CrossRoadsNews, January 23, 2010 - Section A

COMMUNITY

MINISTRY

SECTION B

DeKalb Sheriff’s employees are among hundreds of metro Atlanta residents who are finding ways to help earthquake victims. A3

Members of Berean Christian Church gave Young Road a cleanup as part of the Stone Mountain Church’s King Day project. A9

Coming Jan. 30, the annual CrossRoadsNews Health and Wellness Expo.

We preview it in a Special Section inside.

B1-B16

Help for Haiti

Copyright © 2010 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Team effort

2010 Health & Wellness Expo

January 23, 2010

Volume 15, Number 38

www.crossroadsnews.com

Cunningham closes Mazda shop, expands Ford dealership

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Malcolm Cunningham shut down his 14 months old Mazda dealership at Stonecrest on Jan. 22, and on Feb. 1, he will take over Peachtree Ford-Lincoln-Mercury in Atlanta.

Cunningham said the new Mazda dealership, which opened in December 2008, was bleeding cash. He wouldn’t disclose figures but he said it was a “costly lesson.”

“It was just bad timing,” he said. “We opened up at the height of the economic collapse. I am shutting it down after huge losses.”

But on the bright side, Cunningham has acquired the threefranchise Peachtree dealership on 10.3 acres on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Chamblee in a multimillion-dollar deal.

M. Cunningham When he takes over on Feb. 1, he will be the only Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships in DeKalb and inside the perimeter in Atlanta. Three years ago, there were five Lincoln Mercury dealerships in Atlanta.

He will also be one of only three FordLincoln-Mercury dealerships in the state and the only African American-owned Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership in the state of Georgia.

On Feb. 1, the store will represent the consolidation of five dealerships – Peachtree Ford, Tim Stewart Ford, Lou Sabb Ford, Courtesy Lincoln Mercury, and Malcolm Cunningham Ford – in the single location on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Chamblee.

The consolidation began in 2007 as Ford sought to position its dealers to weather the economic downturn.

Remembering Dr. King

“This was a godsend for me to be the last man standing,” he said.

Cunningham said it’s unbelievable that he is the one man still standing.

He bought his first dealership, the 30-year-old Carey Paul Ford dealership on Snapfinger Road in Decatur, in 2005.

“God is definitely blessing me,” he said.

Mazda closing Cunningham said when he started building the Mazda dealership, 16 million Please see CUNNINGHAM, page A4

Tax increase considered for budget

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Kelli Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

At least the kids got it right.

At the NAACP’s eighth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Rally in Stone Mountain on Jan. 18, it was difficult to find reference to the late civil rights leaders in the parade, hijacked by vote-hungry political candidates. The handful of signs and banners mentioning Dr. King were in the hands of children, East Lake Elementary School Cheerleaders (above), Beverly Benfield (far left), daughter of state Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, and Stephenson ROTC cadets.

DeKalb homeowners are facing threat of another increase in their property taxes – this time from the DeKalb School Board.

Dr. Crawford Lewis offered the tax increase in two of his three plans to close a $56 million gap in funding the 2011 school budget.

But District 9 School member Eugene “Gene” Crawford Lewis Walker said the 0.5 and 1 mill increase proposed by Lewis didn’t go far enough because of proposed cuts in programs.

“I have deep concerns about these reductions of programs,” he Eugene Walker said Wednesday at the School Board’s first work session on the budget. “I hear you say that you are confident we can meet the needs, but I am not as confident as you are.”

Walker asked Lewis to add a third option for board members to consider – 2 mill property tax increase.

A mill equals one dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. A 2-mill increase would add $135 a year to the taxes on a $200,000 house.

On Thursday, the DeKalb Tax Commissioners Office said that the owner of $200,000 now pays $1551.15, after homestead savings of $ 287.25.

Walker offered up the higher tax increase option in an effort to offset cuts of $44 million in program reductions; salary cuts, and or furlough days for all staff, except bus drivers, food service workers and Please see BUDGET, page A4

A2

CrossRoadsNews

January 23, 2010

January 23, 2010

Community

A3

CrossRoadsNews

“He said, ‘Momma, I wanted to see her graduate.

She wasn’t supposed to leave before me.’ ”

Family shaken by accident that resulted in teen’s death near school

By Lee Williams

Tanesha Williams was a sweet child.

She received good grades in school and wanted to be a nurse. So it came as a shock to her family Wednesday when the 14-year-old was killed by a runaway car on her way home from Stone Mountain High School.

The ninth-grader and two other students were struck by a car driven by another student at around 3:15 p.m.

Tanesha was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital, an hour after the accident. Theresa Thorpe, her grandmother, said she was a good kid.

“She never got into any trouble,” said Thorpe, who lives in Forest Park. “She was my favorite grandchild.”

Thorpe said her son and Tanesha’s father, Anwar Bass, 31, of Dallas, and her mother Tanica Williams, 34, of Stone Mountain, were shaken by the incident that claimed the life of their only child.

“It has taken a toll on all of us,” Thorpe said Wednesday night.

Police identified the driver as 17-year-old Shaheed Walee Saunders of Stone Mountain. He was also injured in the accident. Shaheed Saunders D e K a l b Po l i c e spokesperson Mekka Parish said initial investigation shows that the green Crown Victoria that hit Tanesha was traveling eastbound on Central Avenue, and for unknown reasons, the driver lost control and struck three pedestrians.

Two other freshman – Brianna Rowell, 14, and Benjamin Omozui, 17 – were walk-

Tanesha Williams was killed while walking on the sidewalk with friends near Stone Mountain High School.

ing beside Tanesha, when Saunders allegedly lost control of his car in the 4600 block of Central Avenue, near the school.

The car hopped the curb and struck all three students. The extent of the others injuries were not know at press time.

Eyewitnesses at the scene say that a teenage driver of a dark grey BMW, who also attends the school, might have been involved in the accident.

Police said Thursday that what role, if any, the BMW played in the accident had not fully been determined.

A rain-soaked memorial of three stuffed teddy bears and a single red rose marked the spot where the tragedy took place. The accident occurred just a few hundred feet from school near a sharp curve near Hunters Lane Drive.

Thorpe, the grandmother, said it took her all day Wednesday to calm down Tanesha’s father. Overcome with emotion, Bass punched his mother’s refrigerator, leaving a small dent.

