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VOLUME 19 NUMBER 43
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DeKalb school district is off probation ....page 5
JANUARY 25, 2014
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Lawmaker pitches State of DeKalb County Address drug tests for food Interim CEO Lee May: ‘We are strong’ stamps applicants
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By Valerie J. Morgan
Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May delivered his ven as controversy swirled State of the County address to business around DeKalb County’s leaders during a luncheon at Emory leadership, interim CEO Lee Conference Center Hotel and then later May spoke positively and that day, he addressed the community at large at the Porter Sanford Performing confidently about the county’s future, Arts Auditorium in Decatur. urging stakeholders to stay the course. “The state of DeKalb County is that we are strong, we are innovators and we are leading the charge in Greg Morris - YES Rahn Mayo - NO smart government,” May told a soldout crowd at the ticketed State of the By Valerie J. Morgan County Address luncheon hosted by the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 23. South Georgia lawmaker has The crowd applauded May at least filed a bill that would require 30 times during his speech. applicants to pass a drug “The foundation for a robust test before receiving food stamps or economic recovery has been laid, and Medicaid. we must now stay the course to realize State Rep. Greg Morris, a the benefits of our labor,” May said. Republican who represents Vidalia, Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News As May opened with a Biblical called House Bill 772, “common sense story about Nehemiah rebuilding the legislation.” last July to replace Ellis while he to be in disarray. The wall of education walls of his native land, suspended “Hard working Georgians expect is suspended, told business leaders in our county has become vulnerable DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and their tax dollars to be used responsibly that the bible story of Nehemiah to the enemy of mediocrity and failure. District Attorney Robert James were and efficiently,” said Morris, who was particularly relevant to DeKalb. The wall of safety and security has in Superior Court Judge Courtney serves as chairman of the Banks & The 38-year-old son of a pastor said become vulnerable to the vagabonds Johnson’s courtroom battling in a Banking Committee. “Under no everyone must make a concerted effort of lawlessness and disruption. The corruption case. circumstance should the government to change DeKalb’s course and rebuild. wall of prosperity is being threatened Just before the hearing, Ellis, fund someone’s drug habit. HB 772 is “He (Nehemiah) understood the by high rates of unemployment and his wife, Philippa, and his mother, common sense legislation.” power of collaboration; he understood hopelessness. The wall of beauty and State Rep. Rahn Mayo, a Democrat Roberta Ellis, were joined by about the power of unity,” said May. “So cleanliness of our county is being 30 supporters for a prayer vigil led by who represents DeKalb County’s Nehemiah sought the support of threatened by the enemy of litter and Cynthia Hale, pastor of Ray of Hope District 84, said he sees pitfalls with leaders, and everyday people alike to abandoned and overgrown properties. Baptist Church in Decatur. Members of the bill, namely that it targets a federal assist in the re-building of the wall. The wall of ethics and integrity is the group wore “I Support Burrell Ellis” They did it together! The story tells us program and unfairly scrutinizes the being threatened by the accusations of buttons on their coats as they stood in poor. that not only did they rebuild the wall, corruption and dishonesty.” the freezing cold and prayed. “This is something that has been they did it in record time.” May pointed to the DeKalb School Meanwhile, May, who was brewing and talked about for a while, Said May: “…So here we stand as appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal but that’s going to be tough to pass a county with various walls that appear See May, page 9 because food stamps are federally funded. It’s not a state program,” Mayo said. “And if we’re going to go to that extent, we should have our state lawmakers who receive state benefits and compensation face the same kind of scrutiny.” Mayo said anecdotal stories about abuse of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have raised concern and prompted By Valerie J. Morgan lawmakers to look at making changes to the program. he DeKalb County Jail has launched a new, high tech “The thought is that people are visitation system. Sheriff Thomas Brown says DeKalb trading their food stamps for currency is joining other correctional facilities around the state that they are using to support their and the country with the launch of its “video visitation” for lifestyles,” Mayo said. “I still believe inmates. The DeKalb jail implemented the new system on that drug testing may be a little extreme Jan. 15. for such a sharp assumption. And again, Visitations where guests see the inmates through glass if we’re concerned about protecting partitions will only be used rarely—by clergy, attorneys and the integrity of the program, we ought other special exceptions. When visitors go to the jail now, to make elected officials face the same they will use computer stations for web-based video chats accountability.” with inmates. Once the new system is fully operational, Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News The bill comes just months after visitors can chat from their home or office—anywhere they DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown demonstrates the new technology the $11 cut from food stamp checks have a computer connected to the internet. installed at the DeKalb County Jail for inmate visitations. went into effect on Nov. 1, when the “It just adds another feature for that mother or recession-era boost in funding expired. grandmother or loved one, who, because of a great distance, “It’s going along well. We have had some delays, Congress is looking at cutting as cannot visit in person,” Brown said. “It doesn’t matter if you though. Overall, I would give it about a B+,” said Mann. much as $90 a month from 850,000 you’re in Savannah or Tokyo. You can log on.” “We are working to get to the point so that the visits are food stamps recipients. The measure is The video visitations also will help deter misconduct prescheduled.” part of a farm bill that aims to cut $9 including fighting, flashing and other banned behavior, The jail has installed 26 computer cubicles in its newlybillion from food stamps over the next Brown said. designed visitation area and 144 computers on the floors 10 years. “Sometimes, you have girlfriends going to see the same where inmates are located. Visitors log on for their webGeorgia has soared from having guy and fights break out as they are passing one another based video chats and follow the prompts, which are in the 15th-highest proportion of food along the corridor, Brown said. “Other times, they will try English and Spanish. stamp recipients to the sixth-highest as to flash or expose themselves when they’re at the glass The video chats are free to visitors who come in a depressed economy took its toll. Last partitions. This will resolve all of that.” person and attorneys who need to reach inmates. Securus year, a record 1.9 million low-income Deputy Chief Jeff Mann, who worked on the Technologies charges $20 for 30 minutes of conversation for Georgians received food stamps each procurement and recommendation for the technology, said those who don’t want to come in person. month to help them pay for the cost of the jail is still working through some of the bugs. He said the Brown said the new system will return millions to food. system should be fully operational in a few weeks and jail officials will begin publicizing a call-in number for people to See Video, page 9 See Food Stamps, page 9 make prescheduled video visitations.
