CrossRoadsNews, January 11, 2014 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

FINANCE

A new supermarket is bringing fresh foods and value to the old Kroger space in the Rainbow Village shopping center in Decatur. 2

Wesley Chapel residents and Community Council members hear from Krispy Kreme developers. 3

After 10 years on Candler Road, John Jung relocates his discount fabric and upholstery store to a larger site on Memorial Drive. 9

Neighborhood grocery

Sweet deal revealed

Fabric shop’s new home

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

January 11, 2014

Volume 19, Number 37

www.crossroadsnews.com

Proposed city of Stonecrest lacks revenues to support itself By Ken Watts

Members of the DeKalb Delegation listen to presentations from four leaders of proposed cities in DeKalb on Jan. 9. The delegation plans to hold a public hearing to get input from citizens.

erate but would only generate $31 million. “Either we would have to significantly raise taxes in this particular corridor or our revenue would have to be dramatically increased by property value – residential, commercial or industrial. Neither is going to happen immediately,” Lary said. Lary was one of four leaders from proposed cities who presented to the House and Senate representatives at the State Capitol. Legislators also heard from organizers from Briarcliff, Lakeside and Tucker, who all received favorable reports from the institute. Howard Mosby, the delegation’s chairman, said the Stonecrest city’s $15 million

The proposed city of Stonecrest has been put on hold after a crucial feasibility study finds that it is not viable. Jason Lary, president of the Stonecrest City Alliance, told members of the DeKalb Delegation on Jan. 9 that the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government said its proposed city lacks the revenues to operate Jason Lary a city. The institute said the proposed 60-squaremile city needs $45.4 million annually to op- Please see STONECREST, page 3

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Clarkston celebrates diversity at swearing-in New mayor and former refugee takes office By Ken Watts

New Clarkston Mayor Edward “Ted” Terry, new City Council member Ahmed Hassan and incumbent Dean Moore were sworn into office on Jan. 7 before an enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 residents. After Municipal Court Judge Stephen Nichols administered the oath of office to the three who were elected and re-elected in the Nov. 5 election, the crowd that included DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who represents the area, state Sen. Steve Henson, state Rep. Michelle Henson, DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown and other elected officials broke into applause at the Clarkston Community Center. The inauguration ceremony was historic for the city and its large immigrant population. Hassan, who is from Somalia, is the first former refugee and new immigrant to take elective office in the city that is home to immigrants from more than 50 countries. Robert Hogan, who also won a seat on the council, is ill and did not attend the ceremony. He will be sworn into office at a later date. After the swearing-in ceremony, Hassan was elected vice mayor during a 30-minute work session. In Terry’s absence, he will run council meetings. In his inaugural speech, Hassan said he hoped his rise to political prominence will inspire other immigrants, but he said that he is in office to serve all Clarkston residents. “I can be the bridge connecting the immigrants to the larger community,” he said, “but everyone should commit to participating in our government and working to bring the change you want to see.” He has more than 20 years of corporate and small-business experience, an M.B.A. in finance from Mercer University of Atlanta’s

Special to CrossRoadsNews

New City Council member Ahmed Hassan (above) takes the oath of office Jan. 7. At right, new Mayor Ted Terry and the council meet.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Photos by Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Percussionists Fred Kelly and Mark Poret play African drums that lured the crowd to the dance floor. At right, the Bhutanese Artists of Georgia perform a folk dance.

Stetson School of Business, and an M.A. in accounting and financial management from Keller Graduate School of Business. Terry, who is holding elective office for the first time, is no stranger to politics. He has a decade of public service experience working in nonprofit consulting for the Sierra Club and Human Rights Campaign, Environment Georgia, and the Clarkston Active Living Initiative. He also worked on campaigns for state representatives, state senators, county com-

missioners, school board members, local officials and a U.S. congressman. Terry said Tuesday that annexation is a top priority for Clarkston so that the city can bring the majority of its international population officially within the city’s boundaries. “If you look at a map, you see the city has a total area of only 1.1 square mile,” Terry said after the meeting. “Most of our newcomers think they’re in the city, but technically they’re just outside our boundaries in the

30021 ZIP code.” He said the city is hoping to get state authorities to extend its boundaries. Terry said incorporating the neighborhoods would give the city code control over rundown apartment complexes that have become breeding grounds for crimes that spill into Clarkston. Moore, who has been on the council for four years, echoed Hassan’s sentiments on Please see CLARKSTON, page 4

Community

CrossRoadsNews

January 11, 2014

“There are seniors and others in nice neighborhoods along Rainbow Drive that need a store within easy reach.”

New supermarket opening in Rainbow Village shopping center By Ken Watts

The old Kroger space in the Rainbow Village shopping center in Decatur is getting new life as Fresh Valu Foods. The new grocery store, which is costing $1.5 million, is expected to open Jan. 23. Mike Clark, the store’s general manager, said they have hired about 100 employees from the surrounding neighborhoods and will do more than fill the void left by Kroger. “We will have the largest meat department in Atlanta,” he said. “We have Mike Clark experienced staff who can cut to order any meat product we offer.” Kroger, which had been in the shopping center for 38 years, vacated the space on May 3, 2013. The store owned by Decatur-based Fresh Valu Food Group was first announced in July. The group renovated the 40,000-square-foot space and added new fixtures, shelves, decor, freezers and meat coolers. Clark said customers resolving to maintain a healthy diet in the new year will be happy with the food choices. “Our produce department will also be one of the largest in the metro area, including a huge selection of local fruits and veggies delivered daily,” said Clark, who has 40 years experience working for IGA and Battle Foods. “And we’ll have a big selection of quality seafood.” He said a separate company will operate a drugstore next door in the space formerly occupied by the Kroger Pharmacy. Fresh Valu Foods has a personal connection to the DeKalb Super Valu on Candler Road. Ken Hong, that store’s general manager, said his mother, Huyhn Hong, is CEO of the Fresh Valu Food Group. Matthew Brown, a veteran supermarket manager, will run dayto-day operations. Ken Hong said he isn’t involved in the management of Fresh Valu Foods and there’s no business connection with the Candler Road store. “But I’m an unpaid consultant” to the Rainbow Village market, he said. Julian Relf, who has lived in the Kelly Lake

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Fresh Valu Foods, owned by Decatur-based Fresh Valu Food Group, is expected to open Jan. 23 in Rainbow Village in the space vacated by Kroger.

