Jan.15 by On Common Ground News

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COVERING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES

VOLUME 17 NUMBER 20

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Ponzi scheme mastermind sentenced to 12 Years DECATUR—A man who bilked over a dozen victims, including his own parents, out of nearly $660,000 in a real estate Ponzi scheme was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison and 8 years on probation. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams sentenced Anthony Ray after he entered a Anthony Ray guilty plea for racketeering charges and defrauding the victims. Ray, 50, had residences in DeKalb and Atlanta, said Erik Burton, a spokesperson for the DeKalb District Attorney’s Office. Ray’s twin brother, Antonio, has said Anthony Ray took more than $160,000 from their parents in the Ponzi scheme. Anthony Ray swindled his parents after they allowed him to move in with them after he served five years in prison for stealing his twin’s identity. Between August 2006 and July 2008, Ray solicited investors for real estate transactions. He created a company called the Key Funding Group and he told the investors he was going to buy distressed real estate to renovate and sell at a profit. “This was an elaborate Ponzi scheme that caused over a dozen victims to lose a substantial amount of money. He had a total disregard for others to the degree he even stole from his own father,” said District Attorney Robert James. I hope this case serves as a warning for residents to do a thorough background check on any investments that may sound too good to be true. They often are just that. I commend the work of our White Collar Crime/ Elder Exploitation Unit for their work with putting this defendant behind bars.” Ray met several of the victims at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Milner. Other investors met the defendant through victims who believed the defendant was going to come through as he had promised. Ray encouraged some of the victims to open credit card accounts to improve their credit. Many of the victims took out loans and refinanced their homes so they could invest more in the company. A number of the victims were left with loans that they were unable to repay and many of them ended up in bankruptcy. Ray had six prior felony convictions and was sentenced as a recidivist. He will be required to serve every day of his 12-year sentence.

Phone: (678) 526-1910 Fax: (678) 526-1909 E-mail: editor@ocgnews.com

JANUARY 15, 2012

FREE

Run With the Dogs

Decatur’s annual 5K Run With the Dogs drew about 300 people and 60 dogs to the city recently. The run served as a fundraiser for the Decatur Bulldog Booster Club and kicked off the Team Decatur Grand Slam Run/Walk series, which will last until November. Participants in the Jan 7 event started and finished at Decatur High School. Dogs of all breeds—from small shih tzus to English setters and even labradoodles—were there to participate and get in a good morning run. The first person to cross the finish line was Ian McCann, who finished the 3-mile run with a time of 17:11. As for Man’s best friend, first place went to “Charlie,” an English setter that led his owner across the finish line at a time of 20:41. The first woman to finish the race was Kelly Walsh, who was clocked in at 21:04. Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Private sector, government to provide summer jobs, training for youths

elp is on the way for disadvantaged youths looking to land jobs this summer. The White House has announced its Summer Jobs+ initiative, with 36 employers so far that have pledged to provide employment opportunities to nearly 180,000 young people from low-income households. “America’s young people face record unemployment, and we need to do everything we can to make sure they’ve got the opportunity to earn the skills and a work ethic that come with a job. It’s important for their future, and for America,” President Barack Obama said in a White House press release. “This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. That’s why we’re launching Summer Jobs+, a joint initiative that challenges business leaders and communities to join my Administration in providing hundreds of thousands of summer jobs for America’s youth.” Some of the positions will be unpaid training opportunities, created to build skill set and knowledge, while others will provide both, training and paychecks. The effort will involve private sector businesses, non-profits, and government, working together to create viable employment for disadvantaged youths ages 16-24. Congressmen Hank Johnson, who

Barack Obama

Hank Johnson

represents the 4th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties, praised President Obama for the initiative. “I am ecstatic that President Obama proposed $1.5 billion for high-impact summer jobs and year-round employment for low-income youths ages 16-24 in the American Jobs Act as part of the Pathways Back to Work Fund,” Johnson said. “For years, members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have strongly supported summer youth jobs programs. Johnson said the jobs initiatives is especially needed for African American youths. “As African Americans continue to face significantly high unemployment and African-American youth unemployment remains over 40 percent, the need for jobs

is critical,” Johnson said. “That’s why I’ll continue to promote my bill, The Fair Employment Act, and strongly support my CBC colleagues jobs’ legislation and President Obama’s efforts as well.” The Department of Labor and the Corporation for National and Community Service said they plan to honor companies that hire youths this summer. The White House also announced that by March it plans to launch the Summer Jobs+ Bank, a one-stop online search tool for youths to look for job postings for participating employers. “While young people who are currently disconnected from school or work are not contributing to our economy, we see these young people as ‘Opportunity Youth’ because of the untapped potential they bring to the Nation,” said Patty Stonesifer, chair of the White House Council for Community Solutions (WHCCS). “…Summer jobs are an important step – and to stay on the path to success, Opportunity Youth need social supports and access to relevant education, mentoring and training.” Interested teens can receive more information on the program and sign up at http://www.dol.gov/summerjobs/ and click the youth tab or visit www. whitehouse.gov and click the Statements and Releases link.

The following companies from around the nation have agreed to participate in the summer program:

American Association of People with Disabilities

Gap Inc.

Bender Consulting Services, Inc.

General Dynamics C4 Systems Goodwill Industries International H-E-B

The Camber Corporation CenturyLink

J.B. Hunt Transport Jamba Juice

The Corporation for National and Community Service CVS Caremark Deloitte

JPMorgan Chase LinkedIn

U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of the Interior

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

AT&T, Bank of America Baxter International Inc.

The Direct Employers Association Discovery Communications Easter Seals Expeditors

ManpowerGroup Operation HOPE The SI Organization Starbucks Coffee Company State Street Corporation Syracuse University The McGraw-Hill Companies UPS (Sandy Springs) Viacom We Are Golf Wells Fargo

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JANUARY 15, 2012

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Community News New DeKalb study identifies flood risks

JANUARY  15, 2012  VOLUME 17, NO. 20 EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan  editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com STAFF WRITER  Joshua Smith  joshsmith@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER  Richard S. Hill  richardhill@ocgnews.com

ABOUT US

On Common Ground News is published twice a month on the 1st and 15th by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

HOW TO REACH US On Common Ground News  1240 Sigman Road Suite 107 Conyers, GA 30012 (678) 526-1910 (P) (678) 526-1909 (F) www.ocgnews.com editor@ocgnews.com

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By Valerie J. Morgan DeKalb County homeowners are invited to review the county’s new floodplain study during two open houses scheduled this month. Those who attend can learn if their property is in or near a floodplain and get a flood risk snapshot report for their property. County officials say property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents may find the open houses particularly informative. The floodplain study, accompanied by updated flood insurance rate maps, will be available at open houses scheduled Jan. 24, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. A second open house is scheduled Jan. 31, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker. The same information will be presented at both meetings to gather public comments before the official federal regulatory

flood maps are released in November. “People may drop in and ask questions. It’s a come-and-go type of meeting,” said Brian Shoun, flood management supervisor for DeKalb County. “We will have flood risk calculations that we will print on site and other information they can take with them.” The county’s study was conducted in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection

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Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “Our current maps are over 10 years old. We conducted the study because it was time to update them,” Shoun said. “The new digital maps are much easier to read and very detailed.” Shoun said the new maps show that unincorporated DeKalb has about 5,200 homes in floodplains. While there are no federallyregulated floodplains in the cities of Lithonia and Avondale, there are some floodplains in other DeKalb municipalities, he said. The study includes the most current information regarding the countywide flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, mapping charts and a narrative report. Information is available for unincorporated DeKalb, along with Atlanta in DeKalb, Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, and Stone Mountain.

