CrossRoadsNews, January 3, 2015 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

For the second time in 18 months, Toni Furman, who has been fighting her mortgage lenders for her Lithonia home, has been evicted. 2

DeKalb police officers are wearing shiny new brass badges to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the department’s founding in 1915. 3

Lawmakers are urging South DeKalb residents to get involved in the conversations about cityhood initiatives. 6

Occupy tenant evicted again

Badges of distinction

Cityhood at center stage

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

January 3, 2015

William Boone

Debra DeBerry

Al Edwards

Joel Edwards

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 20, Number 36

Deborah Jackson Hank Johnson

Billy Malone

Jeff Mann

Lee May

Kathryn Rice

Gil Turman

County leaders, residents offer hopes for DeKalb in 2015 A new year offers new beginnings and opportunities. We asked a cross section of county leaders and residents about their hopes for DeKalb County in 2015.

After a year of scandals, ethical lapses and unfinished business, many hope for community healing and unity. They hope for an end to the cityhood movements that have been raiding the county coffers and resources

and hanker for leadership from a Board of Commissioners that represents all residents, including those in District 5. Some want final decisions on the fate of suspended CEO Burrell Ellis and the School

District corruption three – Patricia Reid, Tony Pope and former Superintendent Crawford Lewis. And most of all, they want to see DeKalb become strong again. Their comments, Pages 4 & 5

Faith-based campaign protests police killings Activists marched to Harmony Park in the Oakhurst community in support of “Black Lives Matter” on Dec. 21. A planning session is set for Jan. 8 at Oakhurst Baptist Church.

Activists to plan next steps at Jan. 8 meeting By Ken Watts

Pastors and church organizers will meet on Jan. 8 in Decatur to plan their next steps in a faith-based campaign for open and honest dialogue about police and communities of color. The Rev. Nibs Stroupe, Oakhurst Presbyterian’s pastor, and Associate Pastor Brady Radford, who spearheaded a Dec. 21 “after-church” protest through the streets of the Oakhurst community, said they hope to stage a Nibs Stroupe series of demonstrations focusing on the loss of lives of unarmed black men at the hands of white police officers nationwide. The meeting takes place at 7 p.m. at Oakhurst Baptist Church. The group’s first protest on the Sunday before Christmas focused on recent police killings of unarmed Eric Garner in New York and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. It was the first faith-based protest in DeKalb County in support for the “Black Lives Matter” campaign sweeping the country. More than 130 racially diverse church members, organized by Oakhurst Presbyterian, Oakhurst Baptist and the Quakers, Friends Meeting of Atlanta, marched through the Oakhurst neighborhood chanting “Not one more” and “I can’t breathe” to protest the lack of grand jury indictments in the deaths of Garner and Brown. The half-mile march took protesters down East Lake Drive to Harmony Park at the intersection of East Lake and Oakview Road. They held signs reading “Black Lives Matter,” “Child of God” and “Respect, not racism.”

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Marchers also expressed sadness over the Dec. 20 slaying of New York Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu by Smaaiyl Abdula Brinsley, a black man who claimed to be angry about the deaths of unarmed black men at the hands of police across the United States. Brinsley, 28, shot and wounded his girlfriend in Baltimore before fleeing police to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he took his own life after shooting the officers in the head. They were taking their lunch break in their squad car when he walked up and shot them. Protesters staged a “die-in” with activists lying on the ground as rally leaders read the names of 25 men who died at the hands of police and the names of the two New York police officers. Catherine Evans of Decatur was overcome with emotion during the reading of

the names. “We’re recognizing that we still have so far to go,” she said, her voice cracking. Richard Evans, her husband, said it’s important that everyone knows that a lot of people care a great deal about the issue. “All we can do is have faith, demonstrate what we believe in, and hope that others will follow,” he said. During a “CREATE Community” rally after the march in Harmony Park, Radford said church members grieve with New York, a community alBrady Radford ready reeling from the deaths of Garner, Ramarley Graham, Kimani Gray, Akai Gurley, Islan Nettles and others.

“An eye for an eye is not our vision of justice and we who have taken to the streets seeking justice and liberation know that we need deep transformation to correct the larger institutional problems of racial profiling, abuse and violence,” Radford said. Stroupe said churches have to work together. “This is the beginning of our campaign to work with other congregations to increase awareness of this issue so that the events of the last month, including what happened Saturday to the police officers in New York, are not repeated,” he said. Oakhurst Baptist Church, where the Jan. 8 planning session will be held, is at 222 East Lake Drive. For more information, visit www.oakhurstpresbyterian.org or call 404-378-6284.

CrossRoadsNews

Community

January 3, 2015

“A safe environment for our judges, staff, law enforcement, inmates and the public is an issue of critical importance for Magistrate Court.”

DeKalb Sheriff ’s new video court keeps inmates at jail for first appearances The judge, public and Inmates in DeKalb media are still in the MagCounty Jail are now havistrate Court courtrooms ing their first day in court off-site in the criminal divia video conferencing. vision or the main courtThe new video court, house. created by a MemoranThe secure video feed dum of Understanding allows the judge, media between Sheriff Jeffrey and public to view the Mann and DeKalb Chief Jeffrey Mann Berryl Anderson inmate. Magistrate Judge Berryl Under the new system, inmates are no Anderson, keeps inmates facing both felony and misdemeanor charges at the jail for their longer being transported to jail for first court appearances. first court appearances.

Both Mann and Anderson said security concerns for judges, inmates and the public prompted the change. The two signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Nov. 14. The video courtroom kicked off on Nov. 24 for inmates facing felony charges. The memorandum also expands the courtroom’s hours of operation seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mann said the video courtroom reduces the risks of transporting inmates to court. “With expanded scheduling and some

revisions to procedures for using this venue, jail officers can focus strictly on security as we manage getting inmates to their day in court,” he said in a Dec. 1 statement. Anderson said the video courtroom helps address security concerns. “A safe environment for our judges, staff, law enforcement, inmates and the public is an issue of critical importance for Magistrate Court,” she said. “We are excited about this collaboration with the DeKalb Sheriff Office that uses available technology to meet that critical goal.”

Toni Furman evicted again from Lithonia home she reoccupied By Ken Watts

Toni Furman, who has been fighting her mortgage lenders for her Lithonia home, has been evicted again. DeKalb marshals put her out of the house on Stoneleigh Hill Road on Dec. 2. It was the second time in 18 months that Furman was forced out of the home she has lived in since 1993. She was evicted on May 7, 2013, and reoccupied the house on June 10, 2013, with help from the Atlanta human rights group Occupy Atlanta. On Dec. 2, sheriff deputies stood guard as contractors hired by Cenlar Mortgage Co. of Ewing, N.J., cleared out Furman’s possessions and dumped them in her front yard. A tow truck hauled Furman’s disabled car to an impound lot and authorities took her cat and dog to DeKalb Animal Control. Furman, a substitute high school science teacher in the Atlanta Public School System, said she was at work on Dec. 2 when neighbors called and told her what was going on at the house. “I have not been served any eviction papers [by the county],” Furman said. “Again, they’re doing something illegal.” Furman said this eviction is just as illegal as her 2013 eviction when deputies presented her with documents that did not bear her name. While she fights her case in court, Furman is living temporarily with friends and is storing her belongings in their garage. Officials at the DeKalb Department of Community Development are trying to help her find emergency housing. In 2013, Furman tried to block the eviction in DeKalb Superior Court, but Judge Clarence Seeliger ruled against her. Furman filed suit in U.S. Magistrate Court on Oct. 9, 2014, claiming that Cenlar wrongfully evicted and harassed her. A hearing date has not been set. The U.S. magistrate mailed a copy of the lawsuit to DeKalb Superior Court in November, but Furman said there has been no response. She said federal marshals tried to leave the lawsuit and other documents with the DeKalb Superior Court clerk on Dec. 1 but they weren’t accepted.

