CrossRoadsNews, December 19, 2009

WELLNESS

SCENE

MINISTRY

If you worry that the onslaught of holiday parties will utterly destroy your weightloss gains, here are tips to help weather the storm. 7

Secret Santas will be dropping off gifts for 400 children at the culmination of the annual Tree of Love program at the Gallery at South DeKalb. 8

The Three Wise Men will join Mary, Joseph and others in the annual drive-through live Nativity that re-enacts the story of Jesus’ birth. 9

What’s a diet to do?

Copyright © 2009 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Joy in giving

Live Nativity

December 19, 2009

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Volume 15, Number 33

Tax increases and job cuts in DeKalb’s 2010 budget

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Higher taxes for homeowners and job losses for employees are on the table as DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis seeks to balance the county’s 2010 budget.

Ellis’ proposed $582.7 million budget – delivered Tuesday to DeKalb County commissioners – calls for: n A 1.86 millage rate increase that will add about $145 to the annual tax bill of a $200,000 house. n The elimination of 760 positions through early retirement of 400 eligible employees

and 360 unfilled positions. n A 1 percent merit increment for remaining employees to boost morale. n $375,000 for customer service training.

County officials estimates that 2010 revenues will be $50 million less than this year. The proposed 2010 budget is $23 million less than the 2009 budget of $606 million. It one of the smallest budget in recent memory. Just two years ago, the county’s budget was $635 million.

Ellis said the lower budget is necessary to balance fiscal prudence with delivering government services to county residents

and the tax increase and job cuts necessary to keep county services intact.

“We must make uncomfortable choices,” he said. “We must make discerning choices. We must make tough choices. We must keep our eyes firmly on the present challenges while maintaining the vision of what we want our county to be in the years to come.”

If approved by commissioners, the county’s millage rate will increase to 17.76 from 16.86. A mill equals one dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

Holidays in full swing

County commissioners must approve a balanced budget for DeKalb by March 1.

District 7 Commissioner Connie Stokes, who chairs the board’s Budget Committee, said she had not seen the budget prior to Tuesday’s press conference, attended by five of the seven commissioners. Only Commissioners Larry Johnson and Elaine Boyer were absent.

Stokes said her committee will begin examining the budget at its Jan. 5 meeting.

Please see ELLIS, page 2

“It took us a year to get our procedures together just to set the agenda and chair the meeting. I shudder to think what it would be like with seven bosses telling roads and drainage which streets to pave and which sidewalks to pour.”

Kathie Gannon

Commission rejects city manager plan

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Last-minute shoppers to hit malls With only a week left to shop for Christmas, area malls are gearing up for procrastinators who have suddenly realized that it’s now or never to find the perfect gift, stuff the stockings and take photos with Santa.

Tene Harris, the Gallery at South DeKalb’s general manager, said traffic has been building at the Decatur mall and she is expecting this week to be good for business.

“I feel there is going to be a last-minute push,” she said Thursday.

At the Mall at Stonecrest, marketing manager Donald Bieler said the Saturday before Christmas has always been good for the Lithonia mall and he is expecting crowds of shoppers.

“We are very hopeful,” he said.

At the Gallery at South DeKalb, Santa Dion (top) greets visitors and shoppers (above left) search for gifts.

Santa Jack (far left) holds court at the Mall at Stonecrest, which also hosted SpongeBob Christmas to kick off the season.

DeKalb County will keep its CEO form of government for now, after commissioners threw out a resolution expressing support for a referendum to change to a county manager model.

Calling the resolution premature and uninformed by public input, commissioners voted 4 to 3 to reject it.

Kathie Gannon, Jeff Rader, Sharon Barnes Sutton and Connie Stokes opposed the resolution. Elaine Boyer, the resolution’s sponsor, was joined by Lee May and Larry Johnson in voting for it.

Stokes, the Super District 7 commissioner, said the time was not right to explore governmental change when pressing budget challenges are facing the county.

“We can always improve whatever it is that we’re doing,” she said. “But I just don’t think that this is the time. I think that we Connie Stokes need to refocus on getting the budget balanced and move forward on other things.”

Gannon, who represents Super District 6, offered the substitute motion to deny the resolution. She said that recent tweaking of county government so that commissioners can set their own agenda and preside over their meetings needed time to work.

“It took us a year to get our procedures together just to set the agenda and chair the meeting,” she said. “I shudder to think what it would be like with seven bosses telling roads and drainage which streets to pave and which sidewalks to pour.”

Boyer, who represents District 1 and is the commission’s lone Republican, has championed ditching the county’s unique CEO form of government for years. She said her resolution was neither a “direct assault” or a personal attack on Ellis.

“This is not about the man,” said Boyer, who has served with three DeKalb CEOs. “This is about the seat, whether or not we need the seat.”

Even with the changes approved by voters in 2007, she said “this is still not the form of government that we had hoped it would be.”

“Yes, we preside over our own meeting, but there still seems Please see CEO, page 2

2

Community

CrossRoadsNews

December 19, 2009

“This is not a referendum on the administration of Vernon Jones, nor is it a referendum on the administration of our current CEO.”

Commissioners face ‘very tough decision’ on budget Government ELLIS,

from page

structure to stay for now

1

“We have tough decisions ahead of us,” she said. “But we are going to continue to work together, the Board of Commissioners and the CEO. We feel this is a very, very tough decision to have to balance this budget and make the cuts and do the things that we need to do. We have to demonstrate courage. It’s not going to be easy.”

Ellis plans a dozen neighborhood meetings on the budget between Jan. 12 and Feb. 18 across the county.

He said county revenues for 2010 will be $552 million, more than $50 million less than in 2009. He blamed the declining revenues on the $18 million a year in lost taxes and fees from the incorporation of Dunwoody, the negative impact of foreclosures on property taxes, and declining sales tax revenues.

Ellis said he is proposing the property tax increase because a $50 million reduction in the budget would result in an unacceptable reduction in county services, especially in public safety.

By cutting 760 positions, the county hopes to save about $30.1 million – $18.1 million from eliminating the 360 unfilled positions and $12 million from the 400 earlier retirees.

