunch of foolishness anyhow,” said Jones.
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Burrell Ellis’ team of attorneys are preparing for DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson to hear several motions on Jan. 23 and 24. Attorney Dwight Thomas said the court proceeding is scheduled for 9 a.m. Ellis’ attorneys want Judge Johnson to dismiss the indictment or disqualify District Attorney Robert James’ office from trying Ellis’ case. Ellis was indicted last June on charges that he used county workers to solicit contributions for his election campaign. Ellis is accused of threatening to withhold contracts from county vendors who did not give. But Ellis’ attorneys say James and Lee May essentially did the same thing when they had county workers to solicit money for an event they jointly hosted for senior citizens. Ellis’ attorneys say in the motions that James and May, who was a commissioner at the time, worked together on a Senior Ball, which was held on June 8, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. They used eight county employees to contact vendors on a county list and coordinate the event. Candace Franklin, a political fundraiser, was also contacted to help solicit money from vendors and companies who conduct business with DeKalb County. The Senior Ball was funded with $25,500 in contributions raised from vendors and companies on the county list. “It is abundantly clear that DA James entered into a conspiracy with Commissioner May to commit theft of property in DeKalb County,” the motion says. “In essence, DA James and Commissioner May used DeKalb County’s personnel and money for self-promotion.” “The 2013 Senior Ball was actually a thinly veiled formal political affair hosted by DA Robert James and his political ally, Commissioner Lee May to advance and promote their political agendas…,” the motion states. Erik Burton, a spokesman for the DA, said James had no comment about the motions. May also said he had no comment on the motions. “That’s a legal matter that doesn’t involve me. I’m focused on doing my job—running the county. I didn’t ask for this position. What I want to do is what I’ve been asked to do: move the county forward,” May said. May, as presiding officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to serve as interim CEO. The governor suspended Ellis while he fights charges against him. May will hold the office until a decision is reached in court. If Ellis is found innocent, he would return to office and May would return to his seat on the Board of Commissioners.
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january 4, 2014
Springfield overcomes obstacles to chart new course in history continued from page 1
Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr. and First Lady Meik Lee are filled with joy as they leave Alpharetta to celebrate Springfield’s milestone.
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
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Upcoming Seminars at DeKalb Medical Healthy Life Tips for the Whole Family
L-R: Dr. Harold Davis, Deacon Greg Monfort, Pastor Eric W. Lee, Deacon Jeff Terrell andDeacon Leroy Nolley. Chairwoman Aurnita Shepherd was not present.
Credit Union, the mortgage holder, decided to enter into a lease-purchase agreement with Springfield in 2012, Lee said. Springfield moved from its former building at 3001 Old Salem Road to 1877 Iris Drive, holding its first service at the new location on Easter 2012. While leasing the building, Springfield, though a capitol stewardship campaign, raised the $2.5 million down payment needed for the closing. Lee was joined at the closing by nearly three dozen Springfield leaders and staff members, who clapped with joy when the papers were signed sealing the deal. Lee’s parents, Pastor Edward W. Lee and First Lady Betty Lee of Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough, were also present, along with On Common Ground News to witness the historic event. “The obstacles were many, but we put our faith in God,” said Dr. Harold Davis, a retired medical physician and Springfield board member. Davis, who has been a member for eight years, said the purchase
means Springfield will be able to continue serving the community. “It means that we will be able to continue doing ministry on a large-scale basis. We’ve had high school graduations and we’ve had 1,000 kids to come four our Harvest Blessing, which is usually held during Halloween. We have given out 100,000 pounds of food to the needy,” Davis said. Lee, who has served as Springfield’s pastor since 1999, said the closing was the church’s sixth land purchase in 10 years. Springfield had purchased and sold land in Newton County, where it was previously located, before moving to Rockdale County in 2004. “Certainly, this closing has been the most significant one. It’s been the one that we worked the hardest on raising money,” Lee said. “I can’t thank the members and our board enough for all of their hard work, support and trust in me. I hope that all of us will realize that with God, all things are possible.”
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PAGE 7
Drug ring snares several
May: Mega CID tool for economic development
continued from page 3
continued from page 1
The news shocked and baffled many in South DeKalb as they shopped and prepared for the holidays. Many thought the reports involved a different Matthew Ware, not the one from South DeKalb, where Ware was well known and well liked. Ware responded to the news reports by personally contacting business associates and others, including members of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, a mentoring organization for youth that he headed for two years. Ware stepped down as president of the organization in mid-December, handing the reigns to Cornelius Stafford, who was supposed to take the helm this month. Ware did not reveal his plight to leaders of the 100 when he stepped down. The organization could not be reached for comment, despite attempts to reach its attorney, Bernard Taylor. Ware contacted On Common Ground News the day after Christmas, telling its publishers that he did not expect the case to turn out the way that it did. Ware said he was the only defendant of 14 involved in the case who fought the charges and he said he would continue to fight. The other defendants plead guilty. Ware, who owns Padgett Business Services in Lithonia, had served as the accountant for Jiles and Shannon Johnson, a husband and wife team who owned KC Pit BBQ restaurant in Sandy Springs. The Johnsons were convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering and other charges. Ware said he didn’t know about the Johnsons’ illegal activity. “They had a restaurant. I thought they were running a legitimate business,” Ware said. “How was I supposed to know what they were doing?” The drug operation came to light in 2010 when authorities caught Jiles Johnson and two accomplices attempting to deliver 35 kilograms of cocaine to Philadelphia. Authorities say as a commercial truck driver, Jiles Johnson transported cocaine imported from Mexico to
California, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Johnson drove on behalf of cocaine distributor Mark Walker, 46, who had residences in Cumming and Philadelphia. The Johnsons covered up the money they were earning illegally by using the restaurant as a front. Authorities said Ware accepted bags of cash in excess of $10,000 from Jiles Johnson and loaned it to some of his accounting firm’s clients. The clients repaid the loans with checks made to Johnson and his businesses. As the drug money flowed, Ware had financial planner Jacques Degaule, 52, of Atlanta, to deposit more than $7 million in drug proceeds to banks in three states, Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said in court documents. Linda Tong, a 68-year-old Alpharetta real estate broker, made “structured” deposits of over $500,000 into bank accounts, breaking the money down into smaller cash deposits. Tong purchased real estate on behalf of Johnsons. She was sentenced to three years probation for her part in the operation. Jiles Johnson was sentenced to 15 years and 5 years on supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine, money laundering and distribution of cocaine, authorities said. Shannon Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced to three years in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. Degaule pleaded guilty to interstate racketeering charges and was sentenced to three years in federal prison. “All of the defendants in this case are deserving of the sentences handed down. Several of these individuals masked themselves as legitimate businessmen, while everyone lined their pockets with excessive profits gained from drug trafficking,” Harry S. Sommers, special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, said in a statement.
