August 2, 2014 by On Common Ground News

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GPTC host open house for new production studio ....page 3

Let’s Move! DeKalb takes childhood obesity head on....page 6

SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 18

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DeKalb’s Interim CEO May reviews year on the job, future goals By Joshua Smith

veryday Lee May wakes up with one mission on his mind: Restoring the faith of DeKalb County residents. A year ago, May hit the ground running after Gov. Nathan Deal appointed him to the county’s top seat as DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis stepped down to face a corruption court case. DeKalb was not only reeling from that case, but a racketeering case involving former DeKalb School Superintendent Crawford Lewis. “That was an interesting moment and a unique experience for myself and the county. We were in a position as a county that we were never in before. The anxiety, the uncertainty

about the future leadership of DeKalb really was at stake. People were wondering what was going to happen next,” said May. “Most people enter into a role like this with a transitional period of two to three months. I had a two-hour transitional period. Operating a government with a billion dollar budget, you have to keep an open dialogue with the thousands of employees here, keep a good relationship with commissioners and always think about what you can do next to successfully govern the county.” May, 38, is the youngest person to lead DeKalb, Georgia’s third-largest county with more than 700,000 residents. May served as DeKalb’s District 5 commissioner before he was tapped to See May, page 7

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Atlanta Public Schools employees to receive pay raise The Atlanta Public Schools employees will see their first pay increase in over five years, some of them beginning this week. The school system has implemented a district-wide pay increase plan that was announced by the Atlanta Board of Education in late June. The plan represents a $12 million increase in the system’s overall salary budget. All fulltime employees who were hired by the district prior to July 2014 will receive an adjustment that will be paid in equal amounts throughout the rest of the 2014-2015 school year or in a one-time payment, depending on the employee’s date of hire. “I am really happy to be able to reiterate the Board’s appreciation for the support that district employees have continued to provide to the students and families of Atlanta Public Schools,” said Dr. Meria J. Carstarphen, superintendent of the Atlanta Public Schools. “We have some very committed employees, and this is a direct, positive impact on their lives.” Wages for Atlanta Public Schools employees were frozen in 2009, as a result of major cuts to education across the state. Based on tenure and work schedule, some employees will see increases in their July 31 pay. Others will see the increase start in August. The amount of an increase will also vary, with those who were hired before June 2009 receiving the largest increase – a 5 percent raise. The average pay increase for employees will be 4 percent. “Having a great school district starts with having talented and dedicated employees, and we a committed to Atlanta Public Schools becoming one of the nation’s leading districts” said Dr. Carstarphen “I believe the children of Atlanta deserve this type of commitment.” Atlanta Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Georgia, serving approximately 50,000 students across 106 learning sites.

Richard Oden presents the homeowners with grant for $306,000.

Photos by Mackenzie N. Morgan/OCG News

Joy Freeman is all smiles about her new step-in tub.

Rockdale residents, county officials celebrate federally-funded home makeover program

By Mackenzie N. Morgan

t’s been 10 years since Joy Freeman has used a bathtub. Thanks to a grant from the Rockdale Community Home Investment Program (CHIP), the Rockdale senior citizen can now safely soak in her brand new handicap-accessible bathtub. “The last time I got in a bathtub I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to get out,” said Freeman who uses a walker due to limited mobility. “Getting a walk-in bathtub was my favorite part of the home renovation project and now I can take baths like I used to.” The Rockdale resident is among seven homeowners who received home rehabilitation funds and one new homeowner who received down payment assistance through the Rockdale CHIP grant. Several elected officials, homeowners and program executives and partners attended a cake cutting ceremony on July 31 at the J.P. Carr Community Center in Conyers to celebrate the program’s successful completion. “This is the second housing grant that Rockdale has received, but it is the first community home improvement program the county has received, so this was huge,” said Rockdale County Chairman and CEO Richard Oden. Other programs, such as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), administered through the American Recovery Act of 2007, allows the county to sell affordable housing to eligible homebuyers through the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned

homes whereas CHIP recipients are able to get assistance with costly home repairs and down payment assistance. Oden said he made it top priority to seek local business to help get the job done. One of the partners, CEO and President of EW Capital Management, Joel Elliott, said the project was a great success. “It was a fantastic project. Some of the things we were able to do, the home owners would probably not have been able to do on their own. Most of the things we did were sustainable, making sure we made the homes energy efficient to reduce energy costs,” said Elliott. Michelle Lewis from the Department of Community Affairs said that although the application process can be intimidating, she encourages all communities to apply when the application process reopens. “In the long run, it is worth it to see homeowners who’ve never had air-conditioning receive AC units, roofing repairs, new appliances like stoves and refrigerators or even handicap-accessible home modifications such as lowered cabinets, wheelchair ramps, and widened doorways that all improve quality of living,” said Lewis. Lewis said the DCA received an award of $10.2 million in April of this year and would be allocating all of the funding to CHIP in the next round of grant applications. Normally, CHIP receives around $3 million See Home makeover, page 7

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AUGUST 2, 2014

Encouraging Perfect School Attendance to Build a Better Future { smart

prosecution for a better quality of life }

my goal is to: ➤ keep our community safe ➤ improve our quality of life ➤ keep our kids in school and out of trouble ➤ protect the vulnerable solicitor-General boston wants to help kids stay in school to ensure a brighter future for dekalb’s youngest citizens. our office works hard with families and school administrators to provide support and resolve attendance issues before they rise to the level of prosecution of parents and guardians.

