CrossRoadsNews, August 14, 2010

COMMUNITY

SCENE

SPORTS

It’s eastbound motorists’ turn to brave huge traffic tie-ups as DOT gears up to pave the east lanes of I-20 from Columbia Drive to Turner Hill Road. 2

The economics of New York’s famed 125th Street is explored in a documentary screened at Atlanta-Fulton Central Library Auditorium. 5

MLK football coach Michael Carson and his staff will have their work cut out for them in their goal of playing for a state title in the Georgia Dome. 8

On to the flip side

Copyright © 2010 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Harlem’s glory street

August 14, 2010

Ready to rumble

Volume 16, Number 16

www.crossroadsnews.com

New crosswalks to help pedestrians

Jennifer Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Interim School Superintendent Ramona Tyson says she will be honest.

End drama, school chief says

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Photos by Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Traffic signals on Candler Road are flashing yellow to alert motorists to the HAWKs pedestrian crosswalks that will be activated later this month.

By Carla Parker

Candler Road pedestrians, who gamble with their lives every time they attempt to cross the busy thoroughfare, will have some real help from HAWKs before the end of the month.

The Georgia Department of Transportation said this week that it will activate its new pedestrian crosswalks. HAWKs, which feature islands in the middle of high-pedestrian areas, allow pedestrians to bring traffic to a complete stop.

DOT spokesman Mark McKinnon said halting traffic is a good thing.

The crosswalk features two buttons for pedestrians to push – at the sidewalk and in the middle of the roadway.

“Pedestrians will have more opportunities to cross the street safely,” he said.

The Candler Road HAWKs will be the second set of crosswalks activated in DeKalb and in the state of Georgia.

In preparation for their activation, four Candler Road crosswalks – near Saint Philip AME Church; at the McDonald’s restaurant at McAfee and Candler Road; across from the Gallery at South DeKalb; and at New Life Baptist Church Community Center – have been flashing yellow lights in recent weeks.

On Aug. 11, the DOT started the system on Buford Highway, long known as the state’s most dangerous road for pedestrians.

HAWKs are now in use there between Clairmont Road and I-285.

Sally Flocks, president and CEO of Pedestrian Educating Drivers on Safety, said she is happy to see the DOT doing something to make the roads safer for pedestrians.

“The roads need to work for all people – drivers and pedestrians,” Flocks said.

Pedestrians will activate HAWKs by pressing the button. Approaching drivers will see a flashing yellow for a few seconds, indicating that they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop.

The light then goes to a solid yellow before turning a solid red, requiring motor-

ists to stop at the stop line. At this time, the pedestrian receives a “walk” indication on the pedestrian signal.

Motorists are required to remain standing until the pedestrian makes it safely to the other side and the light goes out.

The HAWKs were first established in Arizona and then spread to other states, including Delaware and Oregon. Each HAWK costs $120,000.

Flocks said that on average, three people are killed annually crossing Buford Highway.

In Georgia, she says 12 percent of traffic fatalities involve pedestrians and 25 percent of those accidents occur near bus stops.

Jason Gagnon, a DeKalb Police spokesman, said the department has seen improvement over the years on Candler Road with pedestrian accidents and fatalities.

“There used to be several fatalities back in the day, but from 2007 to now, we haven’t had any pedestrian fatalities,” Gagnon said.

In 2009, there were 14 pedestrian accidents on Candler Road. So far this year, there has only been one.

McKinnon said the DOT plans to extend the project across the state once funding is provided.

Flocks said drivers need to give pedestrians time to get used to using the HAWKs. “Because this is new, drivers need to understand that pedestrians don’t understand this at first. So, just drive cautiously,” she said.

DeKalb School System employees are on notice from interim School Superintendent Ramona Tyson to act right.

A tough-talking Tyson told the monthly gathering of homeowners association presidents and officers, residents, parents, and state and county elected officials on Aug. 7 that she has no intention of running afoul of the law.

“My decision is based on how to be honest with you, frankly, the district attorney and the ability to say that something criminal is going on, because personally, I’m not going to jail. “ Tyson was speaking to the DeKalb Community Cabinet Meeting, hosted by Commissioner-elect Stan Watson and other elected officials at New Piney Grove Church in Decatur.

Tyson said she wants the drama to stop.

“One of my priorities is to establish order back in this district,” said Tyson, who took over a district in turmoil on Feb. 25. “And in order to establish order, the drama has to stop and everybody’s got to go to work.”

The 22-year DeKalb Schools veteran was tapped by the School Board to lead the district when it parted company with former Superintendent Crawford Lewis amid a grand jury investigation into the district’s construction program. On May 26, Lewis, former school system construction manager Patricia Pope Reid and her assistant Cointa Moody were indicted on racketeering and other charges.

Tyson said she has asked everyone – teachers, principals and assistant principals – to model and expect the best, and do the right thing the first time and every single time.

“We have got to stop creating controPlease see TYSON, page 3

2

Community

CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

At 34, Lopez becomes the youngest judge on the DeKalb bench. He will become the county’s second Hispanic judge.

Hispanic lawyer named to State Court vacancy

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The $28.6 million resurfacing project on I-20 has snarled traffic in DeKalb County on the weekends since June 18. Beginning this weekend, two left eastbound lanes between Columbia Drive and the Snapfinger Creek overpass will be closed.

I-20 repaving moves to eastbound lanes this weekend It’s eastbound commuters’ turn to weather traffic snarls on Interstate 20.

Starting this weekend, the I-20 resurfacing project is moving to the eastbound lanes between Columbia Drive and Turner Hill Road.

The Georgia Department of Transportation said this weekend, weather permitting, two left eastbound lanes will be closed between Columbia Drive and the Snapfinger Creek overpass, and the I-285 South ramp to I-20 East will be narrowed to one lane to

accommodate the work.

Thomas Parker, DOT area engineer, said they are expecting significant delays, but he does not expect delays to be as bad as last weekend when the I-20/I-285 interchange ramps were closed.

“We recommend that motorists call 511 to check on the delays or seek alternate routes around the area,” he said.

The $28.6 million project is resurfacing 9.8 miles on I-20 between Columbia Drive and Turner Hill Road in DeKalb County.

Since it began on June 18, it has snarled traffic and made the weekend commute difficult for residents and interstate travelers.

The resurfacing project will continue on weeknights and weekends until fall, when the temperatures get too low to pave. It will be completed in the spring. Work hours are weeknights from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. and on weekends continuously from Friday night at 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Monday.

For more information, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org.

SWD grad gets community service for lewd dance A State Court judge sentenced Benton to Southwest DeKalb 2009 graduate Kiyon ing a public school on allegations that he Benton pleaded no contest on Aug. 5 to performed a striptease in a classroom at 20 hours of community service and ordered him to apologize to his mother and write a charges of public indecency and disrupt- Southwest DeKalb in December 2008.

500-word essay on how a criminal conviction can impact his life.

Benton was one of three former Southwest DeKalb High students charged with performing a lewd dance on female students on Dec. 10, 2008. A video posted on Facebook showed the students, who all graduated in 2009, stripping and simulating sex acts.

Jerramy Barnett and Joe’l Shumate are scheduled to be in court later this month.

In March, former Southwest DeKalb High School chorus teacher Nathan Grigsby, who was present in the room during the act, was acquitted by a DeKalb County jury on five counts of contributing to the deprivation of a minor.

Grigsby, a popular music teacher at the school, was fired in the wake of the incident.

He is now the director of a choir at Agnes Scott College and is the minister of music at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lithia Springs.

Attorney Dax E. Lopez will be joining the DeKalb State Court starting Aug. 31.

Lopez was appointed Wednesday

by Gov. Sonny Perdue to succeed Judge Edward E. Carriere, who took early retirement from the county.

