Community
Election Conyers native lands leading role on Oxygen’s “Snapped”
Community DeKalb, Rockdale see steady trickle during first week of early voting
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SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES
VOLUME 20 NUMBER 29
DeKalb Solicitor-General to host symposium to fight domestic violence
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OCTOBER 18, 2014
BRACING FOR EBOLA
FREE
Metro-Atlanta officials urge emergency workers, community to take precaution By Valerie J. Morgan and Joshua Smith
A
s top officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respond to rising concerns over the deadly Ebola crisis, metro Atlanta officials are stepping up efforts to protect first responders and the public at large. Officials are going over drills and procedures on how to deal with deadly, infectious diseases. In recent days, the CDC has revised its protocol in dealing with the virus, including adding more stringent screening at airports and stipulating that health care workers who treat Ebola patients wear more protective clothing, covering themselves from head to toe. The changes follow heavy
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
DeKalb County District Health Director Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford addresses concerned residents and the media at a community conversation on Oct. 14 in Decatur.
criticism and scrutiny of the CDC as Ebola jumps continents and spreads. Officials report that Ebola has claimed the lives of more than 4,000 people in West Africa. More
than 400 healthcare workers and missionaries from around the world have contracted the virus while treating patients and 200 of them have died from the disease, officials
say.
Atlanta has witnessed firsthand how emergency workers must See Ebola, page 6
DeKalb schools on Ebola alert, implement strict admissions policy DeKalb County Schools’ Superintendent Michael Thurmond said the district is not permitting the enrollment of any new students from Ebola-affected West African countries, and administrators should be on the alert for anyone at school exhibiting fever. The district issued the notice on Oct. 15 after a family from West Africa tried to enroll one of their children at Dunwoody Elementary and Dunwoody High School. The family reportedly
moved to DeKalb at the end of September from West Africa and was cooperating with district officials to provide medical documentation. Thurmond said anyone trying to enroll a child from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and other areas of West Africa, as well as affected areas in the U.S., would not be permitted to enroll or attend classes without proper medical documentation and permission from him. Thurmond said he’s also urging
principals and administrators to be vigilant in looking for symptoms of the virus. Staff members should ask those who seem sick if he or she has traveled to West Africa or other affected areas or come into contact with someone who has. If school officials encounter individuals whom they believe exhibit symptoms, they are to immediately separate the individual from contact with others and report it to the Regional See DeKalb Ebola, page 6
DeKalb County Schools’ Superintendent Michael Thurmond
Day 8: Judge orders jurors to keep deliberating in Ellis case
F
By Joshua Smith
or two consecutive days, jurors in the Burrell Ellis case told the judge they couldn’t reach a unanimous decision, increasing speculation the jury may not get past being deadlocked. Ellis, who is charged with 13 felony counts including extortion and bribery, is accused of pressuring vendors to give to his elections Burrell Ellis campaign or lose out on county contracts. At On Common Ground News’ Oct. 16 deadline, Judge Courtney Johnson had ordered the jury to continue deliberating. Johnson reminded attorneys that the jury had been deliberating only 35 hours, even though it has been over eight days. The jurors–12 women, along with three alternates– asked to listen to additional phone conversations that were secretly taped by the prosecution’s star witness, former DeKalb Purchasing Director Kelvin Walton. Still, the jurors could not agree after hearing the tapes. Jurors have also requested and re-watched a special grand jury
testimony of Ellis discussing DeKalb’s Watershed Management contracts. Craig Bradford, a retiree who has attended the trial as an interested citizen of Decatur, said it seems some of the jurors had reached the breaking point. One of the women had smeared mascara and appeared to have been crying. “You can tell some of them are getting frustrated from their facial expressions,” said Bradford, who said he has served as a juror on several occasions. “I mean talking over each other, pushing, shoving and how many times are they going to ask to hear these tapes? I pretty much know them by heart from hearing them so much.” Joe Newton, an Army veteran who has sat in for parts of the trial, said he was surprised it was taking the jury so long to reach a decision. “I don’t think what he (Ellis) did was wrong. It was just the way he went about it was wrong,” said Newton. “Burrell isn’t doing anything any other CEO hasn’t done. He could have easily just hired a college student or paid someone to work on his behalf to call for campaign dollars.” Story developing. Check back for updates on this trial at www.ocgnews.com.
Judge Courtney Johnson
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
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OCTOBER 18, 2014
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OCTOBER 18, 2014 PAGE 3
Community News
OCTOBER 18, 2014 VOLUME 20, NO. 29 EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith joshsmith@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
ABOUT US
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.
