FREE VOLUME 25 NUMBER 4
APRIL 26, 2019 Stay connected
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Georgia’s new “DRIVES” tag system gets underway DeKalb tag offices closed May 23-28 for overhaul Rockdale closed May 21-27 The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) is installing a new state-of-theart system, Georgia DRIVES, to modernize the vehicle registration and titling system. The new Georgia DRIVES system will enable more self-service options, improve customer service, and enhance data integrity. In preparation for the statewide system upgrade, DeKalb County Motor Vehicle services will be offline and unavailable for a brief period. Implementation of the new system will require the vehicle registrations and titling services to be unavailable May 23–28. To accommodate for the closure, the Motor Vehicle and Commercial/Dealer lobbies will be open to the public on Saturdays, May 4 and May 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Customers are encouraged to complete all vehicle registrations and titling in advance of expiration dates and prior to the system upgrade timing. “We are excited to partner with the Department of Revenue on the Georgia DRIVES project, which will improve our office efficiencies when handling vehicle registrations. It is important for vehicle owners and businesses to be aware of the upcoming schedule changes leading up to the Memorial Day launch of the project,” Irvin
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson
What to expect in DeKalb Tag Offices: May 23–28 • All three Tag Offices will not be able to process transactions. • All online motor vehiclerelated services including, online tag renewal services, will be offline. • Motor vehicle self-service kiosks will be offline and inoperable. • Motor vehicle division will only be able to process Trip Permit transactions at the DOR Southmeadow facility. All other transactions including International Fuel Tax Agreements (IFTA) and International Registration Plans (IRP) will be unavailable. How will this impact Georgia customers and drivers?
• All Georgia residents who need to renew their vehicle registration in May and June are asked to please renew early, prior to Tuesday, May 21. • Customers and dealers seeking to conduct any title transactions should complete their business at a county tag office prior to Thursday, May 23. • Customers can still purchase vehicles and dealers will still be able to issue Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs). • Law enforcement still will have access to motor vehicle records through a statewide backup file. • The Department of Driver Services will not be affected. For more information on upcoming scheduling changes, visit www.DeKalbTax.org. Rockdale County Residents The Rockdale County Tag Office will have reduced hours on May 21-23 and May 2829. No vehicle registration or title services will be available May 24-27. Rockdale County Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart Washington is urging residents who have May and June birthdays to complete tag renewals and registrations before May 20 to avoid delays. For more information, visit www.georgiadrives.com.
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Ten students hurt in BB gun shooting at Wynbrooke Elementary The DeKalb County School District responded to an active shooter incident on April 25 after 10 students were reportedly shot by a BB or pellet gun while playing on the playground at Wynbrooke Parents said they learned of the incident late Thursday afternoon. Some students said, however, the shooting took place late morning. School officials said the shots appear to have come from a position away from the school grounds. Nine of the students who were shot sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston,
SEE WYNBROOKE page 7
Hepatitis A Outbreak
Fulton launches aggressive initiative to combat increase in cases As a result of an increase in hepatitis A cases in the region, Georgia Department of Public Health officials have declared an official outbreak of hepatitis A in Fulton County. To prevent further spread and reduce potential exposure, the Fulton County Board of Health is offering hepatitis A vaccines to adults with certain risk behaviors such as: • Men who have sex with men (MSM) • Drug users (intravenous and non-intravenous) Other risk factors include: • People who are experiencing unstable housing or homelessness • Individuals who are currently being treated for other infectious diseases such as HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) • People with chronic liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C • People who are, or were, recently incarcerated • People who work with children in daycare settings These risk behaviors and risk factors place individuals at a greater chance for the disease. The vaccine is offered at all eight Fulton County Board of Health centers. Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.
PAGE 2 • APRIL 26, 2019
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Emergency workers revive Rockdale toddlers in near-drowning accident Rockdale authorities rescue toddlers from near-drowning at private residence Two Rockdale County toddlers are recovering at Scottish Rite Hospital after nearly drowning in a pool at their home on April 25, authorities said. Rockdale Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Yolande Lovingood-Moore said Rockdale dispatch received a call of a double drowning in South Rockdale at a private residence at 12:36 p.m. Fire & Rescue, Rockdale Sheriff’s Office and National Emergency Medical Service all responded to the call. “Everyone worked really hard to save them and they pulled through,” said Lovingood-Moore. CPR was performed on both children, ages 3 and 2, Lovingood-Moore said. The children were flown by helicopters to Scottish Rite in Atlanta, where they remained at On Common Ground News’ press deadline on April 25. Lovingood-Moore said she did not have information about how the children got into the pool. She said updates would be provided when available.