Toni Furman, shown outside her Lithonia home after her eviction in May 2013, was evicted again on Dec. 2. Furman, a substitute high school science teacher, had reoccupied the home in June 2013 with the help of Occupy Atlanta. She said she was at work during the Dec. 2 eviction.

“Less than 24 hours later, I was evicted,” she said, adding that her federal case trumps whatever Cenlar is doing at the county level. Furman said she has begun discussion with Decatur-based civil rights law firm Davis Bozeman about representing her in court. Cenlar did not return telephone calls about Furman’s case. Furman’s mortgage woes began with the collapse of her marriage and divorce in 2008. The court awarded her the house, but with the divorce and legal fees, she fell behind on the mortgage. In May 2013, she was on the phone with

the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network asking for advice when the deputies descended on her two-story, four-bedroom house. “I asked the deputies, ‘Do you have the eviction papers?’ ” she said. “They told me they didn’t, but I kept asking. Finally, about an hour into the eviction one of the deputies handed me the papers. My name was nowhere on the document, which means they were conducting a wrongful eviction.” Furman said she applied for a loan modification and took on extra work to meet the $1,100 monthly note, but without her ex-husband’s signature, the application was rejected. She said she continued to make payments but sometimes could only come

up with part of the amount. She managed to stop several foreclosure attempts with the help of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, and several community groups. Furman says Cenlar is eager to grab her property because the house has about $100,000 in equity, which makes it attractive to anyone planning to sell it quickly. In addition to the faulty eviction papers, Furman says the company used a procedural maneuver. “Cenlar strategically foreclosed on the wrong deed, making it difficult to stop the process,” she said. “Many lawyers told me it was a wrongful foreclosure, but I didn’t have any money for legal fees.”

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb! R Don’t Litter R Mow, Trim & Paint R Clean to the Curb A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

January 3, 2015

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“Nicole knows her way around CIDs. We now have a specific person that members and property owners can call with questions.”

East Metro CID hires consultant to lead day to day Nicole Hall, founder and lead consultant with Nickel Works Consulting LLC, has been hired by the East Metro DeKalb CID board of directors to run day-to-day operations for the county’s newest Community Improvement District. Hall’s six-month contract was signed Dec. 18. She comes to Nicole Hall the EMDCID from the Airport West CID, where she has worked for a year and two months to help create the CID and the final six months as its interim administrator. Hall is a civil engineer whose 20-year career has been focused in the area of transportation. Fred Daniels, the EMDCID’s chairman,

said he is “very excited” to have someone on board to manage day-to-day operations for the seven-member volunteer board. “The experience she brings to the table is enormous,” he said. “Nicole knows her way around CIDs. We now have a specific person that members and property owners can call with questions.” Daniels said that momentum will now pick up for the East Metro DeKalb CID, which covers 39 square miles in south DeKalb County and is home to 1,250 commercial properties with assessed value of $2.4 billion. The CID was created by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners in May last year after owners of 400 parcels signed on. Property owners elected their first board in July and the group set the millage rate at 3 mills, which is expected to net

first-year revenues of about $172 million. Since its election, the board has been working on its bylaws, the group’s structure and a budget for its first year. No stranger to the East Metro DeKalb CID, Hall worked with the appointed formation board to sign up many of the property owners who joined the group. She said on Dec. 29 that she is looking forward to helping the CID board accomplish its goals. “CIDs are new to African-American communities,” she said, “and I am excited about helping the East Metro DeKalb CID increase the number of property owners so that it can grow revenues to do projects that will bring positive improvement to the community.” For more information, call Nicole Hall at 678-525-2500.

CIA seeking recruits at Atlanta event Job seekers interested in working with the CIA must apply before Jan. 15 to attend an invitation-only hiring event in February in Atlanta. Visit www.cia.gov and apply now to be considered for an invitation to attend the 8:30 a.m.-to-3 p.m. event. Reference Atlanta Event in your Job Objective statement. The invitation will come directly from the agency with all the necessary information. The CIA employs people from different backgrounds with a variety of experiences and skill sets to meet U.S. national security challenges. Its strength and effectiveness as an agency depend upon its ability to employ a work force as diverse as the nation it serves, the CIA says. For more information, visit www.dol.state. ga.us and click on Events.

New badges celebrate DeKalb Police Department’s 100th birthday By Ken Watts

DeKalb police officers are wearing shiny new brass badges to commemorate the 100year anniversary of the department’s founding in 1915. The badges – embossed with the red, white and blue of the U.S. and Georgia flags and “100 years of service” – were presented to 10 officers on Dec. 29 during afternoon roll call at the Tucker precinct. They were the first of the department’s 879 sworn officers to be given the commemorative badges. Interim Police Chief James Conroy said that all sworn officers will get the special badges and that they are encouraging them to wear them throughout 2015 to honor the department’s past and look toward its future. “At the end of the year, this badge will remain yours in honor of your place in our department’s history,” he told the officers. Conroy said the badge also honors the memory of 29 DeKalb officers who have died in the line of duty since the department was founded on Dec. 21, 1915. The department’s civilian employees will receive an anniversary coin with the new badge imprinted on one side and the department’s patch on the other. Officer J.R. Pitts, who donned his badge soon after getting it Monday, said he was happy to wear it. “Anytime you pin on the badge, it makes you remember why you took J.R. Pitts

All 879 sworn officers will get shiny new brass badges that commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the DeKalb Police Department’s founding being celebrated throughout 2015.

the job in the first place,” said Pitts, who has been on the force for two years. “And it makes you remember to do the job the right way.” DeKalb’s police force grew from humble beginnings. In the early years, the department had only a handful of officers. Hiring was sporadic, there was no chief, and officers worked out of the DeKalb County Solicitor’s Office

Snapfinger wastewater plant looking for subcontractors Local small, minority and women-owned businesses interested in subcontracting opportunities on the Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project, Phase 2, can attend a Jan. 7 forum on Jan. 7 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur. The county is pre-qualifying contractors interested in submitting bids on the multimillion-dollar project. The forum hosted by DeKalb County departments of Watershed Management and Purchasing & Contracting takes place 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only pre-qualified general contractors will be allowed to submit bids when the “invitation to bid” is issued. The forum provides an opportunity for subcontractors to share information about their firms and discuss teaming opportunities with the pre-qualified general contractors.

