FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 32
SEPTEMBER 29, 2018
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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
Rockdale Art Farm back on table for BOC vote
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By Valerie J. Morgan
he Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on Oct. 9 on a special use permit for a “Recreational and Vacation Camp” called the Rockdale Art Farm. The proposed art farm, located on 25 acres at 4420 Flat Bridge Road in south Rockdale, has been the center of debate for months, drawing opposition from those who say it will bring noise, traffic and dramatically change the character of the quiet area. Proponents, however, are excited about the possibilities of having a venue that promotes arts and education modeled after Serenbe, a community connected to nature focused on wellbeing that is located on the edge of Atlanta. Joe Eifrid, founder and CEO, has said the nonprofit Art Farm, which would be on the site of a former dairy farm that he owns, would include six cabins that could be rented out to artists to stay for up to seven days. He said woodworking, blacksmithing, pottery, 3D printing and other art classes would be offered to the public. The tract on Flat Bridge Road is near the intersection of Union Church Road. At the Sept. 25 BOC meeting, four people spoke in favor of the proposal and three against during a public hearing. Morgan Taft, a business owner and Rockdale resident, said he is excited to support the project and urged the board to do the same. He said he was baffled as to
“I’m not done yet. We are still on mission.”
why anyone would oppose the project. “I have a 5-year-old daughter. It will complement Panola Mountain very well, South Rockdale Park. I think it would be a positive asset for the community. We’ll utilize it,” said Taft. One man who said he was initially opposed to the Art Farm told the board he now supports it. He said he was given misinformation about the project, but after personally speaking with Eifrid he “fully expects him to preserve the way of life in that part of the county and bring something special to Rockdale.” But Don Meyer, who has hired a lawyer to fight the proposal, said the project is going to change the way of life for residents in the area. “It’s a pig with a lot of lipstick on it.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
SEE PAGE 5
It’s a giant commercial venture making a lot of money as a nonprofit,” said Meyer. The board was supposed to vote on the special land use in April but delayed the vote pending legal review of an attorney’s letter regarding possible litigation over the permit. The area is zoned AgriculturalResidential (AR) and Eifert is seeking a special use permit in that zoning. The county’s planning staff has developed proposed conditions that could be attached to the permit including restricting times of activities to no later than 8 p.m., issuance of a special land use permit for any event that would draw a large crowd and lodging facilities that would be utilized by artists or those enrolled in an ongoing art program.
DeKalb County approves IGA to provide sanitation services to Pine Lake, Stone Mountain
Photo via DeKalb Kids Project
Volunteers build community garden at Stone Mountain High School
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary announced he is battling cancer. In an exclusive interview with On Common Ground News, he discussed his health challenge, his medical regimen in the face of cancer and the future of the city.
Photos by Travis Hudgons
By Travis Hudgons
tone Mountain High School has a new community garden, thanks to the DeKalb Kids Project, a nonprofit co-founded by DeKalb School Board Member-Elect Diijon DaCosta, his twin brother, Tiijon, and cousin Dawit Willis. About 50 volunteers, comprised of Stone Mountain High School students, parents, faculty and staff, partnered with the nonprofit to create the garden about two weeks ago. The group planted collards, romaine lettuce, cabbage kale, strawberries and red peppers—food they will share with those in need and use in class for cooking projects. Principal Wislene John welcomes the garden, saying the project incorporates lessons students are learning in the classroom and utilizing them to the real world. For example, in class the students learned about the plant growth process and life cycle. “They’re applying the skills they learned in science and math class to build
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the garden,” said John. DeKalb School Board MemberElect Diijon DaCosta said the garden at Stone Mountain High is the second his nonprofit has taken on this year to promote healthy lifestyles. The organization also built a community garden at E.L. Miller Elementary in Stone Mountain. “This teaches the kids how to work with their hands and give the opportunity to learn how to grow their own plants,” said Diijon DaCosta, who co-founded the DeKalb Kids Project in 2014. “Project Health brings the community together to collaborate as one,” said Tiijon
Da Costa. “We’re bringing the lessons to the youths and teaching them about growing food and eating healthy.” Kaneica McNeil, president of DeKalb Kids Project, said that by having the students assist in breaking ground and building the garden it will create a sense of ownership. “It will create a sense of pride that will have for their school and themselves.” Principal John expressed her excitement in seeing the students and volunteers build the garden. “I look forward to maintaining the garden over the course of many years.”
