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David T. Manuel charts new course at Porter Sanford Center....page 7
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Volume 19 Number 18
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DECEMBER 15, 2013
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Attorneys seek release for former DeKalb schools chief
F
By Valerie J. Morgan
ormer DeKalb Schools Superintendent Crawford Lewis is being held in isolation at the DeKalb County Jail, as his attorneys attempt to have his sentence reconsidered and have him released. Lewis’ attorneys are awaiting a bond hearing on Dec. 17. They say the judge violated a plea agreement by sentencing Lewis to jail instead of probation as recommended by the District Attorney. They want the judge to remove herself from the case if she refuses to reconsider the negotiated plea agreement. Meanwhile, as Lewis spent his fourth day in custody, one of his attorneys said he was holding up. “He is holding his own. He’s praying for the right outcome. He wants to be home with his family,” said Bernard Taylor, who, along with Mike Brown of
Crawford Lewis
Patricia “Pat” Reid
Tony Pope
Alston & Bird, is representing Lewis. DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown said he placed Lewis in isolation rather than with the general inmate population. “This is the first time in my entire career in law enforcement that I have seen anyone given this type of sentence for a misdemeanor, for hindering an
Metro Atlanta ready for the Christmas holiday
investigation,” said Brown. “In my opinion, when I look at him and talk to him, clearly, he’s a broken man. I am saddened by seeing him.” Superior Court Judge Cynthia Becker sentenced Lewis to 12 months in jail in exchange for his guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction, shocking Lewis, his attorneys and even District Attorney Robert James, who had recommended 12 months probation. The two people that Lewis testified against— former DeKalb schools executive Patricia “Pat” Reid and her ex-husband, Tony Pope—were sentenced to 15 years and 8 years respectively in the highlypublicized racketeering and corruption trial involving school construction contracts. See Judge, page 5
From an old-fashioned “Country Christmas” in Conyers to a dazzling towering Christmas tree on the lake in Avondale, cities are all decked out for Christmas. Check out more “Scenes of the Season” on page 6 and On CommonGround News’ Official Facebook page.
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Clarkston revives $5.7 million streetscape project in nick of time
T
By Joshua Smith
he streets of Clarkston will boast new sidewalks, landscaping, decorative paving, and public artwork as a part of a $5.7 million, five-year streetscape project city officials plan to kick off next year. The project, which was shelved for nearly eight years, is finally getting off the ground, thanks to City Manager Keith Barker. Barker is Clarkston’s first city manager. In 2011, he discovered a $3.6 million federal grant that former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney had earmarked for the city in 2005 while investigating Clarkston’s finances. Barker began researching whether the city could still access the earmarked federal dollars and searching for a way to get the required matching funds. In February, the state’s Road & Tollway Authority awarded Clarkston a $2.1 million loan for the matching funds, paving the way for the city to launch the project. “We are not sure why the funds were never tapped into. When I came on in 2011, we began to look into all the funds and discovered that the funding was actually on the verge of de-obligation due to inactivity for nearly eight years,” said Barker. “From there, we had numerous meetings with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to ensure the funding would not be lost and that we could in fact move the streetscape project forward.” Barker says he discovered a cardboard check for
“It was a miracle the city didn’t lose that money. Really, it was divine intervention.” – Clarkston City Manager Keith Barker the earmarked money in a closet at City Hall. “It was a miracle the city didn’t lose that money. Really, it was divine intervention,” Barker said. The streetscape will be on East Ponce De Leon Avenue between North Indian Creek Drive and Montreal Road. The city was able to put a construction project in action after meetings held last fall with ARC and GDOT, Barker said. The plan is officially called the ARC 2012-2017 Transportation Improvement Plan. As a result of those meetings, GDOT certified Clarkston to be able to self-manage federally-funded projects. The city has chose AMEC, an international engineering consulting firm to prepare the design plans. The firm has done work in several metro Atlanta cities.
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
“The next phase will be getting feedback from the community, which will take about six months. Construction should begin in 2016,” said Ron Huffman, AMEC’s principal landscape architect. “There are a lot of requirements when you’re dealing with federal funds—permits, environmental procedures—but we are excited to take on the job. We have done Chamblee’s, Tifton’s Stone Mountain’s and are finishing Snellvile’s streetscape now.” See Public, page 5
PAGE 2
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December 15, 2013
december 15, 2013 Volume 19, NO. 18
Community News
EDITOR/Publisher Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
Office workers pooled savings for a year, ready to reap rewards
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com Staff Writer Joshua Smith joshsmith@ocgnews.com Advertising Manager Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
PAGE 3
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.
S
By Valerie J. Morgan
ome office workers lose weight together. Others play the lottery together with hopes of winning it big. A group of women who work at a DeKalb County podiatrist’s office, however, decided they would save together. Now, they’re planning a holiday shopping trip with the money they socked away. “The greatest thing about saving was that we had 100 percent participation-eight women, including one of our doctors, saving together for a whole year,” said Lynn Harris, practice manager for Dr. Naim Shaheed, Ankle & Foot Specialists of Atlanta. “The other thing is we can shop this holiday season without running up credit cards.” See Saving, page 5 Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Austell man indicted for beating, robbing 78-year-old woman
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Quiantae Collins
Quiantae Collins, an 18-year-old Austell man, will face charges for brutally attacking and robbing a 78-year-old Lithonia woman. A DeKalb County grand jury indicted Collins on Dec. 10 for various felony counts including robbery, aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit aggravated sodomy and abuse of an elder person. “The indictment outlines a blatant criminal act where Collins knocked on the door of our victim and forcibly pushed his way into her home,” said District Attorney Robert James.
“He allegedly beat her, choked her, demanded money, robbed her and attempted to sexually assault her.” Collins got into the woman’s home by knocking on her door and asking to borrow some laundry detergent for his grandmother, according to the police incident report. Police discovered the woman had been attacked after finding her car abandoned in the street. Collins allegedly had tried to steal the car but ran out of gas. James said the incident underscores the need for continued outreach to DeKalb’s
senior population. He is cautioning seniors to be careful about opening their doors and urging them to use peepholes whenever possible. “Protecting seniors has always remained a top priority of my office. I often remind seniors and their loved ones to be mindful at all times that people target them for various violent crimes and financial scams,” James said. “My office is committed to protecting our seniors and vulnerable adults and we intend to prosecute this and similar cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
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December 15, 2013
Coming Up
DeKalb County libraries celebrate holidays with Heritage Festival The DeKalb County Library System will host a series of events during the month of December at their branches as a part of its Heritage Festival. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1 – 2 p.m., the Gresham branch, 2418 Gresham Road, Atlanta, will host “Kumba Means…” Students ages 5 to 12 are encouraged to come to the library to make a special craft to honor the sixth principle of Kwanzaa, Kuumba, which means creativity. Registration is requested. For more information or to register, call 404-244-4374. On Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 – 3:30 p.m., the Clarkston branch, 951 N. Indian Creek, Drive, Clarkston, will show the Christmas movie, “The Polar Express.” Hot chocolate will be served. This computer-animated fantasy film is based on the children’s book with the same title, written by Chris Van Allsburg. The film stars Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Jimmy Bennett, and Eddie Deezen, with Tom Hanks in six distinct roles. “The Polar Express” is listed in the Guinness World Book of Records in 2006 as the first all-digital capture film. The festival concludes on Monday, Dec. 23, 2 – 4 p.m., at the Stonecrest branch, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, with a teen interactive version of the movie, “A Christmas Story.” The movie features audience participation for ages 13 – 17. 404-370-8450.
ART Station presents “A Broadway Christmas Carol” The ART Station, 5384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain, will present a play and welcome Santa for the Christmas holiday during the month of December. The play, “A Broadway Christmas Carol,” will be staged through Dec. 22, Thursday – Saturday, 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., at the ART Station. Slated as “America’s funniest holiday show: featuring a little song, a little dance, a little eggnog down your pants,” the presentation puts a new spin on Charles Dickens’ “Ebenezer Scrooge” story. Song parodies will be mixed with famous Broadway tunes. Tickets are $21 for senior citizens and students, $25 for other adults. On Saturday, Dec. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., the ART Station will host “Stories with Santa.” Families are encouraged to hear some of their favorite holiday stories told by Santa. You can also bring your own camera and take pictures with Santa. The cost to attend is $6 for children and $12 for adults. Lunch is included. 770-469-1105.
Atlanta
Atlanta parks seek public’s feedback The City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation wants the public’s feedback on facilities and potential projects. The city is asking the public to complete an online survey that will be used in guiding the city as it decides on expansion of parks, trails and recreation facilities in the City of Atlanta. Have a great idea for Atlanta Parks and Recreation? If you take the survey, you will get a 20 percent off coupon for a City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation program. You can take the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/iPARCS or www. atlantaga.gov. 404-330-6000.
