VOLUME 21 NUMBER 52
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APRIL2, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Suspicious envelope sent to Congressman Johnson’s DeKalb office under investigation By Valerie J. Morgan
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suspicious envelope that was mailed to the DeKalb County office of Congressman Hank Johnson is believed to be a hoax, but the matter is still under investigation by the FBI, a spokesman for Johnson said. “Clearance was given and everyone went back to work. At this point, it looks like a prank. All indications are that it’s not anthrax, but the FBI still plans to test it to determine what it is,” said spokesman Andy Phelan. Johnson’s office, located A team of authorities were on the scene to evacuate Congressman Hank Johnson’s office after in the 5700 block of Hillandale a worker opened a suspicious package. Yellow tape was placed around the active scene on Drive in Lithonia, was evacu- March 31. Security, DeKalb County Police and ing the Black Congressional Caucus ated on March 31 after a susFBI were alerted. Everyone in John- in Seattle, said he was glad to learn picious white envelope containing son’s office, except the person who that his staff was safe. a red powder substance was discovopened the package, was evacuated “I want to thank Homeland Seered, Phelan said. The package was along with other tenants in the same curity, the FBI, DeKalb Police, Fire discovered about 11:30 a.m. plaza. Rescue and their Hazmat team for A DeKalb hazardous materials Johnson, who was away attendtheir rapid response and professionunit, the Department of Homeland
DeKalb to change sanitation procedures April 18
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ffective April 18, only county-provided sanitation and recycling bins will be collected during residential pickups in DeKalb County. The use of customer-provided garbage or recycling containers will result in a delay in sanitation collection service, and customers will be issued a notice advising of the use of unapproved garbage or recycling containers, sanitation officials said. The county-provided containers include the green garbage roll carts, blue 65-gallon recycling roll carts, blue 18-gallon recycling bins and blue 40-gallon recycling bags. Secure, durable plastic bags are approved for use for excess garbage disposal and can be placed next to customers’ garbage roll carts on their scheduled collection day. Customer-provided yard trimmings containers with a 20- to 40-gal-
lon capacity are currently approved for use for yard trimmings collection service and will remain in effect after April 18. These requirements and procedures are a critical component of the “Rolling Forward to One” sanitation service change program, which was approved by the DeKalb County Governing Authority. The use of county-provided containers is an integral part of the county’s mission to minimize injuries to field collection service employees and the potential for damage to customer-provided containers. For more information on the new requirements or how to obtain a county-provided garbage roll cart or recycling container, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov, www.dekalbsanitation.com www.rollingforwardtoone. com or www.keepdekalbbeautiful.org
alism in handling this situation and keeping my staff safe,” Johnson said. “Fortunately, staff has been trained on how to handle suspicious packages and mail and proper protocols were followed in this case. While the substance in question has been contained, I look forward to the results of the pending investigation.” Elexis Cummings, an intern for Johnson, was wearing a mask and gloves when she opened the envelope under a security hood in the mailroom. The envelope did not have a return address. Cummings followed training protocols to process the piece of mail, Phelan said Phelan said the staff had recently received training on how to handle suspicious packages from the U.S. Post Office, Homeland Security and DeKalb Fire and Rescue. Hazmat teams entered the building and examined the powder and Cummings, who opened the package, had to stay inside so she also could be screened. The envelope and contents were sent to a state lab for testing.
