COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Motorists can expect lane closures and delays as crews begin the first phase of improvements to the busy South DeKalb commercial corridor. 3
Antoinette Tuff, the school bookkeeper who calmed a gunman at McNair Academy and got him to surrender, is honored for her brave and selfless act. 4
Upgrades on Candler
Accolades for a hero
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
Copyright © 2013 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
August 31, 2013
Volume 19, Number 18
www.crossroadsnews.com
Bells ring on Stone Mountain for King’s famous speech On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, bells rang from Stone Mountain to Washington and around the world. The bell-ringing and speeches by President Barack Obama, King’s children and family members, foot soldiers of the civil rights movement, and local officials commemorated the now famous speech made from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on April 28, 1963, that helped galvanize public support for civil rights legislation during a historic decade. In DeKalb County, about 200 adults and children joined elected officials on the summit of Stone Mountain, referenced in the speech delivered before 250,000 people
Children ring hand bells outside the visitor’s center atop Stone Mountain as a Freedom Bell tolls on Aug. 28 to commemorate King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. On that sweltering day in 1963, when King called for freedom to ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire, the mighty mountains of New York, the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania, the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado, and the curvaceous slopes of California, he also said: “But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.” The Stone Mountain of his day was a favorite rallying place for the Ku Klux Klan, a point noted by several elected officials during Please see BELLS, page 2
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
Copper thieves close Candler Road businesses Anita Brooks, an agent at Auto Town Insurance at 2070 Candler Road, discovered that thieves had removed the air conditioning unit outside the office.
Shops left reeling after rash of break-ins in area By Jessica Smith
A rash of commercial break-ins in the Candler-McAfee area in Decatur is hitting some business owners where it hurts. In an eight-day period between Aug. 13 and Aug. 21, shop fronts in the 1900, 2000 and 2100 blocks of Candler Road were victims of six burglaries. Wendell White, owner of the $5 Barber Salon and Spa at 2076 Candler Road, said the businesses along the busy corridor are being terrorized by thieves. His store was hit on Aug. 16, and the theft closed him down for four Wendell White days because the building had no electricity. “I wasn’t able to work on Saturday and Saturday’s a good day,” he said. “The stylists weren’t able to work for four days. We lost a lot of income.” DeKalb Police’s online crime report database – CrimeMapping.com – shows that the crime spree included three burglaries, forced entry to a nonresidence and one criminal trespass on Aug. 13; one larceny on Aug. 16; and one damage to property on Aug. 21. But thieves weren’t after cash or merchandise. They left White’s store and each of the other businesses targeted in the crime spree with scrap metal. White said the thieves cut the electrical lines from the street pole and took all the copper from all of the electrical boxes. “And they took the pole that runs the lines to the building,” he said. “They took all that out.” work at neighboring Auto Town Insurance On Aug. 19, Anita Brooks showed up for and discovered a similar crime after turning
Jessica Smith / CrossRoadsNews
Above, a surveillance camera captures the image of a thief in action. At left, severed copper tubings hang in Easy Rental store.
missing.” Brooks and White are just two victims of what is becoming an increasingly common crime. A May 1 report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau says that metal theft, particularly copper, is becoming more prevalent than ever in communities across the nation. Stolen copper is valuable because the metal is used in many items – from plumbing to fiber optics to anything electrical – and, at about $3 a pound, the profits are tempting. From 2009 to 2012, a staggering 25,083 insurance claims were filed compared with 13,861 from 2006 to 2008. Nearly 96 percent of the claims in the more recent period were for copper theft. Georgia is ranked third of all states generating 1,953 metal theft claims for that period. Mary Graves, a commercial land-
on the store’s HVAC. “It wasn’t getting cool so I was like let me turn it down some more,” said Brooks, who has been an agent at the 2070 Candler Road office for two years. “So I said, ‘Wow. The thermostat said 60 and I’m burning up.’ So I went out back and the whole unit was Please see CRIME SPREE, page 4
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Community
CrossRoadsNews
August 31, 2013
“We have a way to go before we see full equality in educational opportunity and economic status.”
200 adults, children help commemorate speech on summit BELLS,
from page
1
the 90-minute program of speeches, prayer and music leading up to the bell ceremony. The Stone Mountain ceremony and bell-ringing was replicated in Washington where Obama, the nation’s first AfricanAmerican president, spoke from the same spot where King delivered his speech five decades earlier. In a speech punctuated with “because they marched,” the president said that laws changed, legislatures changed and that even the White House changed, but that income inequality, troubled inner cities and stagnant wages amid growing corporate profits demonstrate that challenges remain. “Because they kept marching, America changed,” he said. “Because they marched, a civil rights law was passed. Because they marched, a voting rights law was signed. Because they marched, doors of opportunity and education swung open.” Obama said that King’s generation dared to dream differently, to imagine something better. “I am convinced that same imagination, the same hunger of purpose stirs in this generation,” he said. “We might not face the same dangers of 1963, but the fierce urgency of now remains. We may never duplicate the swelling crowds and dazzling procession of that day so long ago – no one can match King’s brilliance – but the same flame that lit the heart of all who are willing to take a first step for justice, I know that flame remains.” After the speech, King’s surviving children – Martin Luther III, Bernice and Dexter King – his granddaughter, 5-year-old Yolanda Renee King, and other family members rang the bell that once hung in the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., where four little girls were killed during a racially
Above, President Barack Obama looks on as the King family rings a Freedom Bell. At left Stone Mountain Mayor Patricia Wheeler and state Sen. Emanuel Jones ring bell.
