CrossRoadsNews, April 4, 2015 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

SCENE

WELLNESS

Panthersville Stadium, home to many of Buck Godfrey’s 273 wins as football coach at Southwest DeKalb High School, will soon bear his name. 3

The Rust College A’Cappella Choir will perform in a free concert at Ben Hill United Methodist Church. 4

Vending space is available for Saint Philip Community Development Corp.’s Community Green & Clean/Earth Day Celebration. 6

Another honor for Buck

Vocal ambassadors

Opportunity slots

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

April 4, 2015

Volume 20, Number 49

www.crossroadsnews.com

$20 million in pay hikes proposed for teachers, employees By Ken Watts

DeKalb School District teachers and other employees who have not had a raise in seven years could soon get one. Superintendent Michael Thurmond recommended $20 million in raises for all district employees at the DeKalb School Board’s April 1 meeting. Thurmond called the pay raises a significant investment in the “men and women who stuck with the school system” through difficult times. “The past several years have created difficult economic circumstances for our employees and their families,” he said. “Our highest budget priority is to increase salaries for our highly qualified veteran teachers.” The pay raise proposal calls for increases of 2 percent to 4 percent for fiscal 2015-2016.

ers’ first pay hike of more than 1 percent in seven years. Thurmond said the district has battled back from nearly losing accreditation two years ago to climbing to within one notch of full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The system also has a $41 million surplus, up from a projected budget deficit of $24 million in fiscal 2013-2014. Superintendent Michael Thurmond School spokesman Quinn Hudson said the surplus puts the district within reach of the best practices recommendation of a $60 million rainy day fund. Thurmond proposed three levels of raises – a 4 percent The board won’t vote on a final budget until June, but cost-of-living adjustment for all veteran teachers with six or members seemed generally pleased with Thurmond’s pay more years of experience, a 3 percent increase for teachers hike recommendation. with up to five years of experience, and a 2 percent increase for all other employees. If approved by the School Board, it would be school work- Please see SCHOOLS, page 2

“The past several years have created difficult economic circumstances for our employees and their families. Our highest budget priority is to increase salaries for our … veteran teachers.”

DeKalb Career Center to close permanently The DeKalb Career Center on Covington Highway has been shuttered since a Feb. 28 car crash damaged the building. The Labor Department says closing it will save $400,000 a year.

Johnson calls elimination of facility a travesty By Jennifer Ffrench Parker and Ken Watts

The DeKalb Career Center that has been on Covington Highway in Decatur for more than 20 years is being closed permanently by the Georgia Department of Labor. The center at 3879 Covington Highway, which served thousands of people a year, has been closed since Feb. 28 when a motorist crashed into the side of the building, causing a small hole near the building’s right rear wall. Sam Hall, a DOL spokesman, said on March 31 that the decision not to reopen the center will save the department about $400,000 a year. “It’s boarded up and no longer a viable location for us,” he said. “It wouldn’t be in the interest of customers or staff to stay there.” On Wednesday, there were more than a dozen employees ducking in and out of the building to avoid speaking to a reporter. Hall said South DeKalb residents will continue to use the North Metro Career Center at 2943 N. Druid Hills Road where they have been directed since the Feb. 28 accident. That center is 9.6 miles away from the Covington Highway center that serves South DeKalb and Rockdale County. The North Metro Center is the only other center in DeKalb County, which has a population of more than 713,000 and a labor force of 370,871. On Wednesday, the signs on the door still said the DeKalb Career Center was “closed temporarily for repairs,” and they direct clients to visit the Clayton Career Center in College Park, the Covington Career Center in Covington, the Gwinnett Career Center in Norcross, and the Cobb-Cherokee Career Center in Marietta. Hall said that closing the DeKalb Career

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Center in the Pendley Hills Shopping Center was a difficult decision and that the department is aware the move may make it more difficult for some clients to access services. “We constantly evaluate how we can provide service to the public in the most cost-effective way possible,” Hall said. But DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson called the elimination of the center a Larry Johnson travesty. “All you have to do is look at the numbers,” he said Thursday. “We are faced with catastrophic unemployment. South DeKalb has double-digit unemployment. We have not recovered from the economic recession.

This should be one of the places you would want to keep a career center.” Johnson said that he did not know about the elimination of the center until a reporter called him. “When they are making decisions like this, they need to talk to the local folks,” he said. While the center is in District 5, which has not had a commissioner since July 2013, Johnson said the center serves all of South DeKalb, including people in his district. State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, whose House District 89 covers the area, said that he was not notified about the permanent closure of the center. “This is quite disappointing,” he said. “It is accessible to the people in my district. They should have let me know.”

