Community
People
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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
Volume 20 Number 42
Lithonia’s first black mayor remembered
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rockdale Friends group celebrates 30 years in Conyers
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January 17, 2015
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Mauled girl’s family not likely to receive money from $36.9 million verdict By Joshua Smith
Nearly five years after two pit bull dogs mauled Erin Ingram, her family may face another uphill battle as the now 13-year-old continues her recovery: receiving the money awarded to her in a Decatur courtroom on Jan. 6. The case made headlines this week after a judge initially awarded the Ingram family $72 million, but reduced the amount to $36.9 million because Georgia law restricts the amount for punitive damages. Even with the reduced amount, however, attorneys for the family say Ingram is not likely to actually receive the money because they don’t believe the dogs’ owner, Twyann Vaughn, has any assets. Vaughn was sentenced to 16 months in jail, and 36 months on probation. “It will be difficult to get any money from Twyann Vaughn,” said Attorney R. Alan Cleveland, who represented the family in the civil lawsuit. “We can seize her personal assets, but we don’t know if she actually has any. At the time of the attack, she was renting. We don’t know if she owned a vehicle. The only other option is to garnish her wages at her place of future employment.” Ingram was 8 years old when she was attacked in the driveway of her Lithonia home while playing basketball on March 9, 2010. Two pit bulls belonging to Vaughn, who lived on the street, mauled her so badly that doctors were forced to amputate her left arm just below her elbow. Ingram’s right arm is disfigured and her ankles are also scarred from the attack. At the hospital, doctors spent 18 hours trying to save Ingram’s arms. She wears a prosthetic and Cleveland says she will need to go through many more surgeries and additional therapy in the future as she grows up. “She will need more surgeries because as she gets older and continues to grow, her bones will grow past the skin work that has already been done,” said Cleveland. The family, Cleveland said, moved to Gwinnett County because Ingram had nightmares and was afraid to
years for the six misdemeanors but Vaughn received 16 months and 36 months probation. “I hope this outcome sends a clear message that we will not tolerate reckless conduct by dog owners,” said Boston in a press release. “Sadly, Erin and her family’s lives were changed forever by this attack. I personally chose to prosecute the criminal case because I felt so strongly that this could have been prevented if Vaughn had followed the law. We must protect our citizens and especially our children from aggressive dog attacks.” State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, a DeKalb legislator, said the Ingram case is a perfect example of why charges involving people who are injured by vicious dogs should be changed from misdemeanors. “We must make those charges felonies. There are bills pending in the Georgia House that call for changing animal cruelty laws and that could easily include language making it a felony for people who have dogs involved in an
Erin Ingram
live in the Lithonia community after the attack. “We didn’t hear from the defendant before or after the verdict. She hasn’t shown any remorse or apologized to the family,” Cleveland said. DeKalb County Solicitor General Sherry Boston, who prosecuted the criminal case, asked a judge to give Vaughn four years behind bars. The maximum penalty was five
attack,” said Williams, who pushed unsuccessfully in 2005 to ban people from owning what are considered vicious dogs. “It must be a felony for victims like Erin. That will be the real wake-up call for owners not being responsible. That will be good for all of Georgia.” Cleveland said that people in the community shouldn’t consider the civil verdict as empty because the family may not receive any money, but should focus on the fact that the dog owner was convicted and justice was served. “Erin and her family are doing the best they can to move on,” Cleveland said. “We know we may not get anything from the defendant so we are currently in the process of talking to banks who can set up a donation account for Erin’s present and future medical expenses,” said Cleveland.
CELEBRATING SELMA “Selma” has special meaning for Fairfield Baptist Church’s movie extras
By Valerie J. Morgan
Fairfield Baptist Church’s Pastor Micheal Benton and his congregation had a special reason to celebrate the recent release of the movie, Selma, the stirring dramatization of the fight for voting rights in the South. Benton, his wife, Yvonne, and several members of the Lithonia church were extras in the movie, which included scenes filmed in Atlanta, Rutledge, and Selma, AL. The church held a Red Carpet event on Jan. 11 to honor those who participated. In the moie, Pastor Benton was seated in a church pulpit during a scene where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was preaching. In the same church scene, Fairfield’s First Lady Yvonne Benton and other members were part of the congregation. Then there is the scene offering a glimpse of Pastor Benton’s vintage red and white ‘55 Ford Crown Victoria, which was shown briefly as Oprah Winfrey is taken down by the police during a demonstration. Members of Berean Christian Church and Antioch Senior Housing were featured in the movie as well and also participated in Fairfield’s Red Carpet event. Fairfield held the event at the AMC Stonecrest 16 movie theater, where hundreds of members and their guests saw the movie together. “Initially, Sunday’s event was a way for Fairfield’s cast members and their families and
friends to view the film together. To make it exciting, we added the Red Carpet and called ourselves stars for a day,” said Shirlene King, who organized the event and was also an extra in the movie. King said Fairfield members sold nearly 600 tickets for the movie. “We filled up two theaters to capacity,” King said. The church, she said, honored Cynthia Stillwell of Cynthia Stillwell Casting at the Red Carpet celebration. She said a friend introduced her to Stillwell, who was instrumental in working things out for about 30 Fairfield members to be cast as extras. In addition to honoring Stillwell for Best Casting Director in a Drama Movie, Fairfield also presented awards to Shondalon Hoffler for Best Assistant Casting Director for a Drama Movie; Pastor Micheal Benton for Best Male Extra in a Drama Movie; and First Lady Y’Vonne Benton received the award for the Best Female Extra in a Drama Movie. “We called them the Selma Awards. It was a wonderful evening for everyone,” King said. Noted attendees at the Red Carpet were Clay Chappell, who starred as the Registrar in the scene when Oprah tried to register to vote; Auntie Honey Clark, a Civil Rights Activist; Dr. Lei Lewis, CEO and Publisher of Women of Wealth magazine; Frank Rogers, who was the stand-in for David
Fairfield Baptist Pastor Micheal Benton and First Lady Yvonne Benton
See Selma, page 8
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January 17, 2015
January 17, 2015 PAGE 3
january 17, 2015 Volume 20, NO. 42 EDITOR/Publisher Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
Community News
DeKalb BOC not budging on District 5 seat, presiding officer
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.
