Ocg 08 27 16

VOLUME 22 NUMBER 21

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AUGUST 27 2016

Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews

Hundreds turn out for OCG News “smooth” jazz concert

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undreds filled the Lithonia Amphitheater for On Common Ground News’ “A Night of Smooth Jazz” on Aug. 20 featuring headliners Ronnie Laws and Lonnie Liston Smith. The crowd also enjoyed special guests Jaman Laws, Julie Dexter, Joey “Papa J” Sommerville, Rhonda Thomas, Groove Centric and DJ Naturel.

While some concert patrons brought their picnic baskets and coolers, others purchased barbecue, crab legs, shrimp and Italian icees from vendors.

VIPs were treated to elegant dining—by candlelight at linen-covered tables and chairs for the outdoor event.

“We wanted to create a elegant atmosphere so we went the extra mile in our setup,” said Glenn L. Morgan publisher of On Common Ground News.

We have some surprises planned for the next concert.”

JFly, who produced the Aug. 20 event, will See Concert page 7

Convoy heads to Louisiana Georgia Lottery, Atlanta Falcons announce new scratch-off game

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aw enforcement agencies from around Georgia, WSB-TV and citizens came together to collect needed supplies for flood victims in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Supplies were collected at the Atlanta Civic Center on Aug. 20 and 21. Four tractor-trailers were filled with donations over the weekend, doubling the goal of filling two trucks.

Tractor-trailers were provided by Holland Inc., 7 Hills Transportation, Cardinal Logistics and Caring for Others, Inc. making a total of six departing for Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Aug. 24.

Clarence Cox, president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), said he was pleased with the response for support for the flood victims.

“I am overwhelmed at the outpouring of support from the citizens. It proves to me that law enforcement and the community are closer together than apart,” said Cox. “We are one Georgia.”

“This weekend law enforcement and the citizens of Georgia came together to provide relief to flood victims in Louisiana. This was an enormous success, proving that law enforcement and community together can achieve great successes,” said former NOBLE President Cedric Alexander.

or the eighth consecutive year, the Georgia Lottery Corp. and the Atlanta Falcons have teamed up to kick off another new instant game.

Atlanta Falcons is a $5 instant game with top prizes of $350,000 and many other great prizes. Tickets went on sale at Georgia Lottery retailers statewide Aug. 23.

“We are excited to continue our very successful partnership with the Atlanta Falcons,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Debbie D. Alford. “With profits from each ticket purchased benefiting the lottery-funded HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs, Georgia’s students score big with this great new game.”

In conjunction with the scratch-off game Atlanta Falcons, players will have additional chances to win prizes with the Ultimate Fan Tailgate Giveaway promotion from Sept. 9 through Dec. 15.

In the previous seven years, the Georgia Lottery’s Atlanta Falcons-themed games have earned more than $177.9 million in net sales with $112.6 million in prizes. The games have generated more than $65.3 million for Georgia Lottery-funded educational programs.

“We are very proud of our longstanding partnership with the Georgia Lottery,” said Tim Zulawski, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of AMB Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the Falcons. “The Falcons-themed scratch-off ticket has successfully raised money for the HOPE Scholarship and Georgia Pre-K programs, while being a great way for our brands to connect with Falcons fans throughout the state of Georgia.”

Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corp. has returned more than $17.6 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educa-

tional programs, including Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. More than 1.7 million students have received HOPE, and more than 1.4 million 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.

For more information, visit: www.galottery.com.

PAGE 2 •AUGUST 27,2016

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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com

GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com

On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.

No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

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News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com

Rockdale Democrats to host Coffee and Candidates The Rockdale Democrats will host “Coffee and Candidates” on Saturday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m. at its headquarters, 1264 Parker Road.

“We are hosting the Coffee and Candidates because we understand that there has been much confusion over the primary and the run-off elections—who won, who still has to run in November, etc. We are urging the community to come out to the meeting to meet the candidates and obtain more information,” Party officials said in a statement.

AUGUST 27,2016 • PAGE 3

Lithonia man gets life sentence for human trafficking

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Lithonia man will spend the rest of his life in jail for selling two under-aged girls

for sex.

Robert Tate, 30, was found guilty of rape, two counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, two counts of pimping a person under the age of 18, and two counts of interference with custody.

