CrossRoadsNews, June 2, 2012 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

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June 2, 2012

Volume 18, Number 5

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School Board weighs tax hike, furloughs to span shortfall By Carla Parker

At a May 30 public hearing, teachers, parents and taxpayers voiced their frustration at the school district’s financial woes and the cuts recommended to fix them.

property tax increase to raise $29.6 million and cuts of $74 million that included reducing central office positions by an additional 70 at savings of $5 million. She also proposed increasing class size by two students to save $14 million. Instead, board members favor a 1 mill property tax increase, which would raise $14.8 million. They also favor increasing class size by one student at a savings of $7 million. Adding two extra furlough days would save $6 million but would saddle teachers with a total of six furlough days for the 20122013 school year.

DeKalb property owners could see their taxes increase, and teachers could see larger class sizes, get two extra furlough days, and lose their health and dental insurance subsidy under a cost-cutting proposal being considered by the DeKalb School Board. The proposed cuts are part of the board’s attempt to close a $73 million budget shortfall for 2013. School Board members came up with their list of cuts at a May 29 meeting to discuss Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson’s proposed FY 2013 budget. Their proposal would save almost $75.4 million. On May 14, Atkinson proposed a 2 mill Please see BUDGET, page 5

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

A $7.5 Billion Transit Investment DeKalb, Fulton generate MARTA funds for 39 years By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

In the 39 years since DeKalb and Fulton residents voted themselves a penny sales tax to support MARTA, the two counties have contributed more than $7.5 billion to support public transit in the region. The amount of the total revenues generated for MARTA between 1973, when the tax started, through its 2011 financial year was obtained by CrossRoadsNews last week in an open records request. When he heard the total Thursday, DeKalb Commissioner Lee May said, “Wow!” “They say we are not thinking regionally, but we have $7.5 billion already invested,” he said. “I think we have been Lee May thinking regionally and acting regionally, and it is time for our investments to yield results directly.” DeKalb NAACP President John Evans said the 39-year investment underscored why the historic civil rights organization cannot support the July 31 transportation referendum that is seeking a second penny sales tax from residents of DeKalb and Fulton counties. “They have been making studies of the east line for 40 years and making promises and never keeping them,” he said. “We are taking it real personal.” Evans said that over the years he has been involved in many of the studies of an I-20 rail line to Stonecrest and the community has been involved, and nothing happens. He said that when he served on the MARTA board for six years in the 1980s, he went through all of it.

our taxes,” he said. “If it passes, we will pay 2 cents in DeKalb and Fulton while everyone else pays 1 cent and then they are going to take control of the board.” If the new penny sales tax is approved on July John Evans 31, it will fund $8 billion in transportation projects. Of that amount, DeKalb will get $556.8 million to fund projects entirely within the county, but the long-anticipated I-20 rail line to the Mall at Stonecrest is not among the projects. Fulton County and the city of Atlanta are getting $1.8 billion to fund projects directly within their areas. On the list of 157 projects to be funded, DeKalb got $225 million for rail but needs an additional $350 million to get started. Residents and groups who want the I-20 rail project are opposing the referendum and are encouraging DeKalb residents to vote against the tax. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said the referendum might not be perfect but that is not enough reason to throw the baby out with the bath water. “Its is a way to protect the investments we have already made.,” he said. “We can expand on that investment and bring others in to help us with that expansion,.” The 39-year-old sales tax that currently supports MARTA is collected in DeKalb and Fulton counties every time someone makes a taxable purchase. DeKalb residents currently pay a 7 percent sales tax. If the July 31 referendum passes, DeKalb residents will pay an 8 percent sales tax. The existing penny sales tax for MARTA Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews is collected by the Georgia Department of The sales tax that supports MARTA is collected in DeKalb and Fulton every time someone makes Revenue and remitted to the transit aua taxable purchase. The July 31 regional transportation referendum seeks a second penny tax. thority annually. Annual collections have ranged from $43.8 million in 1973, when Evans said that residents of Gwinnett, the tax started, to a high of $351.6 million “They promise you one day and then they change their minds,” he said. “White Cobb and other metro counties have never in 2008, just before the economy slid into a politicians look out for their communities. paid a dime but have benefited from having We don’t have blacks with any gumption to MARTA. “We don’t ever get our fair share of Please see MARTA, page 2 stand up with us.”

CrossRoadsNews

Community

June 2, 2012

“You can’t take your ball and go home because you don’t get rail to Stonecrest. It would be a tragedy for DeKalb to pass it up.”

I-285/Ashford Dunwoody bridge closed for interchange work The I-285/Ashford Dunwoody Interchange Bridge will be closed this weekend to allow work crews to complete construction on the state’s first diverging diamond interchange. The Georgia Department of Transportation said the bridge, which serves nearly 55,000 vehicles a day, will close from 9 p.m. June 1 until 5 a.m. June 4, weather permitting. Work includes removal of asphalt, construction of a pedestrian walkway, paving, restriping and installation of traffic signals. Only the ramps that provide access to and from I-285 will be open during the weekend bridge closure, and Ashford Dunwoody

Road south- and northbound traffic will be detoured through the I-285 Perimeter Center Parkway bridge. Ashford Dunwoody Road southbound between Perimeter Center West and the bridge will be reduced to one lane during the bridge closure. Pedestrians will not be allowed on the bridge during June while a pedestrian walkway in the bridge median is completed. The walkway is being placed inside a concrete barrier-protected pedestrian-only zone. When the bridge reopens June 4, it will feature a new DDI design. GDOT is funding the $4.6 million construction cost. Commissioner Keith Golden

said the department is looking forward to seeing how well it improves the traffic flow through the busy interchange. “Even though there is more work to be done on the project, I believe that motorists will begin to see an improvement in congestion once they get through the learning curve Keith Golden of navigating the new DDI,” Golden said. When the crossover opens, traffic on Ashford Dunwoody Road will cross from the right side of the roadway to the left side

Effort to defeat referendum ‘David and Goliath fight’ MARTA,

from page

recession. In 2009, the sales tax receipts plummeted 6.9 percent to $327.4 million. It dipped another 2.9 percent in 2010 to $317.8 million before starting to rebound last year to $319.2 million. MARTA says the Department of Revenue does not break down the sales tax revenues by county, so it doesn’t know how much of it comes from DeKalb residents. May estimates that DeKalb contributes about a third of the total, which would put its share at about $2.5 billion over the 39 years. With DeKalb’s history of investment into transportation, May said it’s time for DeKalb to get what it has been promised. “As it stands now, DeKalb is not winning,” May said. “Additional funding needs to be committed to rail for DeKalb County.” Jeff Dickerson, spokesman for Citizens for Transportation Mobility, said that DeKalb and Fulton’s $7.5 billion into MARTA has built the basis for a regional system but that they can’t stop investing now. “You can’t take your ball and go home because you don’t get rail to Stonecrest,” he said. Dickerson said the $225 million that DeKalb is getting to build transit centers is a “significant down payment” toward rail. “It would be a tragedy for DeKalb to pass it up,” he said. May said his constituents are telling him they are not supporting the referendum because of the lack of I-20 rail to Stonecrest. “They are going to go to the polls and vote no,” he said. Evans said the NAACP is asking right-thinking folks – black and white – in all counties to defeat the referendum. “It’s a David and Goliath fight,” he said. “We know that. They have $8 million to spend to get it passed. We have $500. We are going to get David working. We are going to get people worked up and out to the polls on July 31 to defeat it. It’s going to be tough, but we are going to hustle.”

