CrossRoadsNews, December 23, 2017

COMMUNITY

HOLIDAY

Parade deadline approaching

Kwanzaa front and center

People who want to be in the DeKalb NAACP’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade must register

by Dec. 31. 3

Programs at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church and the Lou Walker Senior Center will focus on the annual cultural celebration. 7

Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways

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

Copyright © 2017 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

December 23, 2017

Volume 23, Number 34

Sharing the Joy

www.crossroadsnews.com

CEO: DeKalb should complete sewer consent decree by 2020

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

bike, and Dominic, a Hatchable.

From the looks of the gifts, both appeared to be in the pile.

Parks, who lives in Ellenwood, is raising three grandsons for her daughter Whitney, who has been in and out of jail three times, most recently two months ago.

“She is trying to find a job but hasn’t had much luck so far,” Parks said. “They wouldn’t even have Christmas if we did not have this because I have been out of work.”

The Parks and Walker families were

Despite up to three years of inaction on its clean water consent decree with state and federal governments, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond says the county met its Dec. 20, 2017, deadline to begin certification of new connections and use of a fully developed hydraulic model in the certification process.

“Years were lost, Michael Thurmond but progress is being made,” Thurmond told residents, clean water advocates, and mayors from Tucker and Lithonia at a Dec. 19 consent decree update meeting. “We are in a better place today than where we were in January.”

Thurmond, who took office in January 2017, said that under the county’s charter, he is now responsible for implementing the $1.345 billion consent decree even though he was not there when it happened.

“No one other than me is responsible for it,” he said.

Thurmond said since the 104-page consent decree went into effect in December 2011, after a federal judge signed off on it, DeKalb has suffered management dysfunction, lack of oversight and lack of communication which stalled the agreement’s implementation.

For example, he said it took the county two years to hire a consent decree project manager.

But Thurmond said that it is important for DeKalb to implement the agreement for public health and safety, protecting environmental resources and to foster economic growth.

He brought a team of county officials – Red Rhinehart, deputy chief operating officer of Infrastructure, Supervising County Attorney Matthew Welch, and Consent Decree Program Administrator Darren Eastall – to the meeting to speak on the decree, and he said that before his

Please see KINDNESS, page 5

Please see DECREE, page 2

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Deputy C. Dozier delivers several gifts to a two-year-old Hope Walker at the DeKalb Sheriff Office’s Dec. 20 “Adopt-A-Family for Christmas” event.

Santas helpers spreading holiday cheer this season

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

From random acts of kindness, to toys, food and other gifts, DeKalb residents are making sure that the Grinch does not steal Christmas from the community’s struggling families.

This season students, fraternities, county commissioners, civic groups, congregations and individuals are offering cheer to those in need.

On Dec. 20, Cassandra Walker couldn’t stopping smiling at the armloads of gifts for her seven kids at the DeKalb Sheriff ’s Office’s

10th annual “Adopt-A-Family for Christmas” event.

There were gifts for Mikalah, 12, Xavier, 10, Trevor, 9, Aiden, 6, Melanie, 4, Madisyn 2, and David, 4 months.

“This means a lot,” said Walker, who lives in Stone Mountain. “We are in a shelter and I didn’t have anything for them. Without this, they wouldn’t have had any Christmas.”

Across the room, Susan Parks was having an identical moment.

She and her grandsons Dominic, 8, and Da-Kota, 4, were all smiles too at the mountain of presents. Da-Kota wanted a superhero

2

Community

CrossRoadsNews

December 23, 2017

“Sixty percent of sewer overflows in DeKalb County are caused by residents and businesses pouring FOG down sinks and drains.”

Progress being made, but sewer overflows remain a problem DECREE,

from page

1

arrival, none had met with a county CEO on the subject.

The eight-and-one-half-year consent decree, which calls for significant levels of sewer system inspection, assessment, rehabilitation, repair and expansion, came in the wake of 836 sewage overflows from DeKalb’s broken manholes and clogged sewer lines between 2006 and October 2010.

It also calls for DeKalb to develop a hydraulic model to plan capital projects to ensure adequate capacity, and to evaluate new connections to the system to ensure adequate capacity for customers.

The decree also ordered the county to make drastic improvements to its 50-year-old sewer system – which includes 2,600 miles of sewer lines, 55,000 manhole covers and 66 lift stations.

DeKalb’s Capital Improvement Program, approved by the Board of Commissioners in 2011, included $450 million of the $700 million required to make the fixes under the consent decree.

Rhinehart said that because of the inaction on the decree, only $150 million of the $450 million has been spent so far and the county is still within the budget to complete the work.

