The july15issue

Volume 19 Number 8  www.ocgNews.com  july 15, 2013  Free

Serving DeKalb, Fulton, gwinnett, Henry anD rocKDale countieS

See Residents, page 5

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

By Valerie J. Morgan

The Stonecrest City Alliance is close to raising the $30,000

needed for the state-required feasibility study that would help determine if the Stonecrest area should become its own municipality.

A packed crowd attended the Alliance’s July 9 community meeting and several people pitched in after hearing a presentation about the proposed City of Stonecrest. The study must be conducted to determine, among other things, the projected operating costs should residents in the area break away from DeKalb County to govern themselves.

“That crowd was the largest that we’ve had so far. We raised $4,000 at that meeting, bringing the total

we have brought in so far to $20,000,” said Jason Lary, who is leading the Alliance.

Lary said the group must raise $10,000 more by the end of the month to pay for the study. The Carl Vinson Institute requires five to six months to conduct the study, which is slated to get under way at the end of July. The study must be completed by December in order for the proposal to go before the General Assembly in January 2014, Lary said.

Earlier this year, State Rep. Ron Ramsey filed a “place holder” bill for the city of Stonecrest. He and

other state lawmakers plan to discuss six cityhood bills during the 2014 Legislative session. The bills to create new cities include Lakeside (SB 270); Tucker (HB 677); Briarcliff/North Druid Hills (HB 665); LaVista Hills (SB 275); the city of DeKalb (HB 687) and Stonecrest (SB 278). Since the creation of the city of Brookhaven, legislators are required to file a bill two years prior to holding a vote for cityhood.

Lary said he and board members of the Alliance are optimistic the feasibility study will get done in time for the 2014 Legislative

session. Lary said he is not only encouraged by community feedback he has received so far, but by leaders outside of DeKalb.

“Governor Deal expressed his pleasure of our self-determination to improve our quality of living and self-governance in Southeast DeKalb,” said Lary, who recently attended a luncheon where the governor was speaking. Oliver Porter, founding father of the city of Sandy Springs, attended Lary’s July meeting at the Stonecrest

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INsIDe

Stonecrest ‘cityhood’ gains momentum, organizers push for feasibility study

Atlanta launches free meals programs at 58

public schoolsBy Mackenzie N. Morgan

More than 25,000 students in the Atlanta Public School System (APS) will eat meals for free this school year. The prerequisite? Enrollment at one of 58 schools selected for the Community Eligibility Option (CEO) meal reimbursement program.

Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, participating elementary, middle and high schools will offer all students at the selected schools free breakfast, lunch and an after-school snack at no charge through the pilot program.

“The CEO program will ensure that every child has access to free breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snacks every day,” said Dr. Marilyn Hughes, director of APS’ Nutrition Department. “Because the schools are located in communities with high levels of need, this program will enable us to provide healthy meals for student success.”

APS spokesman Kimberly Willis Green said the district will feed 25,155 students this school year through the new program. Touted as a win-win for all, the program omits the traditional application process used to verify low-income status and guarantees students at participating schools access to wholesome meals to support academic performance. By participating in the CEO program, APS will be able to save on administrative costs associated with distributing and processing meal applications, along with reducing paper consumption and printing costs at 58 of its 103 schools.

According to the Georgia Department of Education, at least 60 percent of Georgia’s public school students receive free or reduced lunch each day. Nationally, more than 20 million students receive federally-subsidized lunches everyday. While the number of children signed up for reduced meals in Georgia has declined, enrollment in free meal programs continues to rise.

Any school with 40 percent or more “identified students” can participate in CEO. Identified students include children who are directly certified for free meals because they live in households that participate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), as well as children who are in foster care, enrolled in Head Start or classified as homeless, runaway, or migrant students.

In addition to Georgia, CEO is available this school year in Florida, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. The program will be available in all states at the start of the 2014-2015 school year.

Reptile Wranglers take kids on wild library adventure in ConyersBy Joshua Smith

CONYERS--The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library’s “Thrilling Thursday’s” summer reading series took a wild turn as library staff and families recently welcomed the father-son team, the “Reptile Wranglers,” Ken and Zack Panse.

“The Dig Into Reading series has tried to bring a wide variety of shows this summer. The reptile wranglers definitely fit the criteria,” said Carolyn Cathey, Youth Services Department Manager. “These guys do 300 shows a year. We’re all happy and excited to see them perform.”

The critters the wranglers brought with them were “Gary,” the Gecko; “Bruno,” the toad; “Timmy,” the turtle; “Sidney,” the bearded dragon; “Azteca,” the red tegu; and the

crowd favorite, “Sunny,” the albino reticulated python. Wrangler Ken made some children excited and some

parents a little nervous as he let the toad jump around the library. Zack Panse even walked around the crowd sporting “Sidney” on his head like an extravagant hat.

“We just love seeing the kids’ faces light up,” said Ken Panse. “We really enjoy answering the kids questions because those are priceless learning moments.”

The library’s summer reading series, “Thrilling Thursday’s,” concludes on Thursday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. with “Lew-E” the clown and his “Educational Circus.”

The library is located at 864 Green Street, S.W., Conyers. 770-388-5040. For more photos of the Reptile Wranglers’ visit, go to www.ocgnews.com or check out On Common Ground News Facebook page.

Jason Lary

The audience listens intently to the presentation on Stonecrest cityhood. A Q&A followed the presentation.

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

www.facebook.com/ocgnews

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Community News

See Atlanta, page 5 See Burn, page 5

By Mackenzie N. Morgan

A day after the Boston bombing shook the nation in April, an explosion at the Veterans

Empowerment Thrift Store on Memorial Drive in Atlanta left a man who was sorting donations injured.

Kevin Andrews, 23, of Stone Mountain said he suffered second- and third-degree burns after he picked up a wire ball in a box of donations and it exploded in his hands. Investigators said they believe static electricity from components used to ignite fireworks triggered the blast. Andrews said none of the authorities, including the Atlanta Police Department, FBI or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which responded to the incident, have contacted him since the April 16 incident to provide him with a conclusive report.

The young father of three says he believes what happened to him was fanned away in the wake of the Boston bombing. Three people died and more than 144 were injured in that tragedy. Andrews was the only one injured at the Atlanta thrift store.

Andrews, who underwent months of physical therapy, said he is now seeking legal restitution on the grounds that there was no supervision while he was performing his job. His attorney, Michael Demming, could not be reached by On Common Ground New, despite messages left at his office in Atlanta.

Andrews said he is grateful that he’s alive, but he can’t help replaying in his mind what happened.

“When I opened the box, I picked up a round thing that looked like a ball of wires. It was in my hand one minute. The next thing I knew, it blew up,” Andrews told On Common Ground News, the first news agency to interview him.