Sherry Boston dekalb county solicitor-general

404.371.2201 www.dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org

AUGUST 2, 2014 PAGE 3

AUGUST  2, 2014  VOLUME 20, NO. 18 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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Community News GPTC host open house for new production studio

eorgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) has opened a new media production studio for students interested in pursuing training in the film and television industry. Georgia Chamber of Commerce officials were on hand July 28 to help celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony for the state-of-the-arts facility at the Clarkston campus. Officials also held an open house that day, providing guests with tours of the new facility, which will house the college’s Design and Media Production Technology (DMPT) and Recording Arts Technology (RART) programs. GPTC President Jabari Simama said he is excited that the program will prepare students for Georgia’s bustling media production industry. “Upon becoming president, I immediately

realized we needed to establish a program based on the number of movies, TV shows, music, and video games produced in our service area—focusing on design, media production, and recording technologies in order to meet the needs of this highgrowth market,” said Simama.

“To me, the trajectory of this industry was evident.” The Georgia Department of Economic Development estimates film and television projects contributed $3.3 billion to the state’s economy last year. Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber

of Commerce (who is also a Technical College System of Georgia board member) praised Simama’s stewardship and the new facility. “The mark of success is leadership, and Dr. Simama is a visionary leader, not only at the college level but also within the community and the state,” said Clark. “I’ve been an advocate of the film industry and its contributions to the economy for many years. The state needs programs such as Design and Media Production Technology and Recording Arts Technology because they are vital to our ability to grow.” To learn more about the DMPT or RART programs at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, contact Cory Thompson, director of program development, at 404-297-9522, ext. 1118 or visit the college’s website, www.gptc.edu.

DeKalb Workforce Development to host “Youth ROCK!” DeKalb Workforce Development will host its year-end event for youths enrolled in its summer jobs program. About 265 youths are expected to attend the Youth ROCK! (Round-up Occupational Career Kick-off) on Friday, Aug. 8. Program participants ages 14 to 21 will attend workshops, hear from speakers and do role-playing to expose them to a variety of careers and academic endeavors including media/TV, entrepreneurship,

criminal justice, and healthcare. This summer, the youths were employed in film and media, transportation and public safety. “We wanted to have a year-end event that would be a learning and interactive experience to enhance their careerbuilding skills,” said Cheryl Stone, executive director of DWD. “We’re looking forward to it.” DeKalb Workforce Development

offers mentoring and life skills training to teens and young adults enrolled in its yearround program. Youths learn, among other things, how to become self-sufficient by building their competency in financial management, leadership and character building. For more information about DWD programs, contact Latanya Lowery at llowery@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-3713038, ext. 262

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AUGUST 2, 2014

Coming Up

DeKalb NAACP, Alphas, GPTC to host back-to-school rally The DeKalb NAACP, the DeKalb chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Georgia Piedmont Technical College will host its second Annual Back-to-School Boot Camp and Parent Rally on Saturday, Aug. 9. The event will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the college’s Clarkston campus, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive. Parents who register and attend workshops are eligible for free school supplies while they last. The purpose of the event is to empower parents to take control of their children’s education and provide students with information that will help them throughout the school year. Advance registration is available at: www.DeKalbAlphas.org/bootcamp.

Jazz artist Theresa Hightower to perform at ART Station cabaret

“Walk With a Doc” set in Decatur The City of Decatur has a new free walking program that links health professionals with walkers in downtown Decatur. The program brings health professionals to walkers to chat with as you walk and they answer questions casually about hot topics in the active adult aging population. Health professionals in the program include orthopedists, firefighters, EMTs, veterinarians, optometrists, registered dieticians, psychiatrists, dentists, and master gardeners as well as adult programs leaders. The walk starts at 127 E. Court Square, Decatur on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. For more information, call 404-370-4100.

ATLANTA City officials, Westview residents set Public Safety Day City of Atlanta law enforcement and the Westview neighborhood group will host a night of public safety on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at Olympian Park, located at the intersection of South Olympian Way and Waters Drive. The community is invited to join Westview residents, police, firemen and city officials for food, music, and public safety awareness. There will be hotdogs, cookies, chips, sodas and water. The free event is designed to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; gtrengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. www.westviewatlanta.com.

Teen essay contest celebrates the internet The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is hosting an essay contest during the month of August for teens to express their thoughts about the impact of the internet. An iTunes gift card is up for grabs. Questions to be answered in the essay are: Can you tell us what the most important aspect of this technology (the internet) is to your life? What internet-based technology could you do without? Do you think the internet has enhanced our daily lives or does it take away from time spent one-onone with friends and family? Describe your thoughts in 500-750 words. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, Aug. 31. One winner for best essay will receive an iTunes gift card. For more information or essay details, call 404-762-4065.