Alfred Arnold charged with Rockdale woman’s murder The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office secured warrants and charged Alfred Jermain Arnold in connection with the homicide of a woman who was found dead in her home on April 12. Arnold was charged with malice murder, arson in the first degree, aggravated assault and theft by taking (motor vehicle) in the death of Loretta Goolsby, 58. Goolsby had been missing since April 6. Her landlord had been trying to contact her because her rent was late, which was very unusual for her, authorities Alfred J. Arnold said. A neighbor found her body on April 12 at her home on Lester Road in Conyers, investigators said. Investigators ruled Goolsby’s death a homicide but did not release a motive. Arnold was charged with her murder. He was already in jail in Lowndes County in Valdosta, GA for violation of probation.
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APRIL 26, 2019 • PAGE 3
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
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ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.
MAYOR LARY MEETS SMALL CONSTITUENTS
The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary greeted and spoke to students at The Academy of Scholars Christian School on April 25. The mayor, who visited on Career Day, discussed the formation of Stonecrest and his role as mayor. He took pictures with the students during his visit. The Academy, located in South DeKalb County, serves students ages 4 through grade 6.
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On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
Residents speak out at Browns Mill Recreation Center on April 25. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com
City of Stonecrest moves to take over parks Residents raise questions about new vendor planned for Browns Mill Stonecrest city officials fielded questions during a heated community meeting on April 25 where the city continued discussions on its plans to acquire Browns Mill Recreation Center and eight other parks from DeKalb County government. Parks is one of three services, along with police and code enforcement that the new city is required to take over under the Stonecrest charter. Parents have expressed concern over the city’s plans to bring on a new vendor to run the summer camp at Browns Mill, with several saying parents should have been notified much sooner than this month. Parents said with summer camp expected to start on June 4, they are worried about the vetting of staff members, quality and scope of the program and the costs families would incur.
At the May 22 City Council meeting, the council in a 4-2 vote approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta to run the summer camp program at Browns Mill. The council also approved an intergovernmental agreement in a 5-1 vote to begin the process of acquiring the parks. Stonecrest Parks Director Sean DePalma said the city and county have been in negotiations for weeks to begin transferring the parks to the city. Assistant City Manager Plez Joyner said as part of the negotiations, county parks officials agreed to manage Browns Mill Aquatics Center through Sept. 30. The county, however, did not include Browns Mill summer camp as part of its sites for summer camp registration and that caught parents
by surprise. DePalma said the city in turn selected the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta to run this year’s summer program at Browns Mill and the afterschool program at the park starting this fall. No contract, however, has been signed. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners must vote on the intergovernmental agreement and the MOU and that is not expected to happen until a meeting in May. DePalma said it is critical that the board approves the agreements as soon as possible so that the city can prepare to start camp on June 3. The city’s negotiations with the county struck a sour note with City Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble, who at one point walked out of last night’s City Council meeting. Cobble said she was upset because neither the parents nor the City
SEE STONECREST page 7
PAGE 4 • APRIL 26, 2019
Stonecrest Citizens Coalition: Attorney Gina Mangham to discuss MARTA rail The Stonecrest Citizens Coalition will host its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. The featured speaker will be Attorney Gina Mangham, who has a depth of professional experience as a Chief of Staff at the DeKalb Board of Commissioners; a legislative aide with the Georgia House of Representatives; managing attorney at Legal Aid; corporate experience in financial Gina Mangham analysis, and marketing and training with IBM. Mangham is currently advocating for the extension of MARTA rail to southeast DeKalb County. The Stonecrest Citizens Coalition invites the community to join in the conversation as Mangham shares insight on this topic.
“Keeping Kids Out of Prison” seminar set at Wesley Chapel Library Watchdogs for Justice Team will conduct a free seminar, “Keeping Kids Out of Prison,” on May 4, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. The seminar will consist of interactive skits and a question-and-answer session involving the following topics: • What your constitutional rights are and how to safely exercise them • Four primary reasons youth end up in the system • What to do if stopped by the police • When to talk and when to keep silent • What “3 strikes and you are out” means Watchdogs for Justice is a nonprofit whose mission is to decrease the number of young people entering the criminal justice system. The group consists of criminal defense attorneys, a private investigator, and juvenile advocates advocating to stop the flow of young people into jails and prisons. To register for the seminar, call the library at 404-286-6980 or online at dekalbcountylibrary/wesley For more information, call 678-412-2299, email watchdogsforjusice@ gmail.com or visit www.watchdogsforjustice.org.
