Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties Volume 18 Number 14
www.ocgnews.com OCTOBER 15, 2012
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San Antonio’s transit chief ready to take MARTA’s reins By Valerie J. Morgan
ATLANTA—Keith T. Parker, head of the VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio, is expected to start as the new CEO and general manager of MARTA by early December. Parker will succeed Beverly Scott, who is leaving at the end of the year to head Boston’s transit system. In resigning from his post at VIA on Oct. 9, Parker said he planned to stay on for the next 30 to 60 days, assisting the interim chief, Deputy CEO Jeff Arndt, with the authority’s transition. Parker’s wife, Dawn, a high school principal, will remain in Texas until the end of the school year, officials said. The Parkers’ relocation to Atlanta will put the family closer to relatives, providing them a chance to see them more often. “Although my family and I have
Snapshot of Keith Parker Age: 46 Family: He and his wife, Dawn, have two daughters ages 12 and 9. CEO: Parker will become the fifth CEO in MARTA’s history. MARTA took control and purchased Atlanta’s bus system in 1972. Professional experience: San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit, CEO, 2009-present; Charlotte Area Transit System, initially served as Chief Operating Officer in 2000 and later hired as CEO from 2007-2009. Parker had served as Charlotte’s assistant city manager before taking on the transit job as CEO. He also served as CEO of the Vancouver, Washington transit system, becoming the youngest transit CEO in the country at age 32 and he served as deputy director of the transit agency in Richmond, VA. Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in urban and regional planning, Virginia Commonwealth University; master’s in business, University of Richmond.
grown very fond of VIA and San Antonio, MARTA is the right choice for us now,” Parker said in a statement. “This move provides the opportunity to get closer to our parents, siblings and many other relatives who reside in the mid-Atlantic
region, while leading one of the most dynamic transit agencies in the nation.” Parker now earns $310,000 a year, but is expected to get a substantial increase once his contract is finalized and he officially takes the reins of the nation’s
ninth-largest transit system here. Scott, who received a five-year contract in 2007, earned more than $370,000 a year in total compensation as MARTA’s CEO last year. The Associated Press reported that Scott received a three-year contract for an annual salary of $220,000 for her new post with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Parker’s move to MARTA is a quantum leap for him. The transit system he is leaving in San Antonio has an annual ridership of 42 million boardings via buses, streetcars and paratransit service and an operating budget of $177 million. In his new role, Parker will oversee a system of buses and rail with an annual ridership of 146 million boardings and a $435 million operating budget.
See Parker, page 4
Georgia health officials zero in on AIDS crisis to promote free treatment By Joshua Smith
ATLANTA – With HIV and AIDS cases on the rise, state health officials are stepping up the war on AIDS. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has received J. Patrick O’Neal a $2.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control to get the word out that free treatment is available to low-income people living with HIV and AIDS. The money will be renewed for three years to address the state’s crisis. “We’re talking about people who may or may not know they’re HIVpositive and for whatever reason are not in care,” said J. Patrick O’Neal, director of DPH’s division of health protection. “They are not getting treatment for any number of reasons: They are afraid to learn the results of their HIV tests; they have received the results but are in denial over them; or they have started treatment and simply dropped out. Linking these patients with treatment is essential to reducing HIV transmission in Georgia.” O’Neal said officials plan to host several highly publicized health fairs throughout the state to raise awareness that residents who meet federal poverty guidelines can get help through Ryan White clinics, which are federally funded. O’Neal said as part of the campaign, the state also plans to hire “patient navigators” to help patients navigate through the maze
See Campaign, page 4 INSIDE
Community News......................... P 3 We Worship.................................. P 9 Health & Wellness...................... P 10 Classifieds................................. P 11 CONTACT THE NEWSROOM Phone: (678) 526-1910 n Fax: (678) 526-1909 n E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com
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Gwinnett showcases safety at fun-filled festival
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rom helicopters and speedboats to towering ladder fire trucks and a “Safety Wonderland” for kids, Gwinnett County pulled out all the stops recently to show off the many ways first responders work to protect the community. A crowd turned out for the event, which offered a host of free activities, treats and demonstrations. Hosted at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville by Gwinnett’s Police and Fire Departments, the family festival, in its third year, included police demonstrations with officers maneuvering their motorcycles around an obstacle course, firefighters showing people how to escape a fire and Emergency Medical Technicians demonstrating their rescue equipment. The fun-filled day also offered kids the chance to go rock climbing, bungee jumping and play on an open field, while parents had the chance to learn about household safety tips and crime prevention, among the many exhibitors that were on hand.
OCTOBER 15, 2012
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OCTOBER 15, 2012
Community News
OCTOBER 15, 2012 Volume 18, NO. 14 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
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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.
