August 1

Volume 17 Number 9  www.ocgNews.com  AugusT 1, 2011  Free

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See Gwinnett, page 7

See Father, page 7

By Valerie J. Morgan

Know before you go. That’s the idea Gwinnett County is pushing. County officials plan to

install monitoring cameras to help divert traffic during peak hours in two more of the county’s most congested areas. A six-mile stretch of Pleasant Hill Road between Lawrenceville Highway/U.S. 29 and Buford Highway/U.S. 23 is slated to get new traffic monitoring equipment, as well as nearly three miles along Buford Drive/State Route 20 between I-985 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard near the Mall of Georgia. The two areas will be added to the Gwinnett Department of Transportation’s GC Smart Commute web site, which currently monitors about a dozen

heavily traveled intersections and corridors in the county.

The traffic cameras are not the same as the red light cameras that snap photos of the license plates of drivers who run red lights. County officials say the traffic cameras will help motorists better plan their commute by providing them live streaming traffic feeds that can be viewed on the GC Smart Commute web site. The traffic cameras also allow county officials to make real-time remote control adjustments from the Gwinnett Traffic Control Center in the congested areas.

“This just gives us another tool in the toolbox. If we see any unusual back-ups or accidents, we can make adjustments to keep the lights green and keep traffic

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Rockdale County is planning a birthday celebration this month for Father Luke Kot, the monastery’s oldest monk. The lone survivor of 21 men who founded and built the peaceful place of worship in 1944, Kot turns 100 on Aug. 3.

The monastery is preparing to welcome Father Kot’s nieces, nephews and other guests who are coming from four states—California, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. A catered dinner for 160 people (including the monastery’s 40 monks) is planned for Aug. 6.

“Our Lord has allowed me

Gwinnett expands traffic cameras to help relieve rush-hour commute

Rockdale monastery plans celebration for oldest monk

The busy intersection on S.R. 124 near Webb Gin House Road is one of 12 areas where monitoring cameras have been installed to keep an eye on traffic.

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News


Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

to see many years from building our first monastery nail by nail to now watching other monks grow up in our brotherhood. I have had a great walk getting closer to God with no regrets,” Father Kot said. Father Kot has served at the monastery for 67 years, working there as a tailor sewing monk’s attire for 54 years and serving as secretary to the Abbot for 12 years. Kot, like the other monks, lives a simple life—one that consists of prayer—five times a day—work, and rest. Kot said he knew from the time he was a teen that he wanted to devote his life to serving God. It was a breezy summer day in 1925 when 14-year-old Luke Kot made God a promise that if He showed him how to live a life closer with the Lord, he would never leave God’s side.

“I asked God at 14 to become a monk but since I wasn’t one until 27, I guess it

DeKalb NAACP takes stand for President Obama

As Congress bickered over raising the country’s debt ceiling to avoid default, the DeKalb NAACP rallied in Atlanta for President Obama.

The group opted to go in person to demonstrate rather than go online and use social media networks.

Toting a cooler filled with water and wearing their Civil Rights clothes—denim overalls, hats and caps—the activists stood in the sweltering heat in solidarity.

“It’s a shame. The politicians up there in Washington are playing games. They’re trying to embarrass President Obama,” said John Evans, who heads the DeKalb NAACP. “We know he’s catching H up there.”

Evans said the NAACP went to appeal to officials at Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ office in Atlanta because he was one of the “Big 6” in Congress who could influence the vote to help or hurt seniors, the poor, the middle class and others.

Father Luke Kot shows an old cross the monks made when they founded the monastery in Conyers

AUGUST 1, 2011

AUGUST 1, 2011 PAGE 3

Community NewsAugusT 1, 2011 Volume 17, No. 9

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The rain was no match for an army of volunteers determined to clean up South DeKalb. With DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson leading the way, a clean-up campaign along

Covington Highway took shape recently. The corridor is one of the main arteries in the Super District 7 that Watson represents. A busload of volunteers turned out for the July 16 event.

The Saturday morning cleanup, which stretched from Panola Road to Browns Mill Road, was dubbed “Super 7 Sweep.” Super District 7 runs north to south and includes more than 350,000 residents from Doraville to the Henry County line. DeKalb’s Super District 6, the other district with about 350,000 residents, includes areas in South, Central and North DeKalb, and is represented by Commissioner Kathie Gannon.

“Covington Highway is one of the locations in my district that was identified as an area that needed some elbow grease,” said Watson. “I am grateful for the participants that came out to support my efforts to improve the quality of life for those who call DeKalb County home.”

This is the second cleanup Watson has hosted this year. The first one was held in April during the “Great American Clean Up,” a national campaign that calls on everyone around the country to clean up their neighborhoods.

Watson says he’s planning another cleanup on Aug. 27, 9 a.m. He’s seeking volunteers to clean up the areas near Stephenson Road and Rockbridge Road. “I am challenging the community to join me in rolling up their sleeves and making a difference in DeKalb,” Watson said.

Rain no obstacle for Watson’s clean-up campaign in South DeKalb


DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson points out areas where he wants volunteers to go during his July cleanup. Volunteers, some armed with bags and umbrellas in hand, were prepared to work.

AUGUST 1, 2011

comINg uP

DEKALB

Animal Services Task Force to hold public meetings DECATUR—The DeKalb County Animal Services Task Force is seeking

public opinion on several proposed initiatives to improve public health, safety and code enforcement related to animal services in DeKalb County.

The proposed initiatives seek to increase adoptions of abandoned and lost animals, encourage responsible pet ownership, improve the conditions of animals under the county’s care and reduce euthanasia rates at the animal shelter.

Residents are encouraged to attend meetings at the following locations: Thursday, Aug. 4, 6 - 8 p.m. at Doraville City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville; Thursday, Aug. 11, 5 - 7 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia; and Tuesday, Aug. 16, 6 - 8 p.m., at DeKalb County’s Main Library Branch, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. For more information, contact [email protected].

Learn basic parts of the computer The DeKalb County Library System’s Decatur branch, 215 Sycamore Street,

Decatur, will offer a free course to teach the basics of the computer on Aug. 10, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

In this class, you will learn the basic parts of a computer, basic terminology and how to use a mouse. This class is for those with no previous computer experience, but some ability to type is required.

Organizes ask that you please register in advance by calling 404-370-8450, ext. 2259. Seats are expected to fill fast, so being on time is critical. Latecomers may lose their space to walk-ins.

Watson sets Aug. 6 community breakfast

DECATUR—DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson, who represents the county’s Super District 7, will host his legislative breakfast on Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 to 11 a.m., at Chapel Hill Middle School, 3535 Dogwood Farms Road.

This month’s program will highlight Chapel Hill Middle School and DeKalb County High School’s Valedictorians. The agenda includes presentations on SPLOST 4, Racetrac’s proposal and DeKalb Medical Center. Models from Studio Steffanie and singer Jabiaf da Kidd will be the special guests.

The August breakfast sponsor is the Organization of DeKalb Educators. There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market presents healthy cooking, free concert

The Peachtree Road Farmers Market, 2744 Peachtree Road, N.W., Atlanta, will host a free cooking demonstration that will be followed by a concert on Aug. 13, 10 a.m.

Chef Chris Hall of the Local Three Kitchen & Bar will lead the healthy cooking demonstration. The event is a part of the market’s summer series where chefs and entertainers from in and around Atlanta come to support healthy eating and living. Some featured food items featured in this free farmers market series include “Kerala’s Vegetable Stew,” “Gerry’s Quick Pickles” and “Grandmother Catherine’s Potato Salad.”

After the demonstration is over, participants cool out to some melodic jazz tunes from local band “Jules & The Gents.” The summer series will continue until Sept. 24. To attend this session or any other one in the series, visit www.peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com or call 404-237-8777.

GWINNETT

Snellville sets ‘National Night Out Against Crime’ The Snellville Police Department will host the city’s National Night Out

Against Crime event on Aug. 2, 6 – 8 p.m., at Snellville’s Town Green, across from City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville.

