CrossRoadsNews, August 1, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

WELLNESS

MINISTRY

SCHOOLS

Health agencies and websites concerned about childhood obesity offer tips to get kids away from TV and computers and into physical activities. 6

More than 1,000 church members and their families and friends have signed up for a 12-week, faith-based fitness challenge designed to improve their overall health. 8

Workers at Arabia Mountain High School are putting finishing touches on DeKalb County’s newest track for cross country meets. 9

Screen time alternatives

Faithfully fit

August 1, 2009

New cross-country track

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 15, Number 13

Four-day tax-free holiday shopping off to a brisk start By McKenzie Jackson

Bargain-hunting parents were first out of the box Thursday snatching up bargains with the added benefits of Georgia’s tax-free shopping weekend. The respite from the state’s 7 percent sales tax through Aug. 2 is providing a shopping bonanza for penny-pinching families and retailers hamstrung by the economic recession sweeping the country. Keisha Clayton of Decatur was at the Conway department store at the Gallery at South DeKalb Thursday morning trying to outfit her kids Dontavious Arnold, 11, and Hannah Clayton, 4, for the upcoming school year, which kicks off Aug. 10 with a stricter dress code. “I’ll be shopping for the whole weekend trying to catch different sales,” she said. On her back-to-school shopping list are T-shirts, shorts, collared shirts and bookbags. Clayton said the tax break is helping her stretch her dollars even further. The tax is 7 percent,” she said. “If you are spending $400, the tax adds up. So tax-free helps a lot.” Rhonda Thomas, also of Decatur, said the tax-free shopping came in the nick of time. “I just recently lost my job, so it being tax-free helps a great deal for me,” she said while shopping for clothes with her 13-year-old son Devonta McClendon. For the three-day shopping weekend, families will save on a number of popular back-to-school items, including books, pencils, backpacks, clothes, and computers and accessories priced under $1,500. Retailers are hoping that the tax savings will be the lure that snags them some shoppers. To attract more traffic, the Mall at Stonecrest and North DeKalb Mall have ad-

Keisha Clayton of Decatur sizes up a shirt for her son Dontavious Arnold at the Conway department store in the Gallery at South DeKalb Thursday morning.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

vertised shopping sprees and cash giveaways. Stonecrest shoppers can register to win a “$1,000 Back-to-School Shopping Spree” with a coupon in the July 25 CrossRoadsNews. At North DeKalb Mall, Saturday shoppers who bring that mall’s “R U Smarter?” ad, also in the July 25 CrossRoadsNews, could become contestants in the contest and compete for gift cards from mall anchors and specialty stores. Donald Bieler, the Mall at Stonecrest’s marketing manager, said the turnout at the mall this weekend will be a barometer of what they can expect for the upcoming holiday shopping season. “We are looking forward to a very successful shopping season,”

he said. Mary Joyce Burdge, North DeKalb Mall’s marketing manager, said shopping at the Decatur mall was off to a brisk start Thursday. “People are shopping,” she said. “We see bags and that’s a good thing.” Burdge said mall merchants tell her the tax-free shopping weekend is as big a holiday for them as Christmas. “So it’s very important and we have high hopes for the three days,” she said. In good times, Georgia’s annual sales tax holiday has yielded big sales numbers for retailers. Even though the state is faced with cutbacks and furloughing state employees and will lose more revenues

with the tax holiday, Gov. Sonny Perdue, who signed it into law on May 5, said it is important to have it this year. John Heavener, president of the Georgia Retail Association, said that back-to-school spending is projected to be down 7.7 percent nationally from 2008 but he hopes the combination of low prices and sales-tax savings will propel shoppers into stores. “We believe that consumers and retailers have been waiting for this event all summer,” he said. Kerrene Campbell, assistant manager at the Radio Shack at the Gallery at South DeKalb, said she is anticipating a successful sales weekend because of the tax holiday. “We’ve already had a few people

come in and ask about it,” she said Thursday. “They want laptops; they want computers.” With sales prices and other promotions on laptops, she said shoppers should find something to fit their budgets. “You don’t really have to pay full price,” she said. John Hubert, shopping with his 14-year-old grandson Justin Hubert, said tax-free is a put help in a down economy. “Save a penny here or there,” he said. Dena Wright of Lithonia, who was shopping with her son Trajon at the Mall at Stonecrest, said she was just getting started. “If I don’t find everything today I’m going to have to comeback tomorrow, ” she said.

Lou Walker’s legacy to be highlighted on anniversary of his death Church on Candler Road Former DeKalb Counin Decatur. ty Commissioner Lou Johnson said Walker Walker will be honored had a great impact on Aug. 3 on the fifth annithe county, both as a versary of his death. community activist and Walker, the Super Disa commissioner. trict 7 commissioner for “I am honored to be four years, died Aug. 2, able to acknowledge the 2004 while in office, from Lou Walker things he accomplished, injuries sustained in a car the lives he touched and the legacy accident on I-20 in Atlanta. Commissioner Larry Johnson, a he’s left,” Johnson said. The tribute is open to the public protegé and mentee of Walker who served alongside him on the Board and will be attended by Walker’s of Commissioners, is hosting the 7 widow, Theresa. It will include p.m. tribute at Mt. Patmos Baptist personal tributes from former CEO

Vernon Jones, Rockdale County Chairman Richard Oden and other friends of Walker. Vocalists Angela Dickerson, Sister Dee Lawson and Sarah Rucker will perform. Margaret Britton, Johnson’s spokeswoman, said the event will start at 7 p.m. and will include a parade from the church to nearby Resthaven Garden of Memories Cemetery to lay a wreath at Walker’s grave. A reception, sponsored by EMG, will follow in the church’s banquet hall. As a community activist, Walker lobbied for years for DeKalb Medi-

cal to build an hospital in South DeKalb. He attended the groundbreaking for the 500-bed DeKalb Medical at Hillandale but did not live to see it open for business in July 2005. During his tenure as commissioner, Walker worked to secure passage of the county’s first Park Bond Referendum and spearheaded the passage of the building moratorium that allowed for the updating of the county building codes and reorganization of the Development Department. As a business owner, he co-

founded the Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce and was a champion of minority-owned business participation in public and private contracts. Walker, a character actor, also appeared in more than 65 feature films and made-for-television movies, including “Mississippi Burning,” “My Cousin Vinny,” “The Firm,” and “Remember the Titans.” Mt. Patmos Baptist Church is at 2207 Candler Road in Decatur. For more information, call Larry Johnson at 404-371-2988.

