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Henry couple convicted of murder in beating death of 2-year-old foster child A Henry County couple accused of killing their 2-year-old foster child and injuring her sister after months of abuse, has been convicted. Jurors returned guilty verdicts Aug. 1 on charges of felony murder and several other battery offenses against Jennifer Rosenbaum. Her husband, Joseph Rosenbaum, who was charged with second degree murder, aggravated assault and other offenses was convicted as well for his role in the death of Laila Daniel, age 2. The case was assigned by the Attorney General’s Office to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution due to a conflict with the Henry County District Attorney’s Office, where Jennifer Rosenbaum once interned. The charges against the Rosenbaums stem from an incident on Nov. 17, 2015 inside the couple’s Lincoln Terrace home in Henry County. Jennifer Rosenbaum called 911 and reported young Laila was choking on chicken nuggets. Operators talked her through CPR until emergency crews arrived. The toddler was transported to Piedmont Henry Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Medical Staff called police after noticing extensive bruising on the child’s back. While Mrs. Rosenbaum claimed the bruising was from her failed attempts to resuscitate the choking child with CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, the State presented evidence to the contrary during the three-week trial, which began on July 8. An autopsy revealed extensive internal and external bruising from head to toe, broken bones, and lacerations throughout the victim’s body. Additional scientific testing performed by the Medical Examiner showed both old and new injuries. Doctors also testified there was no evidence of choking. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the abdomen. The investigation and forensic interviews with the toddler’s older sister, then 4, revealed both children suffered repeated physical abuse during their four-month stay with the couple. Henry County Superior Court Judge Brian J. Amero, who presided over the trial, imposed a sentence of Life in Prison plus 40 years on Jennifer Rosenbaum. Joseph Rosenbaum was sentenced to 50 years to serve 30 with the balance on probation. The case was prosecuted by Daysha Young, Director of the Special Victims Unit, along with Edward Chase, Director of Litigation and Training, and Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Mirna Andrews, head of the District Attorney’s Sexual Exploitation and Crimes Against Children Unit, with assistance from DA Investigators Terri Jackson and Tina Fleming. Detective Aris Thompson of the Henry County Police Department, led the initial investigation.
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Rep. Johnson joins delegation to Ghana, U.S. Army Africa headquarters
Congressman visits “Door of No Return” with Speaker Pelosi, Rep. John Lewis and other CBC Members to observe the 400th Anniversary of the first enslaved Africans landing in America Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) traveled with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on a Congressional delegation to Ghana to hold highlevel discussions with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Speaker Mike Oquaye and other senior government officials. The delegation also visited U.S. Army Africa headquarters in Italy. Speaker Pelosi delivered an address to the Ghanaian Parliament. Solemnly, the delegation also paid its respects at Cape Coast and Elmina Castles and the “Door of No Return,” to observe the 400th Anniversary of the First Enslaved Africans Landing in America, the Congressman’s Office said in a
news release today. “Untold numbers of Africans passed through the ‘Door of No Return’ at what are now called
Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle beginning in the 16th Century,” said Johnson.
SEE JOHNSON page 11
PAGE 2 • AUGUST 2, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
AUGUST 2, 2019 • PAGE 3
City of Stonecrest begins upgrades at Browns Mill Rec Center, park acquisitions underway
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
Renovations at Browns Mill Recreation Center
editor@ocgnews.com
Browns Mill Recreation Center will be closed to the public beginning Aug. 1 and will reopen on Monday, Aug. 12.
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
Renovations include: • A new heating and air conditioning unit and upgrades to two existing units • Plumbing and sewer upgrades to correct a backflow problem • Roof leak repairs and the replacement of insulation • Upgrading the fire panel which controls the fire suppressant system • Installation of fire safety lights • Repairs of two non-working water fountains
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
Parks Director Sean DePalma and Mayor Jason Lary
Aug. 1 officially marked the city of Stonecrest’s takeover of parks as one of three services, including planning and zoning and code enforcement, mandated under the new city’s charter. The city began renovations at Browns Mill Recreation Center and the process to purchase nine parks that are located in the city from DeKalb County. The city is spending $34,950 for the nine parcels. Previously, the city had discussed purchasing Panola Shoals Park. City officials decided, however, to package Panola Shoals Park with the Arabia Mountain National Heritage because of the park’s close proximity to Arabia. Arabia is not a part of the quick deed process currently underway to buy the parks from DeKalb County, officials said.
