March 15 issue by On Common Ground News

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Volume 17 Number 24

www.ocgnews.com March 15, 2012

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Miller Grove makes it four state titles W

By Joshua Smith

ith nearly a ring for each finger on his powerful, ball-palming hand, Miller Grove High School senior Tony Parker says he’s really enjoying the moment of being a Class AAAA State Champion—four years in a row. “I’ve been a starter here since my freshman year and while four-straight titles as a starter is a big deal, overall I wanted to make sure our senior class graduated with a ring. It meant a lot to us to see that happen and when it did, it was huge,” says Parker, who scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds in the March 9 victory over Southwest DeKalb. “We’ve built a brand here at Miller Grove based on hard-nose defense and we all work from that. Defense is what wins championships.” Parker, who stands at 6’9” and weighs 270 pounds, joins six other seniors on the championship squad. The McDonald’s All-American and Michael Jordan Brand Classic AllAmerican says he has offers from several colleges and universities including Duke, Memphis, Ohio State, Georgetown, Kentucky, UCLA,

UConn and Kansas. “I haven’t made my decision yet. Those are all great schools with wonderful programs and nationally-respected coaches,” said Parker. “Coach does a great job of not just building great players but great men and this will be my first major decision as a young -man. My family and I are really looking forward to the next level.” When the horn sounded in the Gwinnett Arena on March 9 and the score read 63-57, the victory was not only monumental for the school, but monumental for the state as well. Only Albany’s Westover High School has won four straight championships, the Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News last in 1993, in any class. Miller Grove’s Coach Sharman White (right) poses with his victorious squad. The team has won four straight State “I call it the ultimate Championships, a first in DeKalb County. buy-in. These guys wear games featured on ESPN three times do the guys because they know the that purple with so much pride. To and CBS one time. I’m just honored person across from them is doing that win four titles in a row is just to coach a group of such talented and maybe more to beat them,” said the result of their hard work and guys.” White, who will coach Tony Parker dedication,” said Miller Grove’s Coach White says the school will and other talented young men at the Coach Sharman White, who led soon be gearing up for another season 2012 Jordan Brand Classic on April the boys to a 24-9 record this of hard work. 14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. season. Eight of the nine losses “They get about 20 – 30 days off were against teams from across and after that, we’re working, all year See Champs, page 5 the nation. “We’ve had our round. I don’t mind it and neither

Local Democrats prepare to represent President Obama at Charlotte Convention CONYERS—Rockdale and DeKalb Democrats will gather in Conyers on March 17 to learn about becoming a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The onehour workshop will begin at 10 a.m. at the Ramada Inn on Dogwood Drive. “We’re proud to be hosting a delegate workshop right here in Conyers,” said Tisa Washington, chair of the Rockdale Democrats. The training is not required to become a delegate, but helps to prepare candidates for delegate elections held next month. The convention will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina this September. On April 21, the 4th Congressional District will elect four male and three female delegates to represent President Obama in Charlotte. The delegate election will take place at the Omega World Center on Snapfinger Parkway in Decatur. Sandra Austin, chair of the DeKalb Democrats, expects a good turnout for the election. “Charlotte is only 4 hours away and Georgia Democrats are excited to represent President Obama at the convention,” Austin said. The last day to apply to become a delegate is March 22. To register for the workshop, contact RJ Hadley at 404-274-9281. For delegate election details, go to www. georgiademocrat.org/delegate-informationstation.

INSIDE

Community News................. P 3 Business News..................... P 6 Health & Wellness................ P 7 We Worship.......................... P 8 Classifieds......................... P 11 CONTACT THE NEWSROOM Phone: (678) 526-1910 n Fax: (678) 526-1909 E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com

New box office set to open in City of Lithonia this spring By Valerie J. Morgan

LITHONIA—After nearly a threeyear hiatus, Jason Lary is gearing up to put on the city of Lithonia’s concert series this summer at the Lithonia Amphitheater. Lary said he and family members have purchased a building at 6844 Main Street in downtown Lithonia that will become the new box office. As renovations of the building get under way, a sign announcing the return of the concert series is already creating a buzz, he said. “My phone has been ringing off the hook. People are really excited about the concerts coming back,” said Lary. “They’re asking when the concerts will start, what jobs will be available, how they can help.” Lary said the box office building, originally built in 1900, will become fully operational once all the renovations are completed. Lary said he hopes to complete those renovations and open sometime in May “We’re raising money for the renovations now. We need people to make an investment into this for the concert series to be a success,” Lary said. “The box office was the missing link to our future success. We needed a place to sell the tickets. Now, we have one.” Lary has a multi-year agreement with the City of Lithonia to manage the amphitheater and conduct shows.

