October 10, 2015 by On Common Ground News

VOLUME 21 NUMBER 28

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

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

May cancels town hall meeting, DeKalb residents speak out By Joshua Smith

bout 70 residents turned out on Oct. 8 at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium in Decatur to voice their concerns, some of them holding up signs calling for the resignation of Interim CEO Lee May. The outcry follows a blistering report by former Attorney General Mike Bowers, who was hired by May to root out corruption. Bowers said in his report that the county is corrupt from top to bottom and that includes May. In the report, Bowers called for May’s resignation. May, who has denounced Bowers’ report, was supposed to hold a town hall meeting to give residents a chance to ask questions but he canceled the meeting on the same day it was to be held without an explanation. That didn’t sit well with Viola Davis, a South DeKalb resident who heads the Unhappy Taxpayers watchdog group. Davis was among those who showed up for the meeting and demanded May’s resignation. “Lee May had months to come clean. I begged Lee in the past, please do what’s right. I told Lee a long time ago,

Viola Davis (left) holds a sign demanding that Lee May step down.

you have three babies at home. Those babies need you at home, not in jail,” said Davis. “I take no pride standing here talking about a person I had a lot of pride in. We gave him documents of fraud, of kickbacks in the past. How far do we have to go? I respect Lee May but when you are wrong, you are wrong.” A day before May’s scheduled town

hall, State Sen. Emanuel Jones and State Rep. Fran Millar called for May to resign. DeKalb Commissioner Nancy Jester announced that the town hall would go on without May and allowed residents to voice their concerns. Jester said that she planned to send May a video of the meeting.

“I’m here to listen and take notes and take concerns back to the CEO’s office. I think our CEO in a way disrespected the taxpayers by rescheduling this meeting at the last minute after people made arrangements to be here,” said Jester. “I can not confirm it but I heard that he (Lee May) did not want to be here because he thought there would be a protest. The taxpayers are the bosses. We have to respect them and hear them out.” Jester has said she plans to ask Gov. Nathan Deal for a government overseer to deal with DeKalb County. Deal announced several days ago that wanted the GBI to review the Bowers’ report but Jester said the governor needs to do more. Commissioner Jeff Rader, who was the only other commissioner to attend the meeting Jester held, said he wants the governor to look into the corruption in DeKalb and he plans to propose an ordinance at the Oct. 13 Board of Commissioners’ meeting seeking relief. “This is beyond us now. We need an ordinance so we can get a third party to look into this deeper,” said Rader. Rader also said that May should See DeKalb residents page 9

Stonecrest Library exhibit showcases African American sports giants By Joshua Smith

mages of African American sports legends such as Tom Molineaux, Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali are part of the latest exhibit recently unveiled at the Stonecrest Library branch in Southeast DeKalb County. The Stonecrest Friends group joined former NBA’s Mike “Stinger” Glenn on Oct. 3 for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the exhibit, “From Molineaux to Michael: African Americans in Athletics.” The exhibit includes Glenn’s personal collection of sports memorabilia spanning from the late 1700s to the 1990s and offers a shrine of pictures, framed magazine covers, books and other sports memorabilia. Glenn, whose 10-year career included playing with the Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks from 1977 to 1987, has spent years collecting memorabilia of notable African American athletes. “This means so much to me. This is a passion that I have dedicated a lot of my time and money to pulling together,” said Glenn, who is now a television analyst for Fox Sports and the Atlanta Hawks. “The importance of sports and the African American athletes like Joe Louis who meant so much to not only their sport but their community, was instilled in me at a very young age and it brings me joy to be able to celebrate these greats with others. I had to bring these greats to the forefront for others to celebrate.” For John Evans, DeKalb County NAACP president, visiting the exhibit at

Former NBA player, Mike Glenn, shows off one of the pieces in exhibit at the Stonecrest Library branch.

the ribbon cutting ceremony was a sweet trip down memory lane. Evans, a former Negro League baseball player, spotted his autograph among several greats on an old picture that is part of the exhibit after DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson pointed it out to Evans. “To see my name on something in the exhibit next to a name like Hank Aaron means a lot,” said Evans, who played for the Indianapolis Clowns and the Birmingham Black Barons. “We were all in it together in those days. It didn’t really matter if we were on the same team or not. We were all like brothers playing for something greater than ourselves.” Evans wasn’t the only sports great who attended the opening day of the exhibit.

Al Attles, the second African American NBA coach to win an NBA championship, and former All-American, NBA player and actor Marvin Roberts, also attended. Stone Mountain Postmaster Craig Eberhart showed up to present Glenn with a framed larger-than-life Wilt Chamberlin stamp display to add to the exhibit. Stonecrest branch manager Steve DeJarnette said he, the Friends group and Glenn have been planning the exhibit since summer. “This kind of exhibit is critical for all of us, especially the youth. When you look at what these athletes went through just to get a chance to play, none of us can make any excuses about anything we are facing,” DeJarnette said.

