Oct. 25, 2014

Volume   20 Number 30  www.ocgNews.com  october 25, 2014  Free

Serving DeKalb, Fulton, gwinnett, Henry anD rocKDale countieS n www.FacebooK.com/ocgnewS

Michelle Nunn welcomes Jill Biden to Hands on Atlanta Day

Page 9

St. Paul AME celebrates Pink and Blue Ribbon Sunday

Page 5

Expansion project to relieve congestion on Rockdale’s Highway 138

Page 3

CommunityThink PinkCommunity

See Ellis mistrial, page 6

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

By Valerie J. Morgan

Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young will visit Rockdale County next month for a much-anticipated

event the Rockdale Democratic Party is hosting.

The Party is presenting “An Intimate Conversation with Ambassador Andrew Young “ on Nov. 1 at Cameron Hall, 1035 Green St., Conyers. The black tie, ticketed event, which includes a VIP reception and dinner with Young, is a fundraiser to help the Democratic Party maintain its presence in Rockdale.

“This is not an event to endorse anyone. It’s a fundraiser. We want to keep our headquarters open so that we can continue to work to have Democrats elected,” said Tommy Plummer, the

Party’s chair. “We are one of the few county parties that has maintained an office since the 2012 Presidential election.

Plummer said the event is open to anyone who wants to attend and meet the living legend.

“Andrew Young is a living legend and we’re looking forward to all that he has to say about his political life, the Civil Rights Movement, and other things that he wants to discuss,” said Plummer.

Plummer said he recently had the opportunity to sit down with Young at Young’s home and is eager to hear him speak.

“He has a great sense of humor and many stories to tell,” Plummer said of the

Rockdale Democrats to host former Ambassador Andrew Young

Andrew Young

See Andrew Young, page 6



Breast Cancer BLING!

Trudie Jeffrey shows-off her blinged out bra she created on Oct. 23 when she and other survivors and supporters came to DeKalb Medical’s Hillandale campus to decorate bras and learn about preventive measures in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month. See more on page 5.

By Joshua Smith

Suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis remains in limbo and it is unclear if

he will ever return to finish his second, four-year term, which will expire at the end of 2016.

Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson declared a mistrial in the Ellis case on Oct. 21 after jurors had deliberated 51 hours over 11 days and could not reach a unanimous decision on any of the 13 felony charges against Ellis. While the mistrial means Ellis still has his freedom, he is not really free. He would have needed an acquittal to avoid prison time and

return to work. Now, it remains to be

seen if District Attorney Robert James will retry the case or if a plea deal may be negotiated or the case dropped altogether. James has not made any statement regarding the case because of a court gag order. Neither has Ellis nor his attorneys because of that order.

Meanwhile, a group led by DeKalb NAACP President John Evans, is urging James not to retry Ellis. The group held a news conference the day after the mistrial was declared asking to meet with James, who was

Supporters urge D.A. not to retry caseMistrial leaves Ellis in limbo

DeKalb NAACP President John Evans (center) is surrounded by supporters of Burrell Ellis in front of the DeKalb County courthouse for a special called press conference on Oct. 22 in Decatur.

PAGE 2  OctObEr 25, 2014

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october 25, 2014 Volume 20, No. 30

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Community News

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon

Fire Battalion ChiefM. Bales

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By Joshua Smith

Rockdale County is planning to bring some relief to congested

Highway 138, its main shopping district, with a $4 million expansion project that will include improvements from Green Street to Old Covington Highway.

Officials say the widening project, mainly funded by a Special Purpose Local Sales Tax (SPLOST), also will be paid for with a $1 million federal grant. The project will be done by Construction Management Engineering Services, Inc. (CMES).

“This is a huge step for Rockdale going forward and it will be a welcome relief,” said Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman CEO Richard Oden. “It won’t happen in 90 days. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done and it will take some time, but it will be well worth it.”

Construction is expected to begin in 30 days and will be completed by 2016, officials

say. From Green Street to Old Covington Highway will be widened and traffic will be re-routed under 138 near Dogwood Drive to create a better traffic flow.

The first phase of work will be the relocation of utilities alongside the existing 138 right of way, said Miguel Valentine, Rockdale’s director of transportation.

“Most construction until the end of the year will be the utilities relocations along side the existing right away,” Valentine said. “The next phase would be in February or during the Spring timeframe where workers will go under 138 to make connections to the other side of the project.” Commissioner Oz Nesbitt applauded the planned

improvements, especially work that will be done to improve Dogwood Drive. “That is one of the most congested areas and poor engineering I might add. Everybody is anxiously awaiting for this project to go through,” Nesbitt said. “We want this to move as expeditiously as possible. Nesbitt suggested at the Oct. 14 Board of Commissioners’ meeting, where the project was unanimously approved by the board, that signs be erected to let the public know about the project. “We’re entering fast into the holiday season and folks are going to be impacted by that traffic, especially in that high shopping district. We might have to put up a sign that says ‘Pardon our progress,’” Nesbitt said.