Welch, who oversees all the decree’s legal requirements, said that with the Dec. 20 implementation of a preliminary hydraulic model, interim procedures are now in place to utilize a dynamic dry weather model to handle real world conditions and site specific flow monitoring.

He said the county is working a model to handle wet weather, which accounts for many of the county’s sanitary sewage spills.

Eastall said that to date, the county has

Crews work on one of two major spills in DeKalb County in August, when 11 million gallons of sewage spewed into local tributaries.

cleaned 220 miles of its 2,600 miles of sewer and that its large diameter sewer mains are being cleaned in priority areas.

It also has removed 5.1 tons of debris, including a large tree that grew through the sewer line and caused a 6.4-million gallon sewage spill on Aug. 23 at Snapfinger Creek.

Eastall said the county has also completed 1,821 stream crossing inspections, replaced 1,448 vented manhole covers to reduce the amount of rainfall inflow into the sewer system; placed renewed emphasis on transparency with citizens and initiated regular meetings with county leadership and enhance communication with the administration, watershed management, law, human resources, IT, finance and planning departments.

In 2015 and 2016, it completed lift stations at Fairington, Scarborough, Pepperwood, Hammermill 3, Royal Atlanta 1, Mountain Industrial, Perimeter Park and Columbia, and made sewer upgrades at Superior Avenue and Stonecrest Sewers.

To foster economic development and planning, Eastall said the county implemented a two-year project with AECOM to complete water and sewer master plans to provide longer-term predictability and clarity for sewer system capacity. Through August 2017,

he said the county received 481 applications, approved 314, and are reviewing 167. Since August, an additional 177 applications were tendered and 57 were approved and 120 are pending final review.

Still, all of the county’s efforts today have not stopped sanitary sewer outflows – the involuntary discharge of wastewater from the sewer system that does not enter a waterway or drainage system. Officials said the buildup of fats, oils and grease (FOG) in system is the leading cause of the spills.

“Sixty percent of sewer overflows in DeKalb County are caused by residents and businesses pouring FOG down sinks and drains,” Eastall said.

In July, the county paid $294,000 in penalties to the EPA and EPD for 299 spills between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2016.

Jacqui Echols, president of the South River Watershed Alliance, was in the audience. She told Thurmond that she would like to see the spills stop.

“A minor spill is 10,000 gallons,” she said. “How are we going to reduce these numbers?”

The federal judge who presided over the consent decree made the South River Watershed Alliance the sole intervener to the decree in May 2011.

As a full legal party to the consent decree,

the alliance has a seat at the table, access to documentation, and a legal voice in matters relating to its implementation. It was one of six community groups that lobbied for a stronger consent decree and greater accountability and transparency as the county spends more than $1.3 billion to overhaul its water and sewer systems.

Thurmond said progress is being made and that all the work that is being done will have a major impact on the trend line.

“In the public sector, dealing with government, you never really solve a problem,” he said. “What you really want to do is capture the trend line. You want the bad getting better...”

With the consent degree set to end in 2020, Echols said if the spills continue, something will come before the EPA and the court again.

“I want to know how we are going to control and reduce these numbers,” she said.

“I am not talking four and five and 10 years from now. ” Thurmond said he doesn’t know if that system exists anywhere in the world.

“I wish I could tell you what you want to hear,” he told her. “The politician in me wants to burst out and tell you what you want to hear but I am going to tell you the truth.

What you will see in the future is that all the work that is being done will begin to have a major impact on the trend line.”

Thurmond said the voters hired him for a four-year term – not a one-year term – and it takes time to fix big issues.

“If at the end of the four-year term you can say that honestly ‘Mike you didn’t get it done,’ then fire me,” he said. “But you have got to give me four years. Based on what I know, this is a four-year job. There is no magic bullet, no magic wand. Just hard work.”

December 23, 2017

Community

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3

“I want to make clear that litigation is not our preferred way to solve the problem.”

DeKalb Schools to fight Emory annexation Deadline looms to sign

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb County School District wants stakeholders in Atlanta’s annexation of 744 acres in the Emory area to come to the table to discuss why Atlanta Public Schools is being allowed to acquire 10 DeKalb students and nearly $2.25 million in school tax revenues.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephen Green says the district is prepared to go to court to protect its children and money.

Green said “eleventh-hour revisions” to the ordinance passed by the Atlanta City Council on Dec. 4 go back on promises made by stakeholders to secure the district’s support of the annexation.

In the letter to a dozen stakeholders including Emory University CEO Claire Sterk, Children’s Healthcare President and CEO Donna Hyland, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mera Carstarphen, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, and DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, Green said the key stakeholders secured the district’s support for the annexation on the understanding that it would not result in any encroachment on the district by Atlanta Public Schools, and that the reason for annexation was not driven by any concerns related to school issues.

