June 21, 2014

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 12  WWW.OCGNEWS.COM  JUNE 21, 2014  FREE

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

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DeKalb Fire Safety House teaches safety to families ....page 5 Family celebrates Atlanta resident’s 100th birthday ....page 10

Seniors

New Arabia Mountain trail in Conyers draws a crowd ....page 3

Community Community

Celebrating19 years

See Ducks, page 6

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

By Joshua Smith

The young and the young at heart came together on June 19 in Conyers to celebrate everyone’s favorite bathtub buddy — the rubber ducky.

Participants competed in duck decorating contests, ducky crafts and of course the 10th annual

rubber ducky race. Children also had the chance to compete in relay races while the rubber ducky’s made their way down stream in the annual race.

Hundreds of ducks trickled downstream on a small stretch of water at Costley Mill Park as volunteers and Rockdale County staff members got wet and picked them up to announce the first through 14th place rubber ducks.

The event benefits senior citizens at the Rockdale County Senior Center and several of its programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, which allows volunteers to deliver a lunchtime meal to homebound seniors, and transportation vouchers, which provide non-

When drivers in Georgia apply for a new or renewed driver’s license or an ID card with the Georgia Department of Driver Services, they will be able to indicate if they want their blood type printed on the back of their card.

“In an emergency situation, medical personnel need up-to-date health information to quickly and efficiently treat injuries,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “To better assist these first responders, our Department of Driver Services is now giving Georgians the option to include their blood type on their license or identification cards. This is yet another example of our continued commitment to the safety and well-being of our state’s drivers.”

The blood type will be printed on the back of the card under “Medical Information.” This service is completely optional, but the DDS says the information will be very helpful to medical personnel during an emergency.

“Every second matters in an emergency,” said Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. “If a person becomes incapacitated and cannot speak, it’s our hope that this information could speak for them, alerting rescuers to the person’s blood type and saving precious time.”

For more information, visit www.dds.ga.gov.

Georgia drivers licenses to offer blood type option

Annual race in Rockdale attracts ducky lovers of all ages

DeKalb County schools ranked high nationally and statewide

DeKalb School of the Arts ranked third among Georgia’s more than 460 high schools

by U.S. News and World Report. The school scored 79th out of nearly 20,000 high schools around the nation.

Chamblee Charter High School also was among the top high schools in the national ranking, earning a Gold Medal alongside DSA, the highest award for the nation’s top 500 high schools based on college readiness.

DSA had a college readiness score of 100 percent from U.S. News and World Report.

“DSA is reflective of the district’s demographics through the audition and acceptance process without it being forced,” said Susan McCauley, DSA’s principal. “We take students from varying backgrounds and push them to a higher level through our combination

of rigorous academics and their passion for the arts.”

Chamblee Charter High earned top honors for its high percentage of

students who graduate fully prepared for college. Chamblee Charter ranked 11th statewide. A third DeKalb high school, DeKalb Early College Academy, received a bronze medal and national recognition for its consistent success in producing college-ready graduates.

“The U.S. News and World Report rankings acknowledge the work we are doing in DeKalb of academically lifting our students no matter their socioeconomic background,” said Michael Thurmond, superintendent of the DeKalb County School District. “We are proud of the accomplishments of the students and faculty at DSA, Chamblee Charter and DECA. And we won’t stop until every one of our high schools receives top honors, because we know that all of our students can achieve at the highest levels.”

PAGE 2  JUNE 21, 2014

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JUNE  21, 2014 VOLUME 20, NO. 12

EDITOR/PUBLISHERValerie J. Morgan 

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GENERAL MANAGERGlenn L. Morgan 

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STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith 

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Community News

See Trail, page 7

By Joshua Smith

Hundreds of people were on hand June 14 to celebrate the completion of the more than 30 miles of the Arabia

Mountain Path trail in Conyers. Rockdale County Parks and Recreation

hosted “Try the Trails” day on June 14 in Conyers.

The celebration, spearheaded by the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area, included a day filled with activities which included bike rides, a scavenger hunt, giveaways, fire truck displays, arts and crafts and informational booths.

“This is a wonderful time of year to explore the trail. Even if you have been

New Arabia Mountain trail in Conyers draws a crowdPhotos provided

PAGE 4  JUNE 21, 2014

Coming Up

The City of Lawrenceville will host a free concert for the community, “Moonlight & Music,” on Friday, June 27, 8 – 10 p.m., on the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Lawn, 185 W Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

The community is invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy a free concert by “The Grains of Sand Band,” an eight-member band with decades of musical experience in soul, R&B, and beach music.

