CrossRoadsNews, April 23, 2016 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Major kudos ...

Put Litter in Its Place

... to volunteers who tackled the monumental task of clearing piles of trash that had accumulated along southbound Wesley Chapel Road at the entrance ramp to I-20 westbound.

Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful

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

April 23, 2016

Gregory Adams

Diane Adoma

George Chidi

Faye Coffield

Volume 21, Number 52

Jerome Edmondson

Randal Mangham

Rita Robinzine

www.crossroadsnews.com

Edward Patton

John Tolbert Jr.

Nine want to be the next Super District 7 commissioner By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The race to fill the open DeKalb Commission Super District 7 seat has attracted a crowd. Nine candidates, including seven who have run for office before and a former state representative, qualified April 11-13 to run in the Nov. 8 special election. The six men and three women seeking to

finish Stan Watson’s term of office are:

Lithonia resident.

from Clarkston. n Diane Adoma, a Conyers businesswoman who lives in Lithonia. n George Chidi, a journalist and Pine Lake City Council member. n Faye Coffield, a private investigator and Lithonia community activist. n Jerome Edmondson, a businessman and

state representative who lives in Stone Mountain. n Rita Robinzine, a teacher and DeKalb Democratic Party operative who lives in Decatur. n Edward Patton, a Stone Mountain Realtor. n John Tolbert Jr., a General Motors dealer Please see DISTRICT 7, page 2

n Gregory Adams, a pastor and police officer n Randal Mangham, a lawyer and former

relationship manager who lives in Decatur. Patton and Tolbert are the only political newcomers in the race. All the other candidates have run multiple times for local and state offices, and some of them – Adams and Edmondson – have competed in the same races in the past. This race is Adams’ second run for the

Family files suit over son’s beating at Stonecrest Civil action seeking punitive damages

Chavella Hamm, mother of the injured teen, speaks at an April 20 news conference with Decatur-based attorneys Robert Bozeman (left) and Mawuli Mel Davis.

By Ken Watts

The family of the 15-year-old Atlanta youth who was beaten by security guards last year at the Mall at Stonecrest has filed suit against the mall, the two guards who were caught on video pummelling the teen, and their employers – Securitas Security Services USA Inc. Police did not file criminal charges against three guards in the June 27, 2015, incident, but attorneys for the family said the lawsuit is the family’s quest for justice after DeKalb Magistrate Judge Howard Indermark declined to issue criminal warrants against the guards at a probable cause hearing on Aug. 10. “We haven’t given up on criminal charges,” said attorney Mawuli Mel Davis of the Decatur-based Davis Bozeman Law firm that is representing the family. “We’ll continue to pursue that while we move forward with the civil suit.” During the April 20 news conference to announce the lawsuit filed earlier that day in DeKalb County State Court, the family distributed a photograph showing a deep gash over the teen’s left eyebrow. The family has not identified the teen, saying he is a minor, but his mother, Chavella Hamm, said that while the cut has healed, her son is still grappling day to day with the emotional aftereffects. The civil suit, which is seeking to hold the security guards – Howard Bell of Conyers, John Battle of Covington and Glenn Russell of Stone Mountain – “accountable for the violent attack upon and physical beating,”

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

It also is seeking to hold Securitas and Stonecrest LLC “liable for the acts or omissions of its agents, officers and employees.” Neither the Mall at Stonecrest nor Securitas Security Services USA responded to telephone calls and emails by press time Thursday. According to the suit, an argument escalated into violence when the teen and a small group of male and female friends were inside the mall just before the mall’s 7 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied children under 17. The suit said Bell, Battle and Russell asked also seeks unspecified punitive damages whether the kids were accompanied by an from the defendants. adult, then asked them to leave. It said the beating caused the boy “to sufThe teen said his mother was shopping fer injuries, harm and losses for which the at a nearby Walmart and was on her way defendants bear moral and legal liability.” back to pick them up, but the group agreed Hamm’s 15-yearold son suffered a deep gash to his face and other injuries on June 27 when security guards beat him at the Mall at Stonecrest.

to leave. The document says the guards followed the teens outside, shouted profanities and punched the teen, who has not been identified by name. He suffered the gash when Battle shoved him into a metal bench. A witness captured the incident on video and posted it on Facebook and other social media where it was viewed by thousands. Hamm said she was shocked at the extent of her son’s injuries. “My child was bleeding,” Hamm said Wednesday. “His clothes were ripped and hanging off his body and he had cuts and scratches on his face.” The security guards were suspended without pay after the incident and banned from working at Stonecrest.

