May 15, 2013

Snapshot of Kirstie and Kristie BronnerBoth are right-handed

They like hot pinkTheir favorite foods: tacos and hot wings

Their favorite music: Contemporary Christian

INSIDE:

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 4  WWW.OCGNEWS.COM  MAY 15, 2013  FREE

See Bible, page 9

p Community News ...........................P 3  p Business ....................................P 7 p We Worship ................................P 8  p Health & Wellness.....................P 10 p Classifieds ................................P 11CONTACT THE NEWSROOM: Phone: (678) 526-1910 n Fax: (678) 526-1909 n E-mail: [email protected]

See Twins, page 4

SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES

Photo by Mackenzie N. Morgan/OCG News

Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible traveling exhibition will open at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library in Conyers on May 29. The exhibit, which celebrates the 400th anniversary of the first printing of the King James Bible in 1611, has traveled to 40 libraries across the county and the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library is the last stop.

The story behind the King James Bible remains little known, despite the book’s enormous fame. Translated over several years by six committees of England’s top scholars, the King James Bible became the most influential English translation of the Bible and one of the most widely read books in the world. For many years, it was the predominant English-language Bible in the United States, where it is still widely read today. Even many of those whose lives have been affected by the King James Bible may not realize that less than a century before it was produced, the very idea of the Bible translated into English was considered dangerous and even criminal.

“We’re very pleased to have been selected as a site for this exhibition,” said Daryl Fletcher, library director. “This exhibition shows how important the King James Bible has been in history and will help audiences to develop a new understanding of its social,

cultural, literary, and religious influence over four centuries.” The traveling exhibit was organized by the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. It is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Bodleian Library University with assistance from the Harry Ransom Center of the University of Texas. The traveling exhibition was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the

Humanities. The display consists of high-quality reproductions

of rare and historic books, manuscripts, and works of art from the Folger and Bodleian collections, combined with interpretive text and related images. Through a $2,500 grant collaborative effort between Rockdale County and the Library, there will be associated programs of speakers, films and a display of the personal Bibles of a distinguished collector, Michael Morgan, author of Psalter for Christian Worship. Also, the public is invited to bring in their old family bibles for a consultation to repair or restore them. Ken Jewell, a representative of the National Library Bindery, will be present on two days with this service. Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible will be on display at the library through July 12, during regular hours. The library is located at 864 Green St., Conyers. For more information, contact Daryl Fletcher, library director 770-761-8648, ext. 124; [email protected] or visit www.conyersrockdalelibrary.org.

Renowned King James Bible exhibit opens in Conyers May 29

Identical twins share spotlight

By Mackenzie N. Morgan

Identical twins Kirstie and Kristie Bronner have always done everything together— double dated, studied abroad in Milan,

Italy and lived together in college. On May 19, the 22-year-old music majors will make history as Spelman College’s first students to graduate as co-valedictorians. Both have 4.0 GPAs.

“I’m very excited to share the title [valedictorian] with my sister. We’ve shared everything our whole lives. We studied this whole time together, so I think it’s only fair we share this title together,” said Kristie Bronner.

Though they are Spelman College’s first students to earn the distinction of co-valedictorians, they are not new to the Spelman legacy. Kirstie and Kristie are third generation Spelmanites. Their mother, the Rev. Nina Cobb Bronner, graduated from Spelman in 1985 and their grandmother, Dorothy Gibson Cobb, graduated in 1956. They also have an aunt, Sheila Bronner, who was a member of the class of 1986. Their father, Bishop Dale C. Bronner, who heads The Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Austell, attended Atlanta’s Morehouse College, where he graduated with honors in religious studies in 1984.

“We did our best to teach our children to do their best. We emphasized godly values in their life and having good character,” their dad, Bishop Dale C. Bronner, told On Common Ground News. “We encouraged their successes and taught them that failure only serves as a teacher.”

Kirstie, who had four more credits than her sister, Kristie, said she and

her family anxiously anticipated the possibility of the school honoring double valedictorians.

“We really didn’t think about it a lot. We felt like we were doing our best everyday with what we had,” said Kirstie, who is the oldest by one hour and 20 minutes.

Homeschooled since the fifth grade, Kirstie and Kristie completed their primary education via correspondence courses. During their high school years, they worked independently from 7 a.m. until 8 in the evening, eating lunch in their laps while watching their lessons via DVDs – stopping only to walk the dog.

“It was a lot of work and it definitely prepared us for college. We had to have good study habits or we wouldn’t have good grades. A 93 was a B. So we really had to go the extra mile for an A. We prayed hard and worked hard—same thing we did in college,” said Kristie.

A Beka Academy, the program from which the twins received their high school diplomas, is an accredited homeschool program that offers a rigorous menu of advanced courses. Late assignments and lounging in pajamas comes with a hefty price tag of $50 per late assignment.

“It takes a lot of self-discipline to watch DVDs of a classroom. If we had questions, we had to call the tutors at the school,” said Kirstie. “We really made the most out of it and used it to learn to go through everything with a fine tooth comb.”

They carried that same discipline to college.

Said Kristie: “Eventually, our friends learned don’t ask the twins to go out on school night.”

Watching television was also reserved for the weekend.

When the twins prepared to go off to college, they initially were undecided about a college major. They both eventually settled on studying music.

“We knew that we were good at music and had been doing it for a long time at church, but we had a negative connotation of the study of music. When we asked what else are we good at, the only thing that came to us over and over again was music,” said Kirstie. “My other thought was English, but then I thought, I write too slowly.”

The twins are penning a how-to book for other students seeking academic success. The book, still in its infancy, will detail the twins’ college experience and provide pointers, such as time management for getting and keeping a 4.0.

Spelman’s Co-Valedictorians

Kirstie’s favorite vacation: AustraliaFavorite place to hang out: Movie theater

Significant other: Air Force Pilot

Kristie’s favorite vacation: MexicoFavorite place to hang out: Arbor Place MallSignificant other: Emory Business graduate

L-R: Kirstie and Kristie Bronner.

