Community
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DeKalb’s Snapfinger Elementary teacher inducted into Alabama A&M Hall of Fame
Tree of Love kicks off with dozens signing on to help kids in need
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SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES
VOLUME 20 NUMBER 35
Jamie Grace ready to soar to higher heights
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NOVEMBER 29, 2014
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AAA: Expect cheaper gas prices through the holidays By Valerie J. Morgan
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here’s good news for people who will be traveling by automobile this holiday season: Gas prices will be the cheapest the nation has had in the last five years, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). The national average price
for a gallon of regular unleaded was $2.82 on Sunday. That’s 46 cent lower than this time last year, AAA said. It’s a welcome relief from prices that had been over $3 a gallon around the nation. “Gas prices should continue falling through the rest of the year. If the trend continues, prices could fall another 10 to
20 cents,” said Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. Analysts say the falling prices are due to oil now selling for less than $80 a barrel and a surge in U.S. energy production. Oil production in states like Oklahoma, Texas and North See Gas prices, page 6
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan /OCG News
Mayhem in TURKEYS, TURKEYS, TURKEYS Ferguson
Mike Brown
Darren Wilson
Grand Jury: No charges against Officer Darren Wilson
A
By OCG Staff
fter a few brief minutes of peace on Monday, violence quickly erupted in Ferguson, MO after officials announced that a grand jury had decided police officer Darren Wilson will not face any criminal charges in the shooting death of Michael Brown. Demonstrators in Ferguson began looting and throwing bricks as police fired tear gas to control the crowds. Several people were reportedly arrested in the melee. In Atlanta, many expressed that they were upset, taking to social media to vent, but calm prevailed. Law enforcement, clergy and community leaders throughout metro Atlanta had met days ahead of the grand jury’s decision to promote peace. Protestors again promised Monday night to demonstrate peacefully during a “speak-out” planned at Underground Atlanta. “I’m almost at a loss for words. I’m fighting my rage,” said Arielle Lucier, who has been following the Ferguson case and leading protests in Atlanta under the hash tag #ITSBIGGERTHANYOU. Lucier said she and others in Atlanta plan to continue their nonviolent demonstrations. “We encourage people to get out in the streets and let your voice be heard See Ferguson, page 6
Photos by Joshua Smith and Glenn L. Morgan /OCG News
Hundreds of people filled the parking lot at the Gallery of South DeKalb in Decatur to receive free turkeys, lining up as early as 5 a.m. in the cold, while at the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, hundreds of families were given complete Thanksgiving meals to cook. Rockdale County Commissioner Oz Nesbitt passed out dozens of turkeys in Conyers to the needy. The giveaways were held Nov. 22-23.
Free giveaways help hundreds in DeKalb and Rockdale
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By Joshua Smith
ore than 400 turkeys were distributed to needy families in DeKalb County on Nov. 22 as a part of The Women in NAACP, DeKalb County Branch, and County Commissioner Larry Johnson’s 2nd Annual Holiday Turkey Giveaway. The frozen turkeys were distributed in the parking lot at the Gallery at South DeKalb, where hundreds of families were wrapped around the lot by the time the sun came up. “I got here at 5 a.m. I’m glad I
came here early, too. Never thought the line would be this long,” said Gerald Henson of Decatur. “I’m very grateful and thankful to Larry Johnson and the women of the NAACP for coming out here in the cold and helping out the people.” Commissioner Johnson said testimonies such as Henson’s show that a great need still exists in the county, especially during the holiday season. “Look around us. The need is still here. They say the recession is over, but you still have people who are suffering, who need our help,” said
Johnson, who represents DeKalb’s District 3, which includes the mall where the giveaway was held. “This is just a small part of what we can do to try to bridge the gap for our brothers and sisters in need. This season is all about giving back. I’m excited to collaborate with the NAACP and our other sponsors to do this for the people of our district.” Wal-mart and Big Bear grocery store donated the turkeys. The nonprofit, Mission Agape, also donated 50 See Turkeys, page 8
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NOVEMBER 29, 2014
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DONALD TRIMBLE MORTUARY & KINGDOM OF CHRIST CHURCH MINISTRIES PRESENTS:
Christmas Miracles Toy Drive
WALMART, 2427 GRESHAM ROAD, S.E. ATLANTA, GA 30316
SATURDAY, NOV. 29, 2014 • 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. Donald Trimble Mortuary, Kingdom of Christ Church Ministries and The Reggie Gay Gospel Show will be “on location” at Walmart, 2427 Gresham Road, S. E. Atlanta, Georgia 30316. Toys collected will be placed in one of the Donald Trimble Mortuary hearses. Walmart will have coordinated $10, $15 and $20 toys packs for people to buy and contribute. Metro Atlanta churches, especially congregations in East & South Dekalb County, are asked to collect toys from members. Deliver to the “toy drive” on SAT, NOV 29, 2014 from 11AM-2PM. Individuals and local businesses are asked to contribute too. Churches and ministries that participate will be acknowledged on The Reggie Gay Gospel Show on AM 1480 WYZE, Atlanta, WATC-TV 57, Atlanta.