Atlanta police, first respondents, the FBI, as well as the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) arrived at the scene, shutting

Seniors beat hot summer months with free fans

Hundreds of senior citizens picked up fans and learned about how to stay cool and healthy this summer as the City of Atlanta hosted its annual

fan giveaway. “Atlanta’s seniors are a significant part of our

city, and ensuring they stay cool and safe this summer is very important to me,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “I appreciate SCANA Energy and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for their commitment to serving our city’s seniors. With their help, we can help keep seniors cool and make their homes comfortable during the summer months.”

For the 11th year, SCANA Energy donated 500 fans to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services for distribution to low-income, elderly residents. The city began giving away the fans on July 10.

“The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department is proud to be part of this effort to ensure that our seniors are safe and healthy during the summer months,” said Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. “We urge seniors, and those who know of seniors who might be at risk, to visit their local fire station to get a fan.”

Chief Cochran said Atlanta’s summertime

Photo by Tkeban Jahannes

Injured Stone Mountain man in legal limbo after thrift store explosion

Burn victim suffered burns to arms, hands and face.

Photo by Mackenzie N. Morgan/OCG News


ATLANTAcomINg uP

DEKALB

GWINNETT

ROCKDALE

GABEO sets annual Moore’s Ford Bridge reenactment The Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials (GABEO) will present the

ninth annual reenactment of the Lynchings at the Moore’s Ford Bridge, 130 Tyler Street, Monroe, on Saturday, July 27, 12 p.m.

The re-enactment is held annually to call attention to the murders of two married black couples (one of the women was seven months pregnant at the time) by the Ku Klux Klan on July 25, 1946.

This year’s theme, “No Justice, No Peace! Respect, Uphold and Enforce the rule of Law!” features invited guest speakers: Robert Howard, civil rights activist; the Rev. Cassandra Greene, Walton County community activist; and Hattie Lawson, former chair of the Athens Area Human Relations Council.

Reenactment Timeline: 1 p.m., leave 1st African Baptist Church for Visitation of the Malcom and Dorsey gravesites; 4:45 p.m., arrive at the Farm House of Barney Hester, (This is where the altercation occurred leading to the arrest of Roger Malcom, Sunday, July 14, 1946.); 5 p.m., leave Barney Hester’s House; 5:15 p.m., arrive at the Old County Jail, Downtown Monroe; 5:30 p.m., leave the jail en route to the Moore’s Ford Bridge; 6 p.m., arrive at the Moore’s Ford Bridge for the reenactment; 7 p.m. Benediction.

Participants will walk the same path at the exact time that Loy Harrison (white farmer) took the Malcoms and the Dorseys from the jail and delivered them to the KKK lynch mob waiting at the Moore’s Ford Bridge.

There is a $35,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the killers. Contact the GBI at 404-244-2600 or the FBI at 404-679-9000. For more information, contact Rep. Tyrone Brooks, president, Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials at 404-656-6372 or 404-372-1894. www.ga-gabeo.com.

Boys & Girls Club ready for “75 Blue Doors” art exhibit

The Metro Atlanta Boys & Girls Club (BGCMA), 63 Auburn Ave., N.E., Atlanta, will celebrate the opening of the “75 Blue Doors” art exhibit on Wednesday, July 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The exhibit was put together to celebrate BGCMA’s 75 years in and around the Atlanta community.

Created by talented artists across metro area, this exhibit showcases artwork inspired by kids and teens at surrounding clubs who are focused on achieving great futures and the dedicated staff members who are helping them get there. During the event, you can meet the faces behind the project—both the artists who donated their time and talent and the kids and staff who make up the Metro clubs.

Enjoy light appetizers as you peruse the gallery in search of a great piece. Artwork will be available for purchase.

Parking will be available in the United Way parking deck at a cost of $5. For more information or to RSVP, call 404-527-7100 or visit www.75bluedoors.org.

Piedmont Park to host Atlanta Ice Cream Festival Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, N.E.,

Atlanta, will host the third annual Ice Cream Festival, on Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Families are invited to come out for ice cream, games and health and wellness activities. Local vendors and local band, “Trillion Midnights,” will perform as well.

For more information, contact Shannon Cooper at 321-287-4235 and [email protected] or visit www.atlantaicecreamfestival.com.

History center hosts free book signing and corn bread tasting The DeKalb History Center, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur will host “Cornbread

Then and Now” on Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m. Millie Huff Coleman is a lifelong Atlantan whose family history is especially

tied to the city’s history in war, women’s rights and food. She will bring her dietary knowledge to a special cornbread tasting at the center.

Coleman’s talk about “Cornbread Through the Ages,” will include samples to taste as well as letters from her great-great-grandfather who fought and died in the Battle of Atlanta. She also will have true tales about her aunt who was the proprietress of the famous Frances Virginia Tearoom in downtown Atlanta.

Attendees will get to sample Frances Virginia’s cornbread and other “time honored” recipes from old Atlanta. The taste testing will allow attendees to experience how cornbread has changed over time in taste and texture while getting a taste of local history at the same time.

Coleman will be signing copies of her book, Frances Virginia Tearoom Cookbook. Participants meet on the second floor of the History Center. 404-373-1088 or www.dekalbhistory.org.

Salem-Panola branch invites teens to ‘Bio-Bus’ The DeKalb County Public Library’s Salem-Panola branch, welcomes Georgia

State University’s “Bio-Bus” on Wednesday, July 31, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., at the library, 5137 Salem Road, Lithonia.

Students ages 13 – 17 can enjoy and learn from this mobile science lab, which gives an up-close and personal look at forensic science and crime.

Organizers say this is a fun module that mixes learning with a little mystery. The library wants students shocked and amazed as they use the evidence to figure out who the real criminal is. Students solve crimes by studying fingerprints, blood types and DNA analysis. Two 90-minute sessions will be offered free of charge. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 770-987-6900 or visit www.dekalblibrary.org.

Hotdog festival at Lenora Park Celebrate an American classic, the hot dog, on Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m. at Lenora

Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville.Families are invited to come celebrate parks and recreation, as well as the hot

dog at this free admission event. Bring the whole family, pet dogs included, for what organizers say is a fun, family-focused event. There will be music from a DJ, concessions with creative spins on hot dogs, inflatables, the dog walk, as well as arts and crafts.

For more information, contact Robin Hinesley, Sheila Fowler or Naz Weck at 770-822-8833.

Extension office sets “Vines in the Garden” Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension Services, 750 S. Perry Street,

Lawrenceville, will host “Vines in the Garden,” on Thursday, July 25, noon – 1 p.m. It’s often said that vines are the best friends of a passionate gardener with a small

urban lot. This class will cover the many versatile onamental vines that add beauty to the landscape and garden.

The class is free to attend. Registration is required. Register by emailing Timothy Daly at [email protected] by July 23. 678-377-4010.

Resource center to host mobile food pantry The Resource Center for Community Action, 1400 Parker Road Conyers, is

hosting a mobile food pantry on Thursday, July 18, 2 – 5 p.m. Food is free and available to anyone in need, while quantities last. The

Resource Center provides supportive services to individuals and families in need through strategic and community partnership, with a variety of sponsors, donors and community organizations. 678-288-5433, ext. 101. www.rccaction.org.