A visitor checks out the exhibit that’s on its way to Conyers.

PAGE 2 MAY 15, 2013

The premiere issue of Churches Now Magazine and Web Site.

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

NowA Publication of

FREEChurchesNow.com

Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

Healing a mother’s broken

heart

New Birth’s prayer line hits

1 million

Hopewell Celebrates

City of Hope

Dee Haigler: Politics and the pulpit

The spiritual meaning of 8

CHURCHESNOW.COM

MAY 15, 2013 PAGE 3

LIKE US ON:

MAY 15, 2013 VOLUME 19, NO. 4

EDITOR/PUBLISHERValerie J. Morgan 

[email protected]

GENERAL MANAGERGlenn L. Morgan 

[email protected]

STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith 

[email protected]

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill 

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  ABOUT US On Common Ground News is published twice a month on the 1st and 15th by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.

No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

HOW TO REACH US

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Suite 107 Conyers, GA 30012 (678) 526-1910 (P) (678) 526-1909 (F) www.ocgnews.com

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Community News

Get Ready for Childcare,

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* Vision, hearing and dental screenings * Immunizations * Birth certificates

The DeKalb County Board of Health offers Friendly, affordable health services at:

East DeKalb Health Center2277 S. Stn. Mountain-Lithonia Rd.Lithonia, GA 30058 (770) 484-2600Dental (770) 484-2623

Clifton Springs Health Center3110 Clifton Springs RoadDecatur, GA 30034(404) 244-2200Dental (404) 244-4410

North DeKalb Health Center3807 Clairmont RoadChamblee, GA 30341(770) 454-1144 Dental (770) 454-1144 ext 4341

T.O. Vinson Health Center440 Winn WayDecatur, GA 30030(404) 294-3762Dental (404) 508-7890

Vital Records (Birth certificates)Eleanor Richardson Health Center445 Winn WayDecatur, GA 30030(404) 294-3783 www.dekalbhealth.net

Lithonia Office5700 Hillandale Dr., Suite 120 Lithonia, GA 30058 Phone: (770) 987-2291

Conyers, Covington, Snellville OfficesPhone: (770) 987-2291

Washington DC Office2240 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-1605

Congratulations Seniors in Celebration of Older Americans Month

Congressman Johnson Cares Helping senior citizens navigate the federal government through Social Security, Medicare and other resources

U. S. Representative HANK JOHNSONProudly Serving Georgia’s 4th Congressional DistrictDeKalb, Rockdale, Newton and Gwinnett Counties

Paid For By The Committee To Re-Elect Henry Hank Johnson

Rockdale Clerk of Court donates passport fees to four non-profits CONYERS—This month, Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson spread some

cheer. She awarded $13,527 to four community organizations, keeping her promise to give a portion of the federal passport processing fees generated by her office to charity.

Wilson made awards to Project Renewal, a shelter for victims of domestic violence ($4,216); Phoenix Pass, transitional housing for families experiencing displacement ($4,216); Rockdale Houses, a recovery facility for alcoholics and drug abusers ($2,000). and the Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts ($3,195).

Wilson announced the award recipients at a breakfast reception held on May 13.The donations were the third Wilson has made since she promised last year to give

one-third of the funds to the county general fund; one-third to the clerk’s office end-of-year bonuses and a third to local charitable organizations.

Earlier this year, Wilson gave $1,500 to the Reeba Glass family. Glass lost four children and most of her belongings in a fire that was accidentally started by her 6-year-old son. The 6-year-old was her only child who survived. Glass and the children’s grandmother also survived the blaze, described as one of the worst in recent history in Rockdale.

In addition to assisting the Glass family, Wilson also used the passport fees last year to give $5,000 to the Rockdale Emergency Relief’s Clothes Closet. Under state law, clerks of courts are permitted to keep the $25 administrative passport fees as personal compensation for doing federal work.

Front, L-R: Representing the groups who received the awards are Jackie Spragg, Marcie Howington, Vickie Stevenson and Renee Kalb. Back, L-R: Members of the selection review committee are Earl Wise; Clerk of Court Ruth Wilson; Attorney Laura French; and Shady Grove Baptist Church Pastor J. Phillip Baker. Not pictured are Dr. Susan Sendelbach and Coach Cleveland Stroud.

See Local, page 5

Variety of leaders set to address DeKalb’s

Class of 2013 Gov. Nathan Deal will be the guest

speaker at two DeKalb County high school commencement exercises this month. Deal is speaking at McNair High on May 21 and at Chamblee High on May 24.

The governor is among several elected officials, university leaders and business representatives who will deliver addresses to class of 2013 at commencement exercises set for 27 DeKalb schools.

Deal said he is delighted to address the schools’ graduates and he hopes that he is looking forward to inspiring them to reach for higher heights.

“I want to dramatically increase the number of students we see graduate high school and go on to higher education. It’s critical to individual success but also to the state’s success at large,” said Gov. Deal. “A high school graduation is a collection of individual successes that combine to form a community success. I appreciate that these speaking engagements give me a chance to celebrate this milestone with Georgia students and their families.”

Other speakers include: AdvancED Chief Executive Officer Mark Elgart, who

Gov. Nathan Deal

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

PAGE 4 MAY 15, 2013

Twins spend little time apartcontinued from page 1

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Stone Mountain Village sets community yard sale Stone Mountain Village is hosting a community yard sale on May 18, 8:30

a.m. – 3:30 p.m., on the First Baptist Church lawn, 875 Main St. Shop away the day discovering buried treasures and other great items.To sell at the event or for more information, call the Downtown Development

Authority at 770-413-0607 or the City of Stone Mountain at 770-498-8984. No food vendors are allowed.

Orrin Hudson to celebrate birthday bash with Charity Chess event

Ever wanted to learn how to play chess? Now’s your chance to get in the game, says Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson. The founder of Be Someone training facility in Stone Mountain is hosting a Charity Chess event to celebrate his 50th birthday this Memorial Day weekend.

Hudson, who has built a reputation around the nation using chess to inspire youths and adults to become leaders, is featured in Essence magazine’s June issue discussing how he has inspired youths to become leaders through the game of chess.

Hudson will be teaching anyone who wants to learn to play chess on Sunday, May 26, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave, NE., Atlanta. Attendees will learn to incorporate Hudson’s Life Mastery Skills into everyday problem solving. The event will feature national recording artist Arthur Reed, and guest speakers Chula Flemmings, and Patricia Hill. One of the community’s favorite music men, Darius Harpp aka “DJ D,” will provide music for the guests.

Admission is free, but donations will be gladly accepted to benefit Be Someone, Inc. To RSVP, call 770-465-6445 or visit www.besomeone.org.

‘Atlanta Streets Alive’ promotes exercise

The City of Atlanta invites the public to walk, skate or bike in its Atlanta Streets Alive event on May 19, 2 – 6 p.m.

Promoting physical activity, Atlanta Streets Alive encourages residents to get out and explore Peachtree, Ellis and West Peachtree Streets along a 2.7-mile route. Organizers say this “vibrant city experience” will include dancing and yoga demonstrations as well.

For more information, contact event organizer Matthew Garbett at 404-881-1112 or visit www.atlantastreetsalive.com.

We don’t consider ourselves geniuses by any means. We worked hard for our grades and we feel like it’s strategy that we can teach to someone else,” said Kirstie.

To round out their academic experience, the Bronner sisters joined Spelman’s Glee Club their first year, both obtaining leadership roles by senior year – Kirstie as student conductor and alto 1 and 2 section leader and Kristie as chaplain and soprano 2 section leader. Highlights included singing across the nation and singing alongside music legends such as Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Jennifer Holiday and Stevie Wonder.

“Our greatest memories from our Spelman experience came from being in the Glee Club. All of our closest friends are in the Glee club,” said Kristie.

In their junior year, the twins studied abroad in Milan, Italy, where they lived separately for the first time in their lives.

“I was so mad they put us in different classes. I ended up being glad because it was nice to have the experience to know that we can do just as well separately as we can together,” said Kristie.

During their study abroad experience, the Bronner sisters had to adapt to new surrounding and new roommates.

“Our relationship actually got stronger during the time that we were separated because it helped us to learn we were not around each other because we have to be, but because we actually enjoy each other’s company,” said Kirsten.

On campus, the twins lived together, took all of the same classes, and even shared the same friends.

“Although we have different personalities, we have the same interests, same hobbies and we’re good at the same things,” said Kristie.

“Although they both have tremendous similarities, Kirstie’s personality is more like Dad, and Kristie’s is more like Mom, said Bishop Bronner.

“Because they can finish off each other’s sentences, they sometimes seem like one soul dwelling in two bodies. But their contrasting qualities create a great compatibility and chemistry between the two,” their mom, Nina Bronner, said.

Following graduation, the Bronner sisters plan to work in the youth ministry as full-time youth event coordinators at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral. In this capacity, they will work with the youth choirs and praise and worship teams, plan conferences and programming as well as serve as youth counselors. Two of their siblings are also employees at the church. Neiel, 25, is director of communications, and Dalina, 27, serves as accounting clerk. The youngest sibling, Dale Bronner, 20, is a sophomore at Morehouse College.

Workshop: How to control pests in your vegetable garden

The Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension Office, 750 South Perry Street, Suite 400, Lawrenceville, will host “Controlling Pests in the Vegetable Garden,” on May 22, noon – 1 p.m.

Learn how to identify and control common vegetable garden pests. Participants meet in the Cooperative Extension Conference Room, located on the fourth floor of the building. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required by May 20.To register, contact Timothy Daly at 678-377-4010 or e-mail [email protected].

C.O.P.S. ready to train communities Crime prevention officers are in the process of conducting yearly meetings

with communities to help them get established as Community Oriented Police Service (C.O.P.S.) community.

During the meetings, attendees learn how to handle suspicious situations and report suspicious activity. To schedule a meeting and learn more about the C.O.P.S. program, call 770-513-5700 or 770-513-5208.

Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful sets Recycling Day

Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful is hosting its Recycling Day on May 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the County Government Annex Building parking lot, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers.

Come out and safely recycle your electronics and old batteries. Professional electronics and battery companies will be on hand to take all items.

Most electronics, such as printers, cell phones, laptops, scanners, microwaves and floppy drives will be accepted free of charge. Hard drives will be shredded. Console and projection TVs will not be accepted and neither will light bulbs. Most batteries, such as zinc air, lithium and li-ion, alkaline and lead acid gel will be accepted. A $10 fee will be charged for televisions. For more information, call 770-278-7050 or email [email protected].

Rockdale Think Tank to meet May 18The Rockdale County Think Tank will hold its next meeting on Saturday,

May 18, 2-4 p.m., at the Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. Guest speakers will be Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Richard Autry and Dr. Elijah Grant. The Superintendent will be giving an update on the county’s schools and Dr. Grant will speak about the functioning of the human brain. The mission of the NON-PARTISAN Rockdale County Think Tank (RCTT) is to embrace a spirit of unity on all current events by incorporating and engaging concerned individuals who live in Rockdale County. For more information, call Josie Dean, 770-369-1507 or Jim or Diana Roppo, at 770-922-1970.