On Common Ground News 1240 Sigman Road Suite 107 Conyers, GA 30012 (678) 526-1910 (P) (678) 526-1909 (F) www.ocgnews.com
From L-R: N. Jester; J. Rader; L. Johnson; S. Barnes Sutton; L. May; K. Gannon; and S. Watson.
By Joshua Smith and Valerie J. Morgan
It’s like a family feud. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) remains at odds over leadership. At its Jan. 13 meeting, the board voted 3-2 on George Turner’s nomination to fill the vacant District 5 seat, failing to get the required four votes to pass or reject the appointment. With the deadlock, the board also prevented Interim CEO Lee May from stepping in and breaking a tie. The commissioners also couldn’t agree on which of them will serve as presiding officer to run the meetings. That vote also was 3-2. Commissioner Larry Johnson currently holds the position, but Commissioner Jeff Rader is seeking to replace him. Rader, who voted for himself, received support from Commissioners Kathie Gannon and the newly-elected Nancy Jester. Johnson and Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton opposed the nomination. Commissioner Stan Watson wasn’t present when the vote came up for the District 5 seat or the presiding officer position. Watson said he arrived late because he had to go to the doctor due to having the flu. Rader made it clear that he was sticking to his decision on the District 5 seat because he does not feel Interim CEO Lee May should have been allowed to nominate the person to fill the District 5 seat. “I will continue to reject this appointment. I find Mr. Turner to be a reasonable person, but I cannot in good conscience vote in favor of a nominee from the Interim CEO. I believe passively or actually it will give the CEO a proxy vote on the commission,” said Rader. “Being appointed to the CEO position and then appointing a successor is too much power to give an individual.” The District 5 seat is vacant because May, who was elected to the seat, was temporarily appointed to serve as Interim CEO
while suspended CEO Burrell Ellis faces a corruption trial. May was the presiding officer when the governor appointed him in July 2013. Meanwhile, Johnson has said he will continue to serve as presiding officer until the District 5 seat is filled. He said he feels the District 5 commissioner should have a say in deciding who the presiding officer will be. “We need a strong, united board that is making things happen. We can’t do that until we fill the seat in representing District 5,” said Johnson. “That goes for filling the District 5 seat as well. Taxation without representation is wrong and we need to fill the seat. The appointment was made a long time ago and we’ve been wrestling with this too long.” John Evans, president of the DeKalb County NAACP, weighed in on the matter during the public comments portion of the BOC meeting. “Here we are again with District 5. Every time we come here, it’s a show. It seems that no one wants to bite the bullet. It’s a shame that we are stuck in a cracker barrel with no representation because people have their own political agendas at hand,” said Evans. “The procedures have been followed. This is the law and it should be followed. The commissioners need to make an apology to the community and move forward on this. It’s too much politics and personal agendas involved.” Meanwhile, State Sen. Ron Ramsey, who lives in District 5, which includes unincorporated Lithonia, is pursuing legislation that would permit the governor to make an appointment in instances when a board could not agree on an appointment. He hopes to get the legislation passed immediately so the seat can be filled. The commissioners must make a decision on who will serve as presiding officer by the end of the month.
Rockdale Friends group celebrates 30 years in Conyers By Joshua Smith
For three decades members of the Nancy Guinn Library Friends group have been cleaning bookshelves, dusting off novels and helping book lovers navigate through the library. “We are volunteers who believe that as the center of the community, the public library provides vital and diverse intellectual, cultural, educational, social and recreational resources,” said Friends member Janet Campbell Wagman. To celebrate their anniversary, the group will continue their book sales, a staple for readers in the Conyers community, to build up for their official week of events in November, the actual birth month of the group. The library support group has author visits, family story time, and other events planned for the month of November but are still ironing out the details. On the second Saturday of each month, the group hosts book sales from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. to fund programs at the library such as the free summer reading performances and baby story time for toddlers. Proceeds are also used to purchase additional reading materials needed at the library. The sales feature multiple genres, which include non-fiction, textbooks, young adult and children’s books, world literature and a wide selection of popular fiction genres such as mystery, romance, science fiction, fantasy and thrillers. Books, both paperback and hard, L-R: Joy Maner, Charlotte Bauer and Gwen Ellington prepare books for a book sale at the Nancy-Guinn Memorial Library. range in price from 50 cents to slightly more than $1. Sanders, library community outreach organizer. you and your kids.” Library patron Tina Parratt of Conyers said she “The group is always looking for new members Library staff say the Friends are vital in the appreciates the Friends. to help ready the book for the book sales and help library being a successful operation. “ Everything is always well organized and with other fun activities.” “The Friends provide a valuable service to the clean. No books are ever yellowing or crumbling,” The monthly book sales begin on Saturday, Feb. community by offering a wide selection of books said Parratt. “I travel a lot and sometimes I find 14, and will conclude on Saturday, Dec. 12. in good condition and low prices, which in turn, a good read at the sale for my layovers or long The library is located at 864 Green St., provides funds to finance additional items for the flights. They usually have every genre covered for library, which also benefit the public,” said Barbara Conyers. 770-388-5041.
