CrossRoadsNews, August 29, 2015 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Kudos ...

Come on now ...

Send us your nominees

... to the South River Watershed Alliance for its efforts to preserve and protect the river through canoe tours, cleanups and education initiatives.

... signs offering to rent or sell this home in Stone Mountain, despite its burnedout chimney and tarped roof, show utter contempt for potential tenants and nearby residents.

Welcome to “Kudos & Come On Now,” the CrossRoads News initiative that highlights the people, businesses or groups who are going the extra mile to make our communities look better, as well as those who aren’t doing nearly enough. When you see examples at either extreme, tweet a photo and the location to us @CRNews_DeKalb or post it to facebook.com/crossroadsnews with #KudosDeKalb or #ComeOnDeKalb. For more examples of Kudos & Come On Now, visit crossroadsnews.com/kudos.

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

August 29, 2015

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 21, Number 18

District 5 ready for development, jobs, tour shows By Ken Watts

The gems and warts of DeKalb’s 5th Commission District were on display last week when a busload of county officials, led by new Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, toured the 83-square-mile district on Aug. 21. Johnson said she wanted the group of 20 officials, including interim CEO and former District 5 Commissioner Lee May, to see the variety of assets the district has to offer as well as its blighted areas that need help. “We need jobs here,” said Johnson, who took office on July 20. “We also have most of the undeveloped land in the county, so we have a unique situation here in the 5th District.” Six of the county’s seven commissioners were on the tour: Johnson, Nancy Jester, Jeff Rader, Kathie Gannon,

“We need jobs here. We also have most of the undeveloped land in the county, so we have a unique situation here in the 5th District.” Mereda Davis Johnson

ington and Indian Creek MARTA stations, the area around the 1.3 million-square-foot Mall at Stonecrest, the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area, and some of the upscale residential neighborhoods in unincorporated Lithonia and Decatur. The tour also stopped at the new Georgia Piedmont Technical College South DeKalb Campus on Wesley Chapel Road, the Lithonia Industrial Park, the Lithonia Amphitheater, Lyon Farm, Flat Rock Archives, Lionsgate and Sandstone Estates subdivisions, and Historic Vaughters Farm. The district of 143,558 residents is 92 percent AfricanAmerican and has 53,069 households with a median income of $48,432, which is $4,327 less than the countywide median income of $52,759. Fifty-five percent of its housing units are owner-occupied

Larry Johnson and Sharon Barnes Sutton. Super District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson was absent because of a prior commitment, his office said. DeKalb’s chief operating officer, Zach Williams; Andrew Baker, its planning director; Keep DeKalb Beautiful Director Gordon Burkette; and Johnson’s husband, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, also took part in the tour that included the Kens- Please see TOUR, page 3

Church pantries bridging DeKalb’s hunger gap In addition to food assistance, One Accord Community Church of God in Christ on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur provides clothing for children, women and men.

143,000 residents ‘food insecure’ in tough economy By Ken Watts

For Charlene Coats, keeping food on the table for herself and her 13- and 14-year-old daughters is often challenging. On July 28, Coats, who lives in Decatur, was making selections from tables piled high with collard greens, lettuce, potatoes, carrots and other fresh produce. But she was not at the farmers market or the supermarket. Instead, she was at Sarah’s Closet and Comprehensive Services, a bustling neighborhood food pantry that operates out of a converted barn behind One Accord Community Church of God in Christ on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. On this day, she is one of about 40 people “shopping.” After filling her cart with vegetables, bread, cereals and other food items, Coats said the supplies will help a lot. The single mom will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Brown Mackie College in June 2016 but has been unemployed since March. “We get food stamps but they don’t go far,” she said. “So we get just enough from the food pantry to supplement the groceries that we already have.” Coats is one of thousands of DeKalb residents who get food from 132 partner agencies in the county that work with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Last year, the food bank shipped more than 8.2 million pounds of food to DeKalb County for distribution to individuals and families who are “food insecure” – because they don’t always know where they will find their next meal. About 20.6 percent of DeKalb’s population, or 143,240 people, are considered food insecure, according to “Mapping the Meal Gap,” a 2014 study by Feeding America.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Statewide, the Georgia Food Bank Association said nearly 20 percent of Georgians – about one in five – are food insecure compared with the national total of 15.9 percent of Americans who often don’t know where their next meal will come from. The 2010 U.S. Census said 755,000 people in metro Atlanta and North Georgia are considered food insecure.