He will become the county’s second Hispanic judge, joining Judge J. Antonio DelCampo on the sevenmember court. DelCampo was appointed

by Gov. Roy Barnes in Dax Lopez 2004.

At 34, Lopez, an associate of the Foltz Martin LLC litigation group in Buckhead, becomes the youngest judge on the DeKalb bench.

He said he got the call Tuesday after his interview with Perdue on Monday.

“It’s a little hard to believe,” he said Wednesday. “It took six hours for the news to sink in. I am extremely excited and very humble.”

Perdue picked Lopez from a short list of five candidates sent to him by the Judicial Nominating Committee. That list included two attorneys, DeKalb Assistant District Attorney Akintunde “Tunde” Akinyele and Dunwoody Municipal Judge Sherry Boston who had been campaigning for the Nov. 2 election before Carriere took earlier retirement from the county and opened the way for the appointment.

Even though Carriere’s term ends Dec. 31, Lopez will not face his first election until 2012. He said he did not know when he would be sworn in.

Lopez, who was born in Puerto Rico, came to the United States at age 6. He graduated from McEachern High School in Powder Springs in 1994 and earned a bachelor’s degrees from Vanderbilt University and a law degree from Vanderbilt School of Law. He was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2001 and the Federal Bar of Puerto Rico in 2002.

At Foltz Martin LLC, Lopez practices product liability and employment law and complex commercial and construction litigation. He also participated in jury and bench trials in federal and state courts. On the firm’s Web site, Lopez says his job as a lawyer is not limited to formulating costeffective solutions for his clients, “but also to make what can be the painful process of protracted litigation, as seamless, short, and as pain free as possible.”

On Wednesday, he said he will work tirelessly to do a good job. “I want people who walk out of my court to feel like they’ve gotten a fair opportunity.”

Before joining the Buckhead firm, he worked for Ashe, Rafuse, & Hill LLP and was a law clerk for the Honorable Hector M. Laffitte in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. He is a former president of the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association and is treasurer of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials.

Lopez, wife Zulma, and their four children live in Decatur.

Pastor arrested on theft charge The Rev. Ardy Lemelle, accuses Lemelle of allegedly stealing founder and pastor of Shekinah $392,891 from Hampstead Lighting, Full Gospel Worship Center in his previous employer, between Nov. Norcross, was arrested on Aug. 13, 2007, and Dec. 23, 2009.

10 and charged with theft by Lemelle, a Louisiana native and taking. father of three, is on probation in Lemelle, 37, was taken into DeKalb County on an unrelated custody at his Stone Mountain charge, the DeKalb Sheriff ’s Office home by the DeKalb County Ardy Lemelle said. He was arrested and transported Sheriff ’s Office Fugitive Squad. to the DeKalb County Jail without The DeKalb Magistrate Court warrant incident.

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CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

Finance

“We are helping make the community a better place for our associates and our citizens.”

Roberts fighting claims her daughters get special treatment from districts

By Carla Parker

DeKalb School Board Vice Chairwoman Zepora Roberts is apologizing for threatening a television reporter doing a story about rampant nepotism among current and former administrators.

During an on-camera interview on Aug. 6, Roberts, an eight-year School Board member, told CBS Atlanta reporter Wendy Saltzman that she would “slug” her if she continued to ask her about the employment of her daughters – Tracey Roberts-Jones, a DeKalb Schools assistant principal, and Chanda Roberts-White, a parent facilitator – with the school district.

“I have no more comments to say to you,” Roberts said on camera, her blond curly hair shaking. “And don’t you come to me, or I’m going to slug you.”

Saltzman was talking to Roberts, who has represented District 7 on the School Board since 2002, in the parking lot of the district’s new Tucker headquarters after a meeting.

Roberts went on to identify a number of

“There is no state law or ethics standard that would require my daughter to resign or seek new employment following my election. Nor is it fair to presume that my daughter would not remain eligible for career advancement based on her work performance.”

Zepora Roberts, DeKalb School Board member

other administrators and fellow board members who have family members employed by the district.

“There was Jim Henson, who was a superintendent who had two children working for the system and it was not an issue,” she said. “Dr. Hallford had his son, his daughter, his in-law and everybody else.

“Tom Bowen has in-laws who worked in the school system,” Roberts said.

To that list, add former Deputy Superintendent Frankie Callaway, whose daughter Torie Callaway; husband, Clarence; and a son, Clarence Jr., all work for the district.

Web tool to help employers navigate Health Reform Navigator, a new Internet tool from the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, may help employers and their workers wade through the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The tool provides easy point-and-click researching for insurance and tax/penalty topics contained in the new law. It includes Web links to independent legal briefs and consultant analyses and surveys.

The Navigator’s dashboard highlights

hot health topics and provides hyperlinks directly to relevant sections of the law.

The foundation, an independent, think tank that proposes practical, market-oriented approaches to public policy to improve the lives of Georgians, says there are new regulations weekly from the government on the 2,700-page Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Its Navigator is available for $29 at www .gppf.org.

Tyson: follow rules, use common sense TYSON,

from page

1

versy to give to the media that keeps this district in chaos and controversy all the time,” she said.

Tyson, who has been a classroom teacher, technology trainer, IT manager, and associate superintendent, said she has asked everyone to follow the rule book.

“And I’m telling them the rule book is not negotiable,” she said. “Break the rule book, policy, procedure, the law and it gets to me, you’re going to be dealing with the consequences. Period. Paragraph.”

Tyson did not name specifics but said that “things are coming up and I’m discovering some things that I really don’t like that are appearing in the newspaper.” She said the indictments are matters for the courts and she would not comment.

In recent weeks, the district, which is facing an inquiry from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, its accrediting body, has been in the news for Assistant Superintendent Ralph Simpson selling $12,560 worth of copies of a book he wrote to Miller Grove High and other schools he supervised and for rampant nepotism. Family members of several current and former administrators and School Board members work for the dis-

trict. Simpson has been demoted to assistant principal at Tucker High School.

Tyson said she is asking everybody to use common sense when making decisions and not just say, “Well, there is no policy.

“I don’t care if there isn’t a policy,” she said. “If it’s common sense and you don’t need to do it, don’t do it, because if it comes back around and it gets on my desk, I’m going to deal with it.”

The district has a Sept. 11 deadline to answer seven questions – on its hiring practices, training, conflict of interest, nepotism, and procurement policies – from SACS. Tyson already has ordered a review of all of the school system’s 247 policies and has recommended a new ethics policy that will govern all system employees. In her decisionmaking, Tyson said she will be guided by what SACS will decide and by how the Professional Standards Commission and the Board of Education will view her decisions.

She told the group of about 250 people that included parents that she has no desire to be the permanent superintendent.

“The reason I serve is to position this district in the best light possible for the candidate that will take over as the next superintendent,” she said.

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Frances Edwards, a former School Board member, has a son, Jamal, who is employed in the Information Services Department; her daughter Philandria Guillory, was one of the only members of the Media Relations office that did not to lose a high-paying job; and son-in-law, David Guillory, who had no experience in transportation but is running that department.

Former Superintendent Robert Freeman’s sons Timothy and Robin and daughter-inlaw Frankie all work for the school system.

“I am sick and tired of you and all of these people making an issue about my child,”

Roberts said in the television interview, referencing these other administrators’ children.

In an Aug. 10 statement, Roberts credited her outburst to “anger and frustration.”

“I inappropriately threatened the reporter,” she said. “I apologize to the reporter, Wendy Saltzman, for my outburst.”

Roberts, who is up for re-election on Nov. 2 and is facing four opponents, said she became angry because the reporter confronted her about her daughter’s qualifications within earshot of her daughter’s 10-year-old child.

She said her daughter, who is now an assistant principal, has been an employee of the school system before she was elected to the board in 2002.

“There is no state law or ethics standard that would require my daughter to resign or seek new employment following my election,” Roberts said.