Members of the band have performed with great artists and groups such as Lyle Lovett, Phil Collins, Patti Labelle &The Blue Bells, The Platters, The Four Tops, Clarence Carter, Francine Reed, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson and the Drifters.

Picnic dinners and coolers are allowed, but no alcohol. For more information, contact April Radford at 678-226-2639 or [email protected].

Lawrenceville to host Moonlight & Music

DEKALB

Yoga class offered on the Square The City of Decatur will offer a yoga class on Saturday, June 21, 9 – 11 a.m.,

at the Old Courthouse Square, 101 East Court Square, Decatur. “Summer Solstice Yoga on the Square” will offer about 10 exercises that

require you to inhale and exhale as you focus on how you can have a productive summer. Some suggested motivation pieces will be: What are you excited about right now, What 3 things are you fired up to do this summer and What new steps are you taking that are really important to you?

The class will be free but donations will be accepted and appreciated. 404-370-4100.

Stone Mountain welcomes summer farmers market The City of Stone Mountain’s

Downtown Development Authority, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, will host a farmers market.

The weekly market will be held in the municipal parking lot on Main Street in Stone Mountain Village.

“A farmers market has been on a ‘wish list’ for the DDA for the past several years. After doing a little research and working with other members of the Georgia Office of Downtown Development we decided there was no time like the present,” says Mechel McKinley, executive director of the DDA.

The market will carry locally grown produce, dairy and meats. “We believe that the market can really add to the quality of life in Stone

Mountain by providing fresh food, a community gathering spot and by spurring further economic development,” says Andrea Redmond, city councilwoman and market co-chair.

Dates for the market are June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 19, Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9.

For more information, contact Mechel McKinley at 770-498-8984, ext. 137 or [email protected].

ATLANTA

Fire Rescue Department registering for Citizens Academy The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department is registering applicants for the Citizens

Fire Academy, a six-week course that allows participants to experience the modern fire service from a first responder’s perspective.

The goal of the program is to educate citizens about fire and emergency services, providing them with a basic understanding of tactics and strategy and a greater understanding of the services Atlanta Fire Rescue offers.

Academy courses include rappelling, CPR and first aid, learning tools and equipment, as well as driving a fire engine and riding along on emergency calls.

The class will meet every Wednesday, 6 – 9 p.m., at the AFRD Training Academy, 407 Ashwood Ave. S.E., Atlanta, beginning Wednesday, July 9.

Participants must be 18 years old or older and live or work within the City of Atlanta. The program is free, but participants must commit to attend all six weeks. Deadline for applications is June 30.

To download an application, visit www.atlantaga.gov/fire and click on AFRD News.

For more information, contact Lt. William Edwards at 678-855-2621 or email [email protected].

City of Atlanta offers free food program for students The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Human Services and several local

organizations are partnering this summer to offer free meals, breakfasts and lunches to children in need.

The Summer Food Service Program is designed to ensure that children from low income families continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Free meals that meet federal nutrition guidelines are provided to children

18 years old and under at approved sites. Breakfast will be delivered between 7:30 - 9 a.m. and lunch will be delivered

between 11:30 a.m. - 1p.m. until Friday, July 25.The delivery sites are: Burdett Park Community Center; Camp Beaver Pond;

Cathedral of Faith Church of God in Christ; Cliftondale Community Center; First Baptist Church of Stewardship; Holsey Temple CME Church; Mathematics & Technology Help, Inc.; Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church; Redemption Community Church UMC; Safe Haven Summer Camp; Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club; Sandtown Park Community Center; SOAR Summer Enrichment Program – Springfield Missionary Baptist Church; Tayo Reed’s Performing Arts Center; The Preserve & Bent Creek; Warren Memorial UMC; Welcome All Park and the West End Performing Arts Center.

For more information, call 404-546-3069.

GWINNETT

Library offers free workshops to defend against fraud The Gwinnett County Public Library System’s Five Forks-Trickum branch,

2780 Five Forks-Trickum Road, Lawrenceville will host a free series on fraud on Tuesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 16.

The “Fraud Smart: Protect Yourself From Scams,” workshops will provide attendees with information on protection from get-rich-schemes, protection of bank accounts and as well as information about online shopping protection.