The event is open to the public. People who go to the event will be able to meet local police and safety officers, see K-9 demonstrations, and visit with representatives from local colleges that offer criminal justice degrees.

For more information, call 770-985-3500 or visit www.snellville.org.

Lawrenceville to host “Brown Bag” concert

The City of Lawrenceville and Gwinnett County will host a free “Brown Bag” concert on Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

Pack a picnic and bring a blanket to enjoy “Aire Flamenco” on the lawn. AIRE Flamenco brings the excitement of flamenco to the stage through guitar, song and dance. Dancers intertwine swirling hands and staccato footwork with fluid Spanish song lyrics, while the guitar provides a melodic undertone etched by Moorish, Arabic, Jewish and African influences.

Families are invited to enjoy fun crafts, music, face painting and crazy hairdos. 770-822-5450.

Howard to hold meetings for Gwinnett District 2 residents Gwinnett County District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard invites her

constituents to attend a series of town hall meetings during the month of August. The meetings will be held at four locations throughout District 2 and will cover the county government’s finances and other important information for residents to hear.

Meetings will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The agenda will include a brief financial presentation given by Deputy County Administrator/CFO Aaron Bovos. Each meeting will also feature other speakers who will cover topics of interest to District 2 residents.

The meetings will take place on the following dates and will cover the listed topics in addition to the presentation on the County’s finances: Aug. 1, Lilburn City Hall, 76 Main Street in Lilburn: Gwinnett Police will provide neighborhood safety information. Aug. 3, Jones Bridge Park Community Room, 4901 East Jones Bridge Road in Norcross: Additional presentations will be made on neighborhood safety and the Atlanta Regional Roundtable’s regional transportation project list. Aug. 10, Singleton Road Activity Building, 5220 Singleton Road in Norcross: Information about stormwater and an update on the tri-state water wars will be provided. Aug. 25, Lucky Shoals Park Community Center, 4651 Britt Road in Norcross: Nick Masino, Gwinnett Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett, will discuss Gwinnett’s economic development efforts. Gwinnett’s Commission District 2 covers the southwestern part of the county from the Fulton and DeKalb County borders to east of Highway 29 and includes the cities of Berkeley Lake, Norcross and Lilburn as well as the Peachtree Corners area.

New CSX railroad signals going up in LithoniaConstruction crews have begun work on the crossing signals for the CSX

railroad in the city of Lithonia. The long-awaited signals are going up at the intersection of Main and

Swift streets, after years of complaints from residents who were concerned about the number of injuries and deadly accidents that have occurred there. City officials say about half a dozen people have been killed by trains at the intersection after failing to heed flashing warning signals. Residents pleaded for crossing arms but were never successful in getting them until Lithonia Council member Doreen Carter helped formed a task force to tackle the issue.

“We’re glad to see the work has gotten underway. This is something the citizens have said they wanted for years,” said Carter.

The state Department of Transportation approved $184,000 for the new crossing arms, which will replace obsolete flashing signals. The work is expected to be completed by mid-August.

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ROCKDALEConyers Police sets Citizens Police Academy

The Conyers Police Department (CPD) is preparing to once again host a Citizens Police Academy for local residents and business owners in the community.

The Conyers Citizens Police Academy will offer the 10-week academy on Tuesdays beginning Sept.13 at 6:30 p.m. Each session will last approximately two and a half hours and most sessions will take place in City Council Chambers or the Conyers Police Department training room at 1194 Scott Street, Conyers, with the exception of one session on a Saturday to be held at a nearby firing range.

“The Citizens Police Academy was revived last year and proved to be a huge success with all class participants,” said Chief of Police Gene Wilson. “Due to popular demand, we’re happy to once again provide this behind-the-scenes look at policing in Conyers this fall.”

Academy participants will learn about the various divisions of the CPD, learn self-defense techniques, solve a mock crime scene, identity fraud and cyber crime, participate in various scenarios with a demonstration firearm and run laser devices on heavily trafficked roadways.

If you are interested in participating in the Citizen Police Academy, contact Officer Thomas Owen or Officer Debbi Krisher at 770-483-6600 for more information and to request an application.

The deadline for applications is Aug. 12. There is no charge to participate in the academy. For more information, call 770-929-4201 or visit the Conyers Police Department website at www.conyerspolice.com.

Main Street sets community meeting The Conyers Main Street Board will meet on Aug. 11, 12 – 1 p.m., at the

Conyers Welcome Center/Depot, 901 Railroad Street, N.E. in Olde Town Conyers. Rezoning, permits and several approvals are often issues covered at the

meetings. For more information, contact Main Street Manager Monica Coffin at 770-929-4239 or email [email protected]. The public is invited and welcome to attend.

Photos and Text By Joshua Smith

Children got the chance to learn about bike safety, dialing 9-1-1 and even the classic “stop, drop and roll” procedure from local law enforcement officials at Olde Town’s

“Hero Day” on July 19 in Conyers.The up-close and personal experience, all a part

of the 15th Annual Olde Town Summer Series, brought children together with Rockdale’s firefighters, police officers, Sheriff Department and EMS to promote safety.

“Whether its pads, seatbelts or just knowing how to dial 9-1-1, we want the children to practice being safe everywhere they go and understand we are only one call away,” said Rockdale EMS paramedic Amy Smith.

Hero Day gave children a chance to check out tools firemen use such as “The Jaws of Life” to rescue victims trapped in vehicles and they had a chance to see a Rockdale County fire truck and EMS van. Participants also received tips for bicycle safety and rode through a miniature cone maze set up by the Conyers Police Department.

“I like the kids to know that we are here for them, to not be afraid of us and know we want to do nothing but protect them,” said Officer Thomas Owen, a 10-year veteran with the Department. “I’m always for providing children with good education. We focused on making sure kids know how to stay safe while riding their bikes.”

After the drills, safety tips and tours, children and parents joined Rockdale officials to dig in on some pizza. Parents say they are sad to see the summer series coming to an end because it has provided valuable information and fun activities for children and parents alike all summer.

“The summer series covered a wide variety of topics and has been well-planned by friendly workers” said Tanahia Jackson, who attended all summer with her daughter from neighboring Covington. “A friend told me about the series and I am glad I decided to look it up. This is my first year attending the program but I am sure Alainah and I will be back next year.”

It’s not too late for you to take advantage of the program and have some summer fun. The 15th Annual Olde Town Summer Series will end with three family-

oriented events. The free “Family Fun Day at the Farmers Market”

on Aug. 27, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. will be held at 1400 Parker Road and will offer baking contests, vegetable races, taste tests and shopping with local farmers. On Aug. 27- 28, 10 a.m. – 5p.m. the series continues with the Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival. The cost is $5 to attend and attendees can learn about the outdoors and all its inhabitants through reptile shows, storytelling, arts and crafts and other wildlife attractions. The series concludes with a free family bike ride through Olde Town on Aug. 28, 4 p.m. If you are interested in being a rider, meet at the Railroad Depot, 901 Railroad Street, Conyers, at 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the ride.

For more information on the events, call 770-602-2606.

Safety, free pizza highlight Conyers’ ‘Hero Day’

AUGUST 1, 2011

Dr. J. Jason Thomas, CEOBoard Certified

Stonecrest/Lithonia2930 Turner Hill Rd.Suite ALithonia, GA 30058Phone: 770-484-SMILE 76455

I have participated for over a year now in a public debate that at times has both amazed and frustrated me because of repeated misinformation communicated to the public about the biomass gasification plant.

Let me give some facts on our project:The fuel we are using is woodchips which comes from the fallen limbs

and yard trimmings collected from the trees and bushes in DeKalb County, chipped and distributed to residents as mulch and used all over the County.

Our process does not “burn” the wood but merely heats it at a high temperature that then causes the wood to break down into wood gas. At the turn of the previous century, wood gas was used to provide gas to cars, provide fuel to street lamps in most major cities. We generate wood gas that is trapped and cleaned in our process to remove tars and other particles to produce a natural gas which is used to generate electricity.