Green said the original ordinance prepared on July 13, 2017, and provided to the DCSD stated that there would be no expansion of APS boundaries.

But the ordinance approved by the Atlanta City Council expands APS boundaries into DeKalb County.

“The contemplated change in school districts represents an enormous transfer of wealth from the children of DeKalb to an already-wealthy school system, with no comparable transfer of obligations,” Green said.

The Emory annexation, which becomes part of Atlanta in January, is the largest since Atlanta annexed Buckhead 65 years ago.

It includes Emory University, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta which are currently located in unincorporated DeKalb County.

The students will become part of APS on July 1, 2018.

“Annexations should not be wielded like weapons, and children should not be collateral damage in the political machinations of adults.”

up for 16th King parade

Stephen Green, Superintendent

Green said DeKalb Schools did not get prior notice of the change or any opportunity for meaningful debate.

“It occurred so fast that, when questioned, APS could not articulate a plan for how it would educate the few impacted students, despite receiving a windfall of at least $2.25 million in school tax revenue generated by the businesses located within the annexed property,” he wrote.

Green said the move is unacceptable to the district and the children and families it serves.

“Annexations should not be wielded like weapons, and children should not be collateral damage in the political machinations of adults,” Green wrote. “The expansion of APS into DeKalb County was never sought or contemplated by the petitioning property owners. Moreover, this last-minute change threatens the financial stability of the district and impedes its ability to comply with state and federal education mandates, to the direct detriment of children.”

Green said that it is not DeKalb’s preference to go to court, but that it is prepared to enter litigation “to protect our children and safeguard their educational resources.”

He said the DCSD has retained A. Lee Parks and his law firm Parks, Chesin & Walbert P.C., and intends to raise numerous issues regarding the legality of the Atlanta City Council’s action.

“I want to make clear that litigation is not our preferred way to solve the problem,” Green said. “Further, we reiterate that the district has never opposed the municipal component of this annexation. But, when our children are negatively affected, and resources are drained from them and transferred to one of the wealthiest school systems in the state, we must and will take action.”

Dr. Mera Carstarphen, APS superintendent, said in November that APS should grow alongside the city and that her district’s charter supports that thinking.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and the national holiday in his honor fall on the same day in 2018.

Community, civic, political, church, fraternal and other groups wishing to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the DeKalb NAACP’s annual parade and rally have to register by Dec. 31.

The 16th annual parade and rally take place on Jan. 15, which is the birthday of the late civil rights icon who led the fight to end racial segregation and discrimination.

In 2018, King’s birthday and the national holiday in his honor fall on the same day.

The theme is “Remembering the Dream, Honoring the Dreamer.”

The parade kicks off at noon from the parking lot of Green Pastures Christian Ministries on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur and terminates at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School on Georgia 155.

Green Pastures Pastor Collette Gunby will serve as the parade’s grand marshal.

Dr. M.L. King Jr. Participation is also open to school and college groups, fraternities, sororities, and alumni and home­owners associations.

To participate, groups must register by the deadline at www.dekalbganaacp.org. For more information, contact Vivian Moore at naacpdek@comcast.net or 404-2418006.

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Community

December 23, 2017

The department will use the grants to develop strategies to reduce local traffic crashes due to dangerous driving behaviors.

$32K in H.E.A.T grants to help combat accidents in DeKalb

2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams

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DeKalb Police will have $32,674.03 in H.E.A.T grants to combat crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired driving and speeding.

The funds will also help the department’s efforts to increase seatbelt use and educate the public about traffic safety and the dangers of DUI. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety announced the 2018 Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic grants on Dec. 8.

H.E.A.T. grants are used by specialized traffic enforcement units in counties across

the state.

The program assists Georgia jurisdictions with the highest rates of traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities based on impaired driving and speeding data.

A CrossRoadsNews analysis of Georgia Department of Transportation accident statistics published Dec. 16, shows that roads in south DeKalb County are hot spots for fatal crashes.

Of the 335 fatal accidents countywide between January 2013 and November this year, 210 or 62 percent of them occurred south of U.S. 78, west of Atlanta’s city limits, and north of the

Henry and east of the Rockdale county lines.

DeKalb Police spokeswoman Shernia Campbell said the department’s H.E.A.T Unit will use the grants to develop and implement strategies to reduce local traffic crashes due to aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors.

As law enforcement partners in the Operation Zero Tolerance DUI and Click It or Ticket seatbelt campaigns, DeKalb police will also conduct mobilizations throughout the year in coordination with GOHS’s year-round waves of high visibility patrols, multi-jurisdictional road checks, and sobriety checkpoints.

