June 14, 2014

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 11  WWW.OCGNEWS.COM  JUNE 14, 2014  FREE

SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES n WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Rockdale Fire Chief Dan Morgan

Mayor Reed kicks off summer reading for kids ....page 8 DeKalb County Police receive CALEA accreditation ....page 9

Community

DeKalb sets basketball camps with Atlanta Hawks ....page 5

Community Community

Celebrating19 years

See Firefighers, page 6

See YMCA, page 7

Rockdale County Fire Rescue is recruiting firefighters. The department hopes to hire about

10 firefighters by the end of the year.“We are a little understaffed

for different reasons–retirements, firefighters moving to other careers or other departments. We are about eight people short and we have two people expected to retire in July, said RCFR Deputy Chief of Operations Joel Yonder, who announced the recruiting effort on June 10 at the Board of Commissioners meeting.

Job candidates must be willing to work in all types of weather and overnight shifts.

“You have to be willing to work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shifts, so you will be away from your home and family for 24 hours at a time and that can be difficult for a lot of families if your shift is on something like Christmas or on a birthday,” Yonder said.

State requirements are: Being at least 18, having a good driving record, passing a criminal background check and having a high school diploma or GED. Candidates also must pass an agility test.

Fire Chief Dan Morgan says he hopes will receive as many as 300 to 400 applicants.

“From that pool of people, we expect 200 will go through a series of exams, 150 to 200 will make it through the physical agility test and 75 to 100 will make it to the interview process,” said Chief Morgan. “From that process, we ultimately hope to hire 10 to 12 people for entry-level positions. The hiring process is expected to last

through October, with a tentative start date for those selected in early November. Because of the number of applicants expected and the amount of testing involved in the hiring process, it will take that long to select the best candidates.”

RCFR will host an open house for interested applicants on Monday, June 16, 1 to 8 p.m. at its headquarters, 1496 Rockbridge Road, Conyers.

This will be an opportunity for interested parties to ask any questions regarding the regarding the hiring process, the career as a firefighter, as

well as any other questions they may have. There will be computers available with Internet connection so that anyone interested may apply for the position during the open house. There will also be human resources staff members present to answer any additional questions regarding benefits, or any other human resource type questions.

“This is something we are really excited about and we hope it goes over well with a large attendance. At the open house, we hope to meet people who are hard working, ambitious, are good at communicating with staff and people out in the community, as well as be eager to learn new things,” said Deputy Chief Yonder.

In March, Rockdale Commissioner Oz Nesbitt criticized Rockdale’s Fire Department after it hired 16 firefighters, none of whom were African American.

Rockdale Fire Department recruiting firefighters

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

By Joshua Smith

DeKalb County’s Board of Commissioners are divided over a proposal to spend $4.5 million for the South DeKalb

YMCA. While three commissioners are

pushing for the purchase--Larry Johnson, Stan Watson and Sharon Barnes Sutton, the other three commissioners-- Jeff Rader, Kathie Gannon and Elaine Boyer—are against the purchase.

For now, the proposed deal is stalled. Commissioner Rader abstain from voting at the board’s June 10 meeting, avoiding a tie that would have required a tie to be

broken by DeKalb’s interim CEO Lee May. The issue could, however, come up again at the next County Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 24.

Under the proposed deal, the county would buy the South DeKalb YMCA at 2565 Snapfinger Road in Decatur with taxpayer-backed green space bonds for just under $4.5 million, and then lease the property back to the Y for $1 a year over the next 50 years. The money from the sale would go to renovate the Y and expand programming.

Metro Atlanta YMCA Chief Operating Officer Eston Hood said he’s

Lithonia resident Clinton Raines joined a group of passionate supporters who want the county to buy the South DeKalb YMCA.

Family Fest brings fun for all Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Annual Family Fun and Food Fest provided dozens of families with carnival favorites such as cotton candy and snow cones to cool off in the hot summer sun. This was the third annual event for the college. GPTC also unveiled a new walking trail for the community and students during the June 7 festival in Covington. For more on this story, visit www.ocgnews.com

DeKalb commissioners at odds over proposal to buy South DeKalb YMCA

PAGE 2  JUNE 14, 2014

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JUNE 14, 2014   PAGE 3

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Community News

See Commission seat, page 6

Loren Hooks

Interim CEO Lee May Faye Coffield

Because money does not grow on trees.