Stone Mountain Middle to host Chess Club Fair May 4 The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) invites all students, teachers and parents to a day filled with strategy, tactics and deep thinking at Stone Mountain Middle School, 4301 Sarr Parkway in Tucker. The school will host the seventh annual DCSD Chess Club Fair on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. until noon. The event will feature chess gameplay, door prizes, recognition, refreshments and special guest speakers. One special guest will be local nonprofit founder and public speaker Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson Orrin Hudson. In 2001, Hudson founded Be Someone, an organization that uses chess to promote self-esteem, responsibility, and critical thinking among children in underserved communities. Anyone wishing to attend the 2019 DCSD Chess Club Fair can RSVP using a school permission slip or through local school sponsor. RSVP is encouraged but not required. All students must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free.
KCRB honored with Rivers Alive award Keep Conyers Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) was recently honored for its outstanding work in the community last year. KCRB received the Rivers Alive, “Keep Georgia Beautiful Award for 2018,” at the Rivers Alive award luncheon on April 23. KCRB board members said they are very proud of the recognition. The last time the organization was honored by Rivers Alive was in 2014, officials said. Rivers Alive is Georgia’s annual volunteer waterway cleanup event that targets all waterways in the state including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches, and wetlands. The mission of Rivers Alive is to create awareness of and involvement in the preservation of Georgia’s water resources. Rivers Alive is held annually each fall and is a program of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Outreach Program.
Rockdale Board of Commissioners sets May meetings Work Session: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 Voting Session: Tuesday, May 14, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers Evening Work Session: Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. – Honey Creek Elementary School located at 700 Honey Creek Road, Conyers Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, May 28, 9 a.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, Voting Session: Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m., Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers
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DeKalb parks to host array of free activities April 28 DeKalb County is celebrating National Park RX Day on Sunday, April 28. Park RX Day is designed to promote outdoor activities and good health across the nation. DeKalb has planned an array of free activities on this day including yoga, tai chi, guided walking tours, planting, dancing, blood pressure screenings, health education and food The DeKalb County Board of Health is coordinating the county’s observance of Park Rx Day. The following county parks are participating: Mason Mill Park (Flagship Event) 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Activities: Yoga, cardio, guided walking tour, kid-focused fitness, health education and more. Bouldercrest Park 4184 Bouldercrest Park Road, Ellenwood 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activity: Physical Activity Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia 8 a.m. Activity: Walk Hairston Park 889 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Activity: Fitness obstacle course Henderson Park 2723 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Activities: Kickboxing, strength training and Caribbean dance Medlock Park 1031 Scott Circle, Decatur 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Activity: Planting Olmsted Linear Park-Dellwood 1775 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activity: Planting Scott Park 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activities: Yoga, archery, tree Chi Gong, Tai Chi, Lego activities and live reptile show Springbrook Park 1512 Springbrook Drive, Decatur 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Activities: Earthing and Qi Gong W.D. Thomson Park 1760 Masson Mill Road, N.E., Decatur 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Activity: Planting Zonolite Park 1101 Zonolite Pace N.E., Atlanta 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Activity: Planting For more information, call 404-508-7847, email dcboh.hap@dph.ga.gov or visit www.DeKalbHealth. net/ParkRx.
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APRIL 26, 2019 • PAGE 5
Georgia environmentalists honor Congressman Hank Johnson for advocacy
C
ongressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) was presented with “The Environmental Scorecard Award,” in recognition of his 100 percent environmental voting record in 2018. Johnson received the award on April 22, Earth Day, at the Georgia Environmental Justice Education and Awareness Symposium, where he also served as a guest speaker for the symposium. Mandisha A. Thomas, founder of Golden Gate Health Care Resources, was joined by
Debra Bazemore, Georgia State Representative HD-63, in presenting the award to Johnson. “It is an honor to receive recognition from an organization that truly understands that we cannot achieve or maintain a high standard of living if our environment is severely degraded or damaged,” said Johnson. “While I am honored to receive this award for my environmental voting record, my hope is that records like mine will one day become common place and not worthy of special recognition.”