The departments targeted for the most cuts in staff range from 68 people in Parks & Recreation to two in the CEO’s office.

In the Police Department, 47 positions are slated for cuts, 42 in Planning and Development, 40 in the Library System, 25 in State Court, 21 in Clerk of Superior Court, 20 in Facilities Management and 18 in Property Appraisal. Juvenile Court will lose 17 people; the Tax Commissioner’s Office and the Finance Department will lose 15 people each. The Public Defenders Office, Information Systems and Public Works are slated for cuts of 13 people each.

Mike Bell, the county’s finance director, said the employees eligible for early retirement would come from those hired before 2005 who have 10 years of service

CEO,

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis (at podium) and county finance officers explain features of his proposed budget to county commissioners.

and are 50 years and older. He said they can’t control which departments will lose the most experienced personnel because of the early-retirement offer, but if they lose too many from one department they will rehire to replace them.

Ellis wants to dedicate 1.25 mills of the millage rate increase to preserving the jobs of sworn public safety officers and maintaining current staffing levels of essential public safety personnel in the departments of Police and Fire Rescue, and the offices of the Sheriff and District Attorney. He also proposes an additional 0.61 mill increase to cover other personnel expenses.

Other recommendations in Ellis’ budget include: n Adding $11.2 million to the county reserve. n Using 95 percent of HOST to provide Homestead Exemption tax relief for qualified homeowners. n Continuing the suspension of routine vehicle replacement for 2010. n Adding $1.1 million for technology improvements at the Recorders Court to improve citation processing and facilitate the move of electronic ticketing. n Providing $225,000 for art centers. n Creating a four-member Office of Inspector General to report to an independent Board of Transparency and Accountability to be funded from the savings.

Neighborhood hearings CEO Burrell Ellis will hold 12 budget hearings for the public between Jan. 12 and Feb. 18. All meetings will be 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. n Jan. 12...... McNair Academy, 2162 Second Ave., Decatur n Jan. 14...... Druid Hills High School, 1798 Haygood Drive, Atlanta n Jan. 19...... Chapel Hill Middle School, 3535 Dogwood Farms Road, Decatur n Jan. 21...... East Lake YMCA, 275 E. Lake Blvd. S.E., Atlanta n Jan. 25..... Arabia Mountain High School, 6610 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia n Jan. 26..... Montgomery Elementary School, 3995 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta n Feb. 2....... Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker n Feb. 4....... Cedar Grove High School, 2360 River Road, Ellenwood n Feb. 9...... Stephenson Middle School, 922 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain n Feb. 11...... St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2833 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur n Feb. 16..... Torah Day School, 1985 LaVista Road N.E., Atlanta n Feb. 18..... Berean Christian Church, 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain For more information on the 2010 budget, visit www.yourdekalb.com.

from page

1

to be some problems,” she said.

Boyer quoted late County Commissioner Bill Brown, who said in a white paper that “the CEO has uncontrollable and complete unquestionable checks and balances only within himself or herself.”

She said the board creates policies that the CEO may choose to implement or not. She cited the no-smoking policy in county buildings that the board passed but which Vernon Jones’ administration never implemented. Boyer also said that commissioners have to ask the CEO’s permission to have staff members attend their community meetings.

“That’s just not right,” Boyer said. “We should not have to say ‘mother may I’ to help the citizens of DeKalb. We’re duly elected officials.”

Boyer said commissioners wouldn’t be serving their constituency if they did not raise the issue for discussion.

“There are important issues such as the budget, there are important issues such as public safety,” she said. “However, when you have to ask permission to get staff to come and help you, there’s something wrong with that and the way the system works.”

Lack of transparency Rader, who represents District 2, voted against the resolution even though he said his “experience is somewhat at odds with those who express unqualified satisfaction” with the Ellis administration.

“I certainly have experienced and can validate members of the commission’s experience with the availability of information and transparency of this Jeff Rader administration,” he said.

“I am frustrated with the commissioners’ lack of means to hold the administration accountable for the faithful execution of our ordinances. I am frustrated with the administration’s seeming disinterest in the enumerated responsibilities of the commission including our role in capital budgeting, the fixing of fees and setting policy.”

Rader said that on several occasions in conversation, Ellis told him that he doesn’t believe the commission and the CEO office are equal branches of government.

“I do know that that analysis misses the point,” Rader said. “We have specific roles, we have important roles in which government is supposed to fix the direction of the county.”

Rader said the resolution was “uninformed by public input and inspecific.”

“It proposes to hand the organizational act back to the General Assembly with the distinct possibility that we get back a worse framework instead of a better one,” he said.

“Currently the commission is not unified, our legislative capacity is inadequate. We could go wrong with unrestrained authority. I don’t think that the resolution that is before us right now merits passage, but I do believe that the administrative structure of the county needs to be improved.”

May, who represents District 5, said the issue for him was about efficiency in government.

“This is not a referendum on the administration of Vernon Jones, nor is it a referendum on the administration of our current CEO,” he said. “I think that by having a manager hired and supervised by the board, that would be a more efficient form of government.”

December 19, 2009

Community

3

CrossRoadsNews

“Going forward, we should have better reporting and a better collection process in place.”

Recorders Court nomination approved CEO-led format still an issue

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

New leadership will be in place at DeKalb Recorders Court in January with the appointment this week of Judge Nelly Fagalde Withers as chief judge.

The DeKalb Board of Commissioners approved Withers’ appointment until 2013 on Dec. 8, even as it deferred a resolution seeking to establish a process for future appointments to its second meeting in January.

Withers, who has been an associate judge at the Recorders Court since 2002, was nominated Nov. 25 by CEO Burrell Ellis. Her appointment stalled for weeks as the board, which said it has the authority to appoint the chief judge, sought to develop a process for that appointment.

Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who chairs the BOC’s public safety and general government committee, said going ahead with Withers’ appointment was a good compromise.

Withers will replace Chief Judge Joy Walker, who has headed the court since 2002.

The commissioners did not act on the nomination of Kathy C. Crumbley to replace Joyce Head as clerk. Crumbley has served as the deputy clerk

of Recorders Court since 2003.

