March 2011 Online

Volume 16 Number 23  www.ocgNews.com  mArcH 1, 2011  Free

Serving DeKalb & Metro atlanta

Community News ..............P 3People ..............................P 8Business News ................P 11Health & Wellness ............P 12We Worship .....................P 13Home & Garden ..............P 14Classifieds ......................P 15

Phone: (678) 526-1910 n Fax: (678) 526-1909E-mail: [email protected]

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Gwinnett offers

amnesty for old tickets

Gwinnett County Recorders Court is offering drivers who have outstanding traffic citations issued in Gwinnett as far back as 1983 the chance to pay their fines without additional penalties.

The amnesty program runs March 1-31. Individuals interested in participating in the program can pay their fines at the Recorder’s Court from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If possible, bring a copy of the citation or citation numbers.

“We will work with these individuals to clear their cases, but all legal requirements must be followed,” said Clerk of Court Jeff West. “Individuals must appear in person and be prepared to present identification and sufficient personal information to locate their case.”

The $25 bench warrant fee will be waived and the bench warrant recalled for those who pay their fines during the amnesty period. Motorists will also receive the appropriate forms to reinstate their expired driver’s license, if it was suspended for their failure to appear in court. No arrests will be made so long as those who have old tickets pay the fines during the amnesty period.

“We will work with these individuals to clear their cases, but all legal requirements must be followed,” said Clerk of Court Jeff West. “Individuals must appear in person and be prepared to present identification and sufficient personal information to locate their case.”

A bench warrant will remain active and an arrest will be made to those who do not take advantage of the amnesty program.

Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court is located at 115 Stone Mountain Street in Lawrenceville. For more information on the program, visit www.gwinnettcourts.com or contact Jeff West at 770-619-6115.

By Joshua Smith

Georgia’s HOPE scholarships would go to the state’s brightest students and the amounts would be reduced for recipients under a proposal state lawmakers are considering. The plan is one that has some students, parents and Democratic leaders up in arms, saying the scholarship would unfairly favor upper-income families—not help those who are disadvantaged and need help the most.

With state reserves dwindling, Republican legislators are pushing HB326 to try and shore up what’s left of the Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE program. Under the bill, high school students applying for HOPE to go to college would need a 3.7 GPA to get a full scholarship and a score of 1200 on the SAT. The highest score that can be earned on the SAT is 2400. Those who have a 3.0 GPA would be able to get a partial scholarship (90 percent). HOPE would no longer cover textbooks and mandatory college fees. The changes would impact some 200,000 students who receive HOPE annually.

At a recent town hall meeting held by Democratic state lawmakers seeking public input on the bill, students, teachers and parents showed up at Georgia Perimeter’s campus in Clarkston to speak out against the proposal.

“Excuse my French, but this is crap,” said Olaseni Ajao Jr., a 23-year-old Psychology student enrolled at Georgia Perimeter College. “I don’t see the reasoning in making it harder to get an education. I don’t see any good points about this bill, which is taking from a group that often

Opponents speak out on overhaul

to HOPE

NO PlacE sacrEd Rape at Stone Mountain church stuns community

By Valerie J. Morgan

STONE MOUNTAIN—The brutal rape of a church employee who was working alone at a Stone Mountain church has left the congregation’s parishioners and the community in shock as lawmakers and leaders search for answers. The attack comes on the heels of cutbacks in public safety in DeKalb County, one of many measures taken in February to meet the county’s budget shortfall.

The rape occurred at St. Timothy United Methodist Church, located at 5365 Memorial Drive. It’s known as the “Pumpkin Church” so named for the bright orange pumpkins that are sold on the church lawn as a fundraiser every Halloween. The victim was working in the office around 3:30 p.m. A man knocked and when she opened the door, he forced his way in, DeKalb Police spokesperson Mekka Parrish said.

Parrish said the man beat the victim, raped her and robbed her of an undetermined amount of money. Parrish said the money belonged to the victim.

“She was talking on the telephone and a friend overheard the commotion after the suspect forced his

way in,” Parrish said. “The friend rushed to the church and found her.”

Parrish said the victim, who is in her 50s, had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. The woman was still recovering in the hospital on Feb. 28, two days after the attack. Detectives interviewed her and she described the attacker as a black male, 6’2, 180 pounds and between 40 and 50 years old.

“We want to know if anyone saw someone who was acting suspiciously that fits the description of the attacker,” Parrish said.

“My heart really goes out to her. She is such a sweet person. She would do anything to help anyone,” said a church official at Ousley United Methodist Church in Lithonia.

Ousley began tightening its security with plans to add more monitoring devices, the official said. She said that staff and board members were immediately reminded to take precaution in opening and closing doors while at the

church alone.“We’ve been very diligent

about security here. I brought my Mace to work. I’m not going to take any chances,” she said. “We have all kinds of people coming to the church looking for help. You never know who is going to try something.”

State Rep. Michele Henson, D 87, said the March 10 PRISM (Pride Rings in Stone Mountain) community meeting will focus on public safety.

Henson, who chairs PRISM and holds the monthly meeting at St. Timothy, said she had planned to have lawmakers give a legislative update at the meeting, but decided to change the focus after learning about the rape.

“This is too important. This is about our lives. It’s about our safety,” Henson said. “People are saying they would rather pay more taxes, if it’s going to mean safer communities,” Henson said.

State Representative Elena Parent, D-81, discusses the proposed HB326 with Georgia Perimeter College Political Science major Antonio Molina.

Above: A message of love is displayed at St. Timothy in the wake of the brutal attack there. Below: Television crews parked outside the church.

PAGE 2 MARCH 1, 2011

MARCH 1, 2011 PAGE 3

Community NewsMARCH 1, 2011

VOluME 16, NO. 23PublISHERS

Glenn L. Morgan [email protected]

Valerie J. Morgan [email protected]

STAff WRITER Joshua Smith

[email protected]

ADVERTISINg MANAgER Richard S. Hill

[email protected]

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Visit gpc.edu/studentsignup to RSVP for any of our Open Houses or Online Webinar.

March 15 Alpharetta 5:30–7:30pm

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When you choose Georgia Perimeter College, you gain access to dozens of academic programs taught by accomplished faculty, as well as a guaranteed transfer to 40+ colleges and universities in Georgia and throughout the US. Attend any of our upcoming Open Houses where you can apply, meet with a financial aid expert and even find out how you can win a $1,000 scholarship to GPC by going to 971theriver.com*

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2011 Open Houses

Learn more at gpc.edu today.

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attending GPC and launches March 9.

Zoo atlanta, libraries partner to give free family passes

Families throughout Georgia can now check out free excursions to Zoo

Atlanta, just by owning a library card. A new partnership between Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Public Library Service allows adults with valid library cards access to the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass at any participating public library branch throughout the state of Georgia.

