CrossRoadsNews, July 25, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

WELLNESS

MINISTRY

Shovel-ready road improvement projects along Memorial Drive and other DeKalb thoroughfares have been added to the list to get federal stimulus funding. 3

Advocates on both sides of the health care debate took to the streets to let Congressman Hank Johnson know how they feel about President Obama’s proposed reforms. 7

New Jerusalem Outreach Ministry co-pastors Julius and Julia Edmondson will mark two milestones together on July 26. 10

More stimulus dollars

Dueling opinions

July 25, 2009

Dual celebrations

Volume 15, Number 12

www.crossroadsnews.com

Southwest DeKalb fails AYP for 1st time in six years By Jennifer Ffrench Parker and McKenzie Jackson

Southwest DeKalb High School – home to one of the county’s High Achievers magnet programs – did not make AYP this year. It’s the first time since 2003 that the Decatur school has failed to make the federally mandated Adequate Yearly Progress that tracks students’ progress at meeting state academic standards. Southwest DeKalb is among 15 of DeKalb School System’s 23 high schools that did not make AYP. This is the second highest number

The failing high schools of high schools ever to are among 41 of the dismiss AYP since the fedtrict’s 134 elementary, mideral government began dle and high schools that tracking school performissed the mark on the mances under the No 2009 AYP Report, released Child Left Behind Act in July 15 by the Georgia 2002. Seventeen DeKalb Department of Education. high schools missed AYP Thirty-two of the failin 2003. Crawford Lewis ing schools are located in The other DeKalb high schools missing the mark this South DeKalb. Altogether, 70 percent of DeKayear are Redan, Tucker, Towers, Stephenson, Stone Mountain, Cross lb’s schools made AYP, down from Keys, Avondale, Cedar Grove, Dun- 73 percent in 2008. Statewide, more woody, Lithonia, Martin Luther than 79 percent of Georgia’s pubKing Jr., McNair, Columbia, Stone lic schools made Adequate Yearly Mountain and Elizabeth Andrews. Progress – a 10-point jump over

2008. The No Child Left Behind Act mandates a 100 percent proficiency rate for all schools by 2014. The school system refused to discuss individual schools but in a press release, School Superintendent Crawford Lewis said they are very willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that students have tremendous success on standardized tests. “There is a sense of urgency to build upon our improvement and strengthen our weak areas because in many ways we are so close, but in so many ways we have a long

way to go to truly transform each of our schools and classrooms into those of excellence and high performance,” he said. Dale Davis, the school system’s spokesman, said Thursday that questions about Southwest DeKalb and the 14 other high schools that missed AYP were premature. He said Gloria Talley, the school system’s deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction, would not take questions until after she updates school board members on the AYP results at their July 31 Please see SOUTHWEST, page 5

Recorders Court problems now top priority By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The problems at the DeKalb Recorders Court are now on the front burner for the DeKalb Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who chairs the board’s Public Safety and General Government Committee, said Thursday that the three-member committee will be working “expeditiously” to fix the long-standing problems at the court. “I don’t have a date or a time line, but this is the number one priority for us,” she said. “We have to put policy and resources in place to rectify the problems.” Barnes Sutton and Commissioners Lee May and Kathie Gannon, who make up the public safety committee, took a field trip to the Recorders Court during the committee’s July 10 meeting and heard from Chief Judge Joy Walker, who gave them a tour of the court’s operations. Barnes Sutton said she was surprised at what they found. “Every filing system was overwhelmed,” she said. “She has no place to file stuff. And the long lines of people waiting. That’s a problem. People are innocent until proven guilty and they have to wait in long lines because the court does not have enough space to hear cases.” The Recorders Court has been at the eye of a storm over up to $20 million in uncollected traffic and code violation tickets, the indictments of former employees in a ticket-fixing scam, and a civil probe by a DeKalb grand jury. More than 30-pages of e-mails and letters from the court dating back to 2003, requested by CrossRoadsNews last week, documented years of attempts by Walker to get resources and personnel to serve

Commissioners Sharon Barnes Sutton (from left), Kathie Gannon and Lee May toured the DeKalb Recorders Court July 10 to get a firsthand look at the problems plaguing the court.

warrants and improve the court’s efficiency, and to secure adequate space to hold court hearings. Walker says she has been asking county government for help since she arrived at there in 2002. “I have made numerous requests to the administration for improvements at the Recorders Court,” she wrote DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis in December 2008. “Each and every request that I have made has been denied by DeKalb County’s Finance Department and the Board of Commissioners.” Barnes Sutton said it was time that someone visited the Bobby Burgess Building where the court

is housed to see the problems firsthand. “We see stuff on the news,” she said. “We hear rumors and gossips. I wanted to see what was going on over there and what needed to be done.” Prior to the visit, Barnes Sutton said no one had been over to the court to see its operations. “We wanted to separate the politics from it,” she said, adding that the problems at the court are long standing and has fallen through the cracks for the previous and this administration. “She [Walker] said that every time she sent in a strategic plan,

there was a change in police chief and she had to start all over,” Barnes Sutton said. “Since she has been there, there have been five police chiefs.” In a Feb. 23, 2007, memo, Walker said that the Police Department, which used to dispose “one million plus” warrants a year for the Recorders Court, informed her that “petty offense” warrants were not a priority because of the CEO’s new initiative to get more police on the street serving felony and misdemeanor warrants.” On Monday Shelia Edwards, Ellis’ chief communications officer, said the Dec. 17, 2008 letter Walker

wrote to then CEO-elect Burrell Ellis outlining the court’s problems went to his transition committee and not to him. “It’s been seven months,” Edwards said. “Why hasn’t she written to this administration?” Ellis did not return phone calls by press time Thursday. Barnes Sutton said she has met with Public Safety Director William Miller and plans to meet with Ellis to discuss the court’s problems. “The CEO has said that public safety is his number one priority,” she said. “This is a public safety issue.”

Community

CrossRoadsNews

July 25, 2009

“I knew I was going to do pretty good, but I definitely didn’t think I was going to come in first place.”

