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Chiming In With New Remembering
Delivering a Dose of
Employment Solutions Rev. Charles Grant Real Talk to Our Teens
we
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DEC 2014 / JAN 2015
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6
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
Chiming In With New Remembering
Delivering a Dose of
Employment Solutions Rev. Charles Grant Real Talk to Our Teens
CONTENTS
Publisher’s Note
we
are
08
HEART of our COMMUNITY
DEC 2014 / JAN 2015
Looking Back on 2014
Remembering Reverend Charles W. Grant
The Legacy of Truett Cathy
Slowly & Surely, Clayton is Moving On Up
Chiming in With New Employment Solutions
Economic Development in Clayton County,: The Time is Now
15
18
21
24
26
Profiles
30 Getting to Know Dwayne Hobbs, Clayton’s Longest Serving Police Chief
33 Living Her Very Best Life, Dawn Benjamin
35 Knocked Down but not Knocked Out
‘Tis The Season
38 Christmas is For Love
40 If Only We Had a Christmas Tree
MANAGING EDITOR
Kimberly Allen
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS/WRITERS
Kelley Walker - Sr. Writer
Dot Tolerson - Features Writer
Leaping Forward Into 2015
PUBLISHER/EDITOR -IN- CHIEF
GERRIAN HAWES
Phone: 678.479.3040
[email protected]
Serving The Least of These
Delivering a Dose of Real Talk to Teens 44
Leading CCPS into the Future, Dr. Alieka Anderson 46
Enjoying the Best of Both Worlds Through Block Art 48
Timely Tips
Avoid Credit Card Fraud Year Round 50
Marketing, Branding & PR Helps 52
Keeping It Real with Interior Designer, Nancy Braitwaite 53
Arts Clayton Juried Competition 55
OUT & ABOUT 59
C
DESIGN
Oliver Imprints, LLC.
M
PHOTOGRAPHY
Michie Turpin Photography
CM
MAKE UP ARTIST
Tiffiny Grooms
CY
GENERAL INQUIRIES
7179 Jonesboro Road, Ste. 200,
Morrow, GA 30260
Phone: 678.479.3040
Fax: 678.489.7129
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.weareclayton.com
COPYRIGHT
All material appearing in We Are Clayton is
copyright unless otherwise stated, or it may rest
with the provider of the supplied material. We
Are Clayton takes all care to ensure information
is correct at time of printing, but the publisher
accepts no responsibility or liability for the
accuracy of any information contained in the
text or advertisements. Views expressed are not
necessarily endorsed by the publisher, editor, or
Oliver Imprints, LLC.
HEART
of our
COMMUNITY
Y
MY
CMY
K
ATL-WRC1403ad1.pdf
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8
P
U
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
B
L
I
S
H
E
R
’
S
N
O T
E
It is our pleasure to fondly look back on the
lives of Rev. Grant and Truett Cathy by republishing their WrC feature articles. Both are still
a great read; and I hope you enjoy them all
over again.
While not Clayton County residents, I said
farewell to my own personal icons this year
– my grandparents. Not long after my grandfather succumbed to cancer, my grandmother
decided that life wasn’t interesting enough to
SHELLY WILSON,
CEO Chimes Solutions
live without him. As I continue to do my best to
reconcile with her transitioning, I think about
the greatest lesson my grandmother ever
PHENOMENAL
phe •nom• e• nal
very remarkable; extraordinary. very good or
great : unusual in a way that is very impressive
taught me, described best in Maya Angelou’s
poem Phenomenal Woman. I am grateful for
her harsh words and gentle kisses. I miss her
heartfelt laughter and her interesting ways of
persuasion. Ruby M. Perkins, thank you, my
What a year phenomenal! As I look back on a year filled with high highs and
low lows, I am grateful for the continued love we
receive from our We Are Clayton family of readers and advertisers. You have been the source of
our inspiration. You are the reason we do what.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve
you. Thank you for your unwavering support.
Looking Back on lives well lived.
In 2014, we bid a final farewell to two Clayton
County icons.
The Reverend Charles W. Grant was revered
Phenomenal Woman, for your candor, love,
and example.
Leaping Forward Into This Issue
We took a look back at Clayton’s economic growth in order to get a snapshot of what
is on the horizon in 2015. Our leaders made
important decisions that will affect our community for years to come. Some decisions
were obvious, others were questionable. Commissioner Shana Rooks explains why some of
those decisions were made, and how they will
affect the county’s future.
by most as a great civil rights leader, and I like
As I think about Leaping Forward into 2015,
to remember him as the conscience of our com-
I consider the new direction We Are Clayton
munity. While he never received the recognition
magazine must take . . . which is to create con-
others have for similar efforts, Rev. Grant qui-
versations around civic responsibility. While
etly helped lead this county into the future by
we will continue to inspire, educate, and ac-
opening doors some didn’t even know could
centuate the positive aspects of our beloved
exist. May his legacy live on through our current
Clayton, you can expect heart filled conversa-
leadership in the spirit of integrity, reconcilia-
tions and articles that will evoke thought and
tion, and love.
positive change for this community.
Truett Cathy consistently stood up for what he
See you in 2015! Clayton.
believed in without fail, apology, or fear of repercussions. When the rest of the world decided
it was okay to do business on Sunday, Mr. Cathy
remained true to his Christian beliefs – and his
business thrived just as much, if not more, than
any other fast food chain. His famous chicken
sandwiches came in second only to the unique
customer and community service Chick-fil-A
provides.
Gerrian S. Hawes
Publisher/Editor In Chief
[email protected]
Phenomenal
Woman
Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
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Georgia Power Lineman
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
Looking Back 2014
FAREWELL TO GREAT LEADERS, HELLO INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP
ANIMA ANIMUS
Photo By Atlanta Technical Student,
Angela Cook
11
12
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
“Life is about
laughing and
living in both good
health and also in
bad times. Getting
through whatever
comes our way and
by looking back with
a smile.”
­­– ANONYMOUS
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
THE
LEGENDS
13
In the wake of what feels like a lack of leadership for our community, we
found two stories that we can look back on with pride and hope. Truett Cathy
is a pioneer who was not afraid of creating a culture in business of excellence
with Christian values. We also remember the late great
Reverend Charles W. Grant. A true pioneer who affected
change for equality of all people. The dedicated service
and leadership of these two extraordinary individuals
should evoke a spirit of civic responsibility in us all.
Reverend Charles W. Grant
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
15
REMEMBERING
Reverend Charles Grant
by KIMBERLY ALLEN
photo by MICHIE TURPIN
Reflecting on over 60 Years of Service to Clayton County
A lifetime of memories in the form of family photographs line the
red brick interior of the Grants’ sunroom.
K
I am secretly jealous of both of Mrs. Grant’s green thumbs, as the plants lining the
glass walls thrive in response to their care and environment. Watching the sun set, I
submit to a peace normally reserved for a tropical vacation far away from here, and
immediately understand why the couple spends as much time as possible in this
particular section of the Forest Park home they have shared for 62 years.
From his participation in the civil rights movement to the numerous
Boards he sits on throughout the county to his work at the Community
Services Authority, Reverend Charles W. Grant has spent the majority
of his 63 years here not only raising a very large family, but also uplifting
Clayton County in every possible way.
After leaving Washington, D.C. in 1946, Grant settled into the
Blandtown area of Atlanta. It was there that Charles met his one true
love, Patsy, as they worked together on various community and civil rights
issues. Between sharing work they enjoyed and attending the same church,
Mount Welcome Missionary Baptist in Decatur, the duo inevitably grew
closer, fell in love, and married in 1948.
Sixty-two years later, anyone in their orbit can feel the love they still share.
Constantly referring to Patsy as his “baby”, Rev. Grant dotes on his wife
even as he defers to her on everything from when they relocated to Clayton
County to how many grandchildren they have. “Let’s see, we have nine
children, 26 grandchildren and at last count, 39 great grandchildren, but
there might be more,” Ms. Patsy muses while doing the math in her head.
“We also have two great-great grandchildren.”
Over six decades of service to Clayton County recently led to a section
of Aviation Boulevard (east of Loop Road near Hartsfield-Jackson
International Airport) being renamed Charles W. Grant Parkway. “At least
they did something for me before I died,” jokes the pastor, who seemed
humbled by the attention. While renaming a portion of that stretch of
road is definitely a well-deserved honor, it is a drop in the bucket compared
to all Grant has contributed to Clayton County.
Growing with Clayton County
Although Charles and Patsy met in Atlanta and attended church in
Decatur, they spent the majority of their time working in and for Clayton
County. Taking their commitment to the next level, in 1949 the Grants
rented a Forest Park home in order to be on the front lines and readily
available to serve. “Take into consideration we’re talking about back in the
1940s when there were no social services or very little for the elderly and
less empowered people,” details the pastor. “So we took that on a mission
and as a result we moved here.” Not long thereafter, the Grants chose to
build a home in Forest Park.
If you don’t vote, don’t complain
One of the many causes Rev. Grant championed was getting Clayton
County residents to the polls. Realizing how uneasy simply discussing the
issue of voting made people feel, the Grants quickly discovered that this
mission was going to be a challenge.
“There was already a voter movement going on in Atlanta and Fulton
counties and I knew we needed that kind of involvement here in Clayton
County. But people feared for their safety and as a matter of fact, at times
we had some apprehension about our own safety,” reflects Grant. “These
weren’t physical threats, they were economical threats. If you had a decent
job, you didn’t want to lose it for any reason. But you know we were second
class citizens at that time, so that was one of the things that encouraged and
inspired us to go out and make a difference, and voting really was the best
way to do that.”
