Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties Volume 18 Number 10
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AUGUST 15, 2012
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Family seeks suspect who shot elderly mom By Valerie J. Morgan
Evelyn Atwater
ATLANTA—Evelyn Atwater’s family is asking for the public’s help in finding the man who brutally beat her and shot in the head during a home invasion. The 86-year-old woman was attacked on July 6 around 6:30 a.m. at the QLS Senior Complex on Campbellton Road, where she lives in Atlanta. Police have had no solid
leads in the case and have yet to make an arrest, family members said. The suspect, a black male, rummaged through some drawers, took Atwater’s keys and fled on foot. Police captured an image of the suspect on a surveillance tape. “He struggled with her and then shot her in the head,” said Stanley Atwater. “She managed to get to a neighbor’s house. She was bleeding when she got to the hospital. We
didn’t realize until three hours later that she had been shot in the head.” Atwater had developed blood clots in her lungs several days ago and families feared she would not make it. Miraculously, however, she pulled through. Atwater, who lost sight in one eye from the injuries, is now going through rehabilitation therapy to help her regain her motor skills, said her daughter, Wendy Truitt.
Atwater has five sons and one daughter. Before retirement, she worked at the West Lake Girls Center, the federally-funded Economic Opportunity Authority (EOA) and as a para-professional in Atlanta Public Schools. “My mother is just a sweet old lady. We’re just hoping that someone out there knows something and will contact the police,” said Stanley Atwater.
Life After Iraq
Former POW Shoshana Johnson is among military women lauded at Atlanta prayer breakfast By Valerie J. Morgan
ATLANTA—It’s been nine years since U.S. Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson was shot in both legs and held a Prisoner of War in Iraq. Though Johnson is quick to smile for the media’s cameras these days, she’s still haunted by the harrowing 22 days she spent in captivity in March 2003. U.S. Marines rescued Johnson and six other POWs in April 2003 after conducting house raids in the Iraqi city of Samarra. “I still have some tough days,” Johnson said during an interview with On Common Ground News. “Even though I physically left Iraq, I didn’t leave it mentally.” The 39-year-old El Paso, Texas resident was celebrated for her heroism during an Aug. 11 prayer breakfast held at the Comfort Inn and Conference Center in Atlanta. The event was hosted by Tincie Lynch, founder and executive director of TM Lynch Ministries. Lynch, who served in the Army for 14 years, said she invited Johnson and the four other honorees because too often female veterans are overlooked or forgotten for their service. Following the breakfast, Johnson conducted a book signing for her
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Shoshana Johnson, the country’s first black female Prisoner of War, held a book signing for her memoir, “I’m Still Standing,” during her Aug. 11 visit to Atlanta.
memoir, “I’m Still Standing.” “Shoshana received a lot of calls and support in the beginning, but now the phone doesn’t ring as much anymore,” said Lynch. “She went through a lot. I just think we need to make sure she and other veterans are never forgotten.” Several pastors and ministry leaders, along with State Rep. Billy Mitchell, who represents District 88 in DeKalb County, and Legislative Director Joel Alvarado, who represented DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, were among
those who honored Johnson and Dr. Tincie Lynch with proclamations from the state and county respectively at the sold-out breakfast. “We could not have pulled it off without all of our sponsors. I really thank them,” Dr. Lynch said. “I also really appreciate our keynote speaker, Pastor Sherita L. Porter of Maryland. She did an outstanding job.” Johnson, an Army cook with the 507th Maintenance Company out of Fort Bliss, Texas, earned the dubious distinction as the nation’s first black female POW. She was riding in a small convoy of diesel mechanics, truck drivers, technicians, supply specialists and cooks when they got lost and were ambushed by Iraqis on March 23, 2003 in the city of Nasariyah. Eleven U.S. soldiers were killed in the attack, including one woman. The rescue of Johnson and six other survivors on April 13, 2003 followed that of Private First Class Jessica Lynch, a white female POW who was rescued on April 1, 2003. Lynch, who was critically injured in the ambush, became the most popular POW of Operation Iraqi Freedom when Marines recovered her after staging a diversionary attack and besieging the hospital, where she was held. According to initial news reports, Lynch, a supply clerk, went down fighting in Rambo fashion. She later testified in a Congressional hearing, however, that she did not fire a single round in the attack. Johnson said the ambush and rescue efforts are something she will never forget. “We lost 11 people that day. They were all like See Johnson, page 6
Atlanta population grows despite sluggish economy By Valerie J. Morgan
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otlanta is not as hot as it once was in the 1990s, but the metro area is still a magnet for transplants, new statistics show. The 10-county Atlanta region added some 37,200 people between April 1, 2011, and April 1, 2012, according to the U.S. Census. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) says although the number is higher than the previous year, it marks a fourth consecutive year of slower-thannormal growth when compared to the numbers the region experienced from 2000-2007. INSIDE
Community News......................... P 3 Coming Up.................................. P 4 We Worship................................ P 10 Business News........................... P 13 Health & Wellness...................... P 14 Classifieds................................. P 15 CONTACT THE NEWSROOM Phone: (678) 526-1910 n Fax: (678) 526-1909 n E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com
“While this growth is certainly slower than what we became accustomed to in the ‘90s and 2000s, this pace is laudable in the face of the economic pressures we face,” said Doug Hooker, ARC Executive Director. Metro Atlanta is now home to 4,179,500 people, making it larger than 24 states, according to U.S. Census data. The 10-county Atlanta region includes Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties. Applemania Cook is among those who can be counted in Atlanta’s recent population increase. Cook, 26, moved to the metro area July 2011 from Lakeland, FL. She says a better job opportunity brought her to Atlanta, as well as the belief that she could succeed here. “I just always wanted to move to Atlanta because I believe that it is an up-and-coning place for black professionals,” said Cook, who landed a job teaching second grade at C.J. Hicks Elementary School in Conyers. Cook said as she completed her master’s degree at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, her eyes and heart were set
Applemania Cook, who moved to the Atlanta area in 2011, now calls the city home.
on coming to a progressive Atlanta. She had friends and relatives helping her to search for a job and a place to live. “It was a blessing that I found a job in a place where I also have relatives and friends already living here,” said Cook, who is entering her second year as a
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
teacher in Rockdale County and hopes to buy a house in the near future. Winston Drayton, 27, shares Cook’s belief that Atlanta is still a promising destination. Drayton came to Atlanta on See Transplants, page 6
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AUGUST 15, 2012
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AUGUST 15, 2012
Community News
August 15, 2012 Volume 18, NO. 10 EDITOR/Publisher Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
Rockdale Sheriff ’s deputies recover dozens of stolen political campaign signs
Staff Writer Joshua Smith joshsmith@ocgnews.com Advertising Manager Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
About Us
On Common Ground News is published twice a month on the 1st and 15th by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
Photo courtesy of The Rockdale Sheriff Department
By Valerie J. Morgan
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CONYERS—The Rockdale Sheriff’s Department has arrested someone who has been stealing campaign signs, but they don’t think the thefts are politically motivated. They say they believe the suspect recycled them for his own personal use. Harold Chambers, 54, is the culprit they arrested and charged with theft by taking on Aug. 8. Deputies went to Chambers’ home in Conyers and recovered 130 campaign signs belonging to 29 political candidates.
