FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 20
JULY 7, 2018
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Stonecrest Mayor steps up crackdown on illegal house parties By Valerie J. Morgan
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tonecrest Mayor Jason Lary says the city is increasing its efforts to crack down on illegal house parties in the city. Lary said the crackdown is in response to the growing number of complaints from community residents who say the parties at vacation rental properties have become a nuisance. “In an effort to crack down on all of the illegal house parties that have been taking place here in Stonecrest, I have ordered our Code Enforcement Manager, Al Ferrell, along with his entire staff, to identify and shut down these events before they begin,” Lary said. “District 4 Councilman George Turner and I have heard you loud and clear to put these illegal gatherings at the top of our community
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary
Stonecrest resident Brenda Herman speaks at July 3 city council meeting. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
list. They are unsafe, out of compliance, and a traffic and noise nightmare for the residences in that neighborhood, and adjoining properties.” Stonecrest Communications Director Adrion Bell said an event that was being promoted preFourth of July weekend at a house in Sandstone Shores, (Mansion Pool Party), was canceled after City staff members, and DeKalb County Police Department met with the tenant of the house, as well
as the individual promoting the party. “Both individuals have been cited by Code Enforcement for promoting a commercial activity in a residential area without the proper permits or licenses. Representatives from DCPD further reiterated the numerous State violations that would be imposed, if the party were to occur, Bell said. Bell said the promoter canceled the event and said he would update all of his social media outlets to notify
everyone that the event was canceled. “Our Code Enforcement staff and DCPD will continue to monitor this issue. Our city team has been doing a great job in identifying these “Party House” locations and working with the property owners to bring an end to these activities,” Mayor Lary said. “This will stop and it will stop now.” Brenda Herman, a resident at the Parks at Stonecrest, complained at the July 3 City Council meeting that it’s been a slow process to get the parties stopped. “The time that it takes this process to work is extremely slow,” said Herman, who told the council that she has been complaining about a vacation rental property in her community since she moved into the community in October 2017. “As homeowners, we
have to live amongst the blatant violations that this homeowner/investor is causing upon our community… It seems to me that the violators are given so many opportunities to right their wrongs when they have no intentions of rightness from the very beginning,” Herman said . “How do we prevent people from purchasing homes solely for the purpose of renting them out year-long?” Herman asked the council. City officials say that as they work with DeKalb County police and code enforcement officials, they are working on putting more teeth into ordinances regulating vacation rentals. The city’s Planning Commission will discuss vacation rentals at its upcoming meeting. The Planning Commission meets July 10, 6 p.m., at City Hall.
L-R: Tabitha’s House Executive Director Margie Gill, City of Lithonia Mayor Deborah A. Jackson, DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, Xeron Pledger and Demetrius Pinkett.
Commissioner Mereda Johnson, Mayor Jackson host Old School/New School Fish Fry
DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and City of Lithonia Mayor Deborah A. Jackson held their Third Annual Old School/New School Fish Fry & Block Party on June 30 at Lithonia Amphitheater. There were health screenings, a petting zoo and a variety of vendors. The crowd was also entertained with dance performances by Lou Walker Dancers, Smooth Sophisticated Gents and Beulah Boys. Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson of the Be Someone mentoring program provided one-on-one training on how to get in the game.” Photos by Travis Hudgons
DeKalb State Court now offering online ticket notification system Motorists receiving a traffic citation in unincorporated DeKalb County now can sign up to receive text and email notifications of fines and upcoming court dates. The system also will send notifications if a court date in the Traffic Division of DeKalb County State Court is missed, and inform the motorist of an option to immediately correct their default with the court before sanctions are imposed. Drivers can access the court’s notification system using smartphones, tablets or computers. They can also research how much they may owe in fines and costs. Anyone can opt-in to this program
at www.courtinnovations.com/ GADCSC. “People expect more today from the courts, and our new 24/7 online ticket notification system is delivering on our promise of fair and efficient justice,” Presiding Judge Shondeana Morris said. “Now motorists can feel at ease that the court is being proactive by reminding them of details about their case, any fines and costs owed, and important due dates.” The service, Matterhorn by Court Innovations integrated with Benchmark by Pioneer, allows individuals to search online for their citations, and opt-in to receive
notifications and reminders via text messages and email. After opting-in, motorists will receive electronic messages on their case status. DeKalb’s judicial system is taking a big step forward by adopting this technology,” said Chief Judge Wayne Purdom. “Research shows that when courts adopt new technology like opt-in text messaging, the time for a case to be resolved drops dramatically, and customer satisfaction with the courts improves significantly. Further, this helps us have the punishment fit the actual crime, and not add to the burden because of citizen oversight
or poor scheduling habits.” With this enhanced functionality, the court will be able to handle many types of high-volume infractions completely online, saving time and money for the public and the court. Rather than limiting judicial or law enforcement discretion, this technology enhancement will give decision-makers the ability to resolve cases more equitably and rapidly. Its round-the-clock access and education component also empowers defendants to work with the court to resolve minor violations informally and conveniently.