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DeKalb goes high tech with video visitation, glass partitions fading away
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Community News
JANUARY 25, 2014 VOLUME 19, NO. 43 EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith joshsmith@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
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
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DeKalb judge issues gag order in Ellis’ corruption case
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By Valerie J. Morgan
s the drama unfolds in suspended CEO Burrell Ellis’ case, a DeKalb County judge has issued a gag order restricting what the District Attorney’s Office and Ellis’ attorneys can say to the news media during the ongoing corruption case. Superior Court Judge Courtney Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson Johnson expressed concern that the would-be jury could be tainted by the extensive media publicity. Johnson issued the gag order on Jan. 22 after District Attorney Robert James filed an emergency motion on June 21 seeking restrictions. “This case has garnered significant media attention since its inception,” Johnson wrote in the order. “The video and web sites are not merely general denials against the allegations contained in the indictment; the statements also contain facts that will be presented to the jury by both sides and personal opinions about the veracity of potential witnesses.” The DA asked for the restriction after Ellis posted a video on YouTube and created a website, “Friends of Burrell Ellis.” Ellis said in the video that he has done “absolutely nothing wrong.” Johnson instructed all of the parties involved in the case to refrain from any opinion on the guilt or innocence of Ellis as well as any information that a lawyer knows is likely inadmissible in a court proceeding or would “create a substantial risk of prejudicing an impartial trial.” Johnson heard testimony from both sides on Jan. 23 during an all-day hearing with a packed audience in the courtroom. She is expected to continue hearing testimony on Jan. 24.
Josie Dean
JaNice Van Ness
Doreen Williams
Two Democrats set to run for Rockdale BOC, Post 2 seat By Joshua Smith
Two well-known faces in Rockdale County have thrown their hats in the ring for the Democratic nomination for the Post 2 seat on the Board of Commissioners. Both, Doreen Williams, 62, and Josie Dean, 53, have announced plans to run for the seat. “I think I can bring a new perspective to the seat because I have strengths in critical analysis and budget negotiations. I will look at all possibilities in trying to solve a problem,” said Williams, a 20-year Rockdale County resident and retired educator with a Ph.D. “In me, voters will have a elected official who is available and accessible.” Dean says she decided to enter the race after contemplating the successful races of others she has assisted in the past. “At the Conyers State of the City address, DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown approached me about helping with his campaign for Congress, because in his words, I kept everybody straight when I lived in DeKalb,” said Dean, who has been living in Rockdale for about 10 years and is a children’s daycare operator. “That got me thinking: From John Evans, who served on the Board of Commissioners, to slain Sheriff-Elect Derwin Brown in DeKalb, to Rockdale’s CEO Richard Oden and Rockdale Commissioner Oz Nesbitt, I have helped lead to victories. I was thinking, why don’t I start a campaign for myself and see if we can bring some great changes to Rockdale.” See Rockdale, page 6
DeKalb History Center honors five women in media Five women in media will be honored for their contributions as journalists in the community on Thursday, Feb. 6, 11:30 a.m., at the DeKalb History Center in downtown Decatur. On Common Ground News’ Valerie J. Morgan, Crossroads News Jennifer Ffrench Parker, radio personality Rashan Ali, Channel 11’s Karyn Greer and former State Sen. Steen Miles, who used to work for Channel 11, at the history center’s “Honoring Women in the Media” event. The seventh annual celebration, hosted during Black History Month, honors African Americans who are making a difference in the community and leaving a legacy in journalism. “This is always an exciting event where we recognize just some of our current African American leaders who are impacting our local history,” said History Center Executive Director Melissa Forgey. The Champion Newspaper Publisher Carolyn Glenn, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. Carlisa N. Johnson, an Agnes Scott College senior, will provide entertainment. The Champion Newspaper is the presenting sponsor for the luncheon awards program. Tickers are required and seating is limited. Tickets are $30 for members of the DeKalb History Center and $35 for non-members. The DeKalb History Center is located at 101 East Court Square, Decatur. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 404-373-1088, ext. 22, or visit www.dekalbhistory.org. The DeKalb History Center is located at 101 East Court Square, Decatur The honorees are: Valerie Morgan: Morgan is the Editor-in-Chief of On Common Ground Inc., a news agency that provides print and online coverage in DeKalb County and the metro Atlanta area. Valerie, a veteran journalist with more than 30 years in the news industry, formerly worked as an editor for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution before helping her husband, Glenn L. Morgan, launch On Common Ground News in April 1995. The award-winning newspaper (www.ocgnews. com) has served to enlighten, enrich and educate the community for nearly two decades and provides
Valerie Morgan
Rashan Ali
Karyn Greer
news to the East Metro Atlanta area. The news agency supports small businesses throughout the metro Atlanta area through a number of collaborative initiatives. On Common Ground News is a community business partner with Stephenson High School, the feeder schools in the Stephenson cluster and the Voices of Faith Academy in Stone Mountain. The newspaper also is a partner of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb mentoring organization for youths and the South DeKalb YMCA academies, where Valerie and Glenn serve on the board of directors. Valerie is a member of the board of directors for the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Rockdale County Chamber of Commerce. Rashan Ali: Ali is a revered multimedia personality within the sports and entertainment industries. Ali has worked for all of the major urban radio stations as an on air personality, including HOT 107.9 FM, V-103 FM, and currently Streetz 94.5 as the host of “The Streetz Morning Grind.” Ali has appeared as an actress “3 Can Play That Game” with Vivica Fox and Terri J Vaughn, “The Gospel,” with Boris Kodjoe and “Trois 3,” produced by Will Packer. She was recently cast to star opposite of actress Gabrielle Union in an upcoming movie titled Being Mary Jane. Ali has worked as a sideline reporter for the Atlanta Hawks and in 2009, Rashan joined an elite group when she became one of a few African American women providing sports commentary on a national scale as a reporter for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview Show, which aired on ESPN 2 and ESPN U. She became the Social Media Correspondent for NBA TV’s “GameTime” during the 2010-2013 NBA
Jennifer Ffrench-Parker
Steen “Newslady” Miles
Playoffs. In 2006, she founded Sporty Girls, Inc., a nonprofit organization that encourages the development of life skills in girls’ ages 8-18. Ali added author to her list of accomplishments with the 2013 release of her first children’s book, “Piper Sky’s Pink Popsicle Shoes.” Karyn Greer: A long-time Atlanta resident, Greer is well known in the local television market. She is the past president of the Atlanta Press Club and currently serves on the Board of Governor’s for the National Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences. The Emmy award-winning anchor for WXIA-TV 11 Alive is also a member of the Magnolia Chapter of The Links Inc., a board member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a member of the Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., and she is on the board of The Sport of Giving. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Jennifer Ffrench-Parker: The editor of publisher and co-founder of CrossRoadsNews. Prior to starting the newspaper in 1995, Parker was a reporter and assistant metro editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Under her leadership, CrossRoadNews, has won numerous “Excellence in Journalism” awards from the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists. Parker says since it started, CrossRoadsNews has covered issues important to South DeKalb residents and has kept them abreast of is neighborhood happenings, and noteworthy events and people in the community. Parker has also worked as a business writer See Trailblazers, page 6
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JANUARY 25, 2014
Gwinnett
Darryl Littleton talks “Why We Laugh” in Decatur The DeKalb County Public Library’s Decatur branch, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, will welcome comedian Darryl Littleton to host a public discussion, “Why We Laugh,” on Monday, Feb. 3, 7 – 9 p.m. Littleton, also known by the stage name, “D’Militant,” will lead this presentation. Darryl has toured the world as a stand-up comedian, appeared on numerous radio and television shows, and has authored books on black comedy. The program will include a screening of a part of Robert Townsend’s documentary Why We Laugh. The 2009 documentary is touted as a fast-paced; no holds barred Q and A with comedians like Darryl, who is also the producer of the documentary. Darryl also produces live comedy shows. He has performed on BET’s Comic View for more than a decade and worked with comedians such as Cedric the Entertainer and Jamie Foxx. Library staff says the Decatur branch is hosting the event to celebrate the history of black comedians in this country. For more information or to register, call 404-370-3070.
