Jan. 1, 2014

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 40  WWW.OCGNEWS.COM  JANUARY 3, 2015  FREE

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See Streetcar, page 6

See District 5, page 6 See The Interview, page 8

Sen. Ronald Ramsey

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan /OCG News

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Southwest DeKalb alumnus named SAU head football coach

Page 9

Martin Luther King Jr. Events

Page 7

City of Decatur to host “Run with the Dogs”

Page 4

PeopleCommunityComing Up

By Valerie J. Morgan

ATLANTA—The long-awaited Atlanta Streetcar made its inaugural run through downtown on Dec. 30, turning a page in the city’s history. Streetcars haven’t existed in Atlanta since 1949, making the debut even more special for the hundreds who attended the chilly grand opening.

City officials are touting the $98 million, four-car system as an appealing way for residents and the millions of expected visitors to the city to connect to several tourists’ attractions and entertainment in downtown Atlanta. The new system’s 2.7-mile loop around the downtown includes 12 stops with access to attractions such as Centennial Olympic

Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame. The line also offers access to the new Center for Civil and Human Rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and the historic Auburn Avenue corridor, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said

passengers may take advantage of free rides for the first three months of service. After that, fares will be $1.

“This project was a massive undertaking. It’s a perfect example of what happens when you have strong

Atlanta Streetcar turns page in city’s history

“The Interview” overcomes controversy, earns millions

Mayor Reed takes a ride during the inaugural run with his wife, Sarah-Elizabeth, and their baby daughter, Maria Kristan.

Hundreds gathered in Woodruff Park for the ribbon cutting ceremony that was held for the grand opening of the Atlanta Streetcar.

The Plaza Theatre welcomed moviegoers with “Freedom Prevails” on its marquee.

Sen. Ron Ramsey pushes to expedite filling

DeKalb’s District 5 seat

NAACP head says seat is being ‘held hostage

By Valerie J. Morgan

With the DeKalb Board of Commissioners deadlocked on temporarily filling the vacant

District 5 seat, Sen. Ronald Ramsey (D- Lithonia) has pre-filed Senate Bill 10, which he hopes to push through by he end of January. The bill seeks to streamline the process of filling vacant elected seats due to the suspension of a public official by allowing the governor to authorize temporary replacements after 180 days.

“As a resident of District 5 in DeKalb County, myself and the 140,000 district residents deserve and expect to have representation,” said Ramsey. “Sadly, we remain without a voice due to certain elected officials’ political agenda, over the needs of our citizens. I proposed Senate Bill 10 as

By Joshua Smith

While dozens of eager moviegoers waited in line on Christmas Day at Atlanta’s

Plaza Theatre to see the highly-anticipated release of Sony Pictures “The Interview,” thousands around the world were downloading it.

Now with millions of dollars already made from the controversial film, independent theaters and web sites across the internet are continuing to feature the film as a top-selling movie.

The Plaza Theatre, near Midtown, was one of the first movie houses in the U.S. to announce screenings of the film, which is about a fictional American plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The movie stars comedians Seth Rogen and James Franco.

The movie had previously been pulled from release over security fears.

Moviegoers at the Plaza Theatre said, however, they are glad the movie was shown.

“We can’t shut down a film because of alleged threats. They can send threats all they want, but at the end of the day, the movie was getting out one way or another because there is no way Sony and the big people in Hollywood would just take a complete loss and not show the film,” said Thalmus Day, who was in town visiting family and decided to see the movie.

Because of the fact that only select private theatres across the country showed the film, the movie became

Sony’s most-downloaded title of all time, just four days after its Christmas day release. “The Interview” reportedly has been downloaded more than 2 million times, with $28 million in revenue online, returning about a third of its $44 million budget.

Moviegoer LeRyan Ross said she thinks that was the underlying point of all this: promotion.

“I think the whole thing was a plan to promote the movie in the long run. That is why no one was commenting at first. They knew controversy would continue to build and build until the release,” said Ross, who lives in Tucker. “I go and see most of all

movies that hit theatres but I know a lot of people who weren’t even thinking about going to see “The Interview” until all this came up.”

Preston Scott of Ellenwood watched the movie online and said if North Korean leaders see certain parts of the movie, we could be in for trouble.

“I watched the movie online at my friend’s house and I don’t know, the way they killed the actor portraying Kim Jong-un, we don’t need his people or him seeing that at all,” said Scott. “I don’t think anything will come from

PAGE 2  JANUARY 3, 2015

JANUARY 3, 2015   PAGE 3

JANUARY 3, 2015 VOLUME 20, NO. 40 

EDITOR/PUBLISHERValerie J. Morgan 

[email protected] 

GENERAL MANAGERGlenn L. Morgan 

[email protected]

STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith 

[email protected]

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill 

[email protected] 

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Community News

Attorney Mawuli Davis

Rockdale County Deputy Tiffany Castillo

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For the first time in 13 years, the Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA) is accepting pre-applications for its tenant-based Housing

Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) Waiting List. Through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, AHA provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families. Those interested in a chance to be on the waiting list must submit a pre-application online at www.atlantahousing.org between 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, when the registration period opens, and Tuesday, Jan.13, at 5 p.m., when the registration period closes. All registrants will be considered equally, regardless of when they apply during this pre-application registration period.

“AHA recognizes the growing need for affordable, safe and sanitary housing. By opening the waiting list, we will be able to support 10,000 low-income households in finding housing that suits their families’ needs,” said Joy Fitzgerald, interim President and Chief Executive Officer.

Pre-applications will not be available in paper form and cannot be submitted at any AHA location. Only one pre-application per registrant will be accepted. Registrants must have a valid email address.

AHA anticipates an unprecedented number of families, seniors, and people with disabilities to

submit pre-applications. Once the pre-application period closes, 10,000 registrants will be chosen for the final waiting list via a computerized, random selection process.

After the waiting list of 10,000 applicants is established, AHA will use a computerized, random selection process to draw applicants from the waiting list on a periodic basis as Housing Choice Voucher funding is available. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, or an emancipated minor as defined by law, and must meet program eligibility requirements for AHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program. HCVP eligibility criteria are available at www.atlantahousing.org.