Understanding the power of the vote, Rev. Grant used all the resources
at his disposal to not only educate Clayton County residents about the
candidates and issues on the ticket, but also to encourage them to get
registered and then follow through by casting a vote. Much time was spent
knocking on doors and letting folks know that if they did not vote, then
they had no right to complain about the end result.
16
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
“[On Election Day] we were able to take residents to the polls in groups
of 25 using an old bus,” Grant remembers. Mrs. Grant did her part by
driving residents who could not get to the polls in her car. “I spent that
whole day driving people back and forth and it wasn’t easy because I still
had to keep house and take care of the children, but it was worth it,” she
recalls.
Collaborating for Change
Reverend Grant does not hesitate to admit that any of the good works he
has been able to accomplish for Clayton County were joint efforts, not solo
projects. So he was elated when more white members of the community
were willing to dismiss old habits and find ways to work together.
“During the late 1950s, all you had in this area were low income people,
senior citizens, persons with handicaps, and that sort of thing. I soon
found some people who just wanted to have a decent community in which
to raise our kids, but we had to convince them that some things that were
going on were wrong and we needed to involve ourselves in righting those
wrongs, and we just couldn’t hide from everything. We had members of
the school system, some members of the church, some members of business
groups, whoever was interested in having a better Clayton county,” says
Grant.
“The difference came when we began to get members of the white
community to sit around the table, or using the old phrase ‘the table of
brotherhood’ and planned how we were going to approach our problems
and what type of involvement we needed to have. So I can say that members
of the white community contributed just as much as we did. They wanted
to see peace and brotherhood in this community, all they needed was
someone to lead the charge, and when we did, they followed.”
“For a small town community I think we did well with the limited
resources we had, so I guess the accomplishments we made although small
were accomplishments that led to bigger things,” adds Grant. “Whether
black or white, we all made a difference in the quality of life and living in
Clayton County.”
As Grant subtly helped institute change in Clayton County, his
efforts did not go unnoticed by civil rights leaders at the forefront of the
movement, and while passionate about improving the community he now
called home, the pastor never coveted the spotlight.
“I never met Martin Luther King in person, but he knew me and knew
that we were working towards the same goal. He referred to me as ‘our
friend out in Clayton County,’” Grant fondly recollects. “I knew Andrew
Young, Hosea Williams, Fred Shuttlesworth, and other civil rights leaders.
They were the inner core of the movement, and we were considered the
outer core. We did all of the footwork that needed to be done, knocked
on the doors that needed to be knocked on, and found ways to transport
people to the voting booth. So even though we were on the outside, the
insiders always let me know that they had my back.”
Although Rev. Grant had no problem collaborating with anyone to
effect positive change, in 1986 he along with other leaders in Clayton
County sensed that folks here needed to be re-energized. “People were
stagnant. They were there, they were listening, but they weren’t moving,”
he says. For that reason, Grant decided to join forces and help launch a
branch of the NAACP.
“One of the things I considered when getting into this was there was a
time when I was too black for white folks and too white for black folks
(laughs), and the reason I mention that is because there were people who
were trying to get us to quit, saying we were troublemakers. But we weren’t
troublemakers, we just wanted better,” explains Grant. “There were some
who felt like we needed a branch of the NAACP here . . . felt that we had
to make our own contribution to the community, but sometimes we didn’t
know whether we were on the right side or the wrong side. The NAACP
helped us carefully choose causes in an organized way, not just take on
something that would raise eyebrows or going after things with our eyes
closed. We all were well aware of the consequences of doing this, but as I
said before we also wanted a decent community to live in.” The group was
successful, and the Clayton County branch of the NAACP was chartered
on October 18, 1986.
Fast forward to 2011, and you will find Rev. Grant still doing what he
does best – helping Clayton County residents live the best lives that they
can regardless of personal circumstances. As Executive Director of the
Clayton County Community Services Authority for the past forty-six
years, Grant operates and develops programs which help make life a little
bit easier for hundreds of people on a daily basis. Grant’s reach spreads
across three counties - Fayette, Henry and Clayton, and includes centers in
Clayton along with shared centers amid the Department of Children and
Family services in Henry and Fayette counties.
“This is not a welfare giveaway program,” clarifies Grant. “We are a service
organization, and recipients must qualify to obtain these services. Slowly
but surely we began to develop programs designed to see some visible
change in the lives of people and assist them in times of emergencies. By
that I mean assist them with their rent, utility bills, food, legal aid assistance,
and stuff like that. We transport senior citizens to much needed services
in all of our areas, we do meals on wheels, there are 352 children involved
in our Head Start program, we have 50 children that are in our day care
program, and so many benefit from our legal aid services. That is just a few
of the services we offer.”
“We also have a weatherization program in place where our energy
conservation emergency crews go out and work on the homes of the
elderly, in particular those who are not able to keep up their own homes.
So we easily help two to three thousand people each month with all of our
services combined.”
* *
*
“I see a sense of pride, hope, and action towards maintaining the ground
that we have already covered,” expresses Grant who as usual is thinking
forward regarding Clayton County’s future. “Not only maintaining that
ground but should there be other things that need to be addressed, I think
our residents are sensitized enough now to say, ‘Well, no, we’re not going
to let that happen.’ We are going to do what needs to be done to get people
involved and keep the county moving forward in a positive way.”
Despite the fact that their home church has always been in Decatur, their
children have left the nest, and wife Patsy hints that she would like to move
to a ranch style home with only one floor, Rev. Grant is totally satisfied
where he is. “We put too much blood, sweat, and tears into this house.
There’s too much of me in this house. We are staying right here in Clayton
County. I’m not going anywhere.” WRC
“Rev. Grant was a source of personal inspiration to me and I am deeply saddened to have
lost a dear friend and confidant,” said Hill in an emailed statement. “Our community has
lost a strong community leader and devoted public servant. Through his unwavering faith,
strong values and untiring social conscience, Rev. Grant made a tremendous impact on his
community both locally and nationally. Because of his vision, boundless energy and civic
involvement, Clayton County is a better community today.”
- Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill
Quote taken from Clayton News Daily
18
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
FATHER OF THE MILLENIUM
Truett Cathy’s
WinShape Foundation
Changes Lives and Shapes Winners
by MICHAEL B OOTH
Father’s Day is a big time of celebration for Truett Cathy, founder of the Chick-fil-a restaurant chain, not only because of his
three grown children – Trudy, Bubba, and Dan – but because of the thousands of children he has helped through the WinShape
Foundation, the charitable institution he created in 1984 with the simple goal to “shape winners.”
WinShape features seven distinct programs, ranging from 12 foster homes that have given shelter and a new life to more than
375 kids to a marriage enrichment ministry that promotes healthy marriages and strong families. WinShape has given hundreds
more kids, some employees some not, scholarships for college. The sheer number of children he has touched with his kindness
makes for a busy Father’s Day at the Cathy home.
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
“My vision for WinShape came about at the
time when my three children were moving away
from home and into college. I had a continuing
passion for children, even though I had none at
home,” said Cathy, who still comes to work almost every day at the age of 92. “I taught 13-year
old boys in Sunday school for 50 years. My desire to provide the boys in this class with a good
model when many of them didn't have the best
examples at home was at the crossroads and ultimate beginning of my desires with WinShape
Homes.”
WinShape Homes, one of the Foundation’s
seven programs, has nine homes in Georgia,
two in Tennessee and one in Alabama. Cathy
describes them as “a loving, nurturing, permanent home to grow up in.” Each home shelters
around 12 foster children, which gives them the
ability to allow sibling groups to stay together.
Every home has two full-time foster parents who
provide long-term care with a positive family environment.
“Every father is the CEO of the most valuable institution in existence: the home,” he said.
“Don’t dictate in how you lead your children but
demonstrate how they are to act. They will follow your example, not your advice.”
Mimicking Cathy’s example would be a hard
act to follow. Not only did he found, and still
runs, the second largest quick-service chicken
restaurant in the U.S., which has propelled him
to be listed as the 799th richest man on earth,
according to Forbes magazine, but Cathy has
chosen to live his life by Biblical example. He is
prone to quote Proverbs 22:1. “A good name is
rather to be chosen than great riches.”
Through the WinShape College Program
,the Foundation provides up to $32,000.00 for
a four-year scholarship to qualifying students
who attend Berry College in Rome, Georgia. It
is a joint program with the college, one of several
that has been established over the years. To date
more than 950 scholarships to Berry College
have been awarded.
“The president of Berry College called to offer
my wife, Jeannette, and myself an opportunity
to tour what they called the Mountain Campus,
which was no longer being used. He wanted to
know if we had a vision for what the campus
could be used for,” said Cathy. “After seeing the
beautiful property, we envisioned a college program for high school graduates to attend Berry
College. We called it the WinShape Scholarship program.”
Cathy had established another successful
scholarship program at Chick-fil-a for his restaurant employees that have provided more than
$25 million in funds since the program started
some four decades ago.
The Mountain Campus at Berry also inspired
Cathy to open WinShape Camps, a residential camping experience that hosts more than
1,900 campers each year. At first it was only
open to boys but two years after the camp was
established, in 1985, a girls’ camp was started.
Each camp offers an exciting and meaningful
experience for the campers in a Christian environment. Both camps have welcomed campers
from 32 states and six foreign countries. Skills
and activities are tailored to be age-appropriate
for the 2nd through 11th grades. Every summer
the camps have four two-week programs with a
one-week program available for those campers
entering second and third grade.