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously, Sept. 25 to approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the cities of Pine Lake and Stone Mountain to provide sanitation service. Pending approval of their city councils, sanitation service in the city of Pine Lake is scheduled to begin Dec. 1, 2018, and Jan. 1, 2019, for the city of Stone Mountain. “The City of Stone Mountain is committed to providing value to our residents and business owners,” Mayor Pat Wheeler said Stone Mountain Mayor Pat Wheeler. “The intergovernmental agreement to provide sanitation service to the city of Stone Mountain will further enhance our collaboration efforts with DeKalb County.” Based on these IGAs, the DeKalb County Sanitation Division will provide garbage, recycling, yard trimmings, bulky item and special collections for residents and businesses within these cities. Nearly 400 homes in Pine Lake and more than 2,100 homes in the city of Stone Mountain are scheduled to be added to the Sanitation Division’s residential collection routes as a result of these IGAs. Currently, the Sanitation Division’s service area comprises unincorporated DeKalb and the cities of Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Stonecrest and Tucker. For more information, contact the Sanitation Division’s Public Relations Manager Pauline A. Andrea, at 404-971-2892 or paandrea@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
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HVAC loans available for homeowners with moderate credit The National Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG), a leading AfricanAmerican-owned HVAC Distributor based in Lithonia, has signed a Master Merchant Agreement with 1st Franklin Finance to provide HVAC loans for borrowers with moderate credit. The program is designed to allow homeowners with a moderate credit score an opportunity to secure financing to purchase a new HVAC unit based on the mandatory EPA phaseout of the R-22 refrigerant commonly known as Freon. This will also be a game changer that provides HVAC financing for homeowners who have Freon-based HVAC units that are 10 years or older, outdated and non-functional HVAC units that need replacing. “It is easier and cheaper to get a $50,000 luxury car loan than it is to get $5,000 personal loan to replace an outdated or non-functional HVAC unit for homeowners with a moderate credit score,” said Percy Brooks, CEO of the NSEG. “Our goal is to streamline the process to qualify homeowners to purchase new HVAC units through our approved HVAC preferred contractors’ network. This includes licensed HVAC contractors that sell Goodman HVAC systems which is our preferred HVAC partner.” Brooks said NSEG expects to sell upwards of 7,500 HVAC units to homeowners across metro Atlanta over the next two years. Homeowners will be able to qualify for financing based on special underwriting requirements, which include: • Length of homeownership • Income • Debt to income ratio Homeowners who have a credit
score in the mid-500’s or higher are urged to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime HVAC financing opportunity. 1st Franklin provides a range of options for our customers who have had past “bumps in the road” with regards to credit. “We understand things happen and we are here to help,” said Andy Streb, director of marketing and business development. NSEG has replaced over 5,000 HVAC units through its initial partnership offering with Georgia Power across metro Atlanta. “We are asking that homeowners save this article and share it with family, friends, church members, neighbors and co-workers. This opportunity doesn’t happen often,” said Brooks. “Currently, over 85% of our clients have been African-American female homeowners from South DeKalb, Rockdale, Cobb, Gwinnett, Douglas, South Fulton City of Atlanta and Clayton counties. “We are looking forward to collaborating with Homeowner Associations, faith-based community, local government municipalities and homeowners.” For more information, contact NSEG at 404-218-6445 or visit the website at www.hvachomesystem.com.
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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
SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 • PAGE 3
Stonecrest Development Authority certified by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government
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he City of Stonecrest’s Development Authority members completed a day-long training recently. The 11-member panel includes local business owners, Mayor Jason Lary, Stonecrest’s Economic Development Director Sabrina Wright and Doug Stoner, a consultant hired to aid in building and managing the new authority. The statutorily-mandated training equipped the students with the knowledge of how development authorities serve within the city’s economic development process. Training topics included ethics, conflicts of interest, bonds, incentives, strategic planning, and finance. Development authority members will play a key role in
Stonecrest Development Authority members received certificates after completing the course. Photo provided
the city’s economic development process. According to the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association, the new development authority can be used as a key financing source to further economic development
initiatives in Stonecrest. The members toured Smyrna and Suwannee to collect information on the two cities’ developments. In a briefing, Stoner explained how Smyrna redeveloped its city. He described the process
of building and financing a city business center, upscale housing, streetscapes, and mixed-use developments. Stoner and Mayor Lary agreed that the governing bodies, which include the city council, planning commission, and the board of zoning appeals, must have a common economic vision and goal. “We cannot let negative comments made at our public meetings or on social media sway us from voting and supporting development that accomplishes our goals,” Lary said. The Development Authority must set its by-laws, elect officers and set regular meetings before beginning its work. A meeting to begin this process will be set within the next week, Lary said.
