STRIKES GOLD - We Are DeKalb

A FRESH START:
TWO BOE MEMBERS
ON THE STATE
OF EDUCATION
IN DEKALB
GPTC: ONE OF OUR
BEST KEPT
SECRETS
IS BEING DISCOVERED
YLA
STRIKES
GOLD
TEACH YOUR KIDS
TO
CODE
3 GREAT RESOURCES
FEATURES
20 COVER STORY: A FRESH START
Interviews with two of the newest members of
the DeKalb County Board of Education.
08 A BEAUTIFUL PERSPECTIVE
DeKalb artist, Lorrie Dallek’s breathtaking
photographs from around the world.
16 GEORGIA PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE:
ONE OF OUR BEST KEPT SECRETS IS BEING
DISCOVERED
By Zaundra Brown
GPTC draws attention for good reason.
28 THREE TOOLS FOR TEACHING KIDS TO CODE
By Carnella Ajasin
Enabling your kids with the tools to be top notch
coders is easier than you think.
32 YLA STRIKES GOLD
DeKalb County Commissioner
Sharon Barnes Sutton’s 2013 Youth
Leadership Breakfast.
DEPARTMENTS
CULTURE
12 Our Performing Arts Tradition
14 Spruill Arts Center
EDUCATION
23 Beyond DeKalb: Helping Homeless Veterans
24 An Interview with Bill Floyd
COMMUNITY
36 The Heart of South DeKalb
38 Spotlight on Kirkwood
BUSINESS
43 Inspiration: Beyond Survival
Young gymnast and fan, J’Dythe Cannon, poses next to U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist, Gabrielle
Douglas at the 2013 Youth Empowerment Breakfast. Story on page 32. Photo: Johnny Mapp.
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OUR GUESTS
Carnella Ajasin
Zaundra Brown
Muhammed Cannon
John Coleman
Lorrie Dallek
Howard Franklin
Alonia Jones
Jennifer B. Jacobs
Bob Kinsey
Doc Lawrence
Thaddeus Mayfield
Carolyn Watson
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FEATURE
a beautiful
PERSPECTIVE
For Lorrie Dallek,
photogr aphy is a way
to captur e the stories
of people from around
the world.
“Daily Offerings”, Lorrie Dallek
culture
“I belong out amongst the people as an observer,
participant, and recorder of everyday life,”
L
orrie said. “I see and love the beauty of
indigenous cultures. They make my heart
jump. Every day I increasingly recognize that
advanced communications, tourism, and
politics are changing this landscape. The old
ways, passed from one generation to the next,
are dissipating and being abandoned. I am
committed to capturing these images before they are lost forever.”
As a child, Lorrie enjoyed traveling with her parents. They
traveled around the United States and worked to instill a sense of
curiosity and adventurousness in their daughter. After graduating
from college, Lorrie was introduced to the art of photography by
several close friends. What started out as a simple hobby soon
became a true passion.
When Lorrie’s corporate employer asked for volunteers to
work overseas in Asia, she jumped at the chance to explore an exotic
locale through the lens of her camera. Eventually, she decided to
enroll as a student in the Image Program at The Creative Circus in
Atlanta to train for a career as a professional photographer.
Lorrie has been a full-time professional photographer for the
past seven years. “When I began my professional photography
career, I elected to focus on global culture and religion,” she said. “I
was not interested in the internationally known tourist attractions.
I was drawn to the back alleys and streets. I wanted to depict how
ordinary people live their lives. I continually sought out humanity.
Their customs, local dress, and culture just enraptured me.”
During her travels, Lorrie has had the chance to see both
beauty and pain. The struggles faced by women and children living
in poverty inspired Lorrie to publish a book documenting their
lives and bringing awareness to the importance of global relief
efforts. The Women of Southeast Asia showcases images taken
in five countries over a time period of five years and five months.
Lorrie also regularly donates her photographic skills to non-profit
organizations to help shine a light on those less fortunate than
herself in both the US and abroad.
Lorrie has received several awards and honors for her work. She
has two photographs in the permanent collection of the Shepard
Center Foundation in Atlanta. She received an honorable mention
award in Planet Magazine’s Global Travel Photo Contest and had
an image selected as the Photo of the Day on the Smithsonian
website. She has also provided photos for Decatur Living and
South by Southeast Magazine.
To learn more about Lorrie’s upcoming appearances or to purchase
a signed print, visit her website at lorriedallekphotography.com.
Lorrie also maintains a blog at lorrie-carpediem.blogspot.com.
Daily Offerings, Trinidad Cuba
In Lorrie’s Words:
The town of Trinidad Cuba had a different vibe
than Havana. It was certainly a little more laid-back
and colloquial. I loved the light and colors especially on
this one particular street. I was like a magnet irresistibly
drawn there every day in the early morning and late
afternoon. While not as severe, food shortages still exist
for the locals. Here we see the proprietor of a shop putting
up hand written signs specifying the offerings of the day.
Tomorrow, I expect they will be different depending on
what is available. He is wearing a traditional Cuban
shirt called a Guayabera placed against a beautifully
textured yellow wall, framed in a window. No mistaking
where we are.
wearedekalb.com • We Are DeKalb Magazine
9
culture {A BEAUTIFUL PERSPECTIVE}
“The embargo by the Americans in the 1950’s and relative isolation
turned Cuba into an anachronism in so many ways.”
— Lorrie Dallek
“Cuba Libre”, Havana, Cuba
In Lorrie’s Words:
The embargo by the Americans in the 1950’s and relative
isolation turned Cuba into an anachronism in so many ways. This
is especially apparent on the streets where about one in three cars are
a 1940’s or 1950 vintage American or Russia vehicle. Its just a wild
and curious scene.
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We Are DeKalb Magazine • www.wearedekalb.com
Many compare the Cuban cars to a well maintained older
Western woman. Their exteriors are as spiffed up as polish will
afford and complemented by “borrowed parts”. Under the hood,
time and ingenuity are king. Lots of wires, stray components and
constant TLC keeps their engines turning.
The Cubans are car crazy and so was I.
