CrossRoadsNews, April 14, 2018

WELLNESS

SCENE

Residents learned how to control traumatic bleeding and save lives in emergencies and man-made and natural disasters. 5

“Natural Woman: An Aretha Story,” coming to the Lithonia Amphitheater, looks at two stages of the Queen of Soul’s life. 6

Preparedness when it counts

‘Respect’ through the ages

Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways

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

Copyright © 2018 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

April 14, 2018

Volume 23, Number 50

www.crossroadsnews.com

Mann appealing to state administrative judge to keep job

By Rosie Manins

DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey Mann is headed to a Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings judge in an effort to keep his job.

Mann is appealing the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council’s Sept. 27, 2017, decision to revoke his law enforcement certification, a requirement to hold the office.

Mann, who has been DeKalb’s sheriff since 2014, lost the certification after he was arrested in May 2017 for indecently exposing himself in Piedmont Park late at night and leading the arresting Atlanta police officer on a quarter-mile chase through a nearby

Hearings,” Powell said April 9.

Lisa Boggs, Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings general counsel chief of staff, said the organization did not yet have Mann’s case on file for adjudication.

“It is possible the case has not yet been referred to OSAH for adjudication,” Boggs Jeffrey Mann, DeKalb County Sheriff said April 10. “Our office only dockets cases once the agencies submit them.”

Mann’s lawyer Noah Pines, a partner Parties failed to reach a resolution at the in the Atlanta firm Ross and Pines, did not residential neighborhood.

Ryan Powell, director of the POST conference. respond to a request for information about “The matter was not resolved and will the appeal.

Council’s operations division, told CrossRoadsNews that a pre-hearing conference likely be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Neither has the Georgia Attorney Genfor Mann’s appeal was held on March 8 at the Office for review and scheduling of a hearing before the Office of State Administrative Please see APPEAL, page 2 council’s headquarters in Austell.

“I enjoy being sheriff and I think I should be judged, not by one error, not by one lapse of judgment, but what I’ve done as sheriff for the last four years.”

Stonecrest to be new home for Carnival 20,000 or more expected for May 26 parade

Caribbean Carnival will bring its splashy costumes, bright colors, pulsating music and delicious food to Stonecrest on May 26, parading along Mall Parkway from near Walmart to the Caribbean Festival in the former Kohl’s parking lot, now owned by Atlanta Sports City.

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Caribbean Carnival is coming to Stonecrest.

After three years on Covington Highway in Decatur, the splashy party of spectacular floats, bodacious costumes, pulsating music and more people than you can throw a stick at will descend on Mall Parkway on May 26 for its 2018 parade and revelry.

Charles Baker, vice president of the Atlanta Carnival Bandleaders Council Inc., said more than 20 bands with thousands of members and followers will participate in the noon to 5 p.m. parade, held annually over Memorial Day weekend. Charles Baker The event, a promotion of Caribbean culture, is celebrating 30 years of carnival in Atlanta. In addition to locals, it draws tourists from Texas to New York, Canada and Europe and provides a big boost to local businesses and hotels.

As the event draws closer, Baker says the level of excitement is building over the new location.

“It’s hard right now to get hotel rooms at Stonecrest for the Memorial Drive weekend,” Baker said.

Jason Lary, the mayor of Stonecrest, said he is looking forward to welcoming the event to the new city.

“I love Carnival,” said Jason Lary Lary, who will be one of the event’s grand marshals and will ride in a convertible during the parade. “I am happy it is coming this way.”

Jennifer Ffrench Parker/ CrossRoadsNews

Lary, who has participated in carnival in Trinidad, Guyana and locally, said he is hoping to pass as a Caribbean native during the event.

“I am told that I look like a Trinidadian,” he said. “I am hoping I can be a Trinidadian for the day.”

In the three years that the carnival lured more than 30.000 people to Decatur, DeKalb Police reported no incidents connected to the festival.

Lary says he loves that there is never a fight at Carnival.

“It’s all about having fun,” he said.

The Atlanta DeKalb Caribbean Carnival is a joint event of the bandleaders council and the Atlanta DeKalb Carnival Committee.

After the parade, a lineup of local and inter-

national calypso, reggae and other artistes will perform in the festival village until 10 p.m. A wide range of food and arts and craft vendors will be in the village.