Tyson Jamison, a 19-year-old athlete who played baseball and football in DeKalb County, agrees. “We don’t have to deal with that level of discrimination that these greats faced. There is a lot to be learned from these exhibit walls,” said Thompson, who is a student at Georgia Perimeter and plans to study sports management and/or Kinesiology, the medical study of movement. “I tore my ACL playing and now I have a different focus. I want to become an expert at the things that go on around the game and make sure players are at their best health when they go out on the field.” In conjunction with the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Mike Glenn Foundation and the Retired Players Association hosted an awards dinner in Stone Mountain where the “Tom Molineaux Awards” were given to Attles, who currently works for the Golden State Warriors; Spencer Haywood, a former ABA and NBA star who fought for the right to play in the NBA; Violet Palmer, the first female referee in the NBA; Ralph Boston, a renowned Olympian who broke Jesse Owens’ 25-year-old record in the long jump; Mel Pender, a former world-record holder for sprinting; and Orrin Hudson, a world chess champion and international motivational speaker. “These athletes and really sports heroes are not just great testaments for the athletic community but they are people who fight for the dignity and equality of all people in sports and in their communities as a whole,” said Glenn, who was inducted See Stonecrest Library Exhibit, page 9

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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith joshsmith@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com 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

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Time to head to the polls, early voting set to start Oct. 12

arly voting begins Oct. 12 and voters in portions of three counties—DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton—will head to the polls to elect new leaders in special elections for the Georgia House District 92 seat and Senate District 94 seat. The early voting period is from Oct. 12-30. Election Day is Nov. 3. Two candidates—Lithonia resident Doreen Carter and Conyers attorney Sherrie Washington—are vying to represent the House District 92 seat vacated by Tonya Anderson. Nine challengers are running for the Senate District 94 seat formerly held by Ron Ramsey, who was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to serve as a judge in DeKalb’s new traffic court. On Oct. 8, eight of the candidates running for Ramsey’s seat faced off during a forum in Rockdale: Diane Adoma; Tonya Anderson; Marcus Jordan; Angela Moore; Sharon Sawyer; Rodney Upton; JaNice Van Ness; and Stanley Williams. Only William “Bill” Kennedy did not attend the forum. Both, Carter and Washington, also participated in the forum, fielding their own set of questions.

A packed crowd attended the Oct. 8 forum at Macedonia Baptist Church in Conyers.

Macedonia Baptist Church in Conyers hosted the forum, which was co-sponsored by local chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta sororities, the East Metro Orchids, Newton County NAACP, National Council of Negro Women Rockdale/ Newton Section and NewRock Legal Society. The candidates shared their viewpoints on several issues including the governor’s proposed Opportunity School District reform for failing schools in Georgia, economic development

and ideas for how the state budget might be amended. Moderator Debbie R.Hillman said the questions and answers will be posted on the web sites of the organizations that sponsored the event. The forum marked the first for candidates running for House District 92 and Senate District 94. The Democratic Party is hosting a forum for House District 92 and Senate District 94 on Oct. 17, 1 p.m., at its headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers. The Democratic candidates will

square off as they stomp for votes. Elections officials are urging voters to get out and cast their ballots. To determine your voting status, districts and polling place, visit http:// www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/ MVP/mvp.do or download the “Ga Votes” App. For more information, voters in DeKalb may call 404-2984020; voters in Rockdale may call 770-278-7333; and Newton voters may call 770-784-2055.

Two cadets make history in Conyers Police Department

State Rep. Pam Dickerson receives Community Champion Award

Cadet Garcia, 18, is a graduate of Rockdale County High School and has been an Explorer for three years. The proposal to begin hiring cadets was first made to the City Council during its winter retreat in January when Wilson introduced a new cadet program into the 20152016 budget. The new budget includes two cadet positions at the police department, offering full-time jobs to graduates of the current police explorer program. Pictured L-R: City Manager Tony Lucas, Cadet Quantavis Garcia, Cadet Will Treadwell, Chief Gene Wilson The explorer program is a volunteer program where local teens learn illiam “Will” “Our hope is that these local and train with Conyers Police Treadwell and teen Explorers who grew up in officers and compete with other Quantavis “Q” Conyers, their family is in Copolice explorers throughout the Garcia have made history in nyers, they are educated in the country. becoming the first teen explorers Rockdale County Public Schools Wilson says the new cadet hired as full-time cadets at the school system, will grow to be positions will start 10% below Conyers Police Department. a cornerstone of the Conyers an entry-level officer salary and The department says law Police Department,” Wilson the young officers will be put enforcement agencies across said. “While they are technically to work in various parts of the the country are facing the same considered “new hires” to the police department. problem of recruiting qualified department, these Cadets have The cadets will spend the applicants or losing top picks to long since been a part of the next coming weeks learning the other agencies. Conyers Police CPD family.” dispatch center, records, courts, Chief Gene Wilson said he Cadet Treadwell, 19, is a criminal investigations and other looked at the department’s own graduate of Rockdale County functions within the department Explorer program and came up High School and a member of as they come of age to eventuwith a way to retain the teens the Georgia National Guard. ally be put through the police until they are old enough to beTreadwell was a member of the academy. come full-fledged police officers. Explorer program for five years.