“A Moment to Savor”, Lorrie Dallek
“A Moment to Savor”, Tibet
In Lorrie’s Words:
One of the more unexpected and delightful moments of
this trip was when we stopped for lunch in this tiny town. I
was unexpectedly immersed in “real Tibet”. The entire scene
was a feast for my eyes and heart. An old cast iron wood
burning stove with a dragon embossed on the front was
the center piece of the dining room. Steam was coming up
from the dented pots and a ladle as a Tibetan woman in her
traditional head jewelry cooked our lunch.
After opening the doors, I shot using natural light to
be certain that the mood and subtle lighting was captured.
I fear that this lifestyle will not be with us for much longer
hence I am forever grateful to have had this experience. And
yes, our lunch was delicious.
“Cuba Libre”, Lorrie Dallek
“Ancient Preparation, Modern Day Lessons”
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
In Lorrie’s Words:
I was enraptured by the mood of this corridor in
Angkor Wat. The burning incense filled the air, the relief
work on the walls, the extremely large draped Buddha
and the artifacts on the altar all transport me to a sacred
moment. I sat for a long period of time not intervening or
changing the course of events, just capturing what I saw,
what I felt. The attendant ensured that the altar is always
ready to greet visitors. Her children patiently waited in the
background as their mom performed her daily rituals—
preparing the alter for visitors. I used only natural light to
preserve the mood.
“Ancient Preparation, Modern Day Lessons”, Lorrie Dallek
wearedekalb.com • We Are DeKalb Magazine
11
OUR PERFORMING ARTS
TRADITION
By Doc Lawrence
Enriched by an environment spawning top actors, directors,
playwrights, authors and artistically-inclined visionaries,
it shouldn’t be surprising that Dekalb is home to much of the
performing arts culture in Georgia and the South.
G
ranted, municipal and county lines are
easily blurred by the transcendence
of a mighty powerful name like
Atlanta, but there’s no getting around
the inescapable fact that for decades
Dekalb has been a genuine force in all
of the arts.
The Gothic spires of Oglethorpe University embrace the
magnificent theatrical company, Georgia Shakespeare at the
Conant Center for the Performing Arts. Firmly established
as one of the top performance venues in the country, Georgia
Shakespeare offers productions ranging from classics like
Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing to works by Molière
and Tennessee Williams. Over the years, more than 12 different
educational programs were developed serving an audience from
elementary aged students to adults. Touring productions, Camp
Shakespeare, High School Conservatory, No Fear Shakespeare
Teacher Development, after school residencies, in-school
workshops, student matinees and classes for professionals and
the public combine to make up an active education department
complimenting the public performances..
Nearby is the North Dekalb Cultural Center, long the home
of Stage Door Players, a group that has an entranced fan base
spoiled by performances that range from whimsical comedy
to inspired drama. Located in a hub of industry, business,
shopping, great restaurants, Stage Door Players has evolved into
a fully professional theater producing a full season of popular,
compelling and entertaining works.
On the far eastern end of the county. Art Station, smack dab
in the middle of the historic Stone Mountain Village remains a
living testament to the faith and daring of founder and artistic
director David Thomas, who took an old streetcar trolley barn
and turned it into a major theatrical stage. Perhaps Art Station’s
greatest gift to Dekalb is the annual production, Lewis Grizzrd
Tonight, Bill Oberst, Jr’s stunning portrayal of the late humor
writer who often told stories about Stone Mountain, entertaining
far away audiences.
The incomparable Tom Key is a familiar face in his Decatur
neighborhood. The longtime resident is going strong with a
career as a distinguished actor, director, playwright, and theater
founder, earning him top billing as one of the most accomplished
figures of the American stage. Perhaps no other work by Key has
brought more joy to the country’s stages than his Cotton Patch
Gospel inspired by Dr. Clarence Jordan’s paraphrase of the New
Testament. Bet the ranch that it’s playing somewhere as you
read this. For over four decades, Key has toured internationally
his one-person show, C.S. Lewis On Stage, which he adapted
from the writings of the author of The Screwtape Letters and
The Chronicles of Narnia. It has been performed at the John F.
Kennedy Center, Har vard, Yale and Ox ford Universit y
of England.
Headquartered in a charming Tudor-style building in
Avondale Estates, Academy Theatre is the longest running
professional theatre in Georgia. Dedicated to bringing the
best of classical and contemporary work to Atlanta audiences,
the production team is vibrant and lively. The Academy was
the first professional theatre in the South to be integrated, it
premiered the first southeastern Shakespeare festival and broke
new ground with its educational theatre programs that included
a school of performing arts.
Onstage Atlanta and Push Push Theater have garnered
critical acclaim with razor-sharp performances showcasing
talented actors under the leadership of skilled, and often very
daring directors. Onstage moves soon into new facilities just a
short distance from the Dekalb Farmers Market and Push Push,
staying true to its commitment of “pushing boundaries, taking
artistic risks, exploring new ideas . . .” continues venturing into
new frontiers, confirming there is no challenge they will
not undertake.
A place where teaching, learning, and performance merge
to create a vital arts presence for the entire community, the
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts at Emory University
places Dekalb and all of Atlanta in the epicenter of cultural
excellence in the South. The arts are among the most exalted
and enduring achievements of civilization, and the Schwartz is
a place where cultivation of the arts through teaching, learning,
encouragement, and stewardship thrive. Students, faculty, and
world-renowned guest artists combine their talents and hard
work to create an experience that brings culture, beauty, and
provocative work to Dekalb and all of the region. Programs
include Emory Dance Company, Emory Wind Ensemble, Jazz
Studies and performances from the world’s biggest names.
The stages of Dekalb represent the best in the performing
arts and with so much success and dedication to excellence,
they’ve earned a rousing curtain call.
Contributor Spotlight:
Doc Lawrence is a journalist who lives in Stone
Mountain, Georgia.
cross-section {ELEMENTS OF DEKALB}
Spruill
Center
for the Arts
The arts help give meaning to our existence. it
gives expression to all the passions of mankind
and enriches us as individuals, cultures, and as
a civilization.