Elections Governor signs Stonecrest bill, vote for Nov. 8

Lithonia residents living within the boundaries of the proposed city of Stonecrest will get to vote to approve or defeat the new city on the Nov. 8 ballot. On April 21, Gov. Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 208 calling for a referendum on the creation of the city. The proposed 29square-mile city would include about 50,000 people near the city of Lithonia Nathan Deal and the Mall at Stonecrest. It would offer planning and zoning, code enforcement, and parks and pay for police service from DeKalb County. The General Assembly approved the cityhood legislation on March 24.

Seat attracts two newcomers, seven others DISTRICT 7,

from page

District 7 seat. He challenged Watson for the seat in 2014. Watson resigned in March to seek the office of DeKalb tax commissioner in the May 24 primary. Adams was also a candidate in the District 5 special election in 2015, and in 2012, he was one of two candidates who challenged CEO Burrell Ellis in his re-election bid for a second term as CEO. Adoma has run twice as a Democrat and as a Republican for the Georgia House and in the 2015 special election for the Georgia Senate District 43 race. She owns an H&R Block franchise in Rockdale County. Chidi, a Pine Lake City Council member since 2013, is a former AJC reporter who now blogs with Peach Pundit and freelances with a range of newspapers and magazines. Coffield, a retired Atlanta Police detective, operates her own private investigation agency. She ran as a Democrat for the County Commission in 2004 and as an independent in 2008 and has stayed active attending and speaking during public comment period at DeKalb Board of Commissioners meetings. She was an applicant for appointment to the interim District 5 Commission seat in 2013 before the special election was called. Edmondson, a call center owner, was the other challenger who opposed Ellis in his 2012 re-election bid. He also ran in the District 5 special election in 2015. Mangham, who was a state representative for 10 years, was a candidate in the crowded 2010 race for Georgia governor. He also applied for the appointment to fill the DeKalb District 5 Commission seat before a special election was held. Robinzine ran for the Georgia House in 2008 and was a candidate for state school superintendent in 2014. She has taught school for 26 years and served as site leader for the Organization of DeKalb Educators and the Georgia Federation of Teachers and served on the Democratic State Committee. Patton, who has lived in Stone Mountain since 1985, has been a real estate agent for 22 years. He said he is running to be a part of positive changes in the county, including bringing jobs and economic development. Tolbert, who has lived in the county for 15 years, said he has been active in the homeowners association where he has lived and has fought with the county over better policing, roads and other infrastructure. He now wants to work from the county level to bring resources to fight crime and attract more businesses and employers to the area.

CrossRoadsNews

April 23, 2016

To register to vote, residents must be at least 17 1/2; be a U.S. citizen; be a legal resident of DeKalb County; be mentally competent;

Clarkston hosting tax office, CEO, BOC forum monds are expected, and for the Candidates for DeKalb CEO, tax comSuper District 6 seat, Commissioner missioner, and the Board of CommissionKathie Gannon and challenger Warers districts 4 and 6 seats are expected at ren Mosby have been invited. an April 24 forum at the Clarkston ComThe forum, which takes place munity Center. 4 to 6:30 p.m., is sponsored by The invited candidates are Connie Clarkston Councilwoman Beverly Stokes, Michael Thurmond, Joe Bembry Burks, the DeKalb NAACP, and and Jack Lovelace, who are running for Asian Americans Advancing Justice CEO, and interim Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson Susannah Scott Stan Watson Atlanta Chapter. Irvin Johnson, attorney Susannah Scott The Clarkston Community Center is at and former DeKalb Commissioner Stan For the Commission District 4 race, Watson, who are vying for tax commis- Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and 3701 College Ave. For more information, sioner. challengers Steve Bradshaw and Lance Ham- email burksforclarkston@gmail.com.