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That’s why I installed a programmable thermostat and got a $100 rebate.

As of June 12, at least three people had submitted applications to fill the interim DeKalb County Board of Commissioner’s District 5 seat.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, July 3. “We’ve put out the advertisement in local

media sources and now we are waiting for more people to respond,” said Interim CEO May, who held the seat from 2006 to 2013, when Gov. Nathan Deal appointed him to the position of CEO on July 16.

May says whoever is tapped to be the interim commissioner to replace him will be called upon to make an immediate impact on the county.

“Whoever is selected for the position will need to have a great deal of knowledge when it comes to zoning and budgeting. The person filling the seat will be called on to make critical decisions from their first day on the job,” said May.

As commissioner, May had served as presiding officer, former chairman of the budget and finance committee and a former member on the board’s public safety and general safety committee.

May says he will soon be enlist a three-member panel to narrow the field to two qualified candidates. May says he will then submit one of those names to the Board of Commissioners for the appointment.

Any resident in Lithonia, Decatur and Stone Mountain who lives in DeKalb Commission District 5 can apply for the seat. The selected person will represent a district with 145,000 residents.

Community activist Faye Coffield, who has started a “Why Faye Coffield Should be DeKalb 5th District Commissioner” Facebook group, made an appeal for the seat at the

board’s June 10 meeting. “The fifth district seat appointment

should go to someone who is going to serve the community, bring economic development to the district and show that they are concerned about the people of District 5. From my work in the community, I have shown over the years that I meet all of those requirements,” said Coffield, who lives in Lithonia. “We have a lot of problems and corrupt officials here and we need someone who will work hand in hand with law enforcement to address these problems and other issues.” The appointee will serve until CEO Burrell

After a thorough investigation, the MARTA Police Department arrested Loren Hooks, 43, of Atlanta and charged him with simple battery in connection with the June 7 incident involving a 68-year-old customer who was forcibly removed from a train stopped at the East Lake rail station. Hooks was transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

MARTA learned about the incident after a video was posted on the internet. MARTA officials said the transit company appreciates the tips and other assistance it received from witnesses who provided information about this incident. MARTA officials are reminding customers to immediately alert police or other personnel whenever they experience unusual, suspicious or illegal activity on trains, buses or in rail stations.

Customers can always dial (404) 848-4911 to report an emergency or, when using the rail system, simply pick up the marked, customer assistance phones on the platform. Intercom units are located inside every rail car and can be used to notify the train operator. All customers with smartphones may also download MARTA’s free “See & Say” app that enables them to contact MARTA Police and snap a picture discreetly.

MARTA Police arrest suspect in shoving incident Applications trickle in to fill vacant

DeKalb Commissioner seat

“Whoever is selected for the position will need to have a great deal of knowledge when it comes to zoning and budgeting.”

– Interim CEO Lee May

PAGE 4  JUNE 14, 2014

State Rep. Billy Mitchell

Coming Up

DEKALB

State Rep. Billy Mitchell to hold town hall on gun safetyState Rep. Billy Mitchell will host a town hall meeting

on gun safety, Thursday, June 19, 7 p.m., at the Wade Walker YMCA, 5605 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

Rep. Mitchell (D-88) will review HB 60, the controversial gun bill, and representatives from the Police Department will make a presentation to teach constituents about proper gun use, storage, and safety. Only law enforcement officers will be allowed entry with a firearm. The Wade Walker YMCA is a gun free zone. 404-656-0126.

Mount Zion to host musical tribute On June 28 at 5 p.m. join Polly, Friends and Family, a musical tribute of classical, traditional gospel and show tunes performed by members of metro Atlanta choruses including members of the DeKalb Choral Guild. The fundraiser is hosted by Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2977 LaVista Road,Decatur. Light refreshments will be served following the performance. Tickets are $10. Call 404-633-2288.

Decatur 100 Black Women to host annual open house The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Decatur-DeKalb Chapter is

recruiting members. The organization will host an open house on Tuesday, June 17, 5 – 9 p.m., at DeKalb Medical Center’s Hillandale campus, 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia.