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Conyers native lands leading role on Oxygen’s “Snapped”
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By Joshua Smith
hen 23-year-old Court King graduated from Rockdale County’s Salem High School in 2009, he says he never would have imagined he would be playing the role of a music producer/murderer. But for about a month in July, it was just a part of the job for the Conyers native who starred in the Oxygen channel’s nationally-syndicated show, “Snapped” as Jabrai Copney. “This was my first leading role after about five years of working professionally so it was a big moment for me,” said King, whose birth name is Courtney Dillard, Jr. “I used any nervous energy I had as fuel to go harder in the role of Jabrai.” King’s family members and friends throughout Georgia, Minneapolis, Minnesota, California, and in Pennsylvania hosted watch parties on Oct. 12 to see the young thespian shine on the “Snapped” episode as Copney. Jabrai Copney was a promising music producer who worked with music heavy weights such as New Edition and Ryan Leslie but he led a secret criminal life which led to a botched drug deal and him shooting and killing Harvard student Justin Cosby in 2009. Copney was convicted of murder in 2011 with a life sentence and no possibility of parole. King’s parents, Courtney and Gayla Dillard, say watching their son portray a killer was a moment they will never forget
Court King
and they are very proud of their son. “I’m very, very proud and blessed. It was amazing to see Court on the silver screen. We were all texting and Facebooking all over the country all night long,” said Dillard. “My wife and I call him the next Denzel around the house. We are just so happy to see him follow his dreams.” King’s mother, a long-time physician in Conyers, agrees. “Our son really has a gift. We saw him perform on stage about three-four years ago and the way he could just shift to different accents and personalities was something to remember. We knew then he had something special,” said Dr. Gayla J. Dillard, MD FACS. King now lives in Los Angeles. He has
been there for about a month now building a team that he hopes can take his career to the next level. “Before the opportunity with Oxygen, I had small roles in local and independent films around Atlanta. I have an agent out here, publicist and other people are getting involved so I can, hopefully, land some roles in major movies and more television,” said King. “I plan to make a visit to Atlanta to see family and friends next month.” Marlowe Mathis of Atlanta watches “Snapped” regularly and says if King’s role of Jabrai Copney is any indication of his talents, he should have a promising career. “Court strongly resembles Jordan. Court did a great job on the show. He was very real. The role was very authentic,” said Mathis. “Court moving to L.A. could be nothing but a good thing. That’s how you follow your dream.” King says he always knew he would be doing something big, even as a child, and he offered some advice to other young talents. “I was basically scouted out at high school graduation to be a model and modeling led to an interest and then love for acting,” said King, who also wants to be a producer for the big screen. “My advice would be to keep grinding no matter what. Set high goals for yourself and know that in this business, there may be a lot of rejection but you have to keep on pushing and moving forward in your passion.”
Conyers Police, Crime Stoppers offer reward for burglary suspects Conyers Police and Crime Stoppers are offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment of burglars who have targeted Conyers businesses. The rewards are being offered to stop a rash of burglaries in Conyers. Within
a week’s time, three Conyers businesses were burglarized overnight. Mountain Motor Sports on Iris Drive was the first on Tuesday, Sept. 30, followed by Sound Pro Mobile Electronics on Thursday, Oct. 2 also on Iris Drive, and finally, Hibbett Sports on Dogwood Drive on Monday,
Oct. 6. The burglars targeted these large stores within a short period of time. However, investigators do not believe the incidents to be related. “Our main concern is to stop this from happening,” said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “We want to send the message that we will put
heat on these criminals and keep them out of our city and protect our businesses.” Any information on these cases can be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers tip line at 404 577-TIPS (8477), online www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637).
DeKalb jail launches automated system to improve phone calls DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann announced the launch of a new Automated Information Services (AIS) system at the DeKalb County Jail designed to more efficiently handle phone calls. The new system is customized to respond to the most frequently-asked questions by porting the calls to the best source for an answer. Among the categories of questions most often asked are those related to inmate charges, releases, visitation, court dates, medical condition, bond amounts, and funding accounts for phone calls or commissary purchases. The new system will allow outside callers to speak with an officer when it’s not possible to them to electronically select from the list of information options. Inmates also benefit from AIS, officials say. Using speed dial numbers on phones located inside the jail, inmates can get automated information on basically the same topics in English or Spanish. “When we receive a call from an inmate’s family member or friend, they are generally attempting to help them in some way,” said Mann. “They need information that will either assist them with being able to obtain a bond and leave the jail or to have the financial or emotional support they need while they are here awaiting trial.”
“By automating our response to the hundreds of calls that we get 24 hours a day every day, we greatly enhance the efficiency of this service. Because of the advanced technology that drives AIS, we can handle more calls and the information received is more accurate and up-todate.” On average, some 700 calls per day come in to the main number, requiring the officer on duty to readily provide information, transfer the call, or engage in database research in order to fill the request. The traditional procedure for
processing calls suffered from personnel and resource inefficiencies. Until now. No new direct costs were incurred with the installation of the automated system. The value of AIS is its access to the most current data, which eliminates equipment costs by integrating ”cloud” technology for storage and retrieval. “We understand that family members and friends want to stay in touch and informed about their loved one, and it’s our obligation to the public to make this service available in the most efficient way possible,” said Mann.
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OCTOBER 18, 2014
Coming Up
Southwest DeKalb sets ”Tipoff Shootout Showdown” Southwest DeKalb High School (SWD) in Decatur is hosting the “Tipoff Shootout Showdown” in November and is now selling tickets for the basketball games. The fundraiser will help support the Panthers’ trip for a basketball tournament that will be held in the Bahamas during the Thanksgiving, said Eugene Brown, Jr., head coach of the SWD boys’ basketball team. Four Georgia schools will be participating in the Bahamas tournament. The Nov. 15 Shootout Showdown at Southwest DeKalb High is scheduled as follows: • Henry County Warhawks vs. Stone Mountain Pirates at noon. • The Jones County Greyhounds vs. Chamblee Bulldogs at 1:30 p.m. • The Parkview Panthers vs. Walnut Grove Warriors at 3 p.m. • The North Clayton Eagles vs. Lithonia Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. • The Therrell Panthers vs. ML King Lions at 6 p.m. • Whitefield Academy Wolfpack vs. Cedar Grove Saints at 7:30 p.m. • Dutchtown Bulldogs vs. Southwest DeKalb at 9 p.m. Admission to the games is $10 for adults, $5 for students. There will be concessions throughout the day, as well as vendors and music. For more information, call 678-874-2052 or visit www.swdpathers1.com.