We are not engaging in racism. There have been 20 permits issued in the State of Georgia and 180 permits issued in the South and Northeast in all types of communities. Presently, there is a gasification plant in Conyers, GA along State Route 138 that has been operating for the past three years without any complaints from citizens of the City of Lithonia. There is a wood chip gasification plant in downtown Columbia at the University of South Carolina in the middle of campus less than 100 yards from a dorm and approximately one mile from the South Carolina State Capitol building which has been operating for 4 years. There is currently a plant operating in Forsyth County.

Some members of the community who opposed the plant have been relying on a report authored by a political organization named the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League. This same report on page 47 states that while they advocate other management methods for the handling of biomass, there is ZERO tons (0.0000) Human Health Carcinogens produced in gasification and negative (-1) ton of Human Health Toxins produced by gasification. The Blue Ridge Defense league has lobbied against President Obama’s environmental policies.

Three 767’s landing and taking off per day at Hartsfield Jackson Airport,( 3 planes) will send more emissions into the air than our plant on any given day. To date there have been no complaints of ill health

from local community as a result of emissions from the gasification plant currently operating in Conyers, GA.

An independent consultant has determined that this plant will create 500 construction jobs while the plant is being built. We will employ 28 full-time positions at the plant with another 78 full-time positions created in the community to service the plant. We have already met with Workforce Development and with the local Commissioners, we will plan a job fair to make sure local DeKalb County residents are first in line for these jobs. We have requested to meet with members of CHASE on several occasions to have our meeting request ignored.

– Neville A. AndersonGreen Energy Partners-DeKalb, LLC

Letter to the EditorThe debate continues over the gasification plant the DeKalb County Commission unanimously approved June 14 for a special land use permit that will allow Green Energy

Partners to build an energy-producing plant on Rogers Lake Road in unincorporated Lithonia. Opponents of the project, Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment (CHASE), filed a lawsuit July 13 seeking to overturn the county’s decision, saying the project would pose a health hazard. Neville A. Anderson, president of Green Energy Partners, shares his views on the subject here.

‘Misinformation’ communicated about gasification plant

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Gwinnett uses high technology to keep pace with growthcontinued from page 1

Father Kot dedicates life to Godcontinued from page 1

going,” said Chuck Bailey, director of the Division of Traffic Engineering and Planning with the Gwinnett Department of Transportation.

Bailey said the technology is similar to that of the Georgia Department of Transportation, which provides live traffic feeds from highways. The high technology in Gwinnett, he said, is critical in keeping pace with the county’s growing population and all of the traffic that has come along with that growth.

Gwinnett, which has 805,321 residents, is Georgia’s second most-populated county behind Fulton County, which has 920,581. Gwinnett’s population has grown from 588,450 (36.9 percent) over the last decade. That compares to Fulton’s increase in population, which rose from 815,827 residents (12.8 percent) in 2000. DeKalb, the third most populous county in the state, had a 3.9% change, rising from 666,048 to 691,893 residents in the last decade.

Kim Abnatha has witnessed that growth firsthand. She says

she has seen Gwinnett become a traffic nightmare since she moved to the county in 1985. She didn’t know about the county’s traffic monitoring.

“I usually listen to 750 on the radio so I’ll know what to expect. So many people have moved to Gwinnett now, the traffic is awful,” said Abnatha, who drives from her home in Lilburn to downtown Atlanta where she works for AT&T. “When school is in, I have to leave at 5 a.m. to get to work by 7 a.m. I work earlier hours during the school year just to avoid the traffic in the evenings. Anything they can do to help with traffic is welcome.”

Gary Moore, who also lives in Gwinnett, said he didn’t know about the traffic cameras, but applauds the county’s efforts to help cut down on backups. Moore said he avoids much of the traffic by driving to the Gwinnett Express Bus lot, located at US 78 and Scenic Highway, to travel downtown. He said the motor coaches have their

advantages and disadvantages.“I take a bus that leaves

at 6:30 a.m. and I’m generally at work by 7:30 a.m. I could actually drive somewhat faster, but there is a good cost savings on gas and parking,” Moore said. “It’s also much more relaxing to let someone else drive. I can read, catch up on work items, or my favorite—just sleep. The only inconvenience is that you only have half-hour intervals between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. to depart, then return trips between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.” Bailey said the county hopes more people will use Gwinnett’s web site to track traffic. Approximately 115 traffic cameras are currently operating with a total of 175 expected to be operating within the next several years.

Gwinnett has awarded two contracts to R.J. Haynie, Inc. to begin installing the traffic cameras and fiber-optic cables. Haynie, the lowest bidder, will receive $847,668 for the work. The cost will be paid with 80 percent state transportation funds plus 20 percent from Gwinnett’s 2009 SPLOST sales tax program.

In addition to monitoring heavily-used intersections and corridors during rush hour, the cameras monitor additional intersections during off-peak hours. The monitored areas rotate in a cycle on the web site. GC Smart Commute also provides updates on road closures and is available 24/7 at www.gcsmartcommute.com and on TVgwinnett, the government access cable channel, weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and again between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Motorists can share their thoughts and ideas about GC Smart commute at [email protected].

took God 13 years to answer,” Kot jokingly said. “But really, one day I was reading a magazine and I threw it down when I walked in the house from work. When I threw it down, the magazine fell open to an article called An Introduction to the Trappist Life. It was literally there in plain text. God had answered my prayers.”

The article was about the monastery, Our Lady of Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky, and Father Kot was sold. In a matter of days, Kot had written the Abbot and entered in as a monk at the monastery on Oct. 28, 1938.

“I had a lot of questions and ideas about the monastery. The Abbot told me to come see for myself,” said Kot.

The Niagara Falls, N.Y. native left his factory job making sailboat slips to follow his calling.

Kot was born the only son of four children. His father worked in the coalmines of Montana and later as a carpenter in Niagra Falls, NY. His mother was a midwife whose religious upbringing allowed them to fully support his decision to become a monk.

“My father was Catholic and my mother Methodist. They were both very strict and religious, so they had no problem with me joining the brotherhood. ” Kot said.

Kot’s six years of work at the Kentucky facility were so impressive that he was picked as one of the 21 men to start a monastery in Georgia—The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, founded in Conyers in 1944.

“Everything back then was a dirt road on the way to Conyers. We had to build the monastery as a barn because WWII was going on and at the time it was illegal to build a monastery or any building,” Father Kot said. “I remember living in the barn for eight months. It rained nonstop our first two and a half days. I always say the devil wanted to drown us.”

The experienced Monk who has spent more than six decades serving God and his monasteries, says he doesn’t feel like he’s missed out on anything in the outside world because he considers those things distractions from God’s calling on his life.

“I never went out to get drunk. I never even said a swear before. My dad had a truck, but I never asked to drive it, so he never offered,” Father Kot said. “People always ask ‘How could you grow up and miss all the fun? I just say I know there is something better for me upstairs.”

Gwinnett to issue e tickets to offendersNew technology is coming soon to Gwinnett County’s

public safety vehicles. Police officers, code enforcement, animal control and fire marshals will be able to issue electronic tickets to offenders and upload their citations to central servers over a cellular modem. When an officer enters a Georgia driver’s license number into a handheld computer, the device will fill in information about the drivers involved in an incident, eliminating time-consuming copying and ensuring accuracy and legibility. The officer will be able to print copies on the spot. Commissioners have approved a $1.02 million contract to buy the new equipment from the highest-scoring of seven bidders, Thinkstream, Inc. of Baton Rouge, LA. The money will come from public safety funds in the 2009 SPLOST sales tax program “This will allow our officers to operate more efficiently, giving them more availability and less time doing paperwork,” said Gwinnett Police Chief Charlie Walters. He said that the new technology is an efficiency improvement recommended by the Engage Gwinnett citizens study committee.

Photos and text by Joshua Smith

LITHONIA— “This was a great feeling, a great experience. I still have chill bumps from getting my book signed,” said an excited Essie Grissom. “I am from Detroit just like Pearl Cleage. I went to her father’s church and it means a lot to finally meet her.”