Commissioner JaNice Van Ness said the project has been long awaited.

“The sooner the better. I get a lot of calls about that area. Traffic really gets backed up, especially in the afternoon,” said Van Ness.

Two African-American women make historic promotions with DeKalb Fire Rescue Department

Audit shows Gannon used P card for county-related business

DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department will get its first ever African American women to hold the title of Battalion Chief.

Fire Chief Darnell Fullum announced he is promoting two women and five men from Fire Captains to the rank of Fire Battalion Chief. The appointments are effective Oct. 25.

Fire Battalion Chiefs Zina Gresham and Vera Morrison become DeKalb County Fire Rescue’s first ever African American females to hold this position. Gresham, a 12-year veteran, and Morrison, a 13-year veteran, are both based out of Station 15 on Flightway Drive in Chamblee.

“It is a top priority to ensure that our Public Safety Department has the help it

needs to serve and protect our residents and that takes leadership,” said Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May. “Not only do these promotions reflect the breakdown of gender barriers, but it illustrates the reward given for dedication and service to one’s job.”

Chief Fullum said the women are highly qualified.

“While it is important

to recognize these historic appointments of these two ladies, it is even more important to acknowledge that they are highly qualified and fully capable of performing the duties of a Fire Battalion Chief having competed diligently and tirelessly to advance themselves through the promotional process,” Fullum said.

DeKalb County Fire

Rescue, he said, is also proud of the fact that in two separate promotional phases, two Deputy Fire Chiefs and three Assistant Fire Chief appointments were made.

There will be a ceremony during the month of December that will recognize fire personnel who have either promoted, retired or have performed exceptional duty either individually or as a unit.

Expansion project to relieve congestion on Rockdale’s Highway 138


DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon, who represents the Super District 6, used her P card (county credit card) for county business and provided valid receipts for 97 percent of the 243 purchases she made, according to an audit by O.H. Pounkett Accounting and Management Consultants.

The independent auditor released the results of an examination of all P-Card and other discretionary spending, Gannon announced in a press release on Thursday, Oct. 23.

On Common Ground News was unable to get a copy of the full report by its deadline on Thursday to determine how the other commissioners fared.

Gannon expressed her satisfaction with her outcome in the news release.

“Earlier this year, investigative reporting by the AJC (Atlanta Journal Constitution) revealed excessive spending by former Commissioner Boyer. It was apparent to me that we should hire a professional auditor to review the discretionary spending of all of the Board of Commissioners,” said Gannon. “I am pleased to have sponsored the legislation that called for a thorough and professional examination of the expenditures of all Commission offices and the BOC Central Staff.”

Boyer has pleaded guilty to defrauding DeKalb taxpayers of more than $90,000 through the use of her county credit card and discretionary funds. Boyer will be sentenced on Dec. 3 in federal court. She faces a maximum 40 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Gannon said the auditor found that all of her spending was for county-related business and that she had valid

receipts for 97% of the 243 P-Card (purchase card) transactions over the 10-year period covered by the study. The report further noted that the 4 purchases for which receipts were not available were for business purposes and totaled $250.01. In addition to P-Cards, the report also examined expenditures initiated by invoices from vendors and reimbursements for District 6. “DeKalb must be transparent and come clean to its constituents. I hope this analysis of my office’s expenses is one small, affirmative step to regain the public’s trust,” said Gannon. In April, Gannon sponsored the resolution calling for the audit to review if the Board of Commission expenditures were for appropriate purposes, whether there was a valid work product and proof that expenses for meals and travel were for County business. In addition to reviewing the Board of Commissioners’ expenses, their staff spending was also reviewed.


Coming Up atlanta councilman bond to recognize Hall of Famer

Atlanta City Council member Michael Bond will honor former Falcons defensive end and NFL Hall of Fame member Claude Humphrey with a reception at City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave., Atlanta, on Monday, Nov. 3, at noon for his contributions to the Atlanta Falcons.

Humphrey will also be presented with a proclamation during the 1 p.m. City Council meeting.

Humphrey was the third overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and is a graduate of Tennessee State University. He played defensive end. The 6’- 4”, 252-pound Humphrey earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in his first season.

During his 10 years with the Falcons, Humphrey was selected to play in six Pro Bowls, tying a Falcons’ club record. Humphrey is the Falcons’ all-time leader in sacks with 94.5.

Claude Humphrey was named to the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor in 2008 and was inducted into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.

ATLANTAKuumba Storytellers Youth Tellabration set

The Atlanta Central Public Library will host the Kuumba Storytellers Youth Tellabration on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m., One Margaret Mitchell Square (downtown Atlanta).

Celebrate this worldwide day of storytelling with Tattletales, Georgia’s youth tellers. All ages are invited. For more information, call 404-730-1700.