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State officials to host job fair for military veterans at Georgia World Congress Center
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By Valerie J. Morgan
ilitary veterans who are seeking work will have a chance next month to shop their skills at a job fair in Atlanta that will feature more than 300 employers. The Governor’s Office of Workforce Development and the Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) is encouraging recruiters to sign up for a free table at the job fair, which will be held on Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Georgia World Congress Center Congressman Hank Johnson in downtown Atlanta. The fair is being held just before Veterans Day is observed across the nation on Nov. 12. Organizers say they are promoting the event as “Honor A Hero, Hire A Vet,” and they want companies that are actually hiring, as well as those offering community resources to participate in the fair. “We want businesses that have positions that need to be filled. We have a lot of qualified veterans out there who need work,” said Lee Hunger, Region 3 economic development consultant for DOL. Employment specialists say they hope the fair will offer a range of jobs—from trainee positions to management in a variety of environments that might include logistics, technicians, retail, sales accounting and even medical fields. Georgia has more than 700,000 veterans and many are struggling to find work, state officials say. U.S. labor officials estimate the military discharges 160,000 active service members and 11,000 reserve and national guard members annually. About 32,000 of these veterans will join the ranks of nearly 1 million veterans around the country already unemployed. Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are the ones facing the most bleak situations with unemployment among them running 12.1 percent compared to all veterans 18 and older, officials report. See Recruiters, page 8
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Probe under way into sexual assault allegations at MLK High By Valerie J. Morgan
The DeKalb County School System is conducting an internal affairs investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving a female student and several male students at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School. District officials have remained tight-lipped over the incident, saying namely that a thorough probe will be conducted and the students will be dealt with accordingly. DeKalb School Board member Jesse “Jay” Cunningham, whose district includes MLK, said officials are working to address the issue and parents’ concerns. He said the school’s leadership is critical and officials moved swiftly to take action. This month, the school’s principal, Everett F. Patrick, was transferred to Pleasantdale Elementary in Doraville, and a teacher was disciplined in connection with the assault. DeKalb Schools spokesman Jeff Dickerson said the teacher was disciplined because he “did not provide sufficient oversight” in a school setting. Dickerson said he did not have the name of the teacher and could not provide any more details because of the impending investigation. Dickerson said Patrick was removed as principal because he was better suited for an elementary school setting. Patrick was replaced by Vivian H. Terry, who is serving as interim principal. Terry is a long-time educator who retired with more than 30 years experience in the DeKalb County School System. She served in several roles before retiring and then returning to the school system. She worked as assistant principal at McNair High School before her assignment at Martin Luther King. Students and parents say the girl went to a coach after school and asked for a key to a locked room, where she reportedly met one or more of the boys.
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OCTOBER 15, 2012
DeKalb’s MLK lineman is earning high marks with Ole Miss Rebels
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By Joshua Smith
hen Aaron “A.J.” Hawkins hits the field, the senior offensive lineman is thinking one thing only: “team win.” “We’re out there every week playing with passion. I play with a group of guys Aaron “A.J.” Hawkins ready to go to war every down,” said the 6’ 1”, 310-pound, 22-year-old Hawkins, who plays at the University of Mississippi. “At Ole Miss, you’re playing for the person next to you. It’s nothing like looking down the line and seeing everybody look back at you with that look in their eye. Nothing needs to be said but ‘Let’s go.’” The 2008 graduate of DeKalb County’s Martin Luther King, Jr. High helped lead the Lions to the Region 2-5A final and earned first team Class 5A All-State honors from the Georgia Sports Writers Association when he was a senior at the school. These days, Hawkins’ family and friends in DeKalb are cheering him on as they watch college football on television.
He also has support from Baton Rouge, LA, hometown of his parents, Aaron and Mia Hawkins, and from members of his church—Voices of Faith Ministries where his proud uncle, Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. presides. “We’re all so proud of him. Even though his mom is an LSU graduate, we are Ole Miss all the way,” said A.J.’s dad.Aaron Hawkins. “We go to all his college games, no matter where they are in the country. I haven’t missed a game, home or away, since A.J. started playing at the age of 4.” Last month, Hawkins, who wears No. 76, was recognized as “SEC Co-Offensive
Lineman of the Week.” The Ole Miss Rebels defeated the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), 28-10, in Oxford, Miss on Sept. 8. The next day, friends were calling and texting Hawkins about his special honor. “It was kind of crazy because I just woke up to all these texts and Facebook messages saying congratulations, ” said Hawkins, who helped the Ole Miss offense rack up 538 total yards, including 330 on the ground, against the Miners. Ole Miss rushed for more than 300 yards for the first time since 2010, when the team gained 425 yards on the ground against Fresno State. This was the first time Hawkins has earned the SEC weekly award. Other Rebels who have won the honor this season include C.J. Johnson, who won the SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week and Aaron Morris, who won the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. After going 2-10 and 0-8 in SEC play last year, Ole Miss is making a comeback on the gridiron this season under a new coach in Hugh Freeze and new quarterback, freshman Bo Brennan. “I think our first goal as a team is to make a bowl game. Our second goal, is to win a bowl game. Other than that, we go out everyday to work hard and help
each other get better,” said Hawkins. The team needs three more wins to make a bowl game. The Rebels haven’t played in a bowl game since 2010, when they defeated the Oklahoma State University Cowboys 21-7 in Dallas, Texas. Hawkins says that victory and a 25-23 win in 2009 over top-ranked Louisiana State University were his most memorable moments of his career so far. “I would love and hope to have an opportunity to play for a team in the NFL, but when I leave Ole Miss I will leave with a degree in Broadcast Journalism,” said Hawkins. Next on the schedule for the Rebels: The 1-4 Auburn Tigers on Oct. 13, 11:21 a.m., Central Time, in Oxford, Mississippi. The game will be aired on the SEC Network. Ole Miss will have some tough SEC competition standing between them and a bowl game. After Auburn, the team will play University of Arkansas in Little Rock on Oct. 27, The University of Georgia on Nov. 3 in Athens, a home game against Vanderbilt University on Nov. 10, then the Rebels leave Oxford to take on Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge on Nov. 17. Ole Miss will finish the season at home battling their in-state rival, Mississippi State University on Nov. 24.