“This man and his cohorts forced these girls into sexual slavery,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James. “It’s because of people like Mr. Tate that we formed the DeKalb Anti-Trafficking and Exploitation Watch unit, and we won’t stop going after human traffickers until we eliminate this scourge.”

In March 2014, Tate and Jamal King

met a pair of 16-year-old girls who had run away from their Macon foster homes.

They eventually began exploiting the girls for sex in exchange for money on the web site backpage.com, and taking them to various hotels throughout DeKalb.

One of the girls was five months pregnant in 2014 when Tate choked, physically abused and raped the teen.

She escaped Tate several weeks later and reported him on Dec. 9, 2014.

A jury convicted Tate last week. He has been transferred to the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections.

King pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with 7 on probation.

Robert Tate

A third man is the father of the child of the girl who was pregnant. He is currently being held at the DeKalb County Jail awaiting trial for statutory rape charges.

7 DeKalb parks get “book boxes” to promote literacy

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he DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs is installing book boxes, sometimes called little libraries, in several parks to increase literacy and promote a love of reading.

The primary goal of this initiative is to increase literacy by providing the exchange of free books in the local communities. Patrons are encouraged to take part in this free program, which allows readers of all ages to borrow, take or drop off a book for future usage.

“This project brings books to neighborhood parks to make them more accessible for our youth,” DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May said. “Now, children won’t have to wait to go to school or the local library to get a book to read.”

The PNC Financial Services Group Inc. and various DeKalb County Friends of the Park groups have committed to sponsoring the installation and maintenance of the book boxes.

“Reading in the park is a great way to not only exercise the mind but also engage in physical activity for your body as well,” said Roy Wilson, director of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department. “Literacy and leisure is a great combination for children and adults to practice on a daily basis and with this concept our community can flourish mentally and physically.”

Parks that currently have a book box include: • Flat Shoals Park

• Fork Creek Mountain Park • Frazier-Rowe Park • LaVista Park • Medlock Park • Pendergrast Park • Springbrook Park

DeKalb Library, school district launch campaign for library card sign-up

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eKalb County Public Library and the DeKalb County School District are teaming up for a library card sign-up campaign this fall to encourage all students, their family members and school system staff to get a library card.

Beginning in September, which is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and continuing through October, the Library and the school system will promote the benefits of having a card along with the Library’s new and colorful, limited-edition card, designed just for the campaign.

School Superintendent R. Stephen Green is chairing the campaign. He will appear on a specially-designed poster which will be displayed in each of DeKalb County’s 126 elementary, middle and high schools, encouraging students to get a card. He and his staff also will work with library staff on card sign-up DeKalb Schools Superintendent R. Stephen Green and Library Director Alison Weissinger show off new, limited edition library card. events at schools and at library branches.

“I am honored to be asked and to chair the DeKalb CounMs. Turner is a youth services specialist at the Chamblee branch. ty Public Library sign-up campaign,” said Green. “The Public “We have very talented staff at DeKalb County Public Library is a vital partner with the District and our community of Library. And I think you’ll agree with me when you see Lee learners.”

This year’s campaign theme is “This Card is Your Key.” The Turner’s design,” said Library Director Alison Weissinger. “The design is perfect for this year’s campaign, incorporating as it limited-edition card for the campaign was designed by library does many of the great benefits a library card staff member Lee Turner, who won a staff card design contest.

PAGE 4•AUGUST 27,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Coming Up

GWINNETT

Little Mulberry Park to host overnight family camping adventure Celebrate the end of summer with a night outdoors on Friday, Sept. 2, at Little Mulberry Park, 3800 Hog Mountain Road, Dacula.

Gwinnett residents are invited to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, and chairs and the park will provide dinner, breakfast, fun activities and marshmallows for the campfire.

All ages may participate. The fee is $12/person with code LMP41401 or $41/family of 4 with code LMP41402. You must pre-register by Aug. 29 online at www.gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-277-0850.

Grant Park hosts Summer Shade Festival

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estival lovers are invited to one of Atlanta’s top summer festivals on Saturday, Aug. 27 through Aug. 28 at the historic Grant Park, 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta.

The Summer Shade Festival brings a 5K Run, food trucks, craft beer, an artist market and live music to Atlanta’s oldest park.

Bring a blanket and the whole family and enjoy the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival to celebrate the end of summer. For more information, visit http://www.summershadefestival.org.

