May 10, 2014

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SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 6

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Elections keep Decatur signs business bustling

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By Valerie J. Morgan

or Don Jackson, the printing business is booming right now, largely because of the election season. Jackson, who owns Best Print & Design in Decatur, says with so many candidates running for local elections, he has been working around the clock to keep pace with the workload. Jackson said candidates running for office are printing more campaign signs than ever before as Election Day—May 20—nears. “It’s been absolutely insane,” said Jackson. “This has been a unique year. Normally, this is considered an off year, in terms of elections. It’s not the year for a Presidential election, when you expect to see a lot more activity.” Jackson attributes the increased activity to the sheer number of candidates running in local races where normally there might only be two or three contenders in one race. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s race, for example, is crowded with eight contenders: Incumbent Jeffrey Mann, Dale Collins, Ted Golden, Vernon Jones, Tony Hughes, Melody Maddox, Melvin Mitchell and LaSalle Smith, Sr. The DeKalb School Board races are another example. In total, there are 21 candidates running for six seats on the School Board. Districts 3 and District 5 each have five-way races. “A lot of times, candidates who have never run for office are trying to figure out how many signs they

Inside :

ELECTION COVERAGE SPECIAL SECTION pg. 5- 12

Best Print & Design owner Don Jackson works on a sign for a political candidate. The political signs are buried at Jackson’s request.

will need to get them through an election. They will place an order for one amount and then re-order more,” Jackson said. Jackson, who has been in the printing business for 23 years, said he has printed more than 25,000 signs so far for this election season, an amount he considers respectable for his business. “Our best year ever was when Obama first ran for President. We did 52,000 elections signs for that year,”

said Jackson. “We’ve already done half that amount this season and we’re still taking orders.” Jackson said candidates are not only buying small yard signs for their campaigns, but big display signs as well. “It’s very competitive out there. Candidates want their signs to match the size of whatever their opponent is doing,” said Jackson. As the only minority-owned union printer in the state of Georgia, Jackson

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

said he is also getting a good bit of business from candidates in state and federal races who want campaign handbills, mailers and T-shirts. And with high school graduations around the corner, Jackson said he is getting his share of print jobs for personal banners and commemoration programs, too. “When it comes to those programs, they’re constantly adding names and taking names off. And everybody wants everything on Friday,” Jackson said.

Commissioner Larry Johnson honored by President Obama for ACA work DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson was among several community activists from around the country President Obama thanked for their work with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Johnson was lauded during a reception as an invited guest of President Obama on May 1 at the White House.

Johnson spearheaded several enrollment events, which were held January through March, to get Georgians signed up for the mandatory Affordable Healthcare Act. “I am deeply honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to assist in such an important aspect of human life,” Johnson

said. “Just knowing that thousands more DeKalb residents now have access to quality health care is not only fulfilling, but it’s certainly worthwhile. I would like to thank each of our partners, DeKalb Library System, DeKalb Parks and Recreation, State Representatives Karla Drenner, Howard Mosby and Pamela Stephenson, Dante’ McKay

of Enroll America and Pastor Phillip Mosby of Solomon’s Porch Ministries for their collective efforts to make this endeavor the success that it was.” In addition to Johnson being recognized, Atlanta poet/ humanitarian Hank Stewart and actress Nia Long were honored at the event.

Commissioner Larry Johnson

Conyers Police use social media to nab 30-year-old man for child exploitation By Valerie J. Morgan

Bryan Jack Knight, 30, was expecting to meet a 14-year-old girl when he arrived at the Conyers Ride Share parking lot a few days ago. Instead, he was arrested. Detectives in Conyers Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division charged Knight with child exploitation and child pornography on April 29, after two months of investigating him on a social media web site. Knight had contacted Detective Sergeant Kristen Moore on the website, believing she was a 14-year-old girl. Knight decided to ride the Express Bus from Atlanta to the Conyers Ride

Share and pick up the “14-yearold girl” with whom he thought he had been communicating, police said. Knight was arrested and taken to the Rockdale County Jail. According to the Bryan Jack Knight Rockdale Sheriff’s Office online jail information, Knight is from Blairsville. “Social media has become so prevalent for child predators. They’re not just using Facebook and the typical social media sites, there are a number

of sites that are out there and we’re just trying to stay on top of it,” said Conyers Police spokesperson Kim Lucas. Sgt. Moore, who led the investigation, has been with Conyers Police for nearly six years, Lucas said. Moore serves as an agent on the Internet Crimes Against Children task force with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), which provided her with the programs and training necessary to conduct communications with perpetrators. Lucas said Moore was part of a multi-agency team that arrested 14 people, Feb. 26 to March 1, in a GBI sting dubbed “Operation Broken Heart.” The sting, conducted by 37 law enforcement agencies, focused

on the use of the internet for child exploitation. John McGill, a 56-year-old Douglasville elementary school principal was among 14 suspects arrested in the sting. The suspects ranged in age from 21 to 64. The purpose of “Operation Broken Heart” was to arrest persons who communicate with children on-line and then travel to meet them for the purpose of having sex, the GBI said in a released statement. Authorities said online child predators visit chat rooms and websites on the internet, find children, begin conversations with them, introduce sexual content and arrange a meeting with the children for the purpose for having sex.


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MAY 10, 2014

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MAY 10, 2014 PAGE 3

MAY  10, 2014  VOLUME 20, NO. 6

Community News

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan  editor@ocgnews.com

DeKalb NAACP students ready to take their talents to Las Vegas

GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com STAFF WRITER  Joshua Smith  joshsmith@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER  Richard S. Hill  richardhill@ocgnews.com

ABOUT US

On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

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By Joshua Smith

t 17 years old, Zorian Ramon has dreams of hitting the big stage and touring the country singing just like one of his idols, Stevie Wonder. Thanks to the DeKalb branch of the NAACP, he’s one step closer. “I love to sing. I’m always belting out some tune, at home, at Zorian Ramon school, all over the house when I get home from school. I know my parents want to tell me to shut up sometimes, but they know this is my passion,” said Ramon, who attends Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain but hopes to attend the Berklee College of Music after graduating high school. “But honestly, I love my music because I like to see the reaction on people’s faces. From my music, I can put a smile on their faces and brighten up their day.” Ramon will perform this summer in Las Vegas, Nevada, when he is joined by other NAACP members, parents and other DeKalb County gold medalists as they prepare to travel to the 105th national ACT-SO “Olympics of the Mind” competition on July 17 – 20. “We are all excited about the trip. The parents may be just as excited or even more excited than the kids. I’m so happy for these talented young people and I really hope we can take them to a Vegas show,” said DeKalb ACT-SO chair

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NAACP DeKalb County Branch ACT-SO medalists stand proud with their recent recognition. The civil rights group is hoping to send all their medalists to Las Vegas with help from the community.