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Coming Up
January 17, 2015
DEKALB Struggling with debt? A free consumer education clinic aimed at helping people struggling with debt will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. If you are struggling with debt or have been sued for a debt and have questions, get the answers from the DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. Local attorneys will discuss information regarding debt cases in DeKalb and facilitate one-on-one consultations. Participants should bring all documents related to their cases.
Vision meeting set for Brookside Park
DeKalb History Center’s archivist to lead Lunch & Learn The DeKalb History Center’s Lunch and Learn this month is entitled “Archives 101 – Getting to Know the DeKalb History Center Archives.” Bring your lunch and enjoy an informative presentation on Jan. 20, noon to 1 p.m., at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur, second floor. Archivist Nicole Carmolingo will give a crash course to help you better understand the DeKalb History Center’s archives. Her presentation will include an overview of our archival collections as well as insight into how the Archives functions. She will also discuss the process of conducting research here and give helpful information for anyone interested in doing future research with us. As the DHC archivist, Carmolingo works with researchers, donors, volunteers and the community to preserve DeKalb’s history. She was previously employed as an archivist with a private archival consulting firm where she had the opportunity to work with a variety of corporate and organizational collections. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in political science from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA and her Masters of Heritage Preservation with a public history focus from Georgia State University. She has held the distinction of “Certified Archivist” since 2012. The Lunch & Learn is free to attend. For more information, call 404-373-1088.
ATLANTA Urban League sets home loan modification workshop The Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) is accepting registration for its Home Loan Modification Workshop. The free workshop will be held Thursday, Jan. 28, 6 to 8 p.m. at the ULGA, 229 Peachtree St., Suite 300, Atlanta. At the workshop, you’ll learn about: • Your eligibility for a loan modification. • The types of programs under Making Home Affordable. • Mortgage types and escrow accounts. • Retention and transition options. Register at http://ulgatl.org/events/loan-modification-workshop/. You can also schedule a confidential appointment by calling 404-659-6591.
Free fitness classes offered on Beltline The Atlanta BeltLine is offering several free fitness programs including the return of favorite classes such as Walk and Talk with a Doc, FitWit, How to Ride a Bike for Youth and Adults, Sunset and Sunrise Hikes, ElliptiGO – as well as a number of new additions such as Adult Swimming, Self Defense, and Barre3 - to get Atlantans out and moving on the Atlanta BeltLine. Free registration for classes is available at beltline.org/fitsignup. “It’s exciting to see such a tremendous response from the community – and to see Atlantans become regular users of the Atlanta BeltLine’s parks and trails through our programs,” said Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Program Director Rob Brawner. “We’re also pleased with the level of response from partners interested in giving back to the community by offering these free classes to Atlantans.” Free registration for classes is available at beltline.org/fitsignup. In addition to a variety of fitness classes, the Atlanta BeltLine offers free weekly Bike Tours and Arboretum Walking Tours, as well as the Atlanta BeltLine Running Series’ free monthly Run Clubs, and paid 5K, 8K and 10K events that benefit the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership. Information on the Atlanta BeltLine Running Series is available at BeltLine.org/Run <http://BeltLine.org/Run.
Graduation Achievement Centers to host open house to help dropouts The Graduation Achievement Centers of Georgia will host an open house on Jan. 22, 4 to 7 p.m., 100 Edgewood Ave., NE, Suite 915, Atlanta. The community is invited to learn more about tuition-free programs designed to help high school dropouts and those at risk of dropping out to obtain a diploma. The center, which is open to students ages 14 to 20, offer a blend of online and face-toface learning for students. The center is staffed with Georgia-certified teachers, counselors, and other professionals who work together to provide daily academic support and postgraduation assistance for students, including those with learning disabilities. “Our goal is to help each student map a plan to success with an end goal of obtaining a high school diploma,” said Center Coordinator Darius Pinder. For more information about enrollment, call 844-PROVOST (776-8678) or visit www.GradGeorgia.com.
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host a vision meeting for Brookside Park on Jan. 22, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Extension Services Training Room, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. The meeting is open to anyone who would like to attend. The Brookside Park property is on North Decatur Road just outside of I-285. It is the site a former derelict apartment building. DeKalb acquired the property, demolished the structures and removed thousands of used tires that were dumped on the site and in the stream. The vision meeting will be held to determine potential uses for this new park space. Commissioner Kathie Gannon utilized District 6 Park Bond money to acquire the land. Now the community will have an opportunity to give input regarding desired park designs and facilities. For more information about the meeting, call LaShanda Davis, public education specialist, at 404-371-3643.
GWINNETT Extension Service to host annual plant sale The Gwinnett Cooperative Extension Service is offering varieties of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, figs, apples, pomegranate, native azaleas, and other landscape plants as part of its annual sale. Orders will be taken January through March 11. The one-day pickup will be held March 26, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Enter on Sugarloaf Parkway. Plants that are not picked up before 6 p.m. will be considered a donation. No refunds are provided. For pricing of the plants and to request an order form, visit www. gwinnettextension.com or call 678-377-4010.
New online feature helps locate lost pets The Gwinnett Animal and Enforcement Center is participating in an online system to help families locate their lost pets: www.helplostpets.com. This resource allows families to enter detailed information about a lost or found pet into a national database. Families can also locate the pet’s approximate location on a map and create a free poster to email or print. The poster contains a prominently displayed QR code for mobile phones. The Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center will also receive notification of the lost pet and assist with locating a pet’s owners if brought to the shelter as a stray. Please note that it is still the owner’s responsibility to come to the shelter to locate a lost pet. In addition, stray animals are held for a minimum of five days before they are offered for adoption, rescued, or, in extreme cases, euthanized. For more information, contact the Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center at 770-339-3200.
ROCKDALE Rockdale Democrats to install new officers The Rockdale Democratic Party will install its new officers on Saturday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m., at the Party headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers. The community is invited to the ceremony and meeting.
