the dec.15, 2012 paper
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Dec.15, ocg, ocgnewsTRANSCRIPT
Volume 18 Number 18 www.ocgNews.com December 15, 2012 Free
Serving DeKalb, Fulton, gwinnett, Henry anD rocKDale countieS
H a p p y H o l i d a y s
Community News .....................P 3We Worship ...........................P 7Health & Wellness ...............P 10Classifieds ..........................P 11
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See CHIP, page 4
See First Lady, page 5Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
By Joshua Smith
CONYERS—Eula Mae Smith rose before dawn and got “dressed to the T,” excited that a construction crew was coming to renovate her home. Smith’s green bungalow on Yellow Street is one of six houses in Conyers’ historic Milstead Mill community that Rockdale County is renovating with a $300,000 federal grant received through its Community Housing Improvement Program known as CHIP.
The 83-year-old Smith, who has lived in Milstead all of her life, is getting a free $54,650 home makeover that will include a new roof, new electrical wiring, central heating and air-conditioning, new kitchen appliances, carpeting and plumbing, and handicapped-accessible rails and ramps that will make it easier for her to get around in her wheelchair. Crews started work on the house on Dec. 4.
“She woke up everyone in the house to make sure we could take her on site during construction,” said Pennie Reid, who has taken her
mother in while the work on the house is being done.
Milstead is located in Census Tract 603.09, an area that has Rockdale’s second-largest poverty rate. Alice R. Cintron, Rockdale’s grants administrator, said many seniors who there are on fixed incomes and cannot afford to make repairs or renovate their homes. The housing is some of the county’s oldest, dating back to the early 1900s when the community was built for the families who worked at the cotton mill.
Smith’s mother, Onnie Jackson, who worked at the Milstead Mill as a sweeper, cleaning and mopping floors, was the first of three generations to live in the house Smith lives in today. Jackson lived in the house until she was 97. She then lived with her granddaughters for a year and then a nursing home until she died in 2003 at the age of 99.
Milstead Mills was a bustling industrial community located on the banks of the Yellow River. Although
segregation forced blacks and whites to live apart in Milstead, the mill brought them together for work. Smith said she remembers that blacks did not ever go to the white side of Milstead for anything other than work.
“We couldn’t play with the white kids. That just wasn’t something that you did back then,” said Smith, who was delivered by a midwife at home in 1929. Two of Smith’s three daughters also were delivered by midwives in the same house.
The white and black Milstead communities were different too. Cintron said no swales were built for run-off in the black community, as a result, several of the houses flooded with heavy rains. She said the county is working on a grant now to install drains in the county.
Meanwhile, Cintron said she hopes to secure funding to expand the housing renovation project in Milstead. She said she is encouraging residents in the community to apply for the free assistance, which
Renovations take root in Rockdale’s Milstead Mill community
DeKalb Delegation sets Town Hall meetings
DeKalb County’s state representatives will host a series of Town Hall meetings
to prepare for the 2013 Legislative Session.
The DeKalb County Legislative Delegation of the Georgia House of Representatives is urging constituents to attend the meetings, where lawmakers will give legislative and hear comments from the public about their concerns. The meetings are being held at different locations to give as many people as possible the opportunity to participate.
The first Town Hall meeting was held Thursday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m., Cross Keys High school, 1626 N. Druid Hills Road, N.E., Atlanta.
Two additional meetings are scheduled:
u��Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m., Porter Sanford Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur
u��Thursday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m., Agnes Scott College, Rebekah Scott Hall, 141 East College Ave. , Decatur.
The Legislative Session begins Jan. 14.
DeKalb Delegation
Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) Rep. Pat Gardner (D-Atlanta) Rep. Mike Jacobs (R-Atlanta) Rep. Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta) Rep. Stacey Abrams (D-Atlanta) Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale
Estates)Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone
Mountain)Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta) Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody)Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver
(D-Decatur)Rep. Michele Henson (D-Stone
Mountain)Rep. Ernest “Coach” Williams
(D-Avondale Estates)Rep. Howard Mosby (D-Atlanta) Rep. Pam Stephenson (D-Atlanta) Rep. Rahn Mayo (D-Decatur)Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler
(D-Lithonia)Rep. Elect Tonya Anderson
(D-Lithonia)Rep. Elect Karen Bennett (D-Stone
Mountain)
By Valerie J. Morgan
For Shirley Reams, a bit of Christmas arrived early in a small, white envelope
tucked inside her mailbox. The Henry County resident says the piece of mail she received on Dec. 12 is something she’ll always treasure: the White House’s 2012 holiday card with greetings from President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, their daughters, Sasha and Malia, and the family dog, Bo. The card features Bo sporting a scarf, traipsing on the snowy lawn of the White House.