Legislators asked to allow, deny vote on Greenhaven Dean Heard of Team Greenhaven addresses DeKalb legislators while supporters hold signs saying “Let Us Vote.”

Citizens for and against the proposed city of Greenhaven showed up in force at the DeKalb Delegation’s legislative meeting on Dec. 19 to press their positions.

Supporters told legislators that they deserve the right to vote on a referendum for the city, while those opposed to the city argued that it would be too large.

Dean Heard of Team Greenhaven said citizens want the opportunity to fix their own problems.

“All we want is the opportunity to vote on the issue,” Heard told legislators. “Every other community has had that opportunity.”

The meeting at the Maloof Auditorium was attended by Delegation chairman Howard Mosby, Reps. Billy Mitchell, Michele Henson, Mary Margaret Oliver, Doreen Carter, Karen Bennett, Pam Stephenson, Renitta Shannon and Bee Nguyen, and Sens. Tonya Anderson, Fran Millar and Elena Parent.

State legislators host the meeting annually to hear what residents would like them to pursue in the upcoming legislative session.

The 2018 session starts Jan. 8.

Sulai Issa, who has lived in unincorporated Decatur since 1985, appealed to legislators to take action on HB 644 which is seeking to create the city of Greenhaven.

“We are asking you all to move the bill forward so it can be up for referendum in November, so the citizens of the affected area can vote,” Issa said.

Sen. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), said that because the Greenhaven bill “dropped” in the House at about 15 minutes before midnight on

the last day of the 2017 session, the Senate has not seen the bill. He said it’s the House that is holding things up.

“Nothing is going to happen until the House acts on it,” he said.

Ed Williams, chairman of Concerned Citizens for Effective Government and a longtime Greenhaven opponent, called the proposed city’s charter “flawed as written.” He said the charter does not set term limits for the mayor, and does not adequately outline duties and responsibilities for mayor and city council.

Williams also took issue with Greenhaven’s size, saying it’s unfair for a high-density area like Gresham Road to make decisions that will impact people in sparsely populated area such as unincorporated Stone Mountain.

“It took Atlanta 150 years to become a city of 450,000 people, and they want a large city in three years,” he said. “It’s ridiculous.”

Claudette Leak of the Concerned Citizens in Opposition to Greenhaven, said the proposed 125-square-mile city with a population of more than 300,000 is just too large.

“It would represent 57 percent of unincorporated DeKalb County and creates the second largest city in the state of Georgia, and the largest city in DeKalb County’s history,” she said.

Leak pointed out that Greenhaven proponents have publicly said that they settled on the city’s large size so that they could have a favorable feasibility study. She said Greenhaven is on an unrealistic and deceptive path to economic development and job creation and that estimates of its county or vendor contracted service delivery costs were not included in the

Proponents open office in Decatur

Greenhaven proponents stepped up the fight for the right to vote on the proposed city by opening headquarters in Decatur on Dec. 16.

Organizer Kathryn Rice said the office on Glenwood Road represents an elevation in their four-year efforts to create the city.

“This is another level of seriousness to get the right to vote,” Rice said Dec. 18. “This headquarters represents the persistence and progress that the Greenhaven team continues to make as it approaches 2018.”

Supporters gathered at the Gallery at South DeKalb before forming a motorcade to the new office, near the intersection of Glenwood and Candler roads.

City proponents are hoping that the state legislators will approve House Bill 644 in the 2018 session which kicks off Jan.8.

With approval, residents of the proposed city will get to vote in a November 2018 referendum.

For more information, visit www.

Greenhaven-GA.org.

feasibility study.

Dr. Kathryn Rice, a Greenhaven organizer, said after the meeting that supporters who carried “Let Us Vote” signs at the meeting just want the right to self-determination.

“In short, they want to have a city so they can improve their quality of life and have more say over economic and other types of development in their area of the county,” she said.

She said Greenhaven opponents do not want the issue to come to a vote.

“However, democracy is about educating, debating and voting on issues,” she said. “The vote is our expression, our opinion, our choice.

Not allowing residents to vote is another form of voter suppression.”

Hank says he adamantly voted NO to Trump’s tax plan U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson says he just could not support President Donald Trump’s $1.5 trillion tax plan, which he says proves that Republicans care more about the wealthy and big multinational corporations than they do for ordinary people.

“Today, I vehemently and adamantly voted NO on the Republican tax scam that gives 83 percent of the Hank Johnson tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent, while raising taxes on 86 million

middle-income families,” Johnson said in a Dec. 19 statement.

The tax plan passed along party lines.