The money will be used to hire a firm to do the strategic plan, marketing and other work needed for the formation of the special taxing district. May said he is excited about the creation of the new CID because it would enable South DeKalb Lee May to leverage additional funding for infrastructure. “I’m excited because it will put us in a position to go after federal and state grants for improvements and bring businesses and jobs to the area,” May said. “A CID is a very attractive tool for attracting businesses to an area because businesses know the area will have amenities such as sidewalks, street lights, additional security and landscaping.” May pointed to the Perimeter CID, where well-landscaped gateways mark the entrance and exit ramps at I-285 and Ashford-Dunwoody Road, as examples of improvements made and maintained by a CID. May said the I-20 Turner Hill Road gateway near The Mall at Stonecrest will be improved much the same way as the Ashford-Dunwoody Road ramps. May announced in November the Turner Hill Road exit is one of seven gateways that will get a stone monument and robust landscaping under a $1 million spending plan that includes landscaping
and routine cleanup of 35 roads. County officials say the gateway improvements at I-20 Turner Hill and Candler Road should be visible by March. The other five gateway enhancements will be done later at I-285 at Memorial Drive, Bouldercrest Road and LaVista Road; I-85 and North Druid Hills Road; and U.S. 78 at Mountain Industrial Boulevard. May said with a South DeKalb CID in place, the tax-funded district could maintain the gateways as an ongoing project. “It would remain attractive at all times because the district would maintain it. The attractiveness of an area is what draws business to it,” Lee said. “Just as the Perimeter CID, Stone Mountain CID and the Tucker CID exist as economic engines for those areas, we’re looking to do the same thing with the mega CID.” CID improvement projects run the gamut—from providing streetscapes, landscaping and police security to sidewalks, parking and enhanced public transportation. Mays said meetings with be held beginning in January and February with commercial property in the proposed CID. In order for the CID to be created, more than 50 percent of commercial property owners must decide to impose a self-tax to operate the district. “They will have an opportunity to learn more about it through the series of meetings that will be held,” May said.
Community Improvement Districts in Metro Atlanta • Central Perimeter (DeKalb County) • Stone Mountain CID (DeKalb) • Tucker CID (DeKalb County) • Cumberland (Cobb County) • Town Center (Cobb County) • Buckhead (Atlanta) • Downtown (Atlanta) • Midtown (Atlanta) • South Fulton (Fulton County, Union City, Fairburn, & Palmetto)
•N orth Fulton (Fulton County, Alpharetta, Roswell, & Milton) • F ulton Perimeter (Fulton County) • E vermore (Gwinnett County) •G winnett Place (Gwinnett County) •G winnett Village (Gwinnett County) • L ilburn (Gwinnett County) • F ulton Industrial CID (Fulton County) • T own of Braselton CID (Braselton)
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january 4, 2014
Rockdale Resource Center seeks help in replenishing food pantry By Joshua Smith
CONYERS—At Thanksgiving, the Resource Center for Community Action (RCCA) provided more than 400 families with supplies and pounds of food. At Christmas, the organization hosted a party for about 300 people, providing free food, live entertainment and toys. The numbers of needy continue to grow, RCCA founder Siddiya Swift says, and the group is looking for ways to continue to help. “With the present economy, under employment and food stamps being lowered, people keep coming,” said Swift. “People come from Rockdale, Newton, DeKalb, Monroe, McDonough and Oxford and pretty much whoever else needs help. The need is great and we want to help anyone we can.” Now that the holidays are over, Swift said her organization needs help from the community to replenish supplies for the needy. RCCA hopes to distribute food this month, but is relying on the generosity and donations of those who are better off. “Some of our shelves are practically stripped down from the Thanksgiving mobile food pantry,” said Swift. “We have a good amount of meat here but other needs have grown for us.” Items the organization needs include produce, both canned and fresh; peanut butter, rice; cereal; dry beans; dry milk; and eggs. Swift and about 20 to 50 volunteers come together once a month to distribute the food and other items. The Home Depot and local grocery stores donate many of the items. U-Haul also donates a truck to haul all the goods. RCCA has been running the monthly food pantry for about six years at the county government annex at 1400 Parker Road in Conyers. For Conyers resident Jarvis McCollyn, who is unemployed and taking care of his disabled uncle, the RCCA has served as a lifeline. “This was a life saver for us. I really appreciate that nobody judges you here. Everybody is nice and treats you with respect,” said McCollyn. “They don’t do if for the money. They really care. Siddiya really gets us.” Swift gets help from volunteers like Susan Cannon, who serves on RCCA’s Board of Directors. Cannon
RCCA founder Siddiya Swift looks over what is left at the community pantry. She hopes to feed thousands of needy families in 2014.
directs cars and signs up families during mobile food drives. Often, when the distribution days are held, lines of cars snake around the parking lot at the government annex. Along with the food pantry and clothes closet, the Rockdale organization also provides emergency
Rockdale Probate Judge Mays spearheads ‘Share the Warmth’ coat drive CONYERS–Probate Judge Charles May invites Rockdale County residents to join him this winter in helping with a coat drive for the needy. Mays has joined forces with the Hero Foundation, Inc. a local nonprofit, to collect and distribute clean, gently-used winter coats to Rockdale residents. “This coat drive offers a unique and rewarding way for all of us to come together as a community and contribute to the health and well-being of our neighbors. Every coat helps—and everyone who gives one discovers how great it feels to provide that help,” said Judge Mays. “I challenge other leaders and civic organizations to join us this winter as we Share the Warmth throughout this county. As more and more Probate Judge Charles May children and adults experience economic challenges, the need for warm coats grows. As those with extra coats in their closets help their neighbors in need, the community becomes a warmer place for all.” Donated coats should be clean, with zippers and fasteners present and in good working condition. Donors can drop off coats at the following location: Providence Church International, 1240 Hwy 138, Conyers. Collection hours are generally Thursdays through Saturdays, 1 – 5 p.m. Residents seeking warm coats can call 404-593-0040.