DA, CEO candidates to participate in forum The six candidates seeking the offices of DeKalb CEO and DeKalb district attorney will square off April 28 in a forum at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. Former DeKalb Joe Bembry Commissioner Connie Stokes, former DeKalb School Superintendent Michael Thurmond and Decatur businessman Joe Bembry, who are seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 24 primary, and DeKalb District Attorney Robert James and DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston, who is challenging him, have been invited. Republican CEO candidate Jack Lovelace, who has no opposition in the May 24

Connie Stokes

Michael Thurmond

Robert James

primary, also has been invited. The winner of the CEO Democratic primary will face Lovelace in November. All the candidates will share their positions on key issues in DeKalb. The DA Candidate Forum takes place 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The CEO Candidate Forum is set for 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Denis O’Hayer, 90.1 WABE Morning Edition host, will moderate.

Sherry Boston

Jack Lovelace

The Community Partners forum is cohosted by the DeKalb Chamber, Leadership DeKalb, Junior League of DeKalb County and Parent Councils United. It takes place in Conant Performing Arts Center, 4484 Peachtree Road. It is free to attend, but registration at www.bit.ly/DeKalbDA-CEOForum is encouraged. Contact Emily Yang at eyang@ dekalbchamber.org or 404-378-8000.

Volunteers to register voters April 26 deadline to register Volunteers are needed to help register voters on April 29 and May 1. Decatur Team for Action, which is sponsoring the voter registration drive to increase the voter rolls, says it will train volunteers in correct registration procedures and provide forms and information. Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 29 and May 1 at Walmart, 5935 Memorial Drive (at the corner of Memorial and North Hairston Road) in Stone Mountain. To volunteer, email DecaturOrganizingForAction1@ gmail.com.

April 26 is the last day to register to vote in DeKalb if you want to cast ballots in the May 24 primary and nonpartisan elections. To register, residents must be at least 17 1/2; a U.S. citizen; a legal resident of DeKalb County; be mentally competent; and must not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction involving moral turpitude. You must be 18 years old to cast a ballot. Voter registration forms are available at www.sos.state.ga.us/elections, by downloading the “GA Votes” smartphone app, or by completing a postage-paid voter registration application and mailing it to the DeKalb Elections Office. Registration forms and absentee ballots also are available at local libraries and at http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/Voter/applicationForms. html.

April 23, 2016

Community

CrossRoadsNews

Open house on land use plan Residents, city leaders and business owners can share their thoughts on the DeKalb County Comprehensive Plan at an April 28 open house at Maloof Auditorium. From 6:30 to 8 p.m., participants can offer their views on developing a vision, goals, and direction for the future of DeKalb. The Comprehensive Plan is the county’s land use policy document. The current plan, completed in 1996, and the DeKalb Solid Waste Plan, completed in 1999, outline program goals and objectives through the year 2015. In accordance with the planning standards established by state law, DeKalb

has reviewed the existing plans, is determining public expectations for the future, and updating the contents of both plans through the year 2025. The plan comprises three major parts: community assessment, community participation program, and community agenda. State law requires that counties maintain and periodically update a 20-year comprehensive plan. The auditorium is at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur. For more information, contact Jared Lombard at jlombard@atlantaregional.com or 404-463-3302.

Ex-cop gets life for molesting girl Kelless Twohearts Lory of Stone has brought even more attention Mountain is going to prison for to this case, and unfortunately, the rest of his life for molesting a has probably negatively impacted 9-year-old girl from July 2011 to the reputation of police officers July 2012. throughout our community who Lory, a retired Chamblee and are struggling with, perhaps, a MARTA police officer, was sennegative impression by some memtenced to life in prison on April bers of the public.” 12. Lory was arrested in December A DeKalb County jury found Kelless Lory 2014. He was retired when the him guilty of two counts of aggravated child abuse occurred. molestation and two counts of child molestaHe retired from the Chamblee Police tion on April 7. Department and previously worked for The girl, who was a family member, testi- MARTA Police. fied at the trial. When the jury verdict was announced, Lory, 58, was immediately taken into Lory drank an unknown substance from custody. an over-the-counter vitamin bottle he had DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gail Flake with him in court. He was taken to Grady chastised Lory from the bench for the impact Memorial Hospital. The substance was later his actions have had on the victim and on the determined to be poisonous. He was released image of police officers. April 9 and taken to the DeKalb Jail. “You’ve certainly deprived her of the right He will be turned over to the Georgia to a safe and happy childhood,” Flake said. Department of Corrections to serve out his “The fact [that] you were a police officer sentence.

