CrossRoadsNews, April 25, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

WELLNESS

YOUTH

MINISTRY

The founders of the South DeKalb Center for Healthy Living had no idea how much the free health clinic would grow in its first two years. 6

More than a thousand people turned out to learn more about and tour the new Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia during an Open House on Saturday. 8

The president of the APEX Museum in Atlanta is asking people all over the world to pray for Barack Obama on the first day of every month. 9

Healthy dose of growth

New school revue

April 25, 2009

Prayers for Obama

Volume 14, Number 52

www.crossroadsnews.com

$20.2 million construction on tap for Southwest DeKalb H.S. By McKenzie Jackson

Southwest DeKalb High School, which has been bursting at the seams for years, even after a $19.5 million overall in 2006, is about to be expanded again. On May 11, the DeKalb School Board is expected to approve two projects totaling $20.2 million – 31 new classrooms for $10.2 million, and $10 million for a fine arts auditorium – at the Decatur school. The Southwest DeKalb construction projects are among five recommended changes to the system’s $466 million Capital Improvements Plan that is up for a vote.

“It was the only high school that didn’t have an auditorium. So it only made sense to correct that while we had the money to do it so all the schools will have an auditorium.” Jay Cunningham, DeKalb School Board Member

Jay Cunningham, whose District 5 includes Southwest DeKalb High, said the board will approve both projects because having a fine arts auditorium will bring Southwest DeKalb on par with the county’s other high schools. “It was the only high school that didn’t have an auditorium,”

he said Tuesday. “So it only made sense to correct that while we had the money to do it so all the schools will have an auditorium.” Among changes on the agenda, Lithonia High School will no longer be expanded because of the 230,000-square-foot Arabia Mountain High School that is

the auditorium was addopening this fall. The ed after the report was other changes involve done. additional classrooms at “It will go to vote to Lakeside High in Atlanta, have that added,” she renovations at Cross Keys said. High and other technolPope said the $10.2 ogy and roofing upgrades million classroom addithroughout the school tion at Southwest DeKalb district. Patricia Pope will help alleviate capacity The School System’s Capital Improvements Plan Mid- issues. The school has 1,820 stuProgram Assessment Report, re- dents, which puts it over capacity leased in early April, put the recom- by 413 students. It has 36 portables. mended changes at $37.5 million. In the fall, it will open an annex at The $10 million Southwest DeKalb McNair High School for ninth- and auditorium is not included in that 10th-graders transferring to the school from AYP-failing schools. figure. Patricia Pope, the school system’s chief operating officer, said Please see SWD, page 2

I-20 corridor’s potential for CID being explored By McKenzie Jackson

DeKalb’s I-20 corridor is being eyed as the next Perimeter CID, and a small group of South DeKalb landowners discovered this week what it takes to create Community Improvement District to be a catalyst for the area’s growth. District 5 Commissioner Lee May, who co-hosted an April 21 informational meeting for property owners, said a CID would help South DeKalb residents shape what the corridor could look like. “We are in a unique position now,” he told them. “Much of the new development that is going on in the county occurs in the southern part. Sixty percent of the undeveloped land in the county is in District 5. We have a tremendous opportunity to create the kind of space we want in DeKalb County from a residential standpoint and a commercial standpoint.” The meeting at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center was co-hosted by District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson. It included presentations from a number of CID officials and property owners discussed their interest in taxing themselves to establish a CID along I-20 between Gresham Road in Decatur and Turner Hill Road in Lithonia, similar to the Perimeter CID in North DeKalb, Yvonne Williams, the Perimeter CID’s president, said that discussions about the creation of a CID have to center around creating a stimulus for economic development. “We are talking about our own stimulus,” she said. “That is a what a CID mostly is. We create our own opportunities by being creative in business and organized

Larry Johnson (second from left) talks with property owners about plans to examine the I-20 East corridor for development as a Community Improvement District similar to the Perimeter CID.

in financially structured retail opportunities.” A CID is a self-taxing district that uses extra commercial property taxes to help accelerate transportation and infrastructure improvement projects. It is an effective tool that allows property owners to determine how funds are spent in their area. Georgia law provides for CID funds to be used only for public transportation, water, storm water and sewage, parks and recreational areas and facilities, street and road construction and maintenance and parking, terminal and dock facilities. The Perimeter CID – one of 13

CIDs in metro Atlanta – sits along I-285 in North DeKalb around the Perimeter Mall. It is home to the region’s highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies and MARTA investments representing more than $3 billion in real estate investment, and it was a tax generator for DeKalb County until the new city of Dunwoody took it within its borders. Property owners in the Perimeter CID use the extra taxes for landscaping, police services, the construction of sidewalks and pedestrian lighting, road resurfacing and other projects to make the area more attractive for businesses and residential areas.

Tad Leithead, chairman of the Cumberland CID and a board member of the Fulton PCID, said that CIDs are hard to form, but that no one who has done one ever regretted it. “A CID has never been discontinued in this region,” said Leithead, who helped found the Cumberland CID, metro Atlanta’s first CID, in 1986, before becoming its chairman. He said that CID property owners don’t see the additional taxes as a negative. “They see it as an investment,” he said. “No disrespect to the elected officials in the room, but when we pay a tax it goes off somewhere

and you have to rely on elected officials to be good stewards with that money. In the case of a CID tax, you pay the money and it comes right back to you. A board that is elected by the membership of commercial property owners oversees the spending of those dollars.” Charles Palmer, the Perimeter CID’s attorney, said local government has to approve the start of a CID and a majority of the commercial property owners within must also approve of it. “Let’s say we have a 100 properties that are commercial properties, you have to get 51,” he said. “The Please see CID, page 2

Community

CrossRoadsNews

April 25, 2009

“United Way VIP is the perfect program for leaders interested in serving their local community in excellence.”

Ski to be keynote speaker Skills for nonprofit volunteers 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.

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.

L AL CA LO DS! LOC ICES! O RV GO SE

www.eastmetromarket.com

Radio personality Frank Ski will be the keynote speaker at the Southwest Atlanta Youth Business Organization’s 35th anniversary celebration on May 2 at the Atlanta Life Insurance Co. in Atlanta. Ski is co-host of the Frank & Wanda Morning Show on V-103FM. The 3 p.m. event, which will honor current and former SWAYBO members, sponsors and distinguished guests, will include awards presentations and entertainment from local youth. SWAYBO provides disadvantaged youth, Frank Ski ages 8 to 18, with training and hands-on experience in the field of business. Since its in inception in 1974 by Ed Menifee Sr., members of SWAYBO have created more than 500 business ventures and have awarded more than $20,500 in book scholarships to high school graduates and college students. The Atlanta Life Insurance Co. is at 100 Auburn Ave., Atlanta. For more information, call Edward or Michelle Menifee at 404691-4111.