Johnson, whose 4th Congressional District includes portions of DeKalb County, said the numbers prove that the plan is a tax cut for the wealthy and not for the middle class.

“Anyone who tries to deceive the American people into thinking otherwise – shame on you,” he said, adding that the tax cut also adds $1.45 trillion to the national debt.

“My friends on the other side of the aisle will soon use the debt to justify their ultimate plan, which is to eliminate the social safety

net by cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security,” he said.

The plan permanently cuts the corporate tax rate to 20 percent from 35, establishes three tax brackets — 12, 25 and 35 percent — for individuals instead of the seven that exist now and maintains a top rate of 39.6 percent for millionaires.

The Committee for Responsible Federal Budget said the tax plan could cost $3 trillion to $7 trillion over a decade. “Without adequate offsets, tax reform could drive up the federal debt, harming economic growth instead of boosting it,” the committee said on its website.

Healthcare Marketplace sign up extended to Dec. 31 The deadline to sign up for the Healthcare Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act has been extended to Dec. 31.

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson said the Dec. 15 deadline was extended because of the devastat-

ing hurricane season.

“Unfortunately, the [Trump] administration is doing everything it can to undermine the law, including but not limited to shortening the signup period and gutting the advertising budget to

inform the public,” he said.

With the 16-day extension, people must sign up at 1-800-318-2596 or at HealthCare.gov.

Phone lines at Insure Georgia are still open at 1-866-988-8246 through the end of the year.

CrossRoadsNews

December 23, 2017

Community

5

“Many of us know what it feels like not to have a gift under the tree so we want to make sure that everybody have a joyous holiday.”

Grinch can’t steal Christmas with these helpers on the case Redan Middle School’s Young Men and Ladies of Distinction Clubs collected 400 toys and packed food baskets for atrisk children.

DeKalb Sheriff Deputy T. Jones presents gifts to sisters from left Saraya Turner, and Rain Usher the Dec. 19 Adopt a Child party.

KINDNESS,

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among 32 who received gifts from employees of the Sheriff ’s Office at the Dec. 20 holiday party that included a hot meal. The children being raised by their mothers, grandparents, and foster parents, have a parent or family members currently or recently incarcerated at the county jail.

The families were asked to supply lists of what the children wanted for Christmas.

Employees of the Sheriff ’s Office collected money from their coworkers, shopped for the items and gift-wrapped them.

Since the “Adopt-A-Family for Christmas” event began in 2007, sworn officers and civilian employees have provided more than 100 bicycles, 150 dolls, hundreds of games, electronic items and clothing for more than 250 children.

Sheron Williams, a 15-year Sheriff ’s Office employee who has supported and volunteered at all 10 Adopt-A-Family events, said it is one of the best things that she and her coworkers do.

“We enjoy seeing the kids when they get their gifts,” she said. “Their eyes light up.”

Williams says hosting the event also allows the children to see law enforcement in a different way.

“It’s not all in a negative way,” she said. “It can be in a positive way.”

Kappas to the rescue Corey Wilson, social action chairman for Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, said that for his chapter of 91 active members, the holidays are about giving back.

“Our roots are in south DeKalb County,” Wilson said this week. “Making sure folks have cheer during the holidays is the least we can do.”

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Decatur Kappas distributed 100 baskets of food to families of Oakview and Peachcrest Elementary students who were identified by social workers. Wilson said members contributed the money to purchase

the groceries.

The chapter also distributed 50 bags of toys from Toys for Tots to families in Decatur, and to the Jars for Clay family shelter in southwest Atlanta.

Wilson said a lot of children in DeKalb County only eat meals at school and face challenges when school is on holiday break.

“We provide meals to supplement the ones they are missing when school is out,” he said.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Wilson estimates that the Decatur Kappas touched more than 500 people.

“The need is great,” he said. “We are now planning to do it also in the spring. School will be out for a week and we want to ensure that the kids have something to eat.”

Redan Middle School elves Across town in Lithonia, 55 of Redan Middle School’s top students collected and sorted 400 toys by gender and age so that 30 families with 250 children could select toys for the holidays.

The students also packed food baskets with snack items and easy-to-prepare items for children who are on the holiday break from school and may not have enough to eat.

Margo Baker, the sixth grade administrative assistant who works with the students, said that between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the students, who are members of Redan’s Young Men and Ladies of Distinction Clubs, offered assistance to 100 families identified by school counselors.

Baker, who calls the students “the cream of the crop” in the school, said they are being taught to give back and pay it forward.

“We are trying to instill in them something they can carry with them throughout their lives,” Baker said. “There are so many people and children in need and we want them to be mindful and to help out when they can.”