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
motivated bombing in 1963. When state Sen. Emanuel Jones and Stone Mountain Mayor Patricia Wheeler rang a Freedom Bell outside the visitor’s center on top of the mountain at 3 p.m., they were accompanied by a group of small children ringing hand bells. The bells rang at the exact hour that
the late civil rights leader began his speech five decades ago. Students Lunye’ Powers, Diamond Ellis and Cornaya Byrd from the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Atlanta divided King’s speech into three parts and read it aloud. Speaking to the crowd, DeKalb interim CEO Lee May said the marchers of 50 years
ago knocked down barriers. “They fought and raised their voices for those who didn’t have a voice of their own,” he said. “They said no more drinking from separate water fountains, no more eating at separate lunch counters, or being forced to use separate restrooms.” But May said inequality lingers in too many key areas of life. “We have a way to go before we see full equality in educational opportunity and economic status,” he said. Wheeler, a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, said she had the privilege of witnessing the blessings that flowed from the sacrifices of King and others in the civil rights movement. “In downtown Stone Mountain Village, we have a huge Freedom Bell, a gift from Chuck Burris, the first African-American mayor of Stone Mountain,” she said. “The bell is a daily reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.” The program featured a color guard of DeKalb Police and State Patrol officers; songs by soloist Ricky Victrum, an alumnus of the Atlanta Boy Choir; and interfaith prayers from Bennie Wilkerson of Camp Creek Church of Christ, Audrey Galex of Congregation Bet Haverim, Dan Phillips of Shambhala Buddhist Center, Rahgu V. Granhige of Hindu Temple of Atlanta, and Gogi Basi from the Sikh Community of Atlanta. Before the program, about 50 people took part in a “Freedom March” up a trail to the mountain’s summit. As he made it up the mountain with his wife and two daughters, David Soleil of Decatur loved being greeted with the sound of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech over the loudspeaker. “It was a truly inspirational moment,” he said, choking back emotion.
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CrossRoadsNews
August 31, 2013
Community
“Candler Road is the gateway to South DeKalb. And we’re trying to upgrade the quality of life and make it more walkable.”
$7.2 million streetscape project snarls Candler Road traffic By Ken Watts
Photos By Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
Crews are replacing a section of water line in the 2300 block of Candler Road.
An attempt to offer a second round of grants in 2000 faltered. In 2002, the county announced a $10.4 million project to improve the intersection of Candler and Glenwood. The plan called for upgrades to sidewalks and crosswalks, installation of pedestrian islands, improved lighting, and extensive landscaping with plants and shrubs, but construction didn’t begin until 2007. The county completed those enhancements in 2009. Landscaping along Candler has been problematic with grass and unsightly weeds left uncut for long stretches of time. No plan was put in place to care for the plants on the median and most of the plants died.
Former state Sen. Steen Miles spoke to supporters at an Aug. 28 commemoration of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in Stone Mountain Village.
This time should be different, said Margaret Britton, Johnson’s chief of staff. “A lot of the plants last time died because of drought,” Britton said. “The new vegetation will be droughtresistant.” Britton said a new agreement between the state and county on maintenance also will make a difference. “Because Candler is a state route, we had to depend on the state to cut the weeds and maintain the medians,” she said. “Under the new arrangement, the Candler right of way is still state-owned, but DeKalb will maintain the medians on the county’s cutting schedule, which gives us more control and the ability to react if for example there’s a lot of rain and grass or weeds go through
Motorists face partial lane closures and delays along a stretch of Candler in the morning and early afternoon.
a growth spurt,” she added. In addition to the streetscape improvements, Johnson said the county will renovate the Community Development Building at Candler and Glenwood next to the Church’s Chicken to create a family protection center. The facility will offer multiple services for families in crisis, including counseling and help for victims of domestic violence, and plans call for the district attorney to open a branch office in the building. The county hopes to open the center in spring of 2014. “This facility will offer one-stop shopping for crime victims and prevent them from having to run all over town to get help,” Johnson said.
Free Family Reunion Planning
Workshop & Showcase
Jessica Smith / CrossRoadsNews
Miles announces Senate run By Jessica Smith
Former state Sen. Steen “Newslady” Miles has thrown her hat in the ring for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Saxby Chambliss. Miles made her run official in front of supporters in Stone Mountain Village during a 50th anniversary celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28. She said she wanted to join together to move Georgia forward. “That is our dream,” she said. “The dream that Dr. King saw on the red hills of Georgia, in which the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners would sit down at the table of brotherhood. Well, Dr. King, it’s a daughter of former slaves who will take that seat – with your help – at the Senate table.” Dr. Eugene Walker, a former DeKalb School Board member who spoke at the event, said he is supporting Miles because he knows her and her values. “Dr. King said we should realize the power of the vote,” he said, “It’s what we use to select people who believe as we do – to fight our cause.”
Miles is only the second Democratic woman, and the only African-American so far, to announce for the 2014 race. Michelle Nunn announced in June. The other candidates in the May 20 Democratic primary include Branko Radulovacki, Todd Robinson and John Coyne. Nunn, whose father, Sam Nunn, held that seat from 1972-1977, is expected to garner national attention and funding. Miles said she isn’t worried. “We may not have the money and we may not have the father’s name, but what we do have is the experience, the time, the focus and the heart to make a difference for all Georgians,” she said. “That’s what we’re going to Washington to do.” Miles said she is going to Washington with a moral vision to try to help bridge the political, racial and economic divide. “We will fight to make certain that women receive equal pay for equal work,” she said. “We will fight to make certain that a woman’s reproductive rights remain the sacred domain of women, their doctors and their God.” She also promised to address voting rights, climate change, gun control, immigration reform and LGBT rights.
Saturday - September 21, 2013 DoubleTree Hotel Atlanta/Northlake 4156 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA 30084
DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Reunion Specialist will teach you everything you need to know to plan the perfect Family Reunion from 9 a.m. to Noon. T-Shirts, Attractions and Tour Info will be available at the Vendor Showcase from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Seating is Limited!
(770) 492-5050 ext. 1048 to Pre-Register
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Morning and early afternoon traffic may be slow in the 2300 block of Candler Road for the next two weeks as crews work on the first phase of a $7.2 million face lift for the corridor. Commissioner Larry Johnson, whose District 3 includes Candler, says contractor Kemi Construction is replacing a section of water line. Johnson said that the streetscape upgrades will include new sidewalks, road striping and repaving, landscaping for medians, and other infrastructure improvements along the 3.7 mile-stretch from Memorial Drive to I-285. “Candler Road is the gateway to South DeKalb,” Johnson said on Aug. 28. “And we’re trying to upgrade the quality of life and make it more walkable.” Johnson said the county is coordinating with the Georgia Department of Transportation to get the water and sewer work done before Kemi begins road work on Candler, which is a state route. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners accepted a $1.7 million contribution from the Georgia DOT for the project at its April 9 meeting. Federal and DeKalb Homestead Option Sales Tax funds will account for the rest. The project will take three to six months depending on weather. This is the latest effort to breathe new life into what has continued to be a blighted commercial district. In 1999, DeKalb established the Candler Road Challenge Grant Program, which offered up to $55,000 to property owners who were constructing new buildings or renovating existing ones.