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North Goddard Road detour extended to Aug. 31 North Goddard Road, between Rockland and Klondike Roads, will remain closed intermittently to through-traffic until Friday, Aug. 31. The county is replacing a sewer main and traffic will continue to be detoured onto Klondike and Rockland Roads. Lane closure signs will be in the area alerting motorists and residents about construction work and local traffic restrictions. For more information, visit the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) website at www.dekalbwatershed.com, call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.
PET OF THE Week
LifeLine Animal Project wants to add a little Bliss to your life! Bliss is a two-year-old girl who is always calm, content and happy. She would love to serve as the Chief Couch Potato in your home, or would also enjoy being your car copilot. Bliss also enjoys going on walks, and she gets along well with other dogs. Want Bliss to help balance your life with her Zen energy and sweet kisses? Come meet her today at LifeLine’s DeKalb County Animal Services shelter by dropping by the shelter at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, emailing adoptions@dekalbanimalservices.com or calling (404) 294-2165.
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JULY 7, 2018 • PAGE 3
City of Stonecrest gives summer interns up-close look at government
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
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tonecrest City Hall staffers are training the next generation, offering summer internships to two local college students. The intern initiative is offered through Jacob’s, a worldwide engineering company that is engaged in a public-private partnership to staff and run the city’s operations. Jacob’s recently purchased CH2M. Thirteen interns are a part of a fourcity program, which also includes the Jacob’s regional headquarters located in Sandy Springs. This summer marks the first time that the year-old city has had interns. Stonecrest has two interns who were selected by Jacob’s: Courtney McGinty, a rising sophomore at East Georgia State College and Kolby Terrelonge, a rising junior at Georgia State University. “My experience so far at the city of Stonecrest has been great. I have learned a lot about the various departments. I am really excited about learning more and even offering some of my expertise,” said Terrelonge, a finance major. McGinty and Terrelonge are
L-R: Courtney McGinty, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and Kolby Terrelonge. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCGNews
working with each city department, gaining first-hand experience on everything from building permits and land development to code enforcement. Weekly “Intern Days” are held at various sites so that the participants can share their experiences and knowledge.
HELP WANTED Kenley’s Catering & Restaurant
is seeking concession stand workers for Godfrey Stadium (Panthersville) and Adams Stadium. Candidates must be ages 15 and up. No experience needed. 404-523-0850.
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Conyers City Council has tentatively adopted a 2018 millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 7.37 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at the City Manager’s Office, 1184 Scott Street, Conyers, GA on July 18, 2018 at 10:00 am. . Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at the City Manager’s Office, 1184 Scott Street , Conyers, GA on July 18, 2018 at 6:30 pm. and July 27, 2018 at 12:00 pm. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 15.284 mills, an increase of 1.05 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 14.235 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $20.98 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $300,000 is approximately $125.88.
CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 17TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-003 Highland Asset-Sanpfinger LLC / Edward French 3332 Snapfinger Rd C-1 (Local Commercial) District Request to for encroachment into rear yard setback and reduction of transitional buffer for the construction Family Dollar.
“The knowledge I am gaining here will be applied to my future endeavors, whether they are in business or maybe even political, McGinty said. The cities of Johns Creek, Tucker, and Peachtree Corners are also participating in Jacob’s program.
DeKalb transitions to new vendors to provide services for county’s seniors DeKalb County has implemented a plan to continue senior services after the longtime provider, Senior Connections Inc., closed its doors on June 30. For more than 10 years, Senior Connections Inc. contracted with Deto to provide congregate and home-delivered meals, in-home services and senior center management in DeKalb County. Beginning July 1, Open Hand Atlanta will provide congregate and homedelivered meals. In-home senior services now will be provided by Jo Jo Home Healthcare Providers Inc. and Rem-Kits Health Care Services, Inc. Adult day care and respite services will be provided by Rem-Kits Adult Day Care Services Inc. Senior center management and case management services will be provided by Department of Human Services’ Office of Aging. “This plan ensures that seniors experience no disruption in services received through the Office of Aging,” said Damon Scott, director of the Department of Human Services. The transition plan was approved by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in June. For more information on the transition of DeKalb County senior services, call the DeKalb Senior Link Line at 770-322-2950. CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 10TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JULY 16TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038
The following Land Use Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-002 Pawanjit Kavr 6721 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) District Request to Special Land Use permit to construct a liquor store.
TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0003 City Staff Amendment to Article IX, Section 9.1.3 to add a definition for “Short Term Vacation Rental”.
TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0004 City Staff Amend IV, Table 4.1 Use Table as to the permitted locations of Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend Article IV, Section 4.2.5.8 to provide supplemental regulations for Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend and Adopt.
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Judges Nancy Bills, Ronald Ramsey elected to Council of State Court Judges
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ockdale County State Court Judge Nancy Bills was elected to serve as president and DeKalb County State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Council of State Court Judges at its annual meeting. As president, Judge Bills is also a member of the Rockdale County State DeKalb County State Court Court Judge Nancy Bills Judge Ronald Ramsey Judicial Council, which is the governing body of the statewide Judicial Branch of Georgia. “When 129 of your peers ask you to serve, it’s an honor. I deeply appreciate it and accept this honor on behalf of the people of Rockdale County. Without their faith and support, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to serve,” said Judge Bills. “I will continue to be an ambassador for my home county, and to represent all State Courts to the best of my ability.” Ramsey will represent District 7 on the Executive Committee. State Courts have county-wide jurisdiction in 71 counties in Georgia. In the past three years, there were more than 1.9 million cases filed in all 71 State Courts, making them the busiest courts of record in Georgia. State Courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, including traffic cases and all civil cases, except domestic relations and equity cases. The Council of State Court Judges of Georgia is comprised of more than 147 State Court judges and senior judges throughout the state. As President, Judge Bills will lead the Council in finding ways to fulfill its mission to further the improvement of the State Court and the quality and expertise of its judges; to maintain the impartiality of the judiciary; ensure the fair, efficient and uniform administration of justice; and enhance public confidence in the judicial system. The other newly elected officers of the Executive Committee are: President President Elect Secretary: Treasurer: Past President: District 1: District 2: District 3: District 4: District 5: District 6: District 7: District 8:
Nancy Bills (Rockdale) Joseph C. Iannazzone (Gwinnett) T. Russell McClelland (Forsyth) Wes Tailor (Fulton) H. Gregory Fowler (Chatham) Gregory V. Sapp (Chatham) R. Violet Bennett (Wayne) John K. Edwards, Jr. (Lowndes) Jeff Hanson (Bibb/Macon) Alan W. Thrower (Baldwin) John G. Breakfield (Hall) Ron Ramsey (DeKalb) Allen Dee Morris Cherokee)
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Electronic notification of court dates for people arrested and released on bond in more serious misdemeanor cases is planned for later this year. About Matterhorn Court Innovations is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Its product, Matterhorn, allows courts to handle many high-volume infractions completely online, saving citizens and courts time and money. Matterhorn is in over 45 courts in eight states. About Pioneer Pioneer Technology Group (Pioneer), headquartered in Sanford, Florida, is a leading developer of software solutions and services to governments and the private sector. The company is headquartered in Sanford, Florida.. Offerings include: Benchmark, a court
Voices of Faith sets Back-to-School Bash in Rockdale Voices of Faith Ministries, 1290 Sigman Road, N.W., Conyers, will host a back-to-school bash on Saturday, July 28, noon to 3 p.m., 1290 Sigman Road, Conyers. Community residents are encouraged to come and enjoy free food, music, health fair and get school supplies for their children, while supplies last. Anyone who would like to donate school supplies for the event should contact Voices of Faith Ministries at 770-498-5850.
Springfield Baptist Church to host Back-2-School Bash, food pantry Springfield Baptist Church will hold its annual Back 2 School Bash and Food Pantry on Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. , 1877 Iris Drive, S.E., Conyers. Registration begins at 9 a.m. followed by a program at 10 a.m. Free school supplies and over 30 educational/family resources will be available. There will be a short program prior to the distribution of the supplies. The SBC Food Pantry will be open afterward for families to receive free food. For additional information, contact info@sbcgrowth. church.
DeKalb NAACP to host Back-to-School Kickoff, school volunteer rally The DeKalb County branch of the NAACP is hosting a Back-toSchool Kickoff and volunteer rally on July 21, 10 a.m., at its offices, 3015 S. Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Parents and students will receive information to prepare for the school year. Attendees also will have the chance to sign up to participate as school volunteers. Supplies will be provided while they last, as well as free game tokens to FunXcess Arcade.