Commercial potential studied CID,

from page

second part of that is that they have to represent at least 75 percent of the appraised value of all the properties.” Palmer said CID organizers also have to figure out their boundaries. “You want to include the larger properties, because they can boost your value to that 75 percent,” he said. “On the other hand, you may have a large property owner that says, ‘Ain’t no way I’m going to be pulled into a CID,’ then you would draw your boundaries to exclude him.” Johnson, the District 3 commissioner, said that when the I-20 Corridor CID comes together he wants it to be the best that the area can have. “It’s very important when you look at this economy you are always looking for something to get that economic and transportation mode going,” he said. “Light rails

along I-20, uniform street lights, public safety, sidewalks…this can bring those commercial business, office parks that we have been looking for.” Bobbie Sanford, a longtime South DeKalb resident and the owner of Sanford Realty Co. in Decatur, said she is optimistic about a CID in the area. “I am certainly open to it,” she said. “It will help us revitalize this area. It is certainly worth exploring.” Johnson said a CID from Gresham Road to Turner Hill Road makes sense because of the existence of overlay districts along the corridor. “We don’t need to go out there and try to re-invent the wheel,” he said. “With an overlay in place you have the zoning in place. This CID complements that.” For more information, call Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425.

SWD,

from page

Workshop offers tips on reunion planning

Multilingual welcome mat

Whatever the language, the city of Clarkston has you covered.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Miller Grove high schools are also in the CIP. King High School is getting a new cafeteria and 34 classrooms, costing $9.8 million. Construction is set to start in July 2010. Miller Grove is getting 21 classrooms valued at $5.7 million and construction is set to begin in September 2010. Cunningham said that the slow pace of the housing market is allowing the school system time to catch up on construction projects. “Those projects are in the planning and design phase,” he said. “So hopefully by the end of the year, first of the year we will be at the point to move from designing to construction.” When all the construction is completed, Cunningham said a majority of the system’s schools would be at 73-80 percent occupancy. “We still need to look at some of our elementary schools which we are going to address this upcoming school year,” he said.

Fun Day kicks off mall’s PIP 6 program 7

Two years ago, when Renee Ranson, Loretta Patrick and a group of community volunteers got together and launched the South DeKalb Center for Healthy Living, none could have envisioned the impact that the free health center would have.

Many who oppose Marine High School overlook benefits 4 Walk to benefit FODAC Academics, self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. These are the traits that opponents of the proposed Marine public high school in DeKalb County stand against.

“We are sitting out there with 31 trailers at Southwest DeKalb and that is reality,” Pope said Thursday. “It’s not like next year we won’t see the same enrollment. We do see what we have in the middle school and the elementary schools. We need those seats at Southwest DeKalb.” The recommendations came when the school system realized that it had saved $59.2 million in construction costs. The savings came from 31 classrooms, estimated to cost $11.2 million, that won’t be built at Lithonia High School. The Georgia Department of Education is funding four DeKalb projects, which would have cost the school system $23.2 million. The school system will also not be using $751,078 for a roof replacement at the Clarkston Center. The system also gained $24.1 million more in sales tax revenue than it expected. Plans for future additions at

New job costs legislator her Health center celebrating seat in Georgia House 3 phenomenal growth State Rep. Robbin Shipp was forced to resign her seat in the Georgia House effective April 21 because of a conflict with her job as an officer of the courts.

leadership and management skills particularly in the nonprofit sector. During the program, they will meet representatives from metro Atlanta nonprofits who need their skills and interests. More than 1,200 people have graduated from the program since 1992. Anise Mastin, a VIP graduate and board member with the Partnership Against Domestic Violence, said the training empowers volunteers for service. “United Way VIP is the perfect program for leaders interested in serving their local community in excellence,” she said. To register, visit www.unitedwayatlanta.org or call 211.

Growth alters construction plans

Quick Read

Families planning to host gatherings in DeKalb County can find out everything they need to know at a Family Reunion Planning workshop.

Circulation Audited By

Aspiring non-profit volunteers can get training in United Way of Metro Atlanta’s Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP) summer session, but they must register by May 8. The program offers training to people of diverse backgrounds, especially those who are under-represented in leadership roles in metro Atlanta nonprofit organizations. Sessions will kick off on June 6 and continue on June 27, July 11 and July 25. Participants will explore the inner workings of nonprofit boards including board roles and responsibilities, legal and fiduciary obligations, ethics, fundraising, marketing, team building and community building. Participants will enhance their

Individuals and groups have until May 2 to register for Friends of Disabled Adults and Children’s ninth annual Run, Walk and Roll in Stone Mountain Park.

Kids get free dental checks 6 Up to 15 kids will get free dental checkups on at Stewart Family Dentistry.

A Family Fun Day will help kick off the Mall at Stonecrest’s new Parental Involvement Program (PIP) on May 2.

Young musicians to perform multiple genres 7 The young musicians of Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia orchestra and dance troupe will be in concert at Greenforest Baptist Church.

Officials going with military school despite opposition 8 DeKalb School System says it will open a military-style high school in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps at the beginning of the next school year.

Sorority tea event honors chapter’s founding member 7 Psalmist Moore to perform 9 Friends of the late Phyllis Brown will sip tea in her honor at the Iota Eta Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Tea.

L’Tanya Moore, Saint Philip AME Church’s award-winning psalmist, will perform April 26 at the “Music for Missions” concert at Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church.

index to advertisers 1.2.3 Discount Fabrics.......................................5 2009 Adoption & Family Expo........................11 2009 Small Business/Best of E. Metro Expo... 12 Alpha Climate Control......................................11 American Violet................................................7 Anointed Word Christian School Int’l...............11

Atlanta Gastroenterology................................. 6 BaSix Knowledge Academy..............................8 Craig B. Williams, DDS..................................... 6 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau..............3 Drummer Imports Service and Sales................3 Fairington Condos............................................5

First Afrikan Presbyterian Church.................... 9 Home Depot.....................................................3 Mini Mall..........................................................11 Newburn Reynolds Photography.....................11 Padgett Business Services.................................5 Rainbow Park Baptist Church........................... 9

Rhapsody Productions/Delores Major..............7 Salt & Light Truth Center................................. 9 Starz Activity Center..........................................8 The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church......... 9 Wonderland Gardens.......................................8 Wright Vision Care........................................... 6

CrossRoadsNews

April 25, 2009

Community

“I ran for office with the intention of staying there until my constituents elected someone else, but I need to support my daughter and keep a roof over her head.”

New job costs state Rep. Robbin Shipp her seat in Georgia House By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