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CrossRoadsNews
Community
August 31, 2013
“For her poise and composure beyond the call of duty, I say thank you to Antoinette.”
Hero, first responders in McNair shooting honored 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Jessica Smith Ken Watts Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Jeanette Ross Kathy E. Warner Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-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.
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Antoinette Tuff, who talked down a gunman at McNair Discovery Learning Academy on Aug. 20, has been showered with accolades and honors for her bravery in the face of great danger. While on a 911 call with DeKalb County during the invasion, Tuff, the school bookkeeper, persuaded Michael Hill, who was toting an AK-47 assault rifle and nearly 500 rounds of ammo, to surrender. Hill, 20, fired at least a halfdozen shots at law officers before he was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, making terroristic threats, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Since that fateful day, Tuff has been the toast of the town, receiving proclamations from U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-4th District) and the DeKalb Board of Commissioners and standing ovations from her church members and school community. Her story also has made national and international news. During Sunday service at the Way, the Truth and the Life Christian Center on Miller Road in Decatur, Johnson declared Aug. 25 “Antoinette Tuff Day in the 4th District” and presented her with a congressional proclamation. Johnson said the cool, calm and fast-thinking Tuff saved the community and the nation from yet another unspeakable tragedy involving innocent children. “For her poise and composure beyond the call of duty, I say thank you to Antoinette,” he said. “DeKalb County thanks you. Georgia thanks you and a grateful nation thanks you.” Tuff ’s uncle and the church’s
Antoinette Tuff, who talked down a gunman in the McNair Discovery Learning Academy shooting, gets a hug from Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton at the BOC’s Aug. 27 meeting.
Photos By Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson declared Aug. 25 “Antoinette Tuff Day.” They are joined by Tuff’s aunt and uncle, the Revs. Deborah and Ulysses Tuff.
pastor, the Rev. Ulysses Tuff, praised her for her courage and compassion. He said she could have run for cover during the early moments of the siege when the gunman turned away to fire shots at law officers who were outside the school. “But she stayed and finished God’s assignment, even at the risk of death,” he said. “She never said she wasn’t scared, but she connected with that young man through genuine compassion. She was able to do that because she was anchored in God.” Her uncle, who co-pastors the
church with her aunt, Deborah Tuff, said they are so very proud of her. “We’ve always known she was special,” he said, “now the world knows.” At its Aug. 27 meeting, the Board of Commissioners gave a standing ovation to Tuff, 911 operator Kendra McCray and other emergency responders who answered the call to the elementary school in Decatur. Commissioners also pinned medals on the responders who worked to avert tragedy. Tuff said that fateful day started
normal enough. “But God has his own plans for your life,” she said while receiving her award at the board’s meeting. Tuff, who has been on leave since the incident, said the staff is trying to make things as normal as possible for the children, but the reality is everybody is still terrified. “Please remember them in your prayers when you wake up in the morning and when you go to bed at night,” she said. Tuff also got a Special Recognition Award on Aug. 24 from the DeKalb School District at its Academy of Educational Excellence Awards at the Evergreen Conference Center in Stone Mountain Park. She told colleagues that her lifeor-death experience shows every job category in the school system is vitally important and anyone at any time can make a difference. “No matter what you do, you’re crucial to the lives of every single one of those babies who walk through that door every morning and they’re depending on you,” she said. “Give them your best.”
New Georgia law designed to curb rise in copper thefts CRIME SPREE,
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lord who owns several properties on Candler Road, said the crimes are a serious problem in the area. “Nobody seems to know that this is going Mary Graves on, but a lot more of us have been broken into,” she said. Graves, 68, has owned businesses on Candler Road since 1986. Three of her properties – a vacant building; a neighborhood restaurant, GutBusters; and a fish market, Merkerson’s Seafood – were broken into on Aug. 16 and 18, respectively. “They stripped all the copper tubing and the wiring we had,” she said. “It really hurts our businesses.” White, who shares a building with Easy Rental at 2076 Candler Road, said he and his suite mate caught the thieves in action on their surveillance cameras. Dan Kniesly, Easy Rental’s vice
A barbed-wire fence has failed to deter thieves bent on stealing copper.
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
president, said the tape shows two men scaling the back wall of the building. After filing a police report, he said authorities suspect the crimes are interconnected. “I’m going to take these pictures around to different people around here and try to identify these clowns because we’ve got to find them. They’re doing one every night and it’s hurting everybody,” he said. Kniesly said the five one-inch, 30-foot copper wires that thieves swiped cost a fortune to replace. “For me to replace just the
wiring part is $9,000. That doesn’t count the new barbed-wire fence I put out back and being out of business,” Kniesly said. “All the stuff that I’ve had to go through trying to fix all this, I’m going to spend $14,000.” With the rise in metal thefts, there have been a number of successful legislative and regulatory efforts enacted in recent years all aimed at stemming the problem. In July 2012, a new Georgia law went into effect to curb metal theft. Among the significant changes to the state’s existing laws, recyclers are now required to take a photo-
graph of the seller and the scrap metal being sold, photocopy the seller’s driver’s license, and record the seller’s vehicle tag number. The new law also requires sellers to sign a sworn affidavit stating the metal was not stolen. At the federal level, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the “Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2013” this past February. Kniesly said the thieves are putting people out of business. “The barbershop, it really hurt him,” he said. “Merkerson’s, they’re done for. This lady next door is sweating her butt off with no AC. For us, $14,000 could be our profit for the whole year, if we were being profitable,” he said. “This economy sucks. We’re doing terrible. And we’ve been doing terrible already without that. So it’s just a struggle to stay in business.” Graves said she wishes police took the problem more seriously. “I wish they would patrol the area more,” she said. “Even if it’s just parking in the parking lot for a minute. Just make yourself more visible.”
index to advertisers 2013 Seniors & Baby Boomer Expo................ 2 Access Advertising......................................... 11 Akinyele Law Firm, LLC.................................. 11 BJH Attorneys & Counselors at Law............... 11 Comcast.......................................................... 7
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LawnMax, Inc................................................. 11 Let’s Move DeKalb..........................................6 Macy’s............................................................12 Sterling Communications............................... 11 The Benn Agency.......................................... 11
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August 31, 2013
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CrossRoadsNews
Wellness
CDC Director Tom Frieden says schools play a critical role in the health and well-being of the nation’s youth.