State Representative Pam Dickerson (D-Conyers) has been chosen by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta (AAJC) to receive the 2015 Community Champion Award. The group says it is honoring Dickerson for her work against cyberbullying during the 2015 legislative session. House Bill 131, or the “End to Cyberbullying Act,” expands the scope of the current anti-bullying law to include all incidents of bullying via the Internet. The law prohibits bullying through the use of technological equipment that is the property of the local school system. HB 131 received final passage by the Georgia General Assembly on April 2, and was signed into law by Governor Deal on May 6, 2015. “I am truly humbled to receive this award, and would like to thank the AAAJ-Atlanta for such an honor, said Dickerson. “My goal as a legislator is to promote equality and fairness for all individuals. To be recognized alongside men and women who have dedicated their lives towards advancing the same goals in their communities is an extraordinary compliment.” Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta (formerly Asian American Legal Advocacy Center or AALAC) is the first non-profit law center dedicated to Asian immigrants and refugees (“Asian Americans”) in the Southeast. The Annual Community Champions Banquet recognizes the exceptional contributions that select individuals have made toward furthering the civil, social, and economic rights of Asian Americans in Georgia. Dickerson represents House District 113 in Conyers and serves on the Education, Judicial Non-Civil, Game, Fish & Parks, Juvenile Justice, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.

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Georgia Cares registering for workshop on combating sex trafficking

Coming Up

Empire’s Fahamu Pecou to headline ‘Elevate 2015’ festival

he City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs has set up a series of artists and workshops for Elevate 2015, a visual arts program and festival, Oct. 15 – 23 in downtown in Atlanta. In its fifth year, the annual festival promotes citywide cultural growth among residents with large-scale public art pieces, visual performances and educational opportunities. “The city is home to nationally-renowned visual and performance artists, poets, authors and scholars,” said Camille Russell Love, executive director for the Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs. “Elevate 2015 will celebrate and spotlight Atlanta’s own homegrown, world-renowned arts and cultural community. Our goal is to ensure Atlanta residents feel a strong sense of pride in their city and the cultural resources and experiences it offers to the world.” Headlining the event is internationally-recognized visual/performing artist and scholar Fahamu Pecou, whose artistic work was featured on Emmy award-winning shows including the FOX drama, “Empire,” and ABC’s hit comedy, “Black-ish.” Additional contributing festival artists include: Christopher Chambers, Jason Kofke, Gwendolyn “Kitty” Pope, Lionel Daniel, Heritage High School, Lumumba Mogerie, Max Woo, Nelly Bonilla, Rachel K. Garceau, Bent Frequency, Sanithna Phansavanh, Angela Davis Johnson, AllWays Open Creative, Brandon Sadler, Balmori Associates, and Vex Nea. The theme for this year’s festival is “Forever I Love Atlanta (F.I.L.A.)” and will feature a special art installation presented by Rico Wade and Ray Murray of the Atlanta-based hiphop mega-production company “Organized Noize.” Events kick off on Thursday, Oct. 15, 5 – 7 p.m., at Gallery 72, 72 Marietta Street, Atlanta with an opening reception and an exhibit tracing the music of Atlanta hip hop greats such as Outkast and Goodie Mob. All of the programs, workshops and lectures presented during Elevate are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of programs and participating artists, visit www. ocaatlanta.com.

ATLANTA

Fall Festival on Ponce set at Olmstead Linear Park The Georgia Foundation for Public Spaces will host the “Fall Festival on Ponce,” on Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., at Olmsted Linear Park, 1788 Ponce De Leon Ave., N.E., Atlanta. The community arts festival celebrates the many different works of both local and regional artists. Event organizer Lisa Windle says the arts and crafts festival is a great chance to visit the historic Olmsted Linear Park to enjoy a gorgeous landscape designed by one of America’s most celebrated landscape architects, Fredrick Olmsted Sr., along with more than125 displays of arts and crafts, folk and “outsider art.” In addition to the works of art, there will be a children’s area and vendors selling food and beverages. Windle says the park has lovely trees, paths and great visibility of Atlanta and Decatur. Admission is free. For more information, call event organizer Lisa Windle at 404-873-7222.

The non-profit Georgia Cares is registering participants for a free workshop on fighting sex trafficking on Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Church, 3260 Covington Highway, Decatur. The workshop and training sessions will be held to educate the community on the issue of child sex trafficking and what Georgia Cares is doing to combat this crime and serve child victims. Organizers say the training will be interactive and engaging with videos, activities, and discussion around the epidemic of child sex trafficking and what it looks like here in Georgia. The goals of the training are to increase understanding of human trafficking as a whole; become familiar with Georgia Cares; increase knowledge of Georgia Cares intervention and services to victims in Georgia; and learn how to connect and get involved. “As invested community members, this training will educate you on the research related to child sex trafficking, the victimization, statistics in Georgia, and will prepare you to spread awareness and teach others,” said Georgia Cares Board Chair Katie Jo Ballard. “Our hope is that after the training, you will be mobilized to act and to do something to combat this horrific crime. Whether you choose to tell one person about what you learned, or volunteer to serve victims, your impact will make a difference.” Register at www.gacares.org or call 404-602-0068.