Launched in 2009, the program originally applied

only to branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. But the recent announcement marks the first time the program has been available in all 159 Georgia counties.

“As one of the state’s largest living science labs, Zoo Atlanta is a resource for all of Georgia, not just Atlanta,” said Raymond B. King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “We’re proud to partner with the Georgia Public Library Service on increased access for everyone

in our state.” “This wonderful

collaboration between Zoo Atlanta and Georgia’s public libraries brings a new dimension to our services,” said Dr. Lamar Veatch, Georgia’s State Librarian. “We are very pleased to play a role in bringing this Georgia treasure to all corners of our state.”

One Zoo Atlanta Family Pass is available for checkout in each participating public library. The pass may be checked out once per year,

per card, per household, and is valid for two adults and up to two children. The pass is not valid for fee-based events or programs and may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Standard general admission will apply to families with additional children; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Visit zooatlanta.org for full details on accessing and using the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass, or call your local public library for more information.

PAGE 4 MARCH 1, 2011

DEKALB

GwinnEtt

comiNg up

State Rep. Abrams to hold Town Hall

State Rep. Stacey Abrams will host a town hall meeting on March 12, 10 a.m., at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, 118 2nd Ave., Decatur.

Democratic Minority House Leader Stacey Abrams would like to announce her second town hall meeting of the year. Abrams will use this opportunity to discuss key pieces of legislation, hear about the various issues impacting the community and most importantly, continue in a dialogue with the people she represents.

State Rep. Abrams represents the 84th House District. She is the first woman to lead either party in the Georgia General Assembly and is the first African-American to lead the House of Representatives. 404-656-5058.

DeKalb NAACP sets ‘Living the Legacy’ breakfast

The deadline to purchase tickets for the DeKalb Chapter of the NAACP’s annual Living the Legacy breakfast is March 12.

This year’s breakfast will be held March 26, 9 a.m., at the DeKalb Technical College Conference Center, 495 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston. The annual event celebrates membership in the civil rights organization and this year,

will welcome Min. Reginald Sharpe, Jr. as the event’s guest speaker.

This event provides members and the community, along with representatives, the opportunity to network and establish relationships with each other and local business leaders.

The cost to attend is $30 per person. For more information on tickets, call Teresa Hardy at 404-241-8006.

Enjoy gospel music at Art Station’s ‘Lunchtime Series’

The ART Station in Stone Mountain will present gospel singer Mildred Brown, accompanied by Kenny Brandon and back-up singers Regina Hill and Ezola Summers, at its Lunchtime Series on March 21, 12 to 1 p.m. The Art Station is located at 5384 Manor Drive.

Come enjoy a great performance. A discussion with the performers will follow the performance.

Organizers say the series strives to create a fresh and stimulating monthly lunchtime option for area residents and business professionals. Each “Lunchtime Series” presentation showcases a performance, lecture or art experience and offers a boxed lunch.

Tickets are $10 for the presentation and boxed lunch and $5 for the presentation only. There is a veggie option as well.

Reservations for groups of 10 or more are required two days in advance. For more information, call 770-469-1105 or visit www.artstation.org.

Decatur Deltas invite families to reading fair The Decatur

Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host its 6th Annual Spring Into Reading program on March 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at The Gallery at South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Rd., Decatur.

The program is focused on literacy and increasing children’s interest in reading. Through the initiative, children are encouraged to wrote their own stories. More than 350 children have participated in reading sessions and have received a free book through this annual event.

Spring Into Reading also encourages adults to read to students. The program is a salute to Dr. Seuss and coincides each year with his birthday.

Meet candidates for Gwinnett chair position The Council for Quality Growth will

host the Gwinnett Chairman Candidates forum on March 8, 4 – 5:30 p.m., at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.

Join the Council for Quality Growth and the Gwinnett Chamber to meet the candidates for the chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. The candidates will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Fox 5 Anchor

Randy Travis.Candidates include Governmental

and Public Affairs Consultant, Charlotte Nash of Dacula; former District 4 U.S. Rep. Larry Gause of Tucker; Former Gwinnett Assistant Police Chief Gerald Duane Kissel of Snellville; and self-employed political activist Will Costa of Lilburn.

Two other candidates, Bob Clark and Timothy Swiney, withdrew from the race in December.

Advanced voting for this special election will take place March 7-11 at the County Elections Office, 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. The special election will be held on March 15. A run-off election, if needed, will be on April 12.

Gwinnett commissioners set community meeting

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners wants to hear from you. Officials ask that residents come out to the last session in a series of Citizens’ Forums with the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on March 7, 7 p.m.

The forum will take place at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Come meet your district commissioners and share your thoughts on how to meet the needs of Gwinnett County’s residents and businesses.

A brief presentation about the County’s financial outlook will be made and the floor will be open for attendees’ thoughts and ideas. Gwinnett County Commissioners want to hear your input. 770-822-8000.

State Rep. Stacey Abrams

Dr. J. Jason Thomas, CEOBoard Certified

Dr. Marvin Ngwafon

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

MARCH 1, 2011 PAGE 5

AtLAntA

ROCKDALE

Poetry slam, rap contests set at Pinckneyville rec center

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation has created a new competition, a poetry slam and rap contest to be held on March 12, 1 – 5 p.m.

This competition brings Gwinnett high school writers and poets together to showcase their talents and will focus on the creative aspect of rap. No use of profanity or negative subject matter will be allowed. There will be prizes for the winner including studio time to record their music.

Admission is $3 per person. The competition will be held at Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross. 770-417-2200.

Girl Scouts to celebrate 99th birthday

Gwinnett County will celebrate the Girl Scouts 99th birthday with a tea that will be held on March 12, 3 – 4:30 p.m., at the Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 455 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville.

Dress in your best and join troops for a special Victorian-themed tea to celebrate the founding of the Girl Scouts 99 years ago. There will be refreshments, crafts and local entertainers.

For nearly a century, the Girl Scout Movement has focused on developing young women with the necessary skills to be leaders who make a difference in their world. This initial vision was that of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, when she gathered 18 girls as the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, GA, on March 12, 1912.

Today, the Girl Scouts have 3.6 million members and continue to develop girls’ leadership skills and prepare them for their futures as successful women.

The cost to attend is $15 per person. Attendees should be at least 5 years old. Pre-registration is advised. 770-822-5178.

Atlanta’s ‘Phoenix Flies’ shows off historic landmarks

Join the Atlanta Preservation Center as it hosts the “7th Annual Phoenix Flies” series March 5-20. The citywide celebration of living landmarks celebration will present more than 50 sites with more than 100 events throughout Atlanta.

Some events include a guided tour of historic downtown Atlanta, discovering Atlanta’s African American roots with the Oakland Foundation and the Tullie Smith Farm Tour. The Atlanta Preservation Center is located at 327 St. Paul Ave., Atlanta. 404-688-3353. For a complete schedule of events, visit http://phoenixflies.org.