DEKALB

“Walk with a Doc” in Decatur The city of Decatur and Be Active Decatur will host “Walk with a Doc” for the community on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. The free walking session offers several health professionals who will be on hand to chat with you as you walk and answer questions about hot topics. Some participants include orthopedists, firefighters, EMTs, veterinarians, optometrists, registered dieticians, psychiatrists, dentists, and master gardeners. 404-370-4100.

Clarkston First Baptist sets Hallelujah FestivalJoin Clarkston First Baptist Church, 3999 Church Street, Clarkston, for its

annual Hallelujah Festival on Oct. 31, 6 to 9 p.m. Parents are invited to bring the kids out for bunce houses, trackless train, face painting, “snow ball” fight, free food and more.

Trunk or Treat Halloween event for disabled kids in Lithonia The City of Lithonia, business community and the Lithonia Arts and Culture

Society will sponsor a Halloween event for disabled children. Parents who have disabled children are invited to bring them to Trunk or Treat

on Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m., in downtown Lithonia on Main Street. Volunteers are needed to decorate their car trunk and give out candy.

Contact City Hall at 770-482-8136 or City Council member Darold Honore at [email protected].

Watson to host Community Cabinet breakfast Nov. 1DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson is taking his monthly Community

Cabinet Breakfast on the road to Tucker High School. The free breakfast meeting will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, 9 to 11 a.m. in conjunction with the DeKalb Neighborhood Summit. The summit will provide workshops and information to homeowner groups.

Joining Watson will be Dr. Sandra Ford, District Health Director DeKalb Board of Health; Mike Van Wei, assistant director of the DeKalb Peachtree Airport; and Vaughn Irons, Chair of the DeKalb Development Authority. Topics discussed will be on initiatives and updates with the DeKalb Peachtree Airport, Facts on Ebola, and DeKalb County’s Economic Development Strategy.

Gwinnett

Alford Amateur Radio Club to host Hamfest” The Alford Memorial Radio Club will host the 43rd annual Stone Mountain

Hamfest on Saturday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Gwinnett County Fairground, 2405 Sugar Parkway, Lawrenceville.

What is a “Hamfest’? It’s part flea market, part educational seminars, part

vendor displays and sales, and all about fellowship. Amateur radio operators and those interested in electronics and computers will gather to see and talk about ham radio equipment old and new and discuss the world-wide hobby. Folks who have been studying will have an opportunity to take tests and, if they pass, acquire new amateur radio licenses or upgrade their existing ones. There will be a special Youth Area, where boys and girls can experience some of the aspects and skills that go into amateur radio.

Advance tickets are $6 and available online at www.stonemountainhamfest.com. Tickets at the gate are$8. Information also is available at frequency 146.76, PL tone 107.2.

Join health and wellness professionals for “Walk the Talk,” an informative walk where you can walk at an enjoyable, easy pace. This session focuses on tips on responsible adult alcohol use. Interested participants should assemble at the Mountain Park Tennis Complex, 5050 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn.

Volunteers needed for Great Days of ServiceVolunteers are still needed for the 15th Annual Gwinnett Great Days of Service

on Oct. 24-25. This annual event offers Gwinnett residents the opportunity to donate their time and energy to doing community service and helping those in need.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettgreatdayofservice.org.

ROCKDALEDickerson, Ramsey to host town hall in Conyers

State Rep. Pam Dickerson (D-Conyers) and State Sen. Ron Ramsey (D-43) will host a Pre-Legislative Town Hall meeting on Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to noon, at Bruce Presbyterian Church, 2900 Salem Road, Conyers.

The public is invited to meet elected officials and tell them about issues of concern for the upcoming legislative session. Invited guests include: Newton County Commissioner Nancy Schultz, Newton County District Attorney Layla Zon, Judge Lisa Mantz, and Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown.

Rockdale Democrats to host Ambassador Andrew YoungThe Rockdale County Democratic Party will host an intimate evening with

Ambassador Andrew Young, a civil rights icon, on Nov. 1. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Cameron Hall in Conyers.

Tickets for the formal event are available on a first-come, first-served basis. General admission tickets are $50 and include dinner and remarks by Ambassador Young; VIP tickets are $75 and include a private reception with the Ambassador before the evening formally begins. Proceeds benefit the RCDP in keeping the headquarters open for the community. For tickets and more information, contact Cheryl Board, RCDP Secretary at [email protected], or 678-463-7725.

If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to support the RCDP.

Nesbitt seeks community’s help in Turkey drive Rockdale County Commissioner Oz Nesbitt will conduct a Senior Citizen

Holiday Turkey Drive/Giveaway. Nesbitt is asking the community to assist local senior residents who are on a fixed-income and could really use the help this holiday season.

“I’m hoping the community will make this a family event. This is a great opportunity for parents to get their children involved with giving back, especially during this time of the year,” Nesbitt said. are on a fixed-income and could really use the help this holiday season.