Alethia Wimberley. “This is so much more than just a competition. The kids get leadership training, attend workshops related to the career they want to pursue, meet celebrities. They’ll come back with some life lessons learned for sure.” ACT-SO stands for Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. The competition, which begins on the local level at each NAACP chapter, includes 26 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, business, and performing and visual arts. DeKalb’s gold medalists who will make the trip to Vegas beat out other talented students on March 29 at the local competition in Stone Mountain. Along with Ramon, who won gold in the vocal competition when he sang Sam Cook’s classic, “A Change is Gonna Come,” the other gold medalists are: Gabrielle Berry, who also placed gold in Drama and is a student at Stephenson, and Chelsey Thomas who won gold. Thomas attends Redan High School. The gold medalists from DeKalb will join more than 1,200 other gold medalists from across Georgia and other chapters from across the United States to compete for cash prizes other incentives such as laptop computers at the national competition. The ACT-SO competition is a part

of the NAACP’s yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. Mega-musician and producer Kanye West, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, filmmaker John Singleton and comedian Anthony Anderson are all ACT-SO alumni. Traditionally, only gold medalists go to the national competition. However, Lance Hammonds, who serves as the chapter’s first vice president and education committee chair, says the chapter would love to take their silver and bronze medalists on the trip as well. The NAACP is asking the community to pitch in and help pay for the trip. “We really wish that we could take all the medalists on the trip because a lot of students just won’t see this kind of opportunity on this level again,” said Hammonds, who is also making the trip with his wife, Freda. “The trip will cost students about $1,250 each and we definitely need help with expenses.” If you would like to help the youth group to attend the ACT-SO competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, call the DeKalb NAACP office at 404-241-8006 or visit www.dekalbganaacp.org.

Allaben gets new trial in wife slaying Although Dennis Allaben was found guilty in 2011 by a DeKalb County jury for the slaying of his wife, he will have a new trial after a motion was granted by the Georgia Supreme Court. The new trial is set to begin with jury selection on Monday, May 12, 9 a.m., in Judge Linda Hunter’s courtroom. Allaben was previously convicted of killing his wife, Maureen, in their Doraville home on Jan. 3, 2010. His wife was the set decorator for BET’s “The Mo’Nique Show.” Allaben is charged with malice murder and felony murder. Authorities said Allaben drove his two young children and Maureen’s deceased body to Chesterfield, Virginia. After Dennis Allaben dropping his children off with relatives in Virginia, Allaben traveled back to Georgia with his wife’s body in the bed of their truck. He later turned himself in to authorities. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Eric Dunaway will serve as lead prosecutor.

KaBOOM!, volunteers to build new playground at Fairington Park More than 200 DeKalb County volunteers will join forces on May 14 at 8:30 a.m. to build a new playground at Fairington Park , 2831 Fairington Parkway, Lithonia. Volunteer organizations include DeKalb County Parks and Recreation, Charity Parity, Healing Hearts of Families USA, organizers from KaBOOM! and residents of the Atlanta-metropolitan area community. The final product will be based on children’s drawings created at a special design event in March. “It’s the children who live in this area who drew their dream playgrounds,” said Interim CEO Lee May. “Now the community will come together to turn these dreams into a reality.” The playground is the first built by Charity Parity and KaBOOM! Through this partnership, the new playground will bring more than 2,868 kids in the metro Atlanta area a safe and vibrant area of recreation.


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MAY 10, 2014

Retired DeKalb couple releases intriguing travel book

Coming Up

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ast summer, Lorenzo and Sylvia Harris loaded up their Nissan Versa and embarked on a cross-country road trip. The retired DeKalb County couple drove through rain, sunshine, across deserts and mountains, and alongside rivers and lakes. They kept a daily journal of their trip, now a published book entitled, “A Couple’s Cross Country Road Trip Journal.” On Saturday, April 26, the couple’s initial book signing event was held at the Holiday Inn Express in Conyers where nearly 80 invited guests

celebrated the book’s launch. This month, the Harrises are officially releasing their book (Tate Publishing & Enterprises) to the public. The book chronicles the couple’s 18-day road trip through 24 states, originating from Lithonia, Georgia. The Harrises say readers will be intrigued by their adventure—from the challenges they faced driving through Death Valley National Park to pulling into a “Bates-like motel” on a dark, rainy night to enjoying some of America’s finest cuisines. The crosscountry trip is something the couple

DEKALB Decatur welcomes back free “Concerts on the Square” series The City of Decatur and the Decatur Business Association will welcome back their free Saturday night summer music series, “Concerts on the Square.” The concerts run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Concert goers should arrive early to set up their picnic and pick their spot on the grass, located at the gazebo behind the DeKalb History Center, 101 East Court Square, Decatur. The concert series offers a wide range of entertainment May 10 – Sept. 27. This week the “DejaBlue Grass Band” performs, featuring members from Atlanta to Athens. The band mixes truegrass, newgrass, and gospel to make its sound. Other performances during the concert series will feature jazz, neosoul, all-time top 40, county, pop, folk and acoustic rock singers and bands. For a complete schedule of performers, call 404-371-8386.

ATLANTA East Atlanta Spring Festival offers fun for all Atlanta’s Lang Carson Park, 100 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, will host the East Atlanta Spring Festival on May 10, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. The festival features live music from local entertainers, food and other vendors, pet adoption and other community group signups. Organizers say this will be a great event to celebrate the spring and the community. East Atlanta Church Pastor Jean L. Ward, who is one of the hosts for the event, will also be on hand to offer words of encouragement. “Our goal is to have as many people from the community in one place so we can learn of their needs and provide them with a witness of Jesus Christ,” said Pastor Ward. For more information, call 770-572-3782.