Heights neighborhood for 43 years, is happy to have another store in the space and wants it to carry quality products. “I worry about quality in food stores that aren’t connected with one of the big chains,” said Relf, a retired Decatur City Schools educator. Longtime area resident Yvonne Jobe, 70, who opposed Kroger’s departure from the shopping center and is still loyal to the brand, said she will give the new supermarket a chance when it opens. “I’m skeptical, but I’m curious to see what they have,” she said. Jobe, who has lived in the Kelly Lake Road neighborhood since 1973, said she is a mem-

ber of Kroger’s Visa card rewards program. “It’s important to my budget,” Jobe said. “With points on purchases and breaks on gas, I’ve gotten back as much as $60 in a month.” Clark said Fresh Valu will not have a rewards program when it opens, but it is looking into the feasibility of establishing one. “It’s very difficult for an independent store to do that but not impossible,” he said. “While we do the research, we’ll make up the difference with aggressive specials and attractive pricing.” In addition to locating in the aging plaza, Clark said Fresh Valu also has been talking to Rainbow Village owner Mike Caldwell about

upgrading the look of the entire complex. DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, who represents District 3 where the center is located, said Caldwell is moving ahead with renovation plans that include planting new tree islands and resurfacing the parking lot. Johnson said he is glad to see a new supermarket in the shopping center. “There are seniors and others in nice neighborhoods along Rainbow Drive that need a store within easy reach,” he said on Jan. 8. “Also, it’s good to have a diversity of stores in the area. That creates competition and helps keep prices low for consumers and gives them the option of shopping where they live.”

January 11, 2014

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“Krispy Kreme is an in-and-out scenario. That’s why the drive-through is important and why this project cannot proceed without [it].”

Residents get details on Wesley Chapel Krispy Kreme store By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Developers of the Krispy Kreme Doughnut restaurant at the corner of Wesley Chapel and Snapfinger Woods Drive in Decatur were set to apply to the county on Jan. 9 for a special land use permit to clear the way for the long anticipated store. Winston Salem, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme has been trying for more than a year to build a store on the corridor, which is undergoing a rebirth. Waylon Hoge, principal of Integrity Engineering & Development Services, told residents at a Jan. 7 community meeting on the site that the application is seeking to uniform the zoning on the property at 2533 Waylon Hoge Wesley Chapel Road from commercial and office and institutional to commercial and for approval to build a drive-through window. Hoge’s company is guiding the project through the county for JDL Castle Corp., which handled Krispy Kreme’s store construction. The Krispy Kreme store is one of two doughnut shops planned for the Wesley Chapel corridor. Dunkin’ Donuts is building a shop two doors down the street at the boarded-up former Three Dollar Cafe building at 2555 Wesley Chapel Road. RaceTrac and Kroger plan gas stations across the street from each other. All four projects are expected to be completed before the end of the year. The DeKalb Commission District 5 Community Council is expected to hear the application before the end of January. Hoge said the 2,700-square-foot store will have 20 seats inside, a small outdoor seating area, 10-foot-wide sidewalks, bike racks, ex-

Photos by Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Residents and Community Council members attend a meeting to hear about Krispy Kreme’s plans for a new restaurant on Wesley Chapel Road.

tensive landscaping, and 15 parking spaces. It will not have Wi-Fi. He said the project was designed under the guidelines of the Wesley Chapel Overlay District that is promoting a live-work, pedestrian-friendly community. The store will employ 30 to 40 part- and full-time workers. Some of the 19 residents and community leaders at the meeting raised concerns about the number of parking spaces and the lack

Alliance plans to shrink proposal STONECREST,

from page

said that Krispy Kreme customers don’t linger at the store and 15 parking spaces are adequate to serve the 20seat doughnut shop. “Krispy Kreme is an in-and-out scenario,” he said. “That’s why the drive-through is important and why this project cannot proceed without a drive-through.” Krispy Kreme, which Freddy Luster was founded in 1937, has been making doughnuts for 77 years. It has 812 locations in 23 countries around the world. Its plan is to demolish the former Wachovia bank that was donated to the nonprofit BDI and build a 2,700-square-foot store. Luster said the store will the smallest of three prototypes that Krispy Kreme builds. It will be the second in Atlanta. The first opened on Buford Highway in October. If the company’s SLUP application is approved by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners, Hoge said the store should be open before Thanksgiving.

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shortfall is problematic. “That’s a gigantic gap,” he said Thursday after the hearing. The 2014 legislative session begins on Jan. 13. Mosby said that the delegation plans to hold a public hearing in the community to hear from residents. “We are shooting for the week of Jan. 20,” he said. “Our intention is to hear from our citizens and the county before we sit down with a committee.” The Stonecrest Alliance’s 59-page study also said that based on 911 calls made in the area, the proposed city received 75,729 calls and would need a large police force to handle the volume. South DeKalb community activists who’ve opposed cityhood said the rejection of the Stonecrest proposal underscores the economic inequality in the county. Willie Pringle, who lives in Decatur, said that it is time to think of the entire county. “We need to step back and take a look at how taking resources out of the county and putting them into these cities is affecting us, our schools and our children,” he said. Joel Edwards, vice president of the Kings Ridge Neighborhood Association, said all cityhood proposals have to face the same harsh reality. “Any city has to have a commercial base that can help offset residential property taxes and we just don’t have it in South DeKalb.” Viola Davis, president of the Unhappy Taxpayer Voter Organization, said personal incomes have been falling in South DeKalb for years. “I’m not surprised by the CVI’s decision considering the drop in taxable income, falling property values and lack of economic

development,” she said. But Lary told the delegation that the area’s lack of a county commissioner stands in the way of its quest for cityhood. District 5 Commissioner Lee May is serving as DeKalb’s interim CEO while CEO Burrell Ellis is awaiting trial on corruption charges. No one was named to replace him as the district’s commissioner. “We’re in this fix because of our representation or lack thereof,” he said. “We have no one to blame but ourselves. Our problems have built up over the years.” Lary said he is submitting a letter to Gov. Nathan Deal demanding a special election to fill the District 5 seat. “We are in the toilet,” he told legislators. “We’re holding on to the rim of the bowl. This study lets us know how badly we have been under-represented. We’re demanding that the governor order a special election to fill Lee May’s District 5 seat.” Gina Mangham, a member of the Stonecrest Alliance, said this is no time for the area’s representation to be in question. “With everything that’s going on, this is probably one of the most critical times in the 5th District’s history,” said Mangham, who is an attorney. “We need to resolve that issue.” The alliance plans to shrink the size of its proposal to 38 square miles and 48,000 population from 60 square miles and a population of 80,000. “They’ll essentially do a new study for us and recalculate everything,” Lary said. “We’re working with them on the cost of a revised study but don’t have a figure yet.” Lary said the results of the revised study will be too late for this General Assembly. “We hope to have a new report out in time for the 2015 session. In the short term, we’ll concentrate on the representation issue.”