Theresa Hightower will perform in the ART Station Cabaret on Saturday, Aug. 9 in Stone Mountain. Regarded as one of the great jazz and blues vocalists of her generation, Hightower is a veteran of concert halls and musical theatre. The ART Station is located at 4384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for drinks, snacks and desserts. The first set begins at 8:15 p.m. and the second set begins at 9:15 p.m. The $15 cover charge includes one Bellini cocktail. Tickets are available at the door. For more information on other shows at the ART Station, visit www.artstation. org or call 770-4691105.

Library exploring many faiths found in Clarkston Community Find out more about the Baha’i faith at a program at the Clarkston Library on Saturday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. Dr. Gregory Watson, an expert on the topic, and Baha’I Faith member Atieno Samandari will present an introduction to the tenets of this faith and answer questions. The program is the second in a series called “One City, Many Faiths,” which will run through the rest of the year. It is being sponsored by the Clarkston Library, 951 North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston, and the Clarkston Interfaith Group. The City of Clarkston is one of the most diverse in the United States. The city notes that nearly 32 percent of its population is foreign-born and 60 different languages are spoken within its boundaries. Its citizens also follow many different faiths and Clarkston Library Branch Manager Sondra Shurling said that fact led to discussions between her and the Clarkston Interfaith Group about doing the series. The first program in July focused on Islam and was presented by Dr.Jamillah Karim, an author and scholar who specializes in issues of race, gender and Islam in the United States. Programs in coming months include: Judaism/September • Hinduism/October • Christianity/November • Buddhism/ December For more information about the series, visit dekalblibrary.org, then click “Events,” followed by “Browse by Event Type.” Then click “Faith Series.” You also can go to facebook.com/clarkstoninterfaithgroup or email clarkston-interfaithgroup@googlegroups.com.

City of Dunwoody offers free movie night for families The City of Dunwoody will host “Movie Under the Stars” on Thursday, Aug. 7, at Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. Everyone is invited to grab a blanket or chairs and join the City of Dunwoody for an evening of family fun. Festivities and family games begin at 6 p.m. The movie begins at sunset. The evening features “The LEGO Movie.” The PG animated adventure follows “Emmet,” an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO mini figure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which “Emmet” is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. The City of Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the movie night. 678-382-6700.

GWINNETT

DEKALB

Community workshop: Septic tank maintenance 101

Community Day set with DeKalb County’s new sheriff

Gwinnett County’s Department of Water Resources will host a free community workshop on Thursday, Aug. 7, 7 – 8:30 p.m., in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville. Learn how your system works, how to prevent problems, and how to determine when a repair is necessary at this free workshop. Attendees from unincorporated Gwinnett County, the city of Peachtree Corners, or the city of Lilburn can qualify for a maximum 5 percent credit toward their storm water utility fee for the following year. Please pre-register by emailing your name, address, and phone number to dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-376-7193, ext. 5.

DeKalb County will host the 5th Annual “Community Day with the Sheriff” on Friday, Aug. 8, 9:30 – 11:15 a.m., at Suburban Lanes bowling center, 2619 N. Decatur Road, Decatur. The annual event unites middle and high school students with DeKalb County law enforcement officials and is designed to present positive role models for DeKalb youths. DeKalb’s newly-elected Sheriff Jeff Mann says the program’s long-term goal is to reduce the number of juvenile incidents in the county school system. DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann “Our young people need to return to school prepared for the pursuit of educational achievement,“ said Mann. “We are excited about supporting Community Day again because it’s an opportunity to provide them with the inspiration, encouragement and tools they will need for another successful school year.” The event includes free bowling, pizza and soft drinks. This will be followed by remarks from participating agency officials and distribution of back-to-school supplies. Confirmed participants include representatives from the offices of the DeKalb County Sheriff, Solicitor-General, Department of Juvenile Justice and the DeKalb County School System Office of Public Safety. For more information or to reserve space for your organization, contact Tom Walker Sr. at 404-219-6282.

ROCKDALE Nancy Guinn Library Friends to host used book sale The Friends of the Nancy Guinn Library will host a used book sale on Saturday, Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the downstairs Friends of the Library space at the library, 864 Green Street, Conyers, Browse among books in good condition for every age and interest. All sales benefit the library and programs such as “Thrilling Thursdays” where magicians and other types of performers come to the library to hit the stage and promote the benefits of reading. Visit www.conyersrockdalelibrary.org or call 770-388-5041, ext. 120.