Kappa Alpha Psi chapter distributed 100 baskets of food and 50 bags of toys to families.

Lou Walker Senior Center’s Traditional Crochet Class crocheted 57 handmade blankets for premature babies at Grady Hospital.

Lou Walker Center Santas Helpers This holiday, premature babies at Grady Hospital will find warmth in 57 handmade blankets crocheted by members of Lou Walker Senior Center’s Traditional Crochet Class, and 62 Stoneview Elementary second-, third- and fourth-graders will find toys under the trees from members of the center’s Bid Whist Club.

And on Dec. 20, home-bound seniors across Decatur and Stone Mountain received 80 hot meals delivered by center director Bettye Davis and a dozen staff members from the center on Panola Road in Lithonia.

Instead of having an office party, Davis said that her staff opted to cover nine Meals on Wheels routes serviced out of Decatur United Methodist Church so that the regular volunteers could get a day off.

She said it was heartwarming work.

“The seniors were just so happy to see us,” Davis said. “They were waiting for us to get there. They were just so happy to have somebody to take to. When we were leaving they all said ‘so when are you coming back.’”

Davis says that spreading cheer during the holidays is easier because there are more opportunities to do good.

“People don’t feel bad saying what they need at the holidays,” she said. “The rest of the year they may not say anything.”

LWSC’s members volunteer and give back year round but the holidays are extra special for them, Davis said.

“We want to spread a little more joy,” she said. “We don’t want people to go without.

Many of us know what it feels like not to have a gift under the tree so we want to make sure that everybody have a joyous holiday.”

Random Acts of Kindness Tour On Dec. 23, a busload of do-gooders, led

by DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson and the nonprofit Heart of South DeKalb Inc., will visit fire stations and shelters around South DeKalb “to make a difference in our community.”

The bus will take off from New Life Church on Flat Shoals Road and deliver supplies to fire stations #2, #6, #7, #10, #16, #20, and #26, and two women’s shelters. The fire stations will get snacks, canned goods, Gatorade and other goodies and the shelters will get winter coats, towels, bedding and toys.

The Random Acts of Kindness tour, which is in its fourth year, is supported by Macy’s South DeKalb and Kroger on Flat Shoals Parkway.

Bike and toy giveaway Pastor Lee May and his Transforming Faith Church is hosting a bike giveaway on Dec. 23 in Decatur.

The startup church, which meets in Southwest DeKalb High School’s Arts Auditorium, will host its Christmas Bike & Toy Giveaway and Fellowship from 3 to 5 p.m.

To participate in the free raffle for 50 bikes and toys, names must be submitted to events@transformingfaithchurch.com by Dec. 22.

To be eligible for the giveaway, which is sponsored by the church and the City of Hope Safe Haven, youth must be younger than 18 years old, and they must be present to win.

Church shuttles will pick up from the Fairington Park parking lot from 2 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 23.

Southwest DeKalb High School is at 2863 Kelley Chapel Road. For more information, visit www.transformingfaithchurch.com.

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December 23, 2017 Court.

This the 21st day of Nov., 2017 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

Legal Notices 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM9874 Brianna A. Mitchell PLAINTIFF VS Aomori M. Mitchell, and Michael Chad Halman, DEFENDANTS NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Michael Chad Halman 2550 Shady Lane, Apt. #3B Waycross, GA 31503-9216 You are hereby notified that the abovestyled action seeking Divorce and Other Relief was filed against you in said court on September 19, 2017, and that by reason of an Order for Service of Summons by Publication entered by the court on Sept 08, 2017, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the clerk of said court and serve upon Mara Block, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030, an answer in writing to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the Order for Servicce by Publication.

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 19th day of Oct., 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

whose name and address is: Brian Etheridge, 1851 Camellia Dr., Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 07, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 8th day of Nov., 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM7004-5 Jacqueline McLendon PLAINTIFF VS Joshua McLendon DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Joshua McLendon

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 06, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 18, 2017, 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: Jacqueline McLendon, 2805 Misty Waters Dr., Apt. #2, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 07, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Gregory A. Adams, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 7th day of Nov., 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10929-3 Santrena L. Fultz PLAINTIFF VS Douglas R. Fultz DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Douglas R. Fultz 10429 Prince Dr. St. Louis, MO 63136

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 7, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 18, 2017, 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: Santrena Fultz, 1391 Post Oak Drive, Apt. G., Clarkston, GA 30021.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 07, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 8th day of Nov., 2017

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11072 Victoria Hayes PLAINTIFF VS Elray Booker DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Elray Booker

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 01, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 16, 2017, 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: Victoria Hayes, 3855 Brookview Point, Decatur, GA 30034.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 01, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 6th day of Nov., 2017

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10618-3 Brian Etheridge PLAINTIFF VS Theresa Hearn Etheridge DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Theresa Hearn Etheridge 2807 Misty Water Dr., Apt. 30 Decatur, GA 30032

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 7, 2017.