Parker praised as a problem solver, rising star continued from page 1 MARTA’s board of directors unanimously selected Parker in a 9-0 vote earlier this month after Heidrick & Struggles conducted a nationwide search and developed a short list of seven candidates that was narrowed to two finalists. Parker beat out Steve Bland, Pittsburgh’s transit chief. “We strongly believe that Keith Parker is the best choice for MARTA,” said Frederick L. Daniels, Jr., chairman of the MARTA Board. “We are extremely proud of the work we have done to this point, and we are very confident that we have picked the right man, for the right job at the right time.” Parker, described as a problem solver and a rising star in the transit industry, has his work cut out for him. The financially-troubled MARTA now has a $33 million operating deficit and is considering privatizing some of its functions after recommendations were made in an audit conducted by KPMG. The audit, released in September, said MARTA could save between $60 million
Campaign to fight rising number of HIV cases continued from page 1 of medical services and to encourage those who are infected but not getting treatment to go to one of the state’s free clinics. The navigators also will participate in community outreach. The Department plans to begin hiring in six to eight weeks. They will need good communication skills to get the word out about the free clinics, many of them available through public health departments. Some of health departments such as the DeKalb Board of Health, serve more than one county, so communication will be key. “We have to make sure people know that with treatment, not only do you reduce the chance of the person infected with HIV ever getting sick, but you also decrease transmission of the disease by 96 percent if infected persons stay on medication,” O’Neal said. Georgia has among the highest HIV infection rates in the country, regularly ranking between fourth and sixth for new HIV and AIDS infections per year. Currently, the state reports 43,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. Metro Atlanta has 26,000 of the cases, with Fulton and DeKalb counties showing the highest infection rates. Men who have sex with men represent the largest group of people living with AIDS in Atlanta—51 percent of the cases. Last month, state health workers in Georgia’s HIV Unit reduced its waiting list for medications under the AIDS Drug Assistance Program to zero, serving all those in its database known to be eligible for care. While state officials are pleased, they remain cautious. “We can’t yet start the celebration and declare we’re helping everyone,” said Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., commissioner of the department of public health. “We know we have not reached everyone. This grant will help us reach those still without treatment.” According to the CDC, there are approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. that have HIV and approximately 240,000 of them are unaware of their status. Those who do not know they are HIV positive are disproportionately responsible for the 50,000 new HIV infections that occur each year. Additionally, the CDC says, African Americans represent only 14 percent of the U.S. population but they account for about 44 percent of all new HIV infections. State officials are urging the public to get tested. An HIV test will pick up the disease in about two weeks, but untested, someone may not know they are carrying the disease for as many as 7 to10 years before showing any symptoms. At that time, it may be too late and HIV may have turned into full-blown AIDS in the body, O’Neal said. “Scientists have discovered that even before a person experiences symptoms, the disease can be damaging to the heart, liver, kidneys and brain, said O’Neal. “In addition, HIV drugs are now milder on the body, making it feasible for people to begin taking them earlier in their treatment.” For more information about testing and treatment, call the state’s HIV Unit at 404-657-3100 or visit www.health.state.ga.us//programs/stdhiv/ ryanwhite.asp
and $142 million over five years by overhauling its health care, retirement and worker compensation plans and outsourcing some of its duties. Auditors said the transit authority could save between $29 million and $49.5 million by privatizing cleaning services alone. Outsourcing MARTA’s jobs, however, is expected to be strongly opposed by the Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents 64 percent of MARTA’s workers. Without significant changes, the $6 billion investment in infrastructure MARTA represents is at stake and the operation as a whole, the board has said. According to the audit, the 40-year-old transit system will need $6 to $7 billion for capital improvements by 2021. The transit agency, which receives no state funding, receives most of its budget from sales tax in Fulton and DeKalb counties. In July, voters rejected a 1-cent region sales tax that would have forced other counties to share in the funding and provided $600 million to MARTA for maintenance and improvements.
