Feb. 1

Serving DeKalb & Metro Atlanta Volume 16 Number 21

Hope for job seekers Employers get set for job fairs

www.ocgnews.com

February 1, 2011

Lithonia’s New Top Cop

FREE

Teen bandits’ holdup foiled by off-duty cop

By Valerie J. Morgan

A

number of metro Atlanta employers are participating in jobs fairs this month with the Georgia Department of Labor. In addition to public and private sector employers who will be offering jobs— from entry-level positions to skilled and professional workers—the fairs will include representatives from colleges, universities, and technical and vocational schools who will provide information about their programs.

Houses of worship are spreading the word from the pulpit. In Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church, Hebron Baptist Church and Snellville United Methodist Church have united to put on a job fair. They are among four churches in the metro area partnering this month with the Department of Labor to put people back to work.

Newly-elected State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, whose District 94 includes Lithonia and Conyers, said she is helping to sponsor a job fair in the city of Lithonia because Georgia is facing a crisis.

“The unemployment rate in Georgia is still high. This is an issue that has hit home with so many people,” Kendrick said. “It’s important for everyone to work together to stimulate the economy.”

The latest statistics show Georgia’s unemployment rate has changed little since November 2010. The unemployment rate nudged from 10 percent in November to 10.2 percent in December.

Like a number of states in the country, Georgia has run out of money to pay unemployment claims. The state has been forced to borrow more than $600 million from the federal government to pay the claims. Labor officials say they expect the amount Georgia has borrowed to reach $800 million by the end of this year. That’s when the state is expected to make the first payment on the accrued interest. Meanwhile, labor officials are continuing to search for ways to cut state spending and are pushing for See Fairs and listings, page 6 INSIDE Community News..............................P 3 Class Notes......................................P 8 People..............................................P 9 Business News................................P 11 We Worship.....................................P 13 Health & Wellness............................P 12 Home & Garden..............................P 14 Classifieds......................................P 15

CONTACT THE NEWSROOM Phone: (678) 526-1910 n Fax: (678) 526-1909 E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com

Erick Orihuela, 18

Francois Bensler, 17

By Valerie J. Morgan and Joshua Smith

The small town of Lithonia has saw turbulent times in its recent history. Newly appointed Kennis Harrell (left) shows off the Lithonia Police Department that will get Lithonia back to the peaceful city it once was.

Former DeKalb deputy chief brings new vision to town The city of Lithonia has a new police chief: Kennis Harrell, a veteran cop and church deacon who is ready to lead the city in a new direction. Residents say the leadership of the former DeKalb County Police Department deputy chief is welcome news.

In the past, the city of 3,000 residents was rocked by so much political turmoil that Lithonia made international headlines when its Police Department was grounded.

The city’s officers had to hitch a ride with county police because Lithonia ran out of money to pay the insurance premiums on its patrol cars.

That fiasco was followed by a public showdown between then-mayor, Joyce McKibben, and former Police Chief Willie Rosser over protocol. McKibben, newlyelected, quarreled with Rosser over governing the city and tried to fire him. The City Council re-instated Rosser and voters ended up ousting McKibben after only four months in office. A YouTube video went viral showing the city’s tensions and infighting

at a boiling point in April 2008. Rosser left the city in February 2010. A police sergeant served as interim chief.

Residents say now that a new chief is in place, it’s time for the city to move forward.

“I see a new sparkle of trust in you, Chief. If you want to take us in a new direction, we’re ready to go,” said Barbara Lester, a longtime resident and former City Council member.

Lester made her remarks at a breakfast program that was held Jan. 29 to officially welcome Harrell. It was a

major compliment coming from someone whose brother, Jerome Woods, served as the city’s police chief for 18 years before retiring. Woods was among several special guests who attended the event along with DeKalb School Board member Jay Cunningham, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, Andy Phelan representing Congressman Hank Johnson’s office, and Harrell’s pastor, William E. Flippen of The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, who attended the Lithonia, page 7

Long makes plea on YouTube for investor to return families’ monies

By Valerie J. Morgan

A man Bishop Eddie Long brought to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to teach his flock on financial empowerment has left those who invested with his company financially strapped. Members of the Lithonia mega church have lost an estimated $1 million in investments they made in IRAs and retirement accounts with Ephren Taylor, CEO of

Bishop Eddie Long

City Capital Corp.

Taylor visited New Birth during his “Wealth Tour” in October 2009. He appeared

with Long on Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta show to promote the tour and his Oct. 20 visit at the church.

Long is making a plea now in a YouTube video for Taylor, known as “the architect of wealth,” to return the money “...preferably with interest.”

Members said Taylor visited the church and conducted two investment Members, page 7

LITHONIA—It was supposed to be an easy holdup for a team of teenagers: One pulls a gun and forces the Radio Shack’s employees to the back of the store while the other grabs the loot—all kinds of electronics.

But thanks to a swift offduty cop who was in the area during the heist, the plot was quickly foiled. The robbery ended with one of the fleeing suspects parting with their snacks he was buying from a nearby Wayfield grocery store.

Erick Orihuela, 18, Francois Bensler, 17, both from Decatur are now facing two counts of felony armed robbery, aggravated assault and other charges. Authorities said they didn’t know whether the teens involved should have been in school on Jan. 21, the Friday morning they robbed the store The holdup happened around 9:30 a.m. at the Radio Shack located at 5445 Fairington Road. After the two ran out, police received a call about the robbery.

“An off-duty DeKalb police officer was in the area and after hearing the description of the car, began to follow the suspects,” said Mekka Parish, spokesperson for the DeKalb County Police Department. “The suspects were later apprehended at Wayfield, where the two jumped out of their SUV to escape.”

Police said the teens parked their white SUV at Wayfield Foods on Main Street in Lithonia. One of the suspects jumped out and ran behind the store. The other ran inside Wayfield. Once inside, he walked around shopping for snacks, police said. When the suspect went to the cash register to pay for the food, he panicked and tried to run when he saw police cars in front of the store. Lithonia Police Sgt. Larry Williams and other police stopped him before he could escape.

“He was just walking around the store like nothing was going on,” said Williams.

In the getaway vehicle, police found electronics and guns. Authorities said none of the employees or customers were injured in the incident.

PAGE 2

February 1, 2011

Parents of High School Seniors Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

The Office of School Improvement and the DCBlazers Youth Organization Present:

College Financial Aid Work Shop Session II the FAFSA Form

Saturday, February 12, 2011

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

DeKalb County School System The Administrative & Instructional Complex – Room 201 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd Stone Mountain GA 30083

RSVP to Anderia Russell at the Office of School Improvement 678-676-0312 or The DC Blazers at 770-322-5273 Check this website for a sneak peek at the FAFSA Form http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1112/pdf/fafsaws12c.pdf

Important Information Your FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be completed by the end of this work session. Parents and their HS senior students will be able to participate only if they have gone to the website www.pin.ed.gov, to apply for a Pin number so that the application can be electronically signed. It is absolutely necessary that this Pin number be obtained, at minimum, one week prior to the date of the work session. Parents (and students if applicable) must also bring their 2010 tax return and 2010 W2 form or their 2009 tax return and their 2010 W2 form.

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PAGE 3

FEBRUARY 1, 2011 Volume 16, NO. 21 Publishers Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com Valerie J. Morgan editor@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 twice a month on the 1st and 15th by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

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

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

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

How To Reach Us On Common Ground News 1240 Sigman Road Suite 107 Conyers, GA 30012 (678) 526-1910 (P) (678) 526-1909 (F) www.ocgnews.com editor@ocgnews.com

expanded local news coverage

Community News Stephenson’s Gartrell nominated for Don Shula Coach of the Year award

By Joshua Smith Stephenson High School’s head football coach Ron Gartrell is one of 28 coaches from across the country named as a nominee for the inaugural Don Shula NFL Coach of the Year Award.

The winner of the award will be announced at the conclusion of this year’s NFL Super Bowl on Feb. 6 in Arlington, Texas.

“I’ve gotten Region Coach of the Year several times, Atlanta Falcons Coach of the Week, and Coach of the Year in DeKalb once, but this would be the highest award I have received if I am picked,” said Coach Gartrell, who has been coaching at Stephenson since its first game in 1996. “Anytime you can be honored by yours peers, especially ones that have played on the highest level, it’s really something special.”

The NFL established the Coach Don Shula Award in January of 2010 to honor a football coach that displays the integrity, achievement, and leadership exemplified by the winningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula. Shula, the former coach of the Miami Dolphins, won more games (347) than any head coach in NFL history,

Stephenson High’s football coach Ron Gartrell

including Super Bowls VII and VIII, and is the only coach with a 17-0 season.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the annual award honors a football coach who displays the integrity, achievement and positive impact on others as Shula did.

Gartrell, who coached at Shamrock High School for eight seasons before coming to Stephenson, has coached nine professional football players including two NFL Super Bowl Champions –Jeff Saturday and Cosey Coleman; one Canadian Football League Champion, Sean

Lucas; and two NCAA College Football Champions, Jermaine Cunningham and Perry Riley.

Gartrell also has one potential NFL player at LSU, Senior Kelvin Sheppard.

“My favorite thing about coaching is having the opportunity to be a positive influence on young men’s lives at a time that I feel is most critical. We don’t just teach the guys wins and loses, but skills of leadership, communication and responsibility,” Gartrell said. “We want to build the best men we possibly can on and off the field.”

Gartrell is credited with

building Stephenson’s football program from scratch. He says the team has made large strides since its first kickoff.

“It was always a running joke that in our first season we won every game except eight,” Gartrell said. “Now, with several recognitions and being named one of the AJC’s Top 10 schools, it’s safe to say we’ve come a long way. However, the ultimate goal is to bring the school a state championship. That’s a door we will keep knocking on until we can get it open.”