City of Atlanta Municipal Court announces warrant amnesty program
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he City of Atlanta Municipal Court is launching a warrant amnesty program. This program offers amnesty to individuals facing arrest and other penalties due to delinquent traffic tickets, city ordinance or misdemeanor violations, and waives contempt fees for failure-to-appear. The program begins on April 1 and ends on May 13. “Our goal is to ensure that we have licensed and lawful drivers on city streets. We want to work with the public to reach these goals in innovative and amenable ways,” said Ryan Shepard, Municipal Court Administrator. “This program creates an opportunity for people to voluntarily resolve outstanding cases in a fair and efficient manner.” The program is available to individuals with citations issued
before Jan.1. Court sessions will be held weekdays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Court will offer signups for these sessions starting at 7 a.m. each day for same day service. The court will also hold three special sessions during non-traditional hours: •Wednesday evenings, April 6 and 20, 6 p.m. •Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. Sign-up for a special session on Saturday, April 16, begins at 8 a.m. Individuals who wish to clear penalties and warrants under this program are encouraged to arrive early. When the amnesty period ends, remaining outstanding warrants will be rigorously enforced. For information on warrants issued by the Municipal Court of Atlanta, visit http://court.atlantaga.gov or call 404-954-7914.
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Valerie J. Morgan
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APRIL 2,2016 • PAGE 3
Rockdale Sheriff’s Office pilots Choose2Change to keep youths on track
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he Rockdale Sheriff’s Office has launched an intervention program to discourage youths from committing crimes. The six-week Choose2Change program exposes youths ages 10 to
17 to physical training, cultural activities, tests about making the right decisions, skits, lecturers and ends with an over-night jail tour. Sheriff Eric Levett said those who participate in the program, held each Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., will hear from officers about good choices and testimonies from inmates about bad choices that caused them to end up in jail. In the last week of the program, participants will dress in jail clothes, eat jail food, and spend time in jail cells while they are being challenged to think of ways to
prevent them from staying or ever coming back. “Choose2Change was an initiative that we created to steer our youth in the right direction early. This is not a traditional Scared Straight program, although it can be a little frightening,” Levett said. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children and are required to participate in an interview process to decide if this program will be a good fit. There is no cost to participate in the program. The Sheriff’s Office is accepting donations for the
program to help provide children who are less fortunate with personal items they may need. Deputy Jenkins, who is working with the program, also has designed a shirt that he would like for someone or some company to sponsor. The next class will start May 7. Parents who would like their child or children to participate or anyone who would like to donate to the program should contact Deputy Charles Jenkins, CHOOSE2CHANGE coordinator, at charles.jenkins@ rockdalecounty.org or 770278-8040.
DeKalb tax commissioner urges qualifying seniors to apply for special exemptions
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eKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson is getting the word out to senior citizens across the county that qualifying seniors are benefiting financially by applying for the homestead exemptions. Johnson and staff members have attended several community meetings to provide information, urging homeowners to apply. The deadline to file for a homestead exemption for 2016 is April 1, but Johnson says he’s planning informa-
tional events so that eligible homeowners, especially seniors, can take advantage of the special exemptions for the 2017 tax year, if they miss filing by April 1. “The hope with any senior exemption is that the school portion of a resident’s tax burden would be eliminated,” Johnson said. “The savings can be significant.” Senior exemptions are based on age, income, and tax district within DeKalb County. “By our attendance at county events, we’ve had a
30 percent increase in senior applications,” Johnson said. “Customer service continues to be our priority, whether that’s in the office or out in the field.” Johnson has planned the following events to educate the public: April 7, 6:30 p.m., District 4 Community Meeting at Stronghold Christian Church, 724 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. April 21, 6:30 p.m., District 4 Community Meeting at New Bethel AME
Irvin Johnson i
Church, 8305 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia. April 22, 1 p.m., St. Peter Claver Career Day, 2560 Tilson Road, Decatur
CCCSD to discuss future of Greenhaven cityhood
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he Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb, Inc. (CCCSD) will host a meeting to discuss the Greenhaven cityhood bill on Tuesday, April 5, 7 p.m., at Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2775 Snapfinger Road, Decatur. The bill died in this year’s Legislative Session. The CCCSD had worked two years to get state law-
makers to give voters within the boundaries of the proposed South DeKalb city the right to decide if they should form the new city. Under the CCCSD’s proposal, Greenhaven would have become the second-largest city in Georgia with nearly 300,000 residents. Proponents for the Stonecrest cityhood bill in East DeKalb faired better by lawmakers. The Stone-
crest cityhood bill received final passage in the General Assembly as the legislative session came to a close on March 24. SB 208 passed 39-12, paving the way for a voter referendum once Gov. Nathan Deal signs the bill. The city of Stonecrest would have 50,000 residents and provide three main services: parks and recreation, planning and zoning and code enforcement. DeKalb
County would provide police and fire services. Jason Lary, president of the Stonecrest City Alliance, which had pushed three years for the bill, said he looks forward to the governor signing the bill. Lary said he still did not know whether the referendum would be decided during the May 24 General Primary Election or the Nov. 8 General Election.