Peace Corps celebrates 50 years

The Peace Corps will celebrate 50 years of promoting peace and friendship and the ones who have lost their lives fighting for these values on March 4, 5:30 p.m., at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, 450 Auburn Ave., N.E., Atlanta.

This public gathering will observe and commemorate Peace Corps’ 50-year legacy of peace and friendship in more than 140 developing countries around the globe.

In honor of those Peace Corps volunteers who have passed away during their service, each name will be read aloud and candles will be lit in their memory.

Brief statements that answer the question,What does “peace” in Peace Corps mean to you?, will be written and shared. Returned Peace Corps volunteers, their families, and members of the community are encouraged to share their thoughts.

Those who are unable to attend but would still like to share their thought an [email protected]. The statements will be displayed at the ceremony. For more information, call Rachel Mast at 1-800-424-8580.

Kirkwood Library to present Spanish Storytime

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Kirkwood branch will present “Spanish Storytime” on 10:30 – 11 a.m., 11 Kirkwood Road N.E., Atlanta.

Hosted by Lingual Kids, the program will engage children with bilingual stories, song and dance. 404-377-6471.

9/12 Conyers group sets interest meeting

The community group 9/12 Conyers will hold an interest meeting on March 12, 3 – 4:30 p.m., 869 April Dr., Conyers.

9/12 Conyers is a non-partisan, conservative community group dedicated to the memory of the day after 9/11. This is the day that all Americans took each other’s hand and prayed for America as fellow Americans.

For more information on the 9/12 Conyers group, call 770-656-0928.

Conyers Main Street Board to meet

The Conyers Main Street Board will meet at the Conyers Welcome Center/Depot in Olde Town Conyers on March 10, 12 – 1 p.m.

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

Conyers St. Patrick’s Day parade set

The City of Conyers will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with its annual parade on March 17, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., 901 Railroad St., Conyers.

Join the fun in Olde Town Conyers and watch a parade of green as marchers head down Center and Commercial streets to the Olde Town Pavilion for free refreshments and entertainment. 770-602-2606.

PAGE 6 MARCH 1, 2011

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The Bronner Brothers International Hair Show rolled out the welcome mat to hair fanatics, stylists, cosmetology students, exhibitors and distributors showing off bold and beautiful, even eccentric and strange hairdos. An estimated 60,000 packed the Georgia World Congress Center for the Feb. 19-20 show, which is in its 64th year. To take a look, visit the On Common Ground News photo gallery at www.ocgnews.com

Hair craZE

The DeKalb Community Promise project, aimed at fighting underage drinking, has a new

partner in fighting crime: the Lithonia Police Department.

The partnership comes after the recent installment of Lithonia’s new police chief, Kennis Harrell. The two forces will work together to reduce the rising numbers of teen arrests due to underage drinking. With a primary focus on DeKalb teens, this partnership will work to provide information and programs to get the word out about this subject.

The initiative, which is the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive

Grant (SPF SIG), is funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Department and was awarded to Beyond The Bell as the sub-grantee. With this partnership, Chief Harrell will join others on the Community Advisory Council (CAC) and will help guide the direction of programs and services provided under this project.

The first meeting will be on March 3, 6 p.m., at Word Church International in Decatur. For more information or to get involved with the DeKalb Community Promise project, call Sandra Walker at 404-288-2766 or e-mail [email protected].

Beyond the Bell, lithonia police partner to combat teen drinking

Photos by Raymon Hagans/ OCG News

Photo by Joshua Smith/ OCG News

Beyond the Bell Executive Director Sandra Walker stands proudly with newly appointed Lithonia Chief of Police Kennis Harrell in celebration of their new partnership, which will focus on preventing teen arrests due to underage drinking.

MARCH 1, 2011 PAGE 7

4th Annual DeKalb Youth Empowerment Summit, Saturday, March 19, 2011 11AM – 3PM 5100 Rock Springs Rd.Lithonia,GA 30058 Rain or Shine Community-Wide Event To build community collaborative efforts that involve youth, families, schools and community members with the necessary tools, resources and information essential for expansion to the quality of impacts critically needed in the lives of community members and leaders. Provide educational enrichment, social development and entertainment that strengthen family values. The theme for 2011 is “Feasting on Positive Energy.” Panel Discussion, Motivational Workshops/Seminars, Refreshments, Entertainment. Vendor Tables Available Contact 770-480-6294.

Treva Jones 404-484-0180,or Sherry King 770-480-6294

11:00 – 12:25: Panel Discussion “Feasting on Positive Energy” Commissioner Stan Watson; Chief Magistrate Court Judge Berryl Anderson, DeKalb County; Nicole Marchand, Chief Assistant District Attorney; Dr. Winfrey from the Bridges Center for youth; Dr. Griffin from Morehouse School of Medicine Metro Atlanta Violence Prevention Program (MAVPP); Ben Githieya, DeKalb Public Defender’s Office, youth panelist and more.

12:30 – 1:05: Break Out Sessions

1:10 – 1:40: Presentations

Front Runnerz Motorcycle ClubGirls, Guys and Golf, Clara Burks-Jones & Chief Mag. Court Judge Anderson

1:45 – 2:00: Talent show participants Invited Entertainment Guest

2:02 – 2:14: Mr. Pitt Takes the Pitts out of learning

2:15 – 2:30: Changing a Generation Youth Think Out Tha Box Hip Hop Crump Dancers

2:30 – 2:50: Kappa Alpha Psi Appearance

2:50 – 2:55: Presentations, Prizes & Wrap-ups

2:55 – 3:00: Principal’s RemarksDr. Brooks, E.L. Bouie Elementary

E.L. Bouie PTA Presents: “Feasting on Positive Energy”

struggles day to day to see the next dollar—the college student.” State Rep. Simone Bell, D-58, says she feels the students and parents pains.

She has a sophomore at Gordon College in Barnesville.“I’m wearing two hats while opposing this bill: I have a son in college and

we are currently wondering like you, what is supposed to happen next? He was promised if he kept a certain GPA, he would be taken care of,” said Bell. “This bill is moving fast. We need you to write letters to your district’s representatives. It means so much to have real examples of your concerns when stepping up to speak.”

Last year, HOPE awarded just over $1 billion in scholarships to 255,000 students. Expenditures for 2011 are estimated at $1.1 billion.

“This bill is limiting us, but it will be a major discouragement to generations to come. …How can they expect someone to do something like serve the country and just jump back into school and score a 1200 on the SAT,” said Georgia Perimeter SGA Vice President Antonio Molina, 28. “It seems that the bill will just make it harder and harder for people to get back in school and only favors the upper-income society that can do things like afford extra SAT help for students.”

Georgia’s HOPE scholarship faces a $243 million budget shortfall. Implemented in 1993, HOPE has covered full tuition and a portion of fees and textbooks for 1.3 million Georgia students.