Lifter takes gold in Police, Fire games NAACP launches program to speed By McKenzie Jackson reporting of misconduct by police The annual Georgia

Police and Fire Games DeKalb police officer pits more than 1,000 law Josh Gilbert tips the scale enforcement officers and at 245 pounds, but that firefighters against each doesn’t stop him from other in events including bench pressing more. combat shooting, cycling, Gilbert, 31, hoisted bass fishing, golf, softball, 340 pounds last month Texas Hold’Em, track and to win gold in the 2009 weightlifting. Georgia Police and Fire The 29-year-old comGames in Carrollton. petition promotes physiGilbert, who has parcal fitness and educaticipated in the statewide tional exchange that benevent since 2006, mastered efits all law enforcement the heaviest weight in the and fire safety personnel 245-pound open male statewide. bench press competition Gilbert was one of during the June 14-19 four DeKalb police ofJosh Gilbert bench pressed 340 competition. ficers to grab medals at He said it felt good pounds to win the gold medal. the games. to be declared one of the Officer Arnie Durham strongest police officers in Georgia. placed second in the intermediate category “I knew I was going to do pretty good, but of the Motorcycle Rodeo and Officer Ronnie I definitely didn’t think I was going to come Crenshaw finished third in the same event. in first place,” he said. “When I won first place Officer Daniel Veasey took second place I was kind of astounded.” in the novice category of the Motorcycle Last year, Gilbert took second place by Rodeo. lifting 365 pounds. He said he could have Gilbert says he weight trains and does bench pressed a lot more than 340 pounds physical conditioning year round and has if not for a rule change this year. been weight training since high school. He “What we had to do is take it off the rack says he works out to stay healthy and that his and then bring it all the way down to our strength is also an asset on the job. chest and then pause for a second,” he said. “Two weeks ago I had to chase this guy “Whenever the guy said ‘up’ that is when we that used to play college football, who had had to push it back up. So that is going to some narcotics on him,” he said. “I was able take a little bit more strength than bringing to catch him and he ended up putting up a it down to the chest and going right back little fight. He was strong and bigger than I up with it.” am, so he almost got away from me, but with Gilbert, a three-year DeKalb police of- my endurance I was able to hold on until ficer, works out of the South and East Pre- another officer came to assist me.” cincts’ District Two Net Team. His next goal? Bench press 405 pounds.

The NAACP has a new national online program to help African Americans fight police misconduct and its DeKalb chapter is supporting it. The nation’s oldest civil rights organization unveiled its Rapid Re- Benjamin Jealous port System on July 13 during its Centennial Convention in New York City. It allows citizens to report police misconduct and helps public safety officials move past “tough on crime” policies that it says have lost their effectiveness. Benjamin Jealous, the group’s president and CEO, said the initiative is part of a wider criminal justice strategy called “Smart and Safe” that the NAACP is launching this year. Jealous said that in 2002 more than 26,000 citizen complaints about the use of excessive police force were filed with state and local law enforcement agencies. “Because many incidents are not reported, this number does not capture the full magnitude of the problem,” he said. Yvonne Hawks, president of the DeKalb NAACP, attended the Centennial Convention. She said the Rapid Report System will be very useful. “It not only can be used to substantiate the private citizen’s statements but also statements of the police if it is used properly,” she said. The system, which is on www.naacp. org, includes a user-friendly form that allows people to send instant texts, emails or video reports of police abuse to the NAACP via cell phone.

Jealous said that research has shown that there are many barriers to reporting incidents of police misconduct, including intimidation at police departments and lack of trust in the integrity of the system. Yvonne Hawks “ This breakdown leads to an absence of public safety and a deterioration of the quality of life in many communities of color,” he said. Jealous adds that public safety is a civil and a human rights issue and that the NAACP wants a more accurate count of the incidents. Hawks said the DeKalb NAACP will promote the use of the system and hopes that all citizens will use it to report police misconduct. “We receive a number of complaints from citizens but most of the time there is no tangible evidence and no other witness to the police misconduct,” she said. “This will give us a better opportunity to evaluate the complaint.” Jealous said the NAACP knows that most police safety officers are excellent public servants. “But the few who violate people’s rights are often not held accountable,” he said. “We hope to improve the relationship between our community and law enforcement officers, which is the best way to create the trust needed for police to effectively solve crimes.” For more information, visit www.naacp. org or call the DeKalb NAACP at 404-2418006.

July 25, 2009

Community

CrossRoadsNews

The intersection of Hairston and Rockbridge roads is one of 14 DeKalb transportation projects fueled by stimulus funds.

DeKalb projects OK’d for stimulus The amount of stimulus funds for transportation projects flowing towards DeKalb County just keeps growing. Since April, money for DeKalb projects funded by the federal stimulus bill has reached $48 million. Gov. Sonny Perdue approved an additional $9.7 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for shovelready DeKalb road and bridge construction and improvements on July 13. Perdue signed off on $7.5 million worth of miscellaneous improvements on Memorial Drive between Woodcroft and Goldsmith roads, and $2.1 million worth of improvements on Shoal Creek pedestrian bridge in Decatur. The bridge will be removed and the culvert and turn lane will be replaced. Since April, Perdue has signed off on a dozen DeKalb roadway projects, three of which cross county lines with Rockdale, Gwinnett and Clayton counties, valued at $38.3 million. There are now 14 projects in DeKalb worth $48 million that have been green lighted.

Georgia DOT spokesman Mark McKinnon said that all of the projects certified by Perdue have been let to contract or will be in the next few months. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said the county is pleased to receive the stimulus allocation from the federal government. “We are certainly appreciative of Governor Perdue’s support in certifying money for these transportation projects, which will create jobs and address transportation needs throughout the metro Atlanta area,” he said. Perdue’s approval of the projects comes after he initially nixed funding for all but one of the projects – an $887,568 project – on April 7. On May 4, he approved funds for seven DeKalb-only projects valued at $18.9 million, and one project in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties worth $4.6 million. On June 12, Perdue gave the nod to one DeKalb-only project worth $1.4 million, one DeKalb-Rockdale project worth $868,219, and one DeKalb-Clayton project worth $8 million.

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CrossRoadsNews

Forum

July 25, 2009

I understand leagues need to protect their fields, but they also need to realize their fields are public park land.

Charging taxpayers to use practice fields is not best option 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

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DeKalb’s decision to address budget shortfalls by charging for use of practice fields is not the best path to take. And obviously fee structures should not be changed for a season for which a league has already collected fees from participants. A far better and fairer solution would be to increase the difference for fees charged to in-county and out-of-county residents for league play. Also, since DeKalb residents who live in cities such as Chamblee, Doraville and Dunwoody do not pay DeKalb Parks and Recreation taxes (they pay those taxes to their respective cities), it is only fair that they pay a higher fee for league play than those who live in unincorporated DeKalb and do pay DeKalb

Parks and Recreation taxes. Chamblee justifiably charges increased fees to non-Chamblee residents who participate in league play at Keswick park. In fact, charging a differential is essential for assuring each city and county invest properly into their respective parks system. Otherwise a city could decide to not use its tax revenues for their parks since their citizens can go down the street and play courtesy of their neighbors’ tax dollars. Just recently DeKalb County used my tax dollars to remove many hardwood trees at Murphey Candler and to clear within the Nancy Creek Stream buffer to expand parking that will be used by those who do not pay taxes to the DeKalb Parks System. The

Murphey Candler Baseball League charges $170 to out-of-county residents and $150 to county residents. The Murphey Candler Colts football website does not show any differential charged to in-county and out-of-county residents. Charging a flat fee for use of practice fields is unfair because it does not account for the fact that some of the participants are paying taxes to maintain the respective parks and some are not. It also could lead to a push by the parks department to commercialize the parks and perhaps even convert passive park areas into pay-for-use practice fields. Right now both Murphey Candler and Blackburn parks have countless playing fields yet each

Crackdown on dress code is a good thing Great work parents and the adminIt is about time that istration. someone took the reins of I am glad that DeKalb adult authority in terms County will crack down of a dress code for eland enforce the dress ementary and high school code. It is no good to have children. laws for children without Dressing inapproprihaving them being enately for teens has been Miriam Robinson forced. talked about too long Children ignore laws when they without anyone actually doing anyknow that the school system is not thing about it. I just don’t get it. We should not give children the going to enforce them. Parents don’t need easing into authority to disrespect themselves and make decisions that are not the dress code. They should have had the good common sense to right for them. Good parenting takes work. know all along that their children Time spent with your child, talking are dressing inappropriately and to them, making sure their home- disrespectful when they leave work is done. It is easier to let them home. Little do we recognize that we do what they want, wear what they want, rather than give guidance in are raising a generation of disretheir lives and teach them how to spectful children who fail to realize that how you see yourself is how be respectful. There are school rules in place others see you. If you dress like a hooker, you for boys with sagging pants and girls showing cleavage, but they can may be perceived as a hooker. If easily be ignored by the students, your focus is to show the world

Quick Read

NAACP program to speed reporting of misconduct

Stonecrest joins social 2 shopping website

The NAACP has a new national online program to help African Americans fight police misconduct.