“He is really upset,” she said. “He said,

‘Momma, I wanted to see her graduate. She wasn’t supposed to leave before me.’ ” Funeral arrangements are pending at Donald Trimble Mortuary in Decatur. The family does not have an insurance policy to cover burial expenses. Thorpe said an organization through school will help

cover expenses.

Thorpe last saw her grandchild on New Year’s Day. Tanesha was so happy and full of life, she never suspected it would be the last holiday they would see each other.

“I never thought this could happen,” Thorpe said. “Not her.”

DeKalb Officer Jason Gagnon said Thursday that charges are pending against Saunders.

Attempts to reach Saunders’ family were unsuccessful but friends say he was distressed over the accident.

His mother, Danae Saunders, did not return a call by press time.

School staff spent Thursday helping students and staff cope with the Tanesha’s death, and the incident that affected five students at the school.

DeKalb County School System spokesman Dale Davis said extra counselors were brought into the school of 1,400 students.

“They’re helping people work through

Gardening and organic workshop Gardening enthusiasts and others interested in community and organic gardening can attend a Jan. 30 a workshop hosted by the DeKalb Green Commission.

Representatives from local farms and gardens will offer tips and other information.

The 9 a.m. to noon workshop will be at the Decatur campus of Georgia Perimeter College, 3251 Panthersville Road in the new building at the corner of Panthersville Road and Clifton Springs Road.

Preregister by e-mailing onedekalb@ co.dekalb.ga.us or just show up at the door

to join the discusss and share ideas.

Presenters and exhibitors include Oakhurst Gardens, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Earth Solutions Inc., Georgia Organics, Southeastern Horticultural Society, Healthy Belvedere, Captain Planet Foundation, Wonderland Garden, the Decatur Farmers Market, Scotts Organic Fertilizer, DeKalb Cooperative Extension Service, Keep DeKalb Beautiful, and DeKalb Natural Resources Management.

Redan High School’s Culinary Arts Program will provide samples of organic food.

A4

CrossRoadsNews

Community

January 23, 2010

“I think the citizens of this great county need to share in the education of our children.”

Severe cuts needed as local, state funding gets trimmed 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear-Warren

CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday 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.

What’s on your mind?

We welcome your comments on issues of importance to the community. E-mail us at editor@crossroadsnews.com.

Please include a contact number where we can reach you if necessary. Your contact information will not be published.

Submissions may be edited for clarity or space. We do not publish anonymous letters.

You can also voice your opinion about stories and Forum pieces on our website, www.crossroadsnews.com.

Circulation Audited By

BUDGET,

from

A1

custodians.

“I tend to believe that the sacrifice should be all across the board,” Walker said. “I don’t think all the sacrifice ought to be on our employees. I think the citizens of this great county need to share in the education of our children and we need to ask them if they are willing to make a sacrifice.”

With the $56 million cut, the 2011 budget will be about $795.1 million, down from the current budget of $851.1 million. In 2009, the school system’s general operating budget was $894.1.

The school board must approve a balanced budget by May 10. Lewis has proposed balancing it without layoffs and eroding student achievements.

Proposal will hit tax cap Lewis offered three options for balancing the budget and closing the revenue shortfall. The first option included cutting $26.5 million with furlough days or a 5 percent reduction in salary for the system’s 16,000 full- and part-

time employees.

The other two options offer smaller salary cuts and furlough days by raising $10 million and $20 million with the property tax increases.

At a tax rate of 22.98 mills, DeKalb School System currently has the third highest property tax in metro Atlanta. School Board taxes account for up to 67 percent of the property taxes paid by DeKalb homeowners.

Lewis points out this would be the first increase in seven years.

If approved, an additional 2 mill increase would take the district to its 25-mill cap set by law.

A possible school board tax hike comes in the wake of a proposed 1.86 mill tax increase before DeKalb County government. It is trying to close a $50 million revenue shortfall on its proposed $582.7 million budget.

Local governments and school boards across the state are facing tough choices this year against the backdrop of the economic recession. By law, they must approve balanced budgets and they are under the gun to cut fat and

program and services in the face of declining revenues from property taxes and the state.

DeKalb’s situation is exacerbated by record home foreclosures that have eaten away at the tax digest, and frozen property assessments approved by voters in a 2006 referendum. The tax assessments are frozen at 2006 levels until 2012.

Cuts in programs The $10.9 cuts in programs proposed by Lewis includes: n reducing the district’s pre-k program from 104 schools to 52 Title One schools at a savings, n eliminating magnet programs at four schools – Columbia Middle and High Schools and at Evansdale and Clifton Elementary – and returning the 901 students to regular school at a savings of $1.3 million, n closing its three Montessori programs and reintegrating the 631 students into regular classrooms at a savings of $633,000, n consolidating the alternative schools to save $637,000, n restructuring textbook lease

terms to save $500,000,

n adopting energy efficient pro-

grams to save $1 million. That plan includes powering off all computers at 8 p.m. every night, installing energy-efficient lighting and going to a four-day work week in June and July and shutting the district offices on Fridays.

Downsizing the district’s central office staff by attrition and relocating staff to the classroom is estimated to save $4.2 million.

Lewis also estimates that he can reduce school-house positions through attrition and save $13.4 million.

Once the savings are realized.

Lewis said the key thing is stick with the plan.

“We should work that plan for the next decade,” he said. “If we are going to move people out of central office, when times are better we should not come back and stack the central office again.

If we do that we are not going to be where we need to be. If we are serious about savings when the economy gets better, this system stands to gain millions of dollars if we just hold what we have.”

Few job losses anticipated during dealership transition CUNNINGHAM,

from

A1

new cars a year were being sold nationwide.

“That’s now down to 9 million cars,” he said.

Mazda has two percent of the U.S. auto market compared to Ford’s 13 percent.

He is selling the new cars to other Mazda dealerships, sending back his parts inventory to the manufacturer, and has offered jobs to the 23 employees at his other dealerships.

Cunningham said the property on Mall Parkway, near the Mall at Stonecrest, will be sold or leased. Its used car inventory will

be sent to the Malcolm Cunningham Ford Auto Gallery, which will relocated to his Snapfinger Road location. The Auto Gallery’s old location at 301 DeKalb Industrial Parkway in Decatur will become a Quick Lane store.

The Peachtree Ford-LincolnMercury dealership is 15 to 20 years old and was family-owned until four years ago. When its new owner could not make it work, Cunningham said Ford bought it back and has been operating it for the last six months. He has been in negotiation to purchase it for about three months.