OCTOBER 15, 2012
PAGE 5
South DeKalb … Metro Atlanta’s Food Desert
By Vaughn Irons
I love Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits. As I travel down Candler Road, that’s one thing that makes me smile. The sad irony in that warm and tasty thought is Red Lobster and Arizona’s are the pinnacle of our food and restaurant choices in South DeKalb. When I want to really sit down and enjoy something different, I have to get in my car and set the cruise control because it’s going to be a little ride. Whether traveling to downtown Decatur, Virginia Highland, Perimeter, Gwinnett, Buckhead, even Cobb County, these distant destinations are
being supported by South DeKalb stomachs and pockets. With the exception of the Stonecrest area, we live in a food and restaurant desert and I don’t think our community is doing enough about it. A food desert is a euphemism for an area that has little access to healthy food choices or is served primarily by fast food restaurants. So for all of our big houses and luxury cars we’re pulling up at the drive-through during dinner time. How often do we complain about eating the same old thing in South DeKalb? Why do we have to think so hard to figure out where we need to go for good food and plentiful choices? Every exit has the same thing: McDonalds, Wendy’s, Popeye’s, KFC, Waffle House, you know them all very well. When will we get a Pappadeaux or McCormick & Schmit? Maggiano’s and Cheesecake are on permanent break in our community. In this economy, we can’t afford to spend our dollars without specific intent and purpose. That’s why I’m supporting, underwriting and standing behind the new trend of Food
Trucks. This isn’t the street meat of the 1970s. Food Trucks have been featured in national publications like Jet magazine and has proved to be one of the industries that has continued to grow not in spite of the recession, but because of it. Many Atlanta area neighborhoods and cities have embraced this alternative, offering a variety of trucks for special events and also permanently. From Smyrna to Howell Mill, the trend has grown like a hungry teenager and it’s time for South DeKalb to expand our choices with the Food Truck movement as well. Starting on Oct. 27 and 28, APD Solutions will be hosting the Panola Slope Food Truck Festival
at 5600 Covington Highway. There will be over a dozen Food Trucks, live entertainment, and give-aways. We will have crab trucks, Louisiana cuisine, sweets, seafood, Puerto Rican options, vegan, soul food, sausages & hots and more. Families can bring out their blankets and chairs to enjoy the music or live entertainment and food. Within a few weeks of the festival, the Food Trucks will be available at Panola Slope perpetually on weekends. We look forward to providing expanded choices for our community, but also a single location that makes it nice to stay close to home. Vaughn Irons is CEO of APD Solutions
Flat Rock’s Heritage Weekend set Oct. 19-21 This month, the Flat Rock Archive will host its Heritage Weekend to celebrate the historic community located in unincorporated Lithonia. Flat Rock’s events start on Oct. 19, 2 – 5 p.m., when DeKalb County’s Stonecrest Library, 3121 Klondike Road, Lithonia hosts the “Where Home Is” documentary. Learn about the history of the Flat Rock Community and hear firsthand memories of local community members. Festivities continue on Oct. 20 at the Flat Rock Archive, 3979 Crossvale Road, Lithonia. From 1– 4 p.m., there will be food, games, horseback riding, local vendors and fun games for the entire family. Heritage Weekend concludes on Oct. 21, 11 a.m., when the Flat Rock Community Church, 4542 Evans Mill Road, Lithonia, hosts Friends and Family Day. 770-335-3450.
Fairington invites community to fall carnival Fairington Elementary School’s PTSA is a hosting a fall carnival that will be filled with loads of family fun. its fall carnival for the community on Oct. 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Oct. 20 carnival will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the school, located at 5505 Phillip Bradley Drive, Lithonia. Bring the kids out to enjoy the inflatables, carnival games, and of course, carnival treats such as snow cones, popcorn and homemade lemonade. Activity wristbands are $10 per person. The PTSA also is seeking vendors for the carnivals. Vendor tables are available for just $25. For more information or to get a wristband in advance, call 678-676-8702 or 404-200-7808.
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District Attorney, Dunwoody police to host town hall DECATUR—DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James and Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan will host a Town Hall meeting and community breakfast on Oct. 20, 8:30 a.m., at Kingsley Elementary School, 2051 Brendon Drive, Dunwoody. Dunwoody residents, homeowner associations and business owners are encouraged to attend the free event. “This is an interactive community event that allows residents and business owners an opportunity to directly interface with various arms of public safety here in DeKalb County. We will be able to engage in active dialogue concerning any public safety issues and concerns, ” James said. Organizers say the meeting will educate and empower residents about crime prevention, community resources and various public safety initiatives. “We will empower parents to protect their children from online predators,” Grogan said. “We are encouraging PTAs, church groups and neighborhood organizations to join us for this important town hall meeting.” For more information, contact Dana Lawrence at delawrence@ dekalbcountyga.gov or Ebony Phillips at eaphillips@dekalbcountyga.gov. 404371-2474.
