Serving DeKalb & Metro Atlanta Volume 17 Number 7
www.ocgnews.com
JULY 1, 2011
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Boston to Two local Chambers of Commerce invite prosecute owner public to explore China, Spain, Ireland of vicious dogs
Trips Abroad
Leonardo McClarty DeKalb Chamber
Solicitor General Sherry Boston
By Valerie J. Morgan
DeKalb County SolicitorGeneral Sherry Boston is preparing to personally prosecute Twyann Artrell Vaughn, the owner of two dogs that mauled a young Lithonia girl last March while the child was playing in her front yard. Erin Ingram, who was 8, had to undergo several surgeries, including the amputation of her left arm below the elbow, after the March 9 attack. Vaughn’s dogs—an American Staffordshire Terrier and another mixed breed— dragged Erin down the street as neighbors tried to no avail to help her. She was freed after police arrived and shot one of the dogs. The other dog ran home, but was later euthanized. Boston says she is leading the prosecution of the case because she wants to send a message: Vicious dogs will not be tolerated in DeKalb County— and owners who fail to properly restrain them will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “This child was permanently disfigured for the rest of her life. She was attacked to the brink of her life,” said Boston. “We have to put owners on notice that they must be held responsible for dogs that are aggressive and harm people. They are responsible for restraining them.” Vaughn, who is facing several charges including reckless conduct, failure to inoculate her dogs against rabies and violation of the vicious dogs act, has pleaded not guilty. The charges are misdemeanors with the reckless conduct charges carrying a maximum of one year in jail. Despite the child’s serious injuries, there is no felony that Vaughn, as the dogs’ owner, can be charged with under existing laws. The case is expected to go to court in August. It’s one of the first high profile cases for Boston’s office since Gov. Sonny Perdue appointed her last December as DeKalb Solicitor See Solicitor-General, page 6 INSIDE
Community News.................... P 3 People.................................... P 9 Business News...................... P 10 We Worship........................... P 11 Home & Garden.................... P 13 Classifieds............................ P 14 CONTACT THE NEWSROOM Phone: (678) 526-1910 n Fax: (678) 526-1909 E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com
By Valerie J. Morgan and Joshua Smith
H
ave you ever dreamed of seeing the Great Wall of China? What about the works of Goya or an ancient castle? The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce are headed abroad and both groups are rolling out the welcome mat to anyone who wants to join them in experiencing the culture, food and top tourists’ destinations in China, Spain or Ireland this fall. The two Chambers have secured substantially discounted rates through tour operators that specialize in packages for Chambers
Fred Boscarino Rockdale Chamber
At A Glance
The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and DeKalb Chamber of Commerce are finalizing plans for their trips abroad. There’s a waiting list for the trip to Spain, but spots remain open for China and Ireland. Rates that are not under deposit and paid in full are subject to change. A current passport and travel Visa are required for the trip to China. A passport is required for trips to Ireland and Spain.
of Commerce. Citslinc International, Inc. is organizing the trip to China. Collette Vacations is organizing the trips to Spain and Ireland. Both are experienced in overseas travel and have taken Chambers across the country to destinations that include Dubai and Italy. The excursions sponsored by the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber and the DeKalb Chamber include round-trip airfare, lodging, several meals, guided tours to natural and historic sites, and ample free time for travelers to shop and explore on their own. And the best part is the trips are open to See Chamber, page 6
China
(Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou) Oct. 14-22: 9-day excursion includes round-trip airfare from JFK in New York, hotels, 3 meals per day, guided tours. Deadline: Full payment due July 20. Contact the Rockdale Chamber: 770-483-7049. Cost: $2,099 per person (double occupancy)
Spain (Barcelona and Madrid)
Nov. 13-20; 8-day excursion includes round-trip airfare from Atlanta, hotels,breakfasts, 2 dinners, and guided tours. Deadline: Full payment due Sept. 14. Contact the Rockdale Chamber: 770-483-7049 Cost: $2,199 per person (double occupancy)
Ireland
(Dublin and Killarney) Nov. 9-16; 8-day excursion includes round-trip airfare from Atlanta, hotels, 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners and guided tours . Deadline: Full payment due Sept. 10. Cost: $2,149 per person (double occupancy) Contact the DeKalb Chamber:
Atlanta seniors get free fans More than a hundred seniors picked up fans and learn about how to stay cool and healthy this summer as the city of Atlanta kicked off its annual free give away at City Hall on June 28. For the 10th year, SCANA Energy donated 1,000 fans to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services for distribution to low-income, elderly residents. “Atlanta’s seniors are a significant part of our city, and ensuring they stay cool and safe this summer is very important to me,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “I appreciate SCANA Energy and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for their commitment to serving our city’s seniors. With their help, we can help keep seniors cool and make their homes comfortable during the summer months.” Elderly people, age 65 and older, are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses than younger people for several reasons including the fact that hey are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat and are more likely to take prescription medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that
hildren were filled with delight as some mimicked chickens clucking, cows mooing, roosters crowing and horses neighing at the Rockdale County Cooperative Extension’s Agriculture Day in Conyers. The June 28 event gave kids and summer campers from the city the chance to pet and learn more about animals that are critical to agriculture and farming such as cows, chickens, roosters, horses and even a llama. “I got the idea for this event a few years ago when I went into a classroom of youngsters and asked how many people think chocolate milk comes from brown cows. When most of the group raised their hands, I knew I had to do something,” said Rockdale Extension Agent Julie Macie, who coordinates the event
See City, page 7
See Food, page 5
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
City kids experience farm life
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Photos and Text by Joshua Smith