Face of poverty is changing Sarah’s Closet is one of 92 pantries among the DeKalb partner agencies that are operated by faith communities such as Saint Philip AME and Greater Piney Grove Baptist in Atlanta; Kelly Chapel United Methodist, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and Hillside Presbyterian in Decatur; and County Line United Methodist in Ellenwood, to

name a few. On Aug. 15, Decatur Seventh-day Adventist Church at 2365 Candler Road began offering a food pantry on the first Saturday monthly. Some pantries pack boxes with staple food items, but Sarah’s Closet operates a “client’s choice model,” which means that food is set out for clients to select as they would at a store. Mary Davidson, Sarah’s Closet executive director, said this method of food delivery is more efficient. “There’s less waste that way because they’re not getting boxes of prepacked food items that Mary Davidson

they may or may not use,” she said. Davidson said the pantry, founded by the church in 1990 in honor of church member Sarah Darlene Moses, has served about 100 families a week since September 2014. She said the Coats family is part of a growing number of residents turning to churches for help in an economy that is still recovering. “We serve a lot of people,” Davidson said. “Some families may be 10 people. Some have five people, or two or one.” Davidson said the pantry went dormant for a while but church members revived it in 2013. “We started with two chicken leg quarters, some onions, some potatoes, a bag of rice, flour, sugar and pinto beans,” Davidson Please see HUNGER, page 2

CrossRoadsNews

Community

August 29, 2015

“We’ve had a feeding program for seniors for many years, but the pantry will serve all those in need.”

Man held in teen’s shooting death at Spring Valley Apartments DeKalb Police investigate the shooting death of Edwin Baker, 17, on Aug. 22 on Misty Waters Drive in Decatur. Taron Turner, 19, has been charged with murder.

Taron Turner, 19, has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Edwin Baker, who died on Aug. 22 on Misty Waters Drive in Decatur. Witnesses say that before noon Saturday, someone sprayed Baker, 17, with a hail of bullets from a machine gun and ran away. Baker died on the grass outside the Spring Valley Apartments, a short distance from Candler Road. DeKalb Police say that a few minutes later, Turner Taron Turner showed up at Grady Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound to his right upper torso. Turner remained hospitalized in stable condition until he can be transferred to the DeKalb County Jail. Investigators are still trying to determine a motive in the shooting.

DeKalb Jail probes inmate’s death The DeKalb County Jail is probing the death of inmate James L. Williams. Williams, 37, received emergency medical services on Aug. 23 when he was found unresponsive in his cell during medication rounds by a medical staff member. He was transported to DeKalb Medical Center, where doctors confirmed his death after

further unsuccessful revival efforts. The cause of death is undetermined pending the outcome of an investigation being conducted by the DeKalb Sheriff ’s Office of Professional Standards. Williams had been in custody since June 28 on charges of family violence, domestic violence, and probation violation.

More seniors with grandkids, working poor, young adults seek food assistance The “Gregg’s Pantry” ministry at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Decatur serves 60 to 150 people each Saturday.

U.S. Rep. John Lewis hosts job fair Job hunters can get tips on accessing federal jobs at U.S. Rep. John Lewis’ “For the People” Job Fair on Sept. 1 at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse in College Park. The event begins at 10 a.m. in Exhibit Hall C. The Office of Personnel Management will conduct USAJobs.gov Navigation Workshops on “Finding and Applying for Jobs in the Federal Government” and “Writing Your Federal Resume.”

Participants will learn how to review a Job Opportunity Announcement to determine qualifications and interest, identify the important requirements, and tailor their resumes with the JOA plus receive a quick overview of the resume builder on USAJobs. Lewis represents the 5th District, which includes portions of DeKalb County. For more information, visit http://johnlewis. house.gov/event/people-jobs-fair or call Rachelle O’Neil at 404-659-0116.