ROCKDALE Tax office closed May 14 The Rockdale County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed Wednesday, May 14, for staff training. The office will reopen Thursday, May 15, at 8 a.m. May 14 deadlines will be extended to May 15.

Conyers library to host mobile career lab this summer The Nancy Guinn Library, 864 Green St., Conyers, will host a free mobile career lab for jobseekers from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, May 21, June 4 and June 18. The Atlanta Regional Workforce sponsors the work bus. The bus provides assistance in career planning, job readiness coaching, information about training opportunities, access to computer workstations, as well as photocopying and printing. 404-4633327.

had placed high on their retirement “bucket list” after leaving their corporate careers of 30-plus years. “We always wanted to travel once we retired and had the time to do so. Lorenzo has travelled extensively across the country on his motorcycle and I had a heavy travel schedule as part of my job. However, being able to now travel together just for fun and excitement is a dream come true,” said Sylvia Harris, who retired as a trade show and convention manager at CocaCola after spending 33 years with the company. “Driving our Nissan was great. We were so pleased with how well the Versa performed. We purchased the car with this trip in mind, wanting a small, economical fuel-efficient automobile. It did not disappoint,” added Lorenzo Harris, who spent 34 years as a state of Georgia employee. The Harrises, who met in college, have lived in DeKalb for 35 years. They are the proud parents of a son, Michael Lorenzo, and a daughter, Gwen. Former members of Pilgrim Baptist Church in downtown Atlanta, they retired in Lithonia and are now members of Antioch-Lithonia Baptist Church under the leadership of

Pastor James C. Ward. Both also are members of the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. Lorenzo is an avid motorcyclist and Sylvia likes antiquing and maintaining her blog on travel and lifestyle. In honor of Older Americans’ Month, the Harrises are sharing memories from their journal with book and travel clubs that have invited them to speak. As participants in DeKalb Public Libraries’ SKILLSHARE program, where citizens share their special knowledge and skills related to hobbies and interests through libraryhosted workshops with the community, the Harrises plan to hold workshops about their travel experiences. They have written two white papers entitled “Tips on How to Prepare for a MultiDay Road Trip” and “Hot Spots to Visit in North America.” To reach the Harrises for speaking engagements about their book or how to plan a successful trip, contact them at harris5976@comcast. net or 404-900-2298. To order a copy of “A Couple’s Cross Country Road Trip Journal,” visit the Tate Publishing website at https://www. tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book. php?w=978-1-63063-831-3.

Smoke Rise Baptist Summer Day Camp Weekly sessions starting May 27 - August 1 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Smoke Rise Baptist church offers a convenient extended day with a busy schedule of varied activities for children 5 to 16. Our day camps include: field trips, hot lunch, academics, and an experience to please any kid. Teens have a steady diet of team building, community service, academics and summer fun. Early enrolment discount, season pass to Both Six Flags and White Water – weekly tuition is all inclusive.

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ELECTION COVERAGE 2014 SPECIAL SECTION

MAY, 10 2014 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM


HANK20 14! ★

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E N DOR SED BY PRESID EN BARACK T OBAMA

Rep. John Lewis: “We need Hank’s leadership...his vision...his commitment. We need his dedica on now more than ever before. He will always do the right thing. I know where this young man stands. I know his heart. He will never, ever let the people of this district down.” –– Rep. John Lewis Hank delivers for veterans, seniors and families – with more than $32 million in cons�tuent services.

Hank delivers on the House Judiciary and Armed Services commi�ees, and is known as a champion of consumers, workers and the middle class.

Hank delivers for homeowners, helping more than 1,700 prevent foreclosure and Hank was named one of the 100 Most Influen�al Georgians by Georgia Trend keep their homes. Hank delivers for the Fourth District with magazine. more than $250 million for teachers and schools, public safety, roads, bridges and transporta�on.

Hank takes care of home first by helping the people of the Fourth Congressional District with large and small issues affec�ng our daily lives.

Hank’s growing seniority in Congress posi�ons him strategically to be even more effec�ve for us – and for all of Georgia.

Let’s deliver Hank back to Washington on May 20 so he can continue working for us. HankForCongress.com 404-447-7475 Paid for by the Commi ee to Re-Elect Henry “Hank“ Johnson for Congress.

ENDORSED BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA


MAY 10, 2014 PAGE 7

ELECTIONS 2014

Elections officials continue push for early voting

S

By Joshua Smith

ome voters are making their way to the polls for the early voting period, but elections officials say they’d like to see more come on out. Early voting started on Monday, April 28, and will end on Friday, May 16. In DeKalb County, 2,140 voters had cast their votes as of Friday, May 2. DeKalb has about 450,000 registered voters, elections officials say.

‘Overall, seniors are leading the pack.’ – Maxine Daniels,

Director, DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections

“Overall, seniors are leading the pack,” said Maxine Daniels, director of the DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections office. “Since only one percent of our total voters have cast a ballot thus far, we would always like more participation. The turnout is what we expected, though.” Daniels said she anticipates about a 20 to 30 percent overall voter turnout for this year’s elections. Turnout increases substantially during years where there are Presidential elections, she said. DeKalb will open three additional voting precincts on Monday, May 12, for early voting: Clark Harrison Building in downtown Decatur, Chamblee Civic Center and Berean Christian Church Community Center on Young Road in Stone Mountain. Cynthia Welch, Rockdale County’s Supervisor of Elections, said that more Democrats in her county are voting early this election cycle. “Democrats are coming out earlier than previous

elections,” said Welch. “In previous elections, Republicans led the pack, but now the numbers are about even between Republicans and Democrats.” As of the newspaper’s deadline, a total of 1,328 Rockdale residents had voted early, 697 of them Democrats compared to 629 Republicans. Rockdale has 55,900 registered voters. Welch said she expects a 30 percent overall turnout for the elections. In Gwinnett County, Voter Registration and Elections Director Lynn Ledford said her staff has been pleased with the early voting period so far. “The numbers met our expectations. We assisted 1,001 voters and that is a good thing,” said Ledford. “I think all the races in this election are important.