requires that the branches of govern- was difficult. “It has been an honor and pleasure ment remain separate and distinct, State Rep. Robbin Shipp was forced an assistant district attorney may not to represent House District 58,” she to resign her seat in the Georgia House serve as a member of the legislature in said. “I ran for office with the intention effective April 21 because of a conflict the General Assembly regardless of the of staying there until my constituents between her job as an officer of the source of the funding for the position. elected someone else, but I need to courts and her service in the General “The Constitution of Georgia pro- support my daughter and keep a roof Assembly. vides that [t]he legislative, judicial, and over her head.” Shipp, whose District 58 includes executive powers shall forever remain She said that as far as she knows, portions of DeKalb County and the separate and distinct; and no person she was the only state legislator in the city of Atlanta, tendered her resigna- discharging the duties of one shall at Georgia House, who is also a district tion to Gov. Sonny Perdue on Tuesday, the same time exercise the functions of attorney. following an opinion from Attorney either of the others except as herein proPerdue is expected to call a special General Thurbert Baker that she was in election in November to fill the seat. vided,” Baker said. violation of the Georgia Constitution’s Former State Rep. Stan Watson who Shipp, who had Separation of Powers act. been in private prac- worked with Shipp in the General AsShipp, who was elected to the House tice immediately be- sembly for two years and in his monthly in 2006 and is in the middle of her secfore taking the dis- DeKalb Community Council that meets ond term, took a job as a senior district trict attorney’s job, at New Piney Grove Baptist Church as attorney with the Fulton County Dissaid she had sought recently as this month, aid she was intrict Attorney’s Office in October. an opinion from the avaluable to the DeKalb Delegation. In an April 13 “unofficial opinion,” Thurbert Baker “She will be missed because of her State Bar when she Baker said that because an assistant was offered the job and was told that legal experience,” Watson said. “They district attorney serves as an officer of it was fine. wanted her to quit her job, Its a shame Shipp, a single mother raising a she had to make that choice but she has Robbin Shipp’s job in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office the judicial branch of state government, 203321_042509_WES_5.1X2.5 4/21/09 5:48 PMto Page 1 family.” and because the Georgia Constitution feed her 12-year-old daughter, said that quitting was ruled a conflict of interest with her legislative seat.

Thank you for your Vote!

2009 “Best Auto Repair” Service Center Your BMW and Mercedes Benz Alternative Dealership Repair Center “Exceeding Customer Expectations”

10% off maintenance & service repairs Expires May 31, 2009

404-212-0409

3921 Flatshoals Pkwy Decatur, GA 30034 (Across from QuikTrip) www.drummerimports.com

THANK YOU DEKALB COUNTY YOU’VE VOTED YOUR WESLEY CHAPEL HOME DEPOT STORE

“BEST GARDEN CENTER” IT’S OUR PLEASURE TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR NEXT PROJECT.

1-4/25-9 AE203321

CrossRoadsNews

Forum

April 25, 2009

We were all told that if we were lucky enough to survive the 20-years requirement for retirement, we would receive total and complete free health care to include eye care as long as we lived.

Many who oppose Marine High School overlook potential benefits Academics, self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. These are the traits that opponents of the proposed Marine public high school in DeKalb County stand against. Emphasized will be tools that will mold teens into disciplined, morally strong and college-ready men and women in one of the most academically structured learning environments in county history. Many of us who have served in the military understand – as 80 percent of the general public doesn’t – that sometimes a more academically structured and challenging environment is needed to help many teenagers exceed national norms and expectations set by a sometimes-harsh society. The wonderful concept that the DeKalb Board of Education has come up with in developing this plan is that small class sizes, specialized academic curricula, and individual attention from faculty and advisors at the new DeKalb U.S. Marine High School will give our students many distinct advantages over their counterparts.

If the parents of these children feel that it is in their child’s best option to be a part of this new DeKalb institution, I fail to understand the logic and reasoning of these activists [who] have no stake in how our county is run. Dexter Porter

The faculty and staff of this new DeKalb Marine High School will provide a dynamic curriculum taught from a college preparatory perspective, and innovative instruction in which all students are expected to give full attention to a demanding program of studies, for both conduct and achievement standards are set high. The students who attend this new Marine High School will acquire abilities that ensure success in college and in life, such as the ability to study hard and apply themselves, manage time, set goals for themselves, think for themselves, get along with others, accept personal responsibility, and be active participants in their community and not passive recipients.

I often wonder if the detractors of this program fall into two categories: 1) those who just hate being in America and lack the credit and financial resources to simply leave for some fantasy Third World nation where they will live out their life under the sugarcane bush; or 2) those who actually believe that the students who attend this high school are being tricked into being recruited by the U.S. military. These people completely and utterly dismiss the parents of these teens, who are responsible for their child’s education and care. If the parents of these children feel that it is in their child’s best option to be a part of this new DeKalb institution, I fail to understand the logic and reasoning of these activists –

“strangers” if you will – many of whom are social activists and residents from the city of Atlanta and Fulton County and have no stake in how our county is run. This is in no way dismisses the very real concerns of neighborhood residents who have a valid point about day to day traffic in their neighborhood. However, to the social activists who seem to have nothing better to with their time other than dictate to adults with children where “they” would rather see their children enrolled and how “they” would rather see them educated, I say your time would be better serves bringing attention to low test scores and teenage pregnancy. Strange that these same people can’t seem to organize around those subjects and grab headlines from DeKalb and Atlanta newspapers for a period of six days as they have done with this non-issue. Our school system has too many problems facing it from a lack of state and federal funding, a lack of quality parents, and students who aren’t properly taught how to

take and pass tests, not to mention many who are reading below their grade levels. Not reading below their grade level because they’re smart and bored with the subject; many aren’t ready to take the next step in their academic careers because there wasn’t that teacher, mentor, preacher, parent or even “community/social activist” to take them by the hand and academically coddle them but take an intellectual foot and jump start them into a future of multiple possibilities. If these social activists can’t help our county solve the problems of lack of police, murderers being released back onto the streets of DeKalb, our Gov. Sonny Perdue only approving one project for DeKalb out of a total $207 million sent to Georgia from President Obama, and – my favorite – how DeKalb County can actually get the real value for land being sold to the city of Dunwoody, then frankly you are of no use to the DeKalb taxpayer and as useless as General Sherman at a barn fire. Dexter Porter lives in Decatur.

Residents of 4th District have vested interest in being counted in 2010 As economically blighted as south DeKalb County is, it is vitally important for citizens and government officials to understand the importance of the U.S. Census to be taken in 2010. It is critical that citizens engage and actively participate in the census for the good of their community. The U.S. Constitution states (Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 that “the number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every 30,000, but each state shall have at least one Representative.” Also, in that same original draft, it excluded Native Americans (“Indians”) and “3/5 of all other persons” (African slaves.) The Census Act of 1790 established the first census, requiring an actual counting of all people for representation purposes and taxation purposes. So what does all this mean for the 2010 Census? It means the 4th Congressional District of Georgia – with the heavily

Jesus taught us to render unto God’s what is God’s and render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. You can’t complain if you don’t vote and you can’t get quality representation or federal money if you’re not counted. Kevin Oliveira

populated and diverse community pockets of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties – has an opportunity to enhance its congressional representation and, more importantly, receive federal dollars for community re-investment through economic and social development. Without question, the 4th Congressional District is the most diverse area in the southeastern United States. The Buford Highway Corridor is the most ethnically diverse area in Georgia and is at the heart of the 4th District. There are homestead African Americans and

Anglo Americans; people from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana; North Africans, West Indians, Russians, Mexicans, Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, Western Europeans, and Jews. And there are others. It is critically important for citizens to engage in the census because it determines the national fiscal agenda for the next 10 years to follow. With growing populations, so too should the representation and federal assistance from the U.S. government grow. Representation is exactly that: Represent the constituents of the district in the halls of Congress. Secondly, more

people in the district means more taxes taken, and more federal dollars should be brought back to the district for social and economic infrastructure development. Like the youth say, “it’s all about the Benjamins.” Bringing home the bacon to feed the whole family, not just those who are in the big house – if you get my meaning. People on the inside eat pork chops while the rest eat pig feet. And the politicians cry out “pork is pork, I don’t see what the problem is.” The 2010 Census takers need to get a valid, accurate count of citizens that live in each district. These figures need to be accurate and not manipulated to inflate and deflate the population of the citizens. In the Holy Bible we can read (Luke 2:1-7) how Jesus’ earthly parents knew the importance of participating in their census when they traveled back to Bethlehem to be counted.

