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MAKING HISTORY DeKalb resident named FAMU’s first female drum major By Valerie J. Morgan
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ori Renee Bostic, a Southwest DeKalb High School alumna (2016), has made history as the first female drum major in the 72-year legacy of Florida A&M University. Bostic, a junior who is a broadcast journalism and honors major, was named among the three newest drum majors of the university’s world-renowned “Marching 100 Band.” FAMU Director of Bands Shelby Chipman, Ph.D., announced the other two new drum majors: Marquel Bowen, a public relations scholar, and Joshua Honore, a music education scholar, both of whom are from Miami Gardens, Florida. “Our band leaders represent the diversity, dedication and academic prowess of our band scholars,” Chipman told FAMU’s campus newspaper. “We are excited about the opportunity to electrify Rattler
fans/supporters near and far, as we also prepare to march in the January 1, 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.” Lenise Bostic said she and her husband, Cory Bostic, were ecstatic to learn of their daughter’s leadership appointment in FAMU’s Marching 100. “We have received so many calls,” said Lenise Bostic. Everyone is so invigorated by her appointment. It is such an inspiring story. To have something like this come to life is the best thing that could happen for any parent on earth.” Lenise Bostic said her daughter tried out for drum major last year, but wasn’t selected. “She learned from that experience and went to work. They told her that she needed more upperbody strength and she got a personal trainer and worked out,” Lenise Bostic said. Cori Bostic, who plays piccolo and oboe, hails from a family of eight kids, all of whom are musicians. Bostic’s mother, a
Cori Renee Bostic, center, poses with her parents at FAMU Homecoming game. Photo via Facebook
principal with the Atlanta Public School System, plays piccolo and her father, who is band director at Lithonia Middle School, plays trumpet. Both parents played in FAMU’s Marching 100 Band. Lenise Bostic credits James Sada, band director at Southwest DeKalb High School, and Steven Cooper, who was assistant band director when her daughter was there, for molding Cori and preparing her for FAMU. Both, Sada and Copper, played in FAMU’s Marching 100 Band, Lenise Bostic said. “Cori won band and academic scholarships to FAMU. She played
piccolo in the marching band and oboe in the wind symphonic band. We have to give a lot of credit to her band directors at Southwest DeKalb High School for encouraging her,” Lenise Bostic said. In addition to her musical pursuits, Cori Bostic played basketball at Southwest DeKalb, where served as team captain and won two championship games, her mother said. Cori played basketball during her freshman year at FAMU as well. “She just crossed Delta Sigma Theta. She is also a member of Tau Beta Sigma, national honorary band sorority,” Lenise Bostic said.
Land cleared for Rockdale Technology Park By Valerie J. Morgan
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onstruction crews are clearing a 92-acre tract for a 1 million-squarefoot technology park that will be built along Dogwood Drive on the northern side of I-20 in Rockdale County. Ackerman & Co. of Atlanta is developing the Rockdale Technology Park. The $50 million project will include four buildings that will be suitable for manufacturers, distribution/warehouse industries, administrative offices, recycling companies and others, said Marty Jones, executive director of the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council. “This is an absolutely good fit for Rockdale County,” Jones said. “It is going to bring industries and jobs. Ackerman is a top-notch real estate development company. They have a pipeline of potential customers to fill these spaces. Their marketing ability is unsurpassed.” Jones said construction crews are expected to break ground by late September or early October on the first building. The 135,000-squarefoot building is expected to be completed by March 2019, followed by a 185,000-square-foot building. A third building will encompass 135,000 square feet and the fourth
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
building will encompass 550,000 square foot. Jones said the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council has been working with Ackerman to bring the project to fruition. “They(Ackerman) started talking with owners about buying the property about 15 months ago. We worked with Rockdale County
government to make sure the permitting got done,” said Jones. Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman said at a recent BOC meeting that he was pleased Ackerman chose Rockdale, saying he is excited about the potential jobs that would come to the county as a result of the development.