You are hereby notified that Oct. 08, 2017, 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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10768-1 Marleen Denise Pierce PLAINTIFF VS Antonio Terrell Pierce DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Antonio Terrell Pierce 2687 Hwy 701, North Conway, SC 29526

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 26, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 12, 2017, 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

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Marleen Denise Pierce, 7060 Ravenwood Lane, GA 30038.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 02, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 2nd day of Nov., 2017

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3).

Dated: Jul. 12, 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name(s) of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10021-3 La’Shante Esty filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Sept.

22, 2017 to change the name(s) of the following child(ren) from: Taylor Emerson Esty to: Taylor Emerson Castell Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3).

Dated: Jul. 12, 2017

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM6647-10 Laventress Hammond PLAINTIFF VS Cecorie A. Hammond DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Cecorie A. Hammond

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 25, 2017. You are hereby notified that Jun. 16, 2017, 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: Laventress Hammond, 5591 Regency Forest Ct., Lithonia, GA 30038.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 30, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 30th day of Oct., 2017

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11984 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Petitioner in the above-captioned case filed a Petition to Change Name of Adult in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Nov. 21, 2017, to change her name from: Valorie Jeanette Coleman to Valerie Jeanette Wiggs. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and to file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Respectfully submitted this 21st day of November, 2017

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10421-7 Hanh Kieu Pham PLAINTIFF VS Hung Tran DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Hung Tran 3921 Norman Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 You are hereby notified that the abovestyled action seeking Divorce, Custody and Child Support was filed against you in said court on Oct. 03, 2017, and that by reason of an Order for Service of Summons by Publication entered by the court on Nov 08, 2017, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the clerk of said court and serve upon Mara Block, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030, an answer in writing to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the Order for Servicce by Publication.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 8th day of Nov., 2017

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11973-7 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Walter Andrew Hamric filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on November 21st, 2017 to change the name from: Walter Andrew Hamric to Lupa Marlene Brandt. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: November 15, 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM12056-8 Christie C. Cosby PLAINTIFF VS Kenyatta D. Cosby DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Kenyatta D. Cosby

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 29, 2017.

You are hereby notified that Nov. 27, 2017, 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: Christie C. Cosby, 2740 Tilson Rd., Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 29, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 30th day of Nov., 2017 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM7183-5 Laree Danner PLAINTIFF VS Taneisha Allen DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Taneisha Allen 5400 Memorial Dr., Unite 3-C Stone Mountain, GA 30083

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 31, 2017; You are hereby notified that on Jun. 30, 2017, The above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Modification of Custody and Visitation. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Laree Danner, 722 Gatehouse Dr., Apt. D, Decatur, GA 30032.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 29, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Gregory A. Adams, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Cour.

This the 29th day of Nov., 2017 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11925-7 Kourtney Stephens PLAINTIFF VS Quentin Barkley DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Quentin Barkley

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 30, 2017. You are hereby notified that Nov. 20, 2017, 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: Kourtney Antionette Stephens, 4960 River Overlook Way, Lithonia, GA 30038.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 29, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 30th day of Nov., 2017

Jonia Bromell filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Dec. 06, 2017 to change the name from: Jonia Bromell to Jenia Lalindus Cater. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: November 29, 2017 12/23, 12/30, 01/06, 01/13

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11933-6 Sherry Kiel PLAINTIFF VS Roger A. Kiel DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Roger A. Kiel 1010 16th Street San Francisco, CA 94107

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Dec. 8th, 2017; you are hereby notified that on the 20th day of Nov., 2017, Sherry Kiel – Pro Se filed suit against you for Willful Desertion.. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s Sherry Kiel – Pro Se an Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of of the first date of publication.

Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of this Superior Court.

This the 8th day of Dec., 2017 12/23, 12/30, 01/06, 01/13

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11293-6 Angela Greaves PLAINTIFF VS Rodney Greaves DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Rodney Greaves 1443 Janmar Drive Decatur, GA 30032

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Dec. 14, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 16, 2017, 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: Angela Greaves, 1443 Janmar Drive, Decatur, GA 30032.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Dec. 14, 2017.

Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 18th day of Dec., 2017 12/23, 12/30, 01/06, 01/13

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKa Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM9862 Angie Blasingame PLAINTIFF VS Travis Morris DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Travis Morris 1232 Kipling St., SE Atlanta, GA 30315

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Sept. 27, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept.