Live Healthy Gwinnett hosts free yoga in the park during September Sept. 11 is National Yoga Month. Gwinnett Parks and Recreation invites the public to connect with nature and celebrate with the instructors from Ebb & Flow: Yoga Surf Studio at Vines Park every Sunday in September at 7 a.m., 3500 Oak Grove Rd SW, Loganville.

All skill levels are welcome. Bring a mat, towel and water bottle. Pre-register at www.gwinnettparks.com with code YIP47501 Call 770.822.8869 or for more information, visit www.livehealthygwinnett.com.

ROCKDALE ATLANTA

House in the Park Atlanta festival expected to draw over 10,000 people The 12th Annual House in the Park festival will once again be at the historic Grant Park Sunday, Sept. 4, 12 to 8 p.m., 800 Cherokee Ave, Atlanta.

Enjoy a day of nonstop soulful house music, R&B classics and all points in between. The family-friendly event is free and will include food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and will feature four of Atlanta’s most renowned soulful house music DJs, plus free water to keep you hydrated all day For more details, visit www.houseinthepark.org.

Adult coloring meet-up set Adults are invited to unwind at the monthly adult coloring club meetup at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library Friday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 964 Green Street, Conyers.

Coloring can help alleviate stress and anxiety while letting you create art and train your brain to focus. Join the adult coloring club to unwind and create beautiful pieces of art, enjoy light refreshments, and explore what the library has to offer. Materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Open to the public ages 18 and up. For more information or to register, call 770-388-5040, ext. 118.

DEKALB

Library offers school night pajama story time

DeKalb Public Library to host Smithsonian’s National Museum traveling exhibit

Bring the kids to enjoy stories, interactive songs and simple crafts before bedtime Thursday, Sept. 8, 6 to 6:45 p.m., in the story time room at the Nancy Guinn Library, 964 Green Street, Conyers.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in all activities.

Children are welcome to come in sleepwear. All ages welcome.

For more information, call the library’s youth services department at 770- 388-5040, ext. 113. .

DeKalb County Public Library is hosting a special exhibit Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer branch, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker.

The exhibit, entitled Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and The March on Washington, 1963 features historic photographs and paintings that explore two pivotal events in American history — The Emancipation Proclamation and the 1963 March on Washington.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, developed the exhibit to commemorate the achievements these events represent. The exhibit explores their historical context, what they accomplished and failed to accomplish, and their impact on the generations that have followed.

For more information, call 770-270-8234.

Downtown Decatur welcomes back Concerts on the Square Music enthusiasts are invited to enjoy free live music on the square for Decatur’s Concerts on the Square September series.

Pack a picnic, spread out a blanket and enjoy an outstanding line-up of music every Saturday at 7 p.m. during the month of September. For more information or show details, visit www.decaturdba.com

This week’s Coming Up was compiled by Mackenzie N Morgan Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go.

To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers.

Calendar events are published weekly as space permits.

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Citizens Progressive Club to celebrate 60th anniversary gala

The Citizens Progressive Club of Rockdale, Inc. will presents its 60th Anniversary Dinner and Gala on Saturday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers.

This year’s theme is “Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future of the Community for All.” The guest speaker for the occasion will be Gregory B. Levett, Sr. of Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. Gregory B. Levett, Sr. Levett received national recognition as the “2015 Funeral Director of the Year” by the funeral industry.

Tickets are $35 per person. For tickets and additional information, contact the Rev. Aldren Sadler at 404-374-0585 or visit Eventbrite.

Gwinnett BOC approves sidewalk on Killian Hill Road The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 16 approved a contract to build sidewalks on Killian Hill Road from Sandra Drive to Nantucket Drive near Trickum Middle School.

“I am so pleased to get this project under way because it will improve pedestrian safety along this busy roadway,” said District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard.

CMES Inc. was the lowest of five responsive bids at $745,558. The project will install just over a mile of sidewalk, curb and gutter and drainage improvements on the north side of Killian Hill Road. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2017.

The project is funded by the 2009 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Program. Additional information about these and other SPLOST road improvement projects can be found on the County’s website at www.gwinnettcounty.com.