For those who may need help in completing the pre-application or language translation, assistance is available at the AHA Waiting List hotline, 1-800-603-9291 during the registration period. Registrants with hearing or speech disabilities using TDD or TTY technology may call Georgia Relay Services at 7-1-1 for assistance.

Those without access to the Internet may go to sites with computers available for public use, such as public libraries. For a list of Internet access sites in Atlanta, visit www.atlantahousing.org or call the waiting list hotline at 1-800-603-9291.

Air Force veteran sues Grady Hospital over security guard beating By Joshua Smith

Air Force veteran Bryan L. Jones spends a lot of time traveling back and forth from the Atlanta VA Medical Center and his home in Southwest Atlanta. Jones suffers from injuries he sustained after Grady Hospital security guards attacked him on Jan. 2, 2014.

Attorney Mawuli Davis, who is representing Jones, recently held a press conference at the Davis Bozeman law firm in Decatur to announce that he has filed a lawsuit against Grady Hospital. The suit, filed in Fulton County State Court, seeks compensatory and punitive damages, along with costs for medical bills for Jones’ injuries, psychological and emotional distress.

Davis said Jones went to Grady by ambulance, suffering from a high fever. He was directed to sit in the waiting room until medical personnel could see him. Jones says while in the waiting area, he could not catch his breath so he walked to a hospital corridor and ended up collapsing on a nearby stretcher. That’s when he had the altercation with security guards.

Guards ordered Jones to get off of the stretcher and then they tried to physically remove him. The four guards kicked Jones in the back and head and punched him in the stomach. After the attack, they reportedly had him arrested for breaching the peace. After his arrest, Jones ended up at the VA Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with the H1N1 or swine flu, which can be deadly.

Davis said Jones, 48, continues to suffer from injuries from the security guards’ attack.

“The pain in his back is still lingering. Mr. Jones was assaulted and falsely imprisoned for laying on a stretcher in the Grady emergency room. The punching in the stomach by the security staff at Grady was so hard that it also caused Mr. Jones to use the bathroom on himself. That is significant,” said Davis. “He was a man weakened by a condition. A man who was basically beat by security guards after being ordered by them to leave the hospital without treatment.”

Attorney Tawanna Morgan of the Davis Bozeman Law Firm made several attempts to obtain the hospital’s video recordings to see footage of what happened. However, Grady officials said the hospital’s cameras weren’t working that night.

Grady released this statement concerning the case: “Our internal investigation results differ significantly from what Mr. Jones claims. Our findings show that he exhibited aggressive

behavior in our emergency department waiting room that required action by Grady Public Safety to maintain the safety of other patients and the emergency department staff.”

Before the incident, Jones had enrolled in Morehouse College and completed about half his coursework with a 3.85 grade point average, fulfilling a lifetime goal of securing a higher education, Davis said.

“We suspect the security guards mistook my client as being a homeless man who had come into the emergency room to escape the weather described at the time by Channel 2 Action News as “the arctic express” with lows expected to be around 20 degrees and feeling like zero with the wind-chill factor,” said Davis. “Mr. Jones is a native of Jamaica, an Air Force veteran, and had been gainfully employed during his adult life and served on the board of the local chapter of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.”

Rockdale deputy shows compassion, showers needy family with gifts

Rockdale County Deputy Tiffany Castillo helped a family in need after pulling over the car in which they were riding for a minor traffic violation. Castillo noticed two toddlers in the back seat who appeared sick. The children’s mother said she was taking them to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle had picked up the family after seeing them walking alongside the roadway in the cold. One of the children did not have a coat.

After arranging transportation to the hospital, Castillo followed up with the mother and learned that her 1-year-old did not have a coat. The mother said she was struggling and was living from house to house, because she did not have the money to pay her electricity bill. She said the children didn’t have anything for Christmas either.

The deputy took it upon herself to lend the family a helping hand. With the help of friends and family, Castillo was able to secure donations from Toys for Tots, Grant a Wish, as well as monetary donations. Sgt. Pilgrim with the RCSO also helped with soliciting donations from Salem High School, Fred’s department store, and other businesses.

“Deputy Castillo went over and beyond of her call of duty to help this family out for Christmas,” said Sheriff Eric J. Levett. “This story truly shows that law enforcement officers care about the community and citizens in which they work and live in. I am very proud to have deputies like Tiffany Castillo working for the RCSO.”

Atlanta’s Section 8 waiting list opens for 10,000 to apply

PAGE 4  JANUARY 3, 2015

Coming Up

City of Decatur to host “Run with the Dogs”

The City of Decatur and Decatur High School, 310 N. McDonough St., will host “Run With the Dogs” on Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m., for dog lovers and Man’s best friend.

The run/walk will begin and end on North McDonough Street in front of Decatur High School and will run through City of Decatur residential areas. The course will be well marked and supervised by volunteers and the City of Decatur Police Department. Water stations will be positioned along the course and splits will be given at mile points. Refreshments will be available at the finish.

The cost to run/walk is $24. City of Decatur students and teachers can run for $15. Proceeds will benefit the Decatur Bulldog Booster Club to help fund the sports programs at Decatur High School and Renfroe Middle School.

Runners will be divided into the following age groups: 11 and under; 12-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and over 60. Awards will be given to the overall first place male and female runners. All participants will receive long-sleeved shirts. Dogs will receive special prizes as well.

For more information or to register, call Ed Williams at 404-993-1975 or visit the website www.rungeorgia.com/runwiththedogs.html.

ATLANTA

Students invited to Buckhead library poetry contest Become one of Buckhead’s famous young poets and win a prize. Atlanta

students are invited to enter their poems in a contest hosted by the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Buckhead branch, 269 Buckhead Ave., N.E., Atlanta.

Poems for the Ida Williams Memorial poetry contest will be accepted Jan. 2-April 18 during normal library hours.

There are three grade categories (grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8) with many chances to win first and second prizes in each grade category.