A
rt centers are focal points for le a r n i n g ,
c re at i n g , d i s pl ay i n g , performing , and
celebrating art. They are vibrant hubs around
which communities can thrive. Arts centers
help unlock the potential in all of us. The arts are
all about people.
The Spruill Center for the Arts, located in north DeKalb County,
in Dunwoody, has served the metro Atlanta area since 1975, growing
from a tiny start-up into a major art education center. Today the
Center proudly provides art courses and workshops to roughly
6,000 students annually. Classes are offered days and evenings, seven
days per week. While most students are adults, classes for children
and teens are also offered, highlighted by an 11-week Summer
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We Are DeKalb Magazine • www.wearedekalb.com
Camp program for ages 5-14. Since its inception, the Spruill Center
has established a great reputation for quality course offerings and
tremendous instructors.
The Spruill Gallery, in a historic 1867-1905 farm house with
gardens on 5.25-acres, mounts four to six professional artist exhibits
every year, as well as a popular Holiday Artists Market from midNovember through Christmas Eve.
Bob Kinsey joined the Spruill Center as CEO more than nine
years ago, after a long, successful career in the for-profit sector where
he ran a large technology company. He became a collector of original
art in about 1990 and now considers himself an “art addict” who
especially enjoys acquiring works by Spruill instructors, students,
and outside artists whose work appears in Spruill Gallery shows.
Photo: Courtesy of Bob Kinsey.
Bob Kinsey, Spruill Center CEO, beside the Spruill Gallery sign with the gallery in the background.
People working together to learn, teach,
create, exhibit, and celebrate the arts.
From 1997-2004, Kinsey served on the Board, and in 2003 as Board
president, of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. It was during that
experience that he decided to cash out of the corporate world and take
on a second career in the arts.
Bob Kinsey is exhilarated by the daily activity generated by artistinstructors and students creating works of art. He noted, “The energy,
enthusiasm, inspiration and talent of the people at the Center are
remarkable. From beginners to highly-advanced artists, everyone seems
to find pleasure and fulfillment participating in the arts.” Kinsey went
on to say that the hard work, expertise, and dedication of the Center’s
staff make the Education Center and the Spruill Gallery so welcoming
for artists and visitors, and so successful as an organization.
The Center is very fortunate to have a talented Board of
Directors who are fully engaged in strategic planning, tactical advice,
and fundraising. Their diverse backgrounds, skill sets, professional
affiliations, and insights combine to help move the Center
boldly forward.
The Center also has an extraordinary Volunteer Guild: almost
50 people from the community who put together a vitally important
annual black-tie dinner gala, Artistic Affair, that nets $25,000+ for
the Center and its programming. The Guild also provides food and
hospitality at Spruill Gallery receptions and other special events, as
well as providing administrative help and assisting with other tasks.
The Spruill Center for the Arts is comprised of people working
together to learn, teach, create, exhibit, and celebrate the arts. For
more information about the Center, please visit spruillarts.org.
www.wearedekalb.com
wearedekalb.com • We Are DeKalb Magazine
15
FEATURE
Georgia Piedmont Technical College:
One of our Best
Kept Secrets
is Being Discovered
By Zaundra Brown
education
“There is a great need in our community for education,
and we are delighted to help more students obtain higher
paying jobs and the American dream.”
�President, Jabari O. Simama, Ph.D
I
n just one year, Georgia Piedmont Technical
College (GPTC) has grown by leaps and
bounds. Based on data released by the
Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG),
GPTC is listed with the highest summer
semester increase in student enrollment
among the 24 technical colleges statewide.
The college has a total enrollment increase of
17%. The number of students taking 12 credit
hours or higher increased even greater to 29% against the
system’s average, which is .07%.
College officials cite several reasons for the growth,
including recent student-friendly changes made to the Pell
grant and a move by the Georgia General Assembly that is not
in effect until September. While those factors likely played a
role in the growth the college is undergoing, there are other
inf luences to consider; namely, the college’s new President,
Jabari O. Simama, Ph.D. Many observers attribute the
unprecedented growth spurt to the arrival of Dr. Simama, who,
along with his leadership team, has focused on new processes
and programs to better engage the community. feature {GTPC: ONE OF OUR BEST KEPT SECRETS IS BEING DISCOVERED}
Left to right: 1. GPTC student works on vehicle. 2. Instructor Stephen Bullock with student Trevor Hardaway.
“We are excited about the continued growth of our
college,” stated President Simama.
“There is a great need in our community for education,
and we are delighted to help more students obtain higher
paying jobs and the American dream,” he continued.
Dr. Simama recently celebrated his historic First
Anniversary as President. The seasoned and well-reputed
college administrator arrived at GPTC determined to create
a student-centered environment of lifelong learning. With
more than 20 years of higher education experience at both
two-year and four-year colleges and universities, Dr. Simama
is well-versed in the philosophies and doctrines of higher
education. He is a firm believer that all persons can and
should acquire some measure of advanced learning and that
a society as democratically sophisticated as America has
a moral obligation to make the prospect an affordable one
for as many people as possible. His personal commitment
involves implementing his vision for GPTC entitled, “Dr.
Simama’s 8-Point Strategic Plan for Success”. The 8-points
outlined in the document include:
• The elevation of GPTC in the community;
• Expansion of student enrollment;
• Support of student success through the creation of programs like a child care center;
• Attracting visionary leaders;
18
We Are DeKalb Magazine • www.wearedekalb.com
• Supporting open communications among students, faculty and staff;
• Implementing data-driving changes;
• Developing new, innovative, industry-needed programs; and,
• Becoming a best-in-class higher education institution.
Closest to the heart of GPTC’s top administrator and his
cadre of leaders, however, is making known to the community
the vast number and types of learning opportunities GPTC
has to offer. As the largest provider of adult education in
the state of Georgia, GPTC graduates about 1500 students
a year. The school offers more than 137 different career
pathways, degrees and programs where students can achieve
a certificate, diploma or a degree. Disciplines of study include
Basic Law Enforcement, particularly Criminal Justice;
Early Childhood Development, Information Technology,
Automotive Technology, Building Automation and Green
Technologies. Plans are now underway for a Digital Media
program designed to take advantage of the robust film
industry f lourishing in Georgia. The program will provide
students with the skills needed to manage and support sound
stages. Course work will also include a technical component
that teaches students how to support the film industry.