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financial assistance, life skills training, as well as referrals for employment, education and housing. To qualify for food pantry access, applicants are required to provide information on each resident in the household. While applicants do not have to disclose specific financial
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
information, they are asked to share what circumstances they are currently experiencing that is causing financial hardship, such as unemployment or a change in income. For more information on how to help the RCCA or if you are in need, call 770-760-1346.
Conyers’ Christian Growth Cathedral mourns Co-pastor Jennifer Kenney By Joshua Smith
Conyers Christian Growth Cathedral International is mourning the death of Jennifer Kenney, copastor of Conyers Christian Growth Cathedral International. Mrs. Kenney, wife of Pastor David Kenney, passed suddenly on Friday, Dec. 27. Church members say Mrs. Kenney was affectionately known as “Mother Kenney.” Mrs. Kenney was a native of Guyana, South America. The Kenneys met while they were both ushering at Brooklyn Tabernacle Deliverance Center in Brooklyn, New York. They married in 1994. They traveled together extensively on missionary trips to Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, according to the church’s web site. Mrs. Kenney was director of Eye on Your Child Learning Center, a subsidiary of Christian Growth Cathedral. Members say Mrs. Kenney was a highly anointed woman of God who operated in the prophetic and was a true intercessor. Those close to her say she lived by this statement: “God will
Co-pastor Jennifer Kenney
make all grace abound and His grace is sufficient.” Along with her husband, Mrs. Kenney is survived by their children, Tiffany, Jonathan, Aaron, and Candace. Levett Funeral Home, Inc., 1041 Bryant Street, Conyers, handled the funeral arrangements.
january 4, 2014
PAGE 9
DeKalb NAACP honors unsung heroes at Jubilee Day celebration
Attorney Derrick Alexander Pope
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
L-R: Barbara Loyal, Alethia Kelly, Olitha McGuire and Teresa Kelly
By Joshua Smith
DECATUR—She was spat on, cursed and verbally abused, but nothing could stop Olitha McGuire Reid from becoming one of the first black graduates of Lithonia High School in 1967. “Although some of the white students were annoying, throwing spit balls at us and making funny noises when we passed by, going to Lithonia was a good move,” said Reid, who participated in the historic 1963 March on Washington. “Remembering my experiences at the march helped me stay focused in school and to keep my eye on the big picture.” Reid and three of her classmates were among 49 people and organizations the DeKalb NAACP
honored as “unsung heroes” at the civil rights organization’s Jubilee Day on Jan. 1 in Decatur. The Jubilee Day celebration marked the 151st anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing black slaves in America. Some other notable honorees were Antioch Baptist Church, now known as Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, Lucious Sanders and Bernice Shumake, who was called “The Rosa Parks of Lithonia,” for her refusal to move after sitting next to a white person on a public bus. “Some of our heroes are already getting their heavenly rewards. To all our heroes still living, we say thank you. Your contributions will never be forgotten,” said Lance Hammonds, DeKalb NAACP’s first vice president.
DeKalb NAACP President John Evans
Hammonds said the group honored at the Jubilee Day celebration, which was held at Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur, represented a small portion of leaders who made a difference during the Civil Rights Movement but never went down in history books. “I’m sure there are hundreds more. That’s the problem with being an unsung hero,” Hammonds said. “Nobody knows and may never know about the contributions and sacrifices made. We say thank you to each and every one of them listed or not, for their selflessness, sacrifice, courage and foresight.” Attorney Derrick Alexander Pope served as the keynote speaker at the program. Pope is an author of two books and several legal articles. He
challenged attendees to remember the past, press ahead present and prepare for the future. The Jubilee Day celebration also served as a time for the NAACP to encourage membership and support the fight for justice for all. “The NAACP has been in the forefront of the fight for human and civil rights and will continue to do so in the future. Now, more than ever, we need citizens to join us in the fight,” said DeKalb NAACP President John Evans, who was also honored as an “unsung hero.” Evans became the first black elected to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 1982. For more information on the organization or to become a member, call 404-241-8006 or visit www. dekalbganaacp.org.
Here is the list of the honorees, named DeKalb County NAACP’s “Unsung Heroes” Roger L. Allen
Alvin Dollar
Barbara Ann Woods Lester
Zapora Roberts
Willard Strickland
William Allen
John Evans
Cynthia Major
Judy Starks Roseberry
Cassandra Smith Sutton
Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church
Bishop Miles E. Fowler
Eugene C. Maner, Jr.