Jesus also taught us to render unto God’s what is God’s and render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. You can’t complain if you don’t vote and you can’t get quality representation or federal money if you’re not counted. Legislators must govern with integrity and distribute financial resources to the people. Through fair and equitable tax laws that are morally sound and in line with God’s law, they should serve the people and not exploit the people. Citizens must stake their claim in the process by participating in the census and regularly voting. Bad representation means bad laws and no federal money to community. Participate in the census by becoming a census-taker and participant. Contact the U.S. Census Bureau for employment opportunities. And remember, you can’t complain if you don’t participate. Kevin Oliveira lives in McDonough.

President Obama is not a friend of military personnel Article brought In my opinion, President Obama – like all medically discharged after injuries received started to decline with implementation of great results Presidents and majority of Congress persons in Iraq. These are examples from the George the all-volunteer Army. The elitists along since President Kennedy – has demonstrated that Congress and our Commanders-inChief cannot be trusted to keep promises made to the hundreds of thousands of young men and women that they have sent off to fight for politicians’ or America’s interests. Obama’s administration is now planning to Bob Miles make veterans use private insurance to pay for their medical treatment of combat and service-related injuries. This is a slap in the face to any person who has served this country, and particularly those military personnel whose bodies and minds are currently being damaged daily carrying out the government’s policies. We have seen how seriously injured troops were treated at Walter Reed Hospital. We have seen our government try to recoup enlistment bonuses from soldiers who were

Bush administration. Now, it appears that President Obama is planning to drop veterans’ health care to an even lower level. It seems the majority of active and veteran personnel voted for change. Well, it appears we will get a serious change if Obama’s medical plan is implemented. We will find ourselves thrown from the frying pan of Bush into the fire of Obama. Those of us who served in the Armed Services, up to and including Vietnam, are aware of the U.S. government’s lies concerning medical care. I enlisted in the Army and served 25 years, one month and 16 days. We were all told that if we were lucky enough to survive the 20-years requirement for retirement, we would receive total and complete free health care to include eye care as long as we lived. We know that was a lie. I received the shock of my life when I first visited the VA to apply for earned disability. The medical treatment for veterans

with the politicians no longer had to worry about their sons, daughters and other family being drafted. Fighting wars was then left to the poor, who found that the military was the better of the bad choices. The bottom line is that recent presidents, Congress or the elitists of America don’t give a darn about the social/economic lower class troops when they are no longer able to serve or have been discharged. We are viewed as expendable. It is unfortunate that Georgia veterans do not have a single Congressperson who cares or has the slightest interest. I am absolutely convinced that our state legislators care less about veterans than the President and Congress do. Veterans are fortunate that the American Legion, the VFW and other military support organizations are attacking Obama on his proposed medical treatment for injured troops and veterans. Bob Miles lives in Decatur.

McKenzie Jackson wrote an awesome article[“Food deliveries leave city council member feeling warm and fuzzy” April 4, 2009], and he was so wonderful to the elderly citizens of Shermantown when he entered their homes. I graciously thank you; this was more than I ever expected. Beverly Jones I’ve received great responses from everyone who read it, even as far as Albany, Ga. Also, since the article I’ve signed up four extremely sick residents who need a hot meal, and several people have called to volunteer. I pray that in the future we can assist the sick and the elderly on a daily basis. With your help we’ve taken a big step towards that goal. Beverly Jones is a Stone Mountain City Council member.

Community

“I will remember him for his gardening passion, and his passion for birds, animals and for raising funds and awareness for politicians and nonprofits.” Visitors to the DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau’s workshops get tips on organizing family reunions as well as information about DeKalb hotels, attractions and vendors.

Workshop offers tips on reunion planning Families planning to host gatherings in DeKalb County can find out everything they need to know at a May 2 Family Reunion Planning workshop at the Holiday Inn Select Perimeter. The free event is hosted by the DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau and will showcase the goods, services, accommodations, venues and attractions that the county offers for a successful reunion. It kicks off at 9 a.m. with a

CrossRoadsNews

April 25, 2009

three-hour workshop, followed by a two-hour family reunion showcase at noon. Carol Murray, a DCVB reunion specialist, will speak about planning a family reunion. The workshop will include presentations from DeKalb hotels, attractions and reunion vendors. Participants will get lots of free materials to assist them in planning the perfect family reunion, souvenirs and children’ s bags and

name tags. Those who sign agreements with DeKalb hotels will get a family reunion planning binder filled with information about how to establish planning committees, budgeting and activity planning. Admission is free. The hotel is at 4386 ChambleeDunwoody Road in Atlanta. For more information or to register, visit www.dcvb.org or call 770492-5000.

Multilingual welcome mat Whatever the language, the city of Clarkston has you covered. From the English “Welcome” to the Arabic “Ahlan wa Sahlan,” the Bosnian “Dobrodo sao,” the Spanish “Bienvenidos,” the Amharic “Enquan Dehna Mettu,” and the Vietnamese “hoan nghenh,” DeKalb’s most diverse city has thrown out the welcome mat with a new sign. The colorful six-language banners were unveiled in March to showcase the city’s pride in its image as the South’s melting pot of different cultures and nations. Clarkston, whose 7,500 residents hail from 60 countries worldwide, is flying eight of the banners along Church Street, North Indian Creek Road and East Ponce de Leon Avenue. Mayor Lee Swaney and Councilwoman Rosemarie Nelson said Clarkston considers it another branding tool for the city. “Clarkston boasts of being the most international city of not only DeKalb County, but Georgia,” they said in an April 9 statement. “This may be due to the 7,500-plus people in its onemile radius, who called the city of

Clarkston’s new street banners greet visitors in six languages.

Clarkston home.” The release said that with residents from over 60 nationalities, the town is a cultural smorgasbord and that something new can be learned every day by walking down Clarkston’s streets. The banner was designed by two Clarkston businesses: M.L.T. Creative, an award-winning advertising agency, and Trillium Custom Upholstery. For more information, call 404-296-6489.