“We know this is a big deal to families across the state. It’s a big deal to us, too,” State Rep. Elena Parent, District 81. “We want to listen to residents while we urge them to write letters and make their voice heard. Fight with us.”

Other lawmakers at the Feb. 24 meeting included State Representatives Karla Drenner, D-86, Michele Henson, D-87, and Stephanie Benfield, D-85. Several “listening tours” have been held by Democrats to drum up opposition to the bill, to soon be decided.

State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, D-94, said it’s important for more people to speak out.

“As the opposition party, we’re responsible for offering thoughtful alternatives to the Republicans’ proposal. This bill affects our families and our future leaders and small business owners,” said Kendrick.

Let your voice be heard on HOPE by contacting your district representative at 404-656-2844 or 404-463-4536 or visit www.legis.ga.gov/en-US/default.aspx.

Opponents of bill urged to speak outcontinued from page 1

PRISM community meeting is setcontinued from page 1

“We needed that additional class of police officers that were cut from the budget.” Henson said she plans to have public safety officials at the upcoming PRISM

meeting. She said she plans to share crime statistics for the Memorial Drive area where the church is located and discuss strategies for improving safety there. She said one problem the community has faced is the number of vagrants that hang out in front of the 24-hour Walgreen, which is located in the vicinity of St. Timothy.

“I am really upset about this attack. This should never happen to anyone, especially her. She is one of the sweetest people that I know,” Henson said.

Police asks that anyone with information about the case to contact them at 770-724-7710.

The PRISM community meeting will be held March 10, 7 p.m., at St. Timothy United Methodist Church, 5365 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain.

State Rep. Simone Bell

State Rep. Elena Parent

State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick

PAGE 8 MARCH 1, 2011

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

Proposed DeKalb Green Energy Resource Center

DeKalb County Government

Middlebury College Vermont

University of South Carolina

Alternative to Fossil Fuel

Carbon Footprint Neutral

Create New Jobs

Good for DeKalb Tax Digest

Pastor Kerwin “Big Thunder” Broussard Lee partied the night away with members of Berean Christian Church as they celebrated the leader of the flock’s 50th birthday.

Held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, the party was not only a time to reflect on the accomplishments the pastor has made such as founding two locations—one in Stone Mountain, the other in Snellville—but a way for members to get the know the man they see in the pulpit. They all fellowshipped, danced and had fun.

The congregation listed Pastor Lee’s favorites in a program. Among them: red beans and cornbread; the cartoon “Underdog;” his favorite outfit—a 70’s classic, (a white turtleneck and light blue polyester pants with black platform shoes).

“Here we are now celebrating my 50th birthday, a night of dinner and dancing. In the Bible, the number 50 means jubilee. How appropriate it is to party with the people who mean so much to me,” Pastor Lee said. “No written communication could ever adequately express how grateful I am for your presence.”

After dinner and a video presentation, Pastor Lee was serenaded with a birthday song and presented gifts by the church’s board of directors.

Berean’s senior pastor celebrates milestone birthday with flock

Allen Albert McGuire celebrated his 74th birthday with his family, friends and one of his biggest fans—his pastor, Bishop Miles Fowler of Big Miller Grove Baptist Church.

McGuire, who is a deacon at the church, is a celebrity of sorts. When he retired last December as the popular blind snack bar cashier who worked in the downtown Atlanta Sloppy Floyd Building for over 52 years, he was remembered fondly as the “counting machine” in a news feature published on Christmas Day in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. McGuire mastered adding in his head. A product of the state Department

of Labor’s program for the visually impaired, McGuire learned to price inventory and make change faster than the cash register sitting beside him.

So, naturally, when McGuire turned 74 on Feb. 12, his celebration drew a crowd, the media and a recording artist, Tashova. The party was held in the banquet room at the new “This Is It” restaurant on Panola Road in Lithonia.

With his wife, Anna, by his side, McGuire laughed and enjoyed the stories and accolades. He and his wife married for 53 years raised four kids. His determination to work allowed her to be a housewife.

Big Miller Grove deacon celebrates turning 74

MARCH 1, 2011 PAGE 9

Office (404) 934-5639

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By Joshua Smith

Five DeKalb County recreation centers—Tobie Grant, Briarwood, Scott, Mason Mill and Lucious Sanders—won’t

close after all. Neither will the newly-opened tag agency at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall nor the DeKalb Cooperative Extension Service, which provides gardening classes and many other programs to the community. All were spared under the 2011 budget adopted recently by the DeKalb County Commission. Public safety, however, wasn’t spared the knife.

The recreation centers were kept in the budget for the same reason commissioners spared the DeKalb Cooperative Extension:

“Our youth. They were a critical focus of ours when determining what the budget would be,” said DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May, who chairs the Board’s Budget and Finance Committee. “While it was suggested to cut the recreation centers, no one including the CEO, would give an option to where our youth could go without these centers. After looking at programs like the Extension Offices 4-H Clubs and other activities, we didn’t want to cut anything else from our children’s future.”

Some county departments are still trying to figure out how to live with the board’s decisions.

“We’re slicing here and there, trying to figure out the best solution,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson, who said she is still looking at ways to keep the county’s Dresden Drive satellite office open, along with the one at the Gallery at South DeKalb. She said she will figure out how to best use the money the board approved for her agency.

“Everyday we are meeting and playing with numbers to figure this out. Whether it’s cutting back on an employee or reducing hours, we are going through all the numbers and

alternatives to keep both satellite offices open,” said Lawson.

May said Lawson doesn’t have a deadline to decide how she will appropriate funding for the tag offices.

“We decided to give tax offices about half the budget they received last year,” said May. “We suggested that the Dresden Drive location be closed, but if the Tax Commissioner can keep it open in her budget, we will support that.”

At the Feb. 22 standing-room only meeting, hundreds of police officers and firefighters filled the room and dozens of recruits lined up outside the Maloof Auditorium to protest the budget cuts.

“We are talking about 80 officers never seeing the streets to protect our county. We are already greatly understaffed. With only 600 sworn police officers and more than 700,000 people living here, we are greatly out-numbered with less than one officer for every 1,000 residents,” DeKalb Police Chief William O’Brien told the Board of Commissioners. “These cuts are not just risking money, but risking the safety of lives. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take and I hope you aren’t either.”

After several DeKalb County officials and residents sounded off, Commissioners voted 5 – 2 to cut $33.6 million from the 2011 $530 million

budget. This means DeKalb residents will see no immediate property tax increase.

The new budget also calls for a privatized ambulance service, which means some firefighters and paramedics will lose their jobs.

“We didn’t see any reasons to raise residents taxes at this time. Honestly, tax increases will be a part of this county’s future, but before we raise anyone’s taxes, I feel this county needs to do a lot of housekeeping first,” May said.