Orrin Hudson

MAY 15, 2013 PAGE 5

Local graduations setcontinued from page 3

By Charles Steele Jr., President Emeritus/CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

President Obama has taken the courageous

path in promoting a sustainable and independent energy future for our country. His policies to support the growth of renewable energy production in the form of wind, solar and biomass in our country is brave because, with change often comes misunderstanding and sometimes, deliberate misinformation, serving to impede progress. This is the case in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Biomass is a term that refers to renewable energy from living matter, including manure. There is so much biomass produced in nature, it only makes sense to convert it into energy. Biomass plants, existing for over a hundred years, use a variety of materials as fuel. The most common material is wood pellets. Modern biomass plants are operating in European cities as a major part of their energy mix. Such plants are now operating in the United States at some of the nation’s leading universities. The University of Vermont, Iowa, and Central Michigan all use biomass plants to provide steam, hot water and power for their campuses. The renewable energy complex at the University of Iowa was just honored by the Environmental Protection Agency as one of the top twenty renewable facilities located in the United States. The Federal government is building a biomass plant at the famous Oak Ridge National Laboratories, which houses some of the nation’s leading scientists.

One can use biomass feedstock to produce methane gas (for power generation) or convert it to ethanol for transportation fuels. Perhaps even more importantly, depending upon the process, organic soil amendments (fertilizers) can/are produced from biomass.

Brazil is emerging as an economic power largely because they converted their economy to a biomass- based energy (i.e., sugarcane “waste”) after the first oil embargo in the 1970’s. They no longer need to use their capital to

buy fossil fuels from OPEC, Venezuela, or Trinidad.

These modern biomass plants and emissions control systems should not be confused with incinerators which is a common mistake. What these new plants represent are state-of-the-art technological investments, energy independence and economic progress.

That’s why I am alarmed to learn of opposition being voiced in the DeKalb/metro Atlanta community to the sizeable and significant investment proposed by a minority-owned company, Green Energy Partners-DeKalb, LLC. Rather, I applaud their enterprising efforts to produce environmental-friendly economic development. Biomass plants are no stranger to Georgia, operating for over a hundred years in Georgia’s pulp and paper industry.

The arguments for environmental injustice do not make sense, given that the some of the nation’s leading universities–not located in minority areas–have chosen to locate similar plants on their campuses. By comparison, the DeKalb County plant would be located within a historically heavy industrial area, nestled behind a closed landfill, next door to a trash transfer station and across the street from a privately owned landfill, rock quarry, and asphalt plant, with numerous trucking companies lying between the biomass plant and the city of Lithonia.

I believe the concerns regarding the use of fallen tree limbs for fuel in the proposed plant in the unincorporated Lithonia originates from misinformation. There is no evidence nor reports that I could find that directly link biomass plants to health risks for the local population.

I do believe there are groups that oppose everything President Obama is now trying to do with renewable energy, to take attention away from economic investments that help build our local communities.

I support the development of renewable energy to include biomass. I am urging our communities to embrace and support the President’s renewable energy policy and the significant investment in jobs and growth that his policy creates, which cannot be exported.

Why I Support The DeKalb County Biomass Plant

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Mark Elgart Thurbert Baker George Andrews Dar’shun Kendrick

will speak at Druid Hills on May 24; Attorney Thurbert Baker, who will speak at Tucker on May 21; George Andrews of Capital City Bank, who will speak at Stone Mountain on May 21; Dr. Carlton Brown of Clark University will speak at Lithonia on May 25; and State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, who will return to her alma mata when she gives the commencement speech at Towers High School on May 24.

“I graduated from Towers in 2000 so I am very happy, and a little terrified to do this. I hope to give the students some words of encouragement and let them know they can do anything they put their minds to,” said Kendrick, who represents District 93, which covers Lithonia. “I look forward to speaking with the students, staff and families that make up Towers High School. I consider it a great honor that they chose me to be a part of their big day.”

2013 DeKalb High School Graduation ScheduleMargaret Harris May 10 10:00 a.m. MHCS - CafeteriaDECA May 17 6:00 p.m. AIC AuditoriumDestiny Academy May 19 3:00 p.m. AIC AuditoriumTucker May 21 7:00 p.m. The Arena at Gwinnett CenterStone Mountain May 21 7:00 p.m. Georgia DomeMcNair May 21 7:00 p.m. Georgia World Congress CenterLakeside May 22 8:00 p.m. Fox TheaterStephenson May 22 4:00 p.m. Georgia DomeEagle Woods Academy May 22 12:30 p.m. Media Center - Eagle Woods AcademyMiller Grove May 22 7:00 p.m. Georgia DomeElizabeth Andrews (will graduate with DeKalb Alternative) May 22 7:00 p.m. AIC Auditorium

Cross Keys May 23 7:30 p.m. Adams StadiumDunwoody May 23 5:30 p.m. North DeKalb StadiumClarkston May 23 5:30 p.m. Hallford Stadium (Rain or Shine)Chamblee May 24 5:30 p.m. North DeKalb StadiumDruid Hills May 24 10:00 a.m. Atlanta Civic CenterDeKalb School of the Arts May 24 6:30 p.m. Schwartz Center at Emory UniversityRedan May 24 10:00 a.m. Georgia DomeColumbia May 24 7:00 p.m. Georgia State UniversityTowers May 24 2:30 p.m. Georgia World Congress CenterCedar Grove May 24 2:00 p.m. Georgia State UniversityArabia Mountain May 25 11:00 a.m. Georgia International Conference CenterLithonia May 25 9:00 a.m. Georgia State UniversityMartin L. King, Jr. May 25 2:00 p.m. Georgia DomeSouthwest DeKalb May 26 4:00 p.m. Georgia Dome

2013 Rockdale High School Graduation Schedule Rockdale County May 23 8 p.m. Reid Memorial Stadium Heritage May 23 6 p.m. Charles Evans Memorial Stadium Salem May 24 8 a.m. Seminole Stadium