Cunningham says he has contracted to do $500,000 in renova-

Quick Read

tions, scheduled for completion by the end of March.

“It’s going to look very nice,” he said. “After that we will have the grand opening.”

The dealership now sells 60 new cars a month, but Cunningham says he is looking to sell 200 once he takes over.

When negotiations started, Cunningham thought he would have to close the Snapfinger location, leaving another vacant property in the area.

He said he is happy to be able to keep the site open as a used car store with service, parts and collision repairs.

“We have 40 years of customer

Family shaken by death

A3 Saint Philip kicking off Tanesha Williams received good grades fitness challenge

base there,” he said. “We will continue to serve them from there and service their vehicles.”

Between the Ford and Mazda dealerships, Cunningham has 70 employees. On Feb. 1, his workforce will grow to 170, including 50 new employees he is acquiring from Peachtree Ford.

“We will only let go 10 to 12 people at Peachtree Ford,” he said.

“Everybody else will stay intact if they want.” He said he met the staff last week an Cunningham meet the employees and explained his plans to them.

“It should be a really smooth transition,” he said.

Primary care better than A9 emergency room visit B9

in school and wanted to be a nurse. So it Spouses, significant others, family When children are sick, all parents want came as shock when the 14-year-old was members and buddies can pair up for the is for them to get well. killed on her way home from school.

Big Weigh-in at Saint Philip’s on Jan. 31.

Hypertension’s symptoms Mobile lab to open to six job Fitness trainer wants all to hard to recognize B10 seekers A6 embrace fitness B4 Hypertension is so common among Af-

Six lucky job seekers will get to use the Long before she coined the name “fit- rican-Americans that most everyone knows library’s mobile computer lab at the Flat ness motivator” for herself, Ranette “Rae someone with high blood pressure.

Shoals Branch Library on Jan. 28.

Rae” Clark was teaching people to put some movement in their lives.

10 students receive free laptops

A8 Free health screenings

Debut CD reflects ability to B12 B6 overcome challenges

Angela Dickerson grew up in choirs but Ten students in Rep. Hank Johnson’s Expo goers can get free H1N1 flu shots said solos once made her sweat and shake istrict have received new laptops through at the Jan. 30 Health and Wellness Expo with fear. the “Computers for Kidz” program. at the Mall at Stonecrest. index to advertisers

1.2.3. Discount Fabrics..................................A5 2010 Health & Wellness Expo . ...................A2 2010 CrossRoadsNews Expos.................... A12 African American Outreach Initiative...........A3 AtlantaJobs.com..........................................A11 Barnes & Linder DBA Liberty Tax Service....A11 CDC Federal Credit Union............................A6 Congressman Hank Johnson’s Office...........A3 Decatur Pediatric Group, P.A........................A7 DeKalb Co. Schools-Parent Resource Ctr.....A8 DeKalb Medical Center................................A7 Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care............A11 Felicia V. Anderson CPA LLC........................A6

First African Presbyterian Church..................A9 Future Movement Radio...............................A8 Outback Insurance.......................................A11 Padgett Business Services.............................A6 ReMax of Buckhead......................................A5 Ruth, MacNeille & Knudsen, P.A..................A11 Ruth, MacNeille & Knudsen, P.A..................A11 Saint Philip AME Church...............................A9 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas...................A11 TruNatural Specialty Salon...........................A11 Vaccines N More..........................................A11 Wright Vision Care........................................A7 Zip2Save...............................................A5, A10

B Section Advance Physical Therapy & Sports Clinic....B6 Ameri Plan....................................................B6 Ankle & Foot Specialists................................B6 Arabia Mtn Coalition/PATH Foundation...... B15 Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates...........B11 Chick-fil-A Inside the Mall at Stonecrest..... B15 Congressman Hank Johnson’s Office.......... B14 Comm. Larry Johnson’s DeKalb Walks........ B15 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta................. B16 Covington Clinic.......................................... B15 Craig B. Williams, DDS..................................B8 DeKalb County Board of Health.................. B10 DeKalb Green Commission......................... B12

DeKalb Medical Physicians..........................B13 Family Dermatology................................... B15 Full Body Loving Care Chiropractic..............B13 Georgia Families..........................................B13 Ga. Lupus Registry/Emory Rheumatology.. B15 Georgia Medical Care Foundation.............. B14 Humana........................................................ B7 Oakhurst Medical Centers Inc.......................B4 Omni Tech Institute.................................... B111 Optimal Health & Wellness Center..............B11 Our Rainbow Press..................................... B14 Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia................... B3 Samson’s Health & Fitness Center................B9 Stone Mountain Chiropractic, P.C.................B5

A5

CrossRoadsNews

January 23, 2010

Community

“I just felt I had to be part of helping Haiti get back on its feet. I had to do something – not just sit around.”

DeKalb, metro area residents step up to assist quake victims in Haiti

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The images from the Haitian earthquake were so disturbing that Tasha Kelson could no longer sit in front of the television and feel sad.

“I just felt I had to be part of helping Haiti get back on its feet,” she said. “I had to do something – not just sit around.”

Kelson, who lives in Lithonia, was one of about 70 very busy volunteers who were sorting and packing hundreds of boxes of bandages, sutures and a host of other medical supplies as well as diapers at MedShare International in Decatur last week.

They are among hundreds of DeKalb residents who are rallying to provide aid to the impoverished Caribbean country that was devastated Jan. 12 by a 7.0 earthquake.

The disaster destroyed the country’s capital city of Port–au-Prince and killed an estimated 140,000 people.

Aid groups estimate that 3 million people, a third of Haiti’s population, are affected by the disaster.

MedShare, which collects and recycles surplus medical supplies and equipment, is preparing to ship three containers to Haiti in the aftermath of the hemisphere’s worst natural disaster in 200 years.

Like people across the country, residents of DeKalb County, home to the South’s most diverse community, including many Haitians, have been transfixed by the images of the tragedy, and MedShare and others have seen an outpouring of concern and offers of help.

Kelson, who got her X-ray technician diploma in June, said she saw on the news that MedShare needed volunteers.

Ann Dorsey (center) and Tasha Nelson (right) help pack boxes of medical supplies that Medshare is shipping to Haiti.

“When I found out they were right here in South DeKalb, I went online and signed up,” she said.

But Kelson doesn’t want to stop at packing boxes for Haiti.

“If they can use my help, I would go there,” she said.