Jones said he expects there will be some 500 jobs “across the whole spectrum” from the development. “I think that most of the jobs will be filled by locals—people who live in Rockdale and 20 to 30 minutes away. I think that we have the talent to fill blue collar and white collar jobs that industries in the new park will need,” Jones said.
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Rockdale detention officer arrested for distributing cocaine to inmates Ezra Tyron Black, a detention deputy with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release this evening (July 31). Black was arrested on July 26 around 9 p.m. He was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; crossing of guard lines with drugs; violation of oath of office; and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, officials said. Ezra Tyron Black The Special Investigation Unit received information that inmates had items in their possession that were not permitted. SIU conducted an undercover investigation and found narcotics were being distributed by Black. The case is still under investigation and more information will be provided as it comes available.
DeKalb murder suspects captured in Tallahassee, FL A Lithonia man is awaiting extradition to the DeKalb County Jail following his arrest on July 27 in Tallahassee, Florida on a warrant for felony murder, the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office said today. Rondriques Brundage, 32, is charged with the shooting death of Rodrell Matthews on July 9. The warrant alleges that Brundage shot Matthews at the front door of 6676 Chupp Road in Lithonia, causing his death. Caroline Alicia Davis, 23, of Decatur also was arrested in connection with Matthews’ death. Davis was charged with concealing a death and tampering with evidence. The warrants alleged that on the day of the shooting, Davis attempted to conceal Matthews' death and tampered with evidence by knowingly destroying or altering evidence at the scene. Brundage and Davis fled the state and were located at a motel by authorities in Tallahassee, Florida. The U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Task Force (FCRFTF), Leon County Sheriff's Office/Air Support and the Tallahassee Police Department arrested the suspects. The suspects were taken into custody at the Leon County Jail and are being held pending extradition to Georgia.
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AUGUST 4, 2018 • PAGE 3
DeKalb Board of Commissioners approves resolution prohibiting binding arbitration PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed a landmark ordinance that prohibits forced arbitration clauses in agreements between prime and subcontractors doing business with DeKalb County. Prior to the passage of the legislation, prime
contractors were able to use their unequal bargaining power to force small businesses to sign away their right to pursue a claim in a court of law if a dispute arose. “This legislation levels the playing field between prime and subcontractors
and helps ensure that small businesses doing business with DeKalb County are treated fairly. A small business should not be forced to give up its right to a jury trial in order to work for DeKalb County,” said District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who
DeKalb Utility Customer Operations Center upgrades call system DeKalb County’s Utility Customer Operations Center has updated its phone and customer service system to include call back capabilities beginning Aug. 6 with a “First In Line” system by Swampfox Technology. The “First In Line” system allows customers to receive a call back once an agent is available, holding their place in line, if an extended wait time occurs. “This new service will keep customers from being
on hold for extended periods during peak call times,” said Antrameka Knight, interim assistant director of the Finance Department. “We will call customers back once they have reached the front of the line.” DeKalb customers also will be given the option to remain on hold once an agent is available. The callback option can be received on a home, business or mobile number. For more information, customers are encouraged to call 404-378-4475.
Jesse Cunningham Foundation to host backpack giveaways The Jesse “Jay” Cunningham Foundation, in Partnership with Ark Of the Covenant Fellowship Center and Foresters Financial, will host a Back-to-School backpack giveaway on Aug. 18, 6 to 7 p.m., at the church, 568 Ladonna Drive, Decatur. The foundation was set up in memory for Jesse Jay Cunningham, who formerly served as a DeKalb County School Board member. Cunningham died on April 6 after health complications. Organizers said backpacks will be given while supplies last.
sponsored the ordinance. “I am proud to have passed this precedentsetting, first-of-its-kind local legislation, and I hope similar ordinances are adopted nationwide, because small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy,” Johnson said.