Gartrell has received plenty of community support over his 22-year coaching tenure. For example, Wade Walker Park’s league team, a feeder system to the high school, changed its team colors and nickname to match the Stephenson Jaguars.

After going 1-9 in its inaugural season, Stephenson has not had a losing season in 13 straight years.

“One of our major accomplishments came last year when 29 of our guys signed college scholarships. To see the pride in their families’ faces, man, I had to fight back tears,” Gartrell said. “I don’t know how many people can say this, but I really do love my job.”

PAGE 4

February 1, 2011

Coming up

Valentines in the Garden

ATLANTA SCLC sets 2nd Annual A.D. King Parade Join the SCLC in celebrating the “Second Annual A.D. King Youth Empowerment Parade” to honor the work of the late Rev. A. D. King.

The parade will be held on Feb. 19, 12 – 2 p.m.

The parade route will begin at Morris Brown Herndon Stadium, 643 Martin Luther King Jr., Drive, S.E., Atlanta, and end at the Georgia State Capitol.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) holds the annual parade to honor Rev. A. D. King the work of A.D. King and his older brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s parade brings the release of the documentary, “A.D. King: Brother To The Dreamer,” as well.

Named after his grandfather, the Rev. Alfred Daniel Williams King was born on July 30, 1930.

Affectionately known as “A.D.”, Rev. King never sought fame or popularity as he played his significant roles in coordinating the logistic operations behind the civil rights movement.

A. D. King fulfilled a commitment to support the movement by leading the Poor People’s Campaign, the Birmingham Civil Rights Campaign, co-founding the Southern Christian Leadership Coalition, and building congregations at Mount Vernon Baptist Church (Newnan, GA); First Baptist Church of Ensley (Birmingham); Zion Baptist Church (Louisville); and Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta), where he served as co-pastor after the death of his brother Martin Luther King, Jr. Rev. Dr. A.D. King died on July 21, 1969, one year after the assassination of his older brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For more information the parade, call 404-707-5303.

DEKALB Teen economics workshop set DeKalb County’s Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown branch, 2861 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur, will host “The Black Dollar: To Live or Let Go,” an economics session for teens on Feb. 5, 1 – 3 p.m.

This presentation will cover the history of the black dollar, wealth disparities, financial empowerment—individually and as a community.

The program includes discussions on both successful and failed financial ventures, in an effort to support a strategic pursuit of financial empowerment.

Presenters will be on hand to discuss ancient African civilizations/economies and American economic obstacles and opportunities, who we were then—who we are now—and who we can be tomorrow.

The objective of this presentation is to instill critical wealth thinking and create interest for building wealth for the individual and community.

404-286-6980.

After a romantic dinner, enjoy an evening of dancing, delectable desserts, cash bar, and live entertainment at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Saturday, Feb. 12, 7 to 11 p.m.

Experience “Orchid Daze: Liquid Landscapes,”by candlelight this night only.

The special exhibition features thousands of orchids set against the backdrop of flowing water features.

Admission is $30 ($25 for Garden members). Tickets available in the Garden Gift Shop or online through Ticket Master.

Guests of the event are also invited to design a petite custom fragrance with BLEND Custom Parfum. Contact 404-202-5503 or info@blendcustomparfum.com to schedule an appointment for this luxurious sensory experience. Scheduled in 15-minute intervals.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE Atlanta. 404-876-5859.

American Cancer Society seeks volunteer drivers Volunteers are needed in DeKalb and Fulton counties to serve as drivers with the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. Drivers transport cancer patients to and from treatment to area hospitals.

For information on becoming a Road to Recovery volunteer for DeKalb County, contact Kimbra Butler, Transportation Solutions Manager, at 404-582-6132 or email kimbra.butler@cancer.org. The group is also looking for drivers in Fulton County.

GWINNETT Assess your career skills Gwinnett County will host “Take Inventory.

Assessing Your Career Skills” on Feb. 5, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Centerville Community Center, 3079 Bethany Church Rd., Snellville.

This seminar will help build a personal career skills inventory that will be valuable in writing résumés, preparing for interviews, or launching an entrepreneurial endeavor. For information, e-mail Fronzetta Peake at frpeake@aol.com or call, 770-9854713.

Rockdale Career Academy to host 5K and Fun Run Join in the Rockdale Career Academy’s Fast Forward 5K and Fun Run on Feb. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr., Conyers.

This is a run through nearby industries and is a moderately challenging course. Walkers are welcome.

Fun run begins at 10:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 11 a.m. Awards will be given to the best overall finisher in several categories.

The cost to register is $20. Families and teams (limit of four people) may pre-register for $50.

Proceeds benefit Rockdale Career Academy and its career-driven courses. Register at www.active.com.

Registration will open at 9:30 a.m. on race day. 770388-5677.

Main Street Board meeting set The Conyers Main Street Board will meet on Feb. 10, 12 – 1 p.m., at the Conyers Welcome Center/ Depot in Olde Town Conyers, 901 Railroad St., Conyers.

For more information, contact Main Street Manager Monica Coffin at 770-929-4239 or email monica.coffin@conyersga.com. The public is invited and welcome to attend.

A Special Valentine’s Wish:

Take Care of Yourself & the Ones You Love

PRISM meeting will focus on resources for seniors This month’s Pride Rings In Stone Mountain (PRISM) community meeting will focus on programs, services and trends for senior citizens. PRISM is hosting the meeting on Thursday, Feb. 10, 7 – 9 p.m., at St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church, 5365 Memorial Drive.

Presenters will be representatives of the Atlanta Regional Commission, Area Agency on Aging, Probate Judge Jeryl Rosh and others. Some of the topics for discussion include “The importance of having a will: what it means to have estate in probate for lack of a will. Where can one go for help? “ The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact State Rep. Michele Henson, program chair, at 404-296-1442 or michelehenson@ earthlink.net <mailto:michelehenson@earthlink.net.

ROCKDALE

If you or someone you know has diabetes, it is important to get the following tests:

• A1c (at least twice a year) • Lipids (once a year) • Eye Exam (once a year) • Blood Pressure

Take a FREE Diabetes Class!

For more information call

888-313-9355

or visit www.gmcf.org/diabetes

February is American Heart Month.

Take Care of Your Heart and Live Well with Diabetes.

Paid for by GMCF under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

February 1, 2011

PAGE 5

Your State Legislators Salute Black History Month

State Rep. Stacey Abrams District 84

State Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield District 85

State Rep. Earnest â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coachâ&#x20AC;? Williams District 89

Celebrating Black History Month

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Great Debatersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; movie to inspire teens

DEKALB Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s human rights crimes subject of book discussion The community is invited to a discussion on the new book co-authored by human rights activist John Prendergast and Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle.

The book discussion will be held Feb. 7, 7:15 p.m., Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. The book, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Enough Moment: Fighting to End Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Worst Human Rights Crimes,â&#x20AC;? shows the critical steps now being taken by engaged citizens, the famous and the little-known, to combat genocide, rape and child abuse across the African continent.

The book not only outlines the scope of the problems but includes information about what others may do to help. Featured are interviews with many celebrities, among them Martin Sheen, Ben Affleck, Sheryl Crow, Ryan Gosling, Angelina Jolie and members of Congress.

Teens are invited to get inspired by watching the free screening of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Debatersâ&#x20AC;? on Feb. 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Gresham Library, 2418 Gresham Road.

Inspired by a true story, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Debatersâ&#x20AC;? chronicles the journey of Professor Melvin Tolson, a brilliant but volatile debate team coach who uses the power of words to shape a group of underdog students from a small African American college in the deep South into a historically elite debate team. Denzel Washington stars in The PG-13 movie.

ATLANTA

Spelman Glee Club to present concert at Antioch-Lithonia

Atlanta History Center presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Day in the Life of a Slaveâ&#x20AC;?

The Spelman College Glee Club will perform Feb. 20, 4 p.m., at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking forward to this concert, as we celebrate Black History Month,â&#x20AC;? said Antiochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pastor James C. Ward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We appreciate a variety of music at Antioch. The Glee Club has an outstanding repertoire that we want to share with the community.

It is going to be a great concert.â&#x20AC;?

The Glee Club has maintained a reputation of choral excellence for more than 50 years. Its repertoire consists of sacred and secular choral literature for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voices with special emphasis on traditional spirituals, music by African-American composers, music from many cultures and commissioned works.

The Spelman College Glee Club has traveled throughout the country performing for a variety of audiences including concert halls such as the Boston Fanueil Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music NY, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in churches, high schools, colleges, and universities. Their international travels have taken them to Brazil and Canada. It is an organization that is open by audition to all students of the college community.

The Atlanta History Center will host â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Day in the Life of a Slaveâ&#x20AC;? historical re-enactment on Feb. 4, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 p.m., as a part of its Fridays in February series for students.

The Feb. 4 presentation will feature performers dressed in 1860â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attire who will demonstrate chores performed on the plantation such as cooking and laundry.

Other Friday events include â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Migrationâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Civil Rightsâ&#x20AC;? movement. exhibitions.

Admission for each Friday in February program is $7 per student with one chaperone admitted free per five students. Title 1 schools receive a discounted rate of $4 per student. Reservations are required. For more information, call 404-814-4110.

Rialto Center honors cultures in black history On Feb. 16, 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 p.m., the Rialto Center for the Arts â&#x20AC;&#x153;Feed Your Sensesâ&#x20AC;? series celebrates Black History Month.

The free lunchtime series will honor black history through Brazillian ballet, musical performers and poetry. The Rialto Center For The Arts at Georgia State University is located at 80 Forsyth Street N.W., Atlanta. The Office of Intercultural Relations is a partner in this event. 404-413-9849.

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Mass choirs set to perform Several mass choirs from across Metro Atlanta will lift their voices on Feb. 22, 4 p.m. to celebrate Black History Month. The choirs will perform spiritual and gospel songs at Grace United Methodist Church, 458 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. Atlanta.