Atlanta
Gwinnett
Job fair set for military veterans and spouses
Lilburn CID to host meet-and-greet
RecruitMilitary, in partnership with the Disabled American Veterans, are hosting a hiring event for veterans and military spouses on Oct. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. More than 300 veterans and military spouses are expected to attend the event. Several veteran-friendly local and national employers will meet face to face with job seekers including the Disabled American Veterans, USAA, Norfolk Southern Corporation, The Home Depot, Wallace Property Management Group, SherwinWilliams Company and Cummins Power South LLC.
Old Fourth Ward to host Halloween party, parade Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward community will host a Halloween party and parade on Saturday, Oct. 25, 12 - 6 p.m. The walking party starts on Highland Avenue at the intersection of Boulevard and Sampson Street. Wearing costumes is suggested. Pets can also walk in the parade. Residents are encouraged to decorate their houses for parade participants to enjoy on the walk. Members of the Old Fourth Ward Conservancy will be collecting donations to benefit the Old Fourth Ward park. After the parade, participants can enjoy music from local groups and awards such as “best costume” will be given out. Some shops in the area are also participating by hosting trick-or-treat stations for kids in costume. For more information, contact Royce Morris at 404-642-1120 or autygr@ yahoo.com.
Business operators, residents and community leaders are invited to the Lilburn Community Improvement District’s (CID) meet-and-greet on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at A Taste of Paradise Restaurant and Event Hall, 4805 Lawrenceville Hwy. NW, Suite 300, Lilburn. The free event is an opportunity for business operators and residents to get an update on the many projects and improvements in Lilburn. Doug Stacks, director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Lilburn, and Gerald McDowell, executive director of the Lilburn CID, will make presentations. Business operators are encouraged to bring handouts for the Business Info Table. Door prizes and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Michael Taylor: mtaylor@bellsouth.net.
Bethesda Park Senior Center sets health fair The Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, will host “Fall into Health” for senior citizens on Friday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The free health fair is open to all Gwinnett seniors and features health screenings such as blood pressure and heart rate, active demonstrations, informational sessions on subjects such as having fun with health and developing healthy habits, and entertainment from local artists. Seniors can also shop with vendors and food trucks and an-on site farmers market as well. Attendees can complete a wellness fair bingo card during the event for a chance to win a December trip for two to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The trip includes transportation, hotel stay and other accommodations. 678-277-0179.
DeKalb
Rockdale
South DeKalb to host series of Cityhood meetings
Public invited to Black Shoals Retreat House and Nature Trail ribbon cutting
Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb (CCCSD) is hosting a series of community meetings in South DeKalb to explain what forming a city means, its financial impact on you, options to consider, and why it is promoting the formation of a new city. Interested stakeholders are invited to attend. The group, which held two meetings earlier this month, is scheduled to host its “Seeds of Change” community meetings on the following dates and locations: Monday, Oct. 20 Flat Shoals Library 4022 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur
Monday, Nov. 3 Scott Candler Road Library 1917 Candler Rd, Decatur
Monday, Oct. 27 Salem Panola Library 5137 Salem Road, Lithonia
Monday, Nov. 10 Stone Mountain Library 952 Leon Street, Stone Mountain Monday, Nov. 17 Clarkston - TBD
Meeting times are 6-8p.m. For more information, call 770-322-3842; email cityhoodsd@gmail.com or visit: www.southdekalbcityhood.blogspot.com/
St. Paul AME sets cancer awareness walk St. Paul AME Church, 1704 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia, invites the community to participate in a 3-mile cancer awareness walk on Oct. 26. Walkers will leave the church at 11:30 a.m. Refreshments will be provided at the church after the walk. “We need all people who would like to participate. This is a free event for people to come out and show their support for cancer awareness,” said Joyce Reid, who is helping coordinator Carlee Cumberbatch organize the walk. To pre-register or for more information, contact Joyce Reid at 770-482-1571. The Rev. Cheviene Jones is pastor of St. Paul AME.
The Rockdale County Department of Recreation & Maintenance invites the public to the Black Shoals Retreat House and Nature Trail ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Oct. 20, 5 p.m., at Black Shoals Park, 3001 Black Shoals Road, Conyers. The Retreat House is the first-ever indoor facility at Black Shoals Park and the adjoining Veteran’s Park/Walk of Heroes. The facility has heat and air, flush toilets, a warming kitchen, a porch with picnic tables, and space for large meetings or events. Additional features include an outdoor lawn and stage with electrical outlets, a new playground, and a walking path that connects to the fishing pier and nature trail. The Retreat House will be available to citizens and non-county residents for meetings, parties, weddings, and other special occasion rentals. Beginning in January, the new facility will offer community classes and programs such as yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For more information, contact Marilu Montalvo at marilumontalvo@ rockdalecounty.org or 770-278-7282.
Mobile food bank sets giveaway Oct. 23 The Resource Center for Community Action is hosting its mobile food bank on Oct. 23, noon to 4 p.m. at 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. Anyone who is in need is welcome to drive up and receive a free bag of groceries. Volunteers are also needed to bag and distribute the groceries. For more information or to volunteer, call 678-288-5433, ext.101.
