Nov. 8, 2014

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Freya Pearson

See Elections, page 6

See Andrew Young, page 7

DeKalb Solicitor General Boston is honored for tackling domestic violence

Page 9

Residents pack DeKalb’s Neighborhoods’ Summit for free information, ideas

Page 5

Rockdale Democrat Doreen Williams topples Republican incumbent

Page 3

CommunityCommunityCommunity

See Pearson, page 7

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Freya Pearson indicted on defrauding Kansas City, MO lottery winner

By Valerie J. Morgan

Freya Pearson, the woman who alleges Rockdale County Probate Judge Charles K. Mays, Sr. owes her $19,705.92 in back pay, is herself in trouble in Kansas City, Mo., On Common Ground News has learned.

Pearson is facing a federal indictment that accuses her of stealing $480,000 from a woman who won about $2 million from the Missouri Lottery, the Kansas City Star reported.

Pearson traveled to Kansas City, MO, where she was arrested and released after making an appearance in federal court there on Halloween. She was indicted on nine felony counts concerning Marva Wilson, who was 60 years old when she won the lottery in 2008. The nine-count indictment, obtained by On Common Ground News, accuses Pearson of wire fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, making false statements and defrauding the Weston Housing Authority. Pearson allegedly used Wilson’s money “to gamble, travel, buy cars, clothes, and furniture and pay rent while she lived in the St. Louis metropolitan area,” the indictment says.

Pearson could serve up 40 years in prison, if she is convicted, according to the indictment.

Pearson could not be reached for comment. Michael Waldrop, the attorney who is representing her in the case against Mays in Rockdale, also could not be reached, despite calls to his office and cell phone.

Pearson was back in Rockdale on Nov. 5 for a dispossessory hearing in Magistrate Court in which Mays had filed to have her evicted from his home, but ended up dropping the petition. DJ Asante, who is a trustee of the Mays Family Trust, said he put in a notice to dismiss the eviction just before the case was to be heard because Pearson sent Mays a text message saying that she planned to pick up her belongings on Nov. 5. Asanta said that although Pearson’s belongings were still at the Mays’ home, she had not been there since Oct. 23.

Mays said that he and his family took in Pearson, her 13-year-old daughter and 4-year-old granddaughter in February after meeting Pearson through a mutual friend. Mays said Pearson was living in an extended stay hotel in Gwinnett at the time he allowed her to temporarily move in.

By Joshua Smith andValerie J. Morgan

In what has been called a “Republican Wave” by political analysts and media sources across the nation, the GOP won big in

Georgia’s Nov. 4 elections. Republicans swept all of the state’s open seats—from U.S. Senate to the Commissioner of Labor. None of “Georgia Five” Democratic African-American women mustered a win. They were watched across the nation as the largest group of black women ever to seek state offices at the same time.

The Democratic Party had hoped that Senatorial candidate Michelle Nunn and gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter would boost votes for the slate of five black women, but that didn’t happen.

Senator-Elect David Perdue received 1.3 million (52.9 percent), compared to Nunn’s 1.1 million (45.2 percent). Republican incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal was re-elected with 1.3 million votes (52.8 percent), compared to Carter’s 1.1 million (44.8 percent), according to unofficial results from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. The

numbers are expected to be certified by Nov. 11.

“They kicked our butts. Period. Not only in Georgia, but across the country,” said DeKalb NAACP President John Evans, lamenting over the fact that Sunday voting didn’t do as well as some thought it might. “Have you ever tried to fill up an empty

tractor-trailer’s gas tank with a dollar of gas? The needle won’t move. That’s what Sunday voting was.”

In DeKalb County, where there are 450,000 registered voters, there were 3,889 Sunday voters. In Fulton, where there are 600,000 registered voters,

By Joshua Smith

Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young spoke candidly about his political career, including working side-by-

side with the King family during the Civil Rights Movement, all the while captivating over 100 people who attended a ticketed dinner on Nov. 1 to raise money for the Rockdale Democratic Party.

“I went to 41 states to get Jimmy Carter elected. Because of my reputation, congressmen were paying for me to go from state to state to help Jimmy Carter get to the White House. That was a critical campaign I worked on that would really influence the rest of my career. I can remember talking to Mrs. Coretta King about becoming an ambassador. She wondered if I could make it to two years with the white politicians of that time. Well, I made it to three years, but little did I know that would be just part of my story,” said Young, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 1977 to 1979.

“I think I have been most fortunate and blessed. But I always quoted to my parents from Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet.” Your children are not your children. They come through you, but not from you. You can give them

your love, but not your thoughts, for they come from a land that you cannot enter, not even in your wildest dreams.’ And that was because my daddy was determined to make me a dentist and a baseball player.”

Not becoming a dentist or a baseball player was among several things that brought out chuckles from the audience as it held on to the 82-year-old Young’s every word during the black tie event, which was

entitled “An Intimate Conversation with Ambassador Andrew Young.” On Common Ground News was a media sponsor of the event, which was held at Cameron Hall in Conyers.

During the unscripted “conversation,” Young shed light on what he calls “the new form of slavery” he says is crippling black college students across the nation.

“Republican Wave” keeps Georgia RedOnly 50 percent of Georgians participated in midterm elections

Rockdale Democrats host intimate evening with ‘living legend’ Andrew Young

Andrew Young autographs a proclamation making Nov. 1 “Andrew Young Day” in Rockdale.

Senator-Elect David Purdue thanks supporters and volunteers at his victory party on Nov. 4. Photo from David Purdue’s Facebook page

PAGE 2  NOVEMBER 8, 2014

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NOVEMBER 8, 2014   PAGE 3

NOVEMBER 8, 2014 VOLUME 20, NO. 32

EDITOR/PUBLISHERValerie J. Morgan 

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GENERAL MANAGERGlenn L. Morgan 

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STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith 

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ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill 

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By Joshua Smith

DeKalb County’s District 1 voters will return to the polls on Dec. 2 to fill former Commissioner Elaine Boyer’s

empty seat. A run-off election will be held between

Holmes Pyles, a retired state government employee who is an Independent, and Nancy Jester, a former DeKalb County School Board member who is a Republican. The two were the top vote getters in the Nov. 4 five-way race. Pyles received 9,250 or 26.12 percent of the vote to Jester’s 8,657 or 24.45 percent of the vote, according to unofficial voting results reported by the Secretary of State.