AUGUST 2, 2014 PAGE 5

DeKalb commissioners in showdown over Y proposal

eKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon, who represents the county’s Super District 6, said this week that she and Commissioner Jeff Rader, who represents District 2, remain against a proposal for the county to spend greenspace bond money to renovate the South DeKalb YMCA, 2565 Snapfinger Road, Decatur. DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson has been pushing for the proposal, which he says would bring great health benefits to community residents. Johnson has set up tours and invited community residents to visit the property on Aug. 3, 4 p.m.; Aug. 9 and 16 at 8:30, 9:30 and 10 a.m. The proposal is expected to come before the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12. A few weeks ago, the board members could not reach an agreement over whether to fund the project using taxpayer money. Here’s what Gannon had to say in a news release this week about why she is against the proposal:

Kathie Gannon

Larry Johnson

Jeff Rader

Summary of Proposed South DeKalb YMCA Master Agreement • This agreement is exclusively negotiated with the YMCA, and the like has not been offered to any other organization or governmental partner. The Y brings no money to the table for improving the property. The YMCA will use public money to operate a recreation facility that requires membership and fees to use. • The private South DeKalb YMCA at 2565 Snapfinger Road is less than three miles from DeKalb’s Browns Mill Recreation and Aquatics Center and less than 3 miles from Exchange Park Recreation Center, together the object of $16.1 million in recent and ongoing Parks Bond developmental investment (Exchange-$7.2 million, Browns Mill-$8.9 million) . The agreement will sink a grand total of over $21 million of Bond improvements within a 3 mile radius. • DeKalb County will purchase the existing YMCA for $5 million, using $1 million of District 3 and 7 Parks Bond Land Acquisition Funding and $4 million in County Wide Acquisition Funding. The agreement diverts land acquisition funding to development, contrary to the Bond Referendum. The property is appraised at $2.5 million for tax purposes, with the land appraised at $400,000. • After the purchase, the County will transfer the property to the Development Authority of DeKalb County (DADC), who will lease the property back to the YMCA for $1 per year for 50 years. At the end of the lease, the property reverts to DeKalb County. • The YMCA will renovate the building to its own plan, and continue to operate the facility as a YMCA, charging a fee schedule of its own choosing, except that special benefits exclusively for residents of three surrounding zip codes shall be provided, including waiver of initiation fees for ten years, registration preference, special programing and financial assistance. Typically the annual membership fees are $648 per individuals and $1,100 for a family. • The Parks Bond Advisory Committee and the Initiative for a Green DeKalb Advisory Council have written the Interim CEO and Board of Commissioners stating that in their opinion the YMCA purchase does not meet the intent of the 2001, 2006 DeKalb bond issues, nor the 2010 Parks Master Plan. • The YMCA must maintain and repair the facility, and the County may improve the building, subject to YMCA approval. DeKalb will continue to operate Browns Mill and Exchange at public expense. • The County may sponsor all of four free events per year at the South DeKalb Y, and DADC may sponsor up to 2 events per year, subordinate to YMCA programming, and with 30 days’ notice.

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AUGUST 2, 2014

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Let’s Move! DeKalb takes childhood obesity head on DeKalb County families stockpiled on information in the war against childhood obesity on July 26 in Decatur. Hosted by the Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully(C.H.O.I.C.E.S.) and DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, the fourth annual Let’s Move! DeKalb offered children and families healthy snacks, carnival games, school supplies, workouts with personal trainers and dodge ball and baseball. Attendees also enjoyed live performances from local dance groups and singers, as well as a visit from Dora the Explorer. “We are simply ecstatic about the show of support for this most worthy event,” said Vanetta Keyes, C.H.O.I.C.E.S.’ founder and executive director. “This is a beautiful display of the power of collaboration, and we sincerely appreciate the support of the Fulton DeKalb

DeKalb D.A. sheriff to host Faith Leaders Day DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James and DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann will host the 6th Annual Faith Leaders Day on Thursday, Aug. 14. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at the DeKalb County Courthouse, located at 556 N. McDonough Street (4th floor) in Decatur. The free conference will engage and educate county clergy members about the criminal justice system and includes a tour of the county jail, police headquarters, DeKalb County Juvenile Court and the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s facility. “Faith leaders are often confronted with serious and, in some instances, lifethreatening situations that involve members of their congregations,” said James. “From abuse to neglect, we want to empower our community leaders to take the proper actions for their members. Our goal is to give participants a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and provide them with key points of contact in the event of an emergency or to answer questions.” Participants will be provided a complimentary breakfast and lunch. Transportation to the various facilities will also be provided. The 2014 Faith Leaders Conference also includes presentations regarding victim services, anti-recidivism programs, neighborhood watch programs and more. “Incarceration is a devastating situation that can leave an individual feeling hopeless,” said Mann. “The DeKalb County Jail Chaplaincy Program provides inmates access to persons who share their religious beliefs and can help them cope during detention. We are pleased to be a part of the Faith Day program and to engage the community’s faith leaders in this important inmate support service. We believe our efforts in this area positively impacts public safety.” For more information or to RSVP for the 6th Annual Faith Leaders Day, contact Lyn Armstrong at 404-640-9726 or lkarmstrong@dekalbcountyga.gov. The deadline to RSVP is Aug. 8.