FREE Family Reunion Planning Workshop & Showcase

Discover DeKalb’s Reunion Specialist will teach you everything you need to know to plan the perfect Family Reunion in DeKalb County! Workshop - 10 a.m. to Noon | Showcase - Noon to 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 14th Courtyard by Marriott Decatur

130 Clairemont Avenue Decatur, GA 30030

Pre-registration is required

Call 770-492-5018

Family Reunion Capital of the South

FREE Customer Service Training Professional trainer, Donna Satchell of STARR Consulting & Training, will teach you the importance of providing outstanding service and help you enhance your service skills in this motivating free class.

Tuesday, May 10th 9 a.m. to Noon Discover DeKalb Conference Room 1957 Lakeside Parkway Suite 510 Tucker, GA 30084

Pre-registration is required

Call 770-492-5014 Register online at AtlantasDeKalb.com

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Graphic Design Curtis Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of 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 advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

Circulation Audited By

CrossRoadsNews

April 23, 2016

Stories about the trickster Anansi made their way to the New World with African captives via the Atlantic slave trade.

NBA great Look-alike contest for moms, kids Moms and their look-alike offto discuss spring can vie for up to $500 at the 7 Mother-Child Look-A-Like ‘Little Shaq’ May Contest. NBA legend and best-selling author Shaquille O’Neal will discuss the latest book in his “Little Shaq” children’s series on April 30 at First Baptist Church Decatur. The twohour e vent begins at 10 Shaquille O’Neal a.m. and is part of the Georgia Center for the Book’s Festival of Writers. “Little Shaq Takes a Chance,” the latest in the series created by O’Neal and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent award winner, encourages kids to find their own true talents. Like most kids, Little Shaq doesn’t love trying new things, especially if he might not be very good at them. So when his class is assigned projects for the upcoming art show, he’s not sure that his skills will transfer from the basketball court to the art studio. Can he find the confidence to embrace his own style and create a piece for the show? O’Neal, an analyst on “Inside the NBA,” played in the NBA for 19 years, retiring in 2011 after winning four NBA championships, Olympic gold, and numerous MVP and All-Star accolades. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on April 4. The church is at 308 Clairemont Ave. Visit www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

Registration is required to participate in the Gallery at South DeKalb’s annual competition. Pre-registration is under way through April 29 at 6 p.m. Applications are available at www. galleryatsouthdekalb.com or at the management office. On-site registration begins at noon on April 30 at Center Court. Eligible participants must register by 2 p.m., and the registration form must be accompanied by a photo. Two individual shots or one duo shot will be accepted, and photos are nonreturnable. If participants are unable to provide a photo, photos can be taken at registration for a nominal fee. A panel of judges will select the 20 pairs of participants Maria More with the closest resemblance and invite those pairs to return to compete in the contest. Finalists will be contacted by phone on May 3. The contest begins at noon on

Mom Lynette Dandridge and son Louis won first place in the 2015 contest at the Gallery at South DeKalb in Decatur.

May 7 at Macy’s Stage with radio personality Maria More of Majic 107.5 as host. Contestants will be judged on physical likeness, stage presence and overall presentation. Three

‘Hats Off to Mom’ at Macy’s on April 30 Jennifer Simpson, flanked by Sarah Height (left) and Jean Freeman, took first place in a bright-pink hat from Macy’s Spring Collection at the 2015 “Hats Off to Mom” event at the Gallery at South DeKalb in Decatur. The event returns on April 30.

