"Creating a community to make a positive difference in the world through the pursuit of satisfaction in life."
SPEAKER BIOS
Salimah Rashied- Outreach Manager for the Piedmont Park Conservancy
www.piedmontpark.org LWSTS™ #9, 07-05-2007
John Konop- Atlanta radio personality and former candidate for US Congress- GA 6th Disctrict will speak on IMMIGRATION
John Konop is an Atlanta radio personality, a businessman in the credit card processing industry and lives in Cherokee County Georgia. John ran for U.S. Congress in Georgia's 6th District in 2006 and is an outspoken advocate of trade, immigration, and spending reform. www.johnkonop.com LWSTS™ #8, 06-07-2007
Jim Gurney- former Computer Software Engineer who successfully transitioned to
Certified Automotive Technician in under two years
Transitions- turning a period of change into a period of positive choice and taking control of your destiny by pursuing satisfaction in life and career. Come meet a man who took a non-traditional route to satisfaction in life: from "white collar" to "blue collar" with more success and satisfaction in life choices, financial stability and opportunity.
There is a growing realization in society that service, vocational and technical careers that have traditionally been seen as "blue collar" have an important place in society and in personal satisfaction in job and life. Jim Gurney successfully made the transition from Computer Software Engineer to Certified Automotive Specialist (BMW emphasis) in under two years. He will share his story, where he came from, how he decided to go his own way, secrets to his success and how he's managed the volatile transitions in his life and show you how you can too! LWSTS™ #7, 05-03-2007
David Paul Lord- Filmmaker/Photographer
(We will have a large screen set up at the beginning of the night's event during the social with a rotating montage of some of David's photos.)
Artistic by nature, this Atlanta native and award-winning artist has led a life that Hemingway might envy. Working as a commercial (deep-sea) diver for 14 years, he was the youngest supervisor in the history of the largest commercial dive company in the world. He has tales of being lost in The Devil's Triangle, shark attacks and losing air at nearly 200 feet deep.
This former sparring partner for a Full Contact Karate World Champion has also been a professional stuntman for over 25 years with over 500 credits including "Diehard 3", "The Patriot", "Robo Cop 2 and 3", "Road Trip", "Universal Soldier-The Return", "Analyze This" and many more.
After Hurricane Katrina it was time to put the movie business on hold. So when an opportunity to work with the people in the area impacted by Katrina presented itself, David took it and was there for over 8 months. The images he took from that time speak of humanity, frailty, strength and more.
"There wasn't a day I didn't cry......and some days I wept."
David's website: http://www.thekatrinacollection.com/ LWSTS™ #5, 03-01-2007
Alyssa Hughes- US EPA, and longtime Sustainable Society patron and participant
Alyssa has worked in environmental cleanup for the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the last several years. She recently spent time in the cleanup following Hurricane Katrina, and will share some of her experinces.
An Atlanta resident, Alyssa has been a frequent participant and visitor at the Sustainable Society Discussions for more than a year. Click here to read the text of Alyssa's speech given during the LWSTS #5 event. LWSTS™ #5, 03-01-2007
Kenneth Woodfin- Owner, Orleagian Snowballs
Kenneth Woodfin saw the storm coming, and fled Hurricane Katrina's wrath as it aspproached New Orleans in August of 2005. After the storm, he and his family relocated to Atlanta, GA and the entrepreneurial 20-something started a new business venture: selling New Orleans-style snowballs at a small stand located in the heart of Miidtown Atlanta. Snowballs are "fluffy concoctions of ice, flavoring and condensed milk. The stand is a symbol of his family's new and more prosperous life in their new home of Atlanta, a city which he now loves after taking some time to get used to.
Woodfin and his family are an example of turning seeming tragedy and hopelessness around by using the can-do spirit and entrepreneurial opportunities that American freedom allows everyone the opportunity to afford, if they only have the will and work ethic to do it themselves by using their positive spirit, education and intellect.