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

L-R: James Lary and his dad, Jason Lary, stand outside the building that will open as the new box office for the Lithonia concert series.

He said the amphitheater is in the process of undergoing electrical and safety upgrades, thanks to the efforts of former Lithonia Mayor Tonya Peterson Anderson, who helped to get $107,000 for the work and project management through a Community Development Block Grant from DeKalb County. “All of the pieces are finally starting to come together,” said Lary. Lary said he is grooming his son, James Lary, a freshman at Arabia Mountain High School in East DeKalb, to help run the ticket

office—a job the younger Lary said he is excited about. “I will get a chance to see how the business really works,” said James Lary, who hawked $1 bug spray squirts to concert goers when he was the young “Skeeto Man” during the early concert years. His slogan was “You pay. I spray.” Jason Lary said he plans to provide sponsorships to those who make contributions to renovate the box office. Lary’s email address is jasonlary@bellsouth.net.

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March 15, 2012

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Community News

March  15, 2012  Volume 17, NO. 24 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.

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Conyers-Rockdale Library offers eBooks to growing ‘download’ generation Atlanta, DeKalb, Gwinnett libraries already e-quipped

By Valerie J. Morgan

he ConyersRockdale Library is joining DeKalb, Gwinnett and Fulton counties in serving today’s “download” generation. Rockdale is Conyers-Rockdale Library launching its eBook Director Daryl Fletcher service with a collection of 200 books. The collection was purchased with gift money from the estate of Emily Hodges Young. The long-time Conyers resident was a Friends’ member of the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, Rockdale’s only public library, and supporter of the local arts and theater community. Young died at age 76 last November after a long illness. Library Director Daryl Fletcher says Young’s gift to the library is another way to make reading “cool,” reaching some who might not otherwise pick up a book to read. “With all of the electronic devices out there and people downloading games, music and other things, it makes sense that we would add eBooks to the Library’s collection,” said Fletcher. “eBooks make reading the cool thing to do.” Across the nation, 67 percent of

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libraries offer access to eBooks—up 12 percent from two years ago, according to the American Library Association. DeKalb is another example of how the demand is growing. Despite budget cutbacks, DeKalb launched its eBooks service late last year. Janet Florence, a spokesperson for the library, said DeKalb’s collection has about 950 titles that are downloadable through a system called Over Drive. “The eBooks are very popular. We knew this was something library patrons wanted, so we launched the service,” said Florence. The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library has between 3,500 and 4,000 eBooks, said Kelly Robinson, public relations and marketing director. The library launched its e-book services in 2010 and its e-audio books in 2008.

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Gwinnett’s library system, like DeKalb and Atlanta uses Over Drive to deliver 30,000 eBook titles, according to the library system’s web site. Librarians said patrons like the idea of checking out digital books wherever they are and the fact that there are no overdue fines. Once the set loan time has expired (usually one or two weeks depending on the library systems, the title disappears off the patron’s reading device. Rockdale’s new collection includes the best-selling fiction, non-fiction and juvenile literature through a book vendors Baker and Taylor, using a delivery program called Axis 360. With the program, patrons can download books on their PCs, tablets (iPad and Android) and smart phones, using the free software “Blio.” Later this spring, Baker and Taylor will add support for practically all eBook readers (except for Kindle) by using Adobe Digital Editions. This will include but is not limited to Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, and others. Each book title is treated as a physical copy, which means it won’t be available if someone else has downloaded it. But patrons can place a hold on the title, or add it to their wish list. Titles can’t be renewed, but they can be checked out again, if no one is waiting for it. To download an eBook, a patron must have a library card issued by the ConyersRockdale Library, and a PIN. Instructions on how to download Blio and then access Axis 360 are on the library’s website: http://conyersrockdalelibrary.org.