Atlanta author/playwright Pearl Cleage drew more than 70 fans, including Grissom, to DeKalb County Library’s Stonecrest branch on July 27 for a book signing for her latest work, “Just Wanna Testify.” The novel follows a group of high fashion African American models who have settled in Atlanta’s historic West End, where Cleage lives in real life. Oh yeah, the models just happen to be vampires “vamps.”

“Sometimes, inspiration for novels can come from serious moments or critical times in an author’s life. This was not the case for this book,” said Cleage, who celebrated her eighth novel, the sixth set in Atlanta, at the Stonecrest event. “My daughter handed me a high fashion magazine and as I went through the pages all of the women had very little frames, with very expensive clothes and a very dark look—like vampires.”

The renowned best-selling author said she has read excerpts of her work for celebrities such as Aretha Franklin,

John Travolta, Oprah Winfrey and Sidney Poitier.

Cleage says she was actually somewhat forced into writing novels, which have earned her a loyal following.

“I have been writing plays since the 60’s. I never thought I would write one novel, much less come this far with the craft. My first book, What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day, came about because I had an idea for a story that wouldn’t fit into the structure a play requires,” Cleage said. “It was a frustrating process starting out, but I loved the finished product and it definitely didn’t hurt that Oprah made it a must-read in her book club.”

Atlanta native Tamika Strong, who bought Cleage’s latest work to add to her Cleage collection, says the event showed the humble side of an author whom she has admired for years.

“She (Cleage) is one of my favorite authors because her scenes, all though you know they are fiction are just so convincing,” said Strong, who has also enjoyed some of Cleage’s plays.

Cleage says she enjoys sharing excerpts of her work at events such as book signings.

“This sort of experience is a writer’s dream,” Cleage said. “With my plays, I can watch my audiences reactions but with a book, you kind of have to hope for the best, so it is always wonderful to get my readers feed back and experience my work with them together.”

The Georgia Center for the Book sponsored the event as part of its Festival of Writers series. Cleage’s visit was one of the first special events at the new Stonecrest library, which opened June 11.

Esteemed Pearl Cleage visits Stonecrest library

Essie Grissom (at table) gets her book signed by Pearl Cleage.

Tamika Strong shows off her collection of Cleage’s novels.

AUGUST 1, 2011

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EXPiREs 8-31-2011

DeKalb seniors get safety tips from retired detective

Text and Photos by Joshua Smith

LITHONIA—Members of the Lou Walker Senior Center received some practical tips on how to live safely, not in fear, during the center’s “Safety Presentation for Senior Citizens” on July 27.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” Geraldine Champion, a retired Atlanta homicide detective, told the seniors. “Criminals learn to thrive on seniors. They think we are slow thinkers because we are old. That will change after today.”

Champion spoke with 14 seniors on personal safety, home safety and personal protection strategies while giving vivid accounts of seniors who let their guards down and paid for it both physically and/or financially.

“Just last week a woman let two men into her house because they were calling her granddaughter’s name at the door. When she opened up, they beat her up and took her valuables,” Champion said. “She put her fate in the hands of strangers. It never hurts to ask questions and it may save your life.”

The seniors said they appreciated the class. “The stories of senior citizens getting robbed, broken in on, beat up and really just

taken advantage of are scary, but they are helpful,” said75-year-old Lilly Thompson who attended the workshop.

Champion says out of the more than 100,000 seniors living in DeKalb County, one out of every four will become a victim.

“As senior citizens, we are often a forgotten people, but I believe we are God¹s favorite because we are still here,” said Champion.

The next free senior citizen safety course will be held at the North DeKalb Senior Center, 5238 Peachtree Road, Chamblee on Aug. 10, 11 a.m.

Geraldine Champion


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Gregory B. Levett Guest Speaker

Brent Darnell

Mayor Kasim Reed

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Leadership expert to share training tips at BBA breakfastThe Buckhead Business Association will welcome emotional

intelligence specialist Brent Darnell for its breakfast meeting on Aug. 4, 7:30 – 9 a.m., at the City Club of Buckhead, 3343 Peachtree Road, Suite 1850, Atlanta.

Darnell is a leading authority on emotional intelligence and is considered a pioneer by many in his use of the practice in the construction industry. Over the past 10 years, Darnell has helped to improve the social competence and leadership skills of thousands of people in more than 70 companies in over 15 countries around the world.

The cost to attend is $20. For more information or to register, visit www.buckheadbusiness.org or call 404-467-7607.

DeKalb Chamber welcomes Atlanta mayor The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will welcome Atlanta Mayor

Kasim Reed for a business luncheon on Aug. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Villa Christina, 4000 Summit Boulevard, Atlanta.

Mayor Reed will discuss “The Economic Impact of Transportation on the Atlanta Metro Region,” as the breakfast’s keynote speaker. Reed was inaugurated as the 59th mayor of the City of Atlanta on Jan. 4, 2010. Since taking office, Reed has hired more than 200 police officers, re-opened all of the city’s recreation centers and improved the service delivery of city departments such as sanitation and public works. During his first year in office, Reed also increased the city’s reserves from $7.4 million to $56 million.

The cost to attend is $45. Visit www.dekalbchamber.org/event.asp?id=768 or call 404-378-8000 to register or receive more information.

Coast-to-Coast to host Decatur job fair Cost-to-Coast Career Fairs will host a job fair on Aug. 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the

Holiday Inn, 130 Clairmont Avenue, Decatur. Coast-to-Coast is bringing together some of the area’s top local employers who

will be hiring for hundreds of positions. Anyone in the community who is looking for work is encouraged to attend this job fair.

The event will offer job seekers an opportunity to meet face to face with dozens of employers including Aflac, DeVry University and the U.S. Navy. Coast-to-Coast Career Fairs will also have a local career expert on hand to provide a free professional resume review.

There is no cost to attend. For more information or to register in advance, visit www.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com or call 404-371-0204.

China markets focus of Gwinnett Chamber meeting

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will host Business Connection with the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC) on Aug. 9, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., at the 1818 Club, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.

At the breakfast, business experts will give an update on the China market, and local business leaders will share success stories. Breakfast organizers say Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development is opening the door to new global business opportunities to get connected to international trade and global business expansion.

Learn how you can partner with HKTDC to create business opportunities in China, why Hong Kong is the gateway to China from the legal perspective and how to grow your business in China and Hong Kong A success story from an American company.

The cost to attend is $20. For more information or to register, visit www.gwinnettchamber.org or call Lindsay Myers at 770-232-3000.

Network DeKalb offers business leads Registration is now set to attend the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce’s Network

DeKalb event on Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., in DeKalb Technical College’s Conference Center, 495 North Indian Crek Road, Clarkston.

Participants are invited to take some time out of the day-to-day schedule to attend this meeting. Each Network DeKalb event is held at a Chamber member’s establishment to provide opportunities to expose attendees to various event venues in DeKalb County.

Each attendant has an opportunity to talk about his or her business for 30 seconds and participate in group networking sessions. The cost to attend is $20. For more information or to register, visit http://ndlgaug172011.eventbrite.com/ or call 404-297-9522.

This fall, 110 people from the public will be traveling abroad with the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce to experience culture, food, history and sightseeing in China and Spain. The travelers, ordinary citizens who are from diverse backgrounds, are coming from Georgia, North Carolina, Florida and even New Jersey. They signed up when the Chamber opened the trips to the public as a way for people to see another part of the world at an affordable rate. The Chamber is making the trips available through steeply discounted rates it receives as a Chamber.

The Chamber’s trip to Spain reached its capacity at 45 before the June 14 registration cut-off date. Organizers said that three people went on a waiting list with hopes of forming a second group for the Spain excursion, but the Chamber’s contract was restricted to 45 for the trip. Travelers will experience Barcelona and Madrid during the eight-day excursion in November.

The Chamber is taking 65 people to China in October. They will visit Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou during a

nine-day excursion in October. Chamber President Fred Boscarino describes China as “the trip of a lifetime.”