Olde Town family bike ride set Families are invited to join the City of Conyers on a bike ride through Olde Town Conyers. Sunday, Jan. 25, 4 to 5 p.m. Bring your bike and helmet and enjoy a four-mile, 45-minute leisurely group bike ride on the beautiful historic streets of Olde Town. The ride begins at the Conyers Welcome Center/railroad Depot, 901 Railroad St., Conyers. and finishes at the Whistle Post Tavern. For more information, call Eddie Shirey at 770-365-0480 or Brent Taylor at 678-283-2421.
Volunteer appointments to be made to community boards The Rockdale Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for volunteer appointments to several groups that serve the county including the Planning Commission, Economic Development Council, Development Authority and Ethics Commission. The more experience you have in related fields, the better your chances are of being selected to serve. Those who are interested in serving should call 770-278-7001 or send an e-mail to: jennifer.rutledge@rockdalecounty.org; richardoden@rockdalecounty. org; oznesbitt@rockdalecounty.org; or doreen.williams@rockdalecounty.org.
Conyers First Baptist to host rally for law enforcement officers A rally to show support for law enforcement officers will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 5 p.m., at Conyers First Baptist Church, 2100 Highway 138. The rally, organized by the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial, will honor men and women who serve with the Conyers Police Department, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol. Guest speakers for the rally include Conyers Mayor Randy Mills; Rockdale CEO Richard Oden; Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson; Sheriff Eric Levett
January 17, 2015 PAGE 5
Former Miller Grove High employee indicted for stealing $13K A DeKalb County grand jury has indicted a former Miller Grove High School employee on felony theft charges, saying she stole more than $13,000 from the school’s cheerleading team and senior class accounts. Daphne Murphy, 38, was indicted on two theft by taking charges that date back to 2009 and 2010 incidents. “Ms. Murphy betrayed the trust of the cheerleaders, the senior class, the parents and the administration of Miller Grove High School,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James. “She lined her pockets with the money generated from various fundraising efforts of teenagers to benefit her own personal greed.” Prosecutors say Murphy stole the money while Daphne Murphy (Photo: via Facebok) serving as a paraprofessional at the school. Murphy turned herself in at 11 a.m. on Jan. 14, and was released after paying a $24,000 bond.
DeKalb awarded $75K grant for gang reduction program DeKalb County has received a $75,000 state grant to fight gang-related criminal activity. County officials say the funding from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Byrne Innovative Communities Program will be used to assess the scope and extent of gang activity within the county. help create a shareable database of gang information for multiple law enforcement agencies. “The receipt of this grant allows DeKalb County to build upon the Governor’s nationally-recognized criminal justice reforms for juveniles that were first proposed in House Bill 242 and which place a renewed emphasis on community-based solutions to criminal justice issues,” said DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May. In addition to conducting an assessment, DeKalb’s Gang Reduction and Intervention Program (GRIP) will use the funding to create a shareable database of gang information for multiple law enforcement agencies.
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State
of the county 2015
January 22 Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program starts at 7:00 p.m. Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
Interim CEO Lee May will present to citizens, businesses, and other community stakeholders a review of 2014 and his outlook for 2015 during the State of the County Address. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Rockdale Chamber invites you to explore South Africa and Ireland
The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is rolling out its welcome mat this year to South Africa and Ireland, and you’re invited to take advantage of the steep discounts the Chamber is able to offer for the trips. In past years, the Chamber has traveled to China, Japan, Italy, Germany and Austria, giving people the chance to vacation at dream destinations. The trips are open not only to locals, but those who have friends and family members in other states. “We want people to see the world and we’re open to new places that people would like for us to book as destinations,” said Fred Boscarino, president of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. The 14-day South Africa trip is scheduled Oct. 1 – 14. The package includes a complimentary ride from the Chamber to the airport, round-trip airfare from Atlanta, 4.5 star hotel stays, transportation from the airport in South Africa, as well as throughout the trip, breakfast, lunch and dinner on select days and tours with English-speaking guides. The cost for the two-week vacation is $5,249 per person, double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional $6,199. Those who book their trip with the Chamber now until April 2 will save an additional $250 off the cost. The final payment is due on June 1. Frank Herron, North Georgia District Sales Manager for the Collete traveling group, which is offering the Chamber the discounted trips, hosted a briefing for interested people on Jan. 13 at the Chamber. “We offer 190 tours across the globe and South Africa has been a top 10 destination for decades. One of our stops, Cape Town, was one of the New York Times 2014 top three must-see destinations. Travelers will see the most stunning vistas in Africa,” said Herron. “This is the perfect time to visit South Africa because their beautiful flowers are now blooming. You can take a ride on an ostrich or an elephant, enjoy an authentic Boma dinner, have lunch one day with a local family, enjoy delicious seafood from right off the coast and go to a wine and chocolate pairing that is out of this world. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise an incredible experience.” The Chamber also is planning a trip to Ireland for some “Irish Splendor.” The eight-day trip, Oct. 28 – Nov. 4, includes breakfast and dinner on selected days, an English-speaking tour guide, as well as trips to the Guinness Storehouse and a whiskey distillery. Herron says in Ireland, travelers will also journey the 700-foothigh cliffs of Moher, enjoy a one-night hotel stay in an authentic castle and a visit to Ireland’s largest gift store. The cost is $3,169 per person, triple occupancy, $3,199 double occupancy and $3,599 single occupancy. If you book now until April 29, Collette will take $200 off your cost. The Chamber will host a briefing on Ireland on Thursday, Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m., at 936 Green St., S.W., Suite 100, Conyers. You can pay for your trip to Ireland or South Africa via check, credit card or money order. Payment plans are available for both trips. For more information, call Stephanie Layson at the Chamber: 770-483-7049.