Gerald Sanders
Paul Taylor
Charlie Fretwell
Stein Miles
Lucious Sanders
Allison Veneable
Vanita Taylor Grogan
Roger Mills
Patricia Shepard
Barbara Loyal Warsama
Levern Woods Howard
Rosa Davis Moore
Rosalind Shepherd
Aletha Kelly Williams
Marcia Woods Glenn Hunter
Reree Curtis Orr
Bernice Shumake
Elizabeth Wilson
R.A. Knight
Oscar Reid
Teresa Kelly Shy
Richard Wilson
Mamie Lane
Olitha McGuire Reed
Albert Lewis Smith
Drucilla Woods
Ruby Langford
Barry Reynolds
Barbara Smith
Maggie Carolyn Woods
David C. Albert Willie Bullock James Norris Benefield Barbara Crawford Minnie Davis James Dean
Rockdale centenarian Arthur “Buck” Brown shared one last birthday with Jesus
A
Arthur “Buck” Brown
By Joshua Smith
rthur “Buck” Brown, one of Rockdale County’s oldest residents who turned 103 on Christmas Day, has passed. He died at 2 a.m. on Dec. 27 at Rockdale Medical Center with family members at his bedside. Mr. Brown outlived all eight of his siblings and his parents. He was born in 1910 in Locust Grove, Georgia to Claude and Lena Brown, who were sharecroppers. The oldest of three boys and six girls, Brown’s birth was recorded in an old family bible on Christmas Day. There were no birth certificates for blacks back then, relatives say. At his 102nd birthday celebration
in Lithonia, Mr. Brown credited his trust in the Lord for why he was on this earth more than a century. “My secret to long life is hard work, prayer and trusting the Lord,” said Mr. Brown,” who was a longtime deacon at Double Springs Baptist Church in Conyers. Up until he experienced some kidney problems last year, Mr. Brown worked at the Conyers Underwood Chicken Farm, feeding chickens, mowing pastures and other chores— work he had done for more than 70 years. “When he passed people on the way to work, they would say ‘Oh, there goes Mr. Buck speeding through,’” said granddaughter Melvia Brown-Hunter. “He is one of the
hardest workers I know. We all could learn a lot from him about dedication and hard work.” Mr. Brown and his wife had seven children, six of whom are still living. His fifth child, Grady Brown, is the funeral director for Brown and Young Funeral Home in Lithonia. In addition to his children, Mr. Brown is survived by 28 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; and 49 great, great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held for Arthur “Buck” Brown on Saturday, Jan. 4., noon at Double Springs Baptist Church, 2705 North Hightower Trail, Conyers. Brown and Young Funeral Home, 7075 Swift Street in Lithonia, handled the funeral arrangements.
PAGE 10
january 4, 2014
Congressman Hank Johnson irked over “slight” by Rockdale Democrats
C
By Valerie J. Morgan
ongressman Hank Johnson scolded the Rockdale Democratic Party and walked out of a breakfast meeting after making it clear he didn’t appreciate courtesies shown to his political opponent, Thomas Brown. Johnson and Brown, both Democrats, were seated at the same head table when Johnson became upset. Johnson chastised the Party for allowing Brown to speak at the end of the meeting. Johnson said more respect should have been paid to him because he is the sitting Congressman and he was on the program to make remarks. He said Brown, who was not on the program as a speaker, should not have been allowed to make the final remarks. “I think it’s bad taste that we
would have the incumbent go first and then have the challenger go second, that’s just not the way we should do things. How does that make me feel in terms of supporting this Party?” said Johnson. Party chair Doreen Williams said no one intentionally slighted Johnson. “I didn’t know that was protocol. It was a holiday breakfast. We allowed him (Johnson) to speak first out of respect for his time. A lot of times, he needs to get to other places,” Williams said. Johnson’s remarks caught many by the surprise. The packed meeting was held at the Party’s headquarters on 1264 Parker Road in Conyers. Brown, who plans to step down as DeKalb County Sheriff, did not make a statement about his candidacy for Congress. He greeted the audience and encouraged the Party to work hard for the upcoming election.
DeKalb lawmakers bring cityhood to the table By Joshua Smith
As lawmakers prepare for the 2014 Legislative Session, which gets underway Jan. 13, they are putting cityhood on the table for discussion at a pre-session meeting. DeKalb legislators are holding a joint House and Senate Delegation meeting to learn more about municipal proposals from Briarcliff, Lakeside, Tucker and Stonecrest alliances on Jan. 9, 10 a.m., at the Capitol. The exact location for the meeting will be announced later (www.ocgnews. com). Organizers from the four alliances will make presentations at the meeting. Briarcliff, Lakeside and Tucker received word in December from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government that they would make viable cities. Stonecrest is still waiting for results of its study, said Jason Lary, who heads the Stonecrest group. DeKalb leaders have said they want to carefully look at the proposals and come up with a way that is fair and equitable. State Rep. Pam Stephenson has filed two bills to slow down cityhood. Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May said DeKalb County suffers every time an area wants to form a new
city. He said under current state laws, “New cities are allowed to cherrypick all of the most valuable assets of an area and if they’ve got the political will, they can get the cityhood initiative on the ballot and they’re a city.” State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick told the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce at a recent luncheon that cityhood, like school clusters, are draining county resources and polarize communities. “It looks like everyone is trying to make a mass exodus from DeKalb,” Kendrick said. “I hope that we can look at ways to make better cities and schools for our children and families without creating more cities and school districts.” State Rep. Rahn Mayo says the pros and cons of cityhood must be made before making a final decision. As cities are formed, DeKalb County will be left with fewer tax dollars to take care of its obligations. “Proceed with caution. When you’re talking about creating new cities, a lot of issues such as legacy costs—healthcare and pensions that have to be paid to county workers —must be considered in the process,” said Mayo. “Whatever decision is made, we must restore the voters trust in DeKalb County government.”
Congressman Hank Johnson
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Principal aims to turn Towers in new direction continued from page 3
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Principal Ralph Simpson stands outside the school’s marquee, which reminds everyone of the new policy.
“Most of these kids have True Religion jeans and smart phones. They can afford khakis, if they want to afford them,” Simpson said. Not everyone is thrilled about the policy, but some said students said they’ll do what they must. “I’ll wear it, but my shirts have to be Ralph Lauren. Got to have the Ralph,” said senior Austin Wiley. “I don’t like wearing uniforms. I did that in middle school, but I’m not complaining, not now at least,” said another senior, Aliyah Copeland. Simpson says he doesn’t care about
designers, as long as students follow the policy. “As long as its khaki, it’s fine with me,” said Principal Simpson. “You can always use a good pair of quality khaki pants. Throw on a jacket and put on a shirt and tie. You can dress that up on any given day.” Simpson said he wants to turn Towers around. Towers, he said, is one of the lowest-performing schools in the district. “We want to change the climate and culture here and it starts with being focused on learning,” Simpson said.