“This really is a great way to take an international vacation. There will be planned activities and plenty of free time for sightseeing and shopping,” Boscarino said. “We want to expose people to commerce and culture. We have a lot of exciting events planned.”

Carolyn Williams, a retiree from Lithonia, has signed up for the trip to China. Her “traveling buddies,” sister Dot Ford and friend Vivian Hood are among the 64 travelers that will join her.

“This looks like a great opportunity to travel to China, which is a place I’ve always wanted to go to,” said Williams, whose traveling resume includes Hawaii, Russia, London, Sweden, Finland, Paris, Mexico, Bermuda, Rome, the Caribbean and Alaska. “The Rockdale Chamber has offered great service throughout this process and I wanted to take advantage of what I feel is a great price that you won’t find with other groups traveling to these kinds of destinations.”

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Membership Services Coordinator Stephanie Layson and President Fred Boscarino look over a book about China and a trip itinerary.

Over 100 to join Rockdale Chamber’s trips to China, Spain

DeKalb’s Workforce Development set to go ‘mobile’ DeKalb County Workforce Development will take its training and

employment programs and services on the road this fall with its first mobile career resource center. Bringing government closer to citizens, the mobile center will provide workforce solutions for businesses and individuals in various locations throughout the county.

“Especially during these tough economic times, it is important that our citizens have access to resources and services we provide as a county,” said DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. “This mobile unit is an example of how we are redefining our service models to ensure we continually meet the needs of our citizens.”

Major features of the resource center include 13 computer stations; a private interview area; high-speed satellite internet connection; printer, scanner and copy services; and a fully accessible ADA workstation with movable table and auxiliary for the disabled.

Businesses will be able to use the mobile unit for recruiting, pre-employment screenings, interviewing and training. Individuals will be served through various job search/career development activities such as online job searches, resume and cover letter development, online tutorials and individual assessments and exploration of training eligibility and available resources.

The purchase of the Mobile Career Center will be from federal grant funds via the Workforce Investment Act and approved by the DeKalb Workforce Investment Board. The mobile unit is scheduled to hit DeKalb County roads later this year.

Key people set to host DeKalb summit for small businesses DeKalb County will

host a free Small Business Summit on Aug. 18, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Conference Center at DeKalb Tech, 495 North Indian Creek Road in Clarkston.

Small business owners attending the summit will hear from professionals on accessing capital, conducting business with DeKalb County, stabilizing and training their workforce, evaluating their total compensation plan, enhancing business through information technology and entertainment in DeKalb.

The keynote speaker will be Gregory B. Levett, CEO, Gregory B. Levett & Sons, Inc. Employees describe him as a visionary and philanthropist always seeking ways to improve and expand his funeral home business. As

a DeKalb County business owner, he has served families throughout the metro Atlanta area for over 30 years. Since 1973, Levett has also served on numerous boards and devoted his time and talents to community organizations.

The summit is being co-hosted by the CEO’s Office and the Departments of Community Development, Information

Systems, Planning and Sustainability, Purchasing and Contracting, Workforce Development and the Offices of Neighborhood Empowerment and Economic Development.

Those who are interested in attending the summit must register online at http://dekalbsummit2011.eventbrite.com, or by contacting the Office of Economic Development at 404-687-2730.

AUGUST 1, 2011

Nation Black MBA program college scholarship applications available

The National Black MBA Atlanta Chapter Scholarship Program is offering

scholarships to high school students, undergraduates and those pursuing master’s degrees and doctorate degrees.

The organization, which has been in existence since 1982, promotes its mission of increasing the number of successful African-Americans in the community by providing scholarships to outstanding deserving minority students within the Atlanta metropolitan area.

The scholarship application deadline is Aug. 19. Program information and applications are available at www.atlbmba.org. Look under the “Student Affairs” main tab. Contact [email protected] with questions. Only completed applications will be considered.

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Photos by Joshua Smith and Glenn L. Morgan

Fashion, school

supplies, giveaways are big hit

Eager kids and their parents enjoyed free

school supplies, health screenings and live performances at The Gallery at South DeKalb and On Common Ground News Back-to-School Fair on July 23.

“This fair was a great help to us going into the school year,” said Shantay Fulton, whose daughter, Khmiah, received a free book bag and school supplies from Kids Rock, one of the vendors at the fair.

Khimah Fulton is entering the first grade at Thomasville Elementary in Atlanta when Atlanta Public Schools start on Aug. 8.

The free event showcased several other vendors such as Ellenwood All Stars award-winning cheerleading tumbling programs, Oakhurst Medical Centers, Inc., Be Someone mentoring organization, Gratitude with Attitude; the DeKalb County Board of Health and Amerigroup Community Care.

“We had a great time and I think the kids did too,” said Kids Rock motivational speaker Kortni Boyd. “I enjoyed all the kids that came to our table and we look forward to next year’s fair.”

Along with vendors, the Back-to-School Fair included a fashion show featuring some of Macy’s latest styles for the classroom and live performances from Yungsta Da Wiz and Grand Hustle artist Shun “Lil Shun” Hendrix.

Back to School Fair at the Gallery at South DeKalb

The 4TH Annual DeKalb Family Fun Day, hosted by DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May and Project A.R.M., will be held Sunday, Aug. 7, 3 to 8 p.m., at Bransby Outdoor YMCA on Highway 124, Lithonia. The event is free and open to the public.

Youth Vibe will give way 1,500 book bags stuffed with school supplies at the Fun Day. School supplies for needy children also will be collected at the Fun Day and presented to DeKalb educators for the start of the school year. DeKalb County has a student enrollment of more than 102,000 students in 143 schools and centers.

Activities at the event will include

wall climbing, paddle boats, horseback riding, tennis clinics, and basketball for the kids to enjoy. The event also will offer local entertainment, free food, face painting, moonwalks and more.

Last year, more than 3500 people attended Fun Day. May said with recent cuts to school budgets and high unemployment rates, many families are struggling. The Fun Day that he and Project A.R.M. have partnered to present is a way to give back. Project A.R.M. is a non-profit organization aimed at the financial, spiritual, and familial reconstruction of the African American community through artistic expression.

Gwinnett County agencies need your help. It’s time for kids to head back to school and many of Gwinnett’s agencies are gearing up for another academic year in Gwinnett. They are collecting school supplies for families who cannot afford them.

All school supplies will be accepted. Some examples of the needed items are pens and pencils, book bags, lunch boxes, index cards, composition books and crayons. Contact any of the following agencies to donate school supplies: North Gwinnett Co-operative Ministry, Gwinnett Department of Family and Children Services, Trinity Life Church, Lilburn Co-operative Ministry, Centerville Community Center and the Day of Hope Foundation. For drop-off schedules and addresses or more information on the drive, visit http://www.gwinnettcoalition.org.

Commissioner May, Project A.R.M. team up for Family Fun Day

Gwinnett gears up for school supply collections

Rockdale student selected for National Leadership Conference

Kaelah Wilson, a rising 7th grader at

Memorial Middle School in Rockdale County, was nominated to represent her school this summer at the Junior National Leadership Conference in Washington DC.

The conference was held July 23-27 to honor and inspire the most exceptional middle school students across the nation, distinguished by their academic excellence, leadership potential and maturity, and reinforce the virtues of leadership, citizenship and democracy using Washington DC as their classroom. Students were exposed to leadership development skills, understanding the key concepts of leadership and applying them to everyday life, and

evaluating our nation’s history. Wilson received the Junior National Young Leaders Conference Certificate of Merit for completing conference.

Wilson formerly attended Rock Chapel and Princeton Elementary Schools of DeKalb County. She is an avid reader and enjoys playing the clarinet.