One major budget cut is Public Safety Director William “Wiz” Miller’s job, which commissioners called an “extra level of bureaucracy.” Miller’s salary is $150,000. At the meeting, Miller told commissioners to “Please raise my taxes,” in order to protect police and firefighters and hire new recruits.

May said they can’t force Miller out of the position because they didn’t commit to a “line item” to cut the position. So, it will simply remain a suggestion to the CEO.

“We didn’t see a critical need for the position, so we suggested that it be removed to free up room in the budget. However, it seems that the CEO is keeping the position and cutting possible recruits in what looks like his priority is keeping William Miller over having police on the streets,” May said.

DeKalb’s new budget includes an 8.9 percent decrease to all departments, except the Police Department, the Fire and Rescue Department and the Sheriff’s Office. Their cuts are 4.46 percent each.

Commissioner May says it is likely that the budget will see changes and expects amendments when the board makes its mid-year review of revenues.

“Services are going to suffer. Quality of life is going to suffer,” said DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis. “This is a critical point. We have to realize how much we can continue to cut and still deliver quality services to our people.”

deKalb rec centers, Extension programs saved, but police budget is cut

DeKalb Commissioners have released these statistics to somewhat breakdown

the budget decisions for residents:

DeKalb’s 2011 budget wrap up:Total budget: $530 million

Total cuts across the board: $33.6 million

Fire Department cuts: $7.1 million

Police Department cuts: $4.7 million

Sheriff’s Department cuts: $3.5 million

District Attorney’s cut: $1.1 million

Library Systems cut: $1.2 million

CEO’s office must cut: $155,800

The Commission itself looks to cut: $283,700

Photos by Joshua Smith/ OCG News

DeKalb County officials and residents filled the Maloof Auditorium to make their voices heard, while dozens of recruits lined the Decatur building in protest.

attorney: rick dodd

can remain on lithonia city

councilBy Valerie J. Morgan

Lithonia City Council member Rick

Dodd can keep his seat on the council, even though he announced his resignation last month stating he had a “conflict of interest” in serving on the board with Council member Kathleen deCocq. Mayor Tonya Peterson accepted the resignation but said she wanted to seek a legal opinion after Dodd rescinded it, saying he was encouraged to stay on the council by Council woman Doreen Carter and deCocq.

Dodd initially said he resigned because he and deCocq had a “close relation that grew” since he began serving on the board last year. deCocq is married. Dodd is not.

deCocq’s husband, James “Jimmy” Paradise, has objected to the relationship, saying that Dodd needs to step down. Paradise and Dodd were close friends until he said Dodd told him that he was in love with his wife. deCocq has said she and Dodd are nothing more than friends

Attorney Winston Denmark said Dodd may remain on the Council.

“Even if they have a romantic relationship, that does not legally affect his ability to serve,” said Denmark. “The citizens may think that is unethical—and they have a right to express that at the ballot box—but a romantic relationship among Council members does not constitute a conflict of interest.”

In fact, Denmark said, spouses can serve on the council under the city’s existing charter. Any one who has a financial or personal interest in matters that come before the board, he said, should recuse themselves from voting. Denmark also said that Mayor Tonya Peterson could not accept Dodd’s resignation. He said the full council would have to do that.

“He withdrew the resignation before any action was taken by the board,” Denmark said.

PAGE 10 MARCH 1, 2011

MARCH 1, 2011 PAGE 11

TO CONTACT uSBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-MAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Business News Development, News Makers & Events

DeKalb Chamber presents Suzanne Sitherwood The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will welcome

Atlanta Gas Light Company’s President Suzanne Sitherwood to its inaugural Executive Speaker Series on March 10, 7 – 9 a.m.

The Executive Speaker Series is a quarterly breakfast geared toward CEOs, senior executives, and business owners. Attendees will hear from some of Atlanta’s top business leaders on key issues facing businesses.

Sitherwood joined Atlanta Gas Light more than 25 years ago as a co-op student. She has held a variety of positions including vice president of engineering, environmental and construction, chief engineer, director of competition planning, director of rates and regulatory affairs, and director of residential markets. She currently serves on the Governor’s Energy Policy Council and the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District Governing Board. Sitherwood is an officer and board member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, past chair of the Environment and Energy Committee and general co-chair of the GA Initiative.

The program is $34 to attend. Registration and open networking will begin at 7 a.m. This series will kick off in the Holiday Inn Select’s Conference Room, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. Register at www.dekalbchamberofcommerce.org or call 404-378-8000.

BBA welcomes Rachel Epps Spears The Buckhead Business Association will welcome Rachel

Epps Spears, executive director of the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, to its monthly breakfast meeting on March 10, 7:30 – 9 a.m., at the City Club of Buckhead, 3343 Peachtree Rd., Ste. 150, Atlanta.

Spears serves as executive director of Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, an organization that provides free legal assistance to nonprofits that serve low-income individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta matches eligible nonprofits with volunteer attorneys who can help address the organization’s legal needs. Since taking on its first client in September 2005, Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta has matched about 450 nonprofit clients with over 1400 attorney volunteers.

The cost to attend is $20. Register at www.buckheadbusiness.org or call 404-467-7607.

ABL sets Business Power Forum The Atlanta Business League will host its Business Power Forum on March 15,

5:30 – 7 p.m., at the Atlanta Life Financial Group Building, 100 Auburn Ave., Atlanta. The forum features several guest speakers from the business world in and around

Metro Atlanta, , business tips, networking and ABL Business-2-Business displays. Door prizes are up for grabs at this free forum as well. Registration is required at

www.atlantabusinessleague.org or call 404-584-8126.

‘Stepping Up to Business Conference’ is set The Small Business Finance Institute will host the Stepping Up to Business

Conference on March 16, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta.

The conference targets small business owners and entrepreneurs and will bring together banking, finance, economic and accounting experts in one place to provide face–to-face mentoring on how to fund a path to success.

The cost to attend is $100. Registration includes coffee networking and Lunch and Learns with CEOs and financial advisors as well. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is offering a 20 percent discount if you register for the conference with them by calling 404-378-8000 or us the promotion code PTR05 at http://www.dekalbchamberofcommerce.org/dekalbchamber/event.asp?id=737.

Gwinnett Chamber sets after-hours networking The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will host “Business After Hours,” on March

17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at I.O. Metro, 1350 Scenic Highway, Ste. 112, Snellville. I. O. Metro sells eclectic imported furniture and accessories at affordable prices.The after-hours session provides a way to meet new people, gather business leads

and networkwith more than 300 Chamber members. The cost to attend is $20. RSVP is not required. For more information, contact

Kim Jones at 770-232-8805 or [email protected].

Green Chamber examines water issies The Green Chamber of the South will host “New Waves in Water: Reduce

Your Consumption, Increase Your Profit,” on March 17, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.

Driven by changing lifestyles, increasing population numbers and climatic change, companies large and small are making commitments to cut their water use—and they are achieving big successes in meeting those goals.

