July 5, 2014 by On Common Ground News

Safety

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19 years

DeKalb Health officials launch annual “Beat the Heat” campaign ....page 5 State Rep. Drenner delivers fans to Clarkston residents ....page 8

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Community rallies for Baby “Bou Bou” By Joshua Smith

ATLANTA—Alecia Phonesavanh, said words can’t describe what it feels like to see her son, whom family members call “Bou Bou,” laugh and walk again. “We are more than happy to have our son back so we can all be together as a family. He has so much energy and he is motivation for all of us. He’s our angel,” said Phonesavanh, who fought back tears. “My son still can’t go to sleep. He’s too scared. He only gets about five minutes at a time. He stays up all night. Every night, we are reminded of this. As we change the gauze on his chest about three times a day to avoid infection, it’s so upsetting to know that he had to go through this in the first place.” The 20-month-old baby was critically injured on May 28 when Habersham County law enforcement authorities tossed a flashbang grenade inside the home where the family was staying during a “no knock” raid. The

person authorities believed was at the house was not there. The grenade landed and detonated in the baby’s playpen. The Phonesavanh family was visiting relatives because their home in Wisconsin was burned in a fire. On Wednesday, the community held a send-off celebration for Bou or “Bou Bou” Phonesavanh during a breakfast held at Delightful Eatz Restaurant in Atlanta. People showered “Bou Bou” and his family with gifts and money. “Look at this family. This is a family that loves each other. This is not a family of drug users or dealers. They are the victims of a overzealous police force,” said radio personality Derick Bozeman, who hosted a live broadcast from the Atlanta restaurant. “We must continue to fight for justice for this family. We celebrate today the mercies of God as seen by this baby boy who doesn’t yet realize the severity of his wounds. We will continue to help this family and do everything we can to help them

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

The Phonesavanh family happily receives gifts and other donations from the community on July 2 in Atlanta.

transition back to Wisconsin.” “Bou Bou” suffered brain injury, has a damaged chest, face disfiguration, and lost his left nipple.

The damage has left a hole in the boy’s chest the size of your palm, according See Bou Bou, page 7

Birds galore in Stone Mountain

hildren and families got a visit from some colorful, tropical friends from South America at “Parrots!” on July 1 in Stone Mountain. Hosted by the DeKalb County Public Library’s Hairston Crossing branch, the celebration of the vivid and animated birds was fun for all ages as participants concluded the program with birds perching on their See Birds, page 10

DeKalb County residents met some new feathery, colorful friends at “Parrots!” on July 1 in Stone Mountain.

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Public meetings set to discuss proposed zoning changes to Olde Town Conyers

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

s the city of Conyers proposes to change the historic overlay zoning district in Olde Town Conyers to the Downtown District (D), residents and property owners in the area are invited to learn more about the proposed change in zoning at upcoming town hall meetings and public hearings. The D district, the new, proposed zoning district, was created to protect historic development while providing an opportunity for Olde Town Conyers to re-establish itself as a center of commerce and promote walkability to a variety of mixed-use establishments including civic, office, restaurant, retail and residential uses within the district. “The new D district will preserve the history and charm of Olde Town and offer developers guidelines for

new development and redevelopment within the area that is consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the council’s vision for our historic center, the heart of the city,” said Director of Planning and Inspections Marvin Flanigan. The D district is composed of approximately 282 acres within the city of Conyers that comprise the Conyers historic district. The D district is further divided into subsections: downtown edge, downtown civic and downtown center. The city of Conyers Department of Planning and Inspections will conduct two town hall meetings to discuss the proposed rezoning and field questions from residents and See Conyers, page 5

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JULY 5, 2014

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Community News

JULY  5, 2014  VOLUME 20, 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 weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

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King siblings accept Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of late parents

r. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King posthumously received a Congressional Gold Medal, during a June 24 ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Dr. Bernice A. King, as well as her brothers, Martin Luther King III and Dexter Scott King, joined with Speaker John A. Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Congressman John Lewis (DGA), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), and other Senate and House leaders in commemorating the historic occasion. “What an amazing day. This is the first honor of this magnitude where my parents are honored together, reflecting the powerful partnership they shared in the struggle for freedom and justice,” said Bernice King. “This is so fitting, especially because my mother often said that she did not just marry the man she loved, she married the mission and the movement and understood her role in their partnership.” The ceremony was held in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Organizers say the Congressional Gold Medal “represents Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions to our nation.” “I had the privilege to work with my mother as she helped to design the images and wording for the medal,” said Bernice King. “She was very excited about being honored with such a prestigious award alongside her lifetime partner and was