About Orleagian Snowballs, LLC: Opening for 2007 season: April 1, 2007
Orleagian Snowballs emerged as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The summer of 2006 we operated our pilot location near the corner of Piedmont Ave & Monroe Blvd in Midtown Atlanta. The New York Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Fox 5 Atlanta recognized us as a "Katrina" success story, which introduced our frozen novelty to all of Metro Atlanta and the nation respectively. An Orleagian Snowball is an addictive frozen dessert that consists of tightly packed snow drenched with choices or combinations of up to 30 handmade flavored syrups. Contact Kenneth: orleagiansnowballs@gmail.com LWSTS™ #5, 03-01-2007
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity- Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical housing ministry that helps low-income Atlanta families achieve the American dream of homeownership. They do not give homes away for free, but are an example of a work-based program that helps people to earn their new homes. Homebuyers complete a "sweat equity" requirement in addition to paying for their homes, working side-by-side with sponsors and volunteers to help build their own and other Atlanta Habitat homes. These homes are sold to homebuyer families through no-profit, no-interest loans.
Christopher, presenting a check to Atlanta Habitat
for Humanity Dir. of Development Amy Macklin
Atlanta Habitat is a movement of concerned and motivated citizens from all walks of life coming together to make a difference in the City of Atlanta. They also engage the efforts of approximately 15,000 volunteers annually to raise funds, build homes, qualify homeowner applicants, provide administrative support, and much more.
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity partners with low-income working families, sponsors and communities to build affordable quality homes and to provide support services that promote successful home purchase and ownership.
Through house sponsorship, individual donations, and volunteer time, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity helps to build quality, affordable and attractive houses. It is one of approximately 1,700 local affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International. Each local affiliate works to serve its specific community—all support from our sponsors, donors and volunteers directly benefits the local Atlanta community.
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity works with communities, residents or organizations where they build to identify potential homebuyers. Through outreach sessions and informational meetings, prospective homebuyers learn what is required to qualify for the Atlanta Habitat program: steady income, good credit and a need for better housing.
http://www.atlanta-habitat.org LWSTS™ #5, 03-01-2007
Shawn Ellen LaGrua- GA Inspector General & Former DeKalb County, GA Solicitor-General
●named 2006 Solicitor General of the Year by the Association of Georgia Solicitors General
Shawn Ellen LaGrua was sworn in as the Solicitor General of DeKalb County in 2004, following her appointment by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. For 17 years prior, she worked as an assistant district attorney in three different judicial circuits in Georgia, and as a staff attorney for the Prosecuting Attorney's Council.
As DeKalb's Solicitor General, LaGrua has strengthened existing programs such as the Domestic Violence Unit, the Truancy Intervention Project and the Elder Abuse Unit. She has also developed new programs including the DeKalb County Animal Cruelty Initiative and the DUI Court.
Education and Truancy: When the DeKalb County Police Department started cracking down on students playing hooky, something interesting happened: Burglaries went on the decline.
In March of 2006, police officers in DeKalb's south precinct issued 82 citations for truancy or related activities to middle school and elementary school students. During that same period, burglaries decreased 35 percent compared to the previous month. In the county's east precinct in March, officers issued 56 truancy citations, and burglaries decreased 25 percent during that time.
DeKalb Solicitor General Shawn Ellen LaGrua says she believes the police department's crackdown on truancy and the county's decrease in burglaries are linked. And she says the new initiative is just one part of DeKalb's plan to combat truancy.
LaGrua's office now requires that if a child misses more than 10 days of school, his or her parents have to sign a contract with the county promising to make sure the child shows up for class.
"We're actually going to be holding parents accountable for their children not being in school," LaGrua says.
If parents break the contract, they can be arrested and charged with educational neglect, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100 and 30 days in jail. LaGrua says that even if parents refuse to sign the contract, they can be issued a citation for educational neglect.
For more information on the Truancy Intervention Project : 
Johnny Dunning, Jr. MARTA Manager of Regional Planning & Analysis
As an integral part of MARTA's planning team, Dunning has primary responsibility for oversight of expansion studies, including participation in Beltline issues, and Regional Transportation Planning. LWSTS™ #1, 11-02-2006http://www.dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org/truancy.php LaGrua holds a J.D. degree from Georgia State University in 1987, and an A.B. from the University of Georgia in 1984.
LWSTS™ #3, 01-04-2007
Reginald Bohannon- Author "Coming Out of the Republican Closet-Coming to Terms with Being Black, Patriotic and Conservative"
Reginald Bohannon is part of a growing trend finally beginning to take hold in America. He is black, but he is also a black Republican, raised in a culture in which 90-95% of the ethnic group which he belongs to is Democrat, and in a family with a politically active Democrat mother. He has chosen to actively turn away from the institutionalized slavery of dead-end social welfare programs that continue to hold people down, and away from the destruction represented in much of the "urban" culture that has turned people away from trying to be their best. And he wants everyone to know about it and why.