The signs were discovered after a deputy spotted an abandoned truck near the intersection of Klondike Road and Smyrna Road on Monday morning, Aug. 6. The deputy was able to make contact with the truck’s owner, Harold Chambers, and stand by with him until a tow truck could arrive. While waiting for the tow truck, the deputy noticed several campaign signs in the bed of the truck and remembered a lookout that the Sheriff’s Department had issued a few days earlier. “The deputy remembered that someone had called in to say they saw someone in a truck taking signs from private property,” said Investigator
Michael Camp, a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Department. When the deputy asked Chambers about the signs, Chambers told him that he painted over the signs for personal use and could show the deputy what he did to the signs at his house, where he had more campaign signs. When the deputy and an investigator went to Chambers’ house, they found dozens of campaign signs, several of which had been painted a cream color. In total, 130 campaign signs from 29 different political candidates were recovered from Chambers’ house and truck. Camp said he did not know what Chambers’ occupation was or for what purpose he was repainting the signs. Oz Nesbitt, who is running for reelection to Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, said his campaign signs were among those stolen. Nesbitt, who won the Democratic nomination in the July 31 General Primary, faces Republican challenger Tom Harrison in November. Nesbitt said the Sheriff’s Department contacted him and told him he could pick up his signs from those deputies recovered. “I’m glad they caught him. That’s a lot of money when you look at how many he stole,” said Nesbitt. Nesbitt said he still isn’t so sure however, that some of his signs were not taken by those supporting his political opponents. “I just know that a lot of my signs were stolen,” Nesbitt said. Investigator Camp said several of the candidates whose signs were taken said they planned to press charges.
Facing Foreclosure? Need help with your mortgage?
DeKalb County Foreclosure Prevention and Intervention Workshop
Saturday, August 18, 2012 | 8 AM – 4 PM Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, H. F. Shepherd Multiplex 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034 Meet one‐on‐one with your mortgage company or a HUD‐approved housing counselor to find options to avoid foreclosure
For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov or www.akataupiomega.com, or call 404‐371‐6379. Sponsored by DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Stone Mountain‐Lithonia Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. To better serve you, homeowners are asked to bring the following: IRS Form 4506T‐EZ and/or last two years of tax returns Monthly mortgage statement Information about other mortgages on your home, if applicable Two most recent pay stubs for all household members contributing toward mortgage payment If self employed, the most recent quarterly or year‐to‐date Profit and Loss Statement
Documentation of income you receive from other sources (alimony, child support, social security, etc.) Two most recent bank statements A utility bill showing homeowner name and property address Unemployment insurance letter, if applicable
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AUGUST 15, 2012
Coming up
DEKALB New Girl Scout troop forming in Tucker A new Girl Scout troop is forming and currently seeking members. An informational meeting will be held on Aug. 19, 2 p.m., at Tucker First United Methodist Church, 5095 LaVista Road, Tucker. Girls ages 5 – 8 and their parents are invited to enjoy games, crafts, and singing. Proposed meeting times for the new troop are the second and fourth Sundays of each month, 2 – 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in room 150. For more information, call Bonny Wilder at 770-469-9032.
Jumpstart your student’s school year
DeKalb County’s Salem-Panola Library Branch and the Minority Female Doctors Consortium is hosting a free parent workshop, “The ABCs to a Successful School Year,” on Aug. 21, 6 – 8p.m. The workshop will provide parents with tips on how to: work with the school and teacher, obtain homework solutions, conquer math and reading hurdles and obtain scholarships for junior and senior high school students. The Salem-Panola Library Branch is located at 5137 Salem Road, Lithonia. 678-699-7599 or 770-987-6900.
Bruce Street senior center to host open house
DeKalb County’s Bruce Street/East DeKalb Senior Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia, will host an open house to showcase its upcoming classes. The “Oh, the Things You Can Learn!” open house and registration will be held on Aug. 23, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Want to learn how to loom, use a computer, or make ceramic items or jewelry? Do you enjoy reading, playing cards and bowling? Seniors can do all this and more by signing up for one or more classes at this neighborhood senior center. Classes are eight weeks and prices range from $5 to $15 per eight-week class. For more information, call Vera Winston, Tarsellia Oliver, or Deborah Norfleet at 770-842-0402.
Decatur Library book sale The Friends of the central Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, will host a book sale on Sept. 1, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., on the front lawn of the library. Thousands of gently-used fiction, nonfiction and children’s books, as well as DVDs and CDs, will be offered for sale at low prices starting at 50 cents. Cash or check only. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit programs of the Decatur library. Donations of gently used books are always welcome at the library front desk. 404-370-8450.
GWINNETT Fall Lawn Care The Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension Office, 750 S. Perry St., Ste. 400, will host “Fall Lawn Care,” on Aug. 21, 12 – 1 p.m. In this class you will learn what needs to be done for your lawn during the fall months to keep it healthy and attractive. Participants should meet in the Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension Conference Room. Many gardeners say the best time of the year to fertilize your lawn is early fall. Some subjects to be discussed will be fertilization, weed control and establishment of new lawns. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required by Friday, Aug. 17. To register, contact Timothy Daly at 678-377-4010 or timothy.daly@ gwinnettcounty.com.
Gwinnett Parks system marks 25th anniversary with movie classic Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Aug. 24, 6:30 – 9 p.m., with a movie night featuring “Back to the Future, at Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. “Back to the Future” is a 1985 American science fiction adventure comedy film. The film, produced by Steven Spielberg, stars Michael J. Fox as “Marty McFly,” a teen who is accidentally sent back in time from 1985 to 1955. He meets his future parents in high school and accidentally attracts his future mother’s romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by causing his parentsto-be to fall in love, and with the help of scientist, “Dr. Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown,” he must find a way to return to 1985. Residents are invited to bring a small item for a time capsule to be opened in 2037 for the Gwinnett Park system’s 50th anniversary, and a blanket or lawn chair to watch the movie. Concessions will be available. All ages are invited. Tickets are $3 per person by Aug. 22 and $4 per person at the gate. For more information or to register, call 770-822-5414 or visit www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Friends group hosts third annual Charity Golf Classic Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services is registering golfers for the third annual Charity Golf Classic at TPC Sugarloaf, 2595 Sugarloaf Club Drive, Duluth, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. Proceeds from the event will support Gwinnett senior programs such as the home-delivered meals program and home repairs and medical transportation for seniors. Sponsorship opportunities and team participation are available. Senior Shootout players must register by Aug. 17, and regular players must register by Sept. 5. Player packages begin at $30. Players receive gift bags, box lunches and on-course refreshments. An awards buffet will be held at the conclusion of the tournament. FRIENDS will also host a silent auction and a live cash raffle drawing. For more information, call 678-377-3020 or visit www.fogcss.com.
ATLANTA Humane Society offers free rabies vaccines The American Humane Society, in partnership with the Pets for Life campaign, will offer free cat and dog rabies vaccinations on Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Free Training Facility, 809 Hollywood Road, Atlanta. Pets will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring animals on leash or in carrier. Pet owners can even stay in the car with their animals and a greeter will provide assistance. Call 1-888-297-1683, option 1 for more information.
Grant Park celebrates Summer Shade Festival Historic Grant Park, 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta, will host the 10th Annual Summer Shade Festival on Aug. 26, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. The festival offers a juried and a non-juried Artists’ Market, two stages of live music, a farmer’s market, vendors, a children’s activity area, and the ticketed “Corks & Forks: A Fine Food & Wine Event.” Admission is free to all events except “Corks & Forks,” a food and wine sampling event that benefits the park. 404-521-0938.
African Independence Day parade set The Universal Negro Improvement Association—African Communities League (UNIA-ACL) will host an Independence Day parade on Aug. 31, 10 a.m. – noon, at the Omenala Griot African Museum, 337 Dargan Place, S.W., Atlanta. The parade will be held to celebrate all African countries independence day and the UNIA-ACL’s 55th International Convention, a nine-day event filled with activities promoting unity. In Africa, the struggle for independence started after World War II. The road to African independence was very hard and tortuous often through bloody fights, revolts and assassinations. The peak year came in 1960 when about 17 countries gained independence. For more information, contact Julius Nyerere at 404-447-5299 or atlantadivision421@cbpm.org.