The success of the camps encouraged Cathy
to create WinShape Wilderness, which used an
existing ropes course for team-building exercises. Thousands of people have gone through the
course, leading to the development of Backcountry Ventures, where people can enjoy backpacking, canoeing, camping and rock climbing.
The goal here is personal transformation.
“The Wilderness programs glorify God by
creating adventure experiences that encourage
spiritual transformation,” said Cathy.
But why should the kids have all the fun? In
2005, the WinShape Family Camp program was
put together so families could experience the
fun of the Great Family Weekend Adventure.
Of course, the underlying purpose of the family
camp is much more than simply having fun. It
is designed to strengthen the family through a
spiritually rewarding experience.
The WinShape Retreat was set up in 2003.
It is a high-end retreat and conference facility
also located on the Mountain Campus of Berry
19
College. Cathy’s son Bubba and daughter-in-law
Cindy became deeply involved in WinShape
Marriage, held at the retreat and designed to
encourage the building of a healthy marriage as
well as to help those in a troubled marriage rebuild their union.
WinShape greatly expanded its outreach in
2005 with the creation of WinShape International, which partners with other Christian
organizations around the globe to transform
young people and communities worldwide. This
ministry is intended to equip young adults to
become Christian leaders in their culture, develop initiatives that aid poor people in the developing world, impact the lives of children and
youth who are abandoned, orphaned, or abused,
and develop models for overseas partnerships
that can change lives and societies for the better.
As a result of its contributions to society, WinShape was named the recipient of the William
E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership
in 2008, which included a $250,000 award for
future philanthropy. The prize was created to
further ideals such as personal responsibility,
resourcefulness, volunteerism, scholarship, individual freedom, faith in God, and helping people who help themselves. It honors living philanthropists who have shown exemplary leadership
through their charitable giving, highlights the
power of philanthropy to achieve positive
change, and seeks to inspire others to support
charities that achieve genuine results.
But that is not the only honor bestowed on
Truett Cathy and his WinShape Foundation. He
was a guest at the White House in 2008 where
President George Bush presented him with the
President's Call to Service Award. A partial list
of other awards given to Cathy and WinShape
include the Paul M. Kuck Legacy Award; The
Cecil B. Day Ethics Award; The Silver Buffalo
Award presented by the Boy Scouts of America;
Tom Landry Excellence of Character Award;
the Norman Vincent & Ruth Stafford Peale
Humanitarian Award; and the Horatio Alger
Award from the Horatio Alger Association.
“WinShape’s vision starts with the name,” said
Cathy. “Our hope and goal is to shape winners,
in this generation and the next, whether through
ministering to foster children, marriages, kids
through a camp experience, or corporate teams
who come to the retreat center.”
20
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
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We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
Clayton County Commissioner Shana Rooks (District 3)
21
SHELLY WILSON, CEO Chimes Solutions
INNOVATIVE
LEADERSHIP
“Leadership must be based on goodwill. Goodwill does not mean posturing and, least of all, pandering to the mob. It means obvious and
wholehearted commitment to helping followers. We are tired of leaders we fear, tired of leaders we love, and of tired of leaders who let us
take liberties with them. What we need for leaders are servants of the heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need
of their jobs. But leaders like that are never out of a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it
away.”
— Admiral James B. Stockdale
22
Slowly&
LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
SURELY,
Clayton County
is Moving on Up!
Words Kimberly Allen
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
Looking back, 2014 was a good year for Clayton County with the promise
of greater things coming soon. So while reminiscing on accomplishments
big and small, Commissioner Shana M. Rooks (District 3) helped me
come up with a few choice sound bites for you to share with the naysayers.
MAKING CLAYTON BEAUTIFUL!
“We often judge books by their cover. The same is true when we look at
certain areas of our county. Aesthetics and appearance of any establishment
drives the perception people have of it,” Rooks plainly states. “This year we
launched ‘Keep Clayton Clean’ where county employees picked up trash
from segments of Tara Boulevard. I am hopeful our board will want to
continue all efforts to beautify our county.” Additionally, thanks to a newly
enacted commercial code enforcement arm of the police department’s Code
Enforcement Unit, beautification is being stepped up countywide, and the
Clayton County Police Department will also be citing businesses who fail to
meet the county’s code.
SPLOST ADDITIONS
Clayton County International Airport? Hmmm . . . wouldn’t that be nice
since the majority of the airport is located here! “As part of the 2015 SPLOST,
the county will be able to install signs around the county and particularly
around the airport that announces, ‘Welcome to Clayton County’ so
people actually know that they are in Clayton County,” shares Shana.
For Dog Lovers Only! “One of our big projects is to add some dog parks,
which is also a part of the SPLOST. I occasionally take my dog over to
Henry County because they have parks for little dogs that can run about
without a leash. So we’re going to start building those here in Clayton, too.”
Walking Trails. “In an effort to become more health-conscious, we’re
partnering with the PATH Foundation, who will help us build paths around
Clayton County similar to the Silver Comet Trail, Arcadia Mountain, and
other major greenways trails and paths throughout the Atlanta Region.”
Trade Center and Small Business Incubator. “I believe people ought to
be taught how to fish instead of letting others do the fishing for them. As
a business owner, I understand entrepreneurial enterprise but some people
need assistance getting there. I believe having a business incubator is needed
to aid people in starting their own businesses.” The 2015 SPLOST provides
for a Class-A office building at the entrance to Clayton State University to
attract and house multiple business and economic development activities,
including a small business incubator. This project would bring together
all the community resources needed to promote business, investment, and
job growth in Clayton County, all in one location. This initiative will assist
with launching the final phase of dense, urban design at the University
Station development, including retail space for a coffee shop/bookstore and
restaurant/cafe near Clayton State University.
MORE TRANSPARENCY
“We have moved to a more business focused county with more efficiency
and more processes. We understand that the community desires to know
the business aspects of what we do. Often, people cannot make it out to
a 7:00 p.m. meeting,” says Shana. To that end, all Board of Commissioner
(BOC) meetings are being filmed and can be viewed on Comcast’s
Clayton County TV-23, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and on our website
at www.claytontv23.com. In addition, any commissioner who holds
an event can have it filmed for residents to enjoy. “I have filmed several
of my meetings which will allow anyone to view them at any time.”
When Shana first came into office, she wondered why our BOC meetings
didn’t offer constituents the same technological features as other counties.
So after almost two years of testing, BOC meetings will soon provide
attendees an interactive agenda with hyperlinks. “If you bring your iPad,
tablet, or Smartphone to the meetings, you will be able to click on its links
and follow along.” This feature should be available by early 2015.
SAVING SOUTHERN REGIONAL
“I happened to visit one of my sorority sisters at Southern Regional Medical Center (SRMC) a few months ago. She had a brain tumor and was sent
there for rehabilitative care. I noted the number of employees there and the
number of patients being served . . . it was not lost on me what a detriment
it would be to our community if this facility was not longer here. Because of
the financial impact on the county, it was not the risks, there was no other
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
23
Clayton County Commissioner Shana Rooks (District 3)
solution,” Shana explains.
Over 1,900 employees and several surrounding businesses would have suffered
if not for this funding. So the need is twofold: retaining one of its largest employers is vital to the county’s economy, as well as to the patients it serves. Not to
mention how deserted that corridor would be without the hospital’s activity.
The county’s financial advisors looked at SRMC’s numbers, reviewed
their financial records, and advised the BOC about how financially frail the
hospital was. Saving SRMC was a unanimous BOC decision, which provided $43 million in bonds as funding. “What I hoped would happen was
for SRMC to find some way to contain and reduce their costs and expenses
prior to the BOC voting to aid them financially, and they were able to do
that,” Shana says.
MARTA IS SMARTA FOR CLAYTON COUNTY!
Any person who has lived in an area infused with mass transit recognizes
its impact on economic development–whether that is for the traveler utilizing it or the surrounding businesses that rely on foot traffic. And if nothing else, it’s nice to have an alternative to driving. But thanks in part to the
recession, low ridership, and zero profits, C-Tran service ended in 2010.
“The general fund which is funded partially by our property tax dollars
paid for C-Tran’s operation. With the consistent decline in the tax digest
and revenues collected, the county is not in a position to fund our own independent bus system at the level that would meet the needs of the community. There was also concern that the funding through the general fund
for transit was not equitable, but funding a transit system through sales
tax collections would be more equitable,” clarifies Commissioner Rooks.
One of the main complaints by those who didn’t ride was seeing buses
that were never filled to capacity, while those who used C-Tran argued
that the service could be spotty at best. This led to the county fielding criticism for employing a provider inexperienced in mass transit operations.
Enter MARTA, overwhelmingly approved by Clayton County voters.
And since the system will operate solely off of sales tax income, anyone who
spends money here will help pay for this service. Initially the routes will
not change much, but some modifications will be made due to the weight
of the buses taking their toll on the infrastructure. If successful, the routes
will be extended countywide. Further, these buses will be light years ahead
of the old ones and include amenities such as cameras, TVs, and Wi-Fi.
Prior to getting the MARTA Act on the ballot, our BOC conducted a comprehensive system overview in order to examine “. . . prior ridership, how idle
and slow those buses were, how full they were, and make recommendations
as to how the route should be traveled. Based on those findings, MARTA
should be more efficient than its predecessor,” Shana details. “Now, of course,
anytime you have something new you’re going to have some little quirks, but
we should not experience the same issues we had before.” Additionally, once
the buses have run for a full quarter (three months) the BOC expects to understand what works and what doesn’t, and make improvements accordingly.