3/28/2011

DATE ADAMS AVONDALE HALLFORD NORTH DEKALB PANTHERSVILLE DATEAUGUST 19

FRIDAYDRUID HILLS V. SOUTH ATLANTA AUGUST 19

FRIDAY

AUGUST 25THURSDAY

CLARKSTON V. THERRELL TUCKER V. SW DEKALB AUGUST 25THURSDAY

AUGUST 26FRIDAY

CROSS KEYS V. MT. PISGAH 5:15STONE MOUNTAIN V. WESTSIDE 8:00 COLUMBIA V. GACS STEPHENSON V. PARKVIEW DUNWOODY V. MAYS CEDAR GROVE V. VETERANS AUGUST 26

FRIDAY

AUGUST 27SATURDAY

MILLER GROVE V. LAKESIDE LITHONIA V. REDAN 4:30MCNAIR V. GRADY 7:30 ARABIA MOUNTAIN V. N. OCONEE AUGUST 27

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 1THURSDAY

ML KING V. SOUTH GWINNETT SEPTEMBER 1THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 2FRIDAY

TUCKER V. MARIST DRUID HILLS V. GACS CEDAR GROVE V. STEPHENSON DUNWOODY V. MILLER GROVE ARABIA MOUNTAIN V. BREMAN SEPTEMBER 2FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 3SATURDAY

LAKESIDE V. LITHONIA SW DEKALB V. CARVER MCNAIR V. WESTLAKE SEPTEMBER 3SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 9FRIDAY

CROSS KEYS V. DRUID HILLS 5:15TUCKER V. CARVER 8:00 CLARKSTON V. DOUGHERTY ML KING V. COLLINS HILL CHAMBLEE V. MARIST CEDAR GROVE V. LAGRANGE SEPTEMBER 9

FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 10SATURDAY

LAKESIDE V. MAYS LITHONIA V. MILLER GROVE COLUMBIA V. HUGHES 4:30REDAN V. DUNWOODY 7:30

TOWERS V. GRADY 4:30SW DEKALB V. DOUGLASS 7:30


SEPTEMBER 16FRIDAY

DRUID HILLS V. GRADY COLUMBIA V. MCNAIR CLARKSTON V. SOUTH ATLANTA 5:15ML KING V. WESTLAKE 8:00 DUNWOODY V. LITHONIA REDAN V. LAKESIDE SEPTEMBER 16

FRIDAY


CEDAR GROVE V. STONE MOUNTAIN CHAMBLEE V. TUCKER TOWERS V. ARABIA MOUNTAIN SEPTEMBER 17SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 23FRIDAY

LAKESIDE V. DUNWOODY COLUMBIA V. CEDAR GROVE SW DEKALB V. CHAMBLEE CROSS KEYS V. RIVER RIDGE MILLER GROVE V. REDAN SEPTEMBER 23FRIDAY


MCNAIR V. TOWERS SEPTEMBER 24SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 30FRIDAY

ARABIA MOUNTAIN V. WOODWARD STEPHENSON V. LUELLA STONE MOUNTAIN V. COLUMBIA CEDAR GROVE V. TOWERS SEPTEMBER 30FRIDAY

OCTOBER 6THURSDAY

CLARKSTON V. BUFORD 7:00 MILLER GROVE V. DOUGLASS 7:00 DUNWOODY V. SW DEKALB REDAN V. CHAMBLEE OCTOBER 6THURSDAY

OCTOBER 7FRIDAY

TUCKER V. MAYS MCNAIR V. WOODWARD TOWERS V. STONE MOUNTAIN CROSS KEYS V. ST. FRANCIS CEDAR GROVE V. ARABIA MTN OCTOBER 7FRIDAY

OCTOBER 8SATURDAY

DRUID HILLS V. RIVERWOOD LITHONIA V. CARVER OCTOBER 8SATURDAY

OCTOBER 14FRIDAY

LAKESIDE V. CHAMBLEE COLUMBIA V. TOWERS MILLER GROVE V. TUCKER 5:15STEPHENSON V. HUGHES 8:00 CROSS KEYS V. GEO. WALTON ML KING V. NEWTON OCTOBER 14

FRIDAY

OCTOBER 15SATURDAY

ARABIA MOUNTAIN V. MCNAIR REDAN V. SW DEKALB OCTOBER 15SATURDAY

OCTOBER 21FRIDAY

TUCKER V. REDAN LITHONIA V. MARIST STEPHENSON V. EAST COWETA CHAMBLEE V. MILLER GROVE 5:15DUNWOODY V. CARVER 8:00 SW DEKALB V. LAKESIDE OCTOBER 21

FRIDAY

OCTOBER 22SATURDAY

DRUID HILLS V. WASHINGTON CLARKSTON V. CROSS KEYS STONE MOUNTAIN V. MCNAIR ARABIA MOUNTAIN V. COLUMBIA OCTOBER 22SATURDAY

OCTOBER 28FRIDAY

STONE MOUNTAIN V.ARABIA MOUNTAIN STEPHENSON V. NEWNAN CHAMBLEE V. DUNWOODY MCNAIR V. CEDAR GROVE 5:15

LITHONIA V. TUCKER 8:00OCTOBER 28

FRIDAY

OCTOBER 29SATURDAY

MILLER GROVE V. SW DEKALB OCTOBER 29SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 4FRIDAY

LAKESIDE V. TUCKER REDAN V. MARIST ML KING V. STEPHENSON SW DEKALB V. LITHONIA NOVEMBER 4FRIDAY

NOVEMBER 5SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 5SATURDAY

2011 VARSITY FOOTBALL - STADIUM SCHEDULEHOME TEAM IS LISTED FIRST

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS

ALL GAMES START AT 7:30PM UNLESS INDICATED

This DeKalb County Schools 2011-2012 Football Schedule is Presented to You by

Robert’s Restaurant, 2810 Evans Mill Road, Lithonia.

Home of the Best Southern Cooking and the $4.99 Lunch Special.

Offering Catering For Team Meals. 770-484-3355.

AUGUST 1, 2011

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cAleNDAr

Pastor Kathern Thomas Elder Alicia Cardwell-Brown

Pastor Charles E. BoothGuest Speaker

Scottdale pastor launches web-based talk show for womenPastor Kathern Thomas and Elder Alicia

Cardwell-Brown of Worshippers Interceding for Excellence, will launch the web-based talk show, “Called to be a D.I.V.A.” on Aug. 5, 7 p.m. on the Fabulous and Loving It Network.

The 30-minute segment, “Called to be a D.I.V.A.” (Divine, Inspirational, Victorious, & Anointed), was birthed from the Scottdale ministry that Thomas oversees. The show will air Fridays at www.FabulousAndLovingIt.com.

“Called To Be A D.I.V.A. is a program that will encourage women. It will also teach them to use their gifts for the Kingdom of God. We want to advance the kingdom of God by empowering women everywhere with the word of God,” said co-host Pastor Thomas. “Elder Cardwell-Brown and I want women to know when you accept Christ as your savior, you are divine, inspirational, victorious and anointed.”

The inspirational program will speak to all women but will emphasize the difference in a woman’s life when she has Christ in it.

Worshippers Interceding for Excellence is located at 3096 North Decatur Road in Scottdale. For more information, call 404-587-2751 or visit www.worshippersintercedingforexcellence.com.

Hillside to host Community Fun Fest Hillside International Chapel & Truth Center, 2450 Cascade Road, Atlanta, will

host a free Community Fun Fest on Aug. 6, 11 a.m. and Aug. 7, noon. Attendees can enjoy a kids play area with games, face painting and a moonwalk,

food, health screenings and live entertainment. Participants can also be entered into a raffle for a $100 gas card and other prizes if they register in advance at http://hillsidefunfest.eventbrite.com.

For more information, call 404-931-4702 or email [email protected].

Saint Philip sets 5K Run/Walk, health fair Saint Philip A.M.E. Church will present its 2nd Annual Stroke Awareness 5K

Run/Walk and 7th Annual Free Wellness Festival to benefit the National Stroke Association on Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The 5K Run/Walk will start at 1605 Richard Allen Drive, Decatur, and will proceed through the White Oaks community. The Wellness Festival will start at 8 a.m. as well and run concurrently during the run/walk, inside the Saint Philip Family Life Center’s Marcia Moss Fellowship Hall.

A cash prize will be given to the organization with the largest number of participants in the run/walk. Trophies and awards will be given to the top winners in each age group category. Every participant who completes the race will receive a free T-shirt.