CAU kicks off W.E.B. Du Bois’ project ATLANTA – Clark Atlanta University (CAU) will kick off a yearlong study of the major works of scholar and writer, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, on Jan. 20. A discussion will be held at noon with a panel that will include the great-grandson of Du Bois, Arthur McFarlane. The panel discussion will be held at noon in the Thomas W. Cole Research Center for Science and Technology on campus, 223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W. “As a faculty member at Atlanta University for 23 years, Dr. Du Bois has left such an embossed footprint on our grounds in support of black higher education and social commentary,” CAU President Carlton E. Brown said. “We are pleased to host such an in-depth examination of his works, which are making a mark on today’s generation and generations to come.” CAU’s yearlong program will engage scholars, journalists and leaders in religion, politics and business and is free and open to the public. It will be held in preparation for the 2013 “On the Wings of Atlanta” Commemorative Conference, celebrating Du Bois’ legacy and the 50th anniversary of his death. Du Bois wrote his most influential works in the years he spent at Atlanta University. He impacted history, sociology, social work as a novelist, poet, autobiographer and short story writer. “By reading Du Bois, we can begin to understand the origins of the

issues of race, culture and politics and their correlations to current social ills,” said Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans, chair of the Department of History at CAU and the conference convener. “For CAU, as a research institution, and for the community at large, this review is socially and historically critical.” The January event will explore the “Soul of DuBois: A CAU Perspective” and examine his works, “The Souls of Black Folk” (1903), and “The Gift of Black Folk” (1924). The panelists are:  CAU President Carlton E. Brown  CAU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Joseph H. Silver Sr.  Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Shirley WilliamsKirksey  Student representatives Jaime Carter and Candy Tate  Special guest Arthur McFarlane, the great-grandson of W.E.B. Du Bois The yearlong study is sponsored by the Department of History, the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost and the School of Arts and Sciences. For a complete schedule of the monthly seminars and information about the Commemorative Conference, visit www.cau.edu or call 404-880-8239.

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It took a skillful hand like this to draft the plans of our nation’s capital city. It was a visionary hand like this which pointed out the moral superiority of a way based on character and not color. It was a thorough, good hand like this that championed our rights before the U.S. Supreme Court. It took millions of laboring hands like this to build the wealth and infrastructure of this mighty country. And it was a raised hand like this that was sworn in and gave kids of all complexions and cultures the legitimacy to believe they can achieve anything. In honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Georgia Power takes pride in celebrating the countless hands like this which have worked to uplift us all. We’ve got to hand it to you. GEORGIAPOWER.COM

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JANUARY 15, 2012

COMING UP

DEKALB

ATLANTA

DeKalb CEO Ellis to host town hall meetings

Public hearing on redistricting process set

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis will host 11 town hall meetings to give citizens an update on county-related issues. The first town hall meeting is set for Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. at Cedar Grove High School, 2360 River Road in Ellenwood. The meetings are open to the public. Additional town hall meetings will be held on: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Ashford Park Elementary School 2968 Cravenridge Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30319 Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Stonecrest Library 3123 Klondike Road Lithonia, GA 30038 Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Ashford Parkside Senior Residences DeKalb Housing Authority Senior Housing Development 3522 Blair Circle Atlanta, GA 30319 (next to Blackburn Park)

Thursday, Feb. 16, 7 – 8:30 p.m. St. Timothy United Methodist Church 5365 Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Stephenson High School 701 Stephenson Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Torah Day School of Atlanta 1985 LaVista Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329 Tuesday, March 13, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Eastlake Family YMCA 275 E Lake Boulevard SE Atlanta, GA 30317

Thursday, March 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m. The Center for Pan Asian Community Services 3510 Shallowford Road NE Atlanta, GA 30341 Tuesday, March 20, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Lou Walker Senior Center 2538 Panola Road Lithonia, GA 30058 Tuesday, March 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Tucker High School 5036 LaVista Road Tucker, GA 30084

The City of Atlanta and the Atlanta City Council will host a public hearing for interested citizens to cover the city redistricting process on Jan. 17, 11:15 a.m., in the Atlanta City Hall building’s Committee Room Two, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W., Atlanta. The public hearing is for the redrawing of City Council district boundaries only and not associated with the redrawing of school district boundaries within the Atlanta Public School System. Interested citizens of Atlanta are invited to lend their voices to the City of Atlanta’s Redistricting Process at this public hearing. The amending Ordinance 11-O-1827 will be covered and discussed. View the ordinance in its entirety at http://citycouncil. atlantaga.gov/REDISTRICTING.htm. Fore more information, e-mail municipalclerk@atlanta.gov or call 404-330-6771.

Commissioner Gannon to conduct food drive DeKalb County Commissioner Gannon is conducting a food dive Jan. 24 through Feb. 14 to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The drive will mark the observance of January as national Poverty Awareness Month and February as the month love is expressed for one another. Gannon said that after a very demanding holiday season, community and church food pantries are depleted and struggling to replenish their stocks. “DeKalb County has a commitment to public service and Commissioner I am certain we can respond to the needs of the most needy” Kathie Gannon Gannon said. Food collection barrels will be located in the lobbies of the DeKalb County Maloof Building at 1300 Commerce Drive, at the Clark Harrison Building at 330 Ponce de Leon, at the DeKalb County Court House on North McDonough Street and at the Tax Commissioners Office at 4380 memorial Drive. 404-371-4909.

March against abortion set Georgia Right to Life will host “Together for Life 2012” on Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the steps of the Georgia Capitol, 206 Washington Street, S.W., Atlanta. The rally will commemorate the 39th anniversary of the two Supreme Court decisions that legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy: Roe v Wade and Doe v Bolton. Georgians will gather in memory of the more than 53 million babies lost to abortion since those fateful decisions in 1973 and answer the call to a renewed commitment to protect life—from conception to natural death. 770-339-6880.

