CrossRoadsNews, June 6, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

FINANCE

WELLNESS

Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones wants to buy some of the furniture he used while in office. The current chief executive says “no” to the deal. A3

More than a thousand job-seekers turned out for the job fair that was part of Congressman Hank Johnson’s Career Expo. A6

Harboring fresh memories of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, disaster officials are encouraging residents in highrisk areas – like metro Atlanta – to be ready. B1

Office politics

Ready to work

June 6, 2009

Focus on preparedness

Volume 15, Number 5

www.crossroadsnews.com

Cutoff in state funding to mean higher property taxes By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb homeowners will be digging deeper into their pockets to pay property taxes this year. The tax hit comes despite sliding home values of 20 to 30 percent, especially in South DeKalb. Tax Commissioner Claudia G. Lawson warned homeowners this week to brace themselves for additional property taxes of $200 to $300 this year and next due to the elimination of state funding. “The state Homestead Tax Relief Grant that funded an increased

homestead exemption for homeowners for the last several years will not be available this year,” she said. “Declining state Claudia Lawson revenues during the current recession means there is no money for the state to give the tax relief to homeowners.” With no grant from the state to lower their tax bill, homeowners will have to foot all of the bill themselves.

Robert Goodman, deputy tax commissioner, said the increase will be on the 2009 tax bills that will be mailed the first week in July. It will be due for payment between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. The larger tax bill comes even as thousands of DeKalb residents are on the unemployment line. In April, 34,012 DeKalb residents were unemployed. Just last week, more than 1,000 of them showed up for a May 28 job fair hosted by 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson at DeKalb Technical College. Lawson said it’s unfortunate to

deliver this message in slow economic times but that homeowners need to know now so they can plan for the increase. On the heels of Lawson’s statement, county commissioners announced that they have tentatively adopted millage rates that will increase property taxes in unincorporated DeKalb by 3.73 percent. Avondale Estates, Chamblee and Decatur will see a Special Services tax of 0.73, 43 and 1.33 percent respectively. Debt service will be 6.94 percent. The Board of Commissioners

have been in the habit of using HOST funds to cushion the impact of millage rate increases but with expected lower sales taxes and decling property tax revenues, it is unclear how much it will have to offer taxpayers relief. The BOC is hosting public hearings on the millage increase on June 16 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and June 23 at 10 a.m. at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in downtown Decatur. The commissioners, who are Please see INCREASE, page A4

Double-murder suspect fled Atlanta on Greyhound bus By McKenzie Jackson

Accused double-murderer Derrick Yancey made his escape from Atlanta on a Greyhound bus and law enforcement officials believe he had help from family members – but can’t prove it just yet. He also had $18,000 from his DeKalb County pension, which he requested in a lump sum payment. Officials who have been hunting for Yancey since his April 4 escape from house arrest now believe the former DeKalb Sheriff ’s deputy is somewhere on the west coast or south of the border. At a press conference Thursday with DeKalb Sheriff deputies and a U.S. Marshall, Sheriff Thomas Brown released four video clips that show Yancey – dressed in dark pants, a black shirt and black skull cap – buying a bus ticket and boarding a Los Angeles-bound bus at the Greyhound station on Garnett Street in downtown Atlanta. Brown said Yancey, 50, was last spotted in Phoenix, Ariz. “Mr. Yancey is somewhere between Phoenix and Los Angeles,” he said. “Possibly Mexico, we don’t know that for sure. We don’t have any factual information to make that statement, but we do know that he is quite proficient in the Spanish language and that could possibly be a destination point for him.” Yancey was a sheriff ’s deputy for 17 years before police say he shot to death his 44-year-old wife, Linda, and 20-year-old Guatemalan immigrant and day laborer Marcial Cax Puluc on June 9, 2008, in the couple’s upscale Southland subdivision home in Stone Mountain. The two had been married for 17 years. Yancey initially told investigators that Puluc killed his wife and he shot Puluc in self-defense, but

Surveillance video from the Greyhound bus station in downtown Atlanta shows fugitive Derrick Yancey (in cap) purchasing a ticket to Los Angeles on April 4.

forensic evidence indicated that Yancey killed both of them. He was awaiting trial on house arrest at his mother’s Jonesboro home when he cut off his ankle monitor and fled. The company that was monitoring him did not alert authorities until 11 hours later. Brown said investigators believe that some of Yancey’s family members helped him escape and that they are trying to determine if part of that assistance was financial as well.

“There are some family members who we consider persons of interest,” he said, adding that they have been uncooperative. Investigators believe that Yancey’s escape was well planned. They say the clean-shaven Yancey altered his appearance by growing facial hair and growing longer hair on his head. He also requested the lump sum pension payment.They believe that he gave some of the $18,000 to family members and paid his lawyer. They say he is using cash. He

paid cash for the Greyhound ticket, which he bought under the name “David Brown.” On the morning of his escape, Yancey cut his ankle-monitoring bracelet at 5:41 a.m. and arrived at the bus station at 6:30 a.m., where he spent about three hours. Security cameras at the bus station shows him arriving between 7:10 a.m. and 7:24 a.m. before boarding bus No. 1545 at 10:22 a.m. He arrived at the Dallas, Texas, Greyhound port on April 5 at 4:15

a.m. central time and transferred to bus No. 0438, which arrived in Amarillo, Texas, at 11:55 a.m. From there, Yancey transferred to bus No. 1353 to Los Angeles. He was last spotted in Phoenix on April 6. Brown said they have no video of Yancey after the Phoenix bus stop. “We know that there were four stops between Phoenix and Los Angeles, Calif., where he could have Please see FUGITIVE, page A4

CrossRoadsNews

June 6, 2009

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will hold Public Hearings for the purpose of considering:

Proposed Fiscal Year 2010 Operating and Capital Funds Budget, Proposed Service Modifications for 8/15/09, and Proposed Fare & Parking Changes for 10/1/09. Tuesday, June 16 55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, 30303

Wednesday, June 17

7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 30350

DOWNTOWN ATLANTA Atlanta City Hall

NORTH FULTON Service Center

7:00 p.m.

5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, 30349

SOUTH FULTON Service Center

7:00 p.m.

1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, 30030

DEKALB Maloof Auditorium 7:00 p.m.

Community Exchange 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Riding MARTA: Bus routes 21, 49, 55, 97 from Five Points Station. Special Bus Shuttle will be provided from Five Points Station.

Riding MARTA: Bus route 87 from Dunwoody or North Springs Rail Stations.

Riding MARTA: Bus route 180 from College Park Rail Station.

Riding MARTA: Walk one block west of Decatur Station.

PROPOSED RAIL SERVICE CHANGES Rail Service changes include frequency modifications and the hours of service operation. Adjustments to rail service include frequency modifications of up to five (5) minutes and the last trains will depart the end of each line at approximately 12:00 a.m. (Midnight) with a scheduled connection at Five Points Station at approximately 12:35 a.m. PROPOSED BUS SERVICE CHANGES FOR THESE ROUTES 3 7 8 11 13 16 17 18

Martin Luther King Jr. Drive McAfee Road North Druid Hills Road English Avenue/ Atlanta University Center Fair Street Noble Hank Aaron Drive/ Grady Hospital South Decatur

19 22 24 28 30 33 34 50 53 59

119 Avondale Estates/ N. Hairston Road 122 GA Perimeter College 124 Doraville/Tucker 126 Northlake/Chamblee 137 Collier Road 139 Lenox/Plaza Fiesta 148 Medical Center/ Powers Ferry Landing 151 Perimeter Center/Chamblee

60 Hightower/Moores Mill 66 Lynhurst/Barge Road Park & Ride 70 Chamblee 77 Willingham Drive/Hapeville 82 Camp Creek/Barge Road Park & Ride 86 Fairington Road/Lithonia 93 Norman Berry Drive/ Forrest Hill Drive 114 Columbia Drive

Clairmont Road Second Avenue Belvedere Village of East Lake Lavista Road Briarcliff Road Gresham Road Bankhead Grove Park Bankhead Courts

Adjustment of bus service hours will be consistent with changes in rail service hours.

183 Barge Road/Lakewood

**23 Peachtree Road/ Buckhead

**182 Headland Drive/

Barge Road Park & Ride

**245 Kensington/

Emory Blue Flyer

**273 Fulton Industrial **

Blue Flyer Proposed Route Eliminations

MARTA MOBILITY

The proposed service plan will result in marginal impacts as related to the early termination of Bus and Rail service. PROPOSED FARE CHANGES Fare Description

Current Proposed

Breeze Card fee (includes 2 trips) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Breeze Ticket fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50¢ Children’s Fare (46” & under, max. of four) . . . . . free Cash Fare (paid at bus farebox, no transfer) . . . . . . $1.75 Single Trip (stored on Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket) . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.75 Round Trip (stored on one Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket) . . . . . . . $ 3.50 Ten (10) Trips (10 single trips on one Card or Ticket) . . . . . . . . . . . . $17.50 Twenty (20) Trips (20 single trips on one Card or Ticket) . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30.00

5.00 50¢ free $ 2.00

2.00

4.00

20.00

34.00

Fare Description

Current Proposed

1-Day Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00 8.00 $ $ 9.00 2-Day Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.00 $ $ 12.00 3-Day Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 $ $ 13.00 4-Day Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00 $ $ 15.00†† 7-Day Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.00 $ $ 60.00†† 30-Day Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.50 90¢†† Half-fare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85¢ $ $ 3.60†† Mobility service (each way) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.50 $ 61.20 Discounted Mobility service (20 single trips) n/a Discounted Mobility service (30-day pass) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $105.00 $108.00 †† $

†† Phased increases over the next two (2) fiscal years.

Fare Description Current Proposed Mobility on regular MARTA bus or rail . . . no charge no charge

Student Pass (Wkly for K-12 in DeKalb & Fulton) . $10.00 U-Pass (Monthly for college students) . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00 U-Pass (Monthly for college staff) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.50 Volume Discounts for Partnership Groups

11.50 45.50 $ 56.50 $

Employers; Transportation Management Associations; Govt. Sponsored Work/ Training Programs; Commercial/Residential Property/Building Management Providers. Calendar Pass. Current Current Proposed Proposed

0 – 999 1,000 – 1,999 2,000 – 2,999 3,000 – 5,999 6,000+

0% 2% 3% 4% 5%

0 – 49 50 – 149 150 – 1,999 2,000 – 2,999 3,000 – 5,999 TMA & 6,000+

0% 3% 5% 7% 8% 10%

PROPOSED PARKING FEE CHANGES LONG-TERM: Current $4.00 Designated long-term at Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, Kensington, and Lenox deck. Charged at entry.

Proposed $5.00

LONG-TERM: Current 4.00 Designated long-term at Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, including the first day and any part days.

Proposed 5.00

LONG-TERM: Current $7.00 Designated long-term at College Park. Charged at entry.

Proposed $ 8.00

LONG-TERM: Current $7.00 Designated long-term at Lindbergh, Doraville and North Springs, including the first day and any part days.

Proposed $ 8.00

FREE DAILY PARKING:

No change.

Copies of the proposed budget, Aug. 15 bus & rail service modifications, and Oct. 1 proposed fare & parking changes will be available for public inspection before each hearing. Copies of the proposed budget and bus & rail service modifications will also be available at MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon, and on the website www.itsmarta.com. Patrons may request information in accessible format by calling MARTA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at (404) 848-5240. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665. In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings and want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E, Atlanta, Georgia 30324-3330; (3) complete an online Comment

Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) or fax your comments no later than June 18, 2009 to (404) 848-4179. All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the Counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require.

Beverly A. Scott, Ph.D. General Manager/CEO Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Community

CrossRoadsNews

June 6, 2009

“Accordingly, we cannot afford to turn over the furniture in the CEO’s office and sell it at a loss. I trust that you understand this decision.”

CEO rejects predecessor’s request to purchase office furniture By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones so loved the furniture in his old office on the sixth floor of the county’s administration building, he wants to keep the desk, chairs and credenza. In an April 29 letter to CEO Burrell Ellis – which he copied to all seven county commissioners – Jones Burrell Ellis said it was an official request to purchase the furniture left in his office. “For the record, I do want to say this practice is not unusual of previous office holders properly obtaining their furniture once leaving office,” Jones said, “It is my understanding that Congressman Hank Johnson, Judge Ann Workman and others have requested and received theirs as well.” But Ellis, who took office in January, says he is “currently utilizing” the furniture while holding the office of CEO, and that the county is too cash-strapped to buy new furniture. He said that DeKalb County, like other local governments across the country, is being called upon to do more with less. “Accordingly, we cannot afford to turn over the furniture in the CEO’s office and sell it at a loss,” Ellis replied in his May 21 letter to Jones. “I trust that you understand this decision.”

Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones wants to buy the chair, desk and credenza that he used during his eight years in office.

Ellis, who was a partner with an Atlanta law firm, is not personally using Jones’ old furniture. He moved his law office furniture into his CEO office in the Callaway Building on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Sheila Edwards, Ellis’ chief communications officer, said Thursday, that the CEO will use the Jones furniture in the Maloof building. “He is going to maintain an office in the Maloof building for meetings and he wants to use the furniture there,” she said. In his reply, Ellis also reminded Jones that when he came into office in January 2009, the county faced a budget shortfall of $60 million. “My staff and I worked diligently, making tough decisions, to

address that shortfall,” he said. “Our employees were asked to make several sacrifices, including foregoing pay increases this year. Our taxpayers saw the state HTRG Credit eliminated, which demand they, too, will be asked to pay more..” Instead, Ellis said he asked county staff to deliver personal items – plaques, awards, etc., – that Jones left behind when he moved out in December. “I trust that you have received them by now,” he wrote. Johnson, who was a DeKalb County commissioner before becoming the 4th Congressional District’s representative, confirmed that he had purchased his District 5 Commission office furniture – desk, chairs and credenza – which

are now in his Congressional office on Hillandale Drive. “I believe I paid about $1,800 for them,” he said. Liane Levetan, the county’s second CEO from 1993 to 2000, said when she took office she kept the desk and credenza that DeKalb’s first CEO Manuel Maloof had used, and used her personal funds to buy a sofa, lamp, mirror, round table and artwork for her office. “I bought my stuff and I took them with me when I left,” she said Thursday. Before she left office, Levetan said she bought a filing cabinet and the 8-year-old car that she had used as CEO from the county with the approval of the Board of Commissioners.

Jones, the county’s third CEO and the first African-American in the office, ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate last year and does not currently hold an elected position. Outside of thanking Ellis for his “understanding of the sentimental value of my request,” he did not say what he wanted the furniture for. Commissioner Lee May, who now represents Johnson’s old district, said he ran into Jones at a football game and he told him that Ellis wasn’t letting him have the furniture. “That one piece of furniture, eh. Sounds petty to me,” May said Thursday. “I don’t know Burrell’s reason but we [the county] have a lot of furniture.” Larry Johnson, who represents District Three, said Jones should get the furniture. “It’s customary for former elected officials who want it, to buy their furniture,” he said. “You are not getting anything for free and the funds go back in the coffers.” When he took office in 2003, Johnson said he had to get new furniture because Jacqui Scott, who held the office before him, bought hers. District 6 Commissioner Kathy Gannon, said she can understand why Jones wants the furniture and why Ellis doesn’t want to sell at this time. “If he did he would have to come up with money to buy more furniture,” she said. “We are trying very very hard to pinch pennies right now.”