Funds generated for MARTA since 1973 In the past 39 years, residents of DeKalb and Fulton counties have contributed $7.5 billion to transit through a 1-cent sales tax.

Historical Annual Sales Tax Revenue ($ in Millions) Year Amount

1973 43.82

1974 50.501

1975 50.946

1976 52.819

Year Amount

1977 57.933

1978 66.12

1979 75.472

1980 88.342

Year Amount

1981 99.84

1982 104.69

1983 112.01

1984 123.41

Year Amount

1985 134.90

1986 147.15

1987 148.50

1988 158.55

Year Amount

1989 162.54

1990 165.72

1991 168.09

1992 167.02

Year Amount

1993 181.36

1994 198.49

1995 222.48

1996 251.67

Year Amount

1997 256.17

1998 242.92

1999 272.79

2000 295.80

Year Amount

2001 304.39

2002 286.44

2003 272.58

2004 280.66

Year Amount

2005 296.351

2006 331.213

2007 349.215

2008 351.596

Year Amount

2009 327.425

2010 317.775

2011 319.229

NOTE: Sales Tax Collected Since Inception Thru FY 2011: $7,536.9M Source: MARTA

at a ramp intersection signal so vehicles may make free left turns onto the I-285 freeway on-ramp. Traffic will then cross back to the right side of the road at a second ramp intersection. A loop ramp used to access I-285 East from the interchange bridge that has been a major contributor to the congestion in the corridor will be removed. Signage, lane striping and curbs will be in place to guide and separate opposing traffic as it moves through the interchange. Police officers will be on duty at the interchange after the bridge reopens to help motorists with the new configuration. For more information, visit www.CanYouDDI.org.

7 communities vie for initiative Seven DeKalb communities are candidates for the DeKalb Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative launched May 29. The areas based on high school clusters are Clarkston, Columbia, Cross Keys, Lithonia, McNair, Stone Mountain and Towers. The Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative pilot program is designed to foster a collaborative, cross-sector, communitybased approach to improving the quality of life in DeKalb neighborhoods. The clusters were picked based on their eligibility to utilize resources available through the county’s Housing and Urban Development-funded programs and related federal, state and local initiatives. Six have already given presentations to the Selection Committee. Jaime de Leon, program coordinator for the New Communities Program in Chicago, who spoke at DeKalb’s launch of its program, said Chicago’s 10-year Quality of Life Plan continues to impact communities. The Emory University Office of University-Community Partnership is the DeKalb project’s partner. For more information, visit www .co.dekalb.ga.us or contact Rodney Reese at rreese@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404286-3352.

CrossRoadsNews

June 2, 2012

Community

Early voting for the July 31 primary starts on July 9 and the last day to register to vote in the primary is July 2.

County Line to Many incumbents facing challenges in 2012 attracted opposition from Melvin Allen Rashad Taylor will compete; and in House register voters District 58, incumbents Simone Bell and Tukes. By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb residents who are unregistered to vote, can get ready for the July 31 primary and transportation referendum at June 9 community voter registration drive. The drive, which starts at 9 a.m. is hosted County Line United Methodist Church at 4031 Old River Road in Ellenwood. July 2 is the final day to register to vote in the July 31 election. The church is also seeking volunteers to canvass surrounding residential neighborhoods to register new voters, and update registration for voters tho need address and name changes. For more information, contact Lena Render at 404-247-5837.

GOP candidates to meet at forum Voters can get to know the 4th Congressional District GOP primary candidates at a forum on June 9 at DeKalb Republican Party headquarters in Tucker. The forum with businessman Greg Pallen and J. Chris Vaughn, a minister, begins at 10 a.m. It is hosted by the North DeKalb Republican Women, which is also collecting diapers for the families of military personnel. To contribute, bring diapers to the DeKalb GOP headquarters on any meeting date. The DeKalb Republican Party Headquarters are at 3583-G Chamblee Tucker Road (Embry Hills Shopping Village). For more information, contact Natalie Olmi at 770-396-4101.

A number of incumbents in county, state and congressional offices will be fending off challengers in the July 31 primary elections, and two open Georgia House seats and a open DeKalb School Board seat attracted a new crop of aspiring politicians. When qualifying closed at noon on May 25, there were 29 candidates in contested county races for CEO, county commission districts 1, 4, 5 and 6; Clerk of Superior Court, Tax Commissioner, State Court Division 6 Bench and for DeKalb School Board’s District 4 and 6 , and the open District 6 seat, and 40 candidates in contested state and congressional offices. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis will face Gregory Adams and Jerome Edmondson. In Commission District 1 race, Republican incumbent Elaine Boyer attracted opposition from Larry Danese. In Commission District 4, incumbent Democrat Sharon Barnes Sutton will face Steve Bradshaw and Clyburn Halley. In the Commission District 5 race, incumbent Lee May will face attorney Gina Mangham, pastor Kenneth Samuel, and newspaper publisher Andre White; and in the Commission Super District 6 race, incumbent Kathie Gannon will face Edmond Richardson. Clerk of Superior Court Debra Deberry attracted four opponents, Oretha BrownJohnson, John Q. Carter, Frank Swindle and Cheryl Vortice. Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson

In nonpartisan races, State Court Judge Dax E. Lopez is the only judge to attract opposition. He is being challenged by former DeKalb prosecutor Dionne McGee. On the DeKalb School Board, District 4 board member Paul Womack will face opponents Tom Gilbert, Jim Kinney, and Jim McMahan; and in District 8 seat, incumbent Pamela Speaks is being challenged by Michelle “Mimi” Clark. The open District 6 race attracted four candidates – Melvin Johnson, Denise McGill, Terriyln Rivers-Cannon and Latashia Walker. For the 4th Congressional District, there will be primaries for the Democrats and Republicans; and for Democrats only in the 5th and 6th Districts. Fourth District Congressman Hank Johnson will face Courtney Dillard Sr. and Lincoln Nunally. In the GOP primary, Greg Pallen and J. Chris Vaugh will compete. In the 5th District race, Democrat John Lewis will face Michael Johnson in the primary, and in the 6th District, Democrats Jeff Kazanow and Robert Montigel will fight for the right to challenge GOP incumbent Tom Price in the fall. In the Georgia Senate, District 55 incumbent Gloria Butler attracted opposition from Mark Williams. Because of redistricting a number of Georgia House Democratic incumbents find themselves in the same district and will be competing against one another. In House District 57, incumbents Pat Gardner and

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Ralph Long will compete. In House District 60, five Democrats will fight for the seat. Gary “Pee-Wee” Davis, William Fisher, Antonio Lewis and LaTrenka Riley will challenge incumbent Keisha Sean Waites. In District 81, four Democrats, including two incumbents, Scott Holcomb and Mary Margaret Oliver, will battle for the seat. The other candidates for that race are Chris Boedeker and Carla Roberts. In House District 90, incumbent Pam Stephenson will face Scott Hughes; and in District 93, incumbent Dar’shun Kendrick will face Christine “Tina” Hoffer. Dexter Dawston, and Glen Williams. In the open District 92 and 94 races, five Democrats each qualified. In the District 92 race, Tonya Anderson, Doreen Carter, Kathy Harvey, Sherri Washington and Doreen William will compete; and in the 94th District, Karen Bennett, Patricia Bourdeau, Tony Lentini and Jaye Lynn Peabody are competing. Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones qualified for the House 94th race on May 25, but said this week that he withdrew on May 29 to avoid a potential conflict of interest. Jones, who is a consultant, said one of his clients does business with the state, and to avoid any conflict or appearance of conflict, he decided to withdraw. Early voting for the July 31 primary starts on July 9 and the last day to register to vote in the primary is July 2.