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NOVEMBER 29, 2014 PAGE 3
Community News
NOVEMBER 29, 2014 VOLUME 20, NO. 35 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 weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
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DeKalb libraries offer help for health insurance sign ups Do you need health insurance? Learn how the Health Insurance Marketplace can help you at the DeKalb Public Library. Assistance provided by Oakhurst Medical Centers. Call 404-298-8998, ext. 371 for an appointment. Walk-ins also welcome. Monday, Dec. 1: 10 a.m.—Noon. Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. 404-2866980. Monday, Dec. 8: 10 a.m. — Noon and 5—7:45 p.m. Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur. 404-286-6986. Tuesday, Dec. 9: 5:00—7:45 p.m. Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. 770482-3828. Monday, Dec. 15: 11 a.m.-1p.m. and 5 p.m.—7:45 p.m. Gresham Library, 2418 Gresham Road, Atlanta. 404-244-4374. Saturday, Dec. 20: 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library, 952 Leon Street, Stone Mountain. 770-4132020. Monday, Dec. 22: 10 a.m.Noon and 5:00 —7:45 p.m. Flat Shoals Library, 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. 404-244-4370
DeKalb’s Snapfinger Elementary teacher inducted into Alabama A&M Hall of Fame
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By Joshua Smith
napfinger Elementary School’s Karsten Edwards now joins some of his alma mater’s most famous alumni including Olympic champion Dannette Young-Stone, four-time NFL Superbowler Howard Ballard and former NBA player Mickell Gladness in Alabama A&M University’s Sports Hall of Fame. “It’s been very humbling. You work so hard, run and train everyday. You never think something like this will happen. I was just working hard at a sport I loved,” said Edwards, who has been a physical education teacher for the DeKalb County School System for the last 18 years. “It was nice to share the moment with fellow inductee and teammate Georgia Harrison. This induction also serves as a chance to show my family and the kids I teach the rewards you receive in the future will be worth the work and dedication you put it now.” Held last month in Huntsville, AL, the ceremony was a time for father Joel Edwards to stand proudly. “Karsten is a great athlete, but more importantly, he is a great son and a great teacher. We were all so proud at his induction. He really deserves it, hands down,” said Joel Edwards, a resident of Decatur, who was joined by his wife, Brenda, and three of their six children. Edwards said his son, Karsten, started running track in sixth grade at Crawford W. Long Middle School in Atlanta. “We had to move to Illinois when Karsten went to high school and he broke so many records. One record he broke stood for 13 years before Karsten came. We knew he would shine on the track forever after that. Some of his records still haven’t
been broken in Georgia and Illinois,” said Joel Edwards. Karsten Edwards was inducted with four other former Alabama A&M University(AAMU) athletes, representing track and field and swimming. In college, Edwards was affectionately known as “10.1” after posting some of America’s best 100-meter dash times and he is known as one of the best sprinters in AAMU history. The Huntsville City Council issued a resolution honoring the inductees. “We extend best wishes for continued success and health,” the Council said in its resolution. While at AAMU, Edwards became
a six-time All Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) sprinter in the 100m, 200m and 4x100 relay over a three-year period. He was also a three-time Division II All–American and served as team captain in 1993 and 1994. Edwards was among the top 40 in the world when he competed in the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trial in New Orleans where he ran against Olympic gold medalists Carl Lewis and Andre Cason. “That was an experience I will never forget. Just being around the fastest people in the world and competing against them was just remarkable,” said Edwards. “I was at A&M from 1992 – 1996 but that year in 1992 birthed a remarkable experience.” Edwards has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. After graduating, he went on to found Track Phi Track Elite Club and he now currently serves as CEO of SMART Event Management, a Sporting Event Management Company. Edwards enjoys reading, traveling and learning more everyday. He is married to wife LaSonya and they have three children. He says training up young athletes is one of the most rewarding parts of his career. “I have one young runner that I’m working with personally but I love all the kids. In South DeKalb we really need men to step up in the education system for our kids. Not just work lesson plans for pencil and pad but lead the kids with guidance for discipline, leadership and other critical characteristics you can’t just learn in a book,” said Edwards who mentors young athletes and hosts meets where as many as 600 runners compete. “All the accolades are great but helping the next generation is truly something I look forward to everyday.”
Three Shiloh High students receive homecoming makeovers By Joshua Smith
Like the pages out of a fairytale, three Shiloh High School students were whisked away and made over for their homecoming dance last month. The three lucky girls picked by the non-profit, “Diva in the Making Foundation,” were: Kiera Peoples (10th grade), Yasmine Neily (11th grade), and Prayer Welwean (12th grade). This is the second year the Diva in the Making Foundation has fulfilled the organization’s mission to create an experience that will last a lifetime for three deserving young ladies at Shiloh High School. Each one of the girls selected had a 3.2 GPA or higher along with having demonstrated high character attributes. “I was looking for a way to help other girls gain that level of confidence, of a diva, and that’s how I came up with this community service project,” said Patricia Watson, a 16-year-old senior at Atlanta’s Woodward Academy who founded the organization. “Every year, we want to pick three deserving girls to help them get in touch with their inner diva. The girls received their free makeover by celebrity hairstylist and Real Housewives of Atlanta personality “Derek J.” He and his staff at his Buckhead salon, The J-Spot, gave the girls free hairdos. The honorees also received makeup by Jacqueline Loggins, manicures by Ray Baby Nails and accessories by private sponsors. Watson solicited the help of the school’s student council for dresses and yearbook staff for pictures. Initially, Shiloh High faculty identified 20 young ladies, however, only five students fit the criteria established by Watson. Shiloh teacher Sharon Rogers,
Diva in the Making Foundation founder Patricia Watson(back) stands proudly with three Shiloh seniors selected for homecoming makeovers.
homecoming coordinator, narrowed the list down to three and then interviewed those prospects. “What she (Watson) is doing is just awesome. The girls have outstanding GPAs and great personalities,” said Watson. The recipients say the makeovers made their Oct. 25 homecoming a reality. “I never would have thought about attending homecoming because of how expensive everything is. The opportunity was amazing,” said Neily, who is also a Girl Scout. “The experience was wonderful and it helped to boost my confidence level,” said Peoples, who is a competitive cheerleader. “The homecoming was super fun. I am so thankful for the makeover. I got tons of compliments, thanks to A Diva in
the Making Foundation,” said Welwean, a senior taking all Advanced Placement courses at Shiloh. Welwean hopes to attend MIT, Georgia Tech or Emory University to study International Affairs. Watson chose to help girls at Shiloh High because she is a former student of the school. She said her goal with the service project is to reward girls that take academic achievement seriously. She prides herself with maintaining a cumulative 3.89 GPA. “My family has taught me that in order to be blessed, you must give back. It warms my heart to give back to the community any way I can,” said Watson. “I came up with this project because nowadays, a lot of students think it’s not cool if you are smart. I wanted to reward girls who are excelling academically.”