Conyers program recognized at Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police conference The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police this month honored the Conyers Police Department for an initiative to crackdown on underage alcohol sales in the city. Conyers’ Responsible Alcohol Sales & Service (RASS) initiative was named one of three finalists for the “Dr. Curtis McClung/ Motorola Award of Excellence.” In years past, the Conyers Police Department has randomly assessed the environment surrounding alcohol sales and service throughout the city by conducting underage sales stings at restaurants, bars, and convenience stores. Based on this information, it was determined that there was a lack of training and knowledge of not only local Conyers ordinances but also the laws of the state of Georgia regarding alcohol sales and service.

Hospital Authority and Commissioner Larry Johnson.” More than 600 children received back-to-school supplies and resource information from 28 community partners. There were 1,300 parents and children in attendance. Last year, 850 people attended. “As planned, this event helped to reinforce DeKalb County’s commitment made in 2011 to become a Let’s Move! county under the national Let’s Move! initiative, which we all know from First Lady Michelle Obama’s work with the program,” said Commissioner Johnson. “It’s about eating right, learning creative ways to exercise and putting a smile on your face.” For more information about C.H.O.I.C.E.S., visit www.ChoicesForKids.org or call 678-819-3663.

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AUGUST 2, 2014 PAGE 7

May

Home makeover

continued from page 1

serve as Interim CEO on July 17, 2013. May discussed the challenges and accomplishments he has made in the last year during a July 30 luncheon hosted by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at the DeKalb History Center. WSB-TV news anchor Jovita Moore served as moderator, asking the questions. May said he has promoted progress through collaboration with the local school district, responsive public safety, community beautification initiatives, economic development and enhanced government efficiency. He said one of the things he has done to get the county on track is seek outside help. He took a special grand jury report filed against the county to a group of outside experts to analyze the allegations. May said the board gave him 72 recommendations for improvement and he is implanting many of the suggestions. “It keeps me up most nights, figuring out how we can rebuild the confidence in our county government. You hear the stories, the P-card story that will never die, and you see the ethics reports in the media, so we’ve had to take some real tangible steps to move us in the right direction,” said May. DeKalb’s Board of Commissioners have come under scrutiny recently for purchases made with their county

credit cards (purchasing or P cards). Commissioner Elaine Boyer issued a public apology in March after an investigative report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution revealed that Boyer and her chief of staff, Bob Lunsten, spent more than $11,000 between 2012 and 2013 for restaurant meals using their P cards. Since that time, all of DeKalb’s commissioners have come under fire and face ethics allegations for use of their P cards. “Everyday we are working. We’ve updated the P card regulations, which hadn’t been done in more than 20 years. We began annual audits and we’ve mandated training for people wanting to use privileges such as p-cards and we’ve improved our ethics board with more members and a bigger budget. We then worked with them to improve ethics polices such as meals and travel,” said May. “We’re doing all these things to make people feel confident in the work we are doing. We will continue to seek outside help to offer guidance on these issues. We must regain the trust and support of every DeKalb resident.” May’s report, “A Retrospective Look Back: A Progressive Move Foward,” is online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov. You can view a video of his interview with Jovita Moore at www.ocgnews.com.

to be divided amongst several counties but is expanding the budget due to the large success of the program this year. Tanesha Lanier, Rockdale CHIP program administrator, started the application process in October 2013 and was able to close out the grant in just five months with the help of Alice R. Cintron, Rockdale’s grants administrator. The grant, worth $306,000 was dispersed amongst eight homeowners. The average cost per home makeover was $42,000. Each applicant had to meet a variation of qualifications including income, census track location, overall cost to cure the property, property rehabilitation feasibility, property value being less than $124,000 and a host of other requirements. “When I saw the finished product and the look on the homeowners’ faces, it literally brought tears to my eyes. Some of the smallest things we take for granted are things people in our community are suffering without daily,” said Lanier. Local project partner, Valisa Shannon from Jewel of the South, said that the house they were assigned to was in such disrepair that the city questioned whether it would be better to just condemn the home. “We were so thrilled that we were able to transform the home and convert it into a new house,” said Shannon. Problems with plumbing, toxic lead painted walls, asbestos, and airconditioning are commonplace for many of Rockdale’s homeowners in older homes. CHIP gives homeowners a chance to make the necessary repairs to stay in their homes. CHIP recipient Aileen Gray had issues with her plumbing backing up the tub in her home’s hallway bathroom. The Rockdale school bus driver was not able to afford the expensive renovations needed to repair her home’s antiquated plumbing and was chosen as a CHIP recipient. “I submitted my application some time ago and the work was well worth the wait,” said Gray. “Everyone worked together as a team and I want to say thank you and I appreciate the outcome.”