Halloween fest at Johnson Park Rec Center Rockdale County invites residents to bring their kids in costume to the county’s Halloween Fest, which will be held on Oct. 31, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. There will be treats for the children and other surprises. For more information, call 770-278-7529.
OCTOBER 18, 2014 PAGE 5
ELECTIONS 2014
DeKalb, Rockdale see steady trickle during first week of early voting
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hen early voting began on Oct. 13, many residents in DeKalb County said they thought it was a good decision to come to the polls early to make their voices heard. “I don’t like being in long lines. I don’t really like crowds either and the closer it gets to Election Day, the bigger the crowds will be,” said Marie Coleman of Stone Mountain. “It’s more convenient to come now.” Former DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown also participated in early voting on Oct. 13 and encouraged others to get to the polls early. “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend this Christopher Columbus Day holiday than here voting,” said Brown, who cast his ballot at the main precinct on Memorial Drive in Decatur. “Everyone should come out early, make your voices heard and avoid the traffic and rush of the last-minute voters.” By Wednesday, Oct. 15, the DeKalb County Board of Elections reported 7,561 had voted (5,319 in person and 2,242 by mail). Officials say DeKalb has an estimated 450,000 registered voters. Maxine Daniels, director of DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections, says she expects the numbers of voters to increase as the Nov. 4 General Election draws near and she says her staff will be ready with new precincts that have been added as a result of Sunday voting on Oct. 26.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Rockdale voters cast their ballots during early voting.
“We are always interested in making voting easier and sensible for voters. We are excited about adding The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall as an additional location for voters,” said Daniels. “We are also excited about the opportunity to serve the senior community as well. Centers such as Briarcliff Oaks and Antioch Manor Estates have been bringing in bus loads of seniors to vote early so they don’t have to wait in long lines.” In neighboring Rockdale County, officials reported 1,074 people voted on Oct. 13, the first day of early voting. Of the 1,074, 582 voted by mail. By Thursday, Oct. 16, Rockdale reported 2,550
voters as of 1:50 p.m. Elections supervisor Cynthia Welch said a total of 752 votes had been received by mail. Welch said Rockdale has 56,949 registered voters. The county added 296 voters to its rolls in September. “We’re expecting things to pick up. We’re preparing for additional staff for our Saturday voting day because some of the churches have said they plan to bring people to the polls that day,” Welch said. Rockdale’s Board of Elections rejected Sunday voting, angering supporters who said the rejection was another way to suppress voters and discourage pastors from urging their congregations to take advantage of voting on a designated Sunday, a measure that passed in some other Georgia counties. Only one of the three members on Rockdale’s Board of Elections--the Democratic representative--voted in favor of Sunday. The Republican board member voted against it and the non-partisan representative didn’t vote at all. Early voting is Oct. 13 - 31 (Monday through Friday), with Saturday voting on Oct. 25 and Sunday voting on Oct. 26 in DeKalb. Early voting in Rockdale will be held Oct. 13 - 31 (Monday through Friday); and on Saturday, Oct. 25. The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. To find your polling place and see your sample ballot, go to My Voter Page at www.sos.state.ga.us.
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A BETTER WAY FORWARD OnCommonGroundAd 9-29.indd 1
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OCTOBER 18, 2014
Ebola continued from page 1
take precaution in responding to caring for Ebola patients. At least two Dallas nurses who cared for Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan have tested positive for the virus. One of the nurses, Amber Vinson, 29, was flown on Oct. 15 to Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital for treatment. Vinson was under heavy security and medical workers and volunteers who helped escort her with clothed in protective gear. Both, Vinson and Nina Pham, 26, contracted Ebola while caring for Duncan, a Liberian national, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. Duncan died on Oct. 8. Pham was transferred to the National Institute of Health in Maryland on Oct. 16 to continue her treatment. With all of the attention focused on Ebola, the Atlanta City Council approved a resolution requesting a briefing from city departments on a plan of action and preventive measures regarding Ebola. Councilmember Felicia Moore, who sponsored the resolution, said she is concerned for public employees such as police, fire, EMS, water and sewage workers who have direct contact with the general public. “I think every city must be prepared in case things worsen,” Moore said. “We also must determine if there are areas of vulnerability, particularly when it comes to those who serve and protect the public.” New York City EMS workers now wear gloves, goggles, protective masks and jumpsuits as a precaution when picking up patients who show Ebola-like symptoms.