“Nor is it fair to presume that my daughter would not remain eligible for career advancement based on her work performance.”

Telework week offers look at options Employers and their employees can take a break from Atlanta’s infamous traffic during Georgia Telework Week, Aug. 23-27.

The state and the Clean Air Campaign have teamed to encourage commuters to take advantage of the benefits that telework has to offer.

Kevin Green, the Clean Air Campaign’s executive director, said telework gives us the immediate ability to reduce demand on our existing infrastructure.

“For many jobs, work should be a thing you do, not a place you go,” he said.

With new, stricter air quality standards coming late August and more than half of smog-forming emissions coming from tailpipes in metro areas, more telework will help improve air quality.

Georgia, a national leader in its innovative approach to telework since the Clean Air Campaign launched the Telework Leadership Initiative in 2003, offers up to $20,000 in tax credits to employers that establish or expand telework programs. The state’s Work Away program for state employees, launched in 2003 by Gov. Sonny Perdue, allows eligible employees to work from home and has kept more than 65 million miles off Georgia’s roads in 2010 alone.

During Georgia Telework Week, the Clean Air Campaign is encouraging employers to get free consulting services from its telework experts to launch or expand programs and apply for Georgia’s Telework Tax Credit.

For more information on Georgia’s Telework Tax Credit application, visit www .CleanAirCampaign.org.

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CrossRoadsNews

Forum

August 14, 2010

“Every elected official from South DeKalb is guilty of gross neglect on environmental and other issues impacting our community.”

Stronger warnings needed on South River 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 Carla Parker Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear-Warren

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I enjoyed the article “Access to Nasty River Denied – DeKalb’s signs skirt pollution, but carry threat” in the July 31 CrossRoadsNews.

However, to say DeKalb authorities are skirting pollution is putting it mildly. Actually, the South River Trail head at Panola and Snapfinger roads is not the only location where people play in the river. If you go across Snapfinger Road toward

MLK High School, you’ll see where someone has put steps and a rope on a limb extending over the river. I have not seen anyone in the water at this location, but it is difficult to believe someone would go to all this trouble and not get in. Another location is at South Beach on the path where the path crosses over the river into Rockdale County. I’ve seen people on this “beach.”

To call the location South Beach seems to imply one can go there and do what people normally do at beaches!

DeKalb authorities should just say: “BEWARE, the South River is polluted with high levels of fecal coliform and PCBs. … Do not get in and do not eat fish from the water.”

James Teague lives in Lithonia.

‘I didn’t know’ position is unacceptable Reading the CrossRoadsNews Aug. 7 front-page article regarding DeKalb County elected and governmental officials ducking residents’ concerns revealed issues far more telling about how residents and officials view areas which are inhabited by minorities and low-income citizens.

The first issue is the resi- Jerry Wyatt dents have recognized for almost 50 years that the South River and many of the factories and multiple landfills in South DeKalb are sources of pollution. Yet federal, state and county officials have allowed companies to continue to pollute the water and air in our community with no severe penalties to discourage pollution.

DeKalb has been cited and fined for allowing raw sewage to spill into the South River. So for county officials to claim they were not aware of the problem is an outright “lie” and the person(s) making the statements are “outright liars.”

The second issue is how the same officials have not addressed the issues impacting the environmental health of our community.

To my knowledge there have been no environmental health studies to measure the impact of almost 50 years of pollution on the health of people living in the area. The lack of concern for our community is

demonstrated in two ways.

First, every elected official from South DeKalb has failed the community by not addressing the environmental issues, and the community itself has been complicit in voting for and re-electing individuals who continue to ignore the real concerns of our community.

Second, when this issue was recently addressed in CrossRoads News, county officials took the “I didn’t know” position.

How is it possible for people who are in the position to know claim they didn’t know what is and has been public knowledge.

CEO Burrell Ellis has been noticeably silent about the issue of pollution in our community, and for CEO spokesman Burke Brennan not to address the issue is totally unacceptable. If that is the type of public relations response coming from Ellis’ office, I believe Ellis

Coverage helps spur activism I would like to thank city of Atlanta in regards Jennifer Ffrench Parker to sewage waste overflows for her efforts to distribute within the area. the gospel about the polI would like you to lution of the South River know that this communiin DeKalb County. Your ty awareness of the South newspaper’s efforts have River pollution was all spearheaded communimade possible because ty organizations such as of you, and we sincerely Mikeya Herbert mine to take an initiative thank you. in cleaning up their community Mikeya Danielle Herbert is and bring to the forefront the in- president of Miners Creek Civic Asjustices of DeKalb County and the sociation in Lithonia.

Quick Read

I-20 repaving moving to eastbound lanes

2

The I-20 resurfacing project is moving to the eastbound lanes between Columbia Drive and Turner Hill Road.

SWD grad gets community service for lewd dance 2 Southwest DeKalb 2009 graduate Kiyon Benton pleaded no contest on Aug. 5 to charges of public indecency and disrupting a public school on allegations that he performed a striptease in a classroom.

Clean Air Campaign touts teleworking’s benefits

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Employers and their employees can take a break from Atlanta’s infamous traffic during Georgia Telework Week, Aug. 23-27.

Circulation Audited By

should fire Brennan and also fire the team which made the decision not to address the issue in stronger terms than placing vague warning signs near the river.

My third point: Our community must wake up and realize we have not been fully represented by the people we elect to represent our issues. As a community we must realize the days of a single clarion voice speaking for us is over.

We need to bear the responsibility of changing the entire political representation. Every elected official from South DeKalb is guilty of gross neglect on environmental and other issues impacting our community and need to be replaced.

As a community we should explore the possibility of a recall of each official who has been derelict in their duty on the environmental issues impacting our community.

Jerry Wyatt lives in Lithonia.

Gas stations crowding Covington Highway Presently there are eight gas stations on Covington Highway and Redan Road to Wesley Chapel Road. On Aug. 10, the DeKalb Board of Commissioners voted to add a ninth.

Those voting for another gas station were Commissioners Elaine Boyer, Lee May, Jeff Rader and Sharon Barnes Sutton.

Voting against adding the ninth gas station in this area were Commissioners Larry Johnson, Connie Stokes and Kathie Gannon.

This new gas station brings nine gas stations in less than three miles.

This new Race Trac gas station will be located adjacent to the Texaco station on Redan Road and Covington Highway, at 3858-3874 Covington Highway.

It is unfortunate that the opinions and concerns of residents were not taken into account by the commissioners in districts 2, 4 and 5.

The DeKalb Planning Department claims that this is part of the Comprehensive Plan and that the location is within the Commercial Redevelopment Corridor.

This plan was devised in 2005. I would suggest that this plan be revisited and updated.

Presently area economics should be a factor.

I would like to suggest a moratorium on placing another gas station on Covington Highway.

And those of you who live in the 4th and 5th districts, let Commissioners Sutton and May know what you would and wouldn’t like to see on Covington Highway.

A. Jean Richardson lives in Decatur.

Royal Heritage Ball honors 12 for leadership, service 5

Golfers to benefit service programs

A dozen leaders from community, business, church and education organizations will be honored at AID Africa’s first Royal Heritage Ball at the Lou Walker Center.

Golfers will be teeing off on Aug. 21 for the annual Ivy Scholarship Golf Classic at the Charlie Yates Golf Course in Atlanta.

Restaurant inspection scores online 6

Snorton named first CME female bishop

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Diners can now find out the health inspection scores of their favorite restaurants with the help of a statewide search tool.

The Rev. Dr. Teresa Snorton was elected the first female bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church during the 37th General Conference of the CME Church.