"Bohannon grew up in North Carolina. After joining the US Air Force, he rose through the ranks and earned an assignment to the Air Force One Presidential Wing under former US President Ronald Reagan. After returning to civilian life, Bohannon became dissatisfied with the Democratic Party in America and he began to do research on both major political parties, eventually discovering that he was a conservative. Even for those who don't care to switch parties, see what Bohannon has to say about both parties, particularly the party of minorities-the Democratic Party." LWSTS™ #3, 01-04-2007
Ruby's Dream A modern American story about the Dream of family, self-sufficieny and the end of reliance on government and taxpayers footing the bill for the resultant problems encouraged by an out-of-control social culture.
The only thing that really matters is solving the problems our society faces. Good ideas are good ideas no matter where they come from. If it isn’t working then change must happen lest there be waste. We can’t continue to throw away people generation after generation, nor should we enable their bad decisions and attitudes by encouraging them to continue. We must work to find ways to help that "teach people how to fish for themselves" rather than falling into enless reliance on failed government programs that institutionalize poverty and despair, much like slavery.
Ruby’s story “has it all” as far as following down the road of bad recommendations our “live fast die young and don’t worry about tomorrow” culture feeds us through destructive media, tv, and “music.” But Ruby’s Dream has a real and workable solution to these problems that can set an example of how to go about undoing four generations of damage in order to prevent condemning another generation to the same heartache and disappointment. And from a purely economic standpoint, that is less expensive for society than letting things continue the way they are with the failed programs of the 'great society' experiment.
Ruby can turn her life and her family’s life around substantially by using an ownership approach to go along with the work ethic she has learned the hard way, and remove herself from the rolls of the working poor to finally achieve her dream of true stability and self sufficiency for her and her entire family. And it can be done without government social programs, but with a voluntary attitude, some free-market tools that will help her maximize her independence and ability to keep from falling back, and the opportunity provided by a few folks who still believe in America and the American Dream.
We have helped her begin by giving her tools and a pathway to achieve her dream- to own her own cleaning business and be self-supportive. We have donated webspace, designed a storefront, printed promotional materials and flyers, and helped to publicize her dream through this and other sites. We have shown her how through utilizing a Health Savings Account, she can once and for all break free of the shackles of dependency on government indentured servitude and low-paying employers who hold the carroty of a few benefits out to keep her from leaving or advancing in life. We have encouraged her to explore later finishing high school herself even at this late date after she stabilizes her situation with the family that lives with her, including four grandchildren who are at risk of repeating the same pattern again in a neighborhood where the dealers and players are already salivating at her grandchildren and encouraging them to drop out of school and join the 'fast life'.
Now it is up to her to take advantage of the tools that have been given. It will not be easy, and it will take perseverance and trust on her and other's parts.
Ruby and her family have learned the hard way that the "hip-hop" lifestyle leads to family and financial ruin in America, and after being among the working poor and bouncing from one failed government program of broken promises to another for many years, she longs to try another way.
Can we give her a chance to redeem her dream in this land of opportunity? Our solution may not be perfect, but nothing can change in Ruby's family's life unless we first change the idea that she is helpless and doomed to always be bouncing between being a ward of the state at the mercy of failed government programs and/or among the working poor.
We will continue to advise and encourage her and her family and will periodically update her journey and the idea of pulling people back from the brink one at a time and preserving the future for the next generation of families. You can help make a difference by giving her nothing more than the chance to work. She has references available. If you have a better idea we'd love to hear it. 30 years of failed government programs and following the rap andf hip-hop lifestyle have not been the answer. For more info on Ruby's Dream Cleaning and Contact click here. LWSTS™ #1, 11-02-2006
Dave Sloan Author & Speaker on Dating & Relationships
Dave Sloan writes and speaks across the country on "GOD OF DESIRE: From Dating to Courtship to Paradise." Dave has appeared on many radio and television programs, including CNN News and EWTN's Life on the Rock. His Twelve Principle Program shows how to begin every relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ who can discover the wonder of one another without fear while growing ever closer to the God of Desire. To take a test for a License To Date or for more information on Dave's program, seminars and background, visit www.godofdesire.com LWSTS™ #4, 02-01-2007
Christopher, presenting a check to TreesAtlanta Christopher, planting with
Executive Director Marcia Bansley and Susan Pierce TreesAtlanta, January 2007
Trees Atlanta/Susan Pierce (Neighborwoods Coordinator)
Protecting and improving our urban environment by planting and conserving trees.