GWINNETT

Gwinnett County Government hosts job fair Gwinnett County Government offices are registering eager job seekers and people looking for a career change for the 2015 Career Expo on Friday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. Are you looking to start your career or make a career change? Your next opportunity may be with Gwinnett County Government. Come to the Career Expo to meet face-to-face with department representatives and learn how you can begin your career with Gwinnett County Government. The county is offering job opportunities in many areas. Some areas looking to hire are: information technology, accounting and finance, administrative/clerical, protective services (Corrections, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, and Sheriff), engineering, project management, and technical and field services. Vacancies are currently listed online. You can apply today at www.gwinnettcountyjobs.com. 770-822-7915.

Parks and Recreation seeks residents’ input The Gwinnet County Department of Parks and Recreation will host a series of public meetings to get input on their plans for 2016. Gwinnett residents are encouraged to attend one or more of the meetings to provide input, and suggestions for improvement. Residents with concerns or interests in the provision and maintenance of new park facilities in Gwinnett will have the opportunity to provide input about their personal recreational desires at the meetings as well. The meetings will be held on Thursdays: Oct. 15, 2 p.m., Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m., Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee. For more information, visit www.gwinnettparks.com or email parks@gwinnettcounty.com.

ROCKDALE

Great skills, cool costumes at Halloween Classic in Conyers DEKALB

Lithonia First United Methodist Church sets Fall Festival Lithonia First United Methodist Church, 3099 Stone Mountain Street, Lithonia, will host its Fall Festival to raise money for its youth and other ministries on Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The church will have a flea market and bake sale featuring crafts and homemade goodies. Barbecue lunches also will be for sale. The lunch plate comes with your choice of chicken or pork, coleslaw, Brunswick stew and tea for $8. The barbecue lunch will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. You can eat at the church or take it to go. Church members say the event will bring family and friends together for a wonderful day of food, fellowship and fun. 770-482-6394.

The Charles Walker Arena at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers will host the HJ Fox Halloween Classic on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Oct. 18, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. There will be five areas or “rings” set up for both, hunter and jumper competitions, from lead line to 3’9” jumpers. The event is open to spectators. There also will be a horse/rider best costume contest, a “Fox & Hound” Dog Derby and “Trick or Treating” around barns located at the facility. Prizes and cash rewards will be given to horses and their riders. Admission is free. For more information, email event organizer Vickie Bryans at malonefarmseq@aol.com or visit www.HJFoxClassics.com.

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Volunteers unite to spruce up Vine City area Boys & Girls Club

DeKalb names #DeKalbParksPics contest winners

L-R: The winners were first place Clay Fisher, who shot at Arabia Mountain; the second place winner was Al Goggins, who shot at Exchange Park; and the third place winner, Stephanie Gilman, also shot at Arabia Mountain.

More than 150 volunteers teamed up recently to give a facelift to the grounds of the Salvation Army Bellwood Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta. The efforts were led by employees of NCR, a consumer transaction technologies company, Georgia Tech University students and Atlanta Falcons players Paul Worrilow, Desmond Trufant, William Moore, Devonta Freeman. The group painted murals inspired by the children’s art work at the Boys & Girls Club, landscaped and built picnic tables on the grounds. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with NCR and the Falcons in this beautification project of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta - Bellwood Club,” said Leisa Smith, executive director of the

Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta. “The time and dedication given means a lot to the community and the children of Vine City and English Avenue area.” After the work, volunteers played games with the children who attend the Boys and Girls Club’s after-school program. “NCR is continuing its proud, 131-year history of philanthropy in the communities where we live and work,” said Yvonne N. Whitaker, NCR Foundation administrator. “NCR Foundation is a proud sponsor and partner with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. I’m excited our employees have the opportunity to directly support the Bellwood Club, deepening our partnership and our impact in Atlanta neighborhoods.”

Rockdale seeks input on Sigman Road widening Rockdale County, the City of Conyers and the Georgia Department of Transportation will hold a public information open house to discuss the Sigman Road widening projects on Thursday, Oct. 15, 5 – 7 p.m. at the JP Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor Street, Conyers. The purpose of the open house is to provide the public with an opportunity to view the proposed project concept plans, ask questions and to give comments/opinions on the proposed projects. Phase I of the Sigman Road, N.W. project has already been completed. Phase II-IV stretches across Interstate 20 and Highway 138. For more information, email Miguel Valentin, Rockdale Director of Transportation at miguel.valentin@rockdale.county.org. 770-278-7200.