‘Anansi’ lore in Clarkston The West African folklorebased “Me No Choose None! The Stories of Anansi” comes to the Clarkston Library on April 30. Everyone knows all the stories of the world belong to Anansi the Spider, but did he take them from Tiger? And should he give them back? The 11 a.m.-to-noon program is presented by the Perimeter College of Georgia State University Children’s Theater Class and is open to the first 60 participants. Call or visit branch to register. Stories about Anansi, a trickster in Ashanti folk tales, made their way to the West Indies and South and North America with African captives via the Atlantic slave trade. Modern-day storytellers help keep the oral tradition alive. The library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org or call 404-508-7175.

winners will be selected – first place will receive $500, second place will get $250, and third place will receive a merchant gift pack. The mall is at 2801 Candler Road in Decatur.

Women who wear crowns will love “Hats Off to Mom” at Macy’s South DeKalb on April 30. The 3-to-5 p.m. event will feature a “Best Hat” contest, and there will be refreshments for participants. In 2015, Jennifer Simpson, a New Life Baptist

Church member, won first place with a bright-pink hat. The Gallery at South DeKalb is at 2801 Candler Road in Decatur. For more information, visit www. galleryatsouthdekalb.com.

Lecture on transitions after Arab Spring Fraihat, a respected Foreign policy expert commentator on Middle Ibrahim Fraihat examines Eastern politics, argues in three countries – Yemen, “Unfinished Revolutions” Libya and Tunisia – grapthat to attain enduring pling with political transipeace and stability, posttions in the wake of the revolution states must enArab Spring on April 26 gage in inclusive national at the Carter Presidential reconciliation processes Library & Museum. Ibrahim Fraihat that feature a national The lecture and book signing begins at 7 p.m. in the the- dialogue, a truth-seeking effort, reparation of victims’ past injuries, ater and is free to attend. Arab Spring refers to the demo- dealing with the former regime, cratic uprisings that sprang up and institutional reform. Women, civil society, tribes and independently and spread across other social forces can support the the Arab world in 2011.

process. His research shows how some aspects of transitions have been politicized and each country has taken a specific approach, raising or diminishing the chances of civil war or a healthy transition. Fraihat is a senior foreign policy fellow at Brookings Institution and an affiliate scholar at Georgetown University. He received George Mason University’s Distinguished Alumni Award for his achievements in the field of conflict resolution. The library is at 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta. Visit www. jimmycarterlibrary.gov.

index to advertisers Art Awakening............................................... 11 Avon.............................................................. 11 Braids By Theresa.......................................... 11 Chapel Hill Orthodontics.................................6 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court......................9 DeKalb County Watershed Mgmt.................... 3

DeKalb County Watershed Mgmt.................... 5 Georgia Military College.................................6 Henry Mitchell, CPA, PC................................. 11 JenCare Medical Centers................................. 5 LawnMax, Inc................................................. 11 Macy’s............................................................12

Mini Mall........................................................ 11 Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center.......... 8 Soul Discount Fabrics..................................... 11 The Mall at Stonecrest.................................... 7 The Samuel Group......................................... 11 Best Buy..................................................Inserts

Walgreen’s..............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Allstate - Rochelle Bridges Johnson....... Online Decatur Business Association................. Online Georgia Military College........................ Online

CrossRoadsNews

April 23, 2016

Kudos Gala

He has repaired and built miles of soft trails throughout the 2,500-acre park and removed unsightly graffiti from the granite mountain.

Volunteers celebrated for years of community work

Viola Davis (2nd from left), Thomas Smith, Ruby Bozeman Davis and Kevin Chapman Jr. pose with their congressional certificates, Curtis Parker (left), Jennifer Parker and Eric Hubbard at right.

Hundreds cheer on community builders

Kevin Chapman Jr. (left) received a “Making a Difference” Community Kudos Award; Tom Smith (top) got an “Above & Beyond” award; and Ruby Bozeman Davis and Viola Davis were recognized for “Dedicated Service.”