CDC: Positive trends in school health policy School districts nationwide are showing positive trends in health policies, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds. In its 2012 School Health Policies and Practices Study released on Aug. 26, the CDC says that school districts show improvements in measures related to nutritional policies, physical education and tobacco policies. The study is the largest and most comprehensive survey to assess school health policies. CDC Director Tom Frieden says schools play a critical role in the health and well-being of the nation’s youth. “Good news for students and parents – more students have access to Tom Frieden healthy food, better physical fitness activities through initiatives such as ‘Let’s Move,’ and campuses that are completely tobacco free.” The study’s key findings include:
offering junk food in vending machines increased from 29.8 percent to 43.4 percent. n Between 2006 and 2012, the percentage of districts with food procurement contracts that addressed nutritional standards for foods that can be purchased separately from the school breakfast or lunch increased from 55.1 percent to 73.5 percent. n Between 2000 and 2012, the percentage of districts that made information available to families on the nutrition and caloric content of foods available to students increased from 35.3 percent to 52.7 percent.
Physical education/physical activity n The percentage of school districts that required elementary schools to teach physical education increased from 82.6 percent in 2000 to 93.6 percent in 2012. n More than half of school districts (61.6 percent) had a formal agreement, such as a memorandum of agreement or understanding, between the district and another public or private entity for shared use of school or community property. Among those districts, more than half had agreements with a youth organization such as the YMCA, Boys or Girls Nutrition n The percentage of school districts that Clubs, or the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts or a allowed soft drink companies to advertise local parks and/or recreation department. soft drinks on school grounds decreased from 46.6 percent in 2006 to 33.5 percent Tobacco n The percentage of districts with policies in 2012. n Between 2006 and 2012, the percentage that prohibited all tobacco use during any of districts that required schools to prohibit school-related activity increased from 46.7
percent in 2000 to 67.5 percent in 2012. SHPPS is a national survey periodically conducted to assess school health policies and practices at the state, district, school, and classroom levels. SHPPS assesses the characteristics of eight components of school health: health education, physical education and activity, health services, mental health and social services, nutrition services, healthy and safe school environment, faculty and staff health promotion, and family and community involvement. SHPPS was most recently conducted in 2012 to answer the following questions: n What are the characteristics of each component of school health at the state and district level? n Are there persons responsible for coordinating each school health program component, and what are their qualifications and educational backgrounds? n What collaboration occurs among staff from each school health program component and with staff from outside agencies and organizations? n How have key policies and practices changed over time? SHPPS was conducted at all levels in 1994, 2000, and 2006. The 2012 study collected data at the state and district levels only. The school- and classroom-level data from SHPPS will be collected in 2014 and released in 2015. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/shpps.
DeKalb CSB celebrating recovery Study identifies September is National Recovery Month, Road Race Qualifier” this year. healthy benefits and the DeKalb Community Service Board Enjoy music, refreshments, prizes, has two events lined up to celebrate recov- awards and community vendors. For more to volunteering ery. information, contact Michelle Potter at Participants in its Sept. 21 Walk of HEROes 5K and Tot Trot who pre-register by Sept. 3 are guaranteed an event T-shirt and one in the size requested. The seventh annual event begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Kirkwood Mental Health Center, 23 Warren St. S.E. in Atlanta. Visit walkof heroes5k.com to register as a participant, team captain, vendor, donor or sponsor. Pre-registration closes Sept. 18 for online and paper forms. In-store registration is available at Phidippides at Ansley Mall, and event-day registration will be available. The run/walk supports the DeKalb CSB’s mental health, substance addiction and developmental disability services. It is a USA Track and Field Certified Course “Peachtree
info@dekcsb.org or 404-508-7875. The DeKalb CSB’s National Recovery Month Celebration takes place on Sept. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the DeKalb Addiction Clinic, 455 Winn Way in Decatur. The event is free and open to the public. Dr. Carmen Martinez, a DeKalb CSB addiction psychiatrist, will give a presentation about the latest treatments for substance abuse. Participants in the special evening will hear testimonials, applaud advocacy efforts, and learn more about treatment and community resources. For more information, e-mail info@ dekcsb.org or call 404-508-7875.
Commissioner Larry Johnson & Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter Invite You to Let’s Move! DeKalb...Walk!
s! Prize
August 31, 2013
Free Registration! Saturday, September 14, 2013 W 8:30 a.m. -Registration Havi in A P ng th rize F 9:00 a.m. Warm-Up the m or e ost P Group w 9:15 a.m. Walk Begins i artic ipan th Exchange Intergenerational Center ts 2771 Columbia Drive Decatur, GA 30034
Enjoy a 2-mile walk & help raise awareness of Lupus Special Guests: Delores Major • Ryan Kilgore
For information on vendor opportunities or to pre-register call 404-964-4936 (c)
Volunteering may improve your mental health and help you live longer, a new review suggests. Researchers analyzed data from 40 published papers and found evidence that volunteers had a 20 percent lower risk of death than non-volunteers. In the findings published Aug. 22 in the journal BMC Public Health, reviewers found that volunteers had lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction and enhanced well-being. Dr. Suzanne Richards of the University of Exeter Medical School in England, who led the review team, said further research is needed to Suzanne Richards understand the apparent link between volunteering and health. “Our systematic review shows that volunteering is associated with improvements in mental health, but more work is needed to establish whether volunteering is actually the cause,” she said. Common reasons that people cite for volunteering include giving something back to their community or supporting an organization or charity that has supported them. Some people also volunteer to gain work experience or to widen their social circles. Richards said it is still unclear whether biological and cultural factors and social resources that are often associated with better health and survival are also associated with a willingness to volunteer in the first place. “The challenge now is to encourage people from more diverse backgrounds to take up volunteering, and then to measure whether improvements arise for them,” she said. Worldwide, the number of adult volunteers varies, with estimates of about 23 percent in Europe, 27 percent in the United States, and 36 percent in Australia.