Boyer, a Republican who held the District 1 seat for 22 years, resigned in September. She has pled guilty to defrauding taxpayers of nearly $93,000. Her sentencing in federal court is scheduled on Dec. 3.

Pyles, a Stone Mountain resident, says he is looking forward to the runoff.

“I want to clean up county government and I will do all I can to support small businesses,” Pyles said in a news release. “I look to bringing honesty to county government.”

Jester, of Dunwoody, said with five candidates in the race, her team expected

a runoff and they are now working on campaign strategies heading into Dec. 2.

“I’m very grateful an I look forward to Dec. 2. I like my chances,” said Jester. “In the next coming days, we will be sending out e-blasts and going on social media to announce events like meet-and-greets to reach the voters and share the platform.”

Jester said if elected, she will bring to the Board of Commissioners improved disclosure, improved accessibility, integrity and one-click access to all financial documents in DeKalb.

The other three candidates in the race were: Wendy Butler, a land use attorney; Tom Owens, a Vietnam veteran; and Larry Danese, a retired engineer.

The winner will represent some 140,000 residents in Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody, and Tucker as the DeKalb County Commissioner for District 1.

DeKalb’s BOC District 1 candidates headed to runoff

Rockdale Democrat Doreen Williams topples Republican incumbent

By Valerie J. Morgan

There was a bright spot for Democrats on election night in Rockdale County.

Doreen Williams defeated Republican incumbent JaNice Van Ness for the Post II County Commissioners’ seat, a position that Van Ness had held for two, four-year terms.

Williams received 7,437 (55 percent) of the vote, while Van Ness received 5,982 votes (45 percent of the vote), according to unofficial results with the Rockdale Board of Elections.

“I want to say thank you to all the voters and thank you especially to all the volunteers that helped this team get to the victory. There were just dozens of people who went out of their way and stepped up to the plate,” said Williams, a retired educator who campaigned as “the calm voice of reason” and had served as chair of the Rockdale Democratic Party before running for office. “I look forward to serving and working in Rockdale County.”

Williams’ election means Rockdale’s three-member Board of Commissioners will be governed by Democrats.

Chairman Richard Oden and Commissioner Oz Nesbitt are the two other elected Democrats.

Oden, who had supported Williams, called her victory “super.”

“I think it’s super. It’s great and I look forward to moving Rockdale forward. I look forward to the reduction of obstruction and the calm voice of reason,” Oden said.

Van Ness, who had served since 2007, was the lone Republican on the board. She will finish up her term in December and Williams will take office at the beginning of January 2015.

Williams, who held her victory party with the Rockdale Democratic Party at the Sudo Lounge, said Van Ness called her to wish her well.

“She was very nice. Everyone has been nice,” said Williams.

Williams attributed her win to hard work on her behalf and the Democratic Party’s behalf. She was canvassing in neighborhoods up until the very last minute on Election Day.

“I love canvassing because when you knock on

Doreen Williams celebrates her victory with State Sen. Ron Ramsey in Conyers.

Clayton County residents voted overwhelming on Election Day to approve a contract to support what will be MARTA’s first jurisdictional expansion of the transit system since its inception more than 40 years ago.

“This is a historic moment for MARTA, Clayton County and the region,” said MARTA Board Chair Robert L. Ashe III. “On behalf of my fellow Board members, I want to thank the voters of Clayton County who have demonstrated their confidence in MARTA to deliver high-quality transit service to their community. We are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to prove once again that MARTA is well worth the public investment.”

Earlier this year, the Clayton County Commission voted to put the MARTA

referendum on the November ballot. Many Clayton residents had asked for MARTA services after budget cuts forced the shutdown of the C-Tran bus system in 2010.

Voters passed the contract between Clayton County and MARTA by 74 percent. Collection of the 1 percent sales levy will begin in March 2015, as will three bus routes and complementary transit servicing Clayton. MARTA will host public hearings on proposed transit services in the

expanded service area. “Officially welcoming

Clayton is an incredible anniversary present for MARTA as we continue to celebrate 35 years of combined bus and rail service in metro Atlanta,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “Starting as soon as March 2015, MARTA will bring affordable, reliable transit customer-focused service to the citizens of Clayton County.”

Clayton County Commission Chairman Jeffrey

E. Turner said his constituents recognized that MARTA was a key to unlocking economic growth and improving the quality of life for their community.

“Public transit is the critical link we need to bring quality job opportunities to the citizens of Clayton County. This is the catalyst to bring significant development to the south side of the region over the next few years.”

In the coming weeks, MARTA will request that elected officials in its current service area – Fulton and DeKalb counties and the City of Atlanta – vote to approve the 14th Amendment to the Rapid Transit Contract and Assistance Agreement to include Clayton.

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners will appoint two representatives to the MARTA Board of Directors.

Clayton voters approve MARTA expansion into the county

PAGE 4  NOVEMBER 8, 2014

Coming Up

Lunch & Learn: The History of Agnes Scott College 125 Years of Educating Women in Decatur

The DeKalb History Center will present its “Lunch & Learn: The History of Agnes Scott College--125 Years of Educating Women in Decatur” on Tuesday, Nov. 18, noon to 1 p.m. The Lunch & Learn is open to the community and will be held at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur (Second Floor).

The women’s college is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. In 1889, a group of men from Decatur Presbyterian Church decided that Decatur needed a better school for its girls. In a two-month whirlwind of activity, they found teachers and a rented building for the elementary school they called Decatur Female Seminary. A year later, George Washington Scott stepped up to provide land and construct and furnish a building, and gave the school his mother’s name. Over the next 15 years, the school gradually developed from an elementary school, to a high school, to a college.