Nearly 300 community leaders, elected and public officials, and residents celebrated the CrossRoadsNews 2016 Community Kudos Awards honorees on April 16 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Atlanta. Thomas Smith, Kevin Chapman Jr., and Viola Davis and Ruby Bozeman Davis were praised for making a difference in the South DeKalb community. Smith, a retired U.S. Forest Service engineer, was recognized for more than 16 years of volunteering at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. He has repaired and built miles of soft trails throughout the 2,500-acre

park and removed unsightly graffiti from the granite mountain. The Davises, who co-founded the watchdog Unhappy Taxpayer & Voter organization in 1996, were recognized for 20 years of holding elected officials accountable. Kevin Chapman Jr., who organized his community to clean up and beautify the Wesley Chapel/ Snapfinger Woods Drive corridors, was recognized for taking ownership of his community and inspiring others to do the same. The gala, supported by Kaiser Permanente, Macy’s and Georgia Power, benefits the CrossRoadsNews Foundation Scholarship Program for DeKalb college-bound seniors.

Photos by Ken Watts and Joe Wilson for CrossRoadsNews

Jazz violinist Delores Major (left) and Herman Mitchell and the All-Stars (above) entertained guests, including Trey Ragsdale and guests of gold sponsor Kaiser Permanente (right).

DeKalb State Court Judge Mike Jacobs (center), Fred Hicks, Nora Polk, Chris Morris, and others showed off their “Electric Slide” moves on the dance floor.

Steen “Newslady” Miles was mistress of ceremonies for the event.

Keep DeKalb Beautiful Director Gordon Burkette and his wife, Tenesha, and Cynthia Edwards (right) were among the guests.

Wellness

Safely dispose of household hazardous waste DeKalb residents can dispose of household hazardous waste properly and free of charge at Keep DeKalb Beautiful’s semiannual event on April 30 at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station in Decatur. The event, rescheduled from March 19, takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at 3720 Leroy Scott Drive. Early arrival is recommended. Participation is free and only open to DeKalb residents. Proper identification to prove residency may be requested. Participants will have an opportunity to responsibly dispose of dangerous household chemicals that are no longer in use. Hazardous materials, such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photochemicals, artist supplies, household cleaning supplies, and paint and paintrelated products, will be accepted. Agricultural waste, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials, and biohazardous and biomedical waste will not be accepted. Participants will be limited to 10 gallons of paint per vehicle. No commercial vehicles will be allowed. Keep DeKalb Beautiful is the community outreach unit of DeKalb Sanitation. For more information on this event, how to plan a beautification project with KDB, or how to obtain KDB program updates, email kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov, visit www.keepdekalbbeautiful.org or call 404-371-2654.

CrossRoadsNews

April 23, 2016

“New HIV infections have continued to increase in our most vulnerable populations in the United States.”

HIV study testing virus-blocking antibody Researchers at two local clinics are participating in an HIV prevention trial that tests virus-blocking antibodies. The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center and the Ponce de Leon Center, part of Grady Health System, are taking part in a clinical trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health that will provide people with one of the things a vaccine is supposed to stimulate in the body – antibodies that neutralize the virus – with the aim of preventing viral infection. In the United States and South America, the AMP study – for antibody-mediated prevention – is aimed at HIV-negative men and transgender individuals who have sex with men. Researchers at 24 sites in Brazil, Peru and the United States plan to enroll 2,700 study volunteers. Another AMP study is planned to launch later this spring, enrolling 1,500 sexually active women at 15 sites in African countries. Dr. Srilatha Edupuganti, associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, is co-chair of the AMP study in the Americas and overseeing the study at the Hope Clinic. Dr. Carlos del Rio, Srilatha Edupuganti professor of medicine at Emory and chair of global health at Rollins School of Public Health, is directing the AMP study at the Ponce Center. “New HIV infections have continued to increase in our most vulnerable populations in the United States, including AfricanAmerican men who have sex with men,” Edupuganti said in an April 13 statement. “The use of broadly neutralizing antibodies