2013 Gwinnett High School Graduation Schedule Archer May 25 7 p.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaBerkmar May 25 9 a.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaBrookwood May 22 8 p.m. Brookwood Community StadiumCentral Gwinnett May 22 7 p.m. Central Gwinnett High StadiumCollins Hill May 24 8 a.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaDacula May 23 8 p.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaDuluth May 23 4 p.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaGrayson May 22 8 p.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaGwinnett Online Campus May 22 7 p.m. 550 TracksideGwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology May 22 3 p.m. Gwinnett Center Grand BallroomLanier May 25 Noon Gwinnett Center ArenaMeadowcreek May 24 Noon Gwinnett Center ArenaMill Creek May 23 8 p.m. Mill Creek High, Markham FieldMountain View May 24 4 p.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaNorcross May 24 8 p.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaNorth Gwinnett May 25 3 p.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaParkview May 22 8 p.m. Parkview High StadiumPeachtree Ridge May 23 8 a.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaPhoenix May 20 7 p.m. Gwinnett Performing Arts CenterShiloh May 22 4 p.m. Gwinnett Center ArenaSouth Gwinnett May 23 Noon Gwinnett Center Arena

PAGE 6 MAY 15, 2013

‘Mr. Dave’ gives back as mentor to DeKalb kids By Joshua Smith

DECATUR—With summer just around the corner, Dave Shutten wanted to encourage the young men he has been mentoring at Toney Elementary School by giving them treats to eat and a special treat to keep: He gave each student in his Boys Book Club a book to take home and he fed them pizza to sign off the school year and welcome summer vacation.

“This book club has grown into more than just book discussions. We talk about sports, who’s the best basketball player, who’s the best action hero, school work and teachers,” Shutten said. “I think it’s been a bonding experience for all of us.”

As head of the Organization of DeKalb Educators, Shutten usually spends his days advocating on behalf of teachers and educational support personnel. When he’s not advocating for adults, he’s traveling throughout DeKalb County mentoring students. Shutten has a heart for students who come from disadvantaged families, especially those who are Title I students. The students call him “Mr. Shutten” or “Mr. Dave.”

At Martin Luther

King High School in Lithonia, Shutten teaches young men how to tie a tie. At schools such as Rowland and Toney Elementary in Decatur, he teams up with characters like “Cat in the Hat” and “Lorax” to encourage summer reading.

Shutten usually visits schools in low-income or Title I schools first because they have fewer resources and fewer mentors. About 40 percent of students at Title 1 schools are enrolled in the Free or Reduced Lunch program.

In February, Shutten started the book club at Toney Elementary, where 96 percent of the students are on free or reduced priced lunch. The school is 97 percent African American and only 2 percent of students participate in gifted programs. Schutten said he was inspired to start the book club by a former student.

“I came across a former student who went to Toney and he reminded me of an art book I gave him to read years ago. He talked about how it inspired him to keep reading more books,” said Shutten. “It’s students like that give me the motivation to keep striving for a better school system.”

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Augustine Preparatory presents “The Wiz” Augustine Preparatory Academy of Atlanta, 4650 Flat

Shoals Parkway, Decatur will present Charlie Smalls’ “The Wiz” on May 17, 7 p.m.

This play originally premiered in 1975 on Broadway in New York City and opened to critical acclaim, later being made into a film starring multi-Grammy award winner Diana Ross and the late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson.

This is the second year the school is hosting the production.

“Augustine students presented this play as their spring production in 2012 and experienced wonderful success under the direction of drama instructor, Synthia Williams. “We are anxious to see what they have in store for us this year,” said Headmaster Vickie B. Turner. “The Wiz” is the urbanized version in the context of African American culture of the classic that was written by L. Frank Baum. The Wiz won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. I’m proud we have the opportunity to present this play to the community.”

The cost to attend is $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Theatergoers meet in Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church’s Renaissance Project Theater, which is located directly in front of the school.

Augustine Preparatory is currently accepting enrollment for grades K2- 8th. For more information on tickets or enrolling your young scholar, call 404-326-5132 or visit www.

augustineprep.info.

Shutten is hoping the Boys Book Club at Toney Elementary will continue to inspire students to read. He says he can see the dividends already in students like Victor High, a fourth grader who read “The Titantic” and loved it.

“I never watched the movie so when I got to the end of The Titanic, it was really sad. I almost cried to see all those people sinking,” High said.

Damontay Freeman, a third grader, says he enjoys the book club because it gives him a

chance to talk to Shutten, who always provides a listening ear.

“He is always nice to us. We can talk to him about anything. That’s why I like the club,” said Freeman, who read seven books while participating in the book club.

Toney Elementary’s Principal Oliver Dean says he appreciates Shutten’s passion for mentoring.

“We appreciate Dave coming in and doing the book club with our boys,” said Principal Oliver Dean. “We have

more and more boys wanting to read beyond the classroom and take on other books. We are

excited about growing the club and getting more young men to open up more books and learn.”

PAID ADVERTISING

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

MAY 15, 2013 PAGE 7

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Business News DeKalb Chamber welcomes Police Chief Alexander The DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce will welcome

DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander on May 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Courtyard Marriot, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur.

Chief Alexander will serve as the guest speaker at the Chamber’s Executive Speaker Series Luncheon. DeKalb County’s new Police Chief will speak to the business community on his vision for public safety in the county.

Alexander is currently serving as National Second Vice President for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Alexander also holds a membership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and has published articles on police stress and burnout, and currently lectures on topics of management and leadership. Before coming to Dekalb, Alexander was the Federal Security Director for the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The cost to attend is $45. For more information or to register for the luncheon, visit or call http://dekalbchamber.org or contact Noelle Lloyd at (404) 378-8000, ext. 224 and [email protected].

SBA sets “Connect Atlanta” for small suppliers Small businesses can learn how to become effective suppliers with the

federal governiment at a workshop, “Connect Atlanta,” that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting on May 20, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Building, 77 Forsyth St., S.W., Atlanta.

The workshop will help provide the tools and resources needed to connect small businesses with federal and commercial supply chain and banks through matchmaking.

This event is free to attend. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit https://atlanta.mybusinessmatches.com or call 1-866-853-3561.

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

session for women in the business world on May 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Wall Street Executive Suites, 2375 Wall Street, Suite 140, Conyers.

The purpose of the networking meeting is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education and networking support.

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

Ready2Work-Rockdale invites job seekers to free prep program

Many job seekers are missing the mark in their quest to secure employment. Rockdale Commissioner Oz Nesbitt is working to change that.

Nesbitt, through his Ready2Work-Rockdale initiative, is hosting a series of free workshops to help job seekers.

Ready2Work-Rockdale will present its next free workshop on boosting interviewing skills and resumes on Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m., at the Nancy Guinn Library, 864 Green St., Conyers in the community room.

Anyone who would like to attend is invited.

Gwinnett Chamber sets networking event The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will host Gwinnettworking on May

23, 7:30 – 9 a.m., at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth and is designed to build relationships, support professional development, and develop lead generating affiliations.

Members and potential new members are invited to meet professionals who wish to grow their business and their network by meeting new people in new industries. Non-members are limited to a one-time visit. Free to attend.

For more information on the program, visitwww.gwinnettworking.com or contact Kim Jones at [email protected] or 770-232-3000.

SBA offers Affordable Health Care Act symposium The Small Business Association (SBA) is inviting the community to attend

a free workshop on the Affordable Health Care Act on May 21, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m,. at Georgia State University’s Student Center, 44 Courtland Street SE, Atlanta.

The symposium will explore the Affordable Health Care Act and its requirements, as well as opportunities for small businesses. The agenda will include an overview of the law and the new requirements for businesses of different sizes.

A panel of industry professionals will discuss compliance and insight into the Insurance Market Place and Share Responsibility provisions of the new law. The event is free to attend, but participants must register online at www.sba.gov. For more information, call 404-413-7830.

Cedric Alexander

Ancient Terracotta soldiers, beautiful skylines and the brilliant blues of the

Mediterranean waters await you as the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them for trips to China and Italy.

“China is the trip of a lifetime. Most people are excited and want to go, but can’t afford it. We’ll be staying at 4-and 5-star hotels and all of the attractions are included,” said Fred Boscarino, president of the Chamber. “We took a vote and Italy’s Amalfi Coast was the most requested trip from travelers. We are really looking forward to exploring a new destination.”

This is the fourth consecutive year the Chamber is headed to the Far East and is rolling out the welcome mat to anyone who wants to go this fall and experience the culture, food and

top tourists’ destinations in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.

The nine-day journey, Oct. 14 – 22, includes round-trip airfare from New York’s JFK Airport, hotels, three meals per day and tours with English-speaking guides for $2,299 per person, double occupancy.

Boscarino said the Chamber again selected China, an emerging economic power, because the trip received high scores from previous participants. Last year, 110 travelers took one China with the Chamber.

Carolyn Williams, a retiree from Lithonia, was one of them, bringing along her “traveling buddies”—sister, Dot Ford, and her friend, Vivian Hood.

“This was a great opportunity to travel to China, a place I always wanted to go to,” said Williams, who has visited Hawaii, Russia, London, Sweden, Finland, Paris, Mexico,

Bermuda, Rome, the Caribbean and Alaska. “The Rockdale Chamber offers great service throughout the entire process and I wanted to take advantage of what I felt was a great price that you won’t find with other groups traveling to these kinds of destinations.”

The Chamber also is going to the Amalfi Coast, Italy Nov. 11-19. Travelers will enjoy the first class Hotel Bristol, which is nestled in a cliff overlooking the sea and the Bay of Naples. The hotel offers stunning panoramic views of the picturesque village of Marina Grande, restaurants, and a relaxing sauna.

The nine-day trip is $2,595 per person, double occupancy, and includes stops throughout Rome in Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii and Naples.

“We want to expose people to commerce and culture. We have a lot of exciting events planned for both of the excursions we’re taking this year,” said Boscarino. “There will be planned activities and plenty of free time for sightseeing and shopping.”

The trips, Boscarino said, are open to anyone who wants to enjoy another country—not just Chamber members. The Chamber has secured affordable

rates through tour companies that specialize in packages for Chambers of Commerce.

The China trip deposit of $200 is due on July 2. Payment in full is due on July 16. The Italy trip’s initial deposit of $500 is due on July. Full payment is due on Aug. 5.

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

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber hosts trips of a lifetime at great prices

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive

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By: Kelvin L. Walton, Director/Chief Procurement Officer

DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting

PAGE 8 MAY 15, 2013

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We Worship Faith-Based News & Inspiration

By Valerie J. Morgan

STONE MOUNTAIN—Voices of Faith Ministries soon will have a new First Lady. Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. introduced his fiancé, Pamela Albright, to the church’s congregation on May 12, Mother’s Day.

The beautiful, 5-foot-3, Alabama native is vice president of product management for Bank of America. A graduate of the University of Alabama, she received her bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminal justice. Albright had planned for a career in law, but decided to move up the corporate

ladder with Bank of America after landing a job there.

Together, Albright and Hawkins will have a blended family of young men. Albright has two sons, ages 11 and 13. Bishop Hawkins also has two sons, ages 19 and 18.

As Albright stood beside Bishop Hawkins in the pulpit, the congregation erupted into applause and cheers as an elated Albright mischievously flashed a big smile—and her engagement ring—just as Bishop Hawkins was about to make his crescendo in introducing her.

“I couldn’t help myself. He is the one who is always making everyone

laugh. He’s very funny,” Albright said about showing off her rock. “He is one of the most loving people I’ve ever known. It’s not just the love he has in his heart for me and the kids, it’s his love for the Lord and others. It’s very contagious.”

“She’s been a blessing in my life and I honor God for her. She’s been there with me through thick and thin,” said Bishop Hawkins, who dated Albright for two years before asking her to marry.

Bishop Hawkins said he popped the question on May 10 while he and Albright were visiting her family for a pre-Mother’s Day dinner in Alabama. Albright, who has two sisters and three brothers, said they were having dinner with her mother when Bishop Hawkins presented the ring. Albright said the proposal came as a big surprise.