Crawfordville Baptist to celebrate 134th anniversary Crawfordville Baptist Church, 2360 Lake Rockaway Road, Conyers, will celebrate its 134th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. The community is invited to the service, which will be a great time of praise, worship and a spirit-filled message by the church’s newly-appointed pastor, the Rev. Andrew C. Doyle. Rev. Doyle was the minister of music for several years at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia before coming to lead the historic Conyers church. Dinner will be served after the worship service. 770-922-8711.

GPTC to honor Vietnam vets Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, will host a program, “Honoring Vietnam Vets,” on Friday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Program organizers for the event, which marks the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War, are asking family members of Vietnam veterans and/or the vets to submit veterans’ names by Friday, Oct. 16, to have their name listed at the special program. The event is co-hosted by former State Rep. and Air Force veteran Tonya P. Anderson and the Women Veterans International’s Atlanta Chapter. The event will honor veterans who were discharged with honorable service. Veterans’ name, rank, branch and dates of service should be submitted by Oct. 16 to vietnam50awards@gmail.com or call Tonya Anderson at 678-995-5631.

he DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs (RPCA), Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau and Southern Airways Express recently announced winners of the #DeKalbParksPics photo contest. “This contest gave people an opportunity to perceive parks a little differently, and look for those small things that make a park unique,” said Marvin Billups, RPCA deputy director. “We try to put a lot of that into the planning of a park—we look at what the land will give us, we look at opportunities we can provide, we listen to the community and how much of that we can place.” Open to amateur and professional photographers alike, the department’s first-ever photo contest focused on increasing awareness of the county’s parks and recreational facilities. The contest began July 2 and ended Aug. 31 with nearly 100 entries for consideration. Winning photographs, which were selected by staff from DeKalb County RPCA and The Champion Newspaper, will be featured in The Champion

Newspaper, Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau publications and DCTV Channel 23. Prizes were awarded to first, second and third place, which included a free subscription to The Champion Newspaper; two free round-trip airfare tickets with Southern Airways Express for first place; “Friends fly free” certificate with Southern Airways Express, and a free hotel stay provided by Discover DeKalb, for second place; and “Friends fly free” certificate with Southern Airways Express, and four tickets to an Atlanta Silverbacks game provided by Discover DeKalb, for third place. The winners were first place Clay Fisher, who shot at Arabia Mountain; the second place winner was Al Goggins, who shot at Exchange Park; and the third place winner, Stephanie Gilman, who also shot at Arabia Mountain. “If my photography in some small way can create a greater awareness and appreciation for the diverse parks that reside in our own back yards, then I will feel my work is of true purpose and value,” said Fisher during the awards presentation.

PAGE 6 •OCTOBER 10, 2015

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Ribbon cutting ceremony held for Hillandale Physician Place

By Joshua Smith

ckerman Medical, the healthcare division of Ackerman & Co., held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 7 to celebrate the completion of its $8 million, 40,000-square-foot Hillandale Physician Place. The new medical facility is located across the street from the DeKalb Medical Hillandale campus. “This is so great to see this building complete, very different from the pile of dirt that was once here. This has really been a blessing to see this come to life and have the support of the community throughout the entire process,” said Dr. Kenneth Harper, who plans to move into the facility by early next year. Ackerman Medical, the healthcare division of Ackerman & Co., broke ground on the facility in March with Harper as the anchor tenant. Harper & Associates Family Medicine, P.C. has 6,000 square feet in the new medical building. “Dr. Kenneth Harper was our biggest advocate. He recognized the need for an independent and affordable Class A medical office space in Lithonia,” said John Willig, principal of Ackerman Medical. “Dr. Harper stressed to us from the beginning he wanted to be next to the hospital. He wanted a facility that would give all of the doctors the ability to have their own parking and individual access to their offices. We are so proud to turn what was once an eyesore into the beautiful addition to Lithonia you see today.” Along with Harper, the Thomas Eye Group, DeKalb Comprehensive

Physical Therapy and Dr. Naim Shaheed of Ankle & Foot Centers have signed on as tenants of the new facility. Joining the Ackerman staff at the ribbon cutting were DeKalb Medical CEO John Shelton, and community leaders including Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson. “Even though this location is not in the city limits, it bears the Lithonia name and it is in what we call the greater Lithonia community so we look forward to our residents coming to patronize this beautiful facility,” said Jackson. “For several years, we would drive by here and just see a pile of dirt. To now see such an attractive building here, it is very pleasing. We wish all the businesses coming to this facility the best of luck.” Bryan Davis, who is handling Ackerman’s leasing for the new building, said about 20,000 square feet are still available. Ackerman & Co., headquartered in Atlanta, is a privately-held commercial real estate firm, providing investment, brokerage, management and development services since 1967. To date, the company has developed and acquired more than 30 million square feet of office, medical, retail and mixed-use space. The company has nearly 4 million square feet under management, and maintains an investment portfolio valued at $750 million. The company’s healthcare division, Ackerman Medical, has developed more than 1.5 million square feet to date and has more than 5 million square feet of active medical listings across Metro Atlanta.