Ann Dorsey was one of six co-workers from the Emory Clinic ASC Endoscopy Department on the Jan. 16 morning shift, volunteering at MedShare through Volunteer Emory.

“This disaster is terrible,” she said.

“This is the least I can do for the people of Haiti.”

Lindsey Baker, MedShare’s volunteer coordinator, said that 400 volunteers were scheduled to work two shifts a day through Jan. 18 at the nonprofit’s Clifton Springs Road headquarters and warehouse.

She said others who want to help

donation. As of Thursday, more than $11,000 had been collected.

Community newspapers pitch in To encourage donations to Haiti, CrossRoadsNews has joined with a number of metro Atlanta community newspapers to collect donations for the CARE Inc. The newspaper will print the business cards of any business owner who makes a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more to the humanitarian organization that fights global poverty. CARE’s projects in Haiti include HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, maternal and child health, education, food security, and water and sanitation.

Checks should be made out to CARE with “Haiti Relief ” in the memo line and Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews dropped off to CrossRoadsNews, 2346 should not show up at the facility but Candler Road in Decatur, by Jan. 29. For inshould sign up at www.medshare.org for formation on CARE, visit www.care.org. available slots.

Staples, clothing collected DeKalb Sheriff’s Office On Jan. 16, the Haitian Alliance, De Across town, employees of the DeKalb ParangSide and Georgia Caribbean CarniSheriff ’s Office were in the rain on Me- val began collecting drinking water, medimorial Drive collecting donations from cine, nonperishable food, linen, toiletries, motorists and passers-by for the Rotary tents, blankets, first-aid kits, antibiotics, District Charitable Fund, which will aid ready-to-eat nonperishable meals, and victims in Haiti through the country’s body bags to send to Haiti.

Rotary Clubs.

Donations to De ParangSide can Valencia Wilson from the Information be dropped off daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Services Department and other employ- through Jan. 23. Cafe Fasika, 447 N. Indian ees were on the sidewalk waving down Creek Drive in Clarkston, is the dropoff motorists, while detention Officer A.J. location for the Haitian Alliance.

Williams worked his way among cars at PZI Jeans in Tucker is donating 1,000 the traffic lights at Memorial Drive and items of clothing to Haiti and collected new Camp Road. and lightly used jeans and other clothing Sheriff Thomas Brown kicked off the for adults and children. For more informacollection drive on Jan. 15 with a $1,000 tion, call 678-387-6660.

Hope Schools students selling wristbands for Haitian relief effort

By Donna Williams Lewis

Stone Mountain resident Kiara Battle turned to her classmates at about 10 a.m. on Jan. 15 and said they should do something together to help Haiti.

By the end of that day, the four students in the 11th grade at Hope Schools of Excellence in Stockbridge had launched their own relief effort.

Working around tests and class work, the 16-year-olds got plans approved to design and order 200 red and blue “Hope for Haiti” wristbands. Their school got the effort rolling by donating the cost of the first order.

’s rica Ame rt Sale ho #1 S rvice Se

“Our goal is to write a check to one of the organizations that we know will help Haiti,” Kiara said.

The bands are hot sellers at $2 each, or three for $5, with all proceeds headed for Haiti, Kiara said.

She and her class- Kiara Battle mates – Kannon Patterson, John Washington and Britney Ross – already anticipate ordering more wristbands.

Kiara said they are into this fund-

Facing Foreclosure?

“Don’t Walk Away From It! Short Sale Village it.”

Call 866-850-4649 or visit

ShortSaleVillage.com

We list it • We negotiate it • You live to fight another day Realtors Welcome

Discount

FABRIC & Upholstery

WAREHOUSE PRICES START AT $1.00 A YARD

FREE FABRIC WITH UPHOLSTERY (you only pay for labor) [Expires January 31, 2010]

404-286-7783

Mon. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

279 Candler Road • Atlanta, GA 30317 (Across the street from Saint Philip AME Church)

raising campaign for the long haul and are thinking of coming up with other wrist- To order “Hope for Haiti” wristbands Make a check payable to Hope bands they can sell for other causes. For Schools of Excellence, 2178 Highway now, though, they’re all about Haiti.

138 E., Stockbridge, GA 30281. Write “Being the ambitious person that I am, “Hope for Haiti” on the subject line.

I want to raise a million dollars,” Kiara said.

Include your return address on a note “But we’ll settle for $1,000.”

Kiara, who competed in the poetry that says how many wristbands are and drama finals of last summer’s national being ordered or if the check is just a NAACP ACT-SO competition, said she and donation for Haiti. (Wristbands are $2 her classmates “look out for each other” each or three for $5.) and know they must help those who can’t “She is a very caring and giving person,” help themselves.

Her mother, zoning attorney Michele Battle said. “She’s always thinking about Battle, said she is not surprised that Kiara others and is very interested in world politics. … I’m very proud of her.” inspired a relief effort.

A6

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

January 23, 2010

Many organizations adopt names confusingly similar to well-known charities.

Be sure you know exactly who is asking for your contribution.

Ga. issues alert on Haiti scams Tips offered to climb out of debt People who are reaching out to help the victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti should be on the alert for unscrupulous groups and individuals looking to profit from the tragedy.

Secretary of State Brian Kemp said this week that donors should ensure that their funds are going to charities and aid groups that will help the Haitians.

“It is important for individuals to research a charity before donating to verify that the charity is legitimate, that it is in compliance and that their generous gifts are being used for the stated cause,” Kemp said.

He issued the following tips for charitable giving: n Research charities before you contribute.

The percentage of your contribution that a charity spends on fund-raising activities, employee salaries, or expenses which do not directly support the charity’s stated mission varies greatly by organization. n Use online resources to research charities. The Better Business Bureau (give.org) and GuideStar (guidestar.org) provide detailed information about nonprofit organizations.

Also, review the organization’s own Web site. n In addition, many charities must register with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.

You can research charities at the Web site, sos.georgia.gov/securities. n Be wary of telephone solicitors asking for contributions. If you are solicited by phone, ask that the individual put their request in writing and provide complete information about the charitable program.

Also, ask if the person conducting the solicitation is a volunteer or a paid solicitor. n Never give your credit card, debit card or

bank account information to a telephone solicitor. Also, be particularly cautious of couriers willing to rush out to your home or business to pick up your contribution. n If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the organization has a taxdeductible “501(c)” status with the Internal Revenue Service.

