CrossRoadsNews, April 11, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

SCENE

MINISTRY

Colorful balloons will soar over downtown Decatur on April 17 as residents and law enforcement officials honor victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. 5

“American Violet,” a movie about a single mother’s battle against the Texas criminal justice system, opens April 17 at several metro Atlanta theaters. 9

Ving Rhames stars in an inspirational movie about an ex-con who comes home to run his father’s church. It will be screened at Berean Christian Church. 10

Crime victims remembered

Triumph over injustice

April 11, 2009

Road to redemption

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 14, Number 50

Bungled responses helped Yancey get big head start By Jennifer Ffrench Parker and McKenzie Jackson

Accused double-murderer Derrick Yancey had a lot of help getting his 11-hour head start on DeKalb County law enforcement after his earlymorning escape from DeKalb County custody on April 4. T h e h e l p Derrick Yancey came from the inactions and bungling of the people assigned to monitor him, an investigation released Wednesday by DeKalb

“It doesn’t appear to be any fault on the part of the monitoring agency. It is a miscommunication as what their duties were as to how to respond.” Winston Bethel, Chief Judge DeKalb Magistrate Court

Chief Magistrate Judge Winston Bethel shows. Instead of rushing to Yancey’s Jonesboro home to check on his where-abouts after the signal indicated that the ankle bracelet he worn on house arrest had been tampered with, Providence Community Corrections, the company

being paid to monitor him, and the DeKalb investigator in charge, made telephone calls and left voicemails for Yancey even after being told that he was not at the residence. The time line also shows that even though the signal was lost at 5:41 a.m., the first “missed call” to the county was not made until 9:41

a.m. – 4 hours later and that it took 10 hours for court officials to notify the Sheriff ’s Office that Yancey was missing. Tamara Lindsey, the DeKalb Pre-Trial Services investigator who prepared the time-line released by Bethel said: “10:37am: I made a call to the residence and s/w [spoke with] a male who stated Mr. Yancey wasn’t available. I, then, asked him if he was there and he replied, ‘No.’ “I asked him did he no [sic] where he was and he replied, ‘No, we hope he went to an appointment or something.’” Lindsey said she then telephoned Ms. Franklin of Providence

Community Corrections in Clarkson at 10:38. a.m. “I advised her to write this up as a violation and to send me a report on Monday,” she said.

Manhunt under way Yancey, 49, who is charged with the June 9, 2008, murders of his wife, Linda Yancey, and immigrant day laborer Marcial Cax Puluc, had been under house arrest since August 2008. A nationwide manhunt is now under way for his capture. DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown whose Fugitive Squad is in charge Please see YANCEY, page 2

Service cuts, layoffs at MARTA could come in September By McKenzie Jackson

News that MARTA could cut service to six days a week or less and lay off 300 employees is not sitting well with some lawmakers, commuters and supporters. The financially strapped transit authority failed to get Georgia lawmakers to give it control of $65 million in its capital reserve fund before the session ended April 3. MARTA CEO and general manager Dr. Beverly Scott said Monday that without access to their reserve funds, the cutbacks and layoffs will come in September. She said MARTA is facing a $24.1 million shortfall in this year’s fiscal budget and will have a $40 million shortfall in next year’s budget. At an April 8 press conference and rally at MARTA’s Five Points station in Atlanta, some metro Atlanta lawmakers and transit advocates called on Gov. Sonny Perdue to either hold a special legislative session to pass Senate Bill 120 which would MARTA access to the reserve fund, or issue an executive order to release the money. Atlanta state Sen. Nan Orrock (D-36) said MARTA needs funding to keep running at full throttle. “We are calling on the governor to release those funds so that MARTA can run on time every day like it has since it was set up 30 years ago,” she said. DeKalb Reps. Rahn Mayo and Michele Henson and John Evans, president of Stone-Mountain Operation LEAD, attended the press conference. On Tuesday, Perdue told reporters that he is concerned about MARTA’s money woes, but wants

State Reps. Michele Hension and Rahn Mayo and Sen. Nan Orrock were among legislators and other transit advocates who attended a press conference and rally to show support for MARTA.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

to explore other options to end its problems. He said that this is not the first time someone’s bill has not passed and they came running to the governor to ask for a special legislative session. “We have to look at a lot of things,” he said. “Special sessions are something we shy away from. We will do our best not to call a special session.” By law, MARTA has to use half its income for capital expenses. Those funds are held in reserve and are off limits for operational

expenses. The transportation bill, which would have lifted the restriction, passed the Senate but was not acted on in the House of Representatives before the General Assembly’s session ended on April 3. At the press conference and rally, MARTA supporters chanted in unison “We want MARTA,” while state representatives spoke in front of news cameras. George Kelly, who has ridden MARTA for more than a decade, said that MARTA is essential to his

livelihood. “I ride it downtown every day,” said the Atlanta-DeKalb resident. “I come to Underground Atlanta, Centennial Park and basketball games. If they take this away it will be awful.” Mayo, who represents DeKalb’s House District 91, said that Republican leadership in the General Assembly failed to help move the bill forward. “Frankly, I believe they played with the issue as if it were a political rag doll,” he said. “They tossed

it back and forth and used it as a tool to get some things advanced on their own agenda, and it was to the detriment of many riders and employees, particular those in Atlanta, DeKalb and Fulton.” Tax dollars from DeKalb and Fulton counties help fund MARTA each year and the tax dollars make up the reserve fund. Scott, MARTA’s CEO, who was not at the rally, said she was dumbfounded that the bill was not Please see MARTA, page 3