Decatur sets tornado warning test The City of Decatur will conduct a tornado warning siren test on Feb. 1, 5 p.m., in four quadrants of the city. The alarms will be sounded to alert citizens who are outdoors that a tornado may be imminent. The sirens aren’t designed to be heard within a home or other building. The Decatur Police Communications center sound the sirens when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for the Decatur area or when a member of the public safety staff spots a tornado. The four sirens are located at Glennwood Elementary, Oakhurst Elementary, Winnona Park Elementary and the Westchester School Administration facility. The city also has access to the siren at Agnes Scott College for use during tornado events. During the test, the sirens will sound for approximately one minute. For more information, contact Assistant City Manager Tony Parker at 404-370-4102 or tony. parker@decaturga.com.

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COMING UP

POLITICAL NEWS 2012

Library welcomes Kurt “Big Boy” Alexander for signing

ARC director to keynote GAACC legislative breakfast The Georgia African American-Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) will hold the 14th Annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 21, 8:30 a.m., at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. Elected officials from across the state, business leaders and others are expected to attend. This year’s keynote speaker is Douglas R. Hooker, executive director for the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). Hooker will give an overview of transportation initiatives, their impact on businesses in Georgia, and possible contract opportunities in the state. The breakfast will give elected officials an opportunity to bring essential information to small businesses. “This year, the program is aimed at Small Business Procurement Opportunities, the “how to” in working with federal agencies as it pertains to government contracting, SBA Advantage Program, woman-owned business initiatives, and health care reform and its impact on small businesses,” said Anna Henderson, president of the GAACC. “The breakfast presents an awesome opportunity for business owners and legislators alike to come together.” Following the breakfast, there will be several workshops for businesses including “The Transportation Forum,” “Small Business Federal Forum” and “The Legislative Process.” For more information or tickets to the breakfast, call the GAACC office at 404-3294504.

The Atlanta-Public Library System will welcome radio personality and actor Kurt “Big Boy” Alexander for the signing and discussion of his book, “An XL Life: Staying Big at Half the Size,” on Jan. 20, 4 p.m. The book follows the radio host through growing up homeless, fatherless and facing problems with gang violence and issues of self-worth as he managed to rise to the top of the hip-hop world and West coast radio scene. The book signing and discussion will be held at the library’s central location, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. 404-7301906.

ROCKDALE

DeKalb Democrats set campaign meeting

Nancy Guinn Library sets book sale The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library’s Friends group will host a community book sale on Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., 864 Green St., Conyers. Great used books for all ages and interests, with bargain prices will be available. 770-3885041.

Auditions set for Covington/Conyers Choral Guild The Covington/Conyers Choral Guild will hold registration for the spring season on Jan. 16, 7 – 9:15 p.m., at Conyers Presbyterian Church, 911 North Main Street, N.W., Conyers. Registration is from 6:15 to 6:55 p.m. with rehearsals following from 7 to 9:15 p.m. High school students and adults are welcome to audition. For more information, call 770-483-1295 or 770-922-1879.

Conyers City Council to meet The Conyers City Council will meet Jan. 18, 7 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Conyers Police Department, 1194 Scott Street, Conyers. 770-483-4411.

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DeKalb Democrats, a committee of the Democratic Party of Georgia, will host an informational meeting for the public on Jan. 19, 7 p.m., at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The “Unified Campaign” will cover the ways supporters can connect with the Democratic candidates and neighborhood leadership to help them during the 2012 elections. State legislators, county commissioners and judicial candidates, as well as grassroots organizers such as Obama for America, Young Democrats, and Team Blue Volunteers, are expected. For more information or to reserve a seat in advance, visit the events tab on http:// dekalbdems.com or call 404-288-2194.

Rockdale Democrats to host bowling fundraiser The Rockdale County Democratic Party is hosting its first fundraiser of the year-a bowling tournament—on Saturday Jan. 21, 6 - 9 p.m., in Conyers. For $15, participants get to bowl for two hours (shoes are included), support the Party’s mission to re-elect President Obama and elect Democrats to office in Georgia and Rockdale. The fundraiser also will help to support the Party’s scholarship fund. Register for the bowling event online at http://www.rockdaledems.org/bowling/.

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JANUARY 15, 2012

Lithonia’s new mayor promises new direction Council elects mayor pro tem

include her vision to bring economic development to the city and the community’s vision to move Lithonia forward. “The city has a tremendous history to be built upon and I want the community to share in the vision for the future,” Jackson said.

By Valerie J. Morgan

ithonia’s new mayor, Dr. Deborah Jackson, has taken the reigns, promising to bring transparency in government and better communication to the troubled town, which has for years suffered a negative image due to political infighting. “There’s a new level of excitement in the city and we intend to have the citizens be a part of the transformation,” said Jackson. Jackson, who formerly served as the city’s attorney and as a City Council member, took the oath of office on Jan. 9 before a crowd of elected officials, leaders and stakeholders from DeKalb and Rockdale counties. Darold Honore’ and Shameka Reynolds also were sworn in as Council members that night. The trio joined Patricia Miller and Tracy-Ann Williams, who were sworn into office in December to fill unexpired two-year terms, and sitting council member Ric Dodd. Jackson officially presented the new five-member Council at the meeting to a round of applause. With Jackson taking the helm, the City Council’s first meeting of the year was held in a new place—the Lithonia Middle School cafetorium—offering a more formal flavor to the often-divisive city meetings. Jackson and the Council conducted business from the school’s stage. The meeting was recorded, videotaped and photographed by at least five journalists. Everyone was on his best behavior. Jackson honored out-going Mayor Tonya Peterson Anderson and Council

Important Dates Jan. 15, 3 p.m. Community Celebration and State of the City Address, Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia 30058.

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

Chief Justice Carol W. Hunstein administers the oath of office to Deborah Jackson, Lithonia’s new mayor, as Jackson’s close friend, A. Laura Durojaiye, looks on.

members Kathleen deCocq, Doreen Carter and Al Franklin for their service on the council, presenting each with a plaque. Jackson also honored Lithonia resident, Curtis Lucille Sanders, who turned 100 years old. Sanders, who was bed-ridden and could not attend the meeting, received proclamations and birthday wishes from Jackson, Congressman Hank Johnson, DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May, DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick. Several of Sanders’ family members accepted the accolades on her behalf. The special presentations were followed by the regular City Council meeting, where Miller was elected mayor pro tem and was authorized as a signatory on the city’s bank account, along with Jackson. Miller is a nurse who has never held office but whose husband, Larry Miller, has served on the City Council. In order to put Jackson and Miller

on the city’s bank accounts, the new Council had to repeal an ordinance passed last year to remove the position of mayor from the city’s bank accounts. The ordinance came after the city’s accountant discovered several financial violations, and former Mayor Tonya Peterson Anderson’s response that she was duped by former City Clerk Alisa Dent into signing $26,000 in blank checks. Dent was supposed to use the checks for various city bills, but instead cashed them through a business account she opened. The case, which started in 2009, is still in Superior Court and has been assigned to Judge Linda Warren Hunter. Anderson, who has cooperated with the investigation, said Dent betrayed the public’s trust. In other action, the new Council agreed to reconfirm Lithonia’s commitment as a “City of Ethics” under the Georgia Municipal Association. Mayor Jackson said her scheduled State of the City address on Jan. 15 will

Jan. 16, 9 to 11 a.m. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Service Project. Residents and volunteers will clean litter along Main Street, Max Cleland Boulevard, and other parts of the city. Come and show your community support. Meet in the Lithonia Plaza (in front of Family Dollar) to pick up trash bags, safety vests and gloves. 12 Noon - SCLC’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Program at First St. Paul AME Church, 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia 30058. Guest speaker will be State Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-93). Jan. 19, 7 p.m., City Hall Planning meeting to review priorities for the Lithonia City Park & Amphitheater and related issues. Jan. 23, 7 p.m., City Hall Council workshop to review preliminary budget for fiscal year 2012 and Administrative Assessment. Feb. 6, 7 p.m., City Hall Regular City Council Meeting Feb. 21, 7 p.m., City Hall Council Workshop

Frederick Daniels, Sr. Oct. 24, 1943—Jan. 1, 2012

eKalb County officials offered condolences at its Jan. 10 County Commission meeting to Maxine Daniels, director of DeKalb’s Officer of Voter Registration and Elections, for the loss of her husband, Frederick Lawrence Daniels, Sr. Mr. Daniels had six children, one of them well known in the community: Frederick L. Daniels, Jr., executive vice president/chief

credit officer of Citizens Trust Bank, and DeKalb MARTA Board chairman. Mr. Daniels died Jan. 1 after complications from surgery for appendicitis. Mrs. Daniels said her husband had suffered heart problems for 20 years. Mr. Daniels was 68. Mr. Daniels was a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He worked several jobs before fulfilling his dreams of being self-employed by

becoming an owner/operator of Standard Oil of Ohio gas station. He moved to Atlanta in 1972 and worked as a marketing representative for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. He was the first African American sales representative and broke racial barriers. He went on to become the sales representative for all labor unions in the North Georgia area. He and Maxine were married 34 years and together built a

DeKalb County grand jury returns 66-count indictment against gang Eight members of the gang known as “2100” have been charged with numerous crimes including armed robbery, cruelty to children and aggravated assault of elderly victims in a 66-count indictment by a DeKalb County Grand Jury. Tiunta Battle, Diamond Brooks, Paul Cargile, Larry Little, Titus Seals, Demario Middlebrooks, Eureon Phillips, and Monquavious Thomas were indicted Jan. 12. “This multi-defendant and multi-incident case involves a series of vicious and often violent theft, assault and burglary acts,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James. “This gang terrorized the community at large with a malicious intent to rob, steal and kill in DeKalb County.” The offenses range from home invasion armed robbery to solicitation for murder. “We intend to prosecute those involved in this and similar gang-related criminal activities to the fullest extent of the law,” added James.

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successful Amway business that they discontinued after his health declined. Mr. Daniels leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Marjorie Daniels; his wife, Maxine; six children: Derek; Frederick, Jr.; Shelley McNeil; Romona, Meghan Adams, and Roderick; one brother, Ron Daniels; one half sister, Florence Daniels; one adopted brother, Charles Martin; and seven grandchildren.

JANUARY 15, 2012

Celebrating

PAGE 7

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

he 2012 King Holiday Observance will mark the 83rd birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the 26th Anniversary of the National Holiday in his honor. Several events are planned throughout the metro Atlanta area to celebrate and demonstrate the spirit of the slain civil rights leader. Atlantans have a unique opportunity to honor the city’s native son. Here’s a roundup of some of the activities planned:

ATLANTA Ebenezer Horizon to host commemorative service The Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Commemorative Service will be held Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Ebenezer Baptist Church – Horizon Sanctuary, 407 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta. The ecumenical service, which is open to the public, is the spiritual hallmark of the King Holiday Observance Week. Members of various religious traditions, and state national and international governments will participate. The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, senior pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Seating is limited. Early arrival is suggested.

King march, rally planned in downtown The annual march in downtown Atlanta will be held on the MLK holiday at 2 p.m. The march will start at Auburn Avenue and travel from Peachtree Street and to Jackson Street. The rally will follow and will be held on Auburn Avenue in the King National Park Area. The areas of concern are education, technology, medical, investment, transportation, housing environmental justice, job creation, conflict resolution, interfaith, cultural exchange, peace, justice, and voter registration.

DEKALB DeKalb NAACP, high school marching bands to honor King’s Legacy Five DeKalb County School System high school marching bands will participate in the DeKalb NAACP’s parade and peace rally on Monday, Jan. 16, at 12:30 p.m. This year marks the 10th anniversary the DeKalb NAACP has held the parade. DeKalb Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Atkinson and Congressman Hank Johnson will serve as Grand Marshals. The parade, which will travel down Main Street in downtown Stone Mountain, will begin in the MARTA parking lot on Fourth Street. The following DeKalb Schools high school bands are scheduled to participate:  Cedar Grove High School  Clarkston High School  Martin Luther King, Jr. High School  McNair High School High School  Stone Mountain High School The peace rally will begin immediately following the parade at the Champion Middle School gymnasium at approximately 3:30 p.m.

GPC celebrates ‘Day of Service’ Georgia Perimeter College will celebrate the King Holiday by mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to conduct community service projects throughout metro Atlanta. The college will present “Beyond the Dream 2011 - Become Great: Serve” on Jan. 16 with kickoff rallies at 7:30 a.m. on the Clarkston, Dunwoody and Newton campuses. Free breakfast and T-shirts will be provided to volunteers, along with transportation from the campuses to the service project areas. Service projects include the Clarkston Community Center, Hands On Newton, Panola State Park and City of Dunwoody Public Works Department, among others.

GWINNETT

New Bethel to present 11th annual ‘Drum Major’ awards In the spirit of remembering the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., New Bethel A.M.E. Church, 8350 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia, will honor several outstanding community trailblazers at its 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Awards Celebration on Monday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m. The annual celebration acknowledges the work and life of Dr. King and the unsung foot soldiers in the community who continue to carry the torch and fulfill the dream. The theme for this year’s celebration is “The Dream: Fighting Injustice Everywhere.” The keynote speaker for the celebration will be the Rev. Roslyn Satchel Augustine, JD, M.Div. of Baton Rouge, LA. The guest choir will be the Lou Walker Senior Center Choir of Lithonia. New Bethel will honor the following leaders for their impact in the community:  The ‘Drum Major Award” will be present to the Rev. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. A native of Atlanta, Mason is general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was instrumental in the creation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument in Washington, D.C.  The “Community Service Award” will be presented to DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May, District 5, and author of “My God, My Politics: A Discussion of Faith and Politics.”  The “Fannie Lou Hammer Award” will be presented to Dr. Cheryl D. Dozier, member of New Bethel and interim president at Savannah State University.  The New Bethel Pillar of Strength awardees are Carl and Mrs. Willo Hunter for their many years of service to the New Bethel Church.  The Ruby Bridges Dreamer Award will be presented to Veronica Mitchell, director of the Young People’s Division at New Bethel. The free community celebration will be held at New Bethel A.M.E. Church, 8350 Rockbridge Road, (off Highway 124). Ronald L. Owens is pastor. Zelma Smith and Dianne Scott are the planning committee co-chairs for this year’s event. 770-484-3350.