The registration fee for the 5K Run/Walk is $20, including on the day of the run/walk. Saint Philip A.M.E. Church is located at 240 Candler Road, S.E., Atlanta. For more information or to register, visit www.active.com or call 404-371-0749.

Enjoy sacred harp playingEmory Presbyterian Church, 1886 North Decatur Road, N.E., Atlanta, will

feature sacred harp players performing several selections on Aug. 4, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. The program will feature early American hymns sung in what organizers

describe as a powerful and exuberant style. Beginners are welcome. Instruction is provided with the performance as well. For more information, call 404-892-6836 or visit www.atlantasacredharp.org.

Hills of Help to presents two-day revival Hills of Help OutReach Ministries, 1861 Columbia Drive, Decatur, will host a

two-day revival, a “Back to Holiness Encounter” on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5, 7 p.m.Pastor Sandra Billinger and Open Door OutReach Ministries, along with Bishop

Tommy Brooks, will present a “Back To Holiness Encounter” with special guest speakers, Bishop Otto Hines of Kingdom Building Worship Ministries in Decatur on Aug. 4, and Apostle David Dupree, Jr. of Solid Rock True Holiness Church in Camak, GA on Aug. 5.

The purpose of the series is to encourage attendees heading back to school through sharing the word of God and song. For more information, call 404-288-8853.

Ray of Hope celebrates 32nd ordinationRay of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Road,

Decatur, will celebrate the 32nd ordination anniversary of Pastor Cynthia L. Hale on Aug. 14, at its 7:30 and 10 a.m. worship services.

The church celebrated its 25th anniversary under the theme, “Imagine More!” On June 21, the celebration commenced with Dance Jubilee 2011.

Pastor Charles E. Booth, senior pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio will serve as the guest speaker for both worship services. 770-696-5100.

St. Edwards Episcopal to host imaginative art exhibit St. Edward’s Episcopal Church,

737 Moon Road, S.W., Lawrenceville, is ushering in the month of August with artwork from Susan Faircloth.

The Faircloth exhibit, on display through Aug. 26, includes watercolors, pastels and mixed media in her wonderfully imaginative series. Faircloth’s subjects are usually large, simple works of art from nature or objects she finds around her home. She works in mixed water media and collage. She received a BFA in art from the University of Georgia and worked 20 years as a textile designer in the carpet industry. After studying with many nationally-known artists, she developed a wet, textured style.

The Gallery at St. Edward’s is free and open to the public. Hours for viewing the exhibition are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. It is not open on Saturdays. For more information and to verify daily hours, call 770-963-6128 or visit www.stedwardsonline.org.

Beulah Baptist to host youth conference Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, will

host its three-day “1 Step Away” conference for youths on Aug. 11 – 13. The conference offers youths the opportunity to grow in Christ and celebrate

their salvation. The conference starts on Aug. 11, 6 p.m. with a pep rally featuring several metro Atlanta high school bands and college step teams. This event is open for all ages. The conference continues on Aug. 12, 6 p.m., with an open mic and poetry café where teens cans enjoy singing, dancing, poetry, rapping and more varieties of creative art. This evening of the conference is for teens only.

The youth conference concludes on Aug. 13, 10 a.m. with a praise and worship breakfast. After breakfast, several workshops will be held such as “Turning Your Passion Into Your Paycheck,” and “Prepared for War: Finding Your Spiritual Swag.”

Registration is $10. For more information, contact the Rev. Randolph Roach at 404-241-3307 ext.252, or email [email protected].

First Baptist Church Decatur aids the needy First Baptist Church of Decatur and Meals for Hagar’s House are teaming up

to serve meals for needy women and children on Aug. 12 and 13. Every year, members of First Baptist Church of Decatur provide and serve

meals for Hagar’s House (a shelter for women and children). If your family, bible study group, or any other small group would beinterested in this ministry, you can get details and times from Carla Stanford by emailing [email protected] or call 678-469-3783. Hagar’s House is located at 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur.

First St. Paul accepting registration for ‘Feed My Neighbor’ walk

Registration is underway for the Eighth Annual Feed My Neighbor 5M Charity Walk/Run/Bike sponsored by First Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Lithonia. The church’s Women’s Missionary Society is accepting early registration ($15 per person) until Sept. 12. Walk-up registration is $20 per person, and senior citizens may register for $10. The event is set for Sept. 24, beginning at 8 a.m.

Each participant is asked to donate non-perishable food items on that day. All proceeds will benefit the Eldoris S. Williams Food Pantry of First Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, which is located at 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30058.

For more information, call the church at 770-484-9660 or email: [email protected].

First Afrikan Presbyterian sets 6th annual Ancestral Walk, Farmers Market

First Afrikan Presbyterian Church will host a celebration of the historic Flat Rock community on Saturday, Aug. 6 beginning at

8:30 a.m. The community is invited to join in the 6th Annual Ancestral Walk at the “Main House of Lyons” plantation near the South River in Lithonia.

The event, celebrates the ingenuity, determination and confidence of

Flat Rock area families who maintained farms, schools, stores, and churches in the face of adversity. After the Ancestral Walk, a Farmers Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds of First Afrikan Church. The down-home event will include live blues music, healthy cooking

demonstrations, a fish fry, vendors, and local farmers providing the community with the best of the season’s harvest. Children attending can enjoy the playgrounds, balloons and popcorn. Event-goers are invited to tour the church’s community garden and participate in raffle drawings throughout the day. The Ancestral Walk and Farmers Market are free events. The church, under the leadership of the Rev. Mark a. Lomax, is located at 5197 Salem Road, Lithonia.

For more information, visit www.firstafrikanchurch.org or call 770-981-2601.


cAleNDArDeKalb Medical talks veins, offers free screenings DeKalb Medical will host a free discussion and screenings for varicose veins

on Aug. 5, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., in the hospital’s auditorium, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur.

Dr. David Fern, M.D. will provide free vein screenings and a lecture. He will discuss treatments, home remedies and therapies that may provide some much needed relief for your varicose veins. Senior citizens are especially prone to varicose veins. Many of us suffer from this condition due to heredity or our lifestyles consisting of long periods of standing. The results can be debilitating pain, ankle swelling and leg cramps. The good news is there are an abundance of treatments available today to combat this condition.

Those who come should wear a skirt or loose-fitting pants that can easily be rolled up, so that Dr. Fern and his staff can effectively evaluate your legs. In his lecture, Dr. Fern will address the latest minimally invasive treatment procedures that he offers, as well as some tips about leg elevation, exercise, stockings and soaking. Please plan on joining us for this informative session. The free vein screening will take place one hour before and one hour after the discussion.

A complimentary light breakfast will be provided from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.dekalbmedical.org or call 404-501-1000.

Workshop set for caregivers of disabledThe National Disability Institute will offer a training workshop for caregivers

and people who work with those living with disabilities on Aug. 3, 1 – 5 p.m., at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, 732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., Atlanta.

The “Understanding Asset Building Programs and the Myriad of Rules Governing Federal SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare & Related Work Incentives for People with Disabilities” course is a four-hour workshop that will give participants a basic understanding of many benefit programs offered by the local, state and federal government. Some topics that will be covered include Medicaid, medical waivers and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The course is free to attend, but registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.realeconomicimpact.org or call Carter Elliott at 678-553-5900.

Red Cross sets community blood driveThe American Red Cross will host an open community blood drive on Aug. 4,

1 – 6 p.m. at Bank of America, 2059 Northlake Parkway, Tucker. Organizers ask that you join them in the mission to maintain a safe and stable

blood supply by making your appointment to donate blood. Register to donate at www.redcrossblood.org under the “make a blood

donation” appointment link or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1800-733-2767).

Commissioner Watson to host “Community Check-Up” DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson will host a health and wellness

fair entitled “Community Check-Up” on Aug. 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur.

The fair will include free health screenings, door prizes and giveaways. For more information, contact Tiffany Campbell at 404-371-7031 or email [email protected].