PCA, GCAA announce $2,500 scholarship for eligible students Partnership for Community Action, Inc. in partnership with the Georgia Community Action Association, is seeking applicants for a statewide scholarship competition. Students who compete for the $2,500 scholarship, must be a Georgia resident who is currently attending a post high school institution or has been accepted at an educational institution. Applicants also must meet low-income guidelines in accordance with the Community Services Block Grant. Students will be judged on writing an essay entitled “What Has the Community Action Movement Meant to My Community?” For more information, contact Brittany Eubanks at Brittany. Eubanks@pcaction.org.
Office of Youth Services offers computer science summer camp The Office of Youth Services, in partnership with Reach for Excellence, will host the Youth De-Coded summer day camp July 9-20 at Marist School, 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Atlanta. Youth De-Coded provides opportunities for DeKalb County students to receive training in computer science, leadership development and goal setting, while also acquiring marketable employment skills that will assist them in securing future employment in coding. Studies currently show that coding is one of the leading career fields in technology and there are major lacks in securing professionally trained individuals in the United States, which has caused many companies to outsource to other countries. Applications and additional recruitment information may be accessed at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/youth-services/upcoming-events. Applications may also be requested from the Office of Youth Services by calling 404-687-7195 or For more information about Youth De-Coded events, call Mussettee H. Hill at 404-687-7192.
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JULY 7, 2018 • PAGE 5
Congressman Johnson joins “Families Belong Together” rally on immigration Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District, marched on the frontlines with thousands of peaceful protestors in Atlanta to denounce the Trump Administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. Johnson kicked off the rally at the Atlanta Detention Center. The demonstration was among hundreds of “Families Belong Together” rallies that were held across the country on June 30. Marchers called for an end to the separation of children from their parents at the U.S. border. Rallies were held in all 50 states after 2,000 children and parents at the southern border were televised and heard through audio tapes that surfaced about children crying as they were being held in cages in immigration centers away from their families. An outcry from Congress as “We have zero tolerance for children being held in cages at detention centers, where they sleep on the cold floor. We have zero tolerance for children being jailed and deprived of a human touch. We have zero tolerance for a Trump policy that deprives children of ever being reunited with their parents,” said Johnson who kicked off the event and marched with participants at the Atlanta Detention Center. “And lastly, we have zero tolerance for Republican politicians who support you and your policy of child abuse and cruelty to children. We are going to defeat you in November, so that we can put our country back on track.”
Photos provided
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Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Georgia’s new hands-free driving law: What’s allowed, what’s not
By Sheriff Eric J. Levett
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he Hands-Free Georgia Act took effect July 1. The law requires drivers to use hands-free technology when using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. If you're driving through Georgia get used to putting the phone down. Those cited will face a $150 fine, with fines as high as $900
for repeat offenders. First time offenders can receive 1 point against their driver’s licenses, with up to 4 points for repeat offenders. The law states that phone conversations and other forms of electronic communications can only be conducted with handsfree technology such as in-vehicle Bluetooth or some other wireless medium. The law applies also to anyone trying to wedge a phone between an ear and shoulder, or trying to text or dial from a phone resting in a lap. "Vehicles are sitting at red lights and they're paying attention to everything in their car especially their phones”. “They think the vehicle in front of them are going and they're colliding
with the vehicle." Recent reports show drivers are rear ended in 48% of wrecks in the Rockdale County and distracted driving is usually to blame. But “hands free” isn’t as clear-cut as it sounds. Here’s a look at what would and would not be allowed. “It will simplify for law enforcement what they can and can't do," The bill specifically lays out what drivers in Georgia cannot do while behind the wheel. Prohibited:
• Holding or supporting, with any part of the body, a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device (for example, an iPod).
• Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data while holding your device. • Watching a video or movie other than watching data related to the navigation of your vehicle (i.e., your mapping app or GPS screen). • Recording a video. Allowed: • Speaking or texting while using hands-free technology. • Using a GPS system or mapping app.