“It was a total, total shock,” said Albright. “I thought it was a Mother’s Day celebration for my mother.”

“Pam was excited. Her mom was screaming. I wasn’t sure if Pam had said

yes,” Bishop Bishop Hawkins said.Bishop Hawkins said relatives and

friends have been very supportive—from his mom to his brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Mia Hawkins, to his spiritual father, Bishop Leroy Woodside.

“They all love her,” said Bishop Hawkins, who said he and Albright enjoy attending baseball and basketball games in support of their sons, going to the movies, and trying different restaurants.

Albright said they also enjoy college football together, with one exception.

“We are huge college football fans. He is a fan of LSU (which is where his home town of Baton Rouge is located) and I’m a fan of University of Alabama. When those two teams play one another, however, we decided we will not watch the game together,” Albright said.

“He doesn’t like to lose and the last time, LSU lost,” Albright said gleefully.

To see the video of Bishop Hawkins and his fiancé, Pamela Albright, visit our FB page: On Common Ground News (Official).

Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. presents future First Lady of VOF

Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. and Pamela Albright plan to wed in a private ceremony in June.

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

MAY 15, 2013 PAGE 9

Bible exhibit offers varied workshopscontinued from page 1

CONYERS—Corene Bowden Taylor was known as “Mother Taylor” to many and simply as “Muh” to others. Those close to her say she also was known for her love for the Lord, wisdom, wit, and her determination.

Mother Taylor died Saturday, May 11, the day before Mother’s Day. She was 109 years old, and was one of Rockdale County’s oldest centenarians. She was well-loved and known to speak of what was on her mind or heart.

“Once she had a made up mind about something, she was determined to do it. One day, she packed a pillowcase and left the nursing home where she was living,” said Nikita “Nicky” Lester, Mrs. Taylor’s grandson. “She said she wanted to go home and that’s where she was headed—pllowcase and all.”

Corene Bowden Taylor was born on Oct. 16, 1903 in Cobb County. One of 14 siblings, she was born to Melina and Quince Bowden. She was baptized at Kelly’s Chapel Baptist Church in Gwinnett County. After moving to Rockdale County, she became a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in 1917 at the age of 13. Mother Taylor was a member of Macedonia for 96 years and was the longest, living member of the church. She sang in the choir and served on the church’s Mothers’ Board.

In 1938, Mother Taylor married John Wesley Taylor and they had five children through their union: Nora Leen Taylor Lester; twins Walter and Wallace Taylor, who died as infants; Annie Maude Taylor; and Jesse James Taylor. In addition

to her own children, Mother Taylor reared from the age of 5, her grand-niece Martha-Jean Redmond Banks.

“She was a kind spirit and a respected role model to all that knew her in the community. Mother Taylor was a praying woman and gave reverence to God in all that she did,” said granddaughter, Robin Smith.

Mother Taylor is survived by three children, Nora Leen Taylor; Annie Maude Taylor; and Jessie James Taylor; 10 grandchildren Nicky Lester (Wanda); Robin Smith (Kennedy); Aubrey Taylor; Gaye Price (Milton); Tracey Taylor; Donnie Lester (Tamika); Dawn Curry (John); Tammy Taylor; Enoch Taylor; and Jenesha Humphrey (Eric); 16 great-grandchildren: and three great-great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth Baptist seeks Greeks to feed

needy Elizabeth Baptist

Church, 4245 Cascade Road, S.W., Atlanta is welcoming members of fraternities and sororities to assist in feeding the needy on May 25, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Volunteers will serve with the One In Him Ministry (fraternities and sororities for Christ) for the Open Hand Project. Volunteers will sort meals and then deliver them to elderly and disabled residents in the Cascade community.

Participants will meet in Room 3 at the church. For more information or to sign up your fraternity or sorority, call 404-691-3146.

Beulah prepares for colossal VBS

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, will host a “Colossal Coaster World” Vacation Bible School Parade and Family Day on June 1, 9 a.m.

The VBS Parade will feature themed-floats, made by volunteers and members of the church. Following the parade, the Twelve Tribes Ministry will host the Annual Family Day. Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring family and friends to the event. Family Day will feature a cook-off, a bake-off and awards presentation.

The following Monday, June 3, is the kick-off day for VBS 2013 continuing through Friday, June 7. VBS will start at 6 p.m. each day.

The theme scripture is taken from 2 Timothy 1:7, and each day students will have an opportunity to explore a portion of the scripture as attendees “Face Our Fears” of being a modern Christian. 404-241-3307.

Obituaray

Rockdale centenarian Mother Corene Bowden Taylor

Oct. 16, 1903 – May 11, 2013

Featured Presentations

Thursday, June 6, 2 p.m. “A Brief History of the English Bible” Dr. Brad Arnett, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Luther

Rice University and Seminary will lead this presentaion.

Friday, June 7 and June 8, 2 p.m. “The Origins of the King James Bible” This presentaion will feature King James’ personal collection of

Bibles. Michael Morgan, author of “Psalter for Christian Worship” will lead the discussion.

Wednesday, June 12, 2 – 7 p.m.

The library encourages you to bring your old family Bible for a free consultation; to repair or restore your bible. Ken Jewell, Representaive for the National Library Bindery, will lead the workshop.

Thursday, June 13, 2 p.m.

“The Development and Promise of the KJV” Dr. James Flanagan, President of the Luther Rice University and

Seminary will lead this presentaion.

Friday, June 21, 2 p.m. “Politics and Religion: The World of James I” Dr. Wendell Broadwell, Professor at Georgia Perimeter College,

will lead this presentation.

Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Families will once again have the opportunity to repair or restore

their bibles through a free consultation provided by Ken Jewell.

Wednesday, June 26, 2 p.m. “Illustraing the Printed Bible: The First Hundred Years” Dr. M. Patrick Graham, Margaret A. Pitts Professor of Theological

Bibliography & Director of the Pitts Theology Library at Emory University will lead this presentation.