of Wi-Fi. They also wanted attractive trash cans on the property. They felt 15 spaces were not enough and that the store should have Wi-Fi. Hoge said that if the community wants more spaces, he can create another four from an area that was set aside for green space. “That is why we are having this meeting,” he said. “We want to hear from the community.” Charles Peagler, president of the Kings Ridge Homeowners Association and a member of the District 5 Community Council, asked Hoge what the company would do if Wi-Fi was a condition for Charles Peagler its construction. Hoge said that as a company, Krispy Kreme does not offer Wi-Fi at its stores. “They looked at it and decided that it would be too expensive to secure it,” he said. “But I don’t know what they would do.” Freddy Luster, whose company Redrock Global is managing the project’s real estate,

3636 Panola Road • Lithonia, GA 30038 (Across from the Salem Crossing Shopping Center)

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Editorial Intern Vince Bailey Jr. Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Billing Clerk Charmyne Montfort Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

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January 11, 2014

“We need volunteers to serve on advisory committees for planning, zoning and streets to make sure we’re getting citizen input.”

Frigid weather disrupts schools, everyday life By Ken Watts

The start of DeKalb’s new school semester was delayed by a day this week because of the effects of the “polar vortex” that visited ice and low temperatures on more than 85 percent of the country. In metro Atlanta, temperatures plunged to 6 degrees on Jan. 7, the first day of classes for 2014 in DeKalb County, causing School Superintendent Michael Thurmond to cancel classes, after-school programs and extracurricular activities. He also closed district administrative offices for the day. Tuesday’s temperature was the lowest metro Atlanta has seen on that date in about 18 years. The wind chill made it feel as low as minus 13 in metro Atlanta and as low as minus 30 in some isolated parts of North Georgia. Nationally, the bone-chilling cold, snow and ice affected about 200 million people, grounded thousands of flights, stranded workers, and burst pipes from the Midwest to the Southeast. Experts say the polar vortex caused the biggest economic disruption by the weather since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Its economic cost is estimated at $5 billion. DeKalb Schools reopened the next day on Jan 8. The district said it closed “to protect the health and well-being of students and staff ” because of the potential risks associated with frostbite and hypothermia. Several other metro school systems, including Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County, Forsyth County and Coweta County, also closed on Tuesday, DeKalb Schools said it consulted with the National Weather Service and the county’s health director, Dr. Sandra Ford, before deciding to close for the day. Ford said that as wind speeds

A “polar vortex” brought bone-chilling cold, snow and ice to the nation this week. It affected about 200 million people, grounded thousands of flights, stranded workers, and burst pipes from the Midwest to the Southeast.

increase, heat is carried away from the body faster, which lowers skin temperature, increasing risk for frostbite and hypothermia. “In extreme cold, children need hats, gloves, coats, and even face coverings, as well as appropriate shoes and socks to protect those areas at greatest risk for damage from exposure: fingers, toes, earlobes, and the tip of the nose,” she said. The frigid weather slowed MARTA trains and caused delayed opening of county governments and some businesses, broke water mains and residential pipes, and hampered the operation of cars. Looking ahead to future weather emergencies, DeKalb interim CEO Lee May and DeKalb Emergency

Management Agency officials are encouraging all residents and stakeholders to sign up for the county’s high-speed notification system, CodeRED. The emergency notification system has the ability to quickly deliver time-sensitive messages via voice, email and text to targeted areas or the county during emergency situations or disasters. “If we need to notify the public about public safety hazards such as weather, CodeRED is one of the tools we will use to reach people directly,” May said. To sign up for CodeRED, residents and businesses should visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov and follow the link to the CodeRED Com-

munity Notification Enrollment page. Those without Internet access should call DeKalb Emergency Management at 770-270-0413 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to register via phone. Required information includes first and last name, physical street address, and primary phone number. To receive weather warnings, subscribers should be sure to select the Severe Weather Warning link. Businesses are encouraged to register for CodeRED as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number.

Inauguration takes on look, feel of international festival CLARKSTON,

from page

citizen involvement in his speech. He pointed to Clarkston’s proposed $6 million streetscape project that will transform the look of the city. “We’re at a key moment in our history,” Moore said. “We need volunteers to serve on advisory committees for planning, zoning and streets to make sure we’re getting citizen input every step of the way.” With city business out of the way, the inauguration took on the look and feel of an international festival with folk dances by the Bhutanese Artists of Georgia, performances by Burmese singer Pan Ei San and the singing duo Aviva and Simon, and a poetry reading by Betty Amin. Percussionists Fred Kelly and Mark Poret played African drums, luring the crowd to the dance floor. The new mayor – decked out in his “campaigning outfit” – red low-cut sneakers and a business suit – was right in the middle of the swirl of dancers, some of them dressed in traditional Somali garb. “I’ll retire them [sneakers] after tonight,” Terry Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews said. An enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 people attended the Jan. 7 swearing-in ceremony at the “I wore them out in months of door-to-door camClarkston Community Center, which was followed by singing, dancing, drumming and poetry. paigning. I think they’ve had it.”

Circulation Audited By

index to advertisers 2014 Health & Wellness Expo......................... 7 Abbot’s Hair Studio........................................ 11 Ann Nahari Intimates..................................... 11 Art Awakening............................................... 11 BJH Attorneys & Counselors at Law............... 11 Bobby L. Scott & Associates........................... 11

DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court......................9 Dr. Craig B. Williams, DDS.............................. 8 LEK Enterprises, Inc....................................... 11 Macy’s............................................................12 MARTA............................................................ 5 Multi Care Rehab Center................................. 8

New Creations Fitness.................................... 11 Optiworld Medical and Vision Center.............6 Padgett Business Services............................... 3 PICR Clinic..................................................... 11 Utley Chiropractic & Wellness Center............ 11 Woodruff Medical Testing & Training............ 11

Wright Vision Care..........................................6 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts

January 11, 2014

Community

METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Notice of Public Hearings – Jan. 21 & 23, 2014

Online access for benefit recipients Families in Georgia who receive food stamps, Medicaid and TANF benefits can now check notices on the status of their accounts online. Recipients, including those getting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, can view notices about their benefits by logging in to their “My COMPASS” accounts. The online service is aimed at increasing the level of access families have to the status of their benefits and keep them informed of any information necessary to complete the renewal of their benefits, the Georgia Department of Human Services said in a Jan. 7 statement. Through the “View My Notices” tab on

www.compass.ga.gov, families are now able to view their last 10 notices in PDF format online. The option on Compass is the latest enhancement to online services for Division of Family and Children Services clients. Future enhancements will allow clients to opt to receive electronic updates on the status of their accounts. In addition to the new accessibility options, individuals also can use the Compass site to apply for benefits, submit renewal applications, check the status of their benefits and report changes to their accounts. For more information, visit http://dhs .georgia.gov.