Library ready for summer party The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St., S.W., Conyers, will host

an End of Summer Reading Party on Friday, July 19, 2 – 4 p.m. All children and youths who have participated in the library’s summer reading

program are invited to join staff for games, refreshments and grand prize drawings. Program participants will be rewarded with grand prizes from The World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Red Lobster and Outback Steakhouse.

The celebration will be held in the library’s lower level room. 770-388-5040, ext. 113.

‘Color me Human’ Unity Day in ConyersThe Rockdale County Democrats will host the “Color me Human” Unity Day on

Saturday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The rally includes a back-to-school supply giveaway and flea market at 1400

Parker Road, Conyers, and a walk that will start in Olde Town at the Rockdale County Courthouse parking lot, off Main Street and end at Parker Road. Participants will receive information and updates on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Immigration reform.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Immigration reform is an act created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The reform states that DHS will exercise prosecutorial discretion as appropriate to ensure that enforcement resources are not expended on low priority cases, such as individuals who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines. 678-964-7237.


Atlanta fire stations distributing fans to elderlycontinued from page 3

Burn victim still recoveringcontinued from page 3

Residents weigh whether to become a city or notcontinued from page 1

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The Soul Project sets shoe drives to help needy families

For four years, a little boy in Ghana, Patrick, did everything he could to avoid school. Not because of bad grades or to avoid a bully, but because he had no

shoes. The Soul Project changed his life. “In Africa, too many children are dying everyday

because they must walk up to 10 miles to school barefoot. They often contract foot infections and diseases,” said Martin Kumi, founder of the non-profit organization.

Kumi, who launched The Soul Project in 2005, has collected more than 500,000 pairs of shoes. Kumi says there is still plenty of work to do. More than 23 million people live in Ghana, West Africa. Kumi is on a mission to provide shoes to all of the children in his native land of Ghana. The shoes protect the children’s feet from injury, hookworms, parasitic diseases, body misalignment and other complications.

Since the project started, Kumi and his staff have raised the bar, collecting shoes for needy families in Haiti, Liberia, Jamaica and here in America. Kumi knows the need firsthand. He found his first pair of sneakers in a dumpster. He grew up in Ghana walking10 miles to school everyday, barefoot.

The project has a new goal: To collect 30,000 shoes by the end of August, right now the group has collected 7,000 pairs of shoes.

“We started with just helping children, now we help families too, whoever needs shoes, we try to help them. I will not stop collecting until this mission is complete. If we can get more groups to donate, we can get this done,” said Kumi. “The children’s eyes light up and smile so brightly when they receive shoes. To them, the shoes are like receiving a new Mercedes Benz. A pair of shoes is their hope for education.”

The Soul Project will pick up new and gently-worn shoes at two upcoming community drives: Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur and on Saturday, July 27, 12 – 6 p.m. at Greenbriar Mall, 2841 Greenbriar Parkway, S.W., Atlanta.

Sneakers and comfortable shoes are greatly appreciated. For more information, call 678-518-0777 or visit www.soulprojectint.org.

temperatures make fan giveaways especially important. Elderly people, age 65 and older, are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses than younger people for several reasons including the fact that they are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat and are more likely to take prescription medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

“SCANA Energy is proud to continue our valuable partnership with Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department to help ensure that our most vulnerable senior citizens enjoy a cool and safe summer,” said George Devlin, vice president and general manager of SCANA Energy.

Fans will be distributed at the City’s fire stations in the coming weeks. To request a fan or for further assistance, contact the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at 404-330-6023.

down Memorial Drive for several hours as they investigated the incident.

Andrews said he was sorting boxes of donations as part of community service work he was performing while on probation for a physical altercation that occurred in 2009. He said the box he opened contained a ball of wires, several rolls of cash register receipt paper, an old cash register, along with some toys. The wires Andrews came in contact with were originally reported to be commercial grade pyrotechnics used to create the explosive effect in fireworks, according to police.

“I couldn’t see anything. Everything was blurry. I heard the boom and just started running away from the smoke,” said Andrews,

When Andrews ran to the back of the store for help, two other store personnel noticed his clothing was on fire and tried throwing water on him.

After trying to reach police by phone to discuss the incident, On Common Ground News received a police report from Sergeant Greg Lyons stating that Andrews was “absent a pair of trousers” confirming Andrews’ story that he disrobed to escape the flames.

The police report also states that Andrews suffered burns below his waistline. There is nothing in the incident report, however, concerning third degree burns to Andrews’ left hand and forearm; second-degree burns to his entire right arm as well as burns to his face.

The thrift store maintains the incident was not an explosion, despite Andrews’ injuries. A worker from the thrift store, who asked to remain anonymous, stated that he does not believe there was any negligence on the store’s behalf and that all safety procedures were followed.

Andrews suffered second and third degree burns on both arms.

Photo by Mackenzie N. Morgan/OCG News

Library. Porter, who authored a book on creating Sandy Springs, urged residents to learn as much as possible from the study before making up their minds about the cityhood proposal. He said Sandy Springs operates much more efficiently since its incorporation. Lary said the proposed city of Stonecrest would contract fire and police protection from DeKalb County rather than start its own departments because of the exorbitant costs. Still some have already made up their minds. Faye Coffield, a resident who has lived in the area for 30 years, was one of a few people who spoke against the proposal, saying she feared a new city would further erode DeKalb County services as a whole. She also said she expected that residents in the new city would pay higher property taxes to afford services such as public safety that they now receive from DeKalb County.

“I moved to this area because I wanted to be in an unincorporated area where we already have those services,” Coffield said. But DeKalb NAACP President John Evans said residents in the Stonecrest area owe it to themselves to find out if they should form a new city. “We cannot afford not to do this. We’re going to have to prove that we can do it. They are looking for us to fail,” said Evans. Wesley Dowdy, who heads the Stonecrest Business Alliance, said he personally supports moving ahead with the study. “The board has not voted formally on this one way or the other, but I support seeing at least what the study has to say. The more information we have, the better off we’ll be,” said Dowdy. “I can say this: There’s a consensus of the board that there has to be some dramatic action as it relates to the DeKalb County government and the Stonecrest area. There’s been a lot of talk by the county in terms of economic development but that talk has not resulted into action.” Dowdy said the Business Alliance plans to issue a resolution as it relates to DeKalb County government and the Stonecrest area. Lary said he, too, has been disappointed with the lack of response from county leaders, some of whom have pitched creating a city of DeKalb that would include about 300,000 residents. Organizers are pushing for a much smaller city of Stonecrest--about 70,000 residents. The number grew from about 55,000 to 70,000 because they say more residents have said they want to be included. “Frankly, I’m puzzled that our South DeKalb county leaders haven’t attended any of the community meetings concerning Stonecrest,” Lary said. “The county leaders in the North end have been very active in discussions where several cities are proposed.” They want to hear what their constituents have to say.” The Stoncecrest City Alliance will meet Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6 o 8 p.m. at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia.