ROCKDALE Memories of Africa photography show The Olde Town Gallery and Studio will host “Memories of Africa,” a photography show featuring 150 photos taken by Conyers residents who recently visited Kenya and Tanzania on Aug. 17, 2 – 6 p.m., Aug. 18, 4- 8 p.m. and Aug. 24, 25, 2 – 6 p.m. Admission is free. The Olde Town Gallery is located at 909 Commercial St., Conyers. 678-231-6081 or 770-363-0217.
Olde Town Summer Music Fest The City of Conyers will host the Olde Town Summer Music Fest on Aug. 18, 7 – 11 p.m., in the center of Olde Town, 901 Railroad St., N.W., Conyers. The merchants in Olde Town Conyers, along with the Conyers Main Street Program, present the Olde Town Summer Music Fest. Enjoy free, live music, street performers and restaurant specials. The featured band is Psycho De Ville, featuring popular music from the ‘50s and ‘60s. For more information, visit www.conyersmainstreet.com or call 770-602-2606.
Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival Rockdale County will host the Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival on Aug. 25 – 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. The Wildlife Festival will feature animal exhibits, guest speakers, handson demonstrations, children’s activities, stage performances and arts and crafts. Highlights include birds of prey, reptile shows, animal shows and several interactive exhibits. Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at the gate. Children 4 and under are free. Parking is free. 770-860-4188.
AUGUST 15, 2012
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Stephenson, Druid Hills represented at Bank of America Student Leaders Program Ciara Shaw, who graduated this year from Stephenson High School, and Terrence McKenzie, a senior at Druid Hills High School, are among five students who were selected for the Bank of Terrence McKenzie America Student Leaders Ciara Shaw Program for Atlanta. The program provides 225 community-minded high school juniors and seniors across the U.S. with a paid, eight-week summer internship at local nonprofit organizations. The Student Leaders from the Atlanta area all interned at Teach for America Atlanta. In addition, the summer interns attended a weeklong Bank of America Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. in July. While in D.C., they participated in a service learning project, Capital Hill briefings, sessions on financial education and leadership development. The goal of the summit was to broaden the students’ understanding of how service creates positive change and how corporate, non-profit and government collaboration is instrumental in community revitalization. Shaw has been active in the Stephenson community representing as Stephenson High SGA President 20112012, Miss Stephenson High School 2012, Stephenson’s PTSA Board and through her community outreach initiative, Happy Saks. Shaw is also Miss Teen Atlanta 2012. She is attending Clark Atlanta University this fall. McKenzie has been a student of the DeKalb 100 Black Men’s Leadership Academy Program since the since 5th grade. Through the program, McKenzie has traveled to Ghana twice and Brazil. This summer, he traveled to Paris, Madrid and Barcelona on his own. McKenzie is a member of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, where he is active in the church’s youth ministry. McKenzie plays lacrosse for Druid Hills. He is interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine and business. In addition to Shaw and McKenzie, the other Atlanta interns include: Mohini Chakravorty of Woodstock; and Joshika Money and Fahim Thawer, both of Alpharetta.
Clarkston celebrates Milam Park’s facelift Text and Photos By Joshua Smith
CLARKSTON—Where in the U.S. can you sample vegetable samosas, lamb stew, take in world-class Burundi performances and find a community representing 50 nationalities? The answer is, of course, the City of Clarkston. With a population of 7,231, Clarkston has been called the most diverse community in the southeastern U.S., with 50 nationalities speaking 22 languages registered in the city’s high school. Recently, Mayor Emanuel Ransom hosted a block party showcasing all things Clarkston at the city’s newlyrenovated Milam Park, where families enjoyed magicians, clowns, games and a performance by the Burundi Drummers of Atlanta. The block party was held as part of National Night Out, a crime and drug prevention event held across the country to bring residents together in their communities. The $500,000 makeover at Milam Park includes renovation of the pool and tennis courts, new playground equipment, renovated restrooms and multipurpose recreation areas for soccer and baseball, pavilions with new grills and new parking surfaces. The city also put in a new ramp and sidewalk for the disabled. “In the past we’ve held National Night Out at different neighborhoods in Clarkston,” said Mayor Ransom. “I love the fact that we now have a central place to meet and celebrate each other. We will hold this event annually here at the park from now on.”
Families Make Up 41% of the Homeless! Help End Homelessness Now by Running in the 19th Annual 5K for Hope
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012
Races begin @ 7:30 am • Georgia Perimeter College Decatur campus • Beautiful, tree-lined 5K CERTIFIED COURSE through Decatur • 1 mile Fun Run for small & big kids • Join in pre-race EXERCISE CLASS and postrace AWARDS, PRIZES & FOOD
www.southdekalbstriders.org
We welcome Walkers, Strollers, Peaceful+Leashed Dogs, & DONATIONS!
REGISTER online @ active.com or download registration form @ southdekalbstriders.org ENTRY FEE includes race T-Shirt for 5k and 1 mile races INFO: Call 678-310-8101, email 5kforhope@gmail.com, Facebook: 5kForHope BENEFITS Our House, a child care facility for homeless families, ourhousega.org SPONSORS: Publix Supermarket Charities, Alston & Bird, WSB-TV Channel 2, Georgia Perimeter College
NO SHELLS STAGE PLAY
No Shells Audiences gives this stage play five stars and a standing ovation!!
Come find out what happens when a group of friends gather for an annual dinner party and a nosy neighbor and her dog FEFE pays an unexpected visit! You will laugh! You will cry! You will say “No More Shells!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 8p.m. Tickets on sale now!
$25 Advance and $35 Door
Call For Tickets
404-399-3132
Porter Sanford Performing Arts Theater 3181 Rainbow Dr. Decatur, GA WWW.NOSHELLSSTAGEPLAY.COM Also, other than online and by phone, tickets can also be purchased at Premier Women’s Specialists 2675 North Decatur Road, Ste 404, Decatur, GA 30033 and Salon Aniyah 404-243-5404 3009 Rainbow Dr. Suite A Decatur, GA 30034
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AUGUST 15, 2012
Transplants seek better life in Atlanta continued from page 1
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Pictured L-R: Purple Heart and Bronze Medalist Shoshana Johnson was welcomed by Dr. Tincie Lynch; State Rep. Billy Mitchell, District 88; keynote speaker, Pastor Sherita L. Porter of Maryland; and DeKalb Legislative Director Joel Alvarado, who represented DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis.
Johnson still keeps in touch with comrades as she presses on continued from page 1 family to me. You never really get over something like that,” Johnson said. The world got their first look at a wide-eyed Johnson when a videotape of her interrogation with her Iraqi captors was broadcast worldwide on television. At the time, the single mother of one daughter was 30 years old. Johnson recounted in her book the searing, excruciating pain she felt when bullets ripped through both of her ankles and
the thoughts that went through her head as she and two fellow soldiers were rendered completely defenseless when their M16s jammed while they were under enemy fire. Johnson said she was brutally beaten after she and the soldiers she was with were forced to surrender. She said she wonders why she was left to live when so many of her comrades died in the attack. “I’m still dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder),” said Johnson,
who was hospitalized for depression in 2008 and still copes with sadness and anxiety. Johnson said she keeps in touch with the men who were captured with her, as well as Jessica Lynch. Johnson is attending the University of Texas at El Paso pursuing a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with a minor in health science. She said she plans to pursue a nutrition degree and become a master baker.
Honored Women Veterans TM Lynch Ministries honored the following at its Aug. 11 breakfast: § Denisa “Dee” Darlene Adams, Commander Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6442. During Adams’ 20-year tenure, she served as Staff Sergeant and retired with distinguished service, receiving the Humanitarian Award for her duties during the California flood of 1996. Adams, who is from Oglethorpe, GA, also received the Southwest Asia Medal for her duties as a computer operator in Saudi Arabia. § Pastor Deadrea J. Miller, retired Army First Sergeant, was awarded a military Bronze Star Medal. Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, she deployed in combat to Operations Enduring Freedom. § Geraldine Champion, Chief Interrogator Officer for the 273rd Military Intelligence Unit, Marietta, GA. Champion, a DeKalb County resident, is a retired veteran police officer for the city of Atlanta and Riverdale police departments. She was Atlanta’s first black female homicide detective. § Ella J. Rodgers, former Sgt. Of the Women’s Army Corps. Rodgers served from 1959 to 1962 during the Cold War and Vietnam War.