Baker said the move to Stonecrest is motivated by economics and a search for a perfect DeKalb location to host the event.

Over its three-year sojourn on Covington Highway, spectators and participants ballooned from 6,000 in 2015 to more than 15,000 in 2017.

Based on that growth spiral, organizers are expecting 20,000 to 25,000 people this year.

As participation and spectators grew, Baker said, the cost of police security for the event grew.

“It was getting prohibitive,” he said.

Organizers also could not control street vending along the parade route, which competed with the parade village where festival vendors were located.

“DeKalb County apparently don’t have a ordinance against street vending and people just set up along the street,” Baker said. “The vendors in the festival village were not happy because they paid to be in the village and outside vendors were competing with them.”

Baker said organizers, who are working with Atlanta Sports City, will have better control in Stonecrest.

The two-mile parade route – which is a half-mile longer than the Covington Highway route – will start on Mall Parkway near Please see FESTIVAL, page 6

CrossRoadsNews

2

Community

April 14, 2018

“She chose to steal from drug dealers because she believed that they were unlikely to claim the missing money.”

Teen arrested in 3-year-old’s death Former officer Fifth case of indicted in drug rabies found in money scheme DeKalb County

By Rosie Manins

DRAYTON WOODS DR GARFIELD DR

COVINGTON HWY

YOUNG RD

DeKalb County police are looking for the man at left, who they believe witnessed a fatal shooting at the Texaco gas station at the intersection of Eastland and Bouldercrest in southeast Atlanta at 11:30 p.m. on April 1.

ALBATROSS LN Five raccoons that tested positive for rabies have been found in South and Central DeKalb since Feb. 12, when a rabid raccoon was captured at 1832 Young Road in Decatur.

Residents in DeKalb are on alert after a raccoon that was captured on April 6 in the 3100 block of Albatross Lane in Decatur tested positive for rabies.

It is the fifth case of rabies reported in the county since Feb. 12, when a rabid raccoon was captured at 1832 Young Road in Decatur.

A rabid raccoon was caught by DeKalb County Animal Control on March 19 in the 1600 block of Drayton Woods Drive in Tucker, and on March 3 a raccoon captured in the 3900 block of Garfield Drive in Stone Mountain tested positive for rabies.

A raccoon captured Feb. 23 in the 3200 block of Covington Highway in Decatur also tested positive for the disease, which infects the brain and can spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.

Pet owners are advised to keep pets from running at large and not to leave trash outside or feed wild animals.

Symptoms of rabies infection include excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.

Animals exhibiting these symptoms should be reported to DeKalb Animal Control immediately at 404-294-2996. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention immediately.

Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets every year and registering the tag with DeKalb County Animal Control.

By Rosie Manins

A 15-year-old youth is in custody, charged with murder in the death of 3-year-old T’Rhigi Diggs, who was shot to death on Easter Sunday as he slept in the back of his mother’s car while she drove along Eastland Road in Atlanta.

DeKalb Police arrested the teen and charged him with murder at around 2 p.m. on April 11.

Police have not released the suspect’s name because he is a minor.

DeKalb Police Chief James Conroy said T’Rhigi’s death on April 1 was tragic and senseless.

“It is my hope that this arrest will bring some sense of comfort and closure to his family," he said Wednesday, Police are looking for a man who they believe witnessed the shooting that killed T’Rhigi, just two days after his third birthday on March 30.

The potential witness was captured

on surveillance footage at the Texaco gas station at the intersection of Eastland and Bouldercrest in southeast Atlanta.

Police believe the shot that killed T’Rhigi at 11:30 p.m. on April 1 came from the gas station.

“After initially being told by parties involved that this was a drive-by shooting, DeKalb County police detectives worked tirelessly to locate witnesses who were at the gas station near the intersection that night,” Conroy said. “After locating several witnesses through surveillance footage and analyzing the crime scene it was determined that the fatal shot came from the gas station adjacent to the intersection,” he said.

Police hope the potential witness, who has not yet come forward, can help with the investigation.

They have asked anyone with information about the case or the potential witness to call the county’s homicide division at 770-724-7850.

A former DeKalb County police officer has been indicted on 14 charges for orchestrating a racketeering scheme in which she is alleged to have illegally seized more than $150,000 in drug Lori M. Johnson money.