Sean DePalma, the city’s parks and recreation director, said upgrades at Browns Mill will be followed by landscaping at the facility. DePalma said the upgrades are required for the city to obtain licensing from the state’s Bright from the Start agency so the city’s selected vendor, the South DeKalb YMCA, can oversee Browns Mill’s afterschool program. The city council approved a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on July 22 for the Y to run the program after DePalma made a presentation comparing services and costs provided by the Y and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. The Y proposed weekly participant fees of $50 and reduced fees to zero costs for low-income families eligible for subsidized care through Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS). The Y offered to provide a snack and hot dinner to students enrolled in the afterschool program and estimated program expenses at $176, 366. The Y said, however, it would not charge the city for running the program and instead would cover its expenses through participant fees. The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta proposed participant fees of $60 to $135 for the school year, membership on a sliding scale fee for families for the school
SEE PARK page 11
S. Elizabeth Ford, MD elected vice president of NACCHO S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, who serves as DeKalb County District Health Director and interim Fulton County District Health Director, has been elected vice president of the National Association of County and City Health Officials( NACCHO). NACCHO is the voice of the nation’s nearly 3,000 local governmental health departments. As board vice president, Ford will serve on the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee as vice president in 2019-2020 before assuming the positions of president-elect in 2020-2021 and president in 2021-2022, respectively. Sandra Ford Ford began her first term as an officer on July 1. “I am both honored and excited to have been elected vice president of NACCHO, the premier organization for local public health,” Ford said. “I’m looking forward to representing our members and working with the Board to continue to expand our public health footprint through partnerships
SEE FORD page 11 CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, AUG 6TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, AUG 26TH 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: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-19-006 Halpern Enterprises. Inc c/o Battle Law 6024 Covington Highway MR-2 (Med Density) Conditional Zoning District Applicant is requesting to rezone 3.0 acres to C-1 (Local Commercial) for future commercial development.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-19-007 Rocklyn Homes c/o Battle Law 1794 Phillips Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) Zoning District Applicant is requesting to rezone 30 acres to RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) Zoning District for the development of 240 fee simple single attached units at a density of 8 units per acre.
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Alexis B. Anderson
Rai’ Chelle D. Bentley
Xavier J. Bryant-Butler
Erin A. Searcy
Jaylin D. Simmons
Noa R. Soyemi
Sean E. Green
Brandon Fountain
Joshua R. Dean
Jazmine Green
100 Black Men of DeKalb to honor eight students with scholarships
The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc. will honor the 2019 high school seniors of its Leadership Academy at its Casino Royale Scholarship Gala on Aug. 10, 7 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Casino Royale is the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser held to support the leadership program, which provides mentoring and extracurricular activities to metroAtlanta students in grades 6-12 who are enrolled in the program. Dr. Naim Shaheed, who is chairing the event for the fourth year, said that last year, six graduates of the academy received scholarships for college. The organization is presenting scholarships to eight students this year. Shaheed said he is proud of the fact that the Leadership Academy has a 97 percent success rate with students in the program matriculating to the nation’s top colleges.
