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www.facebook.com/ocgnews Volume 19 Number 10

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august 15, 2013

FREE

DeKalb sheriff disciplines deputies, changes how civil warrants are handled

By Valerie J. Morgan

DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown is changing how civil warrants are executed following a videotaped arrest involving four DeKalb deputies who verbally abused an Ellenwood family while serving a warrant at 1 a.m. The YouTube video made national news after it went viral with more than 300,000 online views.

Concluding an internal investigation, Brown announced Aug. 12 that deputies will now issue civil arrest warrants once a week by 11 p.m. He also said his department will make criminal background checks on individuals to help them better assess cases before deputies go out. Brown announced the changes as he handed down the disciplinary action he took against the four deputies who cursed and threatened the Ellenwood family.

The incident happened on July 26. The family refused to open the door to their home for more than 30 minutes, saying they were fearful. When they did open the door, deputies stormed in, cursing them at gunpoint. The family captured the incident on video and uploaded it on YouTube.

“I will tell you that I was very appalled by what I heard. It is not what I expect from my deputies who are serving civil, nonviolent warrants,” Brown said at a press conference following an internal investigation. “I have a problem with the lack of leadership shown by the incident commander. I think he needed to have been in charge of the situation. I think he needed to understand what he was dealing with when he got on the scene and had he been armed with what he was dealing with then it See Sheriff, page 11

DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

Gold medalist Gabby Douglas inspires youths at empowerment breakfast

By Joshua Smith

STONE MOUNTAIN—Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas, 17, was the breakout star of the 2012 London Olympic games.

With gold medals in both, individual and team all-round competitions, and not to mention her face on the Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal box, Douglas may have anticipated mainly fielding questions concerning life as a gymnast from the audience she recently visited while in Atlanta. But she didn’t seem to mind the inquisitiveness of the very young at heart: “What’s your favorite color?” one little girl asked excitedly.

With a pleasant smile, Douglas, the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion, answered “yellow.”

The Youth Empowerment Breakfast with Douglas, hosted by DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton as part of the commissioner’s Youth Leadership Academy, drew a crowd of more than 200 youth to the sold out Aug. 10 ticketed event at Stone Mountain Park’s Marriott Evergreen Resort.

“It was a phenomenal event. Gabby really inspired the youths who attended,” said Barnes Sutton. “Our theme for this year’s breakfast was Releasing the Power Within…Moving Forward.

No person better exemplifies moving forward than Olympic Gold medalist Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Douglas.”

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

L-R: Fox 5 anchor Karen Graham, Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas and Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton discuss life, gymnastics and motivation.

Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas

At the breakfast, Douglas talked about everything from her favorite color and what she does for fun (which is going to the pool and amusement

parks), to working with renowned coaches and meeting her role model, U.S. Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes.

After sharing her personal story of triumph, Douglas took pictures with fans, signed autographs and received gifts.

“I love meeting young gymnasts and the amazing people that tell me I inspire them,” said Douglass. “This is such a blessing to be in the position I am in. I love to tell young girls and anyone really, just to strive for your goals. It’s your shinning moment at that point, so don’t let anyone or anything take that away from you.”

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee

May attended the breakfast with his two daughters, gymnasts in training, Ryann and Reagan.

“My daughters have a picture of Gabby up on their wall. They use it as motivation when they go to gymnastics class in Tucker,” said May, who delivered the greetings at the breakfast.

“This is a great moment for us to share together. I know they will use this day as continued motivation when they go to practice.”

Douglas said she has special ties to Atlanta.

“I love coming back here to Atlanta.

It’s amazing here,” said Douglas, who is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“My favorite and amazing aunt (Bianca, known to Douglas as “Tia”) lives here, so it’s always such a joy to come here and hang out with her.”

The breakfast served as a time to honor the work the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is doing in the community. YLA, created by Commissioner Sutton in 2008, hosts workshops on crime prevention and public speaking, and provides mentoring and leadership training to students in the 10th through12th grades.

This year’s class of students includes about 35 students from high schools such as Stephenson, Arabia Mountain and Druid Hills.

For more information on YLA, visit www.dekalbyouthleadershipacademy. com or call 678-478-3550.

DeKalb kicks off football season with “Battle of the Borders”

D

By Joshua Smith

eKalb County is adding something extra to football season this year. It will host its first ever high school classic with two of DeKalb’s best teams playing two top teams from Florida during Labor Day Weekend.

Officials say they are expecting thousands of spectators to attend the “Battle of the Borders High School Showdown” at Hallford Stadium in Clarkston. Chick-fil-A is sponsoring the Aug. 31 event. DeKalb’s Martin Luther King Jr. High School will take on Blanche Ely High of Pompano Beach at 5:15 p.m.

Stephenson High School will play Miami

Gardens’ Norland High School at 8:30 p.m.

“DeKalb County is one of the toprecruited districts in the Southeast. Florida has a national reputation as a hotbed for top talent. It should be great competition to see these teams take each other on,” said DeKalb County Athletics Director Horace Dunson.

Stephenson’s Head Football Coach Ron Gartrell says his squad is ready to take on Norland.

“We always like to establish the running game, but with some new staff, See National, page 11

How to get your DeKalb high school football tickets The 2013 – 2014 high school football season kicks off on Friday, Aug. 23, 5:15 p.m., when Clarkston High School will take on Arabia Mountain High School at Hallford stadium in Clarkston.

This year, DeKalb County and Decatur high school football fans can buy their game tickets online at Ticket Tracker.

“This is a great website. It’s very similar to Ticketmaster,” said DeKalb County Athletics Director Horace Dunson. “We wanted to be more proactive and embrace technology. Buying tickets online will cut down on long lines at the gate.”

Game tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. The Ticket Tracker website is www.totalgatesolutions.com.

PAGE 2

august 15, 2013

Letters to the Editor

Help create a better future for our children

By DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston

We often talk about what’s wrong with our educational system. I hear a lot of discussion about our schools, our teachers and our test scores, but what is truly the most important part of a child’s education rarely seems to come up in our conversations: our own involvement in education as parents. One of my key goals as your Solicitor-General is to make sure all kids get the best start possible.

As the mom of two young girls myself, I know how hard it is to get them up early and ready for school, pack their lunches, help with homework and take them to activities. It’s no easy job for anyone and can be especially challenging for those who are single parents, work two jobs or face economic challenges.

However, before we can blame anyone else for what our kids are not learning or for the crime problems in our neighborhoods, we have to take a look at ourselves.

My office receives about 700 cases of educational neglect each year from the DeKalb County School System where children have more than five unexcused absences in one school year. Some of these kids have missed more than 40 days of school in just six months. These children are likely to fall far behind their peers and have a difficult time succeeding in the future. Because Georgia law requires all kids ages six to 16 to be in school, my office has to bring their parents to court to face fines, up to 30 days in jail or community service.

We don’t want to send people to jail. What we want to do is change attitudes about education. That’s why we have a diversion program called the Attendance Review Team where parents sign a contract that their kids won’t have any more unexcused absences, while meeting monthly with a teacher, counselor or social worker. We want to get their kids back in school and make these parents realize that education could make all the difference in the world for their children’s future.

Quite simply, a lack of education often means a life of crime. Truancy is the number one predictor of criminal activity for boys and the number two predictor of criminal activity for girls. About 90 percent of DeKalb County’s inmates are high school dropouts. If we can keep more kids in school, we’re likely to have much safer communities.

Education also means limitless opportunities. New statistics show us that high school graduates make an average of $630,000 more than dropouts do over the course of their lives. Since children often have trouble seeing the big picture, it’s up to us as parents to continually remind them that they will have a better future if they stay in school.