According to the March 29 bill of indictment, Lori Monique Johnson, 33, and two drug dealers she’s affiliated with set up unsuspecting drug dealers, seized their cash and split the amount.

“She chose to steal from drug dealers because she believed that they were unlikely to claim the missing money and therefore would never discover that the money was not the subject of a forfeiture action,” the indictment states.

Johnson allegedly used her position as a police officer to improperly seize the money during traffic stops, personally pocketing $20,000. She falsified records and incident reports to hide the crime.

Her two drug-dealing associates walked away with about $140,000.

Johnson, who resigned as a DeKalb police officer on Oct. 20, 2017, surrendered to authorities Thursday night after being indicted by a DeKalb grand jury earlier that day.

She posted bond shortly after her arrest.

Johnson faces 13 charges of violating the oath of a public officer and one count of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Her case will be prosecuted by the De­Kalb County District Attorney’s anti-corruption unit; a trial date has not been set.

Mann acknowledges mistake and is ‘ready to move on’ APPEAL,

from page

1

eral’s Office.

In an April 5 interview with WSB-TV, Mann said he is ready to put his mistake behind him, while continuing to fight to keep office.

“This error, that I’ve acknowledged,

apologized for and I’m ready to move on,” he said.

Mann said the past 11 months since his arrest have been tough.

“But you know, it is what it is, and so I’m dealing with it, okay?” he said. “I enjoy being sheriff and I think I should be judged, not by one error, not by one lapse of judgment,

The 2017 E The 2017 X E SENIORS X SENIORS P P &Baby Boomer O & Baby Boomer O

but what I’ve done as sheriff for the last four years.”

The Georgia Attorney General’s Office will argue against Mann’s appeal during the state administrative judge hearing.

If Mann is not happy with the outcome of that hearing, he can take his appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

October 14, 2017 October 2017 Noon - 14, 5 p.m.

Noon - 5 p.m. at the the at Mall at at Stonecrest Stonecrest Mall

Food & & Fitness Fitness Demos Demos •• Exhibitors Exhibitors •• Health Health Screenings Screenings •• Enter Entertainment & Perfor Performances Food tainment & mances

Award-Winning Award-Winning Community Community Expos Expos

Limited Limited number number of of sponsorships sponsorships available. available.

Call Call 404-284-1888 404-284-1888 to to confirm confirm your your participation. participation.

April 14, 2018

Community

CrossRoadsNews

3

“It was a quickening moment for me, an eye-opening moment that spoke volumes about the challenges we faced.”

DeKalb spending $79 million in next phase of sewer repairs

By Rosie Manins

DeKalb County will spend $79 million fixing its aging and long-neglected sewer system in the next phase of efforts to honor its 8.5-year clean water consent decree with state and federal government agencies.

CEO Michael Thurmond told the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on April 10 that the expenditures – between Michael Thurmond June 2018 and June 2020 – will repair structural defects, replace pipes and linings, educate the public about preventing overflows, and assess the network for future problems.

DeKalb’s $1.345 billion consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division requires it to clean, repair, enlarge and maintain its network of sewer pipes to reduce and prevent overflows

by June 2020.

The consent decree, signed in 2011, came in the wake of 836 sanitary sewer spills in DeKalb between 2006 and October 2010 from the county’s 50-year-old sewer system.

DeKalb’s $700 million Capital Improvement Program, approved by the Board of Commissioners in 2011, included $450 million for consent decree fixes. At the end of 2017, only about $150 million of the $450 million had been spent.

Even though the county failed to act on the consent decree between 2011 and 2014, Thurmond, who took office in January 2017, says it is now a top priority of his administration.

The first $26 million of the $79 million will be spent fixing high priority areas that have had more than 40 overflows; replacing and upsizing 3.9 miles of pipe; replacing 2,000 feet of defective pipe and 1,000 feet of

pipe lining; and repairing 42 pipes.

Once that is done, the county’s sewage network will have an estimated capacity of 28 million gallons per day.

The first phase of the work also includes assessing the condition of an additional 4 miles of pipe.

Phase two, comprising $28 million of expenditures, will focus on extending rehabilitation efforts and addressing 20 past overflows. More than 7 miles of pipe will be worked on and 59 pipes repaired.