Tickets are $10 in advance for adults ($20 at the door). Admission is free for children 12 and younger.

404-876-2678.

GWINNETT Centerville offers free exhibit The Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road in Snellville, will offer a free Black History exhibit from Feb. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 28.

The exhibit will highlight a selection of famous first African-Americans and icons, essays, notable speeches, memorable quotes, photo gallery, art and folkloric artifacts. The exhibit will be on display Monday through Friday at Centerville Community Center, 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m.

Evening and Saturday hours vary. Call 770-9854713 to confirm hours. The center is closed on Sundays.

Bring friends and family to enjoy selfguided tours. For more information, visit www. centervillecommunitycenter.com.

Storytelling, music and more at Seminary celebration The Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 465 South Perry St., Lawrenceville, will host its Black History Celebration on Feb. 26, in one-hour performances from 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m.

Celebrate the heritage of African Americans in Georgia with storytelling, special displays, speakers and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. Join the center for a fun celebration of Black History where â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Past Meets the Present,â&#x20AC;? including AfricanAmerican dramatization, spoken word and gospel spirituals. Meet local African American authors as well.

All ages are $5 per person. 770-822-5178.

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PAGE 6

February 1, 2011

State lawmakers get an earful at DeKalb Town Hall meetings

D

State Rep. Howard Mosby (standing) kept traffic at the mic going as he conducted the Town Hall meeting at DeKalb Technical College where cross-section of citizens attended.

eKalb County legislators listened intently as residents voiced their concerns on a myriad of topics ranging from public safety and transportation to redistricting and reducing the number of DeKalb School Board seats. DeKalb’s school board currently has nine elected officials.

The packed Jan. 24 public forum at DeKalb Technical College was the first of three such meetings lawmakers scheduled to get public input on issues expected to come before the General Assembly this session. House rules require a public meeting to be held within 20 days of the start of the legislative session.

The 2011 Session of the Georgia General Assembly began on Jan. 10.

Among those joining State Rep. Howard Mosby, House chair for the delegation, were State Rep. Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield, House secretary for the delegation; State Representatives Mary Margaret Oliver; Simone Bell; Billy Mitchell; Earnest “Coach” Williams; and Scott Holcomb; as well as State Senators Gloria Butler, Jason Carter; Frank Miller; and Emanuel Jones, to name a few.

DeKalb Tech considers name change DeKalb Technical College (DTC) is launching a re-branding initiative that will likely result in changing the name of the 50-year-old institution.

“DeKalb Tech has established a legacy of educational excellence since opening its doors in 1961, but times, the market and our educational footprint have expanded. It is time for that change to be reflected in our name,” said DeKalb Technical College spokesperson Cory Thompson.

In conjunction with the college’s 50th anniversary and the conversion from a quarter to a semester system, DeKalb Tech will be seeking input from community leaders, students, faculty and staff as the rebranding effort moves forward. DeKalb Tech is partnering with marketing company Tillman-AllenGreer in the college’s re-branding effort.

“We are exploring better ways to represent the changes that have, and continue to take place in our institution and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Robin Hoffman, president of DeKalb Technical College. “This includes a new name, a new logo and a new image that represents our ever-increasing service area, communicates our commitment to educational quality and student success, and helps us build on our local reputation to one of being a progressive leader in education on a national level.”

The school colors also will likely change.

“But the dedication to education and economic development of our region will be steadfast,” according to Thompson.

A web survey has been established

by Tillman-Allen-Greer to gather input from the community on a new name, look, and logo. The public can provide input by visiting www.dtcvision.com.

Members of the delegation say it will be important for Democrats to strategize and work closely with one another and the community.

“As the opposition party, we must offer progressive and thoughtful alternatives to Republican proposals,” said State Rep. Benfield, who cohosted a Sunday Town Hall on Jan. 30 with State Reps. Karla Drenner and Michelle Henson at the Clarkston Campus of Georgia Perimeter College.

To close the state’s $1.5 billion budget gap, Republican lawmakers have proposed cuts to education, healthcare and public safety. A proposal by the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians would add a tax on groceries and prescription medicines.

The Georgia Legislative Delegation representing the City of Decatur will host a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 6 p.m. at Decatur City Hall. The Decatur area delegation is comprised of Senator Jason Carter, Rep. Stacey Abrams, Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, and Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver. Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd will also participate in the meeting.

Constituents voice their concerns over issues they want state legislators to consider at the Capitol this Legislative Session.

Fairs to offer variety of jobs continued from page 1

jobs to get people back to work.

Job seekers who have questions about job training, unemployment benefits, special services for veterans, status of UI and TRA payments, and worker ret-raining resources will find help at the fairs. Representatives from the Georgia Department of Labor will be on hand to answer questions.

Some two dozen employers have signed up to participate in the city of Lithonia’s job fair, which is free and open to anyone who needs a job.

Lithonia Mayor pro tem Doreen Carter is excited about the fair she helped organize and bring to the city of Lithonia.

“Everyone who has been involved in organizing the fair has been so helpful. They have really stepped up to the plate,” said Carter. “My hope is that people will come and leave with a job.

There are a lot of opportunities and if we can help somebody, we will be doing our part to bring down the unemployment rate in Georgia,” said Carter.

Here’s a partial listing. For a complete list of employers at all of the fairs, visit www.ocgnews.com.

Lithonia City Job Fair, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia, GA 30058 The fair, presented by the city and the Georgia Department of Labor, is open to all job seekers. Professional dress is expected and please bring several copies of your resume.

Employers scheduled to attend: Ark Temp Staffing, Inc. Ashford University AT&T Avon Bio-Lab Corporate Services Management

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta Maximize your career fair experience. Participate in job procurement workshops and speak face to face with employers. Bring resumes and dress professionally.

There is no charge to attend or fees for parking.

Employers scheduled to attend: Accuclean AFLAC Allstate Insurance American General Life Atlanta Marketing Consultants Clean Corp.

Cobb County Department of Public Safety Cobb County Sheriff’s Department Core Mark International Destiny Childcare Devry University Edward Jones Investments EI of Georgia GA Army National Guard Kelly Services Labor Finders Metro America Safe Drivers MSC Manufacturing North Georgia Staffing Pawn Market Spartan Staffing Transform By VI With Rachel United Acceptance U.S. Army U.S. Navy Westin Plaza 1-800-Dryclean of Vinings

Second Annual Career Network, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church, 395 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church, Hebron Baptist Church and Snellville United Methodist Church in partnership with the Georgia Department of Labor Gwinnett will present the job fair. Come dressed in business attire and bring resumes. More than 30 employers are scheduled to attend.

Here’s a partial listing: Aaron’s Inc. Allied Barton Security Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation Aquatics Job Fair, Feb. 4, 6-9 p.m.

Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30044.

Interactive Job Fair will give attendees the chance to learn about lifeguarding and instructor opportunities with Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation. This job fair is for certified and uncertified lifeguards and swim instructors. The process takes approximately 45 minutes. Parents are welcome to attend. Attendees should bring their swimsuit. For more information, call 678-924-6334.

Resource and Job Fair, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Burgess-Peterson Acadeemy, 480 Clifton Street, Atlanta 30316.

There will be employment opportunities, resource vendors and job readiness workshops. The event is free and open to the public.

For a complete listing of employers scheduled to attend the fairs, at visit www.ocgnews.com.

February 1, 2011

PAGE 7

Lithinoa is ready to get on track with new chief

Members hurting from bad investments

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

breakfast at Lithonia Middle School.

Harrell, who has 24 years in law enforcement, said he is ready to bring more professionalism and training to the City’s Police Department and is looking forward to working with the new mayor, Tonya Peterson Anderson, the City Council and residents of Lithonia.

“It’s all about partnership,” said Harrell. “We’re going to be walking the neighborhoods and meeting people to let them know that we are here to work together.”

Olitha Reid, another long-time resident, said she hopes the chief will crack down on code enforcement in the city.

“When you’re riding around in the neighborhoods, I want you to do something about cleaning things up,” Reid said.

Harrell was selected from a field of 21 candidates, Mayor Anderson said. He took an early retirement package from the DeKalb County Police Department last May and started the job with Lithonia in late November.

workshops there. Several of the members gave Taylor their contact information and then invested with his company after he followed up with them. He vanished with their money.

“People kept trying to reach him, but he wouldn’t return phone calls,” said a church leader who did not want to be identified. “People trusted him because Bishop promoted him. They didn’t know he was going to rip them off. The church really should have vetted the company before bringing him in.”

Art Franklin, a spokesman for New Birth, said Bishop Long decided to do the YouTube video after members came to him and told him their deals had gone sour.

The video, which is 2 minutes, 42

Lithonia police chief Kennis Harrell and Mayor Tonya Peterson Anderson

The program is designed for parents of adolescent children and is currently offered on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. at Word Church International, 2030 Wesley Chapel Road Decatur, GA 30035.

Classes will end April 26.

Parents in DeKalb County are invited to participate in a FREE 12-week Nurturing Parenting program sponsored by Beyond the Bell, Inc. and DeKalb Community PROMISE.

seconds long, was posted Jan. 30, 10 p.m.

Long said he did not receive any monetary gifts or special blessings from Taylor.

He said he wants Taylor to do right by the families that he has hurt.

Said Long: “We stand with them and we’re praying for them… Please do what’s right. You’re a great fellow and a great man and do great things.

Let’s settle this so these families can move on.”

As members deals with his church members crisis, he is still facing his own. Lawyers in Long’s sexual misconduct court case are expected to decide this month if they will resolve the case through mediation. If not, the case is expected to go to trial this summer.

Workshop topics include understanding teenager’s behavior, increasing trust and open communication. Parents will learn how to manage stress and anger, in addition to assisting their child with

decision making and problem solving skills. Dinner and child care for smaller children will be provided. For additional information and to register, contact Sandra Walker at (404) 374-8624 or e-mail: beyondthebell@comcast.net.