Although this future partnership with MARTA sounds appealing, just getting buses rolling here again is a great start. And please don’t buy into the hype
that public transportation automatically brings crime. Out of all the large
urban cities I’ve visited and/or lived in with more extensive mass transit, I’ve
never witnessed someone waiting at the bus stop or riding the train with a 50inch flat screen in tow. And while our northern (and surrounding southern)
neighbors will never publicly admit this; their lack of public transportation
has not eliminated crime in their slice of suburbia. MARTA bus service will
begin in March 2015, and is expected to be fully operational here by Fall 2016.
Overall, 2014 was a good year for job growth here as well. A part of
that growth includes the MARTA merger, which has held three job fairs
here thus far thanks to our forthcoming bus line; QGistix, an electronics repair company; AVICS USA, a pioneer in designing, manufacturing, and distributing innovative LED lighting products; and Chimes
Solutions, a large call center set to open at Southlake Mall in 2015. Additionally, the Forest Park redevelopment project anticipates bringing
close to 3,000 new jobs into the county, and that is just the beginning.
As we Leap Forward into 2015, make sure you stay tuned because Clayton
County is on the rise and if you blink, you might miss something! WRC
24
CHIMING
in with New
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
C
Words dot tolerson
Employment
Solutions
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
Students of Feng Shui learn that wind chimes are associated with bringing a sense of balance, connectivity,
and well being into an environment. Chimes also symbolize the manifestation of movement of positive
energy. Shelly Wilson, CEO of Chime Solutions, is bringing just that to Morrow.
Chime Solutions is one of the premier business
anchors in the greater strategy of enhancing
economic health in Clayton County. Formerly headquartered in Atlanta, the Morrow-based
company specializes in human resources partnerships by providing leading companies across
the nation with contract staffing services and call
center operations–such as help desk, technical,
and customer service support–and many of those
jobs will be filled by Clayton County residents.
“I feel that we have a great opportunity to have
a positive effect on people’s lives,” Wilson said of
her contemporary customer contact center positioned at Southlake Mall in the former JCPenney location. Wilson and her team have already
begun vetting candidates for customer care positions, and will add a slate of management and
executive roles to their operation during the next
wave of hiring. “We will be offering over 1,100
jobs,” she said, underscoring the impact that
Chime Solutions will have on county residents.
Wilson is an innovator who processes keen insight with regard to executing successful business
processes. As the co-founder of RYLA Inc., an enterprise that she and her husband Mark Wilson
sold in 2010, Shelly was instrumental in acquiring
a Fortune 500 client portfolio for the company
and hiring upward of 3,000 employees. Driven
by RYLA’s success and client demand, it was an
intuitive decision to develop another customer
contact center as Wilson contemplated her options for a sophomore business opportunity in
2011. Consequently, Chime Solutions was born.
The former principal is humbly charismatic,
although her business persona seems to come at
the world head-on. A very confident Wilson admitted that she prefers to “be in the background”
focusing on workforce development rather than
center stage in the limelight. “Our approach is
to focus on developing people and creating positive work experiences,” she said, emphasizing that
work-life balance is a crucial element to cultivating an engaged, high performing work culture.
She has an expertise in recognizing talent and
establishing meaningful relationships; and as a
result she leads with a strong team around her.
Chime Solutions represents a surge of job creation and growth for Clayton County’s economy,
and equally important it is a nationally acclaimed
company that has chosen to plant roots right here
in our backyard. “I am very excited to be in Clayton County and everyone has been very helpful,”
she said of the Economic Development Office,
county Commissioners, and other business leaders in the community who have been instrumental in Chime’s move to Morrow. WRC
SHELLY WILSON, CEO Chimes Solutions
26
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
Economic Development
in Clayton County:
The Time Is Now
S
Words dot tolerson
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
Successful economic development involves sustainable increases
in the productivity of individuals, businesses and resources to
elevate the overall well being and quality of life of residents.
It is often confused with economic growth which in most
instances applies specifically jobs and income. Although linked,
economic growth is generally a short run concept while economic
development is a long term strategy encompassing several years.
Larry Vincent, a veteran manager with Georgia Power, sits at the helm of
the long term economic development strategy for the county. As Chairman,
he and the 7 member Development Authority of Clayton County, have
collaborated with key leaders in the community to create a comprehensive
strategic plan centered around enriching the county. “Yulonda Beauford of
the Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner Jeff Turner and Luvenia Jackson,
Superintendent for the Clayton County Board of Education have all been
instrumental contributors to the business strategy,” said Vincent, “They, and
others, are all committed to keeping our workforce local and our economy
healthy.” From Vincent’s perspective there has been a concerted effort to take
a synergistic approach that has included support of planning efforts by metroAtlanta and State leaders.
The long term strategy includes attracting a balanced distribution of small
to large-sized businesses. Most recently the dawn of the new 65, 000 sq. ft. call
center, Chime Solutions, located at SouthLake Mall. Then there is hhgregg,
Inc. who expanded its footprint to a $16 million regional distribution center
in Ellenwood that not only retained 100 existing jobs, but has the capacity for
significant expansion.
“The plan also accounts for second and third tier business opportunities,”
Vincent said referring to Aerotropolis Atlanta and Porsche Cars North
America. An aerotropolis is an urban development concept where airports
serve as a focal point for attracting new businesses to city-like professional
districts. The aerotropolis, stemming from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta
International Airport, will extend deep into Clayton County.
Porsche Cars North America has moved its headquarters from the north
side of Atlanta to Hapeville and is the first business to break ground at the
aerotropolis. It features a technical-service and-training center, and the
Porsche Customer Experience Center. It will undoubtedly be equally a tourist
attraction as much as a generator of quality jobs.
LARRY VINCENT, CC Development Authority
28
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
“Hope is the only
universal liar who
never loses his
reputation for
veracity”.
­­– ROBERT G. INGERSOLL
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
PROFILES
A LIFE TIME OF SERVICE
LIVING THE BEST LIFE
RECOVERED HEALTH
BLUES MAN
Photo By Atlanta Technical Student,
Gregory Dunlap
29
30
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
Getting to Know
Dwayne Hobbs,
Clayton County’s
Longest Serving
Police Chief
Words KELLEY WALKER
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
“I never really wanted to be a cop, which is contrary for
most people that I have hired and interviewed over the
years,” confesses Chief Dwayne Hobbs of the Forest Park Police Depart-
ment (FPPD). This answer caught me by surprise considering he has served
Forest Park for 41 years. But, Hobbs assures me that he knew immediately after beginning that he was on the right path. A friend, who worked for
FPPD, convinced Dwayne to apply: “I thought, ‘Yeah, I’ll do that until I
decide what I want to do,’ [but] once I got in, I could never get out. It was
a trap,” he smiles. “Once I got it in my blood, I tried to recruit everybody
I cared about, just telling them how satisfying it is.” A Forest Park native,
Hobbs explains, “This is where we grew up, and we knew everything about
this town. I knew every nook and cranny. I knew who was good and who was
bad, and I say to people all the time who ask me constantly, especially in my
later years: ‘how much longer are you going to stay?’ And I always said, ‘I’ll
stay as long as it’s fun.’ And it is fun.”
Hobbs’ career moved quickly. After 18 months, he was promoted to detective. By his sixth year, he was a captain. Remembering the experience,
Dwayne says, “I was still a young guy, and all of the other captains were
old time brass hats, and they were looking at me like ‘where did you come
from?’” But no one underestimated him long. At this point, Hobbs’ greatest
accomplishment is obtaining the position of chief: “It wasn’t something that
I thought ‘one day I’d be the chief.’ It was just a progression, and I had a lot
of help. I kind of felt like a turtle on a fence post. You see him up there. You
don’t know how he got there, but you know he had a lot of help. So when
opportunities presented themselves, I was hungry. I loved the job, and the
situation just presented itself where I was able to get a lot of training. Because of that training, I was able to move up, and when there was movement,
I tried to seize every opportunity.”
Dwayne says policing is rewarding for two reasons: “The obvious is the
sense of helping somebody else. It is such a great feeling that you can’t get
in a lot of professions. The other is being surrounded by the people in this
business. These are people who literally lay their life on the line for people
they don’t know every single day…The fact of the matter is the very nature of
our business, what we get called to do, is a very good possibility [we could
take a bullet]; it’s riddled with dangers…but the real magnet for me has always been the people and how they are willing to serve and do for others.”
He advises others interested to fully understand what this job means: “It’s
nothing like we see on TV. It’s a huge commitment not only for you but for
your family because the demands on the family are just as great, if not greater, simply because when everybody else is running away from the fire, you’re
running to it. When the storms come in and everybody is sent home to be
with their families, you’re coming to it. So it’s important to have somebody,
whoever is in your life, that supports what you do and understands that’s
your job, and when that happens, [he or she has] to be able to fend for [himself or herself ]. That’s not always easy…For the officer and their significant
other, it’s demanding.” In addition, Dwayne reveals, “The best cops are the
ones with the best sources, and the way that you develop sources is to be in
the community and understand that you exist because of them and that you
are a servant to the people. If you ever lose sight of that then you’re missing
the boat.” Outside of FPPD, Hobbs teaches criminal justice at Clayton State
University, and he enjoys hunting, fishing, and watching Alabama football.