Agnes Scott alumnae have been leaders in many professions all over the US and around the world, and especially here in Decatur. Decatur and Agnes Scott share a long and close relationship. Some of the highlights of this relationship will be reviewed in this history of the school, its alumnae, and its place in Decatur, as the College celebrates 125 years of high quality education for young women.

Bring your lunch and enjoy the presentation. Admission is free.

ATLANTAState Rep. Abrams to host Healthcare Market Place experts

House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams (D-Atlanta) will host an Affordable

Care Act (ACA) Town Hall meeting on Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Whitefoord Family Medical Center, 30 Warrant St. S.E., Atlanta.

Open enrollment into the Healthcare Market Place begins on Nov. 15. A panel of healthcare experts will inform citizens about the ACA and the coverage options available under the law and updates on enrollment. Navigators also will be available to help citizens enroll in an insurance plan using the federally-created insurance exchange system.

DEKALBChess champion Orrin Hudson to lead session at Stonecrest Library

Two-time World Open Speed Chess Champion Orrin Hudson will facilitate a fun and energizing session of chess and life strategies on Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia.

Children and adults will experience a journey of self-discovery and achievement through Hudson’s “KASH Formula for Success” - Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits. Learn the strategies that champions use every day to be winners in the game of life. Funding provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library. 770-482-3828.

Watson to host Town Hall meetings on water issues, sanitationStan Watson, Super District 7 Commissioner, will host two important Town

Hall meetings that will allow citizens to discuss water billing, water service interruptions, the sanitation pilot program and consent decree updates. The first meeting will take place on Monday, Nov. 10, 6-8 p.m., at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur.

For citizens in the northern portion of his Commission District, the second meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Tucker in the Mainstreet Fellowship Hall, 2367 Main Street Tucker.

Parks and Rec to host annual canned food driveThe DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs is

accepting donations of non-perishable food items for its annual canned food drive, which will run through Friday, Nov. 21.

Residents are encouraged to drop off nonperishable items at one of our recreational facilities during normal operating hours. Once all items are gathered, they will be distributed to people in need.

To donate, residents are asked to drop off donations at any of the locations listed below:

Main Office/Maloof Bldg., 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, LithoniaExchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta

Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, ScottdaleLucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 Bruce Street, LithoniaMason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B McConnell Drive, DecaturMidway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, DecaturN.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, DecaturRedan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, LithoniaTobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, ScottdaleTucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker*Main Office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recreation centers and the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center will be open from 1-5 p.m. For more information, call LaShanda Davis, public education specialist, at 404-

371-3643.

GWINNETTGwinnett sets Recycles Day

Gwinnett County will host its fifth annual American Recycles Day celebration

on Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to noon, Coolray Field, home of the Gwinnett Braves. The nationally-recognized initiative is dedicated to encouraging people to recycle at home, work and on the go.

The free event includes tire recycling (limit 8 tires per vehicle, no dealer tires), electronics recycling ($10 cash fee per TV), paint collection (8, one-gallon cans), and toner/printer cartridges. Donations of old sneakers will be given to those in need or recycled into reusable surfaces for playgrounds and running tracks.

There will be kids’ activities, giveaways and refreshments while supplies last. The Gwinnett County Solid Waste Division is hosting the event. For more information, visit www.sustainablegwinnett.com.

Annual tree lighting set at Historic Courthouse Gwinnett County’s annual tree lighting will be held Nov. 27, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at

the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville.The tradition continues as Gwinnett Parks and Recreation rings in the holiday

season with the lighting of the Great Tree on the courthouse lawn. Festivities include music in the gazebo, kids’ activities, dance team performances and local food vendors. 770-822-5450.

ROCKDALE

Georgia Veterans Memorial Park Foundation to honor vets

Rockdale County will honor veterans on Nov. 11, 11 a.m. at the Walk of Heroes Memorial, located at Black Shoals Park, 3001 Black Shoals Road, Conyers.

The Georgia Veterans Memorial Park Foundation will host the Veterans Day program hnoring late and active military veterans.

Capt. John Warren will be the keynote speaker. The community is invited.

Photo Caption:

A panoramic view of the Agnes Scott campus, circa 1904. Photograph courtesy of Agnes Scott College.

NOVEMBER 8, 2014   PAGE 5

By Joshua Smith

“Five Great Ways to Get Connected in Your Neighborhoods,” “Working Together to Increase Property Values” and “Connecting with Our Teens” were just some of the many workshops residents from across the county attended at the 6th Annual DeKalb County Neighborhoods Summit. The Nov. 1 summit was held at Tucker High School and brought together guest speakers, county resources and free continental breakfast and snacks under one roof.

“I really like how the flow of everything went. There were lots of people greeting you and and offering information,” said Clarkston resident Kim Audit. “This event brings together residents from across DeKalb to get connected, meet with community leaders, exchange ideas and learn how to partner with county departments to sustain and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

About 20 workshops were offered to

the hundreds of residents who attended. Several representatives from county agencies had tables at the summit’s DeKalb Services Expo.

Held at Tucker High School for the first time this year, the annual event welcomed hundreds of neighborhood associations, such as the Tucker Civic Association, the South DeKalb Improvement Association and the Rainbow Creek HOA. Last year, the event was held at The Courtyard Marriott Hotel in downtown Decatur.

“The summit addresses a number of subjects a neighborhood may need. From learning the proper ways to host a fundraiser and getting residents to volunteer to starting a newsletter and how to start a home owners association, we covered it,” said Bettye Davis, director of the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, and summit organizer. “This is a unique opportunity for the people to have direct interaction with the people who run county services and ask them about how they can lower

their water bill, learn more about the once-a-week sanitation service and any other issue coming up in DeKalb’s neighborhoods.”

Davis said the summit also hosted the Healthcare Marketplace for attendees to learn how to sign up for the mandated health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson, who represents the county’s Super District 7, held his monthly community cabinet breakfast in conjunction with the summit.

“Today really shows that we are one DeKalb. No matter your civic organization, neighborhood association or political party, we can all come together to celebrate our county and learn about new projects and initiatives in the county,” said Watson.