BE INSPIRED... at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. isitors are welcome year-round at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the inspirational home of Georgia’s Trappist Monks. Nestled on 2,300 acres in Conyers, the Monastery offers a scenic and peaceful environment to explore. Experience a day in the life of a monk, or learn about the Trappists in Georgia at the Historic Museum. See the beautiful Abbey Church. Browse through the Bonsai Garden, Bonsai Nursery and gift shop. Visit the Abbey Store for monk-made biscotti, fruitcake, fudge, free trade items and the largest selection of Christian books in the state. Stay for the day – or experience our overnight retreats.
www.trappist.net
PAGE 6
Celebrating
January 17, 2015
Events across the Metro celebrate the life of the late Nobel Peace Prize winner The nation will celebrate Monday, Jan. 19, as the King Holiday. The day will mark the 29th anniversary of the national holiday named in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Nobel Peace Prize winner would have been 86 on Jan. 15. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Events are planned throughout the metro Atlanta area to remember King for the indelible mark he made on the nation. Organizers want people to use the holiday not as a day off, but as a day of activism. Below is a listing of some of the ways local residents will remember Atlanta’s native son.
ATLANTA
DEKALB
Ebenezer to host commemorative service
MLK service projects set in Decatur
The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service will be held on Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m., at Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Horizon Sanctuary, 407 Auburn Ave., N.E., Atlanta. The ecumenical service, which is open to the public, is the spiritual hallmark of the King Holiday Observance in Georgia. Members of various religious traditions and state, national, and international governments will participate. Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, the first female president of Alabama State University, will be the keynote speaker at The King Center’s 47th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service. In addition to serving as president of Alabama State University since February 2014, Boyd has served on the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans and as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Boyd, an ordained itinerant elder in the AME Church, was awarded the Doctor of Ministry and Master’s degrees from Howard University, as well as a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University. She has also chaired the Johns Hopkins University Diversity leadership Council. Ebenezer Baptist Church was originally founded in 1886 during the Reconstruction Era. The Rev Martin Luther King, Jr. his father, Martin Luther King, Sr., and Martin’s brother, Alfred Daniel “A.D.” Williams King, have all pastored the church. Other program participants include a host of federal, state and elected officials, social change advocates, community leaders and public figures from the arts, education and the faith community. The program is televised locally every year by Fox5 Atlanta. The church seats 2,000 people. Early arrival is suggested.
Emory seeks volunteers for beautification projects Emory University students and staff will be working with residents on various beautification projects in the city. “Each Spring, volunteers from Emory and the community take on a day of service,” said Emory’s Director of Days of Service Arianna Robbins. “True to Dr. King’s legacy, Emory’s Day On looks to immerse Emory staff and students, and volunteers in Atlanta’s culture of service and social justice.” Some projects include gardening and cleaning at historic sites, parks and schools, helping animal shelters, and working on community projects for senior citizens. For a list of service projects and more information on how you can get involved, call 404-727-6123 or visit www.emory.edu.
King family members to sign books at The King Center Meet family members of the famous civil rights leader for a special book signing that will be held on Jan. 19, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at The King Center, 449 Auburn Ave., Atlanta. Christine King Farris will sign her books, “My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” and “Through it All: Reflections on My Life, My Family and My Faith.” Dr. Angela Farris Watkins, niece of Dr. King, will sign copies of her books,”My Uncle Martin’s Words for America: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Niece Tells How He Made a Difference” and “Love Will See You Through: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Six Guiding Beliefs (As Told By His Niece).” Alveda King, another niece of Dr. King, will sign her book, “King Rules: Ten Truths for You, Your Family and Our Nation to Prosper.” Only books purchased at The King Center will be signed. For more information, contact Barbara Harrison 404-526-8911 or programs@thekingcenter.org.
Annual MLK Commemorative March and Rally in downtown Atlanta The 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Commemorative March and Rally will be held Jan. 19, 1:45 p.m., in downtown Atlanta. The march will start at the intersection of Auburn Avenue and Peachtree Street and travel to Jackson Street. The march will conclude with a rally in front of the King Center at 449 Auburn Ave. Arrive early to stand along the march route. Many of Atlanta’s leaders are expected to participate in the march.
Hands on Atlanta service projects planned The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project, sponsored by Hands on Atlanta, will be held on Jan. 19 throughout the day. For more information on volunteering with a project, contact 404-979-2800 or www.handsonatlanta.org.
On Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19, residents in the city of Decatur will take on the 13th annual MLK Service Project. Residents are invited to sign up to do home repairs and yard work for Decatur senior citizens to help them live safely, comfortably and affordably in their homes. Volunteers may work one or more shifts: Saturday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 18, 1 - 5 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. Please sign up in advance. Volunteers meet 30 minutes before the start of each shift at the Solarium at the Community Center of South Decatur, 321 W. Hill St., Decatur. Volunteer positions include home repairs, yard work/landscaping, cleaning gutters, transporting materials, monitoring and organizing tool inventory and more. Donations of sandwiches and desserts are also appreciated. Volunteers must be 12 or older, unless volunteering with an organization such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. All volunteers must complete a waiver and release (volunteers under 18 must have form signed by parent or guardian). If possible, bring your own home repair tools, yard work tools, and work gloves. Be sure to dress for the weather. For more information on the project or to donate, visit www. mlkserviceproject.com. To find out how you can be involved, contact Lee Ann Harvey, at leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or 770-652-8593.