Mandisha A. Thomas (left) and State Rep. Debra Bazemore (right) present Congressman Hank Johnson (center) with The Environmental Scorecard Award.
DeKalb DA Sherry Boston appointed to Georgia’s First Lady’s GRACE Commission
Task Force combats human trafficking DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has been appointed to the Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion, and Education (GRACE) Commission, a task force created by Georgia’s First Lady, Marty Kemp, to combat human trafficking in the State. First Lady Kemp publicly announced the 22 members named to the Commission during a press conference on April 23 at the State Capitol. "It is my pleasure to officially welcome all members to the GRACE Com-
Sherry Boston
mission," said First Lady Kemp. "I am confident that we have put together a great team of dedicated individuals who are well-equipped to shine a light on this terrible industry plaguing our state. I thank each member for giving their time and name
to this effort and we look forward to the important work ahead." Boston said she was pleased to be selected to serve on the Commission. “I am honored to have been selected to participate in this bold initiative and to contribute some of the ideas and insights we are using to combat this issue in DeKalb County,” said District Attorney Boston. “I appreciate Governor and First Lady Kemp’s commitment to making this issue a priority for our State and the communities we serve.” The Commission is comprised of public officials, law-enforcement, for-profit and non-profit organizations,
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MAY 7TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, MAY 28TH 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: LOCATION:
TMOD 19-0003 Stonecrest Overlay Stonecrest Overlay
PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
Staff is recommending a text amendment to the Overlay to amend the prohibited and permitted uses, setback requirements, design standards, to establish distance requirements and to clarify and simplify the text of the Overlay. Staff also recommends a map amendment to change the boundaries of the Overlay as a whole and the boundaries of Tiers 1-5.
LAND USE PETITION: LOCATION:
TMOD 19-0004 Telecommunications Regulations City-Wide
PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
Updating 4.257 Wireless Telecommunications of Article IV (Use Regulations) of Chapter 27 (Zoning) of the code of The City of Stonecrest, Georgia to Comply with requirements of Federal rulings and State and Federal Laws on Telecommunications Facility Regulations. Small Cell Tower regulations, Revised Special Administrative Review Process And Tracking of Telecommunications Facilities.
LAND USE PETITION: LOCATION:
TMOD 19-0002 City Wide
PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
Revision toTable 4.1 Use Table to adopt a new table in its entirety, to add provisions regarding child caring home, child caring facility, new support structure from 51 feet to 150 feet, new support structure from 50 feet up to 199 feet, and small cell installatiosn (new support structures of collaction) on private property or ROW), and for other purposes.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-19-002 Franklyn Champagne 5714 Southcrest Lane R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Applicant is requesting a Special Land Use Permit to operate a personal care home for four to six individuals.
healthcare officials, and subject matter experts. The first meeting for the GRACE Commission is tentatively scheduled for May 8. Co-Chairs: Marty Kemp – First Lady of Georgia Jan Jones – Speaker Pro Tempore Vic Reynolds – Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigations Members: Allison Ausband – Senior Vice President of In-Flight Services, Delta Air Lines Stephanie Blank – Board Chair, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students and President, Naserian Foundation Sherry Boston – DeKalb County District Attorney Mary Frances Bowley – Executive Director, Wellspring Living Chris Carr – Georgia Attorney General Dr. Meria Carstarphen – Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools
Geoff Duncan – Georgia Lieutenant Governor Evia Golde – Community Advocate, United Way of Greater Atlanta Donna Hyland – CEO, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Katie Kirkpatrick – Chief Policy Officer, Metro Atlanta Chamber Dave McCleary – Vice Chair Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, Rotary International and Founder/CEO, End Human Trafficking Now Danelle McCusker Rees – President of Human Resources US Domestic Operations, UPS Jay Neal – Director, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council B.J. Pak – United States Attorney Gene Rackley – Director of Government Relations, Coca-Cola Company Tom Rawlings – Director, Division of Family and Children Services Heather Stockdale – CEO, Georgia Cares Michelle Wallace – Senior Vice President - Clinical Operations, Grady Health System Camila Zolfaghari – Vice President of Policy, Street Grace
PAGE 6 • APRIL 26, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale Constitutional Corner
With suicide calls on the rise in Rockdale, we must open the doors of communication
By Sheriff Eric J. Levett
What is happening in the Rockdale community to warrant 106 suicide calls since Jan. 1, 2018? It’s a startling trend for me as the Sheriff. We need to figure out how to change the stigma of seeking help. As I comb through the pages of the numerous incident reports mentioned above, I found situations of academic failure, domestic disputes, a young girl with a broken heart, the loss of employment, bullying gone out of control, mental illness without medication and sex-
ual abuse that someone was afraid to report. While there are many factors which can influence a person's decision to commit suicide, the most common one is mental illness, very commonly depression. People feeling suicidal are overwhelmed by painful emotions and see death as the only way out, losing sight of the fact that suicide is a permanent "solution" to a temporary state— most people who try to kill themselves but live later say they are glad they didn't die. What can we do in our community to affect the rate of suicide attempts? The first thing we can all do to help prevent suicide is talk about it. No person in a suicidal state or struggling with any mental health issue should have to feel silenced or shamed. The same is true for people who are worried about a friend or family member. They should know that they can reach out and make a difference. Too often, people are afraid to bring up the subject of suicide, fearing that they’ll be wrong. This is a big misconception.