Two alumni who graduated from college this year, are among the Leadership Academy’s success stories, he said: Brandon M. Fountain, who majored in engineering and computer science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Jazmine Green, a Visual Arts major at Agnes Scott College in Decatur. Shaheed said the 100 looks forward to honoring graduates of the Leadership Academy. “A large majority of the students who participate in our Leadership Academy are from single-family households and they need that extra hand to help with college expenses,” Shaheed said. The following students, Shaheed said, will receive scholarships: Alexis B. Anderson, Newton High School, Covington Attending: Georgia State University, Atlanta Major: Early Childhood Education
DeKalb Cultural Exchange to host community meeting Aug. 10 The focus of this month’s DeKalb Cultural Exchange (DCE) meeting will be a clarion call for volunteerism, said Rob and Vicki B. Turner, founders of DCE. Rob Turner is a councilman for the City of Stonecrest and Vicki Turner is a DeKalb County School Board member. The meeting will be held in collaboration with the DeKalb Branch NAACP on Aug. 10, 9 a.m., on the campus of Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church/ House of Hope, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Rob and Vickie B. Turner. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan “We will acknowledge schools in South DeKalb that have benefited from having volunteers on site. The NAACP will acknowledge volunteers with the most hours over the last school year,” the Turners said in a news release. Principals from the DeKalb County School District will share how volunteers have helped with successful student outcomes. School leaders also will share news concerning the first days of school and discuss ways in which the community can engage this new school year. The breakfast meeting is free to attend.
Rai’ Chelle D. Bentley, Woodland High School, Stockbridge Attending: Georgia State University, Atlanta Major: Business Administration Xavier J. Bryant-Butler, Tapestry Public Charter School, Doraville Attending: Brandeis University, Waltham, MA Major: Chemistry Joshua R. Dean, Mount Zion High School, Morrow Attending: Pine Manor College, Brookline, MA Major: Business Administration Sean E. Green, Parkview High School, Lilburn Attending: Wingate University, Wingate, NC Major: Pre-law Erin A. Searcy, Tucker High School, Tucker Attending: Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley Major: Biology Jaylin D. Simmons, McNair High
School, Atlanta Attending: Gordon State College, Barnesville Major: Human Services Noa R. Soyemi, Lakeside High School, Atlanta Attending: Georgia State University, Atlanta Major: Business Management Tracye Hutchins, co-anchor of CBS Morning News, and radio personality Jarard J, of 107.5/97.5(WAMS), will co-host the Casino Royale Scholarship Gala. Guests attending the event will be entertained by the smooth sensations of Atlanta-based R&B group SILK. Violinist Brianna Robinson will perform as guests arrive to enjoy Las Vegas-style casino games, raffles with fabulous prizes, and a live and silent auctions. For more information, visit the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc. at 100bmod.org.
Citizens encouraged to apply for Rockdale Board of Elections vacancy The Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration is looking for a new at-large board member who will also serve as its board chair. The three-member board is comprised of a partisan member from each political party who then appoint a third at-large member. The newly-selected atlarge board member will serve a two-year term ending June 30, 2021. Board member responsibilities include the oversight of County elections, discussion of and decisions pertaining to election policies and ongoing communication with the public. Board members are not involved in the day-today operations of the Elections Office or in administrative decisions. Georgia Election Code 21-2-70 provides for the powers and duties of the Board of Elections and Registration. Applicants must be a registered voter and resident of Rockdale and must not hold or be a candidate for any elective office at any level of government during their board term. The applicant must be available to attend regular monthly board meetings. Additional criteria require that applicants do not serve as a treasurer or campaign manager for any candidate seeking elective office or have an affiliation with or hold any level of office with any political party. Application packets are available on the Board of Elections and Voter Registration web page or in person at the Board of Elections and Voter Registration Office, 1261 Commercial Drive SW, Suite B, Conyers. The deadline to apply is Aug. 9. To complete an application online for the board seat, visit www.rockdalecountyga.gov and look for the link on the “Board of Elections & Voter Registration” page under the County Departments menu. For more information, contact Rockdale Supervisor of Elections Cynthia Willingham at 770-278-7333 or cynthia.willingham@rockdalecountyga.gov.
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AUGUST 2, 2019 • PAGE 5
CHURCHESNOW.ORG St. Timothy UMC to host 57th Jamaican Independence celebration in Stone Mountain The Jamaican Consulate Atlanta Team Members, Honorary Consul Elaine Grant-Bryan and the Jamaican Community Associations & Business cordially invite the community to celebrate Jamaica’s 57th Anniversary of Independence. The annual Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving in celebration of Jamaica’s Independence will be held on Sunday, Aug. 4, 4:30 p.m., at St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church, 5365 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the service Special invited guests are State Rep. Donna McLeod, the Rev. Denzil Holness and the Rev. Jackie Robinson.