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NOVEMBER 29, 2014
Coming Up
Activities include live music, craft stations, treats, artist appearances and more. Some of the performances will include Atlanta Young Singers, A Soulful Christmas Chocolettes, Dwayne Boyd Photography, Mike Bend the ELF, Gingerbread Experience, DeKalb Fire Rescue Explorers, Holiday Mocktails, Hank Stewart’s Hot Chocolate Affair, and a sneak preview performance by McClendon Performing Arts Institute. The event is free and open to the public. “The holidays are an incredibly special time,” states Commissioner Johnson. “I am overjoyed that we are bringing this phenomenal, free opportunity to the public to engage in a bit of holiday cheer.” For more information, contact Kendra Kelly at 404-371-2425 or email kkelly@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
City of Pine Lake sets holiday breakfast, lake lighting
Wesley Chapel Library sets Heritage Festival The Friends of the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library will host a Community Unity Day on Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. Guests will be able to enjoy a children’s corner, refreshments, games, door prizes, Friends membership table, and a rare books sale. Visit the video lounge and view the heritage video on the life of Dr. William C. Brown and other AfricanAmerican greats. For more information, call 404-286-6980.
ATLANTA Resonate Atlanta Church sets “Kirkwood Home for the Holidays” Resonate Atlanta Church, 533 W Howard Ave., Decatur, will host “Kirkwood Home for the Holidays,” throughout downtown Kirkwood on Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 – 9 .m. The holiday celebration offers a Christmas tree lighting and community festival. The festival includes a local artist holiday market, live music, a scavenger hunt, a holiday pet costume contest, a visit from Santa and photos at the “North Pole” photo booth, food from local vendors, as well as hot cocoa and festival spirits for those of age. Hosea L Williams between Howard Street N.E. and Kirkwood Road, N.E., will be closed for the event. For more information, contact Christopher Chase at 404-386-9608 or chriscase@ resonateatlanta.org.
DHS seeks public comment on state older worker plan The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS) is requesting public comments on 2014 updates to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) State Plan. The document describes Georgia’s four-year strategy for the statewide management of the SCSEP. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, SCSEP (Title V of the Older Americans Act) provides subsidized employment training, job-search assistance and supportive services to eligible older Georgians seeking greater financial self-sufficiency. The draft plan update is available for review at the link shown below: http://aging.dhs. georgia.gov/senior-community-service-employment-program Comments must be received by close-of-business on Monday, Dec.15. Written comments on the plan may be emailed to gjohnson@dhr.state.ga.us, faxed to 404-657-5285, or mailed to the following address: Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services to the Attention: Gwenyth Johnson, 2 Peachtree Street, N.W., 33rd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303.
DEKALB
The City of Pine Lake will host a holiday breakfast and lake lighting on Saturday, Dec. 6. The breakfast will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the community beach house, 4680 Lakeshore Drive, Pine Lake. The lighting of the lake will take place in the evening at 6:30 p.m. followed by a cookie exchange. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 404-292-4250.
Avondale Estates sets annual city Christmas tree lighting The Avondale Estates Christmas celebration begins with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, Monday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale Road. Boy Scout Troop 6 will be giving away cookies in a tent adjacent to the tree. This is a rain-or-shine event, additional tents will be set up if needed. The Avondale Estates First Baptist Church will begin caroling at 6:30 p.m. The tree lighting will follow and cider and doughnuts will be served at approximately 7 p.m. Santa Claus will make a special personal appearance.
GWINNETT Probate court offers mass wedding ceremony Gwinnett County is offering couples wedding ceremonies on Dec. 13, the last consecutive day of the year at 10:11 a.m., to keep the consecutive theme going. The ceremonies will be held at the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Berkeley Lake. Couples who are getting married must obtain a valid marriage license prior to the wedding and bring the license, along with valid identification to the ceremony. To get a license, couples will need to contact Probate Court at (770) 822-8250. Each couple may also invite up to four guests to stand with them during the mass ceremony. Couples are encouraged to arrive early; doors will open at 9 a.m. and the ceremony will begin promptly at 10:11 a.m. After the ceremony, couples can choose to participate, for a fee, in a mass outdoor reception hosted by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation in a romantic garden and tent. Cost for the reception is $12 per person and includes light refreshments and keepsake champagne flutes. Gwinnett County Chief Magistrate Hammer Blum and Gwinnett County Probate Judge Christopher Ballar will conduct the wedding ceremony. There is no fee for the wedding officiating. Couples and their guests are welcome to bring their own cameras to capture the special day. Couples who wish to participate in the free wedding ceremony and optional reception must call (678) 277-0920 to register by Monday, Dec. 1. You must pre-register to be part of the free mass wedding ceremony.
Historic courthouse offers self-guided holiday tours Staff members at Gwinnett County’s Historic Courthouse have decked the halls with special Christmas decorations for you to take a self-tour and enjoy on Monday – Friday, starting on, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The tour is free. Courthouse staff encourage you to bring your camera. You can see the “elegantly dressed” superior court ballroom, the holiday-themed themed Grand Jury Room, the Train and Tree Village, the charming “North Pole” in the Gallery Hall where you’ll find Santa’s Den and an elf workshop. You can also get a photo of the kids in the snowman village. The courthouse is located at 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450.
Donald Trimble Mortuary sets community toy drive
Free water preservation workshop for residents
Donald Trimble Mortuary and Kingdom of Christ Ministries will host the Christmas Miracles Toy Drive for needy families on Saturday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Wal-mart, located at the intersection of Gresham Road and Highway I-20 in Atlanta. The Reggie Gay Gospel Show will broadcast live. Organizers are calling on churches and individuals in the community to purchase toys for children up to12 years old. The Walmart on Gresham Road will have toy packs for people to buy for $10, $15 or $20 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Toy contributions will be placed in hearses at the front of the Wal-Mart. Last year, more than 300 families benefitted from the community service toy drive.
The Gwinnett County Corporate Extension office will host a free workshop for residents, “Homeowner H2O: Water Conversation,” at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center’s Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. Learn how the planet’s water is recycled and the role you play in water conservation. For more information or to register for the workshop, call 678-376-6722.
Task force meeting rescheduled for Dec. 3 The DeKalb County Governance Operations Task Force meeting originally scheduled for Nov. 21 has been rescheduled to Monday, Dec. 3, 6 – 8p.m. at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The Operations Task Force, created by DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May through an Executive Order in March, held its first meeting on June 5, 2014. The Operations Task Force will explore and study: the financial, business, zoning and quality of life impact on residents and government operations caused by the creation of new cities and annexations; the effectiveness of the current governance structure of DeKalb County, ethics, and transparency in County operations; the equitable distribution of Homestead Option Sales Tax (HOST) proceeds and legacy pension costs between DeKalb County and its cities; and other related matters. The Operations Task Force is charged with making recommendations that can be forwarded to the Georgia General Assembly in December.