Mereda Davis Johnson
Glendale Drive Road Closure Begins Aug. 7 On Tuesday, Aug. 7, a portion of Glendale Drive, near the intersection of McAfee Road, will be closed to two-way traffic to facilitate the installation of a new water distribution main. Glendale Drive will reopen by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10. The repairs are part of the Glendale Drive Water Main Replacement Project. Detour and road closure signs will be placed in the area advising motorists about construction work and local traffic restrictions. MARTA buses will be rerouted around the construction zone. Please check the MARTA bus schedule to locate pickup and dropoff locations along the detour route. Motorists are encouraged to plan for traffic delays. For more information, visit www.dekalbwatershed.com, call the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management Project Information Line at 800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
Rep. Kendrick to host Back-to-School Supply Drive in celebration of her birthday
State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), in partnership with the Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program, will host the Back-to-School Supply Drive in celebration of her 36th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 25, 3 to 5 p.m., at Canaan Land Church International, 3755 Centerville Highway, Snellville. Attendees are encouraged to donate school State Rep. supplies or $36, and all school supplies and proceeds will benefit students at Partee Elementary School in Dar’shun Kendrick Snellville. Snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy and other items will be available for purchase at the event. To download a list of needed school supplies or to register for the event, go to eventbrite (Rep. Kendrick’s back-to-school drive).
Cultural Exchange Breakfast set Aug. 11 The Cultural Exchange Breakfast, hosted by Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vicki Turner, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m., at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (House of Hope), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The meeting will feature newly-elected officials serving South DeKalb and nominees Rob Turner for the upcoming General Election. There also will be an update from DeKalb County Schools. For more information, email: thedekalbexchange@gmail.com.
Vickie B. Turner
Select DeKalb pools open until Sept. 3 DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs announces that most county pools will close on Aug. 5. From Aug. 11 through Sept. 3, the following select pools will be open on a modified schedule.
• Browns Mill Family Aquatic Facility, 4929 Browns Mill Rd., Lithonia, GA 30038 Hours: Saturday’s, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday’s, 1 to 7 p.m.
• Exchange Splash Pad, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 Hours: Saturday’s, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday’s, noon to 7 p.m.
• Gresham Park, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 Hours: Saturday’s, noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday’s, 1 to 6 p.m.
• Lithonia Park, 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia, GA 30058 Hours: Saturday’s, noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday’s, 1 to 6 p.m.
• Midway Park, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, GA 30032 Hours: Saturday’s, noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday’s, 1 to 6 p.m.
• Medlock Park, 874 Gaylemont Circle, Decatur, GA 30033 Hours: Saturday’s noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday’s, 1 to 6 p.m.
For more information, contact the DeKalb County aquatics office at 770414-2119.
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Congressman Johnson calls for entries to the Black Caucus’ ALC Short Film Festival Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia’s Fourth District, announced that the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference held in September will including a short film festival competition around the theme: “The Dream Still Demands,” which is also the theme of the larger conference. “Whether that image invokes visions of Langston
Hughes’ “Dream Deferred” or Martin Luther King Jr’s prolific words reverberating down the Lincoln Memorial, we are confident this theme will inspire unique and relevant commentary on our world today,” said Johnson. Johnson serves as Chair of the Congressional Caucus for the Advancement of Studio, Talent, (CAST) and Film Diversity. As Chair, hw has facilitated
conversations with industry professionals, filmmakers, directors, and artists to promote inclusion of minorities in film and television — an extremely important industry in his home state of Georgia. This year, Congressman Johnson wanted to continue discussing important improvements in representation across film and television, while giving a platform to independent
Rockdale Youth Leadership seeks aspiring leaders
The Rockdale Youth Leadership (RYL) program is now accepting applications until Sept. 6 from high school sophomores aspiring to leadership with a passion for serving the community. The eight-month program, a collaboration of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and Rockdale County Public Schools, provides leadership development and community awareness training for 10th grade students in Rockdale County. For applications, go to www.rockdaleschools.org/ryl Aspiring youth leaders will have the opportunity during the program to interact with community leaders, local elected officials, and school administrators to enhance their awareness of community needs and resources. Through interactive workshops, special tours, and community service projects, RYL participants will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become confident, caring leaders in their community and respective schools. Participating students must be nominated by another student, parent, teacher, counselor, administrator, or by themselves to participate in this year’s program. Students must complete the application and have the reference forms completed by a counselor and a coach, teacher, or administrator at their school. Students must meet the following criteria: • Demonstrate leadership potential (school/community). • Minimum 2.5 GPA. • Student in good standing with clear attendance and behavior records. (High school attendance and discipline reports are reviewed). • Willing to participate in community service activities. • Willing to participate in all sessions after school including some Saturdays. • Willing to pursue a school leadership role following participation in the program. • Complete the application in its entirety. The RYL application deadline is Thursday, September 6, 2018. For applications, please go to www.rockdaleschools.org/ryl Applications may be submitted electronically to DJ Youngblood at dyoungblood@rockdale.k12.ga.us or as a hard copy to DJ Youngblood, Rockdale County High School Room 604, 1174 Bulldog Circle, Conyers, Georgia 30012. Hard copies must be received by Sept. 6, 2018.