For more information, call 678-377-4010.

ROCKDALE Rockdale service groups partner for community food drive

Rockdale Emergency Relief (RER) and Rockdale County-Fire Rescue (RCFR) encourage the public’s participation in their upcoming food drive, Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Walmart Supercenter, 1436 Dogwood Drive, Conyers.

The food drive, benefitting the RER Community Food Bank, will feature a working fire truck and a 1951 historic fire truck on display. RCFR Fire Chief Dan Morgan is encouraging citizens to help fill the historic fire truck with food while they shop at Walmart. The event also includes a visit from “Sparky the Fire Dog.” Rockdale Emergency Relief Community Food Bank, founded in 1999, is a full-service food bank providing emergency food to low-income individuals and families living in Rockdale County. Over the past three months, Rockdale Emergency Relief has distributed 34,853 pounds of food, serving 680 households and assisting 2,140 people.

For more information, or to serve as a volunteer, contact Susan Clark at 770-922-0165 or [email protected].

Free summer film series returns to Olde Town The Conyers Main Street Foundation is kicking off this summer’s movie series

with c Disney’s “Frozen,” on Saturday, June 21, 7 p.m. at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 South Main St., Conyers.

Families are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the Olde Town Pavilion for the screening of the movie “Frozen,” on a 40-foot inflatable screen. Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite character from the Disney film for a chance to win prizes. The movie begins at dark, or about 8:45 p.m.

The series continues with “The Lego Movie” on Saturday, July 19. Both movies will be held rain or shine. In the event of rain, the screen will be moved from the lawn to underneath the pavilion.

Admission to the movies is free and coolers are allowed. Concessions provided by Rio’s Italian Ice, including hot dogs, pretzels, and more, will be available for sale before and during the event. No pets are allowed.

For more information, contact the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606 or visit www.conyersga.com.

JUNE 21, 2014   PAGE 5

Explore GPC this summer and fall.

Learn more at gpc.edu

A BETTER WAY FORWARD

Did you know there is still time to apply and/or register for second-half summer and fall classes? Maybe you’re already taking a summer class at GPC and want to continue. Perhaps you’ve been accepted recently and haven’t yet enrolled, or you’re thinking about applying. Visit our website to see how you can jump-start your educational journey.

OnCommonGroundsAd.indd 1 6/9/14 12:06 PM

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently honored the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for creating a program

dedicated to giving offenders ages 17 -25 a second chance.

The Anti-Recidivism Court was created by District Attorney Robert James in December 2011. Since the program’s inception, 22 participants have successfully completed the program.

“This unique program offers young, first-time, non-violent offenders a second chance at life,” said James. “This program does not give them a ‘get out of jail free’ pass for their mistakes, but it allows them to learn from their prior missteps through a rigorous year-long program.”

The Anti-Recidivism Court is a collaborative partnership among DeKalb County Public Defenders’ Office, DeKalb County Magistrate Court and DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.

According to national statistics, approximately

two-thirds of individuals arrested will be re-arrested within three years. “The judicial system can become a revolving door for criminals. We wanted to deliberately interrupt the cycle of recidivism here in

DeKalb through this program.” Currently, 20 participants are enrolled in the

year-long Anti-Recidivism Court. As conditions of the diversion program, each participant is ordered to: report to private probation, perform community service, undergo random monitoring, report to monthly compliance hearings and abide by a curfew/electronic monitoring. Additionally, participants must pay any restitution involved with their arrest, enroll in an academic program if they have not obtained a high school diploma/GED and attend behavior modification classes.

“We focus on developing the person and providing them with the skills needed to be successful in life,” said James. “We not only provide them with life skills training but also a strict guideline to follow. Many do not complete the course. For those participants who do complete all of their requirements, they will have their cases dismissed.”

DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office honored for Anti-Recidivism Program

DeKalb Fire Safety House teaches safety to familiesBy Joshua Smith

Your home has turned into a structure on fire, the temperature has risen to 500 degrees and you are surrounded by smoke. Would you know what to do? Families in

DeKalb County do thanks to a visit from the DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Community Education Unit and the county’s fire safety house.

“I’m proud of my boys for taking what they learned and applying it to the safe house when they had to go through it. We all learned something today,” said Clarissa Howard, who brought her two sons to the event, held at DeKalb County Public Library’s Flat Shoals branch. “I like the fact that they answered questions about everything from what you should do when you first hear the fire alarm, to escape routes for families.”