More DeKalb churches opening exercise facilities to the public Seven churches have begun offering fitness activities and open gym times to the public through agreements with the DeKalb County Board of Health. Health officials said the “shared use agreements” enable the congregations to share their programs and facilities with the public. They give residents opportunities to maintain active, healthy lifestyles at little or no cost. Community members can participate in activities such as Zumba classes, basketball programs, indoor soccer and weight training. In addition, each location is hosting monthly health-related educational sessions. The Board of Health provides funding to support these efforts. “These partnerships are yet another great way for us to make being active easier for our residents,” said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford. The participating DeKalb churches are: ▪ The Beulah Community Family Life Center, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur ▪ The Bridge at Austin Community Center, 1989 Austin Drive, Decatur ▪ Kirkwood Edgewood Healthy Living Initiative at Greater Smith Chapel AME Church, 183 Mayson Ave., Atlanta ▪ Kirkwood Edgewood Healthy Living Initiative at Turner Monumental AME Church, 66 Howard Street NE, Atlanta ▪ Mt. Zion AME Church, 2977 Lavista Road, Decatur ▪ Saint Philip Community Development Corporation, 240 Candler Rd. SE, Atlanta ▪ Stronghold Christian Church, 724 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia Shared use agreements are a strategy of the Local Efforts towards Addressing Disparities DeKalb initiative, known as LEAD DeKalb. The initiative is funded by a Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LEAD DeKalb’s goal is to reduce the levels of poor nutrition and chronic disease and to increase the level of physical activity among county residents. According to the 2019 County Health Rankings, 26 percent of DeKalb adults are obese. These individuals are at greater risk for serious conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, than those with a healthy weight. Good nutrition and adequate physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic disease. During the 2014-2018 phase of the REACH grant, more than 80 percent of the individuals who used a shared use facility reported a higher level of physical activity due to having access to the facility. For information on the activities offered at each location, call 404-5087847 or visit www.dekalbhealth.net/pictureyourselfhealthy.
Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt to host Shop Talk Aug.17 Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt Sr. will host the third Shop Talk forum of 2019 on Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., F&D Barbershop, 1501 Highway 138 SE, Conyers. The event will feature the following speakers to answer questions and concerns: • Will Barkley, Board of Assessors Chair • Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert Oz Nesbitt • RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts • Conyers City Councilman Cleveland Stroud Shop Talk has helped the public connect with government officials and learn what their role and responsibilities are.
100 Black Women to host "Chocolate Milk: The Documentary" The National Coalition of 100 Black Women DecaturDeKalb Chapter, Inc. will host a screening of the documentary, “Chocolate Milk,” on Aug. 10, noon to 2 p.m., Emory Decatur Hospital’s Bailey Auditorium, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur. "Chocolate Milk" is a documentary that explores the racial divide in breastfeeding, told through the narratives of three African-American women: a new mother, a midway and a WIC lactation educator. The film seeks to answer the longstanding question of why more African-American women are not breastfeeding. Enjoy light refreshments, giveaways and door prizes at the free community event.
DeKalb Clerk DeBerry to host Community Appreciation Day DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry is hosting the 7th Annual Community Appreciation Day, Saturday, Aug. 10, 5 to 9 p.m. at Browns Mill Aquatic Facility, 4949 Browns Mill Road. The family event will include complimentary entry into the facility, food and music.
Debra DeBerry
Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson guest speaker at GLCC luncheon The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce(GLCC) will host DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson at the guest speaker at its luncheon on Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at This Is It! Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Stonecrest. Cochran-Johnson will share her vision for DeKalb County and the Super District 7 that she represents. Members attend the luncheon free with advance registration or pay $10 at the door, if they do not register ahead. The fee is $20 for guests who register or $25 at the door. To register, visit https://www. greaterlithoniachamber.com.