Stonecrest Friends to host “Super Book Sale” The Friends group of the Stonecrest Library will host a “Super Book Sale” on Saturday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. Books for sale are in all categories: fiction/ non-fiction, crafts, textbooks, romance, magazines, encyclopedias, books on tape/CD, DVDs and VHS. For more information about the book sale, call 404-482-3828.
PET OF THE Week
LifeLine Animal Project’s DeKalb County Animal Services Pet of the Week is Betsy. This 10-month-old puppy just loves to cuddle and cannot wait to snuggle with you! Betsy is a beautiful girl with enchanting eyes, and since she is a petite 35 lbs., she would do well in any size home! This girl loves everyone she meets, and she is the perfect combination of cuddle bug, play time expert, and sidekick superstar! Come fall in love with her today at DeKalb County Animal Services today to find out by dropping by the shelter at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, emailing adoptions@ dekalbanimalservices.com or calling 404-294-2165.
artists to share their work and their stories. Artists have until Aug. 17 to submit their short film — 15 minutes or less — for consideration for the festival. First, second the third place will be awarded. For more information , e-mail: alcshortfilmfestival@ gmail.com. All entries must be original work and not been submitted in other competitions.
Congressman Hank Johnson
DeKalb History Center, Flat Rock Archives to host reception for new exhibit The DeKalb History Center and the Flat Rock Archives will host an evening reception on Aug. 24, 7 - 8:30 p.m., at the DeKalb Historic Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur, to announce the opening of an exhibit dedicated to the historic Flat Rock Community – one of the oldest African American communities in DeKalb County. The Flat Rock exhibit will replace “Tears and Curses: a Human Look at the Civil War” and will officially launch in February 2019. The Flat Rock Archives was cofounded in 2006 by Johnny Waits, the late Rev. T.A. Bryant, Jr., and Vera Whitaker and is the only African American archival facility in DeKalb County. Nestled within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, a proud partnership between the Archives and the Heritage Area has been ongoing since the Archives was founded. The location of the Archives is situated on the T.A. Bryant, Sr., Homestead which was built in 1917 and includes a barn, smokehouse, and outhouse. Preservation efforts to maintain this
unique treasure have gained local and national recognition through numerous awards. Also, in 2006, the documentary series African American Lives featuring Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., featured the Flat Rock Archives and Community when actor Chris Tucker’s ancestry was researched. The reception will include wine, light refreshments, a live oral history with Patsy Moon, and other guest speakers. A video detailing the history of the Flat Rock Community will be featured in the “Reclaimed by Nature” Arabia Mountain exhibit. Guests will enjoy a small photo gallery preview of the coming exhibit and the opportunity to view our current exhibits. This partnership is monumentally consequential as it will explore and document, in detail, a community that has thrived as one of the oldest African American slave resettlement areas in America. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Johnny Waits at flatrockarchives@gmail.com The reception is free and open to the public.