The IRS Web site (irs.gov/charities) has a searchable database of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. Make sure you get a receipt that shows the amount of your contribution and states that the contribution is tax-deductible. n Many charitable solicitors ask for contributions of clothing, other household items and vehicles.

IRS rules concerning valuations and receipts have changed significantly in recent years; be sure you understand them completely. n Not all organizations with charitable sounding names are actually charities.

Many organizations adopt names confusingly similar to well-known charities. Be sure you know exactly who is asking for your contribution. n Watch out for organizations that use questionable techniques such as sending unordered merchandise or invoices after you have turned them down for a donation. You are under no obligation to pay for or return items received under these circumstances.

Citizens can file a complaint against an organization on the Secretary of State’s Securities and Business Regulation Division Web site: www.sos.ga.gov/securities.

Anyone with questions can call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Securities and Business Regulation Division, which oversees charities, at 404-656-3920.

Many consumers will be cringing soon when credit card bills from the holiday season arrive in their mailboxes.

But instead of punishing themselves for spending a little too much on a bigscreen television or Grandma’s fancy blender, the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta says now is the time to get out of credit card debt – but this time for good.

Mechel Glass, the nonprofit’s education director, said many consumers use credit cards without considering the long-term impact on their finances.

“Interest and finance charges add up fast, and for consumers making only minimum payments or who have even a single late payment, rising balances can quickly outpace their ability to pay.”

Glass said the average household has more than $8,300 in credit card debt. If you have an interest rate of 18 percent and make just the minimum payment toward this debt each month, it will take

you 47 years to pay it off and an additional $23,296 in interest.

So in reality, your $8,300 in purchases will cost $31,596.

CCCS, which helps people make good credit decisions, says residents who find themselves in trouble don’t have to go it alone.

It has trained staff who can help you get your finances back on track – without spending any money, and all of its services are free and confidential.

CCCS offers the following tips: Resist the temptation of credit card offers, create a repayment plan, pay more than the minimum, and seek help if necessary.

Glass says using a credit card is like taking out a short-term loan.

“Minimize your charges and make your payments on time to avoid having this short-term loan become a long-term financial and credit disaster,” he said.

For more information, call 1-800-2512227 or visit www.cccsinc.org.

Mobile lab to open Course teaches to six job seekers Word 2007 basics Six lucky job seekers will get to use the library’s mobile computer lab at the Flat Shoals Branch Library on Jan. 28.

The lab will be in the branch’s parking lot at 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway from 2 to 4 p.m.

It will be open to the first six people to show up. Users will get extra time to do job searches, fill out online job applications, update resumes and beef up computer skills with online tutorials.

For more information, call 404-2444370.

Adults can learn to use Microsoft Word 2007, the Basics, at the Decatur Library on Jan. 25.

The free computer class is limited to 10 participants who have computer experience, are handy with a computer mouse, and are the first to register. Topics include how to copy and paste; use fonts; create, open and edit files; basic formatting; and save files. The 6:30 to 8 p.m. class will be at the library, 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. To register, call 404-370-8450, Ext. 2259.

Hiding from your Holiday debt?

We can help.

CDC FCU’s Personal Loan:

If you feel buried under a mound of holiday bills, a personal loan from CDC Federal Credit Union can help. You’ll save yourself a pile of money by consolidating your highrate credit card bills into one, low monthly payment.

• Secured and personal options available • Flexible payment options • Choose your payment due date • Fast application and same day closing process • Competitive rates and terms up to 48 months • Apply online

For All Your Legal, Accounting and Tax Services Under One Roof!

“There Is No Better Time to Plan Your Legal & Tax Strategies”

Stop hiding from your debt today.

Give us a call, visit our Web site or stop by today.

Padgett Business Services (770) 593-9848

Experience the difference of membership.

678-553-5519 • cdcfcu.com Matthew Ware

Specializing in Small Business Monthly Accounting, Personal and Business Taxes (Electronic Filing), and Business Consulting (Payroll Service, Business Plans & Audit Service)

Accountant/CEO

We Do Business In Accordance With The Federal Fair Housing Law And The Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

You Can

JOIN

If you live, work, worship, attend school, or volunteer in portions of DeKalb, Fulton, or Gwinnett Counties, you’re eligible for membership!

(770) 593-9849 Family Law (Divorces,Child Support Modifications, Custody), Business Law (Incorporations, LLC, Business litigation defense), Wills, Probate, Estates, Personal Injury E. Noreen Banks-Ware Attorney

Salem Panola Library

Ware Professional Building

Law Office of E. Noreen Banks-Ware, P.C.

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

A7

CrossRoadsNews

January 23, 2010

Wellness

“We are taking 2010 as a hallmark year in expanding our reach.�

Dr. Yvonne Butler created the nation’s first “sugar-free zone� at Browns Mill Elementary in 1991.

Healthy Kids, Smart Kids expands Metro educators expanded a lifestyle initiative for children Jan. 21 with the 2010 launch of Healthy Kids, Smart Kids.

Nineteen principals joined Dr. Yvonne Sanders-Butler, pioneer of the Sugar-Free Zone Movement and author of Healthy Kids, Smart Kids, at Renaissance Elementary School in Fairburn to urge a complete school wellness overhaul to help combat the national epidemic of childhood obesity.

Schools in the Fulton County’s Creekside/Langston Hughes and Westlake cluster are in their second year of the wellness program that enables school systems to plan, implement and manage sustainable wellness programs and practices that reduce childhood obesity. It has documented evidence of improving students’ health and weight, behavior and academic performance. “We are very proud that these leaders who impact more than 20,000 students each day have made the bold and strong commitment to their youths by utilizing the virtues of HKSK,� Sanders-Butler said.

A decade ago, she created the nation’s first “Sugar-Free Zone� in a public school at Browns Mill Elementary in Lithonia, where she was principal.

Sanders-Butler drastically changed the cafeteria menus and pulled vending machines with sodas and junk food and replaced them with water, natural juices, fruits and other healthy snacks. The

Have you made

changes prompted weight loss, higher test scores, an increase in attention span and diminished behavioral issues.

She said the educators are presenting “a show of force and determination to save our children. “We’re taking 2010 as a hallmark year in expanding our reach to assure that all kids grow up understanding the importance and value of healthy eating and fitness.�

Sanders-Butler and the principals discussed the critical nature of childhood obesity and how it is impacting the health and educational success of children; how Healthy Kids, Smart Kids has aided their schools; and why other schools should join the HKSK Challenge in fighting childhood obesity.

Sanders-Butler, who left Browns Mill Elementary last year, is now executive director for Health Promotions and Corporate Wellness at DeKalb Schools. She works to improve the health and wellness of more than 100,00 students and 15,000 employees by creating and maintaining a wellness culture in all school environments.

She is the founder of Ennovy Inc, a health and wellness intervention, consulting and support company, and YSB-Healthy Behavior Resource Group Inc., a nonprofit that provides s research support to universities, foundations and public health agencies.

He r o t h e r b o o k i s t h e “Dess e r t L o v e r s ’ C h o i c e ,� .

For more information, visit www. healthykidssmartkids.com.

Diabetes support groups meets fourth Tuesdays

your nominations yet? Nominations close on Jan. 31.

www.crossroadsnews.com

45"3 3"5&% '03 1&3*1)&3"- 7"4$6-"3 #:1"44

164)*/(

#&:0/%

Families learn meal planning and cooking healthy meals. They also get exercise and other tips tailored to diabetics.

Meal planning, cooking and exercise tips will be available at the Jan. 26 meeting of the diabetes support group at the DeKalb Cooperative Extension office.

The group meets the fourth Tuesday monthly except in November and December.

Members and their family members learn to manage their

illness, participate in healthy cooking and meal planning demonstrations, get exercise tips for diabetics.

The free session on diabetes management starts at 6 p.m. at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur 30032. Pre-registration is not required but you can reserve your space by calling 404-298-4080.

XXX EFLBMCNFEJDBM PSH

7BTDVMBS %JTFBTF 3JTLT GPS "GSJDBO "NFSJDBO 8PNFO 'SJEBZ 'FCSVBSZ

,SJTUJ ,JOTFZ . % Q N UP Q N JO UIF %F,BMC .FEJDBM BU )JMMBOEBMF $BODFS $FOUFS "VEJUPSJVN

Join Dr. Kinsey, an internal medicine specialist, as she discusses the relationship between stroke and peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease.

Learn about the latest medical advances to combat these conditions. Each person attending will receive a coupon for a free vascular screening that is valued at $129.

'SFF 4FNJOBS

Light refreshments will be served and parking is free. Appointments required.

Call 404.501.WELL to reserve your space.

A8

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

January 23, 2010

“Reading these students’ stories and accomplishments means the world to me.”

10 middle and high school students receive free laptops Ten middle and high school students in Rep. Hank Johnson’s 4th Congressional District have received new laptops through the “Computers for Kidz” program.

The new owners of Hewlett-Packard laptop computers are Danita Aldridge of Cross Keys High, Brittany Askins of Lithonia High, Sam McClung of Shamrock Middle, Kadija Bell of Salem Middle, Elizabeth Jordan of McNair High, Cawonia Pressley of Columbia High, Surya Khanal of Clarkston High, Michael Crawford of Chapel Hill Middle, Tyler Green of Lithonia Middle, and Danielle Fitzpatrick of Stephenson Middle.

The students were chosen by school administrators for their academic and extracurricular achievements.

Johnson – whose wife, Mereda Davis Johnson, presented the computers to the lucky DeKalb students in December at his Lithonia office on Hillandale Drive ­– will award 10 more computers this month to

deserving students in Rockdale and Gwinnett counties.

The congressman partnered with Aaron’s Inc. to provide the HP laptops.

“Reading these students’ stories and accomplishments means the world to me,” Johnson said. “To be able to offer these hard-working students the tools they need to continue their studies is what this is all about.”

DeKalb Schools Superintendent Crawford Lewis applauded the program. “I can’t think of a better way to reward students for their accomplishments,” he said.

Aaron’s spokesman Mark Rudnick said the company is proud to donate the brandnew laptops to children in Georgia since it has its headquarters in Atlanta and believes in giving back to the community.

“We know what a valuable educational program this is to the students and the Mereda Davis Johnson, wife of 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson, is surrounded schools and are excited to be a part of the by students in the district who received free Hewlett Packard computers through the “Computers for Kids” program. program.”

Camps showcase special needs services Parents and guardians of children and young adults with special needs can attend a summer recreational fair at North DeKalb Mall for help in finding a program that suits them.

The fair, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 23, will provide caretakers with an opportunity to speak with camp and recreation vendors who specialize in meeting their needs.

Vendors will be located in the Macy’s wing.

The camps focus on therapeutic recreation, academic enrichment, social skills,

sensory integration and adapted sports as well as traditional camp activities.

Some are day camps and others are overnight camps.

Many programs are inclusive while others are designed to accommodate the needs of individuals with specific disabilities.

For more information, contact Mary Thurlow at 678-676-2439 or e-mail mary_e_thurlow@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

North DeKalb Mall is at 2050 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur. For more information, call 404-235-6444.

Bill to address those who prey on teens Ramsey said school personnel State Sen. Ronald B. Ramsey spend more time with most Sr. of Lithonia has pre-filed legstudents than their parents and islation to protect students from often have more influence. predators.

“If that relationship becomes Senate Bill 300 is in direct detrimental to the student due response to the acquittal of a to deviant behavior by the adult, Marietta high school teacher who it is our responsibility to create admittedly had consensual sexual or change laws to protect these relations with his 17-year-old Ronald Ramsey students,” he added. student.

“This bill will close the hole in the law “I understand the trial judge had no choice but to dismiss the case based on the that predators have crawled through. The plain language of the current law,” Ramsey current law specifically prohibits a person said. “With this legislation, we will not have in authority from having sexual contact to tolerate our children being the victims of with individuals who are incarcerated, or detained as a patient in a hospital or instipredators in our schools any longer.”

The state Supreme Court ruled in Chase tution. We are derelict if we fail to provide v. State that “it is not a crime in Georgia to the same or higher level of protection for have sexual contact with a willing partici- our students – our greatest resource.”

The penalty of the felony offense pant who is 16 years old or older.”

SB 300, the Student Protection From for “sexual assault” remains the same at Predators Act, will eliminate the right imprisonment for no less than 10 years, of a student to give consent to have but not more than 30 years. If the child is sexual contact with an educator, em- under 14, the penalty is imprisonment for ployee, agent or volunteer while enrolled no less than 25 years, but not more than in a Georgia public or private school. 50 years.

FutureMovementRadio@gmail.com TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL

678.508.7128

Ministry

“My grandmother was fussing at me. She said, ‘You have to take care of yourself.’”