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As of last month, there were more than 6,630 homes in foreclosure in DeKalb. That means that one in every 346 housing unit in DeKalb is under foreclosure.

By Dr. Eugene Walker

On June 11, the DeKalb County Board of Education will vote on $73 million in cuts to our children’s education. The proposed cuts include teachers, librarians, teachers’ aides and other essential school staff. Our board is also looking at cutting pre-k classes, special bus routes and other necessary programs. Essential programs like these will continue to be on the chopping block across the state if Georgia does not make a strong decision to contribute more money to educating our children. Residents in DeKalb – and across Georgia – need to realize that education is not free. Our state will never advance unless we make a concerted decision to invest in our future and contribute more financially to improve our education system. In DeKalb, we may ask our residents to pay another 1 mill in taxes to help educate the district’s nearly 100,000 students.

There also is an easy solution to help educate children throughout Georgia without taxing residents: Expand the Georgia Lottery. Eugene Walker This would be a way to raise more revenue to fund pre-k classes and the HOPE scholarship – something that has helped send thousands of my county’s and the state’s children to college. The Georgia Lottery Board has the authority to expand the lottery with Video Lottery Terminals in a secure facility. The proposal to build a mixed-use entertainment complex in Gwinnett County will generate more than $350 million a year for the HOPE scholarship, pre-k classes and other important educational programs. This is money that is currently going to other states. Georgians already spend an estimated $200 million a year gambling at venues in Mis-

sissippi, Florida, North Carolina and other nearby states that allow gaming. This is money that should be staying in Georgia to help our students. In three years, the HOPE scholarship will pay for less than 50 percent of eligible students’ tuition costs. That number will continue to decrease, only hurting our students. Decreased lottery revenue has also led to drastic cuts to pre-k. DeKalb and other districts rely on lottery dollars to fund most of the program. Last year, the state increased pre-k class sizes, cut 20 days and slashed teacher pay. This cut forced our district to have to use local tax dollars to supplement the program to minimize the impact on our students. Research has shown that students who attend pre-k are more likely to succeed in school. A study by the National Center for Public Education found that children who attended pre-k scored higher on reading and math tests than

children who did not attend pre-k. The study found that third-graders who attended pre-k had better reading skills. Just last month, for the first time ever, Georgia’s lottery-funded pre-k program received a 10 out of 10 ranking from the National Institute of Early Education Research, which assesses teaching quality in early childhood education. Georgia was one of only five states to meet this exceptional standard. This is something we should be proud of and continue. It is essential that we maximize the dollars to early childhood education by fully funding pre-k in DeKalb and throughout Georgia. One simple way to accomplish this is to bring more revenue to the lottery with a gaming facility in Gwinnett. Please help our children get the best education available by encouraging the state to expand the Georgia Lottery. Dr. Eugene Walker, a former educator, is chairman of the DeKalb Board of Education.

Diligence on assessments could lower your tax bill Your property may look the same as last year, but the value of your home may have changed significantly. With the average DeKalb County home value dropping 6 percent, it is essential that homeowners know how to appeal their new appraisal notices to ensure their tax bill is correct. In unincorporated parts of the county, the average drop was 8 percent. On May 29, the Board of Tax Assessors mailed new appraisals, notifying owners if their residence or business has increased or lost value. Some property values will remain consistent, but many lost value. Some will see an inflated value that will require correction. Why do these values matter if you are not planning to sell your home? The short answer is

they impact how much you will pay on your tax bill. The county computes your bill by multiplying the millage rate by your property’s asElaine Boyer sessed value minus any exemptions. The assessed value is 40 percent of the appraised value. While it may seem like a small move of the needle in terms of value, an appeal could mean extra money in your pocket. With unemployment still hovering at 9.7 percent in DeKalb, every dollar our families pay counts. That’s why it is important that each property owner carefully inspect their notices. There are two opportunities when you can appeal a new ap-

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praisal: n If your new value is greater than the fair market value, or n If your value is greater than comparable homes in your neighborhood. It only takes a few minutes of research online to find the values of your neighbors’ property at http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/propertyappraisal/. To determine if your property is fairly assessed, look at other homes of similar age, square footage, lot sizes and amenities. If your property has dropped a great deal from last year’s value and is not consistent with similar homes in your area, you may want to appeal your assessment. Act quickly – appeals must be filed within 45 days from when the notice is mailed or before mid-July. Complicating the values in many neighborhoods is a record number of foreclosures. As of last

month, there were more than 6,630 homes in foreclosure in DeKalb, according to RealtyTrac, which uses statewide data. That means that one in every 346 housing unit in DeKalb is under foreclosure. These defaults not only effect appraisals and market prices in our neighborhoods, but impact the entire county’s net worth. For example, last month Clarkston was ranked among the 10 cities in Georgia that saw the largest sales price drop: 16.3 percent, according to RealtyTrac. The average sale price for a home was $64,730. These drastic drops have impacted our entire county, leaving many with a property appraised much higher than we could ever make on a sale in today’s market. Do your homework. If you have a case, think about filing an appeal. Elaine Boyer represents District 1 on the DeKalb Board of Commis-

School Board weighs tax hike, furloughs to span shortfall 1

Tropical storms get a jump on hurricane season 6

New salary structure to save schools over $2 million 8

DeKalb property owners could see their taxes increase, and teachers could see larger class sizes and other changes under a cost-cutting proposal being considered.

Homeowners are encouraged to prepare for as many as eight named tropical storms during the 2012 hurricane season.

A new aligned salary structure is expected to save the DeKalb School System more than $2 million over the next three years, the district announced on May 24.

I-285 bridge closed for interchange work

The I-285/Ashford Dunwoody Interchange Bridge will be closed this weekend to allow work crews to complete construction on the state’s first diverging diamond interchange.

DeKalb awarded EPA grants 5

Circulation Audited By

June 2, 2012

Investing in our kids’ education is not an option

By Elaine Boyer

The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

CrossRoadsNews

DeKalb County will receive $900,000 in brownfields grants to clean up and revitalize targeted corridors and communities with contaminated properties.

Hillandale breast center to enhance care for women 6 Women in South DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties now have a larger Comprehensive Breast Center at DeKalb Medical Hillandale in Lithonia.

Residents urged to start preparing for storms

Tropical Storm Alberto, which hovered along the South Carolina and Georgia coastlines last week, brought an early start to the June 1-Nov. 30 Atlantic hurricane season.

Library extends personalized brick program 9 Rrhond Sanchez is a self-described “voracious reader” and libraries are some of her most favorite places.