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PAGE 6
OCTOBER 15, 2012
DeKalb, Rockdale Democrats push to get out the vote
T
he donkeys are kicking across the state as Democrats open up campaign offices and hit the streets with full force to get the word out to vote. “We tell people to vote, but don’t just stop at the top, we need voters to vote Democrat, going down the whole ticket,” said Sandra Austin, who chairs the DeKalb Democrats. “The local elections such as state representatives are critical races, too. Without a strong Democratic presence, our President will not be able to get anything done.” The DeKalb Democrats hosted a grand opening on Oct. 6 for its new offices at 3203 Glenwood Road, Decatur. The organization plans to canvass surrounding neighborhoods on weekends and conduct phone bank operations. The group is hosting a community barbeque on Nov.3, the last Saturday before the Nov.6 election. For more information on events, visit www.dekalbdems.com or call 678-8865805. In Rockdale, Democrats are working the phones and finalizing plans to get out the vote. The Rockdale Democratic Party, headed by Tisa Smart Washington, opened its campaign office on Sept. 1 at 1264 Parker Road, Suite K, in Conyers. The Rockdale Democrats will have a booth at the 32nd Annual Olde Town Fall Festival, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., in downtown Conyers, 901 Railroad St., N.W., Conyers. 770-895-0938.
DeKalb youths invited to meet elected officials
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
L-R, DeKalb Democrats Sandra Austin and Leona Perry stand outside the new headquarters on Glenwood Road in Decatur.
DeKalb NAACP: Vote ‘No’ to charter school amendment The DeKalb NAACP is urging voters to reject the Charter School amendment that will be on the ballot statewide on Nov. 6. The amendment is confusing and misleading, said John Evans, who heads the DeKalb civil rights organization. “A no vote means local control of public charter schools—not state control of public Charter schools. Please remember this vote has nothing to do with abolishing Cahrter schools. It gives us local control as long as we have charter Schools,” Evans said. John Evans The proposed amendment has stirred hot debates locally and across the state as supporters and opponents try to persuade voters. The amendment would allow the state to decide if a public charter school may be created if the plan is rejected by the local school district. Proponents such as State Rep. Rahn Mayo wants voters to pass –vote yes—on the measure, saying traditional public schools are failing and parents need more choices for kids to get an education among other things. The question on the Nov. 6 ballot will read: Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools uon the request of local communities? Yes or No? State Rep. Pam Dickerson and Doreen Williams will hold a roundtable iscussion on the Charter School amendment on Oct. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nancy Guinn Library, 864 Green St., S.W. Voters are invited to attend to learn more about the issue. Advocates and opponents will present their viewpoints.
State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-Lithonia), in partnership with the East Suburban Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta-Stone MountainLithonia Chapter, will host a Youth Town Hall meeting on Oct. 23, 6 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center. The center is located at 2538 Panola Road Lithonia. Haigler said the event will give young people in DeKalb County an opportunity to meet their elected officials, voice their concerns, and engage in the political process. DeKalb County residents between grades 5 and 12 are encouraged to attend. Several lawmakers and elected officials have been invited including: Rep. Pam Stephenson (D-Decatur); Rep. Howard Mosby (D-Atlanta); Sen. Ronald Ramsey (D-Decatur); DeKalb County Commissioners Lee May, Larry Johnson and Stan Watson; Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson; and DeKalb School Board members Jay Cunningham and board chair Eugene Walker.
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PAGE 7
Johnson celebrates DeKalb’s new STEM center By Joshua Smith
“You know we are the last generation that will use landline phones. That’s the past. Technology is our future,” DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson told a crowd who gathered for the grand opening of DeKalb’s STEM Center. The new computer lab, located inside the Exchange Park Intergenerational Center on Columbia Drive in Decatur, is a first in DeKalb. It was birthed as a partnership between DeKalb County, Microsoft, Georgia Tech, Kaiser Permanente and Neuroscience Foundation, Citizens Trust Bank, Georgia Community Affairs, CH2MHill, Marcell Wallace and Columbia High School. The lab costs an estimated $500,000, Johnson said. Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News “Technology is our future. It opens the world to The STEM center opening was everything we do. This STEM center will keep our celebrated with a cake honoring community engaged and up with the times,” Johnson said. DeKalb County Commissioner STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Larry Johnson, who is celebrating Engineering, Mathematics. The center offers the latest in technology and resources for those subject areas. There are his 10-year anniversary as a commissioner this month. 10 computers and Microsoft programs featuring tutorials, and access to the National Science Digital Library (NSDL). The center also features federal resources to more than 1,600 subjects including art, history, language arts, math and science. People who are looking for a job, planning to start a business or even those who want to create their on App also will find resources at the new center. The STEM center is located at the Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. It is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. All programs are available to the public free of charge. 404-371-2425. A celebration for Commissioner Johnson’s 10-year anniversary will be held Oct. 19, 7 p.m., at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 130 Clairmont Ave., Decatur. For ticket information, visit www.reelectlarryjohnson.com.