to address Chamber Party loyalist found murdered in his home Anchor luncheon. WSB-TV’s awardBy Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb Democrats have lost a passionate member and supporter. Alberto Garcia, who ran for office several times and hosted fundraisers for politicians and nonprofit organizations at Alberto Garcia his Belevedere home, was found murdered in his Decatur house on April 6. Police say Garcia, 49, was stabbed multiple times and had been dead in his Leland Terrace home for at least three weeks. A five-inch knife, identified as the weapon, was found near to his body. Relatives and neighbors feel that Garcia may have known his assailant and do not believe it was a random attack. Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said Thursday that they still have no suspects or motive for the slaying. Garcia,

who was born in Miami, was single and had no children. His brother Sandor Garcia, who lives in Marietta, said he is disappointed that the police have not arrested anyone. “I gave them a picture and a whole file on a guy who I believe know more than he lets on and nothing has been done,” he said. “Explain to me how my brother did so much for the community and no one seems to be trying to find his killer.” At his death, Garcia was Commissioner for the DeKalb Superior Court Jury Board. In 2002, he was one of four candidates in the Democratic primary for Senate District 41, and he was also a candidate for DeKalb County’s 4th Commission District. Angela Moore, public relations manager for the DeKalb Democratic Party, said he will be missed. “I will remember him for his gardening passion, and his passion for birds, animals and for raising funds and awareness for politicians

and nonprofits,” she said. “He had the most beautiful garden. He built so much beauty in his back yard and shared it with others.” Garcia was also a well-known leader in the Hispanic community. He formed and held the executive directorship of HISPAC, a Hispanic Political Action Committee, and held positions on various nonprofit boards such as Hands on Atlanta and the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center, and was recognized by 11 Alive television news for his service on its advisory board. He was also a self-taught trumpeter and musical composer. Lance Robertson, who worked on former CEO Vernon Jones campaigns, called Garcia a very good friend. He said they went to Bill Clinton’s inaugural celebration and worked in the Hispanic community together. Garcia is also survived by his half-brother Boris Perez, aunt Margarita Madera and grandmother Emma Lobo of Colombia, South America.

Kim Davis Mitchwinning news anchor ell, the chamber’s viceMonica Pearson will be president of programs the keynote speaker at and operations, said the DeKalb Chamber of Pearson’s appearance Commerce’s First Monhelps further the chamday and Women’s Focus ber’s mission to support, Initiative Luncheon on May 4 at the Doubletree Monica Pearson promote and sustain business development in Hotel Atlanta in Tucker. Pearson, who has been a re- DeKalb County. Admission is $30 for chamber spected television personality in Atlanta for more than 30 years, members and $45 for visitors. The hotel is at 4156 LaVista will discuss the topic “Reaching the Top: Climbing the Corporate Road. For more information, visit Ladder and Breaking the Glass www.dekalbchamberofcommerce. Ceiling” during the 11:30 a.m. org or call 404-378-8000.

Fairington Club Condos 3 BR and 2 BA • All Appliances Included From $70,950 • Total Payments from $650 Grant Money Available and 3% Closing Costs

For All Your Legal, Accounting and Tax Services

Andre' Todd, Builder Rep 404-379-9837 or 404-243-1835

www.NewHomesGeorgia.com

Under One Roof! “There Is No Better Time to Plan Your Legal & Tax Strategies”

Padgett Business Services

Law Office of E. Noreen Banks-Ware, P.C.

(770) 593-9848

Matthew Ware

Specializing in Small Business Monthly Accounting, Personal and Business Taxes (Electronic Filing), and Business Consulting (Payroll Service, Business Plans & Audit Service)

Accountant/CEO

& U p h o l s t e r y, D r a p e r y

WAREHOUSE PRICES START

(770) 593-9849 Family Law (Divorces,Child Support Modications, Custody), Business Law (Incorporations, LLC, Business litigation defense), Wills, Probate, Estates, Personal Injury E. Noreen Banks-Ware Attorney

Salem Panola Library

Ware Professional Building

1.2.3 Discount Fabrics

3636 Panola Road • Lithonia, GA 30038 (Across from the Salem Crossing Shopping Center)

t ck Ou e h C me azy

e Cr ! s e h T ices

$1.00

A YARD

FREE FABRIC with upholstery

(you only pay for labor)

404-286-7783 678-371-3939 Business Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 279 Candler Road • Atlanta, GA 30317 (In front of Saint Philip AME)

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

April 25, 2009

“As soon as we need something, it shows up. We could talk about band-aids and the next thing I know here comes somebody with bags of band-aids.”

Health center celebrating phenomenal growth on second anniversary By McKenzie Jackson

Two years ago, when Renee Ranson, Loretta Patrick and a group of community volunteers got together and launched the South DeKalb Center for Healthy Living, none of them could have envisioned the impact that the free health center would have on the community. In a mere two years, it has more than doubled its space and serves hundreds more patients than any of them could have envisioned. On April 25, when they celebrate the center’s second anniversary with a community festival that includes free health and wellness screenings, healthy living information, food and music, organizers will have hearts full of thanksgiving. “God has been very good and people have blessed us,” said Ranson, the center’s executive director. “I didn’t think we would reach here.” The volunteer-driven health center opened April 28, 2007, in a three-room house at 6877 Main St. in downtown Lithonia. At the time it was open four times a month and served 60 to 90 patients monthly. Physicians and nurse practitioners offered up to five hours of

Registered nurse Carla Warnock (right) checks the blood pressure for a client at the South DeKalb Center for Healthy Living in Lithonia.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

their time and expertise for free on the second and fourth Saturdays of month. They helped treat uninsured and underinsured patients with hypertension, diabetes and other chronic illnesses that plague South DeKalb residents. Last November, the center moved to 2699 Klondike Road, also in Lithonia, into space donated by First Saint Paul AME Church for 10 years. It now has four exam rooms, five triage stations and a large wait-

ing area and is equipped to serve 150 to 200 patients a month, if it has enough volunteers. The expansion was done with $154,000 in donations from seven businesses and individuals, including $75,000 from Kaiser Permanente, $10,000 from the Georgia Health Foundation, and $7,000 from Home Depot. The center is now open nine days a month and sees 25 to 40 patients week. On April 17, it began a partner-

ship with Morehouse School of Medicine, in which three student doctors will be volunteering at the center. Ranson called the Morehouse partnership a blessing and said that with the school’s help, the center will be able to see up to 60 patients a day and will no longer have to turn patients away. “We are overloaded [with patients],” she said Wednesday. “One of my doctors moved to Oklahoma, so now with Morehouse we can

Walk to benefit FODAC

If This Was Your Ad, Someone Would Be Seeing It Now! Call 404-284-1888 today for rates & information.

Indiv iduals and groups have until May 2 to register for Friends of Disabled Adults and Children’s ninth annual Run, Walk and Roll in Stone Mountain Park. The 9 a.m. fundraiser begins with a fiveAl Mead mile fun run, followed by a two-mile Walk n’ Roll. The event will also include a continental breakfast, a silent auction and prizes. Participants must raise at least $50 to participate. The first 300 people who pre-register by April 30 and collect more than the minimum will receive a T-shirt and an all-attractions pass to Stone Mountain Park. Sponsors are also needed. Proceeds benefit FODAC’s

mission of providing medical supplies and equipment including wheelchairs to the disabled and elderly. Paralympics long jump and sprint gold medalist Al Mead will make an appearance at the event. Mead, who lost a leg in a school playground accident at age 9, set world records in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter track events, along with American records in the high jump and long jump in international competitions for athletes with disabilities. Stone Mountain Park is at U.S. 78 East. For more information or registration, visit www. fodac.org, email fodac@fodac.org or call 770-491-9014.

start seeing more people.” Ranson said the center has experienced a series of blessings. “As soon as we need something, it shows up,” she said. “We could talk about band-aids and the next thing I know here comes somebody with bags of band-aids. It’s amazing.” Now, if she could just get some more volunteers. “The more volunteers I get, the more people I can serve, the more days I can stay open,” she said. The April 25 celebration starts at 11 a.m. There will be chair massages by Full Body Rejuvenation, facials by Circles of Wellness and More Than Just a Pretty Face, nutritional education and cooking by Natural Pathway, cardiovascular screenings by Park North Wellness Center, drink supplements by Advantage Nutritionals, and vision/ glaucoma screenings by the Morehouse School of Medicine. Free screenings include blood pressure and glucose, and there will be an “Ask the Doctor” session. The community festival will be on the center’s grounds, 2699 Klondike Road in downtown Lithonia. For more information, visit www.healthylivingclinic.org or call 770-484-2777.

Kids get free dental checks Up to 15 kids will get free dental check-ups on May 1 at Stewart Family Dentistry in Lithonia. The children, ages 6 to 17, are clients of the Atlanta-based nonprofit Foreverfamily, which helps inmates, their children and other family members maintain ties during a parent’s incarceration. Tashay Pratt, the group’s program manager, said Dr. Ron Stewart will clean the kids’ teeth and provide other dental services as needed. “We just want to make sure we promote positive dental health,” she said. This will be the second consecutive year Stewart Family Dentistry has seen 15 ForeverFamily clients. Stewart said that his mission is to serve the community. “Working with Foreverfamily helps us fill a need to serve,” he said. For more information, call Tashay Pratt at 404-223-1200.

Library hosting health fair Free health screenings and information on a variety of health issues affecting the community will be available May 2 at a health fair at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. During the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. event, representatives from the Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Stand Inc., and the Sickle Cell Foundation will discuss health problems that disproportionately affect African Americans. Screenings for hypertension, glucose and hemoglobin will also be available. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. For more information, call 404-286-6980.

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

April 25, 2009

“We are going to generate an economic development program featuring arts and artists of all kinds to bring tourists and visitors back to Main Street.”

Sorority tea event honors chapter’s founding member Vanessa Elkins-Rogers, Friends of the late Iota Eta Zeta’s president, Phyllis Brown will sip tea said that since its foundin her honor on May 2 at ing, the sorority has been the Iota Eta Zeta chapter dedicated to promoting of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s womanhood, scholarship Tea 2 at Spelman College and community service. in Atlanta. “As we embrace our The 4 p.m. event will sorority’s proud legacy, be include song, dance Iota Eta Zeta chapter has and art. It raises funds for Phyllis Brown the chapter’s youth auxiliary group made a commitment to our own community’s youth,” he said. that serves girls ages 4 to 17. The tea will be in the college’s Brown is the late wife of De Kalb County Sheriff-elect Derwin LLC2 Auditorium .Tickets are $10 Brown, who was murdered in his each. Proceeds will benefit academdriveway on Dec. 24, 2006, on the ic scholarships for college-bound orders of political rival Sidney youth members. The college is at 350 Spelman Dorsey. Brown, who died in December Lane in southwest Atlanta. For 2006, was a founding member of tickets, call Sherri Morris at 404483-9778. Iota Eta Zeta in February 1979.

Fun Day kicks off PIP program A Family Fun Day filled with performances, health screenings and appearances by DeKalb Police and Fire Rescue personnel will help kick off the Mall at Stonecrest’s new Parental Involvement Program (PIP) on May 2. The 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. event on the mall’s outdoor plaza near the AMC cinema is being hosted by commissioners Lee May and Connie Stokes. With PIP, youth younger than 18 years must be accompanied by an adult 21 years and older after 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at the mall. The mall says that the curfew on unaccompanied minors will make the mall more family-

friendly on the weekends. Stokes said the Family Fun Day will help promote the Lithonia mall as a pleasant place for families to enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment. With the county’s loss of the Perimeter CID and Dunwoody, Stokes said that the Mall at Sonecrest is now one of the county’s biggest economic generators. “We want to maintain a safe, enjoyable environment for families and optimize its economic possibilities,” she said. The mall is at I-20 and Turner Hill Road. For more information about Family Fun Day, call 404371-4745 or 404-371-3053.

Stone Mountain seeks artists Creative people from all genres are needed by the city of Stone Mountain. Mayor Gary Peet is seeking artists, musicians, film makers, photographers, dancers, crafters, quilters, carvers, instrument makers and the like to show up on May 6 for a “Creative Economies Convocation” at ARTStation on Manor Drive in the Village. At the event, Jack Sartain, the convocation’s facilitator, will describe how the Arts Incubator works and the financial and other benefits and advantages to the artists who participate. He will also seek input from interested artists about what they need to be successful small businesses and enlist their help in planning the incubator. “Working with the Down-

town Development Authority and Mainstreet Program, we are going to generate an economic development program featuring arts and artists of all kinds to fill the empty stores and bring the tourists and visitors, even our own residents, back to Main Street,” said Sartain, who founded the DeKalb Council for the Arts Inc. Peet said the city has the support of private foundations, state, local and city governments, and the Stone Mountain Woman’s Club. He said the idea for the incubator was first presented to a “Steering Force” of 27 arts and economic development leaders on April 2. To attend the “Creative Economies Convocation,” e-mail Sartain at jbs5951@aol.com or call 770-856 1377.

The Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia will play classical, jazz, gospel, R&B and movie themes during its concert at Greenforest.

Young musicians to perform multiple genres The young musicians of Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia orchestra and dance troupe will be showing off their stuff their May 2 Spring Benefit Concert & Reception at Greenforest Baptist Church in Decatur. The theme of the concert is “A

New Attitude in a Time of Hope, Change and Action.” The orchestra, which includes students from public and private schools across metro Atlanta, will play classical, jazz, gospel, R&B and movie themes during the 5 p.m. event in Greenforest’s

Genesis Room. Admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Greenforest Baptist Church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information or tickets, visit www.sinfo-nia.com or call 404-328-0840.

AUDIENCES ARE CHEERING FOR THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR

AMAZING! THE FIRST MUST-SEE

“

FILM FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN 2009.”

-Clay Cane, BET.COM

SENSATIONAL

‘‘

... A RICH, VIBRANT GUARANTEED TO MOVE EVERYONE WHO SEES IT.”

FILM

-Rex Reed, THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

INSPIRED BY AN EXTRAORDINARY TR UE STORY

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

NOW PLAYING! AMC PHIPPS PLAZA 14 Peachtree Rd. at Lenox (404) 816-4AMC LANDMARK’S MIDTOWN ART 931 Monroe Dr. (678) 495-1424 AMC STONECREST MALL 16 I-20 E. @ Turner Hill Rd. (404) 816-4262 VISIT:

AMC PARKWAY POINTE 15 3101 Cobb Pkwy SE (404) 816-4AMC

AMC SOUTHLAKE PAVILION 24 7065 Mt. Zion Circle (404) 816-4AMC REGAL TOWN CENTER 16 2795 Town Center Dr. (800) FANDANGO 230#

MOVIES ATL 3760 Princeton Lakes Pkwy. (678) 513-4400 AMC MANSELL CROSSING 7730 N. Point Rd. (404) 816-4AMC

REGAL ATLANTIC STATION 371 17th St. (800) FANDANGO 1752#

AMERICANVIOLET.COM

TO WATCH THE TRAILER, ORDER TICKETS AND LEARN HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED FOR GROUP TICKET SALES groupsales@idpfilm.com or call 877-437-3603

CrossRoadsNews

Youth

April 25, 2009

“In education one size does not fit all, I agree with that. This school does not fit this neighborhood.”