Volunteers needed for Stone Mountain Park’s Yellow Daisy Festival Featuring more than 400 artists, the 51st annual Yellow Daisy Festival will take place Sept. 5-8 at Stone Mountain Park. The park is seeking more than 200 volunteers to experience the festival while earning park perks. Various volunteer positions are available within the festival’s art, crafts, music and food areas. Positions require light work, walking and a friendly smile. Greeters, photographers, gate attendants and help center representatives are needed as well as volunteers to help direct crafters and customers moving items in and out of the festival. Others may be assigned to work as support for crafters in the loops. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and background checks will be required in some cases. Volunteers receive meal vouchers during each shift and a souvenir Yellow Daisy Festival T-shirt. All-Attractions passes, annual parking and Mountain Memberships also are available, depending on the number of shifts volunteers contribute. For volunteer locations and descriptions, and to sign up, visit https://bit. ly/2IDsLQK. Selected applicants must be available for training on Thursday, Aug. 15, 5 to 8 p.m., or Saturday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Candlelight vigil held at Lithonia Chevron for Drevon LeBlanc, 21 By Mackenzie N. Morgan OCG News Staff Writer Hundreds of people packed out a Lithonia Chevron parking lot to remember Drevon Corion LeBlanc. The candlelight vigil was held on Saturday, July 27, a day after LeBlanc died while at the barbershop in the Chevron plaza, located at the intersection of South Deshon and S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia roads. LeBlanc was 21. LeBlanc’s family and a host of friends attended the vigil, which included a balloon release and candle lighting ceremony. LeBlanc's older brother, Andre LeBlanc, spoke at the vigil and thanked everyone for coming out to support Drevon, affectionately known as "Dooley," in the neighborhood. "I am overwhelmed by the love and support from so many people. Dooley would have been so proud to see us come together like this. He was a joyful dude and I'm going to hold him down. I hope this will encourage the community to stick together
and keep their heads up," said LeBlanc. LeBlanc's mother was overcome with grief for the loss of her youngest of her three children. "He was like a ray of sunshine coming into the room and just made you feel at ease," said his mother, DeVonna Fields-LeBlanc. “He loved to joke and he loved to help people. He always had a smile on his face and would always make sure I was ok. I will miss his big beautiful smile." Born to Andre’ D. LeBlanc and DeVonna M. Fields-LeBlanc in Battle Creek, MI on March 19, 1998, Drevon Corion LeBlanc relocated to Atlanta with his family at the age of 1. As a youth, LeBlanc participated in community football at the Redan Recreational Park, where he played on the offensive and defensive line. He was known as the heavy hitter on the football field. LeBlanc was baptized in 2004 at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, and attended Stephenson High School in
Stone Mountain. LeBlanc looked up to his big brother, Lil Andre,’ and loved being the protector of his big sister, Deja. The family said he had a big heart and a generous spirit. "As a kid, he used to take all the snacks from the house and give them to the other kids in the neighborhood," said Andre LeBlanc. The family said the young man wanted to pursue a career as a music artist and spent countless hours writing and recording his music, which he'd hoped to hear on the radio some day. Drevon was preceded in death by his grandmother, Clara Mae (Smith) Fields; great-grandmother, Lillian Horton; grandfather, James H. Sharp; step-grandfather, Allen Johnson; greatgrandmother, Beulah Mae “Big Mama” Johnson; god parents, Joyce and Andrew Blake, and Corey (Jackie) Hill; Aunts Dawn West and LaToya Parker. LeBlanc leaves to cherish his memory: parents, DeVonna M. Fields-LeBlanc
and Andre’ D. LeBlanc; siblings, Andre’ D. LeBlanc, II and Dejamere B. LeBlanc; grandparents, Marsha Titus, Charles LeBlanc, Sr. and Vernail LeBlanc; and a host of other relatives and friends. A funeral service was held on Aug. 1 at Divine Mortuary Chapel, 5620 Hillandale Drive, Lithonia. LeBlanc will be laid to rest in his family's hometown
in Battle Creek, Michigan, where a second memorial service will be held on Aug. 7 at Second Baptist Church, 485 Washington Street. The family has created a Gofundme page to help cover burial expenses. To locate the family's Gofundme page, visit www. gofundme.com and search Drevon LeBlanc.