The Snapfinger Creek Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, originally built in 1963, was constructed to treat 2 million gallons per day of flow. The present Snapfinger Creek Facility, which was completed in 1983 to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act, treats 36 million gallons per day of flow. The expansion of the Snapfinger Creek Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility is being constructed in three phases. The Phase 2 work includes demolition of the existing tankage and equipment and new construction, including new headworks, biological reactors, membrane bio-reactors, ultraviolet disinfection, and chemical storage. Subcontractors interested in participating in the forum can register at www.snapfingersubcontractor-forum.eventbrite.com. The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive.

on two occasions. In 1923 and 1931, the department was eliminated when county commissioners felt that the department was not serving the best interests of the public. In both cases, the department was quickly reinstated.

Conroy said the job was just as dangerous in the beginning as it is now. Founding Officer John Wesley Webb was shot and killed and his partner was wounded in 1919 after they stopped a car they suspected was carrying stolen property. From the early days until the end of ProhibiJames Conroy tion in 1933, a DeKalb County police officer’s primary responsibility was to apprehend bootleggers. Officers Samuel Gentry, Lewell Henderson, Miles Phillips, and Charles Wright were all killed in incidents involving suspected bootleggers. Conroy acknowledged present-day police-community tension in the wake of the killings of unarmed black men by white police officers in Ferguson, Mo.; New York City; and several other cities across the country. He said the continuing challenge is to foster positive relations with the public while remaining vigilant against crime. While the department has only 879 sworn officers, it is authorized to have 1,189. In 2013, DeKalb’s interim CEO Lee May said the department would hire 480 additional police officers over the next three years. In September, the department received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to pay for 15 additional officers.

Martin Luther King Day “A Day On, Not a Day Off” Join Keep DeKalb Beautiful and the City of Lithonia for our 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Family Community Cleanup

Monday, January 19, 2015 10:00 am -12:00 pm Meet us at Lithonia City Hall 6920 Main Street Lithonia, GA

Keepdekalbbeautiful.org

Lee May Interim CEO

CrossRoadsNews

Community

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Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Graphic Design Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

“I am hoping that in 2015 we can have a clean slate in this county and start fresh.”

Activists, officials are ready to move forward District 5 representation on BOC

Bring calm to county, its residents

Dr. Kathryn Rice, chair of Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb: “I would like to see the creation of a city of South DeKalb and greater interaction between the county and organizations like the South DeKalb Neighborhood Improvement Association. “If we can be their ears and eyes, they can listen to us and resolve issues. “I would like to see issues like corruption and Kathryn Rice misuse of county funds addressed and resolved. And I definitely want to see somebody in place representing Commission District 5. “I would like to see the resolution of the Burrell Ellis case, the P-card issue and the FBI investigation so that we can move forward.”

Gil Turman, president of the South DeKalb Neighborhoods Coalition and county resident since 1974: “I would like to see a county that is truly working for its people, that is listening to the people who reside in the county, respects their views and gives them an opportunity to sit with them and pull out the flaws that inhibit us from being a first-class county. “I would like to see the trials of those charged with corruption resolved. All this stuff sitting out there creating unrest among citizens needs to come Gil Turman to an end. “We need some calm brought over the county. We have things piling on top of things that have not been taken care of. Citizens want to be relieved of these things.”

Begin healing process between north, south

Unite, improve economic development for county

Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson: “I would like the county to really begin the healing process around what is taking place between the northern and southern parts of the county. We can have a rational conversation – everyone wants a good quality of life, excellent services at a reasonable Deborah Jackson cost, and good schools for our children. We are capable of the task.”

Joel Edwards, v ice president of Kings Ridge Home Owners Association and DeKalb resident since 1984: “I am hoping that DeKalb County as a whole can come together and work together as one and improve economic devel- Joel Edwards opment. “I am hoping that in 2015 we can have a clean slate in this county and start fresh.”

More curbside recycling Billy Malone, associate director of DeKalb County Sanitation: “We hope to continue to move forward with our gateway beautification programs as well as continue to promote the curbside recycling program. Currently, 35 percent of DeKalb homeowners participate in this program. Increased participation will Billy Malone have a large effect on our community by keeping the environment clean, saving precious natural resources for the future, and reducing the need for new landfills.”

Scottdale, Decatur housing projects awarded tax credits Two DeKalb housing developments – Retreat at Mills Creek and Trinity Walk Phase 1 – with nearly 150 units are among 30 projects statewide awarded $22.4 million in federal tax credits. Retreat at Mills Creek in Scottdale, which has 80 units for seniors, and Trinity Walk Phase 1 in Decatur with 69 units for families will receive tax credits. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which announced the awards to construct or rehabilitate 30 affordable rental housing properties throughout the state in November, said the selected projects include affordable housing for working families, housing for Georgia seniors and housing for people with disabilities. They were picked from 57 applications in the annual competition

and will be ready for occupancy in late 2016. DCA Commissioner Gretchen Corbin said that funding the properties increases Gretchen Corbin the inventory of affordable quality rental housing for the state’s neediest residents along with the work force vital to Georgia’s business goals. “Among all the resources DCA provides communities to generate economic growth, these tax credits are key to diversifying a community’s housing infrastructure,” Corbin said. The Housing Credit is the nation’s and Georgia’s main tool to create and preserve affordable

Quick Read

housing for households that need it most, including working families, veterans, people with special needs, seniors, teachers, nurses, firefighters and police. Virtually all affordable apartments built each year are financed through the program. The new units are located in both rural and urban areas in the state. In Georgia, the Housing Credit has financed development of almost 144,000 homes, supported 162,700 jobs, and generated $15.5 billion in local income and $6.11 billion in tax revenues. The 2014 awards will add 2,292 units to DCA’s affordable housing inventory, bringing the total number of units to 87,604. The awarded tax credits are sold by project developers to private investors to

Faith-based campaign protests East Metro CID hires police killings 1 consultant to lead Pastors and church organizers will meet on Jan. 8 in Decatur to plan their next steps in a faith-based campaign for open and honest dialogue about police and communities of color.

Video court keeps inmates at jail for first appearances 2

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January 3, 2015

Inmates in DeKalb County Jail are now having their first day in court via video conferencing. The new video court, created by Sheriff Jeffrey Mann and DeKalb Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl Anderson, keeps inmates facing both felony and misdemeanor charges at the jail for their first court appearances.

Nicole Hall, founder and lead consultant with Nickel Works Consulting LLC, has been hired by the East Metro DeKalb CID board of directors to run day-to-day operations for the county’s newest Community Improvement District.

raise equity for the construction of new units and the rehabilitation of existing units. The estimated one-year economic impact of this year’s tax credit award includes more than $176 million in local income, more than $18.5 million in local government revenue, and nearly 2,700 jobs from construction expenditures. The Housing Credit is part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Over its 25-year life, it has become the most successful affordable rental housing production program in U.S. history, financing the development of more than 2.7 million rental homes nationwide, creating nearly 96,000 jobs annually, and leveraging almost $100 billion in private investment. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov.