Officials moving forward with military high school despite opposition By McKenzie Jackson

Despite strident opposition from some parents, DeKalb School System says it will open a militarystyle high school in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps at the beginning of the next school year. Superintendent Dr. Crawford Lewis told more than 100 people at an April 14 meeting at the Heritage Center off Briarcliff Road, that the DeKalb Marine Corps Institute will open there in August. Detractors say the school will just be another recruiting ground for the military to target young children who lack the information to make intelligent choices. Gloria Tatum, who spoke at the meeting, said the institute is the

wrong school at any location and at any time. “Recruitment [for the military] is down because large numbers of the population of young people have wised up and do not want to become cannon fodder for illegal wars for empire and corporate profit,” she said. Instead, Tatum said the school system should be opening a peace institute to teach our children conflict resolution. Lewis said the school will be an option under the system’s school choice program, which offers students different programs and schools across the county. “We do have some issues in our school system that I believe the Marine Corps can help with,” Lewis said. In its first year, the school will

have up to 150 freshmen. Lewis said the Marine Corps Institute will be located for one school year only on the campus of the Heritage Center, which serves special needs students. After that, it will be relocated to one of five to seven sites the school system is currently looking at for the school. Residents who live around the Heritage Center don’t want the school in their community. They said the institute will bring more traffic and congestion to the area and they fear it will remain longer at Heritage Center. “In education one size does not fit all, I agree with that,” said Carolyn Breggman, a 17-year neighborhood resident. “This school does not fit this neighborhood.”

‘Green’ school gets rave reviews

The new Arabia Mountain High School (top) in Lithonia was quite a hit for the estimated 1,000-1,200 people who attended an Open House on Saturday. Visitors (above, left) toured the environment and technology theme school after a program at which area superintendent Horace Dunson (left) presented a gift to Kelly Jordan.

Cheerleading and Basketball Summer Camp

Only $50 week

Academics, Cheer/Dance, Basketball, Field Trips, Tumbling, Community Service, Entrepreneurial Training, FREE Breakfast and Lunch Open House, Saturday, May 2nd • 12 noon Register before May 15 and receive a FREE week. Starz Activity Center 2520 Park Central Blvd., Ste C3 Decatur, GA 30035

(678) 886-9238

Lewis said they are working to find a new location for the school and hope to have found one by January. He said the Heritage Center is not on the list of locations for the 2010-2011 school year. The four-year Marine Corps Institute will combine a militarystyle regimen and academics, with a heavy focus on math and science. It will also operate year-round and have longer breaks during the year to balance time off from classes. Teachers will also stay with the same students or class for more than one year to help increase retention. Thaddeous Dixon, a coordinator at the district’s Region 3 office, will be the school’s first principal, and Ret. Col. James David Leonard,

a USMC commandant, a 32-year Marine veteran, will oversee the school’s military programs. Lewis said that he could not put a price tag on the school until the school system and Marine Corps attorneys have completed a memorandum of agreement in about two weeks. He said the Marine Corps will share operating costs. District 9 board member Eugene Walker said the school is needed. “In addition to the academics, this program is about character development,” he said, adding that attendance will be voluntary. “Remember, this a choice program,” he said. “Attendance isn’t mandatory. This gives our students a choice, that is all this is.”

Suicide victim remembered By McKenzie Jackson

A week after Dunaire Elementary fifth-grader Jaheem Herrera hung himself in his family’s Decatur apartment, their front door has become a makeshift memorial. A framed picture of 11-year-old Jaheem hangs from the middle of the front door and under it, a red poster board Jaheem Herrera covered in messages from mourners. Balloons, flowers and stuffed bears adorn the steps. Two pieces of paper in the shape of angel wings, also covered in writing, are attached to the poster board. “Your gone but never forgotten,” one message reads, while another says, “R.I.P. Love You Always and 4-Ever.” Family members say Jaheem hung himself April 16 with a fabric belt because of bullying he suffered at the Stone Mountain school. No one was home at his family’s Wesley Club apartment off Wesley Chapel Road on Wednesday, but his mother, Masika Bermudez, told Atlanta media early this week that Jaheem had quit eating a few days before his suicide and had become listless. She said her son was in his first year at Dunaire after moving from their native Virgin Islands. Students taunted him and called him “gay” and a “snitch.” She said he told her that students choked him in the boy’s bathroom until he nearly passed out. Bermudez said the family did not know how bad the bullying was until his suicide. She said she had made numerous complaints to

A makeshift memorial adorns the door to Jaheem Herrera’s apartment.

school officials about the abuse. DeKalb County Schools spokesman Dale Davis said that legally school officials cannot discuss student-related records. The school system has an antibullying policy that says it will not tolerate bullying. On Thursday, Jada Hudspeth, a spokeswoman for the DeKalb District Attorney’s office, said that District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming is exploring the case to see if any laws were broken. “It is not an open or active investigation,” she said. “This is the first case of this nature that we have received in this office.” Hudspeth said Keyes Fleming did not want to respond prematurely without fully evaluating the legal options. Jaheem will be buried on Monday in St. Croix. He was the oldest of three siblings living with his mother, stepfather Norman Keene, and sisters Ny’irah, 7, and Yerralis, 10. Yerrallis, also a Dunaire fifthgrader, found her brother’s body. Jaheem is the latest in a string of recent preteen suicides related to bullying that have startled the nation.

April 25, 2009

Ministry

CrossRoadsNews

“I saw how people responded and realized that on this man’s shoulders rest the problems, not only of this county, but of the world.”

Prayer time for President Obama scheduled on first day of the month When you are leading a country out of a recession, prayer is a good idea. When you are the first black man to occupy the White House, there is no better idea. That is why APEX Museum president Dan Moore Sr. launched Prayer Partners for Obama in February, and he has been encouraging people across the country and the world to join in prayer for President Barack Obama on the 1st of every month. Moore said he got the idea after watching Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration live with about 200 people at the APEX Museum. “I saw how people responded and realized that on this man’s shoulders rest the problems, not only of this county, but of the world,” Moore said Wednesday. “I decided that we all needed to pray that God will give hi wisdom because whatever decision he makes, it will impact the world.” Moore said he invited prayers on Feb. 1, March 1 and April 1, but has no way of knowing how many people have joined in. Participants are invited to sign up at www. prayerpartnersforobama.org. So far, Moore

Dan Moore Sr., president of the APEX Museum, launched Prayer Partners for Obama in February and is encouraging people to join in prayer for the United States’ new leader.

said 150 people from the U.S., Liberia, Denmark and Kenya have registered. On May 1, prayer warriors of all faiths and religions will again be in prayer at 7 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m. Moore said. He explains the prayer movement in his fourth book, “Prayer Partners For Obama,” published in February. The 54-page book also lists quotes

Psalmist Moore to perform in concert is a highly sought-after consultant L’Tanya Moore, Saint Philip in vocal pedagogy and music minAME Church’s award-winning istry development. psalmist, will perform April 26 at The “Music for Missions” the “Music for Missions” concert at concert series raises funds for Lawrenceville Road United Methmissions and charities supported odist Church. by Lawrenceville Road UMC. The During the 7 p.m. concert, April 26 concert will be the 155th Moore, who is also Saint Philip’s in the series. music and activities director, will L’Tanya Moore Admission is free but an offersing songs from her latest CD, ing will be taken. “Radiant.” Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Moore was voted 2006 Best New Artist and Best Female Vocalist in the Atlanta Church is at 3142 Lawrenceville Highway Gospel Choice Awards. She also directs the in Tucker. For more information, call 770McDonald’s Stellar Awards youth choir and 939-3717.

from world leaders and children. On the website, W. Harris, one of the people who have registered to pray, said praying for Obama is a great idea. “I will get every Liberian-based prayer band, my friends and my relatives, to participate,” Harris said. “This son of Africa ‘must’ succeed.”

