VOLUME 23 NUMBER 17
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JULY 22 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
FAR smart technology transforms city of Decatur buildings for visually impaired
DECATUR—Smart technology is helping the visually-impaired to get around city buildings in Decatur. Foresight Augmented Reality (FAR) has teamed with the city of Decatur to provide smart technology for seven locations within Decatur’s city limits, making Decatur the first official city to implement the technology. The FAR-accessible locations offer help provide directions for the blind and vision-impaired. FAR-accessible buildings include the installation of a Bluetooth beacon, that when paired with the FAR Vision mobile app, provides users with descriptive information such as entrances and exits, restrooms, hazard warnings and more. “This project opens a lot of doors for the visually impaired community in Decatur and the surrounding area,” said Foresight co-founder and CEO Tara Williams. “With the FAR Vision mobile app, more people can access many of the great features the city of Decatur has to offer. We hope this movement continues to build momentum until the entire Atlanta area is accessible for the blind and visually impaired.” Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said one of the goals of the city’s 2016 Better Together Community Action Plan for Equity, Inclusion and Engagement was to support community participation and engagement among all members of the city’s population. “Making city buildings more readily accessible to the blind and visually impaired allows us to reach and include a broader spectrum of community members in city life,” Garrett said. Highlights of Decatur’s 65-beacon installation include Decatur City Hall, Decatur Police Department, Ebster Recreation Center, Decatur Recreation Center, Decatur Visitors Center, the Decatur Square Community Bandstand and the Decatur Transit Station plaza. Foresight Augmented Reality was founded in 2016 in Atlanta with the goal of creating smarter communities. FAR’s beacons provide compliance beyond ADA requirements for businesses looking to support those with vision-related disabilities. According to the National Foundation for the Blind, there are 7.3 million visually impaired people living in the U.S. For more information, visit www. ForesightAR.com<http://www.ForesightAR. com> and download the FAR Vision mobile app for iPhone, iPad or Android devices.
Atlanta’s Rev. Raphael Warnock arrested, released during July 18 protest in D.C.
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he Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, was arrested and released in Washington, D.C. on July 18 after peacefully protesting budget cuts proposed by President Trump. Warnock and the Rev. Cynthia L. Hale, senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, were among a group of clergy who called on Congress to reject President Trump’s deep cuts to healthcare, education and other programs, saying the cuts were “immoral” and would negatively impact millions of Americans. Warnock and others in the group were singing and praying in the rotunda Russell Senate Office Building when they were arrested. Warnock said his arrest was a “small price to pay” for standing up for the “least
of these.” “As a pastor, I believe the national budget is not just a fiscal document but a moral document. It reflects what we believe and who we are for one another. And if this mean spirited budget were an EKG, it would indicate that America has a heart condition,” Warnock said in a statement. “The government is taking student aid, job training and medicine from those who need it most in order to give a tax cut to those who need it least. We came to Washington as voices of healing and justice. America is better than this. That’s our message. And when I consider those who will suffer, my getting arrested is a small price to pay.” Congressman Hank Johnson, a Democrat who represents the Fourth Congressional District and who also has been at the forefront
of the battle, commended the two prominent pastors for standing up for Americans. “Pastors Warnock and Hale are leaders who understand the devastating effect that repeal of the Affordable Care Act and the passage of the GOP budget proposal will have on the lives of millions of Americans and their families,” said Johnson. “I commend their efforts to make their voices heard. We’re still in a life-or-death battle for families across America. We will continue to turn up the heat against Republicans’ assault on the health and quality of life of children, seniors and working people. I stand willing to work with anyone on responsible legislation to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and pass our budget priorities, but I will not lend my vote to enact laws that give millionaires and billionaires a
See Arrest , page 6
Activists blast elected officials’ silence over DeKalb police beating of homeless woman