Detailed plans for the program are forthcoming.
Left to right: 1. Instructor Ernest Pauley with students , Trevor Hardaway and Shawnna Thames in foreground with President Simama. 2. Dr. Simama with GPTC students.
GPTC is a unit of the Technical College System of
Georgia and has nine centers of learning in DeKalb, Newton,
Rockdale, and Morgan counties. Dr. Simama wants members
of these communities to k now that they are welcome
regardless of their age or education level. Dr. Simama says,
“We have open doors. We are here to help anyone who
wants to improve their life through higher education. We
understand the courage it takes to enroll in college 10, 15,
or 20 years after you graduated from high school and we
will help you through the process. Whether a person wants
to work on their GED, has just graduated from high school
and wants to earn a certificate or degree, or if they have been
away from education for a while and want to get back into it;
we are a viable and affordable choice for them.”
Currently, more than 8,000 students are enrolled
in GPTC’s diploma or degree programs and more than
9,000 students participate in the college’s adult education
classes. Being fully accredited by SACS COC, GPTC is a
comprehensive college that offers general education along
with its technical programs. College administrators say the
requirement ensures all GPTC students are well-rounded
when they graduate. Visit gptc.edu for more on Georgia
Piedmont Technical College.
Instructor Ernest Pauley and student Shawnna Thames.
Contributor Spotlight:
Zaundra Brown is Director of the Public Relations
& Information Office of the President at Georgia
Piedmont Technical College.
FEATURE
A FRESH
sTART
In a short span of time the dekalb
county school system was placed
on academic probation, replaced six
of nine of its board members and
its superintendent, and endured a
deluge of dilemmas that played out
on the evening news.
W i t h t h e sc hool y e a r w e ll
underway and the media rhetoric
toned down it’s likely that the next
change will be a positive one. WAD
interviewed new boar d members,
Thaddeus Mayfield of District nine,
and John Coleman of District one to
find out how they plan to keep the
ball rolling toward recovery.
thaddeus
mayfield
district 9
wad: Why did you decide to become a DeKalb County
Board Member?
tm: I wanted to help ensure that the DeKalb County
School System restores its full accreditation, with
students retaining the full value and potential of
their diplomas, and to help build an elite system for
students and our citizens. There are 12,000+ seniors
and juniors in our system, with millions of dollars
in scholarships and their futures at stake. I could
not accept the idea that they and their families could
suffer irreparable harm through no fault of their
own in a situation outside of their control. That is to
say nothing of the impact on property values and our
local economy.
wad: What are your immediate goals for improving the
current state of the DeKalb County School System?
tm: My immediate goals are to help respond to
AdvancEd required actions, establish fiscal control,
and chart a path to sustainable academic excellence.
To accomplish this I intend, help pursue a broader set
of strategic issues to transform the organizational
culture and business practices in order to stabilize
the system, and to develop a more proactive posture
to expand and diversify our tax base, in collaboration
with key stakeholders.
Together, I believe we will develop a common
vision and strategy, based in measurable priorities,
that accentuates academic excellence, to guide the
system’s direction and set leadership expectations for
the Superintendent.
Thad Mayfield is the Senior Partner of FOCOM, Inc.,
a Georgia-based business development firm founded in
1998, that provides services to help companies identify,
evaluate, and develop growth opportunities. He has
thirty-years of experience and a record of success in
business development and management, including
seventeen years with AT&T and Lucent Technologies, and
thirteen years as a management consultant and advisor.
feature {A FRESH START}
john
coleman
district 1
wad: Why did you decide to become a DeKalb County
Board Member?
jc: Education is the foundation of our country’s
dynamism. It is also perhaps the single most important
issue with which local governments are entrusted.
The DeKalb County School District is remarkably
important to our community – educating nearly
100,000 students and employing more than 13,000
adults. But it also faces substantial challenges that
will take investment by everyone in our community
to surmount. I believed the experiences I bring can be
useful to overcoming the challenges we face in DeKalb
County, and so felt called as a soon-to-be parent and
county resident to participate more actively through
the Board of Education.
John Coleman is a writer, speaker, and businessperson whose work
has appeared outlets including Forbes, Businessweek, and the
Harvard Business Review. His second book, Passion & Purpose:
Stories from the Best and Brightest Young Business Leaders
(Harvard Business Review Press, 2011), has been featured in the
Washington Post, the Financial Times, the Los Angeles Times, Fast
Company, the Stanford Social Innovation Review, and numerous
other publications. It was selected for inclusion in the JP Morgan
2012 Summer Reading List. He blogs for HBR at hbr.org/passionpurpose, where he focuses largely on personal development and next
generation leadership issues.
Photo: Tony Deifell
wad: What are your immediate goals for improving the
current state of the DeKalb County School System?
jc: My overarching goal is to assure that the
DCSD and the Board of Education are focused on
improving student achievement, and doing so in a
way that provides a safe, supportive, and fulfilling
environment for students and teachers alike. We want
DCSD to be an example to other districts in the state
and in our nation. In the near-term, I believe we can
lay the foundation for that outcome by addressing
the concerns outlined in the SACS report and getting
the DCSD on track for full accreditation, improving
governance at the board level, and ensuring the
financial stability of the district through the budget
process and subsequent oversight.
beyond DeKalb
Photo: Courtesy of Trinity Community Ministries.
helping homeless veterans
Former U.S. Senator Max Cleland is scheduled to speak at
an upcoming event to raise awareness of the number of
the nation’s veterans who are homeless.
C
o-h o s t e d b y Tr i n i t y C o m m u n i t y
Ministries and Peachtree Road United
Methodist Church, the event, “Coming
Home,” benefits Trinity Community
Ministries and its programs, which
include Trinity Living, a permanent
supportive housing program for homeless men, many of
whom are veterans.