CrossRoadsNews

April 11, 2009

Overall lack of procedures contribute to fugitive’s 11-hour head start YANCEY,

from page

Timeline exposes inept handling of Yancey’s escape

of finding Yancey, said that up to Thursday there had been no sightEditor’s note: Ex Sheriff Deputy Derrick Yancey, who is accused of ings of Yancey or any credible leads shooting his wife Linda, and 20-year-old day laborer Marcial Cax Puluc in about his whereabouts. He also said June 2008, escaped house arrest on April 4. he wouldn’t discuss them if they The company hired to monitor him at home lost the signal at 5:41 a.m. had any. Here are excerpts from the DeKalb County’s Timeline, which begins at “When we have a hot trail we 9:41 a.m. There is no indication that anything was done in the four hours will follow it,” Brown said. “But we between. don’t want him to know we are on to him.” “No.” I asked him did he no where April 4, 2009 The bench warrant for Yancey’s he was and he replied, “No, we 9:41 a.m.: Missed call was arrest was not issued until Monday hope he went to an appointment received from Ms. Franklin and – three days after he disappeared. It or something.” I, then, advised voice message was left. described him as 200 lbs and 5 feet the male that Mr. Yancey knows 7 inches tall, and possibly wearthe procedure that he is supposed 9:56 a.m.: I returned the call ing a goatee. It also also describes to follow when leaving the to Ms. Franklin and spoke with Yancey as desperate, armed and residence for appointments and his her. She was given Mr. Yancey’s dangerous. importance in contacting us ASAP number to the residence. She DeKalb Superior Court Judge upon his return to the residence. He stated that she received some Linda Hunter who issued the warsaid, “OK.” type of signal that signified that rant to arrest Yancey for violating the device had been tampered his $150,000 bond, blamed Pre-Tri10:38 a.m.: TC to Ms. Franklin to with. I asked her to call me back al Services for a “comedy of errors” advise her of the information that I once she had spoken with Mr. that gave him the big head start. obtained from the male. I advised Yancey if there were any other Bethel, who oversees DeKalb her that this action from Mr. Yancey problems Pre-Trail Services and had custody seemed strange due to the fact and responsibility for Yancey, said 10:17 a.m.: TC from Ms. Franklin that he knows that he must receive in an April 8 press release that once permission from the courts when stating that she spoke w/Mr. the alert was received by the monileaving the home for anything. I Yancey’s brother who told her toring service, they were to contact advised her to write this up as a that he was outside washing the pretrial services. violation and to send me a report car and Mr. Yancey was in the “Pretrial services would call the on Monday. bed sleeping. She stated that residence to verify that Mr. Yancey I, also, advised her that I would she advised the brother that was not at the location and then contact our Chief Magistrate for she needed to speak with him. I contact the sheriff ’s office and the further direction and call her with advised her that I would call the Judge,” he said. an update. I told her that I would residence as well to see if Mr. The timeline shows that procecheck my work voice mail to see Yancey was available for me to dure was not followed. if any messages were left by Mr. speak with him. Bethel also adds that during Yancey. his hose arrest, Yancey’s case was 10:37 a.m.: I made a call to reassigned to a new Superior Court the residence and s/w a male 10:55 a.m.: TC to Mr. Yancey’s Judge and subsequently the pretrial who stated Mr. Yancey wasn’t residence again. Voice mail picked services investigator was also reasavailable. I, then, asked him if up and I left a message for anyone signed. he was there and he replied, from the family to call me back ASAP. “These changes caused a delay in confirming the violation and in contacting the sheriff ’s office,” Police said lab tests showed that he said, adding that nothing about he said. the case had changed. Yancey shot both victims. “We were fairly comfortable… Keith Adams, Yancey’s lawyer, Miscommunication blamed said Monday he was surprised that we were awaiting trial,” Adams, Reached by telephone yesterday, his client , who has always professed said. “Nothing had happened the Bethel, who has been out of town his innocence, had run. past couple of months that would since Yancey’s escape, said that the “We are ready to go to trial, so I have made it necessary for him to monitoring agency was operating don’t have an explanation for this,” go anywhere.” according to the procedures in its contract. “It doesn’t appear to be any fault on the part of the monitoring agency,” he said. “It is a miscommunication as what their duties were as to how to respond.” Bethel said he has fixed the problems by giving all Pre-Trial Service investigators a full list of contact numbers for the sheriff ’s office, judges and district attorney’s office. He said the monitoring agency also now have back-up numbers to contact if they are unable to reach the primary investigator. Bethel said Pre-Trial Services has two other suspects under house arrest one at home, and the other is allowed to go to work but wears an ankle bracelet. He said that Yancey is the only accused who was on a murder charge that has been under house arrest in the four years he has been in charge of the department. “I don’t know if there has been anyone else,” Bethel said. Yancey was a 17-year DeKalb Sheriff ’s deputy when he was indicted and arrested for killing Puluc, and his wife of 17 years, at their Southland subdivision home in Stone Mountain. He told police investigators that he shot 20-year-old Puluc after the Guatemalan native shot his 44-year-old wife with a gun found in the house during a robbery attempt.

County employees spoke with Judge Winston Bethel at 3:41 p.m., 11 hours after losing contact with Yancey. The timeline is prepared by DeKalb Pre-Trial Services investigator Tamara Lindsey. Ms. Franklin is employed by Providence Community Corrections of Clarkston, the private monitoring firm, hired by the county to keep tabs on Yancey during his house arrest. TC = Telephone call 3:41 p.m.: TC from Braddye Smith advising me that she spoke w/Judge Bethel who was going to contact Don Geary. Also, she provided Judge Bethel & Don Geary’s contact numbers. She asked me if I knew whether or not the monitoring company had gone out to the residence. I told her that I did not think so. 4:57 p.m.: TC to Ms. Franklin and asked her if she could physically go to Mr. Yancey’s residence before further actions were taken. She advised that she could and would. 6:28 p.m.: TC from Major Cato (DKSO Swat Unit) inquiring about the events of the day regarding Mr. Yancey. He asked me if I could come to the Sheriff’s Department w/any information that I had. I advised, “Yes” and that I would be on my way there.

of events. He wanted to know if anyone had been to the residence yet to be certain that Mr. Yancey was there. I advised him that Ms. Franklin was on her way there now and would call me as soon as she arrived. He asked me to call him as soon as I received an update. I, also, advised him that the Sheriff’s Department had called for me to come in so that they could ask me some questions. 6:35 p.m.: TC to Ms. Franklin who stated that she was approximately three minutes away from Mr. Yancey’s residence. She stated she would call me as soon as she pulled up to the house. 6:39 p.m.: TC from Ms. Franklin stating she had arrived at the residence. She asked me to stay on the line w/her while she approached the door because she was by herself. I heard her knock on the door and someone answered the door…

6:32 p.m.: TC to Judge Bethel and provided him with a brief summary of events. He advised me to contact Don Geary. I, also, advised him that the Sheriff’s Department had called 6:42pm: TC to Don Geary to let for me to come in so that they could him know that Mr. Yancey had left ask me some questions. the residence and disconnected the device from his body. He 6:33 p.m.: TC to Don Geary and advised me to let the Sheriff’s provided him with a brief summary Department know as well.