DeKalb Library System to host events in King’s honor The DeKalb County Library System’s Doraville branch, 3748 Central Ave., Doraville, will hold a MLK Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Tweens and teens are invited to join volunteers at the Doraville Library for a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteers will help library staff prepare craft kits for the branch’s summer vacation reading program. Staff says this act will beautify the library. The event will end with a birthday celebration for Dr. King. 770-936-3852. The library system’s Lithonia-Davidson branch, 6821 Church St., Lithonia, will hold “I Have a Dream” on Tuesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Families and residents of all ages are invited to come to the branch to celebrate Martin Luther King’s Jr. vision for peace for all. Write down your own dream for America in the branch’s “Dreamin” jar. All participants will receive giveaway items for sharing their dream. 770-482-3820. The system’s Stonecrest branch, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, is inviting preschoolers, ages 3 – 5, to enjoy a Dr. King story time and craft session on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Attendees will hear stories and sing songs focused on Dr. King and his legacy. They can also make crafts and color pictures highlighting Dr. King and civil rights.
DeKalb NAACP parade and rally set in historic Stone Mountain The DeKalb County NAACP’s 13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade will take place on Monday, Jan. 19, 12:30 p.m., starting in the parking lot of Green Pastures Christian Ministries Inc., 5455 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The parade ends at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, at the intersection of 3991 Snapfinger Road and MLK Parkway, Lithonia. Organizers say the annual parade is a festive event celebrating one of the world’s greatest heroes. This year’s grand marshals will be NBA champion and former 76er Reginald “Reggie” Johnson and WSBTV television reporter Tom Jones. Parade participants must arrive for line-up on or before 10:30 a.m. Jared Sawyer, Jr., a local 17-year-old pastor, singer, and author, will recite King’s famed “I Have a Dream Speech” at the conclusion of the parade. The parade concludes with a rally at the high school. Attendees will be entertained by local high school bands including MLK Jr., Clarkston, Stone Mountain, Cedar Grove and Cross Keys. The community is also encouraged to bring signs to the parade and rally with messages such as “We Love You Dr. King” and “Happy Birthday Dr. King.”
Martin Luther King Day service project in Lithonia Keep DeKalb Beautiful and the City of Lithonia will host “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” community service project, on Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main St., Lithonia. This is the second annual community cleanup hosted by the city and the DeKalb county service group. Families are invited to join for beautification of the community. For more information on the planned projects, visit www. keepdekalbbeautiful.org or call 404-294-2010.
January 17, 2015 PAGE 7
New Bethel to present 14th Annual MLK Drum Major Awards Pastor Richard Allen Washington, Sr. and the New Bethel A.M.E. Church, 8350 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia will celebrate its 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award Celebration on Monday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m. The theme for this year’s celebration is “We are the keepers of the dream.” The keynote speaker will be Dr. Cheryl Dozier, president of Savannah State University. Dozier was named the 13th president of Savannah State University on May 9, 2012 after serving one year as interim president. John Evans, president of the DeKalb County NAACP, will be among several people honored at the program. The event is free and open to the community. 770-484-3350.
ROCKDALE
Conyers-Rockdale Chamber, NAACP set benefit breakfast
Pastor Billie Cox will keynote breakfast.
The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale branch of the NAACP will co-host a benefit breakfast commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19, 7:45 a.m. The event, Rockdale’s main celebration marking the national holiday, will be held at Longhorn Steakhouse, located on Iris Drive near I-20 and West Avenue. Pastor Billie Cox of Macedonia Baptist Church in Conyers will be the keynote
speaker of the breakfast. Pastor Cox took the helm of Macedonia in 2012, making history as the first female to lead the church, which turns 142 years old this year. Prior to becoming pastor of Macedonia, Pastor Cox served as director of ministries at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers under Pastor Eric Lee. “We are expecting a large turnout as we have had in the past,” said Fred Boscarino, president of the Conyers Rockdale Chamber. “This is our eleventh year hosting the event with the Rockdale NAACP, and it has become a community tradition for many of our residents and business owners who want to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” Proceeds from the breakfast benefit the United Way. The cost to attend the breakfast is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 13 and under. Tickets are sold at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Proceeds will benefit the United Way. For tickets or more information, call 770-483-7049.
City of Stone Mountain sets National Day of Service On Monday, Jan. 19, volunteers are encouraged to participate in the National Day of Service from 9 a.m. to noon. The project for the day will be cleaning up the historic Shermantown Cemetery at 5510 Stillhouse Road, Stone Mountain village. The cemetery has become overgrown with trees and foliage. “We would like to spend a few hours honoring the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by working together as a community to clean up this historic resting place,” explain Steve Wells, a member of the Stone Mountain City Council. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, clippers and water. Boot are also recommend.
GWINNETT
United Ebony Society ready for Annual MLK Day Parade The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County, Inc. will host its 15th Annual MLK Day Parade on Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. The parade will start at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville and end at Moore Middle School, 1221 Lawrenceville Highway. The theme of the parade is “Uniting in Faith and Perseverance: Celebrating 15 Years in Gwinnett.” Organizers say the theme underscores how faith and perseverance enabled the United Ebony Society to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King through the vision of creating the first MLK Annual Parade in Gwinnett County. Following the parade, a free health and wellness fair will be held at Moore Middle School. There will be free health screenings and educational materials on heart disease, stroke, blood pressure, breast cancer, sickle cell, domestic violence awareness, fire and safety, and the Affordable Healthcare Act. This year, the parade features singing from Hope & Life Music, a Gwinnett-based ministry.
CELEBRATING A DAY ON AND NOT A DAY OFF
Georgia Power employees
Georgia Power is proud to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day – a nationwide celebration of service to mankind and community – by encouraging its employees and customers to use their time off to serve others. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us all come together to spend a “day on“ by extending a helping hand to help those who need it most.
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PAGE 8
January 17, 2015
Selma
continued from page 1
Georgia’s new Liberty Plaza honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The crowd waits to watch “Selma” at Stonecrest in Lithonia.