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May conducted the welcoming ceremony from .

“Today, people with compassionate hearts have come together to find the

ways to move the county forward in a positive position. Today serves as a great meeting of the minds between passionate residents that make our communities work,” said May, who said he was really excited about the summit’s Curbside Counseling. “These 25-minute sessions are a chance for one to three representatives from neighborhood groups to meet with a consultant and get information about several topics such as: community organizing, building a presence, marketing, social media, grant writing, meeting facilitation, volunteer and board management, program planning, as well as receive neighborhood needs assessments.”

Also in attendance were DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson and Kathie Gannon, Sen. Fran Millar and several community leaders, as well as motivational speakers such as Pastor Troy Bush of Rehoboth Baptist Church in Tucker and motivational speaker Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, who uses the game of chess to mentor youths and adults.

Residents pack DeKalb’s Neighborhoods’ Summit for free information, ideasPhotos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

PAGE 6  NOVEMBER 8, 2014

Elections continued from page 1

4,122 cast ballots during the Sunday voting period.

Sunday voting, however, wasn’t the only sign of voter apathy. The Secretary of State’s Office reported that only 50 percent of Georgia’s 5.1 million registered voters participated in the midterm elections, making it even more difficult, some say, for Democrats to overcome an upset.

“We know we have African Americans who aren’t going to the polls. Elections are the last things on their minds. They are thinking about getting a job, going to work and trying to stay off of the poverty line,” said Evans. “We can’t say it anymore. We have to go out to those people and not only tell them why they should vote, but offer rides and take people to the polls.”

Georgia Democratic consultant Cabral Franklin said Democrats must keep working.

“It was a tough year for Democrats in Georgia and around the nation. The second midterm is always hard for the President’s party as we saw in 2006 with George W. Bush and Clinton in 1998, so it’s not super surprising,” said Franklin. “But we have to keep working. Georgia may not be ‘red’ for many years to come. Republicans control Congress, all Georgia statewide offices, and the Legislature. If they overreach with their policies and cause too much gridlock, then 2016 and beyond may be very interesting.”

But Franklin, who co-managed the day-to-day operations of the Democratic Party of Georgia’s Coordinated Campaign in 2010, said winning has direct ties to who has the most money to campaign.

“That is absolutely true. The Carter campaign didn’t receive any outside support at all and was outmatched on TV for the last three to four weeks of the campaign,” said Franklin.

Democratic Secretary of State candidate Doreen Carter, who is from Lithonia, said considering the fact that she largely financed her own campaign, she did well to receive over 1 million votes.

“It’s true I didn’t have a lot of money, but I got out and campaigned to reach as many people as I possibly could. Over 1 million people had the confidence to vote for me and I

appreciate their support,” said Carter. Voter Jarrett Maynard says the

Democratic Party must unite and stand up more firmly for the issues they believe in.

“Whether the Republicans are right or wrong on issues, they all move together on one accord. You seldom see Republicans speak out about each other, but Democrats seem to doubt people in their own party and the President on the issues,” said Maynard of Ellenwood.

Political analyst Bill Crane, who has observed Georgia politics for more than 25 years, says Democrats had more problems than just money because there are simply more self-identified Republicans than Democrats or Independents in Georgia.

“Down ticket candidates, such as the Fabulous Five, were in some cases at a comparative spending disadvantage to the GOP incumbents they faced. Republicans had the most self-identified candidates. Most voters had made their minds up several weeks back and undecided voters were in single digits,” said Crane. “In the final days of the campaign, Deal and Perdue were able to close their gender gaps, each to the 7-8 percent range. Sunday voting and the ‘Souls to the Polls’ effort also was not nearly as impactful as many expected or Democratic Party strategists were hoping.”

Crane says the Republican Party victories were not so much of a GOP mandate but more of a referendum on the policies of the President and Congressional Democrats.

“Though the President maintained a ‘light’ campaign travel schedule, he cut radio spots or conducted interviews on nationally-syndicated shows, or in markets where their were several tight races. He repeatedly indicated that a vote for the Democratic nominee was in fact a ‘vote for him and his policies,’ said Crane. “I understand the strategy and the tactic here, but the message was distributed much more broadly than intended. For example, how those words turned in to a radio ad and television spot here in Georgia for GOP Senate nominee David Perdue. This, as a result, backfired and in effect, likely turned out more voters for David Perdue.”

Driver services reminds vets, active military of free services

As the nation honors military veterans on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Commissioner Rob Mikell, Department of Driver Services (DDS), reminds Georgia veterans and active military personnel of special licensing and testing services dedicated to them throughout the year.

“For the men and women who have served the United States through military service, DDS welcomes the opportunity to honor you,” said Mikell. “Please review the special military licensing options available, because it is our way of saying thank you.”

DDS supports veterans and active military several ways including:• Offering free licenses and IDs for veterans (upon presentation of eligibility

from the Georgia Department of Veteran Services). • Specially-designed patriotic driver’s licenses and ID cards for veterans

(standard fees apply).• Free licenses and IDs for active National Guardsmen upon presentation of

eligibility from their command.• Honorary licenses/IDs for the spouse of a deceased veteran or the spouse of a

disabled veteran who does not drive• Troops to Trucks Program – accelerates the licensing process for military

personnel to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). • Special testing exemptions for troops and their dependents who have an

approved military motorcycle safety program.• Courtesy renewals by mail for active troops and their dependents stationed out

of state. • DDS supports Governor Deal’s statewide ‘Hire a Georgia Veteran’ campaign to

provide enhanced hiring opportunities for veterans.Fort Benning, GA is home to the first DDS customer service center located on

a military installation; provides convenient licensing services to the approximately 120,000 military, reservists, retirees and civilian personnel who support the base.

For complete driver education, testing and licensing information, including the required Federal Homeland Security mandatory identification requirements, visit www.dds.ga.gov.

that door, you get to talk to people face-to-face. Most people are excited to see that a candidate would take the time to actually pay them a visit at their home,” said Williams, who also attended every event and most workshops the County’s Democratic Party held as a part of its “Road to Victory” series. “You get to share one-on-one conversations on the issues. Even on Election Day, there were people telling me that they remembered me because I had stopped by their home and knocked on their door.”