Rockdale hair weaves murder underscores growing violence By Joshua Smith
CONYERS—Four young people are facing felony murder charges as a result of a botched hairweave robbery that took place in Conyers a few weeks ago. The sister of the dead woman is among those waiting to go to court. She could not attend funeral services because she is being held without bond at the Rockdale County Jail. Authorities say Christina Menzies, 19, of Covington, was charged with the murder of her sister, 21-year-old Jennifer Menzies, who was shot several times during an arranged night-time meeting where they allegedly went to buy hair weaves. The shooting took place on Dec. 11, at 10 p.m. at the pool area in the Fountain Crest
Christina Menzies
Jaquan House
subdivision, located in South Rockdale County on Georgia Highway 20 and Highway 138, the Rockdale Sheriff’s Department said. A man and woman who was selling the hair weaves told authorities that a group, which included the Menzies, emerged from some bushes and came toward their truck pointing a handgun. The
James Wansley Edwards
group and the people in the truck exchanged gunfire and Jennifer Menzies was shot several times in the crossfire. Her sister rushed her to the hospital, where she died. In addition to charging Christina Mezies with murder and criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, Rockdale deputies charged Brandon Jay Lamothe and Jaquan House,
Brandon Jay Lamothe
both 20, of Conyers; and James Wansley Edwards, 21, of Stone Mountain. The ATF recovered the gun on Dec. 27 in a wooded area in the subdivision where the incident occurred. The attempted robbery in Rockdale underscores the violence that is spreading across the country with a growing demand for hair
weaves and the profits that go with the business. In Dearborn, Mich., Jay Shin, the owner of Sunrise Beauty Supply, was killed during a holdup by two men who stole 80 packages of hair extensions worth about $10,000. In West Palm Beach, Fla., a 16-year-old girl sprayed a clerk with pepper spray as she made off with extensions. And in Lawton, Oklahoma, a customer who ran out of a store. The threat of robberies has prompted some salons and beauty supply shops to hire security guards, install bulletproof glass partitions and in some cases, even require patrons to show identification before they are allowed into back rooms to choose their hair.
january 4, 2014
Business News
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PAGE 11
GAACC sets annual prayer breakfast, honors “community pearl”
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his year, the Georgia AfricanAmerican Chamber of Commerce’s 16th Annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast will honor Teresa Walker, its late co-founder and previous executive director, on Saturday, Jan. 18, 8:30 a.m. at the Marriott Courtyard Decatur Conference Center, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. Walker was remembered as a “precious pearl who deeply cared deeply about people,” at her memorial service in October 2013 in Decatur. Walker co-founded the Chamber with her husband, Lou Walker, in 1996. “Mrs. Walker was a phenomenal woman. We are working with her children and reaching out to other members of her family because we have something special planned to honor the life and legacy of a great woman who was highly respected by local businesses and the entire community,” said Chamber President Al Johnson.
The late Teresa Walker
Judge Glenda A. Hatchett
Held annually on the Saturday before the opening of the Georgia General Assembly, the GAACC breakfast brings together Georgia’s political, business and civic leaders for a report on business opportunities in the state, as well as a legislative update and business retention strategies. This year’s breakfast will take a special focus on digital marketing, Johnson said. “We don’t want minority businesses to miss out in the area of
Mayor Kasim Reed
Gov. Nathan Deal
technology. We don’t want to be behind on social media and the next big boom in technology,” said Johnson. “We want all of our members to be at the cutting edge of everything that can maximize their dollars, including Facebook, Twitter and all the mobile technology we see today.” Keynote speakers at the breakfast will be Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, twotime Emmy nominated Judge Glenda A. Hatchett and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Some invited guests include
Congressmen Hank Johnson and David Scott, DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May and DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson. Other invited guests include other legislators, major corporations, small businesses, federal, state, and local government agencies from across the state of Georgia. Guest speaker Judge Hatchet will be signing copies of her book, “Dare to Take Charge.” Breakfast attendees can also network and learn from other professionals in breakout sessions such as: “Fast Track to Business—The Needed Leadership Tools and your Business Plan/Model,” “Technology— Marketing Communication Strategy and Applications,” and “Customer Retention and the Acquisition Success Model.” The cost to attend is $50. For more information or to register, call 770-8270947 or visit http://gablackchamber.org.
calendar
DeKalb Chamber to welcome CEO to deliver State of DeKalb The DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce is currently conducting registration as it prepares to host the 2014 State of DeKalb County Business Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 23, noon, at the Emory Conference Center, 1615 Clifton Road, Atlanta. The Chamber will welcome DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May as the featured guest speaker. May will share the 2014 agenda for DeKalb. May will also discuss government in the County and the purpose local businesses will serve in moving the County forward. The cost to attend the luncheon is $40. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call 404-378-8000 or visit www.dekalbchamber.
Lee May
Dunwoody Chamber to host first networking event of 2014 The Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce will host its first networking event of 2014 on Monday, Jan. 6, 5:30 – 7 p.m., at Chamber member Insidesign, 1231 Ashford Crossing, Atlanta. Chamber members say “First Mondays” is one of their most highly attended events because members look forward to exchanging information and gaining new business leads. The cost to attend is $20. 678-244-9700.
Shakers and Stirrers offers open networking Networking For Professionals will host an after-hours networking event, “Shakers and Stirrers,” on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6 – 8 p.m., at Twisted Taco, 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Suite 32, Atlanta. Organizers say participants can make quality business connections and mingle with a wide range of Metro Atlanta professionals. Participants who sign up in advance will receive an emailed list of confirmed attendees to help continue networking after the event. Attendees can enjoy complimentary appetizers and drink specials at a cash bar. The cost to attend is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information or to register, visit http://networkingforprofessionals.com or call 770-399-0991.
DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, January 2, 2014
Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below: REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO.