Williams said he would call state Labor Commissioner Mark Butler to find out why the area was being left without a center. On Tuesday, Hall told CrossRoadsNews that DeKalb was one of the few counties statewide with Coach Williams two career centers. Grenda Garner of Decatur stopped by the office on Wednesday in search of an earnings report but was turned away by the “temporarily closed sign” and the guard at the door. She was surprised to learn that the center will never reopen at that location or anyPlease see JOBLESS, page 2

CrossRoadsNews

Community

April 4, 2015

“I have been laid off four or five times, and this is where I always came.”

Legislature passes DeKalb reforms Forum tackles bias in housing

The Georgia General Assembly has passed legislation that embraces several recommendations made by the DeKalb Government Operations Task Force. The bills will create an independent internal auditor, change how Board of Ethics members are appointed, and tighten county purchasing rules with consistent procurement policies. The recommendations came from the task force created by DeKalb interim CEO Lee May to explore and study several aspects of county government. It met from June to December 2014 and studied new cities and annexations, the county governance structure, purchasing and contracting, and the fair distribution of Homestead Option Sales Tax proceeds and legacy pension costs. The General Assembly advanced the following bills for Gov. Nathan Deal’s signature: n HB 597 – Changes the jurisdiction, the manner of appointment, terms and qualifications of the DeKalb Board of Ethics as well as provides for self-directed funding, up to

$300,000. n HB 598 – Revises purchasing procedures and limitations by DeKalb County government as well as mandates certain disclosures and publications. n HB 599 – Provides criteria for an independent internal auditor for DeKalb County and mandates procedures, policies, reporting, funding and oversight. May said he hopes more task force recommendations will pass. “This is proof positive that the six months that the Operations Task Force met, studied, and debated the various merits and opportuniLee May ties for DeKalb County government was a successful endeavor,” he said on March 24. “We are hopeful the General Assembly will embrace more of the task force’s recommendations before the session ends, but this is a victory nonetheless.”

Free financial seminar at GPTC Information about home buying, credit, job preparation and educational opportunities will be available at a Financial Empowerment Seminar on April 8 at GPTC’s DeKalb campus in Clarkston. The seminar is free to attend. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Workshop presenters include Georgia

Piedmont Technical College, BB&T, ClearPoint Financial Solutions, Georgia Sustainable Communities Alliance, and the Alliance of DeKalb County Inc. The DeKalb campus is at 495 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For more information and to R.S.V.P., contact Celest Anderson at andersce@gptc. edu or 404-297-9522, Ext. 1165.

Loss of center to cause hardships JOBLESS,

from page

where in south DeKalb County. Garner, who lives about 12 minutes by car from the office, said she was very upset to hear about the elimination of the center. “I have been in this county for more than 20 years and have been laid off four or five times, and this is where I always came,” she said. Garner said taking the office away from South DeKalb will cause hardships on unemployed workers who are seeking the range of career services offered there. “It is one of the busiest centers,” Garner said. “Whenever you come here, you just knew it was going to take two or three hours

to get service. Part of the reason was the number of people using it and part of it was it was never adequately staffed.” The center was right next to a MARTA bus stop, which made it convenient for people seeking unemployment services. “You could get right off the bus and be there,” she said. Hall said that the Department of Labor, which opened a new south metro career center at 1630 Phoenix Blvd. in College Park, also is finding that an increasing number of people are accessing its services online. The Clayton Career Center is almost 18 miles from Covington Highway. “The North Druid Hills center is on the MARTA bus line,” he said.

Saving Makes Good Sense

By Ken Watts

South DeKalb and other communities of color are hot zones for discrimination in home appraisals, mortgage lending and rentals, presenters told about 50 residents at A HUD Fair Housing seminar at Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Decatur on March 28. The South DeKalb Improvement Association, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Metro Fair Housing Services shared data and discussed ways to spot bias. Wayne Early, chairman of SDIA’s Housing Committee, said that during the 2007-2009 economic recession, all communities lost vast amounts of wealth after the $8 trillion housing bubble burst, but Wayne Early the effects continue to linger in minority communities in the metro area and across the country. “Since the recovery has begun, I have seen a real difference in the recovery of South DeKalb versus the Northside,” said Early, CEO of Early Economics, an economic development service. Early, who is also a real estate broker with Solid Source Realty in Lithonia, said that in the wake of the recession, homes in South DeKalb are generally lower appraised than comparable houses in the northern end of the county. He said appraisals are the opinion of the appraiser and the bank. “So there’s really not a big connection between the condition of the house, the type of house, the income of the owner in terms of how they value houses,” he said. Early said that in the opinion of appraisers, houses in minority communities are “underwater,” which means they are not worth the mortgage balance on them. He said a 2014 study of 395 ZIP codes by the Haas Institute for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley listed the top ZIP codes with underwater houses in the United States. “Of the top 50, nine were in south DeKalb County,” Early said. Using charts, graphs and a color-coded map from the Haas report, Early showed that most of the distressed homes in metro Atlanta are located south of U.S. 78 and are almost all more than 80 percent AfricanAmerican or people of color.