Williams said she worked closely with the Rockdale Democratic Party, which hosted several “Road to Victory” events and workshops that focused on poll watching, phone banking and

getting people out to the polls. The Party’s acting chair Tommy

Plummer said all of the hard work paid off for Democrats.

“We came up with a game plan and stuck to it. We’re very proud of Doreen’s victory,” said Plummer.

Williams said she plans to work hard on increasing efforts for economic development, including the adoption and implementation of a long-range strategic plan and the coordination of educational courses needed for businesses interested in relocating to Rockdale County.

Williams is a 20-year resident of Rockdale. She and her husband, John, have been married for 39 years.

Doreen continued from page 3

By Joshua Smith

Although the historic “Georgia Five” didn’t win their statewide races on Election Day, the African American women did quite well in Rockdale County.

Secretary of State candidate Doreen Carter who outpaced incumbent Brian Kemp is just one of the women who saw large victory margins in Rockdale. Carter received 7,756 votes (57.79 percent) compared to Kemp’s 5,661 votes (42.18 percent).

Former senator Connie Stokes, who ran for Lieutenant Governor against Incumbent Casey Cagle, received 7,620 or 56.84 percent of the vote to Cagle’s 5777 or 43.10 percent of the vote.

Commissioner of Insurance candidate Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson received 7,610 or 56.82 percent of the vote compared to incumbent Ralph Hudgens’ 5,547 or 41.42 percent of the vote.

State School Superintendent candidate Valarie Wilson received 7,943 or 59.21 percent of the vote to Republican challenger Richard Woods’ 5,467 or 40.75 percent of the vote.

Robin Shipp, candidate for Commissioner of Labor, received 7,756 or 58.13 percent of the vote to incumbent Mark Butler’s 5,581 or 41.83 percent of the vote.

Even U.S. Senate candidate Michelle Nunn and gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter faired vary well in Rockdale County. Nunn received 8,182 or 60.45 percent of the vote to David Perdue’s 5,219 or 38.56 percent of the vote. Carter received 8,030 or 59.71 percent of the vote to incumbent Nathan Deal’s 5,250 or 39.04 percent of the vote.

Georgia Democratic consultant Cabral Franklin said the Georgia Five lost for the same reason the Democratic Party lost overall. He says he is not surprised by the success in Rockdale.

“It’s the same reasons the other Democrats lost—a base electorate that was depressed, being outspent by their

opponents, and the nationalization of the election here,” said Franklin, who worked closely with the five African American women and their campaign teams. “Rockdale appears to be a firmly Democratic county. The county party leadership and elected officials did an outstanding job this year to get their voters to the polls.”

Political analyst Bill Crane said “The Georgia Five” did quite well in Rockdale because in places like Rockdale, the group of women did a solid job of organizing the black voter turnout.

“The Georgia Five, as well as State Sen. Carter and Michelle Nunn did quite well in Rockdale and Newton counties. Carter and Nunn also won Albany, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah. In cities with a large minority voter population, the state and national party appears to have reached the voters,” said Crane. “That trend, however, was not present in rural areas. Rockdale County is also still ‘celebrating’ to a degree the success of the “Slate of Eight” from the last cycle and I assume that turnout machine and voter list, down to the precinct level, was current and well-maintained.”

Rockdale voter Tamanek Johnson says there is a new day in Rockdale County for voters.

“I’m only 25, but I was born and raised here and you can definitely see a shift in politics here in the county. M parents and I talk about that frequently,” said Johnson. “We have to do all we can in these next upcoming years to see people that represent the Democratic Party succeed and get some victories.”

Crane says a rapid change is happening in Rockdale.

“Rockdale County politics and demographics in many ways mirror DeKalb County’s demographic and political transition of the past 20 years,” said Crane. “The changes are simply occurring more rapidly in Rockdale, in part because the population base is smaller.”

“Georgia Five” do well in Rockdale, fall in State elections

L-R: Robbin Shipp, Connie Stokes, Doreen Carter, Liz Johnson and Valarie Wilson.

NOVEMBER 8, 2014   PAGE 7

Pearson continued from page 1

Pastor James C. Ward

Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church annual programs honors all VetsU.S. military

veterans, both retired and active, are invited to wear their uniform to worship service on Sunday, Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m. at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia.

The church is hosting its annual Veterans Sunday Service Program to honor men and

women who have served in the U.S. military. The church has hosted the service for veterans since 2003.

“America is a great country. Those men and women sacrificed for our freedoms. It’s important to let them know we will never forget what they have done to allow us to worship freely and live in a land of opportunity,” said Pastor James C. Ward, who is senior pastor of Antioch. “As a former counselor for the military and VA hospitals, I know a lot of those vets get lonely or they come back with dreams

and bad memories they can never get rid of. Some of them come back with missing limbs. It is critical to honor our vets.”

The theme of the service is “The Past, The Present and The Future.” During the service, the Lithonia High School JROTC will present the colors and will join veterans who attend the church in a special “Missing Man Formation” to honor vets who have lost their lives while serving the country.

“We annually welcome veterans from across the state to come in their

uniforms, if they still have them, and come to the church to be recognized for their service. We group them according to what branch they served in,” said retired 1st Class Army Sergeant Waymond Graham, who organizes the annual program. “With members of our youth ministry leading the service and singing in the choir, it all comes together perfect to represent all parts of the program’s theme.”

For more information or if you know a veteran who would like to take part in the program, call 770-482-1277.

City of Lithonia to launch recycling center, farmers’ market

The City of Lithonia will launch a new recycling center and farmers’ market on Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 6920 Main Street, to celebrate America Recycles Day. Joining thousands of organizers holding events across the country to celebrate, the launch of the center will be a first of its kind in Georgia.

“The launching of the recycling project is a very exciting development for the citizens of Lithonia. We welcome the opportunity to create a more environmentally-friendly community. The added component of the farmers’ market will provide more healthy food choices for the surrounding area,” said Mayor Deborah Jackson. “The City of Lithonia is working to establish itself as a community that promotes health, wellness and culture, and this is just the beginning.”