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, AUGUST 7TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, AUGUST 20TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Land Use Petition(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING:
RZ-18-003 LDG Development 6554 Chupp Rd / 7247 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) / R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) / O-I (Office-Institutional) PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Request to change the conditions of zoning to construct 240 townhome units. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-004 Invictus Development Inc 6169 Hillvale Rd R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) Request to Special Land Use permit to construct a senior living facility.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-004 Invictus Development Inc 6169 Hillvale Rd R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) Request to change the zoning of the subject property from R-100 to MR-1 (Med Density Residential) to construct a senior living facility.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED:
AX 18-0001 Halpern Enterprises 6024 Covington Highway MU-5 (Mixed Use) / C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to annex the western portion of this parcel into the City of Stonecrest and change the zoning of the subject property from C-1 w/conditions and MU-5 to MU- 5 to build a 160 townhomes subdivision.
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AUGUST 4, 2018 • PAGE 5
State Sen. Gloria Butler to host Back to School giveaway State Sen. Gloria Butler (D – Stone Mountain) is partnering with Overcomers House Inc., 2100 Fountain Square, Suite C, Snellville, to host the 10th annual ‘Back to School Giveaway’ on Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. Children must be present to receive the giveaway items, State Sen. Gloria Butler which include back packs, school supplies and food. “It’s important to give back to the community and welcoming students back to school with the supplies they need is my favorite way to do so,” said Butler. “Teachers oftentimes spend much of their hard earned paychecks on supplies, so this event is a small way to help those men and women out by providing these students with some essentials. I am thankful that Overcomers House has been partnering with me for the past 10 years and we look forward to a successful event this weekend!” Overcomers House, Inc. is an organization that aims to ensure that children receive the supplies they need to be successful when they return to school. The event will supply the first 200 children in attendance with backpacks and school supplies. For more information, call 678-615-7714 or email: info@ myovercomer.com.
DeKalb County Marshal’s Office deploys Opioid antidote to deputies DeKalb County Marshal’s Office deputies are now equipped with lifesaving antidotes for opiate overdose victims. In a fast-growing response to the resurgence of prescription drug and heroine abuse, the use of Narcan often is the critical difference of survival for the overdose victim. Narcan kits contain nasal syringes prefilled with naloxone, which blocks or reverses the effects of opioids. DeKalb Marshal’s Office deputies are now trained to recognize and administer the drug into the nasal passages of the patient when overdose is suspected. The drug’s action immediately begins to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose. “By having our deputies equipped with this lifesaving drug, we not only can save the life of an affected member of the public, but save the lives of law enforcement who may accidently get exposed to these substances,” Marshal Richard Berkowitz said.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
VOF honors four of its high school graduates
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our high school graduates will start their freshman year with scholarships provided by the Voices of Faith Church’s 50+ Ministry. Each student received a $500 scholarship from the seniors’ ministry, which held fundraisers to provide the awards. Voices of Faith, which has a campus in Conyers and Stone Mountain, is under the leadership of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. The following students were selected after completing an application and essay: Kayla Beal (Daughters of Faith & the Youth Ministry) Parent: Naomi Beal Alcovy High School Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, Georgia Major: Nursing, Minor: Nutrition “I aspire to be a successful and renowned pediatrician achieving this through Faith, Prayer and yes… to “Go Big”’
Barron Mann (MERGE Youth Ministry & the Drama Ministry) Parent: Cassandra Thornton Rockdale High School Shorter University, Rome, GA Major: Marketing, Minor: Business Admin “I aspire to be a professional Fighter as well as a Sports Agent in the UFC or NFL by using the talents God gave me in Communication and Athleticism.” Krissia Simmons (VOF Faith Angels Praise Dancer) Parents: Deacon Damian & Deaconess Trina Simmons Shiloh High School Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia Major: Early Childhood Education. Minor: African American Studies “I aspire to leave my legacy thru educating a new generation of self-driven students, study abroad, learn different languages, and educate on the
history of the world. God has implanted in me a vision and a passion in my heart to advance the future of this world, and I know that with his guidance and love, I will achieve my dream.” Christopher Smith (Courtesy Guild, Book Store Ministry) Parents: Archie and Solina Smith Brookwood High School Georgia State University, Atlanta Major: Business Administration. Minor: Spanish “I plan to GO BIG in my future career by becoming a CEO of a Fortune 500 company. I will then become an Entrepreneur, start my own Non-Profit Organization and mentoring minority students in entrepreneurship.” Elder Debra Higgins served as scholarship chairperson and Linda Williams-Sanchez is President of the VOF 50+ Ministry.