The third phase, costing $25 million, will address 30 past sewer overflows, and include 5 miles of new pipes and the rehabilitation and repair of 108 pipes.

Thurmond said even though the county failed to properly manage and maintain its sewage network for decades, many of the administrative problems that led to the consent decree have been fixed.

He said he is proud that as a result, the county experienced a 31 percent reduction or 44 overflows in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 64 overflows in the first quarter of 2017.

Thurmond said more staff have been hired in the county’s Department of Watershed Management, and that standard protocols and procedures that were never in place have been implemented.

He said that in addition, there is also better communication among staff from the different county departments that are working to fix the problems.

DeKalb has also expanded its sewer pipe cleaning program to include large-diameter pipes for the first time in half a century.

In 2017 the county completed $22 million worth of sewer maintenance under the consent decree. It cleaned 220 miles of sewers, removed 5.1 tons of debris, completed 1,821 stream crossing inspections, and replaced 3,000 manhole covers.

Thurmond, who gave the first public consent decree update in December 2017, said that previously the county had failed

4th District women nearing pay equity

By Rosie Manins

Women in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District are approaching pay equity with men, a study of U.S. Census Bureau statistics reveals.

The district, which includes portions of De­ Hank Johnson Kalb, Rockdale, Newton and Gwinnett counti­es, is among the nation’s leaders in gender-based pay equity.

The data analysis by the National Partnership for Women and Families, shows that in the 4th District, represented by Hank Johnson, women make around 98 cents for every dollar earned by men, and the median annual wage is $41,085 for men, $40,277 for women.

The National Partnership for Women and Families released the information on April 9, which is observed as National Equal Pay Day, the day each year that symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.

The group said that of the 435 congressional districts nationwide, only 12 are places where “women are either paid the same or more than men, or the margin of error is large enough and the earnings ratio close enough that it cannot be said with at least 90 percent confidence that there is a gender wage gap.”

Johnson, who has represented the district since 2007, said the relative pay equity is one of the district’s many special qualities.

“While I’m encouraged that we have pay equity in my district – or something close to it – the truth is that we have so much work to do in Georgia and the nation, where the pay gap is still unacceptable – especially among Native American, Latina and AfricanAmerican women,” Johnson said April 10.

In Georgia, women make just 82 cents in every dollar paid to men, equating to a yearly average pay difference of $8,434.

Statewide, Latina women earn about $26,841 less per year than white, non-Hispanic men. Black women earn about $19,319 less, and white, non-Hispanic women about $10,957 less.

to develop and keep critical maintenance contracts. Through August 2017, he said there was no standard operating procedure to review new sewer connections in DeKalb.

Thurmond said the lowest point in his tenure as CEO was in August 2017, when 6.4 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into Snapfinger Creek near Stonecrest, because of a 16-inch diameter tree growing out of a concrete junction block. Watershed staff estimated the tree had been growing in the system undetected for 15 years.

“It was a quickening moment for me, an eye-opening moment that spoke volumes about where we were and the challenges we faced in living up to the spirit and the letter of our consent decree,” Thurmond said.

That record spill, DeKalb’s largest in more than a decade, came just one week after a 3.9 million-gallon spill in Brookhaven.

Since then, increased inspections of pipes has led to the discovery of another tree growing in the network, which staff were able to remove before another spill, Thurmond said.

By the end of 2017, the county began certification of new connections and the use of a fully developed hydraulic model in the certification process.

Watershed Director Reginald Wells said that in the last two years, staff has compiled more than 200,000 spill-related documents for review, including 50,000 service requests.

“Ultimately, we realized that we needed to report an additional 791 incidents,” Wells said April 10, adding that they immediately started training and writing new protocols to begin reporting incidents correctly.

Wells said Watershed has consolidated its reporting documents, increased efforts to locate potential spill sites, and ramped up its public education on keeping fats, oils and grease (FOG), which accounts for 60 percent of spills, out of sinks and drains.

“The most important thing we can do is to place less FOG in our system,” Thurmond said. “Every citizen in this county who uses our sewer system can help us solve this problem,” he said.

100 employers expected at job fair Job seekers can meet 100 employers at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church’s annual career resource fair on April 18.