United Ebony Society to host ‘Essays for Youth’ The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County, Inc. will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Essays for the Youth of Gwinnett County” on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Meadowcreek High School, 4455 Reynolds Blvd., Norcross. Students of all ages from throughout Gwinnett will share their essays on the theme “Unity in Diversity.” The theme reflects the growth and collaboration of the rainbow of nationalities represented in Gwinnett. The community is invited to the free event.

ROCKDALE Rockdale Chamber, NAACP unite for benefit breakfast The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale branch of the NAACP will co-host a benefit breakfast on Monday, Jan. 16, commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will be held at 7:45 a.m. at Longhorn Steakhouse, located on Iris Drive near I-20 and West Avenue. The keynote speaker for the event will be the Rev. Layne Fields, pastor of Old Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Proceeds from the event will be donated to United Way in Rockdale to benefit programs addressing homelessness in the community. “We are excited about this year’s celebration and expecting a large turnout,” said Fred Boscarino, president of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. “This is our eighth year hosting the event with the Rockdale NAACP, and it has become a community tradition for many of our residents and business owners who want to appropriately observe MLK Day and honor this great American.” The cost to attend the breakfast is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 13 and under. Limited seating will be available for those who want to attend the program, but do not want to purchase breakfast. Proceeds will benefit homeless initiatives in Conyers and Rockdale, including Phoenix Pass and Family Promise of New Rock. Advanced tickets may be purchased from the Chamber of Commerce, located at 1186 Scott Street. United Way Rockdale Area Director Claire Cline expressed appreciation to the NAACP and Chamber for partnering to organize the breakfast. “On Jan. 16, we will be honoring a visionary leader who worked to improve the lives of others and to bridge social barriers,” said Cline. “Helping the homeless is certainly an appropriate tribute to his legacy.”

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JANUARY 15, 2012

Efforts to reopen New Birth academy under way Omnitech bridges the gap to success A Miller Grove High School graduate, Clarence Saxby says he was a troubled student, to say the least, before coming to the Omnitech Institute Technical Training School in Decatur. Now, the 22-year-old senior technical analyst at the Saddle Creek Corporation in Atlanta says he’s not sure where he would be if it wasn’t for Omnitech. “I actually came to Omnitech for the musicengineering program but was convinced to try out Information Technology and I fell in love with it,” said Saxby, who earned his certification in Information Technology as a network engineer and now answers calls for Saddle Creek for seven Georgia locations, from Atlanta to Macon. Charlton Lester, Omnitech’s founder and a former corporate IT trainer, launched Omnitech Institute in June 1999 in a 1,500-square-foot office building on Covington Highway in Decatur. Lester, who has a technical support background working with Hewlett-Packard, Owens Corning and MCI, now oversees 19,000 square

feet on two levels in the same office building. Omni Tech enrolls more than 500 students annually in vocational, technical and medical fields. “Our institute is a place that can change your whole family dynamics and your future,” Lester said. “So many young people have the odds stacked against them. This can give them a real chance at success.”

Forty percent of Omnitech’s students take IT, which includes network engineering, technology support, systems analysis, and desktop support. The rest of the students take medical technology, which includes medical billing and coding, medical assistant and Certified Nursing Assistant courses, and audio engineering courses. The school offers certificate programs that are accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

Omnitech is also certified by the U.S. Department of Education to administer Title IV funding. Renee Alston, Omnitech’s school director, says military veterans have several assistance options, including qualifying for up to $2,500 tor tuition and fees under the Harvest Institute Scholarship program. Veterans also are eligible for the program, “Post 9/11 Benefits.” Created after the tragedy in New York, the program provides job readiness, resume help and increased Veterans Administration stipends of $17,500 per year for tuition, books and living expenses. Alston said new graduates start jobs at $10 to $12 an hour, and within a year of graduation, some are earning up to $80,000 a year. Omnitech students range from 18 to 60 years old. Omnitech Institute Technical Training School is located at 4319 Covington Highway, Suite 212, Decatur. For more information on classes and enrolling, call 404284-8121 or visit www. omnitech.edu.

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High school dropouts, single or teen mothers, dysfunctional students and even ex-cons are all a part of Headmaster David K. Price’s personal mission to “clean up the streets of DeKalb County.” Price’s BaSix Knowledge Academy, described as a non-traditional school, has been enriching students for 15 years through six educational programs: The Stay-At-Home Academy; 6-12 Private Academy; after school tutorials; standardized tests; test taking/study skills; and educational consulting. “This is God’s plan and I’m just honored to be a part of it. When I started as simply a tutor for five children in my home 15 years ago, I came to the realization that all students were not meant to fit into the traditional mainstream

classroom. With this in mind, BaSix Knowledge Academy was formed for the student who, for whatever reason, couldn’t succeed in a public school system,” said Price. “Our challenging, yet diverse curriculum follows the Georgia Performance Standards. Our system allows students to develop critical reading and writing skills for the classroom and in the workplace.” The fully-accredited private academy has sent many of its 340 graduates

to college. It will graduate 85 students on May 24. Price says several politicians and community leaders have deemed the school “DeKalb County’s best educational kept secret.” BaSix Knowledge Academy is located at 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur. It is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., for tours and tuition counseling. For more information, call 404-289-8105 or visit www.basixknowledgeacademy.com.

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RPM opens Ellenwood site to offer tutoring program Reading, Phonics, Math & More has opened a second location at Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Ellenwood, 3937 River Road near Flakes Mill. The tutoring and enrichment center for students ages 5 through high school is under the supervision of Valeria Nolley, site manager. Reading, Phonics, Math & More also has a location in Stone Mountain. The program is already receiving praises from satisfied parents like Dr. Barbara Lawton, who was seeking enrichment in writing and comprehension for her son, who is in middle school. “Calvin’s confidence is much higher,” said Lawton, who enrolled her son in Reading Phonics Math & More last September. Calvin participated in a Social Studies fair, conducting his own research and writing his paper. Prior to RPM, he would have asked Mom for help, Lawton said. Working with Nolley to proofread his work, he won first place in the fair. “I am very pleased with Reading Phonics Math & More and the work they are doing with Calvin. I am happy they are in the community,” said Lawton. “Reading Phonics Math & More has helped hundreds of families and we can

help yours too,” said Jill Jones, owner and director of the Stone Mountain Center Headquarters. “Let us give your child an academic assessment so that we can pinpoint where the gaps are and develop a program to fill them in. That is RPM’s specialty.” Reading, Phonics, Math & More provides tutoring in comprehension, phonics, math, writing, homework, SAT/ ACT/CRCT and more. Call Reading Phonics Math & More where you can truly give your child the academic advantage, all grades and subjects. TWO locations: Stone Mountain and Ellenwood. Mention this article for a discount. 770-413-6868. www. rpmandmore.com