Season’s
Greetings
from
The
City of
Forest Park,
Mayor & Council
For information, please call 404-363-2908.
32
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
“There’s a lot of
magic between you
too, ain’t no denying
that. And magic
makes forgettin’
hard.”
­­– NICHOLAS SPARKS
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
Living Her Very BEST Life...Meet
We Are Clayton’s Newest Family
Member, Dawn Benjamin
33
Best advice ­The best advice I have received
was to realize that the true prize lies within
me. We have to believe and know that we
already possess everything we need or
require to succeed! Therefore, we should
set the bar for ourselves and walk in that
authority to make change.
Best way to start your Day Thanking God
for the new opportunities that he has set in
place for me that day. The many open doors
to new and great possibilities. I begin the
day with great expectations of a successful
outcome.
Best job ever The best job I have ever had
was dSource Business Services. This is
my business that I decided to step out and
start at the end of last year. What makes it
great is that it allows me to help others run
their businesses more smoothly without
alot of the stress that comes with running a
business.
Best splurge I’m still waiting on this
one. I’m spontaneous so that makes for a
pleasant adventure when the time comes.
Best about Clayton County There are many
many great things about Clayton. However,
one of my favorites is Church of The Harvest International, my place of worship
Best pick me up Sunshine!! The light of
day gives me a sense of freedom when I
walk outside. The energy is intoxicating, as
it makes me want to get out and live. I’m
intensely relational (a real people person)
so people are a driving force in my life and
just to know that the new day brings yet
another opportunity to interact with others
makes me feel renewed and energized. It’s
enough to help you breathe through a
stressful day .
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
Best accomplishment Losing 70 lbs last
year. I learned so much through my weight
loss journey; not only about losing weight
and nutrition, but that I had a great deal of
discipline. This showed me that there is
nothing that I could ever want to do that is
out of my reach. Now I live a very active
and energized life!
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We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
35
Knocked Down,
But Not Knocked OUT!
Words dot tolerson
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
As Kenneth Croskey washed his hands at the bathroom sink he felt
an intense heat abruptly engulf his face. He immediately splashed himself
with cold water which seemed to intensify the sensation. His wife, Marye,
was only a few steps away in the family room where moments before they
had been engaged in a nostalgic conversation about the Florida family reunion that they attended just a couple of days prior. His short walk from the
bathroom to get help from Marye was paved with panic and uncertainty, as
he suddenly he felt his legs buckle. “Down!” the sixty-three-year-old military veteran yelled to signal to his wife that he was in distress. Suddenly the
brightness of the day faded to black, and he collapsed to the floor. The next
moment that Croskey remembers is waking up in the Southern Crescent
Hospital for Specialty Care (Southern Crescent Hospital), an acute longterm care facility in Riverdale, Georgia, swarmed by machines and a web of
tubes. It was the summer of 2013 and an experience that transformed his
life.
Marye explained that after her husband’s fall she called 9-1-1 and Croskey was admitted to Piedmont Henry Hospital after being diagnosed with
pancreatitis. “My pancreas got angry,” Croskey said describing his medical
condition, “. . . then I went septic and they said I was in kidney failure.”
Kidney (renal) failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter fluids and waste, causing dangerous levels of the aforementioned substances to
accumulate in the body. Without treatment, the buildup of toxins, harmful
minerals in the blood, and extra fluid can eventually cause death.
As would be expected, seeing her husband laying unconscious in the hospital was heartbreaking for Marye. The days were long and seemed to run
together as she patiently waited for a sign that Kenneth was getting better.
Some days at the hospital were more intense than others. In particular there
was an occasion when Marye received a phone call at home informing her
that her husband’s prognosis was not promising and that he may not recover.
Marye, family, and friends diligently prayed despite the unfavorable news.
In what was described as a miracle, Croskey soon became stable enough to
be transferred to Southern Crescent Hospital for extended care and special
medical management for his serious health issues.
Kenneth spent three months at the extended care facility surrounded by
machines and a web of tubes. He was swollen and unrecognizable from significant fluid retention. “I had a breathing tube, feeding tube, and a dialysis
port in my chest,” he recounted. During the early weeks Croskey still wasn’t
alert enough to know what was going on around him. This included Marye’s
faithful daily visits and support, as well as other visitors who also came and
went unbeknownst to him. When Kenneth finally began breathing on his
own he was removed from the ventilator and given the opportunity to speak
for the first time in weeks. “When I heard myself talk after all that time I
went into tears,” he recalled nearly tearing up again.
In addition to a physical uphill battle toward recovery, Croskey had to
deal with the emotional ebbs and flow that comes with being hospitalized
for a long period of time. The once independent man was completely reliant
upon the clinical staff to assist him with all of his daily care such as bathing,
using the bathroom facilities, and eating. “It was a rough time,” he said of the
emotional impact, “It was frustrating that they had to do everything for me
and I wanted to do for myself.” Kenneth admitted that at times he “wasn’t
the easiest patient” for the staff to interact with, and chuckled bashfully as
he spoke of how his frustration caused him to “raise sand,” although his team
of physicians and caregivers consistently responded to him with patience.
A little over a year into his recovery, Mr. Croskey is back to feeling like
himself with a few life modifications as a result of his health issues. He is
taking insulin several times a day, his muscle mass is returning, and he has
regained his energy level. “Those folks really looked over me and nursed
me back [to health].” His gratitude and admiration of the clinical expertise demonstrated by the Southern Crescent Hospital team is palpable, and
he credits their compassion for keeping him motivated during his recovery.
“God had the last say and for some reason he spared my life to do something
positive . . .” he said with a surge of emotion, “and I’m trying to do that the
rest of my life.” WRC
36
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
“CALVIN: This whole Santa Claus
thing just doesn’t make sense. Why
all the secrecy? Why all the mystery?
If the guy exists why doesn’t he ever
show himself and prove it?
And if he doesn’t exist what’s the
meaning of all this?
HOBBES: I dunno. Isn’t this a
religious holiday?
CALVIN: Yeah, but actually, I’ve got
the same questions about God.”
­­– BILL WATTERSON
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
37
‘Tis
THE SEASON
There’s something utterly romantic about Christmastime: flickering fireplaces, light, fluttery gusts of snow and stealing kisses under the
mistletoe. Every year like clockwork, the world slows down for a few moments and we are reminded that the best gifts are not found under
the tree, but are standing right in front of you with open arms.
38
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
Christmas
Is For Love
A story of what Christmas should mean.
Christmas is for love. It is
for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends,
for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love. I had not believed this
until a small elf-like student with wide, innocent eyes and soft
rosy cheeks gave me a wondrous gift one Christmas.
Mark was an 11 year old orphan who lived with his aunt, a bitter
middle aged woman greatly annoyed with the burden of caring for
her dead sister’s son. She never failed to remind young Mark, if it
hadn’t been for her generosity, he would be a vagrant, homeless
waif. Still, with all the scolding and chilliness at home, he was a
sweet and gentle child.
I had not noticed Mark particularly until he began staying after
class each day (at the risk of arousing his aunt’s anger, I later
found) to help me straighten up the room. We did this quietly and
comfortably, not speaking much, but enjoying the solitude of that
hour of the day. When we did talk, Mark spoke mostly of his mother. Though he was quite small when she died, he remembered a
kind, gentle, loving woman, who always spent much time with
him.
As Christmas drew near however, Mark failed to stay after school
each day. I looked forward to his coming, and when the days passed
and he continued to scamper hurriedly from the room after class,
I stopped him one afternoon and asked why he no longer helped
me in the room. I told him how I had missed him, and his large gray
eyes lit up eagerly as he replied, “Did you really miss me?”
I explained how he had been my best helper. “I was making you
a surprise,” he whispered confidentially. “It’s for Christmas.” With
that, he became embarrassed and dashed from the room. He
didn’t stay after school any more after that.
Finally came the last school day before Christmas. Mark crept
slowly into the room late that afternoon with his hands concealing
something behind his back. “I have your present,” he said timidly when I looked up. “I hope you like it.” He held out his hands, and
there lying in his small palms was a tiny wooden box.
“Its beautiful, Mark. Is there something in it?” I asked opening the
top to look inside. “
“Oh you can’t see what’s in it,” He replied, “and you can’t touch it,
or taste it or feel it, but mother always said it makes you feel good
all the time, warm on cold nights, and safe when you’re all alone.”
I gazed into the empty box. “What is it Mark,” I asked gently, “that
will make me feel so good?” “It’s love,” he whispered softly, “and
mother always said it’s best when you give it away.” And he turned
and quietly left the room.
So now I keep a small box crudely made of scraps of wood on the
piano in my living room and only smile as inquiring friends raise
quizzical eyebrows when I explain to them that there is love in it.
Yes, Christmas is for gaiety, mirth and song, for good and
wondrous gifts. But mostly, Christmas is for love.
firstbaptist jonesboro
real worship real answers real life
40
LOOKING BACK 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
If We Only Had a Tree!
M
WORDS Jean V. Dickson
ost fairy tales begin, “Once upon a time, in a land
far, far away.” Well, this wasn’t once upon a time,
it wasn’t in a land far, far away, and it wasn’t no
fairy tale.
It was nine years ago, in a blue house in rural Atlantic Canada. And,
unfortunately, for me, it was very much true.
Before I moved east, I had such high hopes of what life was going to
be like after I graduated university with business degree. A better job.
More money. So many things I could do for my son, Michael.
When I dreamt I didn’t see castles in the clouds. Instead I saw
a boy on horseback (a vacation at a dude ranch!), tantalizingly
tender turkey piled high on a plate (money for entertaining!), and
bows dancing, coaxing singing from sighing clouds (symphony
season tickets!).
So I worked hard and finished my degree in three years,
not four. I had great grades and thought I would have no
trouble getting a job.
Well … it didn’t work out that way.
In my case, disappointment followed disappointment. After a few months, my bank balance was
about as healthy as a hydrangea bush accidentally
watered with hydrochloric acid. Any green that was
there had been burnt – ashes blowing in a brisk
breeze.
Humiliation became complete in a gray office
populated by gray frowning faces. Frost was
on the ground outside; it felt a full ten degrees
colder inside. A number was called and I was
handed an application by the disapproving
receptionist. Welfare was the only option if I wanted
to feed my 10 year old son.
I didn’t only feel I was a failure, I knew I was one.
About as successful as Donald Trump’s comb-over.
I felt even worse just over a year later when I was still without work.
And it was Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!
My dream that year was of Christmases past. Christmases with tall
trees, festooned with flashing stars of white and bright coloured globes,
shiny packages underneath. Family and friends abounding at the table
laden with plate after plate of steaming fresh food. Laughter amidst the
sounds of Christmas carols.
Christmas – as I had known it in the past.
Yes, I did have a few meager presents for Michael. I had gone without
eating for three weeks so that I had the money to buy him something.
I had even taken the Christmas decorations out of their boxes and placed
them carefully around the unheated living room. But one corner stood
empty. And that emptiness seemed to represent my own failure and emptiness inside.
I didn’t have a Christmas tree.
Now you may be saying to yourself, Christmas trees don’t cost a lot of
money. You can get a cheap one for only $10. But $10 meant four cartons
of milk. And that was a fortune when you only had enough money in your
food budget for one carton a month.
Seeing my own breath fog in the cold of our living room, I burst into
tears.
“Mom, mom, what’s wrong?”
“All I wanted was a Christmas tree. Just a little one. I even prayed
that someone would give us one. It would feel like Christmas if
we only had a tree.”
“ Mom, mom, it’s okay. Why don’t go lie down, have a
nap. You’ll feel better when you wake.”
I lay down but I couldn’t sleep. I twisted and tossed,
tossed and turned. And I cried some more. But then
I heard strange sounds from the other room.
I thought about investigating, about seeing what
Michael was up to. But I was too exhausted to get
out of bed. I pulled the covers over my head and
tried to pretend it was all a bad dream.
I must have slept because I woke up two
hours later. I stretched and then stumbled to
the kitchen searching for a glass of water.
I didn’t make it to the kitchen. Because I
saw tiny lights twinkling in the corner of
the now-dark living room.
Behind me Michael exclaimed, “Mom,
you don’t have to cry anymore. We don’t
have a Christmas tree - but look - we
have a Christmas plant!”
I rubbed my eyes to clear them, and I saw
that while I had slept, Michael had strung tiny
white
lights on the tall, green umbrella plant. And then he
had placed Christmas ornaments on its outstretched stems.
That Christmas I learned that Christmas isn’t about Christmas trees and
Christmas presents. It’s about love. I didn’t have money – or a Christmas
tree - but I had a loving son who cared for me, who loved me.
Yes, Christmas is all about loving sons.
The love of my son reminded me that there’s another loving son. Like
my son, he cares for me and he gives of himself for me. No, this other son
didn’t give me a Christmas tree – or a Christmas plant - but he gives to me
a far greater gift – the forgiveness that brings hope and joy – regardless of
the circumstances.
My wish to you is that you’ll learn from my lesson. You won’t make the
mistake I did and think that Christmas is all about Christmas trees. Instead
you’ll remember my story that Christmas is all about the gift of the son.
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42
LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
Leaping
Forward 2015
MAKING WAY FOR NEW LEADERSHIP
WORLDS OF WATER AND OIL
Photo By Atlanta Technical Student,
Robert Williams
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
43
SERVING THE
LEAST OF THESE
I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we’re all
teachers - if we’re willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some
miracle to come knocking at our door.
Keith Gammage,
Clayton County Solicitor General’s Office
Tom jones, WSB-TV
Clarence Cox,
Clayton County Public Schools
Police Department
Charles Brooks,
Clayton County Solicitor General’s Office
WORDS KIMBERLY ALLEN
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
45
Delivering a Dose of “Real Talk” to Teens
Community Leaders and Media Representative, Answer a Tough
Call to Our Young Men...THE Law
Eric Garner and Michael Brown have become the latest casualties in the communication failure between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve. And there are many more like them that you will never hear about, suffering
similar fates without protest or media fanfare. Obviously, there are cases where both the police and the accused could
and should handle things differently. But perhaps if some better understood their rights, the full consequences of their
actions, and/or how to deal when face-to-face with law enforcement, we could begin to avoid such outcomes.
The National Black Prosecutors Association
(NBPA) in conjunction with the Clayton County Solicitor General’s office has joined forces to
present “Real Talk About the Law,” a forum created to reach at-risk high school males. Designed
to bombard teens with the truth using almost
every possible scenario, the NBPA offers realistic answers to students’ very real questions about
breaking the law. Adults can probably learn a few
things as well (I know I did) and this space can’t
even begin to cover all of the knowledge shared.
Real Talk began in response to a different untimely death–that of Florida teen Trayvon Martin. Thanks to the success of the first seminar held
back in February 2014, eight more presentations
followed in schools located throughout the City
of Atlanta and Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton
counties in October and November.
So much useful information is provided
throughout this presentation that Real Talk actually should be required viewing for all students.
Unlike the “Scared Straight” series, Real Talk
presents a variety of situations that most teens
have found themselves considering no matter
how “good” you believe your kid is. Instances
such as when someone rides in a car that he/she
knows full well doesn’t belong to the driver–also
known as being “Party to a Crime” (or “Concerned In the Commission of a Crime”). Descriptions include the differences between committing
a felony or a misdemeanor crime, and how it’s
determined whether one will be charged as a juvenile or an adult. Social media is a powerful tool
that we all use–including the police. It is just one
of many ways evidence is collected and used for
prosecution.
NUMBERS DON’T LIE
Perhaps the most telling data includes breakdowns of the cost of the crimes committed. One
example illustrates how a flat screen television
pawned for $500 can eventually cost the perpetrator over $19,000 in probation, attorney’s fees,
and fines when all is said and done. This includes
definitions of what exactly constitutes a crime
(you may be surprised at how little it takes) and
the penalties for same. Another topic that every
PICTURE courtesy of claytony county public schools
person should understand regardless of age is
“What to Do When Facing Police: Your Responsibilities; Your Rights,” which basically walks the
viewer through what to do if one is stopped by
the police such as the right questions to ask, how
to properly handle each situation, and what to do
(and not do) if you feel that your rights have been
violated.
Panel discussions were led by veteran prosecutors, senior defense counsel, and local and federal
law enforcement officers. Also in attendance was
WSB-TV reporter Tom Jones as the recipient of
these types of news stories, to discuss the perceptions of minority youth and media projections.
“We had great success with Real Talk . . . ,” says
Greater Atlanta Black Prosecutors Association
President, Lyn K. Armstrong. “We made a difference in how students view law enforcement.
Many learned how the law affects them and committed to graduating from high school and stay-
ing out of trouble.”
Add Mundy’s Mill High School student LeMar
Parrish to the list of those who has benefitted
from these seminars. “The program is excellent
for just inspiring and empowering our young
black males. I humbly thank [the NBPA] for coming to my community and exposing my brothers
and I to a realistic view of the legal world and its
consequences,” he expressed. “[Real Talk] allows
young men like me to excel and set my mark in life
in order to make something of myself.” Between
live audiences and radio interviews, it is estimated
that Real Talk has reached thousands of students
this year alone, with many more to come at future
events.
It is interesting that “keeping it real” doesn’t
include discussion about the glamorization of
crime, jail, or so-called “thug life” which seems
to have desensitized young people to the consequences of their actions; effectively ending lives
before they truly begin. But ignorance of the law
is no excuse, and there is an old saying that if you
know better, you do better. When law enforcement is challenged no matter how minor the offense, more often than not minority suspects lose
regardless of the circumstances. This battle begins
in our own homes and communities with education and awareness, and that starts with Real Talk.
Parents who would like their children to experience “Real Talk About
the Law” should have their school’s staff contact Senior Assistant
Solicitor General Charles A. Brooks at [email protected].
ga.us or Chief Assistant Solicitor General Keith Gammage at Keith.
[email protected]. Another resource that parents can use
is Men Standing in the Gap, 2.0 (an offshoot of the Clayton County
Public Schools initiative formerly known as 500 Men In the Gap).
Contact Mr. Brooks at [email protected] or Charlton
Bivins at [email protected] for more information on this
revitalized program.
46
LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
LEADING
Clayton County Public Schools
into the Future,
Dr. Alieka Anderson
WORDS KIMBERLY ALLEN
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
47
“As a school board member what I love most about serving on the Clayton County Board of
Education (CCBOE) is working with other board members as well as the Superintendent to make
decisions that will affect the lives of students in order to push them into success. It is a joy every year to
stand on stage during graduation to see the impact that you have on these students’ lives. Tears come to
my eyes as we end each graduation for our twelve high schools, and watch students walk off the stage
with their diploma in hand, ready to go into a world where there are infinite opportunities.”