Winning entries will earn Barnes & Noble gift cards. Poetry can be free-verse or rhyming. Entries can be hand-written or typed. Several entries per person are allowed. The contest is sponsored by the North Side Library Association. 404-730-1700.

‘State of MARTA’ to be streamed live online The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will host the 2015 “State of

MARTA: Transformation from Good to Great” breakfast on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 7:30 – 9 a.m., at MARTA Headquarters, 2424 Piedmont Road, Atlanta.

The event will spotlight the agency’s expansion into Clayton County and provide a status report on MARTAt service to the metro Atlanta region.

Special guests include Therese W. McMillan, acting administrator for the Federal Transit Administration; Dana Lemon, Georgia Department of Transportation board member; Jeffrey E. Turner, chairman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners; Ceasar C. Mitchell, president of the Atlanta City Council and Douglas R. Hooker, executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Erin Coleman, WSB-TV news anchor, will emcee the event and Ed Baker, publisher of the Atlanta Business Chronicle, will moderate a discussion on MARTA’s increasing role in metro Atlanta’s growth and development.

The event is invitation only, but will be streamed live online at www.itsmarta.com, enabling the public to view it remotely. 404-848-5000.

DEKALB

Christmas tree pickup service schedule DeKalb County’s sanitation service will offer curbside Christmas tree pickup

Dec. 26 through Jan. 16. Trees will be picked up on regular scheduled recycling days and converted to mulch.

To participate, residents must remove all decorations from trees and place the trees curbside.

Trees larger than 7 feet will be collected. Sanitation scheduled for the holidays for regular trash and other items: §Residential and commercial customers whose regularly scheduled

collection day is Thursday, Dec. 25, will be serviced on Friday, Dec. 26; blue box

and yard trimming recyclable items will also be collected; §Residential and commercial customers whose regularly scheduled

collection day is Friday, Dec. 26, will be serviced on Saturday, Dec. 27. §Residential and commercial customers whose regularly scheduled

collection day is Thursday, Jan. 1, will be serviced on Friday, Jan. 2; blue box and yard trimming recyclable items also will be collected. §Residential and commercial customers whose regularly scheduled

collection day is Friday, Jan. 2, will be serviced on Saturday, Jan. 3. For more information about curbside Christmas tree pickup or how to plan a

beautification project with Keep DeKalb Beautiful, contact 404-371-2654 or [email protected], or visit www.keepdekalbbeautiful.org.

Enchanted Closet hosts “Make a Difference” mixer for volunteers Enchanted Closet, the non-profit known for providing gowns to high school

girls during prom season, is hosting the “Make a Difference” mixer for anyone interested in volunteering with the organization. The mixer will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Hodge Podge Coffee House & Gallery, 720 Moreland Ave, S.E., Atlanta.

“Everyone who has contacted the Enchanted Closet about volunteering and serving together or who is interested in discussing issues plaguing our communities that we can help address in 2015, please save the date, spread the word, and plan to attend our Make a Difference Mixer,” said Bonita C. Johnson, group founder.

In January 2003, the Enchanted Closet was formed as a community service project to outfit disadvantaged girls for their prom. The working philosophy was that no high school girl should miss this rite of passage because she could not afford a dress. Now, the group is more than an organization that provides pretty dresses.

The Enchanted Closet is focused on aiding girls holistically and offers life-readiness workshops to young ladies ages 12-19 years old. These programs provide tools for enhancing self-awareness, self esteem, and self-sufficiency of girls, many of whom are living in foster care, group homes, and primarily single-parent families. For more information: 404-221-3498.

GWINNETT Proposed 2015 budget still available for comment

Gwinnett County residents may still give their input regarding the county’s upcoming budget before commissioners adopt it on Jan. 6, at www.gwinnettcounty.com. Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash presented a proposed $1.42 billion budget for fiscal year 2015 to the Board of Commissioners during a briefing on Nov. 18. Four county residents and business people served on Nash’s budget review committee. After hearing presentations from elected officials and department directors in September, the group studied departmental business plans, budget needs, and revenue projections to make recommendations for the 2015 budget. Commissioners held a public hearing on Dec. 8. The board expects to adopt the 2015 budget on Tuesday, Jan. 6. You can view the entire proposed budget at www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/BoardofCommissioners/2015Budget.

County offers residents workshop on pest control Gwinnett County is registering residents for a free workshop, “Controlling

Pests Around the Home.” The workshop will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27, non – 1 p.m., at the Gwinnett County Extension office, 750 South Perry St., Lawrenceville.

The workshop will teach you ways to control termites and other pests, keep them out of your house, and how pest control companies can best serve you. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required by Jan. 23. Contact Timothy Daly at 678-377-4010 or [email protected].

ROCKDALE

John K. Morgan scholarship open until Jan. 31 Rockdale teens have until Saturday, Jan. 31, to apply for the John K. Morgan

scholarship fund The John K. Morgan Scholarship was established to recognize outstanding

community service in Rockdale County. The scholarship will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding community service in Rockdale County and plans to continue that level of commitment while pursuing a post-secondary education. The scholarship will be awarded to assist with college-related expenses.

The John K. Morgan Scholarship Committee will select finalists to be interviewed prior to making a selection. Interviews will be conducted during February. The recipient(s) will be announced on March 21 at the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families annual awards reception, 5 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy. The scholarship amount will be announced at the awards ceremony.

The application must include a narrative describing your community service in Rockdale County, the name of the organization, dates of service, and type of service provided (maximum of 1,000 words). For more information, contact 770-761-9244 or visit http://www.rockdalecoalition.org.

Ice skating in Olde Town continues through Feb. 8Have An Ice Day Productions’ skating rink in Olde Town Conyers will remain

open until Feb. 8 at 949 S. Main St., Conyers. The rink, a family tradition for many locals, is open, rain or shine. The cost to

skate is $8, plus $2 skate rental, if you don’t bring your own skates. Dates and hours of operation vary. For a complete schedule, visit www.

icedays.com or call 770-554-7506. You can also check the Ice Skating in Olde Town Conyers Facebook page for specials such as a $1 off on rainy days.