Institutions take center stage in fight against Ebola 8 DeKalb County took center stage in 2014 as Emory University Hospital’s special isolation unit became a main center for treating Americans infected with the Ebola virus, and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established protocols and coordinated response to the deadly disease.

Cityhood movement on DeKalb Delegation’s plate again 6 Lithonia to explore rebranding in new year 9 As the 2015 Georgia legislative session gets under way on Jan. 12, DeKalb lawmakers are urging South DeKalb residents to get involved in the conversation about the impact of cityhood on unincorporated DeKalb County.

The city of Lithonia has lots of irons in the fire for rebranding and redevelopment, and after a year of tremendous changes, Mayor Deborah Jackson says it is looking to build on the accomplishments.

index to advertisers 2015 Health & Wellness Expo......................... 7 DeKalb Academy of Technology..................... 5 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court.................... 10

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office...................... 10 Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC.................. 11 Keep DeKalb Beautiful.................................... 3

Macy’s............................................................12 Seabright Homes, LLC................................... 11 Westgate Resorts............................................9

Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2015

Community

“I would like to see a more cohesive county where everyone feels welcome and where we are not creating divisiveness.”

Keep dialogue open, work together for good of county Strive for unity and harmony countywide U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, 4th Congressional District: “I would like to see our once proud county stop tearing itself apart in the numerous ways in which we have been at war with ourselves. “I would like to see us come together as brothers and sisters instead of south and north siders. This whole effort at municipalization is a move to seize political power and I would like us to share power. Whether we call ourselves a city or not, we are all in the same county. “I would like to see those who want to work with Hank Johnson the entire county step up. I would like to see the manmade cloud over our county dissipate and unity restored. I would like to see us strive for unity and harmony instead of closing the doors. “Let’s keep the dialogue open. Let’s challenge ourselves to work together and make the county the best place to live, work and play.”

End hunger, homelessness Debra DeBerry, DeKalb County clerk of Superior Court: “I want us to get rid of homelessness and hungry kids. I hope we can recognize that we are equal and human and have the same expectation from our government and each other. “I have many hopes and Debra DeBerry dreams, but I understand that I can only change those that I have control over and that I personally can impact. “I hope that we can each be the best we can be. If everybody can do that and help others, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do, the whole world would be better.”

Foster better police, community relationships Jeff Mann, DeKalb County sheriff: “I would like to see law enforcement and the community have a better relationship. Here we have a better relationship than most, but I would like to see a better relationship in light of what is going on in New York, Jeff Mann Florida and St. Louis. “I would like to see a more cohesive county where everyone feels welcome and where we are not creating divisiveness. I would like us to come together for the betterment of the county.”

Rebuild the public’s trust

Greater collaboration

More ethical behavior in DeKalb

Lee May, DeKalb County interim CEO: “My goal is to have a more efficient county that is more responsive to the citizens. I want to rebuild the public’s trust and confidence in our county government. “I hope that we continue to be in a greater position of financial strength. I hope that our Board of Commissioners will have all its seats, including the District 5 seat, Lee May filled in 2015. “I hope that we would have a permanent resolution politically and operationally to the things we have been talking about for a long time. I want to get them resolved.”

Al Edwards, incoming board chairman for the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce: “I am really hoping for greater partnership and collaboration. We have an abundance of resources, but we haven’t partnered up as we should. “We have quite a few capital projects but high unemployment rates in certain areas of the county and work force opportunities in other areas. We need to get people Al Edwards in the room to strengthen the county. We need greater collaboration in leveraging the resources and getting our economic partners linked up with our education partners.”

William Boone, 20-year resident and college political science professor: “I would like to see an engaged County Commission primarily focused on pushing the county forward without divisions and one that is able to give residents a vision of where the county should be. “I would like the county to come to grips with the divisions between the north and south and begin to understand the distribution of William Boone resources. “I would like to see more ethical behavior and see us construct an Ethics Board that has some teeth. The issues with the CEO and the school corruption trial need to come to an end in early 2015. The county and district attorney should come together to resolve these issues.”

DEKALB ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE CHARTER SCHOOL

“Learning with Relationships, Relevance and Rigor!”

Dates for accepting New Student Applications for the 2015-16 school year:

Early Kindergarten Enrollment Only

Open Enrollment K- 8th

Jan. 12 – 22 7:30 am - 2:00pm Mondays - Thursdays

Jan. 8 – Feb. 26, 7:30am - 2:00pm Mondays - Thursdays

February 19th is the last day for application submission. For more information or to download an application, please visit us at www.dekalbacademy.org

Lottery Dates Kindergarten - 5th: February 26 • 9:00 a.m. Notification date: March 12 Middle School: March 19th • 9:00 a.m. Notification date: March 26 School Tours at 7:30 a.m. 2nd and 3rd Fridays of the month until April 10th.

DeKalb Academy of Technology & Environment Charter Schools • 1492 Kelton Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Community

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2015

“The cityhood effort boils down more than anything else to a giving up – we’re going to give up on trying to work together as a county.”

Cityhood movement on DeKalb Delegation’s plate again By Ken Watts

As the 2015 Georgia legislative session gets under way on Jan. 12, DeKalb lawmakers are urging South DeKalb residents to get involved in the conversation about the impact of cityhood on unincorporated DeKalb County. Rep. Howard Mosby (D-Atlanta), DeKalb Legislative Delegation chairman, says new cities that are being formed north of U.S. Highway 78 threaten the economic health of the unincorporated areas and they are not hearing Howard Mosby enough voices from South DeKalb. “You’ll be left with the burden of paying for county pensions and your property taxes could increase,” he said. Mosby was speaking at Commissioner Stan Watson’s Dec. 6 Community Cabinet meeting where he and Rep. Pam Stephenson (D-Decatur) urged residents of South DeKalb to make their feelings known to the legislature when the new General Assembly session starts. Stephenson, who advocates slowing down the cityhood movement to assess the impact on the county, says DeKalb legislators have to act. “We’re not going to sit by and watch this hapPam Stephenson pen,” she said. Mosby said no lawmaker has stepped forward yet to sponsor cityhood legislation for the 2015 General Assembly. Still, there are plenty of efforts afoot to create new DeKalb cities. In south DeKalb County, the Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb wants to incorporate most of the southern half of the county into a city of South DeKalb, and organizers of the failed city of Stonecrest have not given up on their effort. Advocates for both proposals pitched for support from the DeKalb Legislative Delegation at its Oct. 28 community forum at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center. Mosby, Stephenson and delegation members Rep. Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), Rep. Mike Jacobs (R-Brookhaven), Sen. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), Rep. Dee Dawkins Haigler (D-Lithonia), and Rep. Ernest “Coach” Williams (D-Avondale Estates) listened but were noncommittal.