One Heart Ministries, 1377 Old McDonough Highway, Conyers, has agreed to serve as the official drop-off location. The drop-off times are Wednesday-Friday, 5:30 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-9 pm. Turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on Sunday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m., at the Olivia Haydel Senior Services Center, 1240 Dogwood Dr. Conyers.

Claude Humphrey


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By Joshua Smith

Glitter, rhinestones and sequins ruled on Oct. 23 in Lithonia when survivors and other supporters

came to DeKalb Medical’s Hillandale campus to decorate bras and learn about preventive measures in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“This time last year my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with beast cancer but I was determined to fight it and with a great support system around me in my family, great doctors, a better diet and plenty of prayer, I was able to beat breast cancer,” said survivor Maxine Pinkins of Decatur. “Now, as a survivor, I love events like this because you gain a sense of sisterhood. No one knows the struggles and triumphs of a survivor like a fellow survivor does.”

Joining DeKalb Medical in hosting the event were State Rep. Karen Bennett, who represents Georgia’s District 94, and alumni chapters of the Delta Simga Theta sorority.

“This subject is so near and dear to my heart because I will never forget the day my grandmother, Ema B. Allen, passed away from breast cancer. I was 6 years old but I remember it like it was yesterday,” said Bennett, who is hosting the Emma B. Allen Pink Sash Parade on Oct. 26 at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia. “I remember the way it

impacted my family. It was a big hurt when Big Mamma passed. She didn’t know how to do a self-exam in those days and she passed shortly after being diagnosed. For that reason, I continue to urge women to do self-tests.”

The bling bras will be displayed in the hospital’s breast cancer center.

Attendees of the event enjoyed appetizers while listening to nurse navigators Ruby Guillory and Doris James, who showed attendees how to administer a self-exam, shared facts about breast and other cancers, and stressed the importance of early detection.

“You can’t get a mammogram, unless you’re high risk at the age of 35. So many of our young women don’t do self-exams. But it is critical. I’ve

witnessed young women do the self-exam and they found lumps that could have led to cancer but we ended the

chances right then and there with the self-test. Self-exams could save your life,” said Guillory.

Survivors put bling in bras at DeKalb Medical’s cancer awareness event

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

St. Paul AME celebrates Pink and Blue Ribbon Sunday St. Paul AME Worship Center in

Lithonia celebrated its Pink and Blue Ribbon Sunday on Oct. 19 with a balloon release in honor breast cancer survivors and in memory of those who have died from the disease. The church hosted guest speaker, Dr. James Benton, president of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, and held a reception after the balloon release.

St. Paul AME is located at 1704 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road and is under the leadership of the Rev. Cheviene Jones.

Watch the video of the release at www.ocgnews.com.


Ellis mistrialcontinued from page 1

©2014 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding is owned by Grady Health System® and managed by HSOC Inc., an affiliate of Children’s. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta team are independent providers and are not our employees.

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Tune in Nov. 6 from 6 am to 6 pm and call 404-785-5000 or go to choa.org/radiothon to donate.

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82-year-old icon. Young worked closely with

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the Civil Rights Movement. He entered politics, becoming the first African America in 1972 to represent Georgia in Congress since Reconstruction. He also served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 1977 to 1979. He was elected in 1981 as mayor of Atlanta.

The Andrew Young event is part of the Rockdale Democratic Party’s “Rockdale Road to Victory” series designed to lead up to the Nov. 4 election. The Party has hosted a meet-and-greet with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter, the Georgia Five and Georgia Democratic Party chairman Porter DuBose.

General admission tickets for the Andrew Young event are $50 per person. VIP tickets, which include the reception, are $75.

For more information, call 323-434-6707

Andrew Youngcontinued from page 1

unavailable.“We don’t think this needs to go

any further. We are hearing rumors that he is going to retry the case and that is why we called this press conference,” said Evans. “We will continue to reach out to Robert James to get the message across to him crystal clear: Do not retry this case.”

Observers say they believe it will be very costly to retry Ellis, who remains on the county’s payroll earning $150,000 a year. The case involves more than a year’s worth of work on behalf of the prosecution. Although On Common Ground News has requested disclosure for the expenses, the D.A.’s office is not releasing any information concerning the costs of the case because of the gag order.

Ellis’ supporters say they believe it will be hard to get an impartial jury because of the publicity in the case. The Rev. Timothy McDonald, III, pastor of First Iconium Baptist Church in Atlanta, who attended the news conference with Evans, said he believes a hung jury says a lot about the case.

“Every year, companies lose and gain contracts. You may think what Burrell did was morally wrong. But it was not criminal. When you have a D. A. who has unlimited power, resources and money, audio tapes, video tapes, taped phone conversations and could not convince 12 people to find him (Burrell Ellis) guilty, that says volumes,” said McDonald. “Let’s be fair. You don’t get many cases like this with this amount of evidence and you get a result of a hung jury. “

The 12-woman jury came close on only three of the 13 charges in agreeing that Ellis was guilty. On Counts 3 and 4, which deal with theft by extortion, the jurors’ vote for conviction was 10-2. The counts center on Ellis allegedly threatening to withhold county contracts from Austell-based Power and Energy Services after the company’s owners did not respond to requests for a contribution to his elections campaign.