The Nurturing Parenting program is funded in part by the Family Nurturing Center of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Dr. J. Jason Thomas, CEO Board Certified Dr. Marvin Ngwafon

Stonecrest/Lithonia 2930 Turner Hill Rd. Suite A Lithonia, GA 30058 Phone: 770-484-SMILE 76455

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday • 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Address: DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale 5910 Hillandale Drive • Suite 301 • Lithonia, GA 30058 For Appointment: 678-418-2120

PAGE 8 To Contact Us

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February 1, 2011

Class Notes

Our Schools, Students & Partners

Rainbow Elementary receives National PTA grant to boost student achievement Shavone Smith is on a mission to transform Rainbow Elementary School’s PTA. Smith, who heads the South DeKalb County school PTA, is working to encourage families at Rainbow to become more active and support student achievement. She is determined that Rainbow’s 520 students, the majority of whom come from economically disadvantaged families, will excel and be a shining example of academic achievement just as it was when in was named a Georgia School of Excellence 15 years ago. In 2004, Rainbow was named a Distinguished Title One school.

“A large majority of our students are on the free and reduced lunch program,” Smith said. “The parents may not have the same resources that parents at more affluent schools have, but we’re working to provide as many resources to our families as we can so that their children can succeed.”

This month, Rainbow’s PTA is hosting “Take Your Family to School Week,” Feb. 13–19. And has planned several activities, thanks to a grant

from the National PTA in the amount of $1,897—an amount that honors the day and year PTA was founded: February 17, 1897.

Rainbow’s PTA was one of 32 across the country to receive one of the grants. Atlanta’s Sagamore Hills Elementary PTA was the only other school in Georgia to receive a grant.

Some of the activities planned for the week across the country represent educational themes such as Science Discovery Day, College Fair Family Breakfast, Family Reading Night, and Family Math Nights.

“Parent engagement is a key component to education reform.

National PTA feels strongly about supporting and rewarding our parents at the grassroots level who are contributing to the reform movement every day,” National PTA President Charles J. “Chuck” Saylors said in a press release. “This special week and these grants help us do that. These parents and PTAs are not just making a difference in the lives of their children, but the lives of every child, as well.”

School districts announce make-up snow days

Candidates must submit applications and speeches by March 4.

Applications are available at Robert’s restaurant, 2810 Evans Mill Road, Lithonia, or by visiting www. optimist.org (type in “oratorical contest” in the search box. For more information, e-mail programs@ optimist.org or call 800-500-8130, ext.

235.

Students in three metro Atlanta public school districts—DeKalb, Gwinnett and the City of Atlanta—will report to school on Feb. 21 (Presidents Day) to make up one of the days they missed the week of Jan. 10, when schools were closed due to snow and inclement weather.

At press time, districts had announced the following make-up dates: Rockdale County students will make up their days Feb. 14-18, foregoing their Winter Break. The students will, however, still have off Feb. 21, Presidents Day. DeKalb County students will make up days on Feb. 18 and Feb. 21. District officials had considered allowing students to make up the days by extending the school year, but decided against that idea in case more days are needed for inclement weather.

Gwinnett County students will make up their missed days on Feb. 21, March 14 and May 26.

Fulton County students will use April 22 and March 11 to make up some of their missed days.

The City of Atlanta Public Schools will use Feb. 21 as a make-up day.

The state allows four emergency days before school districts are required to make up canceled school days.

Lithonia Optimist Cub invites students to participate in oratorical contest The Lithonia East DeKalb Optimist Club is accepting applications for the Georgia district’s annual oratorical contest. The contest is open to students under the age of 19. Students must prepare a speech on the topic, “If I were leader of the free world, the first issue I would address would be…”

Candidates will be judged on poise, content of speech, delivery and presentation, and overall effectiveness.

Each district level winner will receive a scholarship for use at a college, university or trade school. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500.

Express yourself: What role does manufacturing in our community play?

Students in elementary through high school are invited to show off their artistic talents by submitting placemats, posters and T shirt designs that illustrate the role that manufacturing plays in our community. Atlanta Technical College is accepting entries for the 15th annual Manufacturing

Rainbow Elementary’s PTA President Shavone Smith, who works as a project manager for Bank of America, poses with her daughter, Haeley, who is in prekindergarten.

Appreciation Week (MAW) student design competition.

Elementary school students may compete in the placemat competition; middle schoolers in the poster contest; and high students in the T-shirt design competition. The artwork submitted will be entered in a statewide competition where first, second and third place winners will be chosen in each of the three groupings.

The winners in each category will be honored at the Governor’s Awards Luncheon on April 28 at the Georgia International Convention Center. Firstplace winners will receive monetary scholarships for $500. The second-place winners receive $300 scholarships, and the third place winners will receive $100 scholarships. The top entries for placemat, poster and T-shirt designs will be displayed at the Governor’s Awards Luncheon.

Elementary school placemat designs must be 11x 17. Middle school posters must be created on 22

x 28 poster board. High school T-shirt designs must fit in a 12” square. Art may be created with paint, watercolors, pencils, markers, crayons, charcoal, etc. but should be completely dry before shipping. T-shirts may be computer generated. All work must be flat and objects cannot be glued or pasted to submissions. Please note that designs will not be returned to contestants.

All entries must include on the back, upper-right corner of each submission: the student’s name, school, phone number to the school and the words, “Atlanta Technical College.”

Artwork must be received by Tuesday, Feb. 8. Mail entries to: Atlanta Technical College, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, SW Atlanta, GA 30310 Attention: Office of Communications.

For more information, contact Terreta A. Rodgers, Director of College Advancement at 404-225-4604 or trodgers@atlantatech.edu.

100 Black Men of DeKalb sets annual youth summit The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County in collaboration with CS Inspires, Inc. will host the Sixth Annual Youth Summit on Feb. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Miller Grove High School in Lithonia. This year’s theme for the youth mentoring organization is “Overcoming Real Challenges to Achieve True Greatness.”

The free, daylong summit, which required interested high school students to register by Jan. 28, will focus on helping youths create success strategies. During breakout sessions entitled “Boys to Men” and “Girl Talk,” issues relative to today’s youths will be discussed including the incarceration rate among minors; high school graduation rate among black males; teen pregnancy; and job preparedness.

The summit will feature a theatrical production, “Choices,” which will be put on by students. Choices will speak to the turmoil created by cyber bullying.

A panel of noted community leaders and activists will address the students during the summit:

 Dr. Alduan Tart, a noted

psychologist, public speaker and author of the “Ring Formula” will talk about bullying prevention strategies.  Derick Halliman, CEO of Lucid Enterprises and a Trumpet Award recipient, will discuss how to transform an idea into a successful business venture.  Authors of “When the Cops Come Knockin,” attorneys Travis and Trinity Townsend will address what happens when you end up on the wrong side of the law.  To offer a youthful perspective, young motivational speaker Jonathan McCoy will discuss his campaign to have the “N” word removed from the English language.

 Thirteen-year-old Mary-Pat

Hector, author of “Easy Street Ain’t So Easy,” will focus on bringing young voices together around just causes.  Jeremy L. Lee, who has gone from the courthouse to Morehouse, has an interesting story to tell about what it takes to turn your life around.

“This year’s summit truly gets at the heart of the challenges facing our youth and will provide them with real strategies for dealing with them,” said E. Lamont Houston, president of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb.

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb provides an after-school leadership and developmental program called The Leadership Academy for students enrolled in the sixth through twelfth grades of the DeKalb County Schools.

February 1, 2011

PAGE 9

People

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Movers & Shakers in the Community

New Bethel’s ‘Drum Major’ awards salute community leaders

By Joshua Smith A state legislator, two community newspaper publishers and long-time pillars of Gwinnett County’s Promise Land community were among the award recipients of New Bethel A.M.E. Church’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Awards Program.

The awards marked the Gwinnett church’s 10th annual celebration, which featured performances by The Lou Walker Senior Center Choir, the New Bethel A.M.E. Sunbeam Choir, Shekinah Glory and Platinum Praise dancers and a keynote address from the Rev. John Frank Green, who serves as President/Dean of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

The program, spearheaded by University of Georgia professor, Dr. Cheryl D. Dozier and other members of New Bethel, honored members of the community who are fighting to keep Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream alive through service and leadership with three awards. The Pillar of Strength, Community Service and the Drum Major award.

The Drum Major Award was given to State Sen. Gloria S. Butler, who has been representing District 55 in DeKalb County since 1999.

Sen. Butler serves as chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs Committee and on several committees in the Senate including Health and Human Services

and Senate Public Safety. She also volunteers with Positive Growth, a youth program that provides housing and counseling for young men ages 11 – 17 who have been involved in the court system. Butler is the

Porter Sanford Arts Center welcomes new director

David T. Manuel

DECATUR – David T. Manuel has been appointed the new executive director of the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center. Manuel joined DeKalb County in December of 2010.

Manuel has a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a minor in graphics design.

Prior to joining DeKalb County, he served as director of Community Relations for more than 20 years for the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia and has also partnered with HBO’s premier screenings for more than 10 years. In addition, with the help of Manuel, the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center will continue to successfully bring a diverse range of programming possibilities to DeKalb County.

DeKalb District Attorney appointed to Judicial Nominating Commission DeKalb County District Attorney most qualified, experienced, ethical Robert James was recently appointed and impartial people to serve in these to the Judicial Nominating extremely important roles. I Commission (JNC) by Gov. take this appointment seriously Nathan Deal. James joins and look forward to working the 20-member board, which with my JNC colleagues.” is tasked with providing The JNC will be corecommendations for vacant chaired by Randy Evans of state trial and appellate courts.