Coming Up
DeKalb
Chili cook-off set to benefit seniors Gwinnett County and Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, will host a chili cook-off and concert on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 11:30 a.m. Warm up with some chili while you listen and dance to local acts and performing members of the senior center. Who makes the best chili? Time to settle the score by entering or sampling some good old-fashioned chili. Competitors provide a gallon of their best chili for sampling. Come out for a heated competition benefiting the senior center and its programs. The event is free for chili competitors. Call to enter. Admission is $6 per person to taste and sample. Additional chili, fixings such as bread, crackers, desserts and drinks will be provided. Cooks can enter until all tables are full. The center is asking all tasters to register by Friday, Jan. 31. For more information or to buy a ticket, call the center at 678-227-0179.
Residents invited to rain gardens workshop The Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension Service will host a free workshop for residents, “Rain Gardens,” on Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Learn how to choose a location, select a design, and build a rain garden. Attendees who live in unincorporated Gwinnett County or the city of Lilburn can qualify for a maximum five percent credit toward their storm water utility fee for the following year by attending. The extension office will host the workshop in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville. Pre-registration is requested by sending your name, address and phone number to dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com or by calling 678-376-7193, ext. 5.
Rockdale
AKAs’ Chi Tau Omega to celebrate Read-in at Stonecrest LITHONIA—Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Tau Omega Chapter, will host a “Read & Win” event at the Mall at Stonecrest (near the Macy’s mall entrance) on Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The purpose of the event is to emphasize the importance and fun of reading by having members of Chi Tau Omega set up areas for children and adults to read silently for five minutes to win prizes, treats, and free books. Kindergarteners will listen to someone read a picture book so they can get the same rewards. Anyone who shows their library card or who signs up for one will also win a special treat. Everyone will be able to enter in a drawing for special prizes. Drawings will be held at 11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. The event coordinates with the National African-American Read-In celebration and Black History month. In addition to the Read-In, the event will include a simulation of the segregation protest—the 1960 Sit-In at the Woolworth Counter— performed by members of the Chi Tau Omega Youth groups, Emerging Young Leaders and Ivy Prep. There also will be a Reading Help Center where parents and teachers can receive information to help children become better readers and assessments can be made to determine deficits in children’s reading. 678-658-0252.
Atlanta Three Piece Suit football benefit game set Boulevard Crossing Park, 500 Englewood Ave., S.E., Atlanta, will host “Three Piece Suit Football” on Saturday, Feb. 1, 12 – 5 p.m. At the event, you can watch “tailored gladiators,” comprised of former football players and other athletes play full contact tackle football. $1 raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win one of more than $500 in gift cards from local restaurants and business. Vendors will be on hand to sell beer, food and other items as well. Free admission. Donations will be greatly appreciated. The event will benefit United Military Care. United Military or UMC, is a local non-profit 501c(3) organization whose mission is to provide hope and honor during hardship for American Military families and Wounded Warriors. UMC supports military families in Georgia, meeting needs such as emergency assistance (groceries, diapers, etc.), education, career counseling, and financial management. Players raise money for the charity to compete in the big game. For more information, call Matthew Miller at 770-654-4799.
Compassionate Atlanta accepting registrations for conference Compassionate Atlanta is accepting registration for a conference aimed at making Atlanta a more compassionate city on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2 – 5 p.m., at the Carter Center’s Cecil B. Day Chapel, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. Participants will learn how to work together to make all of Atlanta a more compassionate community. Solutions to racism, violence and hunger will be discussed. Through small groups, participants will also talk about what compassion means to them and how to foster compassion in the school system and at home. Compassionate Atlanta is a grassroots movement that seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of compassionate action throughout the Metro Atlanta area. Admission is free, but advance registration is required due to limited seating. The registration deadline is Thursday, Jan. 30. For more information or to register visit www.compassionateatl.com or the Compassionate Atlanta Facebook page. 404-420-5100.
RCA sets 5K to benefit student programs The Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr., Conyers, will host the Fast Forward 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m. Awards will be presented to the overall male and female in the categories of fastest times, the “masters of the course,” and the top three times in three age group categories, ranging from 10 and under to 75 and older. All participants receive a finisher’s ribbon. A “Fun Run” for kids only, will begin at 10:30 a.m. Walkers are welcomed. Registration is $20. You can register at the race. Long sleeve t-shirts are guaranteed to all runners and walkers who pre-register. All runners receive drinks, fruit and other refreshments. For more information or to register, call Chad Walker at 770-388-5677, ext. 31112 or visit www.active.com.
City of Conyers, State Park to host “Groundhog Day” hike The City of Conyers and Panola Mountain State Park, 2600 Highway 155 N, Stockbridge, will host a community “Groundhog Day” hike on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2 – 4 p.m. at the park. Participants will join park rangers and hikers at Panola Mountain State Park to look for their shadows at the top of the mountain. This ranger-led hike explores the conservation area, as you learn about plant communities that call the granite outcrops of the park, home. The cost is $7 per person. Participants should wear sturdy hiking boots and bring water. For more information, call 770-389-7801 or visit www.gastateparks. org. LEGAL NOTICE DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Advertisement for Thursday, January 30, 2014 Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below: REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO.
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Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: 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
JANUARY 25, 2014
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DeKalb school district is off probation, now facing six action requirements
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By Valerie J. Morgan
fficials of the DeKalb School District are rolling up their sleeves again. This time, they are headed back to the trenches to address six requirements—three of them new—that must be met in order for the district to regain full accreditation. The new actions follow the good news that Georgia’s third-largest school district is off probation. Officials made the announcement on Jan. 21, saying they planned to get to work immediately on the items that the AdvancED Accreditation Commission stipulated in a 27-page report. Gov. Nathan Deal attended the announcement, which was made at the school system’s headquarters in Stone Mountain. Deal praised DeKalb for its progress and said he was encouraged by the results. “I must say that I am surprised how fast this step was taken,“ said Deal, who last year formed a reconstituted school board with six appointees after AdvancED, the parent company of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), released a blistering report citing financial mismanagement, nepotism and political infighting among board members. The district corrected 8 of 11 actions that were required by the Commission. Now, schools officials must address the remaining three actions, along with three new ones. Implementing and sustaining the corrections to the Commission’s satisfaction could take the district at least a year, officials acknowledged. Despite the work ahead, though, DeKalb School Superintendent Michael Thurmond said he is elated the district advanced from “Accredited Probation” to “Accredited Warned.”