DeKalb, Georgia Piedmont Technical College partner on education campaign to reduce clogged sink drains DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) and Georgia Piedmont Technical College have teamed up to develop the “No FOG, No Clog” program for the college’s English as a Second Language (ESL) students. DWM will facilitate six Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) presentations to almost 300 students in the ESL program at the college. The DWM Public Outreach Department will design and create presentations focused on best management practices for FOG disposal. In accordance with the campaign message, students will receive the following tools to best dispose of FOG: • Funnels to pour cooled grease into a container
• Scrapers to remove food particles and residue from plates and pans • FOG brochures • Medical waste disposal brochures • Other educational materials Because nearly 60 percent of all spills are caused by cooking oils and bacon grease being poured down sink drains, DWM is educating residents and business owners to help change behaviors and reduce sewer spills. FOG occurs when cooking fats are poured down drains and coat the inside of pipes to eventually form a blockage. In response to the number of clogs caused by grease and to maintain compliance with EPA regulations, DWM began a Fats, Oils and Grease Program to educate residents on the hazards of grease clogs in the sewer systems.
DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management has partnered with Georgia Piedmont Technical College to reduce sewer spills. Photo provided
Stonecrest Librarian Mickey Harvey reads Fancy Nancy at the tea party hosted by the library’s children’s department on Saturday, Sept. 22. Photos by Mackenzie N. Morgan
High Tea
Kids learn tea etiquette with Stonecrest Librarian Mickey Harvey
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ore than a dozen young children filled the Stonecrest Library’s children’s’ room for its first Fancy Nancy tea party on Saturday, Sept. 22. Attendees age 3 and up came dressed to impress in frilly frocks, tiaras, hats and gloves – and a crown, donned by the only boy to attend the event. The children were captivated as Stonecrest librarian, Mickey Harvey, who heads the library’s children’s department, led the program. In addition to learning various aspects of tea etiquette, the tea session included beverages, snacks and a reading of the children’s book, Fancy Nancy , written by Jane O’Connor. The story follows the life of a young girl with a larger-than-life personality who adores all things fancy. – By Mackenzie N. Morgan
Stonecrest District 4 Town Hall meeting set Oct. 2 Councilman George Turner will hold a town hall meeting on Oct. 2, 6 to 8 p.m., at Salem-Panola Road Library, 5137 Salem Road, Stonecrest. The meeting will include information on Mayor Jason Lary’s medical leave, the upcoming Stonecrest Fest, development proposed at Browns Mill and Panola Road intersection, for 5KRun/Walk against hypertension at Arabia Mountain on Oct. 27 and the nest steps for the city’s SPLOST program. The community is encouraged to attend the town hall George Turner meeting. For more information, Councilman Tuner can be reached at 404-886-2053 or turnerg1@comcast.net.
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City of Decatur to host Housing Summit
Helping Hands Outreach Clinic offers free diabetes workshop series
Be a Part of the Community Conversation Nov. 10
Helping Hands Outreach Clinic, 2442 Lake Rockaway Road, Conyers, is hosting a series of workshops designed to teach individuals the basics of diabetes, how to self-manage diabetes, how to follow a diabetic-friendly diet, and therapeutic ways to manage stress, which can impact diabetes control. The first workshop, “An Overview-Diabetes 101,” was held on Sept. 18. The remaining five workshops in the series will be held every other Tuesday, through Nov. 27, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Helping Hands Outreach Center. The workshops have been scheduled as follows: • Tuesday, Oct. 2 – “Dietary Management” • Tuesday, Oct. 16 – “Weight Management and Exercise” • Tuesday, Oct. 30 – “Diabetic Complications” • Tuesday, Nov. 13 – “Diabetes Prevention” • Tuesday, Nov. 27 – “Cholesterol Education” Healthy snacks will be provided to participants. For more information: 678-607-0759.
The City of Decatur invites the community to contribute to a conversation on inclusive and affordable housing, Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The day-long summit will establish a shared understanding of Decatur’s housing context, define the often subjective term affordability as it relates to Decatur, explore viable approaches and strategies, and conclude with ways for all participants to be a part of local solutions. “Through the Housing Summit, we want to define Decatur-driven strategies that reflect community expectations about affordable and inclusive housing,”Mayor Patti Garrett said. The summit includes a combination of speakers; round-table, small group community conversations; and interactive components inviting consideration, collaboration, and collective action moving forward. The community is invited including residents, business owners, employees, and others who simply want to contribute to this fundamental issue. The Summit is free and includes lunch but participants must register to attend so there is an accurate head-count for planning purposes. Interested participants may register at eventbrite.com/e/decatur-ga-housing-summit-tickets-50695254872.