Budget surplus expected to grow SCHOOLS,

While you can’t put a price on good GI health, everyone wants the best possible care at the most reasonable cost. At Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, we deliver expert care to every patient, whether privately insured, on Medicare or Medicaid, or self-pay. Our commitment starts with Board Certified specialists who diagnose and treat every type of liver disease and digestive disorder – from acid reflux to hemorrhoids. And for endoscopic procedures like your screening colonoscopy, we have an accredited outpatient center right in Lithonia. You can even request an appointment on-line.

Care. Convenience. Cost-effectiveness. What every patient wants – and deserves. Lithonia / Panola Endoscopy Center • 5403 Hillandale Park Court

770.817.0224

Mahmoud Barrie, M.D. Norman Elliott, M.D. Tommie Haywood III, M.D. Barry Levitt, M.D. www.atlantagastro.com AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. Panola Endoscopy Center is accredited by AAAASF and certified by DCH.

“So there seems to be a real strong correlation between who lives in an area and how the banks and appraisers value their properties,” Early said, adding that the falling value of homes ripples out to the rest of the community and can cause a drop in the value of businesses in the area. Early said the SDIA hopes to change the negative housing trends by making the public aware of them and by filing complaints with enforcement agencies such as HUD and the Department of Justice. “Increasing public knowledge hopefully will increase people’s ability to challenge their appraisals,” he said. “Also, banks and the appraisal industry may not be aware of what they’re doing and we’re hoping that once they see the evidence, many of them may start to change their practices.” The other two presenters at the forum were Barbara Ware Wilson, an intake specialist with HUD’s Southeast Regional Office of Fair Housing in Atlanta, and Gail Williams, executive director of Metro Fair Housing Services. Wilson said her HUD office covers Georgia and seven other states – Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. “We listen to your fair housing complaints and analyze them to make sure that HUD has jurisdiction in the cases,” Wilson said. HUD enforces the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and resolves cases of alleged discrimination. Its regional office is at 40 Marietta St. in downtown Atlanta (404-331-5001). Williams said Metro Fair Housing Services is a local affiliate of HUD that also investigates complaints of bias in apartment rentals and home sales. “We focus on education and outreach, complaint intake backed up by investigation and enforcement,” Williams said. The federal and state Fair Housing Acts prohibit discrimination in the sale, rental, lending, insurance and advertising of housing, Williams said. Protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, or families with children under 18. Under the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, it is also illegal to discriminate on the basis of marital status, age, receipt of public assistance or good faith exercise of consumer protection rights. Metro Fair Housing is at 175 Trinity Ave. S.W. in downtown Atlanta (404-524-0000).

from page

Dr. Melvin Johnson, board chairman, said it recognizes the hard work and dedication of teachers and employees during trying times. “We stand ready to work with Superintendent Thurmond on a budget that fairly compensates them for their good work,” he said. Thurmond said the salary increase recommendations for teachers and employees will add an estimated $20 million to the district’s fiscal 2015-2016 budget. He said the district recognizes that employees have been underpaid for years. “This [pay raise] doesn’t solve the prob-

lem, but it is a significant down payment for those who have invested so much in support of the academic progress of our students,” Thurmond said. Jim McMahan, who represents District 4 in north-central DeKalb, asked the district’s Chief Financial Officer Michael Bell whether raises will come out of the budget surplus. Bell said they would not and that the surplus is likely to grow. “Our revenue collections are looking good as we head toward the last part of the school year,” Bell said. “If we continue to control our expenses, we could lift our surplus from $40.9 million to $60.9 [million]. I’m pretty sure we’re going to attain that and maybe more.”

LR Robinson, LLC • Business Tax Preparation • Individual Tax Preparation • Tax Problems • Small Business Accounting

Drop-Off Service and Saturday Appts Available

2179 Northlake Parkway, Suite 119 • Tucker, GA 30084 678-476-0512 • www.lrrobinsoncpa.com

Lisa Robinson, CPA

April 4, 2015

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“He provided a safety net for those young men and he taught them life lessons and how to be men.”

Photos by Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Legendary SWD High football coach William “Buck” Godfrey (center, tan jacket) poses with former players and supporters after the DeKalb School Board named Panthersville Stadium in his honor.