McKenna Long & Aldridge “I am honored to join the law firm and former state JNC and the distinguished legislator, Pete Robinson, group of professionals Robert James of Troutman Sanders. Other assembled by Gov. Deal,” said members of the commissioner James. “My objective is to make sound include Georgia Attorney General Sam recommendations to the governor as Olens and Douglas County District it relates to judicial appointments.

Attorney David McDade.

The residents of Georgia deserve the

mother of two daughters. She has two grandchildren and one great-grandson.

The Pillar of Strength award went to Willie Bob and Frances Livsey, pillars of the historic Promise Land community, which is located of

Highway 124 in Snellville. Willie Bob has been a member of New Bethel AME Church since birth. His wife, Frances, joined in 1965. The couple has been described by church members as dedicated, steadfast, willing and humble. Willie Bob is known for his construction work with Underground Atlanta and Lenox Square Mall. The Livseys host study groups for the church in their home, sing in the ministry’s choirs and have been married for 46 years. They have three children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The Community Service award was given to On Common Ground News publishers Glenn and Valerie Morgan. This year marks 16 years of their publication informing and serving the community. The newspaper provides coverage throughout metro Atlanta in DeKalb Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The Morgans have been honored for their community service by a number of organizations including the DeKalb NAACP, DeKalb Schools of Today, 100 Black Men of DeKalb and the DeKalb Prevention Alliance. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Myles Morgan, an engineer in Mobile, AL, and Mackenzie Morgan, a journalism major at Georgia State University.

New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located at 8350 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia and is under the leadership of Pastor Ronald L. Owens.

Hicks White joins Keyes Fleming at EPA DeKalb Chief Assistant District Attorney Javoyne Hicks White has accepted a position as Chief of Staff at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where her former boss, Gwen Keyes Fleming is now the EPA’s Regional District Administrator. Keyes Fleming formerly served as DeKalb’s District Attorney. White will assist Keyes Fleming in managing EPA Region 4’s priorities and day- to-day operations.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity to work at EPA and to help the regional office implement its critical mission of protecting public health and the environment,” said Hicks White.

In her role as chief assistant district attorney, Hicks White managed the office’s white-collar crime, domestic violence/sexual assault units, drug court, a pre-trial diversion program, the Grand Jury and the office’s Juvenile Court Unit. She served as a liaison to numerous community organizations and state and local entities to help protect the places where DeKalb citizens live, work, play and learn.

Javoyne Hicks White

Gwen Keyes Fleming

She also supervised the child support unit, support staff, and managed the development and implementation of office policies, human resources matters and the $12M annual budget.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Hicks White previously worked for the Georgia Attorney General’s Office and has more than 17 years of experience as a prosecutor and over 20 as an attorney.

Nicole Marchand, former acting Solicitor-General, has been named as Chief Assistant District Attorney to replace Hicks White.

PAGE 10

February 1, 2011

Stone Mountain-Lithonia AKAs dig in to keep the vision alive

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was “a day on, not a day off” for Hands on Atlanta volunteers. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters from the Stone MountainLithonia chapter (pictured), college students from Georgia Perimeter and high school students with Georgia Perimeter’s Upward Bound program chose to spend their holiday serving adults with disabilities at the DeKalb Community Service Board’s CHOICE program in Lithonia. Volunteers painted, put together picnic tables and benches, provided landscaping and planted flowerbeds at the program’s site.

DeKalb sheriff signs new contract for inmate medical services The DeKalb County Sheriff’s by a certified team of medical Office has selected Correct Care professionals.

Solutions (CCS) to provide medical CCS is the third largest services to the inmates at the DeKalb correctional healthcare provider in County Jail. The contract the country, based in began in January.

Nashville. It provides “We reviewed many medical service delivery qualified proposals,” said to nearly 57,000 in DeKalb Sheriff Thomas 17 states with a vast Brown. “I am confident amount of their clients that the decision to as large urban jails. partner with CCS was Under Brown’s the right choice. I look leadership, the forward to their guidance DeKalb County in transitioning the Jail has earned the provision of care to even distinction as a “triple greater efficiency and crown” accredited effectiveness.” agency. Nationwide, The DeKalb County Brown’s office is one Jail has a population of of 35 agencies in the Sheriff Thomas Brown about 3,400 inmates. The country that has earned medical facilities in the the accreditation, jail include an infirmary which includes the and clinics that have the capacity Commission on Accreditation of Law to handle from triage and trauma to Enforcement Agencies, the National routine and special needs. The medical Commission on Correction Health contractor provides a medical staff to Care and the American Correctional include a Medical Director, supported Association.

District Attorney’s Office awarded federal grant to fight domestic violence The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office was recently awarded a $50,786 federal grant to combat domestic violence and sexual assault. The funds, from the 2011 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant, will be used to partially staff the district attorney’s domestic violence unit.

“Domestic Violence is a crime that affects people of all ages, races, socioeconomic levels and backgrounds,” said District Attorney Robert James.

“This grant is essential in enabling our office to fight domestic violence and provide additional attention to both our DV cases and the victims we serve.”

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s grant was unanimously accepted by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 25.

The Domestic Violence Unit includes two prosecutors, two investigators, two part-time victim advocates. The DV Unit provides specialized services, information, and support to victims of violent crimes including: murder, rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated assault, and others. The District Attorney’s Office has received the VAWA grant since 2006.

Leadership DeKalb seeks recruits for 2011 class questions about the program and learn Leadership DeKalb will host open about eligibility requirements,” said houses in February and March for Sara Fountain, executive director. those interested in joining the class “Each year, approximately 50 of 2011. Graduates of Leadership established and emerging DeKalb include CEOs leaders are accepted from of top public and private the many applications companies, government we receive.” Candidates officials, educators, must live or work in judges, entrepreneurs, DeKalb County. community volunteers After completion of and nonprofit the 10-month training organization leaders. program, graduates may Open houses will be become active members held Feb. 3 at DeKalb of Leadership DeKalb, Medical Women’s a non-partisan, not-forCenter, 2701 North profit organization that Decatur Road, Decatur; has fostered networking Feb. 10 at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale, and connections among 2801 DeKalb Medical its over 950 distinguished Sara Fountain Parkway, Lithonia; graduates. The and on March 3 at the organization celebrates its Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad 25th anniversary this year.

Street, Chamblee.

There is no charge to attend A networking reception will be held the open houses. Reservations are at 5:30 p.m., followed by a program requested. Reply by e-mail to info@ at 6 p.m. Attorney LaTisha Dear, a leadershipdekalb.org or by phone at graduate of the Class of 2006, will 404-373-2491. Parking is free at all moderate a panel of other Leadership locations and light refreshments will be DeKalb graduates. served.

“At our Open Houses, individuals For more information on the interested in Leadership DeKalb can Leadership DeKalb program, visit meet distinguished graduates, ask www.leadershipdekalb.org.

Rockdale County awarded grant for DUI program

The Rockdale County Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Court Supervised Treatment Program, headed by Rockdale County’s State Court Judge Nancy N. Bills, has been awarded a $31,300 grant from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

“We look forward to the continued opportunity to assist persons in our courts who are on the road to recovery, and to reduce the incidences of drunken driving offenses which endanger our community,” said Rockdale County State Court Judge, Nancy Bills. “This grant will help us achieve those goals.”

The grant funds will be used to help treat, motivate, and rehabilitate program participants.

For more information, email: duicourt@rockdalecounty.org or call 770-278-7720.

Gwinnett to host two more forums for citizens’ input The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has scheduled its final Town Hall meetings to gain citizen input on how to meet the needs of Gwinnett County residents and businesses.

The meetings will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. at Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Road in Norcross, and Monday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

STATE OF GEORGIA

DeKALB COUNTY

QUALIFYING FEE NOTICE Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 21-2-131(a)(1), the following qualifying fees were set by The Mayor and City Council in the January 3, 2011 meeting:

Mayor $230.40

City Council $122.40

Qualifying for the offices listed above will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2011 and will end Friday, September 2, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. The General Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Union Missionary Baptist Church, Lithonia, GA. The last day to register to be eligible to vote in the November Municipal Election shall be Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

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February 1, 2011 To Contact Us

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PAGE 11

Business News

Development, News Makers & Events

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta named to Fortune’s elite list ATLANTA– Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has been ranked among FORTUNE magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America. It is the sixth consecutive time the not-for-profit pediatric health care system has been named to the list. Landing at No. 60, Children’s is the only hospital in Georgia to appear on the list, and one of only three companies headquartered in Georgia. When broken down by size, Children’s placed 18th in the midsized company sub-category, and earned special recognition for being a top company for women, placing fourth in a sub-category for female employees.

Additionally, Children’s placed in a subcategory recognizing diversity.

Children’s operates three hospital campuses, including Children’s at Egleston, Children’s at Hughes Spalding and Children’s at Scottish Rite, as well as 17 neighborhood locations. Children’s puts a primary focus on employees, so it makes sense that the organization was ranked on a list that highlights specialty areas such as health care, childcare and work-life balance.

“Parents trust us to provide the best pediatric care possible and to help their children maintain good health and wellness.

Our commitment to making employees a top priority strengthens their dedication to Children’s and empowers them to continue to provide great care,” said Linda Matzigkeit, senior vice president, Strategic Planning and Human Resources at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“Children’s works hard to remain a leader

in offering all of its employees, from nurses to executives, a work environment in a growth industry that is challenging and mission-driven.”

Children’s offers many unique programs, including a wellness program called Strong4Life, in which employees collectively have lost more than 30,000

pounds since the program’s launch in June 2008. Since 2009, Children’s began giving every employee who obtained a Strong4Life Health Assessment a discount on health care premiums. The employee wellness program demonstrates Children’s commitment to wellness, supporting the organization’s 2011 statewide childhood obesity campaign.

To pick the 100 Best Companies to Work For, FORTUNE partners with the Great Place to Work Institute to conduct an extensive employee survey. This year, 311 companies participated. Two-thirds of a company’s score is based on the results of the Institute’s Trust Index survey, which is sent to a random sample of employees from each company. The survey asks questions related to their attitudes about management’s credibility, job satisfaction, and camaraderie. The other third of the scoring is based on the company’s responses to the Institute’s Culture Audit, which includes detailed questions about pay and benefit programs and a series of openended questions about hiring practices, internal communications, training, recognition programs and diversity efforts.

Visit www.fortune.com/bestcompanies for a full list of the 100 companies.

Business News Calendar Compiled By Joshua Smith

DeKalb Chamber welcomes Attorney General Sam Olens The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will welcome the state’s new Attorney General, Sam Olens, for its First Monday Lunch on Feb. 7, noon, at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center, 200 Century Blvd., N.E., Atlanta.

Presented

by AmeriGroup Community Care, this month’s luncheon features the keynote address from Olens and sponsor Sam Olens presentations.

Olens has practiced law in Georgia for more than 25 years, successfully representing clients in both state and federal courts. Olens has been a partner of Olens & Ezor, PC since 1983. He is a registered mediator/arbitrator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.

Olens is rated “AV” by MartindaleHubbell, the highest accolade that confirms a highly respected, ethical member of the Bar. Olens was board certified in Civil Litigation by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in 2000 and is a Fellow of the Lawyer’s Foundation of Georgia. He is admitted to the Georgia and District of Columbia Bars, the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia and the United State Supreme Court.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $45 for non-members. Register at www. dekalbchamberofcommerce.org or call 404-378-8000.

ABL sets Business Power Forum The Atlanta Business League will host its Business Power Forum on Feb. 15, 5:30 – 7 p.m., at the Atlanta Life Financial Group Building, 100 Auburn Ave., Atlanta.

The forum will feature several guest speakers from the business world in and around metro Atlanta, a

spotlight on a member of the league who is practicing the league’s mission, business tips, networking and ABL Business-2-Business displays.

The free forum also includes door prizes. Registration is required at www. atlantabusinessleague.org or call 404584-8126.

GSU alums to host speednetworking event The Georgia State University (GSU) Alumni Association will host a speed networking and business card exchange on Feb. 3, 6 – 8:30 p.m., at the GSU Brookhaven Center, 4362 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta.

The casual networking session includes several discussions as well like “Survival Jobs” and “Keeping It Simple When Interviewing For a Job.” Debbie Rodkin, GSU alum and executive director of Focus on Careers, will host the event.

The cost to attend is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. To register, call 404-413-2190.

Buckhead welcomes AIU Atlanta President The Buckhead Business Association will welcome Peter Correa, president of American Intercontinental University’s Atlanta campuses, at its monthly breakfast. The breakfast will be held Feb. 3, 7:30 – 9 a.m., at the City Club of Buckhead, 3343 Peachtree Rd., Suite, 1850, Atlanta.

Prior to his Peter Correa appointment as the new president of the AIU Atlanta campuses, Correa served as president of another Career Education Corporation institution, Colorado Technical

University’s (CTU) Kansas City campus. During his tenure with CTU, he also served as a faculty member and dean of instruction at the Sioux Falls campus, and as director of the Westminster campus in Denver. Correa has held a number of other higher education leadership roles including chief financial officer at Hampshire College in Amherst; vice president for finance at Harcourt University in Cambridge; and vice president for finance and administration at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota.

The cost to attend the breakfast is $20 for non-members. Register at www.buckheadbusiness.org or call 404-467-7607.

What’s your brand saying behind your back?

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will welcome award-winning branding and marketing expert, Lavon Lewis, for a Business Builder session on Feb. 10, 8:30 – 10 a.m. at the DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, 1957 Lakeside Parkway, Ste. 510, Tucker.

The session, “What is your brand saying behind your back?” will feature five Lavon Lewis premium ways to attract clients. Your brand is what customers think of every time they see or hear about you and your company.

When customers think about your company, what comes to mind? The average American is bombarded by more than 3,000 advertising messages per day. How do you stand out?

Attend this session and learn creative, sure-fire secrets to attract the “right” customer. The cost to attend is $10 for non-members. Register at www. dekalbchamberofcommerce.org or call 404-378-8000.

The Receivables Exchange presents free forum The Receivables Exchange will host the free “Atlanta Cash Flow Forum” on Feb. 15, 7:30 – 9 a.m. at The Georgia Club, 100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1700, Atlanta.

A panel of experts and business owners will discuss strategies for managing working capital in the changing economy, and share tips on how they have survived and thrived in a tight credit market. Guest panelists include Joe Reini, president of MasonGrey Corporation; Kenji Kuramoto, partner and co-founder of AcuityCFO, a professional services firm providing financial and accounting leadership; and Aaron Brand, director of the Liquidity Desk at The Receivables Exchange.

Register now to join the discussion.

Complimentary breakfast is included.

Register at www2.receivablesxchange. com/atlanta or call 1-877-392-4952.

MBDA sets “Business Network at Sundown” Join the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) for “Network at Sundown” on Feb. 24, 6 – 9 p.m., at the Twelve Hotel, 400 West Peachtree St., Atlanta.

Hosted by Jazz 91.9’s Yolanda Reynolds, the evening of business networking will feature guest speaker Patricia Hanes, regional director for the U.S. Department of Commerce, MBDA. Harris will share “How to Access Capital and Procurement Opportunities” and more.

The MBDA provides funding for a network of minority business centers located throughout the nation. The centers provide minority entrepreneurs with oneon-one assistance in writing business plans, marketing, management and technical assistance and financial planning to assure adequate financing for business ventures.

The cost is $25 to attend and includes entertainment and food. There will be a cash bar. 770-968-5280.

PAGE 12

February 1, 2011

Health & Wellness

To Contact Us

By Phone: 678-526-1910

By Fax: 678-526-1909

By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com

Resources & Lifestyle Tips

Calendar

Compiled By Joshua Smith

Q&A set on gastrointestinal issues for seniors

Exercise program aimed at women who have cancer

Learn about proper foot care for diabetics

Emory: Workouts made simple for busy people

DeKalb Medical presents “Gastrointestinal Issues for Seniors” on Feb. 4, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., in the hospital’s ground floor theater, 2701 North Decatur Rd., Decatur.

Some sort of digestive problem affects more than 95 million Americans. Join DeKalb Medical gastroenterologist, Dr. Shirley Harris, as she discusses gastrointestinal issues that are common in seniors.

Do you have frequent gas pains, blood in your stool, diarrhea or constipation? These are symptoms of colorectal cancer, the second most common cancer in the United States.

Harris will also discuss ways to treat these issues and ways to prevent them from occurring.

Sometimes gas, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea can be caused by the food a person ingests and the cause is usually due to poor absorption from the intestine. Harris will discuss healthy foods that benefit your colon and help keep things running smoothly as well.

Harris will conduct a question-andanswer session immediately following the presentation.

A complimentary light breakfast will be served from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

Register to attend this free session at www.dekalbmedical.org or call 404501-1000.

Piedmont Hospital’s Cancer Center will launch a free 12-week exercise program for women dealing with cancer, “Pink at Piedmont.” The program will be held Feb. 6 – March 2 at the Piedmont Hospital Health & Fitness Club, 2001 Peachtree Rd., N.W., Atlanta.

The 12-week program offers an exercise class twice each week.

The program includes nutrition consultation and education, stress reduction through guided imagery and yoga classes. It is designed to pamper, support and restore while participants return to the basics of good nutrition, exercise and a sense of well-being.

All participants are required to have a release from their oncologist to participate in the 12-week program. Participation is open to women currently undergoing treatment and up to eight months post-treatment. This program is provided in collaboration with the Piedmont Hospital Health and Fitness Club and the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Hospital.

Most classes will run 2 – 3 p.m.

The classes are free, but you must register to be a part of the program.

Register by calling 404-605-1969 or at www.piedmontcancer.org.

Gwinnett Medical Center will host “Diabetes and Foot Care” on Feb. 8, 10 a.m., at the hospital’s Glancy Campus, 3215 McClure Bridge Rd., Duluth.

Come and join Dr. Brian Harley as he discusses how people who have diabetes can dramatically reduce amputation rates and other serious foot problems by taking some simple steps. Learn the do’s and don’ts of good foot care.

Those who attend may park to the right of the parking lot, near the large Oak and Magnolia trees. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit www. gwinnettmedicalcenter.org or call 678312-6800.

Emory Healthcare will host “The Ins and Outs of Exercise” on Feb. 8, 11:45 – 12:15 p.m.

Are you a working man or woman with barely enough time to breathe and eat, let alone exercise? You can incorporate a workout regime by performing simple basic exercises such as stretches or running up the stairs to your office to keep fit.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Emory Healthcare will host “Chocolate for the Heart” on Feb. 14, 11:45 – 12:15 a.m. Chocolate can be good for you. Eating as little as a quarter of an ounce of chocolate each day, an amount equal to about one small Easter egg, may lower your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Learn the benefits of dark and milk chocolate, as well as when enough is enough.

Both free classes will be held in the hospital’s fifth floor conference room, 1525 Clifton Rd., Atlanta.

Register at www.emoryhealthcare. org or call 404-778-7777 and 1-800-75-EMORY.

Doctors offer brain health Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives.

In a continuation of classes begun in January, Norma Miller, MEd, and Connie Keck, PhD, will offer healthy living classes on Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Instructors at the Life Enrichment Center in Decatur, the two physicians will teach you about brain chemistry, assess your brain chemistry and make suggestions for improving your brain health through nutrition and supplements.

Find out what foods can increase your brain strength and what supplements are best for you. The doctors say the human brain represents the single greatest system in the universe and building a robust and healthy brain is a lifelong process. Join them for this beneficial and popular class. Seating is limited. Call or visit the library branch to register.

The Doraville Library branch is located at 3748 Central Ave., Doraville.

770-936-3852.

Gwinnett Medical to present forum examining heart disease in U.S. Gwinnett Medical Center and Partnership Gwinnett are offering a free healthcare forum, “The Hidden Epidemic: Heart Disease in America,” on Feb. 11, 7:30 – 9 a.m., at Gwinnett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville.

The forum, held to educate the community on heart disease, will offer attendees the opportunity to visit educational booths, take a photo in the “Happy Hearts” photo booth and walk away with free heart smart items, including pedometers, water bottles and a heart rate monitor card. Continental breakfast will be provided.

The first 100 registrants will receive a free T-shirt. All attendees will receive a heart disease awareness bracelet. 678-957-4944.

Ankle & Foot SpeciAliSt oF AtlAntA Medical and Surgical Treatment of the Foot, Ankle & Leg

Two LoCATIoNS:

5910 Hillandale Drive Suite 102 Lithonia, GA 30058

Located: I-20 and Panola Road

550 Peachtree Street Suite 1820 Atlanta, GA 30308

“Where Metro Atlanta Goes for Quality, Professional Foot & Ankle Care” r Bunions

r Flatfoot and Arch Pain

r Corn and Calluses

r Sports Injuries

r Ingrown Toenails

r Children’s Foot Pain

r Ankle Sprains or Fractures

r 24 Hour Minor Surgery Facility

r Hammertoes r Geriatric Foot Problems r Diabetic Foot Care

Dr. Naim G. Shaheed, D. P. M. Board Certified

Introducing Our New Physician

r 35% Discount for Uninsured Patients On All Services

www.ankleandfootdr.com

(770) 981-9011

Dr. Jocelyn K. Curry, D. P. M. Board Certified

Payment Arrangements Available We See Emergencies In Office or Hospitals. We Accept Most Insurances, HMOs & PPOs

Rockdale Medical to celebrate Heart Month Rockdale Medical Center presents the “Red Hot & Healthy” Hawaiian Luau Luncheon on Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., in the hospital’s East Tower Classrooms, 1412 Milstead Ave., Conyers.

Celebrate American Heart Month with Rockdale Medical at its annual luncheon. This year’s theme, the Hawaiian luau, will feature celebrity impersonating waiters, songs from Blue Hawaii and a fashion show by Belk.

Seating is limited. Early reservations are suggested. The cost to attend is $25 per person. For more information, call 770-918-3911.

expanded local news coverage On Common Ground News Serving DeKalb & The Metro Area Around You www.ocgnews.com

February 1, 2011

PAGE 13

We Worship

To Contact Us

By Phone: 678-526-1910

By Fax: 678-526-1909

By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com

Faith-Based News & Inspiration

The Contender’s Church brings God to the big screen at Stonecrest

By Joshua Smith LITHONIA—Pastor Douglas Gunby is inviting people to come to the AMC 16 Movie Theater at The Mall at Stonecrest. He’s holding worship service there every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

“People say why did you pick the movies?

I say: Why not? Honestly, I really believe it picked us,” said the 36-year-old Gunby.

“While we were looking for locations, I began to see more and more churches up North that were having service in movie theaters and succeeding, so we ran with it.”

Gunby, who served as youth pastor for 16 years at Green Pastures Christian Ministries in Decatur, and as an acting pastor of the church for three years, said God led him to leave the church founded by his parents in 1979. He found the theater as home for his new ministry.

“I’ve been in churches all my life and I have never seen anything like what he have here. There’s no praise team, no formalities, no gimmicks, just prayer and the scripture—God’s word. You come at 8:30 and we are leaving by 9:30. At 9:45, I’m in the parking lot,” Gunby said.

The Contender’s Church leases one of the theaters at the AMC through NCM Fathom Theatre Church, a company that brokers theater space for almost 200 churches in 35 states.

“We chose the name Contender’s because we believe the church needs to be a contender of faith. We were tired of seeing people basing their faith in the ability to buy something like cars and houses instead of in Christ,” Gunby said. “Christ is the source of our faith. We are contender’s of this simplicity and are excited to teach others that will listen.”

The month-old church packed out the theater at its first service, which was held Jan. 2. Pastor Gunby says on average, about 123 people come out. It’s a pretty good number, he says, considering that the theater where he meets they worship in seats 146. He says the church has decided to worship for six months before asking anyone to join the ministry.

“I love to preach the word. It’s my favorite part of all this. I mean it’s just amazing to me how you can find Christ’s redemption in every scripture,” Gunby said. “Our church isn’t personality driven. This isn’t about Doug Gunby. This isn’t about me trying to be a mega pastor, I just want to reach people and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Gunby said he wants worshippers to come as they are and get to know him and his congregation before making a commitment to join.

“We have no dress code. We want to spend this first six months getting to know each other and letting the people get to know us so when the time is right, people will know they are joining something genuine,” Gunby said.

Gunby and his wife, Tamar, have three children, DeShaon, 19, Jaoylen, 18 and Tiffanni, 8.

“We are truly blessed. Every week, more people are coming and the good thing is when we outgrow this theater, we will go over to a bigger theater so we’re not moving any time soon,” Gunby said.

Visit The Contender’s Church’s 8:30 a.m. worship service at The Mall at Sonecrest AMC 16 Movie Theater, 8060 Mall Parkway, Lithonia. The church is also online at www. contenderschurch.org. 770-572-4516.

“It’s Time” for healing and miracles Chimain Douglas Ministries will host “It’s Time” on Feb. 5 and March 26, 9 – 11 a.m., at the Colonnade Banquet Room, 8010 Rockbridge Rd., Lithonia.

“It is time for you to go to another level in Christ. It is time to operate under the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit,” said Minister Douglas. “It is time for you to do greater works for God. Come experience the presence of God and His supernatural miracles, signs and wonders through the Holy Spirit.”

Minister Douglas says the

purpose of the service is to bring miracles and anointing to God’s people. “It’s Time” is part of a monthly series that Minister Douglas will continue to host throughout the year.

Everyone is invited to the worship experience. (404) 838-3200.

Hillside International hosts “Spirit of Healthy Living” Hillside International Truth Center will host the “Spirit of Healthy Living” (SoHL) series on Feb. 6 and 13.

Held at the conclusion of the church’s 10:30 a.m. services, SoHL will feature several topics such as a clean heart and power over diabetes and workouts. Metro Atlanta health professionals present the free program.

Hillside International Truth Center is located at 2450 Cascade Rd., S.W., Atlanta. 404-758-6811.

Elizabeth Baptist offers parenting workshop series Elizabeth Baptist Church will host “Parenting is Heart Work” on Sundays, Feb. 6 – March 13, 9a.m.

If you’re like most parents, you have developed your own parenting strategy and sometimes it seems to work, and other times, you wonder if it’s working at all. There are countless ways to try to get a child’s attention and to effect change, but here’s the truth: Unless you deal with a child through his or her heart, you are not likely to see lasting change.

In this study, you can learn to truly reach your child’s heart to teach, train and build a tremendous relationship. The cost to attend the series is $10.

Elizabeth Baptist is located at 4245 Cascade Rd., S.W., Atlanta.

404-691-3146.

Pastor Douglas Gunby

Light of the World prepares couples to re-dedicate their marriages

Elizabeth Baptist offers parenting workshop series

Light of the World Christian Tabernacle International in Stockbridge is celebrating marriages this month. The church is hosting a four-week series, “From This Day Forward,” for married couples seeking to refresh their relationships.

Bishop Ruth Smith Holmes and Dr. Rickie Holmes, the church’s pastors, will facilitate the series on Sundays at 8 a.m., Feb. 6-27. The couples who participate will exchange vows during a re-dedication of marriage ceremony on Sunday, Feb. Bishop Ruth Smith 27, 5 p.m. The program is Holmes and Dr. Rickie free and open to anyone Holmes who would like to attend.

To register, email fromthisdayforward@ymail.com.

For more information, call 678-565-7001. Light of the World Christian Tabernacle is located at 5883 Highway 155 North, Stockbridge, GA 30281.

Elizabeth Baptist Church will host “Parenting is Heart Work” on Sundays, Feb. 6 – March 13, 9a.m.

If you’re like most parents, you have developed your own parenting strategy and sometimes it seems to work, and other times, you wonder if it’s working at all. There are countless ways to try to get a child’s attention and to effect change, but here’s the truth: Unless you deal with a child through his or her heart, you are not likely to see lasting change.

In this study, you can learn to truly reach your child’s heart to teach, train and build a tremendous relationship. The cost to attend the series is $10.

Elizabeth Baptist is located at 4245 Cascade Rd., S.W., Atlanta. 404-691-3146.

Ray of Hope seeks volunteers for Dunaire partner program Ray of Hope Christian Church is seeking volunteers for its Daughters of Destiny at Dunaire Elementary School program.

“DOD at Dunaire” is a collaborative effort between Ray of Hope’s women’s ministry and Dunaire Elementary School, 651 South Indian Creek Drive, Stone Mountain. The partnership is designed to offer hope and support to the children at Dunaire Elementary School.

Volunteers choose their own hours and serve on Tuesdays or Thursdays in any of the following ways: in the library or with reading programs, in the classrooms with teachers, in the main office with administrators or in the after school program with homework, tutoring or test prep.

The program is also seeking volunteers who can assist with art projects and in performing arts with acting, music, or dance. To register as a volunteer, contact the church’s women’s ministry at 770-696-5100, ext. 209.

Worshippers Interceding to host Christian talent show Pastor Kathern A. Scott and Worshippers Interceding for Excellence are seeking youths ages 7 to 16 to audition for a Christian talent showcase.

Auditions are scheduled Saturday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m., at the church, which is located at 3096 N. Decatur Road, Scottdale.

Those who can sing, dance or have other positive gifts that edify the Kingdom of God are invited to participate.