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March 15, 2012

Coming up

DEKALB

GWINNETT

Learn the basics of social networking

Residents invited to join clean-up challenge

The DeKalb County Library’s Chamblee branch, 4115 Clairmont Road, Chamblee, will host “Social Networking Basics: Facebook and Twitter” on March 19, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Learn the basics of Facebook and Twitter: What they are, how they work and how to get started using them. You must have an active e-mail account prior to attending the class. More than 600 million people across the world use Facebook to connect. Twitter has more than 200 million users. The session is free to attend, however, you must register by visiting the branch or calling 770-936-1380.

Keep DeKalb Beautiful to host recycling event for household hazardous waste DECATUR –Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB) is hosting its Household Hazardous Waste Event on March 31, 8 a.m. – noon, at the DeKalb County Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur. The event, sponsored by KDB and the DeKalb County Sanitation Division, in partnership with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., offers DeKalb residents an opportunity to properly dispose of their household hazardous wastes free of charge.     Household hazardous waste is classified as products that contain potentially dangerous chemicals and are no longer used. These products should not be mixed with regular trash and can be potentially harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.     Only items on the “items accepted” list will be taken. Items accepted: aerosols, mercury, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn-care products, automotive products, fluorescent bulbs, photo chemicals, hobby and artists supplies, paints and paint-related products, cleaners and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted: bio-hazardous/bio-medical waste, agricultural waste , ammunition, explosives, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials and nonhazardous waste. If you have questions about the event or would like to volunteer, contact Keep DeKalb Beautiful at (404) 371-2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov.

ROCKDALE

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful is sponsoring the Great American Cleanup Gwinnett Challenge. All interested local businesses and community groups are encouraged to select a Gwinnett Challenge activity to be eligible to receive cash prizes. Projects must be completed by May 31 and prizes will be awarded based on the most impact made on the community. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.gwinnettcb.org. 770-822-5187.

Bunnies, Baskets & Bonnets for seniors Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation will host “Bunnies, Baskets & Bonnets” for senior citizens on March 30, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., at Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. Seniors should bring a basket and wear a decorated bonnet or hat to be judged for prizes. Light refreshments will be served. The cost to attend is $5. Pre-registration required by March 23. For more information, contact Pam Hoffman at 770-564-4680 or pam.hoffman@gwinnettcounty.com.

ATLANTA Project Extend to help needy senior citizens Project Extend, a community outreach group in Atlanta is seeking volunteers to assist with a Clean-Up Day on March 24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The cleanup will be held to assist needy senior citizens who live in south Atlanta. Breakfast will be provided. The project consists of interior painting, minor carpentry, yard work, and cleaning the gutters and roof. Contact Yvette Foucha, program coordinator, Wesley Community Centers, Inc., at 404-872-0086, ext. 12, or e-mail yvette@wesleycenters.org to sign up. Quarterly clean-up days are planned for June 23 and Sept. 8 as well. “This is a great community service project for all kinds of church and youth groups,” said Foucha. Visit www.wesleycenters.org for more about the Wesley Centers group.

Rockdale Think Tank welcomes Supervisor of Elections Think Tank, a Rockdale political action group, will welcome Cynthia Welch, Supervisor of Elections and Voter Registration, on March 17, 2 – 4 p.m. at Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. “This month, we will be blessed to have Mrs. Cynthia Welch join us to field questions and explain the voting process,” said community activist Josie Dean, who launched the group last month. “The second half of the program will feature Magistrate Court Judge Rudy Horne and attorneys Earnelle Winfrey, Robert Mumford and Phinia Aten.” Cynthia Welch Participants are encouraged to come with questions for the candidates and solutions for Rockdale County. For more information, contact Josie Dean at 770-369-1507 or e-mail josieleedean5979@yahoo.com.

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Fight against drunk driving at “March MADDness” Edwards Middle School and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will host “March MADDness” on March 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sponsored by MADD and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the event will be held to educate the public on the dangers of underage drinking. Activities include breakout sessions and workshops, a driving simulator, spoken word and drama performances, games with prizes and food. The school is located at 2633 Santon Road, Conyers. 770-483-3255.