CrossRoadsNews

August 1, 2009

Community

It is an internal affairs matter, but more than likely we aren’t anticipating him returning to the classroom.”

Officers, residents join forces during National Night Out DeKalb law enforcement officers, civic leaders and the residents they serve will be rubbing shoulders and sharing a bite to eat together on Aug. 4 at National Night Out celebrations in more than 18 communities across South DeKalb. The 26th annual national event brings law enforcement officers and citizens together to stand against crime. The events will heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and send a message to criminals that their neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. The crime and drug prevention event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored by DeKalb Police Crime Awareness and Interactive Community Policing Units. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., communities like Creekwood Hills, Toney Valley, Villages of East Lake, Weatherstone Condos, Belvedere, Waters Edge, Eagles Ridge and Parks at Stonecrest will host everything from parades to block parties, ice-cream socials, seafood boils and back-to-school jams. At some events, police officers will be joined by Solicitor-General Robert James, District Attorney Gwen Keys-Fleming, state court Judge Johnny Panos, Sheriff Thomas Brown, assistant police chief Kennis Harrell and county com-

CrossRoadsNews

August 1, 2009

“It gives them a chance to get out in the community and see the people they are helping.” Sharon Dorcon Public Education Specialist

missioners. At all the events, officers from local precincts will show up for the camaraderie. At Creekwood Hills subsdivision in Decatur, Southwest DeKalb High School’s marching band will provide musical entertainment and the DeKalb Fire Department will demonstrate fire safety. The Toney Valley Civic Association’s National Night Out event will take place at Toney Elementary School, 2701 Oakland Terrace, Decatur, featuring Kim Armstrong’s “A Popular Dance” show, food, fun and other entertainment. Sharon Dorcon, the Tucker precinct’s public education specialist, said officers look forward to National Night Out events. “It gives them a chance to get out in the community and see the people they are helping,” she said. “Citizens can become familiar with police in their area and if they have an issue with something they can just pull an officer off to the side and tell them about it.” For more information, visit www.nationalnightout.org or call the South Precinct’s Shelia O’Rear at 404-286-7911 or the East Precinct’s Phylis Allen at 770-7820328.

Officers suspended after checks on Obama the county that Two DeKalb County posomeone aclice officers were suspended on cessed national Wednesday after they allegedly ran police databasbackground checks on President es, GCIC and Barack Obama. NCIC on July Officers Ryan White and C.M. 29 around 4:40 Route of Center Precinct in Tucker a.m. to perform were placed on paid administrative William Miller a background leave pending the outcome of an check on Obama, the nation’s first Internal Affairs investigation. They were suspended after African-American president. Public Safety Director William the U.S. Secret Service notified

“Wiz” Miller said Thursday that he takes the allegations against the two officers very seriously. “This behavior will not be tolerated by DeKalb County government,” he said in a statement. “We expect our officers to adhere to professional standards and department policy. Furthermore, we do not and will not condone the inappropriate use of county equipment or resources.”

Teacher arrested on child molestation charges By McKenzie Jackson

Stone Mountain Middle School math teacher Charles McClendon won’t be in the classroom on Aug. 10 when school opens. McClendon of Decatur was arrested July 16 in Jonesboro after police allegedly found him with his p a n t s d ow n attempting to C. McClendon have sex with a teenage girl in the backseat of his gold Ford F-150 pickup. The two were busted at 2:23 a.m. behind El Tarasco’s Mexican restaurant on Jonesboro Road. Police said the 15-year-old girl was a student in his class last school year. This week, McClendon’s name was removed from the school’s website. DeKalb Schools spokesman

Dale Davis said McClendon is still employed with the school system. “Again, it is an internal affairs matter, but more than likely we aren’t anticipating him returning to the classroom,” he said. Davis would not say whether the victim, who was not identified, is still a DeKalb Schools student. McClendon, 29, was arrested on charges of child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes. He left the Clayton County jail on July 23 on a $35,000 bond. Sgt. Eric Bradshaw, the arresting officer, said he found McClendon and the girl when he went saw the truck in the dark parking lot. He said McClendon got out of the backseat and put on his pants which had fallen to the ground when he was surprised by the officer. He also saw the girl putting on her clothes. Bradshaw blocked McClendon’s truck with his patrol car

when he tried to drive off. He said McClendon and the girl lied several times about how they met and the girl’s name and age. He got the truth, only after the girl gave him her cousin’s phone number. The cousin told the officer that she was either 14 or 15 years old. Bradshaw said the girl finally admitted she was 15 and that McClendon was her tutor at Stone Mountain Middle, where she was a student during the 2008-09 school year. After his arrest, McClendon told officers that the girl had called him all night and asked him to pick her up. He said he thought she was 17 and that she got his telephone number from another teacher. McClendon told officers that he kissed the girl and touched and rubbed her private areas. Police also found a Cobra 9mm handgun in McClendon’s vehicle. McClendon’s lawyer, Keith Adams, did not return a call.

CrossRoadsNews

Forum

August 1, 2009

High school is the time to become more involved because so much of the student’s future depends on those four years.

We must all pull together to make our schools better 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

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The article on Southwest DeKalb not making AYP shows how flawed the No Child Left Behind concept is. I’m not a fan of the whole process but as it stands right now, this is the standard that our schools have to adhere to. I understand how AYP works, and just because a school doesn’t make the required AYP score doesn’t mean that the students aren’t graduating or doing well academically. There are a lot of variables that come into play to adequately make the yearly progress. But since right now AYP is the game, we need to know the rules to win the game. What’s real easy to do is to start blaming and having conversations amongst each other of what the school needs to do and what the administration needs to do and what the kids need to do. In my opinion, what needs to happen first is that parents need to

start being parents and not buddies and go back to instilling core values in their families and in their households. I’ve spent many a day at the high school I work with, and I know that some of the kids come to school after 15 or more years of no discipline and no structure and can’t function in an environment that requires them to have some. That’s not their fault. It’s our fault for trying to give our kids stuff and not giving them ourselves and teaching them the things we were taught. There’s no respect for authority because no one has ever told them no and that what they were doing was wrong. Unfortunately, when some parents are called to the school – if they come – the parent’ behavior is worse than the child’s. Because so many schools did not make AYP, it is going to be necessary for us to keep our kids at the schools in their neighbor-

hoods. Sending them across the county each day is not going to be an option because those schools didn’t make it either. The three high schools that did make AYP cannot accommodate everyone who wants to transfer, so now we’re going to have to take the time, energy and effort to make our schools in our neighborhoods better. I implore each of you to become involved in your child’s education. Why would you send your child somewhere for at least eight hours a day and never meet the people who are working with them or come and see what transpires on a daily basis? Come to parent teacher conferences, even if your child is doing well. Pay attention to the information that is sent home via flyers, emails and calling posts. Get online and find out what your child’s grades are and what is required of them. Join the PTA and come to

meetings and volunteer your time as you’re able and show your support in the activities and events that are planned. High school is not the time to pull back; high school is the time to become more involved because so much of the student’s future depends on those four years. Even if your child has graduated, your experience and knowledge are vital to the success of our schools and our communities. I wish I could wave a magic AYP wand over DeKalb County and fix the problem, but it looks like we’re going to have to do some real hard work on this one, and it is going to require all of us being on one accord with a single-mindedness to get the job done. I’m up to the challenge. Are you? Donna Dees is PTSA president at Martin Luther King Jr. High School.

Youth should not be hired to watch over other children Summer is just about gone and time for students to go back to school and focus on their educational goals. This year a significant number of youths who benefited from summer camp programs were placed in parks and recreational facilities to work with children. While it can be good to hire young workers, there is a downside when they are allowed to work with children. Working with children requires a certain level of maturity and experience that should not be handed over on a silver platter to immature children. It is like the blind leading the blind. From my experience, the majority of young workers hired to work with children are not serious about their jobs. They basically come to play and get paid for consistently wanting to play basketball while ignoring the children. They still think that they can

“I guess it is nice to be able to play and get paid, but we need to make sure that these youths understand the responsibility of working for a living.” Miriam Knox Robinson

dress in a distasteful manner as they do in high school and college. Most do not have a clue about following rules. They care less about doing a good job. They are reluctant to adhere to adult authority. Children have no business overseeing another child. It is my understanding that working in a daycare, or running a daycare in your home, requires certain regulations when working with children. Teachers have to be certified to be in the classroom. So I am at a loss to understand why recreational facilities can hire teens with no experience at all to work with children.

From my experience, the hired youth play with the children too much, and sometimes acts that are unsafe may be performed. They can offer no guidance, therefore the children do not respect them as an authority figure. They treat the job like school interacting with each other in ways that run counteractive for what they were hired to do, leaving all the “real” work to the few senior workers that are hired. Children from 14 to 21 have no business working in summer camps with children. These are jobs that are taken away from respon-

sible adults who need the work to help pay their bills. These adults can offer guidance, respectability, maturity, and “real work” to the position. Having children work with children in summer camps can be disastrous. There are jobs such as in construction, restaurants, hospitals and other types of work that would be more beneficial and would give them a better sense of the working industry. I guess it is nice to be able to play and get paid, but we need to make sure that these youths understand the responsibility of working for a living. Clearly, working with children at summer camp programs, parks and recreation centers is not the answer. All blame cannot be put on the children because they are mostly irresponsible and do not know any better. Miriam Knox Robinson lives in Decatur.

Quick Read

Teacher arrested on child molestation charges

Health agencies help combat Wellness festival has ‘green’ 3 childhood obesity 6 feel 8

Stone Mountain Middle School math teacher Charles McClendon won’t be in the classroom on Aug. 10 when school opens.

In nine days, kids will be headed back to school. The promise of new beginnings also offers parents a chance to encourage their kids to make heart-healthy choices.

The focus will be on “Living Well, Living Green” when the Health Ministry at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church hosts its fifth annual wellness festival on Aug. 8.

Know rules of bartering in tough economy

Conference to look at faith5 Rockdale firefighters to hold 8 boot drive 7 based ventures Cash strapped businesses are turning in

droves to bartering to help keep the lights on, but metro Atlanta’s Better Business Bureau is cautioning small business owners to remember Uncle Sam.

Rockdale firefighters will be out with their boots Aug. 7, 14 and 21 collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Local religious and civic leaders and elected officials have until Aug. 6 to reserve a spot for the Aug. 11 “DeKalb County Pastors and Faith Leaders Luncheon/Conference” hosted by the DeKalb County chapter of the NAACP.