Scheduled for Sunday, October 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.,
the event is being held at Peachtree Road United Methodist
Church, a long-time partner of Trinit y Communit y
Ministries. Senator Cleland will speak about his own
experiences as a veteran and the importance of helping those
veterans facing a different battle at home. Senator Cleland’s
speech will be coupled with a dinner at the newly renovated
Fellowship Hall, photos, a book signing, and a candlelight
dedication to the Prayers for Peace Memorial. The evening
is part of Peachtree Road’s 2013 Fall Theme, “Providing a
Second Chance.”
“It is an absolute honor for us to have Senator Cleland
participate in this event. He is fiercely passionate about
raising awareness on the unique challenges that put our
nation’s veterans on a path that too often results in losing
their homes and their families. And we’re especially grateful
to Peachtree Road UMC for co-sponsoring this evening;
for years they’ve been a huge supporter of the work being
done at Trinity Community Ministries,” said Bruce Burney,
Executive Director of Trinity Community Ministries.
Expected attendees include clergy of area churches,
business leaders, program graduates, and members of the
community, who will be encouraged to honor and make a
commitment to support the plight of homeless veterans.
“Coming Home – Helping Homeless Veterans,” is
scheduled for Sunday, October 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at
Peachtree Road United Methodist Church located at 3180
Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. Doors open
at 5:00 p.m.
For more information about Trinity Community
Ministries and to RSVP for this event, visit tcmatlanta.org/
coming-home or contact Bruce Burney, Executive Director,
at [email protected] or 404-577-6651, ext. 243.
bill
floyd
an interview with
By Howard Franklin
Photo: Courtesy of Howard Franklin.
Former Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd lead the city of
Decatur for 15 years – becoming one of metro Atlanta’s
longest serving mayors. As he embarks on the next phase
of his career with Pendleton Group, he sat down with
Wad to discuss his experiences in politics and how he’s
applying them to business.
WAD: You lead one of Georgia’s best-managed cities for 15
years. What’s the secret to your success?
BF: The first goal should be building a qualified
management team. You have to hire qualified people
and let them do their jobs, and that’s not as easy as it
sounds. I did my best not to get their way, and not to mess
anything up. It’s also important that you stay involved,
beyond the policy. Too often, I’ve heard officials say that
problems were outside of their control or not in their
purview. But in order for Decatur to thrive, I had to work
with others across DeKalb County. And not just in DeKalb,
but around the state.
WAD: What are the most pressing challenges that you see
in local government today? How are those challenges
different than the ones you faced 15 or 20 years ago?
BF: Many of the issues are the same, but they’re at
different stages today. Education is without a doubt the
biggest challenge facing our state and our nation. What’s
going on in DeKalb is a perfect example, and I’d like to
see the Commission and the CEO to get more involved. Our
schools impact every official’s ability to do his or her job.
Something as straightforward as a selecting the site for
a school ultimately affects a community’s public safety,
traffic issues and economic development.
WAD: Now that you’ve left elected life, how do you relay
your wisdom and experiences to today’s leaders?
BF: Working with Pendleton Group is a great vehicle
for helping communities realize their full potential.
With the economy starting to recover, everyone wants
to jumpstart economic development efforts. My time in
office taught me that economic development is as much
about attracting people as business. If you can’t devise
a place where people want to live, work and learn, you
won’t be able to attract companies. Millennials, for
instance, will find a place they love, and then figure out
the rest in the context of their community.
And I believe we’re all becoming more locationcentric. Last week, I ran errands to the bank, drugstore
and dry cleaners. Since I live in downtown Decatur, I
walked to each. Everywhere I went, I saw people that I
knew, and we would stop and chat. Instead of being a
chore, it was an experience, and it validated why creating
a sense of community is so important.
WAD: Tell the readers more about your role at Pendleton
Group? What are you working on now?
BF: It was an easy decision to work with Pendleton
because they have experience with every level of economic
development. They understand business, the needs of
business, and what’s necessary to attract business. We
have a special focus on working with cities and counties,
to guide them through the very issues of that we’ve been
talking about. And we’re excited about helping local
leaders apply our insights and relationships to boost
Georgia’s economy, one community at a time.
advertorial
Student
Entrepreneurship
Program
Expands
to
DeKalb County Schools
I
nspiring the next wave of entrepreneurial
thinkers and innovators is something that
Youth Entrepreneurs® Georgia takes pride
in. Since 2006, YEGeorgia has impacted
over 1,500 students primarily in Atlanta
Public Schools, immersing them in an awardwinning curriculum, exposing them to one-
on-one interactions with prominent business leaders,
and coordinating unique practical business outings
where they participate in hands-on activities. This school
year, YEGeorgia expects to amplify its success in the
DeKalb County School District.
“ We are exc ited ab o ut ex pand i ng Youth
Entrepreneurs® Georgia into DeKalb County so we
can equip more students with the tools they need to
pursue their dreams,” says YEGeorgia Executive Director,
JaKathryn Ross.
While teaching students the fundamentals of business
and entrepreneurship, YEGeorgia also encourages them
to pursue their dreams and progress as productive
members of society. When Akinbola Richardson began
the program as a junior at Grady High School, it wasn’t
long before he realized YEGeorgia was more than just
another class.
“It changed my life forever,” says Richardson, now
a film student at Howard University who’s running his
own video production company. “That one class helped
open doors that were always closed.”
YEGeorgia impacts students’ lives in a myriad of ways.
Although it’s hard to measure the program’s success by
statistics alone, the numbers speak for themselves. Of
the 38 students in YEGeorgia’s inaugural 2006 class, 97
percent graduated high school and 80 percent went on
to attend college, trade school or the military. YEGeorgia
has awarded over $80,000 in scholarships since its
inception in 2005. For alumna Brandy Edmondson,
YEGeorgia played a critical role in her pursuit of a
college education.
“YEGeorgia has invested more than just knowledge in
my future,” Edmondson says. “Without their educational
scholarships, I wouldn’t be able to afford all of my
college expenses.”
By cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, YEGeorgia
is improving communities one student at a time.