DCS needs Day of service volunteers The nonprofit DeKalb Community Service Board needs help making the Jan. 20 King holiday a day of service. The group will be painting and doing landscaping and needs volunteers to help at two of three sites, including homes for adults with developmental disabilities in Tucker

and Lithonia. Individuals and groups from the office, community, civic associations and places of worship can help from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sign up at www.dekcsb.org. For more information, email info@ dekcsb.org or call 404-508-7875.

Former library director remembered $29 million bond issue in 1987 to DeKalb Public Library workers renovate and expand the main Deare remembering the contributions catur Library and to build 11 new of former Director Barbara Loar branches, and she transformed the who died on Dec. 22, 2013. underused Scottdale-Tobie Grant Loar, who spent 20 years from Library into a homework center for 1971 to 1991 at the library, guided at-risk kids. She also led an initiathe system through a period of untive for greater use of the national paralleled growth and progress. library symbol on traffic signs to She died at her home in Embry Barbara Loar provide greater visibility. Hills. She was 87. A Dec. 30 reception honoring her life was She served as director and assistant director and was known for her “innovative held at the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library, leadership and daring ideas,” a statement at which was named in her honor in 1997. In 2006, the board of trustees gave her the honwww.DeKalbLibrary.org said. Loar led the campaign for passage of a orary title of director emeritus.

Georgia gets Race to the Top grant Georgia is among six additional states to receive grant awards totaling $280 million from the 2013 Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge fund to improve access to high-quality early learning and development programs throughout their states. Its share is $51,739,896. Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont join the 14 existing state grantees that secured funding in the first two rounds, which began in 2011. Under the Obama administration, RTTELC has awarded more than $1 billion to build statewide systems of high-quality early learning for the nation’s youngest children. RTT-ELC is a key part of the administration’s comprehensive early learning agenda in combination with President Obama’s Preschool for All proposal. RTT-ELC supports states in their systemic efforts to align, coordinate, and improve the quality of existing early learning and development programs across multiple funding streams that support children from birth through age 5. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the additional awards on Dec. 19. The program is jointly administered by the Education Department and HHS. Kathleen Sebelius “By investing in highquality early learning through programs like Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge, we are able to close achievement gaps, provide life-transforming opportunities for children, and strengthen and build a thriving middle class,” Duncan said. “Thanks to the leadership of governors, state officials, and education advocates, these states have created plans to develop high-quality early learning

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systems that improve the quality of learning to provide our youngest citizens with the strong foundation they need for success in school and beyond.” Sebelius said the administration is committed to ensuring that all children have a chance to succeed. “An investment in our children is an investment in our nation’s future,” she said. States may use RTT-ELC funds for such activities as: n Establishing culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate early learning and development standards across all the essential domains of school readiness for children from birth to kindergarten entry. n Ensuring that quality program standards are applied to all early learning programs in the state. n Building and improving state Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement Systems designed to inform parents about the quality of early learning programs and drive improvements to the quality of those programs. n Promoting health and family engagement strategies. In the first year, nine states were awarded grants: California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington. In 2012, five additional highest-rated states were awarded grants: Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon and Wisconsin. Obama’s 2014 budget request calls for a historic new investment – $75 billion, in fully offset mandatory funds, over a 10-year period – in preschool education that supports universal access for all 4-year-olds from low-income and moderate-income families through a partnership with the states. For more information, visit http://www2 .ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-early learningchallenge.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering

Proposed Bus Service Modifications for May 17, 2014 Proposed routing and/or adjustments for the following bus routes: Route 67 – West End/Dixie Hills: proposed routing to extend route north on Anderson Ave. NW from Tiger Flowers Dr. NW to Joseph E. Boone Blvd. NW, left on Joseph E. Boone Blvd. NW, left on Aurora Ave. NW, left on Morehouse Dr. NW, right on Morris Brown Ave. NW, then right on Tiger Flowers Dr. NW and continuing the regular route. The route segment on Tiger Flowers Dr. NW, between Anderson Ave. NW and Morris Brown Ave. NW, will be discontinued. Route 148 – Medical Center/Riveredge Parkway: will no longer operate on I-285 between Medical Center Station and Riveredge Parkway. Propose routing will be via Peachtree Dunwoody; Johnson Ferry; Roswell Road; Lake Placid; (service will then operate non-stop) via Kingsport; Northwood; Lake Forrest; Hammond Drive; Mt. Vernon; Powers Ferry; New Northside Drive (where regular stops will resume); Interstate North Parkway; Riveredge Parkway to Northside Drive.

Saturday Route 2 – Ponce de Leon Ave/Decatur Improve midday service to every 45 min from every 65 minutes. Route 21 – Memorial Drive Improve midday service to every 25 min from every 35 minutes. Route 39 – Buford Highway Improve midday service to every 12 min from every 15 minutes. Route 50 – Donald L. Hollowell Pkwy Improve midday service to every 30 min from every 60 minutes. Route 89 – Flat Shoals Rd./Scofield Rd. Reduce service frequency from every 18 min to every 20 minutes. Route 102 – Ponce de Leon Ave/Candler Park Improve midday service to every 45 min from every 65 minutes.

Weekday

Sunday

Route 9 – Toney Valley/Peachcrest Rd. Improve morning and afternoon peak service to every 20 min in peak direction and reduce service to every 30 min in non-peak direction.

Route 5 – Piedmont Rd./Sandy Springs Improve midday service to every 25 min from every 35 minutes.

Route 12 – Howell Mill/Cumberland Improve morning and afternoon peak service to every 15 min from West Paces Ferry to Midtown in the AM and from Midtown to West Paces Ferry in the PM. Peak service to and from Cumberland Transit Center in Cobb County will be reduced to operate every 30 minutes.

Route 33 – Briarcliff Rd./Lenox Reduce frequency of service from every 50 min to every 55 minutes.

Route 53 – Skipper Dr./West Lake Ave Improve service all day from every 40 min To every 35 min until 8:00 p.m.