“GUN VIOLENCE and GOD’s JUSTICE” Grieving Relatives In Every Violent Event & The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church Care and Counseling Ministry Reverend Dr. William Flippen, Sr. Senior Pastor
Life, Resilience and Remembrance Celebration Keynote: The Honorable Judge Penny Brown Reynolds
Time: Saturday, September 21, 2019 1:00 – 3:00 pm Location: The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church 1879 Glenwood Avenue, SE Atlanta, GA 30316 Grieve_families@comcast.net (470) 885-9524
Com, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
Operation L.E.A.D
Meet Elder Jeffery Early and Deaconess Armer Early Voices of Faith Ministries, Stone Mountain Campus
YOUR CHURCH FLOW Whether you like dressing up or down, Your Church Flow is your very own unique expression and celebration of your faith walk. E-mail us a picture wearing an outfit that reflects your style and we will share it with our readers in churchesnow.org digital magazine. Send the photo, your name and house of worship to: editor@ocgnews.com. We will launch the new feature on Aug. 2
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DeKalb health officials report first West Nile–positive mosquitoes in 2019 The DeKalb County Board of Health is warning the public to take precaution in reducing exposure to mosquitos. Health officials issued the warning after technicians reported West Nile viruspositive mosquitoes that have been trapped at 11 locations throughout the county. Health officials say they are making door-to-door visits in the identified areas to educate the public on how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect against bites. So far this year, there have been no human cases of West Nile virus infection confirmed in DeKalb County. To reduce the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, the Board of Health conducts a comprehensive mosquito control program. Throughout the county, technicians routinely trap mosquitoes that are tested for viruses. They also work with residents to eliminate infestations. Measures include placing larvicide in areas with standing water, like in storm drains. This keeps young mosquitoes from becoming flying, biting adults. The Board of Health advises people to take the following precautions: Reduce mosquito breeding in your yard by eliminating standing water in gutters and items such as planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires. ▪ Discourage mosquitoes from resting in your yard by trimming tall grass, weeds and vines. ▪ Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active. ▪ Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes. ▪ Make sure window and door screens fit tightly to keep out mosquitoes. ▪ Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Apply according to label instructions. ▪ Spray clothing with products containing permethrin according to label instructions. For more information about the West Nile virus and other mosquitoborne illnesses, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health’s Environmental Health division at (404) 508-7900 or visit https://www. dekalbhealth.net/envhealth/west-nile-virus/.
PAGE 10 •AUGUST 2, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
A GATEWAY TO HERITAGE New Lithonia garden highlights city’s history
A
newly-designed garden celebrating Lithonia’s heritage and history has opened to the public. Officials and community members from the City of Lithonia, DeKalb County and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance gathered recently at the Ruth Carroll Dally Johnson Interpretive Garden, 2564 Wiggins Street, for a ribbon cutting ceremony. “It’s an awesome time to just know that this history of all of the foot soldiers in the City of Lithonia is being preserved. I think this should serve as an example for other communities to store their history so that generations after them will know the sacrifices that were made for their freedom,” said DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson. Along with Davis Johnson, the crowd heard remarks from DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, City of Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson and Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance Executive Director Mera Cardenas during the July 26 celebration. The new garden introduces visitors to historic sites and places and the people who helped shape the city into a thriving quarry town. Lithonia, which translates to “city of stone,” once served as an economic hub providing tons of granite across the U.S. for use in construction, agriculture and even building monuments. The garden is named after the family of Martha Josephine Johnson, a botanist and scholar who earned her PhD from the University of Georgia and studied endangered species native to Arabia Mountain. The property was donated by her estate after her death in 2012 and, in keeping with her wishes, named for her mother. The park’s signage also
PUBLIC NOTICE OF VACANCY AT-LARGE MEMBER, ROCKDALE BOARD OF ELECTIONS Appointment will be made by Judge Irwin, Chief Superior Court Judge of Rockdale County. All interested persons are hereby notified that due to the term expiration on June 30, 2019 of the At-Large Member position on the Rockdale Board of Elections and Registration, applications are being accepted until August 9, 2019. The new term of appointment is July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.