Atlanta opens third park for pooches
The City of Atlanta is opening another park for pooches. The city’s newest park--Renaissance Park Dog Park--opened in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward this month, becoming Atlanta’s third and only dog park serving the greater downtown area. The park, located at 501 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, features separate large and small dog areas, and several water fountains for dogs.
Gwinnett
Snellville library to host Affordable Care Act workshop Gwinnett County’s Elizabeth H. Williams Snellville branch, 2740 Lenora Church Road, Snellville, will host workshops to explain the Healthcare market place throughout the month of December. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and on Saturdays, Dec. 21, 3 – 5 p.m. and Dec. 28, 12 – 2 p.m., the library will welcome residents to talk with trained Affordable Care Act (ACA) navigators about questions regarding the Healthcare Marketplace. Speakers will show you how to access the marketplace and how to use it to apply for coverage, compare your options and enroll. For more information, call Lauren Callahan at 678-904-1967.
Line dancing marathon set Gwinnett County’s Park and Recreation Department will host a line dancing marathon on Saturday, Dec. 28, 6 p.m. – midnight, at the Lucky Shoals Park
Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross. You are invited to dance the “The Cupid Shuffle,” the “Wobble” and more dances. From country to hip-hop and everything in between will be played for all levels of dancing. Drinks are provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share as well. The marathon is open to dancers ages 18 and up. Admission is $5 for Gwinnett residents. For more information or to register, call 678-277-0860.
Rockdale
Resource Center sets annual Christmas celebration The Resource Center for Community Action, Inc., (RCCA) will host its second annual Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 21, 12 – 4 p.m., at the Rockdale County Government Annex, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The event features raffles for free prizes such as toys, gift cards, bikes, you can also take photos with Santa and enjoy classic holiday songs, free food from local restaurants such as Subway and Zaxby’s, and holiday refreshments. The event will host local entertainment and organizers say all local officials are invited to come by and make some remarks for the holidays. Love Now Ministries and Boyz To Men Of Honor, Inc. join RCCA, in planning this annual holiday event. You can get your free raffle ticket for your family in advance by calling 770749-6567 or 770-760-1346.
Democratic Party to welcome Sen. Ramsey Rockdale County’s Democratic Party will welcome State Sen. Ron Ramsey as the guest speaker at the Party’s holiday breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. The breakfast will be held at the Party’s headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers. Ramsey is currently serving his third term as a Georgia Senator, after having served seven years as the first African American Municipal Court Judge in the City of Stone Mountain. He has been an attorney for 20 years in the state of Georgia. The cost to attend is a $10 donation to the party. For more information, visit ww.rockdaledems.org or call 678-964-7237.
Commissioners to host holiday open house The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners invites citizens to its “Holiday Open House” on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5 – 7 p.m., at the B.O.C. Office, 962 Milstead Ave., Conyers. The “drop-in” event will provide the public with an opportunity to meet elected officials, county leaders and staff. There will be holiday music, refreshments and beverages. The Rockdale County Master Gardeners’ Extension Volunteers is decorating the Board of Commissioners’ office with holiday décor for the event. 770-278-7056.
December 15, 2013
PAGE 5
Public meetings will start next year for project continued from page 1
“I’m happy to say that this is a part of my last hoorah. Everything is in place and we are ready to create this viable project,” said Clarkston Mayor Emmanuel Ransom, whose term expires at the end of the year. “I’m really tickled pink because we are always striving for a more walkable community and this project will bring just that to our residents.” Clarkston new Mayor-Elect Ted Terry says citizens are buzzing with excitement about the new streetscape. “This project represents building a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy our city,” said Terry. “We feel this project will keep businesses here and bring new ones to flourish here. We’re making a healthier and prettier Clarkston.” City officials say the streetscape will include roadway infrastructure improvements to the East Ponce de Leon
Gateway Corridor into the heart of the community; serving city activity centers such as the Milam Park and Aquatic Center; the city’s community center; Friendship Forest Nature Preserve and Piedmont Community College. Planners for Environmental Quality (PEQ), consultants for the city, say Clarkston plans to host public information meetings for the streetscape project next spring. “I have taken a lot of emails and phone numbers and next, we will get in touch with the heads of the homeowners associations and other civic organizations to get the word out and get input,” said PEQ President Inga Kennedy. “We plan to host pre-design public information meetings beginning in the spring with bilingual translators, so we can engage the community and give them what they want, before construction starts.”
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Residents in Clarkston are happy and excited to finally see their streetscape plan off and running after waiting nearly eight years for the process to begin.
Judge hands down stiff sentences
Saving a little adds up
continued from page 1
continued from page 3
Becker had this to say in sentencing Reid and Pope: “It was calculated and remarkably stupid by two very, very intelligent people,” Becker said. Becker said in giving Lewis 12 months in jail instead of the plea deal recommended: “It was on his (Lewis’) watch. He stood by and then he hindered and interfered with and tried to stop the completion of a rightful, lawful investigation,” Becker said in court. In October, Lewis entered a guilty plea for the misdemeanor in exchange for testifying against Reid and Pope. Prosecutors said Reid steered more than $1 million in school construction contracts to Pope’s architecture firm, V. Anthony Pope & Associates, and to businesses with which he was secretly working. At On Common Ground News’ press deadline (Dec. 12), Sheriff Brown said Reid and Pope were still at the DeKalb County Jail awaiting the Department of Corrections’ order for them to be moved. “Once the Department locates a facility with an open bed, they will contact us. I can’t speak for the Department, but I would imagine that they would be placed in a minimum security facility based on the charges,” Brown said.
Harris said she had been trying to convince the women to contribute to a 401K savings plan but couldn’t get the commitment. Some of them didn’t think they could afford to save off of their office worker incomes. They had hope, however, after learning about a magazine article on a “Cascade Savings Plan,” which allowed contributions to be made with steady increases each week. “We started out saving a dollar the first week, then $2 the second week, $15 for week 15 and so on. It became increasingly more difficult for some after week 35 when we were up to $35 a week,” said Briana Thomas, the front office coordinator who presented the idea to the group. Thomas said the group decided to save together after she sent a text message to each of them last New Year’s Eve telling them about the plan. They agreed to contribute beginning January 2013, putting aside set amounts every pay period. Their goal: $1,378 each by year’s end. “Some of them didn’t think they could save $50, let alone $1,000. We had some who wanted to borrow from the savings but we held steadfast and did not give in,” Thomas said. The women say they plan to do the Cascade Savings Plan again next year, starting in January. Thomas said she hopes to inspire the women to make savings a commitment for the rest of their working years.
DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May and the DeKalb Department of Watershed Management remind you to properly dispose of F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease) What are Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)? FOG is composed of the animal and vegetable fats and oils that are used to cook and prepare food.
Where does FOG come from? Meat fat Lard Cooking oil
Baking goods Food scraps Shortening
Dairy products Butter and margarine Sauces
What happens when FOG is not properly disposed of ? FOG should be properly disposed of or recycled. It enters the plumbing system through home garbage disposals, kitchen sinks and toilets, coats the interior of pipes, and empties into the County’s sewer system. Excessive accumulation of FOG in the sewer system will result in sanitary sewer overflows and sewage backup in homes and businesses. Sewage overflow repairs are costly for the County and its citizens, and can result in increased costs for water and sewer services.
Remember these simple practices to help keep FOG out of our pipes and sewers: 1. POUR cooled fats, oils or grease into a sealable container and throw it in the trash. Do not pour down the sink or toilet. 2. SCRAPE plates and cookware before washing. Do not throw scraps of any kind down the sink. Instead, place them in waste containers or garbage bags. 3. WIPE excess grease from all plates, pots, pans, utensils and surfaces with a paper towel before washing. Throw the greasy paper towels away. Remember, you can make a difference!
Visit the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management’s FOG Program Online! www.dekalbwatershed.com/FOG 1580 Roadhaven Drive • Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (770) 621-7200
PAGE 6
Scenes of the Season
I
t feels like Christmas everywhere in Olde Town Conyers, where storefront offices such as the law practice of Jorge Luis Flores show off a festive snowman and the streets are lined with Christmas decorations. Congressman Hank Johnson joined Santa on the stage at Rockdale County Auditorium for a Christmas program. In the city of Avondale Estates, picturesque Tudor-style homes look like postcards.