The Fire Safety House is a 39-foot traveling trailer with a one-level replica of a house and it allows children and their parents to experience a simulated fire-like situation in a home setting.

At the free event, participants crawled through a kitchen, living room, and bedroom, practicing the escape plan as the fire safety house filled with non-toxic smoke.

“We want our children and their families to know what to do if the worst were to happen and their house became filled with smoke,” said instructor Kristi Hill. “We really love doing this for the children. We truly enjoy their questions and excitement.”

Hill and fellow instructor Beverley Thompson also shared with attendees the importance of hands and knees to crawl to safety underneath the smoke, good air versus bad air, testing your doorknob for heat with the back of your hand and how children can get a firefighter’s attention.

If you would like DeKalb’s Fire Safety House to visit your school or organization, call 678-406-7750.


PAGE 6  JUNE 21, 2014


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Duckscontinued from page 1

emergency transportation.The annual race also supports

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, a program where Rockdale County grandparents who have been given permanent or temporary custody of their grandchildren are offered services and support groups.

“We serve well over 700 residents in Rockdale County with one or more of these services. This is our primary event to raise funds to support these programs,” said Jackie Lunsford, deputy director of Rockdale County Recreation and Senior Services. “We hope to keep hosting the race so we can continue to offer these programs and hopefully serve even more seniors in our community.”

Walking trails approved in DeKalb’s District 3

Residents in DeKalb County’s District 3 will soon see improvements to the South River Trail and the Constitution Lakes Nature Trail.

The projects were approved on June 10 as a way to get District 3 residents walking in the community and to attract other residents to the district.

District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, who has been a longtime advocate for health, spearheaded the project.

“Walking is such an integral part of maintaining good health,” said Johnson, who organized “DeKalb Walks…For the Health of It” in 2005. “These projects will be wonderful assets to our community by providing our residents with two additional avenues for staying fit. We look forward to their development.”

The South River Trail, Phase 1B, project consists of the installation of a 16,100 linear foot, 12 foot wide concrete trail along a linear corridor from Gresham Park to Georgia Perimeter College.

The second project, the Constitution Lakes Nature Preserve, consists of constructing an eight-foot wide boardwalk trail that will serve as a connection to the existing trail that is within the Constitution Lakes Nature Preserve.

Johnson said the improvements align with the “DeKalb Walks” initiative which is aimed at getting more DeKalb residents walking. The DeKalb Walks program also works with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign.

File Photo

JUNE 21, 2014   PAGE 7

Trailcontinued from page 3

EXPIRES: 6-30-2014

here before, there are new sections just completed and discovery awaits around every twist and turn,” said Mera Cardenas, executive director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance.

The celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony marked the culmination of a 12-year project linking the trail in the city of Lithonia in DeKalb County with the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Rockdale County.

“It was great collaborating with Rockdale County and their recreation department to make the inaugural event a success. The trail is proving to be a great blessing for Rockdale County and the surrounding area,” said Callistus Crichlow, a spokesperson for the monastery. “It is a good feeling to see so many folks

using the trail as cyclists, runners, walkers, all with smiling faces and gestures of greetings one another.”

Several officials attended the event including Rockdale County CEO Richard Oden; Board of Commissioner Janice Van Ness; Sheriff Eric Levett; U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson; Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May; Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson and other community leaders.

“This event was wonderful. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves,” said Jackie Lunsford, Director of Rockdale’s Recreation and Maintenance Department. “The goal was to invite people to see the area and visit places they have never been before. We accomplished that with our scavenger hunt and other activities.”

Sarcoma awareness stroll set at Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park, and the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute will host the 2nd Annual Sarcoma Awareness Sunset Stroll, Wednesday, June 25, 7 p.m. Participants will meet at Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Drive, N.E., Atlanta.

Sarcomas are cancers that develop from connective tissues of the body such as fat, muscles, nerve tissue, fibrous tissues or blood vessels. According to the American Cancer Society, there are 12,000 new cases of sarcomas each year in the U.S. About a third of the patients die from the disease. Because sarcomas are so rare, many patients have never heard of the disease prior to diagnosis.