Cancer survivors sought for Pink & Black tribute 7

Presbyterians seeing numbers drop 9

Family, friends, co-workers and colleagues can nominate breast cancer survivors for recognition at the DeKalb 100 Black Women’s sixth annual Pink & Black Affair

Membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is on the decline. The denomination says total membership dropped 3 percent between 2008 and 2009.

index to advertisers Attorney Dwight Thomas................................ 2 Black Butterfly Salon & Spa........................... 11 Chick-fil-A /Turner Hill Road........................... 3 Clemmons Law Firm..................................... 10 Cruise Planners............................................... 5 DeKalb Medical Center................................... 7 DeKalb Technical College............................... 3

DoMaro Uniform Services.............................. 11 Exotic Thai Restaurant................................... 11 First African Presbyterian Church....................9 First Lithonia Medical Center, Inc.................. 10 Gibbs Garage................................................. 11 Holiday Inn Doraville..................................... 11 Klippers Barber Shop, Inc.............................. 11

Law Office of Trichelle Griggs Simmons....... 10 LawnMax, Inc................................................. 11 Mystery Valley Golf Club................................. 8 North Georgia Orthodontics........................... 7 Pesos Mexican Cantina................................... 5 Rock’s Networking Unlimited........................ 10

Saint Philip AME Church.................................9 Sugar Creek Golf & Tennis.............................. 8 Terry Benn / Allstate....................................... 3 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas.................... 10 The Samuel Group......................................... 11 Wright Vision Care..........................................6

August 14, 2010

Scene

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CrossRoadsNews

“We may not see the tests to keep people from voting, but there still are barriers.”

Women’s role in civil rights movement chronicled Young to speak “Freedom’s Sisters,” an exhibit honoring 20 African-American women for their role in the civil rights movement, is on display at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum through Oct. 3.

The interactive exhibition honors Mary McLeod Bethune, Coretta Scott King, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Sonia Sanchez, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Dr. Dorothy Height, Kathleen Cleaver and others for their contributions to the struggle for equality and justice in America. Through their courageous actions, the women changed the course of history.

Elizabeth Wilson, who broke new ground as the city of Decatur’s first African-American mayor, took her granddaughter, Kristin Munson, to the see the exhibit during its July 28 opening ceremony.

As she read the stories of the women’s role in the civil rights movement, Wilson said she felt her own story of struggle was being told.

“I feel especially a big sense of pride to

Elizabeth Wilson, the first AfricanAmerican mayor of the city of Decatur, views the exhibit with her granddaughter, Kristin Munson.

just be here to see them have this recognition,” she said. She is hoping the women’s stories will inspire others to take up their cause of equality for all.

“We might not see the dogs anymore, attacking people,” she said. “We may not see the tests to keep people from voting, but there still are barriers and so [we] have to make sure that we never go back to that.”

“Freedom’s Sisters” was created by the Cincinnati Museum Center and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Travel Exhibition Service.

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum is at 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta. It is open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4:45 p.m.

For more information, call 404-865-7100.

Royal Heritage Ball honors 12 for leadership, service A dozen leaders from community, business, church and education organizations will be honored Aug. 21 at AID Africa’s first Royal Heritage Ball at the Lou Walker Center.

The honorees include Sen. Gloria Butler; CrossRoadsNews Editor and Publisher Jennifer Parker; Da- Gloria Butler Jennifer Parker David Robinson vid Robinson, founder and director of the Stillwaters Youth SinfoNia Orchestra; The other honorees are Dr. A. Oladele, and Pastor B. Afobunor of the Philadelphia Saeyda Quaye, Dr. Lee Southall, Alfreida Believers International Church in Decatur. Braylark, Calleb Obumba, Mfon Ufot, Mar-

garet Andega and Lorenzo Moore.

Connie Anam, AID Africa’s founder and president, said the honorees were picked for their contributions to the community.

“They really of given labor of love to the help the underserved in the community,” she said.

The black-tie Royal Heritage Ball starts at 7 p.m. It includes a black arts bazaar, cocktail hour, entertainment and dinner. Tickets are $40 each. The Lou Walker Center is at 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia. For tickets, call Connie Anam at 678-357-2549.

Film takes historical journey along Harlem street Harlem’s famous 125th Street is starring in the documentary “Harlem’s Mart 125: The American Dream,” which will be screened on Aug. 22 at the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library Auditorium.

The free 3 p.m. screening is part of the Sankofa Spirit Movies With a Mission series.

“Harlem’s Mart 125: The American Dream” takes viewers on a historical journey that depicts the economic transition of 125th Street from the late 1960s to present day.

Mart 125 is used as a metaphor that examines the issues around the unique black community and its relationship with the plans of urban renewal from a commercial standpoint. It portrays a microcosmic analysis of the displacement of black American communities today.

The central library’s auditorium is at 1 Margaret Mitchell Square N.W. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.sankofaspirit.com “Harlem’s Mart 125: The American Dream” will be screened on Aug. 22 or call 770-234-5890. at the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library Auditorium.

Family Fun Day at the Tupac Shakur Center on Aug. 21 will provide free school supplies to 1,000 students and feature a talent show and festival concert.

with area youth, sign new book Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young will discuss and sign his latest book, “Walk in My Shoes: Conversations Between a Civil Rights Legend and His Godson on the Journey Ahead,” on Aug. 16 in Decatur.

During the event, Young will have conversations with more than 100 students from many DeKalb and metro Atlanta organizations. A Andrew Young Q&A session will follow his lecture, which begins at 6 p.m.

The 100 students also will receive book bags, school supplies and a signed copy the book.

The free event is sponsored by Sanford Realty, the Entrepreneur Development Network Alumni, and a host of companies and organizations. It will include a business networking reception, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The book signing takes place from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Books will be available for purchase prior to the event for $25. Proceeds benefit the Andrew Young Foundation.

The event will take place at 4183 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur. For more information, visit http://ednonline.org /AmbassadorAndrewYoung/rsvp.html.

Dance benefits Jamaica charity Caribbean and American music and authentic Jamaican cuisine will highlight a Aug. 21 fund-raising dance hosted by the Caribbean Divas Book Club of Georgia in Lawrenceville.

The event begins at 10 p.m. at the Jamaica Breeze Restaurant and Lounge.

Tickets are $10 per person and proceeds benefit BeulahKidz in St. Thomas, Jamaica, West Indies.

The book club hopes to raise a large sum of money to purchase a range of supplies for the children’s charity that offers social and economic assistance for underprivileged children in Jamaica.

For more information, contact Winsome Smith-Barker at 678-799-4132 or info@caribbeandivasbookclub.com.

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Family day equips kids for school Free book bags, sneakers and school supplies will be available for 1,000 students at the Butterfly Kids Foundation’s 4th Annual Family Fun & Health Awareness Day on Aug. 21 at the Tupac Shakur Center.

The 10 a.m.-to-9 p.m. event will feature activities and exhibitions for the entire family, including a youth empowerment seminar, a family-friendly comedy showcase, a talent

competition with cash prizes and gifts, community speakers, elected officials, and a festival concert/PEP Rally to promote readiness and preparation as tools for success.

The Tupac Shakur Center is located at 5616 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain.

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6

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

“Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting, community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin.”

State urges parents to keep vaccinations up-to-date Restaurant Immunizations help children fend off illnesses that can be debilitating and even deadly.

During August, which is observed National Immunization Awareness Month, the Georgia Department of Community Health is urging families to ensure that their immunizations are up-to-date.

Diane Watson, director of the department’s Office of Immunization, says it is important to keep vaccinations current from season to season and year to year.

“As whooping cough cases continue to occur sporadically nationwide and with flu season right around the corner, it is the perfect time to remind Georgians of the role each of us plays in keeping our community healthy,” she said. “Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting, community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention credits immunizations as one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life.

Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster immunizations are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases that may be encountered when traveling outside of the United States are recommended for travelers to specific regions of the world.

Watson said August is a great time to catch up on immunizations as summer draws to a close and kids return to school.