RE-ELECT

Larry

Nothing in particular strikes me as something voters should pay special attention to, but they definitely need to come out and make their voices heard.” Gwinnett has 437,000 registered voters. Early voter Jarrett Maynard says he thinks early voting is the best way to vote. But he added that everyone should pay close attention to who is running, whether they vote early or later. “It’s our responsibility to get out to the polls,” said Maynard, who lives in Ellenwood. “Most people just want to vote for the President’s race, but we have to be concerned with those we elect to govern on a day-today basis.” The election will be on Tuesday, May 20.

Re-Elect

Johnson

DEKALB COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3

Gloria

Results You Can See Celebrating 12 years of Dedicated Service

VOTE MAY 20 PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF LARRY JOHNSON

BUTLER

SENATE DISTRICT 55 Experience That Gets the Job Done! Paid for by the committee to Re-Elect Gloria Butler


PAGE 8

MAY 10, 2014

ELECTIONS 2014

Fourth congressional candidates neck and neck in campaign contributions

Congressman Hank Johnson poses for a picture with supporters.

Congressman Hank Johnson

C

Tom Brown

By Joshua Smith

ongressman Hank Johnson and challenger Tom Brown have raised a combined total

of more than $283,315 in the race to represent Congressional District 4. The district covers parts of DeKalb and Newton counties, stretches across a big chunk of Gwinnett County and swallows all of Rockdale County. Johnson raised $156,523 to Brown’s $126,792, according to quarterly campaign disclosure forms posted by the Federal Election Commission in April. Although there are no independent polls of the race yet, some political observers say Brown has raised more money on average reaching individuals and small businesses when compared to Johnson, who has the support of large

Tom Brown talks over the issues with a constituent. Political Action Committees (PACs) and fellow members of Congress. “I think Hank is taking Tom seriously because other competitors in the past didn’t raise money that fast,” said Georgia Democratic consultant Cabral Franklin. “Based on fundraising, Tom definitely looks like he’s doing more.” But Franklin, who co-managed the day-to-day operations of the Democratic Party of Georgia’s Coordinated Campaign in 2010, said winning is not based on who raises the most money. “The most attractive campaign to voters will win. A PAC can contribute

VOTE MAY 20TH ON ALL BALLOTS Sheriff Mann is endorsed by

Former DeKalb Sheriff Tom Brown, Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May, DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry, DeKalb District Attorney Robert James, DeKalb Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson, DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston, DeKalb Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader, Avondale Estates Mayor Jim Rieger, Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis, Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson, Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett, Doraville Mayor Donna Pittman, Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis, Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson, Stone Mountain Mayor Pat Wheeler, Clarkston Vice-Mayor Ahmed Hassan, and Brookhaven District 1 Councilwoman Rebecca Chase Williams.

Jeff Mann Uniquely Qualified To Be Our Sheriff

• DeKalb County Chief Deputy Sheriff, 10 years

• Graduate, University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor • Veteran, U.S. Air Force

www.mann4sheriff.com

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

hundreds of millions of dollars and voters won’t care,” said Franklin. “Most voters don’t know these kinds of things or won’t look into contributions in detail. Whether you get it from PACs or individuals, a candidate just needs enough funds to effectively get their point across and both of these candidates have enough money to do that. Incumbents will always have PAC support because of pre-campaigning relationships.” Political analyst Bill Crane agrees that Brown, who served as sheriff of DeKalb County for nearly 14 years, is See Fourth, page 12


MAY 10, 2014 PAGE 9

ELECTIONS 2014

Sheriff ’s candidates polish their messages at debates

W

By Joshua Smith

ho will be DeKalb’s next sheriff? No one knows just yet, but the eight candidates in the race have been stomping hard for votes, polishing their messages at debates and community meetings. The debates largely have centered on what it takes to be a good leader, morale of jail employees and the Sheriff’s operating budget and inmate recidivism. At several of the debates, incumbent Jeffrey Mann, who has had more than a decade of serving as the No. 2 person at the Sheriff’s Office, has explained that the job of sheriff is one that doesn’t require street cop experience, touting his longevity as an experienced leader. “For the past 14 years I’ve been working with Thomas Brown to restore the integrity of the sheriff’s office,” said Mann, who is an attorney by trade. “We have come through some rough storms, restoring the public’s trust, integrity and fiscal responsibility to the office. There’s not been a hint of fiscal impropriety in the sheriff’s office. We have made the sheriff’s department remain in the top one percent in the county.” But Melvin Mitchell, an 18-year DeKalb resident and Atlanta Police sergeant with 30 years on the force, says DeKalb needs a sheriff who has been on the streets as a cop. “Leadership is how you manage and influence people. That’s the kind of person you want to have. And you’re not going to be the right kind of leader if you haven’t gone through the process, been on the street,” Mitchell said during a debate hosted by Stan Watson. “A leader is a person that is respected by

DeKalb County sheriff candidates respond to questions at a forum. Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News every employee for what he has done for Police Chief, said one of her priorities the organization in the trenches.” would be to reduce the high number of Vernon Jones, who has centered his outstanding warrants in DeKalb. campaign around attending community “This is about doing what I can to meetings versus debates, is touting his make a difference in DeKalb County,” record as a proven leader who has served said Maddox. “If elected, I will work DeKalb both, as CEO and a former state diligently to regain, reclaim and restore representative. He said he wants a better the public’s trust in the DeKalb County working relationship between all law Sheriff Department. I believe in justice, enforcement agencies to reduce crime, honesty, integrity and equality.” especially juvenile delinquency. R. “Tony” Hughes, a former Ted Golden, a retired U.S. Drug DeKalb Sheriff’s detention officer Enforcement Administration agent, said and a supervisor in the DeKalb Police he wants to improve jail security and accreditation department, said he would offer officers pay incentives for good improve the sheriff’s office by getting work, rather than returning money to the more engaged with the community and county coffers. reducing the rate of repeat criminals in Dale Bernard Collins, a retired the jail. DeKalb sheriff’s lieutenant who “We’re locking up the same managed SWAT and courthouse security, criminals, crime is out of control, morale said one of his priorities would be to is low in all law enforcement areas. spend more money in order to keep good DeKalb needs a new direction and I’m officers. the man to take the county into the new Melody Maddox, former Georgia direction,” said Hughes Piedmont Technical College Assistant LaSalle Smith, whose career spans