DeKalb Mo bile Farmers M arket Dates and Times Th ru Oct. 2 3

Tuesdays

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Exchange Park Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Mainstreet Community Assoc., 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr, Stone Mountain

Wednesdays

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Hairston Lake Apartments, 1023 North Hairston Road, Stone Mountain 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Spring Chase II, 4947 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Downtown Lithonia, 6861 Main St. Lithonia

Thursdays

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bethesda Cathedral Church, 1989 Austin Drive, Decatur 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Rd, Decatur

Fridays

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. DeKalb County Extension, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur

Cash, Credit, Debit, and EBT cards are accepted. For more information, call DeKalb County Extension at 404-298-4080

Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HUNGER,

from page

said. “Now we typically get about 10,000 to 15,000 pounds of food a week from the Atlanta Community Food Bank.” She said the church of 500 members pays $10,000 a year to the food bank for the supplies. Church members and others also make weekly cash donations. Davidson said the face of poverty is changing. “We see seniors and small children but also the working poor,” she said, “people who work very hard but don’t make enough income to sufficiently feed their families.” Hunger reaches beyond the poverty line with 29 percent of food insecure children in Georgia ineligible for any federal food nutrition programs. Unemployment and underemployment continue to drive increases in demand for food in Georgia, and the state food bank association said 27 percent of people served by partner agencies say they are seeking help for the first time in their lives.

‘I just keep my head up’ In addition to food assistance, One Accord Community Church provides clothing for women, men and children. Willie Smith of Decatur, with toddler daughter La’shaye in his arms, was in search of a pair of work boots at the end of July. He lost his job at Xpress Oil Change on July 15 after his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. “I had missed a lot of days getting her to the doc- Willie Smith tor and taking care of her,” Smith said, adding that the assistance from One Accord has made a huge difference to his family. He is certified in automotive technology and said he is hoping to be employed again soon. “I’ve been filling out applications everywhere,” Smith said. “I just keep my head up

and keep pushing.”

Demand for food escalates Dorothy Reeves, the Decatur Seventhday Adventist Church’s community service director, said the pantry is an expansion of a longstanding meal program at the church. “We’ve had a feeding program for seniors for many years, but the pantry will serve all those in need, including seniors,” she said. The food pantry will stock produce, canned goods and packaged foods. Reeves said the church will raise funds for the pantry by participating in the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s annual FunRun every spring. The church also is in search of a commercial-size freezer to store meats and other perishables. At Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the “Gregg’s Pantry” ministry has been feeding the hungry for nearly 30 years. The pantry is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon and as needed the rest of the week. Theresa Ivory, who manages the pantry, said Pastor Bryan Small opens the pantry any time a person in need calls. She said demand for food assistance has escalated. “When I started working in the pantry about 10 years ago, we got only about 15 to 20 people on a Saturday,” she said. “Now we do from 60 to 150.” Ivory said calls for help come from across five DeKalb ZIP codes. Saint Philip AME has been operating its food pantry since 1990. It is open Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 240 Candler Road S.E. in Atlanta. Pantry director Anna Sutton said the pantry assists more than 85 families monthly, and many families saw a decrease in their U.S. food stamp assistance after Congress cut the program’s budget in 2014. “We’re seeing more seniors who are raising grandchildren and we’re also seeing more people in their 20s,” she said. “We think the young people are still having trouble finding work or don’t earn enough to support themselves without help.”

Community

Boston considering run for DA DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston is “strongly considering” a run for DeKalb County district attorney. Asked about rumors that she will challenge District Attorney Robert James in 2016, Boston confirmed on Aug. 24 that a run for the office is on her radar. “I can say that I have Sherry Boston been asked overwhelmingly by many in the community to consider it,” she said. “I am taking the concerns of these citizens very seriously. Therefore, I’m strongly considering it.”

Regardless of her decision, Boston said she will remain solicitor general until Dec. 31, 2016, “and will continue to run an office that is honest, transparent and accountable, which is what DeKalb County deserves from its elected officials, especially those in lead prosecutorial positions.” Boston was appointed solicitor general in 2011 when James vacated the office to run for district attorney. In 2012, she won election to a full four-year term. James is up for re-election in 2016. He won the 2010 special election to replace Gwen Keyes Fleming, who was appointed an EPA administrator by President Barack Obama, and was unopposed in 2012.