Proposed city of LaVista Hills Proposed cities of Lakeside, Briarcliff and Tucker in north-central DeKalb, which were bogged down in boundary disputes before legislators ran out of time to vote on bills in the 2014 session, have since reached agreement on boundaries. The former Lakeside and Briarcliff groups announced on Nov. 17 that they are joining forces and will move forward as one cityhood effort to create a new city to be called LaVista Hills. A House Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Dec. 19 settled a yearlong dispute between LaVista Hills and a proposed city of Tucker over the prime Northlake commercial district by redrawing the boundary in that area so that Northlake is about evenly split between the two planned cities. Mosby, a member of the subcommittee, was the lone dissenter and was outvoted 3-to-1. If successful, the proposed LaVista Hills city of 72,000 residents would be the largest DeKalb city. Organizers – following the example of successful incorporation of Dunwoody in 2008 and Brookhaven in 2012 – say they will ask lawmakers to put the LaVista Hills initiative on a referendum in the affected neighborhoods. Some community leaders agree that unincorporated DeKalb should have been more proactive when Dunwoody and Brookhaven

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Speakers lined up to voice their opinions to the DeKalb Legislative Delegation at an Oct. 28 community forum. DeKalb lawmakers are urging South DeKalb residents to make their feelings known on cityhood as the General Assembly session gets under way on Jan. 12.

were forming. Dr. Kathr yn Rice, chair of Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb, said that South DeKalb residents were slow to respond to the cityhood movement when it first started. Kathryn Rice “It was only when [cityhood] began to affect us that we began to respond,” she said. Now, Rice says South DeKalb has little choice but to incorporate to protect itself. She said that cities forming in North DeKalb annex valuable commercial acreage and the county loses tax revenue, which will lead to higher taxes for people in unincorporated parts of the county. The proposed city of South DeKalb would have a population of nearly 300,000 people surrounding the cities of Stone Mountain, Clarkston and Pine Lake. The boundaries would touch Lithonia and the proposed city of Stonecrest. Rice said a feasibility study is under way at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute. “We chose a large city because the model that works up in the north [DeKalb], which is smaller cities, more affluent, predominantly white, is not our model,” she said. Rice said the DeKalb Delegation has been on the fence about a city of South DeKalb. At the delegation meeting, she asked legislators to come out and vocally support them. “All the cities that are up in the north have had strong support from their legislators,” she said. “I want strong support from ours.”

Stonecrest City ‘back on table’ Stonecrest Alliance President Jason Lary told the delegation that his group’s proposal to incorporate neighborhoods along Panola, Evans Mill and Turner Hill roads in unincorporated Lithonia is “back on the table” for the next General Assembly. A study by the Carl Vinson Institute in

January said the project was not feasible because it lacked the tax revenue to pay for essential city services. Lary said the revised plan calls for a smaller city of 28 square miles and 52,000 people, down from 61 square miles and a population of 82,000 in the first proposal. The revised Stonecrest City does not encircle Lithonia as Jason Lary the original proposal did. Lary said the Vinson Institute is conducting a feasibility study on the new plan. He told the delegation meeting that the new proposal boils down to what the people want. “I want you to do what the people are asking you to do,” he told them. “You’re not approving the proposal. You’re only putting it on a referendum so that the people can have their say and have their vote.” Stephenson, whose district includes Decatur, said she would like the pace of incorporations and annexation to slow down so the areas and residents being annexed and the effects can be thoroughly studied. “Things in DeKalb are moving around and there’s not a thought as to who’s being annexed, what are the implications to all the areas,” Stephenson said. “We need planning and including everybody at the table to make that determination and that is why it’s best for the delegation to discuss this before we get in front of 180 [House] members and start talking about it.”

Cityhood effect on county studied Jacobs, Millar and Rep. Billy Mitchell (DStone Mountain) are members of the DeKalb Operations Task Force, which is examining the effect of new cities on the whole county. The task force will make recommendations to the delegation. Jacobs said that there has not been any kind of robust discussion of the impact of incorporation and annexation.

“I do hope that is going to happen soon because there are a lot of questions that need to be answered that frankly the task force is in a very good position to answer if we’d put our minds to it,” he said. Rep. Karen Bennett said she too is reluctant to consider any individual cityhood plan without studying the impact on the rest of DeKalb. “Each one of us represents a part of the county so the impact is spread across each member who is here today,” she said. “I think everyone should vote on proposed cityhood because it affects every citizen in DeKalb County.” Robert Stamper, a home improvement consultant who lives Smokerise, told the delegation he is upset that his community was annexed into the map for the proposed city of Tucker without any Robert Stamper notification. Stamper’s impassioned comment got the loudest applause of the night when he said the cityhood movement conflicts with his concept of “community.” “I as a neighbor stand in this room with all of my neighbors to speak about the cityhood issue,” he said. “I never divorce myself from my neighbors because the going has gotten tough. I never try to exclude people who were different from me from my neighborhood geographically, racially, politically. I stand with them because what is the alternative. I don’t give up. “The cityhood effort boils down more than anything else to a giving up – we’re going to give up on trying to work together as a county. We’re going to give up on the idea I was raised with, that DeKalb is a community that cuts across geography, across race, across economic affluence and we can continue to be that to the greatest extent possible. It’s only a matter of choice of whether to do that or split ourselves apart.”

January 3, 2015

CrossRoadsNews

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 Noon - 5 p.m.

Lower Level, The Mall at Stonecrest In Partnership with

More than d ende 6,000 att xpo the 2014 E

Live Healthy & Prosper! When CrossRoadsNews presented the first Health & Wellness Expo in 2006, it immediately became the biggest celebration of health and wellness in East Metro Atlanta and has attracted more than 6,000 people annually to the Mall at Stonecrest. During the 10th anniversary celebration, we will once again provide information, health screenings and other resources to empower residents to eat healthy, be more active, and know their health status. We will also recognize the exhibitors, sponsors, performers and other supporters who have helped us carry the message of wellness to our community for the last decade.

participation packages* Bronze ................................Super Card Ad ................................. CALL Silver ..................................... 1/4 Page Ad .................................... CALL Gold ...................................... 1/2 Page Ad .................................... CALL Platinum .............................. Full Page Ad ................................... CALL * Ad will be published in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;2015 Health & Wellness Expoâ&#x20AC;? Special Section in the January 24 edition of CrossRoadsNews (Ad price includes full color).

Packages also include: n Exhibitor space (8-foot table w/ two chairs) during the 2015 Health & Wellness Expo n Name displayed in promotional advertising in our January 17, 24, and 31 issues. n Two lunch coupons

Hurry! Only a few slots left! Limited Sponsorship Opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.To confirm your space, call 404-284-1888 or email Kathy Warner at kathy@crossroadsnews.com

We hope you will join us in presenting this celebration of Health & Wellness to our community.

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2015

“Stopping this outbreak at its source in West Africa is essential in order to protect Americans.”