December 15, 2013
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
For more Scenes of the Season, visit www.ocgnews.com
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
DeKalb-Rockdale Employers group lend hand to Peachcrest Boys & Girls Club
AKAs host clothing drive to prepare women for the workforce Several needy women who didn’t have professional clothing now can return to the workforce with confidence, thanks to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.. Three of the sorority’s chapters--Chi Tau Omega Chapter, Newton/Rockdale Counties; Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter, Decatur; and Tau Pi Omega Chapter, Stone Mountain/Lithonia-worked together to host a “professional” clothing drive recently at the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia. The sorority members collected 35 bags of suits, blouses, skirts, slacks and shoes to aid battered and homeless women living in shelters. The donations were enough to help 95 women.
This year, the Salvation Army Peachcrest Boys & Girls Club lost its sponsor, Morrison Cafeteria, but got help from another source to provide Christmas dinner for needy families. The DeKalb Rockdale Employer Committee (DREC), an affiliation of the Georgia Department of Labor, stepped in and donated $200 and canned foods to help out with the holiday meal. The organization presented the food and check to a club official at its Dec. 11 meeting. Keon Merriett, program director of the Salvation Army Peachcrest Boys & Girls Club, thanked the DREC for its support. “We did not know how we were going to feed 180 to 200 people this year for Christmas dinner after losing Morrison’s Cafeteria as a major sponsor,” said Merriett said.
DREC member Bonnie Haynes, who had served as a volunteer at the club, asked the DREC to help after learning of the club’s plight. “As part of the DREC Community Give Back program, we were glad that we could help, said Cynthia Benefield, committee chair. DREC is planning its annual “Hoops for Health” fundraiser May 2014 iin conjunction with a Job and Health Fair. The monies raised from the fundraiser will go to DeKalb and Rockdale county school seniors toward scholarships. The committee’s next meeting will be held Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m., at the Rockdale County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, SW, Conyers. For more information, on the DREC, visit http://www.georgiaec.com/dekalb-rockdaleemployer-committe/hoops-for-health/.
DeKalb NAACP seeking freedom fighters for jubilee program
D
o you know someone who fought for civil rights in the 1960’s? The DeKalb NAACP is looking for unsung freedom fighters to be a part of its annual Jubilee Day on Tuesday, Jan.1, 10:30 a.m. at Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The service will celebrate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, as a war measure during the American Civil War, to all segments of the Executive branch (including the Army and Navy) of the United States. It proclaimed the freedom of slaves in the ten states that were still in rebellion, thus applying to 3.1 million of the 4 million slaves in the U.S. at the time. Attorney Derrick Alexander Pope is the featured speaker. Pope is Chairman of The Pope Law Companies International, where he oversees the development and operations of The Law Clinic, The Law Review, CounselDirect, and DA Pope Properties. He is the author of “Bt the Content of our Character: A declaration of independence for colored folks, Negroes, black people and African Americans; and “Thy will be done: An African American guide to estate planning.” For more information or to register your freedom fighter, call 404-241-0808 or visit www.dekalbganaacp.org.
Watson, ROTC cadets meet “Every Can Counts” challenge DECATUR – DeKalb County’s Super District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson challenged the ROTC/JROTC cadets and constituents in his district to “help take a bite out of hunger” this holiday season by collecting canned food items to donate to Super District families in need and the challenge was met with a favorable response. More than 1,500 canned items were collected during Watson’s Dec. 7 community breakfast meeting. A majority of the items were presented to Greater Travelers Rest for the House of Hope’s Congregational Care Ministry. Several additional boxes of canned food items were delivered to the elderly and feed the homeless programs.
December 15, 2013
PAGE 7
New Era
David T. Manuel charts new course at Porter Sanford Center By Valerie J. Morgan
DECATUR–Three years ago, David T. Manuel arrived at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in South DeKalb, after serving 25 years at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta. The move was one that literally took Manuel from the big city to suburbia, where he welcomed the challenge of growing a fledging arts center into a world-class venue. Since he became executive director in December 2010, Manuel’s vision for the arts in South DeKalb has taken root and blossomed like crazy. “We’ve increased our programs every year for the last three years by 25 percent. We’ve increased our patrons that come in through the doors by 25 percent. We’re 80 percent booked for various events,” said Manuel. But Manuel said the growth alone isn’t the only thing that has put the center on the map as a cultural destination; the quality of programs also has pushed the center to new heights. “My vision for this performing arts center is to be cutting edge, to be the gem--not just in South DeKalb, but Georgia,” said Manuel, who oversees a dedicated staff of four and dozens of volunteers he calls “ambassadors.” The DeKalb County-owned center, located at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur, has hosted several well-known, award-winning productions such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Alliance Theater under Manuel’s direction. This year, 70 theatrical productions were held at the 500-seat auditorium, along with some 20 concerts, Manuel said. This month, the center is hosting its first Festival of Trees. Home Depot donated the trees and local businesses each paid $50 to sponsor and decorate the trees. The fundraiser will help pay for arts programs for underprivileged children. The trees are on display
through Dec. 22 in the center’s lobby. Manuel said he is pleased with the top-notch children’s programs the center has offered. As one example, he cited the “How Big Is Your Dream?” camp, which was held this summer. Children enrolled in the camp had a chance to interact and perform with drummer JFly Flynn, who has played for a number of major acts, along with recording artist Peabo Bryson. The kids put on a stage production at the end of the camp. “My goal is that when you come here, I want you to be mesmerized by the productions and quality shows,” said Manuel. Manuel knows what it takes for quality programming. He has spent a lifetime devoted to the arts, sharing his passion with his two sons, Branden and Blake, who are now young men. “I grew up at the Woodruff. I started working there as a bartender when I was in school. I got married at the High Museum and I had two sons who probably went to see every play at the Woodruff as children,” Manuel said. Manuel ended his tenure at Woodruff as its community relations and program director for Celebrate Diversity Through the Arts. While there, he brought the Urban Film Review, showcasing independent American films monthly, and he served as Project Director of Atlanta’s Montreux Jazz Festival in 2005. His work at Woodruff provided the perfect transition, he said, for Porter Sanford. “When I look back at my experiences at the Woodruff, it was one of the best experiences of my life. It was an incredible journey. But sometimes, you position yourself to bring a whole different approach to something new,” said Manuel, who expresses his artistic side as an author. Manuel has self-published “I Am A Father” and worked with 11 Alive’s Karyn Greer on “I Am A Mother.” The first book shine a positive light on the achievements and dedication of African-American
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December 15, 2013
Volunteers unite to plant trees, flowers at Kelly Lake Elementary
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2013-‐2014 VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE
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6-‐AAAA
6-‐AAA
ARABIA STONE DRUID HILLS CLARKSTON DUNWOODY LAKESIDE ML KING MILLER GROVE SW DEKALB STEPHENSON TUCKER CHAMBLEE COLUMBIA LITHONIA REDAN CROSS KEYS MOUNTAIN Volunteers from across MOUNTAIN the state came to Decatur to plant 60 plants and a beautiful array of flowers as a part of Kelly Lake Elementary School’s beautician project. Preseason Scrimmage
11/12 Maynard By Joshua Jackson
Smith
11/14 at Norcross
11/9 Lithonia
Mays
North Atlanta
11/9 at Stephenson
at Rockdale Co.