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LITHONIA—New Birth Christian Academy is reorganizing to try and reopen its doors. The struggling academy, which abruptly closed and left parents scrambling for a replacement for their children at the beginning of the year, has received an offer of help from another private academy, The Aurora School in Tucker. Bishop Eddie Long, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, said The Aurora School’s founder, Kellie Huff, has offered a partnership with New Birth to bring students back to the academy. Founded in 2003, The Aurora School is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission and serves grades K-12, Long said in the letter. Parents learned of the new developments in a letter Long sent to them asking them to consider returning their children to the academy. The school, housed on the campus of the mega church in Lithonia, closed just before Christmas, citing declining enrollment. Long, who is chairman of the academy, said in the letter dated Jan. 10: “…After agreement among members of the Aurora School Board to assist New Birth Christian Academy, I met with several members of the Aurora School Board to assist New Birth Christian Academy. We emerged from that meeting with great enthusiasm and a partnership between The Aurora School and New Birth Christian Academy. This partnership would also include some financial support for tuition, for those who need it. We are faithfully encouraged about this opportunity and are fully confident that it can work with your support. “ In order to reopen the school and fulfill the partnership with The Aurora School, Long said parents would need to notify New Birth of their commitment to return their children. The academy is seeking to reopen immediately, according to the letter. “The only way we can re-open at this time is with your support. We are hopeful that we can count on you. We look forward to your response,” Long stated at the conclusion of the letter. Reopening the academy this school year, however, may be tough. Parents learned over the Christmas holidays in a letter dated Dec. 22, 2011 that the school would not reopen after the holiday break. Families had to scramble to find replacement schools. “We’ve already found another school. We’re not taking our child out of school now to go back. You just can’t play with your child’s education like that. What assurance do we have they won’t close again?” said one parent who did not want to be identified. Housed and supported by the mega church, the New Birth academy served 300 students three years ago, but reportedly dropped to an enrollment of less than 100 last year. Some parents blamed the academy’s declining enrollment over the sexual misconduct court cases that were settled out of court between Long and five young men who attended his church. Long’s wife, Vanessa, recently filed for divorce, which some church members said dealt the church yet another blow.

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PAGE 9

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Business News

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DeKalb Commissioner May to deliver ‘State of East DeKalb’ address DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May will address the business community on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. at the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The meeting will be held at the Fairfield Inn & Suites near The Mall at Stonecrest, 7850 Stonecrest Square, Lithonia The address will focus on the current state of business opportunities throughout the East and South DeKalb area. May has been instrumental in driving business growth and advocating for Lithonia as the most viable area for new development in DeKalb. He recently commissioned a task force to explore transportation and growth initiatives in the Stonecrest area, through the Stonecrest Business Alliance. May also will discuss the budgetary process in DeKalb and the need for reform throughout DeKalb County Government, especially as it relates to the CEO’s office and how it works with the Board of Commissioners. “Our county must have a Board of Commissioners that is empowered to steer our economic future and provide alternatives to the CEO’s agenda. As the legislative leaders for the county, we are close to the hearts and minds of our residents, including our businesses owners,” May said. May, who serves as chair of the Commission’s Budget Committee, said he wants to see a budget plan that delivers services but also is attractive to businesses and puts DeKalb County back to work. “With a major water and sewer infrastructure upgrade project, we are slated to create thousands of jobs, however those jobs need to go to DeKalb County residents first,” May added. The luncheon is $15 for guests and free to members. To RSVP, visit www.lithoniachamber.com or email: greaterlithoniachamber@live.com.

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L-R: OPEN teacher Julian Harwell joins new instructor Diane D. Adoma and fellow veteran teachers Thua G. Barley and Brian Howe outside of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce.

he Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for another semester of its highly-praised O.P.E.N. class, designed to help those who are planning to open a business learn what’s needed to be a successful entrepreneur. The six-week course, Opportunities for Promoting Entrepreneurship and Networking or O.P.E.N., has opened the door for a number of start-ups—from people who are launching nonprofits to catering businesses and even those in the green industry. All aspects of opening a business are covered during the course. “The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to growing the business base in the Rockdale area, and that includes new businesses,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber. “There are dozens of questions facing an entrepreneur and the O.P.E.N. program is designed to answer as many of those as possible.” Esther Williams, who graduated from O.P.E.N. in 2011, says all of her questions were answered in a matter of weeks

in comparison to the two years it took for her to complete her master’s degree in business administration in 2000 at the University of Phoenix. “I enjoyed O.P.E.N. more than the university because you could really get one-on-one communication with people already successfully working as entrepreneurs,” says Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor. “I would encourage anyone looking to start a business to attend.” Williams now is developing her Amazing Green Hygiene company, which will offer environmentally-safe cleaning products on a corporate level, and Neighborly Needs Inc., which will provide services to single mothers and their families. “Of the more than 200 OPEN graduates who have gone 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. “This is the only program like it 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.” The class instructors include Ammie Elliot of BB&T Bank; Brian Howe, an entrepreneur with ThinkTank Coaching; Julian F. Harwell, CLU, ChFC, insurance and financial planning; and State Farm insurance agent Mark King. OPEN topics include: legalities of starting a business, marketing, accounting, legal issues including trademarks and patents, tax planning, securing necessary federal, state and local licenses, financial plans and cost analysis and insurance. O.P.E.N. has been recognized by former Gov. Sonny Perdue as one of Georgia’s “best practices” entrepreneurial programs. O.P.E.N. is open to anyone interested in starting or learning more about running a business. The class meets Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. for six weeks. The cost to enroll is $150. The fee includes class materials, light supper each class and a graduation dinner. Register by calling the Chamber at 770-483-7049 or visit www.conyers-rockdale. com.

CALENDAR DeKalb Chamber to host 74 Annual Meeting th

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host the 74th Annual Meeting and Legislative Reception on Jan. 26, 5:30 – 9 p.m., at The Retreat at Perimeter Summit, 1001 Summit Boulevard, Atlanta. At the annual meeting and reception, a number of member companies and Kevin Greiner individuals are honored for exemplary standards in business development, employee programs, business innovation, contribution to DeKalb County and overall involvement and support of the Chamber. Newly-appointed Chamber Board members and officers will be presented as well. Kevin Greiner, CEO of Gas South, will serve as the guest speaker. Greiner is the Chamber’s incoming Board Chairman and has more than 12 years of experience in the retail energy industry working in various sales, marketing, and general management roles. He has served as Gas South’s CEO since the company’s inception in January 2006. The cost to attend is $85 per person. Several sponsorships and group rates are available. For more information or to register in advance, visit http://dekalb2012annualmeeting.eventbrite.com. 404-378-8000.