Homebuyers workshop set at Porter Sanford Center Several local groups will come together at The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, to host a free workshop for realtors and people considering buying a home on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. – noon. The “Open Doors to More Business” workshop will share tools, resources, and information you may need as a realtor to increase your business and open the doors for more homebuyers. Interested homebuyers can learn about low down payment mortgage options, policies affecting the estate market and available resources to assist with closing costs. Some participating organizations include Freddie Mac and BB&T’s Home Mortgage Division. Registration and continental breakfast begins at 9:15 a.m. For more information or advance registration, call 770-961-6900.

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Greater Lithonia Chamber to honor breast cancer survivors The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce will celebrate and honor survivors of breast cancer at its “Think Pink Raising Breast Cancer Awareness” luncheon. The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at This Is It Restaurant banquet hall, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, who will be the guest speaker at the

luncheon, will share her courageous battle as a breast cancer survivor. Other special guests include Jean Duncan and Dolores Hadley. The luncheon is free to Chamber members. The costs for guests is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To register, visit greaterlithoniachamber.com.

Pink and blue ribbons celebrate cancer survivors at St. Paul A.M.E. St. Paul A.M.E. Worship Center, 1704 Stone Mountain Road, Lithonia, will host two events in October to celebrate breast and prostate cancer survivors and encourage family members who have lost loved ones to these cancers. On Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Pastor Cheviene Jones will deliver an inspiring message to survivors and their families during the church’s “Pink and Blue Occasion.”

On Sunday, Oct. 25, noon, the church will lead a two-mile walk, the “2nd Annual Walk for Pink & Blue Ribbon—Cancer Survivors.” The theme for the walk is “From Trials to Triumphs and starts at the church. There is no fee to participate but donations are appreciated. After the walk, the church will host a blood drive. For more information or to register to participate in the walk, call 770-4824361.

Rockdale Medical Center offers breast cancer support Rockdale Medical Center, 1412 Milstead Ave., N.E., Conyers, is offering several ways to help breast cancer survivors, patients and their families. “Kim’s Closet,” named after Kim Atkins, a mother and wife who died of breast cancer in 1999, offers free wigs, scarves, caps and prosthetics for patients who have lost their hair from cancer treatment. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., and

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Private appointments are available by calling 770-918-3196. The hospital, in partnership with the American Cancer Society also offers “Look Good, Feel Better.” The private, registration only sessions will include makeovers for patients undergoing cancer treatment, group workshop with skin care and makeup applications. To register, call 1-800-227-2345.

“Tuck for a Cause” in Atlanta Pink Barre and The W Hotel— Buckhead, 3377 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, will host “Tuck for a Cause” on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. You can work out poolside for a good cause. Tone your thighs, abs and arms and burn fat with an exercise instructor. Participants are asked to wear their favorite pink workout clothes. A $5 donation is suggested to benefit the Susan G. Komen of Greater At-

lanta non-profit. The workout combines the core elements of pilates, isometric strengthening, ballet and yoga. Participants can also sign up to be entered into raffles. The event will be moved inside the hotel, if it rains or the weather is too cold. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 678-500-3100 or visit www.watlantabuckhead.com/tuckforacause.

PAGE 8 •OCTOBER 10, 2015

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SisterTalk2015

Television’s Judge Penny to host empowerment summit for girls and women

Judge Penny Brown Reynolds

By Joshua Smith

ith social media bullies and websites prompting street fighting and brawls among teens, television Judge Penny Brown Reynolds says it’s critical to reach out and mold young girls and women. She’s hosting SisterTalk2015, an information-packed conference that will be held Nov. 14 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. “I really think we have the power to make this a life-changing event for women and teen girls. It really brings me joy to be able to offer this positive forum to address the many negative images often portrayed of today’s women and girls,” said

Judge Brown. “We have to keep this going so that we can continue to offer these oncein-a-lifetime conversations about the issues that matter the most to us.” The annual SisterTalk conference, in its third year, will take on topics such as self-empowerment, professional and personal development, health and financial independence. Some guest speakers include Christy Sims, a survivor of domestic violence whose face was disfigured after her ex-boyfriend severely burned her with sulfuric acid. Lisa Tanker, an award-winning body builder, will also be there to talk fitness. Family practitioner, Jeanine Oliga, MD, will discuss the importance of making sure the whole family is staying in shape. Representatives from four sororities of “The Divine 9” will also be there to share the importance of staying active in the community. Original “Dream Girl” Jennifer Holiday will discuss the ups and downs of the entertainment business and her battle with depression. Judge Brown, star of the Emmy-nominated “Family Court with Judge Penny” and also an ordained minister,

says the goal of the conference is to help women to become stronger, both emotionally and spiritually. “I hope that women will leave empowered. We have to bond together to help fight the marginalization of our young queens,” said Brown. “We will untie not just black women, but also Hispanic women and white women; and not just Christians, we will also have representatives from the Muslim faith in attendance as well. Molestation, teen violence, these are just some

of the issues I am excited to help tackle as we look to raise up our young girls and show them again the true definition of being a woman.” The free conference will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. Ticketed events include a benefit concert with performances by MAZE featuring Frankie Beverley, a prayer breakfast and an awards luncheon, which will pay

tribute to gospel recording artist Pastor Shirley Caesar, Attorney Janice Mathis and Elisabeth Omilami. Proceeds will benefit the Judge Penny Brown Reynolds Foundation. The non-profit offers free events and health screenings to empower women and teen girls throughout the year, leading up to the conference. For more information or to register to attend the conference or ticketed events, visit www.sistertalkconference.com or call 770-2564337 or 404-768-9002.