Free HIV test at Shear Madness Barbershop Free HIV testing is available to residents and patrons at Shear Madness Barbershop on April 29. The DeKalb Board of Health and the barbershop have teamed up to offer the free testing, which takes place from noon to 4 p.m. the last Friday of the month through June. Women and men can receive $3 off the price of a same-day haircut. Free testing also will be available on May 27 and June 24. The barbershop is at 4536 Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, call Jil Swift at 404-270-2417. Human immunodeficiency virus is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, known as AIDS. Once a person has HIV, they have it for life, the 2015 Status of Health in DeKalb says. In DeKalb County from 2008 through 2012: offers new hope to stem that tide as we have for other at-risk populations here and around the world.” The antibody being tested in the study, called VRC01, was discovered in the blood of an HIV-infected person in 2010 by researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. VRC01 prevents HIV from binding to a molecule on the surface of T cells, which the virus uses to get inside them. Lab studies have shown that the antibody stops up to 90 percent of HIV strains worldwide from infecting human cells. NIAID Director Anthony Fauci said the AMP studies could have a major impact on the future of HIV prevention. “Many scientists believe that if a vaccine were developed that elicited broadly

n The number of newly diagnosed HIV cases fluctuated. n The number of newly diagnosed AIDS cases declined by 34 percent. n The number of newly diagnosed HIV cases was highest among those ages 13 through 24. n The number of newly diagnosed AIDS cases was highest among those 50 years and older. Males and black residents accounted for the highest percentages of HIV and AIDS cases. Among newly diagnosed cases of HIV: n 79.3 percent were males. n 56.9 percent were black. Among newly diagnosed cases of AIDS: n 77.9 percent were males. n 73.2 percent were black. The primary mode of transmission of the newly diagnosed HIV and AIDS cases was male-to-male sexual contact.

neutralizing antibodies in healthy people, it would protect them from HIV infection,” he said. “The AMP studies will test this hypothesis by directly giving people the VRC01 antibody.” The AMP studies also Anthony Fauci could clarify what level of broadly neutralizing antibodies a vaccine or other long-acting HIV prevention method needs to achieve and maintain to provide sustained protection. The results of the trials are expected in 2022. The studies are being carried out through the national HIV Vaccine Trials Network and the HIV Prevention Trials Network. Visit www.emory.edu.

Forum on active shooters at church Churchgoers and other residents can attend “Emergency Preparedness: How to Respond to Active Shooters in Places of Worship” on April 28 at New Life Community Center in Decatur. District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, in conjunction with the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, is conducting the 6-to-8 p.m. forum, which is designed to educate all places of worship on how to ap-

propriately and responsively handle someone threatening congregations and their leaders with gun violence. The free event is open to congregants, auxiliaries, leaders, security teams and the general public. Register at https://commissionerlarryjohnsonemergencypreparedness. eventbrite.com. The center is at 3592 Flat Shoals Road. For more information, call 404-371-2988.

Driver safety class for seniors Residents 55 and older can pick up safe driving tips on April 28 at the Covington Library in Decatur. The 9:30 a.m.-to-3:30 p.m. Driver Safety for Seniors class was developed by the National Safety Council and is taught by a certified instructor. The class limit is 20. To register, call 404508-7190, Ext. 2257. Participants must stay for the duration of the class. Topics include: n Minimizing the effects of dangerous blind spots.

n Maintaining proper following distance

behind another car.

n Proper use of safety belts, air bags, antilock

brakes and new technology found in cars today. n Ways to monitor your own and others’ driving skills and capabilities. n The effects of medications on driving. n The importance of eliminating distractions, such as cellphone calls. The library is at 3500 Covington Highway. Visit www.dekalblibrary.org.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT (SSSP Shepherd Drive Decatur, LLC) D/B/A SIMPLY SELF STORAGE LOCATED AT (2804 HF Shepherd Drive) INTENDS TO SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED BELOW TO ENFORCE A LIEN IMPOSED ON SAID PROPERTY UNDER THE GEORGIA LAW 10-4-213. THE PUBLIC SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY WILL TAKE PLACE (UNLESS OTHERWISE WITHDRAWN) VIA AN ON-LINE AUCTION AT WWW.STORAGETREASURES.COM ON (April 21, 2016) BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY (10:00am) AND CONCLUDING ON (May 5, 2016) AT APPROXIMATELY (10:00am). THIS PUBLIC SALE WILL RESULT IN THE GOODS BEING SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. Unit # Name