May to launch ‘talking tour’ in DeKalb In an effort to extend his outreach throughout DeKalb County, Interim CEO Lee May is launching a talking tour starting on Thursday, Aug. 7, 7 – 8:30 p.m., at the county’s Derwin Brown Memorial South Precinct, 2842 H.F. Shepherd Dr., Decatur. “We are trying to hit every sector of the county geographically with these community meetings. It will be kind of a sit down one-on-one meeting that will look a little different in each area,” said May. “Some areas we meet in will not need all the county services we are discussing today. We’ll talk about the good work we are doing. We’ll sit down and have conversations where residents will have extended time to ask

questions and get answers.” Other stops on the tour include: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia; Thursday, Aug. 14, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Timothy United Methodist Church, 5365 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain; Tuesday, Aug. 19, 7-8:30 p.m. at Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker; and Thursday, Aug. 21, 7-8:30 p.m. at Welcome Friend Baptist Church, 3198 Bouldercrest Road, Ellenwood. The tour concludes on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 7-8:30 p.m., at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. For more information on the tour, call 404-371-2881.

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DeKalb For Seniors, Inc. sponsors Back-to-School drive DeKalb For Seniors, Inc. is hosting a school supply drive for Stoneview Elementary School in Lithonia on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 12:30 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. All supplies will be given to families at the school. The drive is a celebration of education with food and entertainment from local artists. Event sponsors include Humana, JenCare, Peach State Credit Union, Lou Walker Senior Center members and DeKalb County Government. Supplies will be collected through Aug. 5 and can be dropped off at the Lou Walker Senior Center, if you would like to help the cause. If you’re unable to drop them off, call 770-322-2932 and someone will come to you and pick them up. Monetary donations are also welcomed. For more information contact Donna Dees at dekalbfs@gmail.com and 678982-9805 or Kandra Dallas at dekalbforseniors@hotmail.com

DeKalb NAACP, Alphas, GPTC to host back-to-school rally The DeKalb NAACP, the DeKalb chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Georgia Piedmont Technical College will host its second Annual Back-toSchool Boot Camp and Parent Rally on Saturday, Aug. 9. The event will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the college’s Clarkston campus, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive. Parents who register and attend workshops are eligible for free school supplies while they last. The purpose of the event is to empower parents to take control of their children’s education and provide students with information that will help them throughout the school year. Advance registration is available at: www.DeKalbAlphas.org/bootcamp.

AUGUST 2, 2014

L-R: Brent McInnis, Assistant Director for Fleet Maintenance, Gwinnett County Public Schools and William Cook, EPD Environmental Engineer and Manager of the GaDER Program.

Gwinnett County School Transportation receives EPD Award The Gwinnett County School system has received the GaDER Gold Award from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The GaDER Gold Award is awarded to school systems that have reduced emissions in 26-74% of their school bus fleet through: early replacement and the installation of Emissions Control Equipment and/or the use of alternative fuels. EPD staff says emissions reductions are achieved through the early replacement of older buses, the use of alternative fuels, or by installing emissions control devices on the buses. “Older diesel buses emit a high amount of particles in the exhaust. New buses and those that have been retrofitted with diesel particulate filters reduce these particulates by more than 85%, which results in a significant improvement in the air quality inside and around the school bus,” said William Cook, EPD Environmental Engineer and Manager of the GaDER Program says. “Transportation Directors and their staff who receive a GaDER award should be celebrated for their hard work and dedication to ensure that school children are riding in the safest and cleanest buses available.” You can learn more about the GaDER Program by visiting www. gaderprogram.org. 404-363-7000.

Mall West End to host Back-to-School Jamboree The Urban League of Greater Atlanta as well as Atlanta City Councilwoman Cleta Winslow and other sponsors invite the community to come out to its Backto-School Jamboree and Youth Talent Show at the Mall West End, 850 Oak St., Atlanta. The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, from 12-5 p.m. Among the extended list of sponsors and partners are the Empire Board of Realtists, the Family Healthcare Center, the HBCU Alumni, Film Atlanta and Atlanta Cares Mentoring. The organizations will be providing pens, pencils, paper, backpacks and more to the students in the community. There will also be free health screenings, giveaways and prizes. Fun Weird Science will be in attendance to present S.T.E.M. and robotics projects that highlight those particular career choices. S.T.E.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. For more information concerning the Back-to-School event , contact Women Council president Paris Hudnal at ebrwomenscouncil@hotmail.com.

Undaground Madness to host “Back 2 School Drive” The local music television show, “Undaground Madness,” is hosting its second annual “Back 2 School Drive” on Sunday, Aug. 10, noon – 7 p.m. at Washington Park, 102 Ollie St., N.W., Atlanta. The program will give free school supplies to students ages 4 to 18. Last year, the music show gave school supplies to 100 kids. This year, the goal is to double that amount. The drive will donate book bags, pens, paper, calculators, scissors, glue, tablets and folders. The Back 2 School giveaway will be televised on “Undaground Madness” on Channel 24 at 12:30 a.m. on that following Tuesday. Artists will have an opportunity to perform at the event (clean music only). Donations of supplies are welcomed. For more information on performing and the event, visit Undaground Madness on Facebook or visit http://undagroundmadness. com.