The event in the church’s Community Life Center will include county government offices, educational institutions, and resource agencies like the Georgia World Congress Center, DeKalb County Sheriff ’s Office, DeKalb Fire Rescue, Pepsi Co., and Clayton County Schools.

The 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. job fair, which is in its third year, is free to attend. It is co-spon-

sored by the Georgia Department of Labor in collaboration with the Beulah Business Network and DeKalb County government.

Applicants are encouraged to dress to impress and bring résumés and driver’s licenses to improve their chances of being hired.

The church is at 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur.

For more information, contact Jenice Brinkley at jenicebbnetwork@gmail.com, or Sean Sims at sean.sims@gdol.ga.gov or 404977-1853, or visit www.dol.georgia.gov.

CrossRoadsNews

4

April 14, 2018

2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Tekia L. Parks Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams

CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoads­News, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings.

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers.

The concept, design and content of CrossRoads­News are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material.

The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisements, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement.

We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

Circulation Audited By

Since 2003

Now Offering Pediatric Digestive Care in Stockbridge!

Pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Archie Ramaswami is fluent in Spanish and is now accepting new patients from infants to teens.

150 North Park Trail | Suite B Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 AGApediatrics.com | 404.843.6320

AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid, and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

April 14, 2018

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

‘Slam Dunk’ competition puts spotlight on mental health

Basketball lovers and mental health advocates can attend a “Slam Dunk for Mental Health Recovery” tournament on April 21 and 22 at the Decatur Active Living Center.

Fifteen teams of law enforcement, fire and rescue, and DeKalb judicial offices will compete during the event, which takes place 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 21, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 22.

Slam Dunk for Mental Health Recovery, hosted by DeKalb Criminal Justice Treatment Coalition Inc., is raising funds to help decriminalize mental health offenders and fund programs for participants in the county’s Misdemeanor Mental Health Court (MMHC).

Lori Brickman, the coalition’s vice president, said the event is a first step for people in the community to stop turning their heads on those struggling with mental disorders and to reduce the criminal stigma they face.

“We need to help people get the help they need,” she said.

Teams will come from the offices of the DeKalb District Attorney, State Court Probation, Solicitor General, Clerk of Superior Court, the Public Defender, the Sheriff ’s Office, police departments from Brookhaven, Chamblee and Dunwoody, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Georgia State University Police, DeKalb Police, Decatur Fire Rescue, DeKalb Fire Rescue, and Gwinnett County Police departments are also expected to compete.

A range of vendors, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, DeKalb Community Service Board, NAMI DeKalb, Chris 180, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Making Your Heart Lighter LLC, and Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network Inc. will provide information.

Tickets for the tournament are $5. Pro-

“Slam Dunk for Mental Health Recovery” will feature 15 teams from law enforcement, fire and rescue, and judicial offices.

ceeds will benefit MMHC programs and services, including transportation, medication/treatment, clothing/hygiene, food and household items, and academic related assistance.

Annually, nearly one in four adults experiences mental illness. Among youths, mental health issues affect one in every five young people.

Decatur Living Center is at 231 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur.

To support the event financially, send checks to DeKalb Criminal Justice Treatment Coalition Inc., c/o DeKalb Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, 556 N. McDonough St., Suite 1200, Decatur, GA 30030.

For more information, contact Lori Brickman at dekalbcountyfullpress@gmail. com or 404-805-5151.

Breast-feeding workshop offers help for new and expectant moms New moms and moms-to-be can learn what foods and breast-feeding techniques are the best for their babies on April 25 at the Clarkston Library.

Board-certified lactation specialists will answer questions and provide instructions on breast-feeding equipment like breast pumps, and give breast-feeding moms tips on how to safely store their breast milk.

The 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. workshop, which is part of the library’s Growing Healthy Babies series, will help women facing latching difficulties, painful nursing, and low milk production.

Growing Healthy Babies is a partnership between the DeKalb County Office of Youth Services and DeKalb County Public Library.

Lactation specialists will answer questions and provide tips on breast-feeding techniques, equipment and milk storage.

Lunch will be provided.

The library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston.

For more information, contact Lidia at lyquinones@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404687-7123.

‘Stop the Bleeding’ training teaches lifesaving skills during emergencies Across DeKalb County, 160 residents now know techniques to control traumatic bleeding and save lives.

The residents acquired their new skills at a March 24 bleeding control training hosted by DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the DeKalb Fire Rescue Reserve.