Oyelowo in the movie; John Evans, president of the DeKalb NAACP, and longtime radio personality Mitch Faulkner. Fairfield plans to take a tour to Selma, AL in March to observe the March 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March.
Cynthia Stillwell of Cynthia Stillwell Casting-Atlanta
Gov. Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal
Georgia is honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this National King Holiday with the dedication of its new Liberty Plaza, a place, Gov. Nathan Deal said displays symbols of our freedoms: replicas of Georgia’s Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty. Both replicas were previously located on the Capital grounds and were relocated to the plaza, formerly the site of a concrete parking deck. The plaza, located on the east side of the Georgia Capitol, will provide the public
a place to hold assemblies and exercise their freedom of expressions. Designed to accommodate 3,000 people, the plaza serves as an amphitheater with a built-in stage. A monument of Atlanta’s native son, Dr. King, eventually will be erected in the plaza. In addition to the dedication of Liberty Plaza, Gov. Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal paid tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Capitol’s annual holiday ceremony, held in the North Wing.
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Business News
Entrepreneurial Academy is accepting registrations Are you looking to start a new business? Want to turn your passion into a profit in 2015? It’s time to register for the ConyersRockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy. The academy, which begins on Feb. 16 and runs for seven weeks, is accepting registrations now. “The Entrepreneurial Academy is a course designed with the entrepreneur or small business in mind. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, this academy has something for you,” said Chamber President Fred Boscarino. “Experienced business people who have been there, and tried that, will share their experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls and be better prepared to establish your business for growth and prosperity.”
Boscarino says the Entrepreneurial Academy has drawn participants from Lithonia, Decatur, Stone Mountain, Stockbridge, College Park, Forest Park, and even McDonough. Seasoned instructors include technology consultants, life coaches,
bankers, financial planners and representatives from H&R Block. The format ranges from panel discussions to lectures to hands-on training. Topics include: Accounting/Bookkeeping, Legalities of Starting a Business, Legal Issues and Ethics, Handling Expenses, Managing Revenues, Marketing Your Business, Retirement Planning for the Small Businessperson, Business Liability Insurance, Computer/ Technology Resources and Online Marketing. Esther Williams, a 2013 graduate of the academy, said while it took her two years to earn her master’s degree in business administration in 2000 at the University of Phoenix, it took her six weeks at the academy to learn everything she needed to start her own business.
“Everything—from insurance to opening policies—it was all covered. It’s really what I needed to get things up and running,” said Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor. Since the academy, Williams launched Green Hygiene Company, LLC. The business offers environmentally-safe cleaning products on both, a corporate level and for household cleaning. The Entrepreneurial Academy is held at the Rockdale Career Academy Building in Conyers. Classes are on Mondays, 6 – 9 p.m. The cost for the seven-week program is $175. The fee includes class materials, refreshments before each class and a graduation dinner. For more information or to register, call 770-483-7049.
DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, January 22, 2015
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: \SOLICITATION #.
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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: HYPERLINK “http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/ index.html” 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: Scott M. Callan, CPSM, Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting
ATTENTION ALL DEKALB COUNTY HOMEOWNERS The 2015 Property Tax Exemption Deadline is Fast Approaching! If you owned and resided in a home in DeKalb County on January 1st, you may apply for a Basic Homestead Exemption and Property Assessment Freeze with the County by April 1st of this year. The home must be your primary domicile and legal residence for all purposes, including the registration of your vehicles and the filing of your Federal and State income taxes. Applications received after April 1st will be processed for 2016. In addition to the basic homestead exemption available to all homeowners, there are special exemptions available for residents 62 and older, disabled veterans or their un-remarried spouses, and other disabled residents. Eligibility for special exemptions is based upon age or disability, total household income, and must be applied for in person. When applying, please bring your State and Federal income tax forms, Social Security 1099, and any other forms of income you may receive, to one of our three offices across the County.
North Office
1358 Dresden Dr., NE Atlanta, GA 30319
Main Office
4380 Memorial Dr. Suite 100 South DeKalb Mall Decatur, GA 30032
South Office
2801 Candler Rd. #66 Decatur, GA 30034
Remember, the deadline for applying for all homesteads is April 1st! Apply for the Basic Homestead Exemption, the Property Assessment Freeze, or renew your tag registration online at: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner
Questions? Call (404) 298-4000 or email us proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov
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People
JANUARY 17, 2015 January 17, 2015
Movers & Shakers in the Community
Lithonia’s first black mayor is remembered as “unsung hero” Allison “Al” Edward Venable, the city of Lithonia’s first black mayor, is being remembered as an unsung hero. He died on Jan. 12 of natural causes. He was 75. Whether marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or planning programs at his church, Mr. Venable didn’t mind working behind the scenes to make things Allison “Al” Edward Venable happen. That wasn’t easy March 24, 1939 - January 12, 2015 considering that in 1973, he became the first black member of the Lithonia City Council. In 1984, he became the first black mayor of Lithonia. His political work extended beyond the city limits. Mr. Venable also served as president of the Georgia Municipal Association for the Fourth District. “He was a wonderful person. When we were fighting the medical waste incinerator in the city, he never backed down. He told us to keep fighting and the city would have our backs. He always had your back,” said Sandi Morris, a
long-time Lithonia resident and retired teacher. A native of Lithonia, Mr. Venable attended Bruce Street School. Mr. Venable served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps and then worked for Lithonia Lighting for more than 40 years. When he wasn’t standing up for justice or sharing his knowledge of Lithonia, Mr. Venable enjoyed sharing his musical talents. He grew up playing the trombone in the marching band and he loved singing gospel songs. Mr. Venable was a faithful member of Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church. He joined Antioch in 1949 when he was 10 years old and remained a member of the congregation his entire life. While there, he was a musician, a member of the church choir and he organized a group called The Gospel Harmonizers. He served as chair of the deacon board until his death. Antioch Pastor James C. Ward said Mr. Venable served in nearly all of the church ministries at some point and praised his impeccable character. “Al is an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement. He worked tirelessly at justice for all. He did a lot with King and it was something special to have him there last year when the NAACP held a state meeting at the church. He
always had a good sense of humor and was great at building bridges between people and giving them direction without coming across as brash,” said Pastor Ward. “He was a nice man, but never backed down for what was right. He used to share stories with me about the death threats he would get on his phone constantly, but it never stopped him from serving. I served as his pastor for 20 years and he never minded taking the back seat. He always told me it doesn’t matter who gets the credit, as long as God gets the glory.” Mr. Venable was married to the late Juanita Starks for 44 years. They had three sons: Kevin; Allison Venable Jr.; and Kimothy. He later found love again and married Diana Williams on May 1, 2010. Along with his wife and sons, Mr. Venable is survived by his brother, Pastor Walter Glenn Tolbert, Sr. of Stockbridge. Tri-Cities Funeral Home will hold a viewing on Jan. 16, noon – 8 p.m.. The funeral service for Mr. Al Venable will be on Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m., at Antioch-Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. Pastor Ward will deliver the eulogy. Interment will be at the Lithonia City Cemetery in Lithonia.