DeKalb projects OK’d for stimulus

your sagging underwear, then the world will continue to look down on your rear, which is the focus of your being. They will never have to look up to see what is in your head and neither will you because you continue looking down in a negative fashion. Continuously tugging at your pants every second to pull up your pants is a useless, unintelligent, senseless act. A person with no sense at all should know they would never stay up because there is no belt to hold them up. Children need to know that their mission for going to school is to get an education as future leaders of this world. It is about how much you can respect yourself and how much education you can gain for the future of your well-being and to become a productive citizen. Miriam Knox Robinson lives in Decatur.

on Recorders Court story Another great Recorders Court article with digging that no one else has done. Yo u r article makes the concerns expressed by some of our government o f f i c i a l s Tom Stubbs over problems at the Recorders Court more in the vein of Captain Renault’s declaration of being “shocked, shocked that gambling was going on” at Rick’s. Great work. Tom Stubbs lives in Decatur.

Student named to society 6 of high school scholars

People with a passion for shopping can enjoy Shoptopia at the Mall at Stonecrest.

Rising Towers High School senior Shadaya Quinnayata Harper is a National Society of High School Scholar.

Divergent views on health care land at Congressman’s office 7 Arabia PTSA to hold charter 3 meeting 8 Local advocates for and against health

The amount of stimulus funds for transportation projects flowing towards DeKalb County just keeps growing.

care reform butted heads in DeKalb last week.

Parents will be chartering the Arabia Mountain High School PTSA at a July 30 meeting at the county’s newest school.

Companies signing up for Recreation chief fired after Kaiser’s annual 5K 7 Couple will celebrate two swim team mixup 5 anniversaries in one service 10 More than 120 metro Atlanta companies, CEO Burrell Ellis fired Marilyn Boyd Drew after her department failed to enroll 67 child swimmers for a state swim meet.

including 18 from DeKalb County, have already registered for the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk and Fitness Program.

Georgia’s men hardest hit by Screens offered at health economic downturn 6 fair Circulation Audited By

park only has one poorly maintained area for the general public to play ball on and there are no basketball courts. In fact the parks department this year tried to use the only general playing field at Murphey Candler for league use. Leading to the question of where are residents who want to play a casual game supposed to play? Parks are for people. I understand leagues need to protect their fields, but they also need to realize their fields are public park land and some sort of method to share at least some of the practice fields needs to be developed. Likewise those of us paying for the general upkeep of these parks deserve to pay less than those who do not. Eric Hovdesven lives in Atlanta.

Men are taking it on the chin in Georgia’s current recession, a Georgia Department of Labor study finds.

On July 26, co-pastors Julius Edmondson Sr. and his wife, Julia, will be celebrating a twofer.

CLASSIC program collecting 7 new, gently used clothing 10

Adults and children can get free health screenings at an Aug. 1 health fair sponsored by the DeKalb NAACP.

New and clean and lightly worn clothes are needed for The Bride Closet, a program of CLASSIC Inc.

index to advertisers 1.2.3 Discount Fabrics...................................... 6 AJ Wright..........................................................3 BaSix Knowledge Academy..............................8 Craig B. Williams, DDS......................................7 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau..............2 DeKalb Co. Schools-Parent Resource Ctr..........8 Drummer Imports Service and Sales............... 6

Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care.................11 Georgia Power..................................................5 Holy Union Publication...................................10 InTouch Realty.................................................11 Jones PT Physical Therapy................................7 Law Office of C.E. Taylor.................................. 6 Malcolm Cunningham Ford............................ 12

Newburn Reynolds Photography.....................11 North DeKalb Mall............................................5 Physic Fitness...................................................11 Raleigh Rucker Funeral Home.........................11 Saint Philip AME Church.................................10 Salt & Light Truth Center................................10 Starz Activity Center..........................................8

Sulton Pediatric Group.....................................11 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas.......................11 The Mall at Stonecrest......................................3 The School Store..............................................8 Word Church International...............................8 Wright Vision Care............................................7

Community

CrossRoadsNews

July 25, 2009

“They had worked hard, they trained and paid their fees. They were ready to go and excited.”

Recreation chief fired after swim team mixup DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis fired Parks and Recreation Director Marilyn Boyd Drew on Monday after her department failed to enroll 67 child swimmers for the July 24-25 state swim meet in Carrollton. E l l i s a l s o Marilyn Drew placed Al Sheppard, the county’s acting Deputy Director of Recreation Services, on paid administrative leave, pending further investigation. Members of the DeKalb Swim League, a youth swim team, that trains at county swimming pools, had paid registration for Georgia Recreation and Parks Association swim competition to the county but park officials failed to enroll them into the annual state competition. At a July 21 press conference, Ellis said the county is going to have a standard of excellence. “We expect all of our department heads and all the employees to perform to task,” he said. “And if they don’t perform to task then we’ll talk about what the options are. We are going to hold everybody accountable.” Drew, who was hired during the administration of former CEO Vernon Jones, had been on the job for seven years. She oversaw the administration and operation of 130 parks, 151 playgrounds, two golf courses, 105 tennis courts, 90 pavilions, 158 ball fields and 11 recreational facilities.