Cleaning up the neighborhood

Young Road got a good clean up on Monday when members from Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain fanned out along the road on which their church is located to pick up trash as part of the church’s King Day project.

At left Cassandra Mouzon and her son,Corey, makes sure nothing was missed.

Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Spouses, significant others, family members and buddies can pair up for the Big Weigh-in at Saint Philip’s on Jan. 31.

The annual event is the Atlanta church’s answer to NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.”

This year’s weight-loss challenge pits husband/wife, brother/sister, mother/ daughter, father/son and BFF teams or other pairings against each other to claim $1,000 for the highest percentage of pounds lost.

First weigh-in is Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall A. A makeup weigh-in is set for Feb. 7.

Dr. Cathy Harper-Hogan, president of Saint Philip’s health ministry since 2001, says many people look forward to the Big Weigh-in after the holidays so they can get back into shape. The event is into its fourth year.

“The first year, over 100 people signed up,” she said. “We have at least 50 people each year.”

Measurement stations are new this year in addition to the couples/buddy challenge, she said. The program switched to pairs as a tie-in to the TV reality series, which has featured couples. Also, the same individuals and groups were repeat winners at Saint Philip, so the weigh-in brings in a new dynamic.

The Big Weigh-in has been a success story, spinning off a fit camp that meets three days a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.; LifeChef Cooking Class with chef Asata Reid, who holds monthly programs that include children’s classes and green classes; and “Advance to Fitness” with the Faith and Fitness Challenge.

Harper-Hogan’s grandmother, Katherine Weedon, was the genesis for the first event.

Weedon, who will be 96 this year, told her granddaughter that she was getting fat.

“My grandmother was fussing at me, ‘encouraging me,’ ” she said. “She said, ‘You have to take care of yourself.’ ” Ironically, Harper-Hogan didn’t lose any pounds in the first challenge.

Her grandmother has always exercised and eats right, added Harper-Hogan, who takes care of polio patients at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation.

The aim of the program is to teach people lifelong skills for a healthier lifestyle, so when they gain weight over the holidays or at anytime they can pick themselves up and get back on track, she said.

Participants will be told their body mass index in addition to measurements.

“The hope is that people like buddies can encourage each other,” she said.

Harper-Hogan said a healthy weightloss goal is 3 to 5 pounds per month.

Participation in the program, which ends May 30, is $20 per couple.

Once-weekly activities will include Dance to Fitness, boot camp, walking clubs, a Wii Fitness Challenge, nutrition sessions, cooking classes, and social networking and weight-loss skills.

The community is invited to participate, and you don’t need to be a member of Saint Philip to take part.

Saint Philip AME Church is at 240 Candler Road. For more information, call Lorna Wilson, program chair, at 404-3710749.

How about St. Philip AME, Covenant Christian Center & Berean Christian Academy?

770-981-2601 “We are building far beyond our years.”

Saint Philip kicking off fitness challenge with paired weigh-ins

What do Thomas Brown, Larry Johnson and Gwen Keyes Fleming all have in common?

“Come on and be a part of the vision” First Afrikan Church is an Afrocentric Christian Ministry that empowers women, men, youth and children to move from membership to leadership in the church, community and the world.

5197 Salem Road Lithonia, GA 30038 Praise & Devotion Worship Service Sundays at 10 a.m.

A9

CrossRoadsNews

January 23, 2010

Rev. Dr. Mark A. Lomax

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

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

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

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

They’ve all been nominated for 2010 Best of East Metro Reader’s Choice Awards.

Have You Nominated Your Favorites?

Hurry. The Nomination Period Closes on January 31.

Visit www.crossroadsnews.com and follow the links for Best of East Metro.

A10

CrossRoadsNews

January 23, 2010

One-order, one-invoice, multi-newspaper placement service!

Reach more than 15 million households served by over 1,020 suburban and community newspapers around North America and Canada. 25-word ad starts at $240 weekly.

Discount Contact Rates Available.

For more information, call 404-284-1888

Automobile Donations Free Vacation for donate vehicles, boats, property, collectable, merchandise. Maximize IRS deductions while helping teens in crisis. Quick Prompt Service 1-800-338-6724

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast Affordable & Accredited. FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1-800-5326546 Ext. 96 www.continentalacademy.com

Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice.

Business Opportunities Job placement assistance. ComKABOOM!!! This NEW company is puter available. Financial Aid if exploding!! Why? Products, Brand- qualified. Call 800-488-0386 www. ing, Design, Packaging, Science, CenturaOnline.com Management & Compensation...all Employment Opportunities WORLD CLASS from Top to Bottom 6 figure earners, strong track Make $384 Daily! Data entry records only please! 800-605-8675 positions available online! Internet needed. Income is Guaranteed! $412 Daily! Data entry positions No experience required. Start available online! Internet needed. today! www.datamembers.com Income is Guaranteed! No experience required. Start today! www. thedataprogram.com ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy. All for $9,995.

800-893-1185 (Void in SD & MD) ALL CASH VENDING! Incredible Income Opportunity! Candy, Gumball, Snack, Soda...Minimum $4K-$10K Investment Required.

Excellent Quality Machines. We Can Save You $$$$. 800-9629189

Education & Training

Click!

Print!

Save!

Government Jobs- $12-48.00/hr.

Full Benefits/Paid Training. Work available In areas like Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Wildlife & more! 1-800-320-9353 Ext 2002 Mystery Shoppers Needed. Earn up to $150 per day. Undercover Shoppers needed to Judge Retail & Dining Establishments Experience Not Required. Call Now 1-877-218-6211

Financial $$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! AS seen on TV. Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500$500,000++ within 48/hrs? Low rates. APPLY NOW BY PHONE! 1-888-271-0463

BURIED IN DEBT? Over $12,000 worth? SAVE Money-Get Out Of Debt FASTER! One Affordable Monthly Payment. Call DEBT SETTLEMENT USA. FREE Consultation: 1-877-476-1684

Misc. For Sale * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting under $20.

FREE DVR and HD Upgrades for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1-800-699-7159 Get Dish with FREE Installation - $19.99/mo HBO & Showtime FREE - Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices - No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details 1-866-202-1044

Get Dish with FREE Installation - $19.99/mo HBO & Showtime FREE - Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices - No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details 1-877-238-8411

Miscellaneous Need Extra Money? We Pay CASH for Gold! Get Paid in 24hrs Using Our FREE Gold Kit! Insured, No Risk, Licensed, Bonded.

WWW.NATIONALGOLDTRADERS.COM LOOK for us on TV!!

Get Dish with FREE Installation - $19.99/mo HBO & Showtime FREE - Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices - No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details 1-877-887-6142

Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in up to 12 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 815 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 or go to www. classifiedavenue.net

Real Estate ***FREE FORECLOSURE LISTINGS*** Over 400,000 properties nationwide. LOW Down Payment.

Call NOW! 1-800-728-6781

Timeshares SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARES FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services Will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $78 Million Dollars Offered in 2009! www.sellatimeshare.com 1-866-708-3690

Wanted To Buy WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay up to $18.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-800-267-9895 OR http://www.

SellDiabeticstrips.com

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.

Saving money is easy with coupons from CrossRoadsNews!

Claim your business and you could ....

Win Free Ads! t.co e k r a M o etr M t s a E the n i in! w g n d i l t u s i o l c ou ess y n i y s r u o b t c E FRE siness Dir e r u o y GRA m u B Clai e n i 4 l n Sup ND PR O IZE erC in

m

Cro ssR ard Ad s* prin oads New t e d ($80 i s 0 va tion *co lor e lue) xtr a

E t RIZ ble a st P a d a E n 2 or T of ess t t i n s i b e s hi Ex 010 B all Bul 24. i 2 r m the ro / S on Ap lue) t a e M Expo 00 v ($5

www.crossroadsnews.com/pages/coupons

1) Go to www.eastmetromarket.com 2) Create a username and password 3) Verify that you are the owner or authorized representative of the business 4) Claim your business and update basic info such as hours, services offered, etc.

5) All businesses claimed by 1/27/2010 will be entered into drawing.

Drawing will be held Jan. 30 during the Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest. No Purchase Necessary.

A11

CrossRoadsNews

January 23, 2010

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

Marketplace CHILD CARE

EDUCATION/TRAINING

B.J’s Christian Daycare. Clean & Safe Environment. Family Setting. Learn-N-Play. 15 years of experience. Ages:Infants- 3 years old. For more info call Mrs. Tait at 404-244-6278.

Obey God in 2010. Are you called into the ministry of Christ?

We train & ordain ministers. Also furn. rooms, $110 weekly. 404671-6158.

COMPUTERS WWW.JONATECH.NET. Laptops $199 & up. Parts, Adapters, Screen Replace, Spyware & Virus removal. Diag fee $40 Jonatech 678-918-4445

O.M.I. Apostolic Prophetic Ministry School meet at Dekalb Tech College. Teaching, Training, Activations, Mentoring Sessions and Ministry Opportunities for 21st Century Kingdom of God, Apostles, Prophets, Pastors,

SERVICES Sell your music online. I-tunes, rhapsody, Amazon, napster. Package deals starting @$125. Get

Teachers or Evangelists. Online Course Available: Call 404-9036984

FOR RENT/LEASE

HEALTH & FITNESS Lose 10-20 pounds in 9 days. www.williamwalker.isagenix.com.

Call Will 404-916-1695.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

) IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR ) ) THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CICRUIT ) ) SEA CREST SURF & RACQUET ) Case No.: 2009-CP-07-05409 CLUB I OWNERS' ASSOCIATION ) ) Plaintiff, ) vs.

SUMMONS ) (NON -JURY) ) ) CALVIN F. SMITH and BARBARA HILL ) ) SMITH ) ) Defendants. _____________________________________ ) )

loctitian

2964 s. rainbow ste 312 decatur, ga 30032

Liberty Tax Service is into the 2010 tax season. However, in the midst of the recent tragedy in Haiti, Liberty is working with Care, Inc., in collecting contributions for Haitian Relief. Come by one of our two locations to make your contribution.

Nice 3 bedroom house with 2 full bath, split level den w/fireplace and 1 car garage. $850/month.

1310 Mill Lake Circle, Stone Mtn GA 30088. 770 484-9260

COUNTY OF BEAUFORT

Ayanna Nubienne

royalty checks sent straight to your mail. Start today!404-839-9076 or email@ lamarclay1@gmail.com

5402-C Covington Hwy Decatur, GA

*2748 Candler Rd Decatur, GA (Big Lots shopping center)

Join Liberty Tax Service and let us make a difference “Charitable contributions are tax deductible.”

Liberty Tax Service

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT SEA CREST SURF & RACQUET CLUB I OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs.

CALVIN F. SMITH and BARBARA HILL SMITH Defendant.

678-518-0940

) IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR ) THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ) ) ) Case No.: 09-CP-07-05409 ) ) ) NOTICE OF FILING ) COMPLAINT ) (Foreclosure Action) ) (Non-Jury Matter) ) ) ) )

_________________________________________

trunaturalsshop.com

TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED

TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE-NAMED:

and required to answer the Complaint herein, a

copy of which is hereby served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Plaintiff

PLEASE BE INFORMED that the Complaint in the above-captioned matter has been

upon the subscriber, at his office at Post Office Drawer 5706, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

properly filed with the Clerk of Court for Beaufort County, South Carolina, on November 12,

29938, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if

2009.

you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint, and judgment by default will be entered against you.

JANUARY RABIES CLINIC MONTH!

By:___________________________________ DOUGLAS W. MacNEILLE, ESQ. Attorneys for Plaintiff, Sea Crest Surf & Racquet Club I Owners' Association 40 Pope Avenue P.O. Box 5706 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 (843) 785-4251

$10 $28

Atlanta, GA 30316

Hilton Head Island, SC

Call 404-284-1888 today for rates & information.

The LOWEST Down Payment in Atlanta!

Stop By or Call for a FREE Quote!

1459 Moreland Ave. SE

_______________________________ Douglas W. MacNeille, Esquire Attorney for the Plaintiff Sea Crest Surf & Racquet Club I Owners’ Association, Inc. P.O. Drawer 5706 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 (843) 785-4251

If This Was Your Ad, Someone Would Be Seeing It Now!

404-312-6584

AUTO INSURANCE

RUTH, MacNEILLE, & KNUDSEN, P.A.

RUTH, MacNEILLE and KNUDSEN, P.A.

South Dekalb Mall

Opp. Dept. of Driver's Services

Corner of Memorial & Columbia Opp. Walmart on Columbia Dr.

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

A12

CrossRoadsNews

January 23, 2010