Challenge encourages faithHealth in the workplace to be based fitness makeover 8 SDBA meeting topic 5 More than 1,000 church members and Private academy to celebrate Health and wellness professionals will their families, friends and co-workers have new location 9 discuss health in the workplace at the South signed up for the 2009 Faith & Fitness DeKalb Business Association’s Aug. 4 meeting at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church’s family life center.

Circulation Audited By

Survivors Challenge at 10 South DeKalb churches, worship centers and faith-based organizations.

BaSix Knowledge Academy will host a grand opening celebration for its new home on Aug. 9.

index to advertisers 2009 Adoption & Family Expo.........................2 Algiers House of Candles................................10 Alpha Climate Control.....................................10 Avondale Tire & Service LLC...........................10 BaSix Knowledge Academy............................. 9 Craig B. Williams, DDS..................................... 6 De De’s African Hair Braiding.........................10

Decatur Dental................................................. 6 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau..............5 Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care................10 Eulla Master Stylist............................................5 Harper & Associates Family Medicine PC........ 6 Daughters of the Light......................................8 Law Office of C.E. Taylor...................................5

Malcolm Cunningham Ford.............................11 New Jerusalem Outreach Ministries..................8 Newburn Reynolds Photography....................10 Nia’s Hair Artistry............................................10 Salon Aloma...................................................10 Salt & Light Truth Center..................................8 Service 1st Auto Care......................................10

Starz Activity Center......................................... 9 The Mall at Stonecrest.................................... 12 The School Store............................................. 9 Wireless Global Solutions...............................10 Wright, James & Boston P.C..............................3 YWCA of Greater Atlanta................................. 9

Finance

CrossRoadsNews

August 1, 2009

“To be successful as productive individuals and entrepreneurs, we must refocus our attention to healthcare and prevention.”

Know rules of bartering in tough economy Health in the workplace Cash strapped businesses are billion to $4 billion in transactions range of items and services can be to be SDBA meeting topic bartered online or through barterturning in droves to bartering to annually. M help keep the lights on, but metro Atlanta’s Better Business Bureau is cautioning small business owners to remember Uncle Sam. Fred T. Elsberry Jr., the BBB’s president and CEO, says that going back to the basics with bartering can help a business owner cut down on per- Fred T. Elsberry Jr. sonal and business operating costs in a tight economy. “Whether you’re trading services or goods, bartering can help out your bottom line and even help generate new customers,” he said. On Craigslist, the online classifieds website, bartering ads have doubled in the past year and the International Reciprocal Trade Association says that about 400,000 U.S. companies are doing businessto-business bartering valued at $3

Many of those transactions are done on bartering networks where business owners may swap a haircut for a lunch, or graphic services for landscaping services. The BBB offers the following advice for small business owners: n Don’t forget Uncle Sam. While no money is exchanging hands when bartering, there are still tax implications for both parties. IRS rules vary according to the services and businesses involved in the transaction, but generally speaking, both parties will need to report services received as income at the fair market value. n Know the deal on bartering networks, which often charge annual or monthly administrative fees and may even require a cut from every transaction. Read the fine print and understand the conditions of membership, including the true cost, before joining a bartering network. n Evaluate your needs. A wide

ing networks comprised of businesses such as auto shops, salons and even professional services from lawyers and dentists. Before signing up for a network, it’s important to evaluate business and personal needs to see if they match up with the local services available. n Barter with a trusted business. BBB-accredited businesses agree to uphold the standards of BBB for honesty, customer satisfaction, and dispute resolution. Always look for the BBB Accredited Business seal when bartering with other businesses. n Go local on Craigslist. Deal with local businesses or individuals when answering an ad on Craigslist and, regardless of the reason given, never wire money as payment through services such as MoneyGram or Western Union unless the recipient can be trusted. For more small business advice on making ends meet in a tough economy, visit www.bbb.org.

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ASTER country’s leaders are curHealth and wellness profes- ourS TYLIST sionals will discuss health in the rently placing a lot of emphasis and on improving workplace at the South DeKalb SEW-I Npolitical capital MON THURShealthcare SPECIALS the state of our nation’s Business Association’sW Aug. 4 EAVE SPECIAL meeting at Saint Philip A.M.E. system.” The meetingHAMPOO starts at 11:30 Church’s family life center.$ SDBA president Linda May- a.m. Admission and lunch is free ELAXER forLOCKS SDBA members and $20 for hand said that health andWE wellness ALSO DO visitors. is an integral part of businessCALL NOW FOR APPOINTMENT Saint Philip A.M.E. is at 240 people’s personal regimen. (404) 983-1694 Candler Road in Atlanta, at the “To be successful as productive P ROFESSIONAL SALON IN DECATUR individuals and entrepreneurs, corner of Memorial Drive. For we must refocus our attention to more information, visit www. healthcare and prevention,” she sdba-inc.org, or call 678-476-3727 said. “It is not by accident that or 678-418-9104.

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said they bring to 64, the total number of banks to fail in the United States this year. Six of the banks that closed were subsidiaries of Security Bank Corp.. The State Bank and Trust Co., headquartered in Pinehurst, took over all of the deposits of the six bank subsidiaries that failed. As of March 31, the six sub-

sidiaries, which had 20 branches among them, had total assets of $2.8 billion and total deposits of about $2.4 billion. They reopened the following day as State Bank and Trust Co. of Pinehurst, Ga. The bank failures are part of the fallout from the foreclosure tsunami that’s been sweeping the country.

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CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

August 1, 2009

Young children are now at risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Health agencies help parents, schools combat growing problem In nine days, kids will be headed back to school. The promise of new beginnings also offers parents a chance to encourage their kids to make heart-healthy choices. Nationwide, more than 9 million or 1 in 6 children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and a whopping 79 percent of children ages 7-12 have a diet that needs improvement. In DeKalb County, the statistics are even more stark. The county’s 2005 Status of Health Report found that 81 percent of high school students do not eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and that African-American high school students are more likely than those of other races to watch three or more hours of television per day. To help their kids make healthy, as well good educational choices, parents now have help at HealthierGeneration.org. The new website is loaded with tips on how to get a picky eater to eat healthier, how to make kids more active, and how families can make healthy choices when eating out. It is a project of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a partnership between the American Heart Association and

the Clinton Foundation. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults, and if both parents are overweight or obese, this increases to 80 percent. But more importantly, young children are now at risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Health experts now agree that if current obesity trends continue nationwide, today’s kids may be the first generation to have shorter lives than their parents. The joint goal of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is to stop the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States by 2010 and to reduce childhood obesity rates by 2015. It’s doing that by working with parents, schools, health care providers and industry to help change children’s lifestyles and inspire all young Americans to develop lifelong healthy habits. In U.S. schools, where 20 percent of the nation’s population spends its weekdays either studying or working, the American Heart Association is promoting better health choices with its Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs. It is also advocating increased quality physical educa-

tion and coordinated school health programs at the local, state, and federal level. The alliance’s Healthy Schools program will assist schools in creating healthier environments and will recognize them for achieving health goals. Its Healthy School builder is an easy online tool that helps schools take steps to creating a healthier environment for students and staff. Parents, individually and in their PTSAs, can encourage their children’s school to register online, free of charge, to become part of the Healthy Schools Program and get access to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s tools, resources and school awards program. The Healthy Schools Builder helps schools create customized action plans and provides tools to schools for reaching specific health and wellness program goals. It also identifies whether a school is eligible to apply for the alliance’s platinum, gold, silver, or bronze awards and provides tools to help them reach the next level of recognition. To promote cardiovascular health and desirable body weight in children, the American Heart Association recommends that families : n Eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. The heart association says total fat intake should be kept at 30 to 35 percent of calories for children 2 to 3 years of age, and 25 to 35 percent of calories for children and adolescents 4 to 18 years old. Most of that fat should come from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils – not lard and other animal fat. n Choose a variety of foods to get enough carbohydrates, protein and other nutrients. To support a child’s normal growth and development, eat only

HealthierGeneration.org offers tips on ways that kids can be more active and eat bett

enough calories to maintain a healthy weight for your height and build. Don’t overfeed. Estimated calories needed by children range from 900 a day for a 1-year-old to 1,800 for a 14- to 18-year-old girl, and 2,200 for a 14- to 18-year-old boy. Look for “whole grain” as the first ingredient on the food label and make at least half your grain servings whole grain. Recommended grain intake ranges from 2 ounces a day for a 1-year-old to 7 ounces a day for a 14- to 18-yearold boy. Serve a variety of fruits and vegetables daily, while limiting juice intake. Each meal should contain at least one fruit or vegetable. Children’s recommended fruit intake ranges from one cup per day between ages 1 and 3, to 2 cups for a 14- to 18-year-old boy. Recommended vegetable intake ranges from three-fourths of cup a day at age 1 to three cups for a

14- to 18-year-old boy. Introduce and regularly serve fish as an entrée. Avoid commercially fried fish. Serve nonfat and low-fat dairy foods. From ages 1 to 8, children need two cups of milk or its equivalent each day. Children ages 9 to 18 need three cups. n Be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Plan activities that you can do with your kids, such as walking the dog together. If you don’t have a dog, walk the kids around the neighborhood. n Cut back on screen time – the television and computer. It’s hard to be the “bad guy” and turn off the TV, video games or computers, but we all know that kids are getting too much screen time and not moving enough. First, know how much screen time your family is getting, and before you make any changes, talk to your kids and explain why it is important that they get enough activity during the day. Try not to enforce rules without giving your kids the heads-up that you are going to cut back on their screen time

Decatur Dental Center opened its doors on March 27, 2009. After being in practice for over 10 years and in conjunction with a Dental Consultant of over 10 years; Dr. Abbas Haider and Kenyada McKenzie began a journey to open a dental practice that brings to Decatur a unique dental philosophy and a team approach that has unrivaled customer service. This hidden dental practice gem is nestled away in Belvedere Plaza Kroger Shopping Center, 3521 Memorial Drive, Suite-A. “Dentistry is one of those professions where you’ll pay money for a product or service and have no idea what it is you just paid for,” Dr. Abbas Haider says. However, patients don’t need to worry; this simply isn’t the case at Decatur Dental Center. The approach to dentistry is “General Dentistry Done Right”. Decatur Dental Center operates under a philosophy that encourages communicating with patients about what is being diagnosed and educating them about preventive dentistry. Patients are offered dental care that is truly comprehensive and preventative, from the initial examination to completion of treatment. Cutting-edge digital technology is used to evaluate the entire mouth, the results of which educate patients, thus allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their dental health. Upon completion of the initial examination, patients are given a written plan of action that includes a description of the work to be performed, insurance estimates of covered work, copayments (if any) and appointments that are readily available (no waiting). Decatur Dental Center currently accepts all . We offer different financing options to make the journey to better dental health affordable!

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CrossRoadsNews

August 1, 2009

Wellness

The firefighters, who will be at major intersections around the county, have participated in the boot drive for more than a decade.

Diabetes classes teach ways to cope with illness

m of childhood obesity n Take the TV out of the bedroom.

ter in order to maintain a healthy weight.

and explaining why. Also, make sure they know that you will give them other fun alternatives that you can do together. Set clear limits. Experts recommend that children get no more than two hours a day of screen time. More importantly, enforce the rule once it’s made.

More tips from experts: n Have a plan. If you’re going to turn off the TV, be ready with alternative activities. n Rearrange the furniture so that the television is not focal point of the room.