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AUGUST 27, 2016 • PAGE 5

Join local growers for an array of foods at the Lithonia Farmers Market

By Lolade Olowoyeme

The City of Lithonia Farmers Market is offering locally-grown fruits, vegetables and other goods every Sunday through Sept. 18, 1 to 5 p.m., at the City Hall parking lot, 6920 Main St. Shoppers can be seen packing up newly laid eggs, selecting just picked produce and even learning about the secret lives of bees from the local honey expert, just to name a few of the things in store when you arrive.

Growers like Gwendolyn Washington, who operates Phoenix Gardens with her husband, Brennan, love to chat with shoppers who are interested in how they grow their crops. Washington is one of Georgia’s certified organic growers. She works hard to grow food for Georgia families and she feels that by educating them on how food is produced, shoppers will be more likely to feel directly connected.

“When your food is traveling hundreds of miles across the country, and sometimes from other places around the world, you have no idea who grew it, how they grew it or where it was grown. It’s a healthier experience when you know who your farmer is,” Washington explained.

Lithonia Mayor Deborah A. Jackson is excited about having the farmer’s market in the city.

“Having fresh, locally grown produce comes from the city’s effort to create a food hub, since the area qualifies as a food desert,” Jackson said.

“Helping the community learn about ways to grow their own food is part of the long-term strategy.”

At the farmer’s market, you are able to have a direct conversation with producers and no question is considered off limits. As a matter of fact, farmers love to talk about the food they grow.

So what questions should you ask? A good place to start is with what matters most to you. Are you seeking food grown as close to home as possible? Do you have a particular eating plan (gluten free, vegan, paleo) that guides your food choices? Are their food traditions that you are seeking to preserve? Is sustainability important to you?

In an effort to help farmers market patrons navigate this discussion, the Georgia Farmers Market Association has created a chart of some key terms used while shopping. Stop by the GFMA tent and grab one during your next visit to your local GFMA member market.

Lolade Olowoyeme is manager of the Lithonia Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is made possible with funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with the DeKalb Board of Health)

PAGE 6 •AUGUST 27,2016

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South DeKalb gears up for 4th Annual Heart of South DeKalb Festival

AUGUST 27, 2016 • PAGE 7 Concert continued from page 1

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outh DeKalb will show off its marching bands, step teams and many things that make its residents proud to call South DeKalb home at the 4th Annual Heart of South DeKalb Festival, which will be held 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the parking lot of the Gallery at South DeKalb mall near Macy’s.

The free outdoor festival is the largest event of its kind in South DeKalb. The day begins with a parade featuring high school bands, step teams, community organizations and leaders heading to the mall at 8:30 a.m., from New Life Church on Candler Road. Bring you chairs and enjoy a day of fun with the whole family. The festival’s theme this year is “honoring and Celebrating Our First Responders.

There will be: • Food and retail vendors • Book give-a-ways provided by DeKalb Library • S.T.E.M. Competition sponsored by Women of AT&T • DeKalb County resources, car show, job fair and health screenings • All day entertainment from various performers and prizes • Music mixer by DJ Rudy and the featured band—EZ Access!

• Sponsors include: DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, Clerk of Superior Court Debra Deberry, Quick Trip (QT), D&K Suit City, Jude JP Boulee, Judge Mike Jacobs, State Rep. Rahn Mayo, Utley Chiropratic & Wellness Center and Bojangles restaurant.

join On Common Ground News in presenting a concert on Sept. 10, 7 p.m., at the Lithonia Amphitheater: This time, legend Peabo Bryson will headline “A Night of Jazz and RB” with Eric Essix and AdMixture. Stay tuned: More acts are expected for the show. Advance tickets start at just $30 and $35 at the gate. Tickets are available at www.ocgnews.com. For more information on VIP seating and the Royal Pavilion or vending opportunities: 678-526-1910.

To view photos from the Ronnie Laws concert, visit us on Facebook at On Common Ground News (Official).

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PAGE 8 •AUGUST 27,2016

Fulton County to host MARTA bus operator recruitment

The Fulton County Workforce Development Division is assisting MARTA with its bus operator recruitment. MARTA wants customer-focused applicants to apply for this opportunity.

To apply for bus operator positions, Applicants must: • Create an applicant profile @ www.itsmarta.com and apply for the Bus Operator position • Submit applications by Friday, Sept. 2, 2016 • Send an email to Jason.Lane@fultoncountyga.gov following application submission. The email must include the name and phone number of the applicant with MARTA BUS OPERATOR in the subject line • Wait for further instructions indicating that they can move forward in the application process.