18, 2017, 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: Angie Blasingame, 102 Hillside Village Dr., Apt. 102, Atlanta, GA 30317.

Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10913-6 Quovadas Foster PLAINTIFF VS Javana Baker DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Javana Baker 82 Treeview Lane Decatur, GA 30058

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Dec. 4, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 17, 2017, 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: Quovadas Foster, 35 Oakbrook Ct., Covington, GA 30016.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Dec. 4, 2017.

Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 13th day of Dec., 2017

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb!

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name(s) of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

h Don’t Litter South DeKa Show Your PRIDE, Notice of Petition to

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10022-3 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION La’Shante Esty filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Sept.

22, 2017 to change the name(s) of the following child(ren) from: Mercy Winter Esty to: Mercy Winter Forman.

Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections

w Your PRIDE, South

12/23, 12/30, 01/06, 1/13

CHANGE Name of

ADULT h Mow,in theTrim & Paint Superior Court

Show Your PRIDE, DeKalb! hSouth Clean toDeKalb! the Curb

h Don’t Litter

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb!

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM12320

hhMow, Trim & Paint Don’t Litter

A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

h Don’t Litter

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

h Clean to the

h Mow, Trim & Paint A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

h Clean to the Curb

A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

h Mow, Trim & Paint

h Clean to the

CrossRoadsNews

December 23, 2017

Holiday

7

The church’s Fawohodie Prison Ministry will host “Ujima: A Panel Discussion” focusing on supporting families of incarcerated people.

Celebration of culture at First Afrikan Presbyterian Lou Walker Families can celebrate Kwanzaa on Dec. Senior Center to 27-29 at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church in Lithonia. mark Kwanzaa Kwanzaa, which is Swahili for “first fruits,” is an African-American cultural holiday that takes place Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. It celebrates family, community and culture, and is marking its 51th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa celebrates seven principles comprising the Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Karenga, an author and activist, was professor of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, when he started Kwanzaa.

On Dec. 27, the second day of Kwanzaa, the Kujichagulia celebration, co-sponsored by the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, begins at 7 p.m. at the church. It includes singing, drumming, dancing, spoken word and a naming ceremony. There will be food and cultural vendors.

For vending information, call Chinganji Akinyela at 678-467-0177.

On Dec. 28, the third day of Kwanzaa or Ujima, First Afrikan is hosting UjimaFest from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Youth arts and crafts will take place 4 to 6 p.m. The lighting of the Kwanzaa candles, storytelling and a Freedom Quiz Bowl for ages 8 to 25 will take place 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Organizers say the quiz bowl will facilitate a fun learning environment and that participants don’t have to be black history scholars to participate or have a good time.

On Dec. 29, the fourth day of Kwanzaa, the church’s Fawohodie Prison Ministry will

First Afrikan’s UjimaFest on Dec. 28 will include youth arts and crafts, the lighting of the Kwanzaa candles, storytelling and a Freedom Quiz Bowl for ages 8 to 25.

host “Ujima: A Panel Discussion” focusing on supporting families of incarcerated people through the lens of people who have been in prison.

Panelists include Connecting Grace director James Costen, author and activist Eloise Daniel, life coach Iyabo Oniepede, author Calvin Tate, and author and educator Jihad Uhuru.

The discussion begins at 6:30 p.m.

Night Service at 10:30 p.m.

During the service, worshippers eat samples of gold, white, black, green and red foods to symbolize stages in the struggle for freedom – enslavement, emancipation, freedom movement and the future. Various ministers will deliver sermonettes on each period.

All Kwanzaa and church services and activities are open to the public.

The church is at 5197 Salem Road in Watch night service Lithonia.

On Dec. 31, First Afrikan Church will For more information, call 770-981observe its annual Umoja Karamu-Watch 2601 or visit http://firstafrikanchurch.org.

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Marketplace 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.

Seeking driver for adult day care center; must pass background check, drug test & MVR check; call Dr. Edmondson 770-9817408

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Public Notice legal

Cultural performances and a Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony will be part of the Lou Walker Senior Center’s annual Kwanzaa observance on Dec. 28.

The celebration, hosted by the center’s African-American History Class, is open to the public.

It starts at 2:30 p.m. and will feature music, line and interpretative dance performances, poetry, spoken word, food and a festive décor.

Dorothy Burwell, the AfricanAmerican History class instructor, will offer a libation, and Mary Davis will discuss the history and significance of Kwanzaa.

Ballroom Diane Gilliard and Ken Wilson dancers Diane Gilliard and Ken Wilson will perform an interpretative dance.

LWSC is at 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia. For more information, contact Dorothy Burwell at dburwell@yahoo.com.

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December 23, 2017

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