The event includes a panelist segment with Director of Mike Lloyd, Global Sustainability for the Kimberley Clark company; Maury Zimberg, Coca-Cola’s manager of corporate responsibility and sustainability; and Gordon Van Dyke, product manager of Rainbird. Kim Karch, of the Green Bridge Council, will moderate the panel. The cost to attend is $35. 678-957-4944.

busiNess cAleNdAr

Suzanne Sitherwood

Rachel Epps Spears

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Week of February 24, 2011

Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, 2nd Floor, The Maloof Center, 1300

Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below:

REQUEST FORQUOTATION NO. ITEM CLOSING DATE

3001944 ITB Trailer Mounted 6in Centrifugal Pump with Hoses March 16, 2011

Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center,

2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html

DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise.

By: Kelvin L. Walton, Director/Chief Procurement OfficerDeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting

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PAGE 12 MARCH 1, 2011TO CONTACT uSBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-MAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Health & Wellness Resources & lifestyle Tips

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Conyers sets breast cancer awareness walkThe City of Conyers will host the “Walk With Angels” on March 5, 8 a.m.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. The eight-mile walk for breast cancer awareness is sponsored by the Kimberly

Chance Atkins Foundation and the Georgia International Horse Park Grand Prix Plaza. The annual event is held to honor those who have passed from cancer and to celebrate those who are fighting the disease.

The walk will start at the plaza, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, and will end on Green Street in Olde Town Conyers. Prizes will be given to the most spirited team and the most creative team. Registration is $50. For more information, call Benny Atkins at 404-925-1535 or visit www.kimatkins.net.

AKAs to host free cardiovascular seminar The Stone Mountain/Lithonia Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha

Sorority, Inc. is hosting a free cardiovascular awareness seminar on March 5, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Rd., Lithonia.

Presenters will focus on treatment options for vascular disorders and diseases such as DVT, stroke, aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease. Free blood pressure screenings will be offered.

For more information, contact Aidra Martin at 678-525-6155 or e-mail [email protected].

Piedmont offers Qi Gong meditation for cancer patients The Piedmont Healthcare Cancer Wellness Center will offer free Qi Gong

(pronounced “chee gung”) courses to cancer patients on March 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., and March 9, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

These are gentle movement meditation courses that have been developed and practiced in China for thousands of years. It is a practice that uses movement, breathing and mind focus for gathering, cleansing, circulating and storing vital life energy.

Qi Gong has been proven to have many positive physiological and emotional effects, including lowered blood pressure, better circulation and decreased stress. In these classes, attendees will learn theory and principles of Qi Gong, as well as a simple and effective set of practices to support health and healing.

The courses are facilitated by Amy Allen, CPT, and will be held in the Piedmont Hospital Cancer Center’s Mind Body Room, 1800 Howell Mill Road, Suite 700, Atlanta. 404-425-7925.

‘Age Well’ health fair set in GwinnettGwinnett Senior Services will host the “Age Well, Take Control—Keep

Moving” health fair on March 18, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.

Information about programs and resources for aging well and increasing your overall health will be provided at the health fair. The event will feature fitness activities, educational theater, health screenings and cooking demonstrations.

The Gwinnett Medical Care-A-Van also will be onsite. The van is a mobile mammography service using advanced, all-digital screening technology. Schedule an appointment in advance at 678-312-3444. You will need a mammogram order and/or prescription from your physician and provide insurance information.

The fair focuses on seniors but is open to the general public. Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation, Gwinnett Senior Services and the Senior Issues Action Team are sponsoring this event. For more information, call Pat Milhous at 770-822-5180.

Gwinnett Medical to host child safety classesGwinnett Medical Center will host “Bumps, Bruises and Babies” on March

11, 6 p.m. The class is provided to help parents, grandparents, and other care providers learn how to keep young children safe. Class topics include choking prevention and management, first aid, baby proofing the home and pediatric CPR procedures.

The class is $30 per person or $50 per couple and will be offered in the Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion Jennifer Robinson, Women’s Services room, 550 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville.

Rockdale Medical offers “Birth Place” tours Rockdale Medical Center, 1412 Milstead Ave., Conyers, will offer expecting

families free tours of their “Birth Place” facilities on March 6 and 20, 4 – 5 p.m. The tour is designed to educate pregnant women and their spouse/support

person about their pregnancies and deliveries during the childbirth experience. Staff members ask that you arrive no later than 3:45 p.m. for the tour at the

East Tower Entrance. Hospital staff will meet tour participants in the lobby area and will begin the tour promptly at 4 p.m. If you do not arrive prior to the start of the tour, RMC ask that you make plans to attend a tour at a later date.

Registration is required for the free tours. 770-918-3000.

HeAltH cAleNdAr

Schylon Brevitt’s personal journey with her 11-year-old autistic son has inspired her to reach out and help other

parents who have special needs.The DeKalb County mom has

started a support group in South DeKalb through Parent to Parent of Georgia, a statewide organization that provides support and education to families with special needs children. As the organization’s South DeKalb team navigator leader, Brevitt holds a Saturday meeting each month at the Redan Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Road, Lithonia.

“My purpose is to help parents better understand their roles and to develop a plan for their child,” said Brevitt. “Parents have to come up with a plan for their child and commit to it.”

Brevitt said she has been an advocate for her son since he was 4. She had to learn how to deal with his behavioral problems and work

with his teachers to develop a plan for him to channel negative energy into productivity at school and at home.

“His behavior was off the charts. But once we developed a plan, his behavior at school and at home improved,” Brevitt said. “Most parents think the school system is to blame when they’re child is not succeeding. They’ll demand all of this stuff and they’re not doing what they’re demanding at home.”

Brevitt said the support group also assists parents in getting other help they may need including applying for Medicaid, which may cover health care required such as occupational therapy for disabled children.

For more information on this month’s Parent-to-Parent Support Group, call Schylon Brevitt at 770-597-1372 or e-mail her at [email protected].

support for parents with autistic, special needs children

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

MARCH 1, 2011 PAGE 13TO CONTACT uSBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-MAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM We Worship Faith-Based News & Inspiration

Be Thou Healed Global ChurchApril 1-3, 2011

Pastor Tamara Verriett, Senior PastorGuest pastor’s, churches, and vocalist will join us each night to help us celebrate this special occasion.

1 Year Church Anniversary

We are inviting all our friends, relatives, co-workers, and neighbors, to come celebrate with us for our first church anniversary. For further information you may visit us at our website at www.bethouhealedministries.webs.com, or call 770-875-5271. We look forward to seeing you there!

Friday - 6:30 p.m. - Night ServiceSaturday - 12 Noon - LuncheonSaturday - 6:30 p.m. - Night ServiceSunday - 6:30 p.m. - Night Service

Schedule Times:Theme: Stepping Into The Increase

Ray of Hope sets Spring Revival

Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Rd., Decatur, will host its “Spring Revival Explosion” March 6 – 9.