The jury voted 11 to 1 on Count 9, also a theft by extortion charge. Ellis is accused in that count of yanking county business from National Property Institute for not giving to his campaign.

Juror Susan Worthy, who spoke with reporters after the jury was discharged, said she believes Judge Johnson was correct in her decision to

declare a mistrial. “Unfortunately, we could

not agree on any of the charges unanimously,” Worthy said. “I think the citizens of DeKalb County are due justice and we should try the case again, but the state could drop some of the counts because they don’t have enough evidence.”

Some spectators like George Plummer, however, say they feel there was enough evidence to convict Ellis.

“It was all there on the tape just as clear as day. I don’t see how they couldn’t come to a verdict and convict Burrell after hearing him talking to contractors on county time. You can’t defend that fact,” said Plummer, a retiree who sat in on the trial. “I think

with all that’s going on in DeKalb County, Burrell would be convicted, if he has to go back to trial again.”

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May, who was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal last year as the Ellis trial got under way, says he will continue to run the county until further notice.

“We are operating the day-to-day services of our government and we are moving the county forward as a county. The legal system is running its course and will continue to run its course,” said May. “We are working to ensure that the quality of life our citizens is being met by our services. That’s what we are here to do and that’s what we’ve been doing for the last 14 months.” Ellis speaks with his wife, Philippa, during a break in the trial.



DEKALB COUNTY AUCTION

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Lawsuit dismissed against DeKalb Voter Registration The DeKalb County Board of Registration & Elections has been dismissed from a

lawsuit filed by the New Georgia Project, effective Oct. 20, 2014.“Voter Registration is paramount to our entire organization which we take very

seriously. We have no unprocessed voter registrations in DeKalb County. We appreciate the cooperation of New Georgia project is releasing us from their ongoing lawsuit,” said Maxine Daniels, director of the DeKalb Board of Registration & Elections.

“DeKalb County has been helpful in making sure eligible Georgians make it on the voter rolls. … DeKalb County has transparently shared information,” said Julie M. Houk, Senior Special Counsel, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

To find your polling place and see your sample ballot, go to My Voter Page at www.sos.state.ga.us. Applications and other information may be obtained at the website www.dekalbvotes.com or by calling the Voter Registration & Elections office at 404-298-4020.

DeKalb Veterans’ Day program set for Nov. 5DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May and the DeKalb County Veterans Affairs

Advisory Board will hold the 13th annual Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. – noon, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. A Veterans Resource Fair and Exposition will immediately follow in the Center Atrium from noon – 2 p.m.

This year’s theme is “We are United.” The program will feature remarks from special guest speaker James Blaylock, president of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation and Retired Major General Marcelite J. Harris, first African-American female general of the United States Air Force. The Veterans Expo will feature workshops, panel discussions and resource tables for veterans. This event is free and open to the public.

MARTA to conduct “Operation Hack-o-Ween” police exercise The MARTA Police Department is staging a simulated exercise, “Operation Hack-o-Ween,” on Saturday, Nov. 1, 4:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Chamblee MARTA station, 5200 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee. The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate response capabilities in the event of an emergency situation. This training exercise and drill provides the opportunity for MARTA Police Department, MARTA staff and other emergency response agencies to address simulated incidents such as terrorist attacks, pandemics or natural disasters. Rail services north of Brookhaven will be suspended during the drill. All “Gold Line” trains will terminate service at the Brookhaven Station, and a bus bridge will be in effect to transport customers from the Brookhaven to the Doraville station. Customers should plan to park at the Brookhaven or Lindbergh stations. To accommodate emergency vehicles, customers should have their vehicles removed from the Chamblee Station by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Emergency vehicles will be on-site and running, with responders simulating normal responses. Residents in the vicinity of the station may hear loud noises, as well as see smoke and lights from sirens. MARTA is doing the drills in partnership with TSA, FBI and surrounding police departments to enhance security capabilities, build partnerships and gain valuable insights into transportation security.

Phoebe’s Boutique will present its 29th Annual Holiday Fashion Show and After Party on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the JVC Event Hall,

1580 Park Place Blvd., Suite B, Stone Mountain.

The highly-anticipated event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a mix-and-mingle social. The fashion show and banquet start at 8 p.m., and the after party starts at 10 p.m.

“We want people to come out and enjoy delectable Jamaican cuisine and fabulous fashions, and then party afterward,” said Marcia Lopez, who owns Phoebe’s Boutique, which is located near The Mall At Stoncerest in Lithonia.