Route 89 – Flat Shoals Rd./Scofield Rd. Reduce frequency of service from every 18 min to every 20 minutes.

Route 107 – Glenwood Rd. Reduce service frequency to every 20 minutes. Route 165 – Fairburn Rd./Barge Rd. P&R Improve morning and afternoon peak service to every 15 min in peak direction and reduce service to every 30 min in non-peak direction. Route 180 – Fairburn/Palmetto Improve morning and afternoon peak service to every 12 min and midday service to every 25 minutes.

Route 21 – Memorial Drive Improve midday service to every 25 min from every 35 minutes.

Route 39 – Buford Highway Improve midday service to every 12 min from every 15 minutes. Route 83 – Campbellton Rd/Greenbriar Improve midday service to every 18 min from every 20 minutes.

Atlanta Streetcar Detours End May 17, 2014 Route 1 – Centennial Olympic Park/Coronet Way Returning to Centennial Olympic Park Dr. between Ivan Allen Blvd. and Marietta St. Route 3 – MLK Jr. Dr./Auburn Ave Returning to Peachtree St; Auburn Ave and Jackson Street. Route 16 – Noble Returning to Auburn Ave. and Peachtree St.

Route 186 – Rainbow Dr./South DeKalb Improve morning and afternoon peak service to every 15 min in peak direction and reduce service to every 30 min in non-peak direction.

Route 110 – Peachtree Street/The Peach Returning to Peachtree St. between Ellis St. and Five Points. Route 155 – Windsor St./Lakewood Ave. Returning to Gilmer St., Piedmont Avenue and Edgewood Ave.

NOTICE

Rail Service Frequency Modifications

In an effort to address fare evasion throughout the MARTA system, effective May 17, 2014, MARTA will be implementing a new policy requiring the closing of bus doors while buses are in station bus bays and during layovers. MARTA customers will not be allowed to board unmanned buses.

Improve PEAK frequency of service on all rail lines: RED line: Airport – North Springs GOLD line: Airport – Doraville BLUE line: H.E. Holmes – Indian Creek GREEN line: Edgewood/Candler Park – Bankhead

Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.

There are no proposed changes to evening or weekend rail service frequency.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Thursday, Jan. 23

68 Mitchell Street, Suite 3100

1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, 30030

Old Council Chambers (Tower side of building)

Maloof Auditorium

Atlanta City Hall 7:00 p.m.

Community Q&A Session: 6-7 p.m. Riding MARTA: Bus routes 32, 49, 55, and 74 from Five Points Station.

3717 College Street, College Park, 30337

College Park Public Safety Complex 7:00 p.m.

Community Q&A Session: 6-7 p.m. Riding MARTA: Bus route 172 from College Park Rail Station. Copies of the proposed bus service modifications will also be available at MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact (404) 848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665. In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings and want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s

7:00 p.m.

Community Q&A Session: 6-7 p.m. Riding MARTA: Walk one block west of Decatur Station.

7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

North Fulton Service Center 6:00 p.m.

Community Q&A Session: 5-6 p.m. Riding MARTA: Route 87 from either the Dunwoody or North Springs Rail Stations. Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete an online Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) or fax your comments no later than January 31, 2014 to (404) 848-4179. All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require.

Keith T. Parker, AICP General Manager/CEO

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

January 11, 2014

Flu season typically picks up steam in January and runs through late February or early March.

Medicaid expansion advocates staging mass rally at Capitol The group Moral Monday Georgia is staging a mass rally at the State Capitol on Jan. 13 to pressure Gov. Nathan Deal and the state to expand Medicaid immediately to provide health coverage for more Georgians. The rally takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. The statewide coalition of community, labor and faith-based organizations will offer workshops on lobbying starting at 10 a.m. The Georgia Legislature’s 2014 session resumes on Monday. Organizers say Medicaid expansion has the potential to provide access to health insurance to 650,000 low-income Georgians, prevent more than 3,600 deaths each year, and create nearly 70,000 more jobs for the state. A 10 a.m.-to-noon session will train

individuals and stakeholders how to lobby their representatives. It takes place in the Capitol Mezzanine, 206 Washington St. S.W. in Atlanta. After a bag lunch at noon, workshops with the Rev. William Barber from NC Moral Monday will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Enrollment help to register for coverage under the Affordable Care Act will be available at Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington St. S.W. The Medicaid expansion mass rally takes place in front of the State Capitol on Washington Street. There will be guest speakers and music. For more information, email info@ moralmondayga.org or visit www.moral Moral Monday Georgia organizers who will stage a mass rally at the State Capitol on Jan. 13 say Medicaid expansion would provide health coverage for more Georgians and create more jobs. mondayga.org.

Podiatry specialists join DeKalb Medical group Drs. Thomas Cain and David Alder’s Atlanta Podiatry Group has joined DeKalb Medical Physicians Group. The practice located in Snellville specializes in surgery, reconstruction, trauma and treatment of all diseases of the foot and ankle. The two doctors bring 25 years of experience to the DeKalb Medical group. Cain, who got his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in 1982, is a specialist David Alder in surgery, reconstruction, trauma, sports medicine, and the treatment of all diseases and deformities of the foot and ankle. Alder is a 1994 graduate of Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami and a former residency director of podiatric medicine and surgery at DeKalb Medical. He specializes in pediatric foot and ankle surgery, wound care, trauma of the foot and ankle, running injuries and Thomas Cain biomechanics, and treatment of bunions and hammertoes. The DeKalb Medical Physicians Group comprises 14 primary care physician practices and 10 specialty practices throughout eastern metro Atlanta. It serves DeKalb Medical’s campuses at Hillandale, North Decatur and Downtown Decatur.