Institutions in DeKalb take center stage in fight against Ebola DeKalb County took center stage in 2014 as Emory University Hospital’s special isolation unit became a main center for treating Americans infected with the Ebola virus, and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established protocols and coordinated response to the deadly disease. The outbreak in West Africa has affected local hospital and school policies as well as air travel, and an international nonprofit based in South DeKalb is aiding medical relief efforts. As of Dec. 29, there have been 19,695 total cases of Ebola in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and 7,693 total deaths. CDC Director Thomas Frieden said the Ebola epidemic continues to spread and requires intensified effort. Frieden, who returned to the United States on Dec. 21 after his second visit to West Africa, said Thomas Frieden there have been some promising developments but uneven progress in fighting the disease. “It is inspiring to see how much better the response has become in the past two months, how much international commitment there is, and, most importantly, how hard people from each of the three countries are working to stop Ebola,” Frieden said. “But it is sobering that Ebola continues to spread rapidly in Sierra Leone and that in parts of Monrovia and Conakry, Ebola is spreading unabated. Improvements in contact tracing are urgently needed.” Frieden said lingering unmet needs continue to challenge response efforts. “In Liberia, the outbreak has slowed dramatically and at the moment the country has the upper hand against the virus, in part due to improvements in access to Ebola Treatment Units and Community Care Centers, safe burials, and community engagement,” Frieden said. “But the outbreak continues to surge in Sierra Leone, and there has been a troubling spread in Guinea’s capital city. We’ve got a long way to go and this is no time to relax our grip on the response.” He said CDC staff is committed to the cause and understands the urgency in stamping out Ebola in West Africa. “Stopping this outbreak at its source in West Africa is essential in order to protect Americans,” he said. “That is why CDC is on the ground.”

Largest Ebola epidemic in history Frieden said the recent approval of $1.2 billion to strengthen international response and preparedness as well as $571 million for domestic preparedness is crucial to stop Ebola and improve the United States’ ability to quickly respond to health threats like Ebola in the future. In West Africa, more than 150 CDC experts are in the field each day, running laboratories for Ebola testing, tracking cases and contacts, advising hospitals on infection control practices, training front-line health workers, and developing health messages to encourage changes in the type of behaviors contributing to virus spread. The CDC is calling the 2014 Ebola epidemic the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa. Two imported cases, including one death, and two acquired cases in health care workers have been reported in the United States. The CDC and its partners are taking precautions

There have been nearly 19,700 total cases of Ebola in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to date in the latest outbreak and 7,693 total deaths.

to prevent the further spread of Ebola within the United States. At press time, a CDC lab tech who may have been exposed to the virus in a mix-up at headquarters on Dec. 22 was being monitored and showed no signs of the disease. Ebola is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or animal and kills up to 90 percent of people infected. It starts with fever, sore throat, muscle pain and headaches two days to three weeks after contracting the virus. Typically, vomiting, diarrhea and rash follow, along with decreased functioning of the liver and kidneys. Infected people may begin to bleed internally and externally.

Local developments in 2014 Ebola developments in DeKalb in 2014: n To date, Emory Hospital has successfully treated four Americans who were infected in Liberia and a nurse infected in Texas. On Dec. 4, an American health care worker from West Africa who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus was transferred to the hospital’s Serious Communicable Diseases Unit for testing and observation to see if an infection has been acquired. Emory did not share more details out of respect for patient privacy and in accordance with the patient’s wishes. Emory University Hospital was recently named one of 35 Ebola treatment centers designated to support the U.S. health care system. Emory Healthcare has created a Web site, www.emoryhealthcare.org/ebolaprep, as a resource for health care organizations seeking best practices for safe and effective screening, diagnosis and treatment for patients with Ebola virus disease. n DeKalb Medical has implemented an Ebola preparedness plan to identify, isolate and treat patients in the wake of the Ebola virus case diagnosed in Dallas.

Thomas Eric Duncan, who traveled from Liberia, was the first Ebola case to be diagnosed in the United States. He died on Oct. 8. Two Texas health care workers who contracted the disease were treated and recovered. One nurse, Amber Vinson, was treated at Emory Hospital. n In September, President Barack Obama came to the CDC to announce a major U.S. response to the epidemic. The United States established a military command center in Liberia to support civilian efforts across West Africa at the request of the Liberian government. n Relief efforts have included shipment of donated medical equipment and supplies by South DeKalb-based nonprofit MedShare. In September, it airlifted 3.5 tons of medical supplies from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport for the Ebola epidemic hot spots in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. The shipment came a week after an urgent appeal for help from Atlanta-based representatives of the three hardest-hit countries. n On Oct. 27, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal issued a new policy that includes an aggressive monitoring procedure for travelers from

Ebola-infected countries arriving at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Travelers are being screened at the airport by quarantine station medical personnel and monitored whether symptomatic or not. n Also in response to the deadly epidemic, DeKalb Schools reiterated its guidelines on communicable diseases. The district will not enroll students from Ebola hot spots in West Africa or the United States without proper documentation from the CDC that they have been unaffected by the virus. The infectious disease response protocol directive came in the wake of a man who relocated from West Africa and attempted to enroll his two children in Dunwoody elementary and high schools in August. They were cleared for enrollment. If any cases are suspected or confirmed, the district will follow the DeKalb Board of Health’s guidance and direction. About 21,000 of the district’s 100,000 students represent 160 nationalities. Many are refugees from West Africa and other countries. The CDC offers updates on the Ebola crisis and resources at www.cdc.gov/vhf/ ebola/index.html.

Marketplace enrollment assistance available Newcomers to the Health Insurance Marketplace and others who need help re-enrolling can attend sessions at two DeKalb Library branches on Jan. 5 and Jan. 8. The open enrollment period for 2015 coverage ends on Feb. 15. On Jan. 5, navigators from Oakhurst Medical Centers will provide assistance from 5 to 7:45 p.m. at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown Library. Residents can call 404-298-8998, Ext. 371, for an appointment. Walk-ins also are welcome.

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The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. For more information, call 404286-6980. On Jan. 8, the consumer advocacy agency Georgia Watch will provide health care enrollment assistance from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clarkston Library. No appointment is necessary and some interpretation services will be available – call 404-525-1085 for more information. The Clarkston Library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For more information, call 404-508-7175.

Call Kathy at 404-284-1888 to place your order!

January 3, 2015

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“We are looking forward to working with GDOT to get signs on I-20 to tell motorists they are entering a historic district.”