JANUARY 3, 2015   PAGE 5

DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May

Commissioner Larry Johnson

DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May to deliver State of the County AddressDeKalb Interim CEO Lee May will deliver his State of the

County Address to the business community and the community at large during separate events on Thursday, Jan. 22.

May will provide a review of the county’s accomplishments and challenges for 2014 and give his outlook for 2015.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Quality Growth will host May for its business luncheon at 11 a.m. at the Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Center, 2500 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta. Admission is $50 for Council and Chamber members, $75 for non-members and $500 per table. Registration is required and may be made at www.councilforqualitygrowth.org.

May will address the community at large at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Commissioner Larry Johnson to be installed Jan. 5 DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will

celebrate his fourth installation as DeKalb County’s District 3 commissioner on Monday, Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m., at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur.

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the people of District 3 for their support,” said Johnson. “I look forward to more results you can see.”

Johnson was first elected in November 2002 with 92 percent of the vote. As presiding officer of the Board of Commissioners, he is responsible overseeing the meetings and making appointments to the board’s standing committees.

Johnson’s successful track record in community involvement includes several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for DeKalb residents. As an example, Johnson launched “Let’s Move DeKalb,” a local version of First Lady Michelle Obama’s national health initiative. Through “Let’s Move DeKalb,” Johnson leads several health fairs and neighborhood walks throughout the year to promote healthy living.

A health education coordinator for the DeKalb Board of Health, Johnson collaborated with the South DeKalb Pedestrian Safety Coalition and state lawmakers in getting House Bill 1240 passed. House Bill 1240 gives pedestrians the right-of- way in crosswalks.

Annually, Johnson sponsors the Tree of Love to raise gifts and donations for needy children during the Christmas holidays.

Johnson also has worked to bring economic development and revitalization to South DeKalb, most recently in the Wesley Chapel corridor where a new Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donut, opened.

DeKalb Schools win gold in Aurora AwardsThe Aurora Awards has named DeKalb County School District’s PDSTV-24

as a multiple Gold award winner for its TV program, “The Bridge” Season 2. The Bridge received four Aurora Awards for Editing, Original/Score/Music, Music Variety and Educational Programming. Judging panels included working film and video professionals from virtually all 50 states. The DeKalb County School District is the only school system to win these awards for fall 2014.

Based in Salt Lake City, UT, the Aurora Awards is an international competition created in 1996 designed to recognize excellence in the film and video industries. Films and videos are judged nationally and have met high achievement in professional execution, quality content and great creativity.

“Congratulations to the more than 40 DeKalb students who created, produced and performed in The Bridge,” said Superintendent Michael Thurmond. “These talented, dedicated students have shared their talents with all of us. And we are enriched with the experience.”

The students will be recognized for this achievement at the Jan. 12 Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m.

The innovative series features high school students from DeKalb schools set in a group forum where students discuss hot topics from a teen perspective. Season 2 of The Bridge includes celebrity guests and performances from Whodini, Famous 2 Most, SalsAtlanta, Sydney

Rhame and Zaviel Janae as well as experts and community leaders discussing domestic violence, school resources, social media and driver safety, and interacting with police officers.

For more information about “The Bridge!” and PDSTV-24 programming, visit www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/wwwpdstv-24/.

Keep DeKalb Beautiful wants your old electronics, gently-used shoes

Keep DeKalb Beautiful and Northlake Mall will host a recycling event to collect old electronics on Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. – noon, in the Northlake Mall parking lot, 4800 Briarcliff Road, N.E., Atlanta.

Now’s the time to recycle desktop and laptop computers, cell phones, game consoles, microwaves, curling irons, stereos, vacuum cleaners and toasters. There will be additional charges for CRT televisions, monitors, wooden consoles, projectors and plasma televisions.

The event will also serve as a shoe drive for the needy. Participants are asked to donate gently-used shoes upon arrival.

For more information, call 404-371-2654 or visit keepdekalbbeautiful.org.

PAGE 6  JANUARY 3, 2015

Streetcar continued from page 1

District 5 continued from page 1

Deposit is NON-Refundable

1st Deposit $100 Due By Nov. 14, 2014. Remaining Balance Due Jan. 16, 2015

Get Ready for Mardi Gras!

Contact Person: Sheila Willis at MLB Trans 404-576-2360.

MLB Charter Tour Buses we will be leaving Atlanta for New Orleans Feb. 6-8, 2015

The trip includes: The cost is as follows:~ Roundtrip Bus Ride ~ Snacks and Drinks on the Bus ~ 2 Nights Stay at the Doubletree

Hilton on Canal Street

QUAD �������������������������$230 ppTRIPLE �����������������������$270 ppDOUBLE ���������������������$355 ppONE ���������������������������$610 pp

city, state and federal partnerships,” said Reed, pointing out that Atlanta received $47.6 million in federal funding for the project. The award, Reed said, was the single-largest federal appropriation the city has seen in a decade outside of the MARTA and the Jackson-Hartsfield Airport projects. The project also received support from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration, Georgia Department of Transportation, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, and MARTA. The Atlanta Streetcar uses the same Breeze smart-card technology as MARTA bus

and rail service. The Atlanta Streetcar, which

broke ground in 2012, was originally scheduled to open in April or May 2013. The opening, however, was delayed due to cost overruns and safety issues concerning pavement markings and signage to warn drivers not to turn in front of the streetcars. Officials also wanted to make sure that employees were properly trained to work on the streetcars.

Streetcars originally operated in Atlanta from 1871 until Georgia Power operated the city’s last one in 1949. The system was replaced by the trolley bus.

a means to quickly and efficiently fill vacant seats to ensure that citizens will always have responsible and responsive representation.”

DeKalb NAACP President John Evans said although he has not spoken with Ramsey about the bill, he is not in favor of the governor having the authority to fill the seat.

“We don’t want the governor to be involved in every decision when our elected officials can’t get along. I understand the need to expedite this process because it has dragged on long enough, but I would refuse to give that authority to the governor,” said Evans, who criticized the three board members who have opposed the appointment with holding the seat “hostage.” The seat is considered critical because the person who holds it will be the tie-breaker on the seven-person board.