Research shows that kids who have TVs in their room tend to spend almost an hour and a half more in a typical day watching TV than their peers without a set in their room. n Plan TV watching in advance. Have your kids pick their favorite shows each week. Turn the TV on for those shows and turn it off afterwards. That way you and your kids won’t end up watching whatever comes on next. n Turn meal time into family time. Turn off the TV and start chatting. n Don’t make TV a reward. Using television, video games, and computer time as a reward or a punishment can encourage bad habits and make all the gadgets seem more important than they are. n Make gradual changes. Try cutting back on screen time a little bit each week, and make sure you’re replacing it with other fun activities. n Be a great role model. Your kids won’t like being restricted to two hours of TV watching if you can veg out for four hours. The best way to influence kids’ behavior is to set a good example. Visit americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 for information about healthful eating and physical activity for your kids. Visit HealthierGeneration.org for information on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation as well as tools and resources for parents to help their kids live healthier.

Rockdale County firefighters will be collecting funds to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association on three Saturdays in August.

Firefighters to hold boot drive Rockdale firefighters will be out with their boots Aug. 7, 14 and 21 collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Rockdale County fire department personnel will be stationed at various locations throughout the east metro Atlanta county for three Fridays this month looking to raise funds for the association. The firefighters’ “Fill-theboot” fundraiser will help provide wheelchairs, leg braces, clinic visits, and support groups for children and adults living with neuromuscular diseases. The funds raised also give children a chance to attend local Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp at Camp Twin Lakes in

Rutledge. Neuromuscular diseases include muscular dystrophies, motor neuron diseases, metabolic diseases of muscle, diseases of peripheral nerves, inflammatory myopathies, diseases of the neuromuscular junction and myopathies due to endocrine abnormalities. The firefighters, who will be at major intersections around the county, have participated in the boot drive for more than a decade. Last year, they raised $15,516. Some firefighters also volunteer as counselors at Muscular Dystrophy Association camps. For more information, call Angela Robinson at 770-2787053.

Diabetics can get help managing their illness at free diabetes education classes at the House of Grace Health Care Clinic on Aug. 3 and 17. The two-part Diabetes SelfManagement series will be taught by registered nurse Kristin Echelbarger. The series is based on the American Association of Diabetes Educators curriculum. Participants will learn the seven essential self-care behaviors – healthy eating, taking medications, being active, problem solving, monitoring, reducing risks, and healthy coping. The classes will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days. The House of Grace Diabetes Education Program also offers free individual counseling with the Diabetes Educator by appointment, and assistance with medication grants. The House of Grace Health Care Clinic Inc. is a nonprofit outreach ministry of Bethesda Baptist Church. It is located at 3567 Covington Highway in Decatur. To register for the classes or for more information, visit www. mybethesda.org, e-mail diabetes. hghc@yahoo.com, or call 404298-6078.

8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Antioch AME Church Berean Christian Church First Baptist Church (Gresham Road) Greenforest Community Baptist Church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church New Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church Ray of Hope Christian Church

Come Out & Support Your Church or Place of Worship

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church Saint Philip A.M.E. Church Stronghold Christian Church

Ministry

CrossRoadsNews

August 1, 2009

“We are mobilizing the faith community to take the faith challenge, the fitness challenge and nutrition challenge and change their lifestyle.”

Challenge urges fitness through faith organizations By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

More than 1,000 church members and their families, friends and co-workers have signed up for the 2009 Faith & Fitness Survivors Challenge at 10 South DeKalb churches, worship centers and faith-based organizations. And now through Aug. 8, the participating groups are encouraging more church members as well as community residents – who don’t have to be church members – to sign up to challenge themselves spiritually, physically and nutritionally. The 12-week competition, which is funded by DeKalb Board of Health Office of Chronic Disease Prevention, kicked off June 27 at a Ministerial Walk at Arabia Mountain. Contestants will meet in their first competitive event on Aug. 15 at the DeKalb School System’s Hallford Stadium in Clarkston. The challenge will culminate Sept.19 at a Step Up to Better Health event at the 23-acre Shoal Creek II Park on Glenwood Road in Decatur. JoAnna Ward, the Challenge’s creator, says it is designed to get the faith-based community to increase its level of physical fitness and embrace better nutrition. Ward, who also co-chairs the Live Healthy DeKalb Coalit i o n’s F a i t h Based-OrganiJoAnna Ward zations, says the program is challenging children and adults to change their lifestyles through faith. “This is not a weight-loss challenge,” said Ward, a Lithonia resident who was a contestant in the

The fitness team at Berean Christian Church will test its resolve and knwoledge against teams from nine other faithbased organizations in the 2009 Faith & Fitness Survivor Challenge, under way through Sept. 19.

Christian Church in Stone hit 2005 CBS series “Survivor: Mountain; and Saint Philip The Amazon.” A.M.E. Church and First Bap“We are mobilizing the faith tist Church on Gresham Road community to take the faith in Atlanta. Participations range challenge, the fitness challenge from a dozen to more than 100 and nutrition challenge and members at each church. change its lifestyle.” Contestants meet weekly Alicia Cardwell-Brown, who at their church sites. Since heads the Office of Chronic June 27, Ward has visited all Disease Prevention, said that 10 churches to discuss the even though the program is a program and to challenge parcompetitive challenge among Children and teens are among the more than ticipants to bring new people faith organizations, its true 1,000 people participating in the challenge. with them weekly. She said competitors are high blood Thursday that if contestants take pressure, obesity, diabetes, and trouble in our lives because we that challenge, they could have up inactivity. don’t believe that when God says I By using church locations, Ward am going to save you, he is going to to 5,000 participants. Each church site has also been said churches and other faith-based do it,” she said. “When you sacrifice, assigned a certified fitness instrucorganizations can open their doors God provides for you.” to people who are not members. Ward said the participation of tor and coordinator to work with “We are fellowshipping in faith 10 churches in the Faith & Fitness them. Participants are learning to and fitness,” said Ward, who based Survivor Challenge shows that track their food intake and physithe program on the core principles people who believe in God can rally cal activity. Theyare also exploring of her 28-day faith and fitness de- together to improve their lifestyle. the faith component to everything votional, “I Am Surviving Through Participants have been prepar- they do. At the first competitive event at Fitness” which was published in ing for the challenge in their indiFebruary 2008. The book explores vidual churches – New Piney Grove Hallford Stadium on Aug. 15, conthe Fruit of Praise, Spirit, Obedi- Missionary Baptist Church, Ray of testants will meet in four categoence and Sacrifice. Hope Christian Church and Green- ries: elite men & women, general Ward, an ordained minister forest Community Baptist Church population, children and teens, and and a member of Berean Christian in Decatur; New Birth Missionary senior citizens. Ward said the activities for the Church, said when people praise Baptist Church in Lithonia, AntiGod in spirit and truth, certain och AME Church, Berean Christian competition are secret, but will fruits come forth in their lives. Church, St. Michael & All Angels be based on the biblical, fitness “Some of us have so much Episcopal Church, and Stronghold and nutritional materials that the groups have covered so far in the competition. “It’s very competitive but it’s not based on physical endurance,” she said. Sunday School 10:00am • Sunday Worship Service 11:00am The program is not signing up new church locations, but Ward Wednesday Night Bible Study 8:00pm said it is seeking more contestants • Adult Choir, Children’s Choir and Male Choir • Homeless Ministry at those locations. She said indi• Feed the Hungry Ministry • Senior/Adult Day Care viduals and teams can sign up to join at one of the 10 sites. • Coming soon Child Care & Christian Academy People who sign up through Aug. 8 will be encouraged to pick locations that have smaller teams so that they can get more individual attention. To identify those locations, contact JoAnna Ward at Joanna@faithandfitnesschallenge. org or at 770-873-2497. Co-Pastor Julia A. Edmondson Pastor Julius A. Edmondson Sr. 5721 Miller Grove Road • Lithonia, GA 30058 • 770-981-7408

New Jerusalem Outreach Ministry

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NAACP to look at faith-based ventures Local religious and civic leaders and elected officials have until Aug. 6 to reserve a spot for the Aug. 11 “DeKalb County Pastors and Faith Leaders Luncheon/Conference” hosted by the DeKalb County chapter of the NAACP. The 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. luncheon at Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, will bring together religious and civic groups to discuss successful models involving joint ventures for faith-based economic development. Calvin Sims, chairman of the county NAACP’s Economic Development Committee, said a faith-based economic development joint venture involves a church owning a piece of property and leasing it to a business. He said s u c h j o i n t Calvin Sims ventures have been successful in cities like Detroit, Mich., Houston, Texas, and Jamaica, N.Y. He said it’s a good model for DeKalb and that churches can help create jobs in customer service, manufacturing, retail, restaurants and government through joint ventures. “Some faith-based institutions have been so successful in creating jobs in other communities that I wholeheartedly believe if some of the faith-based institutions are given the financial resources they can be very successful in creating good jobs and reducing this growing unemployment problem in DeKalb County,” he said. The meeting will discuss proper legal structure and capital requirement for such ventures. Sims said the NAACP wants to work with religious, business and government entities to help bring jobs into DeKalb. “DeKalb NAACP President Yvonne Hawks believes we must look outside the box to create good jobs for the community,” he said. Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church is at 1879 Glenwood Ave. in Atlanta. For more information or to RSVP, call Calvin Sims at 678476-1428.

Wellness festival has ‘green’ feel The focus will be on “Living Well, Living Green” when the Health Ministry at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church hosts its fifth annual wellness festival on Aug. 8. The 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event will be in the Atlanta church’s FLAC Fellowship Hall. Dr. Cathy Harper-Hogan, the health ministry’s president, said that they will have a decidedly “green” focus. “We are planning to provide health-related information and

education, health screenings, cooking demonstrations, lifestyle maintenance vendors and exhibitors, fitness training and fun activities for kids and more.” There will be free health screenings, samples healthy foods, fitness demonstrations and gardening tips. Participants will also learn about embracing the three Rs: reduce, recycle and reuse. Saint Philip A.M.E. is at 240 Candler Road, at the intersection of Memorial Drive. For more information, call 404-371-0749.

Schools

CrossRoadsNews

August 1, 2009

“The new space promises to open many new opportunities for the academy including new extracurricular activities and a sports program.”

Arabia High to host cross-country track Academy gets new home By McKenzie Jackson

Cross-country athletes in De Kalb County will be running on a new track this season. Construction crews are building the 1.4-mile track at Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia. When complete the track will circle around the school, through wooded areas behind outdoor classrooms and the athletic complex at the school, and along Browns Mill Road. It is separate from the nearby Arabia Mountain trail, built by the PATH Foundation. Last week, workers were laying cement for the track near the school’s Browns Mill Road entrance. DeKalb County Athletic Department officials expect the new track to be completed by Sept. 3, the scheduled date of the inaugural meet at the county’s newest school. Jane Francis, the school system’s athletics coordinator, said the new track will allow runners to compete on more than one course during the track season. “It also allows for more parking for the fans and buses which drop off and pick up the teams,” she said. “It should alleviate some of the

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

When the new cross-country track at Arabia Mountain High is completed, it will be one of two sites for meets. The other is at Shamrock Middle School.

problems with teams being late due to transportation and traffic.” Since fall 1998, Shamrock Middle School in Decatur has hosted all the DeKalb County meets, including the varsity and junior varsity county championships. This year, all of the Tuesday meets – including the season opener on Sept. 1 – will be at Shamrock Middle School, 3100 Mount Olive Drive, Decatur, and all of the Thursday meets will be at Arabia Mountain High School, 6610

Browns Mill Road, Lithonia. Runners from Avondale, Cedar Grove, Lithonia, Martin Luther King Jr., Miller Grove, Redan, Towers and Stone Mountain high schools will be in the first race at Arabia Mountain. Six regular season races are scheduled for the two courses. Shamrock will host the DeKalb County Junior Varsity Cross Country on Oct. 6, and Arabia Mountain, the 2009 DeKalb Cross Country Championship on Oct. 8.

successful because of B a Si x Kn ow l e d g e its 1:5 teacher-student Academy will host a grand ratio. opening celebration for its “Our goal is to new home on Aug. 9. ensure each student The private school’s realizes and reaches 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. celebratheir individual level of tion will be in its new success,” he said. “We location in The Empowerunderstand that every ment Center at Rainbow David Price student is different and Park Baptist on Columbia does not necessarily learn the Drive in Decatur. David Price, the school’s presi- same way.” The academy’s Independent dent and founder, said the new location offers room to expand for Study Program also targets adult learners who want to complete the growing school. He said the 15-classroom Em- high school credits. Price said the powerment Center has a gymna- program is also ideal for minors who have dropped out of school sium and lunchroom. “The new space promises to or don’t fit into the traditional open many new opportunities for classroom. He said registration is ongoing the academy including new extracurricular activities and a sports for the 2009-2010 school year. The BaSix Knowledge Academy program,” Price said. BaSix Knowledge Academy at The Empowerment Center is at has a fully accredited, K-12th 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur. For more information, visit grade academy and an Independent Study Program Academy for www.basixknowledgeacademy. students ages 16 years and older. com or call 404-243-8171 or 404Price said the K-12 Academy is 289-8105.

Free school supplies for kids School children will get prayers and school supplies at the Aug. 9 “Back to School Blessing” worship service at Peace Lutheran Church.

TGI Tech Career Exploration Summer Employment Program

Edwards gets new position at DeKalb Tech will serve as executive Cynthia Dorsey Eddirector of the DeKalb wards is the new vice Technical College Founpresident of Institutional dation and will work Advancement at DeKalb to build and maintain Technical College. positive and mutually Edwards began her beneficial relationships new job on July 1. She sucwith the public to further ceeds Helen Mathis who the college’s mission and retired on June 30. She has Cynthia Edwards goals. She will also direct been a DeKalb Technical employee for 14 years and most the development, maintenance and recently chaired the Foundation’s implementation of a comprehensive internal and external developInternal Fundraising Campaign. In her new position, Edwards ment plan for DeKalb Tech.

Dr. Robin Hoffman, the college’s president, said Edwards’ energy and effectiveness will ensure continued success for DeKalb Tech’s institutional advancement efforts. “I look forward to working closely with Dr. Hoffman and other members of her cabinet, along with DeKalb Tech administrators, faculty and staff to build and strengthen strategic alliances, to achieve our goals and to further positively impact the communities we serve,” Edwards said.

Partners team up for free back-to-school haircuts Students heading back to school on Aug. 10 can get free haircuts and school supplies on Aug. 9 at urban clothing store DTLR in Stone Mountain. Atlanta Falcons’ defensive end Chauncey Davis and Albert Mill’s Video Image Barbers are co-hosting the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

event to help students get ready for the new school year. Davis says he understand the hardships faced by some families. “Growing up in a single-parent home, I know firsthand how tough it can be for some to purchase backto-school supplies,” he said. “We want students to go back to school

feeling confident and prepared.” Boys will get free haircuts from Video Image Barbers and backpacks and other school supplies from DTLR, 5228 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. For more information, visit www.dtlr.com or call 404-2999503.

The service start at 10:15 a.m. The church is at 1679 Columbia Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-289-1474.

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CrossRoadsNews

August 1, 2009

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF RICHMOND COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA CIVIL ACTION FILE NUMBER: 2008-RCD-0075

Marketplace FOR RENT/LEASE Commercial Property Covington hwy/ I-285. North Center: Full service professional office building offering suites from 281 s.f to 2680 s.f. Premier location minutes from I-285 and I-20. Contact Wakelia Harris: (770) 912-1703. Roommate Wanted. Quiet Neighborhoods. Spacious floor plans. Outside deck. Big kitchen. Ellenwood/Decatur/ Lithonia Areas. Please call 404-291-0327

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FOR SALE 2 Adorable Yorkshire Terrier (male and female) for adoption. If you are interested kindly get back to me. You can contact me via email: paulsmith250@gmail.com.

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IN RE: Petition Of: Willie H. Edwards, Jr. And Alice Edwards, To Adopt Raquel Sasha Edwards, DOB: May 19, 1993. TO: RONALD WHITE, the alleged Biological Father of RAQUEL SASHA EDWARDS.

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$35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

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You are HEREBY NOTIFIED to appear and show cause before the Honorable David J. Roper, Judge Superior Court of Richmond County, State of Georgia, on the 25th day of September, 2009. at 10:45 a.m. at the Richmond County Municipal Building, 530 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia as to why the prayers stated in the Petitioner’s Petition for Adoption should not be granted.

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Pursuant to O.C.G.A.19-8-12, and other pertinent laws, you are advised that you will lose all rights to this child, and you will neither receive notice of, nor be entitled to object to the custody and adoption of the child, unless, within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this notice, you file an Answer to this Petition pursuant to O.C.G.A. 19-7-22, and give notice in writing of the filing of such Petition to this Court and to the attorney listed below. You must prosecute the action to Final Judgment. You are further advised that if you intend to object to this Petition, you must file an Answer to the within thirty (30) days in the Superior Court of Richmond County, Georgia. You are urged to immediately retain legal counsel to assist you in this matter.

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