Lopez, who has been dressing Atlanta’s women for years, says those who attend the holiday fashion show are in for a special treat. This year’s show will feature collections by award-winning designer Joseph Ribkoff, whose clothing has earned global appeal and international recognition. Ribkoff caters to fashion-conscious sophisticates, offering dresses, evening wear, and separates and related sportswear not found elsewhere. Joseph Ribkoff is a wardrobe sponsor

for Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev. His clothing also has draped other public figures including Helen Gallacher, wife of professional European golf player, Stephen Gallacher, and appeared in fashion magazines around the world.

“We’re showcasing some of Joseph Ribkoff’s most beautiful pieces, as well as other beautiful clothing and accessories that we carry at Phoebe’s Boutique,” Lopez said. “It’s a perfect time to see what we have to offer, especially with the holidays just around the corner. Both, women and men, are invited to see what we have in store. We cater to women who are looking for pieces that are unique and we carry sizes 6-20.”

Advance tickets for Phoebe’s Annual Holiday Fashion Show and After Party are $40 and are available at Phoebe’s Boutique, 7331 Stonecrest Concourse (located next to T Mobile). The shop is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 770-484-3737 or visit: www.phoebesboutique.com.

Spotlight Feature

Phoebe’s Boutique presents 29th Annual Holiday Fashion Show


Mass “Get Out the Vote” meeting is setFirst Iconium Baptist Church and its pastor, Timothy McDonald, III are

hosting a statewide “Liberation Day Get Out the Vote” mass meeting on Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 to 9 p.m., 542 MORELAND Ave. S.E., Atlanta.

The Rev. Teresa Snorton, presiding bishop of the 5th Episcopal District of Alabama of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the keynote speaker. All candidates present will be recognized.

The purpose of the mass meeting are to motivate Georgia citizens to vote by Tuesday, Nov. 4, and to demonstate unity in the community,” said the Rev. Albert E. Love, president and CEO of the Voter Empowerment Collaborative (VEC). “Let’s pack the house.”

For more information, call 404-627-1371.

Mark Your CalendarEarly voting continues through Oct. 31 (Monday through Friday), with

Saturday voting on Oct. 25 and Sunday voting on Oct. 26 in DeKalb County. Early voting in Rockdale will be held through Oct. 31 (Monday through Friday); and on Saturday, Oct. 25. The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

To find your polling place and see your sample ballot, go to My Voter Page at www.sos.state.ga.us.

ELECTIONS 2014


A.A. “Butch” Ayers

Butch Ayers named Gwinnett Police Chief County Administrator Glenn Stephens has named A.A.

“Butch” Ayers as Gwinnett County’s new police chief effective Oct. 25. Ayers, a 30-year veteran of the Police Department, will replace Charlie Walters, who is retiring after serving Gwinnett for 35 years. Ayers will earn $140,000 a year plus benefits.

Stephens called Ayers a person of character, saying that he had honed his skills by working in nearly every area of the department over the last three decades.

“Butch is the right person to lead the men and women of this vital department, and I have every confidence he will serve the residents of Gwinnett County well,” Stephens said. Ayers’ career in public service began in 1984 when he joined the Gwinnett County Police Department as a police officer. As assistant chief, he most recently commanded the department’s administrative services division. He has also overseen professional standards, SWAT, the Central Police Precinct, and the support, operations, criminal investigations and uniform divisions. A resident of Dacula, Ayers holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Gainesville State College, a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia, and a Masters of Public Administration from Columbus State University. He is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College as well as the FBI National Academy and has logged more than 3,700 hours of specialized training during his career. He also holds several certifications from the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council as an instructor.

Hank Johnson ranked most effective member of Georgia Delegation

According to a new study by Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia (UVA), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) was ranked as the 18th most effective Democrat in the House during the 112th Congress, and the most effective Democrat from Georgia.

He was also ranked higher than any of his Republican colleagues from Georgia. Johnson was ranked 18 out of 204 Democrats. The study judged effectiveness by looking at a lawmaker’s “proven ability to advance a member’s agenda items through the legislative process and into law.”

The scorecard looked at the number of bills a member introduced or sponsored; the significance of the bills; and how far each made it in the legislative process. The website adjusts a lawmaker’s grade based upon seniority, committee leadership positions and whether their party holds the majority.

“Many people know me for my dry sense of humor, but I’m also a serious legislator who gets results,” said Johnson. “I work hard to offer meaningful and impactful legislation that helps level the playing field for consumers, working people, the middle class and civil rights for the disenfranchised. I take great pride in our legislative shop and will continue offering bills of substance and work to get them passed into law.” The study was conducted by Craig Volden, a professor of public policy and politics at UVA and Alan E. Wiseman, associate professor of Political Science and Law at Vanderbilt University.

Rep. Hank Johnson

Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall leads Second Lady of the U.S. Jill Biden and Hands on Atlanta Founding Executive Director Michelle Nunn in a cheer.

Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall and 400 volunteers were joined by Founding Executive Director of Hands on Atlanta Michelle Nunn and Second Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden on Saturday, Oct. 18 to kick off Hands On Atlanta Day 2014. “I am grateful that District 2 was selected for this year’s Hands on Atlanta Day kickoff,” Councilmember Hall said. “Our Year of Boulevard initiative, now in its third year, has been powered by volunteers from the start. It was humbling to have Second Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden and the Founding Executive Director of Hands on Atlanta Michelle Nunn join us for a day of volunteerism on Boulevard.” Nunn said she was pleased to join corporate and community volunteers for the day’s event. “There is no community that we can’t lift up when we work together,” said Nunn. “We know that when we work together we renew our democracy and we transform ourselves in the process.” Laura Bell agreed. She has lived in the community for four years. “I’m glad that there were a lot of people out here, especially the youth,” she said. “It’s good to see them out here doing good for the community. As long I have been here I have seen a major change.”

Ryan Downey was among the many volunteers with Hands on Atlanta, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. “This was my third time out here. I used to be a member of this community. It was good to be out here giving back to the neighborhood,” Downey said. In partnership with Park Pride, volunteers beautified six city parks along the Boulevard corridor. Others cleared vacant lots, removed graffiti, and participated in light trash cleanup. The city’s Department of Public Works mowed overgrowth and cleared debris. Also at the event, Councilmember Hall presented a proclamation to members of the Greening Youth Foundation’s Atlanta Youth Corps. The Atlanta Youth Corps is a workforce development initiative that trains young adults for careers with the National Park Service and in landscaping and historic preservation. Six young people from District 2’s Bedford-Pines community are members of the founding Atlanta Youth Corps cohort this year. The Greening Youth Foundation is a 2014 partner of Hall’s Year of Boulevard initiative. Sponsors for the cleanup included the Old Fourth Ward Business Association, The Frisco Touch Massage, and Wingate Companies.

Michelle Nunn welcomes Jill Biden to Hands on Atlanta Day

Dr. Rod Paige, the first African-American U.S. Secretary of Education, gave a rousing

keynote address during the Second Annual Southern K-14 Education Innovation Summit, which was hosted by Georgia Piedmont Technical College. He was invited to speak at the Oct. 17 summit by GPTC President Dr. Jabari Simama. Paige, who was appointed by President George W. Bush and was the architect of the “No Child Left Behind” reform, said minorities are still at risk today in terms of educational achievement. “As hard as it is to take, that’s where we are,” Paige told a standing-room only audience of college presidents, school superintendents, educators and students.

The focus of the Summit, and that of Dr. Paige’s address, was closing the achievement gap between minority and majority students, which was referred to at the summit by Dr. Paige and others as the “new civil rights issue of the day.” But, prior to taking the podium, remarks were delivered by Dr. Josephine Reed-Taylor, Deputy Commissioner for the Technical College System of Georgia; Alan Cox, Senior Vice President at the Center for Digital Education; and Dr. Jabari Simama, President of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. The Center for Digital Education and Georgia Piedmont Technical College again served as co-conveners of the regional summit. It was Dr. Simama who brought the conversation to its central purpose--civil rights and education--when he recounted attending a segregated school system in his home state of Missouri.

In a moment of candor, he asked the audience, “Without an education how would my life have turned

out?” “Would I be president of this prestigious college? Would I have experienced the American Dream?” Through the use of personal anecdotes and current educational data, Paige opined on what many in education find disconcerting—the inability for students of color to achieve educational parity with white students. Paige said “We have had so much reform, but very little change in the performances of many of our students. We need to try new things, because it seems pretty clear how we have been working isn’t working.” He was clear that the issue did not lie within students’ “DNA.” Paige shared his views that the keys to educational parity include early childhood development such as reading to children at an early age, parental involvement, and much more student effort. He also said that more emphasis must be placed on students obtaining technical and career education because technical education makes learning more relevant to students. “They do not ask why they have to learn something in technical education,” Paige said. Following his remarks, Dr. Paige joined a panel, moderated by Dr. Simama that centered on the importance of education as a modern day civil right. Panel members included Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, president of Savannah State University; Neil Shorthouse, president of Communities in Schools; and Dr. Jerome Morris, professor of Social Foundations of Education at the University of Georgia. Sponsors of the event include Georgia Power Women in Technology, DeVry University, T-Mobile, Cisco, ADCAP Network Systems, Florida Virtual Schools, and Jackson Pierce, Inc.

Former U.S. Secretary of Education delivers keynote at Georgia Piedmont Technical College Summit

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News


DeKalb recycling event produces record turnout

More than 650 cars stopped by the Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, October 18.

DeKalb County announces the success of its sixth annual Household Hazardous Waste event, held on Saturday, Oct. 18. More than 650 cars filled with county residents came out to dispose of their waste properly, marking a record turnout and positive impact on the environment.