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Gwinnett Chamber welcomes ARC’s Doug Hooker Atlanta Regional Commission Executive Director Doug Hooker will be the guest speaker at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s luncheon on Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at The 1818 Club, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. The meeting will be held on Doug Hooker the third floor. Hooker formerly served as vice president and Southern states director of the engineering firm, PBS&J. He led client development for the company’s water, environmental and transportation businesses in the Southeast. Hooker’s previous experience includes serving as executive director of the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority. During the 1996 Olympics, and throughout most of the ‘90s, he was commissioner of public works for the City of Atlanta. He has also held leadership positions with other engineering firms. The cost to attend is $55 per person. For more information or to register in advance, call 770-232-3000 or visit www. gwinnettchamber.org.

ABL covers the state of black business The Atlanta Business League (ABL) will host the Fifth Annual Congress on the State of Black Business in Metro Atlanta on Jan. 24, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the Morehouse College Leadership Center, 830 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta. The Congress is designed to discuss and make recommendations on how black businesses and consumers can effect a greater contribution to the economic impact on the metro area by increasing business with black consumers and each other. The cost to attend is $50. RSVP is requested by Jan. 20. For more information or to register in advance, visit www. atlantabusinessleague.org or call 404-584-8126.

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JANUARY 15, 2012

Health & Wellness

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Resources & Lifestyle Tips

Empowerment Resource Center on the frontlines to combat STDs The Empowerment Resource Center, a nonprofit in Atlanta, is expanding its services to provide screenings to more young women for sexually transmitted diseases, thanks to a grant awarded by he Elton John AIDS Foundation. ERC expects about 350 women will benefit from its Reproductive Health Initiative, which provides testing and counseling for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis to women ages 15-25 on a sliding scale basis. The program began serving women this month. “The rate of women testing positive for STDs is increasing. This grant is critical because now we can reach women who not only can’t afford testing but for those who test positive, we can offer them the support system they will need in going through something as delicate as this,” said program coordinator Lydie Marc. The foundation will provide screening and treatment services for the Atlanta metro area, with a priority on young African-American women and their partners. The grant puts a special focus on African American women because they have the most cases in several STDs. In national comparisons, Georgia ranked second in primary and secondary syphilis, sixth in gonorrhea, and 13th in chlamydia cases. Gonorrhea infection rates in Georgia were 30 times higher in African-Americans than in Caucasians. Chlamydia infection rates are highest in 15- to 19-year olds and individuals in their early twenties.

Chlamydia infection rates in females were three times higher than in males. “ERC has an established reputation of providing highquality and effective prevention and treatment programs and services, and assisting individuals in navigating through the maze of privacy concerns, fear, and stigma to access care linkages and other resources,” said Marc. “The Elton John AIDS Fund (EJAF) is an international leader and non-profit organization funding direct patient care services and

AIDS/STD prevention, as well as education on the disease. We are very grateful that they saw something in us to provide us with a grant.” The Empowerment Resource Center is a communitybased organization that provides health-related programs and services across the state of Georgia, with a priority focus on women. The health center, which was founded in 2003, is also gearing up to offer free HIV/AIDS testing and awareness on Feb. 7 to commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. “Uninsured and underinsured women who are already battered by the current economic climate and struggling with more pressing life issues tend to forgo these vital screenings,” said Jacqueline Brown, he center’s executive director. “The Elton John AIDS Foundation grant is just the boost that we needed to continue to provide low-cost health care services to lowincome women and their partners. The Reproductive Health Initiative will allow young women to detect preventable infections, reduce infertility, cervical abnormalities and deaths and lead them to better health outcomes.” ERC is located at 236 Auburn Ave., N.E., Suite 200, Atlanta. For appointments and more information on the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, call 404-5261145 or 404-526-1148.

CALENDAR DeKalb Medical forums: breast health, knee pain

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DeKalb Medical will host a discussion on breast health on Jan. 19, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Hillandale campus, 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia. Dr. Yara Robertson, M.D. will lead the discussion with an overview of the most important steps that can be taken to ensure early detection of breast problems. Innovative treatments for a wide range of breast health issues will be discussed. The forum will be held in the hospital’s community room. The session is free to attend. For more information or to register, call Jeff Traub, M.D 404-501-WELL. DeKalb Medical will host a discussion on knee pain on Jan. 26, 6 – 7 p.m., in the hospital’s theatre, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur. Jeff Traub, M.D., a DeKalb Medical orthopedic surgeon, will lead the discussion about the latest advances in the treatment of knee conditions and pain, and knee replacements. A complimentary tour of the hospital’s Joint Solutions Center will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. People wishing to tour the Joint Solutions Center should meet in the theatre at 5 p.m. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to register, call 404-501-TALK.

The Atlanta Yoga Club will host a workshop focusing on inner spiritual and physical health on Jan. 21, 10 a.m., at Piedmont Park, in downtown Atlanta. This class will feature a mix of Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga taught by Atlanta Yoga Club certified instructors. Vinyasa yoga uses a sequence of breath-synchronized movements to transition between sustained postures. The class focuses on flowing movements in conjunction with deep breathing to purify the body. The cost of the class is $5 per person. For more information or to register, call 1-866-746-2726 or visit www.yogaclub.us.

Men’s cancer support group to meet at Piedmont Piedmont Healthcare’s Cancer Center, 1800 Howell Mill Road, Suite 700, Atlanta, will offer men recovering from cancer “A Guy’s Group” support meeting on Jan. 23, 6 – 7:30 p.m. The group is open to men at any stage of recovery from cancer. Both, patients and survivors, Dennis Buttimer, M.Ed Chef Hans Rueffert are welcome to attend. The meeting will include eating tips and is facilitated by Dennis Buttimer, M.Ed., and Chef Hans Rueffert. For the past 28 years, Dr. Buttimer has specialized in anxiety, depression, stress relief and offering support. He also helps clients with career issues, life transitions, grief, trauma, sexual abuse and addictions. Chef Rueffert is a gastric cancer survivor who has competed on the Food Network’s Next Food Network Star and works to see men eat healthier. The session is free to attend. For more information or to register, call 404-425-7925.

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Rockdale Medical offers smoking cessation course Rockdale Medical Center, 1412 Milstead Ave., Conyers, is offering a free smoking cessation course. The four sessions will be held Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. The class, developed by the American Cancer Society, helps participants set weekly goals toward quitting and offers the support and encouragement of others who are striving to quit. The fee for the course is $25, which will be returned at the completion of the four classes. For more information or to register, call 770-918-3414.

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The Smile Zone Dental Clinic’s well-trained staff us dedicated to meeting your dental needs. The clinic accepts most dental insurance plans and offers a discount plan for the uninsured. We are open Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. To 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursdays, 10 a.m. To 8 p.m., and two Saturdays each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located near the Mall at Stonecrest. Dr. Anthony J. Parker, DDS 770-484-8535

JANUARY 15, 2012

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Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503.