“I was so elated to receive it. It is simply beautiful,” said Dr. Reams. “To know that our First Lady picked the illustration for this year’s card makes it that much more special to me.”
DeKalb County resident Shirley Hill, who has organized online fundraisers for the Obama campaign, said she, too, loves this year’s card. It’s going in her special collection, which includes several thank you cards and letters from President Obama for the volunteer campaign work she has done since 2008.
“I get a Christmas card every year,” said Hill, who served as South DeKalb’s regional field director, Obama for America.
Loyalty to President Obama’s campaign has provided supporters like Reams and Hill not only the chance to receive various mementos, but also the opportunity to mingle with the nation’s top
2012 White House holiday card puts smiles on faces of local Obama supporters
Dr. Shirley Reams
A close-up look at the holiday card that Dr. Shirley Reams’ received in the mail.
Shirley Hill shows off some of her Obama memorabilia, including a picture she took with First Lady Michelle Obama and the 2012 holiday card featuring Bo, the First Family’s dog.
Like our holiday photos On Common Ground News “Official” on Facebook
Eula Mae Smith is greeted by Rockdale Commissioners Oz Nesbitt and Janice Van Ness at the Dec. 4 groundbreaking to renovate her home.
PAGE 2 DECEMBER 15, 2012
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DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis reminds you of the Best Practices for Proper Disposal of
F.O.G.
F.O.G. directly impacts your wallet!DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management1580 Roadhaven Drive * Stone Mountain, GA * (770) 270-6243dekalbwatershed.com
F.O.G. enters plumbing through garbage disposals, sinks and toilets. It coats theinside of plumbing pipes and also empties into DeKalb County’s sewer system.Here are three simple guidelines to help keep F.O.G. out of our pipes and sewers:
POUR fats, oils or grease into a sealable container, allowit to cool and throw it in the trash. Do not pour down thedrain or toilet.
SCRAPE plates and cookware before washing. Do notthrow scraps of any kind down the drain. Instead, placethem in waste containers or garbage bags.
WIPE excess grease from all plates, pots, pans, utensils,and surfaces with a paper towel before washing. Throwthe greasy paper towels away.
Plumbing and sanitary sewer systems are simply not designed to handle the F.O.G.that accumulates in pipes. When it gets into the pipes and hardens, blockagesoccur and cause sewage to backup and overflow out of manholes or into homes.This is expensive for you, and for the County.The damages caused by fats, oils and grease in the sewer system are costly torepair. Over time, they increase the costs of our water and sewer services.
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December 15, 2012 Volume 18, No. 18
eDITor/PublIsHerValerie J. morgan
geNerAl mANAgerglenn l. morgan
sTAFF wrITer Joshua smith
ADVerTIsINg mANAger richard s. Hill
AbouT us on common ground News is published twice a month on the 1st and 15th by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.
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May 15, 1937-Dec. 4, 2012
By Valerie J. Morgan
LITHONIA—Johnny Fred Daughtery was a fixture at Lithonia City Hall. Mr. Daughtery made it his business to follow what was going on in the city, diligently standing sentinel over the City Council. Nicknamed “The Mayor,” he earned a reputation for speaking out for Lithonia’s residents.
Mr. Daughtery died on Dec. 4 of a massive heart attack. He was 75. His wife of 42 years, Annie Cora Daughtery, said he had battled diabetes for years, losing both legs to the disease. He became ill after Thanksgiving and grew worse over several days, requiring hospitalization, Mrs. Daughtery said. As a double amputee, Mr. Daughtery had to adapt to a new way of life, including using a wheelchair. A former
self-employed brick mason and DeKalb County school bus driver, he found it tough to lose his independence at first, his wife said. He found a new purpose and passion, however, when he got involved with various civic projects, working closely with longtime resident Barbara Woods-Lester.
“Johnny was faithful until the end. He will be missed at City Council meetings, at the Friends of the African American Cemetery, CHASE meetings, and the list goes on and on. Johnny was a man among men and we will truly miss him,” Ms. Lester wrote in the digital guest book of Brown and Young Funeral Home, which handled Mr. Daughtery’s funeral services. Mr. Daughtery’s funeral was held Dec. 10 at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a long-time member. His oldest son, Bishop Ronald Daughtery of Word International Church in Decatur, served as the eulogist.
Mr. Daughtery attended Bruce Street School in Lithonia. He joined the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 1959. He married Annie Cora Daughtery on Dec. 27, 1970, and they raised their family in Lithonia.
Johnny Fred Daughtery championed improvements for city of Lithonia
Rockdale says farewell to county pioneers By Joshua Smith
CONYERS—Rockdale County officials said farewell to its long-time government leaders, hosting an evening reception that included gift bags for each of them.