Pastor Henry P. Davis III of First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Maryland will be the guest speaker at the church’s March 6, 7:30 and 10 a.m. services.

On March 7, 7 p.m., the church will welcome Pastor Jeffrey A, Johnson, Sr. of the Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis.

The guest speaker line-up continues on March 8, 7 p.m., with the Rev. Karen Bethea, who has her own ministry in Baltimore.

The Spring revival concludes on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 7 p.m. with Pastor William D. Watley of St. James A.M.E. Church in Newark, New Jersey. 770-696-5100.

New Mercies offers support for substance

abusers New Mercies Christian Church’s

“Hungry Hearts” substance abuse support group will meet March 10, 7:30 – 9 p.m., in the church’s annex, Suite A, 4000 Five Forks Trickum Rd., S.W., Lilburn. The group meets every Thursday. Family members may attend the meeting.

For more information, call the church’s counseling center at 770-925-4383.

Decatur First United hosts Men’s Bible Study series Decatur First United Methodist

Church, 300 East Pone de Leon Ave., Decatur, will host bible study classes with messages catered to men throughout the month of March, every Monday until March 29, 7 a.m.

The church has created this series for men looking to understand and apply what they study in the Bible. Some session topics include “Revolutionary Values of the Kingdom of God,” “Authority and Confrontation,” and “The Resurrection.” 404-378-4541.

Clairmont Presbyterian welcomes Georgia Festival Chorus

Clairmont Presbyterian Church will host the Georgia Festival Chorus for a free concert on March 13, 3 p.m., in the church’s sanctuary, 1994 Clairmont Rd., Decatur.

The acclaimed community chorus, under the direction of its founder, Frank Boggs, has performed much of the world’s great sacred choral literature for more than 25 years. The chorus has toured in England, Scotland, Ireland, Austria and Italy. This is their 9th annual concert given at Clairmont Presbyterian Church.

Admission is free. Childcare is offered for infants and children up to 2-years-old. 404-634-3355.

St. James’ Episcopal presents “Pipes and Pipes” concertSt. James’ Episcopal Church, 161

Church St., Marietta will host its annual “Pipes and Pipes” concert on March 6, 5 p.m.

This concert of traditional and contemporary music for bagpipes and organ, will feature Winter Taylor and friends, as well as piper and organist Steven Schneider. A reception will follow the concert.

Scottish dress is appropriate but not required. (770) 428-5841.

FPC Atlanta explores ‘Economics and Faith’

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta will host “Economics and Faith” on March 6, 10:05 – 11 a.m., in the church’s reception/Berean Room, 1328 Peachtree St., N.E., Atlanta.

Economics and Faith are two worlds that often clash. Come out to learn how to balance the two while staying on track with your walk with God.

The session will feature a discussion with and information from Distinguished Professor of the New Testament, Dr. David L. Bartlett, and Associate of Professor of Christian Ethics, Dr. Mark A. Douglass. Both professors teach at the Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur. Fore more information, call 404-892-8461.

Potluck supper in Buckhead will give taste of Latin America Every year for the past 20 years

Hispanic parishioners at the Cathedral of St. Phillip in the Buckhead community have prepared food for a special potluck supper called Cena Con Sabor Latinoamericano—A Taste of Latin America.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 5, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the church’s Child Hall, 2744 Peachtree Road, N.W., Atlanta. There will be music, crafts for sale, a raffle, a silent auction and a pinata for the children.

There is no set fee for the event and reservations are not required. Dinner donations are collected for humanitarian projects in Latin America such as homes for children in Bolivia and Honduras, a community soup kitchen in Peru and school lunches in Mexico, to name a few. Last year, part of the money donated was sent to Haiti via Episcopal Relief and Development and it was matched by funds from the Cathedral of St. Phillip. Cash donations and checks are accepted.

Members of the Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Commission invite you to come and enjoy this fiesta that helps many needy people in Latin America. If you like to cook, bring a favorite Latin dish to share, along with a serving fork or spoon. This is a good opportunity to get together with St. Phillip’s Hispanic members and those from other parishes as well. Bienvenido! All are welcome. 404-365-1000.

Learn the bible in a year Elizabeth Baptist Church will host

an educational class every Saturday, “Through the Bible in One Year,” 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Taught by church member Debbie Smith-Henderson, the once-a-week course will enable you to see the step-by-step revelation of God’s will, how it has become manifest over the centuries and how it affects your life today. Organizers say the class will have year-round open enrollment, so it is never too late to join.

Registration is $20. For more information, call 404-691-3146.

light of the World to host community health fair

Light of the World Christian Tabernacle International invites the community to its health fair on March 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the church’s Fellowship Hall, 5883 Highway 155 North, Stockbridge.

There will be free health screenings for diabetes, blood pressure and Body Mass Index. Screenings will be conducted for prostrate cancer, if there are enough registrants. There also will be information on healthy eating, exercise and nutritional supplements.

This event is sponsored by the LAMPS Ministry (the women’s ministry of Light of the World).

For more information about the health fair or to register for the prostate testing, please call 678-565-7001.

Rev. Karen Bethea Pastor William D. Watley

Pastor Jeffrey A, Johnson

Pastor Henry P. Davis III

antioch-lithonia to celebrate

16th pastoral anniversary

Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia, will celebrate 16 years

under the leadership of Pastor James C. Ward and his wife, Idell, at its March 13 worship services.

The church’s youth and children’s ministries will conduct both the 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. services as Antioch takes time out to recognize its pastoral couple.

“We didn’t want to do anything too major this year. We teach our members to love their pastor, and the members here do that everyday,” Pastor Ward said. “I am looking forward to seeing our youth speakers and our children perform as we celebrate this occasion.”

Antioch’s Dance and Mime Ministry will offer a small musical performance, “Preach the Word,” at the services as well. Pastor Ward says the anniversary service is a celebration of its youth ministries, headed by Dennis and Tammy Quinn.

“That husband-wife team are what I call a dynamic duo,” Ward said. “They have been working hard with the 7:30 a.m. speaker, Corbin Gettis, and the 10:30 a.m. speaker, Jarria Burke, along with all the performers to make sure the services go well.”

Antioch has a colorful history of pastors, including the Rev. A.D. Williams, the maternal grandfather of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Antioch, which will turn 142 years old this year, built its present sanctuary in 2004. Pastor Ward said the church has come a long way and achieved a lot of accomplishments, but working for the kingdom of God remains its mission.

“We are an old church, but we are still relevant. So, although we have history, we are still making history,” he said. 770-482-1277.

Pastor James C. Ward

PAGE 14 MARCH 1, 2011

Your Home : is it energy efficient or costing you more money?