As this school year begins, I hope you will join me in spreading a positive attitude with your kids about education and what it could mean for their future. I hope you will encourage perfect attendance and reward them for being in school every day. If you’re not a parent, I hope you will watch out for the children in your neighborhood, and let us know if you notice kids at home when you believe they should be in school. It takes all of us working together to create a better future, to prevent crime and to give our kids the opportunities they deserve.

Why not quit?

By Gene Walker

The recent decision by Administrative Law Judge Maxwell Wood to sustain Gov. Nathan Deal’s suspension of the DeKalb County School Board came as no surprise to anyone, certainly not me. Disappointing, yes. I always hold out hope that the best of human nature will persevere. But it came as no surprise.

What is surprising at this time is other conversations I have had with people. These are people who I have had the greatest respect for in the past. There are two in particular: One was white, one black. “Why don’t you just quit, Gene?” they asked. “Give it up and go on about your business. Let it go.” They are old, like I am, but their complacency is showing.

I would have thought those closest to me would understand what I am doing and why I am doing it. The administrative appeal was simply an obstacle that had to be dispensed with. You can’t bother the Georgia Supreme Court if there are untried remedies; it is the court of last resort. The Georgia General Assembly created this constitutional crisis and the administrative hearing was just another hurdle to be cleared.

To place it in a nutshell, again: A privately-run organization with no accountability or investigative standards is in power. They don’t even have to comply with the Open Records or Open Meetings acts. Yet they sit in judgment of school boards, and in a single, unilateral and until now – unimpeachable decision—set the legislative wheels in motion to nullify the will of 40,000 DeKalb County voters. As it has been proven, they don’t have to meet a burden of proof—only render an opinion cloaked in secrecy and lies. This is in direct violation of Article VIII Section V, paragraph 2 of the Georgia Constitution, which requires all local school board members to be elected as provided by law. It specifically says that after December 31, 1993 there shall be no more appointed local school board members. What does DeKalb County have now?

Back to the question. I am 77 years old. Why not just quit? Later on this month, Aug. 28 to be exact, is the 50-year anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial. I am old enough to remember what that was all about. You see, at that time it was exactly 100 years after the abolition of slavery, and at that time African Americans – we called ourselves Negroes back then – still did not have equal rights, certainly not equal voting rights. Jim Crow laws had recently been overturned, but there was still plenty of activity on the state and local level to keep blacks away from the ballot box. There is one thing upon which whites and blacks can always agree: The vote is a very powerful right.

Now it’s 50 years later, and the whole civil rights struggle is becoming a distant memory. On the surface, it would seem we have made so much progress. So much progress that the U.S. Supreme Court has decided the Justice Department no longer needs to be the watchdog for fairness in the South, where the powers in charge have had the most prolific history of abuse. In spite of this, somehow, a clandestine organization empowers a governor to discard the will of an electorate greater than that of three states.

The men and women upon whose shoulders I stand paved the way in blood, sweat, and tears; but mostly blood. MLK, Medgar Evers, Viola Liuzzo, John Lewis, Jimmie Lee Jackson, and many, many more bore the brunt of the struggle. A Georgia Supreme Court case is a pittance in comparison. I owe it to them, the cause they stood for, and to future generations to see this through. That’s why I will never quit.

Eugene Walker is the former chair of the DeKalb County School Board.

august 15, 2013

Community News

august 15, 2013 Volume 19, NO. 10

Technology ‘pitch’ contest beckons local inventors

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.

PAGE 3

Commissioner Johnson showcases local technology talent Local inventors will get a chance to exhibit their technology inventions at this month’s community technology pitch contest. Presented by DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, the technology exhibition will showcase emerging inventors who utilize technology in fresh and creative ways. The gadget fest, set for Wednesday, Aug. 28, is free to attend and will be at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

Commissioner Johnson said he is excited about the event.

“Today is a new day and you must embrace technology,”

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

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

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

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said Johnson. “The good news is, we have many free resources to help you learn.”

Inventors who have constructed an app, game, simulation or concept using technology are invited to share their projects to be judged by a panel of judges.

Contenders will compete for prizes provided by pitch contest partners Georgia Piedmont Technical College and Sciberus Software Solutions.

Prizes include a technology internship with Sciberus Software Solutions Company and membership to Atlanta Technology Development Center, a startup incubator

Larry Johnson

that provides support to high potential technology startups.

Each contestant in the pitch contest will contend for 15 points based on the following criteria: originality (1-5 points); innovation(1-5 points) and use

(1-5 points).

Dr. Jabari Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College, along will admissions counselors will showcase science, technology and entrepreneur courses offered at the college.

Other Pitch contest partners and attendees include: Sciberus Solutions President Laron Walker; DeKalb County Geographical Information Systems; DeKalb County Law Enforcement; DeKalb County Red Cross; DeKalb Environmental Heath; and the DeKalb County School System.

For more information, call 404-371-2425.

Rockdale Sheriff ’s Office announces supervisor promotions The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office recently announced six new supervisors who have risen from its ranks under the new leadership of Sheriff Eric Levett.

The deputies who were promoted to the rank of Corporal are Shasta Duren and Tijuana Harris. Dan Lang, Amanda Pilgrim and Kuan Smith were promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Nikie Weathersby was promoted to the rank of Captain and will now serve as the assistant jail commander under Major Mike Kinlein.

The promotional process included a written examination and a panel interview by law enforcement supervisors from outside agencies. Following the interviews, deputies and corporals were then ranked from a combination of their test and interview scores.

“I am extremely proud of the deputies that were just promoted,” said Levett. “These men and women are the newest supervisors and leaders that the residents, business owners, and visitors to Rockdale County will encounter on a

L-R: Sheriff Eric Levett, Sergeant Dan Lang, Captain Nikie Weathersby, Sergeant Kuan Smith, Sergeant Amanda Pilgrim, Corporal Shasta Duren, Corporal Tijuana Harris and Chief Deputy Scott Freeman.

daily basis. They have all worked hard to get where they are at the Rockdale

County Sheriff’s Office and should be proud of their accomplishment.”

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PAGE 4

august 15, 2013

COMING UP

ATLANTA

Director Lee Daniels, actor Forest Whitaker promote new movie “The Butler”

Mayor Reed, Councilman Archibong to host Public Safety Town Hall

By Charlie Love and Mackenzie Morgan

City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Councilmember Natalyn Archibong will host a Public Safety Town Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 6 – 8 p.m., at Adamsville Recreation Center, 3201 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, Atlanta.

The purpose of the town hall is to address the city’s commitment to reduce crime. Participants will hear from Reed, Atlanta Police Department staff and other representatives on the steps the city has taken so far to combat crime.

More than 800 officers have been added to the police force since 2009 in the effort to grow the Atlanta Police Department to its greatest strength in history: 2,000 officers. Mayor Reed stated that he expects to hit that mark this year.

Film director Lee Daniels and actor Forrest Whitaker were in Atlanta recently to discuss their latest project, “The Butler” at a pre screening and Q&A session at Atlantic Station’s Regal Cinemas.

The movie, which examines racial prejudice, personal values and faith during the Civil Rights Movement, is scheduled for release nationwide on Friday, Aug. 16. The film’s all-star cast includes Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Terence Howard, Robin Williams, John Cusack, Mariah Carey, Jane Fonda and others.

“The story was important to me because I’d never seen a film that chronicled the Civil Rights Movement, from the beginning into the Obama administration, through the eyes of a father and son,” said Daniels. “This film puts a perspective on things that people went through, even in my lifetime, so that we could do things like vote.”

“The Butler” is inspired by the true story of Cecil Gaines, a black butler who worked at the White House from 1957 to 1986. Cecil and his oldest son, Louis, take radically different approaches to the social injustices blacks faced during the Civil Rights Movement. Louis leaves the North, to attend HBCU Fisk University to immerse himself in the student movement taking place on college campuses across the nation. Seeking racial justice, he joins the Freedom Riders, marches with Dr. King, follows Malcolm X and eventually joins the Black Panthers ultimately dedicating his life to eradicating racial hate and injustice.