“It is recommended that Georgians contact their health care provider or local health department to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date,” she said.

August, National Immunization Awareness Month, is a great time to catch up on vaccinations as summer draws to a close and kids return to school, health officials say.

Recommended immunization schedules The following are the recommended vaccinations for children, adolescents and adults: Children (birth to 6 years of age) n Hepatitis B n Rotavirus n Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) n Haemophilus influenzae type b n Pneumococcal (pneumonia) n Poliovirus (polio) n Influenza (flu) n Measles, mumps, rubella n Varicella (chicken pox) n Hepatitis A n Meningococcal (causes meningitis and sepsis) Adolescents (7 through 18) n Human papillomavirus (HPV) n Meningococcal n Influenza

Congregational Wellness Advocates Training Admission free • Brunch will be provided Saturday, August 21, 2010 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

DeKalb County Board of Health • Bohan Auditorium 445 Winn Way • Decatur, Georgia 30030

As a Congregational Wellness Advocate, you will receive training to accomplish the following objectives within your church, worship center or faith organization: • Provide information on disease prevention and health promotion • Encourage healthy lifestyles among the members of your faith community • Monitor those members with chronic illness • Serve as a liaison between the healthcare system and faith community members DEKALB COUNTY

Board of Health

To register contact Avian Wynn at 404.294.3803 or at avwynn@dhr.state.ga.us

n Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap booster) n Varicella (second dose may be needed) Adults (19 through 65) n Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap) n Human papillomavirus n Varicella n Zoster (shingles) n Measles, mumps, rubella n Influenza n Pneumococcal n Hepatitis A n Hepatitis B n Meningococcal Some adult immunizations are recommended only for certain age groups or those meeting risk criteria. The immunization schedules are at www.cdc .gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm.

For more information, visit www .georgiahealthinfo.gov.

inspection scores online Diners can now find out the health inspection scores of their favorite restaurants before sitting down for meals with the help of a statewide search tool.

The Georgia Department of Community Health launched the searchable database at www.georgiaeh.us this week to provide Georgians with accurate records.

For restaurant rankings, diners can click on the food service inspections link and select a county for the latest inspections of food service and tourist accommodations.

Scott Uhlich, the department’s director of environmental health, said the food inspection process for restaurants, carry-out facilities, mobile food service operations, and temporary food service operations ensures that food is handled, stored and prepared safely for human consumption.

“These critical steps help to minimize food-borne related illnesses. This tool will allow Georgians the opportunity to make informed decisions when dining out.”

Searches can be conducted by date, name, address and other keywords.

Counties that have made their scores and inspections available through the Department of Community Health’s statewide system will have food and tourist inspection records online. Counties that have made their inspection record available through their local county system will only have food inspection records listed.

For missing inspections, call your county health department. For more information, visit www.georgiaeh.us.

Your Source for Neighborhood News Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising & Subscription Information

7

CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

Wellness

“These checks will help America’s seniors afford the medications they need to manage those illnesses, keeping them healthy and improving their quality of life.”

Study supports Nia Project’s culturally sensitive help for women for abused and suicidal black Abused, suicidal Africanwomen that began in the 1990s at American women who received Grady Hospital in Atlanta, helps culturally sensitive help were less women who are trying to break free depressed and had lower levels of from intimate partner abuse. distress than their peers who got Nadine Kaslow, a professor the usual mental health care, a new in the Department of Psychiatry study shows. and Behavioral Sciences at Emory The study – based on an interUniversity School of Medicine, led vention called the Grady Nia Proj- Nadine Kaslow the development of the program, ect and published in the August Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychol- which in 1999 was named Nia for the Kwanogy – also found that when confronted with zaa principle “purpose.”

The program aims to help abused women stressful events, the women assigned to a culturally informed, empowerment-focused feel empowered to live violence-free lives group coped much better than women who rather than consider suicide to escape their pain. Nia includes regular group sessions on did not receive the specialized services.

The Nia Project, a counseling program resiliency, problem solving, self-efficacy and

22,000 in Medicare’s ‘donut hole’ to get checks to fill coverage gap Nearly 22,000 seniors and people with disabilities in Georgia will be getting a $250 rebate check to help them close the gap in their health care drug coverage.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the rebates on Aug. 10.

It is the third round of one-time, tax-free $250 checks that have Kathleen Sebelius been mailed to eligible Medicare beneficiaries whose drug costs are so high they have reached the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage gap known as the “donut hole.”

The Georgians are among 750,000 Medicare beneficiaries nationally who have received checks this year. More will be receiving checks as they enter the coverage gap.

Sebelius said high prescription drug costs are a problem for many seniors and other Medicare enrollees with limited incomes.

“These checks are an important first step in helping them afford the medications they need – and are evidence of how Americans are already seeing the very real benefits of the Affordable Care Act,” she said. “From strengthening the long-term future of Medicare as evidenced by the recent Medicare Trustees report, to saving seniors and the disabled money on everything from prescription drug costs to preventive services, the Affordable Care Act is helping to preserve and protect Medicare.”

In 2011, the Affordable Care Act will provide people with donut holes a 50 percent discount on their brand-name medications.

Through 2020, the act will take progressive steps to close the donut hole.

Experts estimate that more than a quarter of Part D enrollees hit the donut hole and often stop following their drug regimen as a result of the added cost burden. Health and Human Services said the $250 rebates will help prevent seniors from making harmful health decisions.

Kathy Greenlee, assistant secretary for aging, said that often seniors reach the donut hole because they are on costly medications to help them manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

“These checks will help America’s seniors afford the medications they need to manage those illnesses, keeping them healthy and improving their quality of life,” she said.

Other benefits coming under the Affordable Care Act include: n Free preventive care services like mammograms and certain colon cancer tests and a free annual physical starting in 2011 for Medicare beneficiaries. n An average of $200 per year savings in premiums by 2018 for seniors compared to what they would have paid without the new law, and most beneficiaries also will see a significant reduction in their Medicare coinsurance. n A 12-year extension in the Medicare Trust Fund.

Seniors are encouraged to contact 1-800-MEDICARE to report any solicitations of personal information or visit www .stopmedicarefraud.gov to learn about how the Affordable Care Act helps to protect seniors from scams and safeguard taxpayer dollars.

For more information, visit www.hhs.gov.

Cancer survivors sought for Pink & Black tribute Family, friends, co-workers and colleagues can nominate breast cancer survivors for recognition at the DeKalb 100 Black Women’s sixth annual Pink & Black Affair on Nov. 6.

Nominations are due by Sept. 1, and forms and other information are available at www.ncbwdekalb.org.

Ten honorees will be announced at the event. They will be recognized for their strong will to survive breast cancer.

The annual gala raises awareness and educates the community on the importance of lifestyle choices, early detection and treatment options for breast cancer. It pairs pink, the national symbol for breast cancer awareness, with black, which symbol-

izes women of color standing together in the fight against breast cancer, which afflicts more than 2 million U.S. women.

The event will include a silent auction, dinner, networking and dancing.

Tickets are $55, and proceeds benefit breast cancer research and the Decatur/DeKalb chapter’s Legacy Program, which mentors and trains young women in leadership.

The 2010 Pink & Black Affair will be held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in downtown Decatur. The chapter also is seeking sponsors for this year’s event.

For more information and tickets, visit www.ncbwdekalb.org or call 770981-8775.

social connectedness, incorporating African proverbs, black heroines, and personal female role models. Staff is on-call 24/7.

Kaslow says participants make remarkable progress. “They feel more positive about

themselves, more hopeful about their lives, and better able to cope with stress.”

For more information, visit psychiatry .emory.edu/PROGRAMS/niaproject/home .htm. For help, call 404-616-2897.

8

Sports

CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

“I feel like we’ve done everything right over the years. We just got to do a better job of closing games out in the playoffs.”