Lithonia to explore rebranding, redevelopment in new year By Brenda Camp Yarbrough

The city of Lithonia has lots of irons in the fire for rebranding and redevelopment, and after a year of tremendous changes, Mayor Deborah Jackson says it is looking to build on the accomplishments. In August 2014, the city moved into a new City Hall, and in November, Police Chief Eddie Moody became the city administrator. The city’s application for the National Register of Historic Places, made in August 2013, is moving forward, Deborah Jackson and it is working with the DeKalb Development Authority to transform the Lithonia Plaza, which is partially owned by the city. On Dec. 9, residents concerned about potential environmental health hazards scored a victory of sorts when DeKalb County canceled its contract with Green Energy Partners, which plans to build a biomass gasification plant just outside the city limits. The county canceled its contract to sell wood chips and yard waste to Green Energy because the plant was not built within two years as required in the agreement. Green Energy says it still intends to build the $60 million plant on Rogers Lake Road. Jackson was pleased with the contract cancellation but not with Green Energy Partners’ plans to proceed with the project. “I would hope that the applicant would

respect the wishes of the community,” she said on Dec. 16. “It is not a good project. He [Green Energy Partners President and CEO Neville Anderson] should be willing to work with the community to develop a good project that is not harmful to the people and the environment.” However, she was upbeat about many of the changes taking place in Lithonia. Jackson said the new Lithonia Municipal Complex at 6920 Main St. is working out great. “There are better accommodations for the staff, it has increased employee morale and it gives citizens a sense of pride,” she said. The city installed a new sign for the building in late December. The municipal complex houses the Office of the Mayor, Administrative Offices, and Police Services. Jackson is pleased with Moody’s move to city administrator. “Because of his breadth of experience administering a large department for the county, it has been a seamless transition. He is a native and has affection for the area and attention to the job.” Moody, a retired DeKalb County police chief, grew up in Lithonia. He joined the city as police chief in December 2012 and brought more Eddie Moody than 30 years of policing to the 1-square-mile city. Capt. Roosevelt Smith, who has 27 years

of experience, took over as Lithonia police chief when Moody moved up to administrator. To help spur redevelopment, the city, part of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area, is seeking to become a “heritage tourism” destination. It has been pursuing desRoosevelt Smith ignation on the National Register. The heritage area includes Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain State Park, the Flat Rock Community and a network of walking and biking trails that ends at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. Lithonia, which is on the train line, is historically significant as a crossroads town and provider of unique gneiss granite. Jackson said its application for historical designation was approved by the Georgia Historical Review Board in February. “We are finalizing the last parts of the application to the National Park Service,” she said. “Being listed on the National Register means property owners can take advantage of state and federal incentives. We are looking forward to working with GDOT to get signs on I-20 to tell motorists they are entering a historic district.” Also in the hopper is the redevelopment of the aging, sprawling Lithonia Plaza. The city got help from the Georgia Conservancy to tackle the project. Jackson said the Conservancy prepared a report, Blueprints for Successful Communities, a growth manage-

ment program that offered long-term and short-term recommendations to help with redevelopment of the plaza, including demolishing the city-owned portion. “We are working with the DeKalb Development Authority on asbestos assessment,” she said. “Generally, asbestos is not a problem if it is not disturbed. To replace the plaza with more of an urban footprint requires us to address it.” For the new year, Jackson said the city’s top priority is to identify partners to get the Lithonia Plaza redeveloped. “We’re ready to see something happen with that,” Jackson said. “We are exploring partnerships and grant opportunities to get the plaza redeveloped.” She said they also are moving to strengthen the level of services to the community. “We are looking to increase the level of community engagement with police so that they can see police as an important partner so you won’t see the distances and turmoil like in Ferguson, [Mo.],” she said. In 2014, Healing Art Cafe/Wellness Center opened on Main Street, and Jackson said she hopes new businesses will continue to come to the city. A seafood and chicken restaurant, Skinny Chef, will open this month. She also is looking to continue infrastructure improvement needed for economic development and for opportunities to work with Lithonia Middle School. “We want to make sure children get the support they need because they have tremendous potential,” she said.

Alliance Stage getting $11.5 million face lift as part of Woodruff gift The Alliance The Alliance Stage will get an $11.5 milrenovations lion face lift, its first in 46 years. will make it The renovations of the stage, which more intimate opened in 1968, will update the theater’s and create main performance and production support new access areas to create a better acoustic and visual to its balcony experience for audiences. from inside the It also will make the theater more intheater. timate, bringing patrons much closer to the stage, and, for the first time, make the balcony accessible from inside the house, uniting the two seating levels without exiting the theater. Rehearsal rooms and multipurpose areas also will be significantly improved with the funding. The physical improvements in the Alliance are Phase 1 of a long-term plan to improve the public and performance spaces of the Memorial Arts Building. The remodel is part of a $38 million lead “The foundation’s generosity has been years, and this added support will help all gift from the Woodruff Foundation to the instrumental to our success for nearly 50 of our arts partners continue to adapt and Woodruff Arts Center’s new multifaceted transformational fundraising campaign. In addition to the Alliance Theatre, the Woodruff Arts Center is home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art, and the Arts for Learning. The Woodruff Foundation grant is the largest gift ever to the Woodruff Arts Center. The largest portion of the grant is $25 million in endowment matching funds for each of the Woodruff ’s arts institutions to support core artistic and educational programming, including support for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players’ Endowment, community engagement programs at the High Museum of Art, the national graduate playwriting competition at the Alliance, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, and a variety of education capacity building initiatives, dependent on matching donor interests. Vi r g i n i a He p n e r, Woodruff Arts Center’s president and CEO, said the investment will strengthen the Arts CenVirginia Hepner ter.

thrive for decades to come for the benefit of our community,” she said. Janine Musholt, the Art Center’s vice president of advancement, said the grant gives “a tremendous start to our campaign.” “Our transformational campaign will help us build upon a legacy of providing best-in-class arts and education ex- Janine Musholt periences and to continue them for future generations,” she said. For the High and Memorial Arts Building, funding will support enhancements to patron services such as food and beverage, ticketing technology, and investments in environmental sustainability for the entire campus. For more information, visit woodruffcenter.org.

CrossRoadsNews

Schools

January 3, 2015

“We found that there are still some lingering issues that people have that we need to clear up before we continue the process.”

New, smaller School Board to take oath of office on Jan. 5 By Ken Watts

DeKalb’s new and smaller School Board will take the oath of office on Jan. 5. The 2015 board, reduced to seven members from nine by state legislators, will be the county’s first elected board in Stan Jester two years. Stan Jester, District 1; Marshall Orson, District 2; Dr. Michael Erwin, District 3; Jim McMahan, District 4; Vickie Turner, District 5; Dr. Melvin Johnson, District 6; and Joyce Morley, District 7, will be sworn in at a ceremony at the district’s headquarters in Stone Mountain. Judges administering the oath include DeKalb Superior Court Judges Gregory Adams and Tangela Barrie and State Court Judge Alvin Wong. Erwin and Morley are the only two of the six members appointed by Gov. Nathan

“We found that there are still some lingering issues that people have that we need to clear up before we continue the process,” he said on Dec. 22. For the Jan. 12 Marshall Orson Michael Erwin Jim McMahan Vickie Turner Melvin Johnson Joyce Morley meeting, the new Deal on the new board. Deal appointed them June 30; continuing the conversation about board will have its first work session at 2 in March 2013 when he removed six elected transforming the DeKalb School System into p.m. Public comment starts at 6 p.m. and the board members in the wake of SACS placing a charter district; and increasing compensabusiness meeting kicks off at 7 p.m. in the J. tion for teachers so that the district can be the district on accreditation probation. David Williamson Board Room. Board meetTwo of the six appointees, John Coleman competitive and stop teachers from leaving ings are streamed live at www.dekalbk12. and David Campbell, did not seek election, for higher salaries. The district held five public hearings on ga.us and are archived on the Web site. and Karen Carter and Thad Mayfield were The Jan. 5 ceremony takes place at 5 p.m. defeated in the May 20 and July 22 election the charter proposal at schools around the district in 2014, but Johnson, the board’s in the Williamson Board Room. It will be and runoff. When the new board meets for the first 2014 chairman, said the board wants to followed by a reception. The Robert R. Freeman Administrative & time on Jan. 12, its top priorities will be the discuss the proposal further and give the Instructional Complex is at 1701 Mountain hiring of a new superintendent to replace public more opportunities to ask questions Industrial Blvd. in Stone Mountain. about the plan. Michael Thurmond, whose contract expires