Commissioner Johnson announces 7th annual community tree lighting DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson will present his annual holiday tree lighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The holiday village opens at 5 p.m. and the tree lighting will occur at 7:15 p.m.
ROCKDALE First Baptist ushers in Christmas with large tree First Baptist Church of Conyers, 2100 Old Highway, 138 N.E., Conyers, will welcome the Christmas season on Friday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. with a Christmas program and a 25-foot tall living Christmas tree. The free concert is entitled, “When Hope Was Born,” and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. After Christmas carols sung by a choir featuring 80 voices, accompanied by a 45-member orchestra, the tree will be lit. The choir members align the tree on stage as singing ornaments in a unique holiday performance. Tickets are free. There will be performances on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 as well. For tickets or for more information, call 770-483-8700 or visit www.firstconyers.com/lct.
Officials to be sworn in on Dec. 18 Rockdale County Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford will preside over the swearingin ceremony for newly-elected Post 2 Commissioner Doreen Williams and incumbents, Chief Superior Court Judge David Irwin and District Attorney Richard Read, who both ran unopposed. The ceremony is set for Thursday, Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m., in Judge Mumford’s courtroom, 922 Court St., Conyers. Following the swearing-in ceremony, a community reception will be held in the courtroom rotunda. 770-278-7696.
NOVEMBER 29, 2014 PAGE 5
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
T&S Beauty Supply wants to make your natural hair shine Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Tree of Love kicks off with dozens signing on to help kids in need By Joshua Smith
T
he spirit of giving was in the air as dozens of shoppers at the Gallery at South DeKalb added a needy child to their holiday list on Nov. 22 in Decatur. “Let’s make a difference in our community. This is the time to be a blessing to someone else, and you never know what this will do for these kids,” said DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, who was on hand to host the 16th annual Tree of Love toy drive. “Some kids want something as simple as a G.I. Joe or a leapfrog. If you can’t do that, buy them a book, T-shirts. Most of these children will receive nothing on Christmas without people pitching in.” Since its inception, the event has served about 7,000 children of needy families, Johnson said. The children come from the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) foster care and low-income households in and around the community. Donors are asked to take a child’s name from the Tree of Love and purchase a gift and return it on or before the Christmas program that is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 20, noon, at the Macy’s stage at the Gallery at South DeKalb. The Tree of Love served about 500 children last year and supporters hope to do the same or more this holiday season. “We are witnessing heartbreaking struggles firsthand with this year’s campaign. Some of these single parents have three part-time jobs in an effort to make up for the one job they were laid off from and other similar situations,” said Adika Trimble, a program director at DFCS. “The economy and other factors make the need grow each year.” Also on hand were newlyelected school board member Vickie Turner and her husband, Robert Turner, II, who offered prayer, motivational words and pitched in to help decorate the Tree of Love. “It is an honor for us to be a part of the event for the fourth year. It is significant to see that every year, the need grows for children in South DeKalb county. My husband and I already have our name picked off the tree,” said Turner, who represents District 5. “We can bring joy to a
With a special focus on natural hair, Snellville’s Truth and Spirit Beauty Supply Store looks to bring a different level of customer service to shoppers. T&S owner and operator Theresa Black says the store is dedicated to providing quality products to customers. Black says the store wants to build a reputation for having a distinctive upscale approach to beauty and will serve as a one-stop shop for hair products and accessories for the entire family. “We are committed to providing exceptional customer service with passion, the utmost professionalism, and courtesy at all times,” said Black. Black is a 13-year resident of Snellville and says she hopes she can educate African American women in the area about the benefits of natural, healthy hair. “We won’t sell a lot of perm products or anything like that because I have a real passion for women to have a healthy head of hair, the natural way,” said Black. “Styling natural hair is more economically friendly and natural hair can be cared for
without dangerous chemicals. Those are just some of the truths we will share with customers.” T&S is an African American-owned and operated business. The store will feature hair care products from most popular mainstream natural hair brands such as Mizani, Design Essentials, Mixed Chicks, Hicks Total Transformations, Taliah Waajid, III Sisters, Miss Jessie’s, and Nu Expressions. The Snellville store will also have virgin human hair, Remy and synthetic hair for braiding, wigs and makeup, as well as jewelry for sale. Sew-ins and braiding services will be available to customers, too. Black says customers can look for sales on certain products and jewelry on the day after Thanksgiving, “Black Friday.” She also plans to hold a grand opening celebration. T&S is located at 1987 Scenic Highway, Snellville, in the Scenic Square Shopping Center, adjacent to Michaels. Phone: 470395-7382. This is a paid advertisement.
Rockdale County Probate Court Judge Charles K. Mays Presents
l a t n e M y t Communi it m m u S h t l a He 4• Dec. 13, 201
9 a.m.
Rockdale Career Academy 104 Culpepper Drive, Conyers, GA Join us and our panel of experts to explore how mental health disorders can affect siblings, parents and spouses. The summit will offer options and resources that are available to reduce the impact on family members. Panel Discussions: Proper Diagnosis • Medical Care/Treatment Legal Awareness • What is a Lay Affidavit (10-13) • Support For Families • What Is An ETC • Housing/Personal Care Homes
child’s heart who is truly in need. God has blessed us all this year in some way.” If you would like to contribute to the toy drive for needy children this holiday season, Commissioner Johnson will host a similar event on Saturday, Dec. 6, noon – 2 p.m., at the Wal-Mart on Memorial Drive. To become a sponsor or for more information, contact 404-371-2425 or larryjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Breakout Sessions: • How the provider, hospital, and Family should interact to insure correct placement • Re-Entry Into The Community • The basics of Mental Health • Electro Convulsive Therapy as an option for treatment resistant mood disorders • Introduction to GCAL/MCRS services • Resources to get the help that is needed for care • Power of Attorney/Advance Directives
Free to Attend
For more information, contact Deborah Anderson at 770-278-7700
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Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth
NOVEMBER 29, 2014
Charley English
Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard
Gretchen Corbin
Matt Arthur
Susan Andrews
Tricia Chastain
Tracy Ireland
Toby Carr
Corinna Robinson
Christopher Tomlinson
Russell McMurry
Deal names new leaders for public safety, education, family services, community affairs Gov. Nathan Deal announced appointments to positions of leadership in various state government roles, several of which will become effective in January. Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth will become the director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) effective in
January. Butterworth will replace Charley English, who will assume the position of deputy director of GEMA. The governor has also tapped Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, current assistant adjutant general of the Georgia Department of Defense, to serve as the adjutant general of Georgia effective in
January. Camila Knowles, current chief of staff for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, has been nominated, pending board approval, to be the commissioner for the Department of Community Affairs effective in January. Knowles is replacing
Gretchen Corbin, who has been nominated by Deal, pending board approval, as the commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) effective upon Commissioner Ron Jackson’s retirement in
said. “While this decision does not do justice to Michael Brown and his family, it serves as an opportunity for Atlanta, and the rest of the nation, to engage in a thoughtful conversation on how to build greater trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.” Clergy with People In Communities Organizing (PICO) said the decision came as no surprise. The organization issued the following statement: “Today’s decision is deeply disappointing, but it comes as no surprise. It is another unconscionable blow to the St. Louis community and communities of color across America who have suffered through painful patterns of police abuses, discrimination and aggressive policing tactics at the expense of human life. Our children, our brothers and sisters, our loved ones have died at the hands of unrepentant law enforcement right in front of our eyes and enough is enough. “Not indicting Officer Darren
Wilson highlights a clear pattern of injustice and sends this community a message: the Ferguson Police Department and St. Louis County officials do not value Black lives,” PICO said. “Michael Brown’s body was riddled with bullets and left lying in the street for more than four hours. The police response to a grieving and traumatized community was shocking and shameful: tear-gassing peaceful protesters, selective arrests, violations of the constitutional right to free speech and assembly, pointing military-grade weapons at unarmed young people, running police cars over Brown’ s memorial, using dogs to intimidate community members, even urinating on the site of the shooting. In America, this should be a disgrace and does not look like the will of God.” The 28-year-old Officer Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown, 18, on Aug. 9 during a confrontation. Brown was unarmed.
See Appointments, page 9
Gas prices continued from page 1
Dakota has doubled in just six years, economists say. Jenkins said the falling prices for oil is boosting the economy just in time for holiday shopping. “Travelers are thankful to have more money in their pockets due to falling gas prices,” said Jenkins. “Cheaper gasoline has helped boost disposable income and consumer spending, which encourages more people to travel.” Bernard Hendrix of College Park said he definitely welcomes lower gas prices as he travels to Statesboro three hours away to see family for the holidays. “I always go down to Statesboro to enjoy my family there. The lower gas prices are of course a plus,” said Hendrix, who drives an Acura sedan. “We are all thankful for lower gas prices.” Jarrett Maynard agrees. He says he’s looking forward to saving at the pump when he fills up his Lexus SUV for his three-and-a-half-hour trip from Ellenwood to Savannah “I’m looking forward to seeing
my family and enjoying the fresh seafood and after and working on my uncle’s classic Mustang with my cousins.” Of the 41.3 million road trippers expected nationwide, 2.1 million will be Floridians, 1.9 million Georgians and 973,710 Tennesseans. The majority (89%) of Americans will drive rather than fly to their destination, AAA said. “Many people prefer driving, because it offers the best travel option for controlling expenses,” said Jenkins. “People have more flexibility in trip length and the option to make last-minute changes.” The average round trip is forecast to be 549 miles this holiday weekend. Motorists who visit AAA. com/Gas can use the Fuel Cost Calculator to determine how much money they will spend on fuel during their road trip. Those who download the AAA mobile app can find hotels, restaurants and the cheapest gas prices along their route.
Ferguson continued from page 1
nonviolently. We will first mobilize in the street and then move for legislation. People young and old, black, white, brown will continue to stand together with us. We are finished talking. It’s time to move.” Law enforcement officials in Ferguson and across the nation had been on high alert as the nation awaited the decision by the grand jury, which was comprised of nine whites and three blacks. Prosecuting attorney Robert McCulloch announced the decision around 9 p.m. on Nov. 24, citing consideration of differing witness reports as a one reason for the long jury session, which started Aug. 20. President Obama spoke to the nation following the announcement, urging peaceful demonstrations. He reminded the nation of the wishes of Michael Brown’s parents who had called for peace, regardless of the outcome. “Michael Brown’s parents have lost more than anyone. We should be honoring their wishes,” President Obama said during a televised news conference. Ahead of Monday’s announcement, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon had declared a state of emergency, calling up the National Guard to ensure public safety. The move, however, inflamed tensions in Ferguson with some saying that would create a militarization of its streets. Metro Atlanta officials have worked hard to keep peace at home. Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents the Fourth District, called on protestors to exercise nonviolence and law enforcement officials to exercise restraint. “I am shocked, and along with many
others, outraged by the process of the grand jury consideration of the killing of Michael Brown, and the decision reached by the grand jury to not indict this officer,” said Johnson. “These are trying times, and people have a right to protest what we see as an injustice. Protests should be expected, but I urge protesters to remain peaceful. Death, personal injury or property destruction will not right the injustice, nor will it bring Michael Brown back to life. So let’s be smart, and let’s handle this through the strategy of non-violence. I also urge law enforcement to exercise restraint and to not meet peaceful protesters with a militarized show of force like what we saw in August. Such a display will only inflame protesters and provoke a violent response.” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also urged peaceful demonstrations. “I believe we should respect the wishes of Michael Brown’s father, Michael Brown Sr., that all protests be conducted in a way that honors his son’s memory, rather than distract from it,” Reed said. “It is also essential that all local, state, and federal law enforcement officials show proper restraint and respect every citizen¹s constitutional right to assemble. Atlanta’s history demonstrates that we can come together and protest in a non-violent and peaceful fashion.” Reed said the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have opened civil rights investigations and he is looking forward to the findings. “We must view this case, not just through our own eyes, but through the eyes of parents who lost a child,” Reed
RITA TECH offers how-to for non-profits RITA TECH, INC will host “How To Start and Manage A Nonprofit Organization,” a one-day business development training course, on December 6, 2014, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Memorial Drive Office Center, 5300 Memorial , Ste 201, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. The course is designed for anyone interested in developing a non-profit organization that will generate revenue rather than relying solely on grants and donations for sustainability. Participants will learn: Starting and Building a 501c3 Organization, Building A Social Model, How to Become a Social Entrepreneur, Board Development and Staffing, Developing Commercial Products and Services to Meet the Needs of Your Clients, How to Turn Your Mission Into Revenue, Attract New Clients, Create New Levels of Services and Improve Your Organization’s Competitive Advantage. Who should attend: churches, foundations, youth associations, home owners associations, charter or home schools, fraternities, sororities, PTAs, CHDOs CDFIs, motorcycle clubs, corporations wanting to start a foundation, organizations who are just receiving their 501c3 number or have been dormant for less than three years. The cost to attend is $149. Participants must register by emailing their name, organization, address, phone number, email address and the number of participants planning to attend the course to: info@ ritatech.org. For more information, call 678-965-3589 ask for Nonprofit Training or visit www.ritatech.org
NOVEMBER 29, 2014 PAGE 7
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Jamie Grace ready to soar to higher heights By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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ne of DeKalb County’s own, Jamie Grace, is soaring again with her newly-released single, Do Life Big, a joyous anthem that captures the sunny spirit and can do approach of the contemporary Christian singer. Do Life Big follows Grace’s highly successful album, Ready to Fly, which was released January 2014, and her debut album, One Song at a Time, which earned her the 2012 Dove Award for New Artist of the Year. “I still really don’t know exactly what I’m doing. I’m just going to trust the Lord and play my guitar, play my banjo and play my organ and see what happens,” said Grace, who said her next album will showcase her instrument playing abilities. Discovered by Grammy winner and Billboard 200 No. 1 artist TobyMac in 2010 via her YouTube channel, Grace earned the 2012 Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year” and the hit single, “Hold Me,” earned her both Grammy and Dove nominations. The Lithonia resident has appeared on high profile television shows such as “The View” and her YouTube channel has surpassed 16 million views. In the coming weeks, the 23-yearold is set to release a Christmas EP with her sister, Morgan Harper Nichols, and go on a month-long, cross-country Christmas tour. Grace said the upcoming Christmas album will feature both, the sisters’ writing and vocals, and will include a duet of I’ll be Home for
Christmas along with other Christmas classics. She said she and her older sister are very close and grew up singing in the church choir together. “She’s an incredible writer and artist and it was really cool to have her talent on this album. Morgan and I are best friends and we work really well together,” said Grace. “The only issue that we have working together is that we
both love pizza. Sometimes, when we get together to write, we end up ordering pizza and watching a movie.” Grace, who comes from a musical family, learned to play her first instrument, the drums, shortly after being diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 11. A self-taught drummer, Grace spends most of her days writing and rehearsing with her band but still
makes time to FaceTime with friends and is looking forward to spending the Thanksgiving holiday vacationing before heading back on tour. As she’s grown from a talented teen into an accomplished young woman, even Grace is amazed at the events of her life thus far. “I’m so happy that I’ve gotten to do so much and I want to keep going, but if I have to stop, I could honestly say that I’ve done way more than what I was expecting,” Grace said. “It’s an honor to get to do what I do, and I want to do it for the rest of my life.” November is National Adoption Month and it is especially important to Grace, who recently launched her own nonprofit, the Jamie Grace Foundation, geared toward helping kids in foster care. Grace, whose parents are both pastors in Stone Mountain, said that she and her sister were raised with foster siblings. “We always had food, a place to sleep and somewhere to call home and I just want to make sure that every kid has that,” said Grace. “I think a lot of times we talk about kids in other countries, but it’s right here in our home town in DeKalb County.” The foundation recently delivered four beds to children who were sleeping on the floor and will launch an afterschool program in 2015. Grace’s Christmas tour kicks off Nov. 30 at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta. For tickets and Grace’s full tour schedule, visit www.jamiegrace.com.
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Turkeys continued from page 1
coats to those in need. Radio One and the non-profit, Hug Life, pitched in to donate door prizes and snacks. The DeKalb Women in NAACP helped coordinate the distribution of turkeys with teams of women pitching in labor and delivering the turkeys from grocery stores to the Decatur mall. “We had a great team of women bagging the turkeys and even going back to the store when we ran out because this year, we wanted to make sure we didn’t turn anyone away,” said Dennise Allen, who chairs the women’s group. “We know the need is great and we look forward to helping the community with this event again next year.” Also in DeKalb, Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church served 500 needy families with a complete Thanksgiving dinner, which included boxes that were each filled with a roasted hen, collard greens, cabbage, potatoes, sweet potatoes and cornbread mix. The church helps the community this time of year annually, officials said. “This is a team effort that could only be made possible with the help of our generous members. We also received donations from the Metro Atlanta Urban Farm,” said Chianti Mitchell, the church’s outreach pastor. “Our members have showed up and showed out and we are excited to serve the
community this year and look forward to doing it again next year.” Greater Piney Grove passed out the boxes early Saturday morning (Nov. 22). Dozens of volunteers from the church helped distribute the food at the church’s gymnasium. In Rockdale County, where it was raining, Post I Commissioner Oz Nesbitt enlisted the help of the Profilers Motorcycle Club to distribute about 150 turkeys to needy families on Nov. 23 in Conyers. “There are so many people who are hungry and whether they are unemployed or not, they are hurting. We want to do all we can to make sure the residents of Rockdale County have a happy thanksgiving,” said Nesbitt. “We have to find folks where they are. We have to be out on the ground to help as many people as possible to help them bless themselves and their loves ones around the dinner table.” The turkeys were donated from local grocery stores, residents and the motorcycle club. One recipient, Louise Dean, said Nesbitt has the right idea about the holidays. “This is the real reason for the season. It’s awesome to see people really love each other and can come together to help. To me, that’s what America is all about,” said Dean.
Photos by Joshua Smith and Glenn L. Morgan /OCG News
Organizers throughout metro Atlanta say they were happy to help families in need and look forward to helping those who are less fortunate next year.
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Chamblee adopts ordinance to Gwinnett proposes $1.45 billion operating budget combat unwanted handbills The City of Chamblee has adopted a new ordinance aimed at assisting residents with unwanted handbills distributed at their homes. Handbills typically are any printed or written material, leaflets, papers or fliers. The ordinance also would prevent the accumulation of handbills that create an eyesore on clearly vacant properties. The city has created decals to be placed on mailboxes for residents who do not want to receive handbills. The Chamblee Police Department reached out to several local organizations ahead of time to advise them of the ordinance and description of the decals. The green mailbox decals can be picked up at the Police Department Records Section from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The decals should be placed on the bottom right hand corner of the mailbox lid. If unwanted deliveries continue to decaled locations, resident are advised to email code_enforcement@chambleega.com with the address of the complaint and name of the unwanted handbill.
Gwinnett approves wellness center for county employees The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has approved a contract with Healthstat Inc. to operate a wellness center for employees and retirees. Healthstat manages more than 300 centers across the nation and is accredited by the National Committee of Quality Assurance in wellness and health promotion. Locally, the company operates Cobb County’s employee health center. “The wellness center will play an important role in assisting our employees to better manage their health and health-improvement efforts,” Gwinnett County Human Resources Director Scott Fuller said. The facility, to be located on the second floor of the Gwinnett County Government Annex Building at 750 South Perry Street in Lawrenceville, will have a multipurpose room for training and wellness activities plus five exam rooms, a laboratory, a dispensary and office space for medical and wellness program staff. At a meeting earlier this month, commissioners awarded a $666,500 construction contract to low bidder Beatty Construction Inc., which includes build-out of approximately 5,000 square feet for the center. The project also includes renovation on restrooms and other public areas of the building. The wellness center will be a cooperative venture between Healthstat and the county’s health insurance and other benefit providers. All Gwinnett County employees, retirees and their dependents age 18 and older who are enrolled in one of the county’s medical plans will be eligible for services and treatment at the Center.
Georgia Consumer Protection Office warns about holiday scams
The holiday season is upon us. That means additional shopping, spending and traveling for many of us. Unfortunately, these increased transactions are also a golden opportunity for scammers. So, to help keep consumers and their money safe, the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection is offering the following tips: Take precautions when making online transactions. Many scammers have set up bogus websites offering popular products at below-market prices. They’ll take your money but you’ll end up with nothing in return. To avoid these scams, do your online shopping through reputable, well-known websites. You can also check out a company’s reputation through the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. Credit cards offer greater protections against fraud than cash, checks or debit cards. If a transaction turns out to be fraudulent, e.g. you never receive the item or it is defective, and the company refuses to give you a refund, you can report the fraud to your credit card issuer, and if it agrees that you were the victim of fraud, the most you will be liable for is $50. Many credit card issuers will even waive that amount. Guard against identity theft. One of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft is to check your bank and credit card accounts frequently. Keep your receipts and compare them to your statement. If you come across a charge you don’t recognize, contact the financial institution immediately. In the event of identity theft, cancel the compromised cards and have new ones re-issued. You should also contact one of the three credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Transunion – to put a fraud alert on your credit file. Make sure you are donating to legitimate charities. Many charities solicit for donations around the holidays, but scammers like to get in on the action too. It is very easy nowadays for a scammer to impersonate a well-known charity and even to make that organization’s name and number show up on your caller ID by using spoofing software. If you do receive a phone call about making a charitable donation, ask the caller to mail you more information; a reputable charity will be happy to comply. If you prefer to make donations online, initiate it yourself by searching for the charity. Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links from unsolicited emails. You can also research a charity by going to www.give.org or charitynavigator.org. Check out return policies. When you make a purchase, ask what the store’s return policies are, especially on sale items. Always keep your receipts in case you have to return or exchange an item. Comparison Shop. Even if a store is advertising discounts, you should still comparison shop to make sure that the sale price is truly a bargain. For more information, contact Shawn Conroy, Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection, at 404-656-3790.
Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash is proposing a $1.42 billion budget for fiscal year 2015. After a public hearing and time for public comment, commissioners will vote on the budget proposal during their first meeting of next year. Four county residents and business people served on Nash’s budget review committee. After hearing presentations from elected officials and department directors in September, the group studied departmental business plans, budget needs and revenue projections to make recommendations for the 2015 budget. Common themes heard throughout the presentations included concerns about workforce retention and recruitment and the need to restore funding for certain services that were cut in previous budget years. As a result of the budget review team’s deliberations, the budget proposal holds the line on property tax rates, addresses critical expansion of fire and emergency medical services, adjusts employee compensation and partially restores funding for some services to meet increased demand. The proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2015 totals $1.052 billion. The budget will fund pay-for-performance increases for non-sworn employees and a step increase for public safety personnel. It also includes additional staffing for judicial services, the animal shelter, a new fire station and the new Level Creek Park scheduled to open in 2015. Roadside maintenance such as mowing and trimming sidewalks and medians and sweeping curbs and turn lanes will
be partially restored through the use of contracts with private companies. The county will also bring back Saturday bus service for local routes and add two daily express service trips from the Indian Trail Park and Ride lot. “The budget review team members, County staff and I took a hard look at all of the funding requests, and we ultimately agreed the time has come to restore some of the services that make our community a safer and more attractive place to live and conduct business,” said Nash. The proposed $370.6 million capital budget includes construction of two fire stations using SPLOST funds. Fire Station 31 will serve Georgia Gwinnett College and the surrounding community, while Fire Station 10 will be relocated to improve fire and emergency services coverage in the Mall of Georgia area. The relocated station will be staffed with existing personnel. “We had plans to build these fire stations before the recession hit, and because our population did not stop growing even during those tough economic times, demand for service is greater now than ever before,” said Nash. “I will be thankful to see these buildings come out of the ground.” The proposed budget is now available online at www.gwinnettcounty.com and as a hard copy in the Department of Financial Services office located in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center (GJAC), 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Departmental budget presentations made earlier this year are also available online.
EPA solicits applicants for environmental justice grants The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications from eligible non-profit groups and tribal communities for the 2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) Program. The EJSG Program provides funding for projects that help communities understand and address exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks at the local level. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2014. EPA recognizes the critical role of helping communities with localized strategies to avoid, lessen, or delay the risks and impacts associated with our changing climate. As a result, this year’s EJSG Program will have a special emphasis on proposals supporting community-based preparedness and resilience efforts (community climate resiliency). In an effort to ensure that support reaches new areas, the Agency also is prioritizing funding to organizations that have not recently received an award under the EJSG Program. The total estimated amount of funding available for awards under this solicitation for fiscal year 2015 is approximately $1.2 million. EPA anticipates awarding up to four grants per EPA region in amounts of up to $30,000 per award for a two-year project period. Potential applicants in the Southeast who have questions about the application process may contact Deborah Carter, EPA Region 4’s Grants Coordinator, at 404-5629668, or carter.deborah@epa.gov. More information regarding the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, including the Request for Applications and descriptions of previously funded grants: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html
Appointments continued from page 6
January. Matt Arthur, current director for education reform for the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, will serve as deputy commissioner of TCSG. Dr. Susan Andrews, current deputy superintendent of Race to the Top at the Georgia Department of Education, has been tapped to replace Arthur. Deal also nominated Tricia Chastain, current associate vice-president for government relations for the University of Georgia, pending board approval, as president of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). Chastain will replace Tracy Ireland, who has taken a position with the University System of Georgia as vice-chancellor of student enrollment services effective in January. Toby Carr, current planning director of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), will replace Chastain with the University System of Georgia as the associate vicepresident for government relations and director of state government relations. Corinna Robinson, current Disability Services Ombudsman and Olmstead Coordinator for Deal, has been appointed to be the executive director of the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission. Robinson is replacing Bill Crews, who will be retiring on December 31.
Christopher Tomlinson, current executive director of the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) has been nominated by Deal, pending board approval, to serve as the executive director of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority in addition to his duties at SRTA. Russell McMurry, presently serving as chief engineer at GDOT, has been appointed as planning director of GDOT subject to approval by a majority vote of both the House Transportation Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee. Amy Jacobs, interim director of the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), and Bobby Cagle, interim director of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), will remain in their positions full time effective immediately. To streamline the review process and efficiently evaluate recommendations, DFCS will continue to report directly to the Governor’s Office. “Each of these high caliber individuals has contributed their expertise and counsel in order to make Georgia a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Deal. “As they assume their new positions and responsibilities, I’m confident that they will continue to serve our state well. I cannot thank them enough for service and dedication to Georgia and its citizens.”
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NOVEMBER 29, 2014
Atlanta City Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms celebrates adoptions Atlanta City Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms counts her blessings every day. She and her husband are ever thankful for the three boys and a girl that they adopted and they cherish every day as a family. “It is often assumed that my four children were lucky to have been adopted by my husband and me; when in fact, it is my husband and I who hit the lottery of life. I cannot imagine our lives without having our amazing children at the center of it,” said Bottoms. In November, Bottoms and Families First helped marked National Adoption Month by hosting a lunch and learn at City Hall. The information session brought awareness to adoption and foster care in the community and the importance of giving children permanent, safe, and loving families. Statistics from Fulton County Juvenile Court show more than 100,000 children in the United States foster care system are waiting to be adopted and more than 1,000 children in Georgia need permanent families. “I am overjoyed that I was able to host this event. It truly has been an honor to share the joy of helping my children and others create a permanent home,” said Bottoms, a longtime advocate
for adoption and foster care. “This event brought us all together, to share our personal stories and offer words of encouragement to those looking to become foster and adoptive parents.”
About 200 people attended the event which featured Caroline Clarke, author of “Postcards from Cookie,” as the guest speaker. Clarke shared her journey of being placed for adoption
and later finding out she is the biological granddaughter of Nat King Cole and the niece of Natalie Cole. “Adoption is an important subject and it was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. It is wonderful to see so much support from the City of Atlanta,” said Clarke. “My journey actually led to me meeting my biological mother, Carole “Cookie” Cole, in 2002.” Before pinning her story, “Postcards from Cookie,” Clarke held several key positions, including executive editor and editorial director at Black Enterprise, a multi-media company. She also hosted the syndicated television show, “Black Enterprise Business Report,” and launched Black Enterprise Books, a series of 10 business and investing books copublished with John Wiley & Sons. Bottoms said she hopes the event brought more attention to children in dire need of a family to call their own. “I sincerely hope that every person in attendance will go out and share the information they received and that they will encourage others to consider foster care and adoption,” said Bottoms. For more information on adoption and foster care, contact Families First at 404-853-2800.
World AIDS Day screenings, other activities set Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day and Atlanta is preparing several activities to commemorate those lost to AIDS-related illness and recommit to creating an AIDS-free generation. Youth, in particular, remain at high risk for contracting the virus, officials say. Over the past 5 years, over 4,400 youth were diagnosed in metro Atlanta, and only a third are receiving the care needed to stay healthy and prevent transmission. Researchers suspect that low rates of testing, lack of HIV and sexuality education, high rates of homelessness and poor healthcare access contribute to Atlanta youth’s
HIV risk. The DeKalb Board of Health will mark World AIDS Day by providing Rapid HIV screenings at three DeKalb County library branches: Monday, Dec. 1: 3:30—7:30 p.m., Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. 404-508-7175. Tuesday, Dec. 2: 1—4:00 p.m., Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur 30032. 404-286-6986 Monday, Dec. 8: 3:30—7:30 p.m., Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker. 770-2708234.
World AIDS Day-Atlanta, a consortium of organizations working toward increased awareness of HIV among youths, is hosting a Love & Light Night Vigil on Dec. 1, 6 p.m., at the Historic Fourth Ward Park amphitheater in downtown Atlanta. Students, families and activists from across Atlanta will gather to commemorate those lost to AIDS-related illness during a program of performances by youths. If you, your organization, or your school would like to participate in World AIDS Day-Atlanta events, become a partner or official sponsor, e-mail WADA@ GeorgiaEquality.org
NOVEMBER 29, 2014 PAGE 11
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