As the CEO of DeKalb County, I: • Managed the county's largest law enforcement agency • Developed DeKalb County's annual public safety budget • Created the DeKalb County Police Foundation to provide a $100,000 life insurance policy for every officer • Established the Nation's rst local office of Homeland Security • Formed the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA)

As your next Sheriff, I will: • Reassign sworn deputies from administrative roles to the streets • Go after criminals who prey on our seniors, women, and children • Partner with the schools and courts to reduce truancy and daytime burglaries • Streamline internal operations to improve efficiency • Augment and support law enforcement agencies across DeKalb

www.VernonJonesForSheriff.com (404) 957-3627

40 years and includes working for the Atlanta Police, FBI and GBI before retiring, said voters should note the number of candidates running. “When you see that seven people are challenging the sheriff in the race, this means that there is a problem in the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. I’m here to address that problem. I am the change needed to restore morale values and integrity in this office,” said Smith. “There needs to be godly principals in DeKalb County. People are tired about hearing about corrupt officials and I’m here to address that.” Voters say the forums have given the candidates a prime opportunity to shine before the constituents of DeKalb County. “This is the second forum I’ve come out for and I have heard some of the same issues come up at both, just answered a little different. I’m glad the candidates had their agendas prepared,” said Winston Drayton of Clarkston, who attended the NAACP’s forum. “At first, it was everyone versus Mann and it could have got a little rough, but everyone in the crowd stayed wellmannered and so did the candidates. I think a lot of people left the forum with a decision made on who they will vote for.” For Renaldo Allen, the forum at Chapel Hill was just a refresher for why he voted for his candidate of choice. “I’m an early voter so I’ve already cast my ballot at the polls but I wish more people would come out to event like this,” said Allen, who lives in Decatur. “This is the kind of event more people should come to because you want to know who has the best strategic plan for keeping our streets safe.”


PAGE 10

MAY 10, 2014

ELECTIONS 2014

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Greater Piney Grove’s meet and greet provides relaxed campaigning

S

By Joshua Smith

haking hands and kissing babies, no forum questions or heated debates. Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church provided a relaxed meet and greet event to the community on April 26 in Decatur. Tinneka Duerson of Stone Mountain praised the church for hosting the event. “We needed something like this. Sometimes, you never get your question in at the debates and forums, or it is not delivered the way you intended. At meet and greets like this one, you can ask a question and get a direct answer,” said Duerson. “They should do this every election.” More than 30 DeKalb County candidates running for office set up tables inside the church’s gymnasium in a science fair-type style for dozens of constituents to visit each table, look over pamphlets, fliers and mailers and ask questions. The relaxed event included an 18-page questionnaire the candidates had answered. The questionnaire with responses from the candidates were passed out to attendees as they walked in. Some of the questions and answers covered were: Do you support or oppose the Affordable Health Care Act? Why? What is your position on the American Jobs Act? and What is your position on the immigration issue? State Rep. Dee Dawkins Haigler, who is seeking a fourth term in office and faces challenger Diane Adoma for the District 91 seat, said the event also benefits the candidates in other ways.

“This is a great opportunity for candidates to share some camaraderie and fellowship,” said Haigler. “We all have the best interest of the people of Georgia at heart. So, although we may canvass, phone bank and do other forms of campaigning, I think it’s a good thing to come together like this for the people.” Haigler’s district covers parts of DeKalb and Rockdale. Five other Democratic incumbent state legislators are being challenged

PROVEN, EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

Re-Elect

working for us on our School Board.

Dr. Melvin JOHNSON ���������

against Republican Bradley Young. Saga Patel of Decatur says he’ll keep his options open as he heads to the polls, but enjoyed the event overall. “I don’t plan on doing early voting. I guess you could say I like the rush of being at the polls with all the other voters,” said Patel. “Coming here I was going to just vote for the incumbents, but now I want to go to more events like this to get a better view of where everyone is coming from on the issues.”

PROVEN Leadership YOU can TRUST!

Let’s keep...

����������� 

this election cycle: State Rep. Michele Henson, D-86, is facing Democratic challenger Jacqueline Adams; State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, D-87, is in the race with Democratic challenger Ivy Green; and Pam Dickerson, D-113, is facing Democratic candidate Sharon Sawyer in the May 20 Primary. In November, State Rep. Howard Mosby, D-83, will run in the General Election against Republican Freddy Holly. Karen Bennett, D-94,will run

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OCGNEWS


MAY 10, 2014 PAGE 11

ELECTIONS 2014

Y

Your Guide to the Elections

ou’ve seen them at forums, campaigning in the streets and maybe you’ve received a call from phone bankers. Now, the choice is up to you. We’ve compiled a list of the candidates on the ballots on May 20 in the 2014 Democratic and Republican primary elections in DeKalb County. Unopposed candidates are not listed. D (Democrat); R (Republican) I (Incumbent)

U.S. House of Representatives 4th District Salary: $174,000 Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (D) (I) Thomas E. “Tom” Brown (D) U.S. Senate Salary: $174,000 O. “Steen” Miles (D) M. Michelle Nunn (D) Branko “Rad” Radulovacki (D) Todd Anthony Robinson (D) Paul Collins Broun (R) Arthur A. “Art” Gardner (R) J.P. “Phil” Gingery (R) Derrick E. Grayson (R) Karen C. Handel (R) J.H. “Jack” Kingston (R) David A. Perdue (R) Governor Salary: $139,339 Nathan Deal (R) (I) John D. Barge (R) David E. Pennington III (R) Jason Carter (D) Secretary of State Salary: $123,636 Brian Kemp (I) Gerald B. Beckum (D) Doreen Carter (D) Commissioner of Insurance Salary: $120,394 Ralph T. Hudgens (I) ( R ) Keith G. Heard (D) Elizabeth N. “Liz” Johnson (D) Public Service Commissioner Salary: $116,452 Lauren W. McDonald (R) (I) Douglas T. Kidd (R) Charles C. “Craig” Lutz (R) State School Superintendent Salary: $123,270 Tarnisha L. Dent (D) Marion Spencer Freeman (D) Jurita Mays (D) Alisha Morgan (D) R. “Rita” Robinzine (D) Valerie D. Wilson (D) Mary Kay Bacallao (R)