In DeKalb County, health officials have reached out to the community to answer questions about the disease and DeKalb schools officials have put in place protocol that principals and administrators should follow concerning Ebola. “The best way to face fears is with facts,” DeKalb Board of Health District Health Director Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford told residents attending a community forum. “We don’t know everything about this disease, but we want the community to know that we are doing all we can to help protect families from Ebola, H1N1 and any other infectious diseases.” DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader, who attended Dr. Ford’s Oct. 14 community forum, “Ebola: A Community Information Session,” said it’s urgent that county officials take action. “DeKalb County, through the board of health, emergency management agency and other functions of DeKalb County government have been working closely with our medical institutions and are well prepared to deal with this contingency should we have to,” said Rader. Karen Jones of Decatur said as one who works in a healthcare environment, she appreciated the informational session that Dr. Ford held. “I feel that the county is doing their best to stay ahead of Ebola,” said Jones, who works at a chiropractic office. “A lot of fears I had coming in were relieved. It seems that we are
fully prepared. You can’t be fearful to go out into your own community. I have faith in our medical institutions.” Dr. Ford told attendees that experimental treatments and potential vaccines are being developed in Canada as well as at Emory Healthcare. Ford stressed you cannot contract Ebola just from sitting next to someone who is infected. The virus is spread through bodily fluid. Symptoms can occur within eight to 10 days but the incubation period may take as many as 21 days, health officials say. The incubation period is what worries Marjorie De Souza of Lithonia, who attended Dr. Ford’s community meeting. “There are just too many unanswered questions out there with Ebola and I feel no one fully understands this thing. It seems that you can contract the disease and not even know it for a whole week and in that time other people could get infected with one sneeze, if the mucus gets in your eyes or an open cut,” said De Souza. “We know you shouldn’t make any assumptions about West Africa or anyone traveling from there and I won’t, but I feel like many people will do just that because there are just too many fears and unknowns out there about Ebola.” For more information on Ebola, visit www. cdc.gov; www.dekalbhealth.net or call 404-2943700.
Additionally, the Superintendent has urged all principals and administrators to be vigilant. If school officials encounter individuals whom they believe exhibit symptoms, they are to immediately separate the individual from contact with others and report it to the Regional Superintendent.
“As with any potential or actual communicable disease, the school district has guidelines and protocols to follow, and if any cases are suspected or confirmed in our community, we will follow the DeKalb Board of Health Department’s guidance and direction,” the district said in a news release.
DeKalb Ebola continued from page 1
Superintendent. The District is working in collaboration and communication with the DeKalb Board of Health, Centers for Disease Control, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, the Georgia Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Education.
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OCTOBER 18, 2014 PAGE 7
Rockdale health officials map out strategies to deal with deadly virus
A
By Joshua Smith
s worry and confusion sweep the nation in the wake of Ebola, health officials in Rockdale County say they are prepared to deal with the deadly virus, if the need arises. “Transmission of Ebola can be prevented by using appropriate infection control measures,” said Sarah Talley Teach, manager of Marketing, Relations and Business Development at Rockdale Medical Center. “One precaution we have taken is revising our triage and admission assessments to include questions regarding travel to high risk areas, as well as recent contact with people from those areas.” As hospital staff members work closely with the Georgia
Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through daily briefings, Rockdale Medical reports no one having the virus in the county. “While we have not treated any patients with Ebola at our hospital, we want to take caution to make sure we are prepared,” said Teach. “We haven’t set any events or informational sessions just yet. But we are open to the idea if enough residents tell us there is a need for it.” Tamanique Johnson, a Conyers resident who works part time as a babysitter, says she would like for Rockdale officials to host a community meeting to bring residents current updates about the Ebola virus. “Anything like that where we can get any kind of preventive
measures or signs to look for would be a good event to attend,” said Johnson. “I try to stay up to date on symptoms lists and other things related to Ebola.” Teach says emergency preparedness is critical and hospital staff have put protocols in place, including practiced drills, in case of the worst. Rockdale Medical has also placed signs at hospital entrances asking anyone who has a fever and has traveled outside the country, or who has had exposure to an international traveler to notify staff. Teach says Rockdale Medical also has designated isolation rooms for patients who may have been exposed to Ebola and other infectious diseases. Protective gear also has been provided to all hospital employees.
DeKalb History Center’s Civil War tour offers fascinating stories, documents The DeKalb History Center, located in the historic DeKalb County courthouse in Decatur, is offering Civil War walking tours in downtown Decatur. The hour-long tour provides the early history of the county, effects of the war on the civilian population in DeKalb, the Atlanta campaign, and the Battle of Decatur. The tour starts with the History Center’s new exhibit, Tears and Curses: A Human Perspective on the Civil War and showcases photographs, letters, diaries, newspapers, meeting minutes and other documents to show how people thought and felt about the war and the events around them. “Our research for the exhibit yielded so much fascinating material that we wanted to share some of this additional information with the public,” said Jenny Goldemund, programs and preservation coordinator for the History Center. “The tour has a personal feel because of the local sources used. I think people will enjoy the tour and learn a lot.” The tour highlights civilians who lived in the Decatur area during the Civil War such as Benjamin Swanton, a successful businessman from Maine who came to Georgia during the Dahlonega gold rush. Owning property stretching from Marshal Street to Adair Street and south to the railroad,
Steve Daniel (far right) guides a group for the DeKalb History Center's new Civil War walking tour.