W
Working as an educator for the past
fourteen years, Dr. Alieka Anderson (District 8)
has come a long way since she was swept into office back in 2008. And although she was born,
raised, and educated in Atlanta, she had her eye
on Clayton County for a long time. As a teenager, Alieka loved shopping at Southlake Mall and
knew early on that there was something special
about the area. “I have always loved the hometown atmosphere of Clayton County and the
great comradery we share as a community,” she
confesses. “[This] is a wonderful place to live.”
Which is just one reason why when accreditation was threatened, Alieka knew she had to get
involved.
“After coming home one night and seeing
numerous media clips about the
possible loss of accreditation I
thought to myself, what about
the children? So instead of talking
and criticizing the previous board
about the situation I wanted to do
something to help the children,
and knew that by running for
school board I could make a difference.” As one
of the first to take office after special elections
were held, Dr. Anderson also became one of only
three sitting CCBOE members. She immediately stepped into the role of chairperson during the
most tumultuous time in Clayton County Public School’s (CCPS) history, and was immediately charged with appointing six temporary board
members until elections were held months later
in order to fill those remaining seats. “My goal
was to help rebuild the county, and I knew if we
got the school district together everything else
would fall into place.” Alieka led the CCBOE
through the process until SACS restored accreditation. Later, she was tapped by AdvancEd/
SACS to use her knowledge to help accredit other Georgia school districts as well. “I believe that
God makes no mistakes when he sends you to accomplish something and do a job,” she expresses.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE . . .
Currently serving her second term on the
CCBOE, Dr. Anderson has enjoyed many professional accomplishments since taking office.
But what she is most proud of is her son Brian
Covington, Jr., a Babb Middle School student
whose football team won the championship this
year. “Being a single parent, being on the school
board, and trying to hold down several jobs is
hard work but it has instilled a great work ethic
in my son,” she shares. “I know that if it were not
for God giving me favor and taking care of me
in my role on the CCBOE, I would not be here
today.” When she is not serving on the CCBOE,
Alieka also does charity work with the Order of
the Eastern Star and sits on the Clayton Com-
misconceptions about CCPS and helping to
change our image into something positive which
we can all be proud of. In addition, I would like
to focus on continuing to increase our graduation rate so that we can make sure that our students are ready to compete in a global society.”
Dr. Anderson is also working towards partnering with more college and technical schools so
that our students can be career-ready, as well as
finding ways for parents, the community, and
schools to work together to promote student
achievement. And she would definitely like to
clear up the false impression that parents are not
wanted in CCPS. “Although the law has changed
and parents/volunteers must have a background
check for the safety of students, Superintendent
Jackson and the CCBOE welcome
parents to come into the schools and
volunteer in any capacity,” she confirms. But most importantly, Alieka
is satisfied that CCPS has hired the
best superintendent for the job who
“. . . will stay with us and continue to
move and grow CCPS into a district
of excellence. I know we have that type of leader in Ms. Jackson–she is a great superintendent
who is more than willing to meet that goal,” she
adds.
Given her dedication to education, it is no
surprise that her favorite quote is from Proverbs
22:6, “Train up child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart.” Alieka
firmly believes that we have to start talking to our
youth and not be afraid to show and tell them
what is right and what is wrong. “We need that
connection with our children because if we don’t
this generation will be lost. Thus, we have got to
get a hold of our children because we owe it to
them to make sure that they go out into society
and live a good and successful life,” she conveys.
“My philosophy is, ‘Education is the key.’ The
one thing that no one can take away from you is
your education.” WRC
“My goal was to help rebuild the
county, and I knew if we got the
school district together everything
else would fall into place.”
munity Service Board.
And while juggling professional and personal
roles can be trying for any parent, Alieka will be
the first to admit that she’s had plenty of help.
“Serving on the school board as a single parent
has been a great experience for my son Brian and
I. Brian has been able to see Clayton County
politics at its best. And no matter what we go
through, all nine board members and Superintendent [Luvenia] Jackson and her staff have
encouraged and challenged Brian to do well in
school. I believe that has played a large role in
helping me raise my son to be a good young man,
and I can truly say that everyone I work with has
added value to Brian’s life in some way.”
At her core Alieka is an educator willing to
do whatever it takes to help students succeed–
which is the primary reason she ran for office in
the first place. “I look forward to changing the
48
LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
Enjoying the
Best of Both Worlds
through Block Art
WORDS KIMBERLY ALLEN
PICTURE MICHIE TURPIN
Sabreen Shabazz could not have imagined that her real life
experiences would not only lead to a fulfilling career, but also serve as the
backdrop for a stage play that has the potential to change how we see race
relations.
“I started writing and journaling everything in the eighth grade and my
teacher would always say this is so good! So she instilled writing in me,”
says Sabreen, who has been writing plays since she was thirteen years old
while growing up in Atlanta. But with age and the birth of her son, Kemani
Leeper, the Howard University grad realized she couldn’t take on the role
of starving artist. So like many before her, she headed West to become a star.
EVERYTHING HAS ITS SEASON . . .
We have all heard tales of celebrities who worked odd jobs just to make
ends meet until they got their big break, and initially Sabreen’s journey was
no different. “If you’re doing a job ‘in the meantime’ while working towards
your big dream you hate it, and I did hate all of my other jobs,” Shabazz
admits. Those jobs included work as a UPS secretary and during her time in
Los Angeles as a property manager, which unwittingly served as the framework for Block Art.
“Living in a basically all Latino area, you could feel the animosity towards
Black people. Being a mother, I felt it was so bad that I couldn’t let my son
go out and play because I thought they’d harm him,” Shabazz recalls. So she
instead invited Kemani’s friends to come over to play at their apartment,
or took the kids on outings to the beach. “I think socioeconomics [was a
factor] because it was the haves and have-nots fighting over scraps and it was
so tense. So when I was about to make the transition to teaching, I came up
with the idea of a teacher bringing Black and Latino kids together through
art.”
Returning to Atlanta, Sabreen began teaching in 2009 and currently
works for Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) as a fifth grade math
and science teacher. “Even if Tyler Perry offered me five hundred thousand
dollars for my screenplay I’d still teach, and it’s something that I never knew
that I would,” she confesses.
BRINGING BLOCK ART TO LIFE
With the help of veteran director T.Y. Martin, the duo has cast a talented
group of performers who bring this story to life–including three M.E. Stilwell School of the Arts students.
Block Art is the story of a teacher that sees the huge tension between Black
and Latino students rising in her school. Looking for ways to help, she goes
to her principal and asks to implement an art program to bring the kids
together. “She partners different races together who find out that they have
more in common than different,” Shabazz explains.
Wholly funded by Sabreen and her fiancé, local insurance broker Benjamin Straker, Sr., Block Art has caught the attention of the Obama administration’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative. “My hope is to take this nationwide,” she adds.
The next performance Sabreen will be planning is her wedding. After
holding a small private ceremony in Barbados with relatives, the couple will
return to celebrate a full wedding and reception with their Clayton County
family. WRC
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
Timely
Tips
that Will Help
CREDIT CARD RESPONSIBILITY BRANDING & PR
SIMPLICITY
THE FRAME
Photo By Atlanta Technical Student,
Christopher Eubanks
49
50
LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
Bah Humbug!
Avoiding Credit
Card Fraud Year
Round
WORDS JASON GREEN
K
‘Tis the season . . . For most of us the warmth and merriment of
fellowshipping with friends and family are inevitably accompanied by
a marked increase in spending. In the midst of charging all those sales,
groceries, gas, airfare, and hotels, it is easy to become susceptible to credit card fraud.
One of the most prevalent forms of fraud is theft of the actual card.
This may result from a robbery or burglary, but usually occurs from theft
by deception or inadvertent loss. The good news is that because the lawful cardholder will hopefully notice their card is missing relatively quickly, any potential fraud can be eliminated or mitigated. Thieves will also
target balance transfer checks which are usually tied directly to a
credit card account and often sent unsolicited.
More insidious than stolen cards and checks however is what’s
typically referred to as Card Not Present transactions (CNP).
With the dominance of cyber-retail, this is becoming an ever increasing opportunity for would-be criminals since it’s difficult
for a merchant to verify that the lawful cardholder authorized
the purchase.
Less prevalent, but harder to detect, is the skimming of card
information used in an otherwise legitimate transaction. The
thief can procure a victim’s card number by copying receipts or
using a small electronic device to swipe and store card numbers.
Skimming typically occurs in establishments where the criminal
handles the card out of the victim’s immediate view.
Fraud can also occur when criminals use fake or stolen documents such as utility bills and bank statements to obtain personal information, open an account in another person’s name, and
then draw upon it. Another variation is account takeover which
occurs when a fraudster gathers personal information, contacts
the card issuer while impersonating the genuine cardholder, and
asks for mail to be redirected to a new address. The criminal then
reports the card lost, asks for a replacement card, and upon receipt sets a new PIN. Scammers may also trick the unsuspecting
by calling to claim that they are from your bank’s “Card Services”
department to “verify” your account information so that they
can provide you a lower interest rate or some other inducement.
So, what can be done to combat these grinches who would steal
Christmas? Most protections must take place on the retail and financial
institution side, which include using IP addresses, shipping addresses,
multiple pieces of identifying information, and sophisticated computer
algorithms. Unfortunately, there are not many security measures that
an individual or card issuer can enact to prevent card theft from occurring outright. The only common “security” measure on all cards is your
signature; however, a signature may be forged. Alternatively, some will
either leave the signature panel empty or write in “Ask for ID,” hoping
to encourage the cashier to verify identity. This is a reasonable effort,
but it is worth noting that the signature on the back of the card is not
intended as proof of identity but rather to indicate legal acceptance of
the contract between the cardholder and its issuer. A more secure option
is to request a card that includes the holder’s picture.