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Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
We’re taking gangs off the streets in Rockdale
By Sheriff Eric J. Levett
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angs are morphing, multiplying, migrating and entrenching themselves in our Rockdale County communities. They are selling drugs to our kids, shooting up our neighborhoods, invading our homes, robbing our banks and stores, stealing our identities, our money, and instilling fear and violence everywhere they go. Parents, I challenge you to get more involved with your children and be a positive role model and set the right example. Take a firm stand against illegal activity. Spend quality time with your child. Let him or her know that you care. Try to really listen to your child, offer praise when appropriate
and give affection. You must be a good observer of their behavior and what influences them. If the family is the source of love, guidance, and protection that youths seek, they are not forced to search for these basic needs from a gang. Gangs are primarily created to suppress one’s insecurity of their life and to gain back-up when backup is needed. A sense of belonging, acceptance and loyalty. Gangs may offer a sense of identity to their members and a way to gain attention or status. Kids who do not have strong ties to their families, communities, schools or places of worship may turn to gangs for companionship and as a substitute family. Companionship, training, excitement, and activities. Gang members, recruiters and the media glamorize the gang lifestyle. They prey on children who lack a positive support system at home. We have an alarming amount of active gang members in more than 13 gangs in the Rockdale County. Over 40% of these members are children under the age of 18, and almost a quarter are female. Gangs are highly prevalent throughout the county, and they actively recruit members as young
as 9 years old every day. We must stay vigilant to keep our children away from gangs. If your child is in a gang you will need to talk to your child but this could be a tricky conversation; they may be scared or unwilling to talk about it. It is important that they know that you want to listen and support them. It is also important to be clear that your child does have a choice even when they think they may not; they don’t have to follow the crowd. Your approach will be more effective if you: stay calm and rational, no matter how upset you are; ask questions, rather than making accusations or rash statements; listen carefully to what they say without interrupting them; really try to understand the situation from their point of view and why they have joined the gang; ask them what you can do to help, rather than telling them what they have to do; point out the risks and consequences of carrying, or worse still using a gun or a knife (remember that many people who are hurt by guns or knives have their own weapon used against them); try to come up with an agreement on what to do next; and work with them to find alternatives to
being in the gang. The Gang Task Force at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office spend countless hours putting plans in place to get violent gang members off the streets. Ray Avery, 19, Miles Griggs, 19, Brandon Mike, 18, Emmanuel Montgomery, 19, Lenny Mejias, 21, Damani Jovan Teague, 18, Olufemi E. Akporido, 18, and Aaron Huff, 18, have all been arrested on gang-related activity this year in Rockdale County. All these teens and young adults are members of gangs, with charges from robbery, aggravated assault, illegal sale of drugs and firearms to entering auto, burglary and affray. In Rockdale County, we are not going to tolerate any type of gang violence. If you come into Rockdale County and enter our cars or steal our cars, burglarize our homes, rob our businesses, sell our children drugs and illegal firearms, assault innocent people, we are going to find you.
Throughout each month, the clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge—Rockdale’s elected constitutional officers—discuss topics relevant to their respective roles
History, culture await: “2019 Memorials of World War II” trip to London and Paris
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he Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is now accepting reservations for its “2019 Memorials of World War II European Tour." The public is invited to join the Chamber on this unforgettable 10-day trip, which includes tours of London, England and Paris, France on the 75th anniversary of D-Day when Allied forces invaded northern France bringing World War II to an end. After landing in London, travelers will explore one of the cities that served as the backdrop to World War II while discovering the city’s rich cultural and historical legacy. There will be expert guides and front-row seats to some of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Parliament and the chance to experience the cuisine of London’s Borough Market. Other trip highlights include London & Paris WWII-themed city tours, Churchill War Rooms, riding the Eurostar Train, Pegasus Bridge, Caen, Arromancheles-Baines, Juno Beach, Sword Beach, Bayeux Cemetery & Memorial, Caen Memorial Peace Museum, Normandy
LEGAL
TRAINING CLASS
American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Airborne Museum, Memorial of Internment and Deportation, Reims, Musée de la Reddition, and an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower. The 10-day excursion runs March 27 – April 5, 2019 and is $4,599 per person for double occupancy or $5,599 for single occupancy. The excursion includes 12 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, roundtrip airfare from the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and all hotel transfers. The Chamber is offering the discounted trip through Collette Tours, which works with Chambers across the nation to open the door to a world of amazing destinations. You'll sample regional cuisine, stay in centrally located hotels and connect with new and captivating cultures. These itineraries offer an inspiring and easy way to experience the world, where an expert guide takes care of all the details. For more information on the “2019 Memorials of World War II European Tour," contact Stephanie Layson of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce at 770-483-7049 or email stephanie@ Conyers-rockdale.com.