The training was as part of a nationwide Stop the Bleed Day, observed on March 21. It prepared participants to save lives by stopping life-threatening bleeding in emergencies and during man-made and natural disasters.

Participants learned how to make tourniquets, apply pressure to slow bleeding, and pack wounds with available materials

in workplace incidents, car accidents and an active shooter event.

DeKalb EMA Director Sue Loeffler said everybody should take advantage of the training program.

“Victims of uncontrolled bleeding can die in a matter of minutes and bystanders are always the first on any scene,” Loeffler said.

“Just like CPR, it has the potential to save lives if done properly.”

The White House began Stop the Bleed Day in October 2015 to build national awareness and as a call to action. Georgia launched its Stop the Bleed campaign in 2017.

For more information, contact DeKalb Emergency Management Agency at 770270-0413.

5

6

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

April 14, 2018

“It begs the question, ‘what advice about love and life would you give your younger self if you had the opportunity?’ ”

Aretha’s story coming to Lithonia Amphitheater for one show R&B fans and followers of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, won’t want to miss “Natural Woman: An Aretha Story” on April 28 at the Lithonia Amphitheater.

The smash hit musical tribute returns to metro Atlanta for a one-night-only performance at 7:30 pm.

It stars L’Tanya “Sugarlips” Shields Turner and Shappell Edwards as “The Queen of Soul” and “Young Ree” respectively, and offers a glimpse into Franklin’s life as a single teenage mother; a working woman balancing home and career, coping with two challenging marriages; and, later, romantic relationships that were the source of both tremendous joy and unforeseen heartache.

The dramatic production also paints a vivid picture of a Detroit long gone – the storefront churches, the basement parties, the explosive R&B shows.

Blake Vision Entertainment which is

L’Tanya Shields Turner (left) plays the older, seasoned Aretha, and Shappell Edwards is the teenage mother coming into her own.

presenting the show in partnership with producers Thandi & Company, says it is back by popular demand.

Writer/director Thandiwe DeShazor said he wanted to tell the story of two Arethas – the teenage woman coming into her own, and the mature Queen we all know today.

“It begs the question, ‘what advice about love and life would you give your younger self if you had the opportunity?’ ” DeShazor said.

Edwards, who plays the young Ree, said the show will surprise even the most ardent Franklin fans who think they know it all.

“There’s a story behind every legacy, the known and unknown,” said Edwards, who lives in Jonesboro. “I think everyone will enjoy hearing it from a different perspective.”

Shields, who says she has been an Aretha fan all her life, said she is honored to portray the Queen of Soul.

“I absolutely adore her music and her as strong black woman,” she said.

“Natural Woman: An Aretha Story” is the first of six Blake Entertainment shows this spring and summer at the Lithonia Amphitheater. It is part of company’s Theater Under The Stars Golden Tribute Series.

A Theatrical Experience Pre-Show at 7:30 p.m. will include giveaways and fun gifts.

The Lithonia Amphitheater is at 2515 Park Drive in downtown Lithonia.

Tickets are $25 each. For tickets and more information, visit www.blakevision.com.

Healthy cooking demo at library Toiletries for youth in foster care Life chef Asata Reid frequently demonstrates healthy recipes and works regularly with organizations to increase the number of individuals and communities eating and living healthier lifestyles.

Cooking enthusiasts can learn quick, healthy recipes and helpful cooking tips from life chef Asata Reid at “Heal Thyself with Healthy Cooking” on April 20 at the Stonecrest Library.

Reid will teach the 11 a.m. to noon class featuring locally grown produce.

Reid started culinary education programs

to help people incorporate healthy eating as a part of a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age, health status or income level.

The library is at 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia.

For more information, contact Lylah Lockridge at lockridge@dekalblibrary.org or 770-482-3828.

Donations of toiletries are being accepted through April 27 to help kids in the foster care system.

Items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, hairbrushes, soap, lotion, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and bath sponges can be dropped off at four locations in DeKalb.

The collection drive is hosted by DeKalb Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling.

Collection baskets are at the offices of the DeKalb Solicitor-General, District Attorney, Clerk of Superior Court, State Court Probation Department and Marshal’s Office at 556 N. McDonough St. in Decatur. Donations are also accepted at the DeKalb County Sheriff ’s Office at 4415 Memorial Drive, and DeKalb County Police’s East and South precincts, at 2484 Bruce St. in Lithonia and 2842 H.F. Shepherd Drive in Decatur, respectively.