DeKalb Fire Rescue sets 16th Annual Fire Safety Festival DeKalb County Fire Rescue will host its 16th Annual Fire Safety Festival from noon to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta. For the festival’s theme, the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department has adopted the National Fire Protection Association’s campaign, “Look, Listen, and Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” The goal is to educate the community about these three basic, but essential steps, in reducing the chances of having a fire. Another goal is to develop a plan of escape in the event of a fire. Families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with their firefighters. Events include: Hands-on activities; Vehicle extrication demonstration; Pet fire safety; Hands-only CPR training; Touch a fire truck; Face painting; Photo booth; Bounce houses; DJ and more. CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH 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, OCTOBER 15TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following text amendment within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-003 LDG Development 6554 & 6560 Chupp Rd / 2616 & 2601 Macedonia Road / 7247 &7257 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) / R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) / O-I (Office-Instutional) Request to change the conditions of zoning to construct a mixed use development with residential (240 townhome units) and commercial components
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-005 *Administratively held Lavonne Lee 7056 Maddox Road RE (Residential Estate) District Request to rezone subject property from RE to M (Light Industrial)
LAND USE PETITION:
AX 18-0001 * Will be heard at the October 15TH City Council Meeting Only. 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 MR-2 to build a 160 townhomes subdivision.
PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED:
DeKalb adds fun run to breast cancer 5K DeKalb County, along with Susan G. Komen Atlanta and Northlake Mall, will host its third annual DeKalb Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/ Walk on Saturday, Oct. 20. A one-mile fun run, kids zone and health fair have been added to this year’s event. Both routes begin at 9 a.m. and end at Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Tucker. The kids’ zone and health fair opening immediately after the race. Registration fees for the 5K and fun run are $15 (adults); $10 (seniors 55 and above and teams of 10 or more); and $5 (kids and employees). Participants will receive a T-shirt and can register by visiting: www.crowdrise. com/2018UnitingDeKalbforaCure. Proceeds will benefit and fund Susan G. Komen Atlanta programming initiatives in DeKalb County. For more information on the DeKalb County Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/ Walk or to be a sponsor, contact Nichole Simms at jnsimms@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-371-2552.
38th Annual Olde Town Conyers Fall Festival set Oct. 20
Fall brings Conyers’ longest-running festival, the 38th edition of the Olde Town Fall Festival, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Center, Commercial and Railroad Streets in Olde Town. Coordinated by the city of Conyers, the festival features more than 80 artists, crafters, food vendors and local merchants, as well as a variety of children’s activities. “From woodworking and jewelry to baked goods and crocheted items, there is a fantastic variety of vendors lined up for this year’s festival,” said Sandy Fowler Daniels, event coordinator for Olde Town Conyers. The Olde Town Fall Festival also features two stages of entertainment (on Railroad Street at the Conyers Depot and in the Olde Town Pavilion. The Conyers Police Department and Rockdale County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department will be on hand for fun safety activities. There will be a children’s area with trackless train rides and a pumpkin patch in the Randal S. Mills City Center Park. Costume contests for kids, adults and pets also will be held on the Conyers Depot stage noon. Festival goers also will enjoy a full schedule of entertainment. Admission and parking for the festival are free. For information on the entertainment schedule and list of vendors, visit www.oldetownfallfestival.com or call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606.
Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church to host Health and Wellness Expo Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia, will host its annual Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. 2 p.m. The expo will be held in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The community is invited to come out for free blood pressure and glucose screenings, information from DeKalb County’s Board of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, hospice care, mental health advocates, breast cancer awareness and AIDS organizations and others. Expo highlights include a kids’ healthy snack contest and a women’s health skit. Representatives from DeKalb County’s Police and Fire Departments will also be on hand. The event is free.
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 • PAGE 5
Mayor Jason Lary
“I’m not done yet. We are still on mission.”