Recorders Court, which handles traffic tickets and county ordinance violations, has been under intense scrutiny after more than $20 million in uncollected fines were identified and the indictments of former employees in a ticket-fixing scheme.

This summer, a DeKalb grand jury found a crisis of leadership, lack of accountability, and pervasive staffing and physical problems at the court, which processes more than 230,000 traffic and misdemeanor citations a year.

Lee May supported the appointment but said he is concerned about the selection process.

“I find it troubling that there wasn’t a real process,” he said.

William “Wiz” Miller, the county’s director of public safety, said the National Centers for State Court did a complete assessment of the operations at Recorders Court, including management, collections, adjudication, disposition and recordings.

Its full report is expected Jan. 18.

He said he got a preliminary report of critical recommendations.

“Going forward, we should have better reporting and a better collection process in place,” he said.

Nonpayers arrested in child support sweep Fifteen parents owing $136,497 in child support payments were arrested Dec. 9 in a deadbeat parent sweep of three counties by DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown.

The arrested parents were among 200 who are delinquent on child support payments totaling $689,731. The delinquent payments range from $1,700 to $55,000.

Even though his office prioritizes warrant service and puts violent crimes such as murder, rape and aggravated assault at the top of the list, Brown said that during the holidays, the number of calls from custodial parents and guardians increases.

“This is the third year that we have attempted to place special emphasis on child support enforcement during the holiday season,” he said.

Within a six-hour period, 26 deputies visited 130 of 200 addresses in DeKalb, Gwinnett and Clayton counties.

To be released from jail, the parents can pay the amount owed or await a court hearing and a judge’s decision on their cases.

Judges have the option to sentence child support violators to a work-release program, which allows the inmate to report to work but to return to the jail at the end of the workday.

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb commissioners will try again in January to tweak the county’s CEO form of government as the board struggles to strengthen its hands in the face of perceived obstacles from CEO Burrell Ellis’ administration.

At the Board of Commissioners’ Dec. 8 meeting, Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton proposed a resolution to encour- Sharon Sutton age the Georgia General Assembly to “investigate the delineation of powers” between the CEO and the board, including the power to set the purchasing policy of the county and the ability to request information from county staff.

Barnes Sutton’s resolution comes in the wake of the Dec. 8 defeat of resolution that hd sought a referendum for a commissionmanager form of government.

Commissioners voted 4 to 3 to

reject the resolution that sought to change the county’s CEO form of government, approved by voters in 1986.

District 1 Commissioner Jeff Rader expressed frustration Tuesday with the availability of information and transparency in Ellis’ administration.

The resolution said that the current delineation of powers restricts the commission’s ability to receive information necessary for the commission to make responsible decisions.

Commissioners have been chafing under rules by Ellis that prohibit them from speaking to county employees without permission from his office. They also complain about slow response when they ask for information.

Barnes Sutton, who represents District 4 in Stone Mountain, said that the intervention of the legislators is needed to clear things up.

“We need to clarify these issues to put them into effect and provide a government that is efficient and as effective as possible,” she said.

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4

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Forum

December 19, 2009

Eight dollars is a lot of money to a woman who is unemployed and has three children to provide for.

County manager structure not a good idea for DeKalb 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

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I found the article regarding the move to replace DeKalb’s CEO with a county manager interesting.

I was surprised to know that Commissioner [Elaine] Boyer, the lone Republican, has spearheaded this move. However, if my overall opinion of the Democratic commissioners was positive, I would agree with doing away with the CEO. Yes, a county manager could be more efficient and more effective with the right group of people. I think that it could work if the county had a more balanced mix of Republican and Democratic commissioners.

This would preclude the group think and lock step orientation that have existed and appear to exist today.

Unfortunately, I believe that the current majority of Democratic commissioners would create an even greater perception of underhanded schemes, financial waste, deals with developers and more taxes that would make those who ran Tammany Hall and the Chicago

Can you imagine how much of a puppet a county manager would be if he was selected and controlled by the majority of the commissioners who are Democrats?

Bob Miles

machines look like choirboys.

Can you imagine how much of a puppet a county manager would be if he was selected and controlled by the majority of the commissioners who are Democrats? Republican Commissioner Boyer would be worse off than she is today.

I must admit that the last eight years have resulted in a negative feeling about those elected to lead this county. I must also admit that I view CEO [Burrell] Ellis in a more posi-

tive light than the previous administration. He might prove to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but I am giving him the benefit.

I have not seen the arrogance and “in your face” dictator-type of leadership that was so visible prior to his election.

In addition to being a lawyer, Ellis appears to have good interpersonal, managerial and leadership skills.

DeKalb citizens had better be careful that we do not vote for a referendum that will take us out of the frying pan and into the fire. In my opinion, the majority of the commissioners are only trying to gain access to more profit, more power, more prestige and more pleasure than they currently have.

CEO Ellis was elected by the people and is accountable to the people. The county manager would most likely be selected by the commissioners and accountable to the commissioners and not the people.

Are we sure that we want this to happen?

Bob Miles lives in Decatur.

DeKalb’s football programs deserve better support Looking back on this season’s DeKalb County football playoffs was a sobering experience.

The players, cheerleaders, bands and band instructors, drill teams, pep squads and trainers did their jobs. What upsets me is the lack of support from certain adults.

There are certain instructors and administrators who have a disdain for football. Why are they on the payroll? If you do not like football, then you should have no future in the DeKalb County School System. Delta and AirTran have planes leaving every hour on the hour. Get out of town.

For the Georgia High School Association, let me give folks some important information.

We are in a depression. From what my clients are telling me, it is worse than the 1929-1939 years. When one out of six homes is in delinquency or foreclosure, only a bunch of idiots would overcharge families.

Eight dollars is a lot of money to a woman who is unemployed and has three children to provide for. The amount GHSA charges for games needs to be reduced until the country is out of the recession. Five or six dollars would be sufficient in the opinion of many of my unemployed clients. And out in rural areas

of the state of Georgia four dollars would be more reasonable.