3003161 ITB
ITEM
CLOSING DATE
Repair Parts for Water Lines
February 4, 2014
13-100387 ITB
DeKalb County Toddler Pools ADA Conversion
February 6, 2014
13-500290 RFP
Workforce Innovation Grant Program Evaluator
February 3, 2014
Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html
DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise. By: Kelvin L. Walton, Director/Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting
Rockdale Chamber members to host free brunch for seniors Members of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce will host a community breakfast for senior citizens on Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Watt Street Event Facility, 2375 Wall Street Southeast Room No. 140, Conyers. Members of the community are invited to bring loved ones, such as grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or friends that are 60 and over. There will be guest speakers to share information related to senior issues as well. Seniors can also enter to win raffle prizes. Attendees 59 and younger are $8 individually or $14 for a couple. Seniors 60 and older are free. Advance registration is requested. For more information or to register, visit the Chamber’s event calendar at www.conyers-rockdale.com or call 770-722-4790.
BBA welcomes CEO Morgan Dene Oliver at annual luncheon The Buckhead Business Association will welcome Morgan Dene Oliver, CEO of OliverMcMillan developers as the keynote speaker at its annual Signature Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m., in the Atlanta History Center’s ballroom, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, N.W., Atlanta. BBA members say this will be Oliver’s first public appearance in Atlanta in nearly three years. The OliverMcMillan firm has designed, developed and manages more than 8 million square feet of mixed-use projects, with a total project value exceeding $3 billion. The firm is celebrated its 35th year in Morgan Dene Oliver business in 2013. Oliver founded OliverMcMillan in 1978 with life-long friend Jim McMillan. Luncheon attendees will receive an update on the projects developing in Buckhead and the event concludes with the Buckhead Business of the Year Awards. The cost to attend is $100. For more information or to register, call 404467-7607.
Gwinnett Chamber to host “Eat & Educate” workshop The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, will host an “Eat & Educate” workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The workshop will address learning strategies, tools and tactics to help boost your small business. Attendees will learn how to use emails to drive results, gain valuable tips on how to get your messages opened, read, and shared, learn about the various social media networks and what they offer, as well as which social media platform is right for your business. The workshop also will provide an overview of the program Office 365, which offers tools that can help you respond to business leads faster and can give a small business a more professional image. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. at the Chamber’s John D. Stephens Education Room. The cost to attend is $20. Lunch is included. Seating is limited. Advance registration is suggested. For more information or to register, call 770-232-3000.
Metro Atlanta Chamber sets “Mobile Monday” The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural “Mobile Monday” event on Monday, Jan. 13, 6 – 9 p.m., at Gordon Biersch, Midtown, 848 Peachtree St., Atlanta. The Chamber’s Mobility Task Force says the event was created to bring professionals in the mobile industry to a relaxed environment for social outings and networking. For more information or to register for this free networking event, call 404880-9000.
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Stronghold celebrates Stephenson Middle School partnership
S
By Joshua Smith
tephenson Middle School students and staff will enjoy a new intercom system and see new curtains installed in their auditorium, thanks to a $3,500 check from Stronghold Christian Church in Lithonia. “Stronghold has supported us spiritually for a number of years,” said Stephenson Middle School Principal Obelia H. Hall. “Pastor Gaither offers us extra hands from his church and the DeKalb County Police Department for big events such as the end-of-year or Halloween event. Our partnership has been a blessing in many ways.” Along with a new Public Address System, the church’s donation will fund teacher and student incentives. “We will reward them for jobs well done,” Hall said. “We have to use Stronghold’s blessing to bless others who go to school here and our school’s staff.” Stronghold’s Co-pastors Benjamin and Sherry Gaither presented Hall and members of her staff with the check on Sunday, Dec. 15, during the church’s morning worship service. “Our church presents this check in appreciation for the diligent work you and your staff do with our kids. I want to thank you so much for all that you do,” said Pastor Benjamin Gaither, who founded the church in 1993. Gaither is also a sergeant and chaplain for the DeKalb County Police Department. “We are Stephenson Middle’s extended family. We are in partnership. As I have stated in the past, Principal Hall should never hesitate to pick up the phone and call because we love them and thank them. “
(Center) Co-pastors Benjamin and Sherry Gaither present the Stephenson Middle School staff with a check of $3,500.
Pastor Sherry Gaither says the church has a true passion for those who educate the community’s children. “We recognize that God has placed us in a position to be a blessing,” said Sherry Gaither. “We recognize that in this season, they have to make as the Bible would say–bricks with no straw. They have limited resources, limited support and limited opportunities. We want to be a church that impacts our community. We are so honored to be a blessing to Stephenson Middle School.” Stronghold issued a proclamation to Stephenson Middle for “maximizing their academic, social and extra curricular achievements.”
Hall, who has served as principal of Stephenson for six years, says she met Pastor Gaither about four years ago and the partnership began from there. Hall says the relationship has birthed several successful programs and as the schools moves into the New Year, Stronghold will work with the school to continue to develop more programs for students. “During our second year working together, Pastor Gaither proposed a program in which DeKalb police and other church members would build community leadership skills in boys and girls who did not always make the right choices. That
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
first program was called G.R.E.A.T., an acronym for Gang Resistance Education and Training. The program focused on helping students manage the distractors in their lives that kept them from being model citizens,” said Hall. “In the second year of the program, the focus became leadership and becoming productive, respectable young ladies and gentlemen. The G.R.E.A.T. group now splits into two groups, now known as the G.E.E.S. (Girls Exemplifying Excellent Strength) and G.E.M.S. (Guys Exemplifying Magnificent Strength). All programs have proven beneficial for the majority of students served.”
calendar
Greater Piney Grove starts the New Year with outreach
First Baptist of Decatur prepares for MLK service
Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, 1879 Glenwood Ave., S.E., Atlanta, will kick off the New Year with ministry and community outreach through two events in January. On Sunday, Jan. 5, 4 p.m., Rev. Jasper Williams Pastor William E. Flippin Pastor Jerry D. Black Greater Piney Grove Pastor William E. Flippin, Sr. will join forces with Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Jerry D. Black to host a joint community communion worship service. Pastor Black has prayed at the church’s groundbreakings and preached at the church’s 2009 New Year Revival. On Tuesday, Jan. 7, and Wednesday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m., Greater Piney Grove will welcome the Rev. Jasper Williams, pastor of Salem Bible Church in Atlanta, to be the keynote speaker at the church’s New Year’s revival. 404-377-0561.