Women interested in learning more about the organization are invited. The national group has garnered more than 6,000 members over the years throughout 60 chapters representing 25 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are looking for women who are leaders in the community with knowledge and experience to share,” said Chapter President Norma Johnson. “This is an exciting time as we continue to grow, develop and enhance our outreach programs.”

For more information, contact Donna Payne at [email protected] or Norma J. Johnson at [email protected].

ATLANTA

“Movies in the Park” offers free family film Atlanta’s Oakland City and

District 4 Atlanta City Council member Cleta Winslow will host “Movies in the Park,” on Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m, at Rev. James Orange Park, 1305 Oakland Drive, Atlanta.

The free showing will feature Walt Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove,” a family-friendly comedy about the “Emporer of all the Incas,” a self-absorbed and mostly loathsome teenager who is transformed into a llama by an evil witch. This film was 40th animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song as well.

Attendees at Movies in the Park are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets. All park rules will apply. The film will be shown on the park’s baseball field.

For more information, please contact Council member Winslow’s office at 404-330-6047.

GWINNETT

Human trafficking forum set in Lawrenceville Gwinnett County’s Human Relations Commission will host a human

trafficking forum on Thursday, June 19, 7 – 9 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, 395 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

The commission is presenting the forum to raise awareness of human trafficking and show how the community can help. Participants will learn what human trafficking is, how to identify it, what the underlying causes are, how to report it, and what local and federal law enforcement, state legislators, and nonprofit support agencies are doing to combat this issue.

The forum will provide important information for parents, caregivers, educators, community leaders and business owners.

For more information about this event or to register, send an email to [email protected].

Aloha Summer-Hawaiian Luau in Stone Mountain Gwinnett County’s Mountain Park Aquatic Center, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone

Mountain, will host a luau for county residents on Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. – 1p.m. The “Hoohiwahiwa,” which means celebration, includes games and hula-hoop

contests. Food trucks will be on site with food for purchase. All pool rules apply. The cost

to attend is $3.25 for ages 3 and under or 50 and older; $4.25 for ages 4 – 10 and $5.50 for ages 11 – 49. 678-277-0870.

ROCKDALEAnnual rubber ducky race to benefit seniors

Rockdale County Senior Services and the county’s senior site council will host the 10th Annual Rubber Ducky Race on Thursday, June 19, 9:30 a.m., at Costley Mill Park, 2455 Costley Mill Road, N.E., Conyers.

Entries are $10 for one “ducky” or $25 for three. Prizes will include video cameras, gift cards and the chance to win the grand prize of a Mega Entertainment Package. It is not necessary to be present to win.

Proceeds from the event benefit Rockdale Senior Services programs’ including Meals on Wheels, congregate meals, Grandparents raising Grandchildren and transportation vouchers.

You can purchase entries at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center, 1240 Dogwood Drive, Conyers. 770-278-7230.

The DeKalb County Fire and Rescue’s Community Education Unit will bring a fire safety house for families to learn about fire safety on Tuesday, June 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the county’s Flat Shoals library branch, 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur.

The fire safety house is a 39-foot travel trailer that is scaled down to a one level house and allows children to experience a simulated fire-like situation in a home setting. Children will be able to walk through a kitchen, living room, and bedroom

attempting to locate fire hazards. The children are also able to practice their escape plan as the fire safety house fills with non-toxic smoke. In addition to teaching residents about fire safety, the house can also be used to train children about what to do in severe weather such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.

The event is open to children ages 6 – 9 and their families. No registration is required. Groups of five or more must call the branch in advance. 404-244-4370.

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L-R: Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee Many and APD Solutions’ CEO Vaughn Irons.

APD Solutions’ CEO Vaughn Irons recognized for five years in business

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee Many and other elected officials honored APD Solutions’ CEO Vaughn Irons during the company’s fifth anniversary.

The anniversary celebration was held at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta. More than 400 people attended the event.

May presented Irons with a proclamation that recognized his commitment to the revitalization of DeKalb County. Along with May, other elected officials at the event included Rockdale County Commission Chairman Richard Oden, Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes, Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell and former Clayton County Chairman Eldrin Bell.

“This was truly a day to remember. I attribute much of APD Solutions’ success over the past five years to my staff, which consists of top industry professionals,” Irons said.