Ashley D. Bell (R) Michael L. Buck (R) Sharyl H. Dawes (R) Allen Bowles Fort (R) Nancy T. Jester (R) T. Fitz Johnson (R) Kira G. Willis (R) Richard L. Woods (R) Georgia Senate Salary: $17,700 40th District Francis “Fran” Millar (I) (R) Richard “Dick” Anderson (R) Tamara Y. Johnson (D) Benedict I. Truman II (D) 42nd District Elena C. Parent (D) R. Kyle Williams (D)

Special Election for DeKalb Sheriff Salary: $114,040 Jeff Mann (I) (D) Dale Bernard Collins (D) Ted Golden (D) R. “Tony” Hughes (D) Vernon Jones (D) Melody Maddox (D) Melvin Mitchell (D) LaSalle Smith, Sr. (D)

Democratic Party Yes or No Questions: 1. Should Georgia raise the state minimum wage above the current $5.15 an hour?

DeKalb Board of Commissioners Salary: $38,374 Super District 7 Stan Watson (I) (D) Gregory Adams (D)

3. Should the Constitution of Georgia be amended to create an independent ethics commission, not tied to the Governor’s office, legislature, or other elected office, to more effectively police potential ethics violations by elected officials?

DeKalb Board of Education Salary: $18,500

44th District Gail P. Davenport (I) (D) Marcus Eugene Davis (D)

District 2 Michael Orson (I) Don McChesney

55th District Gloria S. Butler (I) (D) Mark Anthony Williams (D)

District 3 Michael A. Erwin (I) Jerrie D. Bason Jarrod Jordan Atticus LeBlanc Willie R. Mosley Jr.

79th District Thomas “Tom” Taylor (I) (R) James Bradley Goodchild (R) 80th District Michael J. Jacobs (I) (R) Catherine S. Bernard (R) Georgia House Salary: $17,700 86th District Michelle Henson (I) (D) Jacqueline Adams (D) 87th District Earnest “Coach” Williams (I) (D) Ivy J. Green (D) 91st District D. “Dee” Dawkins-Haigler (I) (D) Diane Adoma (D)

District 4 James McMahan (I) Karen Carter John Oselette Ella “Coach Smith” Smith District 5 Thad Mayfield (I) Pia “Chaz” Bhatti Jesse “Jay” Cunningham R. Alexander Fitzhugh Vickie B. Turner

2. Should Georgians’ federal tax dollars be returned to Georgia to fund Medicaid expansion and relieve the indigent care burden on our hospitals?

4. Should the Constitution of Georgia be amended to make the education budget Georgia’s first funding priority? City of Clarkston Special Yes or No Questions: 1. Shall the City of Clarkston be authorized to enact a Freeport Exemption to exempt finished manufactured goods destined for distribution out of state from taxation? 2. Shall the City of Clarkston be authorized to enact a Freeport Exemption to exempt inventory of finished manufactured goods still held in the possession of the original manufacturer from taxation?

District 6 Melvin Johnson (I) Bridgeman Bolger

3. Shall the City of Clarkston be authorized to enact a Freeport Exemption to exempt finished manufactured goods destined for distribution out of state from taxation?

District 7 Joyce Morely (I) Lee V. Dukes Kim Ault

4. Shall the City of Clarkston be authorized to enact a Freeport Exemption to exempt retail business inventory from taxation?


PAGE 12

MAY 10, 2014

ELECTIONS 2014 Fourth congressional

Turn the page in DeKalb

continued from page 8

ote

ickie B.

TURNER DeKalb County

SCHOOL BOARD District 5

• Friend of Teachers • Advocate for Students • Voice of Parents 20+ years in DeKalb County Education • as a teacher, administrator and business owner.

Former Chairperson, School Accreditation • Team for International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA).

• Member, Associated Consortium of

Christian Educators and Schools (ACCES).

Former member, Georgia Private School • Accreditation Council.

• Executive Board, Decatur Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority ,Inc.

Committee to Elect Vickie B. Turner 4920 Flat Shoals Parkway •Suite 102-147 Decatur, GA 30034 www.ELECTVICKIEBTURNER.COM

a formidable challenger. “This will be a very competitive election. Fortunately, Tom has name recognition as sheriff and according to reports, he has the money as well,” said Crane, who has served for years as a commentator for talk radio, television and other media outlets. “On the other hand, the incumbent has the benefit of already having more funds on hand. Where Tom must continue to get out there and shake hands and kiss babies to raise money dollar by dollar for ads, signs, phone banking and staff, Hank Johnson can focus his energy in other areas of campaigning.” Meanwhile, Brown says he is getting out shaking hands and visiting small businesses to reach as many people as possible before May 20, Election Day. A seasoned politician, Brown served as DeKalb County Sheriff for 13 years. “I’m not a Washington insider, so I don’t cater to those groups. I cater to the people—the teacher who gave me $25, the barber who gave $150 or the business owner who dug deep and gave me $500,” Brown said. Brown says he believes voters want change in representation. “We have done well so far because the people want a strong, fresh voice in Washington, D.C.,” said Brown. Johnson says his contributions list doesn’t just include PACs, but also represents a wide range of people and groups. “I am proud my campaign includes more than 150 individual donations, some as small as $5 and $10. Those are not required to be itemized individually in the report, but they are as important to me as the larger donations. I also enjoy strong support from labor unions, who support me, because I always fight for regular working Americans and the middle class,” said Johnson. “I am proud to have PAC support from many local companies such as Home Depot, United Parcel Service and Coca Cola.”

V te

A

40-year career In Law Enforcement, including service with the FBI, GBI, Fulton County PD, Chief of Police for the City of Pine Lake and 30 exemplary years with the Atlanta Police Department.

On May 20th, 2014

Elect LaSalle Smith, Sr. Sheriff of DeKalb County

www.lasallesmithforsheriff.com P.O. Box 362181, Decatur 30036 470-226-7017 • 770-837-0387 PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT LASALLE SMITH FOR DEKALB COUNTY SHERIFF

President & CEO of Georgia Security Professionals, an agency that specializes in Commercial & Residential Security, as well as Security Officer Certification and Training.