School Board member Turner to discuss Opportunity School District in Lithonia By Valerie J. Morgan
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eKalb County School Board member Vickie Turner will provide an update on the referendum concerning Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed Opportunity School District. The update will be presented at the Lithonia City Council meeting on Monday, April 4, 7 p.m., City Hall, 6920 Main St., Lithonia. OSD would overhaul schools in Georgia that have been deemed chronically failing and give Deal’s office broad powers to oversee them. The district, the first of its kind in Georgia, would be led by a superintendent who
would report directly to Deal—not the state education department. Many schools identified on Deal’s list as failing are in African American communities and opponents of the legislation say that poverty is the real issue that must be addressed—not a takeover plan that does not specify what improvements would be made that are not already being addressed locally. Opponents also have said they don’t like that the plan excludes any accountability of those in charge to parents and voters. Turner has been hosting several community forums to inform the public about OSD. Georgians will vote on the legislation authorizing the takeover
in November. The state of the schools is very important to the community at large and also affects the city’s ability to attract families to move in, said Mayor Deborah Jackson, who is encouraging the community to attend the meeting. The OSD legislation requires a constitutional amendment, for which there must be a two-thirds majority in both chambers. The General Assembly passed the constitutional amendment resolution and the implementing legislation during the 2015 legislative session. It now requires a majority approval by Georgia voters in the 2016 general election to pass.
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Commissioner Larry Johnson, Sheriff Jeff Mann partner on clean-up initiative
Coming Up
DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and Sheriff Jeff Mann are teaming up with Keep DeKalb Beautiful for the District 3 Community Spring Clean-Up. All residents, business owners, schools and churches are encouraged to join in the beautification project. The clean-up schedule is as follows: Saturday, April 2, Candler area, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 9, Ellenwood area Saturday, April 16, Wesley Chapel area Satuday, April 23, Gresham/Bouldercrest area Anyone wishing to participate in the clean-up may contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s Office for additional information at larryjohnson@ dekalbcountyga.gov or at 404-371-2988.
GWINNETT
Spring Flea Market at United Methodist Children’s Home
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lothing, furniture, home décor, electronics and a plant and bake sale will be featured at the United Methodist Children’s Home’s Spring Flea Market. The two-day event will be held on April 8-9, 9 a.m., 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur. The Children’s Home holds a flea market three times a year to benefit its work to help children and families in need. Each two-day event draws in thousands of people from local and nearby communities and even neighboring states. For more information, visit www.umchildrenshome.org.
DEKALB
Stan Watson to host community breakfast meeting Stan Watson will host his monthly community breakfast on Saturday, April 2, 9 to 11 a.m., Southwest DeKalb High School, 2863 Kelley Chapel Road, Decatur. The speakers for this month’s breakfast are DeKalb District Attorney Robert James, Judge Stacey Hydrick and Maria Balais of Leadership DeKalb. The community is invited to the free event.
Reps. Oliver and Holcomb to host town Hall meeting State Representatives Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) and Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta) will host a legislative town hall meeting on Monday, April 4, 6 – 7:30 p.m., at the Toco Hills-Avis G. Williams Library, 1282 McConnell Drive, Decatur. The town hall will focus on issues covered in the 2016 legislative session, including campus carry, religious freedom legislation, the Pursuing Justice for Rape Victims Act, the status of MARTA and other transit measures, Decatur homestead exemptions, and other local legislation. For more information, call Rep. Oliver’s office at 404-656-0265.