Irons is a longtime resident of DeKalb County and chairman of the Development Authority of DeKalb County. Irons’ company invested $5 million of new private capital for the revitalization of the Covington Highway Corridor and Hidden Hills Overlay area to establish the Panola Slope Community.

Also, APDS, a DeKalb County Neighborhood Stabilization Program Service Provider, leveraged $1.5 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Funds along with $900,000 in private capital to save DeKalb communities such as Piedmont Pointe. Additionally, through the “Get Home Now Program,” APD Solutions, created a pathway to homeownership for more than 225 DeKalb families.

Irons established APD Solutions in 2009. APD Solutions is a national neighborhood revitalization firm created to rebuild neighborhoods and renew the lives of people by increasing homeownership, reducing the number of vacant homes resulting from foreclosures, stabilizing real estate values and strengthening the local tax-base.

Basketball clinics are a hot spot for kids during the summer. The Atlanta Hawks in partnership with the DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department and the “It’s All Good!” Basketball Training Program are hosting summer day camp basketball clinics for boys and girls ages 7-15 at most locations and ages 7-18 at the Gresham Recreation Center (No NBA prospects permitted).

The clinic begins July 7-12, 9 a.m. – noon, Monday through Friday at a charge of $15 per child. Lunch will be provided and live remote broadcasts will be conducted by V-103 FM and 92.9 FM.

Children who attend the basketball clinic will participate in a National Basketball Association Skills Challenge and experience fundamental skills clinics conducted by the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Development coaching staff. Each camper will be awarded an Atlanta Hawks ticket voucher, a Camp T-shirt and participate in a variety of contests and games.

To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button on the department’s homepage, or you may register in person at the center of your choice.

Clinic dates and locations are as follows: • July 7: Tucker High School 5036 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA 30084 • July 8: Druid Hills High School, 1798 Haygood Dr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 • July 9: Gresham Recreation Center 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 • July 10: Exchange Recreation Center 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 • July 11: Wade Walker Park YMCA 5605 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain, GA 30088 • July 12: Browns Mill Recreation Center 5101 Browns Mill Rd., Lithonia, GA 30038For more information, and to learn more about summer camps in DeKalb, please contact the

Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs at (404)371-2711.

DeKalb sets basketball camps with Atlanta Hawks

OCGNEWS

PAGE 6  JUNE 14, 2014

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Firefightercontinued from page 1

Commission seatcontinued from page 3

Nesbitt says he hopes with the additional recruiting efforts such as the open house more candidates will participate in the hiring process.

“I am well pleased with the fire department’s leadership because they are going above and beyond to make these opportunities aware to everyone. These are great opportunities and by hosting the open house, passing out fliers and communicating with the media, the department is extending their hand to everyone in the community,” said Nesbitt. “What I really appreciate is that the fire department is looking in our own backyard for qualified candidates. It is no secret that the demographics in Rockdale have changed over recent years.”

The application period will be open through Friday, July 25. Applications will be available online at www.rockdalecounty.org. Interested men and women can also go to any of the county’s fire stations for more information.

For more information, call 770-278-8401 or 770-278-7575.

Ellis’ suspension is terminated or the term for the interim commissioner ends, whichever is earlier.

Ellis’ trial is scheduled to start Sept. 8. If he is exonerated, he will return to the CEO’s office and May will return to the District 5 seat.

While serving, the interim commissioner will receive a $38,374-a-year salary.

Presiding officer Larry Johnson says the appointed commissioner

should be someone who is vested in the community and is willing to be a team player.

“The appointment should go to someone who really understands the needs of the people. They have to be stern and determined yet understanding and willing to work with fellow commissioners to get larger goals accomplished for the people of DeKalb County,” said Johnson, District 3 commissioner.

Some knew him as a police chief, others as a public safety director. In both capacity’s, Stone Mountain’s Robert “Bobby”

Burgess, Sr. was a well-respected public servant who will always be remembered for his 45 years of serving DeKalb County. He died June 6 of natural causes. He was 83.

Said DeKalb’s Interim CEO Lee May in a statement: “Bobby Burgess was a good man whose life was guided by a deep and abiding faith and a commitment to public service. His incredible 45 years in DeKalb County spanned five decade. He will be greatly missed by all of us.”

Former CEO Vernon Jones thanked Bobby Burgess for his service, saying Burgess was a mentor.