The Stonecrest City Alliance is growing. Here is a look at who is serving on the board of directors and advisory board:

Board of Directors Jason Lary - President Darold Honore’ - Vice President Michelle Emanuel-Harrington - Treasurer Debra Lary - Secretary Tony Render - Finance Chairman Brenda Cornelius - Legislative Chairwoman

Advisory Board Penelope Laws - Chairwoman Byron King - Vice Chairman Tiffany Adams - Director of Media Gina Mangham - Member Henry Laws -Member Chad Belinfanti - Member Boye Akinola - Member E. Charles Hubbard - Member Jeff Shannon - Member

Attorney: Thomas Kurrie - Coleman Talley LLP

At an executive luncheon in Sandy Springs, Gov. Nathan Deal congratulates Jason Lary, president of the Stonecrest City Alliance, on its efforts of investigating the possibility of creating a city from the Stonecrest corridor.



Big smiles spread across the faces of kids enrolled in the Lucious Sanders Recreation Center’s summer day camp, thanks to the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s members contributed donations to buy electronic games,

board games, balls, hula hoops and jump ropes for the recreation program, which is located in the city of Lithonia. The business organization presented the gifts to recreation director Alice Bradford on July 9.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive these gifts,” said Bradford. “I think it’s great

when the community can come together like this for the kids.”

Chamber President Doreen Carter said her organization got involved after receiving a call from Martha Calloway, executive director of the Lithonia Housing Authority, asking for help. The Housing Authority serves a number of children who are enrolled

this summer at the recreation center. The center, which provides free camperships to a number of needy families, desperately needed the resources for the children, Calloway said.

“When Ms. Calloway asked, my immediate response was yes. We asked our members to pitch in and help

and they stepped up to the plate,” said Carter. “They got the job done. Giving back to the community is what we’re about.”

Bradford said 130 children are being served through the program this summer. The games will be used at the recreation center throughout the school year as well.

Greater Lithonia Chamber spreads happiness at Lucious Sanders Rec Center


As the state’s administrative hearings come to a close, Jesse “Jay” Cunningham is

urging DeKalb County residents to attend the court proceedings, which will determine the fate of the DeKalb School Board members who were removed and replaced by the governor.

Cunningham’s hearing is scheduled Monday, July 15, 10 a.m., at the Office of State Administrative Hearings, 230 Peachtree Street NW Suite 830 Atlanta. Cunningham will be the fourth

school board member to take the stand. Pamela Speaks, Sarah Copelin-Wood and Eugene Walker already have had their hearings. Donna Edler will go before Judge Maxwell Wood on July 16, wrapping up the court proceedings. No hearing was set for Nancy Jester because she did not petition the governor to reinstate her to the board.

“I am encouraging the community to come out and witness the hearing for themselves. They are the stakeholders who elected me and I think it’s important for them to attend,” said Cunningham, who will be representing

himself at the hearing. Cunningham, like the other four

board members who have asked Gov. Nathan Deal for reinstatement, are challenging a state law that allowed the governor to remove them from office. Deal suspended the board members in February, after the district was placed on accreditation probation in December 2012 based on a scathing report issued by Mark Elgart, president of Advance Education (AdvancED).

AdvancED, also known as SACS, or the Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement, stripped the Clayton County school district of its accreditation and placed the Atlanta School System on probation.

Deal appointed six people who have never held office to serve on DeKalb’s reconstituted nine-member school board.

Cunningham says that he is challenging his suspension from the board because voters elected him to office and voters should be the only ones to remove and replace him, if they choose.

Cunningham, who has served on the board 13 years, was elected with 65

percent of the vote when he was elected both, in 2006 and 2010.

“The DeKalb School System has had problems for years and we were working to get the district back on track,” said Cunningham. “We brought in interim superintendent Michael Thurmond to help us execute the plan. Now, the new reconstituted board is following what we had already put in place.”

Judge Wood will make recommendations to the governor, who will have the final say in the school board members’ hearings.

Jesse Cunningham heads to re-instatement hearing on Monday

Jesse Cunningham

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Atlanta Public Schools (Traditional Schools) School starts: Aug. 5 School ends: May 30

City Schools of Decatur School starts: Aug. 1School ends: May 28

DeKalb CountySchool starts: Aug. 12School ends: May 23

Fulton County School starts: Aug. 12School ends: May 23

Gwinnett County School starts: Aug. 7 School ends: May 21

Henry CountySchool starts: Aug. 5School ends: May 23

Rockdale CountySchool starts: Aug. 1 School ends: May 29

When metro Atlanta area students head back to school Kiss summer goodbye. It’s time to hit the books. Metro Atlanta area students will return to school next month with the city of Decatur first in

line. Here’s a look at when students begin and when they will end the 2013-2014 school year:

Women of Distinction, Men of Distinction and Everest College will host a Back-

To-School Jam on Saturday, July 27, 12 – 6 p.m., at Greenbriar Mall, 2841 Greenbriar Parkway, S.W., Atlanta.

Organizers will give away 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to needy students in grades 1 – 12. Along with the book bag giveaways,

students can enjoy an interactive kids’ zone and a vendor fair for the whole family. The event includes a voter registration drive and live entertainment.

Pre-registration for backpacks will be the day of the event starting at 11am. Supplies are first-come, first-serve. Must be present to receive a backpack. 404-344-6611.

Back To School Jam set at Greenbriar Mall

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2013-2014

18 DeKalb schools get new principals

Seven Gwinnett schools get new principals

Two alternative schools relocate for the school year

When DeKalb County students return to school on Aug. 5, many students and parents will be greeted by new principals. Eighteen schools have been assigned new principals, a number of which will be transferring from other schools.

Interim School Superintendent Michael Thurmond released the list of new educational leaders on July 3. Here’s a look at who will report where:

As Gwinnett students return from summer break, many will find a new leader welcoming them to another school year. Seven Gwinnett principals have been appointed to lead other schools. New principals for 2013-14 are:

Briar Vista Elementary—Cammie NeillCanby Lane Elementary—Kershier SmikleHawthorne Elementary—Lisa LimoncelliMurphey Candler Elementary—Angelique SmithOak Grove Elementary—Mindee AdamsonPine Ridge Elementary—Annette MaclinRockbridge Elementary—Culisha CurryShadow Rock Elementary—Karen WilliamsCedar Grove Middle—Candace Alexander

Champion Theme Middle—Yolanda TurnerColumbia Middle—Keith Jones Druid Hills Middle—Jacqueline TaylorMcNair Middle—Ron MitchellDruid Hills—Brittany CunninghamLakeside High—Jason KlyneMcNair High—LouKisha Walker MLK High—Kerby BullardTowers High—Ralph Simpson

Camp Creek Elementary—Valerie RobinettDuncan Creek Elementary—Carrie Yougel Level Creek Elementary—Daniel Skelton Mountain Park—Allan Gee

Rock Springs Elementary—Penny ClavijoTrip Elementary—Rukina WalkerPinckneyville Middle—Marci Sledge

Students at GIVE Center West and Gwinnett County’s Online Campus will attend classes at a different location to allow for expansion at their former sites.