DeKalb NAACP sets annual membership breakfast event The DeKalb County NAACP’s Annual Membership Breakfast will be held on April 9, 8:30 a.m., at Greenforest Community Baptist Church , 3250 Rainbow Dr., Decatur. The breakfast is a major fundraiser for the DeKalb branch. This year’s theme is “NAACP: Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice-Advancing Freedom Forward.” The keynote speaker will be Dr. Joyce Morley, president/CEO Morley & Associates. The mistress of ceremonies will be Katerina Taylor, president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call 404-241-8006 or email: naacpdek@comcast.net.
New book club forming at Stonecrest Library The Friends of Stonecrest Library is starting a book club. Those who are interested in joining are invited to attend the group’s first meeting on April 11, 6 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. For more information, call 770-668-3060
Storytime at Barnes & Noble Web Ginn Bring the kids to meet Georgie and friends and a heart-warming picture book, Where’s the Party?, on Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m., at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at The Shoppes at Webb Gin, 1350 Scenic Highway South, # 100, Snellville. Activities will follow the story hour.
ROCKDALE
Friends of the Library to host used book sale The Friends of the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St. S.W., Conyers, will have a used book sale on April 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be special books focusing on music and money in recognition of Jazz Appreciation and Financial Literacy Month. Please enter the bookstore in back of the library near Travis Street.
Annual Taste of Conyers, car show set April 30 Mark your calendars for the 2016 Taste of Conyers and the Conyers Car Show, which will be held on Saturday, April 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in Olde Town on Main Street. The annual event, hosted by the city of Conyers, promotes local restaurants. Buy tickets at the festival and sample a variety of food. There also will be live entertainment and Redline Events will present the Conyers Car Show. Admission is free. For more information, call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606 or visit www.conyersga.com.
Johnson Park offers teen fun night Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Road, S.W., Conyers, will host Teen Night (#SoundsLikeAPlan) on Friday, April 15, 6 to 9 p.m. Several activities are planned for teens ages 13 to 15 including dancing, swimming, a selfie photo booth, and dinner. The cost is $10 per person. Pre-registration is required by Friday, April 8. To register, go online to https://secure.rec1.com/GA/rockdale-county/ catalog.
Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ ocgnews.com.
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APRIL 2, 2016 • PAGE 5
AKA Chi Tau Omega to host annual “China Affair” The Community C.A.R.E.S Foundation, Inc. and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Chi Tau Omega Chapter, which serves the Conyers/Covington area, will host the “China Affair” on May 14, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Rd., SE, Atlanta. Community C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, Inc. is the non-profit arm of Chi Tau Omega and its mission is to facilitate the building of strong and viable communities through charitable giving. The theme for this year’s event is “Pumps, Purses, and Pearls.” The China Affair is so named because women in the organization used there fin china when the first started the event. Vendors will be on-site selling jewelry, hats, t-shirts, etc. Proceeds from the China Affair will be used provide scholarships for deserving high school seniors in Rockdale and Newton counties. China Affair tickets as well as raffle tickets for baskets and other items can be purchased from any member of Chi Tau Omega chapter or by contacting Fundraising@chitauomega.com or melvataskyh@yahoo.com.
Ex-DeKalb police sergeant denied bond to appeal conviction A former DeKalb County police sergeant who ordered two subordinates to beat several teens during their arrests is headed to prison and will not be released while he is appealing his conviction. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger ruled against Anthony Remone Robinson’s request to be released. Last month, a jury found Robinson guilty of two Anthony Robinson counts of felony Violation of Oath by a Public Officer, as well as misdemeanor counts of battery and simple assault. Robinson was sentenced to serve two years in prison and eight years on probation. He has been held in the DeKalb County Jail. He will now be turned over to the Georgia Department of Corrections to serve out his sentence. DeKalb District Attorney Robert James’ office opposed Robinson’s request to be freed on bond. “Our law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard,” James said. “When they commit crimes, they should not be able to escape punishment.” During the trial, prosecutors showed that Robinson ordered subordinates – Arthur Parker and Blake Norwood – to beat up several teens who had been arrested in 2010 and 2011.