Flu complications taking toll on young adults health care providers or at pharMore young and middle-aged macies around the state. Drenzek adults are falling ill with severe said antiviral therapy is also an respiratory illness associated with important second line of defense the flu, the Georgia Department for those who become ill. of Public Health says. Any patient with confirmed The state reports widespread or suspected influenza can take flu activity for the first time in the antiviral drugs to reduce the 2013-2014 flu season, including risk of serious illness and death, more than 400 hospitalizations especially those who are hospitaland nine confirmed flu-related ized; have severe, complicated, or deaths. progressive illness; or are at higher Georgia is not alone. The national Centers for Disease Control Flu-related severe respiratory illness is affecting risk for influenza complications. The treatments have been shown and Prevention says that flu activ- more young and middle-aged adults. to reduce the duration of illness ity increased by 23 percent across and hospitalizations and to lower the risk of flu-related Southeastern states as the new year began. The increase is not uncommon for this time of year. complications, the Department of Public Health says. In addition to the flu vaccine, there are steps people Flu season typically picks up steam in January and runs through late February or early March. What makes this can take to protect themselves and others: flu season unique is that the virus seems to be hitting the n Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap hardest for a different age group: young adults. and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap Flu typically affects children and older adults the most, and water are not available. but this year, states are reporting that more young and n Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your middle-aged adults are falling ill with severe respiratory hands. illness associated with influenza. n Avoid people who are sick. State epidemiologist Cherie Drenzek said most of the n If you experience flu-like symptoms – cough, sore people with severe illness had risk factors for flu-asso- throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, body aches or fatigue ciated complications, including pregnancy and morbid – stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others. obesity, but several did not. For more information, visit www.health.state.ga.us or Flu shots are available from local health departments, www.cdc.gov.

Free sleep workshop at DeKalb Medical Class offers help with diabetes Sleep disorder specialist Massey Arrington will offer the keys to restful slumber at a Healthy Sleep workshop on Jan. 14 at DeKalb Medical at North Decatur. People with chronic sleep disorders can experience excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, pauses in their breathing or leg movement during sleep, or tiredness immediately after waking. During the 6-to-7 p.m. class, Arrington will explore proper diagnosis and treatment of chronic sleep disorders. It takes place in the theater and is free to attend. DeKalb Medical is at 2701 N. Decatur Road in Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalb

medical.org or call 404-501-WELL (9355).

Lymphedema On Jan. 15, a certified therapist will lead a free lymphedema education and prevention class at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale. The one-hour class gets under way at 11:30 a.m. in the second-floor Conference Room. Lymphedema is a collection of fluid that causes swelling (edema) in the arms and legs. The class will discuss why it occurs, if it can be prevented and its treatment. DeKalb Medical at Hillandale is at 5910 Hillandale Drive in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.dekalb medical.org or call 404-501-WELL (9355).

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Diabetic residents who are interested in managing their disease can enroll in “A Better Choices, Better Health–Diabetes” class at the YMCA. The workshop takes place Jan. 15 to Feb. 26 at the South DeKalb Family YMCA in Decatur. Up to 16 people 18 years or older with type 2 diabetes will meet once a week for six weeks. The workshop is offered as part of a research study conducted by Stanford University and funded by the National Council on Aging. Not all participants in the workshop will qualify for the study. A Better Choices, Better Health-Diabetes workshop will help participants understand how to eat with diabetes while still making it enjoyable; monitor and manage their blood sugar; start or maintain a regular exercise program; communicate better with family, friends and their medical team; and design their own self-management program. The South DeKalb Family YMCA is at 2565 Snapfinger Road. To register, contact Jennifer Rewkowski at 1-866-202-1926.

January 11, 2014

CrossRoadsNews

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

Cookie sales provide more than $52,000 in scholarships for higher education and maintain five camp properties for Girl Scouts. Jennifer Rice’s “Got Soap” entry was a winner at the March 2013 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair when she was a seventhgrader at Mount Carmel Christian School in Stone Mountain.

Design our Bag contest for kids Creative kids up to age 15 can enter the Fresh Market’s second annual “Design Our Bag” challenge for a chance to have their artwork displayed on reusable shopping bags, art supplies, edible treats and gift cards. The nationwide search for a new bag design runs through Jan. 28. The contest will benefit Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” campaign. Last year’s inaugural challenge and winning bags raised more than $50,000 for No Kid Hungry, a national nonprofit working to end childhood hunger in America. Children 15 and younger who love food and art can submit a drawing of their favorite product sold at the Fresh Market stores. The top two artists, voted on by employees, will have their designs printed on limited edition reusable shopping bags, which will be sold in the specialty grocery retailer’s stores in 2014. The Fresh Market will donate 50 percent of the retail price of each bag sold to No Kid Hungry, with a minimum donation of $150,000. The winners also will receive a $200 gift card for the Fresh Market, a kid-friendly goodie bag filled with an artist kit and edible treats, and accolades via social media channels. There are 151 stores and each will award its top two finalists a $50 gift card. For rules and prizes, visit www .thefreshmarket.com/designourbag.

January 11, 2014

Science fair needs judges, gifts About 300 students across DeKalb have been laboring for months over projects they are entering in the 2014 DeKalb Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and judges, sponsors and donations are needed to support them. The DeKalb School System is seeking individuals with expertise in science, mathematics and/or engineering to serve as judges at the Junior and Senior Division Fair – for grades six to eight and nine through 12 – on Feb. 8. The competition takes place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Arabia Mountain High School, 6610 Browns Mill Road in Lithonia. The public can view the projects between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. At least 120 volunteer judges are needed for the regional finals. Those selected will receive a $75 honorarium.

The registration form can be found at http://fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~science _web. Interested parties are asked to apply by Jan. 31. Students from county, private, home and parochial schools can compete in the annual science fair, which provides a platform for students to showcase their projects and collaborate with other scientifically minded students. The Novice Division Fair for grades three to five will be held at Arabia Mountain on Feb. 7. The public can view the projects from 4:30 to 5 p.m. The fair also is accepting donations and sponsorships for gift bags. Donations are needed by Jan. 27. For more information, contact deneen_p_mcbean-warner@fc.dekalb .k12.ga.us or call 678-676-0148.

that nationally obesity rates have more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past three decades. Snack It Up was created by Healthy Kids Out of School, an initiative of ChildObesity180 at Tufts University, as part of an effort to develop innovative and collaborative approaches to preventing childhood obesity. It promotes three principles for healthy out-ofschool time – Drink Right, Move More, and Snack Smart. Christina D. Economos, vice chair and director, said Snack It Up was developed because out-of-school-time program leaders said fruits and vegetables are not easily accessible. “With the participation of Kroger

and support from Newman’s Own Foundation, we have been able to help such programs provide healthier snack options for children while still staying within their budgets,” said Economos, an associate professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts. Glynn Jenkins, Kroger’s communications director, said the chain is excited to be a part of the Snack It Up pilot program in Atlanta. “We hope the Snack It Up program educates children and parents about the benefits of eating affordable fruits and vegetables and nutritious food choices,” he said. Visit www.ChildObesity180.org.