(Pictured, left to right) Heritage High School winners, teachers, officials: Principal LaTonya Richards; 11th grade and school-wide winner Elizabeth Lee; 12th grade honorable mention Chinh Q. Ngo; 12th grade honorable mention Jada Banks; 11th grade honorable mention Clemencia El Antouri; 11th grade honorable mention Elaina Mosel;, ninth grade winner Melissa Bradfor;, teacher and contest organizer Jennifer Howel; 12th grade winner Jordan Ginn; RCPS Chief Officer for Safe Schools and Student Affairs Dr. Garrett Brundage; and Rotary Club of Conyers Past President Beth Andersen.
People need to talk about suicide and open the doors of communication to those suffering with suicidal thoughts. These individuals need to know that they are not alone, and that there is an entire community who is there, who can relate, and who will support them in the hardest of times. Next, pay attention to the warning signs. One of the most common questions I hear about suicide is, “How can I tell if a person is suicidal?” There are many warning signs for suicide that we can all look out for when we think someone may be in trouble. Common signs such as isolating oneself or perceiving oneself as a burden can cause a suicidal individual to withdraw, and therefore, we may be less inclined to notice what that person is going through. It's often difficult to imagine what led a friend or family member to attempt or commit suicide. There may be no warning signs, and you may wonder what clues you might have missed. It is often an act made during a storm of strong emotions and life stresses rather than after careful consideration.
Available resources Finally, share resources that are available to anyone who is suicidal or who is worried about someone who may be suicidal. These include: The Georgia Crisis and Access Line. The Georgia Crisis and Access Line is 1-800-715-4225. It’s a 24-hour number, someone is always there to answer that phone call and there is no charge for receiving help. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Call or Chat Online). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and their website also has an online chat feature. You can contact them anytime if you’re worried that you or someone you know may be in crisis. Crisis Text Line. There is a 24/7 Crisis Text Line available, where you can text trained crisis counselors. The text line is free and confidential and can be reached by texting “GO” TO 741741. Suicide prevention is my primary goal, and getting there, while challenging, is possible. It is helpful to understand the risk. Let’s join together as a community and make a difference in someone’s life.
(Pictured, left to right) Rockdale County High School (RCHS) winners, teachers, officials: RCHS Principal Frank Daniels, teacher Yvette Thorne, 10th grade and school-wide winner Niquoia Cohen, teacher and contest organizer Amy Baxter, 12th grade winner Angel Brooks, ninth grade winner Kathryn Young, teacher Shonda Hobbs, RCPS Chief Officer for Safe Schools and Student Affairs Dr. Garrett Brundage, Rotary Club of Conyers Past President Beth Andersen.