Ultimately, this program impacts both our society and
economy. For YEGeorgia’s sponsors and partners, the
reward is worth the investment. The fundamental mission
of The Coca-Cola Company’s Venturing & Emerging
Brands – to find the next generation of brands with
billion-dollar potential – compelled them to partner
with Youth Entrepreneurs® Georgia.
“We expect that many of these brands will come
from entrepreneurs,” says Deryck van Rensburg,
VEB President.
YEGeorgia has already surpassed its own expectations. In
just seven years, YEGeorgia’s one-of-a-kind program has
evolved in a way in which its impact extends far beyond
the classroom. Still, YEGeorgia alum Dorius Woodbury
believes the best is yet to come.
“I’ve always felt that some students graduate, go to
college and get jobs,” Woodbury says. “But YEGeorgia
students graduate, go to college and change the world.”
January/February 2013 • www.wearedekalb.com • We Are DeKalb Magazine
27
FEATURE
THREE TOOLS FOR
CODE
TEACHING KIDS HOW TO
By Carnella Ajasin
Teaching your child to code doesn’t
have to be a daunting task – even if you’ve
never programmed before. As a tech
entrepreneur and mother of two techsavvy children, I know first-hand that even
basic programming knowledge can empower
children and adults to become tomorrow’s
technology creators and innovators.
Here are three FREE tools to ignite the
coding spark in your home:
01 alice.org
Alice is a 3D programming platform that was skillfully
designed by researchers at the University of Virginia to
offer an introduction to object-oriented programming.
Alice uses drag-and-drop text blocks to create inspiring
computer animations of 3D sprites in a virtual world. In
this digitally imaginative environment, kids can create
and share animation, interactive games, or video and test
programs in real time.
feature {THREE TOOLS FOR TEACHING KIDS HOW TO CODE}
02 RUBY4KIDS.com
Ruby for Kids, an enriching introductory tool for teaching
teens and adults object-oriented programming, offers
a game-centered approach to learning. Ruby is the
foundation of many popular web applications including
Amazon, Twitter, and Groupon. An easy and intuitive
language, Ruby is based on simple command calls and
an expansive learning and teaching support community.
Providing simple explanations and an integrated
text editor, Ruby for Kids can help your teen quickly
comprehend basic programming syntax.
03 crunchzilla.com
code-monster
Crunchzilla Code Monster pairs game and tutorial
elements to simplify JavaScript. Code Monster was
developed by Greg Linden, a dad who wanted his
kids to learn programming, and is suited perfectly to
meet the unique learning needs of kids age 9 to 14.
Two viewer panes provide immediate reinforcement,
with one showing code and the other illustrating
what the code does. A friendly code monster explains
errors and guides students from basic to more complex
animations as he or she navigates through all 59 lessons.
Though our American educational system continues to evolve, algorithmic thinking is undoubtedly the fourth “R”. Learning
to program shouldn’t be the end result for you or your child. The focus should instead be the entertaining journey of discovery
through code as you create something through trial and error. Happy coding.
Contributor Spotlight:
Carnellia Ajasin is the founder of Mind Katalyst, a learning technologies consultancy firm that develops custom learning
technologies to promote deeper engagement and experiences. This includes interactive software, social games, and
media for corporations, healthcare, education, and government sectors. She also partners with schools, summer camps,
and afterschool programs to teach children computer programming and technology. Mindkatalyst.com.
FEATURE
YLA strikes
gold
Commissioner Sharon Barnes
Sutton hosted the 2013 Youth
Empower ment Br eakfast
at the Marriott Evergr een
R esort in Stone Mountain.
Wad was ther e to experience
the heightened level of
inspir ation augmented by
this year’s special guest.
YLA students pose with U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas at the 2013 Youth Empowerment Breakfast. Photo Credit: Muhammed Cannon, Dreamsthatbreathe.com
Contributor Spotlight:
Photos for this article were contributed by
Muhammed Cannon of Dreams That Breathe out
of Lithonia, GA. Dreamsthatbreathe.com
feature {YLA STRIKES GOLD}
Clockwise: 1. Youth Empowerment Breakfast attendees pose for the camera (top right). 2. Gabrielle Douglas, Karen Graham, and Sharon Barnes Sutton on stage at the 2013 Youth
Empowerment Breakfast. 3.Youth Empowerment Breakfast attendee. 4. Georgia Perimeter Technical College team poses with Gabrielle Douglas. Photos: Muhammed Cannon.
The tiny gymnast enter ed the room to a cr escendo of
applause orchestr ated by a combination of school aged
attendees and adults who wer e equally in awe.
A
ccompanied by her mother and
Douglas took the 2012 London Summer Olympics
aunt, Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas
by storm when she won gold medals in both the team
seemed like any normal, fun-loving,
and individual all-around competitions. She is the first
teen at the Youth Empowerment
woman of color of any nationality and the first African-
Breakfast. Only she has achieved
American gymnast in Olympic history to become the
gargantuan feats for any human, let
Individual All-Around Champion. She is also the first
alone someone so young.
American gymnast to win gold in both the gymnastic
The theme for this year’s Youth Empowerment
individual all-around and team competitions at the same
Breakfast was “Releasing the Power Within…Moving
Olympic Games. Forward!” Team Sutton could not have chosen a better
Held this year at the beautiful, Marriott Evergreen
guest speaker to exemplify the phrase.
Resort in Stone Mountain Park, the event benefits
34
We Are DeKalb Magazine • www.wearedekalb.com
Clockwise: 1. Youth Empowerment Breakfast attendee, J’Dythe Cannon poses with Gabrielle Douglas. 2. YLA students pose with Gabrielle Douglas. 3. Princella White and Sharon
Barnes Sutton hold up a copy of Grace, Gold and Glory by Gabrielle Douglas. 4. DeKalb County CEO, Lee May at podium. Photos: Muhammed Cannon.
the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA). The program, The summer program is a full day of academics and
established by DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon enrichment. Students participate in workshops, classes,
Barnes Sutton in 2008, promotes leadership, academic and field trips. Participants are monitored throughout the
achievement, life skills and community service.
year and participate in enrichment programs quarterly.