Back to the adults in DeKalb County. Why are you not a member of your child’s booster club? Your donation is not tax-deductible?

Then make sure your child’s booster club is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 organization.

Adults in DeKalb County need to dedicate themselves to getting beyond the second round of the football playoffs. Gwinnett schools are not better than we are, folks.

Thomas Anthony Jones lives in Ellenwood.

Superintendent pay issue spurs commentary on Web Editor’s Note: Here are excerpts from all make bad choices sometimes. You did too. Concerned G’parent wrote on Dec. readers’ comments on the story about DeKalb ... Live with it. ...

13 at 2:43 p.m.

Schools Superintendent Crawford Lewis’ pay.

It is sad that Dr. Lewis appears to be more Read all of the comments in their entirety at Concerned citizen wrote on Dec. 14 concerned about his salary than the children www.crossroadsnews.com. at 12:53 p.m. in the system.

Fed Up wrote on Dec 14 at 5:18 p.m.

You, Mr. Lewis decided to take a 20 percent cut; you gave up your $10,000 cost of living increase; you voluntarily took half of your earned bonus. You made all of these decisions and now you must live with them. We

Quick Read

I would love to be informed of those schools in other counties who share an interest in hiring a superintendent who does very little to nothing in districts that are predominantly low-income schools. This guy is more concerned about his bottom line, nothing else. Concerned about having to hire someone else. Why?

Since when did one enter the profession of teaching to become wealthy? I thought that one who entered teaching had a sincere desire to teach.

If he is truly worth his “weight in gold,” put him in a low performing school as a principal for one year and let’s see how he turns that school around... then let’s talk money.

Recorders Court nomination Be alert for safety hazards in Famed actress in musical 8 approved 3 toy selections 6 Stage and movie actress Ruby Dee New leadership will be in place at To boost purchases, retailers often offer Davis will star in “A Gift of Love,” a musical DeKalb Recorders Court in January with holiday sales and specials, but sometimes stage play written by Lithonia-based music minister James Cockerham. the appointment this week of Judge Nelly the best deal may not be the safest.

Fagalde Withers as chief judge.

Popular themes return in Don’t let holidays derail Nonpayers arrested in child weight-loss goals 9 7 Nativity’s 10th year support sweep 3 The holiday season doesn’t have to The story of the birth of the baby Jesus Fifteen parents owing $136,497 in child wreak havoc on your weight-loss goals. will come alive for families on Dec. 18 and 19 at the annual live Nativity Scene at Solid support payments were arrested Dec. 9 in a TOPS Club Inc., offers these tips.

Rock AME Zion Church in Lithonia. deadbeat parent sweep of three counties.

$5 million gift moves Children’s closer to goal

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Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s new state-of-the-art hospital at Hughes Spalding got a big boost last week with a donation from Kaiser Permanente of Georgia.

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Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. EXTRA SAVINGS $ APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. Purchase must be $100 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

Excludes: specials, super buys, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., jewelry trunk shows, electrics/ electronics, services. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account.

Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. EXTRA SAVINGS $ APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. Purchase must be $200 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

Visit macys.com/believe This holiday season, Macy’s is asking America to believe!

Discover the magic of Christmas, share in the spirit of generosity, be part of the wonder.

It all happens in a click at macys.com/believe.

12/12/09 4:00:30 PM

6

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

December 19, 2009

“We are grateful Kaiser Permanente has entrusted these funds to us so that together, we can serve Georgia’s children now and in the future.”

$5 million gift moves Children’s Healthcare closer to goal Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s construction of a new state-of-the-art hospital at Hughes Spalding got a big boost last week with a $5 million donation from Kaiser Permanente of Georgia.

The gift, which will be made over five years, helps fund the construction and operation of the new four-story pediatric hospital that replaces the existing Hughes Spalding facility. Half of the donation will help fund health care at the hospital for metro Atlanta children who are uninsured or under-insured.

Officials from Kaiser Permanente presented the gift during a Dec. 11 Christmas party for patients at the downtown Atlanta hospital. The party included a singing elf and gifts for the children.

The donation is the second high-profile gift to the hospital in a month. On Nov. 24, the family of Herman J. Russell donated $1 million to the new pediatric facility. It was the largest gift ever from an AfricanAmerican family to the hospital.

Peter Andruszkiewicz, Kaiser Permanente’s president, said the nonprofit health plan provider understands and appreciates the important safety-net role that Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and particularly its Hughes Spalding facility, has in our community.

“We want to do our part to help it

Kaiser Permanente President Peter Andruszkiewicz visits with patients during a Christmas party at Children’s Healthcare at Hughes Spalding.

continue to serve as such a vital resource,” he said.

Because the Kaiser Permanente gift is split between construction and operation, Children’s is still shy of the $4.8 million needed by 2010 to complete the $43 million building that will house child-friendly beds, an expanded emergency department, and specialty clinics for sickle-cell anemia,

asthma and child protection.

Children’s at Hughes Spalding has 71,000 inpatient admissions, emergency department visits and outpatient appointments annually. The new facility, which features brighter colors, child-friendly surfaces, interactive entertainment centers, a consumer library, child life specialists and up-to-date equipment, will enhance

access and quality of care and reduce the care disparities and inequities that exist for many children in the metro area.

Dr. Rob Schreiner, Kaiser’s executive medical director, said the facility is offering access to superb pediatric health care, regardless of their family’s income.

“High-quality health care will be provided in a safe, modern and family-friendly environment,” he said.

Donna Hyland, Children’s president and CEO, called Kaiser Permanente’s generosity a wonderful example of how groups within the health care industry are working collaboratively to solve important issues as well as serve children.

“We are grateful Kaiser Permanente has entrusted these funds to us so that together, we can serve Georgia’s children now and in the future,” Hyland said.

As a nonprofit that serves only its members, Kaiser Permanente’s robust community benefit program supports community health organizations serving the under-insured and uninsured. This year, it provided more than $21 million in community benefit funding to improve access to care and coverage for low-income populations, support to safety net clinics, scholarships for health professions, an educational theater program, and grants that promote healthy eating and active living.