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Advance voting for the November General Election begins Oct. 15
Advance Voting begins October 15 and continues through Friday, Nov. 2. In DeKalb County, voters can cast their ballots at these locations: Voter Registration & Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker. These polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 2, including two Saturdays, Oct. 20 and 27. In addition, the polls at the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Room A, Decatur; the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad St., Chamblee and Berean Christian Church Community Center, 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain will be open during the final week of voting, Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to provide greater access to early voting. There will be no voting on Saturday, Nov. 3 or Monday, Nov.5. Voters must go to their assigned precinct on Election Day, Nov. 6, in order to vote. For additional information, including sample ballots, visit the DeKalb County Voter Registration & Elections website at www.dekalbvotes. com. DeKalb Absentee Ballots Voters who wish to vote absentee by mail may submit their requests now. Application forms are available online at www.dekalbvotes.com and must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2 to be processed. Ballots must be returned to the Voter Registration & Elections Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 6, to be counted. In Rockdale, advance voting will be held Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Board of Elections Voter Registration Office, 1400 Parker Road, Lobby C, Conyers, 30094 Rockdale Absentee Voting Absentee Ballot Applications are available at the Voter Registration Office, or can be downloaded/printed at http://www.rockdalecounty.org/main.cfm?id=2363. In Fulton County, voters can cast their ballots Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at one of six locations. Voting will be offered t all six locations on Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here are the sites: Adamsville Recreational Center, 3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., SW, Atlanta Buckhead Library, 269 Buckhead Ave., Atlanta Fulton County Government Center,130 Peachtree Street, SW, Suite 2186, Atlanta North Fulton Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Suite 232, Sandy Springs Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek South Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Room 108, College Park Fulton Absentee Ballots Registered voters can request an absentee ballot by mail by filling out an absentee ballot application and e-mailing it to Elections.Absentee@fultoncountyga.gov or faxing it to the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections (404-730-8839 or 404-730-7024). The application is available at www.fultonelections.com. The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 6, 2012 General Election is Friday, Nov. 2, 2012. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at one of three County facilities: the Fulton County Government Center, the North Fulton Service Center or the South Fulton Service Center (addresses listed above).
Early Voting Begins October 15th
www.hankforcongress.com 404-447-7475
PAGE 8
OCTOBER 15, 2012
Can You Help A Sista Out? I recently received a disturbing e-mail from one of my fellow business associates who operates a business right here in the heart of South DeKalb. The e-mail suggested urgency, conveying that the business, Java Delight, is under threat of closing unless it can raise the money for its lease. The owner, Patricia Setzer, was darn near begging for what I perceive to be a morsel of bread. She was requesting that we patronize the café at least once a week and refer as many of our friends as possible. I began to think: Is there anything that I can do? As an African American woman who also is a business owner, I am well acquainted with her struggle, daily acknowledging that despite offering a great product, in a quality environment, there is a declining economy—an economy that affects potential clients’ discretionary spending. I have thought long and hard about this thing, and I believe
we can do something to help out our neighbor. I believe that we possess more power than we are willing to admit or exercise for that matter. I believe that the people in this community can come out in record numbers to help a sista out. I believe that with as many Christians who are in this community, we all understand that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive.
I can attest to the good food, the wonderful atmosphere and the healthy choices available at Java Delight. Patricia Setzer is a hard working sister, and she is endeavoring to provide good meals in our community. I believe we can restore Pat’s faith, and lend a helping hand. I know I am making a commitment, in spite of the hard times that my business faces everyday, to get involved in the solution, and help keep Java Delight open. After all, we frequently ask the question, and even wear the armbands: What would Jesus do?” I believe Jesus would come in and bring his disciples, sit down, break bread and leave a good tip. You see my sisters and brothers, it’s not just praying that we need, but we need some doers to put action to those prayers, and see what the Lord will do.
Augustine Chapel announcement Join Pastors Robert and Vickie Turner for fresh manna from the Lord. Every Sunday at 8 a.m. in The Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034. For more information call 404-246-8300 We look forward to seeing you!
Robert and Vickie Turner
Robert and Vickie Turner
Selah (think on these things) Pastor Vickie B. Turner Augustine Chapel
Recruiters needed for job fair continued from page 3 Lawmakers like Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents the Fourth District, has been striving to improve the statistics, pushing for legislation that positively impacts veterans. “Veterans have served us faithfully, and it is our responsibility to give them the support they need to rebuild their lives,” said Rep. Johnson, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. “That starts with helping them find work. “President Obama is committed to providing veterans with new training opportunities to
transition their job and employment skills. There’s not much we do in Washington and in our constituent services at home more important than serving our veterans.” The registration deadline for recruiters and exhibitors to sign up for the job fair is Oct. 25. There is no fee to register. For more information, exhibitors may contact Willie Glenn, employment marketing representative for the Georgia Department of Labor at 404-2983887 or e-mail willie.glenn@gdol.ga.gov. Expires 11-15-2012
OCTOBER 15, 2012 To Contact Us
By Phone: 678-526-1910 By Fax: 678-526-1909 By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com
We Worship
PAGE 9
Faith-Based News & Inspiration
Calendar
Lithonia First UMC welcomes all to fall festival
‘Called to be a D.I.V.A.’ empowerment conference set
Lithonia First United Methodist Church, 3099 Stone Mountain St., Lithonia will host its fall festival and barbecue on Oct. 20, 9 a.m. – 3p.m. Known as “the church with the welcoming red doors,” Lithonia First United Methodist has a history dating back over 150 years. The semi-annual festival is held to raise money for the church’s ministries, which include an active community food bank, youth programs and community outreach, among other ministries. A bake sale and flea market items will be available from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Barbecue dinners will be sold from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinners are $7.50 and include barbecued pork or chicken, baked beans and coleslaw. Lithonia First United Methodist Church is under the leadership of the Rev. Leon Matthews. For more information about the church or the festival, call 770482-6394 or email lithoniafumc@bellsouth.net.