Photo courtesy of Dr. Bernice King

Dr. Bernice A. King and Lonnie G. Bunch III, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, pose with the prized piece.

looking forward to receiving it. Well, today she is rejoicing with Daddy in heaven.” For more than two centuries, the Congressional Gold Medal has been one of the most distinguished honors bestowed by the Congress. Since 1776, the award has also been given to such diverse individuals as George Washington; Mother Theresa; Dorothy Height; Rosa Parks; Thomas Edison; Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; President Nelson Mandela; the Dalai Lama; and many other great leaders. Dr. Bernice King said the ceremony was a great accomplishment for the entire

family and that it was very important for her mother to be honored with her father. “As Founder of The King Center, my mother was really the driving force that kept my father’s nonviolent leadership philosophy and legacy at the forefront of the consciousness of our nation and the world,” said King. “It was my father who recognized that she was a courageous partner, and acknowledged on many occasions that without her strength and unflagging dedication to the cause, he could never have made it from day to day through the movement.”

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JULY 5, 2014

Coming Up

ATLANTA Registration underway for code enforcement summit The City of Atlanta is accepting registrations for a free code enforcement workshop on Saturday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m., at the Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. You must register in advance to attend. Officials say the summit will teach attendees “everything you need to know, and want to know.” Participants will hear from representatives from housing/commercial code enforcement, municipal courts, building/zoning code enforcement, the code enforcement commission, public works enforcement, fire inspectors, the Solicitor’s office and the Public Defender’s office. Breakfast included. To register, call 404-330-6044.

GWINNETT

Wednesday WindDown set for summer music lovers Every Wednesday this summer, music lovers can “wind down” in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave., N.W., Atlanta, to enjoy free music and relaxation. Event organizers say the wind down, Atlanta’s longestrunning free concert series, has been entertaining music lovers for more than a decade. Attendees are invited to come out and relax with an evening of live entertainment every Wednesday, until Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m,. in the park’s Southern Company Amphitheater.

Enjoy everything from jazz to contemporary music performed by both local and national touring acts. On July 9, more than one act will hit the stage: “Kelsey Davis & The Radical Soul,” and “1 Step Above.” Kelsy Davis blends funk-soul, blues, and rock. One Step Above is a group of artistic young urban professionals who are intertwining some of today’s moves with the traditional culture of Chicago Stepping, Detroit Ballroom and Soul Line Dances. For more information, call 404-223-4412.

DEKALB Beulah registering for blood drive and festival Beulah Cathedral Church of Christ, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, is registering for a community blood drive and festival that will be held on Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy free food, live entertainment, family games, health screenings such as blood pressure checks, and an open mic session. There also will be raffles for prizes and vendors on site. For more information, call 404-288-2434 or visit www.redcrossblood.org, code HCM.

DeKalb offers free notary training DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry and the Georgia Superior Courts Clerks’ Cooperative Authority are registering for two free notary training sessions on Friday, Aug. 1, 9 – 10:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The training workshops are open to the public and recommended for anyone who is a notary public in the state of Georgia or would like to become one. Workshop instructors say it is important for attendees to remember that a notary public should perform their duties to the utmost extent of the law. Failure to do so could result in costly lawsuits and penalties as a notary is liable for his or her actions. To register for the workshop or for more information, contact Twinette Jones at 404-371-2250 or email tajones@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Free concert celebrates the steel drum in Lawrenceville The community is invited to enjoy the steel drum sounds of Scott Douglas on Friday, July 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Douglass will entertain families and get them up and dancing in no time with everything from calypso to Caribbean to reggae and the conga. Bring a picnic lunch and a blanket and celebrate the start of summer. At the free concert, participants can enjoy making crafts and “Krazy Hair.” Kids can also get their faces painted. Vendors will be on hand as well. 770-822-5450.