“The question is raised who’s right and who’s wrong. Is it by serving passively? Or is it the right thing to march, speak out, and be willing to die for what you believe in?

It’s these questions that make Cecil and his son butt heads,” said Daniels.

Read the entire story online at http://bit.ly/14MMa75

Atlanta welcomes Festival Peachtree Latino Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, N.E., Atlanta, will host the 13th Festival Peachtree Latino on Sunday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The free festival features more than 250 exhibitors, family activities, sporting events, parades, an arts and crafts zone, ethnic foods from more than 25 vendors and outdoor musical performances featuring both, local and international musicians, on the festival’s “grand stage.” 678-966-7026 or 404551-0969.

DEKALB

ROCKDALE

Stonecrest Library to host two-day book sale The Friends of Stonecrest library will host a two-day book sale on Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Buy some great books at bargain prices all while supporting a state-of-the-art library. There will be great used books for all ages and interests.

The library is located at 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. 770-482-3828.

Free workshop focuses on writing for entertainment industry The DeKalb County Public Library’s central branch, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, will host “The Entertainment Industry: Writing and Producing Stories that Sell,” on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 7 – 9 p.m.

The library will welcome Kevin Lance Collins to lead this free workshop.

Collins is a graduate of the Bill Cosby Screenwriting Fellowship Program. In 2000, he joined the production staff of the Showtime series, Soul Food. In series television he gained invaluable knowledge about the production process, from writing to post-production. In addition to writing for Soul Food, Collins has also written for the popular television series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Collins will discuss: how Hollywood works, the difference between film and television, how to write feature film vs. a one-hour television show, as well as discuss his experiences with writing novels. Collins will read from his current novel, The Unveiling 1.0. He is a professor at two local art schools: The Savannah College of Art and Design (Atlanta) and The Creative Circus. 404-370-8450.

Conyers book club talks “Sleep No More” The Conyers-Rockdale Library’s “Let’s Talk” adult book club will discuss Iris Johansen’s “Sleep No More,” on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 3 – 4 p.m.

Johansen is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author. The book, which was released in March, follows forensic sculptor “Eve Duncan,” who knows what it’s like to be haunted by the past. For years after her daughter, Bonnie, was stolen from her, she fought for closure. Now, as she strives to begin anew, she finds herself on another missing-persons case—one that is as mysterious as it is personal.

The library is located at 864 Green St., S.W., Conyers. The Let’s Talk book club is for readers ages 18 and up and will continue to meet once a month on the last Tuesday of the month. For more information or to register for this discussion, call 770-388-5040, ext. 118.

GWINNETT

‘Live on the Lawn’ concert series continues Continuing its Live on the Lawn” summer concert series, the city of Snellville will present a free live performance on Saturday, Aug. 24, 7 – 9 p.m. at the Snellville Town Green, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, sit back and enjoy a performance from the “Metro Atlanta Jazz Club.” The group performs more than just big band music, playing selections such as “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.” 770-985-3500.

august 15, 2013

PAGE 5

DeKalb NCNW gets Bethune teachers ready for back to school

By Joshua Smith

DECATUR—As students returned to classes this month, the DeKalb Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) pitched in to help new teachers at Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School in Decatur with back-to-school supplies. The organization donated boxes of school supplies to 16 classrooms, providing essentials such as pens, paper, and sanitizers for needy students who show up without them.

Along with school supplies, the women’s group also held a raffle where lucky teachers received gift bags with candles, house slippers, a jazz cd, daily inspirational journals, sanitizers and other items to get them through the school year.

“We wanted to show up and show out for our teachers. We have more than 100 items for our teachers to use and give to those students who are in need,” said Angela Crew, the new president of the DeKalb Section of the NCNW. “Lately, the DeKalb education system has been getting a bad rap. We want to work in the community to try to change that image.”

Crew said her organization selected the DeKalb School District’s Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School because the school is named for the

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

NCNW members join BMS staff for a picture in front of dozens of school supplies to be distributed to needy students throughout the 2013-2014 school year.

NCNW’s founder who established the women’s organization in 1935.

Education and giving back are the cornerstone of the civil rights organization.

The 16 Bethune teachers who were picked to receive the supplies were either new teachers to the school or first-year teachers who are just beginning their career in education.

Bethune’s Principal, Triscilla Weaver, said the NCNW’s act of kindness is greatly appreciated.

“We are always looking for the best way to set up our new teachers.

We realize that this first year here may determine if these teachers want to work with our students at our school and if they want to continue to work in this profession,” said Weaver.

The NCNW received the school supplies from its members, Genesis Prevention Coalition, Inc., Office Depot Foundation and the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA).

Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School opened in the 2000 – 2001 school year and is located at 5200 Covington Highway, Decatur.

Commissioner Johnson accepts leadership roles with NACo, DeKalb DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, District 3, was recently reappointed to chair the National Association of Counties (NACo) Health Steering Committee. He was also appointed vice chair of the organization’s International Economic Development Committee.

Linda Langston made her policy committee appointments shortly after being installed as NACo President during the 2013 NACo Annual Conference, which was held in July in Fort Worth,

Remembering Camille Braxton

Texas.

“It is an honor to be reappointed by President Langston to lead NACo’s Health Steering Committee, and I look forward to continuing the work the Health Steering Committee is currently engaged in, ” Johnson said.

Johnson has been active in NACo since 2005. He has held several leadership positions on the Health Steering Committee, including serving as chair in 2012-13. He served as a member of the Health System Reform Working Group

in 2007-10 and currently serves on the Healthy Counties Initiative Advisory Board.

The Health Steering Committee is responsible for NACo policy development on all matters pertaining to public health issues considered by Congress.

In DeKalb, Johnson has been appointed to serve as interim chair of the Finance, Audit and Budget Committee of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. The committee was previously chaired by Commissioner Lee

May, who is currently serving as interim CEO. “We have a number of priorities that we are working on and we, as a collective board and the CEO’s Office will begin working on the budget for 2014,” said Johnson, who has who has served on the Board of Commissioners for 11 years and has chaired a number of the board’s committees.

Johnson also serves as chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee.

Lithonia Library mourns Friends’ group advocate Mary Ann Cowan

July 14, 1988—Aug. 14, 2013

March 6, 1937 – July 13, 2013

By Joshua Smith

Camille Braxton, a 2006 graduate of Stephenson High School, On Common Ground News’ first school partner, lost her battle with cancer on Aug. 14. She had just celebrated her 25th birthday in July.

Described as a charismatic, fun, loving person, Ms. Braxton was a master at living life to the fullest. She accomplished many things including running track and obtaining her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Albany State University. A magnet of positivity, Ms. Braxton was a friend to everyone.

Ms. Braxton leaves behind to cherish her loving parents, Charnita and Eugene Braxton, Jr.; older brother, Douglas, along with a host of loving family and friends.

Whether at the Lithonia Woman’s Club, First Baptist Church of Lithonia or in the Lithonia-Davidson Library, longtime DeKalb County resident Mary Ann Cowan was described as a bright light in the community.

A dedicated member who served 35 years as the treasurer of the LithoniaDavidson Library’s Friends group, Cowan died in July from complications resulting from blood clots and strokes.

She was 76.

“Mary Ann was always a breath of sunshine on a cloudy day, and will be greatly missed by her church family,” Verzette Johnson of Lithonia wrote on Cowan’s digital guest book. “We will be remembering you in our thoughts and prayers.”