On the consumer side, vigilance is the watchword. Waiting until a
monthly billing statement is received in the mail simply allows too much
time for an account to be depleted. Because compromise of card or identity information is not usually realized until after the fact, it is important
to closely monitor one’s bank and credit accounts. Most accounts have
online access, allowing consumers to view their daily activity anytime.
Also, many card issuers will allow you to request spending alerts that
will either notify you of transactions over a specified amount or lock
the account until further verification. Finally, any stolen, lost, or misplaced cards should be reported immediately. While it can be frustrating
to cancel a card that is ultimately found or recovered, it is even worse to
have one’s hard earned income and savings ravaged by some hard-hearted scrooge.
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52
LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
Marketing vs.
Public Relations:
“What You Say
and How You Say
It Matters”
The Basics of Branding
Learn what this critical business term means and what you can
do to establish one for your company.
WORDS JOHN WILLIAMS
WORDS KIM MCNAIR
In the emerging digital kingdom, the
dynamics of marketing are changing.
The Content Marketing Institute suggests that traditional techniques of
mass marketing to consumers, such as
radio and television ads, are becoming a thing of the past. Stepping in to
fill the gap is inbound marketing, an
interactive content-based approach
that focuses instead on bringing the
consumer to the company.
Because an audience responds to
relevant information, personalization
is essential. Instead of seeking out the
consumer’s interest, earn their attention by engaging, educating, and entertaining them.
Marketing and public relations are
equally important to promoting a
business, event, or anything. They are
a dynamic pair that should be used
together in order to complement each
other. And with the move to digital
media, these two things are becoming
more intertwined than ever before.
5 Key Points:
• Interactive, authentic, and informative content.
• Develop content people are eager to
consume. Appeal to clients’ interests
and build a network of client testimonials.
• Create a diverse social media presence.
• Build a presence through owned
media, the content you create and
publish, and take advantage of earned
media, third-party exposure.
• Capitalize on the digital media revolution and make content available on
smartphones and tablets. Allow onthe-go consumers to interact with an
interface from a mobile device.
BRANDING IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF ANY BUSINESS, large or small, retail or B2B.
An effective brand strategy gives you a major edge in increasingly competitive markets. But what
exactly does “branding” mean? How does it affect a small business like yours?
Simply put, your brand is your promise to your customer. It tells them what they can expect from
your products and services, and it differentiates your offering from your competitors’. Your brand is
derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be.
Are you the innovative maverick in your industry? Or the experienced, reliable one? Is your product
the high-cost, high-quality option, or the low-cost, high-value option? You can’t be both, and you
can’t be all things to all people. Who you are should be based to some extent on who your target
customers want and need you to be.
The foundation of your brand is your logo. Your website, packaging and promotional materials--all
of which should integrate your logo--communicate your brand.
BRAND STRATEGY & EQUITY
Your brand strategy is how, what, where, when and to whom you plan on communicating and delivering on your brand messages. Where you advertise is part of your brand strategy. Your distribution
channels are also part of your brand strategy. And what you communicate visually and verbally are
part of your brand strategy, too.
Consistent, strategic branding leads to a strong brand equity, which means the added value brought
to your company’s products or services that allows you to charge more for your brand than what
identical, unbranded products command. The most obvious example of this is Coke vs. a generic
soda. Because Coca-Cola has built a powerful brand equity, it can charge more for its product--and
customers will pay that higher price.
The added value intrinsic to brand equity frequently comes in the form of perceived quality or
emotional attachment. For example, Nike associates its products with star athletes, hoping customers will transfer their emotional attachment from the athlete to the product. For Nike, it’s not just the
shoe’s features that sell the shoe.
DEFINING YOUR BRAND
Defining your brand is like a journey of business self-discovery. It can be difficult, time-consuming
and uncomfortable. It requires, at the very least, that you answer the questions below:
• What is your company’s mission?
• What are the benefits and features of your products or services?
• What do your customers and prospects already think of your company?
• What qualities do you want them to associate with your company?
Do your research. Learn the needs, habits and desires of your current and prospective customers.
And don’t rely on what you think they think. Know what they think.
Because defining your brand and developing a brand strategy can be complex, consider leveraging
the expertise of a nonprofit small-business advisory group or a Small Business Development Center.
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
53
Keeping It Simple with
Interior Designer
Nancy Braithwaite
WORDS KIMBERLY ALLEN
MANY OF US UNCONSCIOUSLY
TEND TO COMPLICATE THINGS IN
life, and find the concept of “keeping it simple” daunting. But once we let go and give in
to the notion, whatever we are trying to accomplish quickly becomes more manageable.
Working with renowned Interior Designer
Nancy Braithwaite taught me that this theory
applies to design and fashion as well, while giving renewed meaning to the expression “less is
more.”
Aptly titled Simplicity, Nancy uses the
pages of her first book to showcase the design elements she deems essential to create
unique country, classic, and contemporary
room settings. As a result, the reader is treated
to full-color photographs featuring homes she has designed
from around the country, including her family’s country
house in Atlanta and a stunning
contemporary seaside retreat on
Kiawah Island, South Carolina;
as well as classic residential spaces in New York City, Chicago,
and Atlanta, among others.
“I never was a great student
because I was more interested
in the hands-on design and creation of things. So at the age of
seven I started making homemade nail head dolls, which
consisted of nails for the bodies, buttons for
the heads, pipe cleaners for arms and legs, and
faces painted on with my mom’s bright red nail
polish,” she recalls. “When I was growing up
the emphasis was always put on learning your
ABCs and not creativity. These days emphasis
is put on both, but back then no one pushed
my creative buttons or even acknowledged
that I had one.” Determined to continue nurturing that creative side, Nancy also began
making her own clothes and sewing; a trend
that has continued into the present with Baby
Braithwaite, a fashion-forward baby boutique
she owns and operates with her daughter.
Years later when Nancy started primarily
designing rooms, her talent led Town & Country magazine to deem her as the “newcomer
to watch.” She then moved on to designing
homes, executive offices, and interior offices, as
well as being featured at many famous antique
shows, such as the Winter Antique Show in
New York and the Philadelphia Antique Show.
Throughout her thirty-year career, Nancy
has earned nothing but accolades for her design style. Atlanta magazine credits her as being “essential to putting Atlanta on the interior
design map,” she is a regular on House Beautiful’s list of America’s Top Interior Designers,
and her work has also been featured in several
publications such as Veranda, Elle Décor, and The
New York Times just to
name a few.
The elements of design
that Nancy lives by are:
architecture, scale, color,
texture, pattern, and composition. But one of the
most important features
is her ability to eliminate
excess, which contributes
to the powerful yet comfortable spaces she creates.
“Things cost money, and
a lot of things cost more
money than a few things do. I prefer spaces
that are spare, yet luxurious and unique with
forceful identifies. I believe that my role as an
interior designer is to command and fulfill the
eye. Not provide it with endless distractions,”
she attests.
And when asked what advice she would
give to someone looking to design their own
space, Nancy shares that one should, “Do your
research and buy the best that you can possibly
afford, but most importantly, just keep it simple. For me, simplicity rules the world.”
CORPORATE & BUSINESS
3 Private Meetings Rooms
State Of The Art Audio Visuals
Private Dining Lounge
Business Center
Complimentary Wi-Fi
WEDDING
& SOCIAL
Separate Stage
Preferred Caterers And Professional Vendors
Culinary Catering Kitchen
Private Bar Options
Complimentary Parking
1180 Southlake Circle - Ste 100 Morrow, Georgia 30260
678.489.5161 tel 678.489.5182 fax
www.MorrowCenter.com
54
LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
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Arts Clayton
RECENT JURIED COMPETITION WINNERS
1st Place Maria Puziss, Pilgrim’s Progress
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LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
Best in Show Tricia Stearns, Holding Hope
2nd Place Tricia Stearns, Thought in Twilight
3rd Place Donna Thompson, Reflective
LEAPING FORWARD 2015 We Are Clayton Magazine
For Reservations - 770-473-5831
SAVEETHEEDATE - MARCH 14, 2015
58
Join us for a FREE
Family reunion
showcase
Saturday, March 7, 2015
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Georgia Archives
5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, GA 30260
Door Prizes, Reunion Planning Workshop,
Vendor Showcase
~Check-in begins at 9:30 am
~Workshop begins promptly at 10:00am
Please pre-register by calling the Clayton County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
at 678.610.4242 or by visiting
www.AtlantasTrueSouth.com
Family Reunion assistance is available year-round!
Call us or visit our website for more information
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • DEC 2014 | JAN 2015
Out &
About
CLAYTON’S MOST BOASTED EVENTS FROM THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS
A Tea Party Hosted by Darlene Turner with Rhonda Burnough Lake Spivey Annual BBQ Cook off
Water Authority Clean Up Day
Commissioner Shana Rooks Fall Festival Santa’s Arrival At Southlake Mall
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American Eagle Outfitters
Aeropostale
Bath & Body Works
The Children’s Place
Express
Hot Topic
New York & Company
rue21
Things Remembered
Victoria’s Secret
1000 Southlake Mall | Morrow, Georgia 30260
770.961.1050 | www.southlakemall.com