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PAGE 5

Champs bask in glory continued from page 1

Our specialty is treating people suffering from the status quo. How it is in healthcare, is not how it has to be. That’s why we challenged what a state-of-the-art healthcare facility should look like, how it should operate and even where it should be. DeKalb Medical at Hillandale became the first all-digital master planned hospital in Georgia and brought advanced medicine outside of the perimeter, where people actually live. We recruited nationally-acclaimed physicians and a dedicated support staff who are passionate about providing world-class service. We made sure that the hospital didn’t look or smell like one and that the food was actually delicious, all of which make close to home, feel more like home. We even make a point to care for the community outside of our doors. Every day, we continue to ask ourselves, “What can we do differently? What can we do better than them?” because the last thing we want to be is like everybody else.

Photo by Ty Freeman

The Miller Grove girls’ basketball team enjoys its first State Championship at the Gwinnett Center in Lawrenceville. The girls’ squad defeated Southwest DeKalb High School 46 – 39.

“Building a championship team is a year-round process and when you consider AAU, our practices and other competitions, the work for these guys will begin very soon.” The school’s girls’ squad took home its first state championship, also defeating Southwest DeKalb on March 9 at the Gwinnett Arena in Lawrenceville. The girls defeated Southwest 46-39. “The boys’ teams have left an awesome path for us to follow. We are ready for the challenge and I think this is a tradition that we’re going to build on because we’ve got everybody coming back except one,” said Coach Renee Breedlove. “With our middle school team going 35-0, we know we have a bright future ahead.”

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Business News

March 15, 2012

Rockdale Chamber’s trips to Italy, China and Spain filling up

By Joshua Smith

fter teaching for 30 years at Lithonia High School, Marjorie Mosley is ready for a vacation. The retired teacher says she hopes to fulfill a fantasy she has only seen in the movies by traveling to Tuscany, Italy on Nov. 7 – 15 with the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. “I enjoyed working hard for the school system and enjoy taking care of my grandchildren now, but I’m long overdue for a trip like this. I have friends who went last October and I absolutely fell in love with their pictures,” said Mosley. “Italy is just so gorgeous. I always see the scenery in movies and it always looks so lovely.” The Chamber recently held an information session for those interested in making the trip. The nine-day journey, at a cost of only $2,695 per person, is offered to the Chamber by ABC Destinations and includes stops in Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Cinque Terre and the costal town of La Spezia. Travelers can enjoy the world-renowned spa treatments at the Montecatini resort, art galleries and museums, the famous Leaning Tower, and a wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside. “Italy is a fascinating place. We cover trips all over the world and

this is the only place people go back over and over again because of all the different regions you can explore,” said Carl Monticelli, managing director of ABC Destinations. “With the rich Roman history, great food and beautiful countryside, Italy has become our No. 1 trip.” Chamber President Fred Boscarino pointed out, “You’re not going to be able to find this type of pricing on the internet. The Chamber goes to China every year but ABC is really rolling out this special trip to Italy for us,” said Boscarino. “You can’t beat these prices because they are specially-designed and offered to Chambers of Commerce.” The $500 registration fee for Italy is due July 20. The Chamber is encouraging metro Atlanta residents to invite their family and friends—even those who live in other states. “We’re extending the invitation to non-Chamber members. Anyone from anywhere can go,” Boscarino said. The Chamber is also taking the public to China again this year. The $200 registration fee for China is due July 2. The nine-day China trip, Oct. 1422, includes visits to Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. Travelers will see the famous Great Wall, the Lingyin Temple, and China’s Economic Redevelopment Zone. The trip costs $2,199 per person and includes airfare, four- and five-star hotels, three meals a

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce held a tour briefing in March for people planning to travel with the Chamber to Tuscany, Italy. The Chamber’s nine-day trip includes stops in Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Cinque Terre and the costal town of La Spezia.

day and English-speaking tour guides. The series of trips, made available to the public at significant discounts, are sponsored as fundraisers to supplement income from the Chamber’s membership dues. “This really is a great way to take an international vacation. There will be planned activities and plenty of free time for sightseeing and shopping,” Boscarino said. “Tuscany is known for being home to some of the most influential artists. I know sights like the original David statue will be great. This trip should be filled with memories.” A current passport and travel visa

are required for China. A passport is required for the Italy trip. Obtaining a passport is the traveler’s responsibility and must be valid six months beyond Visa approval date. The Chamber took the public to China last October and Spain in November. Want to go? The business group will hold another information meeting to cover the trip to Tuscany on April 12, 5:30 p.m. at the Corner Market, 1785 Parker Road, S.W., Conyers. For more information, call the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce at 770-483-7049.