Every year, DeKalb encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to help keep county landfills and the overall environment clean and safe for everyone. The Household Hazardous Waste event offers county residents the chance to dispose of household hazardous waste properly and free of charge. Sponsored by Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB) and the DeKalb County Sanitation

Division, in partnership with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., the event took place at the DeKalb County Central Transfer Station.

Household hazardous waste is classified as no-longer-used products that contain potentially-dangerous chemicals. These products should not be mixed with regular trash and pose a threat to the environment if not disposed of properly. Items accepted at the event included paint cans, pesticides, aerosols, batteries, cleaners, fluorescent light bulbs and mercury.

For more information on how to get involved with Keep DeKalb Beautiful, call 404-371-2654, email [email protected], or visit keepdekalbbeautiful.org.

The Conyers Police Department is partnering with the Conyers Wal-Mart to help make this Christmas brighter for local children.

The Conyers Police Department (CPD) along with Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) are participating in the 7th Annual Shop with a Cop in which law enforcement personnel accompany children from families experiencing financial hardships to the Conyers Wal-Mart to shop for Christmas gifts. Children participating in the program are nominated by law enforcement personnel, city of Conyers employees, school system employees, and social agencies. The criteria for a child to participate is that they should be a resident of Rockdale County and be in kindergarten through fifth grade, have a social or economic need, have not participated in the Shop with a Cop program in the past and are not currently receiving support for Christmas through another charitable program. “The Conyers Wal-Mart store is an excellent partner to assist the Conyers Police in spearheading this effort. Officers interact with children who may not have had a positive encounter with law enforcement up until now. The partnership

between the CPD and Wal-Mart makes sure that the children are afforded a more positive holiday experience,” said Chief Gene Wilson. Last year’s Shop with a Cop program allowed 120 children to shop. Since the program began, nearly 600 children have benefitted from Shop with a Cop. Shop with a Cop will take place at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13th at the Conyers Wal-Mart. “Shop with a cop is a great experience not only for the children but also for the RCSO employees” said Sheriff Eric J. Levett. “Numerous employees of the RCSO and I always look forward to interacting with the children at Shop with a Cop every year.” Cash and check donations (made payable to City of Conyers or Shop with a Cop) and Wal-Mart gift cards are being accepted at the Conyers Police Department located at 1194 Scott Street. Receipts will be issued upon request.

For more information on volunteering or donating to the Shop with a Cop program, contact the Shop with a Cop hotline at 770-483-5780 or email [email protected].

Needy Conyers kids invited to “Shop with a Cop” this Christmas


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LEGAL NOTICE

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, October 30, 2014

Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof

Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd

Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00

P.M. on date(s) designated below:

REQUEST FOR

QUOTATION NO.

ITEM

CLOSING DATE

3003373 ITB On Call Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

(HVAC)

December 8, 2014

14-100425 ITB Water Meter Replace and Cul-de-Sac Renewal Contract 19

December 4, 2014

14-100431 ITB Asset Management and Inventory Tracking System

December 2, 2014

14-700066 RFQ Application for Pre-Qualification of a General Contractor

to bid Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment

Facilities Expansion – Phase 2

December 9, 2014

14-700067 RFQ Application for Pre-Qualification of an Instrumentation &

Control (I&C) Systems Integrator Contractor to bid

Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Expansion – Phase 2

December 3, 2014

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

The Maloof Center, 2nd

Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional

information, please view the DeKalb County Website at:

http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html

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

any technicalities, and to re-advertise.

By: Scott M. Callan, Acting Chief Procurement Officer

DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting

Service

Free Booth rent!! Nail Tech Makeup Artist, Stylist, Spray Tanning, and Massage Therapist, call 470-233-0586.

Master Mechanics is working to save the ta-ta’s! Offering 15% off services for all affected by Breast Cancer. Call 678-933-7246 for all your automotive needs!

Get rid of that odor in your carpet with our highly effective hot water extraction. Four rooms and one hallway for only $99.00. Call now (678) 973-9991 All Fresh Carpet Cleaners.

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

Help WantedHonest, reliable, dependable, hard -working Help Wanted! Supreme Cleaning, Painting & Janitorial is searching for experienced painters and cleaners. Call 404-884-4652. Apply online at www.weRsupremeclean.com

BuS trip

Super Seniors- Find your Winning Moment @

creek casino Wetumpka Thursday November 6, 2014. $35 per person. Win your share of $500 in free play & cash! Drawings every hour. Contact Shedonna 404-273-1221 with www.PoneyExpressTours.weebly.com

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Yard Sale

Huge inside yard sale Saturday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. 4 p.m., at 1994 Stephensonroad, lithonia (in gym behind Rock Chapel UMC).

e-Mail Your claSSiFied to: [email protected]

AdverTise in the Marketplace.

CAllOn Common Ground News

678-526-1910


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

!

Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS

Oct. 25, 2014

Documents

Transcript of Oct. 25, 2014