Collectively, the outgoing Sheriff, Tax Commissioner, Magistrate Judge, Probate Judge and Coroner are taking with them more than 100 years of experience as they turn over the reigns to a new crop of leaders who will be sworn into office on Dec. 30, 7 p.m., at the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main St.
The reception honoring the longtime leaders’ service was held on Dec. 12 at the Board of Commissioners’ Office.
The mood was festive with holiday music and a Christmas tree as several residents thanked each of them and chatted.
“Well, I don’t hunt. I don’t fish and I never was one for golfing, so I don’t know what I’m about to do,” Sheriff Jeff Wigington said jokingly. “I have almost 36 years in law enforcement here and it was a really enjoyable experience. Everyday was something different. You can’t say that about a lot of lines of work.”
Similar comments came from Tax Commissioner Dan Ray, who served more than 20 years; Magistrate Judge Clarence “Rudy” Horne Jr., with nearly 26 years on the bench; and Coroner Stephen Boyle, who served 16 years. Probate Judge Lillis Brown, who held the seat for 20 years, did not attend the event.
“When you look at these men, you’re looking at pioneers of this county,” said Commissioner Oz Nesbitt, who was joined by fellow Commissioner Janice Van Ness in honoring the officials at the reception. “These people have sacrificed their time and given their talents to Rockdale. We will always be appreciative to them.”
Commissioner Van Ness agreed.
L-R: Rockdale County Sheriff Jeff Wigington, Coroner Stephen Boyle, Magistrate Judge Clarence “Rudy” Horne Jr. and Tax Commissioner Dan Ray.
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
PAGE 4 DECEMBER 15, 2012
Mrs. Daughtery said after her husband became disabled from complications due to diabetes later in life, he looked forward to City Council meetings. He was an outspoken critic who didn’t mind telling off City officials. But he would just as easily chuckle when he was happy about something. Mrs. Daughtery often accompanied him to meetings, where he would sit near the Council. Said Mrs. Daughtery: “I had to get him in the car and we would park in the back because there was no handicapped spaces in the front of the building. He would raise sand at the meetings about all kinds of things. And I would say, ‘Why don’t you raise sand about getting a handicapped parking space?’ ” Mrs. Daughtery said her husband spent time on the weekends helping to restore the African American Cemetery on Bruce Street—another one of his passions. Those who knew the contributions that he made said he will be missed. “He really made an impact on the community,” said Sandi Morris. “He will surely be missed.” In addition to his wife, Mr. Daughtery is survived by his sons, Bishop Ronald Daughtery (Cheryl); Carty Daughtery (LaKeisha); Rodney Winston; Vincent Hamm (Ebony); and Aquino Daughtery; one daughter, Valerie Jackson (Gary); one sister, Ada Gaither; one brother, Rickey Daughtery; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Johnny Daughtery seated among stakeholders at a September 2011 meeting.
Lithonia champion will be missedcontinued from page 3
CHIP renovations are changes livescontinued from page 1
requires homeowners or relatives to live in the property for 12 years once the work is completed.
“This is a unique program—the first of its kind that is restoring homes for people still living there in desperate needs of repair but can’t afford it,” Cintron said.
Smith says she is looking forward to the renovation.
“The county fixing up my home is God answering my call,” said Smith. “It is wonderful to see so many different people come together for this project.
Renovation to Smith’s house is expected to be completed by Jan. 31.
Commissioner Oz Nesbitt, who was on hand for the groundbreaking, said it is critical for Rockdale County to continue to restore its historic properties.
“Today’s extreme makeover shows the great work we can do when our federal, state and local government come together for the people of Rockdale,” said Nesbit. “We have active seniors in this community who just don’t have the necessary means to receive desperately needed repairs. It has been somewhat of a long process, but seeing Mrs. Smith face light up like a Christmas tree makes it all worth it.”
Commissioner Janice Van Ness, who
also attended the groundbreaking, said she was excited to see the work began on Smith’s house.
“When you look at Mrs. Smith’s house, this is simply a quality of life issue. Rockdale County values our seniors and we needed a program like this to show them that in this tough economy, they are not alone.”
Milstead residents may obtain an application for the CHIP renovation program, by calling 770-278-7551.
DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Week of December 13, 2012
Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, 2nd Floor, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below:
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: Kelvin L. Walton, Director/Chief Procurement Officer
DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting
REQUEST FOR
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DECEMBER 15, 2012 PAGE 5
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brass. In March, as an example, Reams attended a Tyler Perry fundraiser in Atlanta where President Obama hugged many of his supporters. Tickets for the event ranged from $250 to $10,000. Hill, on the other hand, said as a volunteer, she has not only attended functions where the President was present, but events where she has interacted with the First Lady.