Cornerstone Leadership Academy A World-Class Education with an international focus • Creating Ambassadors for the world…
Greyhound and a prayer two months ago. He left Miami’s tough Liberty City area with just a few belongings. Since his arrival in June, he has landed two jobs, bought a used car and is working on getting his own apartment as friends here and there provide a bed. Though he’s roughing it, Drayton says he still loves Atlanta. “I wanted something different and I felt like there wasn’t much room for opportunities where I was in Miami,” said Drayton, who is holding down a job as a clerk/cashier at a RaceTrac gas station and as a sales associate at Best Buy. “From the moment I stepped off the Greyhound, I started grinding and looking for work. I’m working on possibly a third job and things are much better for me here in Georgia.” In the last two years, metro Atlanta added approximately 72,000 people. During the decade of the 2000s, it routinely added nearly 100,000 each year. According to the U.S. Census, metro Atlanta ranked third in overall growth in the nation between 2000 and 2010, adding more than 1 million people. Only Dallas and Houston grew faster. According to ARC, the slower growth pattern is directly related to the national economy and is similar to what most metro areas around the nation are experiencing. “People just don’t move as much when the economy is slow,” said Mike Alexander, chief of ARC’s Research Division. “And, considering that this recession started in the housing market and crippled that industry, property values have declined. That means fewer people are able to sell their homes and move to a different metro area.” All 10 counties and the City of Atlanta experienced growth during the year. None saw an overall loss of population. Gwinnett led the region’s growth, adding 9,000 residents during the year. Fulton added 7,900 and was followed by DeKalb (6,300) and Cobb (5,900) counties.
Education Town Hall Forum Topic: Charter School Constitutional Amendment on the November 6th ballot. Hosted By:
State Rep. Rahn Mayo
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Decatur Alumnae Chapter
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Community Achievement Center 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur
Tuesday August 21st 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Panel will feature speakers who favor and oppose the legislation. Discussion will be followed by Q&A. For more information: 404 214-7400 or rahnmayo@gmail.com
AUGUST 15, 2012
PAGE 7
DeKalb’s Election Director earns top certification
Atlanta’s “Geo” Lawrence soars with “So You Think You Can Dance” By Valerie J. Morgan and Joshua Smith
G
eorge “Geo” Lawrence, 19, had a chance to bask in the limelight as a local celebrity while he was in Atlanta recently on a two-week break. The dancer has spent the last 12 weeks competing on the “So You Think You Can Dance” nationally-syndicated Fox television show, ever hopeful of winning the top prize—$250,000. “If I end up winning the competition and the $250,000, I would pay off my college tuition, for one,” said Lawrence, who said he just wanted to do his best before making plans for the prize. The way Lawrence figures it, though, no matter what, he comes out a winner. “Many of the people who have been eliminated have gone on to other exciting opportunities. The exposure alone is priceless,” Lawrence said. Lawrence said he started dancing at the age of 10. His interest was sparked when he met an Alvin Alley representative while he was a student at Wynbrooke Elementary School in Stone Mountain. Nearly a decade later, as soon as he turned 18, he took that representative’s lasting impression as confidence and drive to compete on a large scale. He tried out for the “So You Think You Can Dance” show in Atlanta as soon as he was of legal age to compete. “There were so many people. My nerves were just wrecked, but I was determined to do my best,” said Lawrence, who in 2010 was selected to attend the coveted Julliard School in New York City. The Top 16 contestant experienced another nerve-racking experience when being saved by judges to advance to the next round on a previous installment of the show. The show’s head judge, Nigel Lythgoe, delivered the good news to Lawrence live. “This has always been a dream of mine. I can only go up from here,” said Lawrence. “The toughest part of the competition is seeing other people leave the show. You know how hard they’ve work. The rehearsals are rigorous. You’re dancing every day for long periods of time.” Lawrence is a contemporary dancer. He also performs and studies other forms of dance, including lyrical, tap, jazz, modern, ballet, hip-hop and acrobatics. In 2011, Lawrence graduated from the DeKalb School of the Arts in Atlanta with honors. He has studied at the Price Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in College Park. Lawrence is the son of Pastor George E. Lawrence, Sr. and Christine Lawrence, who have a church, New Breed Ministries, in Lithonia. “So You Think You Can Dance,” airs on Fox on Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Steve Oppenheimer to address Democrats at new headquarters CONYERS—The Rockdale Democrats will host Steve Oppenheimer, candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) on Saturday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m. at the Party’s new headquarters located at 1264 Parker Road. The PSC, comprised of five members, regulates telecommunications, transportation, electric and natural gas services in Georgia. Each member is elected to a six-year term. The community is invited to the meeting. “Steve is the dedicated, common-sense voice that Georgia needs on the PSC and we are excited to welcome him to our new campaign office,” said Tisa Washington, Chair of the Rockdale Democratic Party. Mr. Oppenheimer is the only Democrat running statewide this year.”
H. Maxine Daniels, director for DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections, will be designated a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA), the highest professional achievement for election officials. The ceremonies will be conducted by the Election Center, also known as the National Association of Election Officials, on Friday, Aug. 17, at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. “Maxine Daniels regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the highest degree of professionalism and efficiency in the operation of DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections,” said H. Maxine Daniels DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. “I applaud and congratulate her on her achievement.” The CERA designation is achieved only through a multi-year course of study conducted by The Election Center’s Professional Education Program and completion of twelve core courses taught by the Master of Public Administration faculty at Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama). The intent of the program is to professionalize the management of voter registration and elections administration and promote and preserve public trust in the democratic process. “This is the highest designation available to elections and voter registration officials,” said R. Doug Lewis, director of the Center. “Of more than 21,000 elections and voter registration officials throughout America, this graduating class of 57 professionals takes us to 734 election officials who have achieved the CERA status. This is an outstanding accomplishment. DeKalb County is indeed fortunate to have Maxine as one of the top designated professionals in America.” Daniels said she is elated over receiving the certification. “This is one of the most challenging education programs I have ever participated in,” said Daniels, an elections official for 10 years. “We covered the law and ethical considerations in how to better serve the public. We also became more aware of how important it is to nurture and care for the democratic process.” “It is my great honor to ensure that the public’s will is accurately reflected in our elections,” Daniels said. “My role is to dignify all potential voters and to remove as many barriers as possible to participation in the democratic process.” Daniels, a graduate of Spelman College, has been a resident of DeKalb for more than 25 years, and was hired in the Voter Registration and Elections Department in 2001.
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SENATOR GAIL PAULETTE DAVENPORT STRONG AND DEDICATED
District 44
DEMOCRAT HHH Working Hard for the People Jobs, Education, Home Mortgage Relief and Foreclosure Prevention
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PAGE 8
AUGUST 15, 2012
DeKalb judge helps girls blossom through S.M.I.L.E. program
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orking in the GBI crime lab, meeting with DeKalb’s D.A. and visiting a jail –all were part of the six-week experience that 11 high school seniors had this summer with DeKalb County State Court Judge Stacey K. Hydrick. The judge’s program, called S.M.I.L.E. (Summer Mentoring Initiative in Legal Education), gave the female students an up-close look at the legal system, one that exposed them to possible careers. “I have a pure love for science, but going to the GBI crime lab was what I was really looking forward to and it was everything I expected and more,” said 17-year-old Bria Cooper. “When we were determining how many drugs and toxins were in the body, it was just amazing for me. I really loved this experience.” Hydrick created S.M.I.L.E. after speaking to a mentoring group, Butterflies, at Voices of Faith Ministries. The church hosted a March forum, “Bullying! It’s not Cool,” at its Stone Mountain campus, where Hydrick gave parents and students advice on dealing with school bullies. “After I finished giving the presentation at Voices of Faith, several parents came up to me and asked if I had a mentoring program especially for girls. I decided it was time to get the ball rolling on a program for our young women,” said Hydrick. Hydrick hosted a graduation ceremony for the S.M.I.L.E. participants on Aug. 3. The ceremony and luncheon were held in the judge’s chambers. “There are a lot of negative images of women out there, so I consider myself honored to have a program for our young ladies. I am especially proud because these girls have an interest
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
DeKalb County State Court Judge Stacy Hydrick stands proudly with her inaugural S.M.I.L.E. class at the graduation ceremony in Decatur.
in legal careers and protecting our community,” Hydrick said. Ashley Reese and her parents, Atonya and C.J. Reese, said S.M.I.L.E. gave Ashley an up-close look at what she hopes to do one day as a career— be a social worker. “Seeing her come home with so much to share on the subject really helped us to see the passion she has for social work,” said Atonya Reese. “The program was awesome. It’s just what my daughter needed in pursuing a legal career.”
Reese, a senior at South Gwinnett High School, said the experience she had this summer was unforgettable. “I used to think law was boring, but after our field trip to the jail and this entire experience, I know that’s not true. I really enjoyed meeting women from the Woman’s Resource Center. It heightened my interest in social work,” Reese said. Judge Hydrick says she is glad she was able to provide the girls with the opportunity to see the legal system up close.
“I hope all of our graduates stay in contact with me. They are all so smart, beautiful and talented. I expect big things and I know they will do it,” said Hydrick. “This program changed me. I came into this program with two teenaged boys and I am leaving with 11 daughters.” S.M.I.L.E. is open to high school sophomores and juniors who have an interest in a legal career. For more information on next year’s summer program, call 404-353-7474 or visit www.keepjudgehydrick.com.
There is a Run-Off Election on Tuesday August 21st. YOU helped us get to this point, because you care about your children and your tax dollars. NOW I ask you to go one-step further. Committed Community Advocate • 26 Years Corporate Experience • 15 Years PTSA Leadership & Community Advocate • 10 Years Girl Scout Troop Leader • HOA & Music Foundation Board of Directors • Community Council Member • Champion for Youth Advocacy • Band Booster Parent • Spelman Alumni • Wife & Mother Paid for by supporters of Denise McGill
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AUGUST 15, 2012
PAGE 9
Chapel Hill Middle calls on dads for the first day of school By Joshua Smith
DECATUR—Army Sgt. First Class Arturo McFarlane has seen some pretty hectic situations traveling the world to places like Korea, Asia and defending Kuwait borders in the Middle East. But on Aug. 13, the father of two faced a different kind of mission: Back To School. “I want to show support for my daughters. Parents, especially fathers, need to become more active in our children’s school life. There are too many negative statistics out there that show us that we need to,” said McFarlane, who accompanied his 12-year-old daughter, Jasmine, to Chapel Hill Middle School on the first day of school. As Arturo walked Jasmine to class, he joined several fathers who participated in the first day of school event Chapel Hill Middle School Principal Debra H. Phillips dubbed the “Million Father March.” Phillips, who is the new principal at Chapel Hill, asked dads to assist school staff by ushering students to classes, helping students locate their homerooms and directing traffic along the busy hallways on the first day of school. She got the word out about the campaign through e-mails, an announcement at DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson’s Legislative Community Cabinet and Breakfast meeting, which was held at the school, and through the school marquee. “I’m so excited and proud of these guys I could cry,” said Phillips, who served as principal at Pine Ridge Elementary in Stone Mountain before coming to Chapel Hill. “These dedicated dads were everywhere, getting right in the mix helping any way they could. It made the transition for the first day of school smooth. Just having the men in the building made a difference.” Phillips said 40 dads officially signed up to volunteer on the first day, but many more just walked in and gave a helping hand. Phillips took their names and e-mails. She said she plans to start a “Father/Son” program, offering monthly workshops and activities for the men to participate in with male students. “My goal is to get the men of the community and the fathers back in the school. We desperately need their influence and support for our young men,” said Phillips. “As a woman, I can do many things but I can’t show a young man how to become a man. I am not discounting the influence of women because they hold it together every day in single parent homes. I
Chapel Hill Middle School Principal Debra H. Phillips helps a parent and students with their classes.
just want my young men to be exposed to positive role models in their community and this was a good place to start.” Mothers will be called on as well. Phillips says the month of September will be dedicated to mothers volunteering and helping out throughout the school. She says the school will bridge both initiatives with a Family Day program in October to “bring it full circle.” “My students are bright and hungry for knowledge. It is my responsibility to make sure they are fed daily,” said Phillips, who has been working in the education system for 20 years after 10 years as a social worker. “It is our parents’ responsibility to support the school and support their children. It’s all about the support system. We are all in this together.” Philips, who also worked as a magnet teacher at Chamblee Middle School, said she is very excited about what is in the works at Chapel Hill and feels that through this position, she has been reunited with her favorite group of kids: middle schoolers. “I started my career in education in Middle School and have always loved the middle school-aged student. They are inquisitive and will not settle for answers without a good reason,” said Phillips. “I have had
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Army Sgt. First Class Arturo McFarlane hugs his daughter, Jasmine, on her first day at school.
the desire to return to middle school after being in elementary school for 12 years and here I am.” Chapel Hill Middle School is located at 3535 Dogwood Farm Road, Decatur. For more information on the parent programs, call 678-676-8502.
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AUGUST 15, 2012
Faith-Based News & Inspiration
New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church’s Walk By Faith draws young and old
A New Beginnings ministry leader protects “Mother” Nellie Harris from the rain at the Aug. 11 walk in Lithonia.
F
By Valerie J. Morgan
irst, the clouds hovered, bringing a light, cool mist. Then came the thunder, and next, the downpour. Still “Mother” Nellie Harris, 83, remained upbeat, her faith unwavering about the 1.5-mile faith walk that her church, New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist, had planned for that Saturday morning at 7. “I woke up about 4 a.m.,” Mother Harris said happily. “We’re walking by
faith for New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church. We’re walking for better health, a better county. We’re walking for our children. That’s what this is all about.” Actually, congregation members of Bishop James H. Morton’s church had planned to push Mother Harris in a wheelchair along the walking trail at Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in East DeKalb County. Mother Harris, a Decatur resident, along with “Mother” Edna House were among the oldest participants who turned out for the
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Walk of Faith ministry leader Willie Rosser leads the walkers and umbrellas on the path to faith.
event, while Asar Darden, a rising junior from Lakeside High, was among the youngest participants. Darden came as part of the Boys to Men Christian mentoring program. The group met in the parking lot at the Mall at Stonecrest to sign up and warm up for the Aug. 11 walk when the rain came in. Willie Rosser, who heads the Walk of Faith outreach ministry, said he considered it a blessing that members of the Mother Board like Mother Harris and Mother House came out for the
walk—despite the early time and the rain. “We were just glad to have them participate with us,” said Rosser, who also welcomed Mother Murphy and Mother Dawson for the walk. “We had planned to have some of the young people to push them in their wheelchairs, but with the rain and all, we just let them encourage us to walk. We went all the way in spite of the rain.” Rosser said about 50 people participated in this year’s walk.
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Greater Piney Grove breaks ground on worship center, senior housing By Joshua Smith
ATLANTA—Last year, members of The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church held a mortgage burning ceremony to praise God for the $400,000 mortgage payoff on 30 acres the church purchased to build the Promised Land at East Lake senior housing project. The church purchased the land in 1996 and paid off the mortgage in 15 years. This month, the church’s congregation and its leader, Pastor William E. Flippen, joined state officials and other dignitaries for another historic celebration: to break ground on not only the senior housing project, but a new worship center as well. Both facilities will be located on a total of 56 acres next to the existing church property at 1879 Glenwood Ave., S.E., Atlanta. “God has blessed us tremendously. In a financial climate where the world is experiencing a recession, God has smiled on this body of believers,” said Pastor Flippen, who has presided over the church since 1990. “We must keep the faith, remain focused and know that the best is yet to come.” Construction on both, the senior facility and the new worship center, are slated to begin in October. The $17.4 million senior development is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2013, according to representatives from Chicago-based Pathways Senior Living, which is developing the facility. The 67,000-square-foot facility will house 102 seniors ages 55 and older—57 units will be for general assisted living—45 units will be for memory care. The facility will also bring 53 full-time jobs to the community, church leaders said. The Promised Land at East Lake Senior Housing Assisted Living Facility will begin accepting applications in January. The studio apartments will be leased to seniors who are approved for the program. The Greater Piney Grove’s new $3.5 million church is expected to open in the winter of 2013 or January 2014. The 29,000-squarefoot edifice will seat 1,500, said representatives from Macon-based PAR Church Builders, which is developing the facility. The church’s current worship center, which seats about
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
The Greater Piney Grove Baptist marked its groundbreaking for a new worship facility and senior housing project by hosting a picnic and backto-school event on Aug. 11 for its 7,000-member congregation and the South DeKalb community.
850, will be primarily used for youth ministry activities, funerals, weddings and meetings, once the new worship facility opens. “It feels wonderful to break ground and really get things moving. This was about 16 years in the making. We experienced several challenges, but it was all worth it because the development will not only uplift church members, but serve the community as well,” said Julius Derico, a deacon who serves as board chairman of the church’s Community Development Center. “We are excited to build a facility that can bring jobs to the community, especially in these tough economic times. We look forward to worshiping God in our new facility.” The Greater Piney Grove is one of Atlanta’s historic churches. The church, which began 98 years ago on Bell Street in the Sweet Auburn District in downtown Atlanta, relocated from Boulevard in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward district to Glenwood Avenue in DeKalb County in 1971. The Greater Piney Grove has steadily upgraded and expanded, paying off its projects ahead of schedule.
Ray of Hope to host free clinic Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur will host the free “Hope Though Health,” community clinic on Aug. 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Southwest DeKalb High School, 2863 Kelly Chapel Road, Decatur. The clinic is especially for members of the community who have no insurance or limited insurance coverage. Services and medical screenings to be provided include vision care, hearing checkup, a dental pharmacy, food and clothing. For more information, call 770-696-5100, ext. 214.
New Zion Baptist Church hosts “1,000 Women in White” New Zion Baptist Church and Pastor Paul Hollman are inviting women from all walks of life to join to the “1000 Women in White”, a free, two-day symposium that will take place on Aug. 25 – 26. 1000 Women in White will provide a vehicle and a place for women from all walks of life to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas for common goals. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with workshops and symposiums on relationships, self-esteem, finance, health and wellness, and more. Women in the broadcast field will moderate the Saturday morning sessions. Guests will be treated to beauty services, a luncheon and a fashion show by the Wilbourn Sisters Designs, Inc. “1000 Women in White” will culminate with a celebration service on Aug. 26, 6 p.m. Special guests include on-air radio personality and attorney Mo Ivory and other radio personalities, local musical talents and a message from T. Renee Crutcher of Sankofa Ministries in Atlanta. The evening will include a dessert reception. The church is located at 815 Lynhurst Drive SW, Atlanta. 404-691-8025.
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We Worship Calendar
Antioch-Lithonia celebrates revival and “Homecoming” Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church will welcome Pastor Billy R. Johnson of New Covenant Christian Ministries as the guest speaker for a three-day revival Aug. 22 – 24, 7:30 p.m. The community is invited to come out for three nights of prayer, worship, sermons created to deal with issues in today’s world and counseling. Choirs and praise teams from both ministries will also be in attendance to provide musical fellowship and worship as well. Antioch’s pastor, James C. Ward, says he’s excited to bring in Pastor Johnson to give some words of encouragement. He calls New Covenant Christian Ministries Antioch’s sister church. “Over the years, I’ve made a lot of friends in the ministry. One of those very special friends is Pastor Johnson. Whether it’s workshops, worship services, or anything else, our churches do together, it’s always a blessing to have his congregation fellowship with ours,” said Pastor Ward. “Pastor Johnson and I both share a love for music. We will share a wonderful time praising and worshipping God. Pastor Johnson oversees two church locations, one in Lithonia and one in Covington. The ministry was founded in 1991. Antioch-Lithonia will conclude revival week with Homecoming services on Aug. 26 at its 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. services. The church services will be a time for all generations to come back and celebrate family and all things Antioch. “Homecoming is a tradition that began with the Great Migration. College students and others who moved from the South to the North would come back to the South for a church service and do something special like buy their mother a new dress,” said Pastor Ward. “With everything being so fast-paced these days, we want to take a Sunday out to slow things down. We want to celebrate all of our church’s ministries and invite all those third and fourth generation families to come and worship with us.” Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. All are welcomed to the revival. 770-482-1277.
Beulah Missionary Baptist sets fun day Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, will host a Community Evangelistic Fun Fellowship event on Aug. 18, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Fun Fellowship will feature 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, food, games and an open mic talent show. Nail technicians and other professionals will be on hand to provide services as well. For more information, contact the Rev. Maurice Ficklin at mdficklin@yahoo. com or 404-241-7531.
Christian reality show seeking youths Elijah’s Grains, a youth Christian entertainment organization, is holding auditions for a reality series, “Born to Preach, Pray and Praise,” on Aug. 18, 2:30 – 5 p.m., at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church, 830 West College Ave., Decatur. Elijah’s Grains is an independent non-profit organization that is not affiliated with the church. You must be at least 9 years old to audition. Participants will meet in the church’s chapel. For more information, e-mail elijahsgrains@yahoo. com or 404-892-0454.
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Fall workshop for Presbyterian women The Presbyterian Women of Greater Atlanta will have a fall workshop on Aug. 25, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, 800 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville. Topics include leadership, an update on mission work with Kenyan women, celebration of giving, bible study overview and a review of the PW Manual. For more information or to register, call 770-963-9498, 678-423-0233 or 404-791-3679.
Antioch East Baptist Church celebrates pastoral anniversary Antioch East Baptist Church, 1223 Hardee St., Atlanta, will host a special service to honor the sixth pastoral anniversary of the Rev. John F. Williams and First Lady Tinette Williams on Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m. Organizers say attendees should be prepared for a grand celebration. Pastor Roderick W. Williams Sr. (Pastor John F. Williams’ brother) will serve as the guest speaker. Pastor Roderick W. Williams, Sr. is founder and pastor of Jehovah-Jireh Ministries in Alexander City, AL. Dinner will be served after the worship service. 404-688-1298.
Northside Drive Baptist Church focuses on disciplines Northside Drive Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Drive, N.W., Atlanta, will take a look at Christian Spiritual Disciplines on Sept. 2, 9:30 a.m. The class will focus on subjects including contemplation, fasting, meditation on scripture, prayer, Sabbath and solitude. Six facilitators will present the topics, exploring the definition, origin, as well as past and emerging practices. For more information, contact Lora Hawk at 404405-1748 or lorahawk@yahoo.com.
Take your Theological Knowledge or Ministerial Gifts to the Next Level! Classes begin September 10 ONLIINE in DeKalb, Gwinnett and Henry Counties. Visit WWW.MWENOW.COM or Call 770-972-0091 for complete details.
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AUGUST 15, 2012
PAGE 13
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Rockdale Chamber gears up for Entrepreneurial Academy By Joshua Smith
CONYERS—It took Esther Williams two years to earn her master’s degree in business administration in 2000 at the University of Phoenix. It took her six weeks at the ConyersRockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy to learn everything she needed to start her own business. “In comparison, I enjoyed this course more than the university because you could really get one-on-one communication with people already successfully working as entrepreneurs,” said Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor who completed the entrepreneurial program earlier this year. “Everything—from insurance to opening policies—was covered. It’s really what I needed to get things up and running.” The Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Academy is a six-week program designed to assist those who want to start a business but are unsure where to begin. Each instructor in the program is an experienced entrepreneur in his or her field of business. Instructors cover topics such as: accounting and bookkeeping; legalities of starting a business; legal issues and ethics; handling expenses; managing revenues; marketing your business; retirement
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
L-R: OPEN instructors Julian Harwell and Brian Howe join Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce President Fred Boscarino in anticipation of the upcoming classes in September.
planning for small businesses; business liability insurance; technology resources and website marketing. “This is the only program like this offered by any Chamber of Commerce in Georgia and unique from other programs offered in the area because the instructors are local business leaders who make their living doing what they teach,” said Fred Boscarino, president/ CEO of the Chamber. Williams has been in business
nearly a year now through her business, Amazing Green Hygiene Company, LLC, which offers environmentallysafe cleaning products on a corporate level, as well as household cleaning. Williams says the Entrepreneurial Academy has given her the confidence to bring to life a second business, Neighborly Needs, Inc., which provides services to single mothers and their families. “Graduating from the
Entrepreneurial Academy was groundbreaking for me. It was the next step to success. I would encourage anyone looking to start a business to attend this course,” said Williams. The academy has drawn participants from Stockbridge, College Park, Stone Mountain, Forest Park, Lithonia, Decatur and even McDonough. “Of the more than 300 academy graduates who have come through the program since it started in 2004, more than 50 percent are now in business for themselves, and many others are making plans to begin,” said Boscarino. Among the Academy instructors are Ammie Elliot of BB&T Bank; Brian Howe of ThinkTank Coaching; CLU and financial planner Julian Harwell; Diane Adoma of H&R Block; and State Farm Insurance agent Mark King. The Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is currently enrolling students for the fall semester, which starts Sept. 17. Classes are held Mondays, 6 – 9 p.m. for six weeks in the Parker Road Government Building, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The academy costs $150. The fee includes class materials, a light supper each class and a graduation dinner. For more information or to register, call 770-4837049 or visit www.conyers-rockdale. com.
Calendar DeKalb Chamber: The power of e-mail marketing
DeKalb Chamber: Meet and Greet after-hours
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host a free workshop, “The Power of Email Marketing,” on Aug. 21, 9 – 10:30 a.m., at the DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, 1957 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 150, Tucker. The workshop will provide an overview of how to create and send professionallooking e-mail newsletters and promotions. Participants will discover how communicating with customers regularly can help a small business stay connected, generate increased referrals and repeat sales. Participants will learn how to start and build a strong permission-based customer list, as well as get their audience to open, read and act on their email. For more information or to register, call 404-378-8000 or visit www.dekalbchamber. org/calendar.html.
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host a business after hours networking event on Aug. 23, 5:30 – 7 p.m., at Suburban Bowling Lanes, 2619 N. Decatur Road, Decatur. Members of the business community are invited to join the Chamber for a meet and greet of new businesses in the county. Participants can come out for relaxed networking while enjoying food, beer and wine, as well as door prizes. Beer and/or wine will be limited to one drink per attendee. The cost to attend is $10. Bowl from 4 – 6 p.m. for $8 per person. For more information, call 404-378-8000 or visit www.dekalbchamber.org/calendar.html.
Get That Next Job Seminar The Georgia State University Alumni Association will host a free seminar, “Get That Next Job” on Aug. 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the GSU Alpharetta Center, 3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta. If you are looking for that next job, the GSU Alumni Association invites you to attend this seminar. Do you want to shorten your time in transition? Do you want to get noticed? Are you underemployed or unemployed? Get the answers at the seminar. Presenters include Bruce Dreyfus of the Dialogue Consulting Group in Marietta, Educational Transition Consultant Pat Bursten and interviewing expert Art Nilsen. For more information, contact Bruce Dreyfus at 404-348-0429 or bsdreyfus@gmail. com.
Small business workshop: Explore Exporting The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) will host a free workshop for small businesses interested in the exporting industry on Aug. 22, 8 – 11:45 a.m., at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, 866 West Peachtree St., N.W., Atlanta. Learn where to start, who can help with export plans and market research, how to get paid (export financing) and about programs that can help with marketing expenses. The event is geared toward food or agriculture product manufacturers, but all small businesses are welcome to attend. The event features a panel discussion, led by speakers from SUSTA, the Small Business Administration, the Export-Import Bank, UGA Small Business Development Center, GA Department of Economic Development and the US Export Assistance Center. Registration is required. For more information or to register in advance, call 404962-4036 or 504-568-5986.
Free Business Expo and Job Fair Gwinnett Medical Center and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will team up to host a free Business Expo and Job Fair on Aug. 23, 12 – 5 p.m., at the Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. The one-day business tradeshow and job fair features more than 200 exhibitors and is set to attract 5,000 attendees. Network with peers, generate quality business leads, search for quality employees and attend the Gwinnett Chamber’s largest business after hours event of the year. Free business seminars will be open to attendees. The business after-hours networking and mingling session will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.gwinnettexpo.com or call 678-957-4958.
Buckhead business group welcomes Renee Kutner The Buckhead Business Association (BBA) will welcome professional organizer Renee Kutner on Aug.23, 7:30 – 9 a.m., at the City Club of Buckhead, 3343 Peachtree Road, Suite 1850, Atlanta. Meet Kutner, who loves doing something many people find daunting, and even dreadful: organizing. Kutner is founder of Peace by Piece Organizing, a firm that offers professional organizing services. Prior to working as a professional organizer, Kutner spent almost 10 years in advertising and marketing. She will discuss her career and give tips you can use to keep things together and more organized Renee Kutner around the office. The cost to attend is $20. For more information or to register, call 404-467-7607 or visit www.buckheadbusiness.org.
DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Week of August 16, 2012
Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, 2nd Floor, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below:
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO.
12-500219 RFP
ITEM
CLOSING DATE
3002510 ITB
Emergency (911) Ambulance Services and Billing and Collections for Ambulance Transport and Non-Transport Accounts Sale of Surplus Property at 1667 Cecilia Drive
September 6, 2012
3002606 ITB
Driveshaft Maintenance and Repair
September 6, 2012
3002607 ITB
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (Inspection, Maintenance and Repair) Sale of Surplus Property at 2223 Flat Shoals Road
September 5, 2012
Exchange Park Playground Demolition & Installation
September 10, 2012
3002612 ITB 12-100319 ITB
EXTENDED TO August 23, 2012
September 6, 2012
Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise. By: Kelvin L. Walton, Director/Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting
PAGE 14
AUGUST 15, 2012
Health & Wellness
To Contact Us
By Phone: 678-526-1910 By Fax: 678-526-1909 By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com
Commissioner Sutton to lead 3K “Overcome Ovarian Cancer Walk.”