The Youth For Excellence Talent Showcase will be held Sunday, Feb. 27, 5 p.m., at the church. Pastor Phil Williams & Lil’ Jimmy Productions will be featured.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

For more information, call 404-455-6678.

Volunteers needed to help feed homeless moms and kids Decatur First United Methodist Church and The Decatur Cooperative Ministries Hagar’s House is seeking volunteers for the week of Feb. 7 – 12.

Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve and/ or clean up during dinner hours. Hagar’s House is sponsored by Decatur Cooperative Ministries and provides emergency shelter for Atlanta area homeless mothers and their children.

For more information or to sign up, call Sandy Kruger at 404-373-0707 or e-mail sskruger@bellsouth.net.

Decatur First United Methodist Church is located at 300 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur.

PAGE 14

February 1, 2011

Home & Garden

To Contact Us

By Phone: 678-526-1910

By Fax: 678-526-1909

By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com

Resources, Trends & Events

Make your master bedroom a dream suite

By Barbara Elliott and Jennifer Ward Woods

will make you the happiest in your new master bedroom retreat.

I

f your bedroom doesn’t offer you a respite from the hustle and bustle of the day, then now’s the time to transform it.

It’s a new year, filled with wonderfully exciting and new possibilities. The time and money you consider investing now will pay off in big dividends in your future.

Especially, because your bedroom redecorating project might just mean that you’ll find yourself being just a little happier, a bit more joyful, and most importantly at peace with yourself and your surroundings.

Decorating your master bedroom is probably more fun than decorating any other room in your home. Why? Because it’s the one room in your home that you can truly allow your personality to shine. Remember, this is your space, and you deserve the best.

As with every decorating project, it’s important to develop a decorating plan that fits your needs, your lifestyle

• Look at your bedroom space with a “critical” eye. Ask yourself, can your bedroom, with your given amount of space, accommodate all of the activities you listed?

While the answer is usually yes, you may still need to take advantage of some clever pre-planning.

and most importantly, your pocketbook.

Consider taking these three simple and easy steps • Begin your project by visualizing, and then listing

all the types of activities you’ll want to conduct in your “get-away” haven.

Perhaps it’s writing thoughtprovoking entries in your daily journal; reading your favorite books; knitting;

needlework; watching old romantic movies on your TV/DVD player; daily meditation; contemplating your plans for the next day whatever the activity, think through what types of things

Calendar

Beautiful orchids showcased at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Don’t miss an opportunity to purchase top plants from vendors in Georgia during the Gwinnett Cooperative Extension Service’s plant sale, which started in January and will continue throughout February. Frostproof gardenias and apple trees are among the new selections offered this year. The pick-up date is Thursday, March 10, at the Gwinnett Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Plants that are not picked up on that date are considered a donation. No refunds. To request an order form for the sale or for more information, call 678-377-4010.

Enjoy a spectacular display of thousands of floating orchids. The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual “Orchid Daze: Liquid Landscapes,” exhibition makes a splash Feb. 5 through April 10 with stunning orchids floating against the backdrop of flowing water walls, gushing jets and trickling beads. Presented in the Fuqua Orchid Center, home to the largest collection of species orchids in the United States, Orchid Daze highlights vibrantly colored phalaenopsis, dendrobiums, cattleyas and other orchids.

Admission to the Garden is $18 for adults; $12.95 for children ages 3-12; free for children under 3 free and for Garden members. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE Atlanta. 404-876-5859.

14th Annual Georgia Home & Garden Show

Kids can build a Valentine’s heart shelf

7173 coVington HwY • 678-755-5955

Rose expert to lead talk The Georgia Iris Society will present a program on “Roses” on Feb. 12, 2 p.m., at Hastings Garden Center, 3290 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. Henry Everett will be the guest speaker. For more information, call 404-869-7447.

Home Depot is offering a creative workshop for kids on Saturday, Feb. 5, 9 a.m. to noon. Take the kids in to build and decorate a heart shelf as a special Valentine’s gift. This free family activity is designed for children ages 5-12. All children keep their craft and receive a free Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement. Check with your local Home Depot to verify the class will be held before going.

Banquet Hall For rent $ 00 $ 20 - 12500 Per. Hour BootH rent 1st MontH $100

Home landscape workshop set

Vacancies $500

Understanding the basic principles of landscape design can help create an attractive home landscape. The Home Landscape Design class will be offered Feb. 10, noon to 1p.m., at the Gwinnett County Extension Conference Room, 750 South Perry Street, Suite 400 Lawrenceville, 30046-4804.

The class is free but preregistration is required. Register by Tuesday, Feb. 8. Contact Extension Agent Timothy Daly at 678-377-4010 or timothy.daly@gwinnettcounty.com.

sell Your stuFF For Free

DeKalb presents gardening series for homeowners The 14th Annual Georgia Home & Garden Show will be held at the Gwinnett Center Feb. 11-13. Check out the latest products and services for your home and garden. Comparison shop, attend workshops and meet the experts, including HGTV’s Shane Tallant.

Tickets are available at the Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. General Admission is $7; senior citizens, $6; children ages 12 and under, free; and $5 for those with military ID. For more information, call 770-998-9800.

Barbara Elliott and Jennifer Ward Woods are owners of Decorating Den Interiors. 770-498-7780.

Mini Mall

Compiled By Valerie J. Morgan

Gwinnett Extension Service sponsors annual plant sale

• Think about “coloring your world” – especially your soon-to-be redesigned master bedroom. As with most all decorating projects, one of your first priorities is locking in a color scheme. Color sets the stage and provides harmony to everything else that will eventually find its way into your new bedroom. It’s the backdrop that surrounds all of your furnishings, fabrics and accessories, lighting – everything.

DeKalb Cooperative Extension announces its 2011 homeowners’ series, “Enhancing Life Through Gardening.” The classes are taught by skilled Master Gardeners and are designed to teach gardening fundamentals.

The classes are offered Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $10 per class (at the door) or $70 for the series (paid in advance) The location is DeKalb Extension Main Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032.

Section 8 Waiting List

NOW OPEN 2 and 3 bedroom apts.

OAK FOREST APARTMENTS 338 D Hatton Drive Scottdale, GA 30079

(404) 296-1860

Mon – Friday 11:00 to Noon and 3:00 to 4:00

VISIT www.ocgnews.com Check Out Great Photos, News Updates and Our Monthly Calendar of Events

February 1, 2011 To Contact Us

By Phone: 678-526-1910

By Fax: 678-526-1909

By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com

PAGE 15

CLASSIFIEDS

Services

For Rent

Music lessons available.

Voice, keyboard, music theory and choir directing.

Tutoring for reading also offered. Call 404-284-3935.

Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-2816503.

Must See! Lease/ Rent To Own. 2 Units Available.

Newly Renovated Townhouses 3 BR 2.5 Bath, Gas Heat and Fireplace. All appliances included. Located near Wal-Mart in Lithonia. Only $900 monthly. Contact 404-326-1361.

100% LOAN IN FACT!!

From purchase to renovations act now call for details 404-281-6503.

WHY NOT ADD FLARE TO YOUR OCCASSION? Hire a bartender call Antonio 770-374-3610 available for all occasions, and reasonable rates birthday parties, weddings, class reunions, special events.

BB Home Improvement.

Yard Work, Gutters, Pressure Washing, Embroidery, and Clothing. Call Keith at 678886-6350.

Affordable Home R e p a i r s / Re m o d e l i n g , Interior/Exterior Painting, Basement Remodeling Pressure Washing Plumbing, Tile Licensed & Insured, Large & Small Jobs, Free Estimate Call Derrick 678469-0071.

Room to rent $125 wk. Mature adult. Utilities included. Gwinnett and Stone Mountain area.

Located at Westheimer Estates and upscale community. Call 770380-4334.

For Sale Stone Mountain, Waters Edge, brick, 4BR 2.5BA, LR, Den, DR, $105,00, $1,000 down, $705 month. W R Brokers 1-888-269-6795 x 179.

Stone Mountain, Southland, All brick 4BR, 2.5 BA, LR, DR, Den/fplc $153,000, $1,500 down, $821 month. W R Brokers 1-888-269-6795 x191.

Now Hiring

The ARK Family Counseling Center is interviewing for a Community Support Individual(CSIs) and Behavioral Aides (BA), CSIs provides one-onone support for children and adolescents assisting with life skills. Behavioral Aides supports youth and their families in meeting behavioral goals in various community settings. Bachelors Degree preferred. For further information, please contact Danyelle at 770593-0913.

www.vcvaughters.com

The ARK Family Counseling Center is interviewing for a Residential Instructor position. The Residential Instructor provide quality care and supervision for children and adolescents in a Residential home setting.

For more information call Danyelle at 770-593-0913.

New Christian Ministry seeking Public Relations person to assist with identifying and setting up speaking engagements with churches; media advertisements, promotions, event planning, etc. Call Mrs. Douglas “Setting the People Free Ministries” (404) 838-3200.

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Week of January 27, 2011 Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, 2nd Floor, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below:

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO.

ITEM

CLOSING DATE

3001857 ITB

Cutter and Saw Blades

EXTENDED TO February 16,2011

3001867 ITB

Small Domestic Brass Fittings and Gate Valves

3001906 ITB

Mainframe Printer – Lease or Purchase

February 28, 2011 February 7, 2011

Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise.

By: Kelvin L. Walton, Director/Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting

BOBBY L. SCOTT, CPA LLC CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Accounting, Taxes, Business Consultation Individuals-Corporations-Non-Profits IRS Representation

Over 30 Years Experience Member: AICPA & GSCPA 1316 Rockbridge Road, Suite L Stone Mountain, Ga. 30087 Bobby L. Scott, CEO Email bls55@aol.com

For Appointment

Call (770) 638-1200 Office (770) 638-1201 Fax

PAGE 16

February 1, 2011