Be on alert for potential safety hazards when making toy selections To boost purchases, retailers often offer holiday sales and specials, but sometimes the best deal may not be the safest.

Prevent Blindness Georgia, a nonprofit volunteer eye health and safety organization, advises shoppers of toys and gifts for children to be mindful of safety issues,

especially when shopping for younger children.

Jenny Pomeroy, the group’s CEO, says that hey know that families are being more budget-conscious this holiday season, but it is important to ensure that the money we do spend is spent wisely.

“We hope that everyone takes just a moment to really think about the gifts they are buying and make sure they are appropriate for a child’s age and development level,” she said.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which oversees toy safety, says there are 235,300 toy-related injuries treated in emergency rooms nationwide annually. It said most of the injuries – lacerations, contusions or abrasions – were to the head and face of children. About 73 percent of the toy-related injuries were to children 14 years and younger.

Even with improved toy safety regulations and enforcement, the CPSC recalled 38 toys this year. With the high number of recalls, Prevent Blindness Georgia declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and is offering toy-buying and gift-giving tips to all shoppers buying gifts for children.

Prevent Blindness Georgia offers these tips: n Make recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for your child. n Inspect all toys as much as possible before taking them out of the box. Once opened, go through each part of the toy to make sure there are no small parts that could be choking hazards or sharp edges. n Avoid toys that shoot or include parts

that fly off. BB guns and air guns should not even be considered toys. Flying toys caused 9,600 injuries in 2008. n Sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (such as a basketball along with eye goggles, a baseball with a batting helmet with a face shield).

Ninety percent of all sports-related eye injuries can be prevented by using the appropriate eye protection. n Educate yourself on what products have been recalled at www.cpsc.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. n Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones. Closely monitor all activities to make sure smaller children do not have access to toys that are not at their age-appropriate level. n Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact. Dispose of plastic wrapping material on toys immediately as it may have sharp edges. n Never give toys with small parts to young children. If a part of a toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, the toy is considered a choking hazard and is not appropriate for children under the age of 3.

For more information on safe toys and gifts, visit www.pbga.org or call 404-2662020.

Wellness

7

CrossRoadsNews

December 19, 2009

By preparing something that you know fits into your meal plan, you’ll have at least one healthy item on hand.

Don’t let holidays derail weight-loss goals The holiday season ment to resist tempting doesn’t have to wreak treats or power through havoc on your weighta workout. loss goals.

Remember, you’re TOPS ( Take Off not the only one rePounds Sensibly) Club fraining from holiday Inc., offers these tips: overindulgence. n Don’t go hungry. n Keep moving. It’s Before you head out to easy to let workouts fall that holiday party, have by the wayside. If you a light snack of a low-fat, aren’t able to set aside high-fiber food – Yogurt, time each day for exeran apple with a teaspoon cise, commit to at least of peanut butter, a piece 30 minutes three days of string cheese, or vegper week. etables with low-calorie Many people condip – a half-hour before One way to avoid overindulging at holiday parties is to snack tinue their regular walkyou go. This will help on healthy foods before you leave home. ing or jogging schedules curb your appetite and year-round, but also make it easier to control your intake. consider walking in malls or the building where you n Treat yourself. There’s no need to ban your favorites; work. Indoor pools, weight-workout rooms, tracks and basketball courts are commonly available in comdecide what you want to try and then set a limit.

Cakes, cookies and pies are available year-round, munity facilities and schools.

Municipal ice skating rinks, both indoors and out, so indulge in small portions of only the best seasonal, holiday foods. Just a taste of something special can be offer a change of pace from the usual routine, while enough to quell a craving without going overboard. cross-country skiing and hiking let you build up your n Take control. Offer to bring a low-calorie dish or strength while enjoying nature’s beauty.

Maintaining a workout routine also can help you platter to holiday gatherings. By preparing something that you know fits into your meal plan, you’ll have at manage holiday stress by releasing “feel-good” endorleast one healthy item on hand, and other guests will phins and provide a “timeout” from stress. likely appreciate it. n Make adequate sleep - seven to eight hours - a n Slow your pace. Eat slowly until you are satisfied, priority, especially during this busy season. Getting not stuffed. It takes about 20 minutes for your body enough rest can help repair your body, keep you mento signal that you’re feeling full, so enjoy each bite and tally sharp, and enable you to be more productive. give yourself time to know when you’ve had enough. n Make friends and family a priority. Although food You’ll likely consume less than usual. and drinks can be a big part of the holiday season, they n Mind your beverages. Drink plenty of water to don’t have to be the focus.

Set aside time to spend with good friends and help feel full and hydrated. Adding a twist of lemon or lime to sparkling water is a lively alternative to family, making memories that make the holidays alcohol and coffee drinks, which can actually make worthwhile. you feel sluggish. n Keep your perspective. Be realistic and maintain a Alcohol can also impair your judgment and make long-term view of your weight-loss goals. Overeating it difficult to stick to healthy eating resolutions. If one day won’t make or break your plans; just aim to you drink, choose light beers and wines, and limit eat healthy and in moderation the next day. your intake to one or two drinks per occasion. Avoid Dieting can be especially difficult during the holitoo much high-calorie seasonal favorites like eggnog, days. Focus on maintaining your present weight and punch and full-fat hot chocolate. look toward the new year as a fresh start.

Remember, there will be many more holidays to n Pair up with a friend. Buddies can help keep each other on track. Lean on each other for encourage- enjoy. For more information, visit www.tops.org.

The

w e N

Health reform initiative focuses on prevention Preventable chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of death and disability for Americans, but of the more than $2 trillion spent on health last year, less than 3 percent went to prevention.

Emory University’s Center for Entitlement Reform, which wants to ensure prevention remains a key health reform topic, recently launched the “Let’s Talk Health Reform” campaign to encourage health reform conversation among the broader community.

The campaign uses nonpartisan research and updates about reform options to help citizens achieve a better understanding of specific health care reform issues.

The center says the campaign will enhance the community’s understanding of health reform through a series of informative posters, blogs and videos addressing key issues in the health care debate. The campaign encourages family members, friends and co-workers to openly discuss what they do and don’t understand about health care reform as well as talk about their top concerns as the reform debate continues.

Kenneth Thorpe, the center’s executive director, said that most Americans would probably agree that our health care system is in need of some type of change.

“But when considering the specific issues of why reform is needed and how reform can be achieved, the community needs more facts on issues that are key to the health care Kenneth Thorpe reform discussion,” he said.

The center says prevention is a key issue in the debate because healthy people live better lives, families and the work force are strengthened, and health care spending is reduced.

A recent study commissioned by the United Health Foundation and the Partnership for Prevention and American Public Health Association found that obesity accounts for nearly 10 percent of U.S. annual spending on health care.

Thorpe says obesity is a risk factor for many costly but preventable diseases like diabetes, osteoarthritis and some cancers.

“Obesity is growing faster than any public health problem our nation has faced,” he said. “If current trends continue, 103 million, or 45 percent of American adults, will be considered obese in eight years. And that’s going to cost us, unless we make prevention a priority.”

Thorpe says that creating a healthier future for all Americans requires us to refocus on preventing, detecting and managing diseases. To participate in the discussion, visit “Let’s Talk Health Reform” at EntitlementReform.Emory.edu or join the center’s Facebook page.

Children’s

at Hughes Spalding.

For Atlanta’s growing kids.

Now Open.

With a new facility and a variety of specialty services, including treatment for asthma and sickle cell, Children’s at Hughes Spalding is ready to care for more of Atlanta’s kids. To find out more, visit www.choa.org/hughesspalding

Downtown at 35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE ©2009 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding is owned by Grady Health System® and managed by HSOC Inc., an affiliate of Children’s.

8

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

December 19, 2009

“We constantly hear that we need to do something about our troubled youth. Larry is not just talking; he is making an impact.”

Famed actress in musical Stage and movie actress Ruby Dee Davis will star in “A Gift of Love,” a musical stage play written by Lithonia-based music minister James Cockerham.

Davis, a 2007 Academy Awards best supporting actress nominee for her role in “American Gangster,” will lead a cast that includes actress Vivica Fox, Stellar Award winner PJ Morton, recording gospel artist Anthony Adeion Hill, and DeKalb’s Doowap Boiz.

The compelling story of love and trust in God opened Dec. 18 and runs through Dec. 20 at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta.

The production is a fund-raiser for B Moe Positive, a nonprofit organization that teaches at-risk youth to improve their classroom behavior and take control of their life situation. Ruby Dee Davis B Moe Positive founder Larry Veal was an at-risk youth and gang member who was kicked out of high school.

He turned his life around and went on to become a straight-A student, father, counselor, teacher, lecturer and author.

Cockerham, a Christian songwriter, arranger and producer, said he was so impressed with Veal’s work that he wanted to help.

“We constantly hear that we need to do something about our troubled youth,” Cockerham said. “Larry is not just talking; he is making an impact.”

The play is directed by Rob Jackson. Dawn Axam provides choreography, and music producers Alton “Wokie” Stewart and Brian Cockerham have assembled top-of-the-line musicians for the orchestra directed by Warren Lankford.

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Donors will return to the Gallery at South DeKalb on Dec. 19 to drop off new unwrapped toys and gifts for Commissioner Larry Johnson’s annual program.

‘Tree of Love’ gifts to be collected The community will show its love to more than 400 children “adopted” in Commissioner Larry Johnson’s Tree of Love program on Dec. 19.

Donors, who picked up names and wish lists of children in foster care at the 2009 Tree of Love kickoff on Nov. 21, will be dropping off their new unwrapped toys and gifts at the Macy’s stage at the Gallery at South DeKalb starting at noon.

The Tree of Love is celebrating a decade of giving and receiving. Johnson says the program has served more than 5,000 children over the years.

On Tuesday, he said they still had seven children who needed gifts for the holiday.

“We started with over 400 children and we still have some names to go, but with the generous spirit and support of the community, I feel we will meet our goal again this year,” he said.

Performers for Saturday’s Tree of Love Christmas program include the Lou Walker Senior Center Choir, the African Drum Corps, McClendon School of Dance and Phusion Performing Arts Alliance.

“We are looking forward to an exciting show and invite the public to come and experience the Tree of Love Christmas program,” Johnson said.

For more information, call 404-371-2988.

Advocates for national parks release book Outdoors enthusiasts, national park advocates and environmentalists Frank and Audrey Peterman have added “author” to their resumes with the publication of “Legacy on the Land: A Black Couple Discovers Our National Inheritance and Tells Why Every American Should Care.”

The book tracks the couple’s odyssey through the National Park System that began in August 1995, and it swings the doors wide for AfricanAmericans who know little of their ancestors’ involvement in the outdoors, including the Buffalo Soldiers’ conservation efforts.

Along the way, they unveil the wonders of nature and the awesome beauty that awaits all Americans in our national parks.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews The book is available at www.legacyontheland Deborah Jackson (left) of Lithonia watches as Audrey and Frank Peterman sign her copy of their book. .com and www.amazon.com.

‘Love and devotion’ reaches 50th year

starring

5 PERFORMANCES

December 18-20, 2009

at the Rialto Center for the Arts

80 Forsyth St. NW Atlanta, GA 30303

Ruby Dee Davis

Tickets on Sale Now

404-413-9849 or

http://tickets.rialtocenter.org

years in New York, The first time have four children, Dunstan Mitchell laid two of whom have eyes on Ilene, he said completed tours in he would marry her.

Iraq.

“She was just difDunstan Mitchell ferent,” he said. “The said there will be no way she carried herbig celebration beself, she just stood cause his wife is sick out.” and incapacitated and They married on Dunstan and Ilene Mitchell he has little money.

Dec. 19, 1959, in GuyStill, he wanted to mark the day. ana, South America. On Saturday, they will “We are married for 50 years because of celebrate 50 years of marriage.

The Mitchells, who moved to Stone God’s blessing and her love and devotion Mountain 12 years ago after spending 25 for me,” he said.

3 million to travel during holiday week More than 3 million Georgians will take to the road and the air to visit families over the Christmas/New Year’s holiday.