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OCTOBER 10,2015 • PAGE 9

11th annual “Called to be a D.I.V.A. conference” empowers women

Stonecrest Library Exhibit continued from page 1

L-R: Apostle Kathern Thomas, Prophetess Alicia Cardwell Alston, Minister Donna Frazier and First Lady Kammye Staley.

DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson points out DeKalb County NAACP President John Evans’ name on an antique picture from Negro League Baseball.

into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in September. “For these award recipients, it was never just about wins and loses. It was about justice and strengthening their people.” The “From Molineaux to Michael: African Americans in Athletics” exhibit

will be on display throughout the month of October at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. The library is open Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The branch is closed on Sundays. 770-482-3828.

Atlanta library branch to host workshop on adoptions The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Georgia Hill Branch, 250 Georgia Ave., S.E., Atlanta, will host a free workshop on adoption on Wednesday, Oct. 14, noon – 1 p.m. Presented by Dana Program, program manager of the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry Program, the workshop will offer par-

ticipants the chance to learn about the services the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry offers to birth parents, adopted persons, adoptive parents and siblings who are affected by adoptions finalized in Georgia. 404-730-5427.

DeKalb residents continued from page 1

step down. “The residents have spoken and they want new leadership. I believe Lee May, who was not elected by the people but appointed by the governor should start coming out to these kinds of meetings and our commission meetings to hear the voice of the people,” said Rader. Several residents who attended the meeting said they were fed up with cor-

ruption in county government. “When will this end? Every week, I look at the papers, on TV, wondering when will this end? Every time I think that’s the worst of it, boom another bombshell,” said Wendy Johnson of Decatur. “Lee has to step down. I hate that this is happening to DeKalb because I really believe our county has a lot of potential. All this hurts my heart.”

May revises scheduled community meetings DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May has revised the schedule of community meetings throughout the county. Titled Up Close and Personal, these meetings are an opportunity for residents to discuss issues important to them with Interim May, including the county budget, government operations, and other topics of community concern. The revised meeting schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Oct 13, 6:30-8 p.m. Lou Walker Senior Center 2538 Panola Road Lithonia, GA Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Tucker – Reid Cofer Library 5234 LaVista Road Tucker, GA Tuesday, Oct 20, 6:30-8 p.m. Derwin Brown Memorial South Precinct 2842 H.F. Shepherd Drive Decatur, GA Thursday, Oct. 22, 6:30-8 p.m. Welcome Friend Baptist Church 3198 Bouldercrest Road Ellenwood, GA Monday, Oct 26, 6:30-8 p.m. Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA

orshippers Interceding for Excellence Church, 266 Robin Street, Decatur, is hosting the 11th Annual Called to be a D.I.V.A. (Divine, Inspirational, Victorious & Anointed) Women’s Empowerment Conference. The conference will be held Oct. 16-18. The church’s senior pastor, Apostle Kathern Thomas, will speak. Other featured speakers include Prophetess Alicia Cardwell Alston, assistant pastor at Worshippers Interceding For Excellence Church; Minister Donna Frazier, also of Worshippers Interceding; and First Lady Kammye Staley of Celebration Worship Center in Riverdale; and Minister Donna Frazier, also of Worshippers Interceding. First Lady Linda Williams of Judah House of Praise in Stone Mountain will serve as the mistress of ceremonies. Participants will hear anointed teaching, engage in lively praise and worship with recording artist Patrick Parker, Jr.

and Min. Donna Frazier, and participate in breakout sessions and an interactive panel discussion. Apostle Thomas, who started the D.I.V.A. Divine, Inspirational, Victorious, Anointed conference 11 years ago, said the conference’s goals are always the same and they have a good time at the conference. “The Lord gave me a vision of women coming together for an anointed Word from God, deliverance and an opportunity to learn to use their gifts,” said Apostle Thomas. “We have witnessed that and so much more.” The conference will be held Friday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m. The $25 registration fee includes a lunch on Oct. 17. Vendor opportunities are available. For more information, visit www.worshippersintercedingforexcellencechurch.com or www.calledtobeadiva.com. 404-455-6678.