Trees Atlanta is a non-profit citizens' group dedicated to protecting and improving our urban environment by planting and conserving trees. In addition, they also educate the public about the value of trees and are involved in tree issues in the entire metropolitan Atlanta area.
Trees Atlanta was founded nineteen years ago by Central Atlanta Progress (the downtown business leaders association), the Atlanta Commissioner of Parks, and the Junior League to address downtown's lack of green space. Compared with other important cities like New York, Chicago, Paris and London, Atlanta's Central Business District was strangely lacking in street trees even though the metropolitan area is recognized by the Forest Service as "the most heavily forested urban area in the country".
Volunteers are a vital part of Trees Atlanta. Over 1500 people actively participate in our program. Many volunteer their professional skills -- landscape architects, public relations experts, contractors, photojournalists, printers, graphic artists, computer experts, and lawyers. Tree Planting Volunteers plant 6-10-foot tall hardwoods in weekend projects throughout the city and educate the public about the value of trees. Trees Atlanta is an independent non-profit citizens group that works closely with all departments of city government in coordinating projects. LWSTS™ #4, 02-01-2007
Thomas Tulis Original visual artist and photographer
A longtime Atlanta resident and artist, Tulis has been observing our community and recording it with his unique eye and visual style. With artworks ranging from 40 foot long mural art to smaller canvas and photography, Tulis offers keen insight into the inner soul of his subjects. LWSTS™ #1, 11-02-2006
David R. White- Artistic Director and Conductor-The Atlanta Boy Choir
“The mission of the Atlanta Boy Choir is to achieve the highest possible standard of musical excellence, while instilling in its members a life-long appreciation of music; an abiding love of beauty; a keen sense of respect for themselves and others; and the self-discipline necessary to become effective leaders in their families, their communities, and the world.”
For almost 50 years the Atlanta Boy Choir has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as one of the finest Boy Choirs in the world. Under the baton of Artistic Director and Conductor, David R. White the Choir is committed to performing the great choral masterworks and providing a professional atmosphere focused on the educational and cultural development of each choir member.
Mr. White took the helm of the Atlanta Boy Choir as Artistic Director and Conductor in 2001. Prior to that he was Music Director of Florida’s Singing Sons Boychoir in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1994 he founded the Boy Choir of the Carolinas in Greenville, South Carolina. He has also served as conductor of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Director of Music at the Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville. There, he founded an annual Summer Music Camp for children and adults. Under his direction, choirs have participated in numerous festivals throughout the world including the Prague International Choral Festival, the Pacific International Children’s Choir Festival, and the Choral Olympics in Linz, Austria where he and the Florida’s Singing Sons Boychoir were awarded a Silver Medal.
In addition to conducting, Mr. White has been a featured soloist with numerous choral organizations and orchestras throughout the Southeast. He was a member of Robert Shaw’s Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus from 1987 – 1990. Mr. White is active as a lecturer, adjudicator, and conductor for choral and vocal competitions, workshops, and festivals. He has been a frequent participant in conducting seminars taught by such luminaries as Robert Shaw, Sir David Willcocks, James Litton, Donald Neuen, and Anton Armstrong. Mr. White holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Georgia College.
The Atlanta Boy Choir was incorporated in 1957 under the direction of Fletcher Wolfe who remained at the helm for 43 years. Since its inception, thousands of boys representing various economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds have gained cultural and educational enrichment by preparing and presenting great music to audiences throughout the world. Over the years the Choir has appeared before presidents, popes, foreign dignitaries, crowned heads of state, U.S. soldiers, and millions of other delighted listeners in England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Russia, Mexico, and the United States.
The diversity of the choir’s membership is equally matched by its broad repertoire ranging from the early liturgical composers such as Palestrina and Monteverdi to contemporary masterworks by Britten and Penderecki. The Atlanta Boy Choir won a Grammy Award in 1989 for its performance of Britten’s War Requiem with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the late Robert Shaw. The Choir has also commissioned numerous original works, and has been featured on television, radio, and in solos and backups on numerous recordings. LWSTS™ #2, 12-05-2006