Community

CrossRoadsNews

June 6, 2009

“With a little bit of money in your pocket and a good head start you can do a lot.” Surveillance video shows Derrick Yancey (second from left) boarding a Greyhound bus in downtown Atlanta.

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer McKenzie Jackson Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear

CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

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L AL CA LO DS! LOC ICES! O RV GO SE

www.eastmetromarket.com

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Jon Manns, who has been at the helm of the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau for a decade, left the agency abruptly Monday. Manns said he didn’t butt heads with anyone but was about to start his 22nd year with DCVB on June 1 and decided it was time for a change. “It was time to get outta there,” he said Thursday. “I had been thinking about it for a while. It just took me a while to pull the trigger.” Manns joined the agency Jon Manns as accounting manager in 1988, four years after it was launched. He became president and CEO in 1999. “I was the longest-serving employee,” Manns said. “The bureau is only 25 years old; I was there for 21 years. It was long enough.” In his two decades at the agency, Manns said he took a single half-day sick leave, and had only taken a week’s vacation in the last years. “Someone called me this week to say when they saw me last week I was looking tired,” he said. “I’m going to take a little break before exploring what’s out there.” Manns said the poor economy doesn’t bother him. “In the few days I have been out here, a lot of people have called wanting to talk to me,” he said. “I suppose it depends on who you know and what you bring to the table.” Kelli Welsh, DCVB’s public relations director, said Tuesday that Gary Greenhunt, the agency’s chief operations officer, has been appointed temporary president and CEO.

Meeting on blight set Representatives from Keep DeKalb Beautiful and DeKalb Code Enforcement will speak at state Rep. Rahn Mayo’s “Fight the Blight” meeting on June 9 at the Wesley Chapel Library. Mayo represents House District 91, which encompasses portions of DeKalb and Henry counties. The free meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur. For more information, call 404-656-6372.

Yancey last spotted at Phoenix bus stop FUGITIVE,

from

possibly gotten off at,” he said. “They do not have video at those sites.” There is now a $10,000 reward on Yancey’s head and the America’s Most Wanted television show plans another story on his case in the coming weeks. Brown said he is confident that Yancey will be captured. Had the private probation monitoring company informed them sooner that Yancey had tam-

pered with his bracelet, Brown said the bus station would have been their first stop. “The thing that you have to remember is he had a good 12-, 13-hour jump on us,” he said. “With a little bit of money in your pocket and a good head start you can do a lot.” Anyone with information about Yancey’s escape should contact Investigators W. Bullard or R. Scandrett at 404-298-8200 or Americas Most Wanted at 1-800-CRIMETV.

Taxes go up though values may drop INCREASE,

from

facing mid-year gudget adjustments in June, were in retreat Friday receiving information from county officials about the impact of the reduced property assessments and the impact of city of Dunwoody on the budget. For homeowners, the tax blow was somewhat softened by reduced property assessments that the county was forced to make this year with the passage of a new state law that mandated that local jurisdictions factor in lower property values brought on the foreclosure tsunami that has devastated neighborhoods, especially in South DeKalb. On May 20, the county’s Board of Tax Assessors re-issued 99,600 notices to DeKalb property owners.

Interim chief appraiser Hank Ruffin said Monday that 45,000 of the new notices were for reductions of 20 to 30 percent in assessed values because of foreclosures that have depressed property values. Altogether, the county’s digest of 235,386 parcels decreased $1.2 billion. Ruffin said that after the property that saw increased values are factored in, the net reduction in the digest is $846.5 million. But even with the large number of lower assessments, property owners will be paying more in taxes this year than they did in 2008. For example, a homeowner with $150,000 house paid $1,597.93 in property taxes in 2008. This year, that same house, which is now assessed at $140,000, will pay $1,727.97 in taxes.

Quick Read

Ellis rejects former CEO’s Island movies to be screened Preparedness touted as request to buy furniture A3 in Caribbean film festivals A7 hurricane season begins Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones so loved the furniture in his old office on the sixth floor of the county’s Maloof Administration Building, he wants to keep it.

Congressmen join ranks of Troy Davis supporters A5 Hank Johnson and John Lewis have joined the chorus calling for federal intervention on behalf of death-row inmate Troy Davis.

Cuts, fare increase in MARTA budget A5 MARTA’s proposed $787.6 million budget includes cuts in service and a 25-cent base fare increase, its first since January 2001.

Job fair attracts 1,034 seeking employment

Andrayarca Cole has been job-hunting for 17 long months.

Films with an island flavor will be screened at two Atlanta film festivals this month.

Like 35 million other Americans, metro Atlantans live in regions threatened annually by Atlantic hurricanes.

Football, soccer camps offer summer training A8 Breast cancer survivors help new patients cope B2 More than a month’s worth of football and soccer camp action kicked off and DeKalb Schools’ Athletics Department is co-hosting camps through July 11.

Dorothy “Dottie” Carter has survived breast cancer not once, but twice.

Congressman rallies for health Marine Institute on hold; won’t care reform B4 open in the fall A9 Local supporters of a congressional bill The DeKalb Marine Institute will not open in the fall for the 2009-2010 school year.

to create universal health care nationwide joined U.S. Congressman John Conyers (DMich.) at a May 27 rally in Atlanta.

Antioch-Lithonia gets approval for Family Life Center A10 County’s 2nd case of swine flu confirmed B4 By 2016, the congregation at AntiochLithonia Missionary Baptist Church hopes to have a sprawling family life center and an athletic field on their church campus.

A Stone Mountain man has been confirmed as DeKalb County’s second case of the H1N1 or swine flu virus.

index to advertisers Circulation Audited By

Alpha Climate Control................................... A11 CrossRoadsNews, Inc......................................A7 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau............A3 Dollar Spree..................................................A12 Douglas J. Flanigan Law Firm.......................A12 Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care.............. A11 Eulla Master Stylist..........................................A7 First Afrikan Presbyterian Church.................A10 Fletcher’s Place.............................................A12

Holy Union Publication.................................A10 Integrity Home Repair Service......................A12 InTouch Realty..............................................A12 Jay Hopson...................................................A12 MARTA........................................................... A2 Mini Mall.......................................................A12 Newburn Reynolds Photography..................A12 Raleigh Rucker Funeral Home...................... A11

Salt & Light Truth Center..............................A10 State Rep. Rahn Mayo................................... A5 Sulton Pediatric Group.................................. A11 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas....................A12 Wright, James & Boston P.C........................... A6 SECTION B Atlanta Gastroenterology............................... B4 Children’s Healthcare......................................B3

Craig B. Williams, DDS................................... B4 Hillandale Primary Care..................................B2 Jones PT Physical Therapy............................. B4 North Georgia Orthodontics........................... B1 Persona Market...............................................B2 INSERTS Allstate Insurance................................................ Dundee’s Café.....................................................

June 6, 2009

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“He wants justice. And that’s what we must fight for. We need to put this at the top of the agenda of America and the world.”

Congressmen Johnson, Lewis join ranks of Troy Davis supporters By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Congressman Hank Johnson and Civil Rights icon John Lewis have added their voices to the chorus calling for federal intervention on behalf of death-row inmate Troy Anthony Davis. Johnson, whose 4th District includes portions of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett Counties, and Lewis v i s i t e d D av i s at the Georgia Troy Davis Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson on May 29. They are joined by 27 former judges, justices and prosecutors who are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow Davis’ claims of innocence to be heard in federal court. Davis was sentenced to die in 1991 for the August 19, 1989 murder of off-duty Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail, solely on the basis of eyewitness testimonies. Seven of the nine witnesses who testified have recanted or changed their trial testimony. Johnson, who has been involved in the Davis case for nearly two years, said he went to encourage Davis to hang on and keep the faith. “And as it ended up, he encouraged us by leading us in prayer and telling us to stay strong,” Johnson said. Lewis, who represents Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, said

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson is flanked by Troy Davis’ supporters as he talks to the press outside the Jackson, Ga., prison where Davis is on death row.