• Wearing and using a smart watch. • Using an earpiece to talk on the phone If you are caught holding your phone and driving you could get a ticket and points on your license. Drivers can still use their phone as a GPS, but you cannot hold it. Officers recommend using Bluetooth. Hopefully, this will stem the tide of accidents, injuries and fatalities. 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
Cultural Exchange Breakfast in DeKalb set July 14
Rev. T.A. Bryant, Flat Rock Archives historian, grandfather of Chris Tucker passes Family and friends are mourning the loss of the Rev. T.A. Bryant, Jr., a board member of the historic Flat Rock Archives in the city of Stonecrest. Rev. Bryant was the grandfather of comedian and actor Chris Tucker. Rev. Bryant’s funeral was held on June 30 at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was 96. “Rev. Bryant was a community leader and a strong advocate of preserving and sharing the rich history of one of the oldest African American families living in Lithonia, Georgia, who inhabited the Flat Rock area since the early nineteenth century,” said Johnny Waits, co-founder of the FlatRock Archives. In 1996, Rev. Bryant became active in working with Johnny Waits and Vera L. Whitaker on the Flat Rock Archives board. Together, they planned the WaitsGault-Wise reunion, sharing their history and Flat Rock legacy. “Rev. Bryant was determined to ensure that the historical preservation of his family and the families surrounding Flat Rock would be forever documented and well preserved for future generation,” Waits said.
Stonecrest City Councilman Rob and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vicki Turner will host the DeKalb Cultural Exchange community breakfast on Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m., at The Rob Turner Vickie B. Turner Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church(House of Hope), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The focus of this month’s meeting will be the Cultural Exchange’s partnership with DeKalb County School District, which will be hosting a mini Career Fair. The district has hosted several regional Career Fairs, and is still in need of over 350 teachers. “We are excited to partner with the District and to utilize our platform to inform stakeholders about employment opportunities. The Districts/Regions that are being targeted are: #4; #5; #6 and #7. Dr. Bernice Gregory, along with the Human Capital Management staff, will coordinate the morning events,” the Turners said a news release. At the meeting, community updates will be shared and the job fair will be held immediately following.
St. Philip AME to host Workforce Wednesday Saint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road S.E., will host Workforce Wednesday, on July 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. DeKalb County residents can learn about Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act eligibility requirements, meet with eligible training providers and learn about high demand careers. The event will equip DeKalb County residents and employers with resources to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment, education and economic development. Interested candidates must register at www. workforce-wednesday.eventbrite.com.
PUBLIC NOTICE The Conyers City Council, the governing authority of the City of Conyers, does hereby announce that the 2018 millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held in the City Manager's office located at 1184 Scott Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 on Friday, July, 27 2018 at 12:30 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
CURRENT 2018 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY ($ in 1000's) City of Conyers
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Real & Personal Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Gross Digest Less Exemptions Net Digest
528,014 29,809 241 558,064 64,963 493,101
536,773 29,304 436 566,513 65,117 501,396
536,944 13,337 658 550,939 67,485 483,454
557,660 9,419 492 567,571 66,515 501,056
570,212 6,365 499 577,076 53,457 523,619
625,053 4,433 923
Gross Millage Rate Less Rollbacks Net Millage Rate
13.85 0.00 13.85
13.62 0.00 13.62
13.59 0.00 13.59
13.16 2.83 15.99
15.58 0.00 15.58
14.23 1.05 15.28
Net Taxes Levied
6,829
6,829
6,570
8,012
8,158
8,690
1,135 19.9%
0 0.0%
-259 -3.8%
1,442 21.9%
146 1.8%
532 6.5%
Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase
630,409
61,859 568,550
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JULY 7, 2018 • PAGE 7
Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta launches treatment KES to host fun-filled Community Day of Inclusion assistance to low-income breast cancer patients KES, Inc. will host its 15th Annual Community Day of Inclusion on Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips road. The family fun-filled event will provide enrichment resources for families of special needs individuals, as well as those who are physically, mentally and developmentally challenged. There will be health screenings, information and fun activities that will integrate the individuals and families with special needs in a community-wide celebration. KES Day Inc. is a nonprofit that provides housing and support services for people with disabilities. Traditionally, many of the disabled have limited access to resources and many of the community and social services, therapeutic, and recreational amenities that are generally accessible and often taken for granted by those who are not disabled.
Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta has announced a new program to help local women and men dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. As part of the organization’s Bold Goal to reduce current breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026, Komen Atlanta is launching the Komen Atlanta Treatment Assistance Program, which will provide financial assistance for local patients. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the treatment they need to save their life. Yet we know that
there are many barriers that often prevent breast cancer patients from accessing the care they need,” said Cati Diamond Stone, executive director of Komen Atlanta. “Thanks to the support of our donors, we will help remove some of these barriers for our neighbors in need.” To be eligible, patients must have incomes at or
below 250% of the federal poverty line and an active breast cancer diagnosis. The program covers limited costs associated with breast cancer treatment such as oral pain medication, antinausea medication, oral chemotherapy/hormone therapy, child care/elder care, home care, transportation, lymphedema care and supplies, and durable medical equipment. For more information, call the Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. at 1-877 GO KOMEN (465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org.
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