DeKalb’s Superintendent Michael Thurmond was elated to receive the news that the school district is off probation.
“The stain of probation has been eradicated from the DeKalb School District,” Thurmond said. “The decision to upgrade the District’s accreditation status provides a sense of pride and relief to our internal and external stakeholders.” The “warned” status means the Commission will continue to monitor the district for improvements and goals that have been outlined. District officials will face another monitoring review by the Commission in May. Meanwhile, district officials reiterated that high school graduates can continue to seek collegiate financial aid, grants or scholarships without worry. The school district never actually lost its accreditation, although it came close. The Commission based its decision to take the district off probation on a comprehensive review conducted in December 2013.
“I commend them for putting us on track for high expectations,” said Dr. Melvin Johnson, who chairs the DeKalb Board of Education. “They have identified the things we need to help our students reach their academic goals. That’s what this whole process has been about.” Johnson said the district would begin immediately working on a comprehensive plan to address the required actions. “I feel certain that it will not take us long to develop the comprehensive plan. The key is sustaining that plan. We will probably have another new board when the elections are held this year and we must make sure that we can sustain what we put in place,” Johnson said. State legislators will weigh on those elections, determining in a few weeks if whether boundaries should be redrawn. DeKalb could end up with seven school board seats or retain nine, depending on the lawmakers’ decisions. Meanwhile, DeKalb County’s Interim CEO Lee May called the announcement “good news.” “I applaud the DeKalb County Board of Education and Superintendent Michael Thurmond for their progress,” May said. “Today’s announcement by SACS acknowledges all of the improvements that have been made and that more good is to come. We can all take pride in this accomplishment, as what is good news for the school district is also good news for the whole of DeKalb County.” DeKalb NAACP President John Evans concurred. “Based on all we’ve been through, at least now, we’re on the right track and probation is not in the picture,” said Evans. ‘It’s up to us to keep the flavor going.”
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Metro Atlanta celebrates Dr. King: In pictures Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church Pastor William E. Flippin, Sr. and DeKalb County Public Schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond served as grand marshals of the DeKalb County NAACP’s MLK parade on Jan. 20. The parade kicked off in the parking lot of Green Pastures Christian Ministries Inc. on 5455 Flat Shoals
Parkway and ended with a rally at MLK Jr. High School, 3991 Snapfinger Road. Pastor Richard Allen Washington, Sr. and New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Lithonia celebrated its 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award Celebration. The theme for this year’s
celebration was “Continuing the Dream: The Fight for Justice.” The keynote speaker was State Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan, District 39. DeKalb Schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond were among several people honored at the program. The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale branch
of the NAACP co-hosted a benefit breakfast on the King Holiday. The buffet breakfast, held at Longhorn Steakhouse in Conyers, drew a packed house. The keynote speaker for the event was Douglas R. Hooker, executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission. . Proceeds benefit the United Way.
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JANUARY 25, 2014
Three-time gold medalist shares inspiring story with Redan students By Joshua Smith
For 16-year-old Cedric Roberts, meeting three-time Olympic medalist Ralph Boston a few days ago was like turning the pages of a history book. “I want to run in college and make it to the professional level some day soon. Mr. Boston has done all that and more, so I just tried to soak up everything and learn as much as I could,” said Roberts, who is an 11th grade student who is on the track team at Redan High School in Stone Mountain. Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News Boston, a former World Record Redan High School track team member Cedric Holder in the long jump, visited the Roberts poses with Ralph Boston. high school on Jan. 22 to share stories of the past and inspire the school’s track Owens, his Tennessee State University teams. college teammate, Wilma Rudolph, and “I had a tough journey growing up USA Track and Field teammates. He in racist, segregated Laurel, Mississippi dared our teams to dream and dream but track and field took me to more than big.” 64 countries. Imagine what you can do Boston, 74, now lives in the metro now. The sky is the limit for all of you,” Atlanta area and is working on his said Boston, who brought his gold, autobiography. silver and bronze medals he won in the In August 1960, Boston broke Jesse 1960, ‘64 and ‘68 Olympics to show the Owens’ 25-year old record with a leap students. “I didn’t bring these medals of 26 feet, 11.25 inches in Rome, Italy to brag or boast, but to show you some to become the Olympic champion. rewards for hard work and dedication. The USA Track and Field Hall of I hope they can provide you with the Famer also became the first person to motivation to meet your goals and do surpass the 27-foot mark in the long better than me.” jump to again set the world record Redan Principal Gregory Goodwin in 1961 at 27 feet and 1/2 inches. said it was a pleasure having Boston at Boston went on to compete in the 1964 his school. Tokyo Olympics and the 1968 Mexico “What a wonderful experience for City Olympics, winning a silver and our boys’ and girls’ track team to be bronze medal, respectively, in the two able competitions. For Boston, gold medals to meet and receive valuable life lessons in the long jump also came in the 1963 from one of track and field’s all time and 1967 at the Pan American games. greats,” said Goodwin, who is the 2013 The Redan track program has a Region 3 Principal of the Year. “Mr. productive history of its own winning Boston shared priceless stories of his back-to-back Class AAAA state boys encounters with legendary figures like track titles in 2004 and 2005 and the Muhammad Ali, Willie Mays, Jessie girls’ winning titles in 2005 and 2012.
Thurgood Estates
Rockdale BOC race has three lined up so far continued from page 3
Commissioner JaNice Van Ness, a Republican and fourth generation Rockdale resident, now holds the Post 2 seat. She has announced her plans to seek a third election. Van Ness was first elected in 2006 and won re-election in 2010. She is currently the only woman on the three-person Commission. “I am excited that I have decided to serve again because I have had an overwhelming response of support in the community to run for re-election. Whether I’m at the farmer’s market or at an annual county event, people are always asking me: ‘You are running again right?” Van Ness said. “I will be putting together a re-election committee in the coming weeks and getting out into the community and listening to voters’ concerns.” Van Ness, 45, said if re-elected, one of her goals would be to help create a better tax digest in Rockdale. “I have worked with budgets, worked with managing people, and I have experience in the human resources realm,” said Van Ness, founder of Peachtree Academy, a private school with campuses in Rockdale and Newton counties. “To me, those are things that not everybody brings to the table.” Van Ness is also a member of the board of directors of Phoenix Pass, Rockdale Republican Party and the Women’s Service Association civic group. Dean, who regularly attends the Board of Commissioner meetings as a private citizen and usually comments during public comment periods, said she has received positive feedback about her decision to run. “If I win, I want to be known as the people’s commissioner,” Dean said. “My main platform issues include advocating for a five-member Board of Commissioners, instead of the current three member structure, to provide a better balance of the issues, airing school board meetings on Channel 23, and making sure the City of Conyers and Rockdale County have a better working relationship.” Dean says she also wants to increase the morale of county staff and increase attendance of residents at board meetings. Dean is no stranger to political activism and being active in the community. She founded the Rockdale County Think Thank civic group and is on the SPLOST Citizens Oversight Committee. Williams brings many years of community experience as well. She serves as the secretary/treasurer of the Board of Directors for View Point Health. Williams also serves as co-chair for the statewide Georgia Federation of Democratic Women’s Mental Health Committee and she chairs the Rockdale County Democratic Party. Previously, she served as the Party treasurer from 2006 - 2012. Williams already knows what she would like to work on, if elected. “I would like to see increased efforts for economic development including the adoption and implementation of a long-range strategic plan and the effective coordination of educational courses needed for businesses interested in relocating to Rockdale County,” said Williams. She has 30 years of teaching experience. “Another area of interest is budget negotiations, making certain that the needs of each department are carefully considered and a long-range strategic plan created and implemented for each department.” The qualifying period for the election will be March 3 – 7. Primary elections are set for May 20.