“Fraud Smart” teaches you how to protect yourself Gwinnett County’s Five Forks library branch, 2780 Five Forks-Trickum Road, Lawrenceville, will host a free workshop, “Fraud Smart: Protect Yourself” on Wednesday, July 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Scams, whether over the phone, in person, or online, can cost you your savings, your privacy, and your peace of mind. This class, part of the “Smart About Privacy” series, will give you the information you need to recognize the common tricks that cheat even those who think it could never happen to them. No pre-registration required. For more information about this program, email france.hernandez@gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-377-4010.

ROCKDALE “Educational Circus” comes to Conyers The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St., Conyers, will host the “Lew-E’s Educational Circus” on Thursday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The library says Lew-E’s Educational Circus will present an exciting and funfilled show welcoming everyone into the magical world of the circus. Organizers say children and adults can live out their circus dreams with Lew-E. The audience will be transported to the circus through the worlds of reading, science, mathematics and history. Lew-E uses various circus skills and visualization tools. Juggling, plate spinning, balancing, magical illusions, and audience interaction highlight the show. 770-388-5040.

Trash collection town hall set Rockdale County government and the board of commissioners are inviting the community to a public town hall on Tuesday, July 15, 6 p.m. at the J.P. Carr Community center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. During the meeting, Commissioner Oz Nesbitt will provide information and share his goals for trash collection in the county. There will be time for public comment as well. The public is encouraged to attend. No registration is required. For more information, call the Rockdale B.O.C. at 770-278-7001 or Commissioner Oz Nesbitt at 770-278-7011.

JULY 5, 2014 PAGE 5

DeKalb Health officials launch annual “Beat the Heat” campaign By Amanda Usher

“Beat the heat” became more than just a catchy slogan Tuesday when DeKalb County’s Board of Health demonstrated how threatening the hot temperatures can be with its “6th Annual Beat the Heat Awareness Campaign.” The campaign was held to remind parents and caregivers that they shouldn’t leave infants, children, anyone with a chronic illness or pets inside of a parked vehicle on days when the temperature is extremely high. DeKalb County Health Director Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford said heat-related deaths are still prevalent in Georgia, and the high temperatures can cause brain swelling. In just seven months, Georgia has had 14 heat-related deaths of children inside of cars, including 22-month-old Cooper Harris of Cobb County. Harris died June 18 after his father, Justin Ross Harris, left him in the car for more than seven hours while he was at work. Justin Harris has been charged with the toddler’s death. “It doesn’t take long in [a high] temperature to have brain swelling, which is a dangerous thing,” Ford said. “That’s when your respiratory effort gets depressed, and that’s how folks die.” During the “Beat the Heat” demonstration, two trays of S’mores made of marshmallows, chocolate bars and craham crackers, were placed into a car with a temperature of 116 degrees for 20 minutes to show how quickly the car can heat up. While the S’mores were melting, 11-month-old Navaeh Jackson, daughter of Queenisha Howard, was placed inside of another vehicle with the air condition on to exemplify infants and children being left alone in cars . A dog, Bonnie, was put into this same car afterward to display how pets can be affected by the high outdoor temperatures due to their fur. Ford said to keep from accidentally forgetting a child in a vehicle, parents should create reminders such as: writing a note and leaving it in plain view, placing an item in the backseat that has to be retrieved when parents get out of the car (such as a purse or briefcase) and keeping a familiar object in the car seat with the child so that parents can see it when they are getting out of the vehicle. People are encouraged to watch for warning signals of either heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs of heat exhaustion consist of heavy sweating, weakness, nausea or vomiting, fainting, a fast or weak pulse and cold, clammy or pale skin. People should look for an elevated body temperature, a rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness and hot,

Photos by Amanda Usher/OCG News

Temperatures were so hot that you could leave S’mores in the car to bake. A clear warning on the dangers of leaving your child in a locked car during summer months.

red, dry or moist skin as these are all signs of a heat stroke, according to the CDC. To avoid a heat-related illness or death, a person should stay in air conditioned places, drink plenty of fluids and wear lightweight or lightcolored clothing. In addition to wearing light clothing and staying hydrated, infants and children are to never be left alone inside of a vehicle and not have any heavy meals that will make them tired