Containers will be set up for residents to sort and recycle paper, glass, cardboard, metals (aluminum and bi-metal cans), and plastics. Residents are also encouraged to join the Plege2Recycle campaign by dropping off household textiles such as gently-used clothes, shoes, and toys. Onsite-recycling services will be provided by event sponsors Integrated Waste Systems (IWS), American Textiles Recycling Services (ATRS), and Tri-Cities Funeral

Home.The recycling center and farmers’

market provides an opportunity to assist in the city’s sustainability initiative and connect residents and visitors alike with local growers by bringing foot traffic into the district in a centralized location.

“As a concerned parent, business owner, and civil servant, I felt that the recycling center is an opportunity to increase the civic engagement of the residents, and the diversion while keeping the City of Lithonia beautiful,” says Councilwoman Shameka Reynolds.

In addition to recycling, residents will be able to connect with local farmers and specialty vendors to shop the market for fresh fruits, vegetables, and crafts. Live music and food trucks from the Atlanta Street Food Coalition will also be on hand. Food trucks will include The Breakfast Jeanie, Twelve Sixty One, Toasted Cheese Truck, Burger Box, Buen Provecho LLC, Mini Cheesecakes Truck, Island Chef Mobile Café, The Mobile Marlay, and Healthful Essence.

“IWS is proud to be a part of this initiative and we find this opportunity to partner with the City of Lithonia to be in line with our IWS company vision. We are excited to find new innovative partnerships with citizens, companies and municipalities to recover, repurpose, and reuse recyclable materials,” said Sam Miller of IWS.

For a complete list of acceptable items to be recycled at the City of Lithonia’s event, visit www.facebook or call 770-482-8136.

Congressman Johnson announces 2014 winners of CBCF scholarships

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced the winners of the 2014 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Spouses Education Scholarships.

The five winners hail from across the Fourth Congressional District – parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett, Newton and all of Rockdale County – represented by Johnson. Since 2007, Rep. Johnson has awarded more than $350,000 in college scholarships to deserving Fourth District students. The five winners are: John Adeyemi, a graduate of Redan High School in Stone Mountain who attends the University of Georgia; Marcus Byrd, a graduate of Chamblee High School who attends Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; Briana Clark, a graduate of Alcovy High School in Covington who attends the University of Georgia; Aliyah Miller, a graduate of Shiloh High School in Snellville who attends Spelman College in Atlanta; and John Washington, a graduate of Greenforest McCalep Christian Academy in Decatur who attends Penn State University in State College, PA. The CBC Spouses Education Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a full-time undergraduate or graduate education. Recipients are selected by volunteers in the district offices of the members of the CBC. Scholarship amounts vary.

For more information or to apply for CBCF scholarships, visit www.cbcfinc.org/scholarships.html.

Rep. Hank JohnsonMayor Deborah

Jackson

Mays said in addition to taking in Pearson and the children, he provided Pearson with food, money, and work to try and help her out. He said she began submitting invoices for hundreds of hours he never authorized. The invoices, Mays said, actually included money for which she was paid.

Pearson, through her attorney, filed an application for a warrant to have Mays arrested for the alleged back pay she says she is owed. Mays maintains, however, that he does not owe Pearson any money. He said the dispute is a “political vendetta” to try and defame him as the first African-American probate judge in Rockdale.

To view the Kansas City Star’s news story on Freya Pearson and the nine-count federal indictment, visit www.ocgnews.com and read the online version of this story.

Andrew Young continued from page 1

“Just the other day, I was talking to a Morehouse graduate working the campaigns and he couldn’t believe that I told him he was still a slave,” said Young. “We are politically free, but we are not economically free. Yeah, they will let you get your degree but look at how much you are in debt. They let you out educationally and politically, but now you are in an economic trap. When you look at that and the fact that recently, our young people are getting their butts kicked all over the place--law enforcement is emotionally charging our children with crimes and shooting our youths for nothing--we still have work to do.”

Tommy Plummer, the Party’s acting chairman, said he greatly appreciated Young coming out.

“We are one of the few county parties that has maintained an office since the 2012 Presidential election. These events are critical so we can keep the lights on and keep our presence in this community at our current location,” said Plummer. “I thank the entire party for coming together to make this night a success. Without teamwork, this event would have only been a thought, or a dream. This is a night in history that will forever be etched in our minds.”

Rockdale County CEO Richard Oden said he was honored to get the chance to chat with the civil rights icon

during a VIP reception that was held before dinner.

“As the first African American ambassador to the U.S. Nations, we can never truly repay people like Andy Young who have paved the way for African American politics to flourish,” Oden said. “This is an icon, a living legend that we can all see and touch.”

Oden presented Young with a proclamation, naming Nov. 1 as” Andrew Young Day” in Rockdale.

Young, who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership

Conference during the Civil Rights Movement, became the first African American in 1972 to represent Georgia in Congress since Reconstruction. He was elected in 1981 as mayor of Atlanta.

Congressman Hank Johnson said hearing Young speak was a “treat.”

“This is quite a treat for Rockdale, for all of us. We have a political giant walking among us. I remember back in ‘73 at Clark College waiting in line to vote for Andrew Young with hundreds of other students. That race was my first time voting and a great introduction to

politics,” said Johnson, who represents Georgia’s 4th District. “My first political position was poll watching for the Andrew Young campaign. Andrew Young faced intense ridicule and scorn for meeting with Zehdi Terzi to discuss relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization, but it was the right thing to do. Andrew Young had the courage to do that when many would have run from that opportunity.”

Sen. Ronald Ramsey, who attended the event, said he was extremely honored to introduce Young.

“Andrew Young built bridges among all cultures, races and was never afraid to tell people when they got out of place as a mayor, ambassador or any other position he served in,” said Senator Ramsey, who represents District 43. “Andrew Young was critical in brining the Olympics here and brining the international airport to Atlanta. Andrew Young has been such an inspiration to me and served as constant motivation to me to become the first African American to serve as a Municipal Court Judge in Stone Mountain and later run for Senator.”