GIVE Center West, an alternative school, moved to 5550 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. Meanwhile, Gwinnett’s Online Campus has relocated to a district facility located at 713 Hi-Hope Road, Lawrenceville. Both programs, which shared a campus at 2595 Beaver Ruin Road, in Norcross, had to relocate to allow the school district to renovate the facility they share. Renovations are currently being made to prepare the facility for an administrative building the entire school system can use in the future.


2013-2014

Parents and students can

meet administrators and their new teachers and tour their schools at upcoming open houses. Mark your calendars.

Monday, July 299th Grade, Salem High, 4 - 6 p.m.

9th Grade, Rockdale County High, 4 – 7 p.m. 9th Grade, Heritage High, 5 - 7 p.m.

STEM Academy at Memorial Middle, 4 – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 30High Schools, 5 – 8 p.m.

Wednesday, July 31Middle Schools, 4 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 1Elementary Schools, 4 – 7 p.m.

Rockdale Career Academy, 4 – 7 p.m.

Three new principal assignments in Rockdale

Officials open two sites for student registration

Rockdale schools set open housesThree elementary schools in Rockdale County will get new principals this school year:

Peek’s Chapel Elementary—John Martin, who was assistant principal at Davis Middle SchoolShoal Creek Elementary—Tiwon Toney. CJ Hicks Elementary School—Nadine Campbell

Parents in Rockdale County can select one of two sites to register their children for the upcoming school year.

From July 25 until Aug. 9, parents can register at the County Government Building, 1400 Parker Road, Lobby A, Conyers. The West Avenue administrative offices also will be open through July 24, 12 p.m., and then reopen on Aug. 12. Hours of operation for both locations will be 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday

“Before the start of each school year, our student registration moves to Parker Road to be able to better accommodate the increase in numbers of parents registering their children for school,” said April Fallon, director of Community and Student Support for Rockdale Schools. “We encourage parents to visit student registration now. Please visit our web site for the list of items to bring to complete the registration process.”

The student registration helpline is 770-761-1457. www.rockdale.k12.ga.us.

PAGE 10 july 15, 2013

To coNTAcT usBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-mAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COm

We Worship Faith-Based news & Inspiration

cAleNDAr

By Joshua Smith

ATLANTA—Elizabeth Baptist Church, 4245 Cascade Road, S.W., Atlanta, will welcome the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Fred Luter, Jr., for an “Evening of Worship,” on Wednesday, July 31, 7 p.m.

Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, is the first African American to lead the Southern Baptist Convention in its 68-year history. The New Orleans native was re-elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) on June 19, 2012. He was chosen during the convention’s annual meeting in Houston after running unopposed for the office. Southern Baptist presidents can serve a maximum of two, one-year terms.

The SBC was created in Augusta, Georgia in May 1845. It is the largest Protestant organization in America with more than16 million members and 45,000 churches. However, the predominantly white organization’s history is steeped in its support of slavery and segregation, so

Luter’s ascension to the top post signals an overall desire by members to change the culture and brand of the SBC.

Elizabeth Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. Elizabeth Baptist member Sylvia Smith, who helped plan the July 31 night of worship, says the two churches have built a strong relationship over the years.

“When Hurricane Katrina came, members of our singles ministry went to Franklin Avenue to help members of the church and other people in the community rebuild. Pastor Oliver has also visited their church for revivals,

says Smith, who works with Elizabeth’s Missions, Evangelism and Discipleship Ministry. “We are very excited because this is the first time Dr. Luter is coming to speak at our church. Dr. Luter has a genuine passion for evangelism and mission work. It will be a true pleasure to hear him speak and worship with him.”

Dr. Luter, 56, has been with Franklin Avenue Baptist Church since 1986, when it had 65 members. Since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, the congregation has grown to more than 7,000 members, making it the largest congregation affiliated with the SBC in Louisiana. Luter led the rebuilding of his church’s membership after the diaspora from hurricane Katrina.

Luter began his ministry in 1977 in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward after he was injured in a motorcycle accident.

Luter began ministering as a “street preacher” at the corner of Caffin and Galvez in New Orleans. During his “street preaching” days, Luter observed a need to minister to men, particularly fathers, and attracted them by hosting

gatherings for a pay-per-view boxing matches. His first sermon in a church building was in 1983 at New Orleans’ Law Street Baptist Church. He was a staff minister at the city’s Greater Liberty Baptist Church when he learned of the opening at Franklin Avenue and sought the job.

Luter was the middle child of five siblings and after his parents divorced, his seamstress mother, Viola Luter, largely raised him single-handedly. In 1980, Luter married Elizabeth W. Luter. The couple has two children: daughter, Kimberly Ann “Kim” Luter, born in 1982, and son, Fred J. “Chip” Luter III, born in 1985. “Chip” is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and is also a Baptist minister.

Luter will deliver the Wednesday night sermon at Elizabeth Baptist’s worship service. Church choir members will perform selections as well. Pastor Craig L. Oliver is pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church. For more information, call 404-691-3146 or visit www.elizabethbaptist.org.

FAMA to host interfaith worship services The Faith Alliance of Metro of Atlanta (FAMA) will host “An Interfaith

Adventure” on July 19 – 21. FAMA invites you to interact with people of four different faiths and to the

experience of four different forms of worships. Tours of the worship facilities and a private question-and-answer session with those leading the worship will be held.

Participating houses of worship are: Masjid Al-Mu’minum in Atlanta on July 19 at 12:45 p.m.; Congregation Or Hadash in Sandy Springs on July 20 at 8:15 a.m.; and Covenant Presbyterian Church in Atlanta on July 21 at 10 a.m.

Muslim prayer, Jewish worship and Christian worship are some of the subjects that will be discussed.

The cost to attend is a suggested donation of $10. A private lunch on July 20 is included. A portion of the donations will be given to each participating house of worship.

For more information and to register please visit FAMA website www.faithallianceofmetroatlanta.org

First St. Paul A.M.E. sets food pantry for needy families

First St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia, will host a food pantry for the needy on Saturday, July 20, 1 p.m.

The church’s Eldoris S. Williams Food Pantry will give away food through its mobile pantry from1 p.m. – until all the collected food has been distributed. The mobile unit will be located in the church’s parking lot and it is open to seniors, families and others in need. The pantry ministry at the church provides canned goods, dry goods, fresh produce, poultry and non-perishables.

For more information on the pantry or donations, contact Denise Warfield at 770-484-9660. www.fspamec.org.