Worshippers Interceding For Excellence Church will host its 8th Annual Called to be a D.I.V.A. Women’s Empowerment Conference on Oct. 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Conference Center, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. The Called to be a Divine Inspirational Victorious Anointed or D.I.V.A. conference will feature praise dances from LaGrange, Georgia, as well as praise and worship with gospel recording artist Kenekie Williams. Women are invited to come out for anointed teaching, healing deliverance and miracles. Guest speakers include Pastor Dale Brown of Restoration Church of Deliverance in Tucker, Minister Diane Partian of With Purpose Church in Acworth, and Elder Alicia Cardwell-Brown and Pastor Kathern Thomas of Worshippers Interceding For Excellence. Tickets are $20. Lunch is included. For more information or to register, call 404-587-2751 or visit www.calledtobeadiva.com.
Atlanta ministry offers free workshop to teen parents Chapel of Christian Love, 875 Cascade Road, S.W., Atlanta, will host a free workshop, “Parenting Teens: Help is on the Way,” for teen parents and teens expecting. The workshop will be held on Oct. 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Workshop topics include: “Communicating—Can you Hear me Now? Is that Still a Go? and The 3 B’s of Family Life. Workshop leaders include Pastor Kevin Lee of Berean Christian Church in Gwinnett; Pastor Bridget Piggue, counselor and director of Pastor Education at Wesley Woods of Emory; Dr. Joyce Irons of Clarity Psychology Group, LLC; and a panel of parents who are dealing with the issues that come along with teen parenting. 404-753-9985.
Life Abundantly hosts fall festival Life Abundantly Christian Church, 1381 Irwin Bridge Road, N.W., Conyers, will host a fall festival on Oct. 20, 12 – 4 p.m. The church, under the leadership of Pastor Kendrick Meredith, will host the festival to offer the community free food, games and live entertainment from local artists. For more information contact Raymond Forte at 404-4524365 or minister.forte@gmail.com.
Oakhurst to present peace activist Miko Peled Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, 118 Second Avenue, Decatur, will host peace activist and author Miko Peled for an open discussion on peace and equal rights in the Middle East on Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Peled, author of “The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine,” will describe his moral evolution from devout Zionist to peace activist and advocate of a single shared state where Israelis and Palestinians live in peace with equal rights. For more information, call 404-522-4500 or visit www. georgiapeace.org.
Miko Peled
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church goes Pink Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, will host a “Pink Out” on Oct. 28, at its 7:30 and 10:45 a.m. worship services. The church’s Health Resource Ministry and Women Working for Christ Ministry is encouraging everyone to come praise and worship in pink on Oct. 28 in support of Breast Cancer awareness, observed during October. 404-241-3307. Pastor Kendrick Meredith
PAGE 10
OCTOBER 15, 2012
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
DeKalb Medical’s new vascular program is life saver for growing number of patients DECATUR—In just 17 months, the DeKalb Medical Heart and Vascular Institute has successfully saved over 500 hearts by providing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) services. PCI, commonly known as coronary angioplasty and stenting, or simply angioplasty, is a non-surgical procedure used to treat narrowed coronary arteries of the heart that can cause heart attacks. “We saw a need in our community, so we implemented this PCI program and are very proud of how many lives have been saved as a result,” Executive Director of Heart and Vascular Services Patrick Green said. Before establishing the service in May 2011, patients who went to DeKalb Medical in emergent or acute distress were examined to determine their heart problem, but were subsequently transferred to another facility for a PCI. Annually, about 8,000 people go to the emergency rooms at North Decatur and Hillandale for chest pain. About 10 percent of the 8,000 admitted are actually having a heart attack, Green said. With the increasing number of such patients, DeKalb Medical’s vascular institute is providing diagnosis and treatment, that is leading to muchimproved outcomes and a steady increase in patient volume. When a patient comes to DeKalb Medical with signs of a heart attack, he or she is taken to the cardiac catherization laboratory where a
Dr. Anthony Dorsey performs a diagnostic cardiac catherization procedure (also known as a “heart cath”) to determine if the patient will require stenting to open a blockage and treat a heart attack.