First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., is currently registering interested volunteers who want to help with the church’s Martin Luther King, Jr. service project in January. The three-day event is held to do home repairs and yard work for Decatur senior citizens to help them live safely, comfortably and affordable in their homes. Volunteers can work as many hours and days as they wish. The service project dates are: Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m. 1 p.m., and 1 – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 19, 1 – 5 p.m.; and Monday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. Volunteer positions include home repairs, yard work/landscaping, cleaning gutters, transporting materials, as well as monitoring and organizing tool inventory. Volunteers will be assigned homes to work on after registering with Lee Ann Harvey at 678-553-6548 or Mai Cavalli at maicavalli@comcast.net.
Elizabeth Baptist-Atlanta to host youth conference Elizabeth Baptist Church, 4245 Cascade Road, S.W., Atlanta will open its doors for the two-day “Generation Rise” youth conference on Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., on both days. Hosted by Generation Rise Ministries, Elizabeth members say the conference is being held to bring teens to Christ, help them grow in their faith and raise up a generation to declare Jesus as Lord. Attendees can enjoy live sets from more than 10 performers such as “Rashad,” “Gideon’s Army” and “CJ.” The event will also feature a raffle for a pair of Michael Jordan’s “Gamma Blue” Number 11 shoes and live performances from local marching bands. All youths ages 8 – 17 are invited to attend. Tickets are $6. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 404-691-3146.
Victorious Life Church offers recovery support group Victorious Life Church (VLC), 1615 Old McDonough Highway, S.E., Conyers, invites those recovering from addiction to its support group, “Celebrate Recovery.” The group meets on Monday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m. Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a recovery program based on Christian principles designed to help those struggling with hurts, hang-ups, and habits. The group is divided into different categories including anger and co-dependency, being chemically dependent and mixed issues. If you would like to sign up for the support program or be a key part in helping build this new program at VLC, contact Jose Quinones or Mike Scott at 770-6020960.
One Accord Community Church offers food pantry One Accord Community Church, 5285 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, will provide food boxes to the needy every second Wednesday beginning Jan. 8, 2 – 6 p.m. The food boxes include meat, fruit, vegetables and other donated items. For more information on donating to this cause or receiving a box for your family in need, call 770-593-3282.
Ray of Hope kicks off men’s program The men’s ministry at Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Road, Decatur, will begin the 2014 Transformers Authentic Manhood discussion group on Saturday, Jan. 4, 7 a.m., in the church’s choir room. The six-week series runs through Feb. 1. There will be discussions on men’s responsibilities to the community and family, as well as lessons learned in a man’s life. Both, young and seniors are invited. 770-696-5100.
Grace Community Christian Church to host prayer line Pastor Christopher Chappell, founder and Pastor of Grace Community Christian Church in Kennesaw, is offering a prayer line at 6 a.m., Church members say the purpose of the call-in is to address several issues many are facing and provide inspiration, while having continual, effectual, fervent prayer and intercession for the church body, communities, and the entire world. Pastor Chappell leads the daily inspirational prayer. Grace Community Baptist Church, 3737 Stilesboro Road, Kennesaw, was officially organized in 2002 by Pastor Chappell. The dial in number is 1-605-475-4000, Participant Code: 36802#.
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Your faith can unlock amazing blessings this New Year By Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. Guest Columnist
There is good news for believers this New Year. This is the year when God will manifest His blessings upon the righteous. This is the year where God is moving you from just enough to more than enough. When Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. you stretch your faith in 2014, you can expect some amazing blessings. In studying the Word, the Hoy Spirit revealed to me that it’s time to quit asking God for things He has already done. It’s time to decree, proclaim and declare the divine will He has already completed at the Cross. In other words, your blessings are already there. You must use your faith, prayer and praise to release them. Take a look at Ephesians 3:20. Look at the way the author, the Apostle Paul, is describing God: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Whatever we may ask, or think to ask, God is able to do more, exceedingly abundantly more. In other words, it does not matter how many times you go to God in prayer, He never runs dry of blessings! Guess what? You already have this power in you. This power that Paul is talking about is called “Dunamis power.” Dunamis means “act of power, miraculous power, ability to perform anything. When you look at the Scriptures concerning Mary’s conception, you see
how “Dunamis” power works. Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb when the “Dunamis” of God came on her. Luke 1:35: “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power (Dunamis) of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Faith releases “Dunamis” power! Unbelief and lack of faith is the killer of “Dunamis” being released out of our lives. Take a look at Matthew 13:53-58, which discusses how Jesus went to his hometown to minister and heal, but his work could not be done because they lacked faith. Matthew 13:58: “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” There are two things that cause Christians to go into error. First, not knowing the Scriptures. Second, not knowing the power of God in us. Matthew 22:29 – “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” In order to get our blessings in this New Year, we must apply the faith in our hearts towards God’s promises, claiming the reality and fulfillment of them for our lives and ministries. “Dunamis” power is released out of our lives as we act upon the promises of God’s Word. Give God some praise for your “Dunamis” power. Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. is founder of Voices of Faith Ministries, which has locations in Stone Mountain, Conyers, Lovejoy, Gainesville, Suwanee and Baton Rouge, LA.