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tonecrest Mayor Jason Lary announced he is battling cancer. In an exclusive interview with On Common Ground News, he discussed his health challenge, his medical regimen in the face of cancer and the future of the city. Question: What is the status of your health? Answer: I have prostate cancer. I found out about three months ago. The problem started with painful kidney stones that I could not shake. Further testing and a biopsy revealed that cancer was present. Question: Were you surprised to learn you had cancer? Answer: Shocked. Very shocked. No one in my family has had cancer. The only time I’ve been in the hospital— before this happened—is to visit somebody. When I learned that I had cancer, it forced me to take a different course. For five years, I had worked on building the city, getting the referendum done to create the city of Stonecrest. We worked tirelessly and I was neglecting myself personally and my family. We were all making a lot of sacrifices. This was a wake-up call for me. It’s all God’s will. It has forced me to become more healthy. Doctors told me I had to lose 30 pounds. I’ve lost 10. I used to drink three sodas and two cups of coffee every day. Now, I’m down to
On Common Ground News editor Valerie J. Morgan and Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
one cup a week. I wasn’t walking 10 yards to the car. Now, I’m walking 10 miles a week. Question: What stage of cancer are you facing? Answer: There are three stages: high, medium and low. I am in the lower medium stage. When it’s caught early, men can have an 80 percent chance of beating it and I believe that my outcome will be good. I have completed my pre-treatments so far. I start radiation in the middle of October and that will last for about 30 days or so. After that, doctors will evaluate and tell me if I need to continue treatment or have surgery. Question: Who will run the City Council meetings while you are on medical leave?
Answer: Mayor Pro Tem George Turner will run the meetings. However, I’m still going to try to come as often as possible. I plan to fulfill the one third attendance requirement ( for a threemonth period) stated in the charter for elected officials. I will make the two meetings in October and then we will have to see how well I’m doing after radiation begins as to whether I will be able to make the November and December meetings. Question: What is the future of the city? Answer: We are still on mission. We’re going to stay focused on our Development Authority, getting our parks in order, repaving our roads, everything that we have promised our citizens. We’re going to clean up Stonecrest. In fact, that will be my
next topic for “Straight Talk With the Mayor” on October 8th, 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. We plan to contract with landscape companies to beautify gateways and other areas of the city. We will be looking at putting out a Request for Proposal for landscaping early next year. We will still have a zero millage rate for the 2019 tax year, making Stonecrest the most inexpensive city in DeKalb County to live in. We’re celebrating Stonecrest Fest Oct. 3-6 and I’m really excited about that. The festival is going to feature a week-long celebration of activities, including a free concert on Saturday starring violinist Ken Ford. I will be recording a radio commercial advertising the festival that will run on 87.7 FM. Question: What message do you have for residents and Stonecrest business owners? Answer: First of all, I want to thank all of those who have reached out to me for their prayers and well wishes. I want people to feel encouraged and know that they still have the same quality of leadership that we started with. I am going to continue to work hard on their behalf. Everything is going to be just fine. What I’m dealing with concerning my health is just a bump in the road. I’m not going to stop fighting.
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Rockdale Commissioner Sherri Washington raises awareness for Sickle Cell Anemia By Mackenzie N. Morgan Rockdale County Commissioner Sherri Washington is doing her part to make the community more aware of sickle cell anemia as the nation observes Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September. Washington knows firsthand how devastating sickle cell anemia can be. Her sister, Lori Davis, died from complications of the disease last November. “Sickle cell is an autoimmune deficiency disease that affects primarily African Americans. If you've never had to live with anyone
Sherri Washington
who has been through that, you're blessed," Washington said during comments at the Rockdale Board of Commission meeting on Sept. 26. Sickle cell is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down. The misshapen cells resemble
a sickle, which is a c-shaped farm tool. The contorted blood cells die prematurely, leaving a deficiency of healthy red blood cells which can cause blood flow blockages resulting in excruciating pain, infections and fatigue. Millions of people are unaware that they carry the sickle cell trait because the trait itself does not cause illness. That's why Washington is urging the public to get tested and learn more about the disease. According to the CDC, about 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease, mostly among the African-American
population. Though it occurs in all races, sickle cell is a heavy hitter in the black community, with 1 out of 365 Black or African-American births. Treatments for the disease include medication, blood transfusions, and rarely a bone-marrow transplant. In observation of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Washington encouraged attendees at the BOC meeting to donate to organizations that assist sickle cell patients and their families on behalf of her sister, Lori Davis. “Think of the people that have sickle cell and their families and please donate,” Washington said.