Buck Godfrey’s name to grace Panthersville Stadium By Ken Watts

The DeKalb School System’s 8,500seat Panthersville Stadium will soon bear the name of William “Buck” Godfrey, the county’s “winningest coach.” School Board members voted unanimously on April 1 to rename the stadium in honor of Godfrey, the retired Southwest DeKalb High football coach and author who inspired his players to seek academic excellence. The stadium at 2817 Clifton Springs Road in Decatur was built in 1968. It is slated for extensive renovations. A 2011 School District facilities report details more than $710,618 in repairs that are needed. A date has not yet been set for the official dedication as William “Buck” Godfrey Stadium, but Horace Dunson, the district’s executive athletic director, said it will be scheduled in May before the end of the current school year and the start of the new football season. Godfrey was in the audience when District 5 board member Vickie Turner read the resolution written by District 3 board member Michael Erwin, who was absent, and former board member David Campbell. Family, supporters, parents, alumni and more than 30 former players coached by Godfrey packed the meeting. The resolution recalled Godfrey’s record-

breaking career that began with stints as a baseball coach at Gordon High from 1974 to 1976. From 1976 to 1983, he was an assistant football coach at Towers High. In 1983, he was named head football coach at SWD. “Over the next 30 years, Godfrey would build a career as an outstanding English teacher and the winningest high school football coach in DeKalb County history,” Turner read to cheers and applause from the overflow crowd. Godfrey compiled a record of 273 wins and 89 losses with a Class 4-A state championship in 1995 and 13 regional titles. Afterward, he said he is looking forward to seeing his name go up on the stadium. “All a man has is his dignity, his integrity and his character and reputation will follow,” he said. “I learned that from my daddy. I feel like I’m making him proud, along with [Hall of Fame coach] Eddie Robinson, [NFL quarterback] Joe Gilliam and my high school coach.” Godfrey, who has published three books, is known for helping his players achieve a balance between academics and athletics. More than 270 of his SWD players won college athletic scholarships and 200 of them earned bachelor’s degrees, 37 have master’s degrees and 17 earned doctorates. Godfrey said he is more proud of his players’ academic achievements than many of his sports titles.

“You can win a lot of games,” he said, his eyes misty after the ceremony at the Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex in Stone Mountain. “Education is much more important in terms of what you have to do after you leave the field.” Greg White, a former Southwest DeKalb PTSA president, said Godfrey is most deserving of the honor. “I am glad we did this while he is around to see it,” White said. “We are honoring his legacy of helping young men grow into manhood. He provided a safety net for those young men and he taught them life lessons

and how to be men.” Players say Godfrey’s character is what they remember most, years later. “He’s really humble. He doesn’t think about the accolades and records,” said Clemente Gordon, a starting SWD quarterback in 1984 who went on to play college ball at Grambling State University and for several teams in the Arena Football League. “I remember when I first met him,” Gordon recalled. “He said, ‘I just want to thank you.’ I said, ‘For what?’ And he said, ‘For letting me coach you.’ That was Buck. It was always about the kids.”

Discover your passion. Attend a GPC Open House.

March 26 – May 2 Application fee waiver – a $20 savings!* Meet GPC faculty, staff and students Take a campus tour Enjoy refreshments

#OpenGPC

RSVP online at openhouse.gpc.edu * Advance sign up and student attendance are required to receive fee waiver. Application fee waivers must be used by July 1, 2015. Limit one fee waiver per household.

A BETTER WAY FORWARD

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

April 4, 2015

The NNPA honored Willie for his heroism, unyielding faith, and tenacity.

Rust College Choir to perform free concert at Ben Hill UMC 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Graphic Design Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

The harmonious sounds of the Rust College A’Cappella Choir will fill Ben Hill United Methodist Church on April 12 for a free concert. The Holly Springs, Miss. choir will perform at 3:30 p.m. at in southwest Atlanta church. The concert is sponsored by the Rust College Atlanta Alumni Club. The choir has captured the attention of audiences worldwide with its broad repertoire, which includes classical, semiclassical, spirituals, opera, and contemporary and traditional gospel music. Founded in 1928 by Natalie Doxey, the A’Cappella choir has a long and illustrious past. In the late 1930s and 1940s, choir members often traveled in station wagons and cars with student drivers, and in many instances, Rust students were their own directors. Because funds were limited and because of the then-Jim Crow laws, members

The Rust College Choir, whose repertoire includes opera and contemporary gospel music, performs on April 12.

were forced to stay in the homes of alumni and friends. Doxey and her choir served as ambassadors and fundraisers for the college and represented the

school at functions throughout the Midwest and the South. The choir has toured Zimbabwe and made two European trips as Ambassadors of Friendship and

appeared at the 1982 and 1983 World’s Fair. Ben Hill UMC is at 2099 Fairburn Road S.W. For more information, call 404-915-8382.