“I have attended three private events with the First Lady. I really treasure the photo that I took with her at one of them,” said Hill. “She was just so sweet. When I introduced myself to her, she just grabbed me, hugged me and thanked me for my work on the campaign.”
Reams said she believes Michelle Obama’s down-to-earth personality and unique style are reflected in this year’s holiday card.
“It’s sophisticated and fun. It’s very memorable,” said Reams.
The card’s black and white illustration on a forest green mat shows the First Family’s Portuguese water dog in knee deep in snow. Like the 2011 White House holiday card, the 2012 card has an embossed Presidential seal and is signed by each member of the First Family. Even Bo has a signature inside the card —his paw print.
Larassa Kabel, a Des Moines, Iowa artist, designed this year’s card after the White House invited artists to offer their work for consideration. Kabel’s own dog, Beans, a Boston Terrier/Pug mix, served as the inspiration for the painting she did of Bo on the White House lawn.
Kabel said she never expected to be chosen when she submitted the painting to the White House this September. She said “it was a very surreal moment,” when she got the call that First lady Michelle Obama had chosen her piece.
By Joshua Smith
The band played. The ROTC unit presented the colors and dignitaries from throughout the county celebrated at DeKalb’s Martin Luther King Jr. High this month.
Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 12 for a $10.5 million expansion project that is getting under way at the school. The ceremony marked the third groundbreaking the district has held in less than a month. Officials also broke ground on expansion projects at Southwest DeKalb High School on Nov. 27 and at Miller Grove High on Nov. 28.
Together, the three projects will total $44.1 million and will be funded using revenues generated through the one cents Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Most of the upgrades at the three schools will be funded by SPLOST III and the rest will be funded by SPLOST IV.
“This is a great day in DeKalb and an even greater day for Martin Luther King High School,” said interim Principal Vivian Terry. “Like the leaders and builders before us, the project we are celebrating today has required leadership, foresight and careful planning. This groundbreaking has been
years in the making.” Martin Luther
King High will get a 76,728-square-foot, two-story addition with 18 general classrooms, six science classrooms, four information technology labs, a family consumer science lab, drama room, art room and chorus room will be housed. The building will also contain new administrative offices and a ninth-grade commons area.
Southwest DeKalb’s $27.2 million project includes an 83,816-square-foot Fine Arts building, and the renovation of the school’s 500 hall wing, which will house a 640-
seat auditorium and 31 instructional classrooms, including computer, math and science labs, special education rooms, chorus and drama rooms, a band room to accommodate 300 students and an amphitheater.
Miller Grove’s $6.4 million project will include a two-story classroom building that will include a new drama room and renovation of a tech-science-food lab.
School officials say the three projects are expected to be completed by the summer of 2014.
School Board member Jay Cunningham, whose
District 5 includes the three schools , said the MLK expansion was a long-time coming. The project will replace the trailers on the school’s campus.
“This has been a project that the school system has been working on for six years. It was approved back in 2006,” said Cunningham. “We started off with 42 trailers here. We’re down to 31 now. When this project is completed, we’ll have zero.
Sophomore Itea James will be a senior when the renovations are complete.
“It will be really nice for the upcoming classes to enjoy too,” James said.
Three expansion projects get under way at DeKalb high schools
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG NewsDeKalb County school officials join students in breaking ground on MLK High’s $10 million project.
PAGE 6 DECEMBER 15, 2012
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What’s Stopping You?
Metro churches prepare for Watch Night prayers, Jesus parties
City of Lithonia hires former DeKalb police chief Eddie Moody
The City of Lithonia has selected Eddie J. Moody, former Chief of Police of DeKalb County, to serve as its new Chief of Police.
Moody brings 30 years of law enforcement experience to the city. He worked his way up from a clerk typist in the County’s Police Department to become the top cop. After retiring from the county in August 2004, Moody worked with Altegrity (USIS) as an account executive and special investigator for several years.
While with DeKalb County, Moody:
• Created the Junior Police Academy, which has been recognized by the National Association of Counties and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)
• Established a Crime Analysis Unit• Reduced overtime for traffic court cases, resulting in savings of over
$1million • Managed the murder case investigation of Sheriff-Elect Derwin Brown
Mayor Deborah A. Jackson said she is pleased that Moody has accepted the job in Lithonia.
“The City of Lithonia is very privileged to have someone like Chief Moody, who has a tremendous level of experience and an impeccable reputation interested in the position,” Jackson said. “The Council and I are excited about Chief Moody’s working with the Police Department to help raise the standards and quality of service provided to the community.” Chief Eddie Moody will start his new position on Dec. 17.