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Movers & Shakers in the Community

DeKalb Innovation workers receive state award

L-R: Calvin Rhodes, State of Georgia, Chief Information Officer (co-Presenter of the Award) John Matelski, DeKalb County Chief Innovation and Information Officer Paula Weems, DeKalb County Innovation and Technology Project Management Office Manager Nellie Withers, Former DeKalb County Recorder’s Court Chief Judge Joe Surber, Chief Information Officer, AGL Resources (co-Presenter of the Award)

eKalb County received the Georgia Technology Innovation Showcase Award for the third year in a row. This year, DeKalb County’s I.T. Department received top honors for the implementation of the DeKalb County Recorder’s Court: “Benchmark Case Management System.” DeKalb County Recorder’s Court handled 150,000 to 200,000 citations annually, but the lack of integration between its case management system and its adjudication tool created significant operational problems. Systems access was an issue for judges, prosecutors,

public defenders and private attorneys, and processes involving duplication of work created opportunities for human error. The volume of citations created a large backlog in warrants, arraignments and trial reporting. County officials say the Benchmark Case Management System project provided a fully integrated case management system for the court and an adjudication tool for judges while ensuring access and functionality for judges, prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys and even the general public through a web-based environment.

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy names new CEO

he Georgia Center for Child Advocacy has named Sheila Ryan as its new CEO to serve children and families throughout Fulton and DeKalb counties. Ryan will start effective Oct. 19. She will replace Nancy Chandler, who retired. Ryan is no stranger to helping families in need. She comes to the GCCA from the March of Dimes, where she managed a staff of 35 and more than 8,000 volunteers as state director of the organization’s Georgia chapter. Under Ryan’s leadership, the

chapter developed new strategies to increase awareness, reduce preterm birth, and expand corporate and community relationships across the state and beyond. She managed and attained a fundraising goal of $6.5 million. “This opportunity with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy means that I can continue to positively impact our community through helping families and children,” Ryan said. “I have long admired Nancy and her team for the incredible work they have been doing to serve the needs of abused children and help them heal. It is a great honor to join them.”

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Becky Katz named Atlanta’s Chief Bicycle Officer

Becky Katz

ecky Katz has been named Chief Bicycle Officer for the City of Atlanta and will start her new job on Oct. 14. Her appointment, a first for the city, will support Atlanta’s efforts to achieve national recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community and to become a Top 10 city in the U.S. for cycling. In her role, Katz will be responsible for a wide range of activities related to bicycle transportation, including planning bicycle projects to completion, public outreach, project development, grant writing, implementation of the city’s bike share program and ensuring new development is consistent with Cycle Atlanta and the Connect Atlanta plan. Katz brings more than 10 years of experience and currently serves as project manager at Park Pride, where she has strengthened the organization’s

relationship with the biking community by incorporating cycling activities at Park Pride’s events. “We are pleased to have Becky Katz join the City as the Chief Bicycle Officer,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “With the support of the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, this position will be integral to the city’s continued progress on our Cycle Atlanta goals. Ms. Katz is joining an administration that is energized and organized around the many opportunities before us to make Atlanta the most bikeable, walkable, livable city in the Southeast.” As Chief Bicycle Officer, Katz will work closely with the Department of Planning and Community Development, the Department of Public Works and Georgia Department of Transportation to include bicycle facilities in roadway maintenance and capital projects, and work with Invest Atlanta to support bike projects that advance Atlanta’s economic competiveness. Katz holds a bachelor of science degree from Cornell University and a master of science degree from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, both in environmental engineering. The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation is supporting the position through a five-year $250,000 challenge grant to the City through the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition.

GSU wins National Black MBA Case Competition for second consecutive year

Left to right: Wole Ralph, Kakia Prasad, Osekhale Osara, Robert Smith)

team of MBA students representing the Georgia State University (GSU) J. Mack Robinson College of Business won the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Case Competition in Orlando this month. This is the second consecutive year that a Robinson College of Business team has won the competition, which comes with $25,000 in scholarships and competition bragging rights. Osekhale Osara, Kakia Prasad, Wole Ralph and Robert Smith bested 33 other teams who had traveled from throughout the U.S. to participate. Teams from Auburn University and MIT took second and third place, respectively. The university says the Robinson College of Business also swept the individual awards, with Prasad named “Best Presenter” and Smith named “Best at Question and Answer.” “We are enormously proud of Osekhale, Kakia, Wole and Robert for winning one of the most rigorous case competitions in the country,” said Harley E. Ryan, GSU associate dean for curriculum and teaching. “It’s a tremendous reflection on the caliber of our students that we now have won the NBMBAA Case Competition for two years straight.” Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sponsored the competition, which challenged the teams to help identify the optimal strategy for headlamp sourcing for the next Jeep Wrangler. Established in 1970, organizers of the competition say the National Black MBA Association, Inc. is dedicated to developing partnerships that result in the creation of intellectual and economic wealth in the black community through its channels of engagement: education, career and leadership. GSU’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business has 200 faculty, 8,000 students and 75,000 alumni.

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OCTOBER 10, 2015 • PAGE 11

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