The SEC’s quarterly report shows that Johnson’s largest contributors came from six PACs, which gave his campaign $5,000 each. One of those PACs was the Congressional Black Caucus. Others who contributed to Johnson’s campaign include businessman Gregory Baranco, who gave $1,000; and Pastor Jasper Williams, Jr., who gave $2,000. Johnson also has received support from several members of Congress. The committee for G.K. Butterfield of N.C. gave $500; Alcee Hastings of Fort Lauderdale gave $1,000; Steny Hoyer of Maryland contributed $2,000; Sander Levin of Michigan gave $1,000; $1,000 came from Lloyd Doggett of Austin, Texas; and $2,000 from Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco. In a news release, Pelosi said she is supporting Johnson because he is a strong Democrat. “Congressman Johnson has stood shoulder-toshoulder with all House Democrats in fighting for equal opportunity, for good jobs and better pay, for a strong, thriving middle class,” said Pelosi. “Hank Johnson is a champion for working families, in Georgia and across the country. He is a bold leader and an unflinching voice in our ongoing effort to secure affordable health care for our families, jobs and fairness for our workers, consumer protections for Main Street and effective rules of the road for Wall Street.” Brown’s largest contribution was $2,600 from Samuel Barber of Lithonia, the FEC report shows. Other contributors were DeKalb School Board’s Chair Melvin Johnson, who gave $500; Bishop Eddie L. Long, who contributed $2,000; and former DeKalb Chief Operating Officer Richard Stogner, who contributed $500. The most money one person can give to an election campaign in one donation is $2,600. According to the national political website, www. politico.com, PACs that are less than 6 months old are permitted to give up to $5,200 to a candidate in an election cycle, while PACs more than 6 months old can give $10,000 per election cycle.

Tuesday, May 20

Support quality education for all DeKalb County students. Learn more about your Board of Education candidates at www.itsforthemdekalb.org.

Member, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police LaSalle Smith, Sr. will work to make DeKalb County the safest place in the United States to live, work, play, attend school and conduct business.

Serving You Since 2002

TH

RE-ELECT

Earnest “Coach”

WILLIAMS

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 87

The People’s Seat Advocate for Educators, Students & School Employees Support for Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund Sponsor of Quality Basic Education Act and bill Of Rights For Teachers P.O. Box 436 Avondale Estates, GA 30002 770-593-8467 teacherpost89@yahoo.com PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT EARNEST “COACH” WILLIAMS

Democrat

Valarie Wilson for State

School Superintendent

The mom of a son who attended public schools, a former school board member in Decatur and President of the Georgia Schools Boards Association, Valerie knows what Georgia schools need to improve and excel.

GET ON BOARD FOR VAL

WWW.VALFOREDUCATION.COM PAID FOR BY VALARIE FOR EDUCATION, INC.


MAY 10, 2014 PAGE 13

Movers & Shakers in the Community

Lance Hammonds appointed to DeKalb Authority Stone Mountain resident Lance Hammonds has been appointed by DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson to the DeKalb Public Safety and Judicial Facilities Authority. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity,” said Hammonds. “This is a volunteer position and I look forward to providing my input to assist the commissioners in any way.” The authority was created by the War or Terrorism Local Assistance Act to oversee debt issuance concerning facilities, which are to be used by judicial, homeland Lance Hammonds security, police, fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. The five-member board of volunteers is charged with providing input on several areas regarding finances, including refunding bonds for public safety and judicial projects in the county. Hammonds points out the Gregory Adams Juvenile Justice Center on Memorial Drive in Decatur as one of the projects funded with bonds approved by the Authority. Hammonds said the state-of the art, 110,000-square-foot facility opened in 2007. Hammonds is an account manager for NorFalco Inc., one of the largest merchant marketers of sulfuric acid in North America. In addition to serving on the Authority, Hammonds also serves as the DeKalb NAACP’s first vice president and volunteers with local YMCAs.

Michael Sterling named interim director for Atlanta’s workforce development agency Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has appointed Michael T. Sterling as interim executive director of AWDA, the city’s workforce development agency. Sterling served as Reed’s senior advisor and previously served as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago. Sterling will temporarily fill the seat of Deborah Lum, who announced her retirement. Michael Sterling Atlanta Mayor “Michael Sterling is an Kasim Reed exceptional leader and tremendous asset to our Administration,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I am confident that Michael will ensure that the important work of this vital agency is continued and will lead the agency on a path that restores confidence, transparency and fiscal responsibility to the organization.” As senior advisor to Mayor Reed, Sterling provided guidance on legislative issues and a broad range of policies. He also managed the mayor’s external relationships with government officials, neighborhood and community organizations, and vetted City of Atlanta commission appointments. He currently serves as the mayor’s designee on the Atlanta Labor Council. Sterling will serve as interim executive director while the Administration conducts a national search for a permanent replacement.

Katrina Young named District Director for GSBA Katrina Young, a member of the Rockdale County Board of Education, has been elected to serve as a District Director for the Georgia School Boards Association Katrina Young (GSBA). As a GSBA District Director, Young will represent District 4, which includes Decatur City Schools, DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties. “I am extremely grateful to be elected by my peers and to serve another term on the Georgia School Boards Association Board of Directors,” said Young. “I am passionate about quality public education for all children and I support the mission of GSBA.” District directors are elected for three-year terms at district meetings by a majority of the district members present and voting, and certified by the Delegate Assembly. The elections are divided into staggered terms that rotate each year to elect their representative. “We are extremely pleased to have Katrina rejoin our Board of Directors,”

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said GSBA Executive Director Jeannie M. (Sis) Henry. “This is an important role and one that demands high levels of leadership and with Katrina’s experience and familiarity with GSBA and our process she is an asset to the organization.” “Ms. Young continuing to serve as the director of District 4 will ensure that Rockdale County is informed and well represented,” says Jim McBrayer, chairman of the Rockdale County Board of Education. “We appreciate her dedication to public education and to the students and families in Rockdale County.” The GSBA Board of Directors is responsible for managing the affairs and business transactions of the association and employing the executive director. The Board of Directors is comprised of the president, president-elect, vice president, treasurer, immediate past president and a director from each of the 14 GSBA districts in Georgia. The mission of the Georgia School Boards Association is to ensure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia’s 180 elected boards of education.