On Monday, she told Atlanta media that she is a merit-protected employee and would not give up her job easily. “I will avail myself to the appeal process,” she said. Ellis said Tu e s d ay t h a t Drew was not a Burrell Ellis merit-protected employee. The state reinstated the swim league Tuesday after intervention from Ellis. The DeKalb Swim League was locked out of the competition because the county missed registration deadlines, did not attend state meetings and did not pay a $200 fine. In a letter to GRPA President James Dodson, Ellis said he understood the state’s frustration in trying to get the necessary paperwork from the county and asked the GRPA board not to penalize the children for the failures of the adults. Ellis said the swim team had done everything they were supposed to do. “They had worked hard, they trained and paid their fees,” he said. “They were ready to go and excited.” Ellis said he has directed the county’s chief operating officer Keith Barker to begin an immediate review of the parks and recreation department to provide a comprehensive study and strategic operational plan within 60 days. He said the search for a new parks

and recreation director has not yet begun and that he is unsure what the qualifications for the position will be. “I think that’s premature at this time,” he said in answer to questions from the media. “We’ll evaluate that and go about filling that position like we would any other.” Before he took office in January, Ellis’ transition team identified the county’s parks and recreation department as an area in need of improvements. Issues identified in the Transition Team’s December 2008 report, included the way cash is handled at various park and recreation facilities, the diminishing use of nonprofits by the department, and other operational problems, staffing and maintenance problems. Ellis said his administration has been evaluating the county’s departments for six months and have identified weaknesses in county government, in including parks department. “We had a clear understanding of what needed to be fixed in that department and we weren’t satisfied with the progress,” he said. Drew, Jones and other county managers are targets of a 2004 lawsuit from fired managers that claims they engaged in a pattern of reverse racism designed to replace white managers with blacks in the department. The lawsuit is stalled in federal appeals court after Drew, Jones and the other defendants asked a federal appellate court to overturn November 2006 ruling by a federal judge to take the case to a jury.

Number of schools making AYP declines SOUTHWEST,

from page

Committee of the Whole Meeting at 10 a.m. Davis also said that he could not address whether John Prince, who had been principal at Southwest DeKalb since 2005, was transferred because the school failed AYP. “You are going into a personnel matter and I cannot discuss that,” he said. Prince is now an assistant principal at Chamblee High School. Lorraine Brachery, who relocated her daughter Alana from Chamblee High School’s magnet program to Southwest DeKalb last school year, said news that the school did not make AYP made her sick to the stomach. “It’s just terrible,” she said. She said she was furthered saddened when she saw the many high schools that had failed. After relocating her daughter, Brachery said she found out quickly that the level of instruction is different between the two magnet programs. “At Chamblee they teach at the college level,” she said. “The teachers post their curriculum and homework assignments on the website so you can always keep up with what your child is doing. They do that at Kittredge. They do that at Chamblee Middle. Why doesn’t Southwest have that? Why don’t all schools have that?” Brachery said that she will keep her daughter at the school because it is convenient to where they live, but said she plans to work with the PTSA to advocate for improvements at the school. Other highlights of the 2009 AYP results include: n Ninety-three elementary, middle and high schools and charter schools and programs made AYP, down from 98 in 2008. n McNair Middle School, which has been on the Needs Improvement list for seven consecutive years, once again did not make AYP. n Two schools – Stephenson High School and Cedar Grove Middle School – climbed off the Needs Improvement list to “Adequate” status. n For the first time, Clarkston and DeKalb High School of Technology-North made AYP.

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CrossRoadsNews

Finance

July 25, 2009

The socio-economic pathologies associated with high levels of male unemployment will have broad policy implications for Georgia’s 21st century workforce.”

Men hardest hit by unemployment in Georgia’s economic downturn Men are taking it on Mi ch a e l T hu r m o n d the chin in Georgia’s cursaid Tuesday that men rent recession, a Georgia are bearing the impact Department of Labor because they tend to study finds. dominate employment in The White Paper enconstruction and manutitled “Georgia Men Hit facturing, two of the Hardest by Recession, industries that have been December 2007-May Michael Thurmond hardest hit by layoffs 2009,” found a “he-cession” or statewide. “man-cession” in which men are The study found that the numdisportionately affected by unem- ber of men drawing unemployment ployment. insurance benefits between the State Labor Commissioner official beginning of the recession

Final minimum wage increase now in effect Minimum-wage earners got a 70 cents an hour increase starting July 24. The federal minimum wage rate is now $7.25 an hour, up from $6.55. This is the third and final bump in the three-step increase in the minimum wage rate approved by Congress in May 2007 when the rate was $5.15 an your. The rate increased last July to $6.55 an hour up from $5.85. The increase translates into a $28 per week increase for a full-time minimum-wage worker. At $7.25 an hour, a full-time minimum wage worker will make $15,080 annually, well below the 2008 federal poverty level of $17,600 for a family of three.

in December 2007 and May 2009, rose 160 percent to 88,612 from 34,136. Jobless males now account for 57.6 percent of Georgians receiving unemployment insurance benefits. During the same period, the number of white males receiving benefits increased 211 percent, while the number of black males receiving benefits rose 106 percent. Prior to the recession, AfricanAmerican women comprised the largest demographic group receiv-

ing state unemployment benefits. By March 2009, they were replaced by white men. The high level of male unemployment is not just a Georgia phenomenon. Men across the United States are impacted by the recession. Almost 80 percent of the more than 6.5 million Americans who have lost jobs since the beginning of the recession are men. Thurmond said that immediate steps must be taken to encourage unemployed men to pursue

careers in non-traditional femaledominated sectors, such as nursing and allied health. “I encourage federal, state and local policy makers to recognize that the socio-economic pathologies associated with high levels of male unemployment will have broad policy implications for Georgia’s 21st century workforce,”he said. For more information, download the white paper at www.dol. state.ga.us or call 404-232-3685.

Staying competitive to be topic at Chamber lunch W. Roy Dunbar, CEO of Index, a measurement of small Network Solutions, will be the business competitiveness in six keynote speaker at the Aug. key business areas, Marketing/ 3 First Monday Lunch at the Innovation, IT Deployment, DeKalb Chamber of ComCapital Management, Human merce. Capital, Customer Service and Dunbar’s topic will be Compliance. “Remaining Competitive in a Leonardo McClarty, the Changing Economy.” chamber’s president, said the W. Roy Dunbar The Chamber says that study has some fascinating imDunbar will have much to say to small plications not only in the technological business owners who are forced to wear industry, but for many fields. He said the many hats in order to get their businesses current economy has forced entreprerunning. Under Dunbar’s leadership, his neurs to reassess their business models company partnered with the University and look for new tools to conduct busiof Maryland to create the Small Business ness more efficiently.

“For many businesses, the economic slowdown provided a reason to focus on questions that previously got little attention: from online advertising, to ability to order online, to having a social media presence,” McClarty said. “Mr. Dunbar understands and appreciates what life is like for the small business owner and will share the key findings and implications of the Small Business Index.” The luncheon will be at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center, 2000 Century Center Boulevard, NE, in Atlanta. Chamber members must RSVP by July 29 to take advantage of the lowest rate. The last day to reserve a spot is July 31

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to the enjoyment of an in-store shopping experience. Shoptopia membership is free. Members can share insights and product reviews as well as tap into special discounts, deals and incentives for Mall at Stonecrest stores. “Shoptopia helps us to build relationships with customers and provides them with information about the retailers and promotions that are specifically relevant to them,” Bieler said. “This way we are able to translate the online shopping experience into a trip to the mall for people who love the experience of shopping in a store.”

To celebrate the website’s launch, the first 200 Shoptopia members who bring their printed Shoptopia profile page to Guest Services at Stonecrest on July 25 , will get a free $10 gift card, while supplies last. Special prize giveaways will be awarded throughout the day to shoppers through a special text message mobile campaign. In addition, all members who sign up through Aug. 2, will be entered into a drawing for a $250 Shoptopia shopping spree. To sign up, visit www.stonecrest.shoptopia.com or www.mallatstonecrest. com.

Husband needs to face the truth of hard times

Chapter 13

Chapter 7

People with a passion for shopping can enjoy Shoptopia at the Mall at Stonecrest. The national social shopping website debuts at the mall on July 25, its first shopping center in Georgia. It will connect Mall at Stonecrest shoppers with retailers, community groups and other shoppers who share their passion for shopping. Donald Bieler, the mall’s marketing manager, said Shoptopia bridges the gap between online and traditional retail shopping by giving members the benefits of online shopping while reconnecting them

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Dear Dave, I love your plan, but I think my husband is attached to eating out. Budgeting is very hard for him, and the cost of his fast food lunches is making it difficult for us to get by financially. On top of that, he’s taken a salary cut, and I’m working a part-time job to help us get by. Can you give him some tough love from a male perspective? – Valerie Dear Valerie, It sounds to me like you’ve been way too nice. You’re acting like a mother dealing with little kid, and that’s not a good way to relate to a husband. Plus, if you guys are having money problems, the only time either of you should see the inside of a restaurant is if you’re working there. A man has several jobs in life, and one of those is to take care of his wife and children. Your wife shouldn’t have to work so you can stuff your face with fast food. When you married him, you didn’t want a little boy. You wanted a man. He needs to grow up and start acting like one.

Keep 401(k) where it is Dear Dave, I’ve got about $15,000 in my 401(k). I also owe about $15,000 on my car, and the payments are killing me. Should I cash in my 401(k) to That being said, my perspec- pay off the car, and free up money tive probably won’t help. There’s a in my budget? saying that goes, “Those convinced – Misty against their will are of the same opinion still.” He needs a serious Dear Misty, change of heart. You said you love I love the fact that you want to my plan, right? Then sit down get rid of your car payment, but I with this guy, and show him the don’t want you to cash out your renumbers. Show him where all the tirement plan to make it happen. money is going, and tell him it’s If you use your 401(k) they’ll just plain wrong for him to eat out charge you a 10 percent penalty, all the time while you have to work plus your tax rate. just to make ends meet. This isn’t This means you’ll lose anywhere just damaging your finances. It’s from 30 to 50 percent to the govdamaging your relationship. ernment, and they get too much of People can do all kinds of things your money already. when they’re stressed out because If it were me, and I could pay off of money problems. I’m sure tak- the car in 12 to 18 months or less, ing a cut in salary was a blow to I’d live on rice and beans, and push his self-esteem, as well. However, on through until that car payment it’s time for a strong wake-up call was out of my life forever. If that’s when these behaviors start to have not going to happen, then you need a negative impact on family and to get an ad in the paper tomorrow finances. and sell the car. – Dave

– Dave

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

July 25, 2009

“If he says there are some Americans he wants to leave out, we are going to challenge him. We are talking about health care for all Americans from the cradle to the grave.”

Divergent views on health care reform land at Congressman’s office By McKenzie Jackson

Local advocates for and against health care reform butted heads in DeKalb last week. The supporters and protesters took to the picket line outside Fourth District Congressman Hank Johnson’s offices in Lithonia and Tucker to push their opinions on the hot button national issue. With signs announcing everything from “Healthcare for America Now,” to “Obama Madoff with our Money,” the supporters and opponents of President Barack Obama’s health care illuminated the gulf that separates the two sides of the issue. The Obama Administration is pushing lawmakers to pass a reformed health care bill before Congress’ August recess. Among other things, the administration is seeking comprehensive health reform that lowers costs, guarantees choice of doctors and plans, and assures quality affordable health care for all Americans. Nationally more than 50 million Americans are without health insurance. In Georgia, 1.6 million people don’t have health insurance. Statewide, 42.2% of AfricanAmericans and 66.2% of Latinos are uninsured. Stone Mountain-based grassroots civil rights organization Operation LEAD, Georgia PIRG and other supporters rallied in support of the proposed health care reform. John Evans, Operation LEAD’s

Photos by McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Supporters of health care reform (left) and protesters opposed to it picketed outside Congressman Hank Johnson’s offices in Lithonia and Tucker last week.

founder, said it is the time for change in America’s health care policy. “We have a leader who is proposing it and we are going all the way with it,” he said. “If he says there are some Americans he wants to leave out, we are going to challenge him. We are talking about health care for all Americans from the cradle to the grave.” Evans said money should not be an issue when people’s health is at stake. “We can cut back on the missiles, we can cut back on a lot of things,” he said. “Health care is

good for Americans and good for this country.” Clayton County cosmetologist Pamela Flannigan stood outside Johnson’s Hillandale Drive office for more than an hour holding a sign supporting Obama’s health care initiative. She said every one needs affordable healthcare. Flannigan said that four years ago a piece of chicken got stuck in one of her back teeth and she couldn’t afford to have the tooth removed because it cost $800. “Sometimes I couldn’t bear the pain, but I had no dental coverage,” she said.

Companies signing up for Kaiser’s annual 5K More than 120 metro Atlanta companies, including 18 from DeKalb County, have already registered for the 27th annual Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk and Fitness Program that will culminate with a 5K run/walk through downtown Atlanta on Sept. 10. The Southeast’s largest workplace corporate fitness event officially kicked off July 20 with a free eight-week “Get Active Atlanta” Training Program and free gym memberships at a number of participating health clubs. Jeff Galloway, Kaiser Permanente’s Corporate Run/Walk director, said that with the downturn in the economy and medical-related expenses on the rise, the program offers Atlantans a great opportunity

Screens offered at health fair Adults and children can get free health screenings at an Aug. 1 health fair sponsored by the DeKalb NAACP. The 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. health fair, which is in partnership with DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson and Grady South DeKalb Health Center, will be at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road in Decatur. Screenings include back-toschool immunizations, hearing, dental , vision, blood pressure, diabetes, sickle cell and cholesterol. Parents should bring a copy of their children’s immunization record. For more information, call 404626-8505.

to take control of their health. “The program provides participants with the group support structure they need to begin making healthier lifestyle choices that will aid in weight loss, disease prevention and management, and reduction of obesity-related medical costs,” he said. The Kaiser Permanente Program is based on the premise that since Americans spend a third of their waking hours per day at work, the workplace is the best place to start making a difference. Ann Hayes, who has participated in the program for two years, says it gives her and her husband control over managing their health. “My husband had heart bypass

surgery and a hip replacement, and I’m a breast cancer survivor, so we have both learned that nothing is more important than our health,” said Hayes, an employee of CH2M HILL. Some companies have been participating in the program for more than 17 years. Bob Stein, founding captain of the National Vision Inc. team, a 17-year participant, says his firm’s participation has positively affected employees’ work performance by reducing their stress levels, giving them more energy, and building better relationships with their colleagues and bosses. Companies can still register at www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com or by calling 404-449-4041.

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Betty Maddox, a Conyers resident and member of Operation LEAD and the DeKalb NAACP, said all Americans are entitled to healthcare and need it. “If we don’t have health care for our children, there won’t be a future,” she said. “So it is important that we advocate for healthcare.” Tucker resident Chip Spradley who was picketing against health care reform, wielded a “10 Million Without Just Put on Medicaid,” sign. He said there are only 8 to 10 million people in the U.S. who really cannot afford health care. “The 50 million that they have

talked about in the news, about 15 million of them are illegals, 15 million of them are making good money, and chose not to get it,” he said. “The people that can’t really afford it are the ones we need to focus on.” Tucker resident Dean Gardner, who opposes health care reform, said Obama’s plan would destroy the U.S. health care system, which is the best in the world. “They are going to take it over and it will come up worse,” he said. The two were among thousands of Tea Party Patriots who held antihealth care reform demonstrations outside the offices congressional and U.S. senate representatives nationwide. The opponents of the multi-trillion dollar plan say it is too costly, will lead to rationing and take away free choice. Supporters say health care should be the right of every American and that there are ways to keep costs down. In a statement, Johnson, who was in Washington during the protests, said he applauds the Tea Party Patriots for their involvement and activism on the health care issue. “It shows they care and are passionate about their communities, the state and their country,” he said. “While we don’t agree on many issues, I honor and encourage their right to gather, protest and make their voices heard. I pledge to listen to their thoughts on health care as I begin the task of considering reform legislation.”

CrossRoadsNews

Youth

July 25, 2009

“God has blessed her with a giving spirit and so many gifts and talents.”

Towers student named to society of national high school scholars Rising Towers High School senior Shadaya Quinnayata Harper is a National Society of High School Scholar. Shadaya was among 150 students worldwide recognized for outstanding academic achievements this past school year at the sixth annual Scholars Day program. The June 19 program included a college fair and awards ceremony at the Dirksen Senate Office Building and Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. Shadaya, who has a 3.85 GPA, is on the principal’s list at her school. She a 2007 Editor’s Published Poetry Award

recipient, a poet fellow and distinguished member of the International Society of Poets. She also played girls basketball, is a regional karate champion, a member of Towers’ marching band, and a volunteer with the school’s Grocery Relief program. A foster child who survived the instability of four foster homes in two years, the loss of grandparents who were caring for her, and other personal tragedy, Shadaya has excelled against great odds. Her uncle, Dr. Frank L. Harper Jr., who is now her guardian, calls her his “shero.”

Shadaya Harper was one of 150 students worldwide recognized by the National Society of High School Scholars.

“God has blessed her with a giving spirit and so many gifts and talents, plus a loving uncle/legal guardian who refuses to let her feel sorry for herself,” he said. National Society of High School Scholar Day, held annually since 2003, bring together top high school students from 36 states and 14 countries to celebrate their achievements and introduce them to representatives from top U.S. colleges. During the program, the scholars received medals from NSHSS Chairman Claes Nobel, whose family established the Nobel Prizes.

DeKalb County School System Parents Arabia PTSA to hold charter meeting

Are Open Throughout the Summer with Workshops and Activities for You and Your Family Atherton Elementary 1674 Atherton Dr. Decatur, GA 30035 678-874-0333 M-W-TH-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. E. L. Miller Elementary 919 Martin Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30088 678-676-3333 T-W- TH-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fairington Elementary 5505 Phillip Bradley Dr . Lithonia, GA 30038 678-676-8724 M-W-TH-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Jolly Elementary 1070 Otello Ave. Clarkston, GA 30021 678-676-5832 M-T-W-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Avondale Middle 3131 Old Rockbridge Rd. Avondale Estates, GA 30002 678-875-0148 T-W-TH-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Cedar Grove Middle 2300 Wildcat Rd. Decatur, GA 30034 678-874-4248 T-W-TH-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Chapel Hill Middle 3535 Dogwood Farm Rd. Decatur, GA 30034 678-676-8548 M-T-W-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Columbia Middle 3001 Columbia Dr. Decatur, GA 30034 678-875-0546 M-T-TH-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. McNair MS 2190 Wallingford Dr. Decatur, GA 30035 678-874-5147 M-T-W-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sequoyah Middle 3456 Aztec Dr. Doraville, GA 30340 678-767-7945 M-T-TH-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Cross Keys High 1626 N. Druid Hills Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30319 678-874-6139 M-W-TH-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Visit a Center Near You! For Additional Info Call the Centers Directly or Call the District Office at 678-676-0312, 678-676-0250, or 678-676-0736

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The Parent Resource Centers

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Parents will be chartering the Arabia Mountain High School PTSA at a July 30 meeting at the county’s newest school. At the 7 p.m. meeting, a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer will be elected, and parents can also sign up for membership the Lithonia school’s PTSA. Effie Chisholm, a member of the PTSA charter committee, said parents are looking forward to the upcoming school year. “A lot of the parents are excited to have a new school on this side of the county and especially about fact that it is the first LEAD school in Georgia,” said Chisholm, whose

Word Church International in conjunction with

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daughter, Hannah, will be a ninth-grader. Chisholm said it is important for the PTSA to help Arabia Mountain High School get off to a good start. “We want to be able to help the teachers, principal and students in any way possible.” she said. The school is expected to open with more than 1,000 students and Chisholm said she expects more than the minimum required 25 parents to join PTSA. Arabia Mountain High School is at 6610 Browns Mill Road in Lithonia. For more information, call Effie Chisholm at 770593-0066.

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July 25, 2009

CrossRoadsNews

Ministry

CrossRoadsNews

July 25, 2009

“We have very, very appreciative members and we always just try to show them the love they deserve.”

Ministry couple will celebrate two anniversaries in one service By McKenzie Jackson

On July 26, Julius Edmondson Sr. and his wife, Julia, will be having a twofer. The couple, who have been married for 25 years, will be celebrating their silver anniversary as a family, as well as their third anniversary as co-pastors at New Jerusalem Outreach Ministries, the Lithonia church her parents Bishop Mack and Ruby Thomas founded in 1969. The Edmondsons were picked as co-pastors when the Thomases retired in June 2006. Forty-nine-year-old Julius Edmondson said he never thought he would be leading a church of 200 members with his high school sweetheart from Redan High School. “Not in all my wildest imaginations would I have ever thought this would have taken place,” he said. “There were a number of ministers there who could have been that,” she said. selected. I guess “It has been a it was just God’s beautiful thing.” plan.” Su n d ay ’s His 47-yeardual anniversary old wife, who celebration will used to lead be a family afBible study sesfair. The couple’s sions in the Resons – Julius Jr., dan High audi23, who plays torium when she the keyboard, was a student, Julia and Julius Edmondson and drummer said it’s fun beThomas Mating her husband’s co-pastor. “We have very, very appreciative thew, 19 – will perform a musical members and we always just try to selection. The Rev. Calvin Fann from Desshow them the love they deserve because Christ has asked us to do tiny Development Christian Center

Julius Edmondson (left) works with his sons Julius Jr. on keyboard and Thomas Matthew on drums, who will perform at the Edmondsons’ dual anniversary celebration.

in Decatur will be the featured speaker at the 3 p.m. service. After the service, the church family and friends will join the Edmondsons for a celebration at the Fairfield Inn at Stonecrest after which the pastors will head to a cabin in Pigeon Ford, Tenn., for a short vacation, a gift from church members. The couple were married in June 1984 and were chosen for the pulpit in June 2006. Edmondson, a seventh-grade language arts teacher at Avondale Middle School, said it is amazing that two of the biggest events in his

life happened in the same month. “It truly is a blessing,” he said. The Edmondsons divide their roles at the church. He preaches every second and third Sunday, and sometimes on the first Sunday, and Julia holds Bible study classes every Wednesday and runs New Jerusalem’s elderly day care. They also participate in Hosea Feed the Hungry activities each year and have a few church outreach ministries including a very active homeless ministry. The church is also looking to start a church daycare in downtown Stone Mountain within the next

few years. Julia said there is an advantage in being a pastoral couple. “We encourage each other not to get burned out,” she said. Edmondson said he is the more energetic preacher of the two, but that his wife is a better minister. “Even though she says I do a great job, I give her a lot of respect because she has been at it a lot longer than I,” he said. “She was practically raised in the church.” New Jerusalem Outreach Ministries is at 5721 Miller Grove Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-981-7408.

CLASSIC program collecting new, gently used clothing New and clean and lightly worn clothes are needed for The Bride Closet, a program of the nonprofit Christian Ladies All Together Standing Against Social Studies Injustice Corporation (C.L.A.S.S.I.C) Inc. Ashley Lounds-Brooks, founder of the Stone Mountain-based group, said the second annual clothing drive is collecting clothes, toiletries, shoes, make up, school supplies and other items for lowincome and under-privileged females and their families. She said they are hoping to

have enough donated items so that up to 200 women can “shop” for free from the closet on Sept. 19 for themselves and families. Lounds-Brooks C.L.A.S.S.I.C creates and centralizes resources for women to address the issues of health awareness, financial empowerment, spiritual enlightment and personal development. She said they don’t have drop-off locations but are scheduling pick-ups. To make donations, contact Ashley Lounds-Brooks at aloundsbrooks@classicorp.org or 404-5796241.

Peace Lutheran hosting family movie night

Written by

Bobby Simmons,

“Daughters of The Light” is an inspirational novel about a young girl Nua who loses both parents as an infant. This book is a must read as Nua serves as a guide through this thing we call life.

To order your copy, visit www.daughtersofthelight.com or www.amazon.com.

Visitors and members can see a movie and partake of a light meal at the July 30 Family movie night at Peace Lutheran Church. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. The church is at 1679 Columbia Drive. For more information, call 404-289-1474.

CrossRoadsNews

July 25, 2009

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EVENTS & SEMINARS TeaCup Girls Mentoring Program accepting application for Queen Esther’s Extreme Makeover Extravaganza Program - ages 7 - 18. Adult volunteers needed for Girls Mentoring Program. E-mail Cynthia Wright @ teacupmentoring@aol.com or call 404-2462935, www.teacupylm.com.

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CrossRoadsNews

July 25, 2009

HUGE HUGE WEEKEND WEEKEND USED USED CAR CAR SALE! SALE! MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM AUTO GROUP’S

HELD OVER for ONE LAST WEEKEND!

OUR ENTIRE INVENTORY HAS BEEN REDUCED FOR THIS SPECIAL USED CAR EVENT!

3 LOCATIONS! 3X THE INVENTORY! $

BUY WITH

0 DOWN!

Example. 1999 Ford Mustang, STK#9304A. Sale Price $4995 Buy for $90.21 per month for 72 months at 5.99% APR with $0 down plus tax, tag and title.

2003 Ford Taurus Leather, Sunroof, STK#96044A ..............$5999 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring 53K Miles, STK#94555A ..$6995 2007 Kia Spectra EX STK#P8856......................................$6999 2007 Ford Focus SES STK#91025A ..................................$8888 2006 Ford Focus ZX4 STK#P8830....................................$8995 2008 Ford Focus SE STK#P8861........................................$8999 2007 Ford Focus STK#P8819 ..............................................$9995 2008 Chrysler Sebring LX STK#P8877....................$10,788 2006 Toyota Tundra STK#P8814B ..............................$10,895 2006 Toyota Camry Solara STK#P8813..................$10,995 2008 Chrysler Sebring STK#P8913 ..........................$10,995 2008 Hyundai Sonata Auto, STK#P8852 ..................$10,999 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT STK#P8932 ....................$10,999 2008 Dodge Avenger STK#P8924 ............................$11,388 2004 Ford F-150 Ext Cab V8, STK#98110A ............$11,999 2008 Ford Focus SE STK#P8884 ................................$12,450 2006 Ford Fusion SE STK#P8857................................$12,488 2004 Toyota Camry LE STK#P8912A ........................$12,499 2006 Ford Fusion SE STK#P8864................................$12,588 2004 Ford F-150 Lariat STK#P8843 ..........................$12,995 2007 Ford Fusion S STK#P8910 ..................................$12,999 2009 Ford Focus SE STK#P8825 ................................$12,999 2008 Ford Focus SE STK#P8883 ................................$13,388 2008 Ford E-150 Cargo Van STK#P8904 ..............$13,395 2007 Ford Fusion SE STK#P8847................................$13,888 2008 Ford Focus SE STK#P8882 ................................$13,888 2004 Jeep Wrangler 4X4 Soft Top, STK#P8891A ....$13,995 2007 Ford Mustang Leather, Shaker Stereo, STK#P8939 ....$13,995 2008 Dodge Durango STK#P8862 ............................$13,995 2008 Mazda6 STK#P8942 ................................................$13,999 2006 Jaguar X-Type STK#P8934 ................................$14,995 2009 Ford Focus SES STK#P8917 ..............................$14,999 2007 Honda Accord STK#P8941................................$14,999 2007 Ford Mustang STK#75227268 ..........................$14,999 2009 Ford Fusion SE STK#P8851................................$15,888 2006 Ford F-250 STK#98110B ......................................$15,995 2008 Chevrolet Impala Leather, Sunroof, STK#P8929 $15,995 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible STK#P8947 ..$15,999

CREDIT EXPERTS ON-SITE...

2.9% APR!

2008 Ford Mustang Deluxe STK#P8902 ..............$15,999 2008 Ford Escape XLT STK#P8908............................$16,500 2005 Ford F-150 FX4 STK#P8850 ..............................$16,888 2006 Nissan Maxima SE STK#P8862........................$16,888 2008 Ford Escape Leather, Sunroof, STK#96022A ......$16,995 2006 Lincoln Zephyr STK#P8923 ..............................$16,995 2006 Ford F-250 Extended Cab Fx4 STK#98110B$16,999 2005 Ford Expedition XLT STK#P8933..................$16,999 2008 Ford Edge STK#P8897 ..........................................$17,995 2006 Cadillac SRX STK#P8869 ....................................$17,995 2005 Cadillac CTS STK#P8925......................................$17,995 2008 Ford Explorer XLT STK#P8868 ........................$17,999 2007 Ford F-150 XLT STK#P8865................................$17,999 2007 Nissan Murano S STK#P8905 ..........................$18,288 2006 Ford F-150 STK#P8931 ........................................$18,299 2009 Ford Mustang STK#P8903..................................$18,888 2009 Ford Mustang STK#P8909..................................$18,999 2006 Infiniti G35 STK#P8911........................................$18,999 2006 Ford F-150 XLT STK#P8914................................$18,999 2007 Ford Edge SE STK#P8928 ..................................$19,288 2009 Ford Taurus SEL STK#P8886 ............................$19,888 2007 Ford F-150 XLT STK#P8889................................$19,888 2007 Nissan Maxima Leather, Sunroof Stk#P8945 ....$19,888 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML350 STK#G8064............$19,995 2006 Ford Expedition XLT STK#P8930..................$20,588 2008 Ford F-150 XLT Stk#P8872 ................................$20,888 2008 Ford F-150 XLT Stk#P8876 ................................$20,888 2009 Ford Taurus Limited Stk#P8885 ....................$20,888 2006 Land Rover LR3 35K Miles, Stk#P8935 ..............$24,999 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LT Leather, Stk#P8943 $25,999 1966 Ford Mustang STK#00002 ..................................$29,900 2008 Ford Expedition Limited STK#P8901........$33,999 2009 Lincoln MKS STK#9G607509 ..............................$37,888 1969 Ford Mustang STK#00003 ................................$39,900 1967 Ford Mustang STK#00001 ..................................$48,900 2006 Ford GT STK#00004 ............................................$175,000 PLUS MANY, MANY MORE!

1-800-640-9458 2006 Cadillac

SRX Stk#P8836

SALES HOURS: MON-FRI 9AM-9PM SAT 9AM-8PM • SUN CLOSED PARTS & SERVICE HOURS MON-FRI 7AM-7PM SAT 7AM-4PM • SUN CLOSED COLLISION & BODY SHOP HOURS: MON-FRI 8AM-6PM SAT 8AM-1PM • SUN CLOSED TAKE THE WESLEY CHAPEL EXIT OFF I-20 TO SNAPFINGER WOODS DRIVE

2005 Volvo

S80 Stk#G8072A

2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008

Pontiac G6 Auto, CD, STK#176130 ................................................$10,995 Ford Focus SE Auto, STK#187844..............................................$11,995 Hyundai Sonata Sunroof, CD, STK#M8151 ....................................$11,995 Nissan Sentra Auto, CD, STK#M8189 ..........................................$11,995 Ford Fusion SEL V6, CD, STK#205393 ........................................$12,995 Dodge Charger STK#M8157 ..................................................$13,995 Mazda 5 Sport Low Miles, STK#M8158 ........................................$13,995 Mazda 6 I Touring STK#M37787 .......................................... 13,995

2002 2001 2006 2007 2005 2006 2007 2007 2007 2005 2005 2007 2007 2006 2004 2006 2006 2007 2006 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2006 2006

Ford Focus ZX3 STK#91027B ....................................................$4995 Ford Ranger Ext Cab V6, STK#94001A ......................................$5995 Pontiac Grand Prix Clean, Low Miles, STK#M8134 ..............................$8995 Ford Focus SE Auto, STK#285636 .................................................. 9995 MAZDA6 Spoiler, CD, STK#M8185 ..................................................$$10,995 Toyota Camry LE CD, STK#M8159 ..........................................$11,995 MAZDA3i Touring STK#718740 ............................................ 11,995 Toyota Corolla S Spoiler, STK#93008A ......................................$$11,995 Volkswagen Jetta Auto, CD, STK#M8126 ....................................$11,995 Ford Escape XLT CD, STK#M8170............................................$12,995 Volvo S40 Leather, CD, STK#M8180 ................................................$12,995 Chrysler 300 Low Miles, Nice Car! Stk#M8194 ..................................$13,995 Mercury Milan Premier V6, Leather, Sunroof, STK#M8133 ..............$13,995 Honda CR-V EX Loaded, STK#M8190 ..........................................$16,995 Infiniti FX35 Loaded, STK#101301 ..............................................$17,995 Mini Cooper S STK#93501A....................................................$18,995 Nissan Maxima Leather, Sunroof, CD, STK#M8187 ............................$18,995 Ford Explorer XLT CD, STK#M8179 ........................................$19,995 Infiniti G35 Leather, CD, STK#M8188 ..............................................$19,995 Ford F-150 Crew Cab XLT Stk#M8181 ..............................$19,995 Audi A4 Leather, Sunroof, CD, Stk#C1001 ............................................$19,995 Acura MDX Leather, CD, Sunroof, Stk#C1002 ......................................$20,995 Ford Expedition Loaded, Leather, Sunroof, Stk#C1003 ..........................$20,995 Cadillac STS Loaded, Black Roof, STK#192049 ....................................$20,995 Infiniti M35 Loaded, CD, STK#M8178 ............................................$26,995 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Loaded, Sunroof, CD, Stk#T6A108661 ........ 26,995

OR CHOOSE FROM OUR HUGE SELECTION OF OTHER PRE-OWNED $

All offers plus tax, tag and title with approved credit. Offers cannot be combined. See dealer for details. Offers expire date of publication.

Come in and take a test drive!

AT THE MALL AT STONECREST

1-800-641-1939

HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm

2006 Jaguar

S-Type Stk#G8051

14,581 16,289 16,985 17,488

2006 Jaguar

2006 Mercedes-Benz

Stk#0G8069

CLK350 Stk#G8066

2006 Mercedes-Benz

2006 Jaguar

S-Type

2005 Cadillac

Escalade Stk#G8057

2006 Mercedes-Benz

E350 Stk#G8060

22,995 $23,891 $24,197 $24,891

E350 Stk#0G8071

2006 Mercedes-Benz 2006 Mercedes-Benz

ML350 Stk#P8878

Stk#0G8068

E350 Stk#G8048

24,987 $24,987 $25,481 $25,887

2006 Land Rover 2006 Mercedes-Benz 2006 Mercedes-Benz 2007 Land Rover

LR3 SE Stk#G8063

ML350 Stk#G8061

R350 Stk#0G8073

RangeStk#G8054 Rover HSE

25,891 25,891 28,995 46,883

More Inventory at

301 Dekalb Industrial Way • Decatur

770.593.7600 www.MalcolmCunninghamAuto.com

Pre-owned Luxury Cars With An Average Price Of Under $20,000 Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-8pm • Saturday 9am-7pm • Sunday Closed

www.MCAutoATL.com

5C (10.5”) x 16” 17085-MCFO (7-25) Crossroads fc (lm)

“We Make It Easy” I-20, EXIT WESLEY CHAPEL TO SNAPFINGER WOODS DR • DECATUR

CTS Automatic Stk#G8056

AS LOW AS

For a limited term with approved credit. OVER $10 MILLION TO LEND! 2007 Ford Escape XLT STK#P8907............................ 15,999 USED 2008’S ON SALE! LIKE NEW! $

All offers plus tax, tag and title with approved credit. Offers cannot be combined. See dealer for details. Offers expire date of publication.

2006 Cadillac

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