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ivil rights activists continue to push for justice for Katie McCrary, the 38-year-old homeless black woman who was beaten June 4 by a white DeKalb Police officer, P.J. Larscheid, who used his baton to strike her several times. One group working on McCrary’s behalf condemned DeKalb County’s elected officials for their silence in the case. Gerald Rose, president of the New Order National Human Rights Organization, said during a July 18 news conference outside of the Manuel Maloof Auditorium in Decatur that he would remind voters of the elected officials’ silence. “This is where the problem is: We have elected officials who ask for our votes… but when things like this come about, it seems like they’re not quick to make a decision,” said Rose. “Even (Congressman) John Lewis came out and said something. So where is Larry Johnson? Where is Gregory Adams? Where is Michael Thurmond? Believe me: You are on alert: We’re going to get to these voters.” Commissioner Larry Johnson, who joined the Rev. Steven Dial and the DeKalb Pastors’ Alliance at a news conference on July 14, said he has publicly voiced his concern about the incident and is awaiting for investigators to complete their work. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, who requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation, encouraged the group to be patient. “You want fairness, right? You want justice…? You all elected me to be CEO. Let me do my job,” Thurmond said. Leonard Jones, national spokesman for the New Order National Human Rights Organization, called for the officer’s firing, saying the video spoke volumes. “We want this officer terminated and not just terminated. He needs to be tried and convicted,” said Jones, who said he viewed the beating as one “where a white man completely
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG News devalued the humanity of that black woman who was at the Chevron that day. There was no reason for it to get that far.” Josie Dean of Black Man Never Forget, who stood with Jones, said the beating reminded her of the brutality that black slaves, particularly women, routinely endured in America. She said the black community must stand up for itself. “We’re going to have to stand up. We can’t just let them do our black women any kind of way. We’ve got to start boycotting and keeping our money to ourselves,” said Dean. Meanwhile, Nathan Knight of the DeKalb SCLC and other activists launched a boycott of the Chevron convenience store at 3364 Glenwood Road in Decatur where McCrary was beaten. A bystander captured the beating on a cell phone video that went viral and came to the attention of Larscheid’s supervisors who re-opened the case after initially clearing the officer of wrongdoing. Larscheid said in his
report that police were called to the store after the woman was suspected of asking a customer for money. “If we don’t stand up when these type of atrocities take place in our neighborhood, we’re not going to have anybody to defend our rights. Black lives do matter,” said Knight. Knight said Sir Maejor Page, president of Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta, bonded McCrary out of jail and placed her in a safe house. Knight said Page is serving as her spokesperson. Attempts to reach Page were unsuccessful. WAOK radio talk show host Rashad Richey, said via Facebook that he had met with the owner of the gas station who told him he did not want the woman arrested. Rashad said the owner planned to file a complaint against the officer. Larscheid has been reassigned to administrative duty pending the investigations.
PAGE 2 •JULY 22, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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Stonecrest City Council defers judge appointments The Stonecrest City Council deferred a decision July 17 on Mayor Jason Lary’s recommended appointment of the city’s first municipal judge, Attorney Michael Sheridan, and its judge pro tem, Attorney Jonathan Weintraub. The council deferred the decision on the appointment until Aug. 7. Council members said they needed more time to review and discuss the two attorneys’ credentials and others who applied for the positions. “These are the two best qualified people,” Lary said in a statement. “These attorneys would serve the city best as judges. They have been working in DeKalb County for years.” Sheridan, a Howard University
graduate, has practiced law for 11 years. He is a partner in the law firm of Davis & Sheridan, LLC. Jonathan Weintraub is a former county attorney with DeKalb County government. A veteran attorney with 38 years of experience in local, government and municipal law, he has degrees from Syracuse University, Georgia State University and a Juris Doctorate from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. In other city business, the mayor and council agreed on a resolution for membership in the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Association. Membership allows the city to purchase general and property liability insurance as well as insurance for city document errors and
Attorney Michael Sheridan
omissions. The annual premium will cost the city $14, 050, which will be prorated for 2017. The council also voted to accept a new city logo and to approve the use of QS/1 Governmental financial software to help the
AttorneyJonathan Weintraub
tracking of business licenses and budgeting. The council approved the appointment of Grey, Pannell and Woodward, LLP as the special counsel for the city’s tax anticipation note.
Phase I of Brannon Hill cleanup complete DeKalb County removed 1,199 tons of debris from demolished buildings at Brannon Hill Condominium in Clarkston on July 13 and 14, completing Phase I of cleanup plans at the development. “I cannot overstate my appreciation for the hardworking men and women who executed a logistically challenging plan to cleanup this devastation and increase the quality of life for DeKalb residents,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “Blight contributes to diminished public health and safety, and though we still have far to go, this is a positive first step.” Phase I of the Brannon Hill cleanup was completed by 37 county employees working a combined 460 hours with 45 pieces of heavy equipment and dump trucks. Trucks removed 152 loads of debris to DeKalb County’s Seminole Road Landfill.