Calendar

ABL welcomes SBA’s Cassius Butts

The Atlanta Business League will present Cassius Butts, who heads the Small Business Administration (SBA) Region IV on March 20, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Atlanta Life Financial Group Building, 100 Auburn Ave., Atlanta. Butts will serve as the guest speaker at the ABL’s Business Power Forum. Butts oversees the delivery of SBA programs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, the Cassius Butts Carolin as and Tennessee. President Obama appointed him to this position on April 25, 2011. Region IV is consistently among the top three most active regions in the nation for SBA guaranteed lending programs. In 2010, more than 160,000 small business loans were approved in the region. For more information, call 404-584-8126.

cost for guests is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The lunch is being catered by This Is It! restaurant. To RSVP and obtain more information, visit www.lithoniachamber.com or call 770-482-1808. On Thursday, March 29, the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce will host a Meet and Greet for the DeKalb County local, state, and national elected officials. The event is free. RSVP is required. To RSVP and obtain more information, visit www. lithoniachamber.com or call 770.482.1808.

Technology forum to cover data access and protection

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will continue its free technology forum series. The chamber will present “Mission Critical: Behind the Cloud,” on March 20, 7:30 – 9 a.m., at Gwinnett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. What would you do if you were heading to a meeting across town and the Google Maps website was down? What would happen if your video chat call, Brian Johnston The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host “Pay Now or Pay Matt Searfoss in which you were about to close the biggest deal of Later—Are Your Pay Practices Compliant with the Law?” an HR your fiscal year, went dead? In a world that is becoming further integrated through the seminar for businesses on March 20, 9 – 11:30 a.m., at Oglethorpe internet, what does it mean in dollar value if your business website goes down? Or how Power, 2100 East Exchange Place, Tucker. is the security of your data protected? Lawsuits and U.S. Labor Department investigations under the The technology forum will bring together three panelists to discuss how data centers 73-year-old federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) have now John Thompson are playing a vital role in business. From financial transactions and healthcare records to become one of the main sources of millions of dollars in employer smart phones and tablets, learn from those behind the cloud about what it takes to keep liability. Many companies do not realize the potential wage-hour disasters represented you protected and operational. by factors such as classifying workers as “independent contractors,” assuming that Panelists and speakers include Matt Searfoss, vice president and general manager salaried employees need not be paid overtime or holding or deducting from an of Peak 10 Inc.; Jonathan Cox, CIO of Sago Networks; and Brian Johnston, CTO of employee’s last paycheck for unreturned items. John Thompson, of Fisher & Phillips LLP, will address these issues and others such QTS. Open networking will be held from 7:30 to 8 a.m. For more information, contact as who counts as an employee under the FLSA, what overtime is and how an employer Lindsay Myers at 770-232-3000 or 678-957-4944. must figure overtime pay and the possible dangers involved in deducting from or withholding an employee’s pay. Thompson has been practicing law for 34 years and for the majority of that time his practice has focused on wage and hour law. The cost to attend is $55. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call The American Business Women’s Association will host a monthly networking Kim Davis Mitchell at 404-378-8000, ext. 223 or visit www.dekalbchamber.org. meeting on March 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Rockdale Leadership Center, 2826 Georgia Highway 20, S.E., Conyers. The women’s business group will hold the networking session to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for themselves and others to grow personally and professionally through leadership, education and networking support. The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 3rd Wednesday lunch on The cost to attend is $20. For more information, call Patti Bryson at 770-918March 21, 11:30 a.m., at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, 7850 Stonecrest Square, Lithonia. 1039 or visit http://newrocabwa.org. There will be a panel discussion on the Role of Education in Economic Development. The guest panelists are: Eugene Walker, DeKalb County School Board Chairman Commissioner Stan Watson, Super District 7 DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Georgia State University will host a career-building workshop on March 29, 7 – Delmas Watkins, DeKalb County School Career and Technical Education Director 8:30 p.m., at the Georgia State Brookhaven Center, 4362 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. LaSonya Smith, DeKalb County School Work-Based Learning Coordinator Guest speaker Jerry Stein, executive career coach for the school, will present Robert Gordon, Georgia Department of Labor (DeKalb Career Center) the “Hidden Secrets of Successful Executives.” Get tips on the cutting-edge ways of Participants on the panel will have an opportunity to share insights on why developing key contacts and deeper relationships as well. The session will conclude education and business partnerships are important to economic development and with a live demo using audience members and non-rehearsed participants. sustainability and what the return on investments is for students, schools, and businesses. The cost to attend is $10. Georgia State University alumni are free to attend. For Chamber members attend the lunch for free (membership is $200 annually); The more information, call 404-413-2190 or visit http://netcommunity.gsu.edu.