CHILD CARE
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AUGUST 4, 2018 • PAGE 7
COMMUNITY ALERT: Are African-Americans allergic to their hypertension meds?
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By Viola Davis
recently forced my mother to seek medical help due to her allergic reaction to a source we could not identify. My mother approached me with an ice pack on her face and lip claiming that she had either bit her lip and/or had an insect bite. I noticed that she had massive swelling of her lip and knew that something was wrong. However, within 24 hours, the swelling had spread to include her lower face. By this time, I refused any further excuses and demanded we go to the doctor and I’m glad we did. The doctor took one look at my mother’s face and reviewed her medications and said that she was having an allergic reaction to her medications. My mother was taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors which include drugs such as lisinopril, enalapril, captopril, and fosinopril. More than 40 million people take these drugs to treat heart failure or hypertension, especially after myocardial infarction. These drugs are also given for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal
disease, or recurrent stroke. The most common adverse reactions to ACE inhibitors are a cough, hypertension, and dizziness. My mother’s primary doctor explained that the adverse reaction she experienced to her medication is called angioedema. This is localized skin swelling resulting from the release of inflammatory mediators. Apparently, AfricanAmericans are at greater risk of experiencing angioedema (swelling). Angioedema can develop over minutes to hours, and typically resolves in 1 to 2 days with treatment. It can also be lifethreatening, especially if it goes unrecognized and untreated. The doctor we visited for this emergency was my mother’s primary doctor and she changed my mother’s hypertensive meds and ordered medication to treat the allergic reaction. The doctor went over some of the most common signs and symptoms of angioedema to include shortness of breath, lip and tongue swelling, and laryngeal edema. In more severe cases, patients had swelling of the lips, tongue, posterior pharynx, and eyes. The doctor warned that this reaction is known to cause swelling so bad that a person is unable to breathe. The
true danger happens when people simply write the reaction off as an allergy to food, drugs, latex, and insect stings or bites. These reasons delay treatment from the healthcare provider. If you suspect angioedema, obtain a thorough medical history (including medication history). Be sure to document a description of the edema and its pattern, noting its first appearance and associated signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath, lip and tongue swelling, etc. ACE inhibitor-related angioedema (swelling) usually arises shortly after drug therapy begins, but in some cases, it’s delayed for months or even years. To tell the
truth, my mother had taken this medication for years without any reactions. After this experience, I decided to write this article and warn the people. I scheduled an appointment with my doctor to change my blood pressure medication because I have many of the same allergies as my mother. I was also on an ACEinhibitor. Viola Davis is a critical care nurse with over 20+ years’ experience. She and her mother are founders of Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter. She is also State Representative-Elect for House District 87.
On Common Ground News Marketplace PIZZA
RESTAURANT
PART TIME JOB Looking for a PT job? Kenley’s Catering and Sandwich Shop is hiring concession stand workers for the football season. Positions available in DeKalb County at Godfrey Stadium (Panthersville) and Adams Stadium. There will be a hiring event for on Aug. 12, 2 p.m., at Godfrey Stadium, 2817 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur. We will be hiring on the spot for both stadiums. No experience necessary. Two forms of I.D. required: Bring a photo I.D. and Social Security card. For more information, call 404-217-2455.
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