Forum set to help places of worship respond to active shooters DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson and the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency are conducting a forum, “Emergency Preparedness: How to Respond to Active Shooters in Places of Worship” on April 28, 6 p.m., at New Life Community Center, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. The forum is designed to educate all places of worship on how to appropriately and responsively handle someone threatening congregants and their leaders with gun violence. This event is open to congregants, auxiliaries, leaders, security teams and the general public. Anyone who wishes to attend can register for free online at https:// commissionerlarryjohnsonemergencypreparedness.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s Office at 404371-2988 or e-mail larryjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Watchdogs for Justice to present “Keeping Kids Out of Prison” seminar Watchdogs for Justice, a nonprofit organization, will host a free seminar, “Keeping Kids out of Prison,” on April 9, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. Attorneys Clara King, Dana Harrell, Alis Hughes, and juvenile advocates Frank Conwell and Daisy Graham will discuss a variety of topics in their efforts to keep young people out of the system. Some of the topics that will be discussed include armed robbery, automobile theft, possession of marijuana, underage drinking, theft by receiving stolen property, and the prison sentences associated with such crimes. Participants will also learn about the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth amendment rights and what to do when stopped by the police. Teens and tweens, parents, and concerned community members are invited. For more information, call 678-412-2299 or visit www. watchdogsforjustice.org
DeKalb Young Professionals to host inaugural Spring Kickoff Mixer Join the DeKalb Young Professionals as they dine, drink and discuss at their Spring Kickoff Mixer. This inaugural event invites you to get in the mix with others who live, work, and play in DeKalb County. The mixer will be held Tuesday, April 5, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Eddie’s Attic, 515 North McDonough Street, Decatur. This mixer is free. Please R.S.V.P. at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/dekalb-young-professionals-pres-
ents-spring-rooftop-mixer-tickets-23950820549. The DeKalb Young Professionals is open to all young professionals who work, live, play or have an interest in DeKalb County. They will host several social events throughout the year to engage young professionals in DeKalb. For more information, email Christopher Bruce at DekalbYP@gmail.com
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City of Atlanta joins Waze program to help reduce traffic congestion
The City of Atlanta will participate in the Waze Connected Citizen Program, a free data-sharing partnership with the social navigation app, to further assist the city with traffic congestion reduction efforts. Waze provides partners with anonymous, real-time incident and slow-down information directly from app users. In exchange, partners provide real-time construction, crash and road closure data. “The City of Atlanta is proud to join the Waze Connected Citizen Program,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “My administration is committed to reducing traffic congestion through the expansion of transit and a full range of transportation options, traffic light synchronization projects and the improvement of city roads, bridges and sidewalks. Through this partnership, we will be better positioned to support additional viable solutions, promoting a better quality of life.” Information collected through the Waze Connected Citizens Program will allow municipal leaders to evaluate road conditions and help inform traffic congestion solutions. “Our information technology department
works every day to be an innovative and customer-focused service provider to residents,” said Samir Saini, the City of Atlanta’s Chief Information Officer. “The Waze Connected Citizen Program is aligned with our goals. By partnering with Waze, we can better help Atlanta residents respond to the constantly changing environment of city streets and shorten their commute.” In addition to
the City of Atlanta, the Waze Connected Citizens Program has eight other partners in the Southeast, including the City of Charlotte (NC), City of Raleigh (NC), Bartow County (GA), West Jackson (GA), Johns Creek (GA), City of Miami Beach (FL), City of Tampa (FL) and the Florida Department of Transportation. “With the addition of Atlanta and our other new Southeast partners, Con-
nected Citizens has 58 partners across the world, contributing hyperlocal data to the Waze,” said Paige Fitzgerald, Connected Citizens Program Manager at Waze. “Every new partner that joins the program brings even more creative solutions and support to our partner network, and we’re excited to foster these relationships to drive further impact in the region.”