DeKalb Chamber to host seminar on fair labor standards

ABWA sets monthly meeting

Greater Lithonia Chamber to present panel discussion, meet and greet mixer

GSU career-building workshop set

March 15, 2012 To Contact Us

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Health & Wellness

PAGE 7

Calendar Liane Levetan offers hope to cancer survivors

South DeKalb Striders sets running clinics, 5K benefit

Liane Levetan, former CEO of DeKalb County, will share her insights on the power of hope both, as a 26-year cancer survivor, and as a child survivor of the Holocaust at Saint Joseph Hospital’s Sharing the Journey Cancer Survivorship Conference on March 24, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. The conference, hosted by the hospital’s Cancer Survivors Network, will offer a variety of breakout sessions ranging from Liane Levetan “Embracing Your Family History” to “Sexuality After Cancer.” “It is truly our pleasure to host this conference for cancer survivors and caregivers in our community. Our goal is to educate you on topics that interest you while also providing inspiration and emotional nourishment,” said Debbie Church, coordinator of the Cancer Survivors’ Network. “We hope to provide an atmosphere of restoration and connection with other survivors and their caregivers so all who attend will feel supported as you continue your journey with cancer.” The cost to attend is $10. Advanced registration is recommended. For more information on the conference, contact the Cancer Survivors’ Network office at 678-843-5051 or e-mail csninfo@sjha.org. The hospital is located at 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, N.E., Atlanta.

DECATUR—With spring on the way, it’s time to get outdoors and exercise. That’s the message the South DeKalb Striders running club is pushing. The Striders are inviting the community to running clinics that start on March 24 with a goal in mind of registering a record number of participants for its “5K For Hope” race to benefit Our House, a nonprofit that provides services for homeless families with children ages 6 weeks – 5 years old. Deanine Halliman, race coordinator for the last five years, says the free clinics will help those who would like to participate in the August 2012 race get in shape. This year will mark the 18th year the race has been held. “Who doesn’t need a little guidance and motivation when it comes to exercising?” said Halliman. In past years, the race has drawn more than 300 runners and walkers—from Girl Scout troops to senior clubs. Halliman wants to exceed those numbers for this year’s race. “All we’re asking is that participants who come to the free clinics register for the 5K For Hope race or donate a similar monetary amount to Our House,” Halliman said. The first clinic will meet March 24, 9 a.m., at the Decatur Big Peach running store, 114 Trinity Place, Decatur Additional clinics will be posted on the web calendar @ southdekalbstriders.org and on the 5KForHope Facebook pages. Registration for the 5K run can be made at the clinic for $22. For more information, e-mail 5kforhope@gmail.com or call 678-310-8101.

Music for the mood and mind Piedmont Healthcare’s Cancer Wellness Center, 1800 Howell Mill Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, will host “Music for the Mood and Mind,” on March 20, 9:45 a.m. Cancer patients, survivors and their families are invited to come together and enjoy music, a powerful tool in helping participants to understand and express the inner experience. Attendees will join Alex Michaud to learn more about using music as another language and as a tool on your journey of wellness. If you’re planning on attending, organizers ask that you bring a song or two that is meaningful to your experience to share. The event will involve discussion but sharing is not mandatory. Registration is required. 404-425-7944.

Why is sleep so important? Emory Healthcare, 1525 Clifton Road, Atlanta, will host a free educational workshop, “Why is Sleep so Important?” on March 30, 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Hosted by Emory Healthcare physicians and other hospital staff, the health session will cover the relationship between proper sleeping hours and heart health. Lack of sleep has been associated with high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and heart attacks as well. Participants should meet in the hospital’s fifth floor conference room. Register online at http://healthconnection.emory.org or call 404-778-7777.

Race for fun, a good cause Refuge Pregnancy Center, 1307 Milstead Ave., Conyers will host its first 5K to benefit women and families in crisis pregnancies on March 31, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration is $20. Proceeds will go toward the center and its programs such as free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, pregnancy support groups and GED classes. The center has been providing services to 3,000 – 3,500 patients a year since 1984. Awards will be given to the top three overall male/female winners and the top three finishers in several competing age groups from 10 and under to 70 and over. Register at www.active.com or call 770-922-5939 and 678-795-0115.

DeKalb Medical covers diabetes and wound care DeKalb Medical will hold an open discussion to address diabetes and wound care on March 29, 6 – 7 p.m., in the hospital’s theatre, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur. Hosted by Jay Mepani, M.D., a DeKalb Medical endocrinologist, the free discussion will cover the wound care challenges faced by people with diabetes. Information about how diabetes affects the healing process and what people can do to minimize the risk of wounds and infections will be discussed as well. 404-501-WELL.

Attention: African American Women of Faith

Are you a survivor of an abusive relationship that involved a suicide attempt? If so, you are invited to participate in an academic research study designed to shed light on domestic violence and suicidal behavior among low income African American women in the Atlanta area. If you are 18 years or older and interested in being a part of this research, please call Ms. Johnson today at 678-315-6802 to obtain more information about this nocost, confidential study.

PAGE 8 To Contact Us

By Phone: 678-526-1910 By Fax: 678-526-1909 By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com

Voices of Faith sets free movie night for families Voices of Faith’s Marriage Ministry will host a free screening of the Christian film, “Courageous,” on March 23, 7 p.m. at the children’s church building, 2500 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. From the creators of “Fireproof,” this film follows four men, with one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they face danger every day. Yet when tragedy strikes close to home, these fathers are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears and their faith. From this struggle will come a decision that changes all of their lives. With action, drama, and humor, the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures embraces God’s promise to “turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.” The movie is open to all families in the community. Concessions will be sold for a small fee. 770-498-5850.

Lithonia First UMC marks Holy Week Lithonia First United Methodist Church has a long-standing tradition of hosting noon Community Holy Week Services. Join us on Monday, April 2, through Friday, April 6, 2012, as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Services will feature local guest pastors, beginning at 12:00 noon in the historic sanctuary located at 3099 Stone Mountain Street. Following the service, a light lunch will be served in the fellowship hall. All are welcome! 770-482-6394.

March 15, 2012

We Worship

Faith-Based News & Inspiration

Calendar Antioch-Lithonia to mark 143 years in community Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia, will mark 143 years of ministry with a spring revival and its Heritage Day. The nightly revivals are set for 7:30 March 21 – 23. Heritage Day will be held Sunday, March 25, during worship services at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Pastor John D. Tolbert, who heads Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan, will be the guest pastor for the revival. Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church has a colorful history as one of DeKalb County’s oldest places of worship. The congregation enjoys various forms of music----from traditional gospel to contemporary. Over the years, Antioch has been a great church of social consciousness, serving as a polling precinct for voters, the site of the state NAACP conference and as the site for various community meetings. The church was founded in 1869 by 12 people who spent $2.50 to build a brush arbor on the No.12 Highway (now Covington Road). With Pastor James C. Ward at the

helm, Antioch built the edifice its congregation occupies today, opening it in 2004. Pastor Ward is the 14th pastor to serve Antioch. He marked his 17th pastoral anniversary as the church’s leader on March 11. He says he is looking forward to the upcoming revival. “We love revivals because it is an opportunity to revive the community, give our members new energy and we get to fellowship with other churches,” said Pastor Ward.

Ray of Hope to host “Fresh Friday Fun” Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Road, Decatur, will offer youths in the community “Fresh Friday Fun Night” on March 30, 7 – 10 p.m. Hosted by the church’s Amazing Youth Empowered (AYE) group, the event will feature a 3-on3-basketball tournament. The tournament promises to be the time for youth in the community to showcase their skills on the court. Concessions will be sold. For more information or to sign up for a team, call AYE at 770-696-5100, ext. 205.

Ellenwood church celebrates 15 years of ministry Love Life Christian Fellowship Church, 3980 Panthersville Road, Ellenwood, invites the community

to join them in celebrating its 15th church anniversary on April 1, 10 a.m. The guest speaker for the celebration will be Leonard Franklin, associate minister at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia. Love Life Christian Fellowship Church is a non-denominational church that was organized by Pastor Grace Cartwright Washington in April 1997. 404-241-1499.