Rotary celebrates RCPS students in “Laws of Life” contest The Rotary Club of Conyers recognized Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students as winners in the 2019 Laws of Life Essay Contest at the April 11 Rotary meeting held at Conyers First United Methodist. A Law of Life is a short, pithy saying or quotation that points to a core personal value or ideal. The Laws of Life Essay Contest asks students to select their own Law of Life, and to write about how it applies to their lives. In doing so, students reflect deeply and write from the heart about what they think matters most. The contest celebrates the students’ stories and their profound reflections. The following students from Rockdale County High School and Heri-
tage High School were awarded. For Salem High School, the Rotary Club of Rockdale County holds the Four-Way Test Essay Contest; winners to be announced. School-wide winners advance to the state contest. ROCKDALE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Ninth Grade Winner - Kathryn Young. (Honorable Mention - Reginald P. Ray, Jr., Cedrick Gunn, Kayla J. Brown) 10th Grade Winner and School-Wide Winner - Niquoia Cohen. (Honorable Mention - Kaela Moscati, Faith Johnson, Shekinah Bryant) 12th Grade Winner - Angel Brooks. (Honorable
Mention - Bryce King, Taylor Skinner) RCHS Contest Chair Teacher Amy Baxter. HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL Ninth Grade Winner - Melissa A. Bradford. (Honorable Mention - K'Niyah Gumbs) 11th Grade Winner and School-Wide Winner: Elizabeth Lee. (Honorable Mention - Clemencia El Antouri, Elaina Mosley) 12th Grade Winner - Jordan Ginn. (Honorable Mention - Jada Banks, Chinh Q. Ngo) HHS Contest Chair Teacher Jennifer Howell.
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APRIL 26, 2019 • PAGE 7
STONECREST continued from page 3
WYNBROOKE continued from page 1
Council were given sufficient notice that summer camp would be operating with a new vendor at Browns Mill. “Why are we forcing the parents and the council to be in this position? …It’s like: ‘Today, make a decision and go home.’ This is insane. This is crazy. School gets out in three weeks,” said Cobble, who, along with Councilwoman Diane Adoma, voted against the MOU for a new vendor to manage summer camp at Browns Mill. Adoma said she was concerned that parents had not been notified of changes at the park, raising several issues. The MOU was supported by Mayor Jason Lary, Councilman Jimmy Clanton, George Turner and Rob Turner in the 4-2 vote. Mayor Lary pushed for the approval of the MOU for the vendor, saying he did not want to leave parents without having Browns Mill as an option for summer camp this year. “We have been working on this (acquiring the parks from the county) for a year. You’re going to be even more upset when June 3 comes around and we can’t serve you at all,” said Lary. “I’m imploring you, Council, to let’s go ahead and handle this business so we can move forward and then we can negotiate with anybody you want—parents, kids, the recreation center itself…” Councilman Jimmy Clanton agreed, saying the council needed to move forward. “We have gotten to the point that we now want to derail our task of taking on the parks?” Clanton demanded. “This is part of our charter. We passed a budget last year as a group to buy the parks. This is not the first time that this issue has come up.” DePalma said that the city is seeking to have the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta to run the summer program and after-school program in the fall. He said the city would spend $83,583 for the summer camp program and the amount includes materials and food. The county currently spends $108,384 for the program, he said. The costs for food and materials, he noted in a presentation on Monday, do not include materials and food. The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, which is a nonprofit, would charge a $60 annual membership fee for each child enrolled, along with a separate camp fee, which will be based on a sliding scale. The camp fee, DePalma said, would run $175 to $410 for the 8-week program, depending on family income and size of household. Discounts would be offered for families with more than one child enrolled, he said. That compares to the county’s fees of $528($66 per week) for one child for 8 weeks. DePalma said the city’s summer program would include breakfast and a hot lunch, along with activities and programming. Under the Boys & Girls Club program, families who have Amerigroup insurance, Peachstate and Wellcare health insurance plans, would be reimbursed the membership fee, DePalma said. The council approved the intergovernmental agreement to purchase the parks from DeKalb County in a 5-1 vote, with Councilwoman Adoma opposing the measure after stating several concerns. The city plans to spend $100 per acre for the parks’ acquisition, DePalma said. City officials said Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, although it is in the city limits, currently is not part of the city’s acquisition terms. DePalma said the city plans to buy the following nine parks: Browns Mill Recreation and Aquatics Center Chestnut Lakes Park Everett Park S.E. Athletics Complex Fairington Park Salem Park Gregory Mosely Park Panola Shoals Path Trailhead Miller Grove Park DePalma said an informational community meeting about the planned purchase of Browns Mill and the other parks will be held on Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road.
according to spokeswoman Ayana Isles. Another student who was hurt was picked up by parents, according to the school district. Wynebrook Principal Jermain Sumler-Faison issued a letter and e-mail to parents stating that no other students were injured. “There was never a threat of anyone entering the school building and no other students were injured. The health and safety of our students is, and always will be top priority,” Sumler-Faison said. The letter stated that DeKalb Police and additional staff would be onsite April 26 to ensure the safety of Wynebrook students.
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