Al Franklin named mayor pro tem of Lithonia Al Franklin, 38, has been named mayor pro tem of the City of Lithonia. Franklin was selected on Jan. 5 by the Lithonia City Council to serve in the ceremonial leadership position for one year as is custom for the city. “I welcome the opportunity. I am looking forward to continuing my leadership on the Lithonia City Council,” said Franklin. Franklin won a seat on the Lithonia City Council last year after a special election was held to fill the seat of Patricia Miller, who decided not to run again after her term expired. A resident of Lithonia since 2006, Franklin first served on the City Council in 2009. He holds a master’s degree in management from
Al Franklin
Troy University and a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Florida A&M. Franklin said he remains committed to using his business experience to advancing economic development in the city. As vice chairman of the city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Franklin said he is focused on securing a management company to oversee the operation of the Lithonia Amphitheaterthe city is working on transferring operations of the amphitheater DDA to pave the way for the entity to handle funding for the amphitheater. The DDA, which had been inactive for several years, was reactivated in January 2013 by Mayor Deborah Jackson and the City Council.
RCSO honors 2014 Employees of the Year Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office recently honored its 2014 Employees of the year. The Sheriff’s Office honored the Detention Deputy of the Year, Civilian Employee of the Year, and Deputy Sheriff of the Year. Employees are nominated by their supervisors and the names of the nominees are then forwarded to the Command Staff of the RCSO. The Command Staff, Chief Deputy and Sheriff then are tasked with reviewing the nominations and making the final selections. The employees chosen to receive these prestigious awards must possess many honorable traits and exemplify what the Office of Sheriff desires in every employee. “I want to commend Mrs. Meredith Allen, Mrs. Maria Villanueva, and Mr. Darius Warren for all of their hard work and dedication not only to the Sheriff’s Office but also to the citizens of Rockdale County” said Sheriff Eric J. Levett. “The RCSO has great employees who work here and choosing just one for each division is a tough decision. These employees chosen go above and beyond the call of duty to make the RCSO run more efficient and help to keep the citizens of Rockdale County safe.”
assists every Bureau of the RCSO. Allen has been employed with the RCSO since August 2012.
Detention Deputy of the Year: Maria Villanueva
Villanueva began her career at the Sheriff’s Office in May 2013.Described as a hard worker and eager to learn, she is considered a great asset to the RCSO. She is very committed to keeping the RCSO Jail safe and secure.
Deputy Sheriff of the Year: Darius Warren Pictured from left to right: Sheriff Eric J. Levett; Meredith Allen; Deputy Darius Warren; Detention Deputy Maria Villanueva; and Chief Deputy Scott Freeman.
Civilian Employee of the Year: Meredith Allen
Allen is a dedicated employee who took on many projects and saw them through completion with an outstanding positive attitude. She currently serves as the quarter master in the Support Services Bureau and
Darius Warren began his career at the RCSO in June 2013 with the Jail Bureau. Warren was a very dedicated deputy in the Jail Bureau and was transferred to the Field Services Bureau in October 2013. He is always volunteering to help in the Sheriff’s Office in any way it is needed including extra shifts when the Uniform Bureau is short-handed to ensure the safety of Rockdale citizens. Warren always comes to work with a smile and a positive attitude and is always eager to learn.
State Sen. Butler elected to Women in Government State Sen. Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain) was recently sworn in as a 2015 State Director with the Women in Government Foundation, Inc. “It is an honor to be part of such an outstanding group of female leaders in America,” said Sen. Butler, who represents the 55 District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. “I look
State Sen. Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain)
forward to the opportunity to advocate for all of the intelligent and hardworking female leaders throughout our great state.” Butler, who serves as vice chairwoman for the Minority Caucus, was elected to Women in Government by her fellow state legislative colleagues. Her installation was held at the 21st Annual State Directors’ and 11th Biennial First Term Legislators’ Conference in St. Petersburg, FL. “Women In Government congratulates Sen. Butler in her position as a State Director. State Directors play a critical role in setting policy priorities for
our organization,” said Dyan Alexander, executive director of the organization. “She is a recognized leader in her state, and we are excited that she will now share her leadership skills with other women policymakers throughout the country.” Women In Government Foundation, Inc. is a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums, and educational resources. Women In Government serves all 1,785 women who serve in state legislatures from across the country.
January 17, 2015 PAGE 11
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January 17, 2015
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