New Mercies offers bible study for singles New Mercies Christian Church, 4000 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn, will

host a bible study session for singles on Friday, July 16, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Goals of the bible study sessions are to help singles in the Kingdom grow

emotionally, relationally and spiritually; while becoming the whole, mature single adult God wants you to be. 770-925-8600.

Edgewood Church seeks help with school drive The Edgewood Church, 1560 Memorial Drive, S.E., Atlanta, is seeking

donations for an upcoming back-to-school drive on Sunday, July 21. Many items are needed, such as lined writing paper, No. 2 pencils, rolls of

paper towels, glue sticks, protractors, hand sanitizer, composition notebooks and graph paper.

Monetary donations are welcome as well. For the complete list, visit www.edgewoodchurchatlanta.org. 404-585-1370.

Most Blessed Sacrament sets ‘Movies on the Green’

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2971 Butner Road S.W., Atlanta is hosting its annual summer “Movies on the Green,” series starting Friday, July 26, 8:45 p.m.

You are invited to bring your lawn chairs or blankets, picnic baskets for a family-friendly movie. On Aug. 30, the church will show “Unconditional.”

Admission is free. 404-349-0176. www.mbschurch.com.

Dr. Fred Luter, Jr Craig L. Oliver

Elizabeth Baptist to welcome Fred Luter, first African American to head Southern Baptist Convention

july 15, 2013 PAGE 11

The premiere issue of Churches Now Magazine and Web Site.

A place where you can find a church by county, inspirational words, Faith news, Events, Conferences, and Music videos.

NowA Publication of

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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

Healing a mother’s broken

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New Birth’s prayer line hits

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Hopewell Celebrates

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Dee Haigler: Politics and the pulpit

The spiritual meaning of 8

CHURCHESNOW.COM

Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church lifts men’s voices at celebrationLITHONIA--Many mighty men’s voices

will come together under one roof at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, July 27, 5 p.m.,when the church host its Male Chorus Celebration.

“Antioch has a great history of good music and celebrations like this keep that tradition alive,” said Pastor James C. Ward. “All the men have been working hard and I think this IS going to be a great event.”

Hosted by V-103’S on-air personality Larry Tinsley, the celebration will feature Antioch’s “Mighty Men” male chorus, as well as the male choruses of Peeks Chapel Baptist Church in Conyers and First Corinthian Baptist Church in Social Circle. The Divine Choices male group will perform and Antioch’s mime ministry and dance ensemble will also perform.

“There is naturally a feminine influence in church. Women have been the backbone of the church for a long time, but I’m proud to see men unite and stand up to praise the Lord together,” said Ward. “We will have a good time uplifting Christ through song. Please join us.”

The celebration is free to attend. Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. 770-482-1277.

“The Bobby Hurd Show” has filled the living and bedrooms of homes of gospel fans since 1996. The same year Hurd began his gospel-themed talk show, he also decided to sponsor an Adopt-A-School program that would provide children with school supplies.

Hurd, who hosted his last talk show a few weeks ago, died Sunday, July 7, at Northside Hospital from complications of cancer. He was 66.

Bobby Hurd has been a part of several gospel-themed events in Atlanta, including the Gospel Choice Awards, and he coordinated “Gospel Night” for the Atlanta Hawks for a decade.

Although Hurd is well known in Georgia, his influence has spread as far as Chicago, Illinois.

“We, the Pilgrim Jubilees of Chicago, extend our deepest sympathy to the Hurd Family. Bobby will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him,” said Clay Graham of the Chicago ministry, via Hurd’s online obituary. “His work down here is done, and now he is receiving his reward. You will be in our prayers and thoughts as you go through this sad but joyous occasion. Bobby is resting in the Bosom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sleep on Bobby, and Take Your Rest.”

Mr. Hurd’s funeral was set for Friday, July 12, noon, at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, South DeKalb Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

Hurd, who by trade was an electrical contractor, leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Sarah Hurd; three daughters, Felisha Price of Lithonia, Kasand Green of Laurel, Md., and Shelitha Hurd of Decatur; and five grandchildren.

Local gospel celebrity Bobby Hurd dies at 66

Larry Tinsley

Bobby Hurd

PAGE 12 july 15, 2013


People Movers & Shakers in the Community

By Mackenzie N. Morgan

DECATUR— Suite 20 Day Spa and JABY, Inc. hosted the fourth annual International Trailblazer Awards on Sunday, July 7, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur.

Cox Radio news anchor Veronica Waters and comedian Jonathan Slocumb hosted the red carpet event, which drew nearly 200 people.

Suite 20 Day Spa, known as “The Home of the $10 Do,” was founded by husband and wife team, Caesar and Kristy Gaiter, to provide affordable hair care. After three successful years in business, Kristy Gaiter, a licensed hair care professional, founded the nonprofit, JABY, Inc. (Just About Blessing You) to put on the Trailblazer Awards. Initially, the gala functioned as a way to recognize Suite 20’s staff for their hard work year round. The awards

program later expanded to include recognizing outstanding community leadership.

“God has blessed us and our salon and this is our way of giving back to the community. There are people who are doing things in the community that never receive recognition, but they’re the ones who keep things afloat,” said Kristy Gaiter. “You don’t have to be a celebrity to be recognized.”

Initially, the gala functioned as a way to recognize Suite 20’s staff for their hard work year round. It later expanded to include members from the community locally and then internationally.

“Ever year, it gets better and better and now we are reaching out to people from the global community,” said Suite 20’s CEO Caesar Gaiter.

Trailblazer recipients for 2013 include red carpet hosts, comedian Jonathan Slocumb and radio personality Veronica Waters; DeKalb County Clerk of Court Debra E. DeBerry, Justice Trailblazer; DeKalb NAACP President John Evans, Legend Trailblazer; Keisha Bottoms, Leadership Trailblazer; Rachel Howard, Future Trailblazer; Russell Wilson, Inspirational Trailblazer;

Dr. Sherry Gaither of Stronghold Christian Church in Lithonia, Spiritual Trailblazer; and Yolanda Berrios, Community Service Trailblazer.

Past recipients of the Trailblazer Awards have included Congressman Hank Johnson, Bishop Gary Hawkins, and On Common Ground News Publishers Glenn and Valerie Morgan. Last year, the Honorable Cynthia Pratt, the first female prime minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. was recognized at the event.

James Chansler appointed Director of Watershed ManagementJames M. Chansler, P.E. is DeKalb County’s new Director of Watershed

Management. The position will pay $153,360 a year. Dr. Chansler is the latest appointment who will help support the county’s priorities as part of DeKalb CEO Ellis’ Executive Leadership Team during his second term. Other appointments include County Attorney O.V. Brantley; Police Chief Cedric Alexander; Deputy Chief Operating Officer Luz Borrero; Chief of Staff Hakim Hilliard; Chief Information Officer John Matelski; Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams; Public Affairs Chief Jill Strickland Luse, and Planning Director Andrew Baker. “DeKalb County is getting a valuable asset in James. He has the experience, expertise, and skill set required to lead one of our county’s most important departments. I am confident he will be able to deliver the quality services and responsiveness our most important stakeholders—our residents—deserve,” CEO Ellis said. Chansler has accrued years of experience in city and county government, public works and utilities, utility boards, supply chains, and procurement. After earning a bachelor’s degree in earth sciences and mathematics from Berea College, he received a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University, and his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Chansler is Six Sigma Green Belt certified and held leadership positions in a host of nonprofit organizations. In addition, he has presented at more than a dozen utility- and water-related conferences across the country.