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Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May addresses the audience at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center. Hundreds of youths and community stakeholders attended the 2014 Youth Violence & Social Media Teen Summit at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, hosted by DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, the DeKalb County Office of Youth Services, The Jerry Clark Foundation and radio station V-103. The summit promoted awareness, identified resources, and engaged the

community to foster a commitment to ending teen violence. Students on the panel and in the audience interacted with V-103 radio personality and moderator Greg Street and a panel of experts, including Keinon Johnson, National Director of Urban Promotions at Interscope Records; Judge Terrinee L. Gundy, Municipal Court of Atlanta; Maurice “Moetown” Lee; Sabrina Peterson, CEO The GlamBar; Alex Benson, Managing Partner at Born to

Compete; PBrown, CEO StreetTalk Music & Promotions; Dr. Ralph L. Simpson, DeKalb County’s Towers High School Principal; Davida Selby, Edelman Public Relations Firm. Student panelists included Madison Dungy, Dondre Clark and Emmanuel Lyons, sophomores at DeKalb Early College Academy; Heidi Flores, senior at Cross Keys; and Phong Lee, senior at Tucker High School.

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PAGE 14 TO CONTACT US

MAY 10, 2014

BY PHONE: 678-526-1910 BY FAX: 678-526-1909 BY E-MAIL: EDITOR@OCGNEWS.COM VISIT ONLINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

For more church news, visit

ChurchesNow.com

We Worship

Celebrating 55 years of ministry Rev. Dr. T.N. Hercules The grand retirement celebration banquet for the Rev. Dr. T.N. Hercules, senior pastor of St. Paul AME Worship Center in Lithonia, will be held June 6, 7 to 10 p.m., at Saint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road, Atlanta. The event promises to be a memorable occasion with music, praise dancing, video presentations and speakers. Episcopal church leaders will be present, along with local laity and elders. Sons and daughters Dr. Hercules has mentored over

his career also will be present, as well as members and friends of churches Dr. Hercules has previously pastored in South Carolina and Georgia. Tickets for the banquet celebration are $55 and may be purchased by contacting Jackie Nicks at 770-482-4361 or Joyce Reid at 770-482-1571. Tickets also are available at www.stpaul-ame. org. All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the stellar ministerial life of the Rev. Dr. T.N. Hercules.

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Faith-Based News & Inspiration

Higher Calling Ministries invites you to movie night Higher Calling Ministries, 2901 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur will host its “Screen on the Green,” where the church will show “Frozen” on Saturday, May 31, 7 p.m. The church says the movie night will be an evening of family fun. There will be an inflatable bounce house for children and concession stands. The move will begin when it gets dark at 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Free popcorn will be given to the first 50 people in attendance. Admission is free. 404-288-2434.

Ray of Hope youth sets empowerment weekend Ray of Hope Christian Church’s Amazing Youth Empowered (AYE) ministry will host an empowerment weekend for youth in the community on May 23 – 25. Dr. Cynthia Hale, the church’s pastor, and the youth ministry will present the “Break Into Your Summer Empowerment Weekend 2014” to celebrate the end of the school year and leap into summer. Events begin on Friday, May 23, 7 p.m., with a concert featuring the AYE praise team and dancers. The weekend continues on Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., with workshops for youths, “But I Didn’t Know: How the Law Affects You,” “I’m Good…When Really You’re Not: Health and Wellness;” and “Which way do I go? Academic Success.” Youths are invited to join the AYE ministry on Sunday, May 25 for the church’s 7:30 or 10 a.m. services. Ray of Hope is located at 2778 Snapfinger Road, Decatur. 770-696-5100.

New Birth to host free marketing symposium New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s Embassy International Chamber of Commerce will host a free two-day networking and marketing symposium on Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 1, 11:30 – 3:30 p.m. The “A Direct Road To Business Ownership” symposium will feature several ways for business owners to take their concepts to the next level. Organizers say one of the best ways to accomplish being a business owner is through network marketing. Chris Davis, who is heading the event, says attendees will learn the benefits of being involved in a network marketing company, and getting an opportunity to attend business presentations and workshops. There is no admission and the event is open to the public. For more information, contact Chris Davis at 678-753-4733 or cd_davis@hotmail.com. The church is located at 6400 Woodrow Road, Lithonia.


MAY 10, 2014 PAGE 15

Community Market Place

CLASSIFIEDS 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. SCHOOL Home School, $50 a week Summer Camp,Tutoring. Call for more Information 678665-0543 Location DeKalb County.

Tutoring 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.

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$31,405 MSRP $35,905 - Nav, Mylink Premium Seating, All the bells & Whistles! STK # 8564

Was $22,175

PRICED BELOW MARKET VALUE!

2012 CAMRY

P1883

Was $23,575

CERTIFIED! ONLY 10K MILES! SPORTY & FUEL EFFICIENT

$19,988

2012 VERANO

P1901

Was $20,075

NOW

$21,988

ONLY 28K! SUNROOF 1 OWNER

2010 MAXIMA

P1885

Was $21,875

$19,988

CLASSY! WHITE DIAMOND!

2010 CADILLAC CTS P1891

$22,988

LUXURY...AS IT SHOULD BE

2010 ENCLAVE

NOW

NOW

LOW PAYMENTS!

P1878

Was $26,500

$17,988

2013 ALTIMA

P1921

Was $22,988 NOW

NOW

NOW

NOW

$18,988

Was $25,525

$22,988

LEATHER 3RD ROW CERTIFIED!

2011 ACADIA AWD P1855

Was $17,525

NOW

$20,988

NOW

$16,988

BEAUTIFUL! 1 OWNER, CLEAN CAR

SUPER CLEAN! A STEAL!

2007 LEXUS LS460 P1853

2011 BUICK REGAL B8856

All new car prices includes rebates and incentives. Cannot be combined with other offers. Valid only on in-stock vehicles.

*$3000 OFF EVERY CAMARO IN STOCK! * UP TO $4000 OFF EVERY ENCLAVE IN STOCK! *


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