Lt. gubernatorial candidate Connie Stokes, Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett, Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley and Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson were among the other dignitaries who welcomed Young.

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG NewsAndrew Young

PAGE 8  NOVEMBER 8, 2014

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Preparing To Feed the Masses Hosea Feed the Hungry got some holiday help from Publix and Kroger on Nov.

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“Today, we celebrate 44 years of making sure children don’t go hungry this holiday season,” said Elisabeth Omilami, CEO of Hosea Feed the Hungry. “We feed over 50,000 people a year.”

The non-profit also provides rent and/or utility assistance, case management and counseling as well.

NOVEMBER 8, 2014   PAGE 9

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston is the 2014 recipient of the “Deborah McDorman Flame Award.” The award honors the memory of Ms. McDorman and her commitment to domestic violence victims. In the 1980s, McDorman established the not-for-profit DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force (DK DVTF), along with criminal justice professionals and community advocacy organizations while she was coordinator of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program at the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award in memory of Deborah McDorman because her work establishing the DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force has been instrumental in fighting domestic violence in our community,” said Solicitor-

General Boston, “Since one in three women will become a victim of domestic violence, we must continue to do more to save lives.”

On Thursday, Oct. 23, Boston held her fourth annual resource fair and symposium, “Building Bridges, Making Connections: Coordinating a Community Response to Domestic Violence.” The event brought together community members, survivors and experts each year to educate the public and increase awareness about domestic violence.

Boston oversees the prosecution of approximately 13,000 misdemeanor cases each year including more than 3,500 cases of domestic violence. She created a Special Victims Unit (SVU) to investigate and prosecute sensitive crimes including domestic violence and stalking.

“Until Sherry came along, DeKalb County did not have a community-wide event that brought together faith based, community based organizations, government agencies and most importantly survivors to not only commemorate domestic

violence awareness month but also engage in important dialogues in our community, “said Aparna Bhattacharyya, executive director of Raksha and past chair of the DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force. “Sherry came into office wanting to help and making sure her team was ready to help the task force in whatever way possible. Her office is responsive and is a true collaborative partner when it comes to working for the safety of survivors.”

“Sherry Boston’s integrity and dedication to ending violence against women is reflective in her work and is a model for others,” said Ayona Johnson, director of Legal Services for the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, “It is apparent that she is committed to protecting the citizens of DeKalb County.”

Boston was appointed Solicitor-General by Governor Sonny Perdue in 2011 and was elected without opposition in 2012. Prior to serving as Solicitor-General, Boston handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases while in private practice. She also served as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Dunwoody, Judge pro hac vice on the DeKalb County Recorders Court and Associate Magistrate Judge for DeKalb County Magistrate Court. Other honors include being selected as one of 14 Georgia lawyers “On the Rise” by The Daily Report, named one of “Georgia’s Legal Elite,” by Georgia Trend magazine, named five times as a “Rising Star Super Lawyer” by Atlanta magazine and winner of the Thurgood Marshall Award by the DeKalb Branch of the NAACP.

DeKalb Solicitor General Boston is honored for tackling domestic violence

Tucker Middle School earns STEM certification

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston

The first middle school in the state of Georgia to earn STEM certification is in the DeKalb County School District.

Tucker Middle School’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program was certified this week by the Georgia Department of Education, setting up the school to serve as a model for hundreds of other schools statewide attempting to win STEM certification. Tucker Middle School becomes the fourth school in DeKalb County – and 11th overall statewide for all school

levels – to earn the STEM designation, which refers to success in integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in all subjects. “On behalf of the Board of Education and all our stakeholders, I applaud and congratulate Tucker Middle School on this milestone achievement,” said Michael Thurmond, superintendent of DeKalb County Schoos. “This major accomplishment shows what we can achieve through dedication, hard work, and perseverance.” “We’re proud and excited to have

achieved this milestone after three years of hard work,” said Kathy Cunningham, principal of Tucker Middle School. Cunningham spearheaded the program along with Tucker Middle’s STEM coordinator, Stephen Csukas. Currently, 162 students at Tucker Middle benefit from a STEM curriculum that involves 150 minutes a day of specialized instruction, an interdisciplinary approach to learning – and real-world opportunities to apply their skills with the program’s corporate and public-sector partners. With Tucker’s diverse student

population, combined with a majority of female students in the STEM program, Cunningham and Csukas hope to prepare more females and minorities for educational advancement and careers in math, science, engineering and technology.

“Females, African Americans, Hispanics and others are underrepresented in highly technical fields,” said Cunningham. “Our goal is to increase their numbers and give them the educational foundation and the confidence to know that they can succeed.”

PAGE 10  NOVEMBER 8, 2014

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People Movers & Shakers in the Community

Nine area residents will be honored for their work with DeKalb County YMCAs at

the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s annual volunteer recognition dinner this month. The volunteers are credited with giving their time, talent and energies to programs that help kids who are enrolled in Y programs.

Phyllis A. Cole of Stone Mountain will receive an award for her service at the YMCA Academies of South DeKalb. Cole is a board member of the YMCA Academies of South DeKalb. She has volunteered at the Y for four years and is an active advocate for the Y’s early learning academies to ensure children are prepared for school. “As a volunteer, Ms. Cole strengthens the foundations of our community by always being an advocate for our branch,” said Tamra Sheppard, executive director of the YMCA Academies of South DeKalb. “Whether it’s by connecting us with other businesses or organizations in the community or representing our branch at major events, Ms. Cole constantly tells the story of the Y and connects us with those who share our vision to holistically serve our community with quality early learning.” Cole is retired from the DeKalb County school system as the coordinator of programs for blind, visually impaired and orthopedically-impaired students. Along with her commitment to the Y, Cole is an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women. “I’ve made a commitment to nurture the potential of children,” said Cole. “Investing in early childhood education builds a prosperous community by providing children and their parents the resources necessary for success in school and in life.” Chris Culberson, a Decatur resident, will be honored for his service at the Decatur Family YMCA. Culberson is president of Emory Alliance Credit Union. He has served on the Decatur Y’s board since 1997. “We personally support the Y, and the Emory Alliance Credit Union donates to the WHY IT MATTERS annual giving campaign every year,” said Culberson. “We also support the Y Golf Open. Our satisfaction comes from knowing our contribution is helping the community.” “Chris has been a leader in involving his company and employees in volunteer activities at the Y,” said Bill McKoy, executive director of the Decatur Family Y. “His connection to the Y has opened doors to many members of the community to participate and get involved with the YMCA.” Debra DeBerry, DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court, will receive the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year award for her service at the