“DeKalb will be judged by the quality of life of all of our residents, including those most challenged,” said CEO Thurmond. “The county has the ability to remove these four blighted buildings in Brannon Hill, but removing buildings isn’t the cure.” Built in 1973, more than 100 units at the complex are vacant and in various states of disrepair. On Nov. 18, 2016, DeKalb County obtained a court order allowing nuisance abatement in Brannon Hill at four buildings totaling 68 units. Phase II of the cleanup will occur later in 2017, when DeKalb will identify and award a contract to demolish and remove debris from the other two buildings (40 units). This project utilizes approximately $400,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds.
Rockdale to receive $208,000 federal grant to fight opioid epidemic Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced that Rockdale County will receive a grant of more than $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help tackle drug abuse in the community. “I applaud Rockdale County for their continued work to reduce recidivism and help people overcome their mistakes and circumstances,” said Johnson. “This federal funding allows programs like Rockdale’s to touch more people who need treatment, encourage them to make the right choices and change the direction of their lives.” The grant funds will be dispersed to Rockdale County over a period of three to five years for treatment drug court programs for people who are involved in the criminal justice system with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. Congressman The purpose of the federal program is to expand and/or enhance Hank Johnson substance use disorder treatment services in existing adult problem-solving courts, and adult Tribal Healing to Wellness courts, which use the treatment drug court model in order to provide alcohol and drug treatment (including recovery support services, screening, assessment, case management, and program coordination) to defendants/offenders. The grants are part of more than $80 million of a nationwide effort to deal with substance abuse and the opioid epidemic.
Rockdale commissioners to hold evening meeting Aug. 15
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC), in an effort to be more accessible to the community, will hold an evening meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., at Lorraine Elementary School, 3343 East Fairview Road, SW, Stockbridge. For more information, contact Jennifer Rutledge, County Clerk, at jennifer.rutledge@rockdalecountyga.gov.
Citizens Advisory Board to meet July 25 The DeKalb Parks Citizen Advisory Board Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, at 6 p.m., at the Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. The meeting will take place on the first floor in Room 111. Information will be provided on current park improvements and recreation projects. For more information, contact Carol Underwood, administrative coordinator at 404-371-2927 or cjunderw@dekalbcountyga.gov.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL CALLED MEETING CITY OF STONECREST There will be a Special Called Meeting of the City of Stonecrest, Monday, July 24, 2017 at 6:00pm in the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Georgia for the following: 1.Review and Approval of the Tax Anticipation Note Proposals 2. Amendment to the Hotel, Motel Tax Ordinance 3.Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control OrdinanceFirst Read
PAGE 4 •JULY 22, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Horizon Theatre’s “Blackberry Daze” sells out first weekend
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By Mackenzie N. Morgan
recently had the opportunity to attend opening night for the new hit play, Blackberry Daze. Directed by award-winning writer/director Thomas W. Jones II, the play is a musical adaptation of the novel, Blackberry Days of Summer, by Ruth P. Watson. The stage play made its debut last September at the MetroStage in Alexandria, Virginia and will run at Horizon Theatre Company in Atlanta until Aug. 27. Set post-World War I in small town Virginia, the audience can feel the sweltering heat of the summer the moment the town gambler, Herman Camm (TC Carson), walks onto the stage. Sly, charming and good-looking, Herman manages to seduce the recently widowed church-going Mae Lou (Naomi Lavette) and Pearl (Brittany Inge), a married Blues singer whose husband has just returned home from war. Intoxicated by lust and poor judgment, Herman is sure to pay the ultimate price for his womanizing behavior. Meet Carrie (Ayanna Reed), the 15-year-old
daughter of Mae Lou, and discover what it means to be a young black girl in the South trying to find
District 3’s Gresham Park gets new playground
love in the midst of segregation in a male-dominated society. Christy Clark and Christian Magby
play multiple roles that will warm your heart and make you laugh at the same time. Blackberry Daze has to be one of the most phenomenal musicals on the circuit right now and is sure to whet your appetite for good, down home theater. The cast delivers a mesmerizing and soulful mix of gospel and blues that is sure to excite the imagination and stir the heart and mind. Examine themes like family, race, infidelity, rape, abuse, forgiveness and redemption in this musical masterpiece. In addition to the dynamic cast and stellar musical performances, the creative team did an excellent job of capturing the mood with brilliant stage design, seamless special effects and elegant period costumes that really brought the play to life. Horizon offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere offering no bad seats in the house. The show runs July 14 – Aug. 27 at The Horizon Theatre Company, 1083 Austin Avenue, Atlanta. If you plan to attend, purchase tickets online at www.horizontheatre.com and plan to arrive half an hour early for parking and admission.