Girl Scouts are now taking cookie orders Still got a sweet tooth after all those traditional holiday treats? If you’ve been craving refreshing Thin Mints or crunchy Samoas, you’re in luck. More than 46,000 Girl Scouts in metro Atlanta and Northwest Georgia are now taking cookie orders. Booth sales open in February. The cookies, which sell for $3.50 a box, are not available for purchase online. To locate Girl Scout cookies in the 34-county region, visit www.ShowMeTheCookies.com. Cookie sales provide more than $52,000 in scholarships for higher education and maintain five camp properties for Girl Scouts. More than 17,000 adults volunteer with the Greater Atlanta Girl Scouts. Girls can hone their sales skills at a councilwide Cookie Rally on Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cobb Galleria, and parents can learn how to support their girls. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.gsgatl .org/cookierally. To join, volunteer or donate to Girl Scouts, visit www .gsgatl.org or call 1-800-771-4046.

Athletic kids can apply 2014 Sporty Tract Snack It Up program fighting childhood obesity for Girls ages 10 to 16 who are involved in golf, soccer, The nonprofit ChildObesity180 has launched a pilot program in Decatur called Snack It Up to help combat childhood obesity by encouraging local grocery retailers to offer discounts on fresh fruits and vegetables to out-ofschool programs. Kroger, one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers, is one of the first grocers to sign up for the pilot program in its Dallas and Atlanta markets. It is providing product discounts to programs such as Pop Warner and 4-H. ChildObesity180, made up of national leaders from the public, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors, will soon roll out the program nationwide with other grocers. It says

Cele 21 Ye brating ar Comm s in the unity

swimming or tennis at the competitive level can apply for the 2014 Sporty Tract to Scholarship Initiative. The initiative includes the Camp Elite and Sporty Saturday programs and is designed to develop and foster lifestyle skills and build self-confidence among student-athletes. For an application and guidelines, email sportygirlsinc.org@gmail.com. Rashan Ali The deadline to apply is March 14. Final selections will be made by April 1. The nonprofit Sporty Girls Inc., founded by media personality and Southwest DeKalb High School alum Rashan Ali, cultivates, enriches, and challenges young women to participate in competitive sports while developing lifestyle skills. For more information, visit www.sportygirlsinc.org.

CrossRoadsNews

January 11, 2014

Finance

“We have a lot more fashion fabrics, more upholstery fabrics. We have more of everything.”

Photos by Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

John Jung (at left), Fabric Joint owner, says the new location quadruples the size of his old store. Lanetta Strong (above), who was shopping at the new Memorial Drive site on Jan. 8, said the store has a large variety of fabrics and great prices.

Discount fabric store offers more at the larger location By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

After a decade on Candler Road, John Jung has relocated his discount fabrics store Fabric Joint to Memorial Drive. Jung completed the move to 3372 Memorial Drive, near the old Hooper Alexander Elementary School, on Jan. 2. He said the new location quadruples the size of his old store across from Saint Philip AME Church.

“We have room for lots more fabric,” he said. With the larger space, his son, Pilsu Jung, said they now have room to better organize the fabrics. “We have a lot more fashion fabrics, more upholstery fabrics,” he said. “We have more of everything.” Lanetta Strong, who was shopping in the store on Jan. 8, said she loves the larger

SBA offering pointers on disaster preparedness

shop. “It’s very nice,” she said. “They have a big variety of fabrics and the prices are great too.” Strong, who sews clothes, prayer cloths and coats, was shopping for fabrics to make herself some warm clothes after this week’s “polar vortex” sent the temperature into the single digits. “It’s been too cold,” she said. “I need

Webinars explore 8(a) business development

Small-business owners can join Agility Recovery and the SBA on Jan. 14 for a free webinar on disaster preparedness, business continuity strategies and lessons learned from 2013. “2013 Year-in-Review: Valuable Lessons & Best Practices” takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Space is limited and registration at www1 .gotomeeting.com/register/711599609 is required. Small businesses were hard-hit by the floods, tornadoes and wildfires that occurred in 2013 and some were even forced to close temporarily. The webinar will explore major events that caused business interruptions, the latest trends in business continuity planning, and steps and tools and actionable ideas that can increase preparedness. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to download helpful disaster preparedness checklists. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

Owners of small disadvantaged businesses who are seeking to be certified in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program can participate in two webinars this month. “Part I – Not Just Contracts: The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program” takes place Jan. 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. Registration is free but required at http://ems.intellor.com/index.cgi?p=204872&t=71&do=register&s=&r ID=432&edID=293. “Part II – Top Reasons Why SBA Returns & Declines an 8(a) Application” takes place Jan. 22 from 2 to 3 p.m. Registration is free but required at http://ems.intellor. com/index.cgi?p=204873&t=71&do=register&s=&rID =432&edID=293. The SBA certifies small businesses considered to be socially and economically disadvantaged under its 9-year-old 8(a) Business Development Program. Individuals who are members of certain minority groups – African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action # ++13CV12402-8++ Marquitta Wuesteward Plaintiff Vs. John A. Wuesteward Defendant By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated December 16, 2013 you are hereby notified that on December 5, 2013 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce You are required to file with the Clerk

of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiffís attorney whose name and address is Marquitta Wuesteward 5203 Shawn Lane Stone Mountain, Ga 30088. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, December 16, 2013 Witness the Honorable Linda Hunter Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 16th day of December, 2013. 12/28, 01/4, 01/11, 01/18

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 13CV12645-10++

Mohammed Hassan filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on December 19, 2013 to change the name(s) if the following minor children(s): Attib Mohmmad Hassan to Attib Mohammed Adam . Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: December 5, 2013 Mohammed Hassan Petitioner, Pro se 1000 Montreal Rd Apt 16-A Clarkston, Ga 30021 (404)-914-3321 12/28, 01/4,01/11,01/18

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Americans, and Asian-Pacific Americans and Subcontinent Asian-Americans – as well as firms owned by Alaska Native corporations, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations are considered to be socially disadvantaged. Community development corporations are also eligible to participate. The 8(a) program helps these firms develop and grow through one-to-one counseling, training workshops, and management and technical guidance. It also provides access to government contracting opportunities, allowing them to become solid competitors in the federal marketplace. In fiscal year 2012, small businesses received more than $15.8 billion in 8(a) contract dollars. The one-hour webinars will explore eligibility requirements; technical assistance; common myths and misconceptions about the program; and the top reasons why applications are declined or returned. They will be archived at www.youtube.com/sba.

plaintiffís attorney whose name and address is Kishar Hurston 1500 North Decatur Road #10 Atlanta, Ga 30306 .Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, December 20, 2013. Witness the Honorable Asha Jackson Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

Legal Notices 12/28, 01/4, 01/11, 01/18

some layers.” The store also offers custom upholstery of chairs, sofas and ottomans. Jung said the store is still offering free fabric with upholstery. “We also have special discounts for customers who mention CrossRoadsNews,” he said. For more information, call 404-2841543.

01/11, 01/18, 01/25, 02/1

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action # ++13CV12392-2++ Kishar Hurston Plaintiff Vs. Barrigan Ramey Defendant TO: Barrigan Ramey By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated December 20, 2013 you are hereby notified that on November 21, 2013 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Compliant for Divorce with Minor Children You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the

Civil Action # ++13CV11846-2++ Melissa Knox Plaintiff Vs. Gregory Knox Defendant By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated January 6,2014 you are hereby notified that on November 21, 2013 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiffís attorney whose name and address is Melissa Knox 2235 Plaster Rd, NE, Apt 29 Atlanta, Ga 30345. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, January 6,2014 Witness the Honorable Desiree Sutton

Peasler Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 6th day of January, 2014. 01/11, 01/18, 01/25, 02/1

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action # ++13CV9686-10++ Teaondra C. Johnson Coleman Plaintiff Vs. Alvin Louis Coleman Defendant By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated January 8,2014 you are hereby notified that on September 16, 2013 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiffís attorney whose name and address is Teaondra C. Johnson Coleman 635 Brookridge Ave Atlanta, Ga 30340. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, January 8,2014 Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 8th day of January, 2014.

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

January 11, 2014

“We are proud to call Dr. Vivian not just an American hero, but also one of our neighbors here in Fulton County.”

New recognition of civil rights legend Rev. C.T. Vivian Civil rights icon the Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian was honored for his decades of service to human rights by the Fulton County Commission on Jan. 8. John Eaves, commission chairman, and fellow commissioners presented Vivian with a proclamation recognizing Wednesday as “Dr. C.T. Vivian Appreciation Day.” Eaves said they were acknowledging Vivian for his decades of service to the community and nation on behalf of those fighting for freedom and social justice. “We are proud to call Dr. Vivian not just an American hero, but also one of our neighbors here in Fulton County,” Eaves said. Vivian, 89, was honored by President Barack Obama on Nov. 20 with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian is a minister

The Fulton County Commission presents the Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian with proclamation recognizing Jan. 8 as “Dr. C.T. Vivian Appreciation Day.”

and author, and he was a close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He participated in the Freedom Rides and took part in his first sit-in, which successfully integrated Barton’s cafeteria in Peoria, Ill., in 1947 after graduating from Western Illinois University. He helped start several human rights or-

ganizations including the National Anti-Klan Network and the Center for Democratic Renewal. He also has served as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Vivian was born in Howard, Mo., on July 30, 1924, and moved with his mother to Macomb, Ill., as a child. He went on to graduate

from Western Illinois and worked as a sports editor on the university’s newspaper. In 1960, Vivian became part of King’s executive staff at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta – a group he now leads as interim president. By 1961, he was a pastor and editor of a Baptist Sunday school publication. That year he became one of the first Freedom Riders to travel by bus from Nashville, Tenn., to Jackson, Miss., where he was arrested and beaten. Four years later in 1965, he gained international notice during a confrontation in front of a Selma, Ala., courthouse when Sheriff Jim Clark blocked civil rights activists’ attempts to register to vote. Vivian, who was struck and bloodied, did not back down, telling Clark: “If we’re wrong, why don’t you arrest us?” Members of Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, also known as the Pink Society, will hold their “Kingdom Weekend Celebration” on Jan. 17-20 in Lithonia.

Skills share coming to the library Library patrons can tap into their creative side by handcrafting greeting cards, dancing with Zumba or learning to juggle as part of the DeKalb Public Library’s Skillshare initiative. The January launch coincides with National Hobby Month, and patrons can learn basic sewing techniques, drawing, and how to stretch their food dollars, and all is free of charge with Skillshare. Myguail Chappel, a member of the library’s Adult Services Committee, said Skillshare is a wonderful program because it allows residents to share their special talents, hobbies or arts and crafts. “Everyone involved gets to meet new people who share their interests. Patrons get to learn something new, presenters get to teach their skills to neighbors and friends, and the library is able to expand the variety of meaningful programs we offer the community.” Upcoming workshops include “Making Decorative Flowers” on Jan. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Covington Library, 3500 Covington Highway in Decatur. Presenter Charleisa Jackson will show how to create carnation and other floral arrangements for parties, weddings and baby showers. The class limit is 20. To register, call 404-508-7180. “Introduction to Journaling” will be presented by Simone Walker on Jan. 18 at Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. The noon-to-1:30 p.m. program explores how writing about thoughts and life experiences can provide emotional and spiritual benefits. The class limit is 15. To register, call 404-370-3070, Ext. 2008. To lead or participate in Skillshare workshops, visit www.dekalblibrary.org.

Pink Society sorors convening in Lithonia More than 250 members of Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority Inc. will converge on Lithonia next week for the Jan. 17-20 “Kingdom Weekend Celebration.” They will be hosted by the Proverbs Alpha-Atlanta chapter, which was established in 2011. Over the weekend, members will celebrate the Atlanta chapter’s accomplishments; recognize the organization’s founder, Dr. Jessica Wilson-Martin; and induct new members into the international ministry and sisterhood. Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, also known as

the Pink Society, was founded in 2009. The celebration kicks off on Jan. 17 at the Saintuary Christian Nightclub at 6420 Old Hillandale in Lithonia. Doors open at 9 p.m. The Kingdom Night Double Celebration on Jan. 18 takes place at the Hilton Garden Inn-Stonecrest. Sorors will worship at Christ Lutheran Church in East Point on Jan. 19, and they will attend the DeKalb NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Decatur on Jan. 20. For more information, visit http://tpsproverbsalpha. wix.com/tps.

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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 11, 2014

Marketplace BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY and PARTNERSHIP Business Opportunity for Business Partners who recently reiceved GEROGIA LIFE producer license. Contact Grace Smith anngsmith1@gmail.com

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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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CrossRoadsNews

January 11, 2014

“You cannot find this education anywhere else.” We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2O14 Workshop at Macy’s! If you are a woman or person of color and own your own business, we invite you to apply for the Workshop at Macy’s! You’ll gain insight from seasoned Macy’s pros and Macy’s partners, and get the tools you need to succeed and sustain growth in the retail industry. Apply today at macysinc.com/workshop PICTURED: Amber Lee-Forrester, Kane & Couture. Past participant of The Workshop at Macy’s.

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