Donation helps fund book purchase

Students who use the Scottdale-Tobie Grant Homework Center now have 88 new books compliments of DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon.

index to advertisers 2012 Family & Back-to-School Expo..............12 Atlanta Premier SMO..................................... 11 Burrell Ellis for DeKalb CEO............................ 3 Cash Rentals....................................................1 DeKalb Community Development Dept.......... 5 DeKalb Medical Center................................... 7

Executive Cuts................................................ 11 LBJ Realty...................................................... 11 North DeKalb Mall..........................................9 Obama Academic Center............................... 11 Project Home Improvement.......................... 11 Quenon Smith............................................... 11

Salon Cleopatra............................................. 11 Savannah State University............................... 8 Solution Heating and Air............................... 11 Soul Discount Fabrics..................................... 11 Tees of Power................................................ 11

The Exchange................................................ 11 Vision Marketing Systems.............................. 11 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts

Community

“Wonderful teachers, teachers of the year, are saying, ‘I don’t know if I can do this anymore.’ ”

DeKalb awarded EPA grants DeKalb County will receive $900,000 in brownfields grants to clean up and revitalize targeted corridors and communities with contaminated properties. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced May 24 that the Brownfields Program grants will be used to clean and redevelop contaminated properties, boost local economies, and create jobs while protecting human health. Brownfields include sites where expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. DeKalb will receive a revolving loan fund grant in the amount of $650,000 for the cleanup of hazardous substances and $250,000 for the cleanup of petroleum. Atlanta will receive $350,000. Gwen Keyes Fleming, EPA Region 4 administrator, said communities in the Southeast have an opportunity to realize sustainable environmental results. “Each of these communities will receive funding to lay the groundwork G. Keyes Fleming for future investments in their community vitality and resiliency,” she said. DeKalb applied for the funds in partnership with the Development Authority of DeKalb County. CEO Burrell Ellis said brownfields sites adversely affect the economic vitality of the county and the quality of life. “Encouraging the redevelopment of brownfield properties through planning, advocacy and economic incentives is critical to promoting smart and sustainable growth in DeKalb County,” Ellis said. Judy Turner, who chairs the Development Authority, which will administer the revolving loan fund, said brownfields properties often hinder redevelopment and the grants will spur economic revitalization within targeted corridors and communities. The revolving loan fund will provide

CrossRoadsNews

June 2, 2012

cleanup financing for eligible projects. The loans will help to fund the remediation required for site cleanup, which will then allow redevelopment projects to go forward. Charles Whatley, the county’s director of Economic Development, said the cleanup funding will remove some impediments to private investment and job creation. “It is our expectation that once we are successCharles Whatley ful with implementing the revolving loan fund, we will be able to apply for additional EPA funding to help with assessments, remediation of additional sites and planning,” he said. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said the restored properties can serve as cornerstones for rebuilding struggling communities. “These grants will be the first step in getting pollution out and putting jobs back into neighborhoods across the country,” Jackson said. “Clean, healthy communities are Lisa Jackson places where people want to live, work and start businesses. We’re providing targeted resources to help local partners transform blighted, contaminated areas into centers of economic growth.” There are about 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites in America. In 2011, EPA’s Brownfields Program leveraged 6,447 jobs and $2.14 billion in cleanup and redevelopment funds. Since its inception, brownfields investments have leveraged more than $18.3 billion in funding from a variety of public and private sources and have resulted in about 75,500 jobs. More than 18,000 properties have been assessed, and over 700 have been cleaned up. The grants also target under-served and lowincome neighborhoods where environmental cleanups and new jobs are most needed. For more information, visit www.epa .gov/brownfields

Workshop focuses on South River environment, the likelihood of a Dr. Sharon Moran, a national community developing a foundaexpert in urban stream restoration for environmental advocacy tion and environmental equity, decreases,” she said. will lead a panel discussion on the The workshop sponsored by the South River on June 9 at Georgia South River Watershed Alliance is Piedmont Technical College in intended to generate dialogue about Clarkston. current and historical disregard of The workshop, “River of Opurban waterways, such as South portunity: Community-led ResSharon Moran River, and the lack of river restoratoration of South River and the Pursuit of Environmental Justice,” takes place tion efforts in African-American and other communities of color. It will offer strategies from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Moran, an associate professor, is coor- on how to engage affected communities. The workshop is free to attend, but regdinator of the Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Doctoral Program at Clark istration is required at www.southriverwater University, a part of the State University Sys- shedalliance.eventbrite.com. Light refreshments will be served. tem of New York. She focuses on the social Georgia Piedmont Technical College and political implications that stream resto(formerly DeKalb Technical College) is at 495 rations hold for communities of color. “Without a basic understanding of urban N. Indian Creek Drive. For more informawaterways and their immediate physical tion, call 404-285-3756.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority Board Meeting Thursday, June7, 2012 at 11:00AM Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA

School district seeks public input BUDGET,

from page

As the board grapples with balancing the budget, District 7 board member Donna Edler said none of the options is ideal but they have to balance the budget. “Adding the two furlough days isn’t an ideal situation, but I would rather see that than increased class sizes,” she said. Edler said she does not support cutting employees’ health and dental insurance subsidies, but the majority of her colleagues – Tom Bowen, Nancy Jester, Don McChesney, Pamela Speaks and Paul Womack – voted to consider eliminating the $35.57 monthly health insurance subsidy and the $16.02 monthly dental insurance subsidy for employees at a savings of more than $6.8 million. The board agreed to keep the rest of Atkinson’s proposed cuts, including terminating transportation for all magnet and choice programs – including DeKalb Early College, theme school students and Montessori programs. Atkinson also proposed reducing the number of media clerks by 25; eliminating overtime extra activity pay and textbook replacement; and reducing 10 assistant principals and 10 counselors through attrition. On Thursday, Edler said she doesn’t support cutting transportation for special programs and wants the public to continue to give their input on the budget. “We’re still looking to see where we can find some savings,” she said. After public outcry, board members pulled Fernbank Science Center off the closure list, which would have saved $4.7 million. They propose making up the difference with the increased furlough days. They also are considering eliminating the

school district’s share of the pre-k program at a savings of $2.7 million. The board’s recommended cuts and 1 mill rate increase would save $75,366,460. The board will give a final vote on the budget on June 11. A public hearing will be held June 4 at 6 p.m. at the school district’s central offices for parents and residents to weigh in on the discussion of the budget. At a May 30 public hearing, teachers, parents and taxpayers voiced their frustration at the school system’s financial woes and the cuts recommended to fix them. Organization of DeKalb Educators 2nd Vice President Lisa Morgan said it’s time for the district to find a way to protect classrooms and minimize the pain for teachers. “I don’t know what the intangible things are that you can come up with, but morale is low in DeKalb,” she said. “Wonderful teachers, teachers of the year are saying, ‘I don’t know if I can do this anymore.’ ” Sanford Scott of Stone Mountain, who has two kids at DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts and Chamblee High, said the pain of budget cuts should be felt in every department. “You should spread this pain 9 percent or 5 percent amongst the whole system and ask everyone to give a little bit instead of asking some of the departments to give everything,” he said. Darion Fagan, a parent of two, begged the board to not eliminate transportation for magnet, theme and DECA students, but instead make other cuts like closing Fernbank. “We love Fernbank. It’s very essential, but if we can’t get our kids to school and if we can’t supply them with at least the textbook that they need, how can we send them to Fernbank?” she said.