DeKalb offering residents free disposal at Seminole Land
DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host “Amnesty Day,” an opportunity for DeKalb County residents to dispose of items such as furniture and construction and demolition materials without charge. The free event will be held on Saturday, July 29, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood. During “Amnesty Day,” a part of the Operation Clean Sweep initiative, items such as tires, yard trimmings, bagged garbage and appliances can be disposed at the landfill. No hazardous materials will be accepted. The event is open to DeKalb County residents and proof of residency is required. For more information including a list of acceptable items for disposal, contact Pauline A. Andrea, public information officer, at 404-294-2092, paandrea@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.dekalbsanitation.com.
Mother charged in hot car death of 13-month-old
Children and parents in the Gresham Park community were full of smiles as DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and other county officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony recently for a new playground at the Gresham Park Recreation Center. The completion of the project was part of the $1.2 million parks bond investment by Johnson, who represents District 3. Johnson said he is proud of the new playground because it is historic. It is located next to the first DeKalb school named after the nation’s first black President, Barack Obama. A nearby trail, when completed, will be named after First Lady Michelle Obama. Johnson said one of the children, Kiley Domineck, who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, had something to say to Johnson: “Thank you, sir, for putting this in our neighborhood,” Domineck said.
Young leaders encouraged to attend NOBLE leadership conference DeKalb County youths ages 14 to 18 are invited to join the South DeKalb Police Precinct for the 16th Annual National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Youth Leadership Conference. The conference will be held July 31 to Aug. 2, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road, Atlanta. Workshops will include “The Importance of Financial Responsibility;” The Law and Your Community; Strategic Planning for Youth; Community Service: How to Serve Better; What Kind of Leader Do You Want to Be?; Strategies to Scholarships; Understanding Your Political Landscape. A memorial march and community service project will be held on Wednesday. Registration for the conference will include a custom messenger bag, two meals per day and a T-shirt for each day. To register and request a permission slip, please email: marjorieclay@bellsouth.net with “Registration” in the subject line.
Reps. Bennett, Carter and Kendrick to host “Back to School Zone” State Reps. Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) and Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) will host their “Back to School Zone” on Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia. The event will feature a teen job fair, NFL helmet safety clinic, free sports physicals and music by DJ Black. Ian Holmes, Southeast regional manager of USA Football NFL Foundation, will speak to parents and coaches at 10 a.m. regarding helmet and equipment safety for young football players. There will be a guest appearance by former Atlanta Falcon Dewey McClain. The teen job fair is an opportunity for teens to meet with prospective employers, hear information regarding job etiquette and to hear from inspiring motivational speakers as well. Organizers say the event promises to be both fun and informative. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. For more information call 404-656-0202 or email trn7c@aol.com.
8th annual Community Day with law enforcement set The 8th Annual Community Day with DeKalb County Law Enforcement agencies will be held Wednesday, Aug. 2, starting at 8 a.m. at Stars and Strikes bowling center, 1741 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. The annual event brings together more than 100 DeKalb County youths and law enforcement representatives for a morning of bowling and words of encouragement to start the new school year. In addition to free bowling, pizza and soft drinks, all youth participants receive a packet of back-toschool supplies. According to Tom Walker, Sr., who began the program with former Sheriff Thomas Brown, the objectives are to present positive role models for youths, minimize juvenile delinquency in our schools and encourage support for county law enforcement representatives. Participating agencies include offices of: DeKalb County Sheriff, DeKalb County Solicitor-General, DeKalb County District Attorney, DeKalb County Police, DeKalb County School District Office of Public Safety, DeKalb County Marshalls and Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. For more information, contact Tom Walker, Sr. at 404-219-6282.
DiJanelle Fowler, mother of 13-month-old Skylar Fowler, has been arrested in connection with the death of her child. On June 15, Fowler called 911 from Emory Physician parking garage advising that she had a medical emergency. Emory Police responded and found the mother and child in the car. The child was strapped into her car seat in the back seat of the vehicle and was pronounced dead on the scene. During the investigation, it was determined that the child’s condition and injuries were not consistent with the timeline given by the mother. It was also revealed that the mother had a hair appointment earlier that day. While at her appointment, Fowler left the 1-year-old in the car with the engine DiJanelle Fowler and air-conditioning running. At some point, the car shut off and the baby succumbed to the high temperatures in the vehicle. Fowler is being held in the DeKalb County Jail and is charged with second degree murder, second degree child cruelty and concealing a death.
Suspect arrested in Covington Highway murder, armed robbery The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit, in cooperation with the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshal’s Office, have arrested 26-year-old Samuel M. Alexander of East Point as a suspect in a shooting death on July 7, 2017. Warrants were issued on July 8, 2017 alleging that Alexander fatally shot Adrian Anderson while in a physical struggle that took place during commission of an armed robbery on Covington Highway in Decatur. Alexander is charged with murder and armed robbery. Alexander was arrested at a residence in East Point and transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident. Samuel M. Alexande
DeKalb Narcotics Unit seizes 230 pounds of marijuana The DeKalb County Police Narcotics Unit seized 230 pounds of marijuana and arrested two suspects on drug trafficking charges after obtaining a search warrant. Police responded to a call at 2952 North DeKalb Drive in reference to marijuana plants that were located in plain view on the apartment porch. After obtaining a search warrant and making contact with the occupants, detectives located 230 pounds of marijuana as well as smaller amounts of cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, and an undetermined amount of money. Meigui Wang, 52, was charged with Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA), trafficking marijuana, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of MDMA (ecstasy) with intent to distribute and possession of Ketamine with intent to distribute. Zhenyi Lin, 35, was charged with VGCSA and possession of marijuana Less Than one ounce. Both suspects were taken to the DeKalb County Jail.
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JULY 22, 2017 • PAGE 5
Roundtable at (e)-station offers resources, networking to small business owners
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ongressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) continued his small business initiative on July 19 with another informational roundtable, which was held at the (e) station in Olde Town Conyers. The meeting was the second installment of the Advancement of the Small Business Community initiative, which launched in June with DeKalb County small business owners at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston. The roundtable in Conyers, conducted by Betty Mason from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Terri Denison of the Small Business Administration (SBA), offered information on federal and state resources available to assist small businesses. During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to network among each other, and talk one-on-one with both, Mason and Denison, about what it takes to overcome hurdles that often come with competing for government contracts or gaining access to capital through the SBA. The next roundtable will be held on
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Wednesday, Aug. 9 in Gwinnett County. The roundtables will culminate in September with a district-wide “Think Tank.” This event will create an environment where small businesses from the Fourth Congressional District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Newton
counties can benefit from the pool of information and opportunities that the federal government affords its constituents. It will feature both panel discussions and interactive individual participation exercises geared towards addressing the specific needs of each small business owner. The event will
be held on Sept. 18 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. “The importance of the small business community in today’s economy is indisputable,”Johnson said. “Small businesses are a vital part of today’s economy and account for half of the private workforce’s employment. The purpose of this initiative is to strengthen our small businesses by increasing awareness and support through face-toface meetings with the experts that can help us do just that.” The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Labor are among the entities that will be a part of the September initiative. Educators, community and economic development specialists, local leaders and other members of our communities will be on hand at the upcoming “Think Tank” event to show small businesses the proper way to gain access to capital and the proper channels for contracting with the Federal government. The event will also provide the opportunity for business leaders to learn from each other’s experiences.
NACCHO elects Ford to Board of Directors
he National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has elected DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, M.B.A., to its 2017-2018 Board of Directors. NACCHO is governed by a 24-member board that comprises local and tribal health officials who are elected by their peers. The Board also includes ex-officio members who represent the National Association of
Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Ford’s 2-year term as an atlarge member began on July 1. As the governing body, the Board of Directors establishes NACCHO’s strategic direction and initiatives, sets the annual legislative agenda, approves official statements of policy, ensures that annual goals are met, and provides financial oversight. The Board is NACCHO’s public face, and represents members in matters of policy, public
94 DeKalb Medical physicians chosen for Atlanta magazine “Top Doctors” list Ninety-four physicians on the DeKalb Medical staff were named “Top Doctors” in the July issue of Atlanta Magazine. Dawn Mandeville, MD of Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology in Decatur, was featured on one of the magazine’s four covers. “I feel very fortunate to be recognized for doing something that I love,” said Mandeville, pictured left with Catherine Bonk, MD, also from Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Our medical staff has been wellrepresented on this list in the past,” said Bob Wilson, President and CEO, DeKalb Medical, “but this year, we have 94 doctors recognized by other doctors, here and around the region. We continue to attract many of the best physicians in Atlanta. They are invaluable partners in our commitment to earn our communities’ trust and deliver exceptional patient care.” Atlanta Magazine’s Top Doctors list was compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Pictured L-R: Dawn Mandeville, MD and Ltd. whose physician-led team of research- Catherine Bonk, MD, from Atlanta Obsteters follows a rigorous screening process rics and Gynecology. to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Castle Connolly seeks nominations not only of physicians who excel in academic medicine and research but also, most importantly, those who exhibit excellence in patient care.
DeKalb animal shelter grand opening set July 26 DeKalb County officials and Lifeline Animal Project staff members will host a grand opening for DeKalb’s new animal shelter on Wednesday, July 26, at 10:30 a.m., 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee. The 33,440-square-foot facility sits on 5.3 acres of land in Chamblee and can accommodate more than 400 animals. The shelter includes 12 adoption rooms and several play yards. The facility also features a 1,300-square-foot clinic that includes a surgery prep and surgery room, lab area, secure pharmacy storage and holding areas for animals scheduled for surgery. The shelter will provide spay-and-neuter services for animals adopted.
health practice, and collaboration with health partners in the public and private sectors. Ford has served as the District Health Director and Chief Executive Officer of the DeKalb County Board of Health since February 2005. She manages a diverse array of public health programs that serve over 730,000 people who live in the county.
S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, M.B.A.
PAGE 6 •JULY 22, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM See Arrest continued from page 1 tax break at the expense of middle income taxpayers and their families.” Johnson recently discussed the proposed cuts during a healthcare town hall panel hosted by State Rep. Doreen Carter at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. Speakers on the panel urged the public to contact legislators to oppose the proposed cuts. Faith leaders also are urging the public to become engaged through a social media campaign calling for Congress to reject the Senate’s healthcare proposal using the hashtags #BlackClergyUprising #BlackClergyVoices.
ABL honors GPTC President Jabari Simama Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Jabari Simama was honored recently by the Atlanta Business League (ABL) as one of Atlanta’s Men of Influence for 2017. For many years, the ABL has recognized business owners, professionals, community and civic leaders throughout the entire Metropolitan Atlanta area for their accomplishments. The official introduction of the 2017 Men of Influence and announcement ceremony was held July 11 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Simama was selected for the honor because of his work in education, government, leadership, technology and community development, said Leona Barr-Davenport, ABL’s president and CEO. Jabari Simama “Dr. Simama never met a problem that he was not willing to attempt to solve. He is a thought leader who is a recognized change agent wherever he serves,” Davenport said. Simama said he was honored to be inducted as a 2017 Men of Influence. “Since its inception, the Atlanta Business League has been a trailblazer in the development of relationships among large and small businesses. They have always placed a priority on educational training opportunities for business owners and their staffs,” Simama said The 2017 list reflects the names of black men in metro Atlanta communities who have reached “senior level” positions within their respective professions. Atlanta’s Men of Influence are either leading entrepreneurs in their industry; have achieved history-making feats; or have attained respected levels of influence in politics and government. In addition to professional accomplishments, they have demonstrated their commitment to the citizens of Metro Atlanta by their significant involvement in community and civic activities. ABL’s goal is to provide an educational opportunity for individuals at all levels, from middle school to corporate America, to meet and interact with men in leading and history-making positions throughout metro Atlanta.
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