TO CONTACT uSBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-MAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Home & Garden Resources, Trends & Events

Rain gardens workshop set in GwinnettLearn how to reuse rainwater in your garden. The Gwinnett County

Department of Water Resource Stormwater Management will present the workshop, “Rain Gardens,” March 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Gwinnett Justice Center, 75 Langley Drive. Robert Brannen will teach the class. For questions, e-mail [email protected].

DeKalb Extension: Controlling weeds workshopThe DeKalb Extension Service ‘s horticulture agent Lynwood L. Blackmon

will provide insight on selecting ways to control and identify weeds within your landscape. The workshop, “Controlling Weeds in the Landscape, will be held March 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the DeKalb Extension Main Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. The workshop is part of the Extension’s 2011 homeowner gardening series, “Enhancing Life Through Gardening.” The cost is $10 per class (payable at the door). For more information, call 404-298-4080.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens presents Vanilla SundayEnjoy the aromas and flavors of an amazing orchid during an afternoon of

cooking demonstrations, sensory experiences and delicious vanilla sundaes on March 13, 1 to 4p.m. at Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

Join Garden Chef Christina Curry as she prepares yellow corn ravioli with vanilla cream sauce at 2 p.m. and vanilla crepes with minted fruit salad at 3 p.m.

The event is free with admission. Admission to the Garden is $18 for adults; $12.95 for children ages 3-12; free for children under 3 and for Garden members. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE Atlanta. 404-876-5859.

Showcase Home Tour in RoswellTake a stroll down Canton Street where history meets modern in historic

Roswell for the Showcase Home Tour. The tour, March 10-27, showcases the beautiful Providence Brownstones. The tour presented by the Roswell Woman’s Club and Arie Kohn Architects, P.C.

No high heels, no smoking, no strollers or children under 10, not handicapped accessible. Tickets are $20 at the door or $25 unlimited access at the door or online. For more information, visit www.roswellwomansclub.org.

Atlanta Outdoor Extravaganza boasts ideas, giveawaysAtlanta Outdoor Living Extravaganza will be held March 4, 8:30 a.m. to 4

p.m. “Engaging speakers.” “Wonderful ideas.” “Great giveaways.” “Fabulous food.” That’s what gardeners had to say about last year’s Outdoor Living Extravaganza at the Atlanta History Center, McElreath Hall, 130 E. Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta.

This year, creative new ways to use color, the easiest ways to grow plant varieties, how to put together exceptional containers, and much more. In addition, you’ll be treated to a goody bag of exciting gifts-including a plant; you’ll enjoy delicious lunch, beverages, and snacks. You’ll also have plenty of chances to win great prizes. Even your non-gardening friends will enjoy this relaxed and entertaining look at what’s new in outdoor decor, Proven Winners style. Come and hear Walter Reeve’s speak about “How to Be Sherlock Holmes in your garden”. Cost: $80 per person.

Atlanta History Center, McElreath Hall: Kenan Research Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta. 877-865-5818.

You can easily conduct a do-it-yourself home energy assessment (also known as a home energy audit). With a simple but diligent walk-

through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. When assessing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades.

Locating Air Leaks

First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Check to see if air can flow through these places:

• Electrical outlets• Switch plates• Window frames• Baseboards• Weather stripping around doors• Fireplace dampers• Attic hatches• Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.

Also look for gaps around pipes and wires, electrical outlets, foundation seals, and mail slots. Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition.

Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weather stripping them. Check the storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also wish to consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-performance

ones. If new factory-made doors or windows are too costly, you can install low-cost plastic sheets over the windows.

When in doubt about proper sealing, contact your energy professional, or ventilation contractor.

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic building pressurization test:

1. First, close all exterior doors, windows, and fireplace flues.

2. Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.

3. Then turn on all exhaust fans (generally located in

the kitchen and bathrooms) or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

This test increases infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect. You can use incense sticks or your damp hand to locate these leaks. If you use incense sticks, moving air will cause the smoke to waver, and if you use your damp hand, any drafts will feel cool to your hand.

On the outside of your house, inspect all areas where two different building materials meet, including:

• All exterior corners• Where siding and chimneys meet• Areas where the foundation and the bottom of

exterior brick or siding meet.

You should plug and caulk holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes, electric outlets, and wiring. Look for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation, and siding, and seal them with the appropriate material. Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly.

When sealing any home, you must always be aware of the danger of indoor air pollution and combustion appliance “backdrafts.” Backdrafting is when the various combustion appliances and exhaust fans in the home compete for air. An exhaust fan may pull the combustion gases back into the living space. This can obviously create a very dangerous and unhealthy situation in the home.

In homes where a fuel is burned (i.e., natural gas, fuel oil, propane, or wood) for heating, be certain the appliance has an adequate air supply. Generally, one square inch of vent opening is required for each 1,000 Btu of appliance input heat. When in doubt about proper sealing, contact your energy professional, or ventilation contractor.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

eVeNts cAleNdAr

ContaCt UsWe welcome your news for our Health and Wellness section.

To submit information, e-mail the editor: [email protected] or fax (678) 526-1909. on Common Ground news publishes

on the 1st and the 15th of each month.

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TO CONTACT uSBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-MAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM CLASSIFIEDS

Services

100% LOANS ARE BACK !! From purchase to renovations act now call for details 404-281-6503.

WHY NOT ADD FLARE TO YOUR OCCASSION? Hire A Bartender. Available for all occasions, and reasonable rates birthday parties, weddings, class reunions, special events. Call Antonio 770-374-3610

Music lessons available. Voice, keyboard, music theory and choir directing. Tutoring for reading also offered. Call 404-284-3935.

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

BB Home Improvement. Yard Work, Gutters, Pressure Washing, Embroidery, and Clothing. Call Keith at 678-886-6350.

Affordable Home Repairs/Remodeling, Interior/Exterior Painting, Basement Remodeling Pressure Washing Plumbing, Tile Licensed & Insured, Large & Small Jobs, Free Estimate Call Derrick 678-469-0071.

Help Wanted 75-year-old company expanding in Lithonia/St. Mountain. 14 positions available including customer relations, finance, sales, secretary, inventory. $14.56 an hour. 678-221-1850, Mr. Jones.

Housing Counseling

We may be able to help you save your home under new Obama modification program now in effect. Qualification based on assessment. For help, call Sandra Bynoe at the NARRI non-profit agency: 678-923-9124.

School

Home School, Summer Camp, Tutoring, GED Classes. Call for more Information 478-357-3749 Location DeKalb County.

For Sale For Sale 2 BR,2.5 BA, Condo, 6016 Regent Manor, off Hillandale, Lithonia, $22,500. Call 770-482-6122 or 404-483-2526.

For Rent 3 Br 1.5 bath Stone Mountain. Hardwood floors, Mature adult. All utilities include located in quiet subdivision section 8 welcomed. Call 678-536-9960 after 7 pm.

www.vcvaughters.com

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