Lots of ways to fight obesity among children One in three children in the United States is overweight or obese, and a range of organizations will shine the spotlight on the epidemic and ways to fight it with National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month activities in September. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, public health experts say. The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for kids to eat healthier and move more. They can spread the word about strategies for preventing childhood obesity and encourage others to get involved. A few ideas to get started: n Encourage families to make small
changes, like keeping fresh fruit within their children’s reach or going on a family walk after dinner. n Motivate teachers and administrators to make schools healthier by providing quality nutrition and making sure physical activity is a part of every student’s day. n Ask doctors and nurses to be leaders in their communities by supporting programs to prevent childhood obesity. n Add information about obesity prevention to your newsletter. n Tweet about National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month – #childobesity. n Host a community event where families can be active while learning about local health resources. n Become a partner of We Can! a national movement to help children ages 8 to 13 stay at a healthy weight. Parents can get the kids involved in planning and cooking healthy meals. Visit http://1.usa.gov/hnuGz4 for more tips. Make creative snacks for your kids, like “ants on a log” (celery with peanut butter and raisins). For more ideas, visit http://1 .usa.gov/oFIXRJ. Ten tips for healthy meals, like making half your plate veggies and fruits, can be found at http://1.usa .gov/x7oJE3. For help on reducing your child’s screen time, visit http://1.usa.gov/69My6u. Put at least 60 minutes of physical activity in your child’s day. Get tips at http://1.usa .gov/3wnZMl. Since 1980, childhood obesity rates have almost tripled. To help your child stay at a healthy weight, visit http://1.usa .gov/LOWoNC. Parents also can make a physical activity plan for the whole family. Visit http://1 .usa.gov/bg6vTr to learn more. More ideas to increase awareness about childhood obesity: n Host a community cleanup event to help make a neighborhood park a safer place for children to play and be active. n Promote farm-to-school programs and school gardens. Encourage schools to join the HealthierUS School Challenge. n Host a community fitness event where families can be active while learning about local health and fitness resources. n Set an example by talking with family members and friends about eating healthy, getting enough physical activity, and limiting screen time. n Share resources from Let’s Move! with local health clinics and community centers. For more information and materials, visit the American College of Sports Medicine at www.acsm.org, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov, and Let’sMove.gov.
7
CrossRoadsNews
August 31, 2013
Learning is the first step to knowing. Find out more about Medicare from a FREE educational seminar.
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Wednesday, September 11th starting at 10:00 AM Pittman Park Recreation Center 950 Garibaldi St, SW Atlanta, GA 30310
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AARP® endorses the AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP® for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP.® AARP® and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP® does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers. Insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Horsham, PA (UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, Islandia, NY for New York residents). Policy form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 (G-36000-4). In some states plans may be available to persons eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End Stage Renal Disease. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you. Call a licensed insurance agent/producer to receive complete information including benefits, costs, eligibility requirements, exclusions and limitations. AS2730ST (03/13)
8
Schools
CrossRoadsNews
August 31, 2013
“We work for children and it’s most important to nurture them, to pray for them, and show them the way they ought to go.” Interim School Superintendent Michael Thurmond (left) presents an award to Teacher of the Year Alyssa Montooth.
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
County’s best educators feted By Ken Watts
DeKalb’s top principal, teacher and auxiliary worker picked up a gold-plated “Eddy,” $1,000 checks, laptop computers and printers plus $100 gift cards on Aug. 24 at the DeKalb School District’s first Academy of Educational Excellence Awards at the Evergreen Conference Center in Stone Mountain Park. The three winners – presented with Eddy statuettes inspired by Hollywood’s Oscars – were picked from among the finalists in the district’s five regions. More than 200 employees were nominated from across the county. The runners-up got $300 checks, $50 gift cards and a crystal trophy. Stephanie Amey, Columbia High’s principal, got the Eddy for 2013 Stephanie Amey districtwide Principal of the Year. Druid Hills High AP English teacher Alyssa Montooth was named Teacher of the Year, and Brockett Elementary School nurse Carole Rice was recognized as Auxiliary Employee of the Year. Amey, with 31 years in education, including 15 as an administrator, accepted the award on behalf of the district’s principals.
“We work for children and it’s most important to nurture them, to pray for them, and show them the way they ought to go,” she said. Montooth, a 13-year district employee who describes her teaching style as a combination of “routine and risk,” got a bit emotional as she accepted her trophy. “What’s so beautiful about public education is that it gives everyone a chance to gain facility numerically and in terms of language,” she said. “And if you give kids that facility, they will be happier people, more successful people, and that changes the fabric of our entire culture.” Rice, who is known for her humor and compassion, said her work is not a job. “It’s a calling,” she said. Her school nurse duties include monitoring students’ health needs and serving as their friend and confidante, she said. “You get to see, observe and love kids as you can in no other way,” she said. “They come to you and share with you and tell you things that you really wouldn’t like to hear.” Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond had high praise for the honorees. “They represent the very best that we have to offer here in DeKalb, and we could not have asked for three more deserving or appropriate winners in each of those categories,” he said.