At the time of her death, Cowan was living in Conyers. However, Cowan’s history with the city of Lithonia runs deep. Born in 1937, she was a graduate of Lithonia High School and was known as an avid volunteer in the community of Lithonia, where she lived most of her life.

Lithonia resident Sandi Morris said Cowan was a local historian in every since of the word. She served as the treasure of the Lithonia Library’s

Friends group.

“She knew everything there was to know about the city, whether it was behind the scenes or out in the forefront,” said Morris, who says Cowan was an extreme Georgia Tech fan and was one of the nicest people you could meet. “Nearly every time you would see Mary Ann, she had a book in her hand. No one ever challenged her treasure position with the Friends group because she was so good at it.”

Known as “Mamo,” to her grandchildren, Mary Ann Cowan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny Cowan and daughter, Susan Cowan Atkinson. Surviving

are her daughters, Cathy Swain(Jeff), of Covington and Carol Robinson of Greensboro; 3 grandchildren: Robert Hinton, Jennifer Collins, and Hannah Cowan; 7 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

“Mary Ann was very popular around Lithonia so you can imagine this has been very sad for us,” said Patricia Robinson, vice president of the Lithonia Friends group. “We grew up together. She graduated from Lithonia High School in 1956 and I graduated in 1958. From talent shows and grammar school to working with the library as we got older, Mary Ann was a true friend.”

A funeral service was held on July 16 at First Baptist Church of Lithonia to honor her life and legacy in “The Granite City.” Dr. Jim Martin and Rev. Howard Greer officiated the service.

The Lithonia-Davidson Library, 6821 Church Street, Lithonia, and the library’s “Friends” group will honor Cowan posthumously with a reception service where a plaque and framed picture will be erected in the library in the next coming months.

If you would like to attend the plaque commemoration service, call the library and their Friends group at 770482-3820.

PAGE 6

august 15, 2013

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2013 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2013 VARS

DEKALB ATHLETICS: FOCUSING ON EDUCATIONALLY SOUND PRACTICES

2AAAAAA DATE

6AAAAA ARABIA MTN

CLARKSTON (N/R)

AUGUST 23

CLARKSTON

ARABIA MOUNTAIN

HOLY INNOCENTS

CEDAR GROVE

FRIDAY

DRUID HILLS

(A) 5:15PM

(H) 5:15PM

(A)

(A)

HALLFORD

DUNWOODY

LAKESIDE

HALLFORD

ML KING

MILLER GROVE

SW DEKALB

STEPHENSON

RIVERWOOD

TUCKER

CHA

PANTHERSVILLE

AUGUST 30

CLARKSTON

DRUID HILL

CHAMBLEE

LITHONIA

PEBBLEBROOK

FRIDAY

(A) 8:00 PM

(H) 8:00 PM

(H)

(A)

(H)

ADAMS

ADAMS

NORTH DEKALB

AVONDALE

HALLFORD

DUN

NORT

AUGUST 31

BLANCHE ELY, FL

NORLAND, FL

SATURDAY

(H) 5:15PM

(H) 8:00PM

HALLFORD

HALLFORD

SEPTEMBER 6

CHAMBLEE

STEPHENSON

Strong Rock Christian

LAKESIDE

DUNWOODY

SOUTHWEST DEKALB

ML KING

ARABIA MOUNTAIN

NORTH ATLANTA

FRIDAY

(A) 8:00PM

(A) 7:30PM

(A)

(A) 5:15PM

(H) 5:15PM

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

(H) 7:30PM

(H) 8:00PM

NORTH DEKALB

PANTHERSVILLE

Strong Rock Christian

ADAMS

ADAMS

HALLFORD

HALLFORD

PANTHERSVILLE

ADAMS

ARABIA MOUNTAIN

SEPTEMBER 7

DRU

(H)

NORT

MAYS

SATURDAY

(H) 8:00PM PANTHERSVILLE

SEPTEMBER 13

TUCKER

Towers

STEPHENSON

SOUTHWEST DEKALB

MAYS

NORTH ATLANTA

LAKESIDE

DUNWOODY

FRIDAY

(H)

(A)

(H)

(H)

(A) 8:00PM

(A) 8:00PM

(A)

(A)

(A)

HALLFORD

AVONDALE

NORTH DEKALB

ADAMS (HC)

LAKEWOOD

GRADY

ADAMS

NORTH DEKALB

HALLFORD

DECATUR

DUNWOODY

SEPTEMBER 14 SATURDAY

THERRELL (A) GRADY

SEPTEMBER 19 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20 FRIDAY

OPEN

SEPTEMBER 21

THURSDAY

STEPHENSON

MAYS

LAKESIDE

(A)

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM (HC)

(H)

ADAMS

HALLFORD

PANTHERSVILLE

HALLFORD

ADAMS (HC)

MILLER GROVE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26

TUCKER

(A) DECATUR

NORTH ATLANTA

SOUTH

NORT

ARABIA MOUNTAIN

(A)

(H)

(H)

PANTHERSVILLE

HALLFORD

PANTHERSVILLE

LOVEJOY (A) 7:00PM TWELVE OAKS

SEPTEMBER 27

ML KING

HAPEVILLE CHARTER

MILLER GROVE

TUCKER

DUNWOODY

STEPHENSON

SOUTHWEST DEKALB

LAKESIDE

(H)

(H) 5:15PM

(H)

(H) 8:00PM

(A)

(A)

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

(A) 8:00PM

PANTHERSVILLE

HALLFORD

NORTH DEKALB (HC)

ADAMS

PANTHERSVILLE

NORTH DEKALB

HALLFORD

HALLFORD

ADAMS

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

FRIDAY

ARABIA MOUNTAIN

O

SEPTEMBER 28 SATURDAY OCTOBER 4 FRIDAY

LUELLA

R

(H) 8:00PM

OPEN

OPEN

ADAMS (HC)

HA

OCTOBER 10 THURSDAY OCTOBER 11 FRIDAY

DUNWOODY

TUCKER

STEPHENSON

(A)

(A)

(H)

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

(H

SHARPE STADIUM

NEWTON CO.

ML KING ADAMS

ADAMS

HALLFORD

HALLFORD

NORT

OCTOBER 12

MAYS

SATURDAY

JOHNSON-­‐GAINESVILLE

(A)

(A)

LAKEWOOD

JOHNSON=GAINESVILLE

MILLER GROVE

OCTOBER 18

JOHNSON -­‐GAINESVILLE

GLASCOCK CO

MAYS

FRIDAY

(H) 5:15PM

(H) 5:15PM (HC)

(H)

HALLFORD

NORTH DEKALB

ADAMS

LAKESIDE

(A)

(H)

(H) (HC)

PANTHERSVILLE (HC)

HALLFORD

STEPHENSON

TUCKER

MILLER GROVE

SOUTHWEST DEKALB

(A) 8:00PM

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

HALLFORD

ADAMS

HALLFORD

ADAMS

NORTH ATLANTA

ML KING

LAKESIDE

SATURDAY

(H)

(H)

(A)

PANTHERSVILLE (HC)

ADAMS

ADAMS

OCTOBER 24

ALCOVY

THURSDAY

(A) 7:00PM

NORTH ATLANTA

PANTHERSVILLE

OCTOBER 19

CO

STONE

AVO

SHARPE STADIUM OCTOBER 25

CROSS KEYS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 26

FRIDAY

STEPHENSON

(A)

(A) 8:00PM

HALLFORD

PANTHERSVILLE

MAYS (A)

(H)

LAKESIDE

PANTHERSVILLE

MORROW

NORTH ATLANTA OPEN DUNWOODY

TUCKER

SOUTHWEST DEKALB

(A)

(H)

(A)

(H)

PANTHERSVILLE

PANTHERSVILLE

HALLFORD (H)

MILLER GROVE

ML KING

ADY

MAYS

(A)

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

(A) N. ATLANTA

(A) 5:30PM

PANTHERSVILLE

HALLFORD

HALLFORD

PANTHERSVILLE

7:00PM GRADY

LAKESIDE

LAKESIDE (H)

(A)

PANTHERSVILLE

PANTHERSVILLE

COLUMBIA

LITHONIA

FRIDAY

PANTHERSVILLE

ALL GAMES START AT 7:30PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

REDAN

TOWERS

DATE

GAC

TUCKER

JACKSON-­‐ATL

AUGUST 23

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 8:00PM

(H)

(A) 5:30PM

FRIDAY

GRADY

STONE MTN

CROSS KEYS (N/R)

6AAA DEKALB ATHLETICS: FOCUSING ON EDUCATIONAL

SOUTH ATLANTA

HALLFORD

CEDAR GROVE

MCNAIR

PANTHERSVILLE

GRADY

AUGUST 30

DUNWOODY

CEDAR GROVE

MILLER GROVE

TROUP CO

NORTH ATLANTA

BEST ACADEMY

COLUMBIA

OSBORNE

FRIDAY

(A)

(H)

(H)

(A)

(A)

(H) 5:15PM

(A)

(A)

NORTH DEKALB

PANTHERSVILLE

AVONDALE

TROUP

GRADY

ADAMS

PANTHERSVILLE

OSBORNE

AUGUST 30 FRIDAY

AUGUST 31

AUGUST 31

SATURDAY NORTH ATLANTA SEPTEMBER 6 (H) 8:00PM FRIDAY ADAMS

ATLANTA

SATURDAY DRUID HILLS

WASHINGTON-­‐ATL

SHILOH

(H) 8:00PM

(A) 8:00PM

(H) 5:15PM

(H) 5:15PM

(H)

NORTH DEKALB

LAKEWOOD

HALLFORD

NORTH DEKALB

AVONDALE

SEPTEMBER 7

H)

H)

ALE (HC)

(A)

FRIDAY

HALLFORD

PINECREST ACADEMY

GAC

COLUMBIA

(H) AVONDALE

STOCKBRIDGE

WESLEYAN

DUNWOODY SEPTEMBER 20 (H)

FRIDAY

ADAMS (HC)

(A)

(A)

(H)

WESLEYAN

HEBRON CHRISTIAN

AVONDALE (HC)

CEDAR GROVE

REDAN (A)

(H) (HC)

HALLFORD

PANTHERSVILLE

SOUTH ATLANTA

GRADY

BANNEKER

(H)

(H)

(H) 5:15PM

(H) 5:15PM

(A) 8:00PM

NORTH DEKALB

CARVER-­‐ATL AVONDALE

PANTHERSVILLE

HALLFORD

WASHINGTON-­‐ATL LAKEWOOD

OPEN

MT VERNON

FRIDAY

DOUGLASS

(A) 7:00PM

(A) 4:00PM

LAKEWOOD

LAKEWOOD

SEPTEMBER 2

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 2

THURSDAY NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

DECATUR

ST PIUS X

(H) 5:15PM

(A)

(H)

ADAMS

DECATUR

AVONDALE

SEPTEMBER 2 FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 2

SATURDAY REDAN

MARIST

STONE MOUNTAIN

CHAMBLEE

LITHONIA

ST FRANCIS

TOWERS

ST PIUS X

CEDAR GROVE

(A)

(A)

(A)

(H)

(H)

(H) 5:15PM

(H)

(A)

(A)

HALLFORD

MARIST

AVONDALE

HALLFORD (HC)

AVONDALE (HC)

ADAMS (HC)

PANTHERSVILLE (HC)

ST PIUS X

PANTHERSVILLE

CHAMBLEE

MARIST

(H) (HC)

(A)

(H) 5:15PM

NORTH DEKALB

NORTH DEKALB

HALLFORD

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY

STONE MOUNTAIN

SATURDAY

ADAMS

FRIDAY

THURSDAY COLUMBIA

OCTOBER 12

(H) 8:00PM FRIDAY

OCTOBER 4

OCTOBER 10

THURSDAY

D TRINITY SOUTHWEST DOCTOBER EKALB 18

NAIR

BEST ACADEMY

(A) 1:00PM MT VERNON

OCTOBER 10

HALLFORD

:15PM

FRIDAY

8/13/13

(H) 8:00PM FRIDAY

ERSVILLE

SEPTEMBER 2

SATURDAY OCTOBER 4

H)

PEN

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 28

NDALE

ATUR

SEPTEMBER 1

THURSDAY

ADAMS

RD ACADEMY STEPHENSON OCTOBER 11

H)

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 1

THURSDAY

(A) 8:00PM FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 1

LAKESIDE SEPTEMBER 27

ERSVILLE

NDALE

DOUGLASS

(H) HALLFORD

SEPTEMBER 26

GROVE

A)

CLARKSTON

(H) PANTHERSVILLE

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

D TRINITY

HEBRON CHRISTIAN

(A) GAC

SEPTEMBER 19

SEPTEMBER 21

A)

SOUTH ATLANTA

(H) 5:15PM PANTHERSVILLE

SATURDAY

GLASS

H)

FRIDAY

(A) 5:15PM

SEPTEMBER 14

:00PM

NDALE

SEPTEMBER

PANTHERSVILLE

WOOD

IUS X

DOUGLASS

MCNAIR

SATURDAY

NDALE

KSTON ARABIA MOUNTAIN SEPTEMBER 13

REGION P

ARABIA MOUNTAIN

6AAAA

(A)

11/7 THURSDAY

NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN

AUGUST 23 CEDAR GROVE

:30PM

DUNWOODY

(H)

CHAMBLEE

M

HALLFORD

SOUTHWEST DEKALB

DENOTES NON-REGION

(HC)SDENOTES HOMECOMING TRICT 2(N/R) 013 VARSITY FOOTBALL CHEDULE DATE

M

MAYS

ADAMS SATURDAY

TUCKER

ML KING

(A) HALLFORD

(H) NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN

(N/R) DENOTES NON-­‐REGION (HC) DENOTES HOMECOMING MES START AT 7:30PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

ON-­‐ATL

MILER GROVE

(H) ADAMS

NORTH DEKALB

ROCKDALE CO.

NOVEMBER 9

WERS

LIT

AVO

ARABIA MOUNTAIN

NORTH DEKALB FRIDAY

ARABIA MOUNTAIN

(A)

(H)

MILLER GROVE

(H) 8:00PM PANTHERSVILLE

PANTHERSVILLE

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8

ML KING

(H) HALLFORD (HC)

NORTH DEKALB NOVEMBER 2

TUCKER

(A) 5:30pm LAKEWOOD

SOUTHWEST DEKALB

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1

NORTH ATLANTA

(H) ADAMS

STONE MOUNTAIN (A) AVONDALE

OCTOBER 19

LITHONIA

SATURDAY

MCNAIR

CEDAR GROVE

WOODWARD ACADEMY

(A)

(A)

(H)

(H)

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY

PANTHERSVILLE

PANTHERSVILLE

AVONDALE

REDAN

(H)

(A)

AVONDALE

AVONDALE

MARIST

CHAMBLEE

(H)

(A) AVONDALE

FRIDAY

OCTOBER 12

SATURDAY MT ZION-­‐JONESBORO

ST PIUS X

WOODWARD ACADEMY

BLESSED TRINITY

(A)

(H)

(A)

(H)

(A)

(A)

MARIST

AVONDALE

MT ZION-­‐JONESBORO

PANTHERSVILLE

WOODWARD ACADEMY

BLESSED TRINITY

COLUMBIA

AVONDALE

OCTOBER 11

OCTOBER 18 FRIDAY

OCTOBER 19

SATURDAY

OCTOBER 24

OCTOBER 24

THURSDAY

THURSDAY

MILLER GROVE OCTOBER 25

MARIST

(A) 8:00PM FRIDAY PANTHERSVILLE OCTOBER 26 SATURDAY ML KING NOVEMBER 1 (H)

FRIDAY

HALLFORD

LITHONIA

REDAN

CHAMBLEE

CLARKSTON

(H)

(A)

NORTH DEKALB

ADAMS

DECATUR

OCTOBER 25

(H) 5:15PM

(H)

FRIDAY

PANTHERSVILLE

AVONDALE

COLUMBIA

OCTOBER 26

(A)

(H)

(H)

(A)

SATURDAY

AVONDALE

HALLFORD (HC)

AVONDALE (HC)

HALLFORD

MARIST

STONE MOUNTAIN

COLUMBIA

HAPEVILLE CHARTER

WOODWARD ACADEMY

DECATUR

(A)

(A)

(H)

(A)

(A)

(A)

MARIST

AVONDALE

AVONDALE

HAPEVILLE CHARTER

WOODWARD ACADEMY

DECATUR

NOVEMBER 2

REDAN

SATURDAY

(H) PANTHERSVILLE

REGION PLAY IN GAME

REGION PLAY IN GAME

REGION PLAY IN GAME

LAKESIDE

SATURDAY

REGION PLAY IN GAME

OPEN

TOWERS

MCNAIR

(H) 5:15PM

(H) 5:15PM

(A) 5:15PM

HALLFORD

PANTHERSVILLE

PANTHERSVILLE

NOVEMBER 9

NOVEMBER FRIDAY

NOVEMBER

SATURDAY

(N/R) DENOTES NON-REGION

FRIDAY

NOVEMBER

BLESSED TRINITY REGION PLAY IN GAME

NOVEMBER OPEN

LITHONIA

(A) PANTHERSVILLE

MAYS NOVEMBER 8 (A) 5:30PM FRIDAY

BLESSED TRINITY OPEN

SATURDAY

(HC) DENOTES HOMECOMING

ING ON EDUCATIONALLY SOUND PRACTICES

ALL GAMES START AT 7:30PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

august 15, 2013

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

august 15, 2013

Business News

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 accelerates licensing for home-based, small businesses Home-based businesses in DeKalb County can now receive licenses the same day that they apply. DeKalb County has expedited the process, eliminating repeat trips and weeks of waiting to get approved, officials recently announced.

For businesses moving into an existing office or retail space of less than 3,000 square feet where there are no changes to the space, DeKalb is now offering a “Move-in As Is Affidavit” in lieu of the business owner submitting professionallyprepared plans. The County says this enhancement will save proprietors hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, while reducing the time from application submission to business opening from four to six weeks to seven to 10 days.

DeKalb Chamber hosts ‘Grow Your Business Now’ The DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce and Peach State Federal Credit Union will team up to host “Grow Your Business Now!” on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.

Join the DeKalb Chamber and the credit union to hear about “ Now” accounts, a new merchant services program that enables companies that do business with the government and select contractors to immediately access payment with flexible credit terms.

For more information or to register for this event, contact Katerina Taylor ktaylor@dekalbchamber.org. 404-378-8000.

BBA welcomes MARTA CEO Keith Parker The Buckhead Business Association will welcome MARTA CEO Keith T. Parker as the keynote speaker at its breakfast meeting on Thursday, Aug. 22, 7:30 a.m. at the City Club of Buckhead, 3343 Peachtree Road, N.E., Suite 1850, Atlanta.

Parker is general manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), the nation’s 9th largest transit system.

MARTA provides nearly 420,000 passenger boardings a day. Parker took the helm of MARTA on Dec. 10, 2012.

Parker’s career has included public and private sector experiences in diverse communities around the country, including Virginia, California, Washington State, North Carolina and Texas. Most recently, Parker served as CEO for transit systems in San Antonio (the nation’s 7th largest city).

The cost to attend is $10, in honor of BBA’s Visitors Day. Cost includes parking validation and breakfast. For more information or to register, contact Jenn Thomas at 404-467-7607 or jthomas@buckheadbusiness.org.

Gwinnett Chamber ready for business expo, job fair The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Gwinnett Medical Center will team up to host the 2013 Business Expo and Job Fair on Thursday, Aug. 22, 12 – 5 p.m., at the Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will hold the free, one-day business tradeshow and job fair featuring nearly 150 exhibitors and a variety of business seminars.

Attendees will have the chance to not only shop for jobs, but make contacts and exchange leads with more than 400 Chamber members. An estimated 5,000 attendees are expected to attend.

For more information or to register, call 770-232-3000.

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber ready for the next class of entrepreneurs CONYERS—It took Esther Williams two years to earn her master’s degree in business administration in 2000 at the University of Phoenix. It took her six weeks at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy to learn everything she needed to start her own business.

“Everything—from insurance to opening policies—was covered. It’s really what I needed to get things up and running,” said Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor who completed the entrepreneurial program earlier this year.

Williams launched the Green Hygiene Company, LLC. The business offers environmentally-safe cleaning products on a corporate level, as well as household cleaning. She says the Entrepreneurial Academy also gave her the confidence to bring to life a second business, Neighborly Needs, Inc., which provides services to single mothers and their families.

The Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Academy is designed to assist those who want to start a business but are unsure where to begin.

“The Entrepreneurial Academy is a seven-week program where those either new to business, or contemplating a new business are provided with the foundational business knowledge,” said Thua Barlay, 2013 Chamber chairman.

“The success of the program not only lies in the number of people that go on to start business, but in the number that, when given the right information, decide that business ownership may not be right for them.”

Each instructor in the program is an experienced entrepreneur in his or her

field of business. Instructors cover topics such as: branding, accounting, banking, retirement planning for small businesses, marketing, legal entities, insurance, online technology strategies, financial planning, accounting, and tax management.

“This is the only program like this offered by any Chamber of Commerce in Georgia and unique from other programs offered in the area because the instructors are local business leaders who make their living doing what they teach,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber.

The academy has drawn participants from Stockbridge, College Park, Stone Mountain, Forest Park, Lithonia, Decatur and even McDonough.

The Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is currently enrolling students for the fall semester, which starts Sept. 16.

Among the Academy instructors are Josh Whitaker of BB&T Bank; Brian Howe of ThinkTank Coaching; CLU and financial planner Julian Harwell; Diane Adoma of H&R Block; and Scott Hartsell, technology consultant.

“Of the more than 300 academy graduates who have come through the program since it started in 2004, more than 50 percent are now in business for themselves, and many others are making plans to begin,” said Boscarino.

Classes are held Mondays, 6 – 9 p.m. for seven weeks at the Chamber’s office building, 936 Green St., Conyers. The academy costs $150. The fee includes class materials, a light supper each evening and a graduation dinner. For more information or to register, call 770483-7049 or visit www.conyers-rockdale. com.

Paid Advertorial

DeKalb County Small Business Summit

ABWA to host networking event The American Business Women’s Association will host a woman’s networking event on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Wall Street Executive Suites, 2375 Wall Street, Suite 140, Conyers.

The purpose of the networking event is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and recognition.

The cost to attend is $20. For more information or to register, call Patti Bryson at 770-712-1688.

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Advertisement for Thursday, August 15, 2013

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.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Innovative Strategies for Growth Hosted by:

13-100361 ITB

Concrete Repair at Water Channels and Ozone Galleries, Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant

September 12, 2013

Interim CEO Lee May DeKalb County Board of Commissioners DeKalb County Office of Economic Development Development Authority of DeKalb County

13-100371 ITB

One Time Stream Cleanup of South Fork Peachtree Creek, Snapfinger Creek and South River

September 12, 2013

Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, Georgia 30021

13-500261 RFP

Engineering and Design Services for Public works Transportation and Infrastructure Projects

September 25, 2013

ITEM

CLOSING DATE

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

4:00 – 5:00 PM Closing Reception with Interim CEO May

Cost: $25.00 Register Today

at www.dekalbsummit2013.eventbrite.com Contact: Michelle J. Menifee (404) 687-2730 or mdjordan@dekalbcountyga.gov

Other Organizations Participating:

Keynote Speaker

Cassius Butts

Regional Director U.S. Small Business Administration Region IV Southeast

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs • Atlanta Microfund • DeKalb Chamber of Commerce • DeKalb County Government DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation • DeKalb Microenterprise Institute • Georgia Department of Economic Development Georgia Piedmont Technical College • Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute (EII) – Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center • Green Chamber of the South - Greenhouse Accelerator • Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Invest Atlanta • Kendrick Law Practice, LLC • Passkey Strategies • UGA Small Business Development Center DeKalb County • Urban League of Greater Atlanta • US Small Business Administration

august 15, 2013

PAGE 9

We Worship

To Contact Us

By Phone: 678-526-1910

By Fax: 678-526-1909

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

Faith-Based News & Inspiration

Antioch-Lithonia sets revival, homecoming celebration

By Joshua Smith

LITHONIA—AntiochLithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, will host a three-day revival on Aug. 21 – 23, 7:30 nightly. The church revival will welcome guest speaker Pastor Billy R. Johnson, of New Covenant Christian Ministries, in Lithonia and Covington.

“Atlanta is blessed with some of the best pastors in the world. Pastor Billy Johnson is one of them,” said Pastor James C. Ward, who has served as pastor of the historic Antioch church since 1995. “I am honored to say that Pastor Johnson and I are truly friends in the ministry. He is blessed both musically and with the ability to reach the people.”

Pastor Johnson says he

Pastor James C. Ward

Pastor Billy Johnson

may “strike up a cord or two” at the revival.

“Pastor Ward is a pillar in the community. I spoke at Antioch’s revival last year and I am looking forward to seeing how God will move this year,” said Pastor Johnson. “Pastor Ward has given me the liberty to minister however the Lord leads me. We are looking forward to breakthroughs and bringing those who are not saved to Christ.”

Pastor Ward says the preached word is like food to his congregation and it’s

always good to have a fresh voice come in to speak to the people.

“The word is food for the ministry and it never hurts to bring in good catering,” said Pastor Ward.

On Sunday, Aug. 25, the church will host a homecoming celebration at both of its morning services, 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. The church’s mass choir and dance ministry will render selections and Pastor Ward will deliver the message at the celebratory services.

At the 10:30 a.m. service, psalmist Brian Saxton will perform. Ward said Saxton is a great singer. The last time Saxton came to the church, Pastor Ward says Saxton received a great reception from visitors and guests.

Antioch-Lithonia

Stan Watson presents annual ‘Deacons in Devotion’ DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson will honor African American men in the gospel music industry at his “Deacons in Devotion” program on Sunday, Aug. 25. A dessert reception will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with the program starting at 5 p.m. at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

The event, in its third year, was started by Watson, a longtime deacon, to say thank you to fellow deacons for the work that they do in South DeKalb churches and to recognize other notable men doing ministry work.

This year’s honorees include nine men in the gospel music industry: Ace Alexander; K.D. Bowe; Donald Cochran; Rodney Evans; Reggie Gay; Robert Grissom; Rhodell Lewis; Larry Tinsley; and Bobby Hurd (posthumously).

Missionary Baptist Church’s history dates back to 1869,with several prominent pastors at the helm, including the Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, maternal grandfather of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pastor Ward says the celebration of homecoming worship service dates back to the Great Migration in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s when African Americans left the South to pursue a better life in the Northwest, Midwest and far Eastern states.

“Once a year, those who had left the South would return to their cultural and geographical roots. The custom evolved into what we now know as homecoming church services,” said Pastor Ward. “It was a time to see family members-face-to-face,

bring a gift for your mother and father, show success, and to prove that one’s home training had paid off.”

Ward says over the years, the homecoming service has changed slightly, but the main purpose—reuniting with family and friends—still holds true generations later.

“The homecoming service is usually held in late summer or early fall, as it always has been. Homecoming service is all about love,” said Pastor Ward. “We celebrate success at these services, we celebrate family and we celebrate the Lord through praise, worship and other forms of ministry.”

For more information on the revival or homecoming services, call Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church at 770-482-1277 or visit www. antiochlithonia.org.

3 LOCATIONS AND ONLINE Salem Baptist Church in Lilburn Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough Big Miller Grove Baptist Church in Lithonia

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PAGE 10

august 15, 2013

50th Anniversary of March on Washington Springfield Baptist to mark 50th Anniversary NAACP branches plan to commemorate 50th Anniversary of March On Washington of March on Washington Several Georgia NAACP branches are taking motor coaches to the 50 Anniversary th

CONYERS—Springfield Baptist Church will host a community worship service on Aug. 28 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March On Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.

Dr. Charles Goodman of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta will be the guest speaker at Springfield’s special worship service.

Pastor Eric Lee, who heads Springfield, said that it is important that churches commemorate the historic event because of the role that churches have always played in the Civil Rights Movement.

“The African American church has always been at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Lee. “…We would not be experiencing the leadership of President Barack Obama, if it were not for the March On Washington, D.C. There were many churches that pulled together to participate in the march. ” Lee said he believes that commemorating the March on Washington also is another positive way to remember Trayvon Martin, the unarmed Florida teen who was shot to death by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch coordinator who said he thought the black teen looked suspicious. A jury found Zimmerman not guilty based on Florida’s so called “Stand Your Ground” law, a decision that sparked protests across the nation. Lee recently moderated a panel discussion at Springfield about the case.

“The goal was to take outrage and transform that outrage into redemption,” Lee said. “It’s wasted emotion, if we don’t channel it into positive outcome. The merits of the case are what they are. We want to talk about what to do to prevent anymore Trayvon Martin cases from occurring.”

Everyone is invited to the Aug. 28, 7p.m., worship service.

Springfield is located at 1877 Iris Drive, Conyers. For more information, call 770-929-1111.

First Baptist to present author, awardwinning columnist Gary Younge DECATUR— First Baptist Church Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., will present Gary Younge, author and award-wining columnist, on Aug. 29, 7 p.m. Younge will discuss his new book, “The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King’s Dream.” King’s speech 50 years after the March on Washington, D.C., endures as a defining moment in the Civil Rights movement.

The lecture program is sponsored by Georgia Center for the Book and hosted by First Baptist Church Decatur Conversations.

No tickets or reservations required. For more information, call 404-373-1653.

Commemorating the March On Washington this month. The branches are planning to leave Friday, Aug. 23, to arrive in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Aug. 24, when the commemoration events will be held beginning at 9:30 a.m. at 600 New Jersey Ave., Washington, D.C. The DeKalb County NAACP is not taking its own bus. Rather, its members plan to join one of the buses already scheduled, said John Evans, who heads the DeKalb branch.

“We need to come out and show our strength in numbers,” said Evans. “We must appreciate our history as African Americans and preserve it too, this is the history of our Nation, no matter what color you are. If we don’t commemorate and preserve this moment in history, who will?”

Here is the itinerary for the day’s events: • 8 a.m. citizens will begin assembling at 600 New Jersey Ave. Some of the citizens who were at the original 1963 March on Washington will lead the march. The march will begin at 9:30 a.m.

• After 15 minutes at the Department of Labor, the “March for Jobs and Justice” will then take participants to the United States Department of Justice, l950 Pennsylvania Ave. • A 15-minute rally is planned at the Department of Justice. Marchers will then proceed southwest making their way to the National Mall to join in the additional events planned in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington • The Civil Rights Museum on Wheels (pending approval from the National Parks Service) will be stationed somewhere near the National Mall as an interactive exhibit Contact the person listed to find out exact times and locations as it is subject to change.

NAACP Atlanta Branch NAACP Jefferson Co. Branch Departing: Aug. 23 Departing: Aug. 23 Location: Mount Ephraim Baptist Location: Ingle’s Super Mart, Hwy. Church, 1202 W. Marietta 1 Bypass, Louisville, GA St. Atlanta GA 30318 Returning: Aug. 24, 8 p.m.

Returning: Aug. 24, 7 p.m.

Cost: $125 Roundtrip Cost: $115 Roundtrip Contact: Charlie Brown Contact: Mary Ross Phone: (706) 830-7681 Phone: (404)524-0580 NAACP Augusta-Richmond Co. NAACP Columbus, GA Branch Branch Departing: Aug. 23 Departing: Aug. 23 Location: Citizen Trust Bank, Macon Location: Wal-Mart Super Center, Road, Columbus, GA 3209 Dan’s Bridge Road, Returning: Aug. 25, 6 p.m.

Augusta, GA Cost: $ 160 Roundtrip (includes Returning: Aug. 24, 8 p.m. overnight hotel stay) Cost: $85 Roundtrip Contact: Tonza S. Thomas Contact: Dr. Charles Smith Phone: (706) 580-2293 Phone: (706) 284-0275 * Overnight hotel accommodations @ the Dbl. Tree – by Hilton, VA

50 Dream th

NAACP Elbert Co. Branch Departing: Aug. 23 Location: Wal-Mart Super Center, Lexington Hwy 78 Returning: Aug. 24, 7 p.m.

of

Phinia Aten Chief Magistrate Judge Magistrate Court of Rockdale

NAACP Liberty Co. Branch Departing: Aug. 23 Locations: Wal-Mart Super Center, Hinesville, GA Garden City, Savannah, GA Cost: $248 – Adult Roundtrip Contact: Dwight Newbould Phone: 912-570-6615

Cost: $110 Roundtrip Contact: Attorney John Clark Phone: (706) 206-9039 * Overnight hotel accommodations @ the Comfort Inn & Suites, VA

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s

I have a Speech

U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson 4th District

NAACP Cobb Co. Branch Departing: Aug. 23 Location: Turner Chapel Church, 569 Nth. Marietta Pkwy, Marietta, GA Returning: Aug. 24, 11 p.m.

Cost: $ 90 – Adult Roundtrip, $25 – Youth roundtrip Contact: Deanne Bonner Phone: (770) 425-5757

Emanuel D. Jones Georgia State Senator District 10

Tonya Anderson Georgia State Representative District 92

Ronnie L. Mabra Georgia State Representative District 63

Gregory A. Adams Chief and Administrative Judge

Richard A. Oden Chairman & CEO Rockdale County Government

Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court DeKalb County

Dr. Elbonie Hornbuckle Loving Care Family Chiropractic

Karen Gregory Hines Attorney And Counselor At Law

Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit

august 15, 2013

PAGE 11

Sheriff says disciplinary actions fair, family dissatisfied

‘National stage’ set for high school classic

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

would have been his responsibility to take a deep breath, encourage his troops to take a deep breath and possibly approached this thing another way.”

Deputies were serving a warrant on Natania Griffin, who was in arrears on a $1,000 court bill. Griffin’s 23-year-old son, Donavan Hall, said deputies stated the wrong address when they initially arrived, but persisted in ringing the doorbell and knocking. Hall asked from behind the closed front door why deputies were at his family’s house but he said they refused to answer.

“Sgt. Michael McGhee had a responsibility to at least read the warrant, know what he was getting into, and he didn’t do that,” Brown acknowledged.

The sheriff said he demoted McGhee to deputy. Brown said McGhee had the opportunity to take an early retirement if he did not want to take the demotion. Deputies Ray Hunt, Charles Dix and Aaron Jackson were all suspended without pay. Dix and Jackson were suspended for 8.5 hours, the equivalent of one day, and Hunt was suspended for 17 hours, the equivalent of two days, Brown said. The suspension marked the second time that Jackson, who has been with the Sheriff’s Department since 1999, has been disciplined. He also was suspended last year for public criticism of the agency, Brown said.

The family said they were not satisfied with Brown’s action, adding that the family had received no apology from the sheriff. Hall said deputies not only verbally abused him and his younger brother, but physically abused them. He said deputies stepped on his head and hurt his arms. They threatened to use a taser gun on him and his brother, Hall said.

“We are not satisfied as a family. We will not be satisfied until all of the officers involved in this matter are fired and are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Griffin, who said she planned to take legal action. “This is

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

L-R: Gerald Rose, Natania Griffin and Donavan Hall hold a press conference outside the sheriff’s headquarters on Memorial Drive in Decatur.

bigger than just coming to someone’s house at an inappropriate hour. They dragged me out of my house, attacked my children and trampled on our constitutional rights. We have a right to be safe within our homes.”

Gerald Rose, who heads the New Order National Human Rights Organization, said no justice was served by the sheriff’s disciplinary actions.

“This is a slap in the face. He (Sheriff Brown) should have set an example,” Rose said. “This is a man who is running for the U.S. Congress. The system has failed us. We’re going to protest. There’s no way you can come up with that kind of light discipline and call it justice after witnessing that videotape.”

The sheriff said he believes the disciplinary actions were fair. He said the family should have opened the door when deputies first asked them to do so and since they did not, the deputies’ suspicions were heightened. Brown said law enforcement officers do their best to protect themselves and the public. They had no way of knowing what was going on behind the closed door. Brown said the proper thing to do when law enforcement officers are ringing or knocking is to open the door.

you will see quarterback DeWann Ford, a junior, passing a lot more,” said Gartrell, who is entering his 18th season coaching the Jags who went 7-2 last year. “Look out for Dexter Neal. Last year, he put up more than 400 yards receiving. On defense, I expect seniors Malik Ricks and Dale Warren to be productive at this game and throughout the season.”

There will not only be a battle on the gridiron, but the “Halftime Battle of the Bands” will showcase performances by the four high schools’ marching bands.

Some fans are already pulling for their schools. Travord Rolle, who was a drum major for Norland High School, says he’s heard about the big game and is looking forward to the battle between Stephenson and Norland, which finished last year’s season 8-3.

“We won State in 2002 and 2011 so I expect them to come up here and handle business,” said Rolle, who graduated from the Miami Gardens’ high school in 2004. “I know the band has received some superior rankings lately for their concert performances. It should be interesting to see what they bring to the field.”

School officials say they expect the event to have a big economic impact on DeKalb and the district’s high school athletic programs.

“We have 12 DeKalb Chick-fil-As, the DeKalb Visitors Bureau and local Marriott hotels working with us on this event. We expect fans from this game to fill up hotels. They will be traveling from all over Georgia and Florida to witness this showdown,” said Dunson. “Each of the district’s high schools will get a percentage of ticket sales from the event. The schools have the potential to earn thousands for their programs.”

Dunson said the “Battle of the Borders” also is expected to draw scouts from across the nation.

“This is a national stage. We expect several college scouts to be in attendance. We expect people will travel from all over Georgia and Florida to enjoy the bands, the great competition and support a good cause,” said Dunson. “We plan to make it bigger and bigger each year with more teams and more top talent.”

The “Battle of the Borders High School Showdown” will be held Saturday, Aug. 31, at Hallford Stadium, 3789 Memorial College Ave., Clarkston. Tickets for the event are $10 in advance at Chickfil-A restaurants and www.totalgatesolutions.com or $12 at the gate.

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