DeKalb Schools hoping for full accreditation from SACS soon By Ken Watts

DeKalb School District leaders are hoping a SACS report expected at the end of January will lead to full accreditation. The report will come in the wake of AdvancED’s latest inspection conducted on Dec. 8 and 9. AdvancED is the parent company of SACS. AdvancED spokeswoman Jennifer Oliver says their team is reviewing its findings from the visit and will issue a report on the district’s progress this month. School Board Chairman Melvin Johnson remains hopeful. “We feel good about the inspection and

are hoping for a good outcome,” he said on Dec. 18. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools placed the district on probation in December 2012 over governance, financial and student achievement issues. It raised the district’s status to “warned” on Jan. 24, 2014 – two notches below full accreditation and off the probation that sullied the system’s reputation and threatened the college hopes of DeKalb high school seniors. In remarks before the board in July, AdvancEd CEO Mark Elgart said the district made “material progress” toward solving its governance and financial problems but still

has work to do to improve student performance. Elgart also said he was concerned that a “disruption of leadership” could derail its progress. After SACS’ 2012 action, Gov. Nathan Deal replaced six of the School Board’s then nine members with his appointees Mark Elgart who had a mandate to help resolve SACS complaints. SACS said that conflicts on the board decreased and the district’s governance improved.

The school system went from a projected $14 million deficit to a $40 million budget surplus in 2014 and was able to reduce teacher furlough days. In the 2014 elections, all but two of Deal’s appointees will be on the 2015 School Board that was reduced to seven members by state legislators. The new School Board takes office on Jan. 5. Despite the changes and challenges, Johnson says the district is in a much stronger position heading into 2015. He believes the SACS team’s report will reflect that. “The site tours and interviews went well and we think we have a good chance to recover full accreditation,” Johnson said.

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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2015

People

“I am thrilled to be home and ready to work hard for the city of Stone Mountain in my role as city councilman.”

Yates tapped for deputy attorney general Wells returns to City Council U.S. Attorney Sally QuilThe U.S. Senate must vote lian Yates is headed to Washto confirm Yates as deputy ington to be the deputy U.S. attorney general, but she will attorney general. assume the job on an acting President Barack Obama basis on Jan. 10 while her nominated Yates for the secnomination is pending. ond highest-ranking position Yates is a close ally of outat the Justice Department on going Attorney General Eric Dec. 22. Holder as well as the nominee Yates, 54, has been U.S. atto replace Holder, U.S. Attortorney for the Northern Disney Loretta Lynch. trict of Georgia since 2010. Holder congratulated She has a record of fightYates and said she would ing public corruption and has continue making progress handled several high-profile Since 2010, Sally Yates has been U.S. on issues such as sentenccases, including the prosecu- attorney for Northern District of Georgia. ing reform, which they have tion of 1996 Atlanta Olympics worked on together. bomber Eric Rudolph. Yates began her legal career as an associate at Yates is also the vice chair of the Attorney King & Spalding. General’s Advisory Committee. She is a fellow in the American College of Trial Between 2002 and 2010, she was the first Lawyers and has received numerous awards with assistant U.S. attorney. Before that, she was the the Department of Justice, including the Urban chief of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section League Champion of Justice Award and the Atfrom 1993 to 2002 and an assistant U.S. attorney torney General’s John Marshall Award. from 1989 to 2002, all for the Northern District She will fill the vacancy left by outgoing Deputy of Georgia. Attorney General James Cole.

After a seven-month deployment with the U.S. Air Force, Stone Mountain City Councilman Steven Wells is back at his Post 2 seat and as chairman of the city’s Public Works Committee. Wells, a first lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve, was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, as logistics readiness officer for the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron. As a logistics flight commander, he supported several high-priority U.S. Central Command construction projects Steven Wells throughout the Middle East. “It was a wonderful experience working with a great group of people to accomplish our mission, but I am thrilled to be home and ready to work hard for the city of Stone Mountain in my role as city councilman,” Wells said in a Dec. 5 statement. In 2013, he ran for a vacated City Council seat. His term expires in 2015. Wells, a member of the U.S. Air Force for 17 years, continues to serve in the Air Force Reserve as logistics flight commander with the 560th Red Horse Squadron in Charleston, S.C. He enlisted in the military in 1997 and was assigned to his first duty station in South Carolina. After serving four years active duty, he joined the Air Force Reserve assigned to the 315th Civil Engineering Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base while attending the University of South Carolina, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 2007, he was hired by Stone Mountain as director of Downtown Development and was employed until 2010, when he was accepted to attend the Air Force Officer Training School. He received his commission in 2011.

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

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV2791-4++ Willie Frances Isaac Plaintiff Vs. Columbus Isaac, Jr. Defendant To: Columbus Isaac, Jr. Atana, Alabama By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Dec. 02, 2014 you are hereby notified that on Mar. 10, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Willie

Frances Isaac, 2461 Bruce St., Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Dec. 02, 2014. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 4th day of Dec., 2014 12/20, 12/27, 1/03, 1/10

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV6846-4++ Sylette McAfee Plaintiff Vs. Demontre Stinson Defendant To: Demontre Stinson 2375 Wesley Chapel Rd. Decatur, GA 30034

Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody • Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Immigration Law

4153 Flat Shoals Parkway | Bldg C Suite 322 | Decatur, GA 30034

P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

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Legal Notices 12/13, 12/20, 12/27, 1/03

“EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Dec. 09, 2014 you are hereby notified that on Jul. 08, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Wylette McAfee, 1859 Winthrop Drive, SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Dec. 09, 2014. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 10th day of Dec., 2014 12/20, 12/27, 1/03, 1/10

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV11595-7++

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032 Desiree Ramos Plaintiff Vs. Ramon Ramos Contreras Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Dec. 10, 2014 you are hereby notified that on Dec. 05, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: 1323 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Dec. 10, 2014. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 10th day of Dec., 2014

Sex Offender

Vicky Britzki 1251 Lynwyn Lane S E Atlanta, GA 30316. Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation. Convicted on 3/17/1994

Sex Offender

Mikle Bush Homeless Chamblee, GA 30341. Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation. Convicted on 4/13/1992

Sex Offender

Ellis McBride 3337 Irish Lane Decatur, GA. 30032. Charge of Child Molestation. Convicted on 10/27/1994

The DeKalb Sex Offenders List is published by the DeKalb County Sheriff Office. For more information call the Sex Offender Unit at 404-298-8130.

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2015

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12/23/14 2:19 PM