Swanton operated a grist mill, tannery, machine shop, and brickyard. He and his wife evacuated Decatur during the war, but his son became a Confederate soldier and his house, which now stands on West Trinity in Decatur, had a cellar that was used as a shelter when the town was at the center of a battle. One of the people who emerged from the safety of Swanton’s cellar after the Battle of Decatur in 1864 was a young school teacher named Elizabeth Morton. She happened upon the body of a young Union soldier
In recognition of Women’s Health month please join District 94 State Representative Karen Bennett for her annual: EMMA B. ALLEN PINK SASH PARADE A Reception Honoring Cancer Survivors Sunday, October 26, 2014 Immediately Following 11 A.M. Worship Service Fairfield Baptist Church 6133 Redan Road Lithonia, GA. 30058 Honorees and Special Guests to Include: Renowned Breast Cancer Surgeon, Dr. Rogsbert F. Phillips, MD Pastor Micheal & First Lady Y’vonne Benton Fairfield Baptist Church Local Community Leaders and Officials
who had just been killed, was able to identify him, and corresponded with his parents in Ohio. She sent them a lock of their son’s hair and wrote a poem attempting to comfort them. After the war, the young man’s parents came to Decatur to claim their son’s remains. “A girl like Elizabeth Morton defies categories because, although from a staunchly Confederate family, she had tremendous compassion for a Union family she didn’t know,” said Goldemund. Mary Gay was a young unmarried
woman who lived with her mother, sister and brother when the war started. Gay wrote an account of the war based on her diary telling of events and how people survived. For example, Gay and several women from Decatur walked to Atlanta almost daily after the surrender of the city to dig Minie balls out of the ground and exchange them for food. The Mary Gay House is now located on West Trinity next to the Swanton House. Another story that illustrates the complexities of the time is that of Roderick Badger, the son of an enslaved woman and a white plantation owner. Badger was a dentist who, early in the war, worked as an assistant to Milton Candler, who was a captain in the State Guard and whose law office was on the Decatur Square. Badger evacuated to Chicago during the latter part of the war, but because he had a highly successful practice on Peachtree Street in Atlanta and he owned valuable land, he returned to Atlanta after the war. The cost for the DeKalb History Center’s Civil War walking tour is $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-18, and free for children 5 and under. The tours are scheduled at various times and they begin and end in the lobby of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse. For more information, call 404-373-1088, ext. 20 or visit www.dekalbhistory.org.
HERITAGE DAYalong AND JAZZ FESTIVAL with its 6th Annual Flat Rock Archive Flea Market, Arts & Crafts Yard Sale
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014
3979 Crossvale Road Lithonia, GA 30038 770-797-5625
FLEA MARKET/ARTS & CRAFTS/YARD SALE 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Vendors are needed $25 tables available limited space Fish Fry/Grits/drinks - for sale RSVP by 10/11/14 by calling AFRICAN AMERICAN ART & ANTIQUE APPRAISALS 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Come find out the value of your family heirlooms! Bring your collectables! Appraisals will cost $20 - $40 1ST ANNUAL FLAT ROCK JAZZ FESTIVAL 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tables for rent - elegant displays encouraged!
Bring your best china, silver and tablecloths to enjoy jazz under the stars with jazz musician John Porter in style! Door prize awarded for best decorated table! 2 person table - $20 4 person table - $40 6 or more people table - $70 Tables and chairs provided. BYOB - bring your own beverage of choice! No Food! Food for sale - ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.
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PAGE 8
OCTOBER 18, 2014
Brighter DeKalb Foundation honored as “2014 Healthcare Champion” The Brighter DeKalb Foundation has been named a “2014 Healthcare Champion” by the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority. The foundation will receive the award during a reception on Dec. 7, prior to the start of the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority’s 3rd Annual Health Summit. The Healthcare Champion award recognizes and encourages exceptional work in the health industry. The Brighter DeKalb Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established to support behavioral health and
developmental disability services provided by the DeKalb Community Service Board(CSB). Each year, the DeKalb CSB provides more than 10,000 uninsured and underinsured adults and youth a full range of community-based public mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services in DeKalb. “We are delighted to present Brighter DeKalb Foundation with this award in recognition of their commitment to providing quality behavioral health, developmental
disability, and substance abuse services to the uninsured and underinsured youth and adults in DeKalb County, Georgia,” said Keri Norris, chief of Health Policy and Administration at Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority. Brenda Cibulas, chief clinical officer of DeKalb Community Service Board, said winning the award is a “respected validation” of the foundation’s services to the community. “We are very proud to receive the award from The Fulton-
DeKalb Hospital Authority given their dedication to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of Fulton and DeKalb counties,” said Cibulas. “Winning the Healthcare Champion award is a respected validation of our evidence-based approach to providing the highest quality of behavioral health and developmental disability services to more than 10,000 individuals annually.” For more information on the Brighter DeKalb Foundation and DeKalb CSB visit: www.dekcsb.org.
Brookhaven gets its own postmark from U.S. Postal Service Brookhaven took one of its final steps in cityhood this week when the U.S. Postal Service officially recognized the city as a deliverable address. Although Brookhaven incorporated as a city on Dec. 17, 2012, the U.S. Postal Service had still listed all addresses in the city limits as Atlanta on mail. That will now change. After many meetings and the aid of Congressman Tom Price, the Postal Service will now recognize Brookhaven as a valid address for ZIP codes 30319 and 30329. Brookhaven will now become the postmark on delivered mail and on addresses searched for on www.usps.com. “It may be a little step, but it’s an important victory in our efforts for cityhood. This is something that many of our constituents have asked about,” Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Chase Williams said. “This shows we are official now!” The city is still working with the Postal Service to get the name on the front of the post office on Dresden Drive changed to Brookhaven. Since its Dec. 17, 2012 inception, Brookhaven has elected a City Council, launched a police department, opened a city hall, assumed control of parks, paved roads and sidewalks, decreased the millage rate, installed city limit signs and passed a number of other milestones marking cityhood.