Eddie J. Moody
Greater Lithonia Chamber salutes community leaders The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce honored a host of business
and community leaders for their dedication and outstanding community work during the organization’s annual holiday luncheon, which was held Dec. 12 at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at Stonecrest.
Chamber President Doreen Carter presented 14 awards, honoring Gregory Williams of Kaiser Permanente as the “Partner of the Year.” Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, represented by Bonnie Hayes, was named “New Member of the Year.”
“We had a phenomenal year,” said Carter. “This year, we had a 56 percent increase in membership. We had informative workshops and we rolled out a new web. We had great partners who rolled up their sleeves. “We just wanted to show our appreciation by honoring them.”
Carter said the Chamber plans to providing quality workshops to educate and inform its members. The Chamber is planning to host its “State of Business in East Metro” meeting on Jan. 16.
For more information about the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, visit www.lithoniachamber.org.
L-R: Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, represented by Bonnie Hayes, was named “New Member of the Year” by Chamber President Doreen Carter.
Partner of the YearGregory Williams, Kaiser Permanente
New Member of the Year Bonnie Haynes, Gwinnett Federal Credit Union
President’s AwardCitizens Trust BankDuke HospitalityOn Common Ground News
Business and Civic ChampionsState Representative Dar’shun Kendrick
Commissioner Larry JohnsonCommissioner Stan WatsonCommissioner Lee MayCongressman Hank Johnson Lithonia Housing Authority Executive Director Martha Callaway
Chamber Member of the YearCareer and Technical Education DeKalb County School System
Dionne JohniganTisa ParkerDr. Delmas L. Watkins
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
DECEMBER 15, 2012 PAGE 7
To coNTAcT usBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-MAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
We Worship Faith-Based news & Inspiration
By Joshua Smith
Churches across Metro Atlanta are gearing up for New Year’s Eve Watch Night services, finalizing their plans to usher in 2013 with members and guests.
Pastor Stewart Reese, III of the Bethesda Cathedral in Decatur says Watch Night service is one of the most important services of the year—a time to give thanks for God’s grace and mercies all year. Reese says his congregation plans to celebrate, while they thank the Lord for living another year.
“As a church, this is a service where you can reach people that you wouldn’t normally see coming to your ministry. It’s always an exciting time because friends, families and church members come together for a night of fun and praise. It’s the best party in the city,” said Pastor Reese, who celebrated his one-year pastoral anniversary on Nov. 4. “Singing, praising, shouting, lifting up His name, that’s what you can expect. When we look in the obituaries, we have seen so many names over this past year. Just the fact that none of our names were in the obit section is enough to praise the Lord and be thankful for.”
Phil Tarver will be the guest singer at Bethesda’s Watch Night service. Tarver is the praise leader of gospel recording group Shekinah Glory. He performed at the church’s Watch Night service two years ago. Pastor Reese says he can’t wait to get Tarver to the church for this year’s celebration. Tarver will perform with the church’s liturgical dancers and mass choir, which includes three Reese siblings: singer Cassia; keyboardist Carma; and drummer Stewart Reese III. The mass choir is directed by their mother and Pastor Reese’s wife, First Lady Wanda Reese.
“Last time, Phil Tarver was here we were supposed to leave at 12:01 a.m., but we had such a good time we partied and praised for another whole hour. We didn’t finish service until after 1 a.m.,” said Pastor Reese, whose father, Bishop Stewart Reese, Jr., pastored the church before him. “He’s (Tarver) original and sincere in serving God. He can really reach the youth, too. That’s why we look forward to welcoming him again.”
Tarver said he is excited about performing at the church once again.
“Performing at Watch Night is especially important because it represents crossing over from the old year to the New Year. It’s a time to reflect on what God has done and look forward to what he will do,” said Tarver, who will be performing about five selections during the service. “This is a time of excitement and expectation. You are invited to hear great testimonies of God’s goodness, great songs of praise and an inspiring message for the New Year.” Service begins at 10 p.m. The church is located at 1989 Austin Drive, Decatur.
Pastor William Flippin, Sr., who heads The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, says Watch Night Service is a time of the four P’s: pause, praise, pray and plan.
“We take out time to pause and reflect together on the good and bad things, new blessings, family members passing, whatever the case may be. The service will feature our praise team, combined choir and praise dancers as we praise and pray to the Lord for another year,” said Flippin, who took the helm of the church in 1990. “We must also plan what many call setting resolutions for the New Year whether it be loosing weight, finishing receiving your degree or whatever the case may be. The deacons can pray the walls down during devotion, it’s just a great, upbeat service to be a part of.”