Atlanta City Councilmember Cleta Winslow re-elected to GMA Atlanta City Councilmember Cleta Winslow has been

reinstalled as Central Region 3 President on the Georgia Municipal Association(GMA) Board of Directors for the second consecutive year.

The GMA is a statewide organization comprised of elected officials from various municipalities. The purpose of GMA is to anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s communities and to provide leadership, tools and services that assist local governments in becoming more innovative, effective and responsive. The GMA’s membership currently totals 512 municipal governments, accounting for more than 99% of the state’s municipal population. A 63-member board of directors governs GMA. During her time on the council, Winslow has received praise for her efforts to revitalize historic neighborhoods within Council District 4. She also has recently been appointed to the Atlanta Housing Authority’s Choice Neighborhood Advisory Committee, which is part of White House-led initiative to identify ways to best invest in neighborhoods across the country. Winslow currently serves as a board member of Comcare Housing and the Atlanta Urban League and is actively involved with the Georgia Women’s Political Caucus, the Atlanta Urban League and the League of Women Voters.

Cleta Winslow

Suite 20 Day Spa recognizes local leaders at Trailblazer Awards

By Joshua Smith

DeKalb County employees Sean Brown and Harvey Carter have been all smiles lately. They are still basking in the limelight after dashing to the rescue of

a woman who was carjacked at gunpoint in broad daylight. Cassandra Mouzon, an employee of the DeKalb County Solicitor General’s office who saw the carjacking unfold, ran to the county workers, who were nearby, for help. Mouzon is being hailed a hero, too, for alerting them.

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis is planning to honor the trio at a special luncheon that is being planned. The three were recently honored by the Board of DeKalb County Commissioners and given a proclamation for their efforts.

“I didn’t have time to think about it. It was just one of those things, just like that at the snap of a finger, we were in the thick of it,” said Carter.

The carjacking happened on July 3 around 8:50 a.m. Mouzon ran up to the county truck, which was parked in front of the Manuel Maloof county government building, and started beating on the window, yelling about the car jacking.

“We just happened to be parked right across the street from where the carjacking happened,” said Carter, a general foreman for Roads and Drainage who has been with the county about 30 years. “Sean and I were just waiting for the building to open at 9 a.m. so we could get some time sheets for fellow

employers.” As Carter drove to help the victim, Brown

called 911. Carter and Brown pulled up right next to the carjacker to try to block him in and realized the teen inside was reaching for a gun. The male suspect arrested was only 15 years old.

“We tried to block the carjacker in, but he went around us and that’s when the chase started. We were right on his tail the whole time,” Carter said.

Carter and Brown were then joined by police officers in the chase, which lasted less than a mile, ending at the intersection of Candler Street and Kirk Road.

“That’s when the carjacker lost control, hit an oak tree and the car flipped. Then the police arrested him,” said the Brown, who has worked with the County’s Roads and Drainage Department for about six years. “The victim was so thankful. She was crying and hugging us a lot. We were just happy we could help.”

Both, County officials and fellow Roads and Drainage staff, praised the workers for their quick thinking.

“Brown and Carter are stand-up guys. I was really glad to see them get their honor. We’re all proud of them,” said DeKalb County Roads and Drainage Inventory Warehouse Supervisor Willie Smith. “I’ve worked with Harvey for 15 years, as long as I’ve been with the county. I was surprised to learn that he went after somebody like that.”

“I am moved beyond words for the heroism our DeKalb County employees displayed in helping a stranger. I’ve spoken with all of them, and I’m touched by their humbleness because they view what they did as doing the right thing,” Ellis said at the July 9 County Commission meeting. “These are the kinds of employees who make DeKalb great.”

Carter says the whole experience has taught him that as a community we must look out for each other.

“I tried to yell out to the young man, to stop, to turn around and give that lady her stuff back before it was too late but he wasn’t turning back. I really wish I could have reached that young man before it all happened,” said Carter.

DeKalb workers lauded as heroes for thwarting carjacking

Debra E. DeBerry

L-R: Comedian Jonathan Slocumb and radio personality Veronica Waters.

L-R: Kristy and Caesar Gaiter

John Evans Sherry Gaither

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

july 15, 2013 PAGE 13


Business News

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, July 18, 2013

Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below:

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

NO.

ITEM

CLOSING

DATE

13-100356 ITB Central Plant Building Infrastructure located at

4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032

August 29, 2013

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

cAleNDArGwinnett Chamber welcomes professionals to “Business After Hours”

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will host “Business After Hours” on Thursday, July 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett, 3100 Club Drive, Lawrenceville.

Hosted by Chamber member Blue Wave Computing, Business After Hours provides a way to meet new people, gather business leads and networking with more than 300 Chamber members. The Chamber says the event is the perfect opportunity to show off a new business and gain valuable leads in a relaxed, after-work setting.

Admission is $10. For more information or to register, visit www.gwinnettchamber.org or call 770-232-3000.

DeKalb Chamber set ‘Coffee and Conservations’ The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, 125 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 235,

Decatur, will host an open networking session, “Coffee and Conversations,” on Friday, July 19, 9 – 10 a.m.

With more than 70 years of history, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization whose mission is to support, promote, and sustain business development in DeKalb County.

Admission is free. Chamber staff and the Chamber’s board of directors will host this event. 404-378-8000. www.dekalbchamber.org.

Dunwood Chamber hosts ‘Dunwoody at Dusk’The Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau

of Dunwoody will team up to host “Dunwoody at Dusk,” on Friday, July 19, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Georgetown Shopping Center, 4478 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody.

Explore Dunwoody. You are invited to discover new places to shop and dine while enjoying live entertainment and music. Restaurants and retailers will be offering special promotions and extended hours for this event.

Admission is free. 678-244-9700. www.dunwoodycommerce.org.

ABWA sets monthly meeting The American Business Women’s Association will host its monthly networking

meeting on Wednesday, July 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Wall Street Executive Suites, 2375 Wall Street, Suite 140, Conyers.

The ABWA hosts the monthly networking session to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking and support.

The cost to attend is $20. For more information or to register, call Patti Bryson at 770-712-1688.

BBA welcomes CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame The Buckhead Business Association will welcome John Stephenson, CEO of the

College Football of Fame, to its business networking breakfast on Thursday, July 25, 7:30 a.m.

Stephenson will discuss the business of enshrining sports legends, his career and opportunities in Atlanta. He was named president of the hall in February.