The Board of Commission’s (BOC) District 5 seat has been in limbo since July 17, 2013 when Lee May, who was elected to serve District 5, was appointed by the governor as DeKalb’s Interim CEO to temporarily replace Burrell Ellis, who was suspended amidst corruption allegations. May was presiding officer of the BOC, holding the board’s top-ranking position, when the governor appointed him as Interim CEO.

George Turner, a long-time activist in South DeKalb, was named to temporarily fill May’s seat following

an applications process that included 20 candidates. However, the BOC’s vote to confirm Turner has remained divided along racial lines: The board’s three white commissioners have continually blocked the temporary appointment with two voting against and one abstaining, while the three black commissioners all have voted to approve it. Four votes are needed to approve the appointment or the county’s executive officer can break a tie. May has said he would break the tie with a yes vote but the three white commissioners have ensured that would not happen by making sure there isn’t a tie.

The board’s most recent deadlock, its seventh, was on Dec. 16. The commissioners who are against the Turner appointment have said they want May to resign from the seat so a special election can be held to fill the post.

But Ramsey said too much time already has passed. He also said May should not be forced to resign his seat because he was temporarily appointed by the governor to head the county.

“My goal is to get the bill pushed through immediately. I am hoping to get the support for it and I will be working toward that end,” said Ramsey, adding that the bill will be a top priority when the 2015 legislative session begins on Jan. 12.

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JANUARY 3, 2015   PAGE 7

ATLANTA

Ebenezer to host commemorative service The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service will be held on

Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m., at Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Horizon Sanctuary, 407 Auburn Ave., N.E., Atlanta.

The ecumenical service, which is open to the public, is the spiritual hallmark of the King Holiday Observance in Georgia. Members of various religious traditions and state, national, and international governments will participate.

Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, the first female president of Alabama State University, will be the keynote speaker at The King Center’s 47th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service.

In addition to serving as president of Alabama State University since February 2014, Boyd has served on the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans and as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Boyd, an ordained itinerant elder in the AME Church, was awarded the Doctor of Ministry and Master’s degrees from Howard University, as well as a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University. She has also chaired the Johns Hopkins University Diversity leadership Council.

Ebenezer Baptist Church was originally founded in 1886 during the Reconstruction Era. The Rev Martin Luther King, Jr. his father, Martin Luther King, Sr., and Martin’s brother, Alfred Daniel “A.D.” Williams King, have all pastored the church.

Other program participants include a host of federal, state and elected officials, social change advocates, community leaders and public figures from the arts, education and the faith community. The program is televised locally every year by Fox5 Atlanta.

The church seats 2,000 people. Early arrival is suggested.

King Center to recognize President Clinton at awards dinnerThe King Center will recognize President Bill Clinton for his work with The

Clinton Foundation, including his bi-partisan efforts with the Clinton Global Initiative, by presenting him with one of the center’s highest honors, the Salute to Greatness Award.

The award is given during the Annual Salute to Greatness Awards dinner. “The dinner is our primary fundraiser and provides an opportunity for The

King Center to recognize an individual and a corporation that reflect excellence in leadership and a commitment to social responsibility in the spirit of my father,” said King Center CEO, Dr. Bernice A. King.

Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit the King Center’s website at www.thekingcenter.org or call 404-526-8911 for further details.

Emory seeks volunteers for beautification projects Emory University students and staff will be working with residents on various

beautification projects in the city. “Each Spring, volunteers from Emory and the community take on a day of

service,” said Emory’s Director of Days of Service Arianna Robbins. “True to Dr. King’s legacy, Emory’s Day On looks to immerse Emory staff and students, and volunteers in Atlanta’s culture of service and social justice.”

Some projects include gardening and cleaning at historic sites, parks and schools, helping animal shelters, and working on community projects for senior citizens.

For a list of service projects and more information on how you can get involved, call 404-727-6123 or visit www.emory.edu.

DEKALB

MLK service projects set in Decatur On Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19, residents in the city of Decatur

will take on the 13th annual MLK Service Project.Residents are invited to sign up to do home repairs and yard work for Decatur

senior citizens to help them live safely, comfortably and affordably in their homes. Volunteers may work one or more shifts: Saturday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 18, 1 - 5 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m.

Please sign up in advance. Volunteers meet 30 minutes before the start of each shift at the Solarium at the Community Center of South Decatur, 321 W. Hill St., Decatur.

Volunteer positions include home repairs, yard work/landscaping, cleaning gutters, transporting materials, monitoring and organizing tool inventory and more. Donations of sandwiches and desserts are also appreciated.

Volunteers must be 12 or older, unless volunteering with an organization such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. All volunteers must complete a waiver and release (volunteers under 18 must have form signed by parent or guardian).

If possible, bring your own home repair tools, yard work tools, and work gloves. Be sure to dress for the weather.

For more information on the project or to donate, visit www.mlkserviceproject.com. To find out how you can be involved, contact Lee Ann Harvey, at [email protected] or 770-652-8593.

DeKalb Library System to host events in King’s honor The DeKalb County Library System’s Doraville branch, 3748 Central Ave.,

Doraville, will hold a MLK Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Tweens and teens are invited to join volunteers at the Doraville Library for a day

of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteers will help library staff prepare craft kits for the branch’s summer vacation reading program. Staff says this act will beautify the library. The event will end with a birthday celebration for Dr. King. 770-936-3852.

The library system’s Lithonia-Davidson branch, 6821 Church St., Lithonia, will hold “I Have a Dream” on Tuesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Families and residents of all ages are invited to come to the branch to celebrate Martin Luther King’s Jr. vision for peace for all. Write down your own dream for America in the branch’s “Dreamin” jar. All participants will receive giveaway items for sharing their dream. 770-482-3820.

The system’s Stonecrest branch, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, is inviting preschoolers, ages 3 – 5, to enjoy a Dr. King story time and craft session on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Attendees will hear stories and sing songs focused on Dr. King and his legacy. They can also make crafts and color pictures highlighting Dr. King and civil rights.

DeKalb NAACP parade and rally set in historic Stone Mountain The DeKalb County NAACP’s 13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade

will take place on Monday, Jan. 19, 12:30 p.m., starting in the parking lot of Green Pastures Christian Ministries Inc., 5455 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The parade ends at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, at the intersection of 3991 Snapfinger Road and MLK Parkway, Lithonia.

Organizers say the annual parade is a festive event celebrating one of the world’s greatest heroes. This year’s grand marshals will be NBA champion and former 76er Reginald “Reggie” Johnson and WSBTV television reporter Tom Jones. Parade participants must arrive for line-up on or before 10:30 a.m.

Jared Sawyer, Jr., a local 17-year-old pastor, singer, and author, will recite King’s famed “I Have a Dream Speech” at the conclusion of the parade.

The parade concludes with a rally at the high school. Attendees will be entertained by local high school bands including MLK Jr., Clarkston, Stone Mountain, Cedar Grove and Cross Keys. The community is also encouraged to bring signs to the parade and rally with messages such as “We Love You Dr. King” and “Happy Birthday Dr. King.”

Martin Luther King Day service project in Lithonia Keep DeKalb Beautiful and the City of Lithonia will host “A Day On, Not a Day

Off,” community service project, on Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main St., Lithonia.

This is the second annual community cleanup hosted by the city and the DeKalb county service group. Families are invited to join for beautification of the community.

For more information on the planned projects, visit www.keepdekalbbeautiful.org or call 404-294-2010.

New Bethel to present 14th Annual MLK Drum Major Awards Pastor Richard Allen Washington, Sr. and the New Bethel A.M.E. Church, 8350

Rockbridge Road, Lithonia will celebrate its 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award Celebration on Monday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “We are the keepers of the dream.” The keynote speaker will be Dr. Cheryl Dozier, president of Savannah State University. Dozier was named the 13th president of Savannah State University on May 9, 2012 after serving one year as interim president.

John Evans, president of the DeKalb County NAACP, will be among several people honored at the program. The event is free and open to the community. 770-484-3350.

GWINNETT

United Ebony Society ready for Annual MLK Day Parade The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County, Inc. will host its 15th Annual

MLK Day Parade on Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. The parade will start at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville and end at Moore Middle School, 1221 Lawrenceville Highway.

The theme of the parade is “Uniting in Faith and Perseverance: Celebrating 15 Years in Gwinnett.” Organizers say the theme underscores how faith and perseverance enabled the United Ebony Society to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King through the vision of creating the first MLK Annual Parade in Gwinnett County.

Following the parade, a free health and wellness fair will be held at Moore Middle School. There will be free health screenings and educational materials on heart disease, stroke, blood pressure, breast cancer, sickle cell, domestic violence awareness, fire and safety, and the Affordable Healthcare Act.

This year, the parade features singing from Hope & Life Music, a Gwinnett-based ministry.

ROCKDALE

Rockdale Chamber, NAACP set benefit breakfast The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale branch of the

NAACP will co-host a benefit breakfast on Monday, Jan. 19, commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The event will be held at 7:45 a.m. at Longhorn Steakhouse, located on Iris Drive near I-20 and West Avenue. The annual breakfast has served as a meeting for the community and elected officials to discuss what the King holiday means and to share ideas about upcoming projects for the year.

The cost to attend the breakfast is $10. The event usually draws a large turnout. Arrive early. There is limited seating.

Proceeds will benefit the United Way. For tickets or more information, call 770-483-7049.

Events across the Metro celebrate the life of the late Nobel Peace Prize winner The nation will celebrate Monday, Jan. 19, as the King Holiday. The day will mark the 29th

anniversary of the national holiday named in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Nobel Peace Prize winner would have been 86 on Jan. 15. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Events are planned throughout the metro Atlanta area to remember King for the indelible mark he made on the nation. Organizers want people to use the holiday not as a day off, but as a day of activism.

Below is a listing of some of the ways local residents will remember Atlanta’s native son.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Celebrating

PAGE 8  JANUARY 3, 2015

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the film as far as a global threat, but if leaders in North Korea see it, I expect them to release some kind of negative statement.”

The movie deeply angered North Korea and may have triggered a cyber attack on Sony, according to news reports around the country. The hack, from a group calling itself the “Guardians of Peace,” led to the leaking of confidential information including Sony’s upcoming movie scripts, emails and actors’ salaries.

Sony halted the release after unspecified threats of attacks against cinemas. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) later said its investigation into the hacking attack pointed the finger at North Korea. The country denied involvement, but described the hack as a “righteous deed.”

Sony said in a statement that the movie was made available in the U.S. and Canada through Google services YouTube and Play, Microsoft’s Xbox Video and its dedicated website in HD versions for 48-hour rental at $5.99 and for purchase at $14.99

Sony’s initial move to cancel the

film’s release drew criticism in the U.S. including from President Barack Obama, who said it meant freedom of expression was under threat.

Michael Furlinger, a co-owner of the Plaza Theatre, said “The Interview” was the highest-viewed movie in the theatre’s 75-year history, with multiple screenings selling out on Christmas. The theatre holds 1,300 seats. The theatre held screenings at 4, 5, 6:30, 7:30 and 9:35 p.m.

“I flipped out when I was first told we couldn’t play it in our country, a country founded on free speech,” said Furlinger. “We cannot have a society in which a dictator in another land can start imposing censorship here in the United States.”

Plaza employees met moviegoers with “Freedom Prevails” on their marquee.

In its first day of release, “The Interview” made just over $1million in ticket sales across the nation, showing at 331 private movie theatres.

Theatre owners have not yet released information on when they will stop showing the film.

The Interview continued from page 1

The Constitutional officers of Gwinnett County-- Sheriff Butch Conway, Clerk of Courts Richard Alexander, Probate Judge Christopher Ballar and Tax Commissioner Richard Steele--in partnership with the Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia invite Georgia high school seniors and current college undergraduates to apply for a scholarship contest. Each year, the Constitutional Officer’s Association of Georgia offers

Georgia students a chance to win scholarships. This year, the association will offer three scholarships, one each in the amounts of $1,500, $1,000 and $500. To be eligible for this year’s scholarship, students must be residents of Georgia, graduate from high school by the spring of 2015, or be enrolled in an accredited Georgia college or university. Students must also seek a degree in a field related to government/law enforcement, political science, accounting, finance, business

or pre-law. To apply, applicants must submit a typed, 1,000-word essay that answers the question “How can the local governing authority and the four local constitutional officers in your county partner together to provide a more efficient and cost-effective government?” and provide a letter of acceptance or enrollment from an institution of higher education, a copy of a college application or transcript to provide verification of degree

field, and the COAG scholarship application. All completed applications, documentation and completed essays should be mailed flat in a 9x12 envelope to Suzanne Cross, COAG, P.O. Box 1644, Decatur, GA 30031, by April 1, 2015. For more information, visit http://www.coag.info/ or contact Suzanne Cross at 404-377-1364 or [email protected].

Gwinnett Constitutional officers announce statewide scholarship

JANUARY 3, 2015   PAGE 9

Michael Morand

Kim Bentley

Parkview coach awarded scholarship Parkview High School science teacher Cary Waite Sell was named the

recipient of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators’ (PAGE) Charles “Coach” Cooper Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship is awarded through the PAGE Foundation to a PAGE member pursuing an advanced degree in science education. A resident of Lawrenceville, Sell is pursuing a Ph.D. in Secondary Science Education at the University of Georgia in Athens.

John Varner, president of the PAGE Foundation, noted that the endowed scholarship, which was established through the generosity of Coach Cooper’s widow, Jean Cooper, is a fitting tribute.

“Coach Cooper was a well-known and outstanding educator and coach. We are honored to be able to offer this scholarship in his chosen field in an effort to help other educators advance their knowledge in the area of science,” Varner said.

The PAGE Foundation assists aspiring and existing Georgia educators with scholarship opportunities and supports PAGE in its efforts to provide career-long professional learning opportunities for educators.

Atlanta appoints Amy Phuong to head Parks and Rec The City of Atlanta has appointed Amy Phuong as Commissioner for the

Department of Parks and Recreation. Phuong had served as Interim Commissioner since May, leading the

Department in its effort to retain its National Recreation and Park Association accreditation. The national accreditation is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a park system.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Phuong as the Commissioner of our Department of Parks and Recreation,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “Amy brings the right expertise to help the Department of Parks and Recreation meet the long-term goals of my administration. I am confident that her experience, vision and exceptional commitment to public service will help deliver on our promise to expand best-in-class recreational opportunities and greenspace for our city’s children and families.”

Phuong was also instrumental in overseeing the reconstruction of the John A. White Park pool. Under her leadership, the pool reopened on time with improved amenities including water slides, a zero-depth entry pool zone, new changing rooms and a new bath-house.

“As a native Atlantan, I am honored and excited to serve as the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation,” said Phuong. “Parks and recreation facilities are true community assets that positively contribute to the fabric that makes Atlanta special. Under my leadership, we will strive to become a world-class system.”

Phuong is a graduate of Georgia Tech, a 2014 MBA Candidate of Georgia Tech, and has held board positions with the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Dad’s Theater, FLUX Projects, Keep Atlanta Beautiful, the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta’s Cole Society Advisory Board, and the Quality of Life Advisory Committee for the Fort McPherson Redevelopment Project.

DeKalb Medical announces new leadership

Kim Bentley has been named vice president and administrator for DeKalb Medical Hillandale.

In her new role, Bentley will focus on leadership development, accountability and quality and patient safety.

“Kim brings a wealth of experience and talent to this role, stated DeKalb Medical President & CEO John Shelton. “For the past 16 years, she has been vital to the success of DeKalb Medical and we are thrilled for what she will bring to this new role.”

Bentley served as executive director of Patient Care Services and assistant administrator for Hillandale since her return to DeKalb Medical in 2011. She has also worked as a clinical nurse specialist at Gwinnett Medical Center and served as Chief nursing officer at Emory Johns Creek. Her experiences at DeKalb Medical range from the ICU at North Decatur to the Administrative office at Hillandale.

Bentley received her BS in nursing from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA where she attended on a full Division One track and field scholarship. She later received her master’s degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Kim and her husband, Dion, who is a DeKalb County firefighter, have three daughters.

The DeKalb Medical Foundation has named new medical vice co-chairs. The DeKalb Medical Foundation announced the appointments of two new medical vice co-chairs for its Board of Trustees: Raoul Mayer, M.D. and Melissa W. Seely-Morgan, M.D. Both will serve three-year terms. “I would like to congratulate Dr. Mayer and Dr. Seely-Morgan on their new appointments,” said outgoing Medical Vice Chair, Robin Dretler, M.D, who has served in this role since the Foundation was founded in 1991. “Their medical expertise and commitment to DeKalb Medical will be assets in their new roles. I am confident they will provide the leadership the Foundation Board of Trustees needs to further the mission of the Foundation.”

Raoul Mayer, M.D. currently holds the position of vice president of Medical Affairs at DeKalb Medical while also serving as the preeminent colorectal surgeon with Atlanta Colon and Rectal Surgery, PA., which he joined in 1977. He is a graduate of Columbia College and Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. He completed his General Surgery training at Mount Sinai Hospital and Colon and Rectal fellowship at the University of Minnesota.

Melissa W. Seely-Morgan, M.D. is a specialist in Vascular & Interventional Radiology with Radiology Associates of DeKalb, PC. She is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her internship at Georgetown University Hospital and both, her residency and fellowship, at Emory University.

TO CONTACT USBY PHONE: 678-526-1910BY FAX: 678-526-1909BY E-MAIL: [email protected] ONLINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

People Movers & Shakers in the Community

Southwest DeKalb alumnus named SAU head football coach

Parrish Underwood

Parrish Underwood to head East Lake Family YMCA Parrish

Underwood has been named the new executive director of the East Lake Family YMCA in Atlanta. Underwood brings more than 20 years of successful YMCA leadership and management experience to the position and returns to the community where he began his YMCA career. Rc Pruitt has served as the East

Lake Family YMCA executive director since the East Lake Y opened in 2001. A group vice president and 30-year YMCA professional, Pruitt assumed a new strategic role with the organization effective Jan. 1 He will support the Y’s four-part agenda of ensuring school readiness, improving academic achievement, inspiring civic leadership especially in teens, and empowering healthy living for all. “I’m thrilled to return to the East Atlanta community, a place where I started my YMCA career and called home for many years,” says Underwood. He began his Y career with the YMCA

of Metro Atlanta in 1992 at the Southeast Family YMCA on Memorial Drive, recently renovated as the YMCA Youth and Teen Development Center. He started as the community development director and was promoted to associate executive director in 1998. Most recently, Underwood was executive director of the Summit Family and Fayette Outdoor YMCAs in Newnan and Fayette counties. During his tenure with the Summit and Fayette Ys, membership, program participation and philanthropic support grew substantially, meeting the charge to be fiscally sound and broadly supported, after years of

challenge due to the struggling economy. A major highlight includes developing a partnership with the City of Newnan and Coweta Boys and Girls Club to establish programs and services such as early childhood development, after-school and teen leadership in an underserved community in the heart of Newnan. Underwood received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Morehouse College before earning his master’s degree in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Michael Morand, a Southwest DeKalb High School alumnus, has been named head football coach at Saint Augustine University (SAU) in North Carolina.

“We are very pleased to have Coach Michael Morand as the new football coach at Saint Augustine’s University,” SAU Athletic Director George Williams said. “He will bring a lot of stability to the program and university and continue to guide and lead our student athletes in a very positive manner academically and athletically.”

Morand took over the SAU Falcons’ football team as interim head coach after the first game of the 2014 season. The Falcons finished third in the CIAA Southern Division after they were picked

fifth in the preseason. Their conference record tied for the sixth-best among 12 CIAA teams after they were predicted to be the ninth-best CIAA team in July 2014. The Falcons produced three All-CIAA players under Morand’s direction. In addition to the All-CIAA picks, seven Falcons were named to the “All-CIAA Rookie Team” and the “CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year.”

Morand also earned two coaching accolades during the season. He was named “CIAA Coach of the Week” and USA College Football Division II “National Coach of the Week.”

Morand said the appointment was a dream come true and serves as the best Christmas gift he could have ever received.

“First of all, I would like to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity,” Morand said. “I want to thank Interim President Everett B. Ward and Coach Williams for making my dream come true in naming me head football coach at this great

university. I look forward to the football program building relationships with the administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community.”

In high school, Morand played multiple positions, helping Southwest DeKalb High win the Georgia State Championship and earn a No. 11 national ranking in the USA Today poll. He graduated from the Decatur high school in 1996.

Morand received a Bachelor of Science degree at Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Specialization Sports Management at Nova Southeastern University. Morand was quarterback at Florida A&M University from 1996-1999. With Morand as quarterback, Florida A&M won the MEAC Championship in 1996, the Co-MEAC Championship in 1998 and the Black College National Championship in 1998. The Rattlers participated in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs each year during Morand’s career.

Morand said education would remain one of his top goals in his tenure as the head coach.

“The goals that I set forth are to have a 100 percent graduation rate, mold young men and build a championship environment,” said Morand. “I realize the challenge, but I’ve always liked challenges. No one can put greater pressure on me than I put on myself.”

Morand has coached four players who either played or are currently playing in the NFL and Canadian Football League (CFL). Offensive lineman Nathan Isles (North Carolina A&T) signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Wallace Miles (North Carolina A&T) signed a free agent contract with Detroit Lions. Defensive lineman William Hayes (Barber-Scotia) signed a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans and tight end Chris Conklin (Wingate) signed a free agent contract with Carolina Panthers.

PAGE 10  JANUARY 3, 2015

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Are you looking to start a new business? Want to turn your passion into a profit in 2015? It’s time to register for the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy. The academy, which begins on Feb. 16 and runs for seven weeks, is accepting registrations now.

“The Entrepreneurial Academy is a

course designed with the entrepreneur or small business in mind. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, this academy has something for you,” said Chamber President Fred Boscarino. “Experienced business people who have been there, and tried that, will share their experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls and be better prepared to establish your business for growth and prosperity.”

Boscarino says the Entrepreneurial Academy has drawn participants from Stockbridge, College Park, Stone Mountain, Forest Park, Lithonia, Decatur and even McDonough.

Seasoned business professionals present a new topic each week the academy is held. Instructors include technology consultants, life coaches, bankers, financial planners, and representatives from H&R Block.

The format ranges from panel

discussions to lectures to hands-on training. In addition to gaining valuable information, participants will also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals who hope to establish or expand a small business.

The academy and its instructors address topics such as: Accounting/Bookkeeping, Legalities of Starting a Business, Legal Issues and Ethics, Handling Expenses, Managing Revenues, Marketing Your Business, Retirement Planning for the Small Businessperson, Business Liability Insurance, Computer/Technology Resources and Online Marketing.

Esther Williams, a 2013 graduate of the academy, said while it took her two years to earn her master’s degree in business administration in 2000 at the University of Phoenix, it took her six weeks at the academy to learn everything she needed to start her own business.

“Everything—from insurance to opening policies—it was all covered. It’s really what I needed to get things up and running,” said Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor. “The instructors are successful business men and women yes, but more importantly, they are down to earth and they have the street smarts that you can’t find in a book.”

Since the academy, Williams launched Green Hygiene Company, LLC. The business offers environmentally-safe cleaning products on both a corporate level and for household cleaning.

The academy is held at the Rockdale Career Academy Building in Conyers. Classes are on Mondays, 6 – 9 p.m. The costs for the seven-week program is $175. The fee includes class materials, refreshments before each class and a graduation dinner. For more information or to register, call 770-483-7049.

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JANUARY 3, 2015   PAGE 11

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