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Class Notes
APRIL 2, 2016 • PAGE 7
Our Schools, Students & Partners
RCPS honors two as Laura H. Barnes Social Worker Award winners
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arolina Robinson, Edwards Middle School parent liaison, and Facie Goodman, director for the Health SafetyNet with Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Project, have been named the 2016 Laura H. Barnes Honorary Social Worker Award winners. The award is named in memory of Rockdale County Public Schools Social Worker Laura Barnes, who passed away suddenly in 2012. Barnes’ work and spirit touched the lives of many. This is the ninth year of the tradition of choosing one person in the community and one person in the school system to name as an honorary social worker because they have shown the exemplary traits and qualities of a school social worker. Robinson has been EMS’s parent liaison since 2010. She has sought and won grants to purchase shoes for needy students at Edwards. Robinson facilitates the Title 1 parent workshops for the school; she has a special interest in parent engagement in special education. Along with her sorori-
ty, Alpha Kappa Alpha, she helps organize bi-annual clothing drives to help women in crisis obtain business attire and she sorts the remaining clothing to bring back to school for Edwards students who are in need. She solicits donations from the community to help provide food and gifts at Thanksgiving and Christmas and organizes the school’s Angel Tree for donated gifts. She offers parents a Job Resource Board in her room where she posts local job opportunities and she is the President of the Edwards Middle School Parent Teacher Organization. Goodman worked in Rockdale County Public Schools for 40 years, retiring as the Special Education and Student Support Director in 2008. After working for several years at ViewPoint Health, she was hired by the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families as the Project Coordinator for the Health SafetyNet. In this role, Goodman seeks out community resources and grant funding to help the chronically ill and indigent in our community find ways to pay for medical, dental, mental health
Smoke Rise Baptist Summer Day Camp Weekly sessions starting May 31- August 5 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Smoke Rise Baptist church offers a convenient extended day with a busy schedule of varied activities for children 5 to 16. Our day camps include: field trips, hot lunch, academics, and an experience to please any kid. Teens have a steady diet of team building, community service, academics and summer fun. Early enrolment discount, season pass to Both Six Flags and White Water – weekly tuition is all inclusive.
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Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen, M. Agnes Jones Elementary School Principal Margul Woolfork and students participate in Fuel Up to Play 60 football drills led by Atlanta Falcons player Matt Bosher. Photo Credit: APS Schools
and vision care as well as prescriptions. Through a grant, she helped to start the Community Paramedic Program, which sends paramedics to homes to visit patients with chronic health conditions to reduce the number of Emergency Room visits. Goodman also chairs the
local interagency planning team, which brainstorms ideas to help youth experiencing behavioral problems, and chairs the Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale board of directors.
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Business News DeKalb Chamber, Weebly to host website bus tour
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he DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Weebly, a global website builder tech firm, to empower entrepreneurs to create their own website at the “Like a Boss” Bus Tour on Friday, April 15 at Decatur Square from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “In the digital age, having an online presence is essential for businesses looking for ways to stay competitive,” said Katerina Taylor, president and CEO of DeKalb Chamber. “We understand the value and impact of having an online presence, and encourage entrepreneurs to come build their own website with free professional help.” The San Francisco-based company is visiting 10 cities throughout the southeastern region and creating 1,000 bosses in 10 days. In addition to helping entrepreneurs build a website in just 45 minutes, Weebly web experts will host on-site web workshops; one-on-one website and ecommerce help; free headshots; swag and cash giveaways.
“We’ve been the backbone to entrepreneurs who launched simple ideas to million dollar businesses,” said David Rusenko, founder and CEO of Weebly. “With the Like a Boss bus tour, we hope to ignite the fire in aspiring entrepreneurs around the country, and instill them with the right tools and basic knowledge to finally take the leap and become your own boss!” For more information and to register, visit “Like a Boss Tour.” One individual who signs up for this free event will win a $1,000 cash prize to launch their idea online. DeKalb Chamber is also raffling two oneyear Chamber Partner memberships for new members.
DeKalb Workforce offers internships to young adults
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eKalb Workforce Development announces short-term internship opportunities for young adults, ages 16-24, seeking employment and not enrolled in school. This internship is funded through DeKalb Workforce Development via the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 2014 (WIOA). Internship eligibility requirements: 1. Proof of Citizenship (Social Security Card) 2. Proof of Birth 3. Proof of ID (GA State ID) 4. Proof of DeKalb County Residency (i.e. Utility Bill, Lease, etc.) 5. Proof of Income 6. Proof of School Status To be considered for an internship, applicants must: 1. Have a valid email address & contact number, 2. Submit an essay explaining why the Internship is desired and how it will benefit the applicant. 3. Apply for the internship online Youth Services Program Internship Registration ends Friday, April 15, at 5 p.m. All inquiries will receive a response within five business days from their application submission. Interns will have the opportunity to work up to 16 weeks, with a maximum of 32 hours per week, at $8 per hour. For more information, contact DeKalb Workforce Development Youth Services Division at 404-687-3428 or email dwdyouth@dekalbcountyga. gov.
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Gwinnett County to host 10th Annual Supplier Symposium The Gwinnett County Purchasing Division will host the 10th annual Supplier Symposium on April 21 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center (second floor, Conference Center), 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. Potential vendors may drop in between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. to meet Gwinnett County buyers, contracting officers, and department representatives, along with representatives from other metro Atlanta agencies and the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. The annual symposium provides vendors with an opportunity to meet buyers and contracting officers. Large and small vendors will be able to network with buyers to establish relationships as well as obtain information on current and upcoming projects. To register for this free event, go to: www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/FinancialServices/Hidden/SupplierSymposium. For information about current projects open for bidding and explanations of bidding procedures in Gwinnett County, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com.
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APRIL 2,2016 • PAGE 9
Elections 2016 Your Voice Your Vote DeKalb Coalition to host forums for CEO, District 4 Commissioner races
Leadership DeKalb, Junior League to host District Attorney, CEO candidates forum
Candidates running for DeKalb CEO and District 4 will answer questions about their vision for DeKalb County, and engage with the public during a free community forum sponsored by The DeKalb Coalition for Voter Education and Mobilization. The forum will be held Thursday, April 7, 6-9 p.m. at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, and will be moderated by WSB-TV Commentator Bill Crane. HEG Consulting, LLC is the event sponsor. The DeKalb Coalition for Voter Education and Mobilization is comprised of the following organizations: • The National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Decatur/DeKalb Chapter • Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda • Saint Philip A.M.E. Lay Organization Social Action Committee • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Decatur Alumnae Chapter • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter • National Council of Negro Women - DeKalb Section • Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. - Beta Psi Omega Alumni Chapter • Kappa Alpha Psi - Decatur Alumni Chapter The Coalition will host several events throughout the year to mobilize DeKalb County residents through voter engagement, registration, and education. Find out more information by contacting Jewel Anderson.
Leadership DeKalb, Junior League of DeKalb County and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for candidates running for District Attorney and DeKalb CEO on Thursday, April 28, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Oglethorpe University’sConant Performing Arts Center, 4484 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta. Time will be allowed for guests to arrive from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The District Attorney panel will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The CEO panel will be held from 7:30 to 8;0 p.m. 90.1 WABE Host Denis O’Hayer will moderate the discussions.
Parks of Stonecrest to host forum for DeKalb CEO candidates The Parks of Stonecrest Community Civic Association invites residents in its subdivision to a political forum for DeKalb County’s CEO candidates. The forum will be held Saturday, April 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the community’s clubhouse, 3484 Dogwood Pass, Lithonia. The candidates will answer questions and discuss their platforms.
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Political Hob Nob with DeKalb Chamber, Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Council, will host a Political HobNob in preparation for the May 24 General Primary Election during a networking event April 4, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Wild Wing Café, 4788 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. The forum is provided for business leaders and the community to network and meet and greet those who are running for pubic office and hear their message of why they are the best person for the office. Electoral candidates will be given two minutes to give general information about themselves and their desires to lead the community forward. DeKalb candidates who are planning to run for election and would like to register to speak for two minutes during this event should contact Jeffrey at Jeffrey@Perimeterchamber.com or call 678-244-9703. The cost to attend is $5 and includes appetizers by Wild Wing Café. Those who wish to attend must register online at http://business.dekalbchamber.org/events/details/political-hob-nob-with-the-dunwoody-perimeter-chamber-of-commerce-266.
PAGE 10•APRIL 2,2016
OP-ED Voicing Your Opinion
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We must break the cycle of violence in our community
By Orrin C. Hudson
D
id you see the recent news story about the seven Bloods gang members who were indicted in DeKalb after a deadly crime spree? Their spree came to a halt after they busted into the apartment of Marcus Wilder, 23, early one morning. Wilder was returning from the hospital
where he had visited his roommate who had been beaten and robbed at the apartment earlier the same day only to find that the gang members had returned and were waiting inside his apartment. They shot and killed Wilder. Think of the pain and anguish Marcus’ family has gone through and will continue to go through. The Bloods’ crime spree underscores a very serious problem we must fix: We’ve got to get our young people to reject violence. Put the guns and knives down. Focus on success! Rise to the challenge! Many years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my life. If not for a helping hand at just the right time, I might not be here to offer these words of advice and encouragement. I definitely fit the description of an “at risk” youngster. I was an inner-city tough guy. That was my life, my
culture. It defined me. I wasn’t worried about my future. My future was today, tonight. Tomorrow was never a sure thing. So what happened? How did I escape? Why am I now preaching against the life that once looked so “cool”? For this column, let’s just say a very special teacher saw something in me that I didn’t even see. He taught me the game of chess and with that simple act, he saved my life. I owe him so much and one way I’m paying him back is by living every day to save other young people who are in trouble or potentially stand to make poor decisions. Using the game of chess, I founded an organization several years ago based upon a simple premise: Be someone, not something. Your actions speak louder than your words, and that is often forgotten. There is no reason in this world why two people cannot sit down with
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Tamara Verriett
Jervonne Thacker
Jason Bitten
Tamara Verriett and Be Thou Healed Ministries Presents “Two Nights With The King” April 22nd and 23rd at 7 p.m. On Friday night, world famous saxophonist Jason Bitten, Jervonne Thacker from the Gospel Stage Play, “Shut Up And Eat The Apple,” Dance Company, “Passion For Worship,” along with a host of others will be performing on stage. On Saturday, it’s revival time with Prophetess Tamara Keenan from High Point, North Carolina. This takes place at the Ramada Plaza Atlanta Capitol Park Hotel. Admission is free. A love offering is appreciated.
a game of chess or something similar and use their mind power to put hostility and sore feelings behind them. Use creativity and your mind in a unique way to solve your differences. Violence gets you nothing except heartache and a jail cell. I have dedicated my life to teaching young people that they can succeed. I believe every child has the potential to succeed and I’m ready to help. Everyone must do their part to get our young people on track and keep them there. Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is founder of Be Someone, Inc., an organization devoted to teaching young people there are consequences for their actions and that they can choose to succeed in life. He teaches classes and delivers motivational speeches around the country. www.besomeone.org.
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