“This lack of awareness can cause patients anxiety and a feeling that they are alone in their journey,” said Georgia Cancer Specialists’ Dr. Gina D’Amato, who started the Sunset Stroll in 2013. “The Sunset Stroll gives patients, loved ones and healthcare providers a chance to meet one another and exchange experiences, which in turn will give them hope and encouragement.”

Dr. D’Amato said raising awareness about the disease is critical. “Equally important is the awareness to the community the Sarcoma Stroll can

add to the cause,” adds Dr. D’Amato. “We planned the event in Piedmont Park so hopefully, others will see it, ask questions and learn about sarcoma. The more people know about this type of cancer, the better.”

There is no fee to participate in the stroll. However, donations are welcome. Proceeds will benefit education, treatment and support for patients at the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.

This is a family, wheelchair and pet friendly event. For more information and to register, call 404-531-4444 or visit https://give.northside.com/sarcomawalk.

Photo provided

PAGE 8  JUNE 21, 2014


The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is inviting the community to attend the upcoming Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Associations (RCHCA) meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 6 – 7 p.m. at the J.P. Carr Services Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers.

Organizers say the meeting will bring together the leaders of local homeowner associations and civic groups, as well as interested citizens, from across Rockdale to share news and information and to learn about county projects and initiatives. Agenda items for this meeting include a Neighborhood Stabilization Program update, information from the Sheriff’s Office about how to start a Neighborhood Watch and information about the Sheriff’s Department crime mapping tool.

There also will be information tables offering helpful handouts for residents to distribute through their association networks.

The goal of RCHCA is to ensure news, information and background on projects and initiatives in Rockdale County are shared around the community through its various homeowners and civic associations.

For more information, email [email protected] or call the Rockdale County Department of Community Affairs & Innovative Programs at 770-278-7050.

Rockdale community groups to host public meeting in Conyers

By Joshua Smith

Rockdale County fire department officials called its first recruitment open house a success. About 20 people

attended the open house on June 16. “We had people waiting at the door

for us to open up and get started,” said Fire Chief Dan Morgan. “We are all really excited about the interest people have for working with us. I think today was definitely a success. Today was a great opportunity to give a basic tour of the station and share with these guys

some responsibilities of our firefighters and tell them some things they can expect to see on the job.”

Rockdale County Fire Rescue is hoping to hire about 10 firefighters by the end of the year. They are considering hosting a second open house in July before the July 25 application deadline.

The salary for those hired will be $29,989. Candidates must be at least 18, have a good driving record, pass a criminal background check and have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates also must pass an agility

test. New firefighters will begin work Nov. 10.

Jeremy Holland said he saw banners announcing the open house and decided he would attend. He said he would love to serve the citizens of Rockdale.

“I’m here to learn and hopefully get one step closer to being hired. I’m ready to work. I’m willing to work in all types of weather, long shifts, whatever it takes,” said Holland of Conyers. “No matter the outcome, I appreciate the opportunity and I liked how department staff answered any questions we had.”

Hank Haywood saw the open house on Facebook and decided to make an hour drive to the station, in hopes of getting a job.

“Where we’re at, only positions and training to be a paramedic are being offered, but I want to actually go in and fight fires and bring people to safety and that’s why I’m here in Rockdale,” said Haywood of Monroe County. “All the basics were covered. You could even apply here on the department’s computers if you had all your paperwork with you. This was really helpful.”

Rockdale Fire Department welcomes dozens of job seekers to open house

JUNE 21, 2014   PAGE 9

Roger A. Harrison

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed

“God has a vision for our lives that is greater than any vision we can have for ourselves or that others can have for us.”

– Reverend William D. Watley, Ph.D., Senior Pastor

Worship Services: Sundays at 7:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.Church School: Sunday at 9:15 a.m.Youth Church Ages 5-16: Sundays at 10:45 a.m.Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.

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Monastery of the Holy Spirit. isitors are welcome year-round at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the inspirational home of Georgia’s Trappist

Monks. Nestled on 2,300 acres in Conyers, the Monastery offers a scenic and peaceful environment to explore.

Experience a day in the life of a monk, or learn about the Trappists in Georgia at the Historic Museum. See the beautiful Abbey Church. Browse through the Bonsai Garden, Bonsai Nursery and gift shop. Visit the Abbey Store for monk-made biscotti, fruitcake, fudge, free trade items and the largest selection of Christian books in the state.

Stay for the day – or experience our overnight retreats.

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Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation appoints new secretary

City of Atlanta appoints emergency management group

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has appointed a 30-member team to serve as the city’s Emergency Management Preparedness Advisory Group to offer recommendations on preparing for, responding to, and managing emergencies that occur in Atlanta.

The group brings together a variety of leaders and stakeholders in law enforcement, emergency response and preparedness, meteorology, utility companies, business, education and local, state and federal government agencies.

The group will offer recommendations to ensure the City of Atlanta is prepared to handle any natural disaster or severe weather event and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

The members of the group are: Natalyn Archibong, Council Member, City of Atlanta District 5; Angela Barrett, Director, City of Atlanta E-911; Mark Becker, President, Georgia State University; Carlton Brown, President, Clark Atlanta University; Markina Brown, Meteorologist, CBS 46; Glenn Burns, Meteorologist, WSB TV; Joann Butler, Director, City of Atlanta 311; Kelvin Cochran, Chief Atlanta Fire & Rescue, City of Atlanta; Bert Davis, Distribution Engineer, Georgia Power; Charley English, Director, Georgia Emergency Management Agency; Dwight Ferrell, Fulton County Manager; Michael Geisler, Interim COO, City of Atlanta; Bart Gobiel, COO, Gov. Nathan Deal; Keith Golden, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Transportation; Joseph Henderson, MPA, Office of COO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Oz Hill, Retired Lt. Colonel, City of Atlanta; Larry Hoskins, Deputy Supt of Operations, Atlanta Public Schools; Matthew Kalmyer, Director Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency; Bill Massey, Director, Hurricane & Emergency, Dewberry Consulting; Richard Mendoza, Public Works Commissioner, City of Atlanta; Hala Moddelmog, CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; Bryan Norcross, Management & Emergency Expert, The Weather Channel; Keith Parker, CEO, MARTA; Bud Peterson, President, Georgia Tech; Frank Poe, Executive Director, Georgia World Congress Center Authority; Marquenta Sands, Director of Safety and Security, Atlanta Public Schools; Marshall Shepherd, 2013 President, American Meteorological Society, University of Georgia; Keith Stellman, Meteorologist, National Weather Service; Beverly Tatum, President, Spelman College; Ronald Stephens, Executive Director, Atlanta Fed Exec. Board; George Turner, Chief of Police, City of Atlanta; Hans Utz, Deputy COO, City of Atlanta; Tom Weyandt, Deputy COO, City of Atlanta; John Wilson, President, Morehouse College; and Kristin Wilson, Deputy COO, City of Atlanta.

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People Movers & Shakers in the Community

The Executive Committee of the Georgia

Piedmont Technical College Foundation has appointed Roger A. Harrison as board secretary. The Foundation is the nonprofit resource development organization that supports Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC). Harrison has served as a member of the Board of Trustees since fiscal year 2011.

The foundation was incorporated

in 1987 to assist in providing resources to support, improve, and promote technical and adult education programs and services for students in DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan counties.

Roger A. Harrison is the President and CEO of Professional Recruiting, Inc. (PRI). PRI is a U.S. based executive and professional placement firm with offices in Atlanta, Dubai, and Greenville, where they source top executives and professionals for both permanent placements and contract assignments worldwide.

Prior to taking the helm at PRI, Harrison was the Chief Business

Development Officer at Wagner Service Solutions where he was responsible for the executive recruitment division as well as the overall sales and marketing growth of the corporation.

Harrison holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Presbyterian College and a Master of Public Administration degree from Georgia College and State University, and he has completed two years of coursework towards his Doctorate in Public Administration at Valdosta State University. He maintains his certification in Leadership Development from the University of Georgia, was a

certified interviewer for the Coca-Cola Company, and is certified by the Kauffman Foundation as a FasTrak® Entrepreneurial facilitator.

“Roger has been an active and engaged trustee, and we are fortunate that he accepted the leadership position vacated by the former Secretary of the GPTC Foundation,” said Dr. Jabari Simama, college President. “The GPTC Foundation is expanding its reach and impact on the college and community. We are actively recruiting for trustees such as Roger to join the foundation and take a leadership role in major fundraising activities.”

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Seniors News for our Senior Community

DeKalb Solicitor-General hosts safety bingo nights for seniorsDECATUR – Solicitor-General Sherry Boston is taking on

elder abuse in the community by holding a series of “Safety in Numbers” bingo events throughout DeKalb

Boston and members of her Special Victims Unit are educating seniors about the signs of elder abuse and what they can do to get help or assist a friend who may be in danger.