Trailblazers set to be honored continued from page 3
for the Charlotte Observer in Charlotte, N.C., the Times Herald Record in Middletown, N.Y., and the Wall Street Transcript in New York. She also served as a general assignment reporter with The Daily Gleaner and Daily News in Kingston, Jamaica. Steen “Newslady” Miles: A journalist and civic leader, Miles is a former Senator for Georgia’s 43rd District; which includes East DeKalb County and Rockdale County. Miles is the former Georgia Broadcast Editor for United Press International in Atlanta. She is also a three-time Emmy award-winning reporter/ anchor for WXIA-TV 11 Alive, the NBC affiliate in Atlanta from which she retired in 1999 after 15 years. Prior to her election to the Georgia Senate in 2004, for three years Senator Miles was Chief Media Relations Officer for MARTA. Miles is the recipient of dozens of journalism and civic awards and commendations. In the Senate, Miles led the fight for reforms in the title pawn industry, fought for additional funding for the Katie Beckett waiver for children with special needs and fought for women’s rights. Miles is a former two-term President of the Stone Mountain Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She is currently writing a book chronicling her 30 years in television news and she is a candidate for the U.S. Senate. DEKALB ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE CHARTER SCHOOLS WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS / DEKALB COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY
Live the lifestyle you've always wanted. Here at Thurgood Estates, each home provides exceptional quality and design tailored to the preferences and lifestyle specific to each individual customer and their needs. We utilize the best products and practices in construction to ensure that you have the best home and community possible. We take pride in our ability to custom build luxurious homes with the utmost integrity, detail, and commitment. This will be the final phase for Thurgood Estates. There are 27 remaining lots nestled among million dollar homes in this luxurious community. Don't miss your opportunity to live in DeKalb County's premiere subdivision.
From the high $300 - $600+
Carmen Johnson
678.898.3404
Prices and specifications are subject to change or end without prior notice. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Subject to errors and omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice.
OPEN ENROLLMENT K - 8th grade applications accepted: Now - January 30, 2014 Mondays - Thursdays 7:30 am - 2:00 pm Applications MUST be submitted in person no later than Thursday, January 30, at 2:00 pm. School Tours: January 24, February 14, March 14, March 21 from 9:00 - 10:00 am
LOTTERY DATES
Kindergarten - 5th grade: February 12 at 9:00 am 6th - 8th grade: February 19 at 9:00 am
Notification by email on February 20 Notification by email on February 26
To learn more and to download an application, visit our website at www.dekalbacademy.org
“Learning with Relationships, Relevance, and Rigor!”
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JANUARY 25, 2014 TO CONTACT US
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PAGE 7
For more church news, visit
ChurchesNow.com
We Worship
Ray of Hope offers “Empower Through Stewardship” series
Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Road, Decatur, is offering a series called “Empower Through Stewardship.” The class will be held on Monday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m., in the church’s choir room. Learn the empowerment principles needed to grow your finances and prosper through in this three-part series. To register, call 770-696-5100.
First Baptist talks healthcare and the bible First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, will host a free public discussion, “Healing the Sick: Healthcare Access,” on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m. Church members Rob Johnson and Mickey Goodson will lead the “Faith and Justice Discussion,” focusing on Jesus’s command to “heal the sick” (Matthew 10:8) and his example of healing. Church member Parker Ebling-Artz will begin the series with a biblical overview and the rest of the session will cover a brief history of health care in the U.S, the involvement of Christians, and what the Affordable Care Act will do for the poorest of the poor. 404-373-1653.
St. James Episcopal to host 8 civil rights “foot soldiers” St. James Episcopal Church, 161 Church St., Marietta, will host a public screening of “Foot Soldiers: Class of 1964,” on Thursday, Jan. 30, 6:45 p.m. Produced locally, the documentary chronicles the dangers and courage of Atlanta college students who participated in the Civil Rights Movement in the early1960s and offers first-hand stories of the Spelman College women from the class of 1964. As young women, 16, 17, and 18 years old, they were some of the foot soldiers of the Atlanta University Center who led the Atlanta Student Movement through picketing, sit-ins, kneel-ins, and other non-violent demonstrations. Eight of the “foot soldiers” will attend the screening to share their stories. The program is free to attend. Advance registration is required for seating purposes. For more information or to attend, reserve your seat by calling Rita Connell at 770-792-2468 or call the church at 770-428-5841.
Faith-Based News & Inspiration
encourage you, to focus on your skills and aptitude and give opportunities for you to hear job search and experiences. Participants will also be able to broaden their network of contacts through networking at the workshop. For more information, call Crayton at 404-697-7547.
Columbia Presbyterian Church offers prayer service Every Tuesday, 7 p.m., Columbia Presbyterian Church, 711 Columbia Drive, Decatur, will host a service of prayer. The service of prayer and reflection is offered in the church sanctuary for anyone who wants to experience the peace of Christ in the midst of their busy week. The service includes a time of silence, scriptures, prayers and singing. For more information, call 404-284-2441 or visit www.cpcdecatur.org.
Emory lecture: Did God have a wife? Emory University will welcome guest professors for a free community discussion, “Did God Have a Wife?” on Monday, Feb. 3, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., in the school’s Michael C. Carlos Museum, 571 South Kilgo Circle, N.E., Atlanta. This family lecture will be hosted by the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies at Emory University and is presented by Dr. William G. Dever, Distinguished Visiting Professor at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, and Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern Studies at the University of Arizona. The lecture is an illustrated presentation showcasing recent archaeological evidence of the religious beliefs and practices of the common people in ancient Israel, as contrasted with practices as portrayed in the Bible. 404-727-6301.