Second annual HerStory Awards recognize eight women Eight women were honored with HerStory Awards for their community service and accomplishments at the second annual Conversation & Coffee event on March 29 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center. The awards presented by Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and DeKalb County’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs department commemorate National Women’s History Month, observed in March. The award recognizes women who have improved the lives of others by their work in the arts, sciences, education, sports, government, business, religion or community. The 2015 honorees are Belinda Pedroso, president of the National Council of Negro Women, DeKalb Section; community activist Charlene Fang; the Rev. Carolyn Williams, principal of Stephenson Middle School; attorney Mereda Davis Johnson; District 91 state Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler; Sara Fountain, retired executive director

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton (fourth from left) is shown with HerStory honorees Valerie Morgan, Charlene Fang, the Rev. Carolyn Williams, Dr. Carol Anderson, Belinda Pedroso, Sarah Fountain, and Mereda Davis Johnson.

of Leadership DeKalb; and Valerie Morgan, editor and co-owner of On Common Ground newspaper. Dr. Carol Anderson, associate professor of African-American Studies at Emory University, got the

Legacy Award, which recognizes life work that paved the way for future generations. Barnes Sutton, who represents District 4, said the annual recognition honors women who have

demonstrated transformational leadership. She said the program “presents an opportunity to weave women’s stories, individually and collectively, into the essential fabric of our nation’s history.”

Boy who foiled abduction named Junior Newsmaker of the Year In April 2014, fifth-grader Willie Myrick was singing for his life as an abductor raced around Atlanta with him locked in the back of the car. A year later, he is the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s first-ever Junior Newsmaker of the Year. Willie, 10, was playing with his dog in the driveway of his southwest Atlanta home when he was snatched by a man who wrestled him into a car. While trapped in the back seat of the locked car, Willie said he sang Hezekiah Walker’s “Every Praise” for three hours straight until his captor became so irritated that he threw him out of the vehicle, unharmed, in East Point. Willie’s story made national news, yielding more than 70,000 Google results.

It inspired tens of thousands of people across the country, and when Walker, a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, heard of it, he surprised Willie at a special service at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Willie goes to church. The NNPA honored Willie for his heroism, unyielding faith, and tenacity on March 19 in Atlanta. Willie was unable to travel to Washington for the annual Torch Awards ceremony, so a number of Atlanta publishers, including CrossRoadsNews Publisher Jennifer Parker, presented the award to him in Atlanta. The ceremony was part of the NNPA’s 50th celebration of Black Press Week. Willie was raised by his adoptive mother, Codetta Bateman, since age 3. His abductor has not been caught.

Willie Myrick poses with his Junior Newsmaker of the Year trophy awarded by the National Newspaper Publishers Association during the 2015 Black Press Week.

Circulation Audited By index to advertisers Atlanta Gastroenterology................................ 2 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court...................... 7 Georgia Perimeter College............................. 3 I-Storage......................................................... 7 Johnny Harris CPA.......................................... 7

Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC................... 7 Law Office of Trichelle Griggs Simmons......... 7 Lions Love Entertainment............................... 3 LR Robinson, LLC............................................ 2 Macy’s............................................................. 8

Smiles for Less................................................ 7 Tax Roadmap.................................................. 7 Wells Fargo..................................................... 5 World Quarters & Supportive Services (2)...... 7

Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Lions Love Entertainment...................... Online

April 4, 2015

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

April 4, 2015

“The group plans larger trials … with the hope that valacyclovir can eventually be added to the drug cocktail used to treat HIV.” Residents can buy fresh produce weekly at the Parking Lot Market at Saint Philip, Saturdays beginning April 4.

Nutrition expert to discuss book Nutritionist Surina Ann Jordan will discuss a holistic approach to health on April 12-13 at Sevananda Natural Foods Market in Atlanta. She will sign copies of her latest book, “The Seven Disciplines of Wellness: The Spiritual Connection to Good Health,” at 2-6 p.m. on April 12 and noon-4 p.m. on April 13. “Seven Disciplines” provides a road map to- Surina Jordan ward complete wellness of the body, mind and spirit in a world full of confusion and contradictory information about health, Jordan says, and she uses Scripture and science to uncover the path to wellness. The book offers guidance on diet, healthy living spaces, and meaningful relationships to achieve work-life balance. “Wellness is a lifestyle,” said Jordan, a researcher, gourmet chef, missionary, counselor and preacher’s kid who has more than 20 years experience as a wellness instructor and nutritional counselor. Her personal health crisis led her to pursue a lifestyle that does no harm to the body. Her husband is a cancer survivor, and she was restored from thyroid disease. Jordan, who holds a Ph.D. in Holistic Nutrition, is president of Zima Health, a health education and disease prevention company. She is also a former columnist for CrossRoadsNews and the Baltimore Examiner. Jordan serves on the Maryland Council on Physical Fitness and is a member of the Delaware Cancer Consortium. Sevananda is at 467 Moreland Ave. N.E. For more information, visit http:// www.thesevendisciplines.com/home or call 404-681-2831.