Infinite Scholars college scholarship fair set Oct. 17
Rockdale’s Honey Creek Elementary resumes classes after “sick-out” day Honey Creek Elementary School students and faculty returned to school on Tuesday, Sept. 25, after the school underwent a thorough “scrub.” School officials ordered faculty not to report and parents to keep their children home on Monday so that a thorough cleaning of the school could be conducted in response to a number of absences last week believed to be caused by a gastrointestinal virus. School officials had sent out a letter and robo call advising parents about 20 percent of the students and staff became sick with a gastrointestinal virus last week. Cindy Ball, the school district’s spokesperson, said 91.26 percent of the school’s students attended school on Tuesday. “We had 13 students check out during the day either from being sick or having a sibling who was ill,” said Ball. Rockdale County Health Department officials said the “sick out day” was restricted to Honey Creek Elementary. “We will be monitoring the situation. So far, that is the only school where we’re seeing the outbreak. The school district will keep us informed, and we will make recommendations based on the information provided,” said Chad Conner, Public Information Officer for the Health Department. Conner said the Noro Virus typically lasts 48 to 72 hours and is spread among those in close quarters. Washing hands and cleaning surfaces are recommended, he said. Honey Creek students will not have to make up the school day, said Cindy Ball, the school district’s spokesperson. CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH 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-18-004 Mera Cardenas / Flat Rock Archives 3956 Crossvale Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Request for encroachment into 10’ setback for ground sign.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER:
V-18-005 Dekalb Realty Holdings, LLC c/o Battle Law 7218 Covington Hwy M (Light Industrial) District Request to eliminate 75’ transitional buffer.
LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-006 Joseph Lowery 3869 E. Saddleridge Drive R-100 Zoning Request to encroachment into the 10’ side yard.
High school students and their families are invited to a scholarship fair sponsored by the Infinite Scholars Program and The Leadership Team USA on Oct. 17 and 18, at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Lithonia. The free event will hosts representatives from more than 40 colleges and universities who will discuss scholarship opportunities at their schools. The representatives will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. during the fair. “This is a great opportunity for college-bound high school students and their parents to meet with college representatives about scholarship opportunities,” said Thomas Ousley, founder of Infinite Scholars. Additionally, students who are interested in entering the workforce before attending college will have the opportunity to learn about trade and skilled workforce apprenticeships at the fair. “We are opening doors for our youth and giving them options because
all students should have hope after high school,” said Courtney Dillard, founder and CEO of The Leadership Team USA. In the past, many students have received scholarship and admission offers on the spot. A wide variety of schools participate—from large private and public universities to small, liberal-arts colleges. Students should be prepared to interview with college representatives on site. Students should bring multiple copies of their unofficial high school transcript, test scores (ACT/SAT), two letters of recommendation, student resume, and an essay about why they want to attend college. District superintendents, principals, counselors, teachers, parents and students are invited to attend a community parent association breakfast on Oct. 6, 9 to 11 a.m., at the AEI Startup Factory, 7310 Stonecrest Concourse, Stonecrest. Students may register for the fair at www.infinitescholar.org. For more information, visit www.infintescholar.org or email: scholarinfo@infinitescholar.org or call 314-499-6996.
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 • PAGE 7
Heart of South DeKalb Festival set Sept. 28-29 Join DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, District 3, and Kaiser Permanente for the 6th year of The Heart of South DeKalb Festival, Sept. 28-29. The festival kicks off on Friday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m., at Rainbow Park, 3181 Rainbow Drive, with “A Night Under the Stars with Sasha the Diva.” The radio personality emcee live entertainment and there will be food vendors selling a variety of foods. Bring your blankets and chairs to the free event. On Saturday, Sept. 29, The Heart of South DeKalb Festival’s parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at Exchange Park Intergenerational Center on Columbia Drive and travels to the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The parade features local high school bands and the community. Festival activities will take place at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center. There will be food trucks, job and health fair, car showcase, vendors, county resources, children activities, all day entertainment, prizes and more. This year’s festival theme is “Loving and Celebrating our Diversity.” Sponsor and vendor opportunities are still available. For more information, email hosd13@ yahoo.com or visit www.heartofsouthdekalb.com.
On Common Ground News Marketplace
NOW HIRING Kenley’s Catering and Restaurant is hiring cooks and cashiers. For more information, call 404-217-2455.
LAWN CARE
Photos by Travis Hudgons
ROOM FOR RENT Newly furnished, in DeKalb County, $525 monthly. All utilities + Cable + W & D. On MARTA. 1 person room only. 404-401-9767.
FREE WORKSHOP
PAGE 8 • SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM