COMMUNITY
WELLNESS
INSIDE
The rebirth on Wesley Chapel Road took another step forward this week when Kroger began construction of fuel pumps on the former Scores site. A3
Teens and preteens must meet new immunization requirements before they can enroll in school this year. A5
Lots of information, prizes and entertainment will be available July 26 at the CrossRoadsNews Family & Backto-School Expo. Section B
Getting pumped up
New shot rules
Prepping for school
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
July 19, 2014
Copyright © 2014 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
www.crossroadsnews.com
Volume 20, Number 12
Interim District 5 appointment brings out a crowd The number of candidates seeking the interim District 5 commissioner appointment is now down to 19 after one of the 20 applicants, removed himself from consideration. In a July 16 email to the county, Pierre Louis of Lithonia asked for his name to be removed. “Thank you for the opportunity, and I look forward to serving my community in the close future,” he said. The remaining 19 applicants are Markus Butts, Geraldine A. Champion, Harmel Deanne Codi, Faye Coffield, Tarnisha Dent, Charles Smith Hill, Gina Smith Mangham, Randal Mangham, Kamau K. Mason, Melvin D. Mitchell, Angela Moore, Belinda M. Myers, Joscelyn C. O’Neil, Wendolyn Peters, Kathryn T. Rice, Kenneth R. Saunders, Jacqueline Tumbling, George Turner Jr., and Andre R. Please see CANDIDATES, page A4
Markus Butts
Melvin Mitchell
Harmel Codi
Faye Coffield
Belinda Myers
Joscelyn O’Neil
Geraldine Champion
Angela Moore
Tarnisha Dent
Charles Hill
Kathryn Rice
Kenneth Saunders Jacqueline Tumbling George Turner Jr.
Gina Mangham
Randal Mangham Kamau K. Mason
Andre White
New push for city of South DeKalb kicks off Dr. Kathryn Rice, an economic development expert, addresses a South DeKalb cityhood meeting on July 16 at New Life Baptist. She says a city of South DeKalb makes sense.
Group to pursue initiative in 2015 legislative session By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
A city of South DeKalb is definitely on the table for the 2015 Georgia Legislature. With a show of hands, a majority of the 70 residents at a meeting exploring the proposed city voted July 16 for organizers to pursue the initiative in the southern end of the county. After the vote, 31 of those same residents signed up on committees to spread the word, do research and lobby legislators. Dr. Kathryn Rice, one of the movement’s coordinators, said she has joined forces with Stonecrest City Alliance President Jason Lary to push for the new city in the 2015 Georgia Legislature. She told the audience in an auditorium on the campus of New Life Baptist Church on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur that this is the best time to push for a city of South DeKalb. “If we do not introduce our city now, our next opportunity will be 2017,” said Rice, a Stone Mountain resident and co-founder of the South DeKalb Improvement Association. Rice said a city of South DeKalb makes sense. “There is no other place in the metro Atlanta region that is as well-situated or has as much potential as south DeKalb County,” she said. Rice pointed to the area’s close proximity to the busiest airport and the city of Atlanta and its access to the major transportation nodes of I-285 and I-20 and to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and centers of learning like Emory and the University of Georgia. “We have proximity to all of the things that businesses are going to need,” she said. “We have available developable land at
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
“We have so much to offer. We have all the ingredients. We just need a good cook to put them together and present to the world that we have the best cake in the world for you to taste. Come taste.” Dr. Kathryn Rice, Coordinator of the proposed City of South DeKalb
Stonecrest mall. When they come in and see the beautiful homes in South DeKalb at the incredible ridiculously low prices that we have, our population may change. “The question should be, We have so much to give, how come we haven’t gotten more than we have right now?” The room broke into spontaneous applause.
Rice has broad and deep roots in economic development. She is the founder and president of Building Quality Communities, a firm that consults with corporations, governments, nonprofits and church groups, and she has worked in economic development for the city of Atlanta’s Empowerment Zone. She is also a former director of the Center for Economic Development at the Georgia Institute of Technology and was an instructor in economic development and urban affairs at Georgia State. Rice said that she has joined forces with Lary because they both believe in economic development for South DeKalb. Lary’s attempts to create a city of Stonecrest during the 2014 Legislature failed because that proposed city would not generate enough revenues to cover its operations. The proposed city of South DeKalb would include both the city of Stonecrest
and the City of Prosperity proposed during the 2014 state Legislature. At Wednesday’s meeting, residents heard presentations from Jim Skinner, a researcher from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Research and Analytics Division, on two scenarios – a city of South DeKalb south from Memorial Drive and a city from U.S. 78 that would include unincorporated areas of Clarkston. Rice told the meeting that the state Legislature is poised to vote on the cities of Lakeside and Tucker when its new session starts on Jan. 25. “If we wait to put forth the issue of the city of South DeKalb to a later date, we miss being included with the cities they have to make a decision on,” she said. “If we miss this, they will have approved four cities in the Please see CITYHOOD, page A4
A2
CrossRoadsNews
Elections
July 19, 2014
“Alisha [Morgan] will review the disclosures and submit updates and/or additions, if necessary.”
Morgan failed to mention procharter job in disclosures By Jim Walls
Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Dr. Karen Carter, standing, and othe candidates in runoffs for School Board districts 3, 4 and 5 made their case to voters at a July 15 candidate forum at the Gallery at South DeKalb.
All polls open for July 22 election After weeks of campaigning, the runoff elections for DeKalb sheriff and three DeKalb School Board seats will be finalized on July 22. On election day, all neighborhood precincts are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Incumbent Sheriff Jeff Mann is facing former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones. For the School Board, District 3 incumbent Dr. Michael Erwin faces Atticus LeBlanc. In the District 5 race, incumbent Thad Mayfield faces by Vickie Turner, and for the District 4 seat, incumbents Dr. Karen Carter and Jim McMahan are pitted against each other because of redistricting. Through July 17, after three weeks of early voting, 6,913 voters had cast early bal-
lots in person and by mail. Early voting was scheduled to end on July 18. Although DeKalb was leading the state in early voting last week, election officials said Thursday they expect less than 8 percent of the county’s 455,716 registered voters to go to the polls on election day. Other races on the ballot include the state school superintendent contest between former Decatur City School Board member Valarie Wilson and state Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan for the Democratic nomination and the battle between Michael “Mike” Buck and Richard Wood for the Republican nomination. For more information, call 404-2984020 or visit www.dekalbvotes.com.
Fairfield-Crewe Productions presents...
A PIECE OF MY MIND!
A group of black men AND boys speak!
State School Superintendent candidate. Alisha Morgan makes no secret of her support for charter schools or her affiliation with the pro-charter Black Alliance for Educational Options, noting it in several online biographies. But when she filed her personal financial disclosures with the state Ethics Commission in 2012, she neglected to mention that the alliance had been Alisha Morgan paying her. Morgan, a state representative, joined the alliance’s board in 2010, stepping down in September 2011 when the alliance hired her for a salaried job as director of its BaileySullivan Leadership Institute. Under her direction, the alliance announced, the institute “will work to recruit, train and support black professional activists through its National Advocacy Fellowship and Emerging Leaders Education Action Network. Both programs will focus on recruitment and training of black education choice activists; the latter will be aimed at college students and young adults under the age of 30. BSLI also will sponsor a yearlong fellowship to support the launch of black-led education reform initiatives.” Morgan, (D-Austell) represents House District 39. She is vying in a July 22 runoff election with former Decatur School Board Chairwoman Valarie Wilson for the Democratic nomination for state school superintendent. Under Georgia law, candidates annually must disclose board membership or other fiduciary roles with businesses or nonprofits, as well as their occupation and employer, as of Dec. 31 the previous year. Morgan noted the alliance job on her Facebook page, but her financial disclosures for 2010 and 2011 mentioned neither that job nor her service on the organization’s board. Following inquiries by Atlanta Unfiltered, campaign spokesman Stephen Alford responded in an email that Morgan was a full-time employee at the Black Alliance for Educational Options for six months. She was not compensated for her prior service on the alliance’s board, he said. “Alisha will review the disclosures and submit updates and/or additions, if neces-
sary,” Alford wrote in a July 16 email. Morgan in 2012 co-sponsored a constitutional amendment allowing the state, not just local systems, to create charter schools. The previous year, she was still serving on the alliance’s board when it filed an amicus brief asking the Georgia Supreme Court to reverse its ruling that disbanded the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. The court declined. Coincidentally, Morgan served as a program manager at the People for the American Way, founded by TV producer Norman Lear, for several years early in her legislative career. The activist group took a few shots at the Black Alliance for Educational Options in 2001 and 2003 for accepting much of its funding from right-wing donors. “BAEO takes its place among the other think tanks and local organizations that have been created with money from right-wing foundations as well as individuals and organizations hoping to profit from promoting increased privatization of public education,” the group’s 2003 report concluded. Morgan has reimbursed herself for nearly $16,000 in campaign expenses since 2006 but rarely reported the end recipient of the spending as required by campaign finance rules. Of that amount, $3,378 was reimbursed to her without reporting the purpose of the spending, which the rules also require. Since 2009, Morgan has been selfemployed as a motivational speaker. She reported earning $71,000 in total income in 2013. Her ex-husband, David Morgan, is a member of the Cobb County Board of Education and a lobbyist representing the American Federation for Children (her top campaign donor). The Morgans were divorced in 2013. Donors have given more than $506,000 to Morgan’s campaign committee since 2002. The American Federation for Children, a school choice advocacy group, and its leadership are her top donor with $51,700. Since 2006, lobbyists have reported paying more than $12,000 for meals and other gifts for Morgan. The big spenders are the American Federation for Children ($4,476), Georgia Power Co. ($3,747), and BFF lobbyist Jamie Lord ($3,668). Jim Walls is the publisher of http://atlanta unfiltered.com.
Vanessa Morgan Presents
Finding My Happiness
A thought provoking and humorous staged reading written by Ronald Mclntyre and directed by Paris Crayton II ls hite gir " I like w hite girls ew becaus to treat a w o know h like myself." r e h brot
"See there 's life but th a straight ere is also a straight lie . I can't do that anym ore." "I'm tired of you darkies not having your life together and wanting me to give you a break because I happen to be black."
Saturday, July 26th, 2014 @ 7pm • Porter Sanford III Arts Center 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 Tickets: $10 available at the door and https://apieceofmymind.eventbrite.com
A Play in Two Acts
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster ride as the actors deal with real life situations in the search to find their happiness. In the end love conquers all. Come out and spend the evening with us and happiness will find you!
July 25 & 26
Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center 3181 Rainbow Drive • Decatur, GA 30034
Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets available at www.vanessalmorgan.com
Community
A3
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
When it is completed, the Kroger pump will be the sixth gas station within a quarter-mile on the Wesley Chapel corridor.
Construction begins on Kroger gas station on Wesley Chapel Kroger has begun construction on its gas station in front of its Wesley Chapel Road store. The multi-pump fueling station is rising in the space that was once home to the Scores Sports Bar that was demolished in June. Residents were happy to see the end of the sports bar, whose late-night opening had resulted in a murder and other crime. When it is completed, the Kroger pump will be the sixth gas station within a quartermile on the Wesley Chapel corridor. The Kroger station, at 2425 Wesley Chapel Road, was approved after the $2.5 million nine-pump RaceTrac gas station proposed for the corner of Wesley Chapel and Snapfinger Woods Drive. There has been no action on that project. The Kroger fuel pumps will open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Photos by Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Kroger is building a multi-pump fueling station at 2425 Wesley Chapel Road where the Scores Sports Bar, above, once stood. When it is completed, it will be the sixth gas station within a quarter-mile on the Wesley Chapel corridor.
SDIA president David George, left, talks with Dunkin Donut owner Salman Badruddin about the July 22 opening date.
Dunkin’ Donuts set to open July 22 The new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant on Wesley Chapel is opening on July 22. The store was originally scheduled to open on July 15, but owner Salman Badruddin said the county issued the certificate of occupancy on July 16. He said the store has hired 14 full- and part-time employees from the community and they have been training for three weeks at his four other locations in Lithonia, Stone Mountain and Jonesboro. The 24-hour store is scheduled to open at 5 a.m., but only if its landscaping is completed in time. Badruddin met with South DeKalb Improvement Association President David George on Wednesday after the group raised concerns about the lack of grass in the
store’s new landscaping. The store, which cost $1.2 million to build, is his third location in DeKalb and eighth in metro Atlanta. It seats 32, but he said 60 percent to 75 percent of its business will come from its drive-through window. “We will serve 25,000 customers a month,” he said. The store has a flat-screen television and he said it will have Wi-Fi as soon as Comcast can bring it on board. For its “loud and proud” opening on Tuesday, there will be doughnut and coffee mascots at the store. Badruddin said a grand opening will take place in about two months when he has worked out opening kinks.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Because you get what you pay for.
That’s why I invested in ENERGY STAR® appliances and received rebates in return. Thanks to the money saving tips on the Georgia Power website, I learned exactly how to turn my renovation into a reward. First, I got $50 for taking advantage of the Georgia Power Refrigerator Recycling Program. Then, I got a rebate for purchasing ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, and since these appliances use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, I get the benefit of a lower monthly bill. For more information on tips and rebates, visit georgiapower.com/save. Certain restrictions apply. Must be a Georgia Power customer. Rebate available through November 30, 2014. Customer must submit receipt/invoice for the ENERGY STAR® appliance with the rebate form.
A4
CrossRoadsNews
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 Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Cherie Esteves 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.
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.
L CA ! LO RCH A SE
L ITA NG! G I D ETI RK MA
www.crndigital.com
July 19, 2014
“You can talk about land all you want … but when the decisions are being made, you guys aren’t in the room.”
District 5 hopefuls being screened for eligibility CANDIDATES,
from page
A1
White. The group includes well-known community leaders, advocates and activists, a former state representative, his ex-wife, two former candidates for DeKalb sheriff, a medical doctor, four attorneys, two MBAs and newcomers to the political
scene. On Thursday, county press secretary Burke Brennan said all the other candidates are being screened for eligibility prior to submission to the three-member panel of state Rep. Rahn Mayo, Stone Mountain attorney Rosalind Newell, and Lithonia community activist Lisa Allen who will pick two finalists for
the appointment. “From what I understand, there were a few that did not meet minimum eligibility,” he said. Brennan said all the remaining candidates and their resumes, as well as information regarding eligibility, are being forwarded to the panel. He did not respond to questions
about when and where the panel will meet, but interim CEO Lee May has said that he expects to have two finalists from the panel within the first two weeks of August, if not sooner. Visit www.crossroadsnews. com for a longer version of this story with more information on the candidates.
South DeKalb called a ‘diamond just covered in mud’ CITYHOOD,
from page
1
north that are predominantly white and affluent. If they are going to approve four cities, they should also approve a city on the south side.”
Risks of incorporating The proposed city would stretch from unincorporated Clarkston to the north. She said a city of South DeKalb wants the entrepreneurial talents of Clarkston’s immigrant community and wants to open the bridge to them. She said it also wants to open links to the entertainment industry in Atlanta. Rice said South DeKalb is a “diamond that is just covered in mud.” “My dream looks lovely,” she said. “We have a beautiful landscape and I ask you all to think about these things as we think about South DeKalb.” While all the numbers and figures have not yet been worked on the proposed city, Rice said the pluses far outweigh the minuses. To questions from the audience about the risks of incorporating, Rice said government should be creating an atmosphere that facilitates business development and job creation. “That includes tax incentives and making your area look nice and reducing crime and encouraging innovation,” she said. “That’s how government attracts business.” Dav E Yonajh El said the presentations were wonderful but he didn’t hear the negative side of the equation. “A lot of good ideas were in there,” he said. “I am all about the positive things. I like that. It’s the other side that I am not clear about.” Given the area’s population and the wide circulation of the flier about the meeting, El said the meeting was not particularly wellattended. He said he’s concerned that the group might be moving ahead with something that it cannot maintain because of a lack of proper preparation for community involvement. “And that’s my main concern – community involvement,” he said. In response, Rice said her greatest fear is that they create a city that ends up like the county. She said
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Residents attending the July 16 meeting on South DeKalb cityhood at New Life Baptist sign up to spread the word, do research and lobby legislators.
she was not disparaging the county and was not speaking against the commissioners, but she didn’t think that economic development is their expertise. “Right now, South DeKalb is underdeveloped, and if we do not develop it, we will create a city and not have much to live off of,” she said. “If we don’t build the economic development part of it well, we will be just surviving, and I don’t want to be in the survival mode.”
More involvement urged Vaughn Irons, chairman of the DeKalb Development Authority and co-chairman of the DeKalb Operations Task Force, encouraged the group to get involved, do its own research, and attend meetings of the task force that is grappling with many of the issues highlighted by the group. “Unfortunately, every other DeKalb community is represented at the OTF meetings and there is a small contingent from South DeKalb,” Irons said. “You can talk about land all you want. You can talk about population all you want, and you can talk about home values, but when the decisions are being made, you guys aren’t in the room.” Irons, who lives in South De Kalb and is president of his Sandstone Shores Home Owners Association, said residents shouldn’t be apathetic. He said South DeKalb residents need to be in the room so they can have a balanced discussion.
“Some of my colleagues on the task force haven’t been to Candler Road before,” Irons said. “They have heard of Stonecrest mall but they haven’t been there before.” He said changes being managed by a public-private partnership are under way to facilitate economic development in South DeKalb. “We need to be talking about industry,” he said. “We need to be talking about jobs, but the reality we face today is that 77 percent of all jobs in metro Atlanta are north of I-20, and if you take the airport out of that, now you have half of the 23 percent you have left. So the decisions you make today are going to determine the future you have tomorrow.”