Leading players from (from left) Martin Luther King Jr., Southwest DeKalb and Stephenson high schools hope to carry their teams to successful seasons this year.

Playoffs, state titles loom as goals for DeKalb football teams

By Carla Parker

Making the playoffs and winning a championship were on the minds of most DeKalb football players and coaches as they posed for pictures and talked to reporters at the DeKalb County Football Media Day on July 28.

Michael Carson, M.L. King Jr. High Lions’ new head coach, said they are single-minded in their focus.

“Our goal is to get to the [Georgia] Dome and win the championship,” he said.

Michael Carson In the past, MLK and other football programs in the county have been successful in making the playoffs but failed to make it to the state title game. A DeKalb school hasn’t won a football state title since Southwest DeKalb in 1995. Seven DeKalb schools, including five from South DeKalb, made the playoffs last year but did not make it past the second round.

The Southwest DeKalb High Panthers are hoping to have another winning season under legendary coach William “Buck” Godfrey, who is entering his 28th year as head football coach. Assistant coach Fletcher Salter said the goal for this year is to repeat as region 4-AAAA champions.

The Panthers will have a young team this year with only five defensive starters returning. Salter believes the team will get enough experience to regain the region title.

“We’re teaching the players the system and giving them as many reps as we can in practice,” Salter said.

Defending region 2-AAAAA champions Stephenson High finished the 2009 regular season 10-0. The Jaguars are known for their domination in the regular season and having some of the top players in the state, but they have yet to win a state championship.

“I feel like we’ve done everything right over the years,” head coach Ron Gartrell said.

“We just got to do a better job of closing games out in the playoffs.”

T h e Ja g s l o s t to Colquitt County 22-21 in the second round of the 2009 playoffs.

Gartrell – the only coach the Jaguars have Ron Gartrell ever had – has led them to seven region titles. They made the state semifinals once and the quarterfinals four times.

The road to the playoffs will be tougher this year for the defending region champs.

“The region has changed,” Gartrell said.

“Some teams left, some came in. The region is now tougher.”

East Coweta, which has made the state playoffs each season since 1997; Langston Hughes; Newnan; and Westlake joined the region that includes MLK as well.

Usually, the winner of the MLK and Stephenson rivalry game determines the region winner. With the addition of experienced playoff teams like East Coweta and Newnan, the outcome may not be the same.

Both Carson and Gartrell expect the strength of their team’s offense to lead them to the Dome in December.

The Jags have seven starters returning on offense. The defense, normally the team’s strong point, is rebuilding after losing eight starters from last season.

Carson believes his wide receiving corps and young quarterback will get the Lions to the 5A championship, and he also is expecting his defense to dominate as well.

Led by senior linebacker Patrick Callaway,

who was second in tackles in the county last year, Carson expects his defense to be the best in the county.

Carson, who was an assistant coach at MLK for four seasons, is one of eight new head coaches in the county.

He returns to MLK after former coach Corey Jarvis took the same position at Duluth High School in Gwinnett County.

Carson was the head coach at Avondale High School last season.

Other new coaches include Bryron McCall at Avondale, James Soza at Chamblee, Jim Showfety at Dunwoody, Marcus Jelks at Lithonia, Tywanois Lockett at McNair, Clint Lawrence at Redan, and Marvin Jones at Towers.

Miller Grove High is currently looking for a new head football coach after Jasper Jewell resigned to take an athletic coordinator position with Atlanta Public Schools.

Golfers to benefit service programs Golfers will be teeing off on Aug. 21 for the annual Ivy Scholarship Golf Classic at the Charlie Yates Golf Course in Atlanta.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. and tee-off is scheduled for 8 a.m. The entry fee is $130, and several sponsorship levels are available.

Proceeds will support scholarships and com-

munity service programs provided by the Council for Community Enrichment Inc. Charlie Yates Golf Course is at 10 Lakeside Village Drive S.E. For more information, call Rhonda A. Martin at 678-595-1908 or Andrea Snorton at 678-777-4330.

Donation to support county athletics The DeKalb Schools Athletics Department received a $5,000 donation from the Sports Champions of Greater Atlanta to help fund its programs.

The gift comes from SCOGA’s program to help underfunded athletic programs in DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

DeKalb athletics director Ron Sebree called the donation generous and said it will enable them to help out in areas they might have missed.

“The recession has hurt many people financially and impacted our athletic attendance,” he said. “The gate receipts we depend on to fund our 17 sports in DeKalb County and booster club donations that supplement the programs are down.”

SCOGA has donated more than $190,250

DeKalb County athletics director Ron Sebree (center) received a check from SCOGA’s William Dukes (left) and George Wright.

in the past five years in the five counties to help enhance athletic programs.

George Wright, SCOGA chairman emeritus, said high school athletics helped shape many students’ lives.

“The life lessons and the influence of our coaches were very influential,” he said. “This is the reason we organized Sports Champions of Greater Atlanta to show appreciation for the athletes and the coaches.”

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9

CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

Ministry

“These are brothers and sisters in Christ who did not die or transfer to another congregation, but probably quietly slipped out the back door.”

Snorton named first CME female bishop The Rev. Dr. Teresa Snorton has added bishop to her resume.

Snorton, who lives in Decatur, was elected the first female bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church during the 37th General Conference of the CME Church in Mobile, Ala., June 26-July 4.

She was one of five new bishops elected this year.

Snorton is executive director of the national Association for Clinical Teresa Snorton Pastoral Education Inc. and a former executive director of the Emory Center for Pastoral Services in Atlanta and director of pastoral services at Emory Crawford Long Hospital, now Emory University Hospital Midtown.

She has been adjunct instructor in pastoral care at Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

Snorton is a fourth-generation CME member. Her great-grandfather, father and uncle were all CME pastors, and her grandmother was an active missionary. Her two sisters are also CME ministers. An ordained minister in the CME Church, she was a for-

mer pastor in Kentucky.

She has a B.A. from Vanderbilt University; a Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary; a Master of Theology in Pastoral Care from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; a post-graduate certificate in patient counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University; and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

She is active on several boards and committees of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, including the Commission on the Concerns of Women in Ministry and immediate past president of the Chaplains Commission.

She is currently the coordinator of the renewal plan for the Second Episcopal District.

A recipient of numerous awards, Snorton is the author of several articles, chapters and book reviews on topics related to pastoral care and ministry. She co-edited “Women Out of Order: Risking Change and Creating Care in a Multi-Cultural World” with Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner. The book was published by Fortress Press in fall 2009.

Snorton is married with three sons and three grandchildren.

Ministers to speak at Women’s Day An educator and a banker will deliver the main message for Beulah Missionary Baptist’s annual Women’s Day celebration on Aug. 15.

This year’s theme is “Women of God: Equipped to Win in 2010,” Christine Norman and the Scripture focus is “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity” (Titus 2:7).

The Rev. Leatricia A. Williams, Beulah Baptist’s associate minister, will deliver the message at a 7:30 a.m. service, and Christine Norman, presiding minister of New Life Baptist Church in Decatur, will speak at 10:45 a.m.

Williams served 35 years as a teacher, program administrator and bureau chief with

the Florida Department of Education. She is also a former regional education coordinator with the Office of Adult Education, Technical College System of Georgia.

Norman, a native AtLeatricia Williams lantan, is a government underwriter for Bank of America. She teaches Sunday school and is active in the Women’s Ministry.

On Aug. 14, Beulah’s Women’s Ministry is hosting a “Women in White Prayer Brunch” at 10 a.m. in the church’s Mary White Carlton Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $15.

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church is at 2340 Clifton Springs Road in Decatur. For more information, call 404-241-3307, e-mail women.ministry@yahoo.com or visit www .beulahbaptist.org.

Fun day, revival to celebrate 96th year service.