DeKalb deputies support National School Bus Safety Month Passing a stopped school bus in DeKalb County can get you arrested. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is taking steps to deter offenders by aggressively confronting drivers in DeKalb who pass school buses that are stopped to load or unload passengers. “Our Deputies are in the community each day serving warrants and other processes,” says DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann. “Too frequently, they observe drivers breaking this law. When this occurs, they are taking action immediately to protect our school children. Just since the beginning of this school year, we have made one arrest and issued 69 citations and 41 DeKalb Sheriff warnings to violators.” Jeffrey L. Mann More than 70,000 students ride DeKalb County School buses each weekday during the school year. The District operates 960 buses - more than MARTA - that drive 11 million miles a year to serve the District’s 137 schools, centers and academies. The DeKalb County School District supports the initiative. “The safety and health of our students are our primary concerns,” says Donald Smith, Chief of Public Safety for the DeKalb County School District. “We welcome the enhanced enforcement actions of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.” In high traffic areas that have busy pedestrian traffic, as well, the potential for incidents increases dramatically. Along with the danger violators pose, they can also be fined $430 and have six points assessed to their driver’s license - the highest violation assessment possible.
OCTOBER 18, 2014 PAGE 9
DeKalb Solicitor-General to host symposium to fight domestic violence
D
eKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston is inviting the public to attend her fourth annual community resource fair and symposium on domestic violence Thursday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Co-sponsored by Verizon Wireless, the event entitled Building Bridges, Making Connections: Coordinating a Community Response to Domestic Violence will include a resource fair and free breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. followed by a program featuring a survivor, experts and community resources on domestic violence, including group discussions and videos. In conjunction with the symposium, Solicitor-General Boston is collecting used cell phones to donate to Verizon’s HopeLine. HopeLine is a Verizon Wireless program that turns no-longer-used wireless
phones into support for victims of domestic violence. Those who are not able to attend the symposium are asked to drop off used cell phones at the Solicitor-General’s Office on the 5th floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse. The Solicitor-General’s Office prosecutes more than 3,000 cases of misdemeanor domestic violence every year. SolicitorGeneral Boston created a Special Victims Unit (SVU) to give special attention to the investigation and prosecution of certain crimes including domestic violence and stalking. “Domestic violence is far too common, and we want to stop it at the misdemeanor level before it gets even worse,” says Solicitor-General Boston, “The Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review found that in 86 percent of the homicides involving women, the perpetrator had a
CAU to mark National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Clark Atlanta University (CAU) will mark National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with “The Call to True Beauty 2014,” the University’s fifth annual advocacy, education and prevention campaign against dating and domestic violence, Oct. 19-24. The weeklong series is sponsored by Avon Products Inc. and Verizon Wireless, both nationally recognized corporate leaders in the crusade to end dating and domestic violence. This year’s campaign, “Peace. Talks.,” will focus on building healthy relationships and understanding how to mitigate conflict with constructive communications. The week launches with a worship service on Sunday, Oct. 19, 10:45 a.m., in Clark Atlanta University’s Davage Auditorium. Following the service, survivors, supporters and friends will honor victims and survivors of dating and domestic violence with a memorial (eco-friendly) balloon lift. Several activities are planned throughout the week, culminating with an awards program honoring the Domestic Violence Advocate and Survivor of the Year on Friday, Oct. 24. The weeklong observance, which began in 2010, continues to be a priority outreach effort for CAU. National data
indicate that women between the ages of 16 and 24 in dating relationships experience the highest rate of dating violence and sexual assault. While the CAU campus does not have a high incidence of dating and domestic violence, the need to educate the campus and broader communities and create awareness of available services and resources persists. According to the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s 2013 annual report, the state of Georgia ranked 12th in the nation for single-perpetrator, single-victim violent crimes committed by men against women. “The Call to True Beauty” is the vehicle through which CAU continues to crusade year-round against this crime through meaningful, strategic partnerships with local and national agencies. In addition to Avon Products and Verizon Wireless, this year’s campaign partners include: The City of Atlanta; Atlanta Police Department; The Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Georgia’s largest nonprofit domestic violence organization; The Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights; and the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a statewide network of member agencies, allied organizations and individuals united in the crusade against domestic violence.
Rockdale receives $100,000 grant to fight crime in target areas Rockdale County will bolster its efforts to fight crime with a $100,000 grant from the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program. The monies will be use to target crime reduction in the Salem Road, Fieldstone View and Country Walk areas. The grant fulfills a pledge that Rockdale Sheriff Eric J. Levett made to fight crime through measures other than traditional law enforcement actions such as arrests. “This grant is a great opportunity not only for the RCSO but for all of Rockdale County” said Sheriff Levett. “The RCSO, the Rockdale BOC and all of the community Rockdale Sheriff partnerships working together are what makes Rockdale Eric J. Levett County a great place. The RCSO will continue in all its partnerships to make this community a better place to live, work, and visit. I commend not only my employees but the employees of Rockdale County who worked tirelessly on this project.” The grant will be used to: • Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment that includes a review of quantitative data and a variety of resident-driven qualitative information • Develop a strategic plan that outlines a series of evidence-based programs that will lead to crime reduction and community revitalization. Develop and plan capacity-building activities that engage all stakeholders and provide a base for results-focused collaboration across organizations and partners in the implementation years. A Rockdale County Neighborhood Revitalization Cross-Sector Partnership (RCNRCP) was required for this grant. Members of the RCNRCP are: Richard A Oden, Rockdale Chairman & CEO; Eric J. Levett, Rockdale County, Sheriff’s Office; David Irwin, Chief Superior Court Judge of Rockdale County; Nancy Bills, Rockdale County State Court Judge;William Schneider, Rockdale County Juvenile Court Judge; Richard Autry, Rockdale County Public School Superintendent; Tanesha Lanier, Revitalization of Communities; Jackie Lunsford, Rockdale County Recreation and Maintenance Director; Claire Cline, United Way.
history of domestic violence against the woman. That means these murders could have been prevented if the victim had been able to get help.” Domestic violence survivor Kimya Motley, whose ex-husband shot her four times before also shooting her 10-year-old daughter, will speak at the symposium. Motley is founder of president of Haven of Light, and more information about her and her organization is available at: http:// www.haven-of-light.org/#!about-us/cjg9. Other participants in the symposium include representatives from the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, DeKalb County Police, DeKalb County Magistrate Court, the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, Raksha and Men Stopping Violence.
DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston
5K Run/Walk for Literacy set for Piedmont Park Support literacy programs and initiatives throughout metro Atlanta this November and have some fun, too. Registrations are under way for the 4th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Literacy, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, 8 a.m., Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Dr., NE, Atlanta. The Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta, a collation of more than 30 organizations, including the DeKalb County Public Library, is seeking to achieve 100 percent literacy for the adults and families they serve. The theme for this year’s event is “Running with the Story,” and participants are encouraged to come dressed as a character from a favorite book. Prizes will be given for the best costumes, as well as for race winners in seven age categories. Register online at literacyallianceatlanta.org. Fees are $25 for individuals, $10 for students and $70 for a group of up to four people. Race day registration is $30 a person. The event is a profit-sharing fundraiser for the organizations involved. The organization you select will receive 50 percent of your fee. The DeKalb Library is asking for patrons and supporters to select the library when they register. The event will be held rain or shine.
PAGE 10
Carolyn Banks honored for legacy with Atlanta City Council Atlanta City in elective office, Councilmember Michael she taught and Bond will honor Carolyn counseled first-time Long Banks with a elected municipal reception at City Hall officials at Harvard on Nov. 3 at noon University. Banks is for her outstanding a lifetime member of contributions. Banks the National League of was the first African Cities Executive Board. American woman elected After retiring from to the Atlanta City Rich’s in 1985 and Council, serving the City Carolyn Long Banks from the Atlanta City of Atlanta from 1980 to Council in 1997, Banks 1997. joined Lockheed Martin in June Banks will be presented with 2000 as a community relations a proclamation during the 1 p.m. representative – designing and City Council meeting. implementing partnerships Throughout her career, Banks between Lockheed Martin, taught high school English in its employees, and various Atlanta and Hawaii; became the segments of the metro Atlanta first African-American buyer for community. She retired from Rich’s Department Store; served Lockheed in 2009. as chief operating officer of Banks is a Golden Life Minority Training and Assistance member of the Atlanta Alumnae Partnerships, Inc.; and was the Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta director of community affairs at Sorority, Inc.; Leadership Atlanta Clark Atlanta University. Alumni Association; the Atlanta Banks was one of only Business League; a lifetime two African-American women member of the NAACP; the to serve as president of the YWCA Women of Achievement National League of Cities Academy; and a member of (NLC). As the spokesperson St. Paul of the Cross Catholic for NLC’s elected officials, Church. She has been inducted Banks shaped the country’s into the Metro-Atlanta Coalition municipal legislative agenda, of 100 Black Women and the testified before Congress, and met University of Georgia Municipal frequently with President Clinton Leadership Institute. and members of Congress. Her She is the recipient of service with NLC included duties numerous awards and honors, as a member of the board of has been a member of several directors and president of two boards, and has served on various constituency groups: the National committees. Black Caucus of Local Elected Banks’ reception will be in Official and Women in Municipal the Southwest Wing on the second Government. Annually, while floor near the Council Chamber.
OCTOBER 18, 2014
Medicare open enrollment period begins The open enrollment period for Medicare is under way now. Effective Oct. 15, Georgians may select new Medicare plans or choose to keep their current coverage. During this year’s Medicare open enrollment period, which ends Dec. 7, the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging Services and the state’s Area Agencies on Aging will offer free one-on-one assistance and community education presentations to help Georgians make decisions about Medicare health and prescription drug plans. GeorgiaCares, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), offers personalized counseling through the toll-free help line at 866-552-4464, Option 4. Consumers may also compare plans at www.Medicare.gov, call 800-Medicare (800-633-4227) or visit www.mygeorgiacares.org to learn more. “The information that GeorgiaCares specialists provide stands out in three ways: It’s unbiased, individualized, and free,” said Dr. J. Bulot, director of the DHS Division of Aging Services. People with Medicare can create personalized coverage solutions from options such as Original Medicare,
“Part D” prescription drug plans, and comprehensive “Part C” Medicare Advantage plans. Plan details may change, so beneficiaries should carefully review their current coverage annually. GeorgiaCares SHIP certified counselors also assist with filling out applications for “Extra Help,” which covers costs associated with Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments for financially eligible individuals. Online applications are available at www. socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or through the Social Security hotline at 800772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778). For more information about GeorgiaCares and other services available to older Georgians and their families, visit the DHS Division of Aging Services at www.aging.ga.gov or call 866-552-4464 and select Option 4.
OCTOBER 18, 2014 PAGE 11
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DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, October 16, 2014
Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below: ITEM
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Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise. By: Scott M. Callan, Acting Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting
EXPIRES: 10-31-2014
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