Contents

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A003 A008 A017 A050 A069 B101A

Misc Items Misc Items Misc Items Misc Items Misc Items Misc Items

B172 C064 C085 C097 C209A C214A

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C218A C221B C268 C313 E08A

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Nikita Tolbert Margaret Starks Wellington Gray Christopher Evans Eleanor Fallings Roy Cooper

Miriam Robinson Simone Franklin Kristen Buchanan Frank Parker Cassandra Langston Derwin Wideman

Word of Deliverance Inc. Chayna Freeman William Dennis Ramone Jackson Jacolby Bledsoe

CrossRoadsNews

April 23, 2016

7 court, and serve upon Sarah T. Austin, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, Georgia, 30030, an answer to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the Order for Service by Publication. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 18th day of Apr., 2016

1281 Brockett Rd., Apt. 23C Clarkston, GA 30021 (404) 988-8710 04/23, 4/30, 05/07, 05/14

Notice of Petition to Change Name of ADULT

Legal Notices 04/09, 04/16, 04/23, 04/30

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV3228-6++ Eugene Cross Plaintiff Vs. Clara Evon Lee Cross Defendant To: Clara Evon Lee Cross By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Mar. 22, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Feb. 29, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Eugene Cross, 740 Panola Rd., Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 22, 2016. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 23rd day of Mar., 2016 04/02, 04/09, 04/16, 04/23

Notice of Petition to Change Name of ADULT

Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV3353-2++ Elizabeth Ebunoluwa Adeyemi filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 08, 2016 to change name from: Elizabeth Ebunoluwa Adeyemi to Elizabeth Ebunowua Ade. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Mar. 08, 2016 Name: Elizabeth Ebunoluwa Adeyemi 2884 Snapfinger Manor Decatur, GA 30035 (937) 838-1253 04/09, 04/16, 04/23, 4/30

Notice of Petition to Change Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV3719-9++ Janice E. Clark filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 22, 2016 to change name from: Janice E.

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Clark to Janice E. Smith. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Mar. 15, 2016 Name: Janice E. Clark (Smith) 1315 Mill Lake Cir. Stone Mountain, GA 30088 404 454-0011

Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Taisa Te’aira Harvey, 3618 Pepperdine Ct., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 05, 2016. Witness the Honorable Ashe F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 7th day of Apr., 2016

04/16, 04/23, 04/30, 05/07

04/16, 04/23, 4/30, 05/07

Notice OF PUBLICATION

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Child(ren)

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV9505-2++ Taisa Te’aira Harvey Plaintiff Vs. Demetrious Harvey Defendant To: Demetrious Harvey 120 Prison Farm Rd. Valdosta, GA 31601 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Apr. 05, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Sept. 15, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4238-7++ Getachew Gebre Argaw filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Apr. 04, 2016 to change name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Ezana Getachew Argaw to Ezana Getachew Gebre. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed In OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Mar. 30, 2016 Name: Getachew Gebre Argaw

Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4506-4++ Fabian Blue filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Apr. 12, 2016 to change name from: Fabian Blue to Kal-elle Jagger. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition for Name Change was filed. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 14th day of Apr., 2016

04/23, 4/30, 05/07, 05/14

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4486-9++ Shewaye K. Kiffay Plaintiff Vs. Halemarim Kassa Defendant To: Halemarim Kassa Ethiopia, Shire Endselasie Kebede 03 By order of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 18, 2016, You are hereby notified that on Apr. 12, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Petition of Custody. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and serve upon plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Donald M. Coleman, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, Georgia, 30030. Answer in writing with in sixty (6) days of Apr. 18, 2016.. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 18th day of Apr., 2016

04/23, 4/30, 05/07, 05/14

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4457-3++ Fanny A. De Leon Velasquez Plaintiff Vs. Isaac D. Torres Sauceda Defendant You are hereby notified that the abovestyled action seeking Plaintiff for Divorce was filed suit against you in said court on Apr. 13, 2016 and that by reason of an Order for Services Summons by Publication entered by the court on Apr. 18, 2016, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the Clerk said

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April 23, 2016

4/19/16 11:02 AM