“Another one of Georgia’s tallest pines has fallen. As the Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, I had the honor to serve with Bobby Burgess during his final years as a public servant. He was my police chief, my public safety director, and a mentor,” said Jones. “He (Bobby) was a policeman’s policeman and a police chief’s chief. Bobby Burgess was a great American and I thanked him for his service by having the DeKalb County Police Headquarters named the Bobby Burgess building. My prayers are with his family.”

Mr. Burgess, Sr., was born on March 22, 1931 to Theron and Doris (Coile) Burgess. He graduated from the Woodrow Wilson Law School and went on to work for the DeKalb County Police Department in 1957 as a patrolman. He retired in 2001 as Chief after 45 years of service, earning the honor of being the longest-serving Police Chief in DeKalb County history.

DeKalb County Commissioners wrapped up its June 10 board meeting so they could attend the funeral at Avondale First Baptist Church in Avondale Estates. Dr. J. Truett Gannon officiated the service. A burial followed at Melwood Cemetery in Stone Mountain.

“We want to offer our special

condolences to Chief Bobby Burgess and his family. The Board of Commissioners extends our deepest sympathy to a great man, who was a great public servant,” said Board of Commissioners Presiding Officer Larry Johnson. “Bobby Burgess was a hands-on leader who cared deeply about DeKalb County. He was a tremendous community servant who will be sorely missed.”

Mr. Burgess was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Benevolent Association, and was a Mason.

“Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. We will be remembering this great man and his family, today and always,” said DeKalb County Judge Gregory A. Adams.

“Chief Burgess was a great man. I loved every moment I was with DKPD. I learned a great deal watching and listening to him. He was a real cop’s cop. He will be missed. My prayers to his family,” said Hugh Howard, retired DeKalb County Police Officer.

Family members say Burgess was “ultra conservative,” loved America and DeKalb County and never lived more than three miles from the DeKalb County Court House.

Robert “Bobby” Burgess, Jr. said his father had “an extreme love for DeKalb County” and its history. The younger Burgess said his father could tell their family’s entire history since they came to DeKalb in the early 1800s and knew almost every detail of the last 80 years of DeKalb.

Burgess was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty B. Burgess; father, Theron S. Burgess; mother, Doris C. Burgess.

Bobby Burgess, Sr. is survived by his wife, Shirley Burgess; three sons, Bobby Burgess, Jr. of Dacula, David Burgess of Dacula and Joel Burgess of Decatur; three stepchildren; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

DeKalb’s longest-serving police chief passes at 83

Robert “Bobby” Burgess, Sr.

March 22, 1931 – June 6, 2014

JUNE 14, 2014   PAGE 7

YMCAcontinued from page 1

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

still confident an agreement can be reached.

“This is simply about blending resources to continue to be able to help the broader community in need. That’s all it is. That’s what the Y is about and will continue to be about. If the deal is approved, we can expand projects that address issues such as childhood obesity and we can offer more programs based on a sliding scale and income, such as our after- school activities and summer camp,” said Hood. “This is a win-win for everyone. This deal won’t take anything away from DeKalb. We are going to sell 18 acres to the county and take the proceeds and invest it back into the YMCA. How many homeowners sell a house and give the proceeds back? We are also eating operating costs of the new expanded facilities so taxpayers won’t have to pay for that.”

Emotions have run high over the plan to buy the Y. At the recent board meeting, people spoke for and against the proposal.

“This is a great opportunity for the county to expend some resources and give back. You’re talking about investing in our youth now so you don’t spend funds later on incarcerating youth who have nothing to do from 3 – 6 p.m.,” said Billy Mitchell, who represents District 88 in DeKalb County. “In addition, there will be many events such as Easter egg hunts and programs such as community meetings that residents will be able to enjoy and take part in at the Y without having a membership. This is a great use of the public dollars.”

Supporters said the Southern part of the county needs more government investments to improve health and offer more activities to thousands of under-served residents.

“This is South DeKalb. We are talking about children and families in need, not playing politics. All we are trying to do is help folks, that’s it, and I don’t understand for the life of me why Commissioner Rader won’t support this,” said Lithonia resident Clinton Raines. “We are not worrying about what North DeKalb has or trying to compare North and South DeKalb. We just want our commissioners to do right by South DeKalb on this issue.”