Lack of commercialization Gil Turman, president of the South DeKalb Neighborhoods Coalition, said his biggest concern is that a city of South DeKalb does not have the commercial numbers to support a city. “A lot of citizens are concerned about why we are going to go this route,” he said. “What are the possibilities. That’s what we haven’t heard about.” Turman said South DeKalb’s 300,000 population is a plus, but the area lacks commercialization. “To this day, we have nowhere to go to work within eight to 15 minutes,” he said. “We can’t attract restaurants because we don’t have a lunch crowd because they don’t work around here. How are we going to
make it happen? Why do industries discount us? They don’t want the lower property we can sell them. They don’t want to come here. We want to know the reason for it and how to change it?” Rice said that when businesses make location decisions, they are thinking about their needs, work force, land availability and access to suppliers. She said DeKalb needs to target larger companies that are looking at the whole region and create a system that is friendly to business. “Why don’t we invite businesses to the table to help us create the type of processes they need?” she said. In addition, Rice said South DeKalb needs to think internationally and not just nationally, and that it needs to bring on board people with the skills, talents and knowhow to bring in businesses. “There are plenty of international companies that are looking to come to the United States,” she said. “We have so much to offer. We have all the ingredients. We just need a good cook to put them together and present to the world that we have the best cake in the world for you to taste. Come taste.” DeKalb NAACP President John Evans said he supported the formation of a city of Stonecrest that failed muster in the spring. He said he will support a city of South DeKalb. Rice said the group will work hard to gather all its numbers between now and the start of the legislative session. But she and Lary said they can’t do it alone. Marjorie Richardson of Decatur said she was ready to help. “What can I do to help you?” she asked. Rice said they need help on committees for outreach, politics, finance and maps. “ B e t w e e n Marjorie Richardson July and January, we will reach out to people in the community,” she said. For more information, or to help, email cityhoodsd@gmail .com.
index to advertisers
Circulation Audited By
Cade-Hill Insurance Agency Inc. ..................A6 Candler Pharmacy........................................A5 Dee Knows Phones.......................................A6 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court....................A7 DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office......................A7 Earth Canvas Painting...................................A6 Fabric Joint, LLC............................................A6 Fairfield-Crewe Productions.........................A2 First African Presbyterian Church..................A5 Ga Health Services Network..........................A5 Georgia Power..............................................A3
Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC.................A6 Norman Davis..............................................A6 Quenon Smith..............................................A6 Saint Philip AME Church...............................A5 The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, P.C................A6 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas....................A6 Vanessa Morgan, Author..............................A2 Wings of Knowledge Tutoring, Inc................A6 Atlanta Gastroenterology..............................B4 C.H.O.I.C.E.S................................................B11
Children’s Healthcare at Hughes Spalding.. B12 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court....................B4 DeKalb County Board of Health....................B8 DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.....................B11 DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office...... B3 Dignity Memorial..........................................B6 Gateway to College Academy.......................B6 Georgia Piedmont Technical College............B9 Georgia Stars Academy of Dance.................B6 Great Expressions Dental Centers................. B7
Green Pastures Christian Ministries............... B7 Kaiser Permanente.......................................B5 Oakhurst Medical Centers Inc......................B11 Organic Root Stimulator............................... B7 Primerica...................................................... B7 South DeKalb YMCA....................................B11 Woodruff Medical Testing & Training...........B6 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts
A5
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
Wellness
“We’re not only protecting them now against vaccinepreventable diseases, but also protecting their future.”
New immunization requirements for tween, teen students
Students born in 2002 and entering or transferring into seventh grade in Georgia must receive a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster and an adolescent meningococcal vaccination.
Preteens and teens now have new mandatory immunization requirements for the 2014-2015 school year that begins Aug. 11. Students born on or after Jan. 1, 2002, and entering or transferring into seventh grade in Georgia must receive a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination, or Tdap, and an adolescent meningococcal vaccination, MCV4. The new rules also apply to any students new to Georgia who are entering grades eight through 12. The law affects all public and private schools, including charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings (excluding home school). Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and meningitis are all vaccine-preventable diseases. The Georgia Department of Public Health, which has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the new requirements, says that not only are vaccines important for your child’s health, they are mandatory for children to attend school.
Steven Mitchell, director for the DPH Immunization Office, said he can’t stress enough the importance of getting preteens vaccinated. “Protection from vaccines received in childhood wears off as kids get older,” he said. “So pre- Steven Mitchell teens and teens need a booster shot known as Tdap. We’re not only protecting them now against vaccine-preventable diseases, but also protecting their future.” Vaccines are the best defense against serious, preventable and sometimes deadly, contagious diseases. They help avoid expensive therapies and hospitalization needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and meningitis. Immunizations also reduce absences both at school and after-school activities and decrease the spread of illness at home, school and the community. For more information, visit http://dph .georgia.gov/immunization-section.
Let’s Move! DeKalb expo coming up Families can learn how to stay healthy at the fourth annual Let’s Move! DeKalb/ Back to School Fitness Fun Day on July 26 at Exchange Park Intergenerational Center in Decatur. The 10 a.m.-to-3 p.m. event, which is free to attend, will feature a nutrition and fitness scavenger hunt, live performances, health screenings, fitness activities, nutrition exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and exhibits from local organizations. There also will be speeches and giveaways of back-to-school supplies. Vanetta Keyes, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully, which is co-sponsoring the event with the FultonDeKalb Hospital Authority, said they will showcase programs to help families sustain
Walk of H
healthier habits for a lifetime. Speakers include DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson; Dr. Keri Norris, chief of health policy and administration for the hospital authority; and Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, district health director for the DeKalb Board of Health. Johnson said the event reinforces De Kalb’s commitment made in 2011 to become a Let’s Move! county under first lady Michelle Obama’s national initiative. “Childhood obesity continues to be a threat to our children and their future, which is why I encourage everyone to participate in this year’s Let’s Move! DeKalb expo,” he said. Exchange Park Intergenerational Center is at 2771 Columbia Drive. Visit www .ChoicesForKids.org or call 678-819-3663.
EROes sign-up now
Walkers, runners, team captains, sponsors, vendors, donors and volunteers can register for the 8th Annual Walk of HEROes 5K that benefits clients of the DeKalb Community Service Board. The walk/run and tot trot, hosted by the nonprofit Brighter DeKalb Foundation, is scheduled for Sept. 20 at Harmony Park in Decatur.
The 5K route will take runners and walkers through the historic Oakhurst neighborhood. To register, visit http://dekcsb.org/ get-involved/walk-of-heroes-5k. For more information, contact event coordinator Kashima Peters at kashima@mysocialhostess.com or 404453-3466.
“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. Praise & Devotion Worship Service Sundays at 10 a.m. Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
5197 Salem Road Lithonia, GA 30038
770-981-2601 “We are building far beyond our years.”
Rev. Dr. Mark A. Lomax
NOW OPEN CANDLER PHARMACY Free Delivery • • • • • •
Free Prescription Pick Up
Flu-Shots Most Insurance Plans Accepted Diabetic Supplies & Education Vitamin & Supplies Check Out $1 Department Greeting Cards, Candies & Snacks
678-705-5283
Worship Services: ............... Sundays - 7:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Church School: ................... Sundays - 9:15 a.m. Youth Church: ..................... Sundays - 10:45 a.m. (Ages 5-16) Bible Study: ........................Tuesdays - 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Family Bible Study: .............Tuesdays - 7:00 p.m. Child Development Center
404-371-0777
“God has a vision for our lives that is greater than any vision we can have for ourselves or that others can have for us.”
1769 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 Mon-Fri. 9am-6pm • Sat. 9am-2pm • Sun. Closed
A6
CrossRoadsNews
Scene
July 19, 2014
The book shares a rare portrait of Lee, of how “To Kill a Mockingbird” affected her life, and why she chose to never write another novel.
Men to offer an earful in ‘Piece of My Mind!’
Book looks at Harper Lee
“A Piece of My Mind!” by Ronald McIntyre will be read on July 26 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur. In the thought-provoking drama, AfricanAmerican youth and men share their views of the world. In a series of monologues, the cast of 13 speaks on everything from puberty to marriage, misguided youth, unemployment, success, white women, law enforcement, sexual assault, homosexuality, prison, and the power of God. It begins at 7 p.m. “A Piece of My Mind!” presented by McIntyre’s Atlanta-based entertainment company FairfieldCrewe Productions, is directed by Paris Crayton III. A talk back with the producer/playwright, the director and a special guest will follow the staged reading. Tickets are $10 and are available at http://a pieceofmymind.eventbrite.com and at the door. Paris Crayton III (left) is the director of “A Piece of My Mind!” onstage at the Porter Sanford Center on July 26. The center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive.
Author Marja Mills offers an intimate look at the life of Harper Lee of “To Kill a Mockingbird” fame on July 25 at First Baptist Church Decatur. The two-hour talk, part of the July Festival of Writers, begins at 7 p.m. Mills, then a Chicago Tribune reporter, moved next door to Lee and her sister, Alice, in Monroeville, Ala., in 2004. In “The Mockingbird Next Door,” she details her 18 months of life with Lee – sharing coffee at McDonald’s, trips to the Laundromat, feeding the ducks, going out for a Marja Mills catfish supper, and exploring lower Alabama with Lee’s inner circle of friends. The book shares a rare portrait of Lee, of how “To Kill a Mockingbird” affected her life, and why she chose to never write another novel. Lee, 88, has said that the book was written without her cooperation or permission. “The Mockingbird Next Door” is Mills’ first book. First Baptist Church Decatur is at 308 Clairemont Ave. in Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org.
education / training
Invest In Your Child’s Future!
Marketplace FOR RENT/LEASE House for Sale. 3BR - 2BA. Move in Ready. Appliances included. Close to Marta, I20/I285. Call 770-841-9770. Priced to sell.
HELP WANTED Mechanic/Shop Techs: FT tractor/trailer technicians for 2nd and 3rd shift Conley. Own hand tools & Technician’s qualifications tests req. (EOE/AA) Old Dominion Freight Line. Email: Hugh.moore@odfl.com or call: 1-404-363-0770, x7
HOME SERVICES
TUTORING
MARKETPLACE RATES
financial
events
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 email to marketplace@crossroadsnews. com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.