Gaither to keynote prayer breakfast Stronghold Christian Church senior pastor Dr. Benjamin Gaither will be the keynote speaker at the Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards Prayer Breakfast, 9 a.m.-noon April 21 at Revolutionary Grace Church in Rex. Alicia Cardwell Alston, Revolutionary Grace Church’s co-pastor and founder of the Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards, said participants can look forward to inspiration, enrichment, and encouragement.

Tickets are $30 and include a buffet breakfast.

For registration, vending opportunities, and more information, visit www. kingdombuildersawards. com/prayer-breakfast or call 404-536-0864.

The church is at 6631 Benjamin Gaither Highway 42.

Atlanta DeKalb Carnival picks Stonecrest for its celebration of culture FESTIVAL,

from page

1

Walmart and terminate at the festival village, which will be in the parking lot of the former Kohl’s building, now owned by Atlanta Sports City.

Baker said masqueraders resplendent in

feathers, chiffon and tiny bikinis the colors of the rainbow will enter mall property on Stonecrest Way. Unauthorized vending will not be allowed along the route.

“It will be a more-controlled event,” Baker said April 10.

Mas bands for the event include Atlanta

Junkanoo Group, Calabash Alley Masqueraders, Inferno Mas Band, Madd Colors Carnival, Panamanics Mas Band, and Islandaz Mas. Lead-up to the carnival includes the Atlanta Caribbean Beauty Pageant; the King and Queen Panorama Show & Competition

on May 13; and the Atlanta DeKalb Caribbean Children’s Carnival on May 19 at Salem Park.

For vending and other information, visit http://atlantacarnivalbc.net/ or www.atlantadekalbcarnival2018.eventbrite.com, or call 404-324-9968 or 646-541-6435.

CrossRoadsNews

April 14, 2018

People

7

“We are just trying to figure this out. How can somebody so good be gone so quickly?”

Family, friends to celebrate Jesse ‘Jay’ Cunningham on April 16

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Family, friends and the community will celebrate the life of Jesse “Jay” Cunningham at midday on April 16 at Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in AtJesse Cunningham lanta.

Cunningham, a Decatur businessman and former DeKalb School Board member, died suddenly on April 6 from a heart attack.

He was 58 years old.

Visitation and a wake service will take place on April 15 at Gregory B. Levett &

Sons Funeral Home’s South DeKalb Chapel on Flat Shoals Parkway. Visitation will be noon to 7 p.m. The wake service takes place 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cunningham owned Jesse’s Restaurant & Lounge in the Wesley Chapel Crossing shopping center in Decatur.

He represented District 5 on the School Board for eight years from 2005 to 2013.

Before he ran for the School Board, he was PTSA president at Martin Luther King Jr. High School.

Cunningham ran for the new Stonecrest City Council District 4 seat in 2017.

He was the oldest of seven children.

Malcolm Cunningham, his youngest brother, said the family has been trying to

come to grips with his death.

“We are just trying to figure this out,” Cunningham said April 10. “How can somebody so good be gone so quickly?”

He said that everything was going well for Jay, who had had some health issues but was on the mend.

“This one really hurts,” Malcolm Cunningham said. ”It’s just not supposed to happen like this.”

Friends, customers and others remembered Cunningham as a champion for children and a passionate community member.

DeKalb District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who is close to the family, said Cunningham will be missed.

“He was well loved and was a great per-

son,” she said.

George Turner, who knew Cunningham for 12 to 15 years, and competed with him for the Stonecrest City Council seat, said the community lost a fighter for children and a stronger education system.

“You could never question his love for children,” Turner said. “He was always trying to make life better for them.”

Cunningham is also survived by his wife Evelyn; sons Adrian, Jonathan and Brandon; daughter Sequoyah; and his mother, Shirley Pertillo Cunningham.

The funeral home is at 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church is at 1879 Glenwood Ave S.E. in Atlanta.

in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Mar. 21, 2018

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM3705-2 Eula Mae Adams filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 01, 2018 to change name from: Eula Mae Adams to Eula Lea Adams. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Mar. 01, 2018

Ministry

Public Notice

04/07, 04/14, 4/21, 4/28

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT

Legal Notices Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 20, 2018.