Flippin said his church also will pay homage to the origin of Watch Night service in the African American community by reading a litany of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“Watch Night service is especially important in the African American community and we feel it’s important to pay homage to Freedom Eve,” said Flippin. “We can not forget that we were once not able to praise or worship freely in America. Our church will also reflect and be thankful for those freedoms. I love Watch Night service because it usually turns into a service for the community. You get people who never come to church mixing with people who come every Sunday, all under one roof giving God thanks.”
The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church Worship Watch Night services will be held at 7 and 10 p.m. The church is located at 1879 Glenwood Ave., S.E., Atlanta.
Pastor William D. Watley of Saint Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta says Watch Night service is not only a time to give thanks, but also the best way to seek direction into 2013.
“What better way to greet the New Year than to be in the presence of the Lord as we worship and continue to seek God’s directions,” said Watley. “We anticipate empowering worship, great singing, a well delivered message and if you join us, you will be greeted by a warm and welcoming congregation. We also plan to unveil a new vision and ministry focus for 2013.”
Services begin at 8 and 10:30 p.m. The church is located at 240 Candler Road, Atlanta.
Metro churches prepare for Watch Night prayers, Jesus parties
PAGE 8 DECEMBER 15, 2012
Pastor Anton and First Lady Felicia Rowe & FamilySr. Pastor of Raymond Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Look us up on the world wide web at www.raymondhillmbc.com and
Facebook under “Raymond Hill Missionary Baptist Church.”
December 31st at 9:45 p.m.
Regular Service Times: Sunday School- Sundays 9:30 a.m.Worship Services- Sundays 11:00 a.m.Bible Study - Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.Children Church- Sundays 11:00 a.m.
Raymond Hill Missionary Baptist Church1495 South Crestview DriveSnellville, GA. 30078(770)985-6353 • Sr. Pastor Anton Rowe
Watch Night Worship ServicesMonday, December 31, 2012
404-371-0749 • WWW.SAINTPHILIP.ORG240 Candler Rd, SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
Saint Philip AME Church - Rev. William D. Watley, Ph.D., Senior Pastor
Christmas Eve Candle Light Worship Service
Monday, December 24, 20127:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Music by the Saint Philip Mass Choir
8:00 p.m. in the SanctuaryMusic by the Praise Team
10:30 p.m. in the SanctuaryMusic by the WN Griffin Jr Gospel Choir
History of Watch Night A watch night service is a late-
night Christian church service. In many different Christian traditions, a watch night service is held late on New Year’s Eve, and ends after midnight. This provides the opportunity for Christians to review the year that has passed and make confession, and then prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving. The services often include singing, praying, preaching and other forms of worship.
The founder of the Methodist Church, the Rev. John Wesley, started Watch Night services in 1740, sometimes calling them “Covenant Renewal Services.” Watch Night service has added significance and history in the African-American community in the U.S., since many slaves were said to have gathered in churches on New Year’s Eve, in 1862, to await news and confirmation of the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, on Jan. 1, 1863.
DECEMBER 15, 2012 PAGE 9
DeKalb libraries to celebrate Kwanzaa The DeKalb County Library System will host a series of events to celebrate
Kwanzaa this month. Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration that honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Here’s a look at some of the activities planned to mark the holiday: Dec. 19, 3 p.m.: The Covington branch, 3500 Covington Highway, Decatur,
will host an arts and crafts session for families. Dec. 19, 3 p.m.: The Salem-Panola branch, 5137 Salem Road, Lithonia, will
have a Kwanzaa crafts session. Groups of five or more are asked to call in advance. Dec. 22, 1 – 2 p.m.: The Flat Shoals branch, 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway,
Decatur, will host a Kwanzaa program. The principals of unity and creativity will be celebrated at this event through games and crafts the entire family can enjoy.
Dec. 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Redan-Trotti branch, 1569 Wellborn Road, will present a Kwanzaa Celebration of Community and Culture. Michael Simanga, PhD, executive firector of the National Black Arts Festival, will serve as the keynote speaker. Simanga is an accomplished artist, arts administrator, author and scholar. Simanga will discuss the “Evolution of Kwanzaa,” its concepts and practice. In addition to Dr. Simanga, Ihsan A. Rajab, a retired teacher who is mentoring troubled youths in Greensboro, N.C., will speak. Local artists also will attend.
For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org or call 404-370-8450.
Springfield Baptist to host community worship service celebrating 150 years of freedom
CONYERS—The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, hailed as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement,” will be the guest speaker at the Sesquicentennial Emancipation Proclamation Community Worship Service hosted by Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers.
The worship service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. in celebration of the freedom of 4 million slaves in the U.S. on Jan. 1, 1863.
This year marks the 150th year the document freeing black slaves was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. A number of African American churches here and across the nation are celebrating the historic event with special programs.