Rev. Shirley Browne offers help for hurting people through Scriptures By Valerie J. Morgan
Grieving is something that many eventually will face in life, whether from the loss of a loved one or a life-changing event such as a divorce or separation. The Rev. Shirley A. Browne, a grief counselor and author who lives in Snellville, offers encouragement to those who are grieving in a book that she has self-published entitled “Suffering and Grieving: Seeds of Encouragement.” “God was my inspiration for the book,” says Browne, a minister at Antioch Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia. “I had worked at a mortuary where I saw many broken people. I ministered to those who were grieving. I didn’t want the families to deal with death as if they had no hope.” Browne said because she has studied the Scriptures and has a close relationship with God, she doesn’t fear death. “I am not ready to die, but I am prepared. I believe having faith in God, believing and trusting His Word, are the keys to overcoming the fear of death,” she said. Browne uses Biblical Scriptures throughout her book to offer hope to those who are hurting. The book, she said, helps readers “walk with God” through their grieving process—a walk she needed when she lost her
father, who died at age 63. “The book is written for everyone because we will all encounter death, but, especially for those who are struggling with the loss of a loved one and need comfort and encouragement to move forward in life,” Browne said. “People need to understand that they are never alone, and Scripture assures us that God is in control.” Browne said she, herself, has found comfort from the Scriptures in dealing with life’s interruptions such as when she was diagnosed with angioedema in 1984. Angioedema causes swelling of the body including swelling of the airway, making it difficult to swallow and even breathe. Browne recalled the sudden attack on her body: “I was rushed to the hospital by my husband in the middle of the night
because my neck was swollen and I had extreme difficulty breathing. The doctor told us that I had swelling around my heart also. I was immediately given steroid shots. Once the swelling was gone, I was sent home with a prescription for corticosteroids to be taken daily.” Browne said she used the medications for about six months, but stopped after she continued having attacks periodically. “I turned to the Scriptures. I began to fast and pray and asked God to deliver me from whatever was attacking my body. From the moment I prayed, I have not taken medication or had another attack,” said Browne. The Contents page in Suffering and Grieving: Seeds of Encouragement provides readers with a quick reference for issues or concerns they may be experiencing on topics such as “Loneliness,” “Bereavement,” “Worry” and “When Death Occurs.” “My prayer is that if a non-believer reads my book, it will inspire them to form a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” Browne said. Suffering and Grieving: Seeds of Encouragement is available at amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Signed copies are available by contacting Dr. Browne @ shirleybrowne@peoplepc. com.
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january 4, 2014
Health & Wellness
To Contact Us
By Phone: 678-526-1910 By Fax: 678-526-1909 By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com
Army generals visit Grady Hospital to learn about Vitamin D3 research ATLANTA–Dr. L. Ray Matthews, associate professor of surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine, is sharing his innovative research on the use of Vitamin D3 in trauma patients with the U.S. Army. Matthews met this week with U.S. Army Brigadier Gen. C. David Turner, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Pacific Division and retired Brigadier Gen. Arnold N. Gordon-Bray to discuss how the Army might benefit from the Grady Memorial Hospital/Morehouse Department of Surgery research. “Vitamin D3 would improve performance of soldiers by improving muscle strength, endurance, decreasing fatigue, and reducing injuries,” said Matthews, who is surgical critical care director at Grady Memorial Hospital. “The military is spending 10 percent of its budget on health care costs which are expected to rise by 28% over the next 20 years. The military can also save a lot of money by investing in a very inexpensive vitamin/hormone called vitamin D.” Matthews has been studying Vitamin D for 11 years. He has seen the benefits in patients at Grady as well as in student athletes. At Martin Luther King Jr. High School in DeKalb County, he assisted a parent-led initiative with the school’s football team in learning about the benefits of Vitamin D3 supplements as a means of preventing and reducing injuries on the field. As a result, MLK’s football team has only had 2 concussions over the last three years. Vitamin D3 is a steroid hormone that controls 3,000 out of 30,000 genes including the immune response system and the inflammatory response system. While 90 percent of vitamin D is produced by the sun, our skin, liver, and kidneys, only 10 percent of vitamin D3 comes from dietary foods. At Grady, more than 1,000 trauma patients have benefited from Vitamin D, according to Matthews.
Dr. L. Ray Matthews, associate professor of surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine.
Matthews and his research team pioneered the use of a medical cocktail that consists of vitamin D, glutamine, omega 3-faty acids, and progesterone to treat patients with concussions and traumatic brain injuries. The team has gained recognition for its work, publishing a landmark paper in the American Journal of Surgery that discussed the benefits of vitamin D use in trauma and critically ill patients, such as increased wound healing, decreased hospital costs, decreased length of stays, and decreased mortality rates. Matthews said his team’s research shows that
Vitamin D has been key in reducing Morehouse¹s mortality rates to 6.6% for all head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and gunshot wounds to the head, Matthews said. “Most of our traumatic brain injury patients are well adjusted, getting married, going back to school, and returning to work,” Matthews said. In 2014, Matthews will travel abroad to present his vitamin D research in the Middle East. He has also been invited to London, England, Spain, and China to present his vitamin D research.
calendar
Health insurance marketplace assistance available to refugees CLARKSTON—Dr. Kathleen Connors of Georgia Refugee Health and Mental Health and certified insurance navigators will provide Health Insurance Marketplace registration assistance at the Clarkston Library this month. Please call 678-545-8641 to schedule an appointment during the times below or at another time more convenient for you. If you need interpretation, also provide that information when scheduling your appointment. • Thursdays, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30: 3-5 p.m. • Tuesdays, Jan. 7 and 28: 5-8 p.m. • Saturdays, Jan. 4 and 18: 10 a.m.-noon The Clrkston Library is located at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive.
Marcus Jewish Community Center to host blood drive The Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, will host a Red Cross community blood drive on Monday, Jan. 6, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Donors will receive snacks and offers from the American Red Cross. Register to donate at www.redcrossblood.org. 678-812-4000.
DeKalb Extension Service offers health tips for New Year Learn nutrition and exercise tips to make 2014 your healthiest year ever on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Brookhaven Library, 1242 N. Druid Hills Rd., NE, Atlanta. DeKalb Extension Service’s Jessica Hill will present the workshop, which is open to the first 25 participants. To register, call 404-848-7140.
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Emory Healthcare registering for “My Time” sibling class Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree St., Atlanta, is currently registering for a workshop “My Time” sibling class for siblings expecting a new edition to their family on Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 8 have an opportunity to learn about their new baby brothers or sisters. Hospital staff say group discussion, sharing, videos and art activities make this class fun for the soon to be big brother or sister. Maternity, from a child’s point of view, will also be discussed. The cost to attend is $10 per child. For more information or to register, call 404-778-7777.
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january 4, 2014
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CLASSIFIEDS Services Music lesson available. Voice, keyboard, music theory and choir directing. Tutoring for reading also offered. Call 404-284-3935. Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503 Now Hiring Now hiring! Located in
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january 4, 2014
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