Vendor space at Earth Day event Vending space is available for Saint Philip Community Development Corp.’s fifth annual Community Green & Clean/Earth Day Celebration on April 18. Space is limited – the deadline to sign up for vendor tables at the flea market is April 13. During the event, residents can safely dispose of old electronics and household hazardous waste such as FOG (fats, oils and grease) and paint, as well as sensitive documents. There will also be free on-site shred-

ding at the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. event, which will be held rain or shine. The weekly Parking Lot Market with fresh vegetables begins April 4 and takes place every Saturday through the fall. Proceeds from the markets support the CDC’s environmental stewardship initiatives. Saint Philip AME is at 240 Candler Road S.E. in Atlanta. For more information or to reserve a flea market/vendor table, call 404-371-0749, Ext. 8066.

Babies Can’t Wait program seeks comment The Babies Can’t Wait program is seeking public comment through April 18 on its grant application and revised policy. The Georgia Department of Public Health urges stakeholders, early intervention providers, parents and members of the public to participate in a 60-day public comment period for the 2015 Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and Fiscal Policies. The application and revised policy can be viewed at http://dph.georgia.gov/bcw-partc-application or at locations throughout the

state. Written comments can be mailed to Babies Can’t Wait, Attention: Cynthia Bryant, Part C Coordinator, 2 Peachtree St. N.W., Suite 11-204, Atlanta, GA 30303-13422; emailed to DPH-MCHDO@dph.ga.gov (subject line: Part C or Public Comment); or faxed to 404-657-2763. Babies Can’t Wait is Georgia’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers with special needs and their families. For more information, visit http://dph. georgia.gov/Babies-Cant-Wait or call 404657-2762 or 1-888-651-8224.

Herpes drug may reduce HIV levels The anti-herpes drug valacyclovir may reduce levels of HIV in people who do not have genital herpes, a new study finds. The study was conducted by researchers from the National Institutes of Health, Emory University, Case Western Reserve University and the Civic Association of Health and Education in Lima, Peru. It is the first to show that the drug does not require the presence of herpes simplex virus 2 to suppress HIV in patients. Research shows that the drug probably reduces HIV levels by interfering with HIV’s reproductive machinery. The study is published online in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Researchers enrolled 18 HIV-infected people, none of whom was infected with HSV-2, and treated them for 12 weeks. Half took valacyclovir twice a day and the other half received a placebo. After two weeks, the placebo group received valacyclovir and the other group received a placebo. When the subjects took valacyclovir, their blood HIV levels declined significantly. Raymond F. Schinazi, a senior author, said the study builds on earlier published work on the impact of acyclovir on HIV-1. “Because of the success of this study, the Raymond Schinazi group plans to conduct larger, randomized trials with the hope that valacyclovir can eventually be added to the drug cocktail used to treat HIV,” he said on March 22. Schinazi is Frances Winship Walters Professor of Pediatrics in Emory University School of Medicine, senior research career scientist at the VA Medical Center, and a member of the Emory Center for AIDS Research. Visit http://www.nih.gov/ news/health/mar2015/nichd-13.htm.

One-order, one-invoice, multi-newspaper placement service!

Reach more than 15 million households served by over 1,020 suburban and community newspapers around North America and Canada. 25-word ad starts at $240 weekly. Discount Contact Rates Available. For more information, call 888-486-2466. Autos CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-545-8647 AUTO INSURANCE STARTING AT $25/ MONTH! Call 877-9299397

Business Opportunity AVON- Earn extra income with a new career! Sell from home, work,, online. $15 startup. For information call: 888-423-1792 (M-F 9-7 & Sat 9-1 Central) HOW TO EARN $1,000+ DAILY! Get Paid up to 72 Times Daily! No Selling! Free Money Making Website!! www.EasyMoneyFormula.com

Education & Training AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here - Get hands on training as FAA certified Technician fixing jets. Financial aid if qualified. Call for free information Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1-877-818-0783 www.FixJets.com You can be career-ready in as little as 3 months for a rewarding new career in the growing healthcare, technology, or administra-

tion industries. The U.S. Department of Labor expects millions of new jobs in these fields! Get started today: CareerStep.com/ startnow.