ML King
Tucker
at Lakeside
Dunwoody
Miller Grove
at North Atlanta
Stephenson
at Tucker
at Arabia Mountain
at Clarkston
at Carver
at Banneker
at South Atlanta
McNAIR
DATE TOWERS Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
11/5 at Pace
Academy Scrimmage (Park. B) Scrimmage Scrimmage Park and Highland with Kelley Lake Elementary and Trees Scrimmage (B) “We are so excitedat because people Atlanta, which the 11/5 60at Salem trees Columbia (B) SW DeKalb donated (B) November 12 at Towers from all over the state are here at and flowers.Scrimmage The McNair Cluster Scrimmage Scrimmage (G) for Tuesday DECATUR—Fourth-grader Alysia our school helping us Stone onMountain a wet Sustainable Neighborhoods was formed (B) and at SW DeKalb (B) November 15 10, got an early birthday Johnson, at Clarkston Druid Hills Walnut Grove at St Francis (G) at South Gwinnett 6:00PM 6:00PM Friday cold Saturday morning,” said Kelley in February of 2012 to revitalize the present when she was able to name her Huaffman @ S t November 16 Lake Elementary Principal Cynthia at St Francis (G/B) area and build a viable and sustainable Towers “Lexi,” on Dec. 7. North Spring at Buford verySaturday own tree, Francis 4:00PM Husband. “This is the first time we’ve 11/20 community, according to Cathy “It was fun. Digging them up, had a project of this size here. Even Jackson, who serves on the cluster’s 11/20 at Norcross Fayette Co. November 1down 9 putting the mulch, measuring, at Arabia Mountain Druid Hills at Cambridge at Mt Vernon Parkview at Cedar Grove Tourney (G) at Norcross (executive G) neighbors brought kids whose parents committee. Tuesday shoveling the red clay, I loved all 6:00PM couldn’t make it. Everybody is on the The project was the culmination of of it because I love helping people 11/21 at Cambridge at Not only are the children same page. a Trees Atlanta Youth Education project 22 andNovember helping the community,” said Carver 6:00PM/7:30PM Douglass Countyimportance of beautifying Friday learning the that brought students to an outdoor Johnson, who was joined by her father, the school, but they’re also learning classroom. at N orth G winnett November 2 3 Alphonso, and about 100 volunteersLithonia at at Dunwoody Classic (B) education.” Saturday about environmental “We first came on Dec. 5 to plant Kelly Lake Elementary School, 2590 11/25-‐11/26 hours at Volunteers spent three trees in the school’s courtyard, We at Druid Hills Mountain in South DeKalb. November 26 Stone Kelly Lake Road, Walnut Grove Showcase Showcase planting a wide range of natural educated students on the environmental Tuesday The school beautification project Classic (B) beauties, such as pomegranate fruit benefits of trees as well,” said Lauren November 2 7 drew nearly 100 volunteers volunteers McNair Showcase trees, white, yellow and purple pansies, Sandoval, who heads up Tree’s Atlanta Wednesday from as far as Athens and Muscogee, December 3 crab-apple trees,ML American Sentry Youth Education department. “We representing at Aseveral lcovy SW groups DeKalb at Dsuch unwoody as Clarkston at Stephenson at Miller Grove King at Arabia Mountain Lakeside North Atlanta at Grady at Washington at Banneker at Carver-‐Atlanta at South Atlanta Tuesday Linden trees and Moonglow magnolia are so happy and excited to see all Emory University students, Kaiser December 6 trees. the members of this community and Grady at L uella Stephenson Tucker North A tlanta Mays at S W D eKalb Miller G rove at C larkston at D unwoody Banneker Therrell South A tlanta Permanente, DeKalb County workers, Friday The project was the result of beyond bringing their friends to help staff from Six Feet Under restaurant, at Memphis the McNair Cluster Nike Explosion Sustainable at at Memphis out the children.” at Memphis December 7 Kelly Lake Concerned Neighbors, East Lithonia at Towers at Clarkston Showcase, Tn. (B) at Wheeler (B) Showcase, TN. (B) Showcase, TN. (B) Neighborhoods Initiative partnering Rodney Reese, DeKalb County Saturday Lake Terrace, Gresham Park, Greystone Osborne (G) 4:00PM
December 10 Tuesday December 13 Friday
CEDAR GROVE
at Therrell
Preseason
Community Development Planner, Scrimmagesaid he hopes the project will help forge November 12 lasting relationships andClarkston includeTuesday other schools in the future. November 15 “We are very excited aboutFriday November building a stronger partnership with16 at Druid Hills Trees Atlanta in DeKalb CountySaturday through the DeKalb Sustainable November 19 Redan Neighborhoods Initiative. We hope Tuesday to come back to the school to add benchesGreenforest tables and more chairsNovember to the 22 Friday courtyard,” said Reese. “Eventually, we would like Maynard to come back toNovember not 23 Jackson Saturday only this school, but also host quarterly beautification projects throughout the November 26 Yeshiva county at other schools as well.”Tuesday Volunteers and staff of Kelley Lake at Druid Hills November 27 Showcase 2590 KellyWednesday Elementary School, Lake December Road, Decatur, plan to add on to the3 Towers at St Pius Blessed Trinity at Cross Keys Tuesday the school’s beautification project with December 6 The school serves at help Woodward of donations. at McNair Cedar Grove St Pius about 350 students in grades PKFriday – 5. If you would like to donateDecember to the 7 W.D. Mohammed at Greenforest Lakeside process, call 404-286-3352. Saturday
at Washington
at St Pius
Towers
at Decatur
at Cedar Grove
at Columbia
McNair
Woodward Academy
at Cross Keys
at Blessed Trinity
CROSS KEYS
CEDAR GROVE
December 10 Tuesday December 13 Friday
DeKalb County School District 2013-2014 Varsity Basketball Schedule December 14 2-‐AAAAAA at Stone Mountain DATE Saturday DRUID HILLS Preseason December 17 Scrimmage Tuesday
November 12 Tuesday November 15 January 3 Friday Friday November 16 Saturday4 January
11/12 Maynard Jackson
January 14 November 27 Tuesday Wednesday December 3
January 17 Friday Tuesday December 6 Friday18 January
Saturday 7 December Saturday January 21 Tuesday10 December Tuesday
January 24 Friday December 13
Lovejoy
January 28
December 17 Tuesday Tuesday
January 31 Friday January 41 February Saturday Saturday January 7 February Tuesday4 Tuesday January 10 Friday January 3 Friday
January 11 February 7 Friday Saturday January 14 Tuesday
Druid Hills
January 24 Friday January 25 Saturday January 28 Tuesday January 31 Friday February 1 Saturday February 4 Tuesday February 7 Friday
Tournaments
LAKESIDE
ML King
at Arabia Mountain
ML KING
BCB Classic at GAC (B)GROVE MILLER
SW DEKALB
STEPHENSON
TUCKER
at Dunwoody
11/14 at Norcross (B) at Scrimmage North Atlanta
at Tucker
11/9 Lithonia Scrimmage at Mays
SW DeKalb
6-‐AAAAA at Chamblee
12/20 at Columbia 6:00PM/7:30PM
Walnut Grove at Buford
North Spring
Druid Hills
Tucker at Clarkston
at Johnson-‐ Gainesville
at Cambridge
at Walnut Grove
at Mays
at Miller Grove 11/21 at Cambridge 6:00PM/7:30PM
Arabia Mountain
at SW DeKalb
at Dunwoody
Miller Grove
at North Atlanta
McNair Showcase
at Newton Co.
at Stephenson
Mays
at Miller Grove
at Alcovy
SW DeKalb
at Dunwoody
at ML King
Clarkston
Mays
Stephenson
Tucker
at SW DeKalb
Arabia Mountain
ML King
Clarkston
at Douglass County
Stephenson at Lakeside
at Lakeside
at North Gwinnett Classic (B)
Showcase
at Alcovy
at Luella
Arabia Mountain
at Druid Hills
Luella
Mays
St Francis (G)
Lithonia
at Lakeside
Tucker
Dunwoody
at Stephenson
SW DeKalb
at Miller Grove
Clarkston
North Atlanta
Mays
Towers
Chamblee
at Towers
at North Atlanta
Clarkston
SW DeKalb
ML King
CHAMBLEE
at Columbia (B) Scrimmage
12/20-‐12/23
Stone Mountain (B) DeKalb Holiday 6:00PM
at St Francis (G)
Classic (B)
at St Francis (G/B)
at Cambridge
Lithonia
at Stephenson Dunwoody
SW DeKalb at ML King
at Mays
at Marist
11/25-‐ 11/26 at Clarkston Walnut Grove Classic (B)
Stone Mountain (X)
Washington
at South Atlanta
Carver-‐Atlanta
at Towers Towers
at St Pius
St Pius
at Blessed Blessed Trinity Trinity
at Cross Keys
at SW DeKalb
Miller Grove
at Clarkston
at Dunwoody
Banneker
Therrell
South Atlanta
Grady
at Woodward
at McNair
Cedar Grove
at Campbell (G)
Nike Explosion at Wheeler (B)
at ML King
at Memphis at Memphis Showcase, Tn. (B) at Showcase, TN. (B) Osborne (G) 4:00PM
at Tucker
Stephenson
at ML King Washington
Lakeside
at at SStephenson tockbridge
at ML Tucker King
North MAountain tlanta at at Arabia
Mays at Dat unwoody
SW DeKalb at N orth Atlanta
at Mat iller Grove Tucker
Clarkston at Mays
Dunwoody SW DeKalb
at Redan
at Lovejoy
at ML King
at Tucker
Lakeside
at Dunwoody
Arabia Mountain
12/20 at at MCays olumbia 6:00PM/7:30PM
12/20-‐12/23 DeKalb Holiday Classic (B)
at North Atlanta
Clarkston
Marist
at Johnson-‐ Gainesville
at Cambridge
Stephenson
at Newton Co.
at Stephenson
Mays
at Miller Grove
at ML King
Mays
Arabia Mountain
at Druid Hills
4:00PM/5:30PM
Luella Rockdale Co.