Such At-Large Member shall serve as Chair of the Board of Elections and Registration In accordance with Legislative Act 569, Senate Bill 462, all members serving on the Rockdale Board of Elections and Registration must be a Voter and Resident of Rockdale County. In addition, such At-Large Member shall: ➢ be a Voter and Resident of Rockdale County ➢ not hold or be a candidate for any elective office in any level of government during their term on the board ➢ not serve as treasurer or campaign manager for any candidate for elective office ➢ as Chair, not hold any level office in a political party
Citizens interested in being considered for appointment to the Board of Elections and Registration can obtain an Application Packet from the
Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration Office 1261 Commercial Drive, SW, Suite B Conyers, Georgia 30094, (770) 278-7333 -orWebsite: rockdalecountyga.gov
Click Board of Elections & Voter Registration under Departments Applications will be accepted until August 9, 2019
highlights the Lithonia Woman’s Club and provides orientation on the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA). The Lithonia Woman’s Club, founded in 1924, gave women the ability to impact their community at a time when they were excluded from elected government and business; the club also housed DeKalb County’s first public library. While the Woman’s Club created a space of empowerment for some women, others were noticeably excluded: Racial segregation remained a systemic part of life through the 1960s. It took figures such as Lucious Sanders, David Albert and Maggie Woods, working in tandem with and as part of the national Civil Rights Movement, to break open the doors of opportunity for AfricanAmericans. In fact, Maggie Woods’ children went on to serve in various roles in Lithonia’s government,
including as a City Councilmember (Barbara Lester), the first black Chief of Police (Jerome Woods) and the first black woman to be Mayor (Marcia Glenn Hunter). Their legacy as local leaders continues to shape Lithonia today. “My uncle was all about integration, he was all about bringing the black and white communities together...he was a pillar of the community,” said Patrilla Arrington, Lucious Sanders’ niece, who attended the garden opening. The Ruth Carroll Dally Johnson Interpretive Garden, 2564 Wiggins St., Lithonia, is open from dawn to dusk every day of the week. The new garden, which is privately owned, is free and open to the public. Visitors can learn more about AMNHA and its trails at arabiaalliance.org.
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AUGUST 2, 2019 • PAGE 11
Carolyn Taggart named Volunteer of the Year for Belvedere Little League program
JOHNSON continued from page 1
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs announces Carolyn Taggart has been selected as the 2019 Howard and Gail Paster Little League Urban Initiative Volunteer of the Year Award. Since 2005, the award has recognized an adult volunteer involved with a Little League program participating in the Urban Initiative. Taggart has played a vital role in volunteering for the Belvedere Little League Baseball Team, which is located in Decatur. As a dedicated volunteer, she has served as the league president, hosted clean-up projects, received grants to improve the park and hosted the first Georgia Urban Initiative Tournament in 2010. Taggart has contributed to the betterment of not only the DeKalb Parks Citizen’s Advisory Board but to the county’s youth, parks and the community as a whole, park officials said.