• Be at least 21 years old • Pass all pre-employment background screenings related to the bus operator position (Customer Service test and Physical Exam which include drug and alcohol testing) • Possess excellent customer service skills • Meet all applicable licensing requirements Additionally, a valid Georgia Class ~A~ or ~B~ CDL driver’s license or GA CDL permit is required with a Passenger Endorsement. If candidates do not have the required licensing, they may visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to test for the Passenger Endorsement. Candidates must provide proof that they passed the test.

Applicants who meet selection requirements will be notified by MARTA and invited to an interview at the Adamsville Career Center. The Adamsville Career Center is part of the Workforce Development Division of the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Career Center is located within the Adamsville Regional Health Center at 3700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta.

Anytime Notary. Call to schedule your appointment : 678-468-6852

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Low income Home Energy Assistance Program to open Nov. 1

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services will be available Nov. 1. This federally-funded program assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers.

Beginning Nov. 1, 2016, residents ages 65 and older or those who are homebound can apply for assistance through the Department’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. All other eligible families may apply for assistance beginning Dec. 1, 2016. Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.

In 2015, the LIHEAP program spent over $43 million to assist more than 129,000 clients with their heating bills. Depending on income and household size, those who qualified for the program received between $310 and $350 toward their home heating bills.

To qualify, a family’s annual income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family. For a household of one, the income threshold is $21,881; the income threshold for a household of five is $48,812.

Those seeking assistance must contact their local Community Action Agencies. All applicants must provide the following: 1. Most recent heating bill or statement of service from their heating providers.

2. Social Security Numbers for each member of the household.

3. Proof of Citizenship for each member of the household;.

4. Proof of Income for the last 30 days for each adult member of the household. Proof of Income can include, but is not limited to a paycheck stub or a letter granting public assistance, and, 5. Social Security or unemployment benefits for all household members.

All applicants will be required to sign a consent to release information form allowing the state to retrieve energy usage data from their energy provider and to provide proof of bill payment.

For more information on the program, contact the Division of Family and Children Services toll-free at 1-877-423-4746. To find a Community Action Agency in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa.org.

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AUGUST 27,2016 • PAGE 9

City of Atlanta celebrates $1.3 million improvements at Maddox Park Pool

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tlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Department of Parks and Recreation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated pool at Maddox Park.

Reed was joined by Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Phuong, Councilmember Ivory Lee Young, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Morris, MARTA Senior Director of Transit Oriented Development and Real Estate Amanda Rhein and Northwest Business Association President Rev. Larry Hill.

The opening of the pool fulfills the mayor’s campaign commitment to reopen and revitalize recreation centers and pools in the City of Atlanta.

“Since my first day as Mayor, I’ve been determined to restore neighborhood assets that were shut down and forgotten during the worst recession in 80 years. Today, we are proud to reopen and revitalize Maddox Park Pool,” said Mayor Reed.

“With the opening of this facility, every pool in the City of Atlanta is available for use. It is our hope that this new pool and amenities, as well as every other pools citywide, will serve as a source of pride to Atlanta residents.”

Maddox Park first opened in 1931 and the pool was an active facility serving Bankhead residents for many years before it closed. Under Reed’s administration, the Department of Parks and Recreation invested $1.3 million toward reconstruction of the Maddox Park Pool. The restored swimming pool includes a zero-entry feature, a renovated pool house with newly-installed bathroom amenities, three pool deck canopy shades, lounge chairs, water play and jet spray features and a new asphalt driveway which circles the entire park.

The revitalization of Maddox Park Pool is the first phase of renovations set to occur at the park.

Under the Maddox Park Master Plan, developed in partnership with the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., the more than 80-year-old public park will continue to receive improvements and expansions to its greenspace and recreation facilities, serving as a catalyst for new development. In addition, the park is in close proximity to Proctor Creek, which the City of Atlanta plans to remediate and restore. The restoration will result in the addition of 400 acres of new greenspace along the length of the creek and a trail that connects the Atlanta Belt-

Photo via Twitter

Line to the Chattahoochee River.

“Today’s opening of Maddox Park Pool is significant and serves a greater purpose than ensuring that residents have a place to swim,” said Amy Phuong, Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “It’s about providing amenities which ensure connectivity while further enhancing quality of life for residents. Maddox Park will see additional improve-

ments and expansions in the near future.”

In 2014, the Department of Parks and Recreation acquired an additional 171 acres of land, including 14 new parks. This additional greenspace increased the percentage of Atlanta residents living within a halfmile walk of a park from 50 percent to 64 percent.

PAGE 10•AUGUST 27,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

T

Georgia State NCNW hosts inaugural state conference

he National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) Georgia hosted its inaugural state conference on Aug. 20 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport Hotel, announcing several new leaders.

National NCNW Membership Chair/Conference Chair Lois Keith had the vision of organizing a statewide conference to re-establish sections to network and learn about various initiatives going on throughout the state.

Nearly 200 NCNW members and affiliates were in attendance and the conference highlighted various sections in both the community and collegiate sections.

NCNW National Chair Ingrid Saunders-Jones was in attendance and presented Keith with an inaugural Chairman’s Movers and Shakers Award.

Members elected Sharah Denton as Georgia State NCNW interim chair; Derrica Williams as interim secretary; and Myrtle Mayfield as interim treasurer. Denton founded the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Section of NCNW in 2010 and served as the President until spring 2016.

Newly-elected presidents at the conference who presented information about their sections included Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Section President Tiffany Vinson; Greater Atlanta Chartering President Diane Larche’; Rockdale-Newton President Rhonda Taylor; and Presenter Evetta Washington; Savannah Section Presenter Betty Lasseter; Columbus Section Chartering President Kimberly Scott; DeKalb Section outgoing President Belinda Pedroso; and DeKalb newly-elected President Saundra Davis-Forrest.

During the conference, collegiate members of NCNW participated in breakout sessions.

Collegiate sections included Clark Atlanta; Georgia Southern State University; Georgia State University; Kennesaw State University; Spelman College; University of Georgia; and Valdosta State University. The collegiate sections presented information about their initiatives and shared ideas with one another.

Presentations also were made

by National NCNW Executive Director Attorney Janice Mathis; National Membership Chair, David

Glenn; National Program Chair Paulette Norvell Lewis; Dr. Angela Ward; and Dr. Darlene Ruffin-Alexander.

National Chair Ingrid Saunders-Jones discussed the history of NCNW and the newly implemented “Four for the Future” initiative, which entails: Educating and training young women and girls for the future workforce, with a special focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), continuing NCNW’s historical focus

on health concerns in the African American community, promoting economic empowerment and entrepreneurship and important issues like financial literacy and shortand long-term financial planning; developing new partnerships to encourage young African American men and women to embrace the values of NCNW founders.

DECAL joins Zoo Atlanta for Educator Appreciation Day

Bright from the Start Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is partnering again this year with Zoo Atlanta as they host Educator Appreciation Day on Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early care and education professionals throughout the state are encouraged to bring their guests to the zoo for a day of fun-filled activities. Educator Educators will receive free admission and $2 off general admission for each of their guests. Educator identification, such as an employee photo ID; a pay stub or name badge with school name or county and a state-issued photo ID; or a homeschool declaration of intent and a state-issued photo ID, is required. Educators are encouraged to pre-register to attend at: http://shop. zooatlanta.org/webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?&CG=105&C=55 “Educator Appreciation Day provides a great opportunity for educators and their guests from across the state to experience Zoo Atlanta,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “In addition to enjoying one of Georgia’s most interesting and extensive nature resources, educators can access the Educator Lounge at the Ford Tent to personally encounter exotic animals and to talk with the Zoo’s education staff.”

“Zoo Atlanta is proud to partner with DECAL to champion standards of excellence for education, inside and outside the classroom. We celebrate educators as a vital link between the science curricula students learn in school and the personal connection with the life sciences that students are exposed to through Zoo experiences,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “Education is a fundamental part of the mission of Zoo Atlanta, and teachers are helping us build the next generation of zoologists, ecologists, and passionate conservationists.”

In addition, guests will receive a coupon for 10 percent off purchases in the gift shop and food outlets (coupon valid on Sept. 17 only).

For more information on Zoo Atlanta’s Educator Appreciation Day, call 404-624-5822 or e-mail education@zooatlanta.org.

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AUGUST 27, 2016 • PAGE 11

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