Opponents say that buying the Y is a waste of taxpayer money. They the greenspace funds were meant to do things like buy parks, not buy

buildings like the Y. “I have nothing against

the YMCA or private-public partnerships. But this proposal is not a partnership, it is an abusive relationship,” said Mike Cooper of Stone Mountain. “This proposal is inconsistent with county and state law and regulations because the referendum in relation to these funds, approved by and paid for by voters, does not support the use of bond money for private activities.

“he county saves no money on this plan and the Y will continue to rake in funds. Before this goes any further, this deal needs to be put under review by the Parks’ Department Office of Parks Bonds and Green Space and/or the Green DeKalb Advisory Council.”

Commissioner Radar said he believes that the deal would be good if it were bringing substantially new facilities to an area that didn’t have any recreational facilities, but the way the deal is set up now, it is just an opportunistic gain, he said.

“The YMCA is in the business to attract members and if the YMCA is going to attract members to the South DeKalb Y, they will have to make investments in their facility. They have decided to forgo that entirely,” said Radar. “The YMCA is not significantly expanding this facility. They’re going to have the same pool, build a senior facility room, improve the front of the house so it’s more inviting to people.

Commissioner Kathie Gannon agrees. She says the money could be better spent at many of DeKalb’s existing aging recreation centers. Gannon said it’s unfair to use the bond money to aid the Y’s project while prohibiting the same money from being used to fix deteriorating county parks and recreation centers.

“We have got parks and recreation centers all over this county that we do not have the money to take care of, to staff properly, to fix the buildings, to put in air-conditioning so children don’t have to sweat in a hot gym all summer. It’s an embarrassment. It will make you cry to see what the kids have to go through,” said Gannon, District 6 Commissioner. “I’m not against the Y at all. I’m not opposed to a partnership in the future and a way to make this work for everybody but those funds are greatly needed in other areas at recreation centers across the county.”

Supporters say they will come to every Board of Commissioners meeting until the project is approved.

PAGE 8  JUNE 14, 2014

Mention OCG

Mayor Kasim Reed is hosting his “Mayor’s Summer Reading Club” for the second year in the community.

The Mayor’s Summer Reading Club is a program for children ages 8 and under The program designates a citywide book choice for infants, a book for children ages 2-4, and a book for children ages 5-8 to share with their families at no cost to them.

The books will come to life as children enjoy arts and crafts activities, drama exercises, and other hands-on activities throughout the summer designed to make the language in the stories meaningful to children. A total of 15,000 books will be given to children who want to participate.

“This summer’s reading club will utilize public-private partnerships to improve vocabulary and literacy skills of children ages birth through eight in Atlanta, get high-quality books into the

homes of children in Atlanta who will benefit most, and give parents practical tools to help their children become early learners,” said Mayor Reed. “The

goals are to engage the community in encouraging our youngest children to continue reading and learning during the summer, to encourage families to

instill literacy as a core value in the home and increase family awareness of the importance of reading with their children every day.”

This year’s books are: “Stripes of All Types,” by Susan Stockdale; “Amari’s Bike Adventure,” by the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy; and “Nothing Ever Happened on 90th Street.”

This summer program concludes on Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m. – noon, at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St., N.E., Atlanta. The free event will celebrate the completion of reading the books. Games, bike giveaways and other activities will be offered.

Community reading groups and other events centered on the themes of the selected books are also a part of the summer program. For more information or a schedule of events, visit www.mayorsreadingclub.org or call 404-330-6385.

Clark Atlanta University Trustee Delores P. Aldridge, Ph.D., has announced a leadership

gift of $150,000 to the University. In addition to her monetary contribution, which will be used to strengthen and expand the capacity of the University’s fundraising arm, the double alumna also announced the donation of her academic papers to the University.

Widely revered in academic circles, Aldridge earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from Clark College in 1963 and her master’s degree in social work from Atlanta University in 1966. In 1971, she became the first African-American woman to receive the Ph.D. degree in sociology from Purdue University. That same year, she became the founding director of the first degree-granting African and African-American Studies Program at a major private university in the South, Emory, as well as the first African-American woman to receive a tenure-track

faculty position there. In appreciation of her largesse,

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) will name the auditorium in its Thomas W. Cole Center for Research in Science and Technology after Aldridge and her late husband, Kwame Essuon, an electrical engineer who was lead supervisor in the development of train control for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s rapid rail system. Aldridge’s papers, spanning more than four decades of research, pedagogy and commentary, will be housed in the University’s official repository, the Atlanta University Center Robert W.

Woodruff Archives.“Clark Atlanta has been the strong

foundation for my lifelong educational, professional and civic pursuits,” said Aldridge, who came to the University as her high school’s valedictorian in 1959.

She graduated from Clark College as valedictorian. She is currently a member of six honorary societies, including: Alpha Kappa Mu. Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Kappa Delta and the International Who’s Who of Intellectuals. She has served as president of three national scholarly organizations.

“There is an academic energy, a high standard that frames the institution’s academic enterprise,” said Aldridge. “I hope that my contributions will create opportunities for students to embrace and expand this tradition in the years to come. I hope that my papers will be considered more as ‘scaffolding” for solutions yet to be created than a pathway into the past.”

Clark Atlanta University President Carlton E. Brown said, “the gift of Aldridge’s writings establishes a rich, contemporary frame of reference in the social sciences that affirms the sterling caliber of scholarship associated with this University and its pivotal role in the study of humans and human issues in our culture.” Iconic intellectual W.E.B. Du Bois, an American sociologist, historian and

activist, completed many of his most seminal works while serving as an Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) instructor, returning after a hiatus to chair the school’s Department of Sociology.

Aldridge is a trailblazer whose work in the fields of race and ethnic relations and the development of African-American studies exemplifies the tradition of Oliver Cox, Charles Johnson and E. Franklin Frazier, and most certainly uplifts the legacies of W.E.B. Du Bois and Whitney M. Young, Jr. While having delivered countless addresses and lectures both in the USA and abroad, she has more than 160 publications, including 20 books and monographs, chapters in books, articles in scholarly journals and commentaries. Her work has focused on intergroup relations, women in the labor market, male-female relationships, health and higher education in the African-American community and cultural democracy and social justice.

In 2000, the University established the Aldridge-McMillan Biennial Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards to honor her commitment to excellence, along with that of Trustee Emeritus Elridge McMillan, Ph.D. In 2003, Emory University inaugurated the Delores P. Aldridge Excellence Awards and, in 2011, The Delores P. Aldridge Graduate Fellowship.

Clark Atlanta University trustee makes landmark donation

Clark Atlanta University Trustee Delores P. Aldridge, Ph.D

Mayor Reed kicks off summer reading for kids

JUNE 14, 2014   PAGE 9

On June 10, the DeKalb County Police Department officially received its accreditation certification from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

To receive the certification, CALEA officials say a department must meet a wide range of standards, covering administrative, operative and logistic policies.

“The goals of CALEA are to strengthen crime prevention and control capability, formalize central management procedures, establish fair and non-discriminatory personnel practices and improve service delivery. The DeKalb County Police Department is working diligently at these goals everyday,” said CALEA Regional Program Manager Vincent A. Dauro. “Many agencies are reluctant to have outside reviewers come in and review their work and processes and detail any deficiencies. It involves risks and it requires that a department be open to change to meet all requirements.”

DeKalb County Public Safety Director Cedric Alexander says that it was critical for the Police Department

to welcome CALEA when they came to inspect the Department in November 2013.

“We understand that the CALEA process minimizes the agency’s exposure to liability, demonstrates accountability to the public and guarantees professional management practices,” said Alexander. “In practical terms, this accreditation

confirms this agency’s commitment to excellence in law enforcement.”

CALEA, founded in 1979, is a voluntary international program that demonstrates a department’s commitment to excellence, while serving its citizens. CALEA has established about 480 standards, which departments are required to meet. The standards are the benchmarks for

today’s public safety agencies. To meet all the CALEA standards,

departments are required to produce the creation of written directives and exhibit the ability to show compliance with CALEA standards.

“I want to thank our staff. They worked tirelessly to build the evidence year-round for three years and built the files for meeting each of these standards,” said Interim DeKalb County Police Chief J. Conroy. “This is a tremendous opportunity and recognition for our department and we thank CALEA for the recognition.”