Mays
at Lakeside
at North Atlanta
at SW DeKalb
Dunwoody
at Clarkston
North Atlanta at Morrow at Lovejoy
at ML King
at Arabia Mountain
Cambridge
SW DeKalb Miller Grove Douglass County
at Stephenson
at Tucker
at North Atlanta
at Mays
at Tucker
Lakeside
at Dunwoody
Arabia Mountain
at Miller Grove
North Atlanta
at Stephenson
Tucker
at Mays
Lakeside
North Atlanta
at Clarkston
DeKalb County Pre-‐ DeKalb County Pre-‐ Holiday Tournament Holiday Tournament Dec. 20-‐23 (B/G) Dec. 20-‐23 (B/G)
Redan
at Columbia
at Memphis Showcase, TN. (B)
at Clarkston
W.D. Mohammed
at Greenforest
Grady
Carver
Banneker
Therrell
Woodward
McNair
at Cedar Grove
at St Pius
Lakeside
North Atlanta
at Clarkston
at Carver
at Banneker
at South Atlanta
at Therrell
at Washington
at St Pius
Towers
at Decatur
at Cedar Grove
at Lakeside
at North Atlanta
at Therrell
at Lithonia
at South Atlanta
Stone Mountain (X)
at Washington
at Grady
at Banneker
St Pius
at Towers Woodward
Decatur
Cedar Grove
Lithonia ML King
at ountain at SGtone AC SM howcase (B) at Buford (G) (X)
at Chamblee
Marist
Columbia (X) Druid Hills
Chamblee
at Marist
at McNair
at Lithonia
Decatur
Blessed Trinity
at Yeshiva 7:45PM/9:30PM
Brainerd Chattanooga, Tn
Lakeside
4:00PM 12/20 at Lithonia Columbia Miller Grove 6:00PM/7:30PM 12/21 at Stone Mountain St Francis (G) 3:00PM
at Marist
at Columbia
McNair
Academy
at Cross Keys
at Blessed Trinity
21 at 12/20-‐ Woodward at East Ga. State Academy College (B)
Cross Keys
Blessed Trinity
Towers
at McNair Stockbridge
Redan (X)
Lithonia
at Columbia
at Chamblee (X)
Marist
at Decatur
at Blessed Trinity
at Towers
McNair
Arabia Mountain
Mays
Dunwoody
at Lakeside
at Stone Mountain at Marist
Marist
at Redan
Redan
at Stone Mountain
at Lithonia
Chamblee
at Blessed Trinity
at Decatur
at St Pius St Pius
Woodward
at Woodward
ML King Clarkston
Tucker
at Stephenson
Stone Columbia Mountain (X)
at at Chamblee Marist
at Marist Redan
Stone Mountain Lithonia
Redan (X) at Cat hamblee
at Cedar Grove
Cross Keys
Hills at Druid Woodward
Decatur at at Stockbridge
at Stone Mountain
Redan
Cedar Grove
Woodward
Decatur
Dunwoody
at ML King
at Mays
Columbia
Lithonia
Pebblebrook DeKalb County Pre-‐ Washington Carver-‐ Atlanta Tournament Nov. 23-‐Holiday Tournament 26 (B) Dec. 20-‐23 (B)
ML King
Tucker
DeKalb County Invitational Classic at S tone M ountain at Lakeside Dec. 26-‐30 (B) at Stephenson
Columbia
Marist
Redan
at Lithonia
at Chamblee
Marist
Stone Mountain
DEKALB ATHLETICS: FOCUSING ON EDUCATIONALLY SOUND PRACTICES
Nation's Capital Holiday Tournament of ABR Live Tipoff Classic, Jared Cook Tip-‐Off Campbell Upper Marlboro, Champion, Phoenix, Augusta, Ga. Nov. 22-‐ North Gwinnett Classic Dec. 26-‐28 Arizona Dec. 19-‐21 (G) 23 (B) MD Jan. 11 (B) Nov. 23-‐26 (B) (B/G) Upward Classic
Morrow Thanksgiving Peach State Classic at
M.A.I.T. (B)Tournament Montverde, Fl.Jan.30-‐Feb 1 Annual Balling
at Towers
at Columbia
M.A.I.T. at ML Kingof at TTucker Stephenson Grady Carver Banneker Therrell Nation's Capital Cook Tip-‐Off Campbell Washington Holiday DeKalb County Pre-‐ Magic City Tournament ABR Live ipoff Classic, Jared (B)Tournament Upper Marlboro, Champion, Phoenix, Augusta, Ga. Nov. 22-‐ North Gwinnett Classic Dec. 26-‐28 Holiday Tournament Showdown Jackson, at ML King Arabia Mountain at Lakeside at North Atlanta at Therrell at Montverde, South Atlanta at Washington at Grady at Banneker 23 (B) MD Jan. 11 (B) Arizona Dec. 19-‐21 (G) Nov. 23-‐26 (B) (B/G) Dec. 20-‐23 (B) Ms. Dec. 21-‐23 (G) Feb 1 at Fl.Jan.30-‐ Stone Mountain Stephenson at Forest Park at Miller Grove Lithonia at Chamblee Marist Columbia (X) Annual (X)Balling Upward Classic Morrow Thanksgiving Peach State Classic at Hoopfest Campbell Classic Invitational SW DeKalb at Miller Grove at Lithonia Columbia Chamblee at Marist Classic Dunwoody Westlake at Redan HS Dec. Dorman, SC Clarkston Thomasville,Ga Dec. Campbell Montgomery, AL Nov. 27-‐20 (G) Dec. 20-‐23 (G) 26-‐28 (G) Dec. 27-‐30 (G) 26-‐28. (G) at Mays at North Atlanta Clarkston Marist Stone Mountain at Lithonia Dec. 26-‐28 (G) DeKalb County Invitational Classic Dunwoody Mays Dec. 26-‐30 (B)
Blessed Trinity
Pebblebrook DeKalb County Pre-‐ Tournament Nov. 23-‐Holiday Tournament 26 (B) Dec. 20-‐23 (B) DeKalb County Pre-‐ Magic City Holiday Tournament Showdown Jackson, Dec. 20-‐23 (B) Ms. Dec. 21-‐23 (G) Hoopfest
Campbell Classic
at Cross Keys
4:00PM/5:30PM
Woodward St Pius
at Lakeside
McNair at Cedar Grove DeKalb County Invitational Classic at Towers Decatur Dec. 26-‐30 (B)
at St Pius Cedar Grove
at Maynard Jackson
Decatur
ML at KWing oodward Classic at Centennial (B) Jan Academy 20Trinity Blessed
at Yeshiva 7:45PM/9:30PM
Brainerd Chattanooga, Tn
at McNair
at Cedar Grove
Tuesday
November 22 Friday
January 10 Friday November 23 Saturday January 11 November 26 Saturday Tuesday
January 14
November 27 Tuesday Wednesday December 3 January 17 Friday Tuesday December 6 Friday January 18
Saturday 7 December Saturday January 21 Tuesday10 December Tuesday
January 24 Friday December 13 Friday
January 28
December 17 Tuesday Tuesday
January 31 Friday January 41 February Saturday Saturday January 7 February Tuesday4 Tuesday January 10 Friday January 3 Friday
January 11 February 7 Friday Saturday January 14
Tuesday DeKalb County Pre-‐ DeKalb County Pre-‐ Pebblebrook Pius at Blessed Trinity Tournament Cross Keys 17 Friday Holiday St Tournament Holiday Tournament Nov. 23-‐January Tournaments Dec. 0-‐23 (G) Dec. 20-‐23 (B) 26 (B) at B2rainerd January 18 Chattanooga, Tn.
DeKalb County Invitational Classic at B lessed Trinity Chamblee Dec. 26-‐30 (B) at Redan
Decatur
Saturday19 November Tuesday7 January
December 14 Saturday Saturday
at Arabia Mountain
at Lakeside
November 12 Tuesday November 15 January 3 Friday Friday November 16 Saturday4 January
January 25
at Maynard Jackson
SW DeKalb
Parkview HS DeKalb County Pre-‐ DeKalb County Beachball Classic , Morrow Ga. Sports Hall Fame DeKalb County Pre-‐ DeKalb County Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament Invitational Classic Myrtle B each, SC Thanksgiving Classic Marietta, G a. Nov Holiday Tournament Invitational Classic Tournament Nov. 23-‐ Dec. 20-‐23 (G/B) Dec. 26-‐30 (B) Dec. 27-‐31 (B) Nov. 27-‐20 (G) 16 (B) Dec. 20-‐23 (B/G) Dec. 26-‐30 (B) 26 (G) Westminster Holiday Classic Dec. 27-‐30 (B)
St Pius
at Lakeside
at Stephenson
Arabia Mountain at SW DeKalb
at Brainerd Chattanooga, Tn.
Cross Keys
Clarkston
Morrow
Newton Co.