Visit to South DeKalb ‘a great idea’ Twenty county officials, including six commissioners, participated in the Aug. 21 District 5 tour led by its new commissioner, Mereda Davis Johnson.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

TOUR,

from page

with a median value of $148,000. Thirty-three percent of homes are rented and 12 percent are vacant. Gannon, the Super District 6 commissioner, and Jester and Rader, who represent the more affluent districts 1 and 2 in North DeKalb, were impressed with what they saw but also noticed neighborhoods in need of help. Jester said she saw a number of blighted areas that need to be revitalized. “So I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to address that,” she said. Rader said the Hillandale Road corridor is ripe for redevelopment with medical offices and that many outparcels and the acreage around the Mall at Stonecrest offer an opportunity for continued growth. But Rader said the district’s distinctive mix of urban, suburban and rural should be preserved.

CrossRoadsNews

August 29, 2015

“We should be strategic about where we develop and what we develop,” he said. Gannon said she was familiar with District 5 and its diversity of land types but took particular interest in the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area and South DeKalb’s rich history. “Heritage tourism is huge,” Gannon said. “DeKalb is ripe for heritage tourism. It’s a big economic development factor that a lot of other counties are looking for ways to do.” Barnes Sutton called the tour “a great idea” that could pay off for South DeKalb. “I hope it brings about more interest and a change in heart so this part of the county can get the much-needed attention it deserves,” she said. May called the participation of six commissioners in a district tour unprecedented. “I really believe this will bring us closer together with greater understanding,” he said. “I think we ought to do this for all other districts as well.”

On 9/7/15 Everyone Gets A

FREE RIDE This Labor Day, enjoy Atlanta on us. On Monday, September 7, all MARTA trains and buses are free.

#WhereWillYouGo

PUBLIC NOTICE

“Elderly” (62+) Project-Based Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waiting List Opens Tuesday, September 29, 2015 APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY www.dekalbhousing.org Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations because of a disability, language translation, or communication in an alternative format may call the HADC’s Waiting List Hotline at 404-270-2590 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

itsmarta.com/promotions

CrossRoadsNews

Community

August 29, 2015

“His alleged conduct resulted in enormous cleanup costs to … [GDOT] as well as environmental damage.”

Mayor Jackson seeking a second term 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Alexandria LeKae Ford Graphic Design Curtis Parker

CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson is seeking a second term and plans to be among the first to qualify for the Nov. 3 election next week. “We have made tremendous progress and need to keep the momentum going to address the needs of the citizens,” she said. Qualifying for the 2015 municipal elections across the county takes place Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. Lithonia City Council members Darold Honore and Shameka Reynolds also are up for reelection this year. Both said on Aug. 26 that they will seek re-election. At an Aug. 24 kickoff re-election fundraiser hosted for her by the Davis Bozeman Law Firm in Decatur, Jackson, who is a lawyer, greeted friends Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews and supporters, including DeKalb Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson, chatting with DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann Sheriff Jeffrey Mann. at her Aug. 24 kickoff re-election fundraiser, is seeking a second term.

Charges dropped against former judge Charges against former DeKalb Superior Court Judge Cynthia J. Becker, who was accused of lying to state officials, have been dropped and she will not be prosecuted if she does not seek a judicial office. The charges were dropped Cynthia J. Becker four days after a Cobb County grand jury indicted her on six felony counts and one misdemeanor charge on Aug. 20. Her attorney, Brian Steel, said all the charges were dismissed on Aug. 24, adding that she “committed no crime.” Becker was accused of making false statements, making a false writing and obstruction of an officer in a 2014 incident involving

a bond request for Dr. Crawford Lewis, DeKalb’s former superintendent, in connection with the school construction scandal. During Lewis’ corruption case, lawyers complained that Becker refused to give Lewis bond. Becker insisted she never got a bond request, but attorneys said their emails proved otherwise. Lewis was sentenced to one year. Hart County District Attorney D. Parks White, who was appointed by Attorney General Samuel Olens as a special prosecutor to investigate the allegations against Becker, said he agreed to not seek criminal charges against Becker if she agreed to not seek judicial office again. White said statements made by Becker in September 2014 were part of a meeting that was intended “to be informal, personal and con-

fidential.” Becker wasn’t provided with a copy of the complaint made in the Lewis case but agreed to answer questions about events that happened nine months earlier. She wasn’t sworn in, which is why White said her statements wouldn’t constitute false swearing. “When responding to questions from members of the Judicial Qualifications Commission, Judge Becker made statements that were factually erroneous,” White said. “However, at the time of the meeting she had not had a chance to review the record or refresh her recollection as to the exact order of events and what transpired when. It is clear from at least part of her answers she conflated the events of the week into one day.”