The Greater Piney Grove BapThe Rev. Dr. Haywood Robintist Church is celebrating its 96th son, pastor of Peoples Community anniversary with a Community Church in Silver Spring Maryland, Fun Day and picnic and revival will preach at the 9:30 a.m. service. services Aug. 14-18.

For the three-day revival at 7 p.m.

The Atlanta church kicks off daily, the Rev. Ronald Dunningan, the festivities on Aug. 14 with live pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist, will musical entertainment, free food and games, and a backpack and William Flippin Sr. speak on Aug. 16. The Rev. Marlin Harris, pastor of New Life Baptist school supply giveaway.

There also will be free health screenings Church takes the pulpit on Aug. 17.

The Rev. Kerwin Lee of Berean Christian and HIV testing. Registration begins at 10 Church will preach on Aug. 18. The Rev. Dr. a.m. and the good times last until 2 p.m.

The annual church anniversary celebra- Winifred Hope of Ebenezer Baptist Church will deliver a nightly lecture. tion and revival take place Aug. 16-18.

For more information, visit www.piney On Aug. 15, Dr. William E. Flippin Sr., the church’s senior pastor for 20 years, will grovebapt.org or call the Rev. Chianti Mitchpreach at the 7:15 a.m. anniversary worship ell at 404-377-0561, Ext. 238.

Presbyterians seeing numbers drop Membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is on the decline.

The denomination says total membership dropped 3 percent, or 63,027, between 2008 and 2009 to 2,077,138.

The Rev. Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the General Assembly, said the latest statistics contain both good news and bad.

“The good news is that adult baptisms rose for the first time in at Gradye Parsons least four years, and the overall number in membership losses was the lowest it has been in the last decade.

“The discouraging news is that while we’re gaining members, we’re still playing catch-up with the rate of decline.”

The total number of congregations dropped by 94 to 10,657, including 15 churches that were dismissed to other denominations.

Twenty-six new churches were organized in 2009.

“What continues to sadden me is that the overwhelming majority of the loss in membership is in the category of ‘other,’ which means these are brothers and sisters in Christ who did not die or transfer to another congregation, but probably quietly slipped out the back door,” Parsons said.

The annual statistics released by the Office of the General Assembly provide a broad overview of what’s going on in the denomination – numbers of congregations and members; trends in baptisms, deaths and ordinations; and changes in financial giving.

Deborah Bruce, manager of the U.S. Congregational Life Survey and a staff member for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Research Service office, said

the statistics don’t reflect the ministry and mission of individual congregations or the experiences of worshippers. A random sample of 521 congregations, about 40,000 worshippers 15 and older, participated in the survey in the fall of 2008 and the spring of 2009.

The survey found Deborah Bruce that: n The median age is 61, up from 58 in 2001.

Four out of five worshippers are 45 or older.

Related to this trend is a decrease in the percentage of worshippers who have children living at home. n Presbyterians are well-educated. Six in 10 age 25 or older have a college degree; among all Americans only one in four in that age group is a college graduate. n In the area of financial giving, the annual statistics show total contributions of $2,100,705,626 for an average of $1,011 per member. n In 2001, three in 10 worshippers, or 30 percent, reported that they participated in their congregation’s community service, social justice or advocacy work. Today, more than one in three, or 35 percent, reported participating.

Almost half of Presbyterians, or 46 percent, contribute time to their community’s soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity builds, public schools, shelters, Scout troops, and other civic activities.

“Our well-educated worshippers have gifts and talents to share with their congregations and communities,” Bruce said. “Can PC (U.S.A.) congregations use this advantage to help address the shortage of young people in our pews?”

For more information, visit www.pcusa .org.

Sexuality, spirituality to be discussed The Rev. Mary Anne Bellfected the ways in which we see and inger, an author, teacher, deacon conceptualize God/the divine. and HIV/AIDS advocate, will talk Bellinger is a deacon and educaabout sexuality and spirituality tion coordinator for First Afrikan’s on Aug. 18 at Charis Books in HIV/AIDS Initiative. Her most Atlanta. recent publications include the The Faiths and Feminisms articles “Sexuality and Spirituality discussion, from 8:30 to 9:30 in the Black Church,” “Living With p.m., will examine the con- Mary Bellinger HIV as a Woman of Faith” and Volnection between sexuality and umes I and II of “Expressions.” spirituality as it relates to the church. ParCharis Books is at 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E. ticipants will be asked to consider how our For more information, call 404-524-0304 or understanding of sex and sexuality has af- visit www.charisbooksandmore.com.

Worship Services: ...........Sundays – 7:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Church School: ...............Sundays – 9:30 a.m.

Victory Chapel: ...............Sundays – 11:00 a.m. (Ages 5-16) Prayer Service: ...............Wednesdays – 6:30 p.m. Chapel Bible Study: ....................Wednesdays – 7:00 p.m.

Mid-Wk Communion.......Wednesdays B4 First Sunday - 11:30 a.m.

“Come on and be a part of the vision” First Afrikan Church is an Afrocentric Christian Ministry that empowers women, men, youth and children to move from membership to leadership in the church, community and the world.

5197 Salem Road Lithonia, GA 30038 Praise & Devotion Worship Service Sundays at 10 a.m.

Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

770-981-2601 “We are building far beyond our years.”

Rev. Dr. Mark A. Lomax

10

CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

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Genuine Opportunity! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.national-work.com EARN $1000’s WEEKLY! Receive $12 for every envelope stuffed with our sales materials.

Free 24-hr. information. 1-800682-5439 code 10

Financial BURIED IN DEBT? Over

LAW OFFICE OF TRICHELLE GRIGGS SIMMONS Family Law documents (Divorce, Modification, Legitimation, Child Support and Name Change) prepared for self-filing, starting at $199.00.

Other Practice areas are Wills, Criminal Law, Traffic Citations, DUI and Personal Injury.

Payment Plans Available CALL 404-304-5854

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.

$12,000 worth? SAVE MoneyGet Out Of Debt FASTER! One Affordable Monthly Payment.

Call DEBT SETTLEMENT USA. FREE Consultation: 1-877-4761684 COMMERCIAL BRIDGE LOANS! $200,000-$10,000,000. Direct Lenders. “Lowest rates/Best term” “Brokers fully Protected and respected”. Since 1985. Call 917-733-3877.

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536).

Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

Health & Fitness BACK BRACE Covered By Medicare/Ins. Substantial relief.

Comfortable Wear. 1-800-815-

1577 Ext. 419 www.LifeCareDiabeticSupplies.com

Help Wanted **ABLE TO TRAVEL** Hiring 6 people, Free to travel all states, resort areas. No experience necessary. Paid training and transportation. OVER 18. Start ASAP. 1-888-853-8411

Land For Sale 20 Acre Ranches ONLY $99 per/mo. $0 Down, $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, Texas. Owner Financing, No Credit Checks.

Money Back Guarantee. Free Map/Pictures. 800-755-8953 www.sunsetranches.com BEAUTIFUL ARIZONA LAND! $0 down. $0 interest. Starting $89/ mo. Guaranteed Financing. No credit check. 1-2.5 acre building lots! Call (800) 631-8164 Code

Family Law & Criminal Law Rock’s Networking Unlimited, Inc.

Celebrates 13 Years With

“Men Who Think They Can Cook” Vs. “Women Who Know They Can Cook” Cook Off ’70s Style Sat., Aug. 28, 2010

770-217-0726

WWW.MYRNU.COM

Miscellaneous Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in up to 12 million households in North America’s best suburbs!

Place your classified ad in over 815 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 or go to www.classifiedavenue.net

Real Estate North Carolina Mountains. E-Z Finish Log Cabin Shell with Acreage. Pre-Approved Bank Financing! Only $99,900 Ask About our Mountain Land for Sale 828-247-9966 code 45A

Timeshares SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $78 Million Dollars offered in 2009! www.sellatimeshare.com (800)640-6886

Wanted To Buy WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay up to $18.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-800-267-9895 OR http://www.