Organizers of Springfield’s community celebration say they are excited to welcome Rev. Lowery to help them mark the occasion. Rev. Lowery’s legacy for service and struggle is long and rich. Three years ago, on Aug. 12, 2009, Rev. Lowery was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor when President Barack Obama presented him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the nonviolent struggle for the causes of justice, human rights, economic equality, voting rights, peace and human dignity. Prior to that honor, on Jan. 20, 2009, Rev. Lowery delivered a rousing benediction at President Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of the United States.
Lowery was born in Huntsville, Alabama. His genesis as a Civil Rights advocate dates to the early 1950’s where, in Mobile, Alabama he headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association, the movement which led to the desegregation of buses and public accommodations. In 1957, with friend and colleague, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lowery served as a co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Springfield invites the community to come out for the celebration. The doors open at 4 p.m. Springfield Baptist Church is located at 1877 Iris Drive, Conyers. Admission is free.
Rev. Joseph E. Lowery
Redemptive Life seeks gently-used coats
Redemptive Life Christian Fellowship, 406 Pleasant Hill Drive, Conyers, is conducting a coat drive for the needy.
The church is asking for donations of gently-used coats, sweaters and jackets. Donations may be dropped off at the church. Donations will be accepted through Sunday, Dec. 23. For more information, contact the church at 404-922-1234.
Get physically, spiritually fit for New Year Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur will
host a Prayer Walk on Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., following the church’s noon bible study.
Participants will walk along the indoor track of the church’s Family Life Center. Participants do not have to be a member of the Family Life Center to participate in the walk. For more information, call Mary Brye at 404-241-3307.
Trinity Community Ministries to host tree decorating Trinity Community Ministries, 21 Bell St., N.E., Atlanta, will host “Ornaments
and Offerings,” on Dec. 16, 1 – 5 p.m.The community is invited to enjoy decadent holiday desserts and help decorate
the trees. Financial gifts are appreciated to help fortify the Christmas program. For more information or to help decorate, call Barbara Hester at 678-521-1251.
Decatur church hosts Advent serviceHoly Trinity Episcopal Church, 515 Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, will offer a
30-minute performance on Dec. 19, at noon, to mark Advent. The advent service features young artists from the Atlanta area. Jonathan
Easter will play holiday and advent favorites on the organ. The performance will be followed by a light lunch. The program is free and open to all. 404-377-2622.
First Baptist of Conyers offers bereavement support group First Baptist Church of Conyers, 2100 Georgia 138, Conyers, is offering
a support group to those who have lost their spouse on Dec. 20, 1 – 2 p.m. Participants discuss grief and life after losss.
Participants meet in the church’s Bride’s Room. For more information or to register, call Trudy Crouch at 770-483-7054.
PAGE 10 DECEMBER 15, 2012
To coNTAcT usBy PHONE: 678-526-1910By FAx: 678-526-1909By E-MAIl: [email protected] ONlINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Health & Wellness Grady/Morehouse surgeons discover breakthrough treatment for traumatic brain injuries
Trauma Surgeon Dr. L. Ray Matthews
Dr. L. Ray Matthews is an assistant
professor of surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine and Director of Surgical Critical Care Unit at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. A graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, he completed his surgical residency at Morehouse School of Medicine/Grady Memorial Hospital. He did his surgical critical care fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and was also on staff as a Senior Associate Consultant prior to his arrival at Grady Memorial Hospital in 2007.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Lacy Adamson, 17, is a walking miracle, her mom, Lori Adamson says. One minute the Newton
County teen was driving down a rural, two-lane road from varsity cheerleading practice. The next second, her truck was somersaulting into a cow pasture. A motorist who was traveling behind Lacy watched in horror as Lacy’s truck flipped over and over after hitting a pothole in the road. Lacy was ejected from the vehicle and so badly injured that she had to be airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta where the Morehouse trauma team led by Dr. L. Ray Matthews worked to save her life from a devastating head injury.
“She has regained her memory. She’s walking and talking and cheering again just as if she never had the accident,” said Lori Adamson. “We know personally that miracles do happen.”
It’s been six months since Lacy Adamson was critically injured from head to foot, suffering the most serious contusions to her chest, heart, lungs, spine and brain. After the accident in July, Lacy had to learn to walk again, talk again and even swallow, her mom said.
Lori Adamson, who is a registered nurse, says that a regimen that included vitamin D3, omega 3-fatty acids, glutamine, and progesterone which Matthews started Lacy on while she was in intensive care, saved her life and put her on the road to recovery.
“We could see her improvement every day that she was in the hospital,” said Adamson, who, along with her husband, stuck by Lacy’s side during her treatment at Grady and rehabilitation at Egleston Children’s Hospital.