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 20th day of Mar., 2018

03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM3050-2 Richard Gray PLAINTIFF VS Mirka Roque DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Mar. 20, 2018. You are hereby notified that Mar. 02, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Richard Gray, 3283 Idle Creek Ct., Decatur, GA 30034.

03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM2381-8 Angelica Clarke PLAINTIFF VS Marlon Mullings DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 21, 2018. You are hereby notified that Jan.

30, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is 4553 Carriage Park Drive, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 21, 2018.

Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 20th day of Mar., 2018

the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 06, 2018 to change name from: Robin Denise Lanier to Robin Denise Syphrett Randall.

Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Mar. 01, 2018 04/07, 04/14, 4/21, 4/28

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT

03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM3043 Robin Denise Lanier filed a petition in

Civil Action Case Number: 18PA1131-8 Darlane Williams filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Apr. 02, 2018 to change name from: Darlane Williams to Darlene Ramirez. Any interested party has the right to appear

Dental Benefits

Medicine

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Marketplace OPPORTUNITIES Janitorial Business - Start your own home-based janitorial business w/contracts! Earn over $10,000 per month; Call now: 404 348-2860

If This Was Your Ad, Someone Would Be Seeing It Now!

Photography Services

legal

JHC

Call 404-284-1888 today for rates & information.

Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC

Ministry

“EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

Business Slow?

Advertise here & watch it

GROW!

Call Catherine today for information!

404-284-1888

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

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

P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

CrossRoadsNews

8

April 14, 2018

EXTRA 20% SALE OFF SELECT ITEMS

5-DAY SPECIALS WED, 4/11–SUN, 4/15

EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE BELOW.

NOW–SUNDAY, APRIL 15

EXTRA

10

$

OFF

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE. USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR THIS PASS IN STORE 4/11-4/14/2018 UNTIL 2PM; 4/15 UNTIL 3PM. VALID ONLINE 4/11– 4/15/2018. MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: WKND25 See macys.com/deals for online exclusions SAVINGS OFF SELECT SALE ITEMS IN STORE & SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS ONLINE

EXTRA

20

%

OFF

CLOTHING, MEN’S SUIT SEPARATES & SPORT COATS, ACCESSORIES, JEWELRY & HOME ITEMS. EXTRA 15% OFF SHOES FOR HIM, COATS, DRESSES, SUITS FOR HER, LINGERIE & SWIM FOR HER. EXTRA 10% OFF WATCHES. USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR THIS PASS 4/11-4/15/2018. MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: WKND See macys.com/deals for online exclusions SAVINGS OFF SELECT SALE ITEMS IN STORE & SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS ONLINE

EXCLUDES ALL: Bonus Buys, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, lowest prices of the season, Macy’s Backstage, specials, Super Buys, The Market @ Macy’s, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, reg.-priced china/crystal/silver, cosmetics/fragrances, designer handbags/jewelry/watches/shoes/sportswear, electrics/electronics, furniture/mattresses, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, select licensed depts., previous purchases, men’s & women’s premium denim, restaurants, rugs, services, kids’ shoes, shoes for her, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, special purchases, select tech accessories, toys, select water bottles, American Rug Craftsmen, Anova, Apple Products, Ashley Graham, Avec Les Filles clothing, Barbour, Bow & Drape, Brahmin, Breville, Briggs & Riley, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, COACH, Demeyere, Destination Maternity, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Frye, Global Cutlery, Hanky Panky, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Karastan, kate spade new york apparel/accessories, Kenneth Cole kids’ shoes, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, LEGO, LensCrafters, Levi’s, select Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Miyabi, Movado Bold, Natori, Nike on Field, Nike swim, Original Penguin, Panache, Philips, Rimowa, RVCA, Shun, simplehuman bath accessories, Smeg, Spanx, Staub, Stuart Weitzman, Sunglass Hut, S’well, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Teva, Theory, Tommy John, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG®, Uttermost, Vans, Vietri, Vitamix, Wacoal, Waterford, Wolford & Wüsthof; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: Birkenstock, Merrell & Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices.

Purchase must be $25 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

N8030009E.indd 1

3/30/18 11:12 AM