DeKalb County voters will go to the polls on July 31, 2012, to vote on an additional one percent sales tax to help fund $8 billion in transportation improvement projects for the Atlanta metro region. If it passes, DeKalb residents will pay 2 percent Sales Tax for Transportation.

Join us for a candid discussion on

“The Transportation Penny Tax Referendum: What Does It Mean for DeKalb County?” Monday, June 11, 2012 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Panelists

Jeff Dickerson

Spokesman, Citizens for Transportation Mobility

Cheryl King

Assistant General Manager of Planning, MARTA

John Evans

Steen Miles

President, DeKalb NAACP

Former State Senator & MARTOC member

Larry Johnson

Dan Reuter

District 3 Commissioner & Rail 4 DeKalb coordinator

Land Use Division Chief, Atlanta Regional Commission

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, 30034

For more information, call 404-284-1888

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

June 2, 2012

“We believe there will be eight named storms with five of them intensifying into hurricanes.”

Tropical storms Alberto, Beryl get a jump on hurricane season The 2012 hurricane season is making itself known early, and homeowners are encouraged to prepare for as many as eight named tropical storms during the season. The nonprofit Weather Research Center expects Tropical Storm Helene to be the eighth and final named storm of the season. Five of those named tropical storms – Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon and Helene – are predicted to intensify into hurricanes. Alberto and Beryl arrived ahead of the June 1 start of the hurricane season. Jill Hasling, a certified consulting meteorologist and president of the Weather Research Center in Houston, said there is a 46 percent chance of a Jill Hasling Category 3 or stronger hurricane to form this year in the Atlantic. There’s also a high chance that three additional tropical storms or hurricanes will make landfall somewhere along the United States coast. “We’re forecasting a 60 percent chance of a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Key West, Fla., and along the Georgia to North Carolina coast during the 2012 hurricane season,” Hasling said in a May 22 statement. “We believe there will be eight named storms with five of them intensifying into hurricanes.” The Weather Research Center, founded in 1987, is also home to the national Weather Museum. It has an 89 percent forecast ac- The nonprofit Weather Research Center is forecasting a 60 percent chance of a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Key West, Fla., and along the Georgia to North Carolina coast during the 2012 hurricane season, which began on June 1. curacy rate.

Updated Hillandale breast center to enhance care for women Women in South DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties now have a larger Comprehensive Breast Center at DeKalb Medical Hillandale in Lithonia. Hospital employees and physicians cut the ribbon on the newly renovated facility last month. The all-digital center, which supports women’s health and enhances the overall quality of patient care, nearly tripled in size to 4,170 square feet. The original breast center, which opened in 1998, was 1,600-square feet. The center, funded by the DeKalb Medical Foundation, features top-of-the-line equipment. It boasts extended nurse navigator hours, improved customer service, mammatome biopsy five days a week, more privacy and convenience for patients before procedures, new patient robes to replace gowns, and free parking and direct access to facility entrance. The expansion allows the staff to double the normal patient base in the coming fiscal year. For 2012, the breast center was expected to see 13,000 patients. With the expansion, that number is expected to double. The Comprehensive Breast Center is located at 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway. The guardrails in the parking lot have been painted pink, making it easier to locate the facility. For more information or to schedule an appoint- Susan Harris, vice president and administrator of DeKalb Medical Hillandale (from left); Dr. Dominique J. Smith, chief of staff; Dr. Gordon L. ment, call 404-501-2660. Hixson Jr., chief radiologist at DeKalb Medical; and Ellis Carter, Radiology Department manager, cut the ribbon at the renovated breast center.

June 2, 2012

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“These storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain and tornadoes as they progress inland, so it’s important that everyone be prepared.”

Georgia residents urged to start preparing now for disastrous storms Tropical Storm Alberto, which hovered along the South Carolina and Georgia coastlines last week, brought an early start to the June 1-Nov. 30 Atlantic hurricane season. And Tropical Storm Beryl ruined Memorial Day for thousands of people along the northern Florida and Georgia coasts, dumping 4 to 8 inches of rain and leaving thousands without power. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all residents to start preparing now for more potentially disastrous storms. As a coastal state, storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have the potential to bring storm surge, high winds, tornadoes and inland flooding across Georgia. GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign supports National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs through June 2. Although Georgians have not taken a direct strike by a hurricane on the coast in recent years, residents statewide are still at risk of indirect severe impacts should a storm

Weathering the storm To prepare for hurricane season:

n Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters. n Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines. Secure structurally unstable building materials. n Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it. Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses and stocks.

make landfall anywhere in the region. Charley English, director of GEMA/Homeland Security, urges residents to take the time now to prepare, plan and stay informed about hurricanes. Charley English “These storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain and tornadoes as they progress inland, so it’s important that everyone be prepared,” English said in a May 21 statement. “Take the time during Hurricane Preparedness Week to learn basic safety rules and preparation tips so you’re not caught by surprise if a storm makes landfall.” Regardless of the seasonal predictions, it only takes one storm to devastate a community. Research conducted by Ready Georgia in 2011 reveals that many people have not performed crucial activities that will help them be prepared, such as compiling an emergency kit for the car or purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio to warn of advancing threats. Another 67 percent have not arranged a family meeting place or reconnection plan. The Ready Georgia site, www.ready. ga.gov, allows users to create a personalized Ready kit checklist and communications plan, making it simple to take those first steps toward being prepared. There is also detailed information about hurricane-related haz-

ards, as well as tips on how to protect your home and find local evacuation routes. For preparedness on the go, families also can download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app. During hurricane season, Ready Georgia advises: Prepare for hurricanes n Compile a portable Ready kit of emergency supplies in case you have to evacuate. n Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane. A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. A hurricane warning means a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately. Prepare to secure your property n Cover all of your home’s windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds and keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed. Plan to evacuate n Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate. Information on Georgia evacuation routes may be found at Georgia Navigator. Download the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Hurricane Season Safety Information brochure and print a copy for your evacuation Ready kit. Use it as a reference for traffic procedures and information in the event of an evacuation. n Identify several places you could go in an emergency: a friend’s home in another town or a motel. For more information about public shelters in your community,

contact your local emergency management agency. A list of open shelters can be found on GEMA’s Web site or on the Ready Georgia mobile app. Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area. Stay informed n Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available. n Be alert for tornadoes and flooding. If you see a funnel cloud or if local authorities issue a tornado warning, take shelter underground or in an interior room away from windows. If waters are rising quickly or local authorities issue a flood or flash flood warning, seek higher ground. n Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution. n Do not return home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after the hurricane and after floodwaters recede, roads may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution. For more information, contact your local EMA or visit www.ready.ga.gov or www. gema.ga.gov.

Our specialty is treating people suffering from the status quo.

Emergency supplies you may need Stock your home with: n A large enough container for a 3-5 day supply of water (about 5 gallons for each person). n A 3- to 5-day supply of nonperishable food, a first aid kit and manual, a batterypowered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries. n Prescription medicines and special medical needs, baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.

How it is in healthcare, is not how it has to be. That’s why we challenged what a state-of-the-art healthcare facility should look like, how it should operate and even where it should be. DeKalb Medical at Hillandale became the first all-digital master planned hospital in Georgia and brought advanced medicine outside of the perimeter, where people actually live. We recruited nationally-acclaimed physicians and a dedicated support staff who are passionate about providing world-class service. We made sure that the hospital didn’t look or smell like one and that the food was actually delicious, all of which make close to home, feel more like home. We even make a point to care for the community outside of our doors. Every day, we continue to ask ourselves, “What can we do differently? What can we do better than them?” because the last thing we want to be is like everybody else.

