CrossRoadsNews, April 9, 2011

WELLNESS

SCENE

YOUTH

Pink fire trucks manned by firefighters in pink turnouts will visit the Mall at Stonecrest to raise funds for the fight to end cancer. 8

The historic cemetery in downtown Decatur is getting a $2.1 million upgrade to make it more attractive for people to stroll through and admire. 10

Kids will be heading out in droves in search of hidden treasure as Easter Egg hunts spring up around the area in coming weeks. 12

Pretty in pink

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New life for old resting place

April 9, 2011

The search is on

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Volume 16, Number 50

After sitting idle, Hairston Library and others to open

By Donna Williams Lewis

Branch manager Heather Salters was helping load the shelves with books this week in preparation for the April 16 opening of the expanded library.

operation from its general fund.

The openings were accomplished by a systemwide reduction in opening hours at every branch in the county. Sunday operating hours at all but the main branch in Decatur have been eliminated, and Fridays and Saturdays were cut from the smallest branches – Scott-Candler, Brookhaven, Embry Hills and Gresham. Staff from those branches are currently working their weekend rotations at larger branches nearby.

All other branches lost one night, typically Wednesday night.

Still Alison Weissinger, the DeKalb Public Library System’s acting director, said Hairston Crossing’s reopening, after 20 months, is “a nice, positive thing that we can focus on after we have had so many challenges in the

The Hairston Crossing Library which has been shuttered for nearly two years reopens April 18 with a lot more space and a lot more to offer.

Originally expected to open last fall, the branch on Redan Road in Stone Mountain, was expanded at a cost of $4.4 million. It is one of three branches – built or expanded at a cost of $16.6 million – in south DeKalb County that have sat idle for months due to lack of staff.

The $4.5 million expanded Salem-Panola branch is tentatively scheduled to reopen May 21. The new $7.7 million Stonecrest branch is set to open the first weekend in June. Construction at the three branches was funded by a 2005 county bond referendum, but the county failed to provide for their Please see HAIRSTON, page 6

Son Kills Mother, Two Siblings From left, Shelia Irons, 25, Zion McPherson, 11, and Chasity McPherson, 8, were stabbed to death.

Candice McCoy, 17, (below) was hospitalized with stab wounds.

Second sister hospitalized with stab wounds

By Carla Parker

Before tragedy struck the brick ranch home on the quiet street in Lithonia, family and friends said that Shelia Irons tried to help her oldest child, Eugene Quatron McCoy. They said this week that she did not like having her firstborn in jail, but despite all her efforts to enroll him in programs and to help him deal with his anger issues, that’s where McCoy, 21, is once again.

Eugene McCoy McCoy is accused of brutally stabbing to death Irons, his 45-yearold mother, and his siblings, Zion McPherson, 11, and Chasity McPherson, 8, in their Rockland Road home on April 3. The sister who follows him in birth, 17-year-old Candice McCoy, was also stabbed. She was in critical condition at a local hospital until Thursday when she was moved from ICU. Candice, a senior at Arabia Mountain High School, was saved when she fled the bloody murder scene to seek help from neighbors.

Police captured McCoy walking away from the scene Sunday night.

He is charged with three counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault.

Court and jail records show him to be a troubled young man with a violent past.

Family and friends say that he had a serious anger problem.

Cedric Cuxart, his mother’s boyfriend, described the family as very sweet and lov-

ing, but he said that McCoy was somewhat of an outsider.

“Shelia tried to help him stay out of jail,” he said Thursday. “She tried to put him in programs that would help him with his issues.”

When police arrived at the house around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, they found Irons on

the living room floor with numerous stab wounds to the head and neck. Eight-yearold Chastity, a second-grader at Rowland Elementary, was also on the floor with numerous stab wounds around the head and neck. Zion, 11, a fifth-grader at the same school, was on the kitchen floor. He also stabbed around the head and neck. All three

were dead.

Funds needed Iron’s mother, Althea Irons-Voyd, who came from the family’s hometown of Rochester, N.Y. on Wednesday, said her daughter Please see MURDERS, page 6

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April 9, 2011

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April 9, 2011

Community

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The road rage incident made national news and got its own segment on the April 7 episode of “Good Morning America.”

Frank pleads guilty to bribery

Alleged rapist indicted on 12 counts

Former DeKalb Deputy Police Durrett introduced Frank to Chief Donald E. Frank has pleaded Budhwani as someone who could guilty to taking bribes from a help with the matter. Frank made businessman who hired him to ina series of threatening phone calls timidate a former girlfriend and to and intimidated the woman into threaten associates and employees. ending the relationship.

Frank, 47, who lives in Monroe, He continued to do favors entered the guilty plea on April 1 in for Budhwani while acting in his federal district court. He admitted official capacity and demanded Donald E. Frank to taking the bribes while he was payments. deputy police chief and head of DeKalb Budhwani paid Frank $10,000 to threaten Homeland Security. and intimidate one of his business partners.

Frank was charged with one count of As a supervisor with DeKalb Police, Frank conspiracy to take bribes. Sentencing has not asked other DeKalb officers to conduct a yet been scheduled. He faces up to five years traffic stop of Budhwani’s business partner, in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. follow him, and make phone calls to make Frank, a former head of the security him feel he was being investigated so that he detail of former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones, would feel the need to leave the country. was fired by the county last May after his Budhwani also paid Frank to use his indictment, ending a 21-year career with badge and uniform to question two of Budthe county. hwani’s employees regarding money they U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said allegedly took from the business.

Frank “sold his badge” for cash as the perBudhwani also paid for trips to casisonal enforcer for the local businessman. nos, restaurants, clubs and sporting events According to the FBI investigation, be- for Frank and accompanied him on those tween September 2008 and September 2009, trips.

Frank conspired with DeKalb Police Lt. Budhwani pleaded guilty on June 1, 2010, Willie Daren Durrett to accept money from to charges relating to the bribes paid to Frank convenience store owner Amin Budhwani and awaits sentencing. who initially approached Durrett to help him The federal case against Durrett is pendend a relationship with a girlfriend. ing.

allegedly attacked by Carver, who John Russell Carver, who powas out of prison on parole. lice say brutally beat and raped James, who called the crime a church leader at St. Timothy “an extremely violent and vicious United Methodist Church in act,” will serve as lead prosecutor Stone Mountain in February, has in the case. been indicted on 12 counts.

He said he is thankful for the DeKalb District Attorney swift actions of the DeKalb Police Robert James said April 5 that Department. Carver, 50, was rethe counts include rape, armed portedly identified as the attacker robbery, aggravated battery, John R. Carver aggravated assault, false imprisonment, after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. burglary, and possession of a knife during When the link was made, he was already in Fulton County Jail for a parole violation. commission of a felony.

Carver, who has been in and out of prison The 53-year-old female employee was working alone at the church when she since 1987, was charged with the crime on answered a knock on the door and was March 16.

Police cracking down on crime The DeKalb Police Department is cracking down on crime throughout April with special enforcement measures.

The department says the enforcement operations coincide with the increase in social activities as spring settles in. Historically, the uptick in events impacts traffic, safety and the quality of life for residents, police say.

Police will follow a zero tolerance approach to enforcing all laws – criminal and

traffic – as well as county ordinances.

The operations account for any increases in traffic to ensure that there will be minimal impact to residents and businesses located in the vicinity of any given event.

The department said the goal is to continue to reduce crime and safeguard residents, business owners and visitors so they can engage in their activities in the safest possible environment.

OneDeKalb opening Northlake center OneDeKalb will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Northlake Mall Neighborhood Resource Center on April 9.

The ceremony, part of DeKalb County’s celebration of National County Government Month, begins at 12:30 p.m. on the lower level near Macy’s at the Atlanta mall.

The resource center is designed as a “one-stop” service center for information aboutcounty services. It provides pamphlets, brochures and educational literature to the public. Its location at Northlake Mall in

Tucker is a partnership between the county and Simon Property Group, which manages the mall. It hasa community room available for meetings.

Since its inception in 2010 by CEO Burrell Ellis, OneDeKalb continues to give residents a voice in county government and provides neighborhood groups with training, tools and resources for community engagement.

Northlake Mall is at 4800 Briarcliff Road.

For more information, visit www.onedekalb. com or call 404-371-2881.

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4-year-old shot in road rage crime sitting at a red light on Redan Four-year-old Korda Bailey Road at the Martin Road interis recovering after a bullet that section when the SUV’s driver pierced his buttocks while he blew his horn to advise her that was riding in his car seat in his the light had turned green. She mother’s car on Redan Road in said she didn’t know the light Stone Mountain. had changed, and she blew her The shot was fired by a horn back. motorist, who police said was Williams said the SUV folangry because Korda’s mother lowed her down Redan Road cut him off in traffic. and fired at her car as it passed On Thursday, the lucky her. The bullet pierced the back chap had a sore bottom but of her car and left a hole in the was playing basketball at his Korda Bailey car seat before injuring Korda, home.

The road rage incident made national who was rushed to Children Healthcare at news and got its own segment on April 7 Egleston. His injuries were minor.

Police do not have a suspect, but Wil“Good Morning America” show.

His mother, Tammie Williams, told liams told investigators that the driver had a police and ABC News that the single bullet full goatee and was wearing a white T-shirt came from a passing white Chevrolet SUV and dark sunglasses. The female passenger had curlers in her hair and was wearing a carrying a man and woman.

She told investigators that she was white T-shirt.

4

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For high school seniors, a conviction for DUI now could affect your college acceptance this year, or your ability to obtain or keep certain jobs later.

America is sticking its nose in another Civil War It appears that all of action to influence the our Presidents since WWII outcome of either side. have engaged American Perhaps, they stayed out troops and resources in of it because they were other countries’ Civil Wars. of the same collectivity In my opinion, it appears and did wish to get inthat Libya will become volved in a family affair. another civil war that our Perhaps, America, Britain current President Obama and France view the Arab cannot resist. What kind Bob Miles world (Middle East), of a threat is Libya’s civil war to Asians and other different groups America? I do believe that every as heathens if they do not adhere country will ever be an image of to their political, economic, social America, France or Britain. and religious ways of life. It appears It seems to me that America, that American Presidents are willFrance and Great Britain are engag- ing to use any excuse to fight other ing in these Civil Wars to support countries or groups that are differtheir global political, economic and ent from America and the major social agendas. Why do we not allow European countries. these Middle East countries to fight In 1951, our President stuck their civil wars without our nosing his nose in the Korean civil war in? Think about it, during our Civil between the north and south. This War (1861- 1865), the North and undeclared conflict cost approxiSouth killed approximately 700,000 mately 36,000 American lives.

Americans. Guess what? France, In 1959, our President again Great Britain, nor any other White intervened in North Vietnam’s civil Anglo country took any military war designed to unite North and

South Vietnam just as President Lincoln did in America. This nonsense and over zealous action cost 58,000 American lives.

In 1990, uninvited, we jump in the short Persian Gulf civil war that resulted in approximately 390 Americans dead.

Again, in 2003, I believe that America’s President could not resist creating a war to enhance his macho image. This John Wayne type behavior resulted in the death of 43, 000 Americans.

We are now in 2011. It appears that our current President is continuing his predecessor’s addiction by sticking his nose in Libya’s civil war between the western and eastern parts of Libya.

America, Britain and France have already started committing and engaging military weapons to kill Libya’s people. How many American lives will this President waste with his meddling? Why don’t we sit back and wait to deal

with the winners of the civil wars?

Remember, Congress is supposed to declare war before we commit military troops an equipment to war. Congress has not declared a war since 1941.

However, our Presidents have gotten around that by declaring every war since WWII a conflict.

This allows our Presidents to do whatever the Military Industrial Complex, major Corporations and global restructuring leaders want them to do.

Do not get the idea that I am not patriotic or that I am anti-military.

I spent 25 years as a professional soldier involved in Vietnam combat operations and others.

Therefore, I am sensitive to lost of military lives. Unfortunately, I do not believe that the majority of America’s civilians and recent Presidents care one bit about when, where or how our military men and women’s lives are lost.

Bob Miles lives in Decatur.

Underage drinking is not a rite of passage for proms to a field sobriety test. This Our current high involves doing tasks like school generation has walking a straight line or grown up with video standing on one leg. cameras as a part of their The inability to do as lives. It began with Mom directed is an indication and Dad capturing vidthat the driver is under eos of our family-firsts. the influence of alcohol Their first steps, first soccer practice and first little Harris Blackwood or drugs.

Driving under the inleague game; memorable birthdays, vacations, and holidays-- fluence endangers the lives of evAll captured on video. Today, many eryone on the road, including the teens carry cell phones that can violator. Georgia law enforcement capture videos that can easily end agencies take this seriously. Being charged with DUI is nothing like up on YouTube.

As this generation was growing getting a speeding ticket.

Offenders are handcuffed and up, video also became a primary tool in enforcing Georgia’s laws placed in a patrol car. They’re taken against impaired driving. Every to jail, where they will be fingerGeorgia State Patrol car and many printed and photographed for a local law enforcement agencies now mug shot that becomes a part of use in-car cameras to record police their permanent criminal record.

In many cases, their cars are impursuits and routine arrests.

During this spring prom season, pounded at considerable cost.

Even in the middle of the night, some Georgia teens are going to find themselves in a video that they any underage passengers in the car hope their friends won’t see. Clad will have to call a parent to come in their fancy tuxedos or sequined pick them up, either at the site of gowns, they’ll be asked to submit the arrest or at the jail.

And the offender will most likely spend the next 24 hours in jail before he or she is allowed to post bond and be released.

For high school seniors, a conviction for DUI now could affect your college acceptance this year, or your ability to obtain or keep certain jobs later.

If you’re a parent, remind your high school-age student that this is serious business -- This is something that will follow them for many years to come.

If you’re a student, think about the personal consequences. Not only can you lose your license to drive, but when you finally get it reinstated after months of DUI classes and red tape, the cost of your car insurance will be out of sight.

You may have to trade that shiny cool car for an older clunker just to get lower insurance rates and get back on the road.

So, which video do you want your friends to see and remember: The one with you and your date having tons of fun at the prom

-- or the one with you stumbling on a highway shoulder, trying to put one drunken foot in front of the other?

Georgia law enforcement officers do not take joy in arresting teenagers. Many of them are parents themselves and do not want to make another telephone call to another parent asking them to come to a nearby jail. But their goal every day is to keep Georgia highways safe for everyone. Getting drunk or impaired drivers off the road is a key part of that task.

Let’s make their job easier and your prom safer. Underage drinking is not a rite of passage. It’s against the law and it’s wrong on the highway. Make prom night a night to remember, not a night in jail. For more information on how to make prom season a safe and sober one, visit the TEAM Georgia website at http://www.teamgeorgia. net/content/home.asp.

Harris Blackwood is director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

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April 9, 2011

Community

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CrossRoadsNews

“We had Maj. Williams’ direct number. We had his cell phone. He would pick up the phone whether he was on the job or not.”

Community leaders question changes at South Precinct

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

A dozen presidents and leaders of community associations served by the South Precinct had some choice words for the leader or DeKalb Police’s Uniform Division about the demotion and relocation of Maj. T.D. Williams, their precinct’s beloved commander.

At a meeting with Assistant Chief Mike Yarbrough on April 1, Frank Billups, vice president of the River Road Coalition of Home Owners Associations, summed it up this way: “If it’s not broke, why are you trying to fix it?”

The leaders from civic and homeowners associations like Gresham Park, Belvedere, East Lake, White Oak Hills, Toney Valley, Concerned Neighbors of Mike Yarbrough the Second Avenue Area, the River Road Coalition, Camelot Home­owners Association, among others, showed up at the 2 p.m. meeting, which was called a day after the community got wind of the personnel changes that went into effect on April 2.

Darryl Jennings, president of the Gresham Park Civic Association, told Yarbrough that the large group of community leaders showed up in the middle of a Friday afternoon because they want answers.

“You can see from this large turnout that this is important to us,” he said.

Jennings said the group really wanted to meet with Police Chief William O’Brien but that he could not get out of a previously scheduled meeting.

Williams was demoted to captain and relocated to the East Precinct after just over two years leading the precinct.

The two captains, Anthony Gallo and Randy Moore, who supported him at the precinct, were also relocated. Gallo was reassigned to the Tucker Precinct and Moore sent to the department’s Special Operations Division.

During last Friday’s meeting, Yarbrough introduced the precinct’s new command team, Maj. Edward Jones and Capts.

Tim Voss and Mike Reynolds.

Williams was the fifth major to head the South Precinct in the last three years.

Chuck DeRosier, an East Lake Terrace Homeowners Association committee chairman, said the team knew the community.

“The officers who were there knew where the bad guys are,” DeRosier said. “They knew who it is and who they are going to focus on. Parts of certain streets have certain houses and they knew where to look. Now all of that is gone.”

Billups said that under Williams’ command, police response time along the River Road corridor had declined from 30 minutes to three to five minutes.

“It takes 20 years to get that kind of a rapport,” he said.

“Every time you take that away from us, we have to start over.

We don’t know what is going to happen now.”

Yarbrough said that he made the decision to relocate the South Precinct’s command after studying the county’s five precincts for five months. The command at the Tucker Precinct was also moved.

He told the community leaders that the changes were Responsive to the community necessary to reduce crime in the precinct.

The community leaders told Yarbrough that Williams “Your officers are going to be there,” he said. “You are did not lead the precinct from his office but was out in the gonna have a relationship with the new team.” community night and day. They praised him and his team for being responsive to the community and for working to ‘Always left behind’ Robert Redding from East Lake Terrace Homeowners gain their trust.

“Trust is not given, it’s earned,” said Andy Huff, president Association wanted to know how long is it going to take to of the White Oak Hills Community Association. “It was two build that relationship with the new command.

“We had Maj. Williams’ direct number,” he said. “We had years of earning trust and it’s gone.”

Huff told Yarbrough that the community leaders are pas- his cell phone. He would pick up the phone whether he was sionate about fighting crime and about working together. on the job or not. How long before we will get the replace“I hope when you made the decision to move the com- ment’s direct numbers? We fought too long to see any lapses mand staff, you did not just look at numbers,” he said. “I hope in having someone who we feel have a personal interest.”

Brenda Pace, president of the East Lake Terrace Hoyou rode the beat with your officers. We have gained in our relationship in the last two years and we had the privilege of meowners Association, said they are hurt by the sudden removal of Williams. having veteran officers. We had access.”

“We were working with Maj. Williams to get drugThe community leaders said that the sudden removal of Williams and his team will set back crimefighting efforts in infested areas and areas with prostitutes cleaned up,” she said. “This area and these communities are always left behind their neighborhood.

Brenda Pace, president of the East Lake Terrace Homeowners Association, said the community supports the police department but questioned the need to “keep moving people out.”

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

because we are not in the north or in Tucker. This community if supportive of the police department. We want to get it cleaned up. How in the world are we going to do this, if you keep moving the people out.”

Billups asked if there are plans to close the River Road precinct that is manned by South Precinct’s officers.

“We fought 10 years for a precinct on River Road,” he said. “Now we understand that it might close.”

Yarbrough said the River Road precincts will “stay open currently,” but that because of the economic challenges facing the county, he doesn’t know what modifications might be made later.

“I wish I could hire more police officers; I wish I could buy more vehicles,” he said, “but we don’t have the resources.”

Diane Dullis, president of the Toney Valley subdivision, said that there is a bad wound in South DeKalb.

“If I didn’t know better, I would think the administration is taking an anti-South DeKalb stance,” she said. “You are just taking everything away from South DeKalb. You close our schools, our library, our health center. South DeKalb is really feeling it. Did the CEO and Wiz Miller know about this?”

Yarbrough said the county administration was aware of the command change and that he had approval to make the changes.

He said the decision to demote Williams was based “on quite a few things,” but that he could not get into the details.

“There were deficiencies in the command,” he said.

“Crime is higher here than we want it. Our job is to reduce crime and make it safe for your community. It means nothing if when you walk out of your door, that drug dealer is there.”

Yarbrough said the changes will improve the community.

“I want to see the area strengthened,” he said. “The move will strengthen the area.”

Precinct’s new commander promises to build on previous gains

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

tion mode.

“I like to get in front of the problem,” he said.

Maj. Edward Jones, who became the South Pre“I like Impact Patrols. We put a lot of manpower in cinct’s new commander on April 2, is a veteran DeKalb to impact the area. They come in and shake things Police officer with 22 years of service under his belt. things up.”

Jones, who met more than a dozen community Jones, who was in the Marine Corps before he leaders at a hastily called meeting on April 1, said he is became a police officer, said he is no stranger to the humbled by the opportunity to serve them. community.

“I took a lot of prayer and time to accept this posi“I coached youth football at Gresham Park,” he tion,” he said after listening to them vent about the loss said. “I spent six years at the East Precinct.” of his predecessor, Maj. Terrence Williams.

He had also been an undercover narcotic offiJones told the group of leaders from civic and hocers for seven years and was a captain for two years meowners associations like Gresham Park, Belvedere, leading special operations before his appointment East Lake, White Oak Hills, Toney Valley, Concerned to command the South Precinct.

Neighbors of Second Avenue, River Road and Camelot Jones said he brings a lot of those contacts with subdivision, that Williams is a good man and that he him that can help enhance the community’s qualand Capts. Tim Voss and Mike Reynolds plan to build ity of life. on what he did at the precinct.

“I am not coming here to go to work,” he said.

“We want to enhance that and make it better,” he “I am here to be a part of this community. I defiJennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews said. “I am not here to tear down any relationships. Maj. Edward Jones met with community association leaders on April 1 and nitely want to work with you to enhance the South I an here to build them up even better. Give me that assured them he would be responsive to their concerns.

Precinct.” chance and opportunity. I am a people person. I come Victor Belton, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, here to be part of this community. I want to learn about the last three years. He will manage 117 officers who operate told Jones that his predecessor was so responsive, he often your commuity; I want to learn what’s working and what’s out of the Candler Road precinct and its satellite on River offered help before the community asked for it. not working.”

Road.

“You are on a short leash,” he told Jones. “The first call Jones is the sixth commander at the South Precinct in As a commander, Jones said he doesn’t like to be in reac- you miss is going to tell us a lot.”

6

CrossRoadsNews

Community

April 9, 2011

“It’s been hard, but I have to do what I have to do to bury my family.“The kids were good children, those were my babies.”

Olde Town Conyers to share successes to Heart and Soul Bus Tour Conyers will share its success stories and plans for future revitalization and development when the annual Heart and Soul Bus Tour makes its first stop in the city’s historic commercial district on April 13.

Philanthropists, downtown developers and state agency heads will get a one-hour glimpse of Olde Town Conyers on the threeday tour of 10 east Georgia towns.

Alan Dickerson, community development manager of the Georgia Cities Foundation,

said Conyers was immediately mentioned when the foundation began talking about cities to invite to be part of the tour.

“There are a lot of people excited and interested in the impressive strides Conyers is making to revitalize its downtown,” he said.

Main Street Manager Monica Coffin said the foundation was instrumental in partnering with eligible businesses in Olde Town Conyers, such as the Pointe, through its Downtown Development Revolving Loan

Fund to improve and enhance downtown businesses.

“We enjoy a wonderful relationship with the Georgia Cities Foundation and look forward to welcoming them to Conyers in April to see firsthand all that we have to offer,” Coffin said.

The tour also will make stops in nearby Covington, Monroe, Athens, Watkinsville, Greensboro, Washington, Augusta, Thomson and Madison.

The Georgia Cities Foundation was formed by the Georgia Municipal Association in 1999 to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in the funding of capital projects. Its goal is to promote economically sustainable projects, which help ensure the long-term health and economic vitality of Georgia’s communities.

For more information, visit www.geor-

Family need funds to take victims bodies home to New York for burial MURDERS,

1

the proper help he needs.

“Although this is a tragic situation he is was her best friend and her grandchildren, still family,” said a first cousin, who did not her babies. give her name.

“It’s been hard, but I have to do what Donations can be made to Althea IronsI have to do to bury my family,” she said Voyd at any Bank of America branch.

Thursday. “The kids were good children, those were my babies.”

Family had protective order Irons-Voyd said Irons had just received McCoy made had his first appearance in her Master’s Degree in Dentistry from North Magistrate Court on Monday night.

Carolina Central University last fall.

DeKalb Sheriff ’s records show that he Cuxart said Irons was just a sweet per- lived at the Rockland Road house even son. though there was a restraining order pro“Shelia would do anything to help any- hibiting him from being in contact with his body,” he said. family.

Irons-Voyd said she will take her daughCourt records show a history of family ter and her grandchildren home to Rochester, violence. Before his arrest in the triple slayto be buried. ings, McCoy was arrested six times, includThey are trying to raise $14,294 to ship ing twice for allegedly violating protective the bodies to Rochester, and to help Candice orders brought by his family. The arrests date get the proper care she needs. back to 2007 and include burglary, disorderly They said they also need to get McCoy conduct, battery and criminal trespass. He from page

was ordered in December to undergo a mental health evaluation and told to have no contact with his mother and told to attend 12 anger management classes.

On Jan. 8, McCoy was convicted on a criminal trespass charge and was sentenced to jail time and 12 months probation. He received credit for the 67 days served and was released on March 16.

On Monday, 14 hours after the triple deaths and assault, a 6- to 7-inch bloody knife lay in plain view under a chair on the front porch of the family’s red brick ranch house. Shattered glass, from a broken front window, lay strewn along the tiled front porch. A slashed window screen was on the front steps and splatters of what appeared to be dried blood dotted the driveway, where a black Mercedes-Benz SUV and an older model green Honda were parked.

There was still no yellow police crimescene tape around the house.

Questioned about the uncollected evidence at the scene, Police Sgt. Jay Eisner told reporters at the scene that investigators should have collected the knife Sunday. An hour later, a crime scene technician arrived to collect it.

Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said police also retrieved a knife on the night of the murder that they believed to be the primary weapon.

“There is no question the additional evidence should have been collected when the crime scene was initially processed,” Parish said. “The department will look into this oversight and take the disciplinary action deemed appropriate.”

Erik Burton, spokesman for the DeKalb District Attorney’s Office, declined to comment on the evidence left at the crime scene.

“We don’t have the case right now so it would be premature for us to comment on it at this time,” he said.

Libraries opening achieved by systemwide cuts in hours HAIRSTON,

from page

1

past couple of months.”

She said the community is going to be impressed by the offerings.

While she’s happy to see library services restored, she called the event “bittersweet.”

The library system, which is operating with 60 vacancies, has been struggling with how to staff the new and expanded branches.

The Scott-Candler library on McAfee Road was slated to close April 1 to help plug a $3 million, or 22 percent, decrease in the library system’s budget. After community outcry, library trustees voted to keep it open until June 30, after school closes for the summer.

A bond-funded replacement branch, which is under construction on nearby Candler Road, is expected to open in early 2012.

Going forward, Weissinger said the budget for newspapers, magazines, electronic research databases and other popular materials will have to be cut.

“We anticipate that all of these cutbacks in hours are just temporary,” she said. “We want to open the libraries back up to their full schedules. We want to improve the book

What’s new at the Hairston Crossing Library n Square footage has increased from 4,000 to 18,000.

The parking lot has grown from 20 spaces to 90 spaces. n Meeting rooms have increased from zero, previously, to three. There’s a six-seat study/tutor room, a 12-seat conference room, and a 100-seat meeting room. n Children’s programming is now divided into a Youth Services Area and a Teen Area, with computers reserved specifically for those groups.

budget.”

For the April 16 dedication ceremony at the Hairston Crossing branch, DeKalb Commissioners Lee May and Stan Watson and State Librarian Lamar Veatch are among the guests expected.

The public also is invited to the cer-

n Computers for public use have tripled in number from 13 to 38. A technology training computer lab holds another 12 computers.

emony, which starts at 11 a.m.

Wendall Ervin, newly elected president of the Hidden Hills Civic Association, said the community is excited that the branch is finally reopening.

“The library is very much tied to the education of the students in our neighborhood,

and, certainly, it enhances the value of the community itself,” he said this week.

Given the tough circumstances faced by the library system in the wake of crippling county budget cuts, Ervin said the civic association was fearful of whether the library would reopen at all.

He said Hidden Hills is grateful that the expanded library branch has not only survived but has grown, from a small neighborhood branch to a full-service regional library.

Heather Salters, the library’s new branch manager, is raring to go at the revamped facility.

She’s got plans for story hours, computer training, even a teen “gaming day” when teens can compete on a Wii game system.

“I’m excited about being able to start doing that and start meeting the community,” Salters said. “I think people will be happy.

We’ve got a real great collection.”

One of the top things on her agenda is to get a Friends of the Library group started at Hairston Crossing. Anyone interested should stop by to see her.

The library, at 4911 Redan Road, is opening with reduced hours of Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Solid Source Realty GA “Managed futures” is an oxymoron Buying, Selling or Renting Your Home In Georgia?

Contact your Real Estate Professional / Notary Public 8052 Mall Parkway Suite 101 Lithonia, GA 30038 Office: 770-475-1130 Ext. 9622 Direct: 770-866-7637 Email: maynardwhite1@yahoo.com

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Dear Dave, My broker has recommended a managed futures fund. I’ve never heard of these, and I got the feeling she doesn’t know much about them, either. She’s always been very conservative and reliable before, so we’re concerned.

Can you explain something about them?

– Krista Dear Krista, It sounds a little like she jumped off the cliff and became a roulette dealer. The term “managed futures” is virtually an oxymoron.

I think she needs to explain her behavior and the investment after this stunt!

With managed futures you’re basically guessing as to what the future will bring, and managing a group of those guesses.

What a joke! People in the brokerage business represent dumb things e very day. The sad thing is this is someone you thought you could trust.

– Dave

April 9, 2011

Finance

7

CrossRoadsNews Plain and simple: You don’t know what you’re getting because you didn’t take time to research the business to see if there are complaints.

33 employers join job fair for veterans and job seekers

By Donna Williams Lewis

Veterans and other job seekers can meet with nearly three dozen public and private employers at a job fair sponsored bythe Georgia DePartment of Labor on April 13 in Decatur.

The event, which will be at Clairmont Presbyterian Church at 1994 Clairmont Road, takes place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Applicants should bring multiple copies of their resumes and should be prepared to fill out applications and interview for available jobs.

Theresa Austin, the GDOL North Career Center manager, said the fair is open to the

general public but is specifically designed for veterans.

“Employers understand that this is for the veterans and special attention is given to veterans for these jobs,” Austin said.

Unemployment in DeKalb County was at 10.5 percent in January and February. That’s down slightly from a year ago, when DeKalb posted 10.7 percent unemployment, according to the Department of Labor.

The North Metro Career Center maintains contact with more than 3,000 veterans in metro Atlanta, said William Moore, the center’s local veterans’ employment representative.

Job fairs for vets are held at least once

every six months, Moore said. He expects this one to draw 300 to 400 people, or more.

Moore offered tips for job fair attendees: nAppearance — Dress appropriately, at least in business casual. Be neatly groomed.

Men should avoid earrings. Women should avoid large earrings. Cover tattoos. nDemeanor — Be presentable, friendly, well-focused. nConversation — Be knowledgeable about the company. Ask questions about the job. “It doesn’t hurt to ask (employer representatives) how they like their jobs,” he said.

Among the employers expected to partic-

ipate in the job fair are Allied Barton Security Service, Apex Veteran Staffing, Art Institute of Atlanta, CDC and Prevention, Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 91, DeKalb County Workforce, Federal Emergency Management Authority-Region IV, Georgia State University’s Veterans Upward Bound Program, Goodwill of North Georgia, Gwinnett County Police Department, Hilton Atlanta Airport, Lowe’s, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, New Horizons, Shorter University, U.S. Army, USA Parking System, United Parcel Service, and Walton Community Services.

For more information, call 404-6795200.

BBB: Beware of door knockers Job Club seeks members to help Spring is here and so is “Door knocker” season.

What are door knockers? The Better Business Bureau says they are contractors who knock on your door to offer you a deal of a lifetime – whether it’s to put a new roof on your house or pave your driveway.

As spring storms – tornado, wind, even rain – brings these types of solicitations to your door, the BBB is warning homeowners to be wary of unsolicited help.

It says these contractors may come from several counties over or are out of state and will probabley drive late-model pickups and dress nicely.

“When they’re called travelers or transients they don’t always fit the profile, the bureau says, adding that there are inherent problems in hiring a traveling contractor.

Plain and simple: You don’t know what you’re getting because you didn’t take time to research the business to see if there are complaints and, if so, what kind. Nor do you know if other homeowners have been satisfied with the contractor’s work.

It also warns that materials and workmanship are often suspect when dealing with traveling contractors. They might tell you they have asphalt left over from a job down the street or leftover fence materials at bargain prices.

Some will entice you with promises of steep discounts if you allow them to put their sign in your front yard. Some homeowners get lucky and the job is done well, but many more are left with a leaky roof, wobbly fence or no finished work at all.

Advice from the BBB: n Don’t be rushed in making a decision to hire a contractor. Take time to ensure the business is local and has a track record of reliable workmanship. n Don’t just ask for references – call them.

Ask if the job was performed as agreed upon and if they were satisfied with results. n Check to see if the contractor has all required licenses and insurance. n Ask for a written contract and read it to ensure everything that was discussed is included. Make sure it includes all details

Youth and adults who want to learn about job searching and networking have until April 18 to sign up for the Career Connections Job Club.

The club, which was formed by the Career Resource Ministry of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, will kick off on April 25 in the Family Life and Administration Center (FLAC) in Atlanta. The club will provide information and feature discussions on relevant job search topics and opportunities to network, within a supportive,

spiritual environment.

Career Connections will meet on the fourth Monday of each month starting from 10 a.m. to noon.

The April 25 Kick Off event will include DeKalb Workforce Development and human resource professionals from the US Centers for Disease Control, the Georgia Department of Labor and others.

The event is free but space must be reserved by April 18. RSVP to karenjames2507@comcast.net.

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DeKalb Citizens,You Can Recycle!

Recycling Made Easy Green Grease Recycling picks up your plastics, glass, cans and spent cooking oil from your home’s curbside.

Join Today to receive stainless steel recycling bins for your kitchen and a 45-gallon recycling container for curbside pickup by Green Grease Recycling.

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$160 One-time membership fee $12.50 Annual service fee Join at www.greengreaserecycling.com or 404-890-5682 Do your part to sustain our environment

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8

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

April 9, 2011

The Pink Heals event will include members of the DeKalb County Police and Fire Rescue departments.

Pink Heals Tour coming to Stonecrest to fight against cancer Pink fire trucks manned by firefighters in pink turnouts will be rolling into the Mall at Stonecrest on April 15 for a two-day event building awareness about cancer and raising funds to the fight the disease.

The “Pink Heals” tour, which features two pink fire engines and a pink truck company, is visiting cities across the country, holding health fairs focused on the importance of supporting women and increasing awareness of all types of cancer.

The pink fire trucks are adorned with thousands of signatures of breast cancer survivors, their family members and friends.

DeKalb County Police and Fire Rescue departments will join the tour while it is at Stonecrest.

The Pink Heal Tour, created a few years ago by a Phoenix firefighter with the dream of honoring all women who have fought cancer, has spread into a nationwide campaign to raise money to find a cure.

While at Stonecrest, the “Cares Enough to Wear Pink” tour will raise funds from the sale of T-shirts for the nonprofit Guardians of the Ribbon- Southeast Georgia Chapter.

sponsored by the Lithonia mall in partnership with the Guardians of the Ribbon, and DeKalb Medical which will have its Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile health center on site doing health screenings and mammagrams.

Pink Tour activities will take place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days on the mall’s upper level Borders entrance.

On April 15, visitors can get a range of health screenings. The WOW bus will offer free blood pressure, cholesterol and cancer screenings from 2 to 5 p.m. On April 16, it will offer mammograms to about 45 insured, preregistered patients from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cancer survivors can sign the pink fire trucks, police cars and ambulance and everyone can purchase Pink Heals T-shirts to benefit the efforts of has raised more than $200,000 fnationwide by bringing the Pink Pink clad firemen and their pink-painted fire trucks have been visiting cities nationwide to build Fire Trucks to promote love and support for awareness about cancer and to raise funds to battle the disease. cancer patients.

The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 and The Guardians of the Ribbon is a group ness and money for the fight against cancer Turner Hill Road. For more information, of firefighters, police officers and community for the women. leaders whose sole purpose is to raise awareThe DeKalb stop on the national tour is visit www.mallatstonecrest.com.

Decatur groups get Komen grants Two breast health programs serving DeKalb’s under-served communities will share $225,000 in grants from the Komen Foundation.

T h e D e Ka l b Me d i cal Foundation received $150,000, and Emory University was awarded $75,000.

They were among 21 metro programs that got grants totaling $2.2 million this week.

In the April 1 announcement, Komen Atlanta’s executive director Kelly Dolan, Komen Atlanta’s Kelly Dolan (left) and Eryn Marchiolo (right) said the need for community presents check to DeKalb Medical WOW’s Genia Morse. programs is still great.

“Even though the economy is improving, East Metro Health District, which serves there are still people who are out of work Gwinnett and Rockdale counties, the and without insurance,” Dolan said. “Komen Center for Black Women’s Wellness Inc., Atlanta is determined to fill that void and en- Clayton County Board of Health, Cobb sure that all women have access to lifesaving Public Health, District Four Health Serscreening and the chance to combat breast vices, Family Health Enterprise, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellcancer and survive this disease.”

DeKalb Medical’s Wellness on Wheels ness, Lighthouse Lymphedema Network, Program, provides breast cancer screenings Northside Hospital, Piedmont Hospital, and diagnostic workups to uninsured clients Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Saint Joseph’s with sensitivity to language and cultural Mercy Care Services Inc., Southern Rebarriers. It provides 130 to 150 screening gional Medical Center – Women’s Center mammograms monthly on a mobile health at Spivey Station, the Good Samaritan coach in Stone Mountain to serve refugee Health Center Inc., TurningPoint Women’s and African-American clients and Asian and Healthcare, Wellstar Foundation, and West End Medical Centers Inc. Hispanic clients in Doraville.

Komen Atlanta, an affiliate of the naEmory’s Bridging the GAP: Genetic tional Susan G. Komen for the Cure orgaAccess Program for Greater Atlanta serves individuals who have a close family mem- nization. Itis the largest funding organizaber with breast cancer. It provides genetic tion of breast cancer support in Georgia. counseling and testing to people who could Since its inception in 1991, it has raised not otherwise access these services due to $30 million to fight breast cancer.

For more information, visit www.kofinancial constraints. menatlanta.org/ Other grant recipients includes the

Hundreds of runners and walkers participate each year in the Take Back the Night Walk/Run that benefits DeKalb Rape Crisis Center.

Registration open for Walk/Run Runners and walkers can get their exercise on during the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center’s 20th Take Back the Night 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk through Decatur on April 23.

But to participate, they must register by April 15 to get the best price. Adult registration is $25 through and youth under 12 years pay $15. After that April 15, adults pay $30 and youth, $20.

Register online at active.com.

The Take Back the Night race, which begins and ends at historic Agnes Scott College at 141 East College Ave. will meander through the beautiful Oakhurst and East Lake communities.

The 1-mile option begins at 5 p.m. and

the 5K begins at 5:30 p.m.

Families and groups are encouraged to participate.

Refreshments after the race include pizza and frozen yogurt, and there will be live music and awards. The party continues at Eddie’s Attic patio at 7 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the race.

For more information, visit www.dekalbrapecrisicenter.org or call 404-317-4642.

Take Back the Night is held in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

For more information on the Grand Slam, visit beactivedecatur.com.

Healthy Belevedere kicks off again effort to reduce health disparities Linda Fondren of “Shape Up associated with chronic illnesses Vicksburg” fame will finally get through environmental and policy to give the keynote speech at the changes.

Healthy Belvedere Movement kickHighlights include inspirational off on April 16 at Shoal Creek Park speakers; healthy cooking demonin Decatur strations, health screenings, and The kickoff was rescheduled information provided by local busifrom March 26 because of tinnesses, organizations and governclement weather. The free event Linda Fondren ment agencies at the HEAL Expo; which is open to the public begins and a fitness wear fashion show. at 10 a.m.

At HEAL Youth Arts & Plant, children Fondren, owner of Shape Up Sisters and a member of the Vicksburg-Warren County can create artwork that reflects their vision Chamber of Commerce in Mississippi, is the of a healthy community for the HEAL Street CNN Hero Award recipient who founded Mural Project, which will be on display. a campaign to transform the residents of The Ready Set Grow Project allows youth Vicksburg from the fattest to the fittest in the to decorate pots and plant flowers, fruits nation. The campaign already has resulted in or vegetables while learning how to grow a collective weight loss of more than 15,000 healthy food.

The Meet the Doctors panel will field pounds among participants over the past questions about steps to maintain a healthy year.

The Movement event features activities lifestyle.

Shoal Creek Park is at 3649 Glenwood that promote healthy eating and active living.

It is sponsored by the Healthy Belvedere Ini- Road. For more information, visit www. tiative – a southeast DeKalb neighborhood HealthyBelvedere.org.

April 9, 2011

CrossRoadsNews

9

10

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

April 9, 2011

“Cemeteries need not be spooky or scary; they are places of peace. There is much to be learned here, including history, art, nature, and how people lived in their times.”

Historic Decatur Cemetery getting spruced up for the living

By Donna Williams Lewis

With joggers, tour groups and kids on field trips among its regular visitors, the historic Decatur Cemetery is as much for the living as it is for the dearly departed.

New proof lies in the pedestrian enhancements and pond-side park included in a $2.1 million improvement project under way at the historic landmark at 229 Bell St. in downtown Decatur.

Hugh Saxon, Decatur’s deputy city manager, said the upgrades to the 45-acre woodsy, park-like cemetery complement the city’s goal of having a community where active living is encouraged.

Hugh Saxon “This is a beautiful landscape, and hopefully it will be maintained to a level that people in Decatur will be proud of and that visitors will be excited to share,” Saxon said this week.

The Decatur Cemetery is metro Atlanta’s oldest cemetery. It is believed to have been an old church burial ground incorporated into Decatur when the city was chartered in 1823.

Familiar names found on DeKalb County streets, buildings and institutions grace its tombstones.

The cemetery includes a historic AfricanAmerican section. Tour guide Cathy Vogel says it was an anomaly in the South. During that period segregation separated blacks and whites in life and in death.

Indications of change at the cemetery begin with the “Closed” signs at its entrance on Commerce Drive, now permanently closed to street traffic. A walk-through gate will remain open for pedestrians.

Drivers cutting through the historic area of the cemetery were damaging tombstones and walls around graves bordering roads that were originally designed for horses and carriages, Saxon said.

Construction began last summer with renovation of the 1950s-era office near the cemetery’s Bell Street entrance. Now, workers are installing a new storm drainage system and restoring the stream on the property.

Saxon said the drainage system being replaced conveys stormwater from downtown Decatur’s office buildings to the south of the cemetery.

“It was damaging sections of the old cemetery and creating erosion because it wasn’t sized to accommodate current need,” he said.

The stream that connects the cemetery to Glenlake Park and Pool is being shored up with rock features and vegetation. Two pedestrian bridges will provide easier access for people who want to cross between the very different worlds. Trees Atlanta is restoring the woodland area near the stream.

Meanwhile, the pond at the cemetery’s Bell Street entrance is being transformed with new seating areas, walking trails, sidewalks, landscaping and decorative walls.

The improvements are funded with proceeds from a 2006 city bond referendum, from cemetery lot sales, and from the city’s stormwater and tree bank funds which consist of fees paid by developers.

The master plan for the work was prepared by the firm of Edward Daugherty, FASLA. Ed Castro Landscape Inc. is the contractor.

Saxon said additional funds will have to be raised for the $1 million second phase of the master plan. That phase includes a revamped Bell Street entrance; replacement of the pallbearer stairways throughout the cemetery; renovation of the cobblestone drives of the historic section; and repair of walls and monuments that feature the simple styles of the early 19th century and the more ornate styles of the Victorian era.

“The money will not be just to improve but to maintain, so there’ll be a continuing

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The Commerce Drive entrance to the Decatur Cemetery is closed permanently to prevent vehicular traffic that was damaging tombstones and other cemetery features. The master plan below right) includes $2.1 million in restorations and upgrades.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Cathy Vogel, a founding member of Friends of the Decatur Cemetery, is passionate about the burial ground, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

A diamond-shaped tombstone marks the grave of Bukumba (right), who was buried in the Decatur Cemetery, when blacks and whites lived apart.

effort,” Saxon said.

Blacks had a section Vogel, a founding member of Friends of the Decatur Cemetery, is passionate about the burial ground, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“It’s a place of reverence but it’s also a place of history,” she said. “Cemeteries need not be spooky or scary; they are places of peace. There is much to be learned here, including history, art, nature, and how people lived in their times.”

On one recent tour, Vogel pointed out the grave of Col. George Washington Scott, who died in 1903. He was the founder of Scottdale Mills and one of the founders of the seminary that became Agnes Scott College.

Nearby was the 1858 grave of Dr. Thomas Holley Chivers, a physician turned poet who was best known for his strong but contentious friendship with Edgar Allan Poe. Along the route was a plot containing

25 small graves for children from the local orphanage now known as the United Methodist Children’s Home. The oldest gravestone found there is from 1896.

The cemetery also contains the graves of nearly 1,000 veterans, dating back to the American Revolution of 1776. Each Veterans Day, volunteers place American flags on each of their graves.

The black section includes the graves of Sylvester and Sallie Durham, who died in 1926 and 1934, respectively.

Sallie Durham’s famous rolls and cakes “were always delivered with a white linen napkin and a flourish,” to every important dinner or party in the community, Vogel said.

Just across the street from the white section of the cemetery is a very prominent, diamond-shaped tombstone for “Bukumba,” who died as a young woman in 1920. She is believed to have been in her 20s. She was a victim of the Spanish flu, which is said

to have infected one-third of the world’s population at the time, killing an estimated 50 million to 100 million people.

Underneath the single-word name on her tombstone is this inscription: “Our little black pal of the white soul.”

Ginger Martin Westlund explained the inscription on the grave. The woman buried there came to America with Westlund’s grandmother.

“The African people spoke of their hearts being made white when they became a Christian,” said Westlund who lives in Kennesaw.

“Bukumba was much loved.”

Bukumba Lidina, a tiny, ostracized, hunchbacked girl, was taken in by the Rev. Dr. Motte and Bessie Martin, Presbyterian missionaries serving in what was then known as the Belgian Congo.

When Bessie Martin had to return home to Decatur for health reasons, she brought Lidina with her to care for the Martins’ young son, George Motte Martin, who died two years ago at age 96.

“Bukumba would have been brokenhearted if mother had not brought her,” George Martin said in a 1968 newspaper article.

His father remained in the Congo, serving for 43 years before he died and was buried there in 1946. Bessie Martin returned to the Congo several times but was forced home each time because of ill health. She died in 1967 and is buried in a family plot in the Decatur Cemetery.

“Bukumba was so happy and loved to tell people that ‘Jesus loved them’ and could change their hearts,” Westlund said. “That is the message on the tombstone.”

The Decatur Cemetery is open to the public daily until dark.

From May 10 to Oct. 11, the Friends of Decatur Cemetery sponsors guided “Second Sunday Strolls,” through the historic section.

A committee of the Decatur Preservation Alliance and the Friends is gathering the history of each person buried in the cemetery.

To support the effort, or for more information on the group’s tours and programs, visit www.decaturpreservationalliance.org or call the Decatur Preservation Alliance at 404-371-4444.

11

CrossRoadsNews

April 9, 2011

Scene

“It was an alternative to killing myself. Writing about it was my way of dealing with it and the new spirits in which I was introduced.”

Book offers life-saving catharsis Puppeteer, pals to be at Stonecrest

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

sota, and her battles in a physically abusive house after her black father was Christy Priester conshot to death at age 24, sidered suicide when she and her white mother found out that she would took up with a violent never walk again after a alcoholic black man. motorist ran her off her “Ma, Little Dale, my bicycle in July 1986 and sisters and me had lives left her mangled body full of violence, anger on Windy Hill Road in and disorder to deal Marietta. with,” she writes. “The Instead, while underquestion was how long going three months of and what would it take to rehabilitation at the Shepclean up the mess.” herd Center in Atlanta, In 282 pages, Priester she took up a pen and tackles the challenges of began writing her story.

“It was an alternative Christy Priester wrote a book about her racial identity, domestic violence, anger, abortion, to killing myself,” Priester life as an alternative to suicide. said. “Writing about it was my way of dealing sexual promiscuity, physical disability and with it and the new spirits in which I was spiritual rehabilitation.

Priester, who began publishing The Atintroduced.”

Over the years, Priester stopped and lanta Child Care Guide in 1996, eventually found redemption. started on the book.

The 1-to-5 p.m. book signing will include “I messed around with it here and there and started focusing on it last year,” she entertainment, food, fun and learning.

Priester is self-publishing the book, which said.

Twenty four years later, her autobiogra- sells for $20. Copies will be available at the phy, “Lessons from the Spirits,” is now ready signing and $5 from every book sold goes toward programs for at-risk children. for public consumption.

“I am using my story to be a catalyst On April 9, Priester returns to the Shepherd Center for her first book signing and against child abuse and neglect,” she said.

The Shepherd Center is at 2020 Peachtree the celebration of her life despite many Road in Atlanta. For more information or to adversities.

“Lessons from the Spirits” describes her pre-order a copy, call 404-288-8980 or e-mail life as a biracial child growing up in Minne- atlantachildcare@aol.com.

Notre Dame president to be at Emory was selected its 17th president in The Rev. John I. Jenkins, presi2004. Before that he was vice president of the University of Notre dent and associate provost for four Dame, will speak at Emory Univeryears, and one of its philosophy sity on April 14 at Glenn Memorial professors since 1990.

Auditorium in Atlanta.

He is the author of numerous His topic will be “Passionate scholarly articles and the book, Convictions and Respectful Conver“Knowledge and Faith in Thomas sations: Faith in a Pluralistic SociAquinas.” ety.” The lecture is part of a collaboGlenn Memorial Auditorium is ration between Emory’s Candler John I. Jenkins at 1652 North Decatur Road.

School of Theology and the Aquinas Center Tickets – $10 for the public, free for stuof Theology to host prominent Catholic dents with ID – are available at www.aquinas. speakers to address a current issue.

Jenkins, who is a Notre Dame alumnus, emory.edu, or by calling 404-727-6352.

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Live, 'The Jim Henson Hour,” “The MupSesame Street puppepet Show,” “Dog City,” “Elmopalooza,” teer Fran Brill and Zoe “The Adventures of Elmo in will be at the Mall at Grouchland,” “Play With Stonecrest on April 16 Me Sesame,” and many to entertain and delight CDs and DVDs including audiences.

“Zoe’s Dance Moves with Paula The award-winning Abdul.” performer will show kids As an actress, she has apof all ages why she has peared in the films “What had successful careers as an About Bob?” “Midnight Run,” actress, voice-over performer, and “Being There” starring and puppeteer. Brill was the first Peter Sellers. female puppeteer hired by Jim Kids can meet Brill and Zoe from Henson for Sesame Street and she has created the iconic characters of noon to 2 p.m. The Mall at Stonecrest is at Zoe and Prairie Dawn and many other Turner Hill Road and I-20 in Lithonia.

For more information, call 678-526-9880 lovable Muppets.

She also has worked on Saturday Night or visit www.mallatstonecrest.com.

Donations sought for Hosea dinner DeKalb residents can sponsor lunch boxes and Easter baskets and donate gently worn clothing, toiletries and food items to the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless for its annual Easter Dinner Festival of Services on April 24.

Because of the economic recession and metro Atlanta’s high unemployment rate, the Decatur nonprofit is experiencing a double-digit increase in the number of people seeking help.

It takes $5 to sponsor boxed lunches for

individuals or families; and $15 to sponsor an Easter basket with treats, toiletries and school supplies for a child.

Clothing or monetary donations are also encouraged.

Hosea Feed the Hungry will serve Easter Sunday Dinner and offer a medical clinic, clothing, a phone center, barber and beautician services, and Easter baskets for children starting at 10 a.m. at 1035 Donnelly Ave. S.W., Atlanta. For more information, visit www.hoseafeedthehungry.com.

“Come on and be a part of the vision” First Afrikan Church is an Afrocentric Christian Ministry that empowers women, men, youth and children to move from membership to leadership in the church, community and the world.

5197 Salem Road Lithonia, GA 30038 Praise & Devotion Worship Service Sundays at 10 a.m.

Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

770-981-2601 “We are building far beyond our years.”

Rev. Dr. Mark A. Lomax

12

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

April 9, 2011

“Increased distractions and general excitement divert the young driver’s attention from the road and could lead to dangerous and even fatal consequences.”

Prized bounty to be found at Easter Egg hunts Rabbits are laying many-colored eggs and starting next weekend eager kids will be chasing them down on lawns across DeKalb County.

On April 16, children ages 3 to 10, will be on the hunt for eggs at the Community Achievement Center’s first Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza. The 2-to-4 p.m. event will feature free food, games, and activities.

The event is free and children must arrive with their own Easter baskets. The center is at 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, call 404-214-7400.

The Easter Eggs-travaganza will also have entertainment, horses and music.

Wade Walker Park is at 5557 Rockbridge Road.

For more information or to RSVP, call Tiffany Campbell at 404-371-7031 or email tcampbell@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center The annual Eggstravaganza will be taking over the lawns of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on April 23. The 10 a.m.-tonoon event features thousands of eggs hidden all over the lawn of the former Coca-Cola family mansion, a live performance by EnzoClown, Atlanta Braves Egg hunt on Decatur Square tickets and prizes, and a chance to meet Infants and kids up to the fifth grade the Easter Bunny. can bring their baskets and welcome the Bring your Easter basket and camera.

Easter Bunny at the annual Easter Egg Adults are free but kids pay $10 with adHunt on the Square at 10:30 a.m. on April vance ticket purchase at TicketLeap. On 16 in downtown Decatur. event day, the price is $12. Proceeds benefit The Easter Egg hunt begins at 10:30 the Callanwolde Dance Program. and ends at 11 a.m. Families can also view Kids will hunt for eggs by age groups. the DeKalb Habitat for Humanity DeKalb Newborns to age 2 will hunt at 11:15 a.m., Playhouses which will be on display along ages 3-5 at 11:30 a.m., and ages 6 and up, the square. at 11:45 a.m.

Stan Watson’s Eggs-travaganza There will be no on-site parking but DeKalb Super District 7 Commis- Kids will be on the prowl for Easter eggs and other treats a shuttle bus service will begin running at events in and around DeKalb County. sioner Stan Watson will host his seventh at 9:30 a.m. from the Emory University annual “Easter Eggs-travaganza” on April Briarcliff Campus, 1256 Briarcliff Road, 24 at Wade Walker Park in Stone Mountain. p.m. event that will include face painting, just one-half mile north of Callanwolde. The Watson started the annual event when he jumper, snacks, games and prizes. Ages 3 to 5 event is canceled if it rains. will hunt for eggs at 3:30 p.m. and ages 6 to was a state representative.

For more information, visit www.callanKids 3 to 10 years can attend the 3-to-7 10 will hunt at 4:30 p.m. wolde.com or call 404-872-5338.

Arabia Mtn robotics team to compete for world title The Arabia Mountain Robotics Team will be in Orlando April 13-16 to compete in the VEX Robotics World Championship.

Top robotics teams from around the world will gather to celebrate their accomplishments and compete against the best in the field.

“Team Arabia Robotics,” which consists of 16 students, works throughout the year to design, build, program, and perfect their competition robots. It participates in VEX Robotics competitions throughout the year and has racked up tournament victories around Georgia.

Team members are strengthening their math, science and engineering skills and are preparing for a future in a high-tech world.

“Team Arabia Robotics” has racked up tournament victories around Georgia.

Safe driving promoted in prom season With prom season in full swing in DeKalb this month, teens are preparing for and participating in a highly anticipated high school rite of passage.

Though one of the most exciting times in a teenager’s life, going to the prom can also be a dangerous time as well.

With motor vehicle accidents claiming more than 4,000 teen lives each year, a recent survey commissioned by the Allstate Foundation reveals that many teens do not take personal responsibility for safe driving and continue to engage in dangerous driving behaviors.

Decatur Allstate agent Les Kemp said that the risk for teens is heightened during celebrations such as prom and graduations.

“Increased distractions like boisLes Kemp terous passengers, cell phones, music, food, drink, nighttime visibility, and general excitement divert the young driver’s attention from the road and could lead to dangerous and even fatal consequences,” he said.

While all parents want their child to enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime events, it’s important to take preventive measures to ensure children’s safety during these high-risk times. To help teenagers make it safely to and from a celebration, Allstate Insurance Co. recommends the following tips: n Plan an alternate source of transportation – arrange for a cab or a limousine. n Limit the number of passengers in your teenager’s car – more passengers create more potential distractions for the driver. n Prohibit driving under the influence – underage drinking and driving is against the law. Make it clear to your teens that if they drink or use drugs, driving privileges will be revoked. n Establish an SOS – teens make mistakes and sometimes get themselves into dangerous situations. Make sure your teens have a responsible adult they can call if they feel they shouldn’t be driving or are riding with another young driver who shouldn’t be driving. n Reduce distractions – make sure your teen agrees not to eat, drink, or use a cell phone while driving. n Buckle up – teens, more than any group of drivers and passengers, don’t use seatbelts. n Check the condition of your teen’s car – make certain your teen is driving a car in good condition.

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April 9, 2011

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employment

restaurants

14

CrossRoadsNews

April 9, 2011

Marketplace

events & seminars

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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.

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15

CrossRoadsNews

April 9, 2011

recreation

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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.

FOR SALE Snellville brick 4 bedrm 2.5 ba, LR, DR, 2 car garage $75,000. $1000 down, 549 per month, must qualify. Call 24 hrs 1-888269-6795 x160 Keller Williams Lithonia- Sandstone, $800k house for $316k, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath, $11k down $1600 per month!! call 24 hrs 1-888-2696795 x197 Lithonia-$1,300,000 home for $400k 6 huge bedroom, 5 bath, gated. Call 24 hrs 1-888-2696795-x190

HELP WANTED White Oak Hills Baptist Church is seeking an Organist who reads music & plays by ear; familiar with hymns, gospel & contemporary

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music. Please send resumes to: 5171 Redan Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30088 or e-mail to woakhills@bellsouth.net.

Styling with Passion Salon in Decatur is Now hiring Licensed Stylist! For more information, please call Martice at 404-849-1975.

First Baptist Church is looking for a Minister of Music. Please send resumes to 2394 Gresham Rd., Atlanta, GA 30316

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Narvie J. Harris

Traditional Theme School PTA

2130 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 (In the Piggly Wiggly shopping center)

tax services

April 23, 2011 Noon - 5 p.m.

Affordable

10% off Beautiful Custom Decks

Sunrooms • Gutters • Painting General Remodeling

FREE Safety Inspections

90 Day Same-As-Cash-Financing MC/Visa Accepted

Call 770-634-3044 justdecksatlanta.com

Easter Egg Hunt at 11am Featuring: • Dance Contest • Pony Rides • Moonwalks • Fun Games • Door Prizes • Good Food • Other Exciting Entertainment

Tickets Individual • 50¢ 10 tickets • $5 20 tickets • $10 www.narviepta.org

Call Dannette 404-838-8047

travel

AT $1.00 A YARD

FREE FABRIC WITH UPHOLSTERY

Annual Spring Carnival

home services

WAREHOUSE PRICES START

& Upholstery

3981 McGill Dr • Decatur, GA 30034

MECHANIXX Major Appliance Service We Repair Washers, Dryers, Stoves, and More

CREATE NEW EXPERIENCES

Money-Saving Tax Preparation • •

Mention this ad and receive 30% discount.

Receive additional discount if you are an active-duty military family or single parent • Refer a friend and receive $25 in cash • Bring your 2008 & 2009 returns and we will review them for any errors or refund denied or omitted.

• Bring any letter you received from the IRS and we will read and advise you accordingly. We saved Chris over $10,000 for letters he had received from the IRS. Henry has 17 years under his belt in the tax preparation business. He is an adjunct instructor of accounting at Atlanta Metro College. Henry is governed by one universal principle: Treat people as you would like them to treat you.

Call Henry Mitchell, CPA at (678) 663-6229

16

CrossRoadsNews

Malcolm Cunningham Ford

April 9, 2011

Malcolm Cunningham LinCoLn

CheCk Out It’s Not Just Luxury... these InCredIble It’s smarter speCIals! than that.

Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery Sales • Service • Parts • Collision Center

pre-owned

super center

savings!!!

Servicing All Makes and Models

We Make It Easy

to Save on all Your Vehicle Needs.

FInAncInG AvAIlABle For All creDIt tYPeS!

FOCUS SE

apr

Available

WOW!

For a limited term with approved credit.

2007 Infiniti G35

new 2011 lInCOln mkZ

New 2011 Ford

2.9

%

STk#A1518 ride In Style, Great Look And More!!

MSRP $35,650 • VIN#3LNHL2GC7BR768255

automatic

159

$

Lease for

Lease for

per Mo.

Lease for 24 months with $2597 due at signing including $0 security deposit. 10,500 miles per year and 15¢ per mile thereafter plus tax, tag, and title with approved credit. Offer expires month end.

399 0

$

With

per Month

$

Due at Signing

Lease for 36 months, with $0 due at signing, including $0 security deposit, 10,500 miles per year, 20¢ per mile thereafter with approved credit. Plus tax, tag, and title.

new 2011 lInCOln mks MSRP $44,595 • VIN#1LNHL9DR9BG600304

New 2011 Ford

ESCApE XLS FWD Lease for

Lease for

With

per Month

$

Due at Signing

Lease for 36 months, with $0 due at signing, including $0 security deposit, 10,500 miles per year, 20¢ per mile thereafter with approved credit. Plus tax, tag, and title.

per Mo.

new 2011 lInCOln mkX MSRP $40,915 • VIN#2LMDJ6JK6BBJ21019

Lease for 24 months with $2829 due at signing including $0 security deposit. 10,500 miles per year and 15¢ per mile thereafter plus tax, tag, and title with approved credit. Offer expires month end.

PluS MAnY More! prices plus, Tax, Tag And Title.

we now rent & Sell truckS!

New 2011 Ford

F-150 SUpErCAb Lease for

529 0

$

With

per Month

$

770-987-8189

Due at Signing

Lease for 36 months, with $0 due at signing, including $0 security deposit, 10,500 miles per year, 20¢ per mile thereafter with approved credit. Plus tax, tag, and title.

279

$ Lease for

per Mo.

Lease for 36 months with $2429 due at signing including $0 security deposit. 10,500 miles per year and 15¢ per mile thereafter plus tax, tag, and title with approved credit. Offer expires at month end.

5675 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

770-621-0200

2006 Ford Five Hundred Auto, Power Windows, Power Locks, CD, Must See, Stk#A1508 .......... $9995 2006 lincoln Zephyr Leather, Sunroof, Navigation, Chrome Wheels, Stk#A1485 .................. $10,995 2010 kia rio Auto, Low Payments, Gas Saver, Stk#A1476 ......................................................... $10,995 2008 chrysler Sebring Auto, Power Windows, Power Locks, CD, Great Price, Stk#A1520.... $10,995 2009 toyota Yaris Auto, Power Window, Gas Saver, Low Payments, Stk#A1450 ...................... $11,350 2008 chevrolet Impala Auto, Power Windows, Power Locks, CD, Nice, Stk#A1477.............. $12,995 2009 Mazda 6 Check Out The New Look, Stk#A1472................................................................ $13,888 2006 Dodge ram 1500 Auto, V8, Must See, Stk#A1498..................................................... $13,995 2007 Ford edge Auto, Power Window, Power Locks, CD, And More, Stk#A1426 ........................ $14,989 2008 Dodge charger Power Windows, Power Locks, CD, Sporty, Stk#A1510 ........................ $14,995 2008 chevrolet trailblazer Ready For Family FUN! Stk#A1446 ...................................... $14,998 2009 nissan Altima Auto, Power Locks, Power Windows, CD, Tilt Steering, Stk#A1515.......... $15,995 2007 toyota camry le Leather, Power Windows, Power Locks, Stk#A1516 .......................... $15,995 2008 chrysler 300 Ride In Style, Loaded, Must See, Stk#A1444A......................................... $15,995 2008 lincoln MkZ True Class, Leather, Sunroof, Low Miles, And More, Stk#A1470.................. $18,995 2007 Mercedes c-class Leather, Sunroof, CD, Nice, Stk#A1500 ...................................... $18,995 2006 chevrolet Silverado crew cab lt Priced Right, V8, Powerful, Stk#A1503 ..... $19,959 2007 Infiniti G35 Ride In Style, Great Look And More, Stk#A1518 ......................................... $19,995 2008 Honda Accord eX Auto, Leather, Sunroof, CD, Only 26K Miles, Stk#A1517 ................ $19,995 2008 Ford expedition eddie Bauer Sunroof, Leather, DVD, Nice, Stk#A1410 ............. $22,888 2007 BMw 328 coupe Sporty, Clean, Like New, Stk#A1487 .............................................. $22,888 2010 nissan Maxima Auto, Sunroof, Leather, Stk#A1574................................................... $22,995

4 Year/50,000 mIle

maIntenanCe InCluded

4-year/50,000-mile Limited Maintenance Plan. Coverage includes a maximum of eight regularly scheduled maintenance services. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. Program ends 4/30/11.

5675 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

(770) 621-0200

www.MalcolmCunninghamFord.com WWW.MALCOLMCUNNINGHAMLINCOLN.COM

We will buy or trade your car...

We Want your trade no matter What!

service special!

OIL CHANGe & CAr WAsH

24

$

95

ValId OnlY at malCOlm CunnIngham autO grOup

Must Present Coupon When Order Is Written. Not Valid With Any Other Offer. One Coupon Per Visit. Up To 5 Quarts, Diesels And Some Models Slightly Higher. Expires 4/30/11.

Got A Dent? Got A Ding? Get A Free estimate!

All Insurance Claims Welcome. Open 6 Days a Week.

I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive

770-987-9000

www.MCAutoAtl.com

5C (10.5”) X 16” 25497-MCFO (4-9) Crossroads FC (nb)

199

$

499 0

$

19,995

$