O
By Joshua Smith
n Oct. 6, DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton will proudly dawn turquoise and lead hundreds of residents through Stone Mountain’s Wade Walker Park for the 2012 “Overcome Ovarian Cancer Walk.” The event marks the third year of the walk. Commissioner Sutton, says over the years, she has grown closer to the families who have lost their loved ones to ovarian cancer. “This cancer takes away our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, mentors and often times the disease can be a shocking hit to the families that are left behind to grieve,” said Sutton. “We build a bond with those families. Before the walk, each year we commemorate those who have been claimed by ovarian cancer by writing their names on balloons and sending them off into the sky.” The purpose of the walk is to increase awareness about detection and prevention of ovarian cancer. More than 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 15,000 women die annually from the disease. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed in their later stages when the prognosis is poor. “Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading
cause of cancer deaths among women in the US. It is important that we disseminate information to the public so they can learn about the warning signs,” said Sutton. “If diagnosed and treated early, when the cancer is confined to the ovary, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent. That is why it is imperative that the early signs and symptoms of the disease are recognized, not only by women, but also by their families and the medical community.” Sutton says even though the cancer takes so many lives, the warning signs or symptoms can be very vague and that’s why it is often ignored until it is too late. “The cancer has symptoms like feeling bloated or nauseous. As women, we would just write that off as a bad day, and that’s the problem,” said Sutton. “As women, we tend to have that caring nature that causes us to take care of everyone else first. As this devastating condition takes the lives of more women, we must stand up, get screened and fight this silent killer.” Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent” killer because many times there are no symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. One third of American women will get some form of cancer in their lifetime and approximately one and one half percent of those cases will be cancer involving
DeKalb’s District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton leads a pack of walkers at a previous “Overcome Ovarian Cancer Walk.”
one or both ovaries. The walk and day-of registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Along with walking to raise awareness, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, music, food, a kids’ zone and several vendors. Last year, Sutton’s walk raised $5,000 for the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance group. Organizers say they hope to raise even more this year.
Photo provided
The cost to walk is $35 for individuals and $20 for children ages 12 – 17. The walk is hosted by DeKalb County Government, the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance and Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Wade Walker Park is located at 5585 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. For more information, or if you would like to register early, call 404-371-4907.
Calendar ‘Cooking for Cancer’ prevention class Gwinnett County will host the free “Cooking for Cancer Prevention” class on Aug. 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Gwinnett Village, 5855 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Suite 122, Norcross. Organizers say these easy cooking demonstration will teach you to prepare delicious meals and snacks that may help you lower your risk of developing cancer. The demonstration will also teach you how to prepare food with less fat, sodium, and sugar, while adding more fiber to your diet. In addition participants will learn how to make healthier food choices when shopping in the grocery store. There is no charge for this class, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call Linda Lozada, at 770-449-6516.
Lung cancer support group Saint Joseph’s Cancer Survivors’ Network will host a support group for those living with lung cancer and their families on Aug. 21, 10 a.m. Lung cancer is a cancer of the lungs characterized by the presence of malignant tumors. Lung cancer is one of the most lethal of cancers worldwide, causing up to three million deaths annually. The meeting will be held in the conference room on the first floor of the hospital’s Florence Hays Erb Clinical Specialty Center, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. For more information or to register, call 678-843-5051 or e-mail deborah.church@ emoryhealthcare.org.
Emory Healthcare talks diabetes prevention Emory Healthcare, 1525 Clifton Road, Atlanta, will continue its free HeartWise series with a health discussion on diabetes prevention on Aug. 27, 12 – 1 p.m. The HeartWise program aims to reduce people’s risk of heart disease through education and interaction. In addition to serving patients who currently suffer from heart disease, this program also provides help to individuals who could be at risk for heart complications, including those who smoke, do not exercise or have high blood pressure. Admission to HeartWise is free and everyone is welcome. The meeting will be held in the hospital’s fifth floor conference room. For more information or to register, call 404-778-7777 and 1-800-75-EMORY or visit www.emoryhealthcare.org.
Rockdale Medical sets blood drive Rockdale Medical Center, 1412 Milstead Ave., Conyers, will host a community blood drive on Aug. 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Donors can watch movies or vintage television shows while donating. Snacks are provided and a donors will be entered into drawings for prizes from the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross supplies blood and blood products to the patients in the Rockdale community. The blood drive will be held in the hospital’s East Tower Classrooms. For more information or to register, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.givelife.org and enter the code “rockmed.”
Piedmont Cancer Center offers couples support group The Piedmont Hospital Cancer Center, 1800 Howell Mill Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, will host a support group for couples on Aug. 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Having cancer can be isolating. Come share with your partner and meet other couples on the cancer journey. Participants can deepen their bond and gain a better connection within the relationship and with the Cancer Wellness community. Participants are invited to come have fun and feel the support of a caring group. Cindy Stark Reid, LPC, LMT, and Dennis Buttimer, M.Ed., RYT facilitate the support group. A light dinner will be provided in the hospital’s Wellness Café at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call 404-425-7940 or 404-425-7944 prior to attending this group.
Emory Healthcare sets healthy cookout Emory Healthcare Midtown, 550 Peachtree St., Atlanta, is accepting registration for its Low Sodium Foods cookout on Aug. 18, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Learn about low sodium food choices that you can enjoy all throughout the year. Attendees will also enjoy games, prizes, and hear invited speakers The event will be held at the hospital’s Glenn Auditorium. For more information or to register, call 404-778-7777 and 1-800-75-EMORY or visit www.emoryhealthcare.org.
Suffer from knee pain? Members of the community who suffer from knee pains are invited to join DeKalb Medical orthopedic surgeon Chris Haraszti, M.D., for a free discussion on knee pain on Aug. 30, 6 – 7 p.m., in the hospital’s theatre, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur. Dr. Haraszti will share the latest advances in knee pain, preventive measures, as well as treatment and living with knee conditions. People wishing to take a complimentary tour of the hospital’s new Joint Solutions Center will meet in the theatre at 5 p.m. 404-501-WELL.
Chris Haraszti, M.D.
Quit smoking with Freshstart Gwinnett Medical Center, 1000 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville, is currently registering for a free smoking cessation course, Freshstart, to be held every Tuesday, Sept. 4 – 25, 6:30 p.m. Freshstart is a four-week lass written by the American Cancer Society. Participants will learn about the benefits of quitting, strategies for quitting and will identify a personal quit plan. Participants are encouraged to set a quit date while the class is meeting to get the benefit of the group’s support. Participants will receive a certificate of completion as well. For more information or to register in advance, call 678-312-1000 or visit www. gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.
AUGUST 15, 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
To Contact Us
By Phone: 678-526-1910 By Fax: 678-526-1909 By E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com Visit Online: www.ocgnews.com
Services Music lesson available. Voice, keyboard, music theory and choir directing. Tutoring for reading also offered. Call 404-284-3935. Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503. For Sale Clearance sale children dresses starts at $6.50 % off consignment items Retail space for rent $275 The Exchange 4606 Rockbridge Rd. 770-241-8571.
PAGE 15
Now Hiring Kutztown Barbershop located in Lithonia. Looking for license barbers. Call 770-780-2557. Nevaeh~Eleise Salon. Now Hiring Stylist, Booth Rental Specials Call 1-470234-7388. For Rent Banquet Hall for rent, $20-125 hourly. Call 678-755-5955. 4BR 2.5BA Condo located 6080 Regent Manor Lithonia. Sec 8 Ok. Deposit negotiable, call Paul at 404-422-7285.
T.E.V. PRODUCTIONS Church Videotaping & Editing
Weddings, Special Events Television Commercials
edukes@tevproductions.com Ernest Dukes 770-972-3332 www.tevproductions.com
$500 Moves you in We Have vacancies
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40
$
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT
For rent
20 - $125 Per. Hour
sew ins
Mini Mall
404-284-8833
678-755-5955
7173 Covington Hwy
On Sale nOw! September 13 – 16
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Tickets: Philips Arena Box Office 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com
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Banquet Hall $
Import Auto Repair
$50 OFF
1929 Lake Rockaway Road Conyers, GA Near the Mall At Stonecrest 770-760-0400
www.dtmotorsautorepair.com
PAGE 16
AUGUST 15, 2012
THANKLeeYOU May FOR YOUR
VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
LEE MAY
DeKalb County Commissioner, District 5
WWW.LEEMAY.INFO
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