After a hurricane:

n Discard food from your refrigerator if it has reached room temperature. Foods that are still partially frozen or “refrigerator cold” are safe to eat. If in doubt, throw it out. n Do not drink tap water until authorities say it is safe. Instead, drink bottled water or boil water for at least one minute before drinking. You also can disinfect water with chlorine or iodine (follow package directions) or with ordinary household bleach – one-eighth teaspoon (about eight drops) per gallon of water. n Poisoning from carbon monoxide is an avoidable hazard during power outages. Never use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills inside your home, garage or near open windows, doors or vents. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseated, get outdoors to a well-ventilated area and seek immediate medical attention. n Weather conditions following hurricanes are usually very hot and humid. You may not have air conditioning for a long period of time. Avoid heat-related illnesses by drinking plenty of fluids and taking care to not overexert yourself when cleaning up and repairing damage. n When cleaning up debris, look out for broken glass and exposed nails, a leading cause of tetanus. If you are punctured by a nail or sustain a deep wound, seek medical attention and get a tetanus shot. n After a hurricane, it is normal to experience emotional distress. For more information, visit http://www.ready .gov.

To learn more, visit www.dekalbmedicalhillandale.org

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

June 2, 2012

“When I got the news, I wanted to jump around but couldn’t because I wanted to stay professional.”

New salary structure to save school district over $2 million A new aligned salary structure is expected to save the DeKalb School System more than $2 million over the next three years, the district announced on May 24. The change, which is part of Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson’s reorganization of the central office and district staffing, follows the consolidation of more than 380 job titles into 17 job classifications in April. The new salary structure, which adjusts

the compensation of 489 positions, including central office secretaries, counselors, psychologists and physical therapists, will realize savings of more than $800,000 in FY 2013. It is uniform across departments, is competitive with current market for salaries and positions, and will be implemented over a three-year period. Atkinson said the new job classifications and salary structure will create more equi-

table compensation across departments and bring salaries in line with similar school systems and produce significant cost savings. The reorganization began in November 2011 with an independent audit of central office and school-based personnel. So far, 73 central office positions were eliminated at a savings of $5.1 million. More than 3,197 positions, previously coded to the central office budget, were eliminated and/

or reassigned to schools. With the reorganization, which is scheduled for completion by mid-fall 2012, the central office has been streamlined from 4,098 positions to 814 positions, or 6 percent of the district’s total work force. The changes make the district comparable to districts with similar student enrollment. For more information, visit www.dekalb. k12.ga.us.

Clarkston High band gets new instruments from Opus grant It was both smiles and tears when Clarkston High School band students opened boxes containing brand-new instruments on May 14. The band program received 16 new instruments – flutes, clarinets, a saxophone, a trumpet, a euphonium, a tuba and timpanis – valued at $46,150 from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation grant. Sequoyah Middle School in Doraville also received a donation of instruments, bringing the total to $100,000 for both schools. The Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Foundation partnered with MHOF to assist both schools in getting the instruments. Clarkston band director Anthony Hunt applied for the grant last August. He found out in April that they had won the grant. “When I got the news, I wanted to jump around but couldn’t because I wanted to stay professional,” he said with a chuckle. Hunt said the instruments will help the 80-member band become better musicians. Before receiving the new instruments, the students used decade-old instruments that are in poor condition. Sometimes they borrowed instruments from other DeKalb

Clarkston High ninth-graders Andrienne Brown and Ariella Rattray show off the new instruments that they received from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation grant.

schools. Clarkston principal Michelle Jones said 90 percent of the school’s students receive free or reduced lunch, making it difficult for families to buy or rent instruments. “Families depend on the school to issue instruments and engage students in a strong program,” she said. “With the donation of

instruments, we will be able to get more instruments in the hands of students, increase participation in the band program, and keep students actively engaged in school and in the arts.” Sophomore Willie Lampkin, who plays trombone, said he was happy to see the new instruments.

“I’ve been in this program for four years and we didn’t have anything to make us better,” he said. “With these instruments, it makes us elite.” Trombone player Amir Anderson said getting the new instruments feels like getting a new beginning. “With new instruments, you get a new sound and that will bring more people to the band,” he said. The Opus Foundation was inspired by the acclaimed movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” which portrayed the effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students. The film’s composer, Michael Kamen, started the foundation in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education. The foundation donates new and refurbished instruments to school music programs that lack the resources to keep up with equipment loss, depreciation and wear over time and to accommodate students on waiting lists or who have to share instruments. The 18-year-old Katz Foundation was launched by the founders of Kason Industries of Newnan as an effort to give back to society.

Lithonia teen headed to London Lithonia resident Moriah Wilson will be on her way to London this summer to participate in the 2012 Summer Olympics. The 15-year-old Pace Academy student and three other students will be junior ambassadors at the McDonald’s Champions of Play program in London on Aug. 9-12. Moriah Wilson Moriah won the allexpense-paid trip through the Julie Foudy “Choose to Matter” contest, in which participants had to create and implement community service leadership projects in 2011. She said she was speechless when she

found out she won in March. “I was in shock,” she said. Moriah said she used her nonprofit, Lil’ Hearts of Love, as her project. She cofounded Lil’ Hearts of Love seven years ago with older sister Victoria to hand make pillows for hospitalized children. The pouch includes a message of encouragement for the young patients. Moriah made 175 pillows and donated them to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and Scottish Rite, Grady, and St. Jude’s hospitals. She doesn’t know exactly what she’ll do as an ambassador but says she is excited about traveling to England. “Visiting London was actually on my bucket list,” she said.

Band camp to honor Champion Middle and high school band students have until June 29 to register for the first Band Camp of Champions, which honors the memory of the Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion. The weeklong overnight camp takes place July 9-14 at Paine College in Augusta. It includes workshops that will train, groom and strengthen musicians and dancers as a whole. Experienced instructors and clinicians include Jason Price, who played Nick Cannon’s stunt double in the movie “Drumline”; Kolomo Bailey from Kentucky State University; Benjamin McKnight from South Carolina State University; and Emmanuel Roundtree from Fort Valley State University. Champion, a Southwest DeKalb High School alumnus, died in an alleged hazing incident aboard a FAMU band bus in Orlando, Fla., last November. A camp workshop will focus on hazing. Champion’s parents, Robert and Pam, are expected to be guest speakers at the camp. A national music scholarship fair will take

place during the camp for college-bound students. The camp will conclude with an “Extravaganza” show, an all-star battle and mass band finale on July 14. Tickets for the Extravaganza are $5, $12 for the all-star battle, and $15 for both shows. Cost for the camp, which includes room and board, is $300 per person. For applications, contact Christina Proctor at 706-4690149.

Football, cheerleading registration for kids Kids ages 5-12 can register for football and cheerleading at Gresham Park. Registration will be held on June 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gresham Athletic Complex. The complex is at 2466 Bouldercrest Road in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.greshamparkfootball.com.

June 2, 2012

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

“Each one of us thought the other was deserving. The brick will always be there. We will go down in history.”