The bulk of Georgians – 2.6 million – will travel by automobile and 139,000 will use airlines. They are among 87.7 million people who AAA Auto Club South projects will travel by automobile and airlines be-

tween Dec. 23 and Jan. 3.

AAA’s holiday travel projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight and D.K. Shifflet Associates, which surveyed 1,350 U.S. households nationally.

For the complete year-end holiday forecast, visit www.AAA.com/news.

9

CrossRoadsNews

December 19, 2009

Ministry

“We have so many choices and so many people are at their wits’ end and up against the wall.”

Popular themes return in drive-through Nativity’s 10th year The story of the birth of the baby Jesus will come alive for families on Dec. 18 and 19 at the annual live Nativity scene at Solid Rock AME Zion Church in Lithonia.

Members will don period garb and re-enact the most famous scenes from the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Mary, Joseph and the Three Wise Men will all be there, and so will the animals in the manger.

This is the 10th year for the live Nativity, hosted by the former Decatur AME Zion Church, which changed its name in September.

During the drive-through, families will listen to the recorded story of the birth of Jesus, narrated by former actor-turned-pastor Clifton Davis.

The associate pastor at the Loma Linda University Church in California starred in the 1980s TV sitcom “Amen.” He recorded the story for the church in 2005.

The “Come as you are, stay in your car” event starts at 7 p.m. both days.

Solid Rock Church is at 4065 Snapfinger Road. For more information, call 770-9813303.

The drivethrough live Nativity at Solid Rock AME Zion Church includes the most famous scenes from the story of Jesus’ birth.

Ray of Hope production compares modern choices, biblical times The Parable Players will present “Choices: Life and Death, Blessings and Curses” on Dec. 20.

“Choices: Life and Death, Blessings and Curses,” an original production by the Ray of Hope’s Parable Players, will pose tough questions about choices on Dec. 20 at the Decatur church.

The production, which will be presented at 10 a.m., depicts modernday choices contrasted with the choices that Mary and Joseph made at the time of Jesus’ birth and their lasting impact.

Director Rona Morris-Hester, a Ray of Hope member since 1998, said the drama is a collaborative effort.

“We have so many choices and so many people are at their wits’ end and up against the wall,” she said. “They’ve lost jobs and have been impacted by the economy.”

Morris-Hester said the production is targeted at youth and young adults.

“Young people feel pressure from their peers to fit in, to be cool, and some of their choices have dire consequences,” she said.

The production is free. The church is at 2778 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. For more information, call 770-696-5100.

Christmas story to be retold in music, drama at East Metro churches In musical and dramatic performances, area churches will commemorate the story of the birth of the baby Jesus.

Members of Mount Carmel Christian Church in Stone Mountain are celebrating the holidays with a dramatic musical presentation and a Christmas Eve candlelight Communion.

The musical “God Speaking” takes place Dec. 20 at 10:30 a.m.; a Christmas program for youngsters 2 years and older is at 7 p.m.

The Dec. 24 Christmas Eve service starts at 6 p.m.

The church is at 6015 Old Stone Mountain Road. For more information, call 770-279-8437.

Beulah Missionary Baptist Beulah Missionary Baptist Church presents its Christmas musical production at 6 p.m. on Dec. 20 in the Worship Center. Beulah Missionary Baptist is at 2340 Clifton Springs Road in Decatur. For more information, call 404-241-3307.

Berean Christian Church Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain rounds out its observance with a gospel production and a special Christmas service. On Dec. 19, the MAD for Christ Drama Ministry presents a free gospel Christmas performance at 3 p.m., dramatizing the reasons for celebrating despite the economic downturn. A special Christmas Day worship service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 25.

Berean Christian Church is at 2201 Young Road. For more information, call 770-593-4421.

Greenforest Community Baptist “Born Unto Us,” a dramatization of the Christmas story, will take place at Greenforest Community Baptist Church on Dec. 20 during their 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. services. The Scripture-based dramatization will include the church’s drama ministry, choirs, ushers, musicians, dance ministries and ministerial staff. The church is at 3250

Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more inforThe quiet service of Scripture, carols mation, call 404-486-1120. and Communion starts at 6 p.m. and concludes with a circle of candlelight. Child Oakhurst Baptist Church care is provided for infants and toddlers.

Members of Oakhurst Baptist Church in The church is at 222 East Lake Drive.

Decatur will celebrate the birth of Jesus with For information, visit www.oakhurstbap a Christmas Eve Vespers on Dec. 24. tist.org or call 404-378-3677.

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

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

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

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

4031 RAINBOW DRIVE Decatur, Georgia 30034 Phone: (678) 760-1639 Services are held at New Beginning Worship Center

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 8:30 ~ 10:00 am THIRST for TRUTH bible study Every Tuesday 8:00 ~ 9:00 pm “Being in Position to Influence the Condition”

Dedric M. Avery Pastor

10

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

“We’re trying to save customers time waiting in line and offering another alternative to meet their mailing needs.”

Hiring for Census jobs to start The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting applicants for temporary full- and part-time positions in preparation for its 2010 tally of the nation’s population.

Most of the positions will start hiring in January. Hourly pay ranges from $14.25 to $20.25.

Employment testing is available by appointment only at the bureau’s DeKalb County office, 5474 Memorial Drive, Suite A, in Stone Mountain.

An online practice test is available at http://2010.census .gov/2010censusjobs/application -material/index.php.

To qualify, an applicant must:

December 19, 2009

n Be a U.S. citizen. n Be a legal permanent resident, or

noncitizen with an appropriate work visa, and possess a bilingual skill for which there are no available qualified U.S. citizens. n Be at least 18 years old. n Have a valid Social Security number. n Take a written test of basic skills. n Have a valid driver’s license. n Pass a background check. n Commit to four days of paid training.

For more information, call the DeKalb regional office at 404-2392160.

Final deadlines to mail for Christmas Holiday shoppers who plan to mail their gifts have until Dec. 21 to mail First-Class and Priority Mail items in time for Christmas. For last-minute shoppers, Dec. 23 is the last day to ship Express Mail packages.