$120 FOR A 3 HOUR SESSION • Room Makeovers • Residential Design • Home Staging • Window Treatments

NoopooH Natural Hair Care for children & adults. Twists & braids, $25-$35 (depending on hair length & thickness). Beads included. Ask for Nubi: 678-4809339.

By Henry K. Mitchell

Certified Public Accountant Certified Fraud Examiner

1998 TC 2000 BLUE BIRD BUSES

• 44 PASSENGER W/ADULT SEATING • FRONT AND REAR A/C • REFURBISHED AND READY FOR DELIVERY ! • CURRENT D.O.T. INSPECTION CERTIFICATES

SALE PRICES STARTING AT

$12,900.00

CALL 678-526-1910

CALL

770-922-0099 FOR APPOINTMENT

Darrickmaddox@yahoo.com

ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES

SALE ON CHURCH BUSES

• Accounting Services • Tax returns Preparation • Tax problem Representation • Business Plan Preparation • Small Business Fraud Policy • Fraud Prevention Consulting • Non-Profit Consulting

Henry has 18 years experience in tax preparation. He is a member of the Georgia Accountancy Board and a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He is an adjunct instructor at Atlanta Metro College.

CALL HENRY AT (678) 663-6229

Office Suites and

Acts of Valor Salon

FREE TO YOU!

Publish Your Work Today!

Special event space available!

Conditioners: Moisture/ Protein/ Hot oil! Style Cuts: Bobs/Layers/Fades Offers are in conjunction with a shampoo and style starting at $35

Great location, ample parking. 5000 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur, GA 30035

FREE WIFI

Licensed Stylist apply for employment!

770-482-6500

Contact 404-343-9704

STS, Inc.

mega

Darrick Maddox LOW DOWN PAYMENTS LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS

678-413-0084 • www.interiorsforu.com

PURCHASE ME

Bad Hair Days?

BANKRUPTCY AND BAD CREDIT ACCEPTABLE

Home Care

STYLISTS NEEDED! COLLETTE'S

Private Duty Nurses Home Health Aides

.. .. . .

Salon Epiphany

We Provide:

Escorted Doctor’s visits Light Housekeeping

5002 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur, GA 30035 GREAT WORKING ENVIRONMENT!

Meal Preparation Sitters Personal Care Errands

AffordAble, bonded, licensed, insured To receive a free week: 770-983-8033

PROVIDING FREE WIFI AND PLENTY PARKING.

HAIR SALON

$ .00

SEW-INS

404-499-9915 7173E COVINGTON HWY LITHONIA GA 30058

Do you have material waiting to be published but thought it was too expensive to get it done? Here’s an opportunity to publish your work at an affordable price.

770-823-0503

Contact Darlene Caffey www.destinyproductionsandpublishing.com

The Clements Law Group, LLC. Criminal cases DUI Drug cases Felonies

Civil cases

Car / Truck Accidents Debt collection lawsuit Defense We sue collection agencies

Kirby Clements Attorney at law Seen on Nancy Grace, Montel, Court TV, MSNBC, CNN and more!

160 Clairemont Ave Suite 200 Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 212-1928 Clementslawgroup.com

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet Largest, Most Elegant Chinese, Japanese & America Cuisine Restaurant Amazing Variety Over 300 Items Lunch Buffet

Dinner Buffet

Adult $6.59

Adult $8.99

Mon.-Sat. 3:30pm-Close (Sunday All-Day Dinner)

Mon.-Sat. 11am-3:30pm (not Including Sunday)

Kids By Height:33-43” $2.99 43-53” $4.59 Under 33” Free (Excludes Drink Prices)

Kids By Height: 33-43”_ $3.99 – 43-53” $5.59 Under 33” _ Free (Excludes Drink Prices)

Most Popular Items Include Create-Your-Own Hibachi Stir-fry, Rib-Eye Steak, Salmon, Black Pepper Shrimp, fried Fish, Crabmeat, Many Selections of Sushi, General Tso’s Chicken, Cheese Spinach, and Large Selection of salads, Fruits, Cheese & Desserts No Seafood $3.99/lb.

Buffet To Go

All All Half All Hibachi Seafood Sushi Seafood Food $5.99/lb $6.99/lb $4.99/lb $5.99/lb 10% Military & Senior Citizen Discount

General Hours

Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm Fri. 12am-10:30pm Sat. 12pm-10:30pm Sunday: 12pm-10pm (Lunch Until 3:30pm) 3455 Memorial Drive, Decatur Expires 02/10/12

10% OFF

404-288-5959

3455 Memorial Drive, Decatur Expires 02/10/12

00 OFF

404-288-5959

Lunch or Dinner Buffet Dining Only

Cannot be combined with any other offer No copies accepted

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet

One coupon per ticket

OCGNEWS

purchase of $20 or more

Cannot be combined with any other offer No copies accepted

One coupon per ticket

OCGNEWS

3455 Memorial Drive, Decatur Expires 02/10/12

404-288-5959 00 $4 OFF

Lunch or Dinner Buffet Dining Only purchase of $30 or more

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet Cannot be combined with any other offer No copies accepted

One coupon per ticket

OCGNEWS

HIBACHI GRILL

& SUPREME BUFFET

404-288-5959

3455 Memorial Drive, Decatur (Next To Kroger)

PAGE 12

JANUARY 15, 2012

GREAT CAREERS START AT GEORGIA PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Get started now with targeted education and training that’s guaranteed to prepare you for the workforce. Choose from hundreds of programs options in today’s fastest- growing fields. Healthcare. Computer Science. Public Safety… and more. You’ll train on the latest technology and gain real-world experience before you graduate. Finish in two years with an associate degree – or even faster with a diploma or certificate. Georgia Piedmont Tech offers classes that fit your lifestyle, with locations in four counties, flexible scheduling and lots of online options. 495 North Indian Drive | Clarkston, GA 30021 | 404-297-9522 | Visit www.GPTC.edu for all our campus locations

GREGORY B. LEVETT & SONS FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC

Professional and Personalized Services On-Site Crematory Contemporary & Traditional Services Cremation and Memorial Services Pre-Planning Arrangements International Shipping Service On-Site Floral Design & Print Shop

Dove Releasing Ceremony Military Honors Cadillac Fleet Police Escorts Free Notary Public Clergy, Harpist and Musicians

Serving all cultures and faiths • Licensed Funeral Directors & Staff available 24 hours

North Gwinnett Chapel • Est. 2009 201 Morningside Dr. • Buford, GA 30518 770-945-9999

Gwinnett Chapel • Est. 2004 914 Scenic Hwy • Lawrenceville, GA 30045 770-338-5558

South DeKalb Chapel • Est. 2000 4347 Flats Shoals Pkwy. • Decatur, GA 30034 404-241-5656

Avondale-Scottdale Chapel • Est. 1980 351 North Clarendon Ave. • Scottdale, GA 30079 404-294-5500