Brown, said the Sheriff ’s office had submitted Yancey’s information to a national crime database and authorities in Detroit and New York where Yancey has relatives. Adams said running doesn’t help Yancey’s case. “The public is likely to say, ‘He

ran because he is guilty,’” Adams said. “But the truth is innocent folks run too if they’re not comfortable that the system is going to work fairly for them.” Sheriff ’s deputies ask anyone with information to call the DeKalb Fugitive Squad at 404-298-8200.

Community

CrossRoadsNews

April 11, 2009

“This program gives them an opportunity to learn from professionals how to get out of debt and build a good credit score.”

Dedication, open house set for new Arabia school The long-awaited Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia will be unveiled April 18 at a Dedication and Open House. The 10 a.m. dedication ceremony will be followed by the open house at 2 p.m. The 240,000-square-foot school at 6610 Browns Mill Road will be the county’s first Academy of Engineer-

ing, Medicine and Environmental Studies. Classes will begin there with 1,076 ninth to 11th graders for the new school year on Aug.10. The ceremony will include presentations from county leaders as well as fun activities such as heritage area tours, compass nature walks, a sevenmile family fun bike ride, a 40-mile

bike road race, BioBus visits and a moonwalk. Principal Angela Pringle began hiring certified teachers in February. The school will host DeKalb Schools Medical Magnet Program for grades 10-12, and the Environmental Energy and Engineering Magnet Programs for grades 9-12. Angela Pringle

Scott: Service cutbacks would be a ‘human tragedy’ MARTA,

from page

acted on. “We are not asking the state of Georgia for one dime that has not been put into that account by the citizens of Fulton and DeKalb County,” she said. She said it would be a “human tragedy” if MARTA has to cut back its services. “Thousands of people would have no other way to do the things they do,” she said. “Employers will have people who are not able to get to work. MARTA makes 500,000 trips a day; half of those are work related.” MARTA’s money problems are due to the severe downturn in the economy and declining sales tax receipts from DeKalb and Fulton counties and Atlanta and the implementation of recommended cost containment measures. Scott said she will be presenting a trimmed budget to the MARTA board at its April 18 Business Management Committee Meeting. Officials have already begun proposing recommendations. They include a fare increase and a long-term parking fee hike; core transit service modifications, which would consist of the elimination of all

People who attended the press conference/ rally in support of MARTA were vocal in their condemnation of legislative inaction.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

unproductive bus services, cancellation of some special events, overhauling duplicative, overlapping service routes and adjusting rail service headway and hours of service. Cost-cutting recommendations also include mandatory 10-day furloughs, deferral of merit-based increases and an 8- to 15-percent increase in healthcare contributions from non-represented employees. Cuts in advertising and travel are also proposed.

Mayo said decisions about MARTA should be made by DeKalb and Fulton counties and the city of Atlanta, since they are the three municipalities that fund it. “I believe a long-term fix or solution would be to redirect those dollars so that that the taxpayers in Fulton, DeKalb and Atlanta can work with MARTA directly without having the state put in their hand,” he said.

Justice to speak at money event Georgia Supreme Court Justice Harold Melton will deliver the keynote address at the April 17 “Financial Responsibility Day” at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston campus. Melton will lead a discussion about the five secrets to financial independence, titled “Responsibilty for Your Own Success.” Before joining the Supreme Harold Melton Court in July 2005, Melton was executive counsel to Gov. Sonny Perdue. Sponsored by GPC’s business department, the 9 a.m.-noon event will include sessions on getting out of debt, understanding credit and learning how to save and invest. The Atlanta Consumer Credit Counseling Service will lead a session on “Getting Out of Debt and Clean Up Your Credit.” UBS, one of the world’s largest financial firms, will conduct a workshop on “How You Can Become a Millionaire Through Saving and Investing.” Debi Moon, a GPC business professor, said that many GPC students struggle with credit problems. “This program gives them an opportunity to learn from professionals how to get out of debt and build a good credit score. “Schools don’t normally address how to live within a budget, save and invest, and eventually become financially independent,” she said. “This is a crucial life skill.” Lunch, a question and answer session, and giveaways will follow the program. Admission is free. GPC’s Clarkston campus is at 555 North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For more information, email Debra.Moon@gpc.edu.

CrossRoadsNews

Forum

April 11, 2009

If teachers could be paid for what they do, they would certainly deserve a lot more than what is paid AIG’s CEOs who do nothing for it.

Health centers go long way in meeting basic care needs 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer McKenzie Jackson Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear

CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday 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.

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The number of people struggling without access to basic health care during these tough economic times has skyrocketed from 56 million to 60 million in just two years, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). A report – “Primary Care Access: An Essential Building Block of Health Reform” – released by the association last month attributes the growth of the “medically disenfranchised” population to a host of factors that include a worsening shortage of primary care doctors in needy communities and a growing scarcity of providers willing to treat the uninsured or publicly insured. The number of medically disenfranchised grew three times faster than the total U.S. population, a clear sign that that access to primary care is worsening and reaching middle class American families, even among those who do have insurance. In Georgia, health centers have received $6.9 million in federal

Average medical expenses for health center patients are 41 percent lower than for patients who seek medical care elsewhere – meaning that health centers save the health care system up to $18 billion per year. Jeffrey Taylor

help from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to deal with increased demand from the uninsured. With plant closings and job losses mounting from the economic downturn, people who find themselves suddenly uninsured or underinsured are relying more than ever on a place where insurance status doesn’t matter – at a Community Health Center. Duane A. Kavka, executive director of Georgia Association for Primary Health Care Inc., says keeping pace with escalating demand is a perilous challenge for safety net providers, but has rarely been as challenging as it is today. “The medically disenfranchised can be anyone in these difficult

times,” Kavka said. “Even people who have an insurance card can find themselves without a place to go for care if they have a common cold or high blood pressure.” The growth among the medically disenfranchised would be much worse were it not for the national growth of health centers, which added 2 million people to their patient rolls over the same two-year period. The NACHC report makes the case that health reform and continued targeted investment can make significant and meaningful improvements in the accessibility and quality of primary care now. It also said that health reform can help into the future by making a

primary health care home for everyone in America an explicit goal of health reform. Health centers provide highquality, affordable preventive and primary care to more than 18 million people in rural and urban communities. Another study showed that average medical expenses for health center patients are 41 percent lower than for patients who seek medical care elsewhere – meaning that health centers save the health care system up to $18 billion per year. Despite the successful record of health centers in keeping down health care costs and unnecessary hospitalizations, several challenges remain in terms of keeping pace with demand among low-income, uninsured and chronically ill populations and maintaining the workforce needed to meet demand. Jeffrey Q. Taylor is chief executive officer of Oakhurst Medical Centers, Inc. which operates health centers in Stone Mountain and Decatur.

Responsible parenting shapes student behavior in school There is a lot of talk these days about teachers who are expected to be miracle workers, yet there is no miracle when it comes to how they are paid. There are nightmares. If teachers could be paid for what they do, they would certainly deserve a lot more than Miriam Robinson what is paid AIG’s CEOs who do nothing for it. The government should give teachers bailout money and a stimulus package. Because of low pay, teachers have to stretch their income while juggling their teaching skills to teach the children who want to learn, and finding innovative, deli-

cate ways to punish those disruptive students to please their parents. This should not be. Parents who choose not to home train their disruptive children, should home school them. Students who talk too much and act out in class should be expelled. There has to be stricter rules for those disruptive students by the administration. Otherwise, the teacher is left unprotected. There is more demand on teachers and less demand on parents. Early on parents need to raise their children to obey school rules, be respectful to themselves and others and to respect adult authority. This should make them better children and better adults when they grow up. Here are somethings that every responsible parent should know about their child:

n Does your child have a gun or n Is your child in a gang?

have access to guns in the home?

It is important for parents to

n Does your child act out or talk keep tabs on their children, and

too much in class?

these are just a few things that

work?

about there children. It also would

numerous absences? n Does your child flaunt the dress code and dress inappropriately? n Does your child disrespect the teacher or other students? n Are your children having sex? You shouldn’t have to wait until the girl gets pregnant one or two times to know this. n Is your child getting low grades? n Is your child using drugs or smoking cigarettes? n Is your child visiting Internet porn sites ?

odically since you are paying the rent. A couple of weeks ago, a private Southwest Atlanta school made the news when parents became angry with a teacher who punished their children for being talkative and disruptive in class. These parents are sending a wrong message to their children. Instead of being critical about the teacher, they need to teach their children some discipline. Miriam Knox Robinson lives in Decatur.

n Does your child do his home- responsible parents should know

n Does your child cut class or have not hurt to do a room check peri-

Quick Read

Dedication, open house set ‘Dracula Bandit’ sentenced to Sexual assault, domestic for new Arabia school 3 20 years 5 violence under-reported The long-awaited Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia will be unveiled April 18 at a Dedication and Open House.

Nathaniel Little Jr., also known as “the Dracula bandit,” is going to prison for 20 years for armed bank robbery.

Justice to speak at money event

Guilty plea in fraud case

Georgia Supreme Court Justice Harold Melton will deliver the keynote address at the April 17 “Financial Responsibility Day” at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston campus.

Input sought on sheriff’s services

DeKalb citizens can provide comments over the phone and in person about the services of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office on April 20 and 21 to a team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). Circulation Audited By

A Tucker business woman is facing up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for health care fraud.

Retailer to occupy vacant space at Gallery

Discount retailer Conway will open at the Gallery at South DeKalb in May.

Federal funds to help with child care, vaccines

Working families in Georgia will receive child care assistance, and underserved Georgians will get the vaccines they need.

When 21-year-old Torius Nagel Johnson of Decatur decided to break into a middleaged woman’s home and rape and beat her for two hours on June 18 last year, he committed a heinous crime that shocked many in the community.

Grant to bolster GPC nursing department 8 Georgia Perimeter College will use a $130,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente to recruit and retain students in its Department of Nursing.

Former reporter to share addiction story

Best-selling author and former CNN reporter William Cope Moyers will be the keynote speaker at Breakthru House Inc.’s 40th anniversary dinner on April 16.

index to advertisers 1.2.3 Discount Fabrics...................................... 6 Adoption & Family Expo...................................2 American Violet............................................... 9 Chick-fil-A /Turner Hill Road.............................5 Community Foundation For Greater Atlanta....7 Craig B. Williams, DDS......................................8 C.R.A.M. Academy..........................................10

DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau..............3 DeKalb County School System..........................5 Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care.................11 Felicia V. Anderson CPA LLC............................ 6 First Afrikan Presbyterian Church...................10 Legendary LLC................................................. 6

Mini Mall.........................................................10 Mr. Me Magical Balloons................................. 9 Newburn Reynolds Photography....................10 Padgett Business Services................................ 6 Rainbow Park Baptist Church..........................10 Saint Philip AME Church.................................10

Salt & Light Truth Center................................10 Small Business / Best of E. Metro Expo........... 12 Steps to a Healthier DeKalb..............................7 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas......................10 UGA Ctr for Family Research West...................8 Wright Vision Care............................................8

April 11, 2009

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“The DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force holds the balloon release every year to honor victims of all crime.” DeKalb judges, attorneys, law enforcement officials, victims’ advocates and citizens will release balloons at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Decatur.

Input sought on sheriff ’s services DeKalb citizens can provide comments about the services of the DeKalb County Sheriff ’s Office on April 20 and 21 to a team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The Sheriff ’s Office is seeking to be reaccredited by the CALEA for a fourth consecutive time and will undergo an on-site review April 18-22. CALEA accreditation, done every three years, includes internal review and assessment of a law enforcement agencies’ policies and procedures, and recommends adjustments wherever necessary to meet a body of internationally accepted standards. The Sheriff ’s Office was accredited by the commission in 2000, 2003 and 2006.

Comments can be made in person to CALEA officials at 7 p.m. on April 20 in the sixth floor conference of the Manuel J. Maloof Building, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Citizens can also make comments on April 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. by calling 404-298-8146. Public comments will be limited to 10 minutes per speaker or caller and must address compliance with CALEA standards by the agency’s Field, Court and Administrative Services divisions. Written comments can be mailed to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030-2215. For more information, contact Melissa Manrow at 404-298-8145.

‘Dracula Bandit’ sentenced to 20 years Nathaniel Little Jr., also known as “the Dracula bandit,” is going to prison for 20 years for armed bank robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. On April 8, U.S. District Judge Charles A. Pannell Jr. also sentenced the 43-year-old Decatur resident to five years supervised release once he is out of prison and orderd him to pay restitution of $14,669. Little was sentenced for robbing the CDC Federal Credit Union on Brandywine Road in Atlanta twice within a two-month period in 2006. Both times he had a semiautomatic gun in his hand and a Dracula mask covering his face. “This ‘Dracula’ bandit will now spend many nights in the dark and confined cavern of a prison cell,” said U.S. Attorney David E. Namias. “In this scary economy, robbing banks may seem like a quick way for crimi-

nals to get money, but the real horror begins once they are caught.” Court documents said Little walked into the CDC Federal Credit Union on Aug. 23, 2006, with his gun and mask, placed a bag on the counter, pointed his weapon and yelled at the tellers to fill the bag with money. After getting the money he fled the bank. Then on Sept. 29, Little returned to the bank and repeated the process. At one point during the second robbery, witnesses said Little shouted, “Don’t make me have to shoot you.” After a lengthy investigation, the FBI identified Little, who had been arrested on unrelated state charges. He pleaded guilty to the chargers on Nov. 12, 2008. The Rockdale County Sheriff ’s Office and the DeKalb County Police assisted in the investigation.

Suspect allegedly preyed on elderly Edward Jackson, a suspect in a Jackson would tell victims he needstring of elderly fraud cases, is now ed to use the phone to call for a tow in DeKalb County Jail. truck and would then ask the victim On April 8, DeKalb Police for money to pay the tow truck. charged Jackson, 45, of Conyers Jackson sometimes would convince in connection with fleecing up to victims to withdraw money from $40,000 from at least five DeKalb their bank accounts or write a check County senior citizens. out to “cash” and give him. Detectives believe Jackson Police began investigating Jackscammed elderly people through Edward Jackson son’s following his March 31 arrest two methods. He would approach a victim’s after he refused to return a rental car prohome and pose as a neighbor and then ask vided by one of the victims. Fraud detectives for money to pay for a tow truck for his wife’s then discovered additional cases. broken down car. In some instances, Jackson Anyone who has additional information would return the following day and ask for or believes themself to be a victim should more money. call the DeKalb Police’s Fraud Unit at 770While pretending to being a neighbor, 724-7532.

Balloon release honors crime victims By McKenzie Jackson

Hundreds of colorful balloons will be released into the skies above the gazebo at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Decatur on April 17. The annual event supports crime victims during National Crime Victims Rights Week, April 26-May 2. The balloons will be let go during the 12:30 p.m. event hosted by DeKalb judges, attorneys, law enforcement officials, victims’ advocates and citizens. This year’s theme is “25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act.” The Washington, D.C.-based Office for Victims of Crime encourages observances – rallies, candlelight vigils and commemorative events – in communities nationwide

to promote awareness about victims’ rights and to honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. Last year more that 20 people congregated at the gazebo to let the balloons fly. During the ceremony, participants will step up to the podium and voice their support for all types of crime victims. Then they will let go their balloons in unison. Betsy Ramsey, coordinator of the De Kalb Solicitor-General’s Victim/Witness Assistance Program and event organizer in DeKalb, said the event is important to everyone who attends. “The DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force holds the balloon release every year to honor victims of all crime and to renew the commitment of those of us who work in the criminal justice system,” she said.

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CrossRoadsNews

Finance

Beckwith, who has no medical license, submitted $1,577,827 in claims to insurance companies and Medicare.

Guilty plea in fraud case A Tucker business woman is facing up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for health care fraud. Chaunsay Beckwith, 46, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal district court in Atlanta to charges that she defrauded insurance companies and Medicare of more than $1 million for fraudulent claims for hyberbaric therapy administered to her clients at International Alternative Medicine Inc., at 4450 Hugh Howell Road in Tucker. Beckwith was indicted on 35 counts of health care fraud by a federal grand jury on December 16, 2008. U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said “hyperbaric chambers” have a number of legitimate medical uses such as helping burn victims and scuba divers in their recovery, but that Beckwith turned a hyperbaric chamber into a means of generating more than a million dollars in fraudulent claims. “Health care fraud raises the costs of health care for everyone,”

Retailer to occupy vacant space at Gallery

Nahmias said. The case against Beckwith as presented in court showed that between 2003 and 2007, she provided hyperbaric oxygen therapy to numerous patients in her clinic. Nahmias said none of the patients were diagnosed with medical conditions that made them eligible to receive payments from health care benefit programs. But Beckwith, who has no medical license, submitted $1,577,827 in claims to insurance companies and Medicare, which included false diagnosis codes that enabled her to fraudulently receive $1,035,144 in payments for the hyperbaric chamber treatments. Sentencing is scheduled for June 18 at 2 p.m. before Senior United States District Judge Marvin H. Shoob. The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. McClernan.

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Discount retailer Conway will open at the Gallery at South DeKalb in May. The store will occupy 30,000 square feet on the bottom floor of former JC Penney space at the mall, which has been vacant since Amazing Rooms left in June. Conway will occupy a location that was originally set to be used by Steve & Barry, a national off-price clothing chain. On June 16, 2008, the mall and Steve & Barry announced that the clothing store would be opening on the south end of the mall in August, but three weeks later the Port Washington, N.Y.-based company filed for bankruptcy and halted all new store openings and closed several around the nation. Tene Harris, the mall’s general manager, said the mall is very excited to have added Conway as a tenant. “Each year of our ownership, we have increased value at the Gallery through building upgrades, added amenities, state-of-the-art renovations as well as new high-fashion specialty stores and boutiques,” she said. “The addition of this junior anchor is yet another indication of our commitment to bringing quality stores and services to this community.”

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New York-based Conway, which has 40 stores in eight states, will open in the former JC Penney space at the Gallery at South DeKalb.

Conway is recognized in New York City for its discount prices. The store offers the fashions for the family at discount prices in addition to an array of household furnishings, toys and luggage. Conway has 40 stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois and Ohio. The Gallery at South DeKalb store will be its first in metro Atlanta; stores will also open this spring at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta and the Fayetteville Pavilion in Fayetteville. Adam Goldschmidt, the director of leasing and property management for Conway, said the family-owned company chose the Gallery at South DeKalb because

of its co-tenancy and impressive traffic counts. “We found that there was a high density our customer base in the immediate trade area,” he said. “Between the area demographics, mall merchant mix and our space’s configuration – this store should perform well.” This month and in May, Conway will begin holding interviews for their 60 available employment positions including sales, stock clerk and cashier. “Our mission is to continuously provide quality retailers to our cost conscious consumers, which offer the best selections in fashion, accessories and footwear for the entire family,” said Harris.

Prepare for financial storm on the horizon

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April 11, 2009

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storm brewing on your horizon. Start right now living on rice and beans and saving up piles of cash to build a bigger umbrella. Wait until he actually lands another job before you make any big decisions. If you end up moving, then you might take $2,000 from savings to fix up the kitchen and get the house sold. Don’t do it unless you’re going to pay cash, though! You don’t want a second mortgage making everything even more difficult. – Dave

Viaticals are bad news Dear Dave, Could you explain, and comment on, investing in Viaticals? I’ve

been hearing offers that guarantee 10 percent. Does that sound fishy to you? – Lee Dear Lee, Everything about Viaticals is fishy. Stay away from them! A Viatical investment is when you buy a position in a terminally ill person’s life insurance policy. Mathematically, you’re betting on when they will die. A tremendous number of scam artists are involved in these things, and even the ones who go by the book have a lot of trouble, because you really can’t predict when someone’s going to die. Viaticals are being slammed by state attorney generals all across the country. Lots of these companies are being shut down, and most of those that are technically legitimate in this area are incompetent. Never put money in Viaticals! – Dave For more financial advice, visit www.davesays.org.

April 11, 2009

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“Years ago they experienced some sort of assault and as adults they are coming forward. The traumatic experience is still there.”

Federal funds Sexual assault, domestic violence under-reported to help with child By McKenzie Jackson sexual assault crimes are seen in DeKalb, especially “We want to let them know also When 21-year-old Torius Nagel Johnson care, vaccines in those involving domestic we will aggressively prosecute. of Decatur decided to break into a middleWorking families in Georgia will receive child care assistance, and underserved Georgians will get the vaccines they need, through federal Recovery Act funds. Vice President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that the Obama Administration will make $89,133,196 available to Georgia to help provide care for children and prevent disease. Georgia will receive $82,847,053 in Recovery Act funding to support child care for working families, and $6,286,143 to help provide vaccines. Nationwide, $2 billion in Recovery Act funds for the Child Care and Development Fund will allow states to support child care services for more families while parents are working, seeking employment or receiving job training or education. Recovery Act dollars will support a wide range of child care providers, including child care centers and home-based programs. “Parents are worried about finding a job or keeping the job they have and they shouldn’t have to worry about affording quality child care,” Biden said. Georgia’s funding for vaccine support is part of $300 million nationwide that will help to ensure more underserved Americans receive vaccines. The vice president’s announcement came as Americans mark National Public Health Week. Most of the funds will be used to purchase vaccines, which will be distributed through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Funding will also be used to support national public information campaigns regarding vaccines.

aged woman’s home and rape and beat her for two hours on June 18 last year, he committed a heinous crime that shocked many in the community. Johnson, who was sentenced to 50 years in prison in February, was one of many people to Torius Johnson commit similar crimes in 2008. Between January and December last year, 619 domestic violence and sexual assault crimes were committed in DeKalb, and statistics from the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office show that seven of those crimes ended in homicides. District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming said sexual assault is a big problem in DeKalb. “The challenge that we have, at least in the case of domestic violence, is only 50 percent of the crimes are ever reported to the police,” she said. “We in the justice system, really only see half of the problem.” With April being observed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the DA and numerous sexual assault and rape prevention organizations are trying to turn the spotlight on these crimes and build awareness about prevention, prosecution and treatment. Keyes Fleming said that domestic violence victims often don’t come forward because they are still caught up in the cycle of violence. “They keep hoping the abuser is going to change his behavior,” she said. “They very of-

We are not an office that dismisses cases simply because the batterer will come in and ask us too. These things we take very seriously.” Gwen Keyes Fleming DeKalb District Attorney

ten don’t want to prosecute, or they recant.” Sexual assaults run the gamut: rape, ritual abuse, sexual mutilation and murder. Unwanted sexual or physical contact such as the grabbing, touching or rubbing another person’s private parts also qualifies as sexual assault. Invasion of space or privacy through stalking, voyeurism, flashing, masturbating in public, sexual jokes, remarks, name-calling, harassing telephone calls, e-mails or faxes are also included. Phyllis Miller, director of the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center that supports victims, says that nationally, only 40 percent of sexual assaults are reported and Phyllis Miller that women report sexual assaults more then men. Still, she says there are no common denominators. “This is problem that doesn’t discriminate on gender or age,” she said. “We see people from many different communities. DeKalb is one of the most culturally diverse communities in the state and our clientele reflects that.” Keyes Fleming said that all types of

violence. “It is not just a problem that occurs in South De Kalb,” she said. “It may just be that in South DeKalb, the homes are closer together or there are more apartments and neighbors call to report the abuse when they hear it through the walls. It still happens at the same rate on the northern end of the county.” Miller said that they get a lot of calls from adult survivors of sexual assault. “Years ago they experienced some sort of assault and as adults they are coming forward,” she said. “The traumatic experience is still there. For us as adults you have to be ready to engage in a therapeutic relationship and you also have to feel safe about where you are in life and your current environment.” Last year, the Rape Crisis Center saw 361 new victims, up from 309 new victims in 2007. Keyes Fleming said the DA’s office has community outreach programs like its crime prevention tour and its “Cut It Out” program to let victims know they can come to them for help. “We want to let them know also we will aggressively prosecute,” she said. “We are not an office that dismisses cases simply because the batterer will come in and ask us to. These things we take very seriously.” For more information or to report a sexual assault, visit www.dekalbda.org or call the DA’s Domestic Violence/Sex Assault Unit at 404-371-2561.

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

April 11, 2009

“We are thrilled and grateful for the support shown by Kaiser Permanente.”

Grant to bolster GPC nursing department Georgia Perimeter College will use a $130,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente to recruit and retain students in its Department of Nursing. The college said Monday that the funds will be used to increase the number of nurse educators; address the salary disparity between nursing faculty and nurse clini-

cians; retain and support students with scholarships; recruit and retain faculty with student loan repayment in return for one year’s service to its nursing department, and increase the availability of clinical sites for teaching. “We are thrilled and grateful for the support shown by Kaiser Permanente,” said GPC president

Anthony S. Tricoli. Evonne Yancey, Kaiser Permanente’s director of community benefit, said Georgia is committed to supporting its partners in increasing the number of health professionals in the state. “The Nursing School at Georgia Perimeter College is an invaluable partner in this effort,” she said.

Mental illness to be discussed at Carter Center Mental illnesses, which afflicts one in four Americans, will be explored by a panel of experts at an April 16 Conversations at the Carter Center discussion in Atlanta. “Mental Illness: Myths and Realities,” will take place at 7 p.m. in the Cecil B. Day Chapel. Despite increased public awareness, mental illness is still shrouded

in mystery and stigma because of several common myths and misconceptions. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who founded the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program in 1991, will give remarks, and program director Dr. Thom Bornemann will facilitate the discussion.

Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, founded the mental health program to raise awareness about mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses. The event is closed to the public, but the discussion can be viewed via live webcast or later at www. cartercenter.org/conversations.

Former reporter to share addiction story Georgia Conference of Best-selling author and the United Methodist former CNN reporter WilChurch. liam Cope Moyers will Like the program’s be the keynote speaker at clients, Moyers has had Breakthru House Inc.’s his own addictions. 40th anniversary dinner While working for on April 16 at Northside CNN in Atlanta, he went United Methodist Church on a near fatal four-day in Atlanta. William Moyers crack cocaine binge. Decatur-based BreakIn his book, “Broken: My Story thru House is a nonprofit residential treatment program for women of Addiction and Redemption,” recovering from alcohol and drug Moyers describes his tortured hisaddiction. It is affiliated with Ac- tory of relapse and recovery and the tion Ministries Inc. of the North support of his parents, Judith and

Bill Moyers. William Moyers is also the author of “A New Day, A New Life.” He has appeared on programs like “Larry King Live,” “Good Morning, America” and “Oprah.” Dinner reservations are $75, of which $60 is a tax-deductible contribution. Tables of eight are $600. Northside United Methodist Church is at 2779 Northside Drive in northwest Atlanta. For more information, contact Kate Boyer at kboyer@breakthruhouseinc.com or call 404-284-4656.

CrossRoadsNews

April 11, 2009

Scene

Roberts was charged as a drug dealer, even though she had no prior drug record and no drugs were found on her, in the raid, or in any subsequent searches.

Powerful movie tells of one woman’s fight for justice East Lake “American Violet,” the story of a single African-American mother’s struggles to clear her name after being wrongly accused, opens on the big screen on April 17. Actress Nicole Beharie plays 24-year-old Dee Roberts, who was arrested and jailed for dealing drugs in impoverished Melody, Texas, in 2000. Roberts, who was struggling to raise her four daughters on a waitress’s salary and government subsidies, insisted on her innocence and refused to plea bargain. The 1 hour, 43 minute drama will be on screen at eight metro Atlanta AMC Theaters, including at the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia. It is rated PG-13. Beharie, a critically hailed newcomer, stars with Will Patton, Alfre Woodard, Michael O’Keefe, Tim Blake Nelson and Charles Dutton. The movie tells an important story about the complex interaction between race, poverty and the criminal justice system. Events depicted in the movie take place in November 2000, in the midst of that year’s election. Roberts was working an early morning shift at a local diner, when the town’s powerful local district attorney, played by Academy Award nominee Michael O’Keefe, leads an extensive drug bust, sweeping her Arlington Springs housing project with military precision. Police drag Dee from work in handcuffs, dumping her in the squalor of the women’s county prison. Her indictment was based on

Alfre Woodard (left) and Nicole Beharie star in “American Violet,” which opens April 17 at metro Atlanta theaters, including the AMC 16 at the Mall at Stonecrest.

the uncorroborated word of a single and dubious police informant facing his own drug charges. Roberts was charged as a drug dealer, even though she had no prior drug record and no drugs were found on her, in the raid, or in any subsequent searches. She is offered a hellish choice: Plead guilty and become a convicted felon and lose her children, or remain in prison and fight the charges.

event to support PTA Dishes from local restaurants and cafes, live entertainment and a silent auction are all on tap at “An Evening at East Lake” on April 25. The event, which is hosted by the East Lake Elementary School PTA, will take place 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the school, 145 Fourth Ave. in Atlanta. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. Proceeds benefit school programs. For more information, call Mia Bucker at 678-654-5959.

Despite the urgings of her mother, played by Academy Awardnominee Alfre Woodard, she chooses to fight the district attorney and the unyielding criminal justice system he represents. She is joined in an unlikely alliance by an ACLU attorney, played by Tim Blake Nelson, and former local narcotics officer Will Patton. Roberts risks everything in a battle that forever changes her life and the Texas justice system.

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Sidney Poitier (right) starred in the 1959 Broadway production of “A Raisin in the Sun,” and in the movie version released in 1961.

Renaissance theater staging classic play Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” will be on stage at The Renaissance Project April 18 to May 9. The South DeKalb community theater is celebrating its 10th season with the drama that has been described as “one of the handful of great American plays in the league of ‘Death of a Salesman,’ ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ and ‘The Glass Menagerie.’ ” “A Raisin in the Sun” tells the story of a family living and struggling on Chicago’s South Side in the 1950s. It is a fiercely moving portrait of people whose hopes and dreams are constantly deferred. The Renaissance Project’s production is directed by Shea Fleming. It boasts an en-

semble cast of five men, three women and one child including Diva Tyler Crichlow as Lena Younger (Mama),Tasia Grant as Ruth Younger, Lewon Johnson as Joseph Asagai, Michael Jones as George Murchison, Kamil McFadden as Travis Younger, Kevin Nichols as Walter Lee Younger (Brother), Mystie Smith as Beneatha Younger, Edward Tucker as Bobo, and Erick Westlake as Karl Lindner. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on May 9. Tickets are $15 to $18. For more information and tickets, visit www.renaissanceproject.info or call 404-2436937.

NICOLE BEHARIE TIM BLAKE NELSON WILL PATTON MICHAEL O’KEEFE XZIBIT WITH CHARLES S. DUTTON AND ALFRE WOODARD

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CrossRoadsNews

Ministry

April 11, 2009

Berean is screening the faith-based film because Senior Pastor Kerwin Lee sees it as a healthy way to keep the family together.

Berean Church to screen inspirational movie The inspirational 2008 movie “Saving God... One Soul at a Time,” about an ex-con who finds God and returns home to take over his father’s old church and congregation, will be screened April 24 at Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain. The free showing at 7 p.m. will be in the church’s 1,200 seat sanctuary. Actor Ving Rhames stars as Armstrong Cane, who had served 15 years in prison for manslaughter and returns to the neighborhood now full of drugs and gangs. But even with a dangerous gang leader, played by Dean McDermott (“So Notorious”), threatening his flock, Cane won’t give up. The movie also stars Ricardo Chivera (“Dangerous Housewives”), Dwain Murphy (“How She Moves”) and Genelle Williams (“Radio Free Roscoe”). The independent film is produced by Clear Entertainment and Cloud Ten Pictures. It marks the directorial debut of Duane Crichton. The local screening sponsored by the Kingdomwood Christian Film Fes-

Ricardo Chivera (left) and Ving Rhames star in “Saving God... One Soul at a Time.”

tival, Urban Ministries Inc. and Berean Christian Church. Joe Williams, who co-founded the film festival with Audrey Thomas, said Berean is screening the faith-based film because Senior Pastor Kerwin Lee sees it as a healthy way to keep the family together by sharing entertainment that

reaches the soul. The church has also provided a location at its community center for the festival’s student film workshops. Berean Christian Church is at 2201 Young Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, e-mail joewilliams1956@yahoo.com.

Teaching, preaching series focuses on women Women at the Cross, a month of preaching and teachings on the presence and purpose of women as discipline of faith, is under way at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church in Lithonia and the Interdominational Theological Center in Atlanta. The Wednesday night program, which kicked off April 1, is co-hosted by the Center for Afrikan Biblical Studies at First Afrikan and Black Women in Church and Society. On April 15 at First Afrikan, the Rev. Melba Sampson will be the preacher/ teacher and there will be interpretative dance on Mary, Mother of Jesus. On April 22, the program moves to ITC and Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, associate Professor of Homiletics at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, will preach/teach. EcumeniTeresa Fry Brown cal Voices of Praise, the ITC gospel choir will perform and there will be a dramatization of Mary Magdalene. The series wraps up on April 29 with the Rev. Shively T.J. Smith , a New Testament scholar will be preach and teach, and a dramatization of Slamone, Mother of John and James and wife of Zebedee. All programs start at 7 p.m. For more information, call 770-981-2601 or 404-527-5710.

Dynamic preachers scheduled for Ray of Hope’s conference for women Women and young females have until April 15 to register for Ray of Hope Christian Church’s May 14-16 Daughters of Destiny Women’s Conference at Chateau Elan in Braselton. Early registration closed on April 1, so participants can now pay an additional $35 of the $125 conference fee. The annual conference, themed “WOW Women: Soaring to An-

other Level,” is organized by the Decatur church’s Daughters of Destiny Women’s Ministry and is open to females 13 years and older. It features worship classes and sessions dedicated to topics concerning women. There will also be gourmet meals, a tranquil setting, winery tours and tasting, massage therapy, shopping and a spa. Eight women preachers from

across the country are participating. They include the Rev. Jo Ann Browning of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Md.; Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland of New Creation Christian Fellowship in San Antonio, Texas; Rev. Dr. Elaine Flake of Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Jamaica, N.Y.; co-pastor Susie Owens of Bethel AME Church in Baltimore, Md.; and the Rev. Dr.

Jasmin Sculark of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in York, Pa. Rev. Dr. Carolyn Showell of First Apostolic Faith Church in Baltimore, Md., Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn., and Rev. Dr. Renita Weems of Ray of Hope Community Church Nashville, Tenn., are also on the agenda. Ray of Hope senior pastor Rev.

Dr. Cynthia Hale will be conference host and Kathy Taylor will be the guest psalmist. On May 17, conference participants will return to Decatur for at Women’s Day at Ray of Hope’s 10 a.m. worship service. The Rev. Dr. Carolyn A. Knight of Atlanta will be the featured speaker. For more information or to register, visit www.rayofhope.com or call 770-696-5100, ext. 209.

CrossRoadsNews

April 11, 2009

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$384 DAILY! No experience required! Data entry positions available Now! Internet access needed! Income is Guaranteed! Apply today! www.datamoney. net $600 Weekly Potential$$$ Helping The Government PT. No Experience, No Selling. Call: 1-888-213-5225 Ad Code E. Void in Maryland and South Dakota. Mystery Shoppers Needed. Earn up to $150 per day. Undercover Shoppers needed to Judge Retail & Dining Establishments Experience Not Required. Call Now 1-877-218-6211 $12.00 GUARANTEED for every envelope stuffed with our sales material plus a free sign on bonus. Free 24 hour information. 1-888-250-8110 Be Your Own BOSS! Huge Profits! No EXP needed! learn How to Buy/Sell Discounted Homes! Get up to $8K tax credit on your first deal! For More Info & Listings 800-935-9058 ext. B106

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Health & Fitness

Misc. For Sale

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Real Estate NC Mountains. NEW! E-Z Finish Log Cabin Shell Financing Available!!With Loft & Full Basement. Includes acreage. $99,900 Warm Winters/Cool Summers 828-247-9966 code 45 3bd 2ba HUD Home only $200/ mo! 4bd 2ba Home only $300/ mo! Priced to Sell! 1-4bd Foreclosures from $10k! 5%dn, 20yrs @8%apr! For Listings 800-3660142 ext. T253 BUY HUD Homes from $199/mo! 4bd 2ba only $325/mo! 3bd 2ba only $199/mo! More Home from $199/mo! 5% dn, 15yrs @8% apr! for Listings 800-366-0142 ext. T252

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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.

CrossRoadsNews

April 11, 2009