Davis is not bitter, nor written by Lewis and othhostile. ers to Georgia Attorney “He wants justice. General Thurbert Baker And that’s what we must seeking a new trial. fight for,” he said. “We No physical evidence need to put this at the links Davis to the murtop of the agenda of der, and the weapon America and the world. used in the crime was We must do, we must act never found. Davis has John Lewis and we must act now.” maintained his innoJohnson has been meeting cence throughout the trial and with Davis’ sister Martina Correia subsequent appeals. He says he was since 2007 and he signed a letter wrongfully convicted of the crime

as a result of false identification. Davis’ case has garnered national and international attention, and people such as Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, former President Jimmy Carter, a host of congressmen and women, former judges, legal pundits and the new head of the NAACP, Ben Jealous, have called for him to get a new trial. Johnson, a former defense attorney and magistrate judge, wrote

his own letter to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles in July 2007 asking for clemency for Davis. He said the lack of evidence, Davis’ claims of innocence, and the unreliable eyewitness testimony have all raised substantial questions in the case. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this month on Davis’ request to send his case back to a federal judge to rule on his claims of innocence.

Cuts, fare increase in MARTA budget By Mary Swint

MARTA’s proposed $787.6 million budget includes cuts in service and a 25-cent base fare increase, its first since January 2001. On June 17, DeKalb residents will get a chance to express their opinions about the proposed cuts and fare increase at a public hearing at the Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. An hour before the 7 p.m. meeting, they can also talk to MARTA officials about the 2010 budget and the proposed changes to 45 bus routes and train frequency which MARTA says will help it save $8.6 million annually. MARTA’s board of directors is expected to vote on the budget and service adjustments on June 22. If approved, the changes cutting transit service by 3 percent, and increasing a one-way trip fare to $2 and round trip to $4, will go into effect Aug. 15, 2009. Among the proposed changes: n Elimination of express Bus Route 245 Kensington/Emory Blue Flyer that takes workers to Emory University and surrounding medical facilities weekdays from Kensington Station. n Rail service would stop an hour earlier, at midnight daily. n The time between trains would be increased up to five minutes. Weekday trains would run every 15 minutes before 6 a.m.

and between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The frequency would be 20 minutes after 9 p.m. n Eliminatation or reduction of non-productive and overlapping bus routes. n Elimination of Saturday and Sunday service on Route 24 Belvedere and Route 28 Village of East Lake. n A four-hour reduction on Sunday service for Route 114 Columbia Drive. It would start running two hours later, at 7 a.m., and stop two hours earlier at 10 p.m. n Service reductions on Route 119 Avondale Estates/N. Hairston to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and to 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays. The route now runs from 5:40 a.m. to about midnight on weekends. n Saturday and Sunday reductions in service on Route 122 Georgia Perimeter College.It would start running at 7 a.m. instead of 5:52 a.m. and terminate at 7 p.m. both days. Route 122 currently operates until 11:10 p.m. on Saturdays and 8:35 p.m. on Sundays. n Increases in the time between buses on weekdays and weekends on Route 86 Fairington Road/Lithonia, and Route 18 South Decatur. MARTA also plans to impose a height limit of 46 inches for the four children who can ride free if accompanied by a paying adult. Other public hearings will be held in Atlanta and Sandy Springs on June 16 and in College Park on June 17.

Extension agent at PRISM meet

Gary Peiffer

DeKalb Extention Service horticulture manager Gary Peiffer will be the featured speaker at the June 11 PRISM meeting at St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Stone Mountain. Peiffer will discuss the agency’s programs and talk about trees and the drought, soil testing and paint chips. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and admission is free. The church is at 5365 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. For more information, call Kay McGill at 404-299-8638.

Community Meeting

“Fight the Blight”

Hosted by State Representative Rahn Mayo, District 91

Tuesday June 9th, 6:30 p.m. William C. Brown Library 2861 Wesley Chapel Road • Hear from DeKalb Code Enforcement about how they are dealing with the alarming number of abandoned homes in our community. • We will discuss the foreclosure crisis, and a new state law that will help fight blight and make banks more accountable for maintaining vacant houses. To receive helpful information about government jobs, programs and services, join our mailing list by sending an email to rahnmayo@gmail.com. For more information, call (770) 314-1207. Stay updated about other news and activities by connecting with Rahn on Facebook.com

Finance

CrossRoadsNews

June 6, 2009

“These ARC loans can provide the critical capital and support many small businesses need to make it through these tough economic times.”

Job fair attracts 1,034 seeking employment SBA to offer recovery loans By McKenzie Jackson

Andrayarca Cole has been jobhunting for 17 long months. “I’ve been to all of the job fairs that I have either saw on the Department of Labor’s website or any other site,” she said. “I’ve been to all Andrayarca Cole the job fairs.” On May 28, Cole, 28, was one of 1,034 job seekers who lined up around the DeKalb Technical College Conference Center for a chance to talk to employers at Congressman Hank Johnson’s 2009 Career Expo. Cole, who relocated to Lithonia in April from Fayetteville, N.C., said the wait was no problem. “I’m willing to change professions,” she said. “I’m just looking for anything dealing with people.” More than 35 representatives from federal and local agencies and private industry with about 100 vacancies took resumes and talked to job applicants through the day. Participants included the De Kalb Sheriff ’s Office, DeKalb and Gwinnett Police, the IRS, the Department of Veterans Benefits Administration, UHS Pruitt Corp., the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools. Johnson, whose 4th District includes portions of DeKalb, Rock-

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Representatives from federal and local agencies and private industry talked to job applicants at Congressman Hank Johnson’s 2009 Career Expo.

dale and Gwinnett counties, said in the continuing recession, many people have lost their jobs or know someone who is unemployed. “While Recovery Act funds flowing into the district will provide some relief, this 2009 Career Expo was critical to helping my constituents find their way back into the workforce,” he said. In April, DeKalb’s unemployment rate reached 8.9 percent, with 34,012 people without jobs. That was up from 8.8 percent in March.

Statewide, the employment rate stayed constant at 9.3 percent with 446,560 people out of work. During the career fair, job hunters also had the opportunity to attend workshops on resume writing and job searching. Tristan Spencer, 23, of Lilburn and his younger brother Travis, 17, said they just needed a job. “I’m looking for anything that I can make money at right now,” said Tristan Spencer, who has been unemployed since March.

Small businesses suffering financial hardship because of the slow economy may be able to tap into temporary interest-free loans that are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. The deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 are intended to help businesses keep their doors open and get their cash flow back on track. SBA administrator Karen G. Mills said that beginning on June 15, SBA will start guaranteeing America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loans, created as part of the Recovery Act. Mills said the loans are for established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term help to make their principal and interest payments on existing qualifying debt. The loans will be disbursed within a period of up to six months and will provide funds to be used for payments of principal and interest for existing, qualifying small business debt including mortgages, term and revolving lines of credit, capital leases, credit card obligations and notes

payable to vendors, suppliers and utilities. Repayment will not begin until 12 months after the final disbursement. After the 12-month deferral period, borrowers will pay back the loan principal over a period of five years. The loans are interest-free to the borrower, 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA, and have no SBA fees associated with them. “These ARC loans can provide the critical capital and support many small businesses need to make it through these tough economic times,” Mills said. “Together with other provisions of the Recovery Act, ARC loans will free up capital and put more money in the hands of small business owners when they need it the most.” She adds that the loans will help viable small businesses continue to grow and thrive and create new jobs in communities across the country. ARC loans will be made by commercial lenders, not SBA directly. For more information, visit www.sba.gov.

Business plan workshops Existing and aspiring business owners can get help with business plans at “How to Write a Business Plan” workshops on June 10 and 17 at the DeKalb County Extension Service in Decatur. The sessions will be 6:30 p.m.

to 8:30 p.m. both days. Admission is $7. Registration begins at 6:15 p.m. The Extension office is at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 200 in Decatur. For more information or to register, call 404-298-4080.

Health & Wellness June 6, 2009

www.crossroadsnews.com

Section B

Awareness, preparedness touted as hurricane season gets under way By McKenzie Jackson

Like 35 million other Americans, metro Atlantans live in regions threatened annually by Atlantic hurricanes. Now that the 2009 hurricane season is officially under way, the word is preparation for those who could be in the path. Four to seven named hurricanes are expected during this year’s hurricane season, which kicked off June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30. One to three of them will become major hurricanes. This season’s first tropical storm will be named Ana when it reaches sustained winds of at least 39 miles per hour. Tropical storms become hurricanes when they reach 74 mph. Major hurricanes come about when winds increase to 111 mph. With fresh memories of hurricanes like Katrina, which demolished New Orleans in 2005, and Ike, which devastated Galveston, Texas in September last year, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, FEMA and other weather forecasting agencies are preaching preparation early. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke says timely and accurate warnings of severe weather help save lives and property. “Public awareness and public

Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005, was the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

preparedness are the best defenses against a hurricane,” he said in a recent statement. Georgia is one of 13 U.S. states and territories that are prone to hurricanes. Charley English, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security, said the Atlantic hurricane season brings threats of high winds, storm

surge, tornadoes and inland flooding to all Georgia communities, but a majority of Georgians have not conducted a hurricane evacuation drill or created a ready kit. “It only takes one storm to devastate your community,” English said. “Being prepared makes you your own first responder if that storm should hit this year.” To help Georgians prepare, the

state’s Homeland Security agency has created www.ready.ga.gov. The website offers a list of items to include in hurricane preparedness kits. Items are inexpensive and easy to find and include water, food, a can opener, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, whistle, face mask, local map, wrench or pliers, garbage bags and moist towels.

The website also allows visitors to download family emergency plans or create a customized plan. English said being prepared before a hurricane hits is the only way to ensure that you will be ready. “You can try to make preparations in the midst of the storm's formation, but it might be too late,” he said. Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather service climate prediction center predict there is a 50-percent probability of a nearnormal season, a 25-percent probability of an above-normal season and a 25-percent probability of a below-normal season. D r. G er r y Bell, one of the agency’s lead seasonal hurricane forecasters, said the prediction is a guide. “ The outlook is not just Gerry Bell about the numbers,” he said. “It’s also about taking action. “Prepare for each and every season regardless of the seasonal outlook. Even a near- or belownormal season can produce landfalling hurricanes. It only takes one landfalling storm to make it a bad season.”

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

June 6, 2009

“I went to work to take my mind off the disease. It helped me rather than sitting at home and dwelling on it.”

Breast cancer survivors share their experiences to By McKenzie Jackson

Ta-Tanisha Ingram Laneatria Willis

Board of Health recognizes volunteers Volunteers Laneatria Willis and Ta-Tanisha Ingram were recognized recently for their service to the DeKalb County Board of Health. Willis, who volunteers with the board’s health promotion activities, received the Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Ingram, who updates health center files, got the staff Award for Exemplary Work with Volunteers. They were among 50 volunteers recognized by the Board of Health at a May 7 reception at Callanwolde Arts Center. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis was the guest speaker. Dr. Leslie Richmond, the county’s acting district health director, said volunteers help improve the board’s services and to extend its reach into the community.

Dorothy “Dottie” Carter has survived breast cancer not once, but twice. So on National Cancer Survivors Day on June 7, when survivors of breast, brain, prostate and other cancers from across the globe unite in a symbolic event to show the world that there is life after a cancer diagnosis, she will be right at home. Carter, an Avondale Estates resident, was diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast in 1994 and was afflicted in her left breast in 1998. During her four-year battle with the disease, Carter, 57, lost her hair, underwent six weeks of radiation treatment, 12 months of chemotherapy, had reconstructive surgery, a stem cell transplant and two mastectomies. An administrative secretary at DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center, Carter said she now gives back by being a shoulder to lean on for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and showing them that there is life after a diagnosis. “Your doctors can answer questions, but as far as how are you going to feel with reconstruction, how are you going to feel as to losing your hair, how are people going to react to you,” she said, “survivors can answer those questions.” National Cancer Survivors Day allows communities to honor cancer survivors for their strength and

courage as well as recognize the contributions of families, friends and healthcare providers. The day, which has been in existence for 22 years, is observed on the first Sunday in June with health fairs, dances, parades, art exhibits, picnics and ceremonies. In cancer support groups across

Hillandale Primary Care At Hillandale Primary Care we understand that most families are facing difficult economic times, and when faced with a financial decision healthcare is usually one of the first things to be excluded from the budget. To alleviate some of the financial hardship we offer recession proof, surprisingly affordable rates for patients without insurance. Please call the office to inquire about these discounted rates. • Friendly & Professional Staff • Extended Hours The office opens at 7:00 a.m. daily and closes at 6:00 on Thursdays to accommodate the working patient. • Family Practice Avoid the hassle of visiting two different doctors. We can treat you and your children at the same office. • Routine Physicals and Papsmears Save on copayments by having your Pap done along with your Physical, instead of going to your Gynecologist. • We accept all Major Insurance Plans including Kaiser. • Same Day Appointments

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Atlanta, survivors will reflect on their bout with the disease, how they overcame it and their assistance to newly diagnosed patients. Carter remembers how traumatic her diagnosis was. “I went to work to take my mind off the disease,” she said. “It helped me rather than sitting at

home and dwelling on it.” In her job, she is always in contact with women diagnosed with breast cancer. “We have people who are upset with getting a diagnosis,” she said. “I’m able to give back to those people the way I was given support by groups, friends and family.”

Wellness

“God knows I will share my story; I don’t mind sharing my story in order to encourage or help someone.”

o help new patients cope Two-time breast cancer survivor Dottie Carter draws on her personal experiences to help newly diagnosed patients at DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Portia Cornelius, who had her second bout with the disease in 2008, is a member of Georgia State University’s Navigator program, which encourages women to get screened for breast cancer. The 54-year-old Decatur resident said she and other members of the Navigator program feel it is their pur-

CrossRoadsNews

June 6, 2009

pose to encourage people to get mammograms. “They want to help,” she said. “They want to share their stories. God knows I will share my Portia Cornelius story; I don’t mind sharing my story in order to encourage or help someone.” When talking to people, Cornelius says she encourages them to live a healthy life. “Get a little more exercise, eat better,” she said. “That is all a part of the plan.” Dr. Dee Baldwin, the founder of Navigators, said that breast cancer survivors don’t want people with the disease to feel isolated. “ We h ave lots of support groups around the city,” she said. “With support programs and our NavigaDee Baldwin tors programs, women are able to connect with each other and tell their stories and how they got through it. It is a major form of support for the women.” Carter said she believes God has a purpose for her since she survived breast cancer twice and is employed at the cancer center. “I’ve been there,” she said. “I’ve been where they are now.”

Summit offers ways to deter dying young At the June 13 “Live B4U Die Summit” at Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta, organizers will utilize the format of a New Orleans-style funeral to explain to young people how to make good choices that will prolong their lives. The summit, sponsored by the Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta, is set for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Norma Joy Barnes, the council’s executive director, said it is being held to let young people know they don’t have succumb to

an early grave. “Every day, young people are prematurely losing their lives as a result of homicide, suicide, HIV, automobile accidents, risky behavior and poor choices,” she said. “This trend should and can be reversed.” Summit presenters include Radical Mimes from the Atlantabased Anointed 2 Dance International Ministry, who will dramatize dying. A casket will be carried into the church with a trumpet player marching beside it. The Rev. Paul Thibodeaux,

youth pastor at Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta, will read a eulogy. A panel discussion with representatives from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Fulton County Police and S.A.D.D. will follow. There will also be an autopsy, during which youth will be given the keys to avoiding a premature death. Central United Methodist Church is at 503 Mitchell St. S.W. in Atlanta. Admission is free, but registration is required by calling 404-221-1222.

Revived website has wealth of health info Georgians can now access a wealth of health information at georgiahealthinfo.gov. The state Department of Community Health re-launched the website loaded with information about long-term health care, clinics, physicians and trauma, stroke and burn centers on June 3. It also has information about the state’s 20,000 physicians, 3,638 long-term care centers, 1,778 ambulatory centers, 395 free standing clinics and 189 hospitals and adults can research health ailments, symptoms and treatments. Dr. Denise Hines, the program director of Office of Health and Information Technology and Transparency, said patients can use the website to look up key information about any physician through links

to the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners. “They can learn if there are any legal actions against that physician. They can also learn if that physician speaks multiple languages. This is one-stop shopping,” she said. The website’s other new features include information on federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics and public health clinics. Information about trauma, stroke and burn centers includes the level of the center, quality ratings and costs. Long-term care information includes facts on traumatic brain injury care, personal care homes, hospice, home health, dialysis centers and community living ar-

rangements. The website also offers staffing information, overall ratings, quality measures, health inspection and room charges information on nursing homes. Dr. Rhonda Medows, Department of Community Health commissioner, said the website has been visited 161,000 times since its initial launch. “This website can help you find free care, discounted care, and it is based on where you live,” she said.” Medows said more information will be added to the website. “We are going to continue updating it,” she said. “You don’t have to go to multiple websites to go get the same information. We put it all together.”

Nationally ranked pediatric care is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding offers excellent care for many of the health issues children face, including asthma and sickle cell disease. And should your child need hospitalization, there is a family-friendly inpatient unit, where kids are treated by expert physicians from both Emory University School of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine. Plus, we’re opening a new building this fall to serve even more children. So the next time your child needs emergency or general medical care, remember Children’s at Hughes Spalding, one of Atlanta’s three nationally ranked pediatric hospitals. For more information, please visit www.choa.org/hughesspalding or call 404-250-KIDS.

Children’s at Hughes Spalding 35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, SE

©2009 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding is owned by Grady Health System and managed by HSOC Inc., an affiliate of Children’s. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals who perform services at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are independent providers and are not our employees. ®

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

June 6, 2009

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McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

U.S. Rep. John Conyers (with mike) is surrounded by (from left) state Sen. Nan Orrock, state Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, Bob Holmes and the Rev. Timothy McDonald.

Congressman rallies for health care reform By McKenzie Jackson

Put CrossRoadsNews to Work for You! Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information

Local supporters of a congressional bill to create universal health care nationwide joined U.S. Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) at a May 27 rally in Atlanta. Conyers, a Detroit congressman since 1964, is on a six-city tour stumping for the “United States National Health Care Act,” which he authored. The bill is seeking to create a publicly financed, privately delivered expanded Medicare-type healthcare system for all Americans. He said it is a very simple proposition legislatively. “In healthcare everybody in, nobody out,” he said. “If you’re for universal health care, you’re for justice; if you’re for universal health care you’re for peace. All of this comes together.” At the rally in front of Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Conyers was joined by Rev. Timothy McDonald, co-chair of the Grady Coalition and pastor of First Iconium Baptist Church; former Georgia legislator Bob Holmes, a member of the Fulton-DeKalb Grady Authority Board; Dr. Punam Sachdep, a Grady emergency room doctor; senior citizen activist Doris Benit; state Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield; and state Sen. Nan Orrock. Fourth District Congressman Hank Johnson, who supports the bill but did not attend the rally because of a conflict, said the “United States National Health Care Act” is the same bill that Conyers has been introducing in Congress since 1986. “This time, the times are right,” said Johnson, who later that day introduced Conyers at a presentation

he made to the IBEW in Atlanta. “We have got the House, Senate and the president who understand that we have to change the way we deliver health care services.” Johnson, whose district includes parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, said he became an early supporter of the bill in his first term in the House. “We are well on our way to having a public option health care system that will include private as well as public opportunities for AmeriHank Johnson cans,” he said. Members of HealthcareNOWGA, whom Conyers called his “676 friends,” held banners with messages: “We Support SinglePayer Healthcare! Congress Pass Medicare For All!” and “SinglePayer Healthcare – Yes! Insurance Companies – No!” Conyers said advocating for free healthcare is a labor of love for him and his supporters. “How can you have national security if 47 million people don’t have a dime’s worth of insurance?” he asked. Conyers said another 30 million more people are underinsured and won’t find out until they go to the hospital. “This is a matter of making things better,” he said. Conyers added that federal and state governments have shortchanged financially strapped Grady Hospital, which is the region’s safety-net hospital. “This hospital is emblematic of the things that other hospitals need all across the country and some of them have been closed down,”

Conyers said. Orrock said Conyers represents people beyond the borders of Michigan. “He stands for values that are American values, that are universal values,” she said. “House Resolution 676 is a very important legislative initiative. We know well the battle is a long one.” Orrock said more than a million Georgians are uninsured and that she and Stuckey Benfield introduced state legislation to urge support of H.R. 676, but the resolution never received a hearing. “But we will not go away,” she said. Stuckey Benfield said universal healthcare is needed, particularly for south DeKalb County, which is in her House 85 district. “We have got to be concerned about healthcare when we see a wonderful center like the Grady Clinic in South DeKalb closing,” she said. “We’ve got to have universal healthcare where everyone is guaranteed and has access to basic healthcare.” Stuckey Benfield said vaccines are the perfect example. “How many children don’t qualify for S-Chip, but can’t afford the private insurers and can’t afford to pay out of pocket,” she said. “It is critical that we have healthcare for all and I applaud Congressman Conyers for his effort to push that agenda.” While in town, Conyers had lunch with members of the Grady Coalition, the AFSCME union local and HealthcareNOW-GA, which arranged his visit to Georgia. He also held a public presentation, “Healthcare YES: Insurance Companies NO,” at the IBEW Auditorium in Atlanta.

County’s 2nd case of swine flu confirmed A Stone Mountain man has been confirmed as DeKalb County’s second case of the H1N1 or swine flu virus. The DeKalb Board of Health confirmed May 29 that the 37-yearold man was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms on May 26. It said that he has received antiviral medication and is in stable condition and that public health officials

are still investigating his household contacts. The unidentified man’s illness comes nearly four weeks after a 36-year-old woman was diagnosed May 4 as the county’s first case. Dr. Les Richmond, the county’s acting district health director, said the man’s exposure to the virus could have occurred through his normal day-to-day activities.

To reduce the spread of the virus, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash hands often with soap and water, avoid close contact with sick people and touching your eyes, nose or mouth without first washing hands. For more information, visit www.cdc.org or www.dekalbhealth. net, or call 404-294-3700.

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

June 6, 2009

The festivals showcase the diversity of Caribbean peoples and cultures as part of the monthlong Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration.

Caribbean comics to provide laughs

Memorial ride for officer

Caribbean-style comedy will take over the stage on June 19 when Nikki Crosby, Elva Ruddock and Mac Fingall showcase their comedic talents at the Georgia Caribbean American Heritage Coalition first annual Caribbean Comedy Show at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center in Jonesboro. The island jokesters will hit the stage at 8 p.m. in celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month. Comedian Crosby is an actress, and radio and television host from Trinidad and Tobago. Ruddock, one of a few Jamaican female comedic entertainers, is best known from Fame 95FM’s “Full House Friday” and as host of the Jamaica comedy series “Crack-Up.” Fingall is an emcee, producer and promoter in Barbados. He has toured throughout the Caribbean, U.S., Canada and England. Also on tap are a silent auction and an awards celebration recognizing GCAHC’s major sponsors. The monthlong celebration also includes art exhibitions, children’s programs and internships.

a.m., is hosted by the Bikers will ride in Frontrunnerz Motorcycle memory of late DeKalb his biking club. Police officer Renaldo C. MClub, ASTER S TYLIST Riders will pay $10 St. James on June 13. each. Organizers hope to The ride from Sam’s SEW-IN raise $4,000 to $6,000 for Club at Stonecrest in LiMON THURS SPECIALS the scholarship, which thonia to Wade Walker WEAVE SPECIAL be awarded Park in Stone Mountain HAMPOOto a high $ St. James will school senior or college will raise funds for the R.C. student. ELAXER Renaldo St. James MeWE ALSO DO LOCKS Pre-registration starts at 10 a.m. morial Scholarship Fund. CALLBreakfast NOW FOR APPOINTMENT snacks and beverage will St. James, who was a DeKalb be served. officer for eight years, was killed (404) 983-1694 For more information, in October 2005 while working a PROFESSIONAL SALON IN DECATURvisit shift with the police department’s www.frontrunnerzmcinc.com or call Sgt. Eric “Bigg Dogg” Adkison Special Operations Unit. The ride, which starts at 11 at 678-457-9567.

EULLA

100

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$25 $45

M ASTER S TYLIST

SEW-IN MON-THURS SPECIALS WEAVE SPECIAL

Comedians Elva Ruddock (above), Nikki Crosby (top right) and Mac Fingall will perform.

Admission to the comedy show is $30 in advance, $35 at the door. The Clayton County Performing Arts Center is at 2530 Mt. Zion Parkway in Jonesboro.

“Un Poquito de Tanta Verda” tells the story of the power of community radio in popular struggles in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Island movies to be screened in Caribbean film festivals Films with island flavor will be screened at two Atlanta film festivals this month. The Caribbean Film Festival is under way at the Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, through June 24; while the fourth annual Latin American and Caribbean Film Festival is set for June 11-14 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta. The festivals showcase the diversity of Caribbean peoples and cultures as part in the monthlong Caribbean American Heritage celebration under way in June. At the Central Library’s festival, the 2002 Trinidadian film “The Mystic Masseur” will be screened on June 10. The film by acclaimed filmmaking duo Merchant and Ivory is based on a well-known book of the same name. “Sugar Cane Alley,” a historical film from the French West Indian island of Martinique, will be screened on June 17. It won the 1983 Cesar Award for director Euzhan Palcy and Best Actress award for Darling Legitmus at the 1983 Venice Film Festival. On June 24, “Countryman,” a Jamaican cult classic with an iconic reggae music track, will be screened. Admission is free. For more in-

S R

formation, call 404-730-1942.

Latin, Caribbean festival Nineteen documentaries and dramas from 15 countries will be screened during the Latin American and Caribbean Film Festival. Their themes cover the culture, arts, immigration, labor, grassroots media and the spirit of resistance around the hemisphere. The films include “Un Poquito de Tanta Verda,” which tells the story of the power of community radio in popular struggles in Oaxaca, Mexico; “Morristown: In the Air and Sun,” which depicts the industrial decline and immigrant workers in Morristown, Tennessee; “Rap de Saia,” the story of a young women rappers in Brazil; and “The Price of Sugar” about the plight of Haitian workers in the Dominican Republic. All are produced in Spanish, Kreyol, Portuguese and indigenous languages with Enlish subtitles. There will be a panel discussion each day of the festival on issues raised by the films. Invited panelists include film director Oliver Green, International Black Docufest Director Lydia Odenat and film producer Simone Pierre. For more information or a schedule of films, visit www.lacfilmfest.org or call 404-610-2807.

For more information, visit www.gacaribbeanamericanheritage.org or contact Francis Ambroise at ambroisefrancis@yahoo. com or 404-839-3020.

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SHAMPOO $25 RELAXER $45

CALL NOW FOR APPOINTMENT

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CrossRoadsNews

Sports

June 6, 2009

“We want to give parents some different avenues and give kids some camps close by.”

North teams roll in all-star contests By McKenzie Jackson

The North All-Stars swept the South All-Stars in the two-game DeKalb County All-Star Baseball Classic on May 30 at Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Lithonia. The North beat the South 7-4 in the senior game and 13-6 in the inaugural junior game. The games featured 60 standout graduating senior and junior baseball players from the DeKalb School System’s high schools. Chamblee’s Mark Lindeman was the star of the senior game. His two-out, three-run homer in the bottom of the third inning propelled the North to victory. Miller Grove’s Rondall Oliver got the South on the board first when he hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning to score Redan’s Steve Wimpye. The North answered in the bottom of the inning, when Chamblee’s Ennis Coble and Dunwoody’s Adam Jones hit back-to-back homers to give the North a 3-1 lead. In the second inning, Demarcus England of Towers and Wimpye teamed up to give the South a 4-3 lead when England singled to score Deon Halll of Martin Luther King Jr. and Wimpye followed with a two-run single. Tucker’s Nick Bowers and Druid Hill’s Linwood Roberds drew two-out walks against South pitcher Brian Thomas of Southwest DeKalb to set up Lindermans’s big hit at the plate. Linderman pulled Thomas’ first pitch down the left field line, banging it off the scoreboard to give the North a 6-4 lead.

North Juniors strike early, often Lakeside’s Mitch Earnest and Dunwoody’s Tim Lin each had two-run doubles to help the North build an 8-0 lead en route to its 13-6 victory in the junior game. Earnest’s double came with two outs in the bottom of the first inning, when he drove in runners Lin and Dunwoody’s Hunter Wheeler for a 2-0 score. Lin’s double in the second inning made the score 6-0 as Will Middour and Andy Threatt of Lakeside scored runs. Later in the game, Druid Hills’ Casey Tuttle hit a two-run single to give the North an 11-1 lead. The South didn’t get on the scoreboard until the sixth inning, when Columbia’s Xavier Griffen hit a leadoff triple and then scored on a groundout by DeAndre Waldburg of Southwest DeKalb. The North scored two runs in the sixth inning and the South closed out the scoring with a threerun seventh on RBI singles from Dionte Mandeldove of Redan, Griffen and McGinnis.

Football, soccer camps offer summer training More than a month’s worth of football and soccer camp action kicked off in DeKalb County on June 5. The DeKalb School System’s Athletics Department is co-hosting 10 camps through July 11. DeKalb athletics coordinator Mike Cammack said the camps are being held to keep kids active during the summer. “We want to give parents some different avenues and give kids some camps close by,” he said. Cammack said that the athletic department hopes to draw 2,000 to Mike Cammack 3,000 elementary, middle and high school athletes to the camps, which include speed and agility training, a passing league, a college football prospect camp, skill development camps and camps hosted by professional football players. Cammack said the prices for the camps range from free to $90, but funds collected at some of the football camps would go back to the athletes’ teams. “The coaches are saying that they don’t have any money, well here is an opportunity to get some money back,” he said. Cammack said next summer the athletic department wants to have volleyball camps and swim camps. “We are trying to just use up the facilities and get the kids involved and keep the costs down,” he said, because nobody has any money anymore.”

Ample opportunities to boost skills Here is a rundown of sports camps being offered this summer: n June 5-6 – DeKalb County/Razor Sharp Speed and Agility Camp at North DeKalb Stadium in Tucker. Open to athletes and teams at the 16 middle and high schools located above Avondale High School. n June 6 – Georgia State University Football Prospect Camp. Open to all rising seniors in DeKalb schools. Hallford Stadium, 3789 Memorial College Ave., Clarkston. The camp will feature basic football combine drills conducted by Georgia State football coaches. Admission is $25. n June 8-12 – Why Not Sports Inc.’s Youth Football Camp. Miller Grove High School, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia. Free camp open to all DeKalb high school athletes. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The camp will include a 7-on-7 passing league competition and character development session. n June 12-13 – DeKalb County/Razor Sharp Speed and Agility Camp at Hallford Stadium for the remaining 24 middle and high schools. Admission is $40, with $15 going towards schools. n June 15-18 – NFL Junior Player Development middle school football camp at Hallford Stadium. For rising seventh- and eighth-graders. Admission is $50 with $20 returned to the school. n June 20 – Georgia NFL High School Passing Development 7 on 7 Passing Competition, Hallford Stadium. Nine schools from across the state will vie for a chance to represent the Atlanta Falcons in Seattle, Wash. in a national 7-on-7 passing tournament. n June 27 – Former Cedar Grove player and current San Diego Chargers offensive lineman Marcus McNeill will host the Marcus McNeill Football Camp on at Hallford Stadium, and on July 11 Atlanta Falcons players Chauncey Davis and Ovie Mughell and former Decatur player and current Baltimore Ravens tight end Daniel Wilcox will host a camp with DTLR. Both camps are free. n June 7-11 and June 21-25 – The five-day IslandVision Soccer Camp for male soccer enthusiasts ages 10 to 18 will be June 7-11, and the camp for girls ages 10 to 18 will be June 21-25 at Hallford Stadium. Admission to each camp is $90. For more information, call Mike Cammack at 678-676-1891.

Clifton cheerleading squad wins national title The Cougar Cheerleaders won the U.S. Finals Elementary Team Title in May.

The Cougar Cheerleaders from Clifton Elementary School have cheered themselves to the top of Region 4 National Cheerleading charts. The Decatur cheerleading squad won the U.S. Finals Elementary Team Title on May 2 in Virginia Beach, Va. For their efforts, the 20-member team of second- to fifth graders received the first-place trophy, banner, medals and champion jackets. Throughout the school year, the Cougars cheered at a Cedar Grove High School basketball game and homecoming parade. The girls also cheered at Clifton Elementary’s CRCT pep rally and PTA programs. They advanced to the nationals after winning second place in a local cheerleading competition.

The South DeKalb YMCA Jaguar Soccer Club’s 12-andunder boys and girls teams won state championships, its U-10 girls were cochampions, and the U-10 boys made the finals.

South DeKalb Y’s youth soccer teams bring home state championships The South DeKalb YMCA Jaguar Soccer Club is the 2009 Georgia State Recreational Champion. The club’s 12-and-under boys and girls teams walked off with the championships in Columbus on May 17, its U-10 girls were co-champions, and the U-10 boys made the finals. To nail the championship, the under-12 girls team beat the

Coweta Warheads 2-0. The U-12 boys knocked off the Georgia XPress FC 3-0 en route to the title. The U-10 girls tied the Forsyth Waves 0-0 in the finals and the Camden Lightning beat the U-10 boys 3-0. The U-12 girls and boys teams also won District Championships this year and the U-10 girls and

boys teams were finalists. Jaguars coach Sharonada Malcome said that they are proud of the players, who competed all over the state and have made a great impression on South DeKalb and the game of soccer. “A lot of people do not know soccer is a growing sport and can influence anyone for a lifetime,” she said. “There are scholarships and

opportunities for players.” Byron Wilson, who has two twin daughters on the U-12 girls team, said a South DeKalb program has never dominated Georgia youth soccer. “But this year’s SDY Jaguars have earned three district championship titles and four of its teams have qualified for state – something no DeKalb County team has ever

done,” he said. Jaguars organizer and head coach Andre Deas, a former professional soccer player, said DeKalb has lots of talented soccer players. “South DeKalb was once a breeding ground for great black soccer players, and we simply want to recreate and cultivate this within the South DeKalb community,” he said.

CrossRoadsNews

June 6, 2009

Youth

“An initiative of this magnitude requires a significant commitment from all entities involved.”

2010 budget includes no increases in employee pay, millage rates By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The DeKalb School System will work with a 2010 budget that is $35.5 million less than its current year budget. Employees won’t be getting any raises, and there will be no millage rate increase for property owners. In a unanimous vote on May 11, the board’s eight members approved an $851.1 million operating budget, down 4 percent from the 2009 budget of $886.6 million. The School System has also

budgeted $465.4 million for capital outlay, debt service, special revenue, enterprise funds and trust and agency, up 51 percent from the $308 million it had in 2009. It credits the decrease in the general operations budget to significant reductions in state revenues. The general operating budget is also paid for with revenue from property taxes, and the county’s tax digest – the value of all taxable property – has declined 1.7 percent during the recession. In its executive summary, the district says the

decrease in the general operating budgets comes from a decrease in salaries and benefits, which are 2.1 percent lower. Over a two-year period, its Comprehensive Restructuring Plan cuts costs by $257.7 million and reduces central and part-time staff to 127 employees. “Neither a cost-of-living-adjustment increase nor a step increase is recommended for employees in the 2010 fiscal year,” it said. To arrive at the 2010 budget, it reduced salaries and benefits by 6.1 percent but increased non-salaries

and benefits expenditures by16.4 percent. Overall, 80.2 percent of the 2010 general operations budget is directed toward instruction and school-based initiatives. By comparison, 91.2 percent of the 2009 general operations budget was dedicated to salaries and benefits.

n Relocated the Springboard Pro-

gram for middle schools to Title 1, which relieves $1.4 million from the general operations budget. n Contracted with a parts supplier to save the Transportaion Department $500,000. n Saved $1.8 million by reducing the number of administrative coordinators to six from 11, reducing More budget highlights five unfunded graduation coaches, n Cut the teaching force by 275 and merging Snapfinger Magnet teachers by increasing class sizes. program into Clifton Magnet proThe teacher reduction will be done gram, and the Heritage Center into through attrition. Margaret Harris High School.

Marine Institute on hold; controversial school won’t open in the fall By McKenzie Jackson

The DeKalb Marine Institute will not open in the fall for the 2009-2010 school year. The DeKalb School System has put the controversial militarytheme school on the back burner after negotiations with the Marine Corps stalled last week. In a May 29 statement, school spokesman Dale Davis said that while the school system is excited about the opportunity to partner with the Marine Corps, it is not feasible for either party to move further at this time. “An initiative of this magnitude requires a significant commitment from all entities involved,” he said. “As a public educational institution, it is our responsibility to ensure that all partnerships meet the policies by which we are governed.” The institute, which was to be located at the Heritage Center at 2225 Heritage Drive, off Briarcliff Road in Atlanta, was approved by the Board of Education in February and announced to the public for the first time in March. It was on the fast track to open for the 2009-2010 school year despite strident opposition from some parents and residents. The Marine Corps was to foot $1.4 million in start-up costs and supplement an undisclosed amount in operational costs. The last hurdle was the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the School District and the Marine