Library bricks celebrate, honor loved ones Rrhond Sanchez is a self-described “voracious reader” and libraries are some of her most favorite places. When it comes to the Stonecrest Library in Lithonia, she is head over heels in love. “I just can’t tell you how much pleasure I get when I go there,” she said. “I love the architecture. I love how it’s laid out for browsing. It makes me feel like I am in the Swiss Alps.” So when she heard about the DeKalb Library Foundation’s engraved personalized brick program to benefit the library, Sanchez jumped at the opportunity to purchase a brick in honor of her mother, Olegaria Sanchez. “It’s a wonderful way to honor her and to contribute to the preservation and perpetuation of the library and the promotion of reading,” she said. Sanchez engraved the brick “in honor of Senora Oligare Sanchez.” Once she got hers, her mother, who lives in Snellville, returned the favor by buying a brick for her daughter. She engraved it “In honor of my daughter Rrhonda Sanchez.” “Each one of us thought the other was deserving,” Sanchez said.“The brick will always be there. We will go down in history.” Donna Brazzell, the library foundation’s executive director, said the engraved brick program has been extended to June 30. For $100, library patrons, book lovers, community supporters and businesses can become a lasting part of the library with an engraved brick in the entryway of the newly expanded Hairston Crossing, Salem-Panola, Stonecrest and Tucker-Reid H. Cofer branch libraries. Proceeds supports programs, books and materials and literacy services at the DeKalb County Public Library. The engraved personalized bricks, which

Tom Cruise reprises his role of IMF agent Ethan Hunt in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.”

Three libraries to screen Cruise film Proceeds from the sale of engraved bricks support programs, books and materials and literacy services at the DeKalb County Public Library. Rrhond Sanchez (at left) and her mother, Olegaria Sanchez, purchased bricks for each other.

will be installed in the libraries’ entrance ways, can be inscribed with your name, the name of a family, friend or company, or in honor or memory of a loved one. They can also be used to commemorate special oc-

casions like the anniversaries, birthdays, graduations or the birth of new baby. For more information call 404-3708450 ext. 2238 or donate online at www. dekalblibrary.org/foundat ion.

Tom Cruise fans can see the blockbuster “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” this month at three DeKalb Public Library branches as part of the library’s New Movie Series. The PG-13 action spy film, which is the fourth installment in the “Mission: Impossible” series, also stars Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Paula Patton. Cruise reprises his role of IMF agent Ethan Hunt who leads a rogue team to clear their organization’s name. It will be screened June 9 at 2 p.m. at Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Road in Tucker. For more information, call 770-270-8234. On June 15 and 16, it will be screened at 2 p.m. at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-3828. On June 23, it will be shown at 2 p.m. at Covington Library, 3500 Covington Highway in Decatur. For more information, call 404508-7180.

Donation helps fund book purchase Students who use the Scottdale-Tobie Grant Homework Center now have 88 new books compliments of DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon. The books were purchased with a $1,000 donation that Gannon made to the DeKalb Library Foundation. The books include fiction and non-fiction works from authors ranging from John Scieszka and Mo Willems DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon (back row, second from left) to Suzanne Collins and poses with students in the Scottdale-Tobie Grant Homework Center. Rick Riordon. On a May 24 visit to the center, the chil- imagination,” Gannon said. Library Director Alison Weissinger said dren read to Gannon from some of the new the staff is “appreciative and pleased” with books. She said she was happy to help add to the the donation. “It means so much to the children and center’s collection. “Reading is a great way for children teens who regularly visit this homework to experience the world and expand their center,” she said.

African-Americans photos home at Emory More than 10,000 photographs depicting African American life from the late 19th and early 20th centuries now have a home at Emory University’s Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library (MARBL). The collection from photo collector Robert Langmuir of Philadelphia was acquired recently the Emory. The images range from the 1840s – the beginning of photography – to the 1970s. Most of the photos fall in the post-Civil War to pre-World War II era. They include nearly every format, from daguerreotypes to snapshots, and cover a wide range of subject matter. Some were taken by African American photographers.

Kevin Young, curator of MARBL’s literary collections and its Raymond Danowski Poetry Library, calls the collection one of the most remarkable he’s ever seen. “The archive reveals the richness of African American daily life,” Young said. “From pictures taken by house photographers at nightclubs, to cabinet cards and calling cards of black disc jockeys, to photographs of preachers, blues singers, saints and sinners. No doubt this collection will change the field of African American and American studies.” For more information, visit www.news. emory.edu/stories/2012/05/upress_african_ american_photo_collection/index.html.

Who Let The Dogs Out? A contest for Man’s Best Friend! Benefitting Southeastern Guide Dogs

June 9, 2012

11:00am – 1:00pm

Entry fee $5.00 per contest Winner In Each Contest Will Receive $50

CONTESTS

Costume Contest (Dress to Impress) Dog with the Best Legs Best Tail Wag Best Pooch Smooch Master / Dog Look Alike Contest Smartest Dog

11:00am 11:20am 11:45pm Noon 12:30pm 12:45pm

Children will delight to see demonstrations by professionally trained dogs Call 404-235-6444 or email mjburdge@northdekalbmall.com to register

2050 Lawrenceville Hwy. • Decatur, GA 30033 • 404-320-7960 • www.northdekalbmall.com

CrossRoadsNews

People

June 2, 2012

“We hope active-duty military families will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity not only to see our museum, but other participating museums as well.”

Museums open doors for military families Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and activeMilitary families can get free admission to sevduty National Guard and active-duty Reserve eral Atlanta museums through Labor Day. members and up to five family members with Participating museums include the Jimmy military ID. Carter Presidential Library and Museum, the Jay Hakes, director of the Carter Library, Atlanta History Center, the David J. Sencer CDC said the library is pleased to participate in the Museum, the High Museum of Art, the Margaret program again. Mitchell House, and the Museum of Contemporary “We hope active-duty military families will Art of Georgia. take advantage of this wonderful opportunity They are among more than 1,500 museums Jay Hakes not only to see our museum, but other particiacross America offering free admission to service men and their families through Sept. 3 in collaboration with pating museums as well,” he said. The Carter Library and Museum is at 441 Freedom the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, Parkway in Atlanta. For other participating museums, and the Department of Defense. Free admission is available to active-duty Army, Navy, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Librarians win grants for innovative programs DeKalb Public Library staffers Mia Buggs, Veronica Winley and Candace Ushery have won $3,000 in prestigious national grants for special programs. Buggs, a youth services librarian at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown branch, and Winley, branch manager at the Lithonia-Davidson branch landed the 2012 Virginia Hamilton and Arnold Adoff Creative Outreach Grant at Kent State University. The grant is available for projects that raise awareness about respect and diversity through literature. Buggs and Winley received $1,000 for their project, “When Tribes Meet: The History of Black Native Americans.” The project is a daylong program of book discussions, story-

telling, crafts and cultural activities for all ages to explore and illuminate the history of black Native Americans. It is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 6 at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown branch, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur. Ushery, a youth services librarian at the Salem-Panola branch, was one of 40 winners of a $1,000 Teen Summer Internship Program Grant sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association to allow teens to learn about and take part in the important work libraries do. Ushery says the grant will provide two-month internships for three to four students during June and July at the Salem-Panola branch, 5137 Salem Road in Lithonia.