Atlanta district manager Kate F. Wiley said the U.S. Postal Service is up to the challenge.

“Americans can count on the Postal Service to deliver their holiday gifts in time for Christmas as we have for the past 234 years,” she said.

For those who don’t want to wait in line at the post office, Wiley recommends automated postal centers, or APCs, or shipping online.

Automated postal centers are standalone mailing kiosks available in post office lobbies, including at 520 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. in Decatur; 4325 First Ave. in Tucker; 1785 E. Park

Place Blvd., Suite 201, in Stone Mountain; and 1705 Highway 138 S.E. in Conyers. Customers can use the APC to get stamps; weigh packages; and calculate postage for Express, Priority, First-Class and Parcel Post.

“APCs make visiting a post office easier,” Wiley said. “It’s one more way we’re trying to save customers time waiting in line and offering another alternative to meet their mailing needs.”

Customers can skip the trip to the post office completely by visiting usps.com, where they can print shipping labels, pay for postage and order free shipping supplies, including Priority Mail flat-rate boxes.

For more information or to locate a post office near you, visit www.usps.com.

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T252 Foreclosure!! 3bd only $24,900!

Payments only $199/mo! More Homes Available! 5%dn, 15yrs @8%apr! For Listings 800-3660142 ext. T253

Timeshares

SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!! Maintenance fees too FORECLOSURES! 4bd 2ba Home high? Need Cash? Sell your only only $27,900! Payments only unused timeshare today. No $222/mo! 5%dn, 15yrs @8%apr! commissions or Broker Fees. Free For Listings 800-366-0142 ext.

Consultation. www.sellatimeshare.

T254 com 1-866-708-3690

Real Estate

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

December 19, 2009

MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

Marketplace COMPUTERS

FOR SALE

www.jonatech.net. Laptops Special $199 & up. Parts, AC adapters, Screen Repair/Sales & Virus removal. Diag fee $35 Jonatech 678-918-4445

FOR RENT/LEASE Lithonia: Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo, includes appliances, washer & dryer. $800.00. Call Diane Wilkey (Coldwell Banker Cascade Realty) at 404-312-0388.

Bad Credit, Foreclosure and Eviction Apartments! 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available. Prices start at $599.00! Move-In Specials for $99.00! Credit, Budgeting and Housing counseling required for apartment. $300 fee upfront. Call 770-256-7131.

Condo for Rent in Decatur, 1BR, fireplace, wall to wall carpet remodeled kitchen, walk out porch, upstairs unit, Alarm system. Off Snapfinger Woods Dr. 1 B Quail Run (Hillsides) $600 per mo.

Contact Doug/Melba Paschal 404349-7110 Roommates Wanted to Share a 3 Bedroom House Near South DeKalb Mall $350 Monthly. No Smoking. Cable and Utilities Included. 678-754-0791.

AKC Male and Female British Bulldogs are available for Free adoption. They need home urgently. Anyone interested to have one should e-mail meggloball@ yahoo.com

HEALTH & FITNESS American Professional Institute Spa Rain Massage Therapy Clinic Special Introductory Offer $25.00 Massage (404) 370-1177 Ext. 178

LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE Landscape Services Since 1996 Design-Installation-Maintenance Aeration, Bobcat Work, French Drainage, Concrete Work. Free Estimate. Call 770-593-1382.

School Law Attorney Representing Teachers

Gideon Movers, Inc. Moves & Deliveries, In-house Moves; Loading & Un-loading. Free on-site Estimate. (404)241-8899. gideonmovers@comcast.net

SERVICES Recording Studio. Basic recording $20.00 per hour. Limited time offer. Call 404-552-1725 to view studio and book studio time.

HOME/MOBILE/VOICE $70.00 PER MONTH

Please Call Today

678-368-4504 OFFERS EXPIRE 10/31/2009

All photo gr are ca aphs ptu digita red lly

Hourly Rate for Special Events

Contact Newburn Reynolds at

770-722-6096

Newburn.reynolds@gmail.com http://www.newburnreynolds.smugmug.com

Find Local Goods & Services

www.eastmetromarket.com

HOME OR MOBILE $22.50 PER MONTH (HALF OFF) FOR 1ST THREE MONTHS

We’ll Change Your Oil & Your Expectations

5

$

AUTO INSURANCE

Stop By or Call for a FREE Quote!

South Dekalb Mall

Opp. Walmart on Columbia Dr.

Turn to Us for Expert Brake Service Tire Rotation & Balance Transmission Service Fuel System Cleaning Air Conditioning Service Factory Scheduled Maintenance General Repairs and More

Offer Good at Ellenwood Location Only.

1775 Panola Road • Ellenwood, GA 30294

Corner of Memorial & Columbia

1-877-OUTBACK / 1-877-688 -2225

Off

Not valid with other offers. Expires 12/31/09

The LOWEST Down Payment in Atlanta!

Opp. Dept. of Driver's Services

00

Your Oil Change

“Kiosk/Store” located in South DeKalb Mall “In front of Footlocker” Monday-Saturday: 10am - 9pm • Sunday: 12:30pm - 6pm www.clearinternet.me • wirelessglobalsolutions@gmail.com

Atlanta, GA 30316

Handyman, 27 years experience.

Plumbing repairs, water lines, hotwater heaters, showers, toilets, sinks, bathtubs, sewer drain cleaning, pressure washing, gutters cleaned. Call 404-244-9193 or 404-838-6541.

404-525-6902

Serving Metro Atlanta • Super Speed Internet • 2 Minutes Plug-N-Play Installation • No software Installation

1459 Moreland Ave. SE

Dynamic Carpet Cleaner Biggest Holiday Sale Ever. Basic Steam Clean with Deodorizer $25 a room (2 Room Minimum). Call 770-2868889 For a Free Estimate.

Affordable Wedding Photography $500 and up

The Law Office of B.A. Thomas, LLC

Wireless Global Solutions

HOME/MOBILE OR MOBILE/MOBILE $50.00 PER MONTH

MOVERS

678-814-4140

CRN1

12

CrossRoadsNews

December 19, 2009