The events will be held: Tuesday, June 24 at the Atlanta/DeKalb Senior Center, 25 Warren Street, Atlanta from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.; Wednesday, June 2 at the Toco Hills Senior Center, 5238 Peachtree Road, Chamblee from 12 – 1:30 p.m.; Monday, June 30 at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia from 1 – 2:15 p.m.

In the United States, more than 500 thousand cases of abuse against elderly Americans that are reported every year, and experts believe there are many more cases that are not reported. Elder abuse can include neglect or physical, sexual, emotional, and/or financial abuse. Warnings signs include frequent unexplained injuries, fear of a caregiver or family member and social isolation.

The DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office prosecutes approximately 55 cases of misdemeanor elder abuse every year but believes many more cases are probably not reported.

“We need to do everything we can to protect our seniors because cases of elder abuse are happening far too often,” said Boston, “We need to educate our seniors and make sure we watch out for one another because many cases are never reported, and no one should ever suffer in silence.”

Family celebrates Atlanta resident’s 100th birthday

By Joshua Smith

These days, Rosie Wiley spends most of her time relaxing at the nursing home in Atlanta she calls home.

She’s earned the right to rest. On June 18, she turned 100.

“My mother turning 100 is something we had to take time and honor because she is the oldest aunt on both sides of the family and the oldest person in the family,” said Rosie’s daughter, Fannie Wiley. “She loves to sing She always sung to us and often led devotion at church services over the years before they had choirs and bands.”

A native of Hartwell, Georgia, Rosie was born on June 18, 1914 to Osby and Fannie Johnson. Rosie gained the appreciation of a dollar at an early age, growing up picking cotton and helping out on her family’s farm. Relatives say Rosie continued to pick cotton and do other backbreaking odd jobs from sun up to sun down to help support her family.

Rosie married Andrew Wiley on Christmas Eve in 1939. The couple had five girls and one boy. Rosie’s husband died 10 years ago age 90. The couple was married for 65 years. Rosie has 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

“We always have a lot of fun when we all get together. I always loved rice. I would make it everyday. I had to have some on my birthday,” said Rosie. “Besides singing, I always liked quilting. My daughters, nieces, everybody in this family probably has one of my quilts. I loved baking cakes, too. I was still baking cakes in my 80’s.”

Rosie says her secret to a long life is having a strong faith in the Lord along with eating a banana every morning and at least one serving of fish and veggies everyday..

Rosie says she has one wish for her 100th birthday. “I already know what I would want: a new suit and some new shoes. I always was a sharp

dresser,” said Rosie.

JUNE 21, 2014   PAGE 11

CLASSIFIEDS Community Market PlaceYARD SALE

MOVING SALE! EVERYTHING MUST GO!Sat & Sun. June 14 & 15, 2014. 1:00pm -4:00pm Sat. & Sun. June 21 & 22, 2014 11:30 am - 5:00pm. 3990 Kingsbrook Blvd. Dec. GA 30034.

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

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

SCHOOLTutoring assistance available for Georgia state board cosmetology exam. Get help in choosing the right school for your career path. Licensed instructors. Call CNR Cosmetology Prep consultants: 404-493-8771.

HELP WANTED

Part time psychical strong Caregiver needed for 45-year brain damage male, combative totally disabled. Hwy 155 Kelly Town Rd Area. Must be CPR Certified. No paid benefits. Call 5pm-9pm only 770-898-9314. Conyers area only.

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Rinse $11.00 (when you bring in a pack of pencils)

Trim $12.00 (when you bring in a pack of pens )

Relaxer touch - up $ 24.00 ( when you bring in a box of crayons )

Partial Sew in $50.00!( when you bring in 4 glue sticks )

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LEGAL NOTICE

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, June 26, 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

3003208 ITB Diving Services

July 30, 2014

3003249 ITB Self-Contained Compactor Boxes

July 22, 2014

3003272 ITB Roush Propane 4WD Ford F-250 SC

July 15, 2014

14-100415 ITB Computer Course Training

July 10, 2014

14-100416 ITB Marketing and Instruction of Jobseeker Workshops

July 10, 2014

14-500317 RFP Professional Engineering and Design Services for Public Works

August 5, 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

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PAGE 12  JUNE 21, 2014

Rev. Maurice Ficklin.

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June 21, 2014

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