Conyers continued from page 1

property owners. Town hall meetings will be held on Tuesday, July 15, and Tuesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 1194 Scott Street on the second floor of the Conyers Police Department. Public hearings will be held at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting on Monday, July 28 at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, at the Conyers-Rockdale Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Rockdale County Assembly Hall at 901 Main Street and at the Conyers City Council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. “These town hall meetings are designed to be highly informative and interactive so citizens and business owners can obtain the most information about decisions pertaining to their properties,” said Mayor Randy Mills. “We are anticipating good participation among property owners so everyone has a level of comfort and understanding of this new zoning district.” Citizens unable to attend the town hall meetings may download the zoning district map and proposed ordinance on the city of Conyers website, www.conyersga.com. For more information on the rezoning town hall meetings, call 770-9294280.

as their bodies will not breathe well if they’re asleep. The most important thing is for parents to pay attention to what is going on with their children in the backseat. Windows that are cracked or left down are still harmful, and should not be used as a precaution. “Cracking a window does not do anything,” Ford said. “There is [not a] safe time because anything can happen.” If a person begins to suffer due to

the hot temperature, they should be moved to a cool place that will assist with lowering their body temperatures, given a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes and put in a cool bath. They can also be wrapped with wet sheets. In severe cases, 911 should be called, and they should be taken to the nearest emergency room quickly. For more information about heat safety, people can contact the Board of Health at 404-294-3700 or visit the website at dekalbhealth.net.

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JULY 5, 2014

ELECTIONS 2014 voting for runoffs Rockdale Democratic Party seeks volunteers for “Victory in Action”

DeKalb early shows steady numbers Sheriff Jeff Mann faces whistleblowers

he primary runoff elections are underway and DeKalb officials report 223 voters cast their ballots on June 30, the first day of early voting. The early voting period ends July 18. The runoff elections are July 22. With 276 voters casting their ballots on July 1, Director of DeKalb County Registration and Elections H. Maxine Daniels, says voter turnout has been steady. “Since this is the first time we have a full three-week voting period for a primary runoff, we have no historical data to compare these numbers to but it seems that since many people are on vacation this week, they are coming in to vote at a steady pace throughout the day,” said Daniels. “We had one bus from a DeKalb Senior Center come in and have several more scheduled during the remaining voting period. We will have to wait and see if the traffic picks up as we approach the last week as it usually does for the primary or general election.” The DeKalb Sheriff race puts former CEO Vernon Jones against recently- appointed Sheriff Jeff Mann. Mann, the Sheriff’s Department No. 2 person in charge, was sworn into office in February when Thomas Brown stepped down as sheriff to run for Congress. Mann is facing whistle blowers. A former worker has filed a civil lawsuit alleging she and others were required to work on Mann’s campaign during county time. An ethics complaint also was filed in June against Mann by another former worker alleging abuse and

Sheriff Jeff Mann

Vernon Jones

also that she had to work on Mann’s primary campaign during county time. DeKalb voters will elect three people to the School Board. Atticus Leblanc is challenging incumbent Michael A. Erwin for the District 3 seat. Incumbents Jim McMahan and Karen Carter will square off for the District 4 seat and in DeKalb’s District 5, incumbent Thad Mayfield is being challenged by Vickie B. Turner. In-person early voting for the July 22 election will continue at the Voter Registration and Elections Office at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur until July 18. Absentee mail voting will end on July 18 as well. The run-off election is on July 22. There will be no Saturday voting and the office will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Sample ballots are available at www. dekalbvotes.com under “Current Election Information.” To find your polling place and see your sample ballot, go to My Voter Page at www.sos. state.ga.us. Applications and other information may be obtained at the website www.dekalbvotes. com or by calling the Voter Registration & Elections office at 404-298-4020.

The Rockdale Democratic Party will host a series of daily workshops, “Victory in Action,” for people looking to assist the Democratic Party on several days during the month of July at the Rockdale Democrats Headquarters building, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers. Workshop topics include: Voter Registration and Absentee Ballots, Rockdale Tax including new online registration; Commissioner RJ Hadley Campaign Volunteer Readiness and Phone banking, where attendees will discuss best practices for success with call scripts, how to improve with each call and keeping track of results with tally sheets. Other workshops offered include: Neighborhood Visits, which organizers say is the most effective method of achieving election results, and Data Entry and how to use VoteBuilder. Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley will lead the workshops. To register, call or send a text message to 770-648-4859.

OCGNEWS

Gwinnett County schools celebrate EMMY award

Deborah (Debbie) E. Kennedy-Craft

In Memories of our Beloved Deborah (Debbie) E. Kennedy-Craft 1961-2009. Oh how we miss you Debbie! Your beautiful smile, acts of kindness to your fellowman, your tender love for children and most of all the love showed to your family and friends. As we celebrate your 53rd birthday, your memories will linger in our hearts and our love you will last forever. Debbie, you’re gone but not forgotten. Always and Forever, Your family

LEGAL NOTICE

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, July 10, 2014

Photo provided

L-R: Greg LaHatte, director; Randall Tolliver, animation/editor; Kolinda Scialabba, senior producer; and Matt Hawkins; Producer/Editor.

winnett County Public Schools’ channel GCPS TV ended the month of June celebrating winning an EMMY award for an original production, “Love that Book— Kindness Counts.” The Broadcast and Distance Learning team from GCPS put the project together. The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presented GCPS team with the EMMY. “Love That Book” was honored with the EMMY Award in the following category: “Outstanding Achievement: News and Program Specialty Excellence, for Children/ Youth (12 and under) programs.” “Our entire GCPS TV team is

committed to creating and producing quality and effective programming for our district’s needs,” said Greg LaHatte, the school district’s director of broadcast and distance learning. “Receiving this award let us know we are performing at the highest of industry levels.” “Love That Book” was created in the fall. Hosted by storyteller and New York Times best-selling children’s author Carmen Agra Deedy, each episode of “Love That Book” takes students on a reading adventure and helps them navigate a world of stories. The series covered issues such as kindness, friendship and the importance of words. GCPS TV’s programming is streamed live at www.gcpstv.org.

Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below: REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO.

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JULY 5, 2014 PAGE 7

Bou Bou

Davidson-Arabia Mountain park ranger receives Longleaf Award

continued from page 1

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

The Phonesavanh family has vowed to fight until justice is served.

to father, Bounkham Phonesavanh. “Bou Bou” was released from Children’s Hospital at Scottish Rite on July 1 after being treated for severe burns. He will continue the rehabilitation process in Wisconsin. The attorney for the family, Mawuli Mel Davis of the Davis Bozeman Law Firm, says that police descended upon the residence in search of drugs they believed were in the possession of a nephew they believed was living in the home. No drugs or the nephew were found in the home. The Phonesavanh family says that “Bou Bou” has more surgeries to go and he is on a long road to recovery. Atlanta surgeons have repaired the boy’s lung so he no longer needs a ventilator and patched and re-attached his nose, Attorney Davis said. The family has set up a website at http://www.justiceandprayersforboubou. org. Family members say they will post recovery information and pictures on the website.

Back to School

he Georgia Conservancy and Generation Green honored park ranger Robby Astrove of Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve with the Longleaf Award. Robby Astrove The Georgia Conservancy says the Longleaf Award is presented to emerging environmental leaders in metro Atlanta who have had a tremendous impact within their communities. Previous recipients include Rebecca Serna for her leadership at the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, and Jennifer Owens for her advocacy work at Georgia Organics. Astrove, also known as “Ranger Robby,” is head park ranger a DavidsonArabia Mountain Nature Preserve area in Lithonia. As ranger, he leads environmental education outreach for the preserve, engaging hundreds of schoolchildren and citizens every

year though his hikes and workshops that focus on the preserve’s ecological diversity and natural history. Astrove’s work extends well beyond the boundaries of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area. Program managers say Astrove is a fixture in Atlanta’s growing local food and urban agriculture movement, with dedicated work with organizations such as the Atlanta Local Food Initiative, Georgia Organics, Community Farmers’ Markets, Concrete Jungle and Trees Atlanta. “Generation Green and the Georgia Conservancy are thrilled to honor Robby Astrove with the Longleaf Award,” says Brian Foster, communications director with the Conservancy. “He embodies the spirit of the award through his advocacy for a more sustainable Atlanta and for his down-in-the-dirt leadership in educating young and old about the incredible natural resources found within metro Atlanta. Our city would be pressed to find a kinder and more enthusiastic environmentalist.”

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JULY 5, 2014

State Rep. Drenner delivers fans to Clarkston residents

By Joshua Smith

n an effort to help beat the summer heat, State Rep. Karla Drenner delivered about two dozen electric fans to needy residents in Clarkston on June 30. “We reach out every year because I think that as it gets hotter, people that are struggling with the heat and don’t have or can’t afford central air at this time, need some sort of help and a little relief,” said Drenner, who represents District 85, which includes the City of Clarkston.. “I’m happy to be able to donate to Clarkston during this hot, hot, hot summer.” The fans were made possible through a sponsorship with SCANA energy. This is the third year Drenner has hosted the fan giveaway for needy residents.. Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry, who carried some of the fans into the Clarkston Community Center with Drenner, said they will be

essential in the approaching weeks. “The majority of the people living in Clarkston are at or below the poverty line, which makes it even harder to pay the electrical bill. These fans will be a huge help to those who need it most,” said Terry. “We know that especially for seniors, but others as well, that a fan can lower the degrees in your room and on your skin by just a few degrees. A fan like these can mean the difference between life and a serious health situation.” For resident Winston Drayton, the fans will help him to save a little on his electric bill. “I work pretty much all day, except for the days I’m off. So now with this fan, I can sit it up and let it go at night, keeping me cool enough to sleep without the A/C and raising the bill,” said Drayton. Is your community in need of some relief from the heat? Needy DeKalb residents should call 404656-0202.

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

City of Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry and State Rep. Karla Drenner pose for a picture with fans they passed out to needy residents on June 30 at the Clarkston Community Center.

Clarkston mayor launches email surveys for resident feedback By Joshua Smith

Don’t be surprised if you get a message from Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry in your email inbox. Terry, who was sworn in as mayor in January, says he is using email blasts to survey residents and other constituents to help keep them abreast of the city’s issues and concerns. “Proposed tax increases, the budgeting process, public safety, sidewalks, community programs, general issues, I want to use the surveys to cover and get feedback on

everything,” said Terry who sent the first email blast survey on June 30. “Now people can tell me what’s on their mind whether they can make it to a meeting or not. The surveys will help us get a better understanding of what concerns we need to address immediately.” Terry sent out an e-mail blast on June 30 that included a multiple choice survey asking residents what issues they are most concerned about in Clarkston. The survey also asked residents for input on the city’s operating budgets. Terry said he will continue to send the emails to get feedback because it

works better than making phone calls to each residence. “A lot of people have trouble with the phone surveys or just won’t answer the phone to give feedback. This way, the people can take their time, read wisely and consider all answers. This is the better way to collect data,” said Terry. “I would also take some suggestions from others on how to communicate effectively with residents. I think that as long as we use tax dollars wisely, there is nothing wrong with implementing new ways to reach residents and hear their concerns.”

Clarkston resident DeWayne Bradford likes the idea. “I don’t really answer calls from random numbers and I always hang up on robo calls so something like this works better for me. I can see Ted’s face before I read the email and that’s a lot more comforting that a random call, with a pre-recorded message,” said Bradford. If you would like to be added to Mayor Terry’s email blast list, e-mail your address and a short note letting him know you want to be added: ted.terry. mayor@gmail.com.

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GA 400/MARTA opens new pedestrian bridge in Atlanta

Photos provided

Stand Up for Kids donates 100 bikes to homeless teens in Atlanta

he Atlanta Chapter of Stand Up For Kids (SUFK), a non-profit founded in 1990 to help homeless and at-risk youths, donated more than 100 new mountain bikes to teens in need. The bikes were donated with the help of a corporate sponsor who wants to remain anonymous. The non-profit said it was important to reward the teens for a challenging, yet successful academic year. “Now these high school students can enjoy the summer with not only their very own set of wheels, but also a renewed, motivated perspective on themselves and life,” said Jennifer Greenlee, SUFK director of Mentor Programs. “The bikes will help break the barriers that prevent at-risk youth from getting and maintaining a job. The bikes will be essential transportation for them.” SUFK members say when youths are not in an environment that is conducive to developing their self-efficacy, the greater the chances are of them engaging in destructive behaviors and falling even further behind. They say thanks to sponsors, the bikes will be a good way to keep at-risk youth on the right path. “It is only through a network of partnerships that we are able to accomplish our goal of providing dozens of bikes for our students experiencing homelessness,” said Kelly Field, SUFK executive director. “For grassroots nonprofits, reoccurring support from corporate partnerships are vital in being able to support homeless youth.”

he ribbon cutting ceremony was held recently for a $32 million pedestrian bridge that will give residents from Tower Place Drive and Stratford Road access to both sides of GA 400 and the Buckhead MARTA train station. The project includes a new entrance on the north end of the existing Buckhead Station, pedestrian bridge over north and southbound lanes of GA 400, an elevator/stair tower, sidewalk, and bridge connection on the east side of GA 400 and sidewalk access to an elevated walkway from Tower Place to connect to the bridge on the west side of GA 400. Officials with the Buckhead Community Improvement District say the MARTA Concourse Bridge will provide more than 3,000 people who live, work, shop and worship in the area with a more practical rail transit alternative. Atlanta City Councilmember Howard Shook, who represents District 7, where the bridge lies, says the project represents a great advancement for the community. Shook joined MARTA employees, civic leaders, public officials and transit enthusiasts at the June 24 ceremony. “I am thrilled to see this public promise become a reality,” said Shook. “This will allow the eastside and westside of Buckhead to work together productively for the residents of Atlanta.” The bridge will also link one of MARTA’s busiest train stations to Tower Place Road offices and residential on the west side of GA 400, with offices and residential highrises along Stratford and Lenox Roads on the east. Eric Palmer, who rides MARTA in the Buckhead area, said the bridge will be helpful because it will be a shortcut to the Buckhead station without having to walk the extra distance to Peachtree Road. “Now, you can avoid walking around a lot of concrete and construction that goes on down there. The bridge adds another level of safety, too,” said Palmer. The bridge project represents a partnership between MARTA, the Buckhead Community Improvement District, Georgia Department of Transportation State Road and Toll Authority, Federal Transit Administration and the city of Atlanta. “I’m proud of our staff and workers because they were able to build this bridge without causing hardly any inconvenience. They worked diligently over one of the most highly traveled highways,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Keith Barker. “The area surrounding the Buckhead MARTA station includes several million square feet of office space and about 2,000 residents. Condominiums and apartments now under construction will house another 1,000, and another 1,000 are likely to come to the area in the future. We’re building for the future.”

e are pleased to introduce to you our new physician Dr. Kironda OwensLewis. Dr. Owens-Lewis, MD is a native of Detroit, Michigan. She attended Howard University in 1991, Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Chemistry then graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Owens-Lewis completed her Family Medicine residency at Wayne State University in 2002. She is board certified in Family Medicine and served in the Health and Human Services National Health Service Corps from 2002-2004. She committed to health education, particularly preventative health initiates within the community. She enjoys traveling and well-being and physical fitness awareness. Dr. Owens-Lewis is immediately available to see patients for: • Well-child Checks • Gynecological Exams including • Pap Smears • Back-To-School Physicals • School Immunizations • Sports Physicals Office hours Mon-Thurs 8:00-5:00 and Friday 8:00-12:00

We are committed to educating both community and patients about various healthcare topics as well as preventative care. We look forward to serving you and your family. We accept most health plans, Medicare and Medicaid Accepted. Most major credit cards accepted.

HARPER & ASSOCIATES FAMILY MEDICINE, P.C. 5910 Hillandale Dr. Suite 301 • Lithonia, GA 30058 678-418-2120

EXPIRES: 7-19-2014

PAGE 10

JULY 5, 2014

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Parrot expert Brenda McAdams Bean brought a rainbow of beautiful birds to meet and greet children and families in Stone Mountain.

Birds continued from page 1

arms for pictures. “We love being at events like this because of the way children’s eyes light up when they see the birds show off their feathers,” said Brenda Bean, who has more than 30 years experience training the birds. “But this show is for everybody. People of all ages are thrilled to become acquainted with parrots and to learn how they compare to the birds we see every day.” Attendees of the show met three beautiful birds, all with their own personality. There was “Keeli,” the schizophrenic scarlet macaw whose feathers were basically a rainbow on his body; “Nikki,” a blue and gold macaw and a large, threepound royal blue hyacinth macaw by the name of “Max.” The blue bird was a crowd favorite because he is very similar to the starring bird in the animated film, “Rio.” But there weren’t just birds, Brenda Bean’s Great Dane dog, “Albert,” also got in on the act. The gentle giant walked around the crowd with “Nikki” on his back. The DeKalb County Public Library will host several events throughout the summer. For more information on free events like this one, call 404-370-8450.

JULY 5, 2014 PAGE 11

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PAGE 12

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