Worshippers Interceding for Excellence honors Pastor Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church will celebrate Pastor Kathern A. Thomas’ and the church’s seventh anniversary on March 18, 4 p.m. The celebratory service will host guest speaker Dale Brown of Restoration Church of Deliverance in Tucker. Pastor Thomas was ordained Nov. 15, 1992, and has served the Lord with faithfulness and joy for more than 30 years. Shortly after founding her own church in March 2004, Thomas started the “Called to be D.I.V.A. (Divine, Inspirational, Victorious, Anointed) Women’s Conference,” which encourages women and teaches them that they are divine because they are from God. The church is located at 3096 North Decatur Road, Scottdale. 404587-2751 or 404-455-6678.

March 15, 2012

PAGE 9

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DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT DEKALBfor COUNTY Advertisement WeekGOVERNMENT of March 15, 2012 Advertisement for Week of March 15, 2012

Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, 2nd Floor, The nd Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia for the 2following untilMaloof 3:00 P.M. SealedMaloof bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and30030, Contracting, Floor, The Center, 1300 on date(s) designated below: Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below: REQUEST FOR REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO. 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, viewwill thebeDeKalb County Website Specifications andplease other details available in the Purchasing and at: Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html 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 DeKalb County reserves the accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise. any technicalities, andright to to re-advertise. By: Kelvin L. Walton, Director/Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting

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PAGE 10

March 15, 2012

DeKalb Judge Hydrick presents anti-bullying forum at Voices of Faith By Joshua Smith

his April marks the second year of the death of Jaheem Herrera, a former DeKalb County student who, in 2009, hung himself at his Stone Mountain home after months of bullying by school mates. With tragedies like this popping up across the nation, Voices of Faith Ministries joined forces with DeKalb State Court Judge Stacey Hydrick to host “Bullying! It’s Not Cool” at the church’s Stone Mountain campus in hopes of change. “Name-calling, text messages, Facebook pages--there are so many ways that youths can be bullied. We want to raise awareness among our parents and show support to our students so they know what to look for and how to find help, if bullying ever becomes an issue in the home,” said Lisa Lamar, who oversees the Butterflies girls mentoring group at Voices of Faith. Judge Hydrick led the event, making a Power Point presentation to about 40 participants who attended the Saturday discussion, which was held this month. Hydrick finished the presentation with a Q&A session and answered questions regarding misdemeanors and bullying crimes. “As a mother of two teenage boys, I am a parent first and a judge second. The issue of bullying is a dear one to me because my 15-yeard-old son was actually bullied in the fifth grade,” said Hydrick. “That was a trying issue for our family, but we made it through and it taught me that you’ve gotta get involved and report it. It’s not just going away.” Alexis Grant, 15, and Zaria Graham, 13 say that bullying is common at school. “You might see people name-calling or pushing other kids down the hall until they get to their class or making fun of other

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Members of the community came to Voices of Faith Ministries to hear about bullying from DeKalb County State Court Judge Stacey Hydrick at the March 10 “Bullying! It’s not Cool” forum in Stone Mountain.

people’s jeans and shoes. I think bullying all starts with jealousy and then that leads to anger and then conflict or violence,” said Grant, who attends Shiloh High School in Gwinnett County. “If I know the kids who are picking on somebody, I’ll tell them to stop or to back off, but it takes more than just me. I think more and more people need to get together and talk about bullying. It would help if people would come out to the schools and talk about this issue too,” said Graham, who attends Shiloh Middle School. Rodney Dennis, who attended the session at Voices of Faith with his son Bryson, 10, and daughter Quatiana, 16, said the event was really an eye-opener for him. “There are a lot more kids being bullied than I thought and there are so many ways for the kids to do it,” said Dennis. “It was important for me and my kids to hear this so we will be able to recognize it. I hope they can host more events like this one.” Butterflies plans to host a communication skills forum and movie field trip in May. Lamar also plans to start a “Love Can Wait” abstinence series next month as well. For more information on the Butterflies mentoring group, call 770-498-5850 or 404610-6798.

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PAGE 11

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March 15, 2012

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