Officials say the CALEA accreditation offers a blueprint to agency heads, whether police chief, sheriff or superintendent, on how to promote efficient use of resources and improves service delivery, regardless of size, geographic location or agency responsibilities.

Agencies are accredited for three-year periods. With the June 10 recognition, DeKalb County continues its legacy of having the accreditation for more than 15 consecutive years, passing the CALEA requirement test seven times in a row.

DeKalb County Police are proud to receive CALEA accreditation

“Super Volunteer” training series offered in Conyers Rockdale Democratic Party is

offering a three-part series for “super volunteers” ready to organize and work for both, statewide and the local, Democratic Party on Election Day, on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Volunteer classes will meet on June 16, 17 and 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Rockdale Democratic Party’s headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers.

Class instructors are Rockdale County Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley

and Georgia Victory 2014 Regional Field Director Sandyhya Anantharaman.

The first class,“Strategy and Overview of Victory Plan,” on Monday, June 16. Attendees will receive an overview on how Democrats can win statewide and how Rockdale fits into regional plans

for the Democratic Party. The class will review organizational structure, targets, and milestones.

Classes continue with “Organizing Tactics 101,” on Tuesday, June 17. Instructors say this will be a fast-paced look at best practices for volunteer recruitment, phone banking, neighborhood canvassing and voter engagement.

Classes conclude with “Voter ID and Data Entry with VoteBuilder Database” on Thursday, June 19.

Attendees will learn how to create and organize lists of Democratic voters in the region with the VoterBuilder database voter file system. Attendees will create phone lists and walk packs for door knocking in neighborhoods. Various methods of entering and updating Voter ID data in VoteBuilder will be discussed.

Registration is required due to limited seating. To register, text message your name and email address to 770-648-4859.

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

PAGE 10  JUNE 14, 2014

Lithonia Police Department offers amnesty for citations

Do you have an outstanding ticket? The Lithonia Police Department will continue offering an amnesty program until Friday, Sept. 12, for those who have traffic tickets and outstanding warrants for traffic, property or criminal violations.

Outstanding warrants and citations can be settled with cash or money order at the Lithonia Police Department, 6980 Main St. in Lithonia. Payments will be accepted Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, except on July 5.

The Police Department says Lithonia has about 360 outstanding warrants and 850 outstanding citations. The amnesty program is a plus for violators because during this period, the Lithonia Municipal Court is waiving the $470 fee for arrest warrants and the $160 fee for failure to appear in court.

City officials say failure to take advantage of the amnesty period could result in arrest. For more information and exact payment amount, call 770-482-8747.

Lithonia to launch EcoDistrict Project The city of Lithonia is hosting a meeting to launch the Lithonia EcoDistrict Project. The meeting will be held Thursday, June 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Lithonia First United Methodist Church, 3099 Stone Mountain St., Lithonia. The city has formed a partnership with Sustainable Atlanta, the Center for Sustainable Communities and other entities to make the city a model of community engagements, a robust economy of thriving business and high quality jobs, affordable housing, and rich cultural and recreational resources. Learn more about the city’s plans at the meeting. For more information, call 770-482-8136.

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LEGAL NOTICE

Candidate Sought for Temporary Appointment toCommission District 5 of DeKalb County

 The Governing Authority of DeKalb County seeks a qualified candidate for temporary appointment to serve as Commissioner representing District 5 on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (the “Candidate”). The Commission primarily functions as a seven (7) member board that is a policy-making or rule-making body. The Commission holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and regularly holds additional meetings on a weekly basis. The Candidate must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, a citizen of this state, qualified and eligible to vote and a resident of the geographic area encompassed by District 5 at the time of application for appointment. The Candidate must have been a resident of DeKalb County for at least twelve (12) months prior to appointment and must remain a resident of the geographic area encompassed by District 5 while serving. The Candidate must be eligible for the office and not barred by any disqualification under the law. The term of service for the Candidate will commence upon selection by the Governing Authority and continue until Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis’s suspension is terminated or the need for the Candidate ends, whichever is earlier. The Candidate shall receive compensation for the term of service at the normal salary rate of an elected commissioner. Thorough knowledge of the DeKalb County Government, federal, state and local law, including but not limited to the DeKalb County Code and Code of Ethics is preferred. Strong communication skills, oral and written, and experience in public service is also preferred. Please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected] by July 3, 2014.

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