DeKalb Schools’ finest Here is a list of the finalists: Principal of the Year n Region I: Terry Segovis, International School and DeKalb Online Academy n Region II: James Jackson, Tucker High n Region III: Gregory Goodwin, Redan High n Region IV: Dr. Yolanda Turner, Murphey Candler Elementary Auxiliary Employee of the Year n Region I: Jerlinda Smothers, Warren Technical High n Region III: Charles Davis, Shadow Rock Center n Region IV: Cindy Smith, Panola Way Elementary n Region V: Latrice Foster, Kelley Lake Elementary n Central Office: Karen Lowery, Finance Department Teacher of the Year n Region I: Bryan Boucher, Dunwoody High n Region III: Mario Miner, Stephenson High n Region IV: Tanya Arrington, Murphey Candler Elementary n Region V: Keandria ForemanEdwards, Clifton Elementary
Riveting film tells human
trafficking story
“Not My Life,” a powerful documentary film depicting the horrifying and dangerous practices of global human trafficking, will be screened Sept. 7 at the Decatur Library. The film features inspiring testimony from survivors; depictions of trafficking, exploitation and slavery in all parts of the world including forced labor in Africa; begging and garbage picking in India; sexual trafficking in the United States and Southeast Asia; and various forms of child enslavement and abuse in both North and South America. The 2011 film is narrated by actress Glenn Close and directed by Oscarnominated filmmaker Robert Bilheimer. Showtime is at 10 a.m. The screening is sponsored by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s End Trafficking Project. A discussion about child trafficking with Betsy Root, UNICEF Global Citizenship Fellow, will follow the movie. The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, call 404-3703070.
Help to launch adoption ministry Adoption and foster care agency Bethany Christian Services is seeking black churches in metro Atlanta to start adoption ministries. Starting in September, the agency’s Atlanta office is assisting churches in setting up their adoption ministries to educate girls and women with unplanned pregnancies that adoption is a viable alternative to abortion. It also wants to engage local AfricanAmerican communities to support families with unplanned pregnancies and prospective adoptive parents. For more information, visit www .bethany.org/atlanta. To sign up a church to participate in the Adoption Ministry Initiative, call 770-445-7111.
9
CrossRoadsNews
August 31, 2013
Community
“It is a huge accomplishment for our school and our district. Let’s continue to push forward toward excellence.”
Watson’s cabinet meeting at Stephenson DECA recognized as School of Excellence DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson’s monthly Community Cabinet Breakfast is going on the road. The Sept. 7 breakfast meeting will be held at Stephenson High from 9 to 11 a.m. Watson, who represents Super District 7, said going to the Stone Mountain school provides him an opStan Watson portunity to visit with residents who live in adjoining neighborhoods as well as launch the
countdown to his annual Stephenson Road Community Cleanup, which takes place this year on Sept. 21. Residents will get to meet representatives from the East Police Precinct, have questions answered by DeKalb County Code Enforcement, find out about programs and services offered by the Wade Walker Park Family YMCA, and learn about important changes and documents now required to obtain or renew a Georgia driver’s license. The school is at 701 Stephenson Road. For more information, contact Kelly LaJoie at klajoie@dekalbcountyga .gov or 404-371-3681.
Job fair at Turner Field
Jobless rate at 8.8%
Job seekers can talk to employers, educational institutions and resource agencies at the Labor of Love Resource and Career Expo on Sept. 5 at Turner Field in Atlanta. The 9 a.m.-to-noon expo is hosted by the Georgia Department of Labor and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. It takes place in the Gold Parking Lot of Turner Field at 755 Hank Aaron Drive. Job-readiness workshops will be available, and HFTH will provide groceries to attendees in need. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring lots of resumes, and be prepared to fill out company applications and interview for available job openings. For more information, e-mail Theresa.Austin@gdol .ga.gov or Janice.Burley-Black@gdol.ga.gov with “Labor of Love” in the subject line or visit www.dol.state.ga.us.
Georgia’s unemployment rate rose to 8.8 percent in July. The Georgia Department of Labor says the seasonally adjusted rate was three-tenths of a percentage point higher than the revised 8.5 percent in June, but three-tenths of a percentage point lower than 9.1 percent in July a year ago. The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits rose in DeKalb County and statewide in July. In DeKalb, the number of new claims for UI benefits rose to 3,194 in July from 3,051 in June. Statewide, the number of initial claims for UI benefits rose 14,329 to 54,106 from 39,777 in June. For more information, visit www.dol.state .ga.us.
DeKalb Early College Academy is a Georgia School of Excellence. The Stone Mountain school was one of 28 across the state and the only school in DeKalb County to be recognized by the Georgia Department of Education on Aug. 13 for high academic performance and making strong academic progress last year. DECA Principal Sharon Riley Ordu said that they have worked hard for the honor. Sharon Riley Ordu “It is a huge accomplishment for our school and our district,” she said. “Let’s continue to push forward toward excellence.” The Schools of Excellence Program honors elementary, middle and high schools from each of Georgia’s 14 congressional districts that are either academically superior or demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. DECA was recognized for its academic progress, making the greatest gains on the College and Career-Ready Performance Index of all District 4 schools. Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond said the School Board is proud of DECA’s academic achievement. “This impressive accomplishment demonstrates the results of hard work, focus and dedication,” he said. “We are proud of Principal Ordu, her staff and teachers on receiving this most prestigious honor.” As part of the award, the school will receive a $1,000 check from Georgia Natural Gas.
Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 15th day of August, 2013. 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
Legal Notices 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++13CV7542-10++ Roddie Horton Wilson Plaintiff Vs. Timothy Bernard Wilson Defendant TO: Timothy Wilson Georgia World Congress Center Downtown By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated August 26, 2013, you are hereby notified that on August 19, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Roddie Horton Ingram, 3520 Kingbrook Way, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, August 26, 2013. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 28th day of August, 2013. 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++13CV8241-4++ Krystal Harris Plaintiff Vs. D’Angelo Harris Defendant TO: D’Angelo Harris 7140 Fielder Road Morrow, GA By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated August 26, 2013, you are hereby notified that on July 30, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce with minor children. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Krystal Harris (pro se) 18101 Waldrop Cove, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, August 26, 2013. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 27th day of August, 2013.