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‘Must Love Dogs’ author to discuss newest novel Claire Cook, popular author of “Must Love Dogs,” will talk about her new novel, “Wallflower in Bloom,” on June 11 at the Decatur Library. The June Festival of Writers event begins at 7:15 p.m. Cook’s new book is the witty, lively story of a woman who emerges from the shadow of her overbearing family and a misbehaving boyfriend to find herself Claire Cook “dancing with the stars.” She wrangles her way onto the television program and discovers that her 15 minutes of fame changed her life completely. She is the author of nine books, including “Best Staged Plans,” “Summer Blowout” and “The Wildwater Walking Club.” “Must Love Dogs” was made into a 2005 movie starring Diane Lane and John Cusack. Cook divides her time between Atlanta and Boston. The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalb.public.lib. ga.us or call 404-370-3070.

Ceremony to celebrate Caribbean-Americans Caribbean entertainment, culture and cuisine will be on display at the Fulton County Atrium in Atlanta on June 3 for the opening ceremony for the seventh annual Caribbean American Heritage Month. The 4-to-8 p.m. event is free to attend and includes a raffle drawing and prizes. This year’s observance features Jamaica and its people and is sponsored by the Georgia Caribbean American Heritage Coalition. Jamaica is celebrating 50 years of independence. The Fulton County Atrium is at 141 Pryor St. S.W. For more information, e-mail gcahcinfo@gmail.com or call 404-694-4760. Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in up to 12 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 750 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 or go to www. classifiedavenue.net

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Financial SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. WIN or Pay Nothing! Start Your Application In Under 60 Seconds. Call Today! Contact Disability Group, Inc. Licensed Attorneys & BBB Accredited. Call 877-865-0180 Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 866-967-9407 CREDIT CARD DEBT? LEGALLY HAVE IT REMOVED! Need a Minimum $7,000 in debt to qualify. Utilize Consumer Protection Attorneys. Call now 1-866652-7630 for help.

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 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 888-459-9961 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE

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SAVE on Cable TV-InternetDigital Phone. Packages start at $89.99/mo (for 12 months.) Options from ALL major service providers. Call Acceller today to learn more! CALL 1-877-736-7087 HELP WANTED!! Extra income! Mailing Brochures from home! Free supplies! Genuine opportunity! No experience required. Start immediately! www.theworkinghub.com

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.

WANTED UNEXPIRED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS UP TO $26/BOX. PRE PAID SHIPPING LABELS. HABLAMOS ESPANOL! 1-800-267-9895 www. SellDiabeticStrips.com

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CrossRoadsNews

June 2, 2012

Marketplace

Business Opportunities

MISCELLANEOUS

Attention Licensed P&C Insurance Agents: We are searching for DeKalb County Certified LSBE firms to perform the following insurance brokerage services: Claims Consulting, Risk Control Consulting, Vendor Contract Review, OCIP, and RMIS. Please contact M. Butler (678) 298-5126 immediately if you can provide any of the services listed.

Searching for Lost Pearls. Join the Ladies of Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha for a little R&R. REIGNITE & REUNITE. Membership Round-Up. June 10th 2pm. Rose Garden Mansion. 7316 Covington Highway. RSVP by June 8th to laquetta.pearson@gmail.com or e-mail for more info.

FOR RENT/LEASE Lithonia foreclosure, 4.bdrm, 2.5ba, Lr,Dr,Den $70,000. $1000dn $610 per mon, call 24/7 1 888 269 6795 x142 1st U Rlty

barber / beauty EXECUTIVE CUTS 3316 Snapfinger Rd., Ste. J Lithonia, GA 30038 (next to Mable’s BBQ)

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Sun: 12-6pm • Mon: 12-8pm Tues-Sat 8-8pm Walk Ins Avail • Appt. Preferred

dental

DENTURES $0 CO-PAY Must have Medicare and Medicaid to qualify. Call for Free Report 1-800-704-3307, 24hrs education

770-696-2938 Cell: 404-754-9223

health MEDICAL RESEARCH

June 4th – Aug. 3rd Curriculum Based 8-Week Program v Three Nutritious Meals v Field Trips v Free back to school book bags (at the end of the program)

Make $500 - $5,000 For your School, Church or Community Groups

Visit www.teesofpower.com Call 404-941-8744

home services RIGHT ER IS RNER SUMMND THE CO AROU

• Deck Design • Deck Repair • Porches / Repair • Pergolas • Patios • Garden Boxes • Drywall • Interior Framing • Door Installation • General Carpentry • Installations • Storage Sheds www.projecthomimprv.com

4606 Rockbridge Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083

404-286-4802 • 404-735-6176

LBJ Talking House Realty

(near Pine Lake)

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Salons / hair care

SUMMER SPECIAL

AC/Heating Free Diagnoses

Call Today 678-985-5300

www.solutionheatingair.com

S ENIOR C ITIZENS 50% OFF M ONDAY -W EDNESDAY Cleopatra Beauty Salon $10 off $ the $30 Mallinside at Stonecrest Sew-In Special

*NEW CLIENTS ONLY

Shampoo / Set / Style *NEW CLIENTS ONLY

2929 Turner Hill Road Suite 1090 Lithonia, GA 30038

770.484.7099

opportunities

MAKE MONEY PLACING FREE ADS

Any Chemical Service

404-536-5882

retail

Soul Discount Fabrics & Upholstery

Get Paid Advertising Penny Auction Site No Selling • No Calling

Visit makemoneyplacingads.com 404-380-1707

4391 Glenwood Road Decatur, GA 30032

www.davis@oelpa.com

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

404-284-8909 (office)

call a Realtor who gets the job done; call a Tuskegee graduate; call a Georgia State graduate; call a Realtor who cares about you.

PROJECT HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

GRAND OPENING The Exchange

home services

Extra Income Working From Home LEARNING IS FUN!! Free summer bridge program for Future Leaders of tomorrow Ages 4-12

When you are ready to buy or sell your home,

Call Nathan

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

fundraisers

wedding services

SE MEMORIALL DRIVE MEMORIA DRIVE SE

ALSTON DRIVE SE ALSTON DRIVE SE

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Are you interested in a clinical study for your diabetes? We are seeking volunteers to participate in this clinical research study who are: (a) Between 18 and 79 years of age; (b) Have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes; and (c) Not able to control their blood sugar with metformin. For additional information about the benefits and risks of the study, please contact us: Atlanta Ropheka Medical Center/Atlanta Premier SMO in Riverdale, Ga. Contact: APSMO Study Coordinator (866) 218-0717 Ext. 4 apsmo.crc.ropheka@gmail.com

MARKETPLACE RATES

real estate

Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 404-963-6485 404-966-8320 ✓ ✓ Dress Dress Fabric Fabric ✓ ✓ Upholstery Upholstery Fabric Fabric

GLENWOOD ROAD GLENWOOD ROAD

279 279 Candler Candler Road Road Atlanta, Atlanta, GA GA 30317 30317 (near (near Memorial Memorial Drive) Drive)

John John Is Is Back! Back!

✓ ✓ Designer Designer Fabric Fabric ✓ ✓ Drapery Drapery Fabric Fabric

Free Fabric with Upholstery SALE SALE ENDS ENDS MAY MAY 31, 31, 2012 2012

CrossRoadsNews

June 2, 2012