“Through continued support of the Youth Leadership The organization has enjoyed four years of changing
Academy from the DeKalb County School System and
the lives of over 169 DeKalb County youth. June 2012
the Metro YMCA, we have been successful in working to
began the second three-year cycle for the students that
improve and prepare our students for success,” said Sutton.
will graduate out of the program in 2015.
“Involving families and their children in community
For more information about the Youth Empowerment
service and leadership development opportunities, family
Breakfast, please contact the office of Commissioner Sutton
interactions and expectations are increased.”
at 404-371-4907 or visit online at sharonbarnessutton.com.
YLA seeks to demonstrate that youth, when given
proper guidance, will help improve the economic outlook
and quality of life in our community.
wearedekalb.com • We Are DeKalb Magazine
35
Heart
of
South DeKalb
Festival 2013
By Alonia Jones
When you think of something
being the heart of a matter,
what generally comes to mind?
Could it be that which is deeply
endeared, dearly beloved, or of
great significance?
Perhaps it is something that is flanked by good vibrations,
happy feelings, and a cause for celebration.
T
hese characteristics could very easily and
appropriately be ascribed to the southern
region of DeKalb, one of the most exciting
and promising areas of the County.
Recently the community-at-large rallied
with District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson to present the
Heart of South DeKalb Festival 2013.
The mission of the Festival is to promote and celebrate
the essence of our region through a collaborative showcase
of businesses, faith-based entities, local government
and resources that will strengthen the core family unit.
Accordingly, this free, outdoor Festival celebrated all that
makes South DeKalb the unique place that it is. Also a
not-for-profit initiative, charities for the event included
The DeKalb Police Alliance, DeKalb Fire, “Keep DeKalb
Beautiful” and neighborhood initiatives offered through
programs sponsored by Commissioner Johnson.
“There is so much to be proud of in South DeKalb,
and there’s no time better than the present to pause and
show the world just how great our region is. We know the
Festival will be a success, just as the previous ones have
been,” stated Commissioner Johnson prior to the event.
Festival director, Paula V. Tate, added, “The Heart of South
DeKalb Festival 2013 offers something for everyone. We
are so very proud of our community. If you really want
to see what South DeKalb is made of, this will be a most
opportune time”.
The South DeKalb region is comprised of the Candler
Road, Columbia Drive, Flat Shoals Road, Glenwood
Avenue, Glenwood Road, Gresham Road, Moreland
Avenue, Wesley Chapel Road and Maynard Terrace/
Memorial Drive corridors. The area is home to 158
neighborhood associations and approximately 50 schools.
South DeKalb is also plenteous in and well known for its
As the day progressed, attendees enjoyed shopping with
vendors, a car and motorcycle show, a food gallery, a kids’
zone, live stage entertainment and more.
Festivities for the day began at 8:45 a.m. with a parade
feat u r i ng d r u m l i nes, com mu n it y orga n izat ions,
businesses, churches, and governmental entities. Many
neighborhoods shared in the excitement of the parade by
cruising through in decorated vehicles and by the wearing
of neighborhood T-shirts. Local schools also participated.
As the day progressed, attendees enjoyed shopping with
vendors, a car and motorcycle show, a food gallery, a kids’
zone, live stage entertainment featuring local performers,
church choirs and dance troupes, games, prizes, corporate
exhibits/demonstrations, live radio broadcasts, and more.
Other highlights of the day included acknowledgment of
South DeKalb’s schools and their achievements, as well
as the recognition of the history and accomplishments
of South DeKalb. There was also a souvenir directory of
businesses, churches, neighborhood associations, and
other vital resources.
Contributor Spotlight:
well-established churches and businesses. (The parade area
boasts of 10 large churches with a combined membership of
more than 125,000.) Sponsors were Best Print and Design,
Bruster’s at Flat Shoals Parkway, Chick-fil-A at Wesley
Chapel Road, QuikTrip, Utley Chiropractic, MARTA,
Zaxby’s, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, and DeKalb
Convention & Visitors’ Bureau and Kroger.
For inquiries about sponsorship, vendor opportunities,
and advertising in the souvenir journal for next year’s
event, contact Paula V. Tate at (404) 683-3599 or email
[email protected]. You may
call Commissioner Johnson’s office at (404) 371-2988
for general inquiries. For our online presence, we can be
found in the following locations: FaceBook: Heart of
South DeKalb Festival 2013, Twitter: @Southdekalbfest,
and Instagram: @southdekalbfest.
Alonia Jones is an Atlanta-based award winning journalist. An inspiring communications professional with more than
20 years’ experience, she is widely known as an excellent writer, captivating and witty speaker and challenging teacher/
trainer. Dream-2-Destiny.com or TheEffectiveCommunicator.com.
FEATURE
Spotlight on
Kirkwood:
Small Town
in a Big City
By Jennifer B. Jacobs
Anyone who still thinks
of Atlanta as merely “the
big city” probably has not
visited any of its
beloved intown
neighborhoods lately.
community
It doesn’t take long to pick up on the small-town, yet
simultaneously hip, vibe. People will wave at you from their
front porches just like they would in the country as you
walk your dog; they are just a bit more likely to have tattoos
and multicolored hair.
T
his diversity is one of the major
draws of intown Atlanta, in
addition to its walkability, petfriendliness, music scene, and
specialty restaurants. But it is
the hometown allure that pulls
people of all walks of life intown
every day.
The appeal of being within five miles of downtown
Atlanta, Emory, the CDC, and Decatur makes Kirkwood
a desirable location for many young families, as well as
professionals. Kirkwood welcomes a broad spectrum of
residents and business owners – gay, straight, black, white,
couples, families, singles – who live, work, shop, and play
together under a united sense of community.
LIVE
Ask any number of Kirkwood residents why they love
where they live, and you will probably get a similar
answer: the neighborhood feel and sense of belonging
to a community. People gravitate toward this type of
neighborhood to be part of something beyond themselves.
You don’t have to look far to find a cause or project to get
involved in – tree plantings, afterschool groups for kids,
projects for neighbors in need, animal rescue, and the like.