South DeKalb Family YMCA.DeBerry has volunteered at the

Y for 11 years and is a board member and active advocate for the “Why it Matters” annual giving campaign, which raises money to assist needy children become involved in Y programs. DeBerry also volunteers with the Read Across America and South DeKalb Y’s summer camp. DeBerry’s family got involved with the Y in the ’60s. Her father was the director of a youth program in New York City and had a partnership with the Y. It was the only organization addressing gang issues back then. The Y offered a place of inclusion where core human values were taught. “As a board member, I enjoy coming up with ideas to help the Y get in the direction of its goals,” said DeBerry. “The YMCA has a very special place in my heart because of the many, special memories. My dad taught me how swim at the Y, and I did my first dive at the Y. Those are memories you don’t ever forget.”

Meredyth and David Gaynes, residents of Dunwoody, will be honored for their service at the Cowart Family/Ashford Dunwoody YMCA. The Gaynes coach five teams and have volunteered at the Y for the past seven years.

“Basketball instills lessons and morals, because a big responsibility comes with being on a team,” said David Gaynes. “If you do not give your best, it could affect the other players on the team. Or, just because you did something good, it does not mean you are going to win. What really matters is that you give your best and help your team to improve.” David Gaynes is the president of Gaynes Financial Services, Inc. “Meredyth and David are a perfect example of busy people with little free time who still find time to give back to the Y and the community,” said Kristin McEwen, group vice president with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “They have their hands full raising their own family and working, and they still find the time to coach others. They understand the importance of these programs and the positive impact they have on children.”

Maggie Paynich, a resident of the city of Decatur, will be honored for her service at the East Lake Family YMCA. Paynich is a licensed school counselor and the founder of Education Inspires, a middle school college exploration program. “I am passionate about working with middle school students because I have the opportunity to help them develop their self-confidence while they are still in a stage of dreaming and believing they can do anything,” said Paynich. “I want to capture that energy and make sure they utilize it before they get to high school. Then they can fully take advantage of the opportunities to graduate, move on to college and a career.” Paynich is a neighborhood watch

coordinator, active in local political organizations and a McNair Middle School volunteer. “Teens need opportunities, mentors and activities to help them thrive,” said Paynich. “I work directly with middle and high school students and provide them the guidance they need to be successful. They have opportunities to get invested and build valuable experiences into their lives and college experiences.”

Tamara Rose, a Stone Mountain resident, will recognized for her service at the Wade Walker Park Family YMCA. Rose has given more than 300 volunteer hours and helps in every department at the Y. She assists with scoring during youth basketball, soccer, baseball, and swimming events. Rose also volunteers in the play center and at the front desk. She gives tours and greets members regularly. “Volunteering at the Y is comforting,” said Rose. “I learned to open up and speak my mind. I meet amazing people who have helped me and given me uplifting advice. The YMCA feels like home because everybody cares for and respects each other.” Rose is a senior at Stone Mountain High School. She lives with her family and has been volunteering at the Y since 2013. “When Tamara first came to the Y, she was very quiet, extremely shy and unsure of herself,” said Winston Myers, executive director of the Wade Walker Park YMCA. “She says she would not be the young person she is today without the Y. She has made new friends, is vocal about her feelings, has found a new sense of self confidence, and demonstrates her leadership skills daily.”

Brent Slade, an Atlanta resident, will be honored his service with The Villages at Carver Family YMCA.

Slade coaches and supports the

programs at the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy at The Villages at Carver Y. “Baseball teaches enthusiasm, teamwork and being positive,” said Slade. “Enthusiasm brings the best out of the kids during the games, even if they are losing. It is important to belong to a team and realize that is real life. You always are going to be part of a team somewhere. Staying positive is a must to accomplish goals and take action.” Slade is the urban baseball director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is an active member at the Community Life Church. “I am grateful for our neighborhood YMCA,” said Slade. “The Y gives me a chance to serve and care about others. Seeing kids accomplish something at the end of the baseball season that they weren’t able to do at the beginning is so rewarding.”

Tammie A. Zeigler, a resident of DeKalb County, will be honored for her service at the Decatur Family YMCA. Zeigler is the vice president of retail and marketing at the Emory Alliance Credit Union. “We implement a Giving Tree at the Credit Union,” said Zeigler. “The Y identifies families who need assistance over the holidays. Our employees contribute their time and money, so children receive holiday gifts. Knowing the Credit Union helps people in the community by providing access to programs and activities that otherwise would not be available to them makes our time and financial contribution worthwhile.” Zeigler serves on the Y Golf Open committee. The Y Golf Open is an annual tournament created to raise money to fund programs for the youth. “Tammie is always willing to go the extra mile to support the Decatur Y,” said Bill McKoy, executive director of the Decatur Family Y. “She works to give the Decatur Y visibility in the community.”

Y volunteers to be lauded for their work

Phyllis A. Cole Debra DeBerry Tamara RoseMeredyth and David Gaynes

Brent Slade Maggie Paynich Tammie A. Zeigler

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Not pictured: Chris Culberson

NOVEMBER 8, 2014   PAGE 11

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Cosmetic & General Dentistry

New Patients Welcome!

Mon- Thurs 8am-5pm Every other Friday 8am-5pmRecline in Comfort & Watch TV During Your Treatment !!

Se Habla Espanol!

8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155Lithonia, GA 30038 • (770) 484-4051Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)

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Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS