VOLUME 23 NUMBER 24
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MARTA appoints Elizabeth O’Neill interim General Manager/CEO
Rockdale honors Banks family’s 65year reunion
MARTA has named Elizabeth O’Neill as its interim general manager and CEO to succeed Keith T. Parker, who announced he is leaving to become presihe Ludie Banks family, long-time dent and CEO of Goodwill of residents of Rockdale County, has North Georgia. held a family reunion annually since 1952. MARTA’s Board of DirecOn Sunday, Sept. 3, the family received a tors voted unanimously Sept. 7 proclamation for its 65-year tradition from to approve O’Neill, a 22-year Rockdale County’s Board of Commissioners MARTA veteran who currently Chairman Oz Nesbitt, who was also joined serves as chief legal counsel. by Probate Court Judge Clarence Cuthpert, “One of Keith Parker’s Jr. For more on the story, see page 6. Photos many strengths has been his ability to assemble a world class by Glenn L. Morgan senior management team,” said MARTA Board Chair Robbie Ashe. “Supported by Parker and newly named deputy general manager Arthur Troup, O’Neill will help ensure Conyers and the surrounding communia seamless transition and carry ties.” MARTA forward as we launch a The 138-bed acute-care hospital’s national search for a permanent clinical affiliation with Piedmont exchief executive. She has my panded access to a wide range of highutmost respect and unequivocal ly specialized services, such as organ transplants and brain tumor treatment. support.” Officials at Piedmont Healthcare To date, 86 physicians on staff at RockO’Neill started her career have signed an asset purchase agreedale Medical Center have joined the at MARTA as senior associate ment with LifePoint Health, the owner Piedmont Clinic, a clinically integrated counsel in 1995 and was proof Rockdale Medical Center, to make network of physicians who work togethmoted to Chief of Litigation in Rockdale the eighth hospital to join er to improve access to high quality, 1999. She was named Chief Piedmont’s Atlanta-based health syspatient centered care. Counsel and Assistant General tem. Rockdale Board of Commissioners “Rockdale joining Piedmont is a natManager in 2006. In 2013, Chairman Oz Nesbitt ural evolution of the successful relaO’Neill was elevated to the The move comes nearly three years tionship we have had for many years,” C-Team as chief legal counsel into a clinical affiliation between Rock- said Alan George, CEO of Rockdale and has been a trusted advisor to dale Medical Center and Piedmont that Medical Center. “Our clinical affiliation MARTA’s senior leaders and its has enabled Rockdale to open a new has brought residents of Conyers access heart and vascular center and intervenboard. to an exciting array of medical services. As we join forces, we will have new “I am tremendously hum- tional cardiology program in partnership with Piedmont Heart. This program opportunities to enhance care throughbled by this appointment and has allowed patients in the Conyers out this region, and create a seamless look forward to working with community to receive advanced carcontinuum of care for our patients.” the men and women who con- diology treatment in their community In 2015, Piedmont Newton Hospital, tinue to make MARTA great,” instead of traveling elsewhere for care. in nearby Covington, joined Piedmont said O’Neill. “These are truly “Through our clinical affiliation with Healthcare, and in 2016, Piedmont Athexciting times for MARTA as Rockdale, we’ve seen the same dediens Regional became the seventh hospiwe continue to deliver the high- cation to high-quality, patient-centered tal in the system. est level of service while build- care that we value at Piedmont and The acquisition of Rockdale Medical ing upon our standard of excel- knew this hospital would be a great Center by Piedmont Health is expected addition to the Piedmont family,” Kevin to be completed this fall. The Piedlence, enhancing our system through technology and expand- Brown, CEO of Piedmont Healthcare, mont, and Rockdale teams are working ing our service footprint.” More said. “Working together, there’s a clear to make the transition as seamless as opportunity to make a positive differpossible for patients, employees, physion ocgnew.com ence in the lives of patients living in cians and the community.
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Rockdale Medical Center to join Piedmont Healthcare
SEPTEMBER 9, 2017
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DeKalb to offer “drive-through” flu shot clinic
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he flu season is here and the DeKalb County Board of Health is preparing to offer its first-ever drive-through flu shot clinic on Friday, Sept. 15. Health officials will conduct the clinic from noon until 6 p.m. in the Northlake Mall parking lot near Macy’s at 4800 Briarcliff Road in Atlanta. You can drive up, roll up your sleeve and get your flu shot in your vehicle. Nurses administer the vaccinations, which typically take one to two minutes to complete. Although DeKalb is conducting its first such clinic, many communities in Georgia and across the nation have been offering drive-through flu shot clinics. In Georgia, public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties have conducted the annual Drive-by Flu Shot Clinics since 2008. Other states that offer the clinics include Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, Arizona, Kansas and California. Some states piloted the clinics to test emergency preparedness for administering flu vaccines to evaluate how long it would take to vaccinate a community in the event that mass vaccinations from a flu pandemic were required in a short period of time. DeKalb District Health Director Sandra Elizabeth Ford said she is looking forward to the drive-through event, which will help DeKalb further plan for an emergency. Dekalbhealth.net/flu “I believe this is the first time that it’s been tried in metro Atlanta,” said Ford. “We have conducted drills before. In fact we had a couple several years ago at the Mall at Stonecrest and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. These drills help us determine what it would look like in a real event of a flu pandemic. But this will be the first time that we’re using vaccines.” Ford said DeKalb health officials are encouraging people to download an intake form that is SEE FLU, page 6
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 • PAGE 3
Alecia Washington withdraws from Stonecrest City Council District 3 race
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@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
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Alecia Washington
Stonecrest City Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble will not face a challenger in the November municipal elections. Cobble’s only challenger, Alecia L. Washington, said Sept. 6 that she had withdrawn her candidacy for the seat. “I want to focus more on my nonprofit,” said Washington, who is the founder of The city of Hope Safe Haven Inc., which provides transitional services for those in need.
Washington said she filed the paperwork to withdraw from the race on Sept. 5. Washington, 65, is a 9-year resident who lives in the Glencroft community. She is a native of Chicago. Cobble and Council members Diane Adoma and Jimmy Clanton, Jr. all are now unopposed in their respective races and therefore will return to their seats for four-year terms.
Celebrating Panola Gardens’ Mission Day Seniors to get new carts for groceries
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tonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner, District 2, recently celebrated Mission Day at Panola Gardens Senior Housing. Turner opened with a prayer, which was followed with a scripture reading by his wife, School Board member Vicki Turner. Property Manager Tracey O’Neil called the Aug. 25 event successful, saying residents are rejoicing after a successful fundraiser to purchase shopping carts for the mid-rise apartment complex to provide residents an easier mode of transporting goods and groceries to their apartments. O’Neil, said organizers were able to meet $700 of their $1,000 goal through T- shirt sales and donations. She said they will be able to purchase seven carts that will be shared among 85 residents. “We just wanted to make it more convenient for them to take their groceries in one trip,” said O’Neil. O’Neil said residents enjoyed free food, line dancing, singing and entertainment provided by a comedian at the event. The Mission Day, held by the Ohio-based National Church Residence, serves as a social as well as a fundraiser to support a collective need for the residents.
DeKalb moves closer to restoring normal water billing
This month, DeKalb County plans to mail about 7,500 more suspended water and sewer bills to county customers, bringing Michael Thurmond the number of released bills to 26,000 or 72 percent. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said the county is continuing to move forward with his “New Day Project” initiated in March to address the county’s water billing crisis. “We have made significant progress in the past six months toward addressing decades of mismanagement that led to the failures in our water and sewer billing process,” CEO Thurmond said. “We are getting closer to restoring normal billing for all of our customers.” Normal billing was suspended for
approximately 37,000 of the county’s 194,000 water and sewer accounts in December 2016 when DeKalb officials determined that the accuracy of the bills could not be independently verified. In August 2017, Thurmond announced the development of an Independent Verification Process, which has expedited the review of customer accounts, water consumption and billing data. Held bills will not be assessed late fees or other penalties for late payment. Extended payment terms only will be available for the held bills. Any account balance that was due prior to September 2016 will still be due and will carry forward on the current bill. Customers needing an extension to pay their bills should contact the Utility Customer Operations Center at 774 Jordan Lane in Decatur, or call 404378- 4475 to speak with a customer service representative.
Concerned citizens against Greenhaven to meet The Concerned Citizens in Opposition to Greenhaven will host a meeting, “A Conversation About HB644,” on Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Sanford Realty Chapel Hall Shopping Center, 4183 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur. The community is invited to discuss concerns and find out how the proposed city of Greenhaven would impact properties, business, the costs for municipal services and other increased service fees.
DeKalb Young Democrats to meet DeKalb Young Democrats will hold its monthly meeting on Sept. 20, 7 p.m. @ This Is It Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia.
O’Neil said residents welcomed Councilman Turner’s visit and thanked him and his wife for their participation. “That wasn’t his first time here. He’s been very friendly with Panola Gardens. If I need anything from him or his wife, I can always contact them and they’ll meet the need,” said O’Neil.
Rockdale names transportation director Rockdale County’s Board of Commissioners (BOC) has named Brian Allen, formerly the Director of the Gwinnett County Department Brian Allen of Transportation (DOT), as Rockdale County’s new Director of Transportation. Allen began his duties on Sept 5. He will oversee the county’s road projects and maintenance of county vehicles.
Allen has decades of experience in government management and administration. Prior to his 15 years at Gwinnett County DOT, he served as the Assistant County Administrator for Gwinnett County and County Administrator for Newton County. Allen has an associates degree from Oxford College of Emory University, and a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Georgia.
Rockdale County firefighter named 2017 GSFA Educator of the Year The Georgia State Firefighters Association (GSFA) recognized Fire Safety Educator Jacade Long as the recipient of the 2017 Educator of the Year Award. This award honors a member of Georgia’s fire service community who has exemplified a dedication to educating residents about the significance of fire safety and prevention. Long received the award during the 2017 Georgia Fire Service Conference Awards on Aug. 26 in Athens, GA. As a fire safety educator and public information officer for the department, Long coordinates fire safety education activities for nine stations and 140 firefighters. He is credited with starting multiple, creative initiatives to involve the community in fire safety education. Rockdale County Fire Chief Dan
Jacade Long (center) receiving the Georgia State Firefighters Association’s 2017 Educator of the Year Award.
Morgan expressed his gratitude for Long’s work with Rockdale County Fire-Rescue (RCFR). “Jacade is a natural in bringing people and groups together for the betterment of the community. His innovative ideas are changing the way we engage people about fire safety and preparedness and people love it,” Morgan said.
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Help for Hurricane Victims Rashad Richey holds drive for baby diapers and wipes
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alk show host Rashad Richey and WAOK Radio did a live broadcast at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Candler Road in Decatur on Sept. 6 to collect donations for survivors of Hurricane Harvey. Richey collected donations of diapers and baby wipes for families in need. DeKalb Rashad Richey Mereda Davis Johnson Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who helped spread the word about the relief effort, praised Richey and the radio station for pitching in to help families impacted by the Houston, Texas and other areas that were impacted by disastrous flooding caused by the hurricane. “We will continue to stand with our sisters and brothers of Houston, Texas and all those who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey,” said Johnson. Johnson said Richey held a live broadcast from 10 a.m. to noon at the Gallery @ South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary announces Conyers Middle School students rally to assist Texas flood victims adoption of Port Arthur, Texas, preparations for Hurricane Irma
Conyers Middle School students are planning to show their support for victims of Hurricane Harvey with a week of school activities during Spirit Week, Sept. 11 -15. The school is collecting donations to help residents in Houston, Texas and coastal areas where thousands have been evacuated and are now in shelters in need ofs upplies. Conyers Middle is seeking donations of bottled water, canned food, coins, clothing and toiletry items for the victims. Here’s a look at activities planned for Conyers Middle School, Sept. 11—15: Monday – Students and staff will wear their favorite Cowboy hats/gear Tuesday - Bring a canned good and receive a Bulldog Buck Wednesday - Texas Twin Day Dress A Like Thursday - Bring in bottled water and receive a free treat Friday - Pep rally Conyers Middle School is located at 400 Sigman Road, Conyers. For more information, contact Conyers Middle Principal Allison Barbour at abarbour@rockdale.k12.ga.us or 770-483- 3371. Visit the school’s web site at: www.cms.rockdaleschools.org
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary announced the city is adopting Port Arthur, Texas in response to the catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Harvey. He said the city is also preparing for relief efforts that might be needed as Hurricane Irma heads toward Florida and Savannah, Georgia. Lary and a team of Stonecrest officials were on the phone with Port Arthur officials at press time (Sept. 7) planning relief efforts for Port Arthur, where nearly 30 percent of those left in homes are reported without power and 600 were in crowded shelters. Thousands of displaced evacuees have been airlifted to Dallas, Texas via military cargo planes due to an insufficiency of shelters. Port Arthur is about 90 miles east of Houston, Texas where Hurricane Harvey hit. “City services have been halted in Port Arthur,” said Lary. “Their population (53,000) mirrors the city of Stonecrest. We want to get our churches involved and corporate sponsors to help them. We currently have former Atlanta Falcon’s defensive tackle, Jonathan Babineaux as a sponsor. Right now, we are targeting cleaning supplies and water.” Babineaux lists his hometown as Port Arthur. Hurricane Harvey struck the Gulf of Mexico coastline near Rockport, Texas, as a Category 4 storm on Aug. 25. Harvey dumped 51.88 inches of water in a four-day period, making it the wettest cyclone on record in the contiguous United States. The ensuing floods displaced more than 30,000 people and resulted in the confirmed deaths of 66 individuals. Catastrophic inland flooding continues in the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Lary said that while the city has adopted Port Arthur, Stonecrest is bracing to pitch in and help coastal Georgia. At press time, there were reports of fatalities and widespread damage in the northern Caribbean islands after Hurricane Irma packed devastating winds and rain. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda told television reporters that Barbuda, with a population of 1,800, was “literally a rubble.” Irma killed at least three people on the islands. St. Martin/St. Maarten and St. Barts also felt the fury of the Category 5 storm, one of the strongest ever recorded in the Atlantic, according to updates.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 • PAGE 5
DeKalb’s Solicitor-General announces participants in “Dancing With DeKalb Stars”
CEO Michael Thurmond
Attorney Meredith Lilly Paired with Kevin Tyson
Dunwoody Police Chief B. Grogan Paired with Bridget Roosa
Commissioner Kathie Gannon Paired with Akeem Edwards
Former Sheriff Thomas Brown
Attorney Elizabeth Finn Johnson
Paired with Shalay Johnson
Paired with Vincent Anthony
GPTC Police Chief Melody Maddox
Judge Asha Jackson
Fire Capt. Eric Jackson
Attorney Parag Shah
Attorney Jackie Patterson
DESA Principal Bianca Hamilton
Paired with Leland Thorpe
Paired with D. Norris
Paired with Leslie Davis
Paired with Cicely Kelly
Paired with Chaunnie Dobbs
Paired with Patrick Smith
DeKalb County CEO Michael L. Thurmond will show off his fancy footwork in the upcoming “Dancing with the DeKalb Stars,” a fundraiser and resource expo that DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling is hosting. Thurmond is among several notable DeKalb officials and attorneys who will participate in the event. Coleman-Stribling announced the participants in the dance competition, which features 11 teams comprised of a dance professional and officials from the county’s legal, public safety, business and civic community. Performers include: Thurmond, who will be on one of the teams and will also perform a special number in honor of the two benefit non-profits – The Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and The International Women’s House. Students from DeKalb County’s School of the Arts will pay tribute to the victims and survivors of domestic violence through a special performance. Hosts of the competition are the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Monica and Veronica Maldonando. The pair run a family business, Interprint Communications, in DeKalb. Judges of the dance competition are Emmy nominated producer, director and choreographer Stepp Stewart; founder of the Self-Care Agency, Anana Harris-Par-
ris; and President and CEO of the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce Katerina “Kat” Taylor. Judges will decide the ultimate dance competition champion. Dancing with the DeKalb Stars takes place on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in Decatur. The Resource Expo will begin at 5 p.m. and the dance competition will begin at 6 p.m. Mable’s Barbeque Smoked Meat will provide light refreshments during the Resource Expo and intermission. Tickets are available online at www. dancingwithdekalbstars.eventbrite.com for $20. Those interested in making a larger contribution can become a sponsor. Sponsorship packages start at $500. “These two organizations work daily to assist those lost in the cycle of abuse and our office wants to assist these non-profits in their fundraising efforts,” said Coleman-Stribling. “With the help of our, ‘DeKalb Stars,’ we hope to accomplish this goal and bring awareness to an issue that effects our community. We appreciate our ‘DeKalb Stars,’ for donating their time and helping us reach our goal. We hope to see all of DeKalb at the event in October.” For more information on the Office of the DeKalb County Solicitor-General, visit www.DeKalbSolicitorGeneral.org
DeKalb Medical offering women in labor new option to manage pain
Women in labor at DeKalb Medical now have a new option to manage pain. Nitrous oxide, frequently used in dentist’s offices, has been proven advantageous for pain relief during labor. DeKalb Medical is the first hospital in metro Atlanta and the second in Georgia to offer nitrous oxide. Northeast Georgia Medical Center became the first in August of 2016. “Patients like using nitrous oxide because it’s safe for them and their baby. It is self- administered and allows women to manage the discomfort of labor and post-birth while remaining alert and conscious,” said Rose Horton, executive director of DeKalb Medical’s Maternity Services. Nitrous oxide takes the edge off a mother’s intense contractions during labor while maintaining the feel and awareness of natural childbirth. It is also a good option for mothers who arrive too late to receive an epidural or those that cannot have an epidural because of other medical issues. To learn more about this option for relieving pain during labor, visit http://www.dekalbmedical.org/home/our-services/maternity- services/ baby-delivery-options-atlanta/nitrous- oxide.
Rockdale to host open house for Costley Mill Park
Rockdale County residents are invited to an open house at Costley Mill to see the county’s newest park. The official grand opening is spring 2018, but citizens can tour the grounds, learn about planned improvements, speak one-on- one with the Board of Commissioners, and meet the Parks and Recreation staff at the open house on Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rockdale County purchased the 77 acres in June and is working on improvements to the park. “We hope that the public will take this opportunity to tour the grounds of the park and enjoy an afternoon with their family,” said Recreation and Maintenance Director Sue Sanders. In the event of rain, the open house will be held Oct. 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Entry to the park on the day of the event will be off of Salem Church Road. The address to use for GPS is 2599 Salem Church Road NE, Conyers, GA 30013. Signs will be posted.
Stonecrest Library “Friends” to host Craft Expo The Friends of Stonecrest is seeking vendors for its first Craft Expo, “Christmas in September,” which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road (in the upper parking lot). Vendors are invited to showcase their hand-made goods. For more information, call 770-482- 3828. Proceeds will support library programs.
Clanton to host Town Hall meeting, Sept. 11 Stonecrest City Councilman Jimmy Clanton, Jr., District 1, will host a Town Hall meeting on Sept. 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. Clanton said constituents will have a chance to ask questions and updates will be provided on adopted measures, community development, beautification efforts, SPLOST and future goals. The meeting is open to the public. Jimmy Clanton
Cobble to host community meeting and cleanup Stonecrest City Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble, District 3, will host a community meeting on Thursday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m., at Ousley United Methodist Church, 3261 Panola Road, Stonecrest. There will be updates on city business and a discussion about SPLOST. Everyone is invited. Cobble also asks that the community participate in a Saturday cleanup. She is partnering with DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson on the event, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Fairington Road Walmart Garden Center at 10:15 a.m. to receive
Jazzmin Cobble supplies and instructions. For more information, email jcobble@stonecrestga.gov or call 470-381-8525.
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Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
How much do you really know about Rockdale County?
Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Superior Court
This month, we decided to have a little fun in testing your knowledge about Rockdale County. By answering true or false to the questions below, you can determine whether you’re a local expert, well-informed resident or you need to get out more, based on your score. Indicate whether each statement is true or false. ____ 1. All the judges in Rockdale are elected by popular vote. ____ 2. Each member of the Board of Commissioners is assigned a district in the County to represent. ____3. Rockdale is an At-Will Employment County. ____ 4. A Notary Public may charge up to $25. ____ 5. The Superintendent of Schools is an elected position. ____ 6. The City of Conyers collects taxes in addition to the County taxes. ____ 7. The Clerk of Superior Court works for the Chief Judge. ____ 8. The Sheriff works for the Board of Commissioners. ____ 9. There are six State Representatives that represent por-
tions of Rockdale County. ____ 10. The Fourth Congressional District includes all of Rockdale and portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton Counties. ____ 11. More people voted early in 2008 (29,401 – 58%) than in 2016 (25,304 – 50.6%) ____12. Crime is down. ____ 13. Waste pickup in Conyers is handled by the City. Waste pick up in the County is handled by the County. ____ 14. Jack McBrayer of NBC’s 30 Rock is the son of School Board Chair, Jim McBrayer. ____ 15. Rockdale’s estimated population in 2016 was 89,355. ____ 16. Rockdale is the smallest county in the state. ____ 17. Rockdale is represented by two State Senators and two U.S. Senators. ____ 18. The Georgia International Horse Park is operated by the City of Conyers. ____ 19. The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is owned by Trappist Monks. ____ 20. There are four Accountability Courts in Rockdale: DUI Court, Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Juvenile Drug Court. 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. ROCKDALE IQ QUIZ ANSWERS
1 F, 2 F, 3 T, 4 F, 5 F, 6 T, 7 F, 8 F, 9 T, 10 T, 11 T, 12 T, 13 F, 14 T, 15 T, 16 F, 17 T, 18 T, 19 T, 20 T CORRECT SCORE MEANS YOU: 18-20 = Are A Local Expert; 15-17 = Are A Well-informed Resident; 10-14 = Need To Get Out More; 0-10 = Are Not From Around Here
FLU, from page 1
available online for the drive-through clinic: at dekalbhealhealth.net. “There will be fast-track lanes, lane for special needs and handicaps and lanes for people who have a carload of kids,” Ford said. “Hopefully, we’ll get a lot of people. If this is successful, this may be one of the ways we administer shots moving forward.” In addition to the drive-through flu shot clinic, DeKalb also is offering flu shots to the public at its health centers. Flu shots will be available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays recognized by the State of Georgia, at the following health center locations: • Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur • East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia • North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Road NE, Chamblee • T.O. Vinson Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur The shot is recommended for anyone age 6 months and older, particular-
ly those who are at high risk of serious flu complications. These groups include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease) and those who are age 65 and older. Two vaccine options will be offered at the health centers: the standard vaccine for $30 and the high-dose vaccine for those ages 65 and older for $65. Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Cigna, Medicaid, Medicare Part B, PeachCare for Kids, and State Health Benefit Plan (excluding Kaiser Permanente) are accepted. Cash, checks drawn on banks located in Georgia, and credit/debit cards are also accepted. Other insurances may be accepted, but you are asked call ahead to verify acceptance and all are asked to bring your insurance card. For more information about the flu or the DeKalb County Board of Health’s immunization programs, including on-site worksite or community flu clinics, visit www.dekalbhealth.net/ flu or call 404-294-3700.
Rockdale honors Banks 65-year reunion The Ludie Banks family proved that its family reunion is still going strong with a big picnic on Sept. 3, Labor Day weekend. This year marked the 65th annual gathering the Banks have held. “We always have our reunion on the first Sunday in September. Ours is the longest held reunion in the county,” Mary Lester said proudly. Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt, who attended the celebration along with Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr., commended the family for its long tradition. “You’re celebrating 65 years. I love the slogan for the T-shirt this year: Staying Connected…,” said Nesbitt, who presented a proclamation honoring the event as the “Banks Family
Reunion Recognition Day.” The Banks held its annual picnic at the family homestead, which is located off Highway 138. On the land where only the chimney still stands from their family home, family members served up a feast of barbecue ribs, chicken, dressing, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, potato salad and other Southern dishes. As adults ate and caught up on life, the children played. According to the family’s written history, Ludie and Nina Banks moved to the area in December 1929. The couple and their children were one of the oldest black families to settle in this area of Rockdale. The Banks started their reunion when they held a birthday dinner in honor of Obert Jean Usher, who was 6 years old. Five daughters of Ludie and Nina attended—Katherine, Sallie, Mamie, Nina Lou and Cressie, along with their eldest son, Eddie Bryant. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 • PAGE 7
On Common Ground News Marketplace RESTAURANTS
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Thanks to our vendors sponsors Thanks to our and vendors and sponsors Thanks to our vendors and sponsors We want all of you to be successful! all of be successful! We wantWe allwant of you to you be to successful!