State DOE releases student growth model The Georgia Department of Education has launched an interactive webbased tool that it will use to share Georgia Student Growth Model data. Student Growth Percentiles (SGPs) of the Georgia Student Growth Model or GSGM, describe the amount of growth a student has demonstrated, relative to his or her academic peers (those with a similar achievement history). The new web tool shares district- and school-level SGP results for the 2012-13 school year. In order to calculate the data, the state uses two years of prior test data. For example, the 5th grade English Language Arts growth score would be based on 3rd and 4th grade results. The information in the Georgia Student Growth Model tool can be viewed by test, subject/course, grade, and student subgroup. Officials say the Student Growth Model is the metric that will help educators, parents, and other stakeholders better understand and analyze the progress students make year to year. “The GSGM will allow all stakeholders to take a deeper look at student growth by school and school district, asking questions such as, Did students in this school grow more or less than academically similar students across the state? Are students growing as much in math as in reading,” said State School Superintendent John Barge. “This tool will make the data produced by the student-growth model visible in a visual, easy-to-navigate manner.” The model can be located at www.gastudentgrowth.gadoe.org, and it allows parents and members of the public to view visualized student-growth data. 404656-2800.

AUGUST 2, 2014 PAGE 9

Don’t let your kids make a $630,000 mistake By Sherry Boston DeKalb County Solicitor-General

o you need a new way to motivate your kids for the upcoming school year? Then tell them that not getting excited about school and their education could cost them $630,000. That’s right. Kids who don’t earn a high school diploma can expect to earn about $630,000 less than graduates who work 40 years in their career, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Need more compelling information? Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the unemployment rate of high school dropouts is 47% higher than graduates. And the U.S. Census Bureau reports that employees with a high school diploma earn 51% more than those who do not complete their education. Students who go on to graduate from a 4-year college will make 235% more than a high school dropout. You can see that the value of an education is measurable, much like putting money into a savings account. And like savings, regular investments are required in order to realize

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston

financial gain. But when it comes to an education, students must regularly invest time in studying. And parents must invest time in helping their kids stay focused and disciplined about school. Unfortunately, some parents don’t always stay focused on their kids’ school work and education. Perhaps they don’t realize how much a lack of

involvement can cost their children in the long run. However, neglecting a child’s participation in school can also be a costly mistake for the immediate future. The DeKalb County SolicitorGeneral’s Office receives numerous cases of educational neglect each year from the DeKalb County School System. These cases involve students with more than five unexcused absences in the school year, some with more than 40 days of absences in just six months. Georgia law requires my office to prosecute these cases that usually result in hefty fines, up to 30 days in jail or performing community service. However, I am more interested in encouraging parents to keep kids in school. That is why we offer a diversion program called The Attendance Review Team (ART) to help these parents turn things around. Failure to complete the conditions of the program will result criminal prosecution. If you have no children of your own, or if your kids are now grown, supporting education in our community should still be a priority. Did you know that about 90% of the inmates in the DeKalb County Jail never finished high

school? We know that keeping children in school makes our community safer. A study released last year by The Alliance for Excellent Education found that the nation could save as much as $18.5 billion in losses from criminal activity if the high school male graduation rate increased by only five percentage points. The same increase in graduates would result in approximately 60,000 less cases of assault, 37,000 less larcenies, 31,000 less vehicle thefts and 17,000 less burglaries. It could also prevent about 1,300 murders, 3,800 rapes and 1,500 robberies. The U.S. economy would also benefit from an additional $1.2 billion in annual employment earnings. As you can see, education makes us all better off, now and in the long run. As we start back to school this year, I hope you will join me in making education a top priority. Invest your time in your children’s schoolwork and make sure they are at school every day, ready to learn. Don’t allow them to make mistakes that could cost them $630,000 in the future. By working together, we can help our children achieve more while creating a safer community for us all.

Chess champion Orrin Hudson urges kids to “Pull Them Up”

By Amanda Usher

otivational speaker and chess champion Orrin “Checkman” Hudson is launching a campaign for the new school year to encourage young people to stay on the educational track. His campaign, “Pull Them Up,” urges students to not only pull up their pants, but their grades as well. Hudson, who heads the Be Someone nonprofit organization in Stone Mountain, was recently in Dallas, Texas promoting his “Pull Them Up” campaign during the PowerNetworking Conference. He plans to speak at schools locally, as well as schools in Washington, D.C. and New Mexico. “A lot of what I do is to get awareness about how I’m teaching young people to pull your grades up, your pants up, hold your head up and get your attitude up,” Hudson said. Hudson says he plans to get out his message at motivational rallies for teachers and students and test scores pep rallies. Aside from his motivational speaking, Hudson is also a master strategist and chess champion. Hudson founded Be Someone, Inc. in 2001 to promote self-esteem, responsibility and analytical thinking in at-risk children. The former Alabama Highway Patrol trooper uses the game of chess to teach students and help them gain the skills they need to achieve. He motivates kids to think so that they will pursue careers and earn “K.A.S.H.: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits.” “We’re changing the game by teaching them strategy, chess instead of checkers, decision-making, problem-solving and criticalthinking,” he said. “It’s all about critical thinking. You can make one move in life and never recover.” Hudson has trained more than

Apprentices Brian Woods (left) and Kamau Muhammad (right) pose with chess champion and motivational speaker Orrin Hudson and the huge chessboard they use to mentor youths.

40,000 children since he launched Be Someone 13 years ago and has a goal to reach 1 million children around the globe. He strongly believes in the power that chess has to teach children about real life simply because it can prove to them that every move has a consequence. “The turning point in my life is when I learned how to think

strategically about my future and how to make every move count,” he said, recalling that one of his high school teachers helped change his life from a troubled youngster by teaching him how to play chess. Hudson is author of “One Move at a Time” and holds the title as a twotime World Open speed chess winner. He has dedicated his life to

showing children how to strategize, effectively plan and expand their self-confidence, according to his biography. “We’re losing our children to the streets,” he said. “I’m improving academic performance by teaching them how to be a champion.” To learn more about Hudson and his Be Someone foundation, visit besomeone.org or call 770-465-6445.

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AUGUST 2, 2014

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Voices of Faith’s 50+ Ministry awards scholarships college-bound students

By Joshua Smith

future physical therapist, architect, civil engineer and global neonatal nurse are getting a helping hand with college, thanks the 50+ Ministry at Voices of Faith Ministries, whose main campus is in Stone Mountain. Every year, the ministry gives $500 scholarships to deserving college-bound members of the church. This year, four students received the scholarships: 17-year-old Francisco Clark, Jr., a graduate of Archer High School, who will be attending Georgia Southern University; Andrew Green, an 18-year-old graduate of Arabia Mountain High School in DeKalb County who will be attending Atlanta’s Morehouse College; Asia Howard, an 18-year-old graduate of DeKalb Early College Academy who will be attending Valdosta State University; and 17-year-old Leah Smith, a graduate of DeKalb’s Stephenson High School who will be attending Kennesaw State University. All of the high school graduates received their scholarships at Voices of Faith’s July 27 worship service. “These four extraordinary recipients of this year’s award had outstanding church and extra-curricular community activities, remarkable essays, excellent school standing and have strong faith,” said Bishop

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

L-R: Graduates Francisco Clark, Jr., Asia Howard, Leah Smith and Andrew Green.

Gary Hawkins, pastor of the church. “We have taught these students to reach above and beyond their expectations in their future endeavors. We thank God for the 50+ ministry. They work hard every year to put these scholarships together for our youth.” Andrew Green said he appreciates the scholarship as he pursues a career path to remodel cities and to lead other large engineering projects. “From the neighborhoods of Atlanta to warstricken areas such as Palestine, my goal is to provide

Beulah Baptist sets prostate cancer conversation Beulah Missionary Baptist Church will host “A Community Conversation: Prostate Cancer” on Saturday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m., in the church’s Family Life Center, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur. Men in the community are invited to participate in this open platform discussion. Men will be able to talk with prostate cancer doctors, specialists, and survivors and receive educational material and free PSA and DRE testing. Hosted by former Atlanta Falcon and radio personality Jamie Dukes, the event is cosponsored by the Health Resource Ministry and the Joshua Man Brotherhood of Beulah, Georgia Urology, Midtown Urology, and the Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia. Pre-registration will be offered on Sunday, Aug. 3. For more information or to register, call 404-241-7531.

living conditions fit for royalty, but available to every person without any kind of discrimination,” said Green. “With the support of Bishop Hawkins and my family, I have adopted an outstanding amount of optimism and look forward to the future.” The scholarship served as a way for the ministry to celebrate 17 years of helping community. Members of the 50+ Ministry’s scholarship committee say the scholarship funds are provided from an annual golf tournament and donations from congregation members. Besides the annual scholarship, the church’s 50+ Ministry also offers the community “Grandma’s Hands,” in which senior citizens mentor children ages 5-12 through activities and events; and the 50+ Ministry also volunteers at Traditions Nursing Home in Lithonia every third Saturday to offer companionship. “We thank everyone at the church for helping us with this scholarship and we are thankful to our recipients for their hard work and dedication to get here today,” said Debra Higgins, who serves as president of the 50+ Ministry. “As a church, we must continue to support these great young minds.” For scholarship recipient Leah Smith, the funds serve as an affirmation of faith that with hard work and dedication, blessings flow.

“Praise Extravaganza” set in Conyers Pastors Justin and Renee Cannon will join High Praise Christian Tabernacle for a “Praise Extravaganza” on Saturday, Aug. 16, 12 – 6:30 p.m., at the Wheeler Park Pavilion, 1350 Parker Road, Conyers. The free community event includes singing, dancing and comedy acts. Some featured performers on a list of more than 15 acts are Kiesha Covington, Sovereign Praise, B. Mart, Daniel Petty and Taboc, The Sawyers and Patrick Parker, Jr. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this dress down event. Children can also enjoy a face painting station, hot dogs, chips and ice cream. Contests will be held as well. 404-697-6356.

AUGUST 2, 2014 PAGE 11

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