Registration open for Walk of HEROes 5K Sponsors, volunteers, walkers and runners can register now for the Brighter DeKalb Foundation’s ninth annual Walk of HEROes 5K on Sept. 19 in the Decatur Square downtown. The run/walk, which begins at 8 a.m., celebrates real-life superheroes battling developmental disabilities and behavioral health illnesses. More than 400 participants are expected to attend the family

event that includes a USA Track and Field-certified 5K run/walk, Tot Trot Run, community vendors, face painting, awards, door prizes, refreshments, and a superhero costume contest. The certified 5K, a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, begins at 101 E. Court Square and ends at Decatur High. Register at www.active.com/ decatur-ga/running/distancerunning-races/walk-of-heroes-

5k-2015. All proceeds from the Walk of HEROes 5K benefit the foundation, which supports behavioral health and developmental disability services provided by the DeKalb Community Service Board. For vendor information, contact Jennifer Highsmith at Jenniferh@dekcsb.org or 404508-7875. For event information, visit www.walkofheroes5k.

Ex-GDOT supervisor arraigned in bribery case Former GDOT supervisor and Lithonia resident George H. Bell has been arraigned on federal charges of conspiracy and accepting bribes. Bell, 49, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 11 and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan J. Baverman on Aug. 14. U.S. Attorney John Horn said Bell is charged with using his GDOT position to benefit himself at the expense of the environment. “His alleged conduct resulted in enormous cleanup costs to the Georgia Department of Transportation as well as environmental damage,” Horn said. Bell is accused of soliciting and accepting cash payments in 2014 in exchange for allowing various individuals to dump unsuitable dirt, removed during construction or landscaping projects, at four GDOT locations. Investigators say that the dirt cannot be used for other projects because it contained organic material that would decompose and create problems during construction. GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry said the department is “appalled” by the case and has cooperated fully with the FBI Public Corruption Task Force and the GBI to ensure that those responsible for illegal actions are held accountable. McMurry said that GDOT employees who were subjects in this investigation were terminated by the department. “We will exercise all legal actions to recover the costs associated with cleaning up these sites and ensure that every effort is made to correct the damage to the impacted sites once the investigation is closed,” McMurry said. GBI Director Vernon Keenan said corruption in state government won’t be tolerated. “This case is an excellent example of state and federal law enforcement working together to ensure government employees who are corrupt are held accountable,” Keenan said. Bell’s trial date was not available at press time Thursday.

Free rides for MARTA patrons who use transit a lot MARTA patrons who take 60 to 100 or more trips through Sept. 14 can earn two to four free round-trip Breeze tickets in the transit agency’s new Customer Rewards Program. Under the program launched Aug. 17, MARTA is rewarding loyal customers who regularly ride the system. Ryland McClendon, MARTA’s assistant general manager of External Affairs, said riders can share their largess with others.

Circulation Audited By

“Ideally, reward customers would give their free Breeze tickets to a friend, family member or colleague who does not ride MARTA as a way to introduce them to riding MARTA,” he said. The free Breeze tickets are based on the number of trips customers take during the 30-day promotion period. Tickets are valued at $5.50 and can be used at the discretion of the recipient.

MARTA riders who take 60-80 trips will earn two round-trip tickets, 81-100 trips earn three tickets, and 101-plus trips qualify for four tickets. To participate: n Breeze Card must be registered. n “Pass backs” between customers to increase trip numbers are not permitted. n MARTA employees, vendors or contractors are not eligible. n Any fraud or abuse of the Breeze

Card will result in disqualification. n All riders (bus, rail and Mobility) are eligible. Customers who earn Breeze tickets during the promotion period may retrieve them from the MARTA Five Points Ridestore between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 only. To determine if rewards trips have been earned, visit www.itsmarta.com/promotions and enter your Breeze card serial number.

index to advertisers Church of the Living God................................ 7 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court......................6 DeKalb County Board of Health...................... 2 Dekalb County Government........................... 7 DeKalb County Housing Authority.................. 3

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office........................6 Johnny Harris CPA.......................................... 7 Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC................... 7 Life Solutions For Health, LLC......................... 7

Macy’s............................................................. 8 MARTA............................................................ 3 Michael L. Hickman........................................ 7 Preferred Home Repair.................................. 7

Simply Self Storage......................................... 7 Wells Fargo..................................................... 5 Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts

August 29, 2015

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“I look forward to working with Hank to ensure national parks have the resources they need to thrive for their upcoming centennial.”

Johnson honored with third Friend of the National Parks Award U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson has been honored for a third time with the Friend of the National Parks Award from the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association. Johnson, who repreHank Johnson sents the 4th District that includes portions of DeKalb County, said

park preservation is important for posterity. “Our National Parks System is not only one of our best ideas, but they are jewels in the crown of our country’s most important natural and wild places and spaces,” Johnson said in an Aug. 19 statement. “I consider preserving the unparalleled beauty and unique ecosystems of these parks for future generations and for the wildlife that calls them home one of my most important duties.”

NPCA President and CEO Clark Bunting called it an honor to recognize Johnson for his support. “As the 114th Congress works on policies and funding levels impacting our national parks, I look forward to working with Hank to ensure national parks have safe roadways, are well-maintained, and have the resources they need to thrive for their upcoming centennial,” Bunting said. The award was presented for votes dur-

ing the 113th Congress that contributed to the protection and enhancement of national parks. The NPCA award was established in 1999 to track and publicize lawmakers’ votes on significant park issues. This year, it tracked three park-related votes in the Senate and five in the House. To receive the award, senators needed to vote for parks on at least two scored bills and representatives on at least three bills. Visit www.npca.org.

CrossRoadsNews

Youth

August 29, 2015

To earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status, a player must be a varsity letter winner and have a GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale. Rising senior Jasmine Riddick earned ITA ScholarAthlete status at Johnson C. Smith University.

SWD grad named to All-Academic Team Southwest DeKalb High alumna Jasmine Riddick, who plays tennis for Johnson C. Smith University, has been named to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s 2015 All-Academic Team. Riddick, a DeKalb County native, currently carries a 3.76 grade-point average at JCSU, where she is pursuing a dual degree in business administration and economics. A rising senior, Riddick competes in

tennis at No. 5 and No. 6 singles and at the No. 3 doubles positions. She and teammate Nichelle Heard of Douglasville’s Chapel Hill High were the only two student-athletes from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference named to the ITA All-Academic Team. To earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status, a player must be a varsity letter winner, have a GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale,

and be enrolled at his or her present school for at least two semesters. The 2012 Southwest DeKalb grad completed her scholastic academic career with a 3.89 GPA. While at SWD, she lettered in tennis for two years and was team captain, as voted by her teammates, in the 2011 and 2012 seasons. For more information, visit www. itatennis.com and www.goldenbullsports.com.

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

Legal Notices 08/22, 08/29, 09/05, 09/12

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV8316-7++ Hayat Hassen Plaintiff Vs. Nurshen Abduran Defendant To: Nurshen Abduran By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Aug. 13, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Aug. 10, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Sarah T. Austin, 246 Sycamore St., Suite #120, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Aug. 13, 2015. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 17th day of Aug., 2015 08/22, 08/29, 09/05, 09/12

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

++ 15CV8474-3++ Tracy Joe Harris filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Tracy Joe Harris to Tracy Joe James. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Aug. 11, 2015 Name: Tracy Joe Harris 983 Clubhouse Cir., W., Apt.#C Decatur, GA 30032 404-254-7073

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff • 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

Sex Offender

Andy Ellenwood 2610 Bouldercrest Road Atlanta, GA 30316 Charge of Aggravated Sodomy Convicted on 10/15/1994

Benjamin Foster 3211 Abbeywood Drive Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes Convicted on 10/11/2000

Michael Nicks 2216 Barbara Lane Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 7/14/2003

Sex Offender

08/29, 09/05, 09/12, 09/19

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV8617-7++ Santina Marie Taylor filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Santina Marie Taylor to Dauson Maurie Taylor. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Jul. 23, 2015 Name: Dauson Maurie Taylor 420 Windmont Drive Atlanta, GA 30329 216-313-5811

Civil Action Case Number:

Pierre Cineas 2847 Leisure Woods Lane Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Sexual Abuse Second Degree Convicted on 3/25/2002

Frank Fischer 2610 Bouldercrest Rd SE Atlanta, GA 30316 Charge of Sexual Abuse First Convicted on 3/13/2010

Tyrone Jackson 4422 NE Expressway Atlanta, GA 30340 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 9/26/2003

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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.

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CrossRoadsNews

August 29, 2015

Scene

The black-and-white graphic novel is a firsthand account of the beginning of Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights. U.S. Rep. John Lewis and coauthor Andrew Aydin will talk about “March: Book One” on Sept. 3 at the Clarkston campus of Georgia Perimeter College.

Lewis to discuss his new novel at GPC Author and U.S. Rep. John Lewis will discuss his graphic novel, “March: Book One,” on Sept. 3 at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston campus for GPC Reads. Lewis and co-author Andrew Aydin will speak at 11:30 a.m. in the Cole Auditorium. A book signing and reception will follow the free event. The black-and-white graphic novel by Lewis with Aydin and illustrator Nate Powell is a firsthand ac-

count of the beginning of Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story from childhood, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement. Lewis represents the 5th District, which includes part of DeKalb County. The Clarkston campus is at 555 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information, visit www.gpc.edu or call 678-891-3200.

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Jong to launch new novel at Decatur Book Festival “Erica Jong in Conversation With Roxane Gay” on Sept. 4 at the Schwartz Performing Arts Center at Emory University is the keynote event for the 2015 AJC Decatur Book Festival. The 8 p.m. event in Emerson Concert Hall will kick off the festival’s 10th year at the center at 1700 N. Decatur Road. Jong, author of the ground-breaking novel “Fear of Flying” published in 1973, will be interviewed by Erica Jong Gay, co-editor of PANK and author of the New York Times best-selling “Bad Feminist.” Jong comes to the festival launching her novel “Fear of Dying,” a sequel that tells the story about what happens when one woman steps reluctantly into the afternoon of life. The Sept. 4-6 festival takes place in downtown Decatur and features authors, vendors and exhibitions. For more information, visit http://www.decaRoxane Gay turbookfestival.com.

Golf clinic at tournament Women – and men – can brush up on their golf skills at the second annual W.E.L.D. Women’s Golf Clinic on Aug. 31 at the Druid Hills Golf Club. The Women Executive Leaders of DeKalb’s clinic, which begins at 1:30 p.m., takes place during the 11th annual DeKalb Chamber Golf Classic that starts at 8:30 a.m. Participants will learn golf fundamentals and have their individual needs addressed. The clinic includes a personalized assessment from a pro golfer, a one-hour professional golf lesson, complimentary tournament gift bag, and a ticket to the 19th hole networking reception. The golf club is at 740 Clifton Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit http://business.dekalbchamber.org/events/details/2ndannual-w-e-l-d-women-s-golf-clinic-2015-162.

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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.

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public notice DEKALB COUNTY VOLUNTEER AUDIT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE DeKalb County Government seeks two County residents to serve as volunteers on the 5-member Audit Oversight Committee as required by House Bill 599 of the Georgia General Assembly. This committee will function independently in conducting performance and financial-related audits for all departments, offices, agencies, and programs of the County. Interested individuals must meet the following requirements: • Reside in DeKalb • Possess expertise conducting performance or financial audits • Minimum five years experience and certified as one of following: public accountant, internal or performance auditor, management accountant; or ten years relevant professional experience • Serve one- or four-year term Résumés accepted 8/24–9/11/15 at executiverecruiting@dekalbcountyga.gov.

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT (SSSP Shepherd Drive Decatur, LLC) D/B/A SIMPLY SELF STORAGE LOCATED AT (2804 HF Shepherd Drive) INTENDS TO SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED BELOW TO ENFORCE A LIEN IMPOSED ON SAID PROPERTY UNDER THE GEORGIA LAW 10-4-213. THE PUBLIC SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY WILL TAKE PLACE (UNLESS OTHERWISE WITHDRAWN) VIA AN ON-LINE AUCTION AT WWW.STORAGETREASURES.COM ON (September 15, 2015) BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY (10:00am) AND CONCLUDING ON (September 18, 2015) AT APPROXIMATELY (10:00am). THIS PUBLIC SALE WILL RESULT IN THE GOODS BEING SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. Unit # C041 C050 A010

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CrossRoadsNews

August 29, 2015

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8/13/15 10:52 AM