“Millions died in transatlantic slave trade. Our visits to both castles revealed that they were dungeons of unspeakable cruelty and human degradation of the enslaved as well as the slave traders themselves. In 1998, the remains of former slaves (Samuel) Carson from New York and Crystal from Jamaica were returned to Ghana–passing through The Cape Coast Castle ‘Door of No Return’ for burial. That door has been renamed ‘The Door of Return,’” Johnson continued. “It was emotionally draining to get a glimpse of the suffering endured by my ancestors as they took their last steps on the African continent walking out of the ‘Doors of No Return,’ while exhilarating to be welcomed back home by my Rep. Hank Johnson Ghanaian brothers and sisters as we reversed our ancestors' steps to walk into the castle through the ‘Door Of Return.’” The delegation included Majority Whip James Clyburn; Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Karen Bass; Co-Chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Congresswoman Barbara Lee; and Congress icon, John Lewis, among several other members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
PARK continued from page 3 year and a snack. The club said it would charge the city $201,473 to run the program. DePalma said he met with Browns Mill Rec’s instructors and vendors earlier this month to inform them of the temporary closure of the facility during renovation and to discuss the city’s vendor process. DePalma said students would attend the afterschool program at the Y during renovation and would move to the Browns Mill Rec Center after the city receives licensing from Bright from the Start. DePalma said the students likely
would be at the Y facility for about six weeks. Transportation will be provided to pick up students from school, he said. Communications Director Adrion Bell said the city plans to soon begin removing unsafe playground equipment from Salem and Gregory Mosley parks. The playground equipment at all of the city’s parks has been inspected by an in-house certified inspector and an outside inspector, both of whom have federal credentials. Parks Director DePalma said that Mosley and Salem parks
contain equipment that has outlived its manufacturer’s lifespan. “In addition, over the years, the county has modified the playground equipment beyond the manufacturer’s design; therefore, it is in the city’s best interest to remove the equipment for safety and liability reasons,” DePalma said. Mayor Jason Lary said that he is confident in DePalma’s assessment. “I believe that Sean DePalma and our entire parks and recreation staff share my vision for a parks system that is safe and adds to the quality of life for our residents, especially
our children. We will upgrade our recreation center and replace the worn-out equipment with quality playground equipment that is enjoyable and, most of all, safe,” Lary said. DePalma said a Parks Masterplan will be conducted by an independent firm later this year. The plan will assess the needs and make recommendations for new playground equipment in all the city’s parks as well as assess the community’s desires for future facilities and activities.
FORD continued from page 3 and member engagement. NACCHO provides critical advocacy and subject matter expertise to the local public health community, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to serve the members of this amazing organization.” NACCHO Chief Executive Officer Lori Tremmel Freeman commended Ford’s election to a leadership position on the board. “NACCHO is pleased to see Dr. Ford’s progression on the board to an officer position and member of the Executive Committee. Her local governmental public health leadership experience in Georgia, coupled with strong previous volunteerism in NACCHO, will benefit our organization significantly,” said Freeman. A board-certified pediatrician, Ford has served as District Health Director and Chief Executive Officer of the DeKalb County Board of Health since February 2005. She manages a diverse array of public health programs that serve more than 730,000 people who live in the county. Ford was appointed by Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen E.
Toomey, M.D. to serve as interim director for the Fulton County Board of Health shortly after Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Toomey health commissioner in March 2019. Before her appointment, Toomey served as director for the Fulton County Board of Health. Under Ford’s leadership, the DeKalb County Board of Health has successfully applied for more than $15 million in federal funds to address health disparities, including $5.6 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to promote smoke-free environments, physical fitness and improved nutrition. More recently, the agency received a Minority Youth Violence Prevention: Integrating Public Health and Community Policing Approaches grant from DHHS and the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at curbing violence and improving the health and well-being of underserved and distressed communities. The agency also recently received a Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ford was asked to serve as the Acting Director of the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Division of Public Health during the agency’s reorganization in 2008, where she helped to develop statewide policies and legislation and enforce public health laws and regulations. Ford received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stanford University, a medical degree from Howard University’s College of Medicine and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Services Administration from Howard University’s Graduate School of Business. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ford has been a member of NACCHO since 2006 and has served on the Membership Committee for many years, first as a member and currently as its Chair. In 2017, she was elected as an at-large member of NACCHO’s Board of Directors.
ON COMMON GROUND NEWS MARKETPLACE LAWN CARE
PUBLIC NOTICE
TRAINING
Mayor and Council Members needed in the City of Lithonia
The city of Lithonia is looking for qualified candidates for the position of Mayor and Council positions. The general election will be held on November 5, 2019. Each candidate will file notice of his/her candidacy and the appropriate affidavit in the office of the City Clerk, Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main Street, Lithonia, GA 30058. Qualifying for candidates will begin on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 and end on Thursday, August 22, 2019 between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. (office closed for lunch between the hours of 1:30 – 2:30 pm). The qualifying fee is $234.00 for the position of Mayor and $122.40 for the position of Council Member. The City of Lithonia deserves the best. City Hall Contact Information: Phone: 770-482-8136
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