Therrell
Tucker Dunwoody North Atlanta Arabia Mountain at ML King at Columbia Chamblee at Marist Parkview HS DeKalb County Pre-‐ DeKalb County Beachball Classic , Morrow Ga. Sports Hall Fame DeKalb County Pre-‐ DeKalb County Thanksgiving SW TDournament eKalb Clarkston South Atlanta TherrellClassic Grady Holiday Invitational Classic Myrtle at T B ucker each, SC Thanksgiving at Lakeside Classic Marietta, G a. Nov Miller Grove Holiday Tournament Invitational Tournament Nov. 23-‐ Dec. 20-‐23 (G/B) Dec. 26-‐30 (B) Dec. 27-‐31 (B) Nov. 27-‐20 (G) 16 (B) Dec. 20-‐23 (B/G) Dec. 26-‐30 (B) 26 (G) Towers Chamblee at Campbell (G) at ML King Redan Clarkston Westminster Holiday Classic Dec. Stephenson 27-‐30 (B)
Yeshiva
at Stockbridge
at Carver-‐Atlanta
at Morrow
at at SW DeKalb Lakeside
at at Chamblee (X) Druid Hills
Grady
at North Spring
at ML Clarkston King
Lithonia
at Banneker
at Stone Mountain
Miller Grove
at Woodward
at Washington
at Dunwoody
at SW DeKalb
at Redan
Druid Hills 4:00PM/5:30PM
at Grady South Atlanta
at St MFrancis iller Grove (G)
North MAountain tlanta Arabia
at Marist
St Pius Maynard Jackson
Miller Grove
at Mays
at Lakeside SW DeKalb
Decatur
McNair
North Atlanta
at Forest Park
Arabia Mountain
Blessed Trinity
at Towers
Greenforest
Lakeside
BCB Stephenson Classic at GAC (B)
at Clarkston
Lithonia
at Blessed Trinity
at Lakeside
Douglass County at Chamblee
Mays at Dat unwoody
Columbia
at Decatur
at Arabia Mountain
Cambridge
at McNair Newton Co.
at Stone Mountain
Marist
King at ML Tucker
North Atlanta
Tucker
at Chamblee (X)
Decatur
Arabia Mountain
at Stephenson
at Redan
at Columbia
Redan
at Druid Hills Woodward Showcase
Mays
North Atlanta
Carver
at Cedar Grove
at Cross Keys
at ML King
at Miller Grove
Lithonia
Parkview
Cedar Grove
Miller Grove
at North Atlanta
11/20 at Norcross Tourney (G)
Redan
at Arabia Mountain
at Mays
at Druid Hills
at Stone Mountain
Dunwoody
at Walnut Grove
Clarkston
at SW DeKalb (B) 6:00PM
at Marist
Stephenson
at Miller Grove
11/5 at Salem Scrimmage (G)
December 14 DATE Saturday Preseason December 17 Scrimmage Tuesday
Chamblee
at Lakeside
Tucker
12/20-‐21 at East Ga. State College (B)
11/5 at Pace Academy Scrimmage (B)
TOWERS
at Columbia
at Clarkston
Lovejoy
McNAIR
at ML King
Tucker
Morrow
6-‐AAA
Arabia Mountain
Dunwoody
at Tucker
STONE MOUNTAIN
North Atlanta
ML King
Stephenson
Druid Hills
Showcase
at SW DeKalb
at North Atlanta
REDAN
at Dunwoody
Rockdale Co.
Miller Grove
at GAC Showcase 6-‐AAAA (B) at Buford (G) COLUMBIA LITHONIA 4:00PM 12/20 11/9 at Stephenson Miller Grove Scrimmage 6:00PM/7:30PM SW DeKalb (B) Scrimmage 12/21 at St Francis (G) at South Gwinnett 3:00PM Huaffman @ St Francis 4:00PM
11/20 Fayette Co. at Mt Vernon at Norcross (G) 6:00PM at Arabia Mountain Redan (X)
at Rockdale Co.
DeKalb County Pre-‐ DeKalb County Pre-‐ at TAournament lcovy January 17 Friday Holiday Holiday Tournament Tournaments Dec. 20-‐23 (B/G) Dec. 20-‐23 (B/G) January 18 Saturday January 21 Tuesday
DUNWOODY
at McNair Stone Mountain 4:00PM/5:30PM
Friday
January 25
December 14 Saturday Saturday
at Stockbridge
Towers
January 10 Friday November 26 Saturday Tuesday
Lakeside
at Clarkston
November 22 Friday November 23 Saturday January 11
CLARKSTON
at North Spring
at Towers
Saturday19 November at Arabia Mountain Tuesday7 January Tuesday
ARABIA MOUNTAIN
at Arabia C Mountain ays at unwoody Lakeside2014 Vat ARSITY Lithonia Stone Mountain (X) DEKALB OUNTY at SMCHOOL DDISTRICT 2013-‐ BASKETBALL SCHEDULEat Marist
Cross Keys Towers
Blessed Trinity at McNair Stockbridge
at Decatur
at St Pius
Woodward
Cross Keys
at Woodward
at Decatur
Saturday January 21 Tuesday January 24 Friday January 25 Saturday January 28 Tuesday January 31 Friday February 1 Saturday February 4 Tuesday February 7 Friday
DeKalb County Pre-‐ DeKalb County Pre-‐ Pebblebrook Holiday Tournament Holiday Tournament Tournament Nov. 23-‐ Tournaments Dec. 20-‐23 (G) Dec. 20-‐23 (B) 26 (B) DeKalb County Invitational Classic Dec. 26-‐30 (B) ML King Classic at
December 15, 2013
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
DeKalb first responders get hands-on disaster training
A
By Joshua Smith
100-ton train carrying hazardous materials has derailed and is barreling down Center Street in Lithonia. Businesses are open, residential neighborhoods are in sight, kids are in school and one of the tank cars are on fire. What do you do next? DeKalb County first responders came Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News together recently to figure out a DeKalb County first responders went through a very plan for the simulated disaster, but unique class as a part of the City of Lithonia Police one that could be used in the event Department’s disaster-relief training. of the real thing. “We were able to get control of four locomotives carrying alcohol, diesel fuel and turpentine with no fatalities and nine injuries. We all came together on one accord from planning and control to logistics and command to control what could be a tragic situation,” said Clarkston Chief of Police Christine Hudson. “This whole experience was awesome. We need more training like this.” The Dec. 5 emergency preparedness exercise and training program was a first for Lithonia’s Police Department, under Police Chief Eddie Moody’s leadership, hosted the event with CSX railroad at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church. With the recent reports of train derailments and fatalities across the nation, Lithonia e Moody says the five-hour training was essential. He says the training is especially critical for his city because Lithonia has a train track that runs right through the center of town. “Lithonia is especially vulnerable to such a life-threatening scenario because of the high volume of freight traffic passing through town every day,” said Moody. “When I was first hired we were tasked with creating a new emergency relief plan. We are building this emergency plan from the ground up. It took six months of planning to host this tabletop exercise. We plan to host more training such as this one in 2014.” Several agencies, including police and fire departments from around metro Atlanta, the Georgia State Police, DeKalb Board of Health and people who handle hazardous materials participated in the drill. The training session command center was set as it would be in an actual emergency. The room had a control desk operator, who took in developments from the field and relayed information to the appropriate people, command desk officers and health experts who studied weather conditions. There was a big screen schematic of derailed freight cars and the chemicals they carry. Logistics and planning experts huddled with their teams nearby. “With what’s going on with a lot of the trains out there, the timing couldn’t be better for training like this,” said Moody. “In a situation like this, public works, the media, citizens—not just law enforcement—everybody plays a part in securing safety.”
December 15, 2013
Pressure mounts for Gov. Deal to expand Medicaid
M
By Valerie J. Morgan
ore Georgia leaders are demanding that Gov. Nathan Deal expand Medicaid healthcare for the working poor, flooding his office with petitions and preparing to demonstrate at the Capitol. Deal, an opponent of President Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act, has remained adamant in rejecting $40.5 billion in Medicaid expansion funds from the federal government, saying that the plan does not fit in with the state’s overall budget. State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, D-Lithonia, who heads the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, said organizations and groups are preparing to demonstrate at the Capitol on Dec. 16. “The citizens of the state of Georgia send tax dollars to the federal government yearly and it is irresponsible to allow citizens to go without healthcare when many have already contributed financially and are in desperate need of health care,” Dawkins-Haigler said. Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the Rockdale/Newton County Georgia Federation of Democratic Women (GFDW), said it is critical that Deal expand Medicaid coverage. The GFDW, she said, is working with other groups to deliver signed letters from people across the state to urge Deal to accept the Medicaid expansion. “Gov. Deal’s refusal means that almost 700,000 Georgians who could qualify for affordable care will continue to go without,” said DavisNickens, president of the Rockdale/ Newton County Georgia Federation of Democratic Women. “He is not only risking the health of hundreds of thousands of Georgians, but he is also
State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler
Elaine Davis-Nickens
Dr. Kenneth Samuel
risking the closing of hospitals that depend on Medicaid income… I have just three words for Governor Deal: take the money.” Earlier this month, Dr. Kenneth Samuel, pastor of Victory for the World Church in Stone Mountain, launched a petition, calling on his congregation to send 1,000 letters urging Deal to expand the Medicaid program. Samuel also made a plea for other churches to stand up and take action. “In Georgia and throughout the Bible Belt, the biggest names in televangelism and mega-churches have not raised a voice to speak on behalf of the 5 million poor people who have been systemically deprived of healthcare by their state legislatures,” Samuel said. Georgia is one of 25 states that opted out of the fedrally-funded expanded Medicaid program after the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2012 allowed individual states to decide whether they wanted to expand. Deal’s rejection of the plan also has threatened Grady Hospital, Georgia’s largest hospital. Grady, which serves about 600,000 patients a year and provides medical care to more uninsured patients than any hospital in the state, will forfeit millions in federal reimbursements for treating Medicaid patients. For updates on this story, please sign up for breaking news updates at www. ocgnews.com.
Christmas and New Year’s at the Grove December 15, 2013 – January 8, 2014
Annual Christmas Services
Watch Night Services
Christmas Musical – 9:30 a.m. Children’s Program – 11:30 a.m.
7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
December 15th
Annual Prayer Breakfast January 4th – 9 a.m.
December 31st
Joint Community Communion Service Rev. Jerry Black and Beulah Baptist Church
W.E. Flippin Family Life Center
January 5th – 4 p.m.
Annual New Year’s Revival
Rev. Jasper Williams and Salem Baptist Church January 7 and 8 – 7 p.m.
Rev. Jerry Black
Dr. William E. Flippin
Rev. Jasper Williams
THE GREATER PINEY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 1879-1921 Glenwood Avenue, SE Atlanta, Georgia 30316 Dr. William E. Flippin, Sr., Senior Pastor
404.377.0561 - www.pineygrovebapt.org
December 15, 2013 To Contact Us
By Phone: 678-526-1910 By Fax: 678-526-1909 By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com
PAGE 11
Business News
Rockdale leaders expand skills through GAED
F
ive business and political leaders have completed training at the Georgia Academy for Economic Development (GAED). The Rockdale participants were among 45 to graduate from the program’s fall session in November. Thua Barlay, chairman of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, said the program offered a variety of training that he believes will enhance his leadership in the community. “The Academy’s program included training in the basics of economic and community development, plus specialized segments on business recruitment and retention, tourism product development, downtown development, planning and other essentials for community success,” said Barlay. “In addition, the curriculum featured specific leadership skills such as consensus building, ethics in public service, collaborative leadership and other segments needed for effective community leadership in economic development.” Barlay says the class met once a
L-R: Academy graduates Thua G. Barlay, Chairman of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce; Gina Hartsell, Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council; JaNice Van Ness, Rockdale County Board Commissioner; Fred J. Boscarino, Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce President. Not Pictured: Candace McCullough, Rockdale County Planning and Development Department.
month for four months rotating classes in Morrow, Woodstock, Decatur and Douglasville. Class participants represented a number of professional and nonprofessional economic development
Rockdale Chamber offer discount vacations to China, Austria and more
T
he Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is preparing to take the public to China—its fourth excursion to the Far East—in April. Registrations are under way now and will end on Jan. 13. Final payments must be made in total by Feb. 3. Last year, travelers from Georgia, New York, New Jersey and even California took the trip with the Chamber. DeKalb County resident Harold Roberts was one of those who made the trip. Roberts had traveled to Asia before, but the circumstances were much different. Roberts said China’s sightseeing and shopping was phenomenal. “I fought in the Vietnam war in 1971. Before our trip, I hadn’t seen Vietnam, Thailand or the Far East since then. When I saw the opportunity in the paper (On Common Ground News) to visit China for such an unbeatable price, I jumped on it,” said Roberts, who served in the U.S. Army as a Transportation Officer. “I would encourage anyone to go, especially with the Chamber. They had people in the perfect position to assist us and guide us through the trip.” The Chamber is making the nine-day trip available through steeply discounted rates it receives as a Chamber. The trip, scheduled April 7 – 15, includes round-trip airfare from JFK in New York, five-star hotels, lunch and dinner on select days and tours with English-speaking guides. The cost is $2,649 per person, double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional $495. You’ll even get the chance to get up close and personal with the famous Terracotta Warriors and the 4,000-mile long, 2,000-year-old Great Wall of China. Chamber President Fred Boscarino describes China as “the trip of a lifetime.” “We always have a big beautiful group that travels with us, usually 60 or more people. This really is a great way to take an international vacation,” said Boscarino. “There will be planned activities and plenty of free time for sightseeing and shopping.” Chamber members are hosting a briefing on the China trip for interested travelers on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber’s office, 936 Green St., S.W., Conyers. The Conyers Chamber also is traveling to Austria and Germany, which features Oktoberfest, Sept. 19 – 27 in 2014. The nine-day trip, at a cost of $3,049 per person, showcases more than 160 restaurants, cafes and bars, offering traditional Tyrolean and other specialties, as well as international dishes. Travelers will also visit the world famous Oktoberfest. The Conyers Chamber has planned a trip to the South Pacific, in particular, Australia and New Zealand with an option of visiting Fiji, Oct. 13 – Oct. 27. The 15-day trip, at a cost of $6,499, includes sights such as the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and the Mount Cook National Park. The Chamber’s final trip will be to the Azores Islands, Nov. 4 – 11. The eight-day trip, at a cost of $2,249, features stunning vistas and blue lakes bordered by flowers and dazzling views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as great indigenous food specialties. For more information on China or the other trips, call the ConyersRockdale Chamber of Commerce at 770-483-7049.
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fields, including elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators, and social service providers from across metro Atlanta. The academy provided participants an opportunity to gain a unique understanding of
the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional and state levels. A cross-section of professionals participate in the classes. Created in 1993, the program has provided leadership training to thousands of professionals and nonprofessionals. “One of the goals for the regional Academies is to encourage multi-county cooperation,” says Corinne Thornton, Director of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. “Many times, the participants discover the issues facing their community are the same as those facing other communities in their region, and can then combine limited resources to address the issue.” The next Georgia Academy for Economic Development will begin in August 2014. Local elected officials may receive certification training credits through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association for completion of this program. For more information on the class, contact Leamon Scott at 706-621-2585 or leamon.scott@dca.ga.gov.
calendar DeKalb Chamber to host after-hours event The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host an after-hours event for networking in a relaxed environment on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5:30 – 8:30 at Atlanta Technical College, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, S.W., Atlanta. The DeKalb Chamber will welcome members of the Clayton and South Fulton Chamber as well, to increase potential leads and business contacts. This is an opportunity to connect with someone new and expand your referral base. Attendees can enjoy networking with a variety of businesses, food, live music and door prizes. Admission is free. You can showcase your business with an event vendor table for $100. Advance registration is requested. For more information or to register, contact Katerina Taylor at 404-378-8000, ext. 225 or ktaylor@dekalbchamber.org.
Greater Lithonia Chamber hosts legislative luncheon The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce will host its Legislative Luncheon and Community Appreciation on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m., at This Is It! restaurant, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. The event is an opportunity for the members of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce and the business community to show appreciation for the men and women who serve the Lithonia community in elected offices. “Our goal is to build collaborative support that will affect positive change and inspire effective business advocacy, economic development in East DeKalb and sustainable job creation,” said Chamber President Doreen Carter. Elected officials are invited to register and attend the luncheon for free. Advance registration is requested. The cost to attend if you are not an elected official is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information or to register, call 770-482-1808.
Gwinnett Chamber invites businesses for networking event The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will join the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center in hosting “After Hours” on Thursday, Dec. 19, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the center, 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford. Organizers say this relaxed environment offers those who attend Gwinnett’s largest monthly networking a way to meet new people, gather business leads and network with more than 300 Chamber members. The cost to attend is $10. Adults only. RSVP is available online. For more information or to register, contact Kim Jones at 770-232-8805 or kim@gwinnettchamber.org.
DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, December 19, 2013
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.
3003145 ITB
ITEM
Service for the Clean and Passivate Ozone Generator
CLOSING DATE
January 29, 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
PAGE 12 To Contact Us
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December 15, 2013
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We Worship
Faith-Based News & Inspiration
Springfield to host community-wide noon worship on New Year’s Eve By Valerie J. Morgan
CONYERS–Several area churches are planning to worship together under one roof at high noon on the last day of this year. The community worship service is set for Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers where Pastor Eric Wendel Lee, Sr. oversees the ministry. Lee says the “PACT Community-wide Service” is being held to bring together community churches as one body of Christ. Members of Pastoral Accountability for Covenant Truth (PACT) meet monthly as a support and community action group who come together to pray, exchange ideas and set common goals for the betterment of the
community at large. “The New Year’s Eve noon service is an opportunity for us to come together as a community without altering anyone’s well-respected tradition,” said Lee. “It also gives seniors who don’t like to go out at night a place to worship during the day on New Year’s Eve.” Dr. Cynthia Hale of Ray of Hope Church in Decatur will be the guest speaker at the special worship service. Other pastors also are expected to participate in conducting the worship service from opening to the closing benediction, along with several worship arts ministries from the churches performing. The noon worship service will be similar to the community worship service Springfield held
last December with several churches participating. Area congregations gathered on the last Sunday of 2012 in celebration of the Sesquicentennial Emancipation Proclamation, which marked the 150th anniversary of black slaves being freed in America. The keynote speaker was The Rev. Walter L. Kimbrough, pastor of Columbia Drive United Methodist Church in Decatur. Several pastors and choirs sang at the worship service. In addition to this year’s noon service, Springfield also will have a teen worship service at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Two evening service will be held as well: 7 and 10 p.m. Springfield Baptist Church is located at 1873 Iris Drive, Conyers.
Rockdale-Newton NCNW to host Gospel Music Explosion The Rockdale-Newton Section of the National Council of Negro Women is hosting the Gospel Choir Explosion Competition, “Lifting Our Voices,” on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main Street, Conyers. The event is a fundraiser that will benefit Ceek to Fulfil and Garden of Gethsemane, which provides shelter, food, clothing and education to needy residents in Rockdale and Newton counties. Area church choirs will compete for a $1,000 prize to be used for church repairs, choir robes, outh ministry, and any other church-oriented need. Ms. Calandra Corder of ABC 26, WGNO News, New Orleans will serve as Mistress of Ceremony and nationally-known comedian, C. Davis, as Master of Ceremony. The doors will open at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling 678-824-2946. A limited amount of tickets will be available at the door.
An Uplifting Message from
Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr.
Are you grieving? Do you know someone who is grieving? Pastor Eric W. Lee of Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers has an uplifting message for you this holiday season. Check out the inspirational video message, just in time for the holidays, on our ministry news web site: www.churchesnow. com.
Kingdom Fellowship welcomes 15-year-old minister Kingdom Fellowship Christian Church, 3363 Midway Road, Decatur, will welcome 15-year old Minister Jared Sawyer, Jr. as the guest speaker on Sunday, Dec. 22, at the church’s 11 a.m. service. Sawyer will lead the ministry’s “Youth and Young Adult Takeover Service.” Sawyer has appeared on both, radio and television shows, and has served as a guest speaker for national organizations. Pastor Malcolm and First Lady Dr. Amelia Jefferson invites the community to join them in sharing Sawyer’s “phenomenal gift from God.” For more information, call 404-289-131.
Minister Jared Sawyer, Jr.
December 15, 2013
PAGE 13
Trinity Community Ministries to host graduation and holiday open house ATLANTA— Trinity Community Ministries will be holding its annual graduation ceremony for residents– formerly homeless men who’ve completed the Trinity House-Big Bethel program–on Saturday, Dec. 16, 4 to 5:30 p.m., 220 Auburn Ave., NE, Atlanta. Dr. Craig Oliver, senior pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, will be the featured guest speaker. The ceremony will be followed by a
candlelight procession from the Big Bethel’s sanctuary to Trinity HouseBig Bethel’s third annual holiday open house, which will be held at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. “Our annual graduation ceremony is powerful to witness, and we want to invite members of the community to be a part of the event. It’s important for folks to see the transformative nature of our program embodied in each of the men who walk across the stage to graduate,”
Oakhurst Baptist to host Israeli activists Oakhurst Baptist Church, 222 East Lake Drive, Decatur, will welcome two Israeli activists, Maya Wind and Eran Efrati, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. The two activists are speaking at the church’s program, “The Soldier and the Refusenik: Two Israelis. Two Choices. One Conclusion.” Wind and Efrati will share their experiences of the joint Palestinian-Israeli struggle for justice and equality. They will discuss direct action and protests in the West Bank and efforts to educate the Israeli public as well. A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. Attendees meet in the church’s fellowship hall. Maya Wind and Eran Efrati 404-378-3677.
First Baptist of Decatur welcomes guest preacher First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., will welcome guest preacher, Chaplin Bob Evans, to share a special message for the New Year on Sunday, Dec. 29, 11:15 a.m. Ordained by the Presbyterian Church, USA, with more than 35 years in ministry, Evans has led two large congregations, provided spiritual support to the U.S. military as a Navy chaplain, and presently serves veterans as the Chief, Chaplain Service within the Atlanta VA Medical Center’s constellation of care. Evans is married to Gretchen, a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Army. Chaplin Bob Evans For more information, call 404-373-1653.
Bruce Burney, the Executive Director of Trinity Community Ministries. “We’re excited to follow the graduation with our Holiday Open House – a way to celebrate the miraculous nature of our ministry during the holiday season. We invite those interested in making a difference in our community to come down and meet our residents, volunteers, and staff.” Guests will be treated to festive music, holiday fare, and guided tours of
Trinity House–Big Bethel. The house, located at 21 Bell Street, Atlanta, has been decorated for the holidays. Trinity Community Ministries, Inc. has operated and provided direct services to the Atlanta metropolitan community since 1981. Housing and recovery services to homeless men, many of whom are veterans, are provided through two core programs, Trinity House-Big Bethel and Trinity Living.
New Birth gears up for Gift Tree New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Lithonia, is gearing up for its 2013 Gift Tree, distributing gifts from the tree on Saturday, Dec. 21, throughout the day. The church will be providing gifts for children of incarcerated parents, suffering congregants and community children in need. The purpose of the gift tree is to provide support and bless children during the Christmas holiday. If you would like to donate a gift or volunteer your time on the gift-giving day, contact the church’s outreach department by calling Rasheda Anderson at 770-6965096 for schedule times.
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December 15, 2013
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
Emory talks blood pressure medications
Cancer survivors to create “Soul Collage” cards
Emory Healthcare, 1525 Clifton Road, Atlanta, will host a free workshop to discuss blood pressure medications on Monday, Dec. 16, 12 p.m. The workshop will focus on hypertension, also known as high blood pressure and the medications associated with the condition. Emory health professionals will discuss blood pressure control, monitoring techniques, proper use of medications, stress management, diet and exercise. People on medication and those with borderline high blood pressure readings are especially encouraged to attend. Participants meet in the hospital’s fifth floor conference room. For more information or to register, call 404-778-7777 or 1-800-75-EMORY.
Cancer survivors are invited to attend a “Soul Collage” workshop on Thursday, Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Piedmont Healthcare’s Cancer Wellness Center, 1800 Howell Mill Road, Suite 700, Atlanta. Attendees are encouraged to bring images that will be used to create a set of cards that illustrate community, companions and the transpersonal experience through condition and recovery. Lunch is provided. Registration is required. To register, call 404-425-7944.
Red Cross to host community blood drives
DeKalb Medical Center, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, will host a surgical weight loss workshop on Thursday, Dec. 19, 4 – 6:30 p.m. Are you considering surgical weight loss? This may be the perfect workshop for you after Thanksgiving feasts, as you prepare for New Year’s resolutions. Attendees can hear the latest procedures and get an understanding of the steps required for health insurance approval. For more information or to register, call 404-501-1000.
The Red Cross is hosting community blood drives in Gwinnett and Rockdale counties this month. Rockdale Medical Center, 1412 Milstead Avenue, Conyers, will welcome the Red Cross with a community blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the hospital’s East Tower Classrooms. While you donate, you can watch movies or vintage television shows and have a chance to win door prizes. Donors are also provided cookies, crackers and other snacks. The Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville will welcome the Red Cross on Friday, Dec. 20, 3 – 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.. The Red Cross supplies blood and blood products to patients in the community. You are invited to share the “gift of life” and be a volunteer blood donor at the community blood drives. Walk-ins are welcome, however, making an appointment is encouraged. For more information or to register for an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood. org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
Gwinnett Medical offers CPR posters for the New Year Gwinnett Medical Centers, 1000 Medical Center Boulevard, Lawrenceville and 3620 Howell Ferry Road, Duluth, are offering free CPR/First Aid posters. Hospital staff say they will be happy to mail you the poster, which gives general tips for basic first aid, CPR and choking. To receive a poster, call 678-3125000.
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DeKalb Medical offers workshop on surgical weight loss
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December 15, 2013
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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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Pick up your copy of the latest Churches Now issue For more church news, visit:
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December 15, 2013