Swimming in Debt?
Earth Canvas Painting
New Carpet $200.00 per room (includes carpet, padding & installation). Carpet cleaning 5 rooms $100.00 (Free pre-treat & deodorizing). Visit our showroom inside 285 Flea Market. Blue Bubble Home Services, www.bluebubbleservices.com. 404-286-3945.
Eliminate that debt!
Free no-obligation analysis shows you how. Schedule Your Free Life-Transforming Analysis Today! Call
1-888-473-7775, ext. 1
We Furnish the Art Supplies; You Supply the Fun!
CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADULT • Special Events • Birthday Parties • Family Gatherings • Girls Night Out • Date Night
Call 770-771-9749 to reserve an art session!
attorneys
4810 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA 30034 www.earthcanvaspainting.com
JHC
Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC
attorneys
insurance
“EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”
Special Benefits For Those With Medicare and Medicaid!
School Law Attorney Representing Teachers
The Law Office of B.A. Thomas, LLC 404-525-6902 www.TheTeachersLawyer.com
Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody • Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Immigration Law
4153 Flat Shoals Parkway | Bldg C Suite 322 | Decatur, GA 30034
P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com
attorneys
Dental, Including Dentures, Eye-wear, Transportation, Over The Counter Medications, Hearing Aid Benefits. Different Plans Available. FOR FREE REPORT, CALL 800-704-3307 24 HRS
TEST PREP
Math thru Calc Reading, Chemistry Physics & More
SAT ACT CRCT
HOMESCHOOL Enrolling Now Grades 1-12
770.808.6501 • www.wingsofknowledge.net phone service / repair
GRAND OPENING!!!
DeeKnowsPhones.com LOW COST PHONE REPAIRS
REPAIRS STARTING AT $30 • SCREEN REPAIR • JAILBREAKING • BUY • COLOR CHANGE • ACCESSORIES
• UNLOCKING • WATER DAMAGE • SELL • PHONE FLASHING
5754 Covington Hwy. Decatur, GA 30035 Located INSIDE the Citgo Gas Station CALL OR TEXT 404 939-7792 Find Us on Instagram fabrics / upholstery
F
FABRIC
DISCOUNT FABRICS & UPHOLSTERY
insurance
Providing Insurance & Financial Services
LIFE INSURANCE • Universal Life • Whole Life • Term Life • Final Expense AUTO • HOME • COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE
3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE SE DECATUR, GA 30032
Terri Cade-Hill R DLE AD
RO
Cade-Hill Insurance Agency Inc. 628 Moreland Avenue, SE Atlanta, GA 30316-3850 www.terricadehill.com 404-663-8426 (m) • 404-622-0551 (o)
ERE BELVED
ALSTON DRIVE SE
N CA
State Farm Agent Since 1992
GLENWOOD ROAD
PLAZA
FREE
FABRIC WITH UPHOLSTERY
OFFER EXPIRES OFFER EXPIRES03/31/14 7/31/14
WE HAVE MOVED TO A BIGGER AND BETTER LOCATION! ADDRESS : 3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE DECATUR, GA 30032 PHONE : (404) 284-1543 • (404) 966-8320 HOURS : MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM E-MAIL : FABRICJOINT@GMAIL.COM WEBSITE : FABRICJOINT.COM
A7
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
DeKalb County Sheriff Office
Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032
Legal Notices 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5518-3++ Quianna Baynes-Vann Plaintiff Vs. Tyrence Vann Defendant 4415 Memorial Dr. Decatur, GA 30032 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 18, 2014 you are hereby notified that on June 6, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is2447 McAlpine Terrace Unit A, East Point, GA 30344. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 18, 2014 Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 19th day of June, 2014 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV6027-9++ Kimberly Renee Hayes Plaintiff
Vs. Orrin Michael Skeete Defendant 54 Le Parc Fontaine, Bldg 15 Lithonia, GA 30038 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 26, 2014 you are hereby notified that on June 24, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce without minor children. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is 100 Leslie Oaks Drive, Bldg 2301, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 26, 2014 Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 25th day of June, 2014 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5945-9++ Shannon DeJesus Plaintiff Vs. Jose DeJesus Defendant 1774 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10029 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 26, 2014 you are hereby notified that on June 12, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed
suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Shannon DeJesus, 3381 Dogwood Pass, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 26, 2014 Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 26th day of June, 2014 7/12, 7/19, 7/26. 8/2
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV6354-7++ Alicia Ann Mitchell Plaintiff Vs. Michael Sean Mitchell Defendant By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 30, 2014 you are hereby notified that on June 24, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the
Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Alicia Ann Mitchell, 626 Rockborough Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 30, 2014 Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of June, 2014
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
Ruchy Argilagos 4306 N Shallowford Road Atlanta, GA 30341 Charge of Sex Assault Convicted on 12/24/1999
Freddie Gordon 919 South Indian Creek Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 8/3/2009
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV6825-5++ Cynthia Lanier Clarke filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on June 17, 2014, to change the name from: Cynthia Lanier Clark to Cynthia Lanier Smith. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after he Petition was filed. Dated: July 7, 2014 Angela J. Riccetti Petitioner’s Attorney DeKalb Co. Office 2465 Sycamore St, Ste. 120 Decatur, Ga 30030 (770) 817-7509
PLACE YOUR LEGAL NOTICE HERE Call 404-284-1888 for information.
Sex Offender
Willie Bozeman 3217 Rockport Drive Lithonia, GA 30038 Charge of Sexual Abuse Convicted on 12/11/2001
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
Marvas Jones 2506 Pine Branch Way Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct. Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Penetration Convicted on 7/30/2008
Sex Offender
Rakeem Woodall 2187 Doris Drive Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 6/12/2014
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
CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-545-8647 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Makes!. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call 1-800959-8518
Business Opportunity Make Up To $2,000.00+ Per Week! New Credit Card Ready Drink-Snack Vending Machines. Minimum $4K to $40K+ Investment Required. Locations Available. BBB Accredited Business. (800) 962-9189 AVON- Earn extra income with a new career! Sell from home, work,, online. $15 startup. For information call: 888-423-1792 (M-F 9-7 & Sat 9-1 Central) FUNDRAISING: RESIDUAL INCOME MAILING POSTCARDS TO NON-PROFIT GROUPS. Make Money While Doing Good. Huge Profit Potential. Exciting Recorded Message Reveals Details: 866-344-0274. Referral #713
Education & Training AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for hands on Aviation Career.
Employment Opportunities HELP WANTED!! Make up to $1000 A Week Mailing Brochures From Home! Helping Home Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! NO Experience Required! www.needmailers.com VOID IN WI GREAT MONEY FROM HOME! With our FREE Mailer Program. Live Operators On Duty Now 1-800-707-1810 ex 601 or visit www.pacificbrochures.com
Financial Guaranteed Income For Your Retirement Avoid market risk & get guaranteed income in retirement! CALL for FREE copy of our SAFE MONEY GUIDE Plus Annuity Quotes from A-Rated companies! 800-669-5471 PROBLEMS with the IRS or State Taxes? Settle for a fraction of what you owe! Free face to face consultations with offices in your area. Call 855-970-2032 GET CASH NOW for your Annuity or Structured Settlement. Top Dollars Paid. Fast, No Hassle Service! 877-693-0934 (M-F 9:35am-7pm ET)
Health & Fitness Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90% on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-4188975, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. CASH for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS and STOP SMOKING ITEMS! Free Shipping, Friendly Service, BEST prices and 24hr payment! Call today 877 588 8500 or visit www. TestStripSearch.com Espanol 888-440-4001 Medical Guardian - Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800-617-2809 PELVIC/VAGINAL MESH LAWSUITS: You may be entitled to compensation if you experienced transvaginal mesh implant surgery complications. Call attorney James C. Johnson at 1-855-4844075 or www.jamescjohnsonlaw. com SAFE, EASY WEIGHTLOSS! Phentrazine 37.5, a once daily
appetite suppressant, boosts energy and burns fat. 60 day supply - only $59.95! To order, call 888-628-6051
Home Improvement All Things Basementy! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-800-998-5574
Items Wanted TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD ROLEX, PATEK PHILIPPE & CARTIER WATCHES! DAYTONA, SUBMARINER, GMT-MASTER, EXPLORER, MILGAUSS, DAY DATE, etc. 1-800-401-0440 TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920’s thru 1980’s. Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg, and Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-401-0440 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Makes!. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call 1-800905-8332
Misc. For Sale Get a complete Satellite System installed at NO COST! FREE HD/ DVR Upgrade. As low as $19.99/ mo. Call for details 877-388-8575
Your Source for Neighborhood News
Willie Ward 4106 Glenwood Road, Apt 4 Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Rape Convicted on 3/23/1992
Sex Offender
Octavius Brown 2054 Imperial Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30345 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 5/15/2013
multi-newspaper placement service!
FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877-8180783
Lester Morris 5865 Strathmoor Manor Circle Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of Forcible Sodomy Convicted on 10/24/2001
7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9
One-order, one-invoice,
Autos
Sex Offender
KILL ROACHES! Buy Harris Roach Tablets. Eliminate BugsGuaranteed. No Mess, Odorless, Long Lasting. Available at Ace Hardware & The Home Depot. KILL BED BUGS & THEIR EGGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killer Complete Treatment Program or Kit. Available: Hardware Stores, Buy Online: homedepot.com DIRECTV starting at $24.95/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE RECEIVER Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. Some exclusions apply - Call for details 1-800-8974169
Miscellaneous My Computer Works Computer problems? Viruses, spyware,
email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1-800-681-3250 Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in over 7 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 570 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/ month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 800-278-1401 DirectTV - 2 Year Savings Event! Over 140 channels only $29.99 a month. Only DirecTV gives you 2 YEARS of savings and a FREE Genie upgrade! Call 1-800-2793018 Protect Your Home - ADT Authorized Dealer: Burglary, Fire, and Emergency Alerts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! CALL TODAY, INSTALLED TOMORROW! 888-858-9457 (M-F 9am-9pm ET)
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.
Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information
A8
CrossRoadsNews
2014 Family &
Back to School in partnership with....
DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston
July 19, 2014
expo
&
Saturday, July 26, 2014 Noon - 5 p.m.
Lower Level, The Mall at Stonecrest Exhibitors
Screenings
Emcee Reggie Gay
EXHIBITORS
Performances By:
Demonstrations
The Conservatory of Dance and Fine Arts
Atlanta Gastroenterology Big Thinkers Science Exploration Candler Pharmacy Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta CrossRoadsNews Compassionate Nurses Inc. DeKalb Co. Board of Health DeKalb Co. Clerk of Court Debra DeBerry DeKalb Co. Solicitor-General Sherry Boston DeKalb Co. Sheriff Jeff Mann Dignity Memorial/Georgia Memorial Park & Funeral Home Georgia Perimeter College Gateway to College Georgia Piedmont Technical College Georgia Stars Academy of Dance Great Expressions Dental Care Green Pastures Christian Ministries Kaiser Permanente Malik College Oakhurst Medical Center Organic Root Stimulator Primerica Financial Services South DeKalb/Wade Walker Family YMCAs Walgreens Woodruff Medical Training
Life Chef Asata Reid
Zion Moore
Taylor Madison Rose
Door Prizes
Join us for this informative & empowering event. Call 404-284-1888 for more information.
The Chozen 1
Family & Back-to-School Expo Saturday, July 26, 2014
Copyright © 2014 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
July 19, 2014
www.crossroadsnews.com
Section B
Get ready to hit the books
Useful information available at CrossRoadsNews’ 2014 Family & Back-to-School Expo Noon to 5 p.m., Lower Level, the Mall at Stonecrest ■ Free health screenings
■ Cooking demonstrations
■ Musical performances
■ Book-bag giveaway
■ Informative presentations
■ Door prizes
B2
Expo
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
“This is always a great event. It helps families to get in the mood for the school year and remind them of imminent deadlines.” The two dozen expo exhibitors include Big Thinkers Science Exploration (at left), health care providers, colleges and DeKalb County officials.
2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.CrossRoadsNews.com editor@CrossRoadsNews.com The Family & Back-to-School Expo Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews, Atlanta’s award-winning weekly newspaper.
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphics Editor Curtis Parker Reporter Jennifer Ffrench Parker Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
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 © 2014 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without written permission of the publisher.
Entertainment, resources for return to school The start of the new school year is almost upon us, and CrossRoadsNews’ annual Family & Back-to-School Expo will be at the Mall at Stonecrest on July 26 with two dozen exhibitors offering information, demos, health screenings and other resources to help families get ready for the first day of school on Aug. 11. There will be performances by talented DeKalb Schools students Taylor Madison Rose and Zion Moore, healthy school lunch demos by Life Chef Asata Reid, miming by Antonio “the Chozen 1” Hinton, and line dancing by the lithe Beulah Boys. Expo-goers who visit at least 15 of the exhibitors can enter the grand-prize drawing for a fabulous Back-to-School Gift Basket
from the Mall at Stonecrest. And best of all, it’s free to attend. The expo is made possible by sponsors DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston and Kaiser Permanente and other partners like Children’s Healthcare at Hughes Spalding and Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Our exhibitors include medical centers, colleges, dance teams, the DeKalb Board of Health, Big Thinkers Science Exploration, and DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann and Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry. The expo takes place from noon to 5 p.m. on the mall’s lower level between Kohl’s and Dillard’s. Jennifer Parker, editor and publisher of CrossRoadsNews, says the newspaper
hosts the annual expo to offer residents a convenient one-stop shop to access valuable information and resources. “This is always a great event,” she said. “It helps families to get in the mood for the school year and remind them of imminent deadlines.” The Family & Back-to-School Expo is one of four expos that CrossRoadsNews hosts annually at the mall. It will be followed by the Seniors and Baby Boomer Expo on Oct. 18 and the 10th Annual Health & Wellness Expo in January. The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 and Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 404-2841888.
.
2014 Family & Back-to-School Expo Exhibitors & Grand Prize Entry Form Visit at least 15 of these exhibitors* at the 2014 Family & Back-to-School Expo and enter to win a Back-to-School Gift Basket from the Mall at Stonecrest. Drawing takes place on July 26, 2014, at 4:45 p.m. at the Main Stage in front of Sears on the lower level of the Mall at Stonecrest. _____ Atlanta Gastroenterology
_____ DeKalb Co. Solicitor-General Sherry Boston
_____ Kaiser Permanente
_____ Big Thinkers Science Exploration
_____ DeKalb Co. Sheriff Jeff Mann
_____ Malik College
_____ Candler Pharmacy
_____ Dignity Memorial/Georgia Memorial Park
_____ Oakhurst Medical Center
_____ Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
& Funeral Home
_____ Organic Root Stimulator
_____ CrossRoadsNews
_____ Georgia Perimeter College Gateway to College
_____ Primerica Financial Services
_____ Compassionate Nurses Inc.
_____ Georgia Piedmont Technical College
_____ South DeKalb/Wade Walker Family YMCAs
_____ DeKalb Co. Board of Health
_____ Georgia Stars Academy of Dance
_____ Walgreens
_____ DeKalb Co. Clerk of Court Debra DeBerry
_____ Great Expressions Dental Care
_____ Woodruff Medical Training
_____ Green Pastures Christian Ministries Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Home phone _________________________________________________ Cell ___________________________________________________________ * Eligible entries must be validated by at least 15 exhibitors and must include your complete name, address, e-mail address and telephone number. Employees and immediate family members of CrossRoadsNews and the Mall at Stonecrest are not eligible to win. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. You MUST be present to win.
B3
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
Encouraging Perfect School Attendance to Build a Better Future { smart
prosecution for a better quality of life }
my goal is to: ➤ keep our community safe ➤ improve our quality of life ➤ keep our kids in school and out of trouble ➤ protect the vulnerable solicitor-General boston wants to help kids stay in school to ensure a brighter future for dekalb’s youngest citizens. our office works hard with families and school administrators to provide support and resolve attendance issues before they rise to the level of prosecution of parents and guardians.
Sherry Boston dekalb county solicitor-general
404.371.2201 www.dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org
B4
CrossRoadsNews
Expo
July 19, 2014
Expo-goers who visit at least 15 of the exhibitors can enter the grand-prize drawing for a gift basket.
2014 Family & Back-to-School Expo Program Highlights July 26, 2014 • Noon to 5 p.m. • The Main Stage in front of Sears Lower Level, The Mall at Stonecrest Noon
Expo Kicks Off
12:30 p.m.
Songstress Taylor Madison Rose 1 p.m.
Dancer Zion Moore Emcee Reggie Gay 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
1:30 p.m. Mime Artist Antonio “The Chozen 1” Hinton Taylor Madison Rose
2 p.m.
Back-to-School Lunch Demo With Life Chef Asata Reid
Zion Moore
2:30 p.m.
DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston
3 p.m.
Conservatory of Dance
4 p.m.
Beulah Boys
Conservatory of Dance
Chef Asata
4:40 p.m.
Grand Prize Drawing
5 p.m.
Expo Ends
“The Chozen 1”
Beulah Boys
Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer
The Board Certified specialists at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates are experts in colon cancer screenings and evaluating and treating every type of digestive disorder, including: • Crohn’s Disease • Barrett’s Esophagus • Acid Reflux | Ulcers
• Liver Disease | Hepatitis • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Diarrhea | Constipation
• Intestinal Polyps • Ulcerative Colitis • Hemorrhoids
With convenient locations in your area, getting the care you need has never been easier. For more information, call the office nearest you or talk to your primary care physician.
I wish everyone a safe and productive school year. Remember bullying is prohibited so if you feel you are being bullied please notify an adult!
Mahmoud B. Barrie, M.D.
Norman L. Elliott, M.D.
Atlanta Medical | Conyers | Lithonia
Midtown | Lithonia
Tommie Haywood III, M.D.
Barry Levitt, M.D.
Atlanta Medical | Decatur | Lithonia
Conyers | Decatur | Lithonia
Offering safe, painless hemorrhoid banding treatment
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court DeKalb County Courthouse 556 N. McDonough Street [Ground Floor ] Decatur, GA 30030 @DKSuperiorClerk
Conyers
Decatur
Lithonia
1501 Milstead Road Suite 160 770.817.0224
2665 North Decatur Road Suite 350 678.553.0226
5403 Hillandale Park Court Suite B 770.817.0224
For information, visit www.atlantagastro.com or call 1.866.GO.TO.AGA. AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.
July 19, 2014
Expo
B5
CrossRoadsNews
“Did you know that about 90 percent of the inmates in the DeKalb County Jail never finished high school?”
The $630,000 mistake you don’t want your kids to make By Sherry Boston
Do you need a new way to motivate your kids for the upcoming school year? Then tell them that not getting excited about school and their education could cost them $630,000. That’s right. Kids who don’t earn a high school diploma can expect to earn about $630,000 less than graduates who work 40 years in their career, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Need more compelling information? Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the unemployment rate of high school dropouts is 47 percent higher than graduates. And the U.S. Census Bureau reports that employees with a high school diploma earn 51 percent more than those who do not complete their education. Students who go on to graduate from a four-year college will make 235 percent more than a high school dropout. You can see that the value of an education is measurable, much like putting money into a savings account. And like savings, regular investments are required in order to realize financial gain. But when it comes to an education, students must regularly invest time in studying. And parents must invest time in helping their kids stay focused and disciplined about school. Unfortunately, some parents don’t always stay focused on their kids’ schoolwork and education. Perhaps they don’t realize how much a lack of involvement can cost their children in the long run. However, neglecting a child’s participation in school can also be a costly mistake for the immediate future. The DeKalb County Solicitor General’s Office receives numerous cases of educational neglect each year from the DeKalb County School System. These cases involve students with more than five unexcused absences in the school year, some with more than 40 days of absences in just six months. Georgia law requires my office to prosecute these cases that usually result in hefty fines, up to 30 days in jail or performing community service. However, I am more interested in encouraging parents to keep kids in school. That is why we offer a diversion program called the Attendance Review
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Team to help these parents turn things around. Failure to complete the conditions of the program will result in criminal prosecution. If you have no children of your own, or if your kids are now grown, supporting education in our community should still be a priority. Did you know that about 90 percent of the inmates in the DeKalb County Jail never finished high school? We know that keeping children in school makes our community safer. A study released last year by the Alliance for Excellent Education found that the nation could save as much as $18.5 billion in losses from criminal activity if the high school male graduation rate increased by only 5 percentage points. The same increase in graduates would result in approximately 60,000 less cases of assault, 37,000 less larcenies, 31,000 less vehicle thefts and 17,000 less burglaries. It could also prevent
DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston, left, will offer students the opportunity to sign her perfect attendance pledge board at July 26, Family & Back-to-School Expos at the Mall at Stonecrest,
about 1,300 murders, 3,800 rapes and 1,500 robberies. The U.S. economy would also benefit from an additional $1.2 billion in annual employment earnings. As you can see, education makes us all better off, now and in the long run. As we start back to school this year, I hope you will join me in making education a top priority. Invest your time in your children’s schoolwork and make sure they are at school every day, ready to learn. Don’t allow them to make mistakes that could cost them $630,000 in the future. By working together, we can help our children achieve more while creating a safer community for us all. Sherry Boston is the DeKalb County solicitor general. Bring your children to the Mall at Stonecrest for the 2014 Family & Back-to-School Expo on July 26 to sign her Perfect Attendance Pledge. The expo takes place noon to 5 p.m. on the mall’s lower level between Kohl’s and Dillard’s.
Now it's easier than ever to enjoy good health in DeKalb County. With five Kaiser Permanente medical centers in the area, convenient care from great doctors is close to home or work. To learn more, call 404-261-2590 (TTY 711), talk to your employer or broker, or visit kp.org. Crescent Medical Center 200 Crescent Centre Pkwy. Tucker, GA 30084 Downtown Decatur Medical Office 201 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite A Decatur, GA 30030 Enroll in a Kaiser Permanente health plan, and you'll learn what our many satisfied DeKalb County members already know: Kaiser Permanente is truly different. ■
Choose your doctor from our own, carefully selected experts who care exclusively for Kaiser Permanente members
■
High-tech medical facilities with doctors, specialists, lab, X-ray, and even pharmacy—all coordinated, and all under one roof
■
Secure access to your doctor and medical information online
Nine Piedmont Center 3495 Piedmont Road, NE; Atlanta, GA 30305 404-364-7000 ©2014 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc
Panola Medical Center 5440 Hillandale Dr. Lithonia, GA 30058 Stonecrest Medical Center 8011 Mall Pkwy. Lithonia, GA 30038 Conyers Medical Office 1478 Dogwood Dr. Conyers, GA 30013
B6
CrossRoadsNews
Expo
July 19, 2014
“I would sing about the experiences I have had with God. … I would record them and then write it down.”
Singer-songwriter to showcase original song about t By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Taylor Madison Rose has been turning to pen and paper to express her feelings ever since she was in the third grade. If she had a bad day at school, she penned a poem about it. If she didn’t stand up in church when she should have, she wrote about it. If everything was going really well for her, she wrote about that too. “I loved to read,” she said last week. “After reading a book, I would be inspired.” Since she had been singing at church and school “for as long as I can remember,” it was only natural that some of those poems became lyrics for her songs. But her foray into songwriting began when she made up a song about a butterfly in the fifth grade, and inspired by eighth-grade English teacher Sahima Ise at DeKalb Academy of Technology and the Environment, her writing took flight. Taylor said Ise was no average teacher teaching just out of a book. “She had us writing poetry in class,” she said. “That’s where I fell in love with writing.” Some of her poems made it into the class anthology and she also was published in the Voice of Youth, a national English journal. Two years ago, her mother, Charlotte Dudley, brought her a guitar and Taylor began making up songs on the fly as she strummed notes. “I love to rhyme,” she confesses with a laugh. She taught herself to play the guitar by watching how-to videos on YouTube, and after she mastered the basics, her mother paid for some lessons. Soon she was taping herself as she played and sang so that she could go back and write the words down. Today, she has a box full of poetry in her Lithonia bedroom closet. “I write because it helps me get through life and get through my experiences,” she said. Now 17 and a rising senior at DeKalb Early College Academy in Stone Mountain, Taylor is an accomplished singer, songwriter, poet and guitarist. She says that first she was reluctant to share her talent, but her church family at Light of the World Christian Tabernacle International in Stockbridge encouraged her to share her music with them. “It became a good thing,” said Taylor, who is now worship leader for the church’s JOY youth ministry’s weekly 9 a.m. service. Soon she was writing a song a week and performing them. “I would sing about the experiences I have had with God, which is pretty easy to do,” she said. “I would record them and then write it down.” Taylor will showcase some of that talent at the CrossRoadsNews 2014 Family & Back-to-School Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest on July 26. She will be on the Main Stage near Sears at 12:30 p.m. Taylor says she has grown to enjoy performing, especially with her guitar in hand. “Before, it was always nerve-racking,” she said. “Now, the guitar is like my best friend onstage.”
Marjorie Clay Pre Planning Advisor
404.944.4790
Surprisingly, she has not yet given it a name. “It hasn’t come to me yet, but I am sure it will,” she said. At the expo, Taylor will sing two songs, “Make This World a Better Place” and “Destined for Greatness.” Her older sister, Hannah, will dance while she sings. Taylor wrote “Make This World a Better Place” last May about the three R’s of sustainability – recycle, reuse and reduce – for an environmental science class project. She said her teacher Danielle Armstrong asked her to write the song to encourage students to take steps to protect the environment. She performed it with her classmates for a YouTube video. Taylor says her creativity comes from God, but she ac-
Serving over 30 Dignity Memorial Providers in the Greater Atlanta Area including:
Haisten Funeral Home, McDonough Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, Stockbridge Floral Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Svcs., Tucker Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Snellville Kennedy Memorial Gardens, Ellenwood Fairview Memorial Gardens, Stockbridge Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Tucker Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, Snellville Crest Lawn Memorial, Atlanta
GEORGIA STARS
Dance & Performing Arts Classes “Changing Lives Through the Arts” Ge or gi a St a rs
A ca de my of D a nce & Pe rf o r m in g A rt s 927 Ma in Str eet St on e Mt n , GA 3 008 3
Phone: 678-499-1035
knowledges that it also runs in the family. Her mother dances and has her own CD, “Sing With Me, Bible ABC,” and Hannah is a dance major in college. Last school semester, Taylor was one of about 30 DeKalb high school students who produced and performed in the district’s cable TV show “The Bridge.” She also has performed her original songs on TV57’s “Atlanta Live” television show. For the upcoming school year, she plans to be very focused on schoolwork. “I plan to get all A’s and the best GPA I can have,” she said. At this stage, she hasn’t settled on where she will go to college or even what she will study. “I am thinking about astronomy,” she said. “Maybe I will study and research the stars and the moon.”
Dance • Cheerleading • Fitness Gymnastics • Musical Theatre Majorette/Drill Team • Track & Field
Ages 18 months - Adult **FREE Registration**
CLASSES START AT
$45
MONTHLY
www.georgiastarsacademyofdance.com
You may also visit us at GPC Clarkston Campus, Bldg. CC 1100
Do You Know Youth Who Are: • Looking to get a head start on college?
• May not be on track to graduate on time?
• Looking for an alternative to traditional high school?
• DeKalb County residents, 16-20 years old, with at least 6 high school credits?
For more information call 678-891-3220 or check out www.gpc.edu/gateway
Woodruff Medical Training COMMITTED TO YOU! Committed to Your Education… Committed to Your Career… • Patient Care Technician and Nurse Assisting classes are now forming • Job Placement Assistance • Day & Evening Classes • Financing Available for those who qualify
404-499-1777
www.woodruffmedical.edu
Close to Marta in Decatur
Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, Approved by the Non Public Post Secondary Education Commission . The nursing assisting program is approved by the Georgia Medical Care Foundation. WIA Approved.
Expo
“I want to spread my gift throughout the world and help other kids to show their gifts and follow their dream.”
the environment Taylor Madison Rose, 17, is a rising senior at DeKalb Early College Academy. She has been singing since since the third grade and writing songs since
Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Taylor said she will take astronomy next semester at Georgia Perimeter College, where DECA students also attend classes. In addition to singing at church and school, Taylor now also is singing at weddings, birthdays and other special events. She says that every time she performs, she gets invitations to sing somewhere else. For right now, her mother is managing her performance career. She likes inspiring people through her performances but doesn’t yet know if it is something she will do in the future. “I am going to ride it as long as I can,” she said. Taylor will perform live at 12:30 p.m. on July 26 on the Main Stage near Sears on the lower level of the Mall at Stonecrest at Turner Hill Road and I-20.
‘Captivating’ dancer moves to any beat By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
You should. It could mean the difference between living the future of your dreams and looking toward a future filled with debt. Get your FIN now. Call your local Primerica representative.
• Sandra Scott • Delphine Chenault
in Herschel Walker’s Raw Talent Search in Dublin, Ga. In the summer of 2013, he won first place and $500 in the Atlanta Bomb Squad Reunion competition. In 2010, he and Zhani performed with Vickie Winans in Philadelphia, and in 2011 and 2012, they were regulars on “The Bobby Jones Gospel Show” that taped in New Orleans. Last school year, Zion appeared on the DeKalb School District’s “The Bridge” teen show, and since June he has been doing his own blog on YouTube and at www.twitter. com/IamZionDaFro and on www.instagram.com/ZionDaFroShow. Fans can follow him at @ziondafroshow, at @iamziondafro and #teenswanttoknow. In the video blog “Zion Da Fro Show,” he keeps kids and teens abreast of what’s going on in the world of sports and entertainment. So far he has interviewed actor Emmanuel Hudson, whose credits include “Lunchtime Warfare,” “Ride Along” and “What Love Will Make You Do”; talked with Atlanta Hawks cheerleader Erica at the 2014 NBA Draft Party; and chatted socks with teen designer SixSox, who creates socks to match sneakers. While views have ranged from 22 to 66 on his first three videos, Zion says he is working to build an audience and entertain people. “I want to spread my gift throughout the world and help other kids to show their gifts and follow their dream,” he said. As Zion sees it, he is just as talented as Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, Usher and Justin Bieber. The only difference: He hasn’t been discovered – yet.
Zion “Lil Wiz” Moore was 6 when he pulled some “hopping and ticking” dance moves that surprised his parents, Corliss and Arthur. “My mom and mad were like, ‘Where did you learn to do that?’ ” 15-year-old Zion recalled last week. As far as he knew, it came out of nowhere. “I just woke up one day with the gift of dance,” he said. Zion, a rising 10th-grader at Columbia High, thinks he got inspired by the 2004 hip-hop dance movie “You Got Served.” He has never looked back. At Columbia Elementary, he danced in talent shows, and soon he and big sister Zhani, who was in the fifth grade, were the dancing duo Elementary Style. When Zion got to the fourth grade, he and Zhani switched to gospel and for a year and a half, they danced with Miss Monique’s Visions, a group that did church events across metro Atlanta. These days, Zhani, now 19, is in college, and Zion is going solo as Captivating, a word that also describes what happens to audiences when they watch him dance. His lithe movements and ability to bend and twist his body also mesmerize those watching. He moves to any music with a beat – gospel, hiphop, pop, dub, rap and R&B. “It’s just a God-given talent” is how Zion explains it. Along the way, he got help from Master Pop, a Decatur resident who was born in New Zion “Lil Wiz” Moore, 15, a rising 10thOrleans and is master of the grader at Columbia High. He will show hopping and ticking dance off off his “hopping and ticking” dance genre. moves at 1 p.m. on July 26 at the expo. A friend of his brother, Zackary Noble, introduced the two. “He became my mentor and helped me deZion says when he performs, he likes to leave velop my skill and techniques,” Zion said. a smile on the faces of the people watching. Zion has performed on WSB-TV’s “Salute to the “I want them to say, ‘Man, this kid is going to be a star Troops,” and in February, he nabbed second place and $500 someday and I was lucky to see him before he blew up.’”
Do You Know Your Financial Independence Number?
• Debra Mack • Shernette Denerson
B7
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
• Allison Brown • Tina Dumas
3286 Buckeye Road, Suite 202, Atlanta, GA 30341 • 770-458-1610
770-493-1242 2138 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30345 greatexpressions.com
$100 OFF your out-of-pocket costs. Valid for patients not using insurance. Excludes insurance co-payments.
B8
Expo
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
Keep in mind that one-quarter of their lunch should reflect each of these food groups: protein, grains, vegetables and fruit.
The building blocks for delicious, nutritious school lunches For some DeKalb County children, picking out a new lunchbox is a sign that the end of summer is near. However, many parents dread the thought of trying to come up with healthy lunch choices that their kids will actually eat day after day. I’ve pulled together some tips learned from my experience in cooking with kids in schools and after-school programs to ensure this year that lunchtime is delicious, nutritious and safe. By putting as much consideration into what goes inside your child’s lunchbox – as they do in choosing the popular color and style or favorite cartoon character – I hope you can have successful stress-free lunches.
Balance is key Using the examples presented at www. myplate.gov, you can be sure your kids have a balanced lunch every day. Keep in mind that one-quarter of their lunch should reflect each of these food groups: protein, grains, vegetables and fruit. Lunch doesn’t have to be limited to sandwiches and chips. Leftover dinner favorites can be packed up. Chicken wings and meatballs are a big hit, from what I’ve seen. If your kids have access to a microwave, that opens up a lot more options. Also having thermal containers and ice packs will allow for a more flexible menu.
Samples of Life Chef Asata Reid’s lunch options will be available during her cooking demonstration at the 2014 Family & Back-to-School Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Here are some easy-to-prepare recipes
Pizza-dilla Keep it safe 2 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas Prevent sick day absences and the misery 3 tablespoons spaghetti or pizza sauce of food poisoning by making sure hot foods 8 slices turkey pepperoni stay hot and cold foods stay cold. Foods that ¼ cup mushrooms, bell peppers, olives contain proteins (deli meats, cheeses, yogurt) (optional) and foods that contain sugar (especially some ¼ cup spinach leaves fruits) are especially vulnerable to spoiling in ¼ cup shredded cheese hot temperatures. Commercially prepared ice packs can help Spray the bottom of a nonstick skillet keep things cool. But many creative parents with cooking spray and preheat. have come up with other handy solutions, Place a tortilla in the pan. Quickly such as freezing wet, unused kitchen sponges spread on a few tablespoons of sauce. Add to help keep lunch items cold while keepa layer of pepperoni and the vegetables. ing the lunchbox lightweight. On the other Then top with spinach and shredded hand, simply putting hot food in a thermos cheese. Top it off with the second tortilla. doesn’t guarantee it will stay hot long enough Once the bottom tortilla is crispy and to make it to lunchtime. Before putting hot food in a thermal container, fill the container with hot water (from a teakettle, for instance) these issues is obviously multilayered, makand let it sit for 10 minutes. Quickly drain, ing sure your kids are properly hydrated is a dry and refill with your hot food. simple and inexpensive step in supporting their success. Proper portions, please Pediatricians, dietitians and soccer coachIt’s easy to pack a lunchbox full of car- es all agree that water is the best hydrator. bohydrates. Many of them are shelf-stable While sports drinks and protein drinks have so you don’t have the hassle of trying to clever marketing and attractive packaging, maintain a hot or cold temperature. Items they also cost more and come with a heavy like breads, granola and cereal bars, chips, load of sugars and salt. If you’re worried crackers, cookies and sweet snacks are easy about your young athlete making up their to grab and toss into the bag. lost electrolytes after a hard practice, keep But wait a minute! Remember, only one- bananas, fruit, milk and coconut water availquarter of your child’s lunch needs to be able to replenish naturally. grain- or carbohydrate-based. If you pack a sandwich on two slices of bread, you have Plan for success already included two servings of carbohyThese days there’s a service for everydrates. So choose those snacks wisely and opt thing, and that includes several in the Atlanta for fruits and vegetables instead. metro area that are preparing healthy lunches for delivery to schools or for pickup by parStay hydrated ents. If adding another bill to your family’s Various studies have shown that an in- budget makes you balk, consider checking crease in water consumption leads to less out the Web site for some of these services sick days, better academic performance and and use their ideas for inspiration for your improved classroom behavior. While each of child’s lunches.
golden brown, flip the quesadilla over. Continue cooking until the second tortilla is crisp on the edges and golden brown. To serve, transfer to a cutting board and cut into quarters.
Chicken Caesar Wraps
(Makes 2 wraps) 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped ½ cup spinach or kale, chopped 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup cooked chicken, sliced 2-3 tablespoons Caesar dressing 2 whole-wheat tortillas Place first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Add dressing; toss lightly.
In fact, you’ll probably see some great and healthy ideas to incorporate into your lunches as well! Doing an Internet search reveals a lot of clever and interesting lunch ideas like quesadillas, vegetable sushi, barbecue sliders and more. Plan your lunch menu just like the cafeteria lady does – well in advance. If you shop for your family for the week, make sure you’ve considered what you’ll be sending for lunch so you have all of the items on hand. Also knowing what you’re going to make ahead of time allows you to get any prep done and makes assembling lunches that much faster. For example, wash all of the grapes at once, then parcel them into separate containers or bags for each day of the week.
Involve the kids In the classes that I’ve taught, I’ve seen time and again kids will eat 1) what they grow, 2) what they cook, and 3) what they have a say in deciding. So applying that to lunchtime, you can entice young eaters by including items from
Spoon onto tortillas; roll up tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil to refrigerate.
Curried Chicken Salad
1 grilled chicken breast, diced 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced ½ red apple, diced ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped ¼ cup golden raisins or dried cranberries ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt ¼ teaspoon curry powder ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in bowl. Chill or serve on bread, pita or whole romaine lettuce leaves.
your home garden or items such as fruits from a you-pick-it outing to a peach or blueberry farm. Other tactics include letting the kids build their own sandwiches or pasta dishes with their favorite ingredients, allowing them to pick out the fresh fruits and vegetables for their snacks, and encouraging them to make dips and sauces. Older children will benefit from the responsibility of packing their Chicken Caesar Wraps, hummus and baby carrots the night before and making turkey and cheese sandwiches for several days’ worth of lunches. For more tips and to sample some tasty lunch options, join me at the CrossRoadsNews Family & Back-to-School Expo on July 26 at the Mall at Stonecrest. My demonstration takes place at 2 p.m. on the Main Stage near Sears. Chef Asata teaches healthy cooking for all ages and stages through Atlanta-based Life Chef LLC. For healthy cooking tips and recipes, follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For information on cooking demos, corporate wellness and group classes, visit www.LifeChef.net.
Get Your Child Ready for School Vision, nutritional, hearing and dental screenings • Required Immunizations The DeKalb County Board of Health offers Friendly, affordable health services at: Clifton Springs Health Center North DeKalb Health Center
www.dekalbhealth.net
3110 Clifton Springs Road Decatur, GA 30034 (404) 244-2200 Dental (404) 244-4410
3807 Clairmont Road Chamblee, GA 30341 (770) 454-1144 Dental (770) 454-1144 ext 4341
East DeKalb Health Center
T.O. Vinson Health Center
2277 S. Stn. Mountain-Lithonia Rd. Lithonia, GA 30058 (770) 484-2600 Dental (770) 484-2623
440 Winn Way Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 294-3762 Dental (404) 508-7890
B9
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
TRANSIT MANAGEMENT
DESIGN AND MEDIA
OPTICIANRY
Looking for your Field of Dreams? Enroll now for fall SEmEStEr. claSSES bEgin auguSt 20th Georgia Piedmont Technical College www.gptc.edu | 404-297-9522
B10
Expo
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014
The two-day back-to-school holiday will save Georgians up to $143 million.
Tax-free shopping offers parents needed break Back-to-school shoppers can take advantage of the Aug. 1-2 sales tax holiday. Exempt items include clothing, school supplies, computers and data storage devices.
Oakhurst Medical, Walgreens and Compassionate Nurses Inc. will offer screenings for hypertension and blood sugar at the expo.
Screenings for blood sugar, hypertension The new school year is just around the corner, and preparing for the back-to-school rituals can be hectic and stressful on parents. There is shopping for school supplies, clothes and shoes. There are immunizations to get and documents to gather for school registration. Soon, blood pressure and blood sugar are soaring. But not to worry – Oakhurst Medical Centers, Walgreens and Compassionate Nurses Inc. will offer screenings for hypertension and blood sugar at CrossRoadsNews’ July 26 Family & Back-toSchool Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest. The expo takes place between noon and 5 p.m. on the mall’s lower level between Dillard’s and Kohl’s. Oakhurst Medical will not offer immunizations during the expo, but Tarri Johnson, the center’s community outreach manager, says it will have information about its Aug. 2 Back-to-School Fair, where it will offer immunizations and hearing and vision tests. The mall is at Turner Hill Road and I-20. For more information, call 404-284-1888.
Families shopping for back-to-school supplies and clothes will get a break from sales taxes on Aug. 1-2. During the sales tax holiday, one of two this year, the following items will be exempt: n Clothing (including footwear) with a sales price of up to $100 per item. n School supplies with a sales price of up to $20. n Computers up to $1,000. The exempt items include electronic book readers and laptops, desktops, tablets and data storage devices like DVDs, CDs, flash drives, diskettes and memory cards. A three-day ENERGY STAR and WaterSense appliance tax-free holiday is set for Oct. 3-5. Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 958 in April to extend the statewide back-to-school tax-free holiday and ENERGY STAR and WaterSense appliance tax-free holiday weekends for an additional two years. The bill continues the Georgia Jobs and Family Tax Reform Plan
originally signed into law in 2012. Deal said the sales tax holidays will allow families to save money on necessary items for school and on appliances that will help conserve energy resources. The state estimates that over the two-year time period, the two-day back-to-school holiday will save Georgians up to $143 million, and the energy-efficient household appliance tax holiday will save taxpayers $2.6 million. The bill also provides a new sales tax exemption for Georgia’s food banks, an initiative that will help sustain the charitable service across the state, saving an estimated $2.5 million over two years. HB 958 extends the tax credit for video-game production companies and provides an extension of the project of regional significance sales tax exemption. For the full list of covered and exempt items, visit https://etax.dor.ga.gov/salestax/holiday/2014_Sales_Tax_ Holiday_Back_to_School.pdf.
July 19, 2014
Expo
B11
CrossRoadsNews
“God just took me in that direction. Once I realized that was my calling, I embraced it.”
Mime ‘Chozen 1’ ministers through music, inspired movement By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
When Antonio “the Chozen 1” Hinton dances, spectators are just mesmerized. “People tell me that I am not performing,” he said. “They say I touch them.” Hinton, who mimes to songs like “When Sunday Comes,” “Make Me Over,” “More of Thee” and “The Best in Me,” believes he was chosen by God to interpret music and be a blessing to those viewing him. “It’s an out-of-body experience,” he said Wednesday. “People tell me it’s in my face and my body movement.” Though he had been singing, rapping, dancing and writing songs since he was 11, Hinton did not mime until his late 20s. It came quite by accident. In 2005, while a member of High Power God Ministry in Jersey City, N.J., his late pastor, Thomas Williams, asked him to dance for a drama ministry performance. Hinton did a dramatization piece to Smokie Norful’s “I Need You Now.” “I started out homeless with a trench coat, a wig and slippers on,” he recalled. “Then as the song progresses, I came out of all that to reveal a person that had their life turned around.” The reaction from church members convinced him that he had found his calling. “They said I ministered to their soul,” he said. During the performance, Hinton said that he “felt led by God.” Not long after, Hinton painted his face white, donned white gloves, and mimed to Daryl Coley’s “When Sunday Comes.” Soon someone had dubbed him the “Interpreter of Worship,” and he was performing every weekend at churches, wedding receptions, fu-
will perform Marvin Sapp’s “The Best in Me” on the Main Stage at 1:30 p.m. Hinton says he wants his audience to feel blessed when he performs. “When I minister to people, I want them to see the God in me,” he said. “I want the song to minister to their souls.” nerals and par ties across the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Hinton, who was a customer service representative at Newark Airport, said every time he performed, he would be get another booking from someone in the audience. “God just took me in that direction,” he said. “Once I realized that was my calling, I embraced it.” The first time he went into costume, he used Halloween makeup to paint his face white because he didn’t know better. After deciding to make miming his ministry, Hinton’s research led him to clown makeup. He also educated himself about the genre of miming – a theatrical medium dating back to ancient Greece in which a performer acts out a story through body motions without use of speech. Hinton, who relocated to Lithonia three weeks ago to join his fiancee, Jovan Balkum, said he had no formal mime training. “It’s all God,” he said of his talent. On July 26, he will showcase his talent at the CrossRoadsNews Family & Back-toSchool Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest. He
Antonio Hinton will mime Marvin Sapp’s “The Best in Me.”
The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully, Inc. DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson & The Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority
BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES! (While supplies last. Child must be present) Nutrition that’s fun! Fitness for all ages! Tastes of C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Cooking
FREE ADMISSION!
FREE Saturday August 2, 2014 10am - 2pm
While Supplies Last
Oakhurst Medical Centers 5582 Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(Up the street from Chick Fil-A - Memorial Dr.)
Healthy Children Get Immunized for School! 4-17 yrs. (Must Bring Immunization Record)
Every Child Immunized Gets a Free Book Bag w/School supplies More Info: Brenda Jackson & Assoc 770-808-0114
Every Child Immunized Gets a Free Book Bag and School Supplies •School & Health Screenings •Health Information & Products •Promotional Products •FREE HIV Testing (with 1 minute results) •Breast Cancer Awareness Info •Healthy Foods, Beverages & Snacks •Youth & Adult Performances •Carnival Games & Face Painting •Rock Climbing & Obstacle Course •Pony & Trackless Train Rides •Talent / Essay Contests & Prizes •and more.... •First Come First Served!
FREE
B12
CrossRoadsNews
July 19, 2014