Employment Opportunities HELP WANTED!! Make up to $1000 A Week Mailing Brochures From Home! Helping Home Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! NO Experience Required! www.needmailers.com VOID IN WI

Financial/Insurance PROBLEMS with the IRS or State Taxes? Settle for a fraction of what you owe! Free face to face consultations with offices in your area. Call 855-970-2032 GET CASH NOW for your Annuity or Structured Settlement. Top Dollars Paid. Fast, No Hassle Service! 877-693-0934 (M-F 9:35am-7pm ET)

Gordon & Associates at 1-800706-8742 to start your application today! Sell your structured settlement or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don’t have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1-800-283-3601

Health & Fitness Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90% on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-4188975, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. Wheelchair and Scooter Repair. Medicare Accepted. Fast Friendly Service. BBB Rated. Loaners Available. CALL 1-800450-7709

FREE Medicare Quotes! Get Covered and Save! Explore Top Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans For Free! It’s Open Enrollment, So Call Now! 877-243-4705

Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a painrelieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-9005406

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill

All Things Basementy! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs!

Home Improvement

Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-800-998-5574

Land for Sale TEXAS Land Sale- Near El Paso. $0 Down. 20 Acres- $128/mo. -$16,900. Money Back Guarantee. Beautiful Mountain Views. No Qualifying- Owner Financing. 800-343-9444

Misc. For Sale Get The Big Deal from DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. New Customers Only IV Support Holdings LLCAn authorized DirecTV Dealer Some exclusions apply - Call for details 1-800-897-4169 Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800304-4489 for FREE DVD and brochure. Get CABLE TV, INTERNET & PHONE with FREE HD Equipment and install for under $3 a day! Call Now! 855-752-8550

KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug killer Complete Treatment Program/Kit. Harris Mattress Covers add Extra Protection! Available: ACE Hardware. Buy Online: homedepot.com

Miscellaneous Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in over 7 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 570 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) &

High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 800-2781401 Protect Your Home - ADT Authorized Dealer: Burglary, Fire, and Emergency Alerts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! CALL TODAY, INSTALLED TOMORROW! 888-858-9457 (M-F 9am-9pm ET) FREE $50 WALMART GIFT CARD & 3 FREE issues of YOUR FAVORITE MAGAZINES! To claim this free offer, Call 855954-3224 FREE BAHAMA CRUISE. 3 days/2 nights from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Pay only $59 port charge! Upgrades available! Call Now! 877-916-3235 FREE GOLD IRA KIT. With the demise of the dollar now is the time to invest in gold. AAA Rated! For free consultation: 1-866-683-5664

Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

CrossRoadsNews

April 4, 2015

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Legal Notices 03/28, 04/04/ 04/11, 04/18

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV2870-10++ Sabrina Wade Plaintiff Vs. Fabian Chisholm Defendant To: Fabian Chisholm 4061 Cress Way Run Decatur, GA 30034 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Mar. 19, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Mar. 06, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Sabrina Wade, 2748 Vin-

ing Ridge Terrace, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 19, 2015. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 20th day of March, 2015 04/04/ 04/11, 04/18, 4/25

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV3517-7++ Eugenia A. Terrell-Bell Plaintiff Vs. Larry R. Bell, Jr. Defendant To: Larry R. Bell, Jr. 8402 Norris Lake Way Snellville, GA 30039 By Order of the Court for service by

publication dated Mar. 30, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Mar. 25, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Eugenia A. Terrell-Bell, 2902 Knollview Drive, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 30, 2015. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of March, 2015 04/04/ 04/11, 04/18, 4/25

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10920-9++ William Hall

Plaintiff Vs. Sharon Harris Fair Defendant To: 5883 Poplin Ct. Lithonia, GA 30058 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Mar. 27, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Nov. 10, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: 5883 Poplin Ct. Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 27, 2015. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of March, 2015. 04/04/ 04/11, 04/18, 4/25

Notice OF PUBLICATION

Weekly; $175-couple; $125single; includes utilities; free WiFi. On Marta line; Columbia Drive & Rainbow area. Call Mr. Blue at 678-600-9343.

HELP WANTED Drivers, CDL-A: Home EVERY Weekend! ALL Loaded/Empty Miles Paid! Dedicated Southeast! Or Walk Away Lease, No Money Down. 1-855-321-4565

04/04/ 04/11, 04/18, 4/25

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV3377-9++ Tashandra Labertha Sumpter Plaintiff Vs. Dwayne Lee Sumpter Defendant

attorneys

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV3264-4++ Jennifer Young filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 13, 2015 to change child’s from: Female Isiaha Damond Kaigler to Isaiah Damond Kaigler. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Mar. 13, 2015 Jennifer Young Petitioner, Pro se 5012 Chupp Way Circle Lithonia, GA 30038 770-912-6419

Tax Problems?

Vending Spaces Available at Seminar for Girls & Women at Greenforest Baptist Church ELC April 18, 2015 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m

TAX ROADMAP

Ideal for arts & crafts, jewelry, health drinks etc.