An Atlanta native and previously an attorney with the law firm of Troutman Sanders, Stephenson had been serving in the role on an interim basis since Dec. 15, 2011. He played a critical role in taking the final steps in securing the funds for the $66.5 million hall project, which is housed in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Park.

Networking will begin at 7:30 a.m., with a call to order promptly at 7:55 a.m. The breakfast cost $20 to attend and is held at the City Club of Buckhead, 3343

Peachtree Road, N.E., Suite 1850, Atlanta. Parking is validated. For more information or to register contact Jenn Thomas at 404-467-7607 or [email protected].

With trips to China and Italy filled up with travelers this fall, the Conyers-Rockdale

Chamber of Commerce has added two additional international trips this year. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Greek Islands in October or see dazzling light displays at the Christmas markets in Germany in December with the Chamber’s latest offerings.

Both trips are open to anyone who wants to enjoy another country—not just Chamber members. The Chamber has secured affordable rates through tour companies that specialize in packages for Chambers of Commerce.

The Chamber’s 11-day trip to Turkey and the Greek Islands is scheduled with a direct flight from Atlanta to Istanbul, where travelers will embark on a cruise. Travelers will depart Atlanta on Oct. 10 and return on Oct. 20. There will be stops in Istanbul, Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini and the famous Athens.

The trip includes a six-night cruise; two nights hotel stays; daily breakfast buffet; five lunches at local restaurants, including water, house wine and coffee; seven dinners at local restaurants, including water, house wines and coffee, and English-speaking

representatives. Some of the highlights of the trip

include a dinner show with authentic folk dancers and belly dancers and a stop at the Grand Bazaar, the world’s biggest and the oldest shopping venue.

“We will start in Istanbul, one of the greatest cities on earth and home to the majestic blue mosque and the Grand Bazaar—the mecca of all markets,” said Fred Boscarino, president of the Chamber. “We will tour the coast of Turkey for an island-hopping adventure.”

The cost of the Greek Island trip starts at $3,459 per person, double occupancy. The price may be lower, depending on how many travelers sign up for the trip.

The Chamber’s Germany/Austria excursion is Dec. 4-12. The eight-day tour includes six nights of hotel stays and stops in Munich, the German villages of Nuremberg and Rothenburg and “the fairytale” Neuschwanstein Castle.

“We welcome you to join the Chamber to experience several traditional Christmas markets in both Germany and Austria,” said Boscarino. “The trip includes round-trip airfare from Atlanta, eight meals and a tour

director who is fluent in English.” Besides taking in the array of lights

at three colorful Christmas markets, travelers will also take in a traditional Munich dinner and folklore show, horse and carriage rides, and Olympic Park, which was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The cost is $2,499 per person, double occupancy.

For more information on the trips, call the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce at 770-483-7049.

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber adds Germany and Turkey to travel list

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PAGE 14 july 15, 2013


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Suite BStone Mountain , GA 30083

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• Adult & Adolescent Gynecology• Normal & High Risk Obseterical Care • Contraceptive Management • Management of Fibroids • Laparoscopic Surgery • Gynecological Surgery • Disorders of the Cervix• In office Essure tubal ligation and

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Kenya M. PradeM.N., CNP

Veronica Garrett MD, F.A.C.O.G

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Atlanta Gospel Music Health & Wellness Festival

The 8th annual Atlanta Gospel Music, Health and Wellness Festival will be held July 26 – 27, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, Atlanta.

The event will be filled with concerts, health care screenings, and finance and literary empowerment seminars. Admission is free for the basic festival events.

For more information, call 770-649-1460.

DeKalb health officials set community Blood Drive

The DeKalb County Board of Health and DeKalb Community Service Board are hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Friday, July 19, noon to 5 p.m., at the T.O. Vinson Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur.

Due to high summer month blood shortages, the organizations are accepting walk-ins; however, registration is encouraged.

For more information or to register, contact Beth Ruddiman at [email protected] or 404-294-3792.

Colgate dental van visits Atlanta libraryThe Colgate Dental Van will be stopping by the

West End Branch Library, 525 Peeples Street, S.W., Atlanta on Tuesday, July 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants will meet in the parking lot to learn about oral health care through games, interactive exhibits and a cartoon. Afterward, children will receive free toothbrushes. If parents are present, children may receive a free visual screening as well. The event is free and open to the public. Children must be ages 3 and up and reservations are required.

For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 404-752-8740.

Helping with homework, cooking dinner, carpooling, in today’s world most moms are too busy to take a break and relax, let alone exercise.

However a rather new running group in the Conyers/Covington area is helping to get mothers moving.

“It’s not just about running; motivation, support, making new friends. Some women have even made their own little clubs out of our club just so they can run together everyday,” said chapter leader Shannon Smith. “I think it’s really important for moms to know that something like this exist so they can get out there and make their runs a little easier.”

The Conyers/Covington/Social Circle Chapter of the National “Moms Run This Town” club meets up three times a week to run and encourage each other to live healthier lives. In just over a year the free running club has grown to more than 200 women.

“With this club you know people are counting on you. Sometimes I myself don’t feel like waking up early Saturday morning to run numerous miles, but when you know 20 other women are waiting on you to run, it gives you that drive to go ahead with it, said Smith, who started the chapter last year with seven of her friends. “It’s easy to find a group of women who want to go to the movies but not as easy to find women

who want to run every week. We keep each other going.”

The group is made up of all levels, there are joggers, runners, speedsters and marathon runners in the club.

“I’ve been in the club for almost six months and it’s been a great experience ever since my first run with these ladies,” says Jennifer Williams, a member of the club who is a personal trainer. “As a mother of an active 81/2-year-old, this club has served as a support system, as well as a way to stay healthy. I have met some really

good women that I would have never known if it wasn’t for Moms Run This Town.”

MRTT started out in 2010. It has now grown to 500 chapters nationwide and in Canada. New chapters are popping up every day, and thousands of women across the country are having fun, receiving support, meeting new goals and making new friends.

Whether you are a walker, a new runner, experienced marathoner or anywhere in between—there is a place for you. When you join the Covington/Conyers/Social Circle chapter of MRTT, you are not required to have any certain level of participation.

“I found out about this National club on Facebook, now we use Facebook to give and receive support, tips and motivation. We also host fun nights out and coffee meet ups,” said Smith. “This is a free club but the support, motivation and friendship you receive is priceless.

To join the Covington/Conyers/Social Circle MRTT, search for “Covington/Conyers Moms Run This Town” on Facebook. There are other local MRTT groups as well, and you can find out where they are located by going to the Moms RUN This Town website, www.momsrunthistown.com. You can also email the group at [email protected]

Running group unites moms to pound the pavement

cAleNDAr

Conyers/Covington/Social Circle Chapter of the National “Moms Run This Town”

july 15, 2013 PAGE 15

Auto | Home | Life | Health | Financial Services

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PAGE 16 july 15, 2013

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