PAGE 10 MAY 15, 2013

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

Health & Wellness

New Visions...New Horizons...New Beginnings

1415 Milstead Rd. Suite A. www.nbcwh.orgConyers, GA 30012 678-413-0858

Most major health plans are accepted!

For all your women’s healthcare needs

Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare

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

Endometrial Ablation • Family Planning • Ultrasounds • Infertility • Menopause Management • Hysterosonogram

Kenya M. PradeM.N., CNP

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

Naomi R. Harris MD

Saint Joseph’s offers jewelry making to cancer survivors Saint Joseph’s Hospital, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, N.E., Atlanta, will

offer cancer survivors a free lunch and learn, “Interactive Jewelry Making,” on May 17, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hosted by Look Beautiful Today, the free workshop will encourage cancer survivors and teach them how to make jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets. Teachers can take special requests as they help survivors make beautiful, unique creations.

Reservations are required for lunch. Register by calling 678-843-5051 or email [email protected].

DeKalb Medical offers ‘Puberty Rocks’ girls’ workshop DeKalb Medical at Hillandale, 2801 DeKalb Medical

Parkway, Lithonia, will host “Puberty Rocks,” for girls on May 17, 6 – 8 p.m.

Is it time to address your daughter’s journey into adolescence? Learn how to open the lines of communication with Caryn Johnson, MD. The fun girls’ night out will cover body changes, mood swings, peer pressure and more. Learn how to help your daughter navigate the turbulent “tween” and teen years. Please note that this evening is not appropriate for males.

The workshop is free to attend. For more information or to register, visit www.dekalbmedical.org or call 404-501-8000.

Kingdom Investment Ministry offers free health screenings Kingdom Investment Ministry, 2219 Idlewood Road, Tucker, will offer free

health screenings at a community health fair on June 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Information pamphlets and health screenings for the following conditions

will be provided: cancer, prevention and the spread of it in the body; heart disease screening; vision and blood pressure checks; and glucose screenings.

Vendors from local businesses and companies, U.S. military, and temporary agencies will be on hand to discuss interested fair attendees about both, full-time and part-time positions they are currently offering. 770-934-9994 or 770-780-6129.

Impact Ministries to host health block party Impact Ministries International—Atlanta, 1600 Agape Way, Decatur, is hosting

a free block party and health screenings on May 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free health screenings will be offered such as blood pressure, and HIV testing

and youth empowerment information such as child sex trafficking awareness. There also will be designer clothing giveaway, fitness demonstrations, free food and music.

Bishop Junaldo and Pastor Tiffany Lee invite everyone to come out. For more information, call 770-771-3299.

Gwinnett Medical offers ‘Healthy Beginnings’ Gwinnett Medical Center, 550 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville, will host

a free workshop, “Healthy Beginnings, 1st Trimester,” on May 21, 7 p.m. This class is for women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Topics include: fetal

development; prenatal care; healthy lifestyle choices; nutrition and current body changes.

Registration is required. Participants meet at the hospital’s Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion. For more information or to register, visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org or call 678-312-1000.

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is calling

on residents who are 50+ to teach children in grades K – 5 healthy habits for life through the Coordinated Approach to Child Health, or CATCH program.

“I am very pleased to have this initiative at the Intergenerational Center here in DeKalb,” said Johnson, who represents District 3. “This program lines up with what we have been working on—raising the awareness of childhood obesity and developing strategies to help combat the high incidence of childhood obesity.”

The CATCH program allows senior volunteers to make a difference in the life of a child, and improve health, too. Johnson says both, the children and adults,

have a lot of fun as they learn together how to stay healthy and fit. Volunteers work together in teams.

CATCH classes are one-hour and are conducted once a week for a period of eight weeks at the Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The classes meet on Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., starting June 6—Aug. 1.

Volunteer training will be held May 22 and May

23 at the Villages at Carver YMCA, in southwest Atlanta. All training and class materials are provided free of charge.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to lend a hand and CATCH healthy eating habits,” said Commissioner Johnson. “CATCH is a wonderful way to improve your health and celebrate healthy living in our community.”

To learn more about the CATCH program, attend an outreach event at the DeKalb Exchange/Intergenerational Center on June 13, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Get more information about the CATCH Healthy Habits Program at www.oasisnet.org or contact Mary Newton at 404-463-3119 or [email protected].

Commissioner Johnson link seniors with youths to fight childhood obesity

Piedmont offers lunch and learn meditation for cancer patientsPiedmont Healthcare’s Cancer Center, 1800 Howell Road, will host “The

Body as Sacred Ground,” for cancer patients and their caregivers on May 31, 10:30 a.m.

Organizers say living with cancer and its treatments can create inner conflict and a feeling that our bodies have betrayed us. In this workshop, participants can do some honest, self-inquiry and then do healing meditation practices to integrate feeling safe in our bodies. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal. A healthy lunch will be provided.

Registration is suggested. To register, call 404-425-7944.

CALENDAR

Caryn Johnson, MD

Larry Johnson

MAY 15, 2013 PAGE 11

BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY

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PAGE 12 MAY 15, 2013

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Gwinnett Chapel • Est. 2004914 Scenic Hwy • Lawrenceville, GA 30045

770-338-5558

South DeKalb Chapel • Est. 20004347 Flats Shoals Pkwy. • Decatur, GA 30034

404-241-5656

Avondale-Scottdale Chapel • Est. 1980 351 North Clarendon Ave. • Scottdale, GA 30079

404-294-5500

www.levettfuneralhome.comComing soon:

April 1, 2013

A place where you can find doctors by county along with health news and information for healthy living.

A Publication of

Docs{Docs}TOPMetro Atlanta’s

Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

How Roberto Woods shed 169 pounds

Local senior hikes Stone Mountain 20 times in a day

Superfoods that keep

OCG News staffers going

DeKalb’s 100 Black Men present former Surgeon General David Satcher

FREEMdswhocare.com

MDsWhoCare.com