855-829-7623

Call 404-748-5693 LIMITED or 678-558-3894 or 404-399-1901 SPOTS

We Navigate Solutions for You! taxroadmapusa.com

Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

Notice of Petition to Change Name of CHILD

opportunities

Call

MARKETPLACE RATES

03/28, 04/04, 04/11, 04/18

financial Want a CPA or Tax Attorney to handle your case?

Marketplace FOR RENT/LEASE

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV3379-2++ Sophia Powers Plaintiff Vs. Soubaibou Camara Defendant To: Souhaibou Camara By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Mar. 30, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Mar. 26, 201, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Sophia Powers, 308 Ashley Creek Ct., Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 30, 2015. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 31th day of March, 2015.

To: Dwayne Lee Sumpter 10970 Lem Turner Road, Apt. #809 Jacksonville, FL 32218 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Mar. 27, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Mar. 24, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Abandonment. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff Tashandra Labertha Sumpter - Pro Se an Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first date of publication. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of March, 2015.

events

financial

A Seminar Designed for Girls & Their Parents

I Believe I Can Fly an Airplane... Unlimited Possibilities! April 18, 2015

Drivers-OTR: Sign-on, Safety, Fuel Bonuses! NO-touch Freight, NO hazmat. Good Benefits. Vacation, Holidays. Competitive Pay Package! CDL-A. D&D Sexton, Inc. 877- 412-7209

LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE

Greenforest Baptist Church 3250 Rainbow Drive Decatur, GA 30034 $15 to attend • Registration Deadline April 10. Call 404-748-5693

E’s Lawn Care needs lawn maintenance worker with 2 years experience. Contact Dennis at 770-323-2800

attorneys

JHC

Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC “EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

dental

public notice

1,050

dental implant

1500 value

Smiles For Less, LLC Stone Mountain | 770-879-0845 With this coupon. Excludes abutment, crown & bone graft. Certain restrictions apply. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/28/2015.

100

per month

braces

Smiles For Less, LLC Stone Mountain | 770-879-0845 With this coupon. Includes orthodontic exam & x-ray. Certain restrictions apply. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/28/2015.

Schedule Your Appointment Today Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody • Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Immigration Law

4153 Flat Shoals Parkway | Bldg C Suite 322 | Decatur, GA 30034

P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

1525 East Park Place Blvd, Suite 1500 Stone Mountain | 770-879-0845 www.GeorgiaSmilesforLess.com

% major treatment 15 services OFF

for patients without insurance Smiles For Less, LLC Stone Mountain | 770-879-0845 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/28/2015.

150

two cleanings per year 250 value

Smiles For Less, LLC Stone Mountain | 770-879-0845 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/28/2015.

Your Source for Neighborhood News

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO THE GEORGIA SELF STORAGE ACT (210-214) iStorage, LLC, LOCATED AT 2804 HF SHEPHERD DR. DECATUR GA, 30034 WILL HAVE A PUBLIC AUCTION ON SITE APRIL 14, 2015 AT 12:00 PM OR THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY. UNITS CONTAIN FURNITURE, BOXES, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, MISC. ITEMS WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS TO WITHDRAW ANY UNITS FROM THE SALE. PURCHASER MUST VACATE UNIT WITHIN 48 HOURS. SALE ITEMS ARE CASH ONLY. Space # A001 A078 B167 D05A

Customer Name Paul White Fatimah Hurley Veronica Holden Juacita Jones

Space # A026 A088 C012 D05G

Customer Name Ed White Nathan Knight Valentino Otey Dana Wright

Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information

CrossRoadsNews

April 4, 2015

NEW SEASON! NEW LOOKS! SPECTACULAR SAVINGS!

6O%-85% OFF STOREWIDE NOW-TUES, APRIL 7 SPECIALS! LAST 2 DAYS FRI, APRIL 3-SAT, APRIL 4 BUY ONLINE, PICK UP IN-STORE

NEED IT IN A HURRY? NOW YOU CAN SHOP AHEAD ON MACYS.COM AND PICK IT UP THE SAME DAY AT YOUR NEAREST MACY’S STORE. IT’S FAST, FREE AND EASY! DETAILS AT MACYS.COM/STOREPICKUP

FREE SHIPPING & FREE RETURNS AT MACYS.COM!

FREE SHIPPING WITH $99 PURCHASE. FREE RETURNS BY MAIL OR IN-STORE. U.S. ONLY. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; DETAILS AT MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 3/31-4/7/15, EXCEPT AS NOTED. “Our lowest price(s)” refers to Macy’s spring season February 1 through April 30, 2015. Prices may be lowered as part of clearance. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. N5020262F.indd 1

3/24/15 10:53 AM