8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 13CV8757-7++ Hang Marquez filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on August 16, 2013 to change the name from: Hang Ngoc Bich Marquez to Haley Hang Marquez. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: August 16, 2013 Hang Marquez Petitioner, Pro se 4045 Cimarron Drive Clarkston, GA 30021 678-576-8987
Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court
8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21
Notice of Petition to Change Name(s) of Minor Child(ren) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 13CV8704-7++ Melanie P. Roberts filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on August 12, 2013 to change the name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: William Everett Detoma to William Everett Roberts. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: August 12, 2013 Melanie P. Roberts Petitioner, Pro se c/o Mary Claire Tilltson, Esq. 160 Clairemont Ave, Suite 450 Decatur, GA 30030
Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court
8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++13CV8884-7++ Darrius Roseboro Plaintiff
Vs. Tranea Roseboro Defendant TO: Tranea Roseboro 3420 Peachcrest Decatur, GA 30035 By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated August 22, 2013, you are hereby notified that on August 16, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Darrius Roseboro, 5113 Galleon Crossing, Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, August 22, 2013. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of August, 2013. 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21
Notice of Petition to Change Name(s) of Minor Child(ren) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 13CV77026-2++ Myranda Morgan filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 31, 2013 to change the name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Ma’khi O’Shea Gamble to Ma’khi O’Sea Gamble Morgan. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: May 31, 2013 Myranda Morgan Petitioner, Pro se 2561 Glenrock Drive Decatur, GA 30032 404-576-0689
Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court
8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++13cv8689-7++ Eddie Stark Robinson Plaintiff Vs. Hilda Lee Smith Defendant
TO: Hilda Lee Smith By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated August 19, 2013, you are hereby notified that on August 14, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is 5028 Burling Mill Drive, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, August 19, 2013. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 19th day of August, 2013. 8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 13CV8688-10++ Coryell Julian German filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on April 5, 2013 to change the name from: Coryell Julian German to Cory Julian German. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: April 5, 2013 Coryell Julian German Petitioner, Pro se 235 Glen Way NE Atlanta, GA 30319-3029 (404)388-6534
Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court
8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++12CV12778-2++ Rohan Robinson Plaintiff Vs. Saskia Agard Defendant TO: Saskia Agard 2207 Treecrest Pkwy Decatur, GA 30035 By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated August 14, 2013, you are hereby notified that on August 13, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Legitimization You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is 2344 Silver Maple Circle, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, August 14, 2013.
In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++13CV6916-10++ Grace Zanule Vaye Plaintiff Vs. Kovassi Kovakov Florent Defendant TO: Kovassi Kovakov Florent By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated August 12, 2013, you are hereby notified that on June 21, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Grace Vaye, 1406 Summer View Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, August 12, 2013. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 12th day of August, 2013. 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++13CV5019-10++ Diane Latrice Ragland Plaintiff Vs. Malyke Valdez Chestnut Defendant TO: Malyke Valdez Chestnut 2133 Blue Creek Court Conley, GA 30288 By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated August 12, 2013, you are hereby notified that on April 26, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Complaint for Divorce with no minor children. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Diane Latrice Ragland, 3063 Stonebridge Creek Dr, Lithonia, GA. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of August 12, 2013. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 12th day of August, 2013. 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++13CV7431-10++ Sheriah R. Jeffery Plaintiff Vs. Deraus B. Jeffery
Defendant TO: Deraus B. Jeffrey By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated August 12, 2013, you are hereby notified that on July 9, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Sheriah Jeffery, 1203 Treecrest Pkwy, Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, August 12, 2013. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 12th day of August, 2013. 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 13CV7853-9++ Ruth Santos Valencia filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on July 24, 2013 to change the name from: Ruth Santos Valencia to Ruth Santos Ortiz. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: July 24, 2013 Ruth Santos Petitioner, Pro se c/u Stan Singleton 4956 Leisure Drive Dunwoody, GA 30338 404-316-9350
Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court
8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++13CV5372-4++ Harriet Bundley-Reyes Plaintiff Vs. Hector Reyes Defendant TO: Hector Reyes 12404 Chelton Lane Bowie, MD 20715 By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated July 23, 2013, you are hereby notified that on May 7, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is 361 Colchester Drive, Stone Mountain, Stone Mountain, GA 30088. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, July 23, 2013. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 24th day of July, 2013.
10
CrossRoadsNews
Youth
August 31, 2013
“It takes a village to raise a child. To see an investment in a child’s future pay off like this is just amazing.”
Stephenson senior awarded $40,000 Berklee scholarship By Jessica Smith
Next May when Stone Mountain piano prodigy Isaiah Hill graduates from Stephenson High School, he will be headed to the prestigious Berklee College of Music on a $40,000 scholarship. Isaiah, who has been playing the piano since age 9, nabbed the scholarship at the end a five-week summer program at the Boston school. More than 1,000 students participated in the July 6-Aug. 9 program. After an applause-worthy audition on Aug. 3, he was one of 25 participants to receive the award. “I still can’t believe it,” he said on his return home. “I’m so happy.” Isaiah, 17, will head to Boston in August 2014 to double major in jazz composition and arranging and film scoring. The scholarship will cover $10,000 of the $37,586 tuition and fees each semester for a total of two years. Isaiah made it to the summer program, which cost $7,600, on a coveted $4,300 fulltuition scholarship and donations from the Community Music Center of Atlanta, the DeKalb Lawyers Association, friends and family, and readers of CrossRoadsNews who saw his story in the June 15 edition. His father, Derrick Hill, said a lot of people invested in him. “He took the $982 that DLA raised for him and the donations that he received as a result of the article from CrossRoads and turned it into a $40,000 scholarship,” Hill said. “It takes a village to raise a child. To see
Piano prodigy Isaiah Hill was among 25 students awarded scholarships after participating in the Berklee College of Music summer program in Boston.
an investment in a child’s future pay off like that is just amazing.” Isaiah said attending the summer program has changed his life in more ways than one. He knew no one in Boston when he arrived in the city, which he said forced him out of his shell, and he set out to meet as many people as possible and make connections. “I had this preconceived idea in my head that you can’t meet a wrong person,”
he said. In classes on musicianship, composition and arranging, and theory in performance he met musicians from across the United States and more than 70 countries worldwide. The exposure to different cultures has given him a new perspective on his own music. “When people ask me what I listen to, I always say jazz,” he said. “So that made me
get to thinking I’m going to get with maybe some Caribbean guys or some Asian guys and see what their kind of music is to broaden my horizons with music and to get new palates to draw from.” When he is playing and improvising, Isaiah said he can now draw from many different palates. “Now I can say that I am one big melting pot,” he said. “I have more to inspire me.” 1-800-699-7159
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problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1-866-998-0037 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 750 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 or go to www. classifiedavenue.net DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-877992-1237 *REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting at $19.99/ mo. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers, SO CALL NOW.