Dr. J. Crawford wrote that Obama “needs all the prayers he can get.” S. Simmons says he prays daily for Obama, his family and his cabinet members. “I will continue to ask others to saturate the atmosphere with prayer and lift Obama before the Lord daily,” Simmons said. For more information, visit www.prayerpartenersforobama.org.

Fish fry to raise funds for child care center Fried fish and sides will be on the menu at Holy Cross Episcopal Church’s sixth annual Fish Fry on May 2. The 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. event will benefit the Decatur church’s building fund and help pay for a new church daycare center. Plates with fish, fries, tossed salad and iced tea or lemonade are $6 each. The church is at 2005 South Columbia Place in Decatur. For more information, call 404-284-1211.

CrossRoadsNews

April 25, 2009

One-order, one-invoice, multi-newspaper placement service! Reach more than 15 million households served by over 1,020 suburban and community newspapers around North America and Canada. 25-word ad starts at $240 weekly. Discount Contact Rates Available. For more information, call 404-284-1888 Autos DONATE YOUR CAR to SPECIAL KIDS FUND. Help Disabled Children With Camp and Education. Non-Runners OK. Quickest Free Towing. Free Cruise/Hotel Voucher. Tax Deductible. Call 1-866-448-3254. $500! HONDAS & TOYOTAS FROM $500! Buy Police Impounds & Repos! Acuras, Nissans, Chevys & more from $500! For Listings 800-366-0124 ext. L215 *Police Impounds for Sale!* Toyota Camry 1999 only $1000! Honda Civic 1999 only $1000! Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans & More from $500! For Listings 800-366-0124 ext. L213

Business Opportunities $$ ABSOLUTELY EARN $500$3500 POSSIBLE DAILY!! Simply return phone calls. NO SELLING. NO PRODUCTS. NOT MLM. Call Now for more information and learn how to get started today!! 1-888-248-1617 www.arichplan. com Paid In Advance! Make $1000 weekly Stuffing Envelopes from home. 100% Legit! Income is Guaranteed! No experience required. Apply Today! www. startstuffingnow.com 100% RECESSION PROOF! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy. All for $9,995. 800-893-1185 (Void in SD & MD)

**Are You Making $1,500.00 + PER WEEK? ALL CASH VENDING! Incredible Income Opportunity! Snack-soda... Minimum $8K To $40K Investment Required. Excellent Quality Machines. 800962-9189

Education & Training AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Housing Available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 349-5387. Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-488-0386 www.CenturaOnline.com HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast Affordable & Accredited. FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1-800-5326546 Ext. 96 www.continentalacademy.com

Employment Opportunities Government Jobs- $12-48.00/hr. Full Benefits/Paid Training. Work available In areas like Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Wildlife & more! 1-800-320-9353 Ext 2002 National Organization Now Hiring $25/hr, Client Referral Executives, Advancement Potential, PT/FT, No Exp Needed, We Train, Must Be Honest, Caring, Self-Motivated Access Payment Solutions 1-888-334-5042

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 $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. Earn up to $2,500.00 WEEKLY processing our brochures. Great opportunity ! Postage,supplies furnished. No travel. Processors needed NOW. For FREE information call Speedline Publications NOW. 1-800-395-5972 $384 DAILY! No experience required! Data entry positions available Now! Internet access needed! Income is Guaranteed! Apply today! www.dataentrymembers.com Earn up to $500 weekly assembling our angel pins in the comfort of your own home. No experience required. Call 413303-0474 or visit www.angelpin. net

Financial Credit Card Debt Getting You Down? WE CAN HELP! ucanbdebtfree.info Call for Free Evaluation 24/7 1-800-430-3931 $$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! AS seen on TV. Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500$500,000++ within 48/hrs? Low rates. APPLY NOW BY PHONE!

1-888-271-0463 www.cash-forcases.com

Health & Fitness Take the Better Life Pharmacy Challenge. Make Huge Savings On Your Prescription Medications. For Quality Products and Better Service Visit meds4less. betterlifepharmacy.com AAA Affordable Health Care. Plans as little as $69.95 for single & $89.95 for family per month. For more info please call toll free 866-925-1830. ONLINE PHARMACY Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Prozac, Buspar $71.99/90 $107/180 Quantities, PRICE INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! Over 200 meds $25Coupon Mention Offer:#31A31. 1-866-491-2712. tri-pharmacy.net

Help Wanted Help Wanted Earn Extra Income, assembling CD cases from home. Start immediately, No experience necessary. 1-800-405-7619 ext 1395 www.easywork-greatpay. com

Misc. For Sale PROTECT YOUR FAMILY Get a free GE alarm system with no installation fee and no equipment cost. Most homeowners will receive an insurance discount as well. Mention this ad and get 2 free keychain remotes! Promo code A02086 1-888-951-5156 * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting under $10. FREE DVR and HD Upgrades

for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1-800-699-7159 A NEW COMPUTER NOW!!!! Brand Name laptops & desktops Bad or NO Credit- No Problem Smallest weekly payments avail. Its yours NOW- Call 800-3177891

Miscellaneous National Organization Now Hiring $25/hr, Client Referral Executives, Advancement Potential, PT/FT, No Exp Needed, We Train, Must Be Honest, Caring, Self-Motivated Access Payment Solutions 1-888-334-5042 National Organization Now Hiring $25/hr, Client Referral Executives, Advancement Potential, PT/FT, No Exp Needed, We Train, Must Be Honest, Caring, Self-Motivated Access Payment Solutions 1-888-334-5042 Get a New Computer! Brand Name laptops & desktop BAD or

No Credit No Problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. Call 800640-0587 A NEW COMPUTER NOW!!!! Brand Name laptops & desktops Bad or NO Credit- No Problem Smallest weekly payments avail. Its yours NOW- Call 800-6400649 Email not sending? Printer not printing? Can’t fix it yourself? Call My Computer Works your personal Help Desk. Fast, safe and secure help day or night: 888-375-8686.

Real Estate BUY HUD Homes from $199/mo! 4bd 2ba only $350/mo! 3bd 2ba only $199/mo! More Home from $199/mo! 5% dn, 15yrs @8% apr! for Listings 800-366-0142 ext. T252 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

Timeshares SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!! Maintenance fees too high? Need Cash? Sell your unused timeshare today. No commissions or Broker Fees. Free Consultation. www.sellatimeshare.com 1-866-708-3690

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.