Kirkwood United Church of Christ also has an
extensive outreach program, with cleanups in the area,
Easter Sunday services in the park, Christmas caroling,
and more annual festivities. Reverend Susannah Davis
is steeped in the Kirkwood community, having owned
and operated a coffee shop in the neighborhood,
as well as having served on the Kirkwood Business
Owners Association for several years. “We love this
community and everyone who happens to inhabit it. We
are grateful beyond belief to claim Kirkwood as our
home,” says Susannah.
The houses are another plus. The typical Kirkwood
home is characterized primarily by the Craftsman
bungalow style of architecture. Big and new or smaller and
renovated, the floor plans are functional, and the design
details are aesthetically rich, making homes in Kirkwood
appealing to a wide variety of buyers.
Tanya Demjanec of Common Ground Real Estate is
an agent who lives in the community, so she has firsthand
knowledge of the local market. “Kirkwood real estate is
hot!” she says. “Thus far in 2013, the average sales price
for a bungalow in Kirkwood was $230,235, compared to
$164,869 during this same period in 2012. While average
sales prices remain at a point that attracts first-time
homebuyers, singles, and young families, sales prices of
Kirkwood bungalows are creeping back up.”
www.wearedekalb.com • We Are DeKalb Magazine
39
feature {SPOTLIGHT ON KIRKWOOD: SMALL TOWN IN A BIG CITY}
WORK
Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk is another of many entrepreneurs
The small businesses of Kirkwood are not just entities operating a successful small business in Kirkwood. She is
unto themselves; they often envision their businesses as President of BBR Marketing, which provides marketing for
part of something bigger. They like to give back to the professional services firms. “I love the sense of community
community and view their mission as one of service and and friendly attitude of my fellow Kirkwoodians,” she says.
“It’s like living in a small town but with all the excitement
building relationships.
“As a small business owner for the last 16 years, I have and amenities of a big city. Who could ask for more?”
had the pleasure of seeing the neighborhood continue
to evolve and diversify,” says Stuart Brady of Kirkwood SHOP
Car Wash. “As with most intown communities, we have Kirkwood has its roots in residential development
our challenges, but, overall, there is a strong sense of beginning in the late 1800s (founded by the Kirkpatrick
community, as neighbors are looking after neighbors and and Dunwoody families, which yielded the name) but
becoming more involved in the local schools, boards, struggled as a retail destination in its recent past. You
wouldn’t know it now, though: Kirkwood’s retail district,
and businesses.”
40
We Are DeKalb Magazine • www.wearedekalb.com
PLAY
though still growing, boasts unique dining and shopping
options that offer a local flavor all its own. Kirkwood
Station, for example, is a relatively new complex on Hosea
Williams that is home to several treasures.
It is quite possible not only to get to know a shop
owner on a first-name basis but to build a real relationship
of trust with them. Stop into Kirkwood Feed & Seed, for
example, to get recommendations from owner Joann for
your finicky feline’s tastebuds, and then duck into Le Petit
Marché and tell them you want your “usual.” It might not
be a bar in Boston, but people will know your name.
One of Kirkwood’s most popular community events is
the Kirkwood Wine Stroll, now in its seventh year. Twentytwo businesses participated in last year’s Stroll, attracting
over 700 attendees to taste wines from around the world
as they strolled through downtown Kirkwood’s business
district. The Stroll offers residents and visitors a fun way to
get introduced to area establishments, and the proceeds
are put back into the community for beautification
projects, scholarships, and other neighborhood events.
The event takes place in September.
Another example of fun to be had is the Kirkwood
Fling, which has been an annual event for the past eleven
years. “This event attracts over a hundred local artist and
vendors, displaying their arts and crafts in booths that
surround Bessie Branham Park. It is another example of
our community in a very family-friendly environment,
and everyone is invited!” Says Jeffery Childers, President
of the Kirkwood Neighborhood Association. Come find
out why Kirkwood was previously voted Best Up-andComing Neighborhood in Creative Loafing’s Best of
Atlanta. Stop in for a v isit, and you might just f ind
yourself putting down roots.
You can learn more about K irkwood by visiting:
kirkwoodbiz.com (Kirkwood Business Owners Association)
historic-k irk wood.com (K irk wood Neighborhood
Association) kirkwoodfling.com
Contributor Spotlight:
Jennifer B. Jacobs is a local wordsmith and graphic
designer. Jenniferbjacobs.com.
www.wearedekalb.com • We Are DeKalb Magazine
41
business
Beyond Survival
W
By Carolyn Watson
ith many entrepreneurs
struggling to survive hardhitting blows of these tough
economic times, there is
strength in knowing this
too, shall eventually pass.
Like treading water in tidal waves, learning to
manage the emotional and financial aspects of “endurance”
can be worrisome and tiresome work. Especially, when we are
inundated with daily news flashes and stock market forecasts
that constantly remind us how unstable things are—and how
much worse they can potentially get. Corporations, large and
small, continue to go under, bills keep mounting and creditor
calls drown our peace of mind. Yet, when all looks bleak the
voice of reason speaks. Hope sustains us in the presence of all
that appears challenging. We can trust in the process of time,
every circumstance will run its course, and pave the way for
greater things to come if we maintain a winning attitude!
The lucrative power of productivity aids us in believing
half the battle is essentially won. Quality service is the other
half, which plays a defining role. Recently, I was flying from
Atlanta to Dallas and overheard two passengers conversing
candidly about the lack of good customer service nowadays.
One gentleman conveyed to the other, “Where was the
courtesy, understanding and compassion for my situation?”
Contributor Spotlight:
DeKalb resident, Carolyn A. Watson is an author,
poetess and inspirational speaker.
Facetoflife.20m.com
Interestingly, I had just experienced a similar incident. You
see, the nature of survival in any venture is to inherently
understand how to develop positive relationships with
people. This alone can easily shape the success or failure of
your enterprise or personal endeavor. Goods, services, music
and invention will always be in demand. However, what
draws people across cultural, gender and social economic
isles is a genuine ‘heart of service’ that rises from inside out
to create experiences which purely demonstrate to others,
“I Care”.