“Fifty percent of patients with the type of head injury that Lacy sustained do not survive. Those injuries are known as a Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI),” Matthews said. “Another 47 percent are in permanent comas or severely impaired the rest of their
life. Less than 3 percent regain conscience and can interact with their environments.”
Matthews said he knew from the outset that he had to treat Lacy’s brain injuries with multiple drug therapy in order to give her a fighting chance for survival and recovery. As soon as she arrived at the hospital, the trauma team started her on a combination of vitamin D3, omega 3-fatty acids, glutamine, and progesterone, administered through a nasogastric tube. Together, the drugs regulate inflammation and make the injured brain cells more resistant to stress, trauma, lack of oxygen, high temperatures, low temperatures, high glucose, and low glucose. “The brain is the most complicated organ in the human body,” said Matthews. “We know that single drug therapy for brain injuries does not work because a recent military study on citicoline confirmed that. We’ve had very successful outcomes with combination/multiple drug therapy in patients like Lacy who have returned to near normal levels of functioning after treatment. This is a breakthrough.”
Matthews said giving omega 3-fatty acids to brain trauma patients is essential because 30 percent of the brain is made of omega 3-fatty acids. He said 80% of Americans are omega3-fatty acid deficient and vitamin D3 deficient.
“Being deficient in both, omega 3-fatty acids and vitamin D3, slows down the brain’s ability to heal itself in patients with traumatic brain injuries,” Matthews said. “Just as you would need bricks—and not straw—to repair a broken brick wall, you need omega 3-fatty acids to repair traumatic brain injuries.”
Matthews said providing the body with vitamin D3 is also essential. Like omega 3-fatty acids, vitamin D3 regulates inflammation and helps the immune system fight off infection, bacteria, viruses, fungi, cancer cells, pneumonia, colds, and the flu.
Matthews also said that vitamin D3 along with glutamine (an essential amino acid during stress) produces Heat Shock Protein (HSP), which help the injured brain cells ward off stress of any kind. Instead of dying, brain cells with more
HSP can now be repaired. Matthews and his research team,
comprised of Dr. Ed Childs, Dr. Omar Danner, Dr. Ken Wilson, Dr. Frank Jones, Diane Dennis-Griggs, NP, and Lexi Frederick, NP, have been studying vitamin D for five years. Matthews said many Americans do not produce enough vitamin D hormones because they don’t get enough sunshine. He has been giving high does of vitamin D hormone to trauma patients, those who have deficiencies and suffer from various health problems and athletes to improve their performance. “Ninety percent of our vitamin D production comes from the sun striking our skin and making vitamin D3,” Matthews said. “I call vitamin D3 God’s miracle vitamin. It is the backbone or workhorse drug supplement in treating traumatic brain injuries because it works at multiple levels. Vitamin D3 controls 3,000 out of 30,000 genes in the human body. Anything that controls 10 percent of all human genes is a very powerful substance and should be respected.”
Dr. L. Ray Matthews
DECEMBER 15, 2012 PAGE 11
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CITY OF LITHONIA
NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP#12-02)Lithonia Stewart Amphitheater Renovation Services
The City of Lithonia is accepting SEALED BIDS from qualified vendors for facility renovations at the Lithonia Stewart Amphitheater located at Park Drive/Lucellen Street, Lithonia, GA. The renovation services include handrail improvements and additions, seating area and lighting repairs. The bid package contains several bid alternates that can be submitted. The property is owned by the City of Lithonia and this facility will provide a venue for activities, such as community plays, movies, and concerts for the citizens of the City of Lithonia and the surrounding area. The City may designate a Representative to act as Project Manager for this project. The selected firm will contract directly with the City to provide the requested renovation services. Instructions for preparation and submission of a proposal are contained in the bid package.
Attention is called to the fact that this project is being funded ultimately through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The bidder is asked to pay special attention to the Federal Regulations related to Davis-Bacon, Section 3 and other requirements included in the bid package.
A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 3:00 pm at City Hall, 6980 Main Street, Lithonia, GA 30058. Any questions concerning this bid package must be submitted in writing by Thursday, December 27, 2012 by 4:00 pm.
All sealed bids are due in City Hall, 6980 Main Street, Lithonia, GA 30058, by 5:00 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013. Late Proposals will NOT be considered.
A copy of the bid package may be obtained by emailing [email protected]. For general questions about this bid, contact: Ms. Tias Greenwell, Acting City Administrator at [email protected] or 770-482-8136.
The City of Lithonia reserves the right to reject any or all bids based on past performance and to waive technicalities and informalities and re-advertise. Only responsive proposals that are determined to meet the requirements and criteria set forth by the City of Lithonia will be considered.
Title VI/Nondiscrimination Statement: No person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and handicap/disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the City of Lithonia.
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PAGE 12 DECEMBER 15, 2012
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