diagnostic test is conducted to determine if there are blockages and their severity. If there are blockages, the cardiologist performing the diagnostic study consults with an intervening cardiologist, such as DeKalb Medical’s Medical Director of Interventional Cardiology Dr. Mirza Ahmed. He makes the determination if a PCI is needed immediately, can be scheduled in the next few days, or if the blockage can be treated medically instead of intervening. PCI is far less invasive than open-heart surgery, greatly reducing recovery time and risk. There is no
cutting, and the procedure is done with wires, stents and balloons through catheters placed in the patients’ arteries. Dr. Ahmed and other interventional cardiologists on staff at DeKalb Medical typically need an hour for the PCI procedure. Afterward, the patient recovers and is usually monitored for 24 to 48 hours before going home. Dr. Ahmed recommends all PCI patients participate in DeKalb Medical’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Program where they will improve exercise ability, reduce cardiac symptoms and gain positive psychosocial well-being through a personalized plan working with trained professionals. “There’s a great deal of comfort for the patient knowing they are rehabilitating while their heart is being monitored right here at the hospital,” Green said. As part of growing its services, the DeKalb Medical Heart and Vascular Institute has also started a cardio electrophysiology program, which deals with the electrical activities of the heart such as its signals and rhythms. The program is in the early stages of development and is being overseen by Dr. Zoobin Alikhani, a recent addition to the DeKalb Medical Heart and Vascular Institute team. “We expect the electrophysiology program to be as beneficial to cardiac rhythm patients in our community as the PCI program has been for patients with heart blockages,” Green said.
Calendar DeKalb Medical to present women’s health forum DeKalb Medical will present a women’s health forum, “Smart Women Healthy Women,” on Oct.17, 6 – 7 p.m. in the hospital’s Bobbie Bailey Tower Auditorium, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur. Women of all ages are invited to join Gary Glasser, M.D., as he leads a panel of experts in women’s health issues in a discussion of staying healthy between the ages of 40 and 60. Topics include women’s health in general during the pre-menopause and early menopause years, sleep issues, weight control and uterine fibroids. The discussion will include time for questions from the audience. For more information or to register, visit www.dekalbmedical.org or call 404501-9355.
St. Joseph’s lunch n’ learn: Radiation Treatment 101 Saint Joseph Hospital’s Cancer Survivors’ Network will host a free Lunch n’ Learn session, “Radiation Treatment 101” on Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the hospital’s Carroll Education Center, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, N.E., Atlanta. Cancer patients and their supporters are invited to join Saint Joseph’s radiation oncologist Shannon Kahn, MD as she discusses radiation treatment fro A to Z. Radiation therapy is the medical use of ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control or kill malignant cells. Radiation therapy is commonly applied to the cancerous tumor because of its ability to control cell growth. Lunch is included. You must register to attend. For more information, call 678-843-5051 or visit www.gacancersurvivors.org.
Gwinnett Medical Center presents health fair for seniors Gwinnett Medical Center will host a free health fair for seniors on Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. Gwinnett seniors will be able to talk to health organizations, medical experts, non-profit organizations and local businesses about health issues that influence their wellbeing. The fair also will have health screenings such as blood pressure and hypertension, aerobics demonstrations, fun activities and games focusing on wellness, educational information, door prizes and goodie bags. 678-312-1000 or 678-277-0179.
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
OCTOBER 15, 2012
PAGE 11
CLASSIFIEDS Services Music lesson available. Voice, keyboard, music theory and choir directing. Tutoring for reading also offered. Call 404-2843935. Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-2816503. Now Hiring Kutztown Barbershop located in Lithonia. Wednesday $9 Adults. Kids $7. Looking for license barbers. Call 770780-2557.
Career Opportunity! Did you know that there is a shortage of qualified tax preparers available during tax season each year? In just 10 short weeks you can be ready to prepare taxes for the general public. Classes begin soon and space is limited. Interested? Register today for our upcoming tax class. Contact: Nate Gibbs (678) 780-6200 or nategibbs_sr@yahoo.com For Rent
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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
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POUR fats, oils or grease into a sealable container, allow it to cool and throw it in the trash. Do not pour down the drain or toilet.
2. 3.
SCRAPE plates and cookware before washing.
Do not throw scraps of any kind down the drain. Instead, place them in waste containers or garbage bags.
WIPE excess grease from all plates, pots, pans, utensils, and surfaces with a paper towel before washing. Throw the greasy paper towels away.
Plumbing and sanitary sewer systems are simply not designed to handle the F.O.G. that accumulates in pipes. When it gets into the pipes and hardens, blockages occur and cause sewage to backup and overflow out of manholes or into homes. This is expensive for you, and for the County. The damages caused by fats, oils and grease in the sewer system are costly to repair. Over time, they increase the costs of our water and sewer services.
F.O.G. directly impacts your wallet! DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management 1580 Roadhaven Drive * Stone Mountain, GA * (770) 270-6243 dekalbwatershed.com
PAGE 12
OCTOBER 15, 2012
PUBLIC NOTICE : The DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority is seeking Applicants for its Executive Director Position. All information about the job and how to apply for it can be found on the DeKalb County Website: www.co.dekalb.ga.us/commdev/index.html
Applications will be accepted through November 2, 2012 .
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