Parkview Church sets job seekers networking event Parkview Church, 4875 Lilburn-Stone Mountain Road, Lilburn, will host a job networking session for those looking for jobs or career changes. The next upcoming meeting is Feb. 1, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Are you searching for a job or anticipating a job change? A team is in place to
ST. PAUL AME CHURCH WORSHIP CENTER • 1704 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia, GA
Our next edition of
Churches Now
is coming out in the spring of April 2014
March 15, 2014
Presents:
Tickets $10
Parade of Hats Fashion Show & Luncheon Enjoy the beautiful array of hats
For tickets and vending opportunities, call Joyce Reid at 770-482-1571 The Eternal Life in Jesus Churches (Headquarter) St. John Apostolic Church, Tucker, GA
Celebrates the Presiding Prelate Bishop C.E. White 80th Birthday Affectionately known as our Dad, Pop, Granddaddy, a man after God’s own heart. His birthday, February 7th. The celebration date Friday Evening, January 31, 2014 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets $60.00 per person
Celebration will be held at:
Marriott Courtyard Decatur Conference Center 130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 For more information: (770) 939-5220
To reserve your space contact us at 678-526-1910
PAGE 8
JANUARY 25, 2014
Business News
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McDonald’s franchisee Van Jakes, a DeKalb success story
Panola Road McDonald’s invites customers to remodeled space
A
By Valerie J. Morgan
fter closing its operations for 60 days, the McDonald’s on Panola Road in Lithonia is open again and has a new, hip look. Former NFL cornerback Van Jakes, who owns the Panola Road restaurant, said he spent $1 million remodeling the 4,160-foot-square-foot restaurant. The work includes reconfiguring the drive-through with dual lanes, new landscaping, giving the restaurant a new interior and furnishings, and installing Wi-Fi and a digital menu that allows McDonald’s to easily promote new items. “It’s a totally new atmosphere. It has an Art Deco vibe. We’re excited about all of the changes and we want to welcome back all of our customers,” said Jakes, adding that the expanded drive-through provides easier access for customers to merge onto Panola Road. Jakes, his wife, Chrystal, and their four children ages 13, 19, 22 and 25, recently held a red carpet event to celebrate the store’s re-grand opening. The event also marked Jakes’ 22nd year as a McDonald’s owner-operator. Jakes, who played with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, opened his first McDonald’s in Tampa, FL in 1992, after playing seven seasons and retiring from the NFL in 1991. In May 1994, He sold his Tampa store and opened in Atlanta. He now has three McDonald’s in DeKalb County and employs about 170 workers at the three locations. Jakes, 52, thanked the community and praised God for Jake-22 Management co. success and longevity as a McDonald’s franchisee. Jakes said he incorporated the number 22 into his company’s name to reflect the number he wore when he played in the NFL. “This re-grand opening means so much to me. I’ve been truly blessed to
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Family, friends and dignitaries gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-grand opening of the McDonalds at 2791 Panola Road in Lithonia.
Panola Road McDonald’s Re-Grand Opening Celebration Events Friday, Jan. 24: Live Entertainment and McFamily Fun
Saturday, Feb. 22: Dream Girls Meet Up
Monday, Jan. 27: Paul Frank McFamily Fun Fashion Show
Friday, Feb. 28: Live Entertainment and McFamily Fun
Saturday, Feb. 1: Xavier Lewis & The Whiskey Peach Band
Sunday, March 2: Gospel Brunch
Sunday, Feb. 2: Gospel Brunch
Tuesday, March 4: Mardi Gras with Live Jazz
Monday, Feb. 10: M eet Ken Ford Foundation
Friday, March 14: Live Entertainment & McFamily Fun
Saturday, March 22: Xavier Lewis & The Whiskey Peach Band Former NFL cornerback Van Jakes of Jake22 Management Company is one of DeKalb County’s success stories. Celebrating 22 years as McDonald’s owner operator, he owns a store on Panola Road store, inside the Fairington Road Wal-Mart and the Stonecrest store, all in the greater Lithonia area.
be here,’ said Jakes. “The community has supported us here at this location for 19 years. I want people to know that you should depend on God whether you fall, fumble or stand.” DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson, who oversees the county’s Super District 7, and Doreen Carter, president
of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony to help Jakes celebrate the store’s re-grand opening. “They have done an awesome job as entrepreneurs,” Watson said in presenting Jakes and his family a proclamation from the county. “Van is highly regarded for his philanthropic efforts in the community. We thank him for being here.” Carter also thanked Jakes, saying that his business contributes to the
positive strides the county is making toward boosting economic development with the launch of a study group that will look at creating a mega Community Improvement District (CID), which would run from the Stonecrest area to Gresham Road. “This restaurant is an example of what is to come and how we plan to use the CID to change the face of the greater Lithonia area,” said Carter, who was tapped by DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May to head the study group.
CALENDAR
State of Decatur address set
City of Decatur’s license renewal deadline Jan. 31
The Decatur Business Association will host the “State of Decatur” address on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 5:15 – 6:30 p.m., at the Courtyard Marriott, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett will present his outlook for 2014 and mark the accomplishments Decatur made in 2013. Jim Baskett was elected mayor in 2013. He was elected to the City Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett Commission in 1995 and served as Mayor Pro Tem for 10 years, from 2002-2012. A founder of the DeKalb Library Foundation, Baskett has served as chair of the DeKalb County Library System Board of Trustees. Baslett lives in the historic South Candler district and can be seen around town driving an electric car. Now retired, Baskett previously owned a book production company. The event is free to attend. Food and drinks will be provided. 404-371-8386.
Business located within the city limits of Decatur will have until Friday, Jan. 31, to file their businesses license renewal application. The tax is levied on persons, partnerships, corporations, or other entities operating or engaging in an occupation, profession, or business within the city limits of Decatur. The City of Decatur uses profitability ratios to assign tax rates to six classes of business ranging from $195 to $485 annually. Businesses will be penalized for not filing by Jan. 31. Fines are based on business classification. Businesses are encouraged to renew their license at www. decaturga.com/index.aspx?page=174 or by calling 404-370-4100.
Dunwoody Chamber sets legislative update The Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce will host a legislative update on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 – 9 a.m. over breakfast at the Capital Grille, 94 Perimeter Center West, Dunwoody. State Sen. Fran Millar, District 40, and State Rep. Tom Taylor, District 79, will provide the update. Millar represents portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. He serves as chair of the Retirement Committee and vice chair of the Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Overview Committee. He served his first terms in the State Legislature in 1998-2010. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and works as an insurance broker with Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Elected in 2010, Taylor is the House’s vice chairman on the Regulated Industries Committee. Taylor has also served as vice president, president, and founding board member of Citizens for Dunwoody, Inc. He is a member of the Dunwoody Action Committee PAC, chair of the Police Task Force and has been a soccer coach for 18 seasons with the Dunwoody and Ashford-Dunwoody YMCA. The cost to attend the “coffee connection” event is $30. Register by calling 678-244-9700 or 770-730-8447.
Clayton Chamber to host “Early Bird” breakfast The Clayton County Chamber of Commerce will host an “Early Bird” networking breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 30, 7:45 – 9 a.m. in the Clayton State University Continuing Education Building, 2000 Clayton State Boulevard, Morrow. The topic of the breakfast will be “Raising Brighter Kids in the Digital Consumer Age.” Christy Ziglar, author and founder of Shine Christy Ziglar Bright Kid Company, will be the guest speaker. Created by Christy Ziglar, a mother of twins and financial advisor, the Shine Bright Kids book series teaches practical life skills to the youngest generation. Through the adventures of characters such as “Can’t-Wait Willow” and “Must-Have Marvin,” the stories explore key principles including: using good judgment, having a positive attitude, taking responsibility, demonstrating perseverance, solving problems and rRespecting others. The cost to attend is $25. Advance registration is preferred. For more information or to register, call 678-610-30260.
JANUARY 25, 2014
PAGE 9
Bonehead’s opens at Stonecrest with healthy options
B
onehead’s restaurant held a soft opening for its new digs at the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia. The restaurant, located off the mall’s plaza near the AMC movie theater, provided guests who attended the Jan. 22 event with a buffet-style feast of fresh, fire-grilled seafood and chicken dishes, grilled veggies, and other mouth-watering sides. “We are excited to be at Stonecrest. We want people to come out and have a piece of fish and a glass of wine while they’re out shopping or going to the movies ,” said owner Paul Barber. The budding fast casual chain, which has eight locations in four states—Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas—hopes to capitalize on customers’ desires for healthier options. The DeKalb County Commisioner Stan Watson, who attended the soft opening, said the restaurant offers quality at affordable prices. “The menu is great,” said DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson. “It’s important for us to have great restaurants. We need to have our meetings here, come out for lunch and dinner and really support them.” Bonehead’s entrees include grilled seafood or Piri Piri chicken served with seasoned rice and a side for $8.99 to $13.99. Some of the sides on the menu include include grilled asparagus, zucchini, cilantro slaw, sweet potato fries, chilled broccoli and black
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson presents a proclamation to owners of Bonehead’s during the restaurant’s soft opening.
beans and corn. The menu also includes fish tacos, shrimp and grits, roasted Portobello sandwiches, fish sandwiches, burgers and a variety of salads. The restaurant specializes in a Piri Piri sauce that has varying degrees of spicy heat for the fish or chicken dishes. The Piri Piri grows wild in the tiny South African nation, and Portuguese people use it to create a variety of spices and sauces. Bonehead’s is the brainchild of two chefs, who met during a car accident in 2006. One chef was from Atlanta and he wanted to launch a casual restaurant concept that featured grilled fish; the other was South African and he was trying to introduce the U.S. to the Piri Piri pepper sauce he had perfected in his home country. The two men eyed their cars--then each
other--and declared themselves boneheads. The two chefs’ ideas married perfectly, and Boneheads was born in Atlanta.
2929 Turner Hill Rd. Site 2790 Lithonia, GA 30038 678-526-2555 • Hours: 11:30a.m. – 9p.m. www.eatboneheads.com
May stresses partnership to get back on track continued from page 1
District as a shining example of what the county can accomplish with everyone working together. District officials announced on Jan. 21 that the school system was no longer on accreditation probation. The governor attended the board meeting and praised DeKalb for its progress so far. May used his speech to lay out plans for the county’s prosperity. He cited five strategic priority areas the county is now focused on: enhancing public safety, economic development and job creation, developing community beautification efforts, and efficiency and ethics in government. May said for the first time in recent history, DeKalb is developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan with the help of an internationally-renown economic development firm. He said DeKalb is pursuing an intergovernmental agreement with the Development Authority of DeKalb County to designate it as the county’s economic development agency. This new agency, he said, will be charged with implementing the strategic plan and taking the lead on stimulating new investment, expanding existing industry, and developing sustainable economic strategies for balanced growth in DeKalb. May recalled the words of President Lyndon B. Johnson in his speech: “Today in this moment of new resolve, I would say … let us continue. This is our challenge –not to hesitate, not to pause, not to turn about and linger, but to continue on our course so that we may fulfill the destiny that history has set for us.” To hear May’s speech, visit www.ocgnews.
Food stamps program weathers changes continued from page 1
In November, the food stamps program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), began reducing benefits for recipients after funds for the 2009 Recovery Act expired. Recipients are getting about five percent less than they were previously, officials say. Under HB 772, the Georgia Department of Human Services would be required to conduct drug tests on adult applicants for food stamps. Applicants who also receive Medicaid benefits would be responsible for paying a $17 fee to cover the expense of the drug test. Applicants who do not receive Medicaid benefits would pay the full cost of the drug test, but would receive food stamp reimbursement in the event that they test negative for controlled substances. House Bill 772 also states that any food stamp applicant who fails the drug test would be ineligible for food stamps until a subsequent test is passed. If an applicant fails the drug test for a second time, that person would be ineligible for food stamps for three months. Any person failing the test three times would become ineligible for one year. HB 772 specifies that dependent children under the age of 18 are exempt from the drug testing and will not be affected if their parent fails the drug test. However, if this happens, the ineligible parent would be required to designate an individual, who must also pass a drug test, to receive the food stamps on behalf of the children.
Video visitations will put money in county’s coffers continued from page 1
DeKalb’s operating budget. “The taxpayers didn’t have to pay anything for the system. The calls will pay for the system and put money back into the operating budget for taxpayers. The system is guaranteed to generate $1.7 million in the first year,” Brown said. Inmates will continue to have access to telephones. Inmate-placed telephone calls, Brown said, generate considerable revenue for the jail and the jail has no plans of eliminating them. Brown said the Securus system will not only provide inmates with video visitation but it will enable inmates to put in medical request forms electronically to see a physician or nurse and fill out requests for commissary items. “That’s important for us because that’s a manual transition that we’ve had to do in the past,” Brown. “Now, we don’t have to touch it all. It’s all electronically transferred.”
PAGE 10
Health & Wellness
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JANUARY 25, 2014
Raw Chef Jeff shares benefits of raw foods lifestyle
I
By Joshua Smith
t all started about five years ago when a 340-pound Jeffrey Milligan decided it was time to make a change. “I went on a gospel cruise and when you see yourself in a bathing suit at that size, it can tell you a lot about yourself. I knew I wanted to get rid of my belly fat and change the way I was eating but had no idea how to make that change,” said Milligan, a diabetic who had high blood pressure at the time. “I was first introduced to this raw foods lifestyle of eating by someone on the cruise and never looked back.” Today, Milligan, 48, is touting the benefits of his new lifestyle. Milligan,
also known as Raw Chef Jeff, demonstrated just how delicious—and healthy—raw foods can be during a free class that he led on Jan. 22 at the downtown Atlanta Public Library. He prepared a kale salad and his awardwinning “chicken” salad for attendees to sample. Milligan won the 2013 100 Black Women’s Gourmet Gents foodie event’s “Vegan Side Dish of the Year,” for his mock chicken salad. The award-winning salad is comprised of almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, sea salt, onion, celery, sage, red pepper and apples. Traci Thomas, one of about 20 people who attended Milligan’s class, was impressed after trying samples of the salad and mock chicken Milligan prepared at the library. “The presentation had a lot of good information, but it was really something to hear Jeff’s personal story. That part was great,” said Thomas, who has been a vegan for 12 years. “From the plant-based foods like kale to the fruit smoothies, there are a lot of ways to get in on this lifestyle. I’m glad to see people like Jeff staying on it and spreading this type of message.” Milligan has spent the last four years spreading what he calls “the truth” about food, the benefits of a raw diet. “I used to walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes and be dog tired. Now, I can run for at least 60 minutes, feeling as strong as an ox,” Milligan said. “Try this diet and I guarantee that you will gradually see a change for the better.” Milligan said he gave up foods such as cheeseburgers and pound cakes
CALENDAR
Emory talk to focus on salt, high blood pressure Emory Healthcare, 1525 Clifton Road, Atlanta, will host a free educational workshop, “Salt and High Blood Pressure,” on Tuesday, Jan. 28, noon Participants will learn about the sodium we consume in the form of salt, and the vast majority of sodium we consume in processed and restaurant foods. Too much sodium is bad for your health. It can increase your blood pressure and your risk for a heart attack and stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the first and fourth leading causes of death in both, men and women, in the U.S. each year. The most at risk people are those 51 years of age or older, African Americans, diabetics and those who have chronic kidney disease. The workshop will be held in the hospital’s fifth floor conference room. For more information or to register, call 404-778-7777 or 1-800-75-EMORY.
Library system focuses on healthcare in the New Year The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have teamed up with the library system to offer Affordable Care Act and Health Insurance Marketplace information on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. CMS will provide and share information, answer questions and provide educational information about the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Affordable Care Act. Help will be offered 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the following days: Jan. 28, 30; Feb. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 and March 4. For more information, call Joina EllisDinkins at 404-730-1875. Experts will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance for counseling and enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Tips for eating smart while dinning out DeKalb Medical Center, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, will host a free community health discussion, “Tips for Easting Smart While Dinning Out,” on Thursday, Jan. 30, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Do you have trouble navigating the restaurant menu for healthy choices? Do you end up ordering the same item over and over again? If so, let DeKalb Medical dietitians and diabetes educators show you tips to choose nutritious and satisfying options. For more information or to register, call 404-501-1000.
Red Cross sets blood drive at Maloof Auditorium The Red Cross will host a blood drive on Friday, Jan. 31, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. All blood types will be accepted. Donors receive free snacks and beverages. For more information or to register in advance, call 1-800-733-2767.
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
for raw foods. Along with the switch in diet, he exercised and went from a 6’3 frame of 340 to 260 pounds in a matter of months. He said he was sometimes losing as much as a pound a day. But it was the doctor’s report that he received that really confirmed that he made the right decision to change his diet. “My doctor looked down at the paperwork and looked up at me. He said: ‘Jeff we don’t have anything to talk about. Have any purses I can buy?’ I was selling pocketbooks on the side at the time,” said Milligan. “I was taken off diabetes and high blood pressure medicine all together that day. The food is your medicine. I’m living proof.” Milligan said his favorite raw foods include: kale, avocados, organic bananas, dates, bok choy, spinach, and Brazil nuts and almonds (the nonflavored variety). Milligan is licensed as a certified raw foods chef. He attended a threeweek course at The Graff Academy in Roswell to become certified and he now teaches similar classes to those who
want to learn how to cook raw. Milligan says eating raw can be somewhat expensive in the beginning, but it is ultimately better for your health and your wallet in the long run. “It’s an investment for a healthier life,” said Milligan. “Eating these foods together regularly can reverse those conditions you are currently suffering from.” A raw foods diet consists of uncooked, unprocessed, and often, organic foods that are grown with no pesticides. Raw food diets may include a selection of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and non-pasteurized/nonhomogenized dairy products such as raw cheese, and raw milk, said Milligan. “Raw foodism” can include any diet of primarily unheated food, or food cooked at less than 40 °C (104 °F) to 46 °C (115 °F). Raw Chef Jeff says there are plenty of reasons why raw foods are better for you. “Heating food over 118 degrees Fahrenheit destroys much of the nutrients in your food. You won’t know this, unless you try it for yourself, but eating raw gives you an amazing boost in energy,” said Milligan. “I’ve slept better than ever while eating raw. On most days, I wake up feeling full of energy. Eating raw has helped me focus better. I feel like a wall of fog was removed in my mind. It’s easier to think clearly and focus for long periods of time.” For more information on Raw Chef Jeff, visit http://jefftherawfoodchef.com or call 404-461-9944.
Our next edition of
Top Docs
is coming out in the spring of May 2014 A Publication of
FREE
{Docs} Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
TOP
8 flat tummy foods to eat Building Mind, Body and Soul Through Yoga Healthy eating for the Holidays Visit
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Community Market Place
CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES Music lesson available. Voice, keyboard, music theory and choir directing. Tutoring for reading also offered. Call 404-284-3935. Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503. Do you need a Cleaning Service? Offices cleaning,
apartments, condos, and houses, at and affordable price. Servicing DeKalb and Rockdale Counties. Free Estimate. Insured & Bonded. Call today 404405-2513. FOR RENT Commercial Kitchen use it when you need it $60hr, 678-755-5955.
MONTHLY MINI MALL On Common Ground ALL EVENT FACILITY $ 200 SPECIAL AHas VacanciesA 7173 Covington Hwy ,Lithonia, GA 30058
Sunday Church Services. Seats 125. $50hr-$75hr, 678-755-5955.
ADVERTISE IN THE MARKETPLACE.
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3 3 3
2 Display Ads Size: 3x3 block Full Color Design and layout
• Parties
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A$20 -$125 per hourA (678) 526-1910 678-755-5955 CALL:
3
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Kutz town B arbershop
A Full Service Barbershop
Professional Barbers Quality Cuts • Special Touch 7986 Rockbridge Road, Suite 102 Lithonia, GA 30087
770-482-5033 770-780-2557
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40
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THE
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4869 Covingtom Hwy Suite D, Decatur, GA 30035
404 - 284 - 8833
Gentle Family Dentistry “Trust Us With Your Smile”
We Cater To The Entire Family • Gum Treatments • Tooth Colored Fillings • Oral Surgery • Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers • Crowns, Bridges & Dentures • Root Canals • Implants
Betty Dillon, D.D.S., P.C. 900 N. Hairston Rd, Suite B Stone Mountain , GA 30083
BRING IN AD TO RECEIVE
FREE EXAM X-RAYS NOT INCLUDED EXPIRES 03-30-2011
WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCE PLANS, PEACHCARE & MEDICAID
EMERGENCY WALK-IN TIMES AVAILABLE
404-294-8500 FAX: 404-294-4844
PAGE 12
JANUARY 25, 2014
15% OFF FOR CHURCH GROUPS OF 10 OR LARGER. 2929 TURNER HILL RD. SITE 2790 LITHONIA, GA 30038 678-526-2555 • HOURS: 11:30A.M. – 9P.M.
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