Look Good, Feel Better workshop for cancer survivors

Rockdale Medical Center will host “Look Good, Feel Better” for cancer patients and their families on Aug. 8, 10 a.m. – noon, in the hospital’s East Tower Classroom, Number Three, 1412 Milstead Avenue, Conyers.

This free, hands-on, group workshop is dedicated to helping female cancer patients cope with and combat the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Learn skin care and makeup applications, as well as demonstrations on hair/wig techniques. Cosmetics will be given to each attendee.

For more information or to register, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.rockdalemedicalcenter.org.

Local doctor sets free seminar Dr. Nancy J. Williams will host a health seminar, “Ask The Doctor” on

Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m., at First Fruit Natural Healing Home, 3084 Woodrow Drive, Lithonia.

Are you battling cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, digestive or constipation problems? Or do you just want to attain optimal health? The free, two-hour seminar will enlighten and inspire you to take the first step to self healing.

The seminar will cover issues such as understanding the alkaline/acid balance and drinking your way to better health, the importance of eating healthy and lifestyle changes. The seminar concludes with a question and answer session.

Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 770-484-4745.

.Emory Healthcare to host ‘Don’t Ignore the Snore’ Emory Healthcare will host “AWAKE Atlanta: Don’t Ignore the Snore” on

Aug. 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., on the fifth floor conference room of Emory’s Wesley Woods Health Center, 1841 Clifton Road, Atlanta.

Snoring occurs when the airways in the throat and mouth are partially blocked. The blockage disturbs the incoming air and causes tissues in your mouth and throat to vibrate. These vibrations create the snorts and sounds that characterize snoring. “Don’t Ignore the Snore” is a free discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, and the relationship of sleep and health.

To register, visit www.emoryhealthcare.org or call 404-778-7777 and 1-800-75-EMORY.

To coNTAcT usBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-mAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COm Health & Wellness Resources & lifestyle Tips

By Jule-Lynne MacieFor On Common Ground News

At the Cooperative Extension office we’ve gotten lots of calls lately about ticks. The complaint is that they are either attached to a pet or a human. As you venture out into the garden, you may find an unfriendly hitchhiker or two on your body. Ticks are out in force looking for a fast food meal. You may just fit the bill. Ticks don’t jump or fly. They get on your body when you brush up against a plant that the tick is sitting on. Or, you may trim a tree and knock one off a branch onto your body. While they are really sitting there waiting for a furry mammal to walk by, you will be just as tasty to the tick. They can attach themselves to you and potentially cause harmful diseases. There are hundreds of species of ticks but only a few commonly bite humans in Georgia: the American dog tick, the lone star tick and the black-legged tick. These three species can carry five diseases that are harmful to humans: Lyme disease (black-legged tick or deer tick); rocky mountain spotted fever and tularemia (American dog tick); Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) and human monocytic ehrlichiosis (lone star tick).

Ticks are commonly found in shady areas, moist ground litter, tall grass, brush, low tree branches, and along trails in the woods. One question we commonly get is about the best way to remove a tick. The safest way is to simply grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible with fine-tipped tweezers. Pull the tick straight out slowly. You will be pulling it back the way it bit you, not straight up. Wash and treat the bite area with a disinfectant. I found a tick on me yesterday, and he came off very easily using this method. NEVER squeeze the tick, twist the tick, light the tick on fire (I have never understood this one. Why would you put a hot match on something that close to your body?), or cover the tick in

petroleum jelly, nail polish, alcohol, or kerosene (I suppose to suffocate the tick). These “home remedies” may increase the chances of transmitting the bacteria and becoming infected

with a tick-borne illness. According to Dr. Nancy Hinkle, Extension

entomology specialist, a tick is like a balloon attached to a hypodermic needle. Squeezing its body forces material through its mouthparts into your bloodstream, increasing the risk of infection. So, how do you avoid getting bitten by a tick? The best thing you can do is to wear insect repellent containing DEET on your skin, wear insect repellent containing permethrin on your clothes (not on skin), tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants so ticks can’t crawl up pant’s legs, wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be seen easily and removed, wear a hat and pull long hair back, do tick checks frequently during the day and a full body tick check at the end of the day. Use a mirror and check behind

ears, behind knees, underarms, and groin. Ask someone to help you check your back and scalp,

especially the nape of the neck. Take a shower and wash your hair before going to bed, do not sit directly on the ground—use a blanket or towel and remove excess brush and keep grass mowed around the house. A tick crawling on you cannot transmit a disease to you. The tick has to be attached for a good 12-24 hours before it can transmit any disease it may have. A tick takes a day or two to secrete a feeding tube before it can begin to suck blood. So daily tick checks can keep them from feeding and transmitting diseases. So, there is no need to panic, but you do need to be aware. Note when you were bitten by the tick and watch for symptoms. Follow up with a doctor visit if you do have symptoms. Your local Cooperative Extension office has a free publication on ticks and diseases. Stop by and get one today. Jule-Lynne Macie is the Rockdale County Extension Coordinator. The office is located at 1400 Parker Road in Conyers. Contact her at (770)278-7373.

Protect yourself: you may be tasty to ticks

Symptoms of a Tick BiteMost cases of tick-borne disease in Georgia occur between April and September, but infection can occur year round. Each of these diseases has unique characteristics, but generally symptoms of tick-born diseases can occur anywhere from 3 or 4 days to 4 weeks after being bitten and may include fever, rash, headache, and muscle pain. Not everyone develops all of these symptoms, and some people develop other symptoms such as nausea, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and weakness.

Jule-Lynne Macie

AUGUST 1, 2011To coNTAcT usBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-mAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COm CLASSIFIEDS

ServiceS

Gwen carpenter House cleaning Service and Lawn care. Very reasonable rates. Lawn care, landscaping, pruning, flowers, trash removal,patio decks,and fencing. Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Excellence, honest, reliable. 770-323-3567 or 678-789-6466.

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

Book your little one’s special event today with a Moon Bounce. Summer specials now running. Call 678-478-7514. Music lessons available. Voice, keyboard, music theory and choir directing. Tutoring for reading also offered. Call 404-284-3935.

HouSinG counSeLinG

Save your home under President Obama’s Making Home Affordable program. Have you lost your income? Are you behind in your mortgage payment? Turned down by your lender? For help, call Sandra Bynoe at the NARRI Housing Counseling Agency: 678-923-9124.

HeLp Wanted

Stylist, make-up artist, and interns NEEDED! Experienced or trainable...great personality, energetic with good customer service skills. Great summer job, or into the beauty industry. Call 404 285-2444.

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Spacious rooms for rent located in Decatur,Covington Hwy & Wesley Chapel. Near Marta. $90 per week, $110 per week. Call 404-452-3926.

decatur - 3Br/1.5Ba Brick home, totally renovated with W/D connection. $700/mo + $700 deposit. Section 8 OK. Near MARTA. 678-634-4444.

room to rent $125 wk. Mature adult. Utilities included. Gwinnett and Stone Mountain area. Located at Westheimer Estates and upscale community. Call 770-380-4334.

reduced Lease or rent/own, Newly Renovated Condo located in Decatur, Flat Shoals Parkway , 3BR, 2BA, Water Included. Reduced to $800.00 Month. Call 404-326-1361

Lithonia-impeccable condition-3Bdrm, 2 Bath Ranch Home on a large corner lot. 2 car side entry garage. Vaulted Ceilings, Fireplace & Much More. Within walking distance to Hospital, Schools & Shopping. Easy access to I-20 & Hwy. 285. $1200/month or best offer. Sorry, no pets. Call (404) 406-7689.

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AUGUST 1, 2011

100 BLACK MEN OF DEKALB PRESENTS:

LaBOR DaY WEEKEND Concert

Jeffrey OSBORNEFreddie JACKSONPeabo BRYSON

(Men of Soul)and En VOGUE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 20117:30 PMGeorgia International Horse Park1996 Centennial Olympic ParkwayConyers, GA 30012

$50 General Admission$65 VIP (on the floor)

To purchase tickets: www.dekalb100blackmen.org

www.ticketalternative.com

ALL WHITE AFFAIR

August 1

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