SellDiabeticstrips.com

School Law Attorney Representing Teachers

The Law Office of B.A. Thomas, LLC

TO COMPETE OR BE A GUEST INFO@MYRNU.COM

4001 www.sunsiteslandrush. com

(678) 954-5736

404-525-6902

Beautiful Babes Hair Care for Children

Ms. Felecia

• PRESS & CURL • BRAIDS • QUICK WEAVES • HEALTHY HAIRCARE Call for Monthly Specials

678-887-6203

beautifulbabeshaircare.vpweb.com ADULTS ACCEPTED

Find Local Goods & Services

www.eastmetromarket.com

Located Inside Fidel’s Signature Salon 5045 Memorial Drive • Stone Mountain, Ga. 30083

11

CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $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.

Marketplace EMPLOYMENT

LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE

Wanted Licensed hair stylists with large clientele $500 Bonus after 6 months South DeKalb area.

Contact Ms. Bea 404-660-4091.

Bob Cat - Dump Truck Service - Lot Clearing - Erosion Repair Sink Hole Repair - Driveway Removal - Minor Demolition. 404661-8362. 404-246-0458. kk73@ bellsouth.net.

FOR SALE 6-piece king-size sleigh mahogany bedroom set, $500; kerosene heater, $20; clothes dryer, $20; other household items. Call 7708734232

HELP WANTED Account Payable Rep. needed in our firm. Candidate must have at least high school or college degree. The position offers $200 per week plus benefits. Send resumes to js1960@live.com if interested.

Sub Contracting Opportunities Lytle EAP Partners is Seeking LSBE Licensed Masters Level Counselors with over 3 years of EAP, D&A, and MH experience for sub-contracting opportunities.

CEAP preferred.

Next Day Lawn Maintenance Service. Bobcat Work, Hauling, French Drainage System 770593-1382.

MISCELLANEOUS TeaCup Young Ladies Ministry, Inc. is Seeking New Applicants for 2010 - 2011. TeaCup Young Ladies’ Ministry, Inc.’s annual program; “TeaCup Girls Mentoring,” with “Diamond Butterfly”

Exotic Thai Cuisine

Authentic Thai Cuisine • Inexpensive Fine Dining

PERSONAL CARE

NOW OPEN

A Safe Comfortable Place for the Elderly. Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care. Mondays and Fridays 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Snapfinger Road, Lithonia. 678760-7887.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & CONSULTING

The Samuel Group, Inc. Loans for Churches, Restaurants, Day Care Centers, Multi Family Properties, Office Buildings and other commercial properties. Purchases or refinancing. All credit considered.

Closings as quick as 7 days.

Wall Street experienced professionals providing business plans, incorporations, financial statement preparation and other consulting services.

Sew In Weaves

$149.99

100% Human Hair Included Indian Remi Hair Available

Black Butterfly Salon & Spa 822D Hambrick Rd Stone Mountain, GA 30038

404-734-6599 Walk-ins Welcome www.blackbutterflysalon.com

The Samuel Group 404-870-9070

404-870-9070

www.thesamuelgroupinc.com

in

the Garden

Call for a FREE Estimate!

10% OFF YOUR FIRST SERVICE

8075 Mall Pkwy • Suite 110 Lithonia, GA 30038 Next to Firehouse Subs

22

$

Bring your picnic basket, blanket & enjoy the concert.

Tickets $10

Satay • Spring Rolls • Pad Thai • Crazy Drunken Chicken Mosman • Salmon Panang

Now Serving: Lunch Menu $699 Get Soup or Salad, Special Vegetarian Entrée, Spicy Tofu Veggies, Panang Curry Veggies, Ginger Tofu WE DELIVER IN Take $5 Off THE STONECREST Lunch or Dinner MALL AREA Minimum Order $20 Delivery Charge $3 Mon.-Thur. • 12-2 p.m.

with a minimum $25 purchase per table

Monday – Sunday • Expires Sept. 1, 2010

.95 + Tax

OIL CHANGE SPECIAL Oil, Filter, Lube, Most Vehicles With Coupon.

59

$

.95 +

2975 S. Rainbow Drive • Decatur, GA 30034

Tax

A/C CHECKUP

featuring

(next to the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center)

• Cut grass • Trim Shrubs • Edge Lawn • Deweed Bed • Blow & Go • Aeration

770-484-9923

Includes 1 lb of Freon With Coupon.

New Dimension Jazz Group

Wonderland Gardens is at 3145 Rainbow Drive

Place your property in good hands

Chef from Vegetarian Restaurant Café Sunflower, Atlanta

August 27 • 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Proceeds benefit Wonderland's WOW Factor Health Challenge.

For tickets, call 404-286-6163.

Contact Jaime Morgan 800-327-7488.

CUT & GO 770-593-1382

begins Oct. 2. Class size is limited to 20. Application deadline is Sept. 25. For more information, visit www.teacupylm.com or call 770-316-9013.

25

$

Prices Good at Decatur Location Only Hours: Mon-Fri • 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

100

.00 ANY MECHANICAL $ REPAIR OFF OVER $150

.00

ANY BODY REPAIR OFF OVER $1,000

$5 million in new renovations

230 sleeping rooms with 10,000 square feet of space

YOU WANT TO IMPRESS THEN STAY WITH THE BEST!!!

Family Reunions ★ Weddings ★ Church Groups ★ Sport Teams

• Bring in your own food or we can provide it for you • Complimentary jacuzzi suites or hospitality rooms with 20 rooms picked up • Discount $5 T-shirts available for family reunions • Easy interstate access to I-85/285 • We can accommodate banquets up to 350 people • Located minutes from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mtn, shopping mall and 150 restaurants /retail stores within 5-mile radius of hotel • Ask about our $69 with breakfast included Summer Weekend packages or $99 Champagne & Chocolates breakfast/dinner included Romantic Get-away packages.

For more information contact April Gipson 770-455-3700 ext. 534, or direct line 404-429-9309.

Holiday Inn Northeast • 2001 Clearview Avenue • Atlanta, GA 30340

12

CrossRoadsNews

August 14, 2010

2010 Family & Back-to-School Expo Grand Prize Entry Form Visit at least 15 of these exhibitors* at the Mall at Stonecrest on Aug. 14 and enter to win a $250 Shopping Spree at the Mall at Stonecrest, or a 4-Day, 3-Night All-Inclusive stay at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in beautiful St. Lucia.

_____ A Unique Learning Academy _____ Academy of the Arts _____ Andre Cleveland/State Farm Insurance _____ Clemmons Law Firm _____ Coconut Bay Beach Resort _____ Community Connections _____ DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau _____ Families First _____ Georgia Center for Resources & Support _____ Georgia Families _____ Georgia Public Broadcasting _____ Grief Survivors Therapeutic Network, Inc. _____ Kidds Dance Project, Inc. _____ Kip Learning Center

_____ Ladies Only Total Fitness _____ Literacy Link Learning Center _____ Liz Carter for Congress _____ Nappy Hair Shop _____ Neighbor to Family, Inc. _____ New Birth Christian Academy _____ New Beginnings, Life Changing Network _____ Quality Care for Children _____ Roots Adoption Agency _____ Sevananda Natural Foods _____ Task Force for Guyana’s Children _____ The Potters House _____ Youth House Atlanta

Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________City _______________________________________ St: ______ Zip: ___________ Email ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home phone: _________________________________________________ Cell phone: ____________________________________________________ *Exhibitors must write their codes on your entry form. Your name, address and telephone nos. are required to win. Employees and immediate family members of CrossRoadsNews and the Mall at Stonecrest not eligible for awards. Coconut Bay Beach Resort prize does not include transportation.

Must be 18 years or older to win. Must be present to win.