SAVE on Cable TV-InternetDigital Phone-Satellite. You`ve Got A Choice! Options from ALL major service providers. Call us to learn more! CALL Today. 877884-1191 Alone? Emergencies Happen! Get Help with one button push! $29.95/month Free equipment, Free set-up. Protection for you or a loved one. Call LifeWatch USA 1-800-357-6505 TotalCareMart.com - Safe and affordable medications. Save up to 90% on over 2000 drugs! Call 1-800-267-2688. Viagra 16tab $79.99 / Cialis 16tab $79.99 / Levitra 30tab $94.99 - (CODE CL33) Families needed to host international high school exchange students. Students have full insurance & spending money. Open your Home and Heart. www.icesusa.org *OLD ROLEX & PATEK PHILIPPE WATCHES WANTED!** Daytona, Sub Mariner, etc. TOP CASH PAID! 1-800-4010440 ADOPTION- A loving alternative to unplanned pregnancy. You chose the family for your child. Receive pictures/info of waiting/approved couples. Living expense assistance. 1-866-2367638
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.
11
CrossRoadsNews
August 31, 2013
Your Source for Neighborhood News Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information
Marketplace
COMMUNITY SALE STONE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE CITY WIDE YARD SALE. 922 Main St. Behind Gazebo. Sat. 9-7-13, 830am - 3pm. Setup begins 730am day of sale. Info call City Hall. 770-498-8984.
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landscaping / lawn care
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.
financial
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Business Information Systems ❍ Accounting ❍ Banking and Finance ❍ Business Administrative Technology ❍ Business Management ❍ Marketing Management ❍ Computer Information Systems Economic Development ❍ Commercial Truck Driving ❍ Electrical Lineworker Apprentice General Studies/Learning Support Health, Education & Professional Services ❍ Nurse Aide ❍ Clinical Laboratory Technology ❍ Phlebotomy ❍ Nursing - Practical ❍ Cosmetology ❍ Early Childhood Care and Education
●
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Industrial & Transportation Technologies ❍ Commercial Refrigeration ❍ Building Automation Systems Technician ❍ Air Conditioning Technology ❍ Automotive Technology ❍ Computer Graphics & Design ❍ Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology ❍ Green Technologies Academy ❍ Motorcycle Service Technology ❍ Welding and Joining Technology Public Safety and Security ❍ Basic Law Enforcement Academy ❍ Criminal Justice Technology ❍ Emergency Medical Services ❍ Fire Science Technology ❍ Paralegal Studies
Persons seeking further information concerning the career and technical education offerings and specific pre-requisite criteria for admission to these programs should contact: Georgia Piedmont Technical College Admissions Office – Interim Director, Corey Parker 495 North Indian Creek Drive Clarkston, Georgia 30021-2397 Office: Room 171 A-Bldg Phone (404) 297-9522 Ext. 1602 Fax: (404) 298-3617 Email; admissionsclark@gptc.edu Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator: Debra Gordon, Dean of Academic Programs, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021; Phone (404) 297-9522, Ext. 1176; Email: gordond@gptc.edu. Equal Opportunity Officer: Lolita Morrison, Human Resources Director, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021; Phone (404) 297-9522, Ext. 1210; Email: morrisonl@gptc.edu. ADA/504 Coordinator: Lisa Peters, Director of Special Services / International Student Advisor, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021, 404-297-9522, Ext. 1154; Email: petersl@gptc.edu. Equity Coordinator: Roz Bogle, Coordinator, Equity / Special Populations, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021, 404-297-9522 Ext. 1280; Email: bogler@gptc.edu.
12
CrossRoadsNews
August 31, 2013
wow! pass
EXTRA SAVINGS ON ALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL! (EXCEPT SPECIALS & SUPER BUYS)
EXTRa 2O% Off
select sale & clearance apparel for him, her & kids plus, fine & fashion jewelry Extra 15% off all sale & clearance watches, coats, suits, dresses, impulse, intimates; men’s suit separates & sportcoats & select shoes & home items Also excludes: Everyday Values (EDV), Doorbusters, Deals of the Day, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, electrics/electronics, cosmetics/fragrances, athletic shoes for him, her & kids, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., special purchases, services. Exclusions may differ at macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES.
to get a mobile pass, text “cpn” to macys (62297) You'll also receive text alerts about our latest sales, events & more! Max 3 msgs/wk. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to 62297 to cancel. Terms & conditions at macys.com/mobilehelp Privacy policy at macys.com/privacypolicy
Valid 8/28-9/2/2013
labor day
sale now through MonDaY, sept. 2
3o%-75% oFF storewIDe plus, taKe an eXtra 2o% or 15% oFF
†
wIth Your MaCY’s CarD or savIngs pass
†eXClusIons applY; see pass
plus, It’s our bIggest DenIM event oF the season! MaCY’s Is Your levI’s® heaDquarters
we have More levI’s® than anYone, anYwhere For her, hIM anD KIDs!
Free onlIne shIppIng everY DaY + eXtra 2o% or 15% oFF
Free shipping with $99 purchase. use promo code: DEALS for extra savings. offer valid 8/28-9/2/2013. exclusions apply; see macys.com for details.
➤Labor Day saLe prices in effecT 8/28-9/2/2013. “biggest denim event of the season” refers to the fall season from august 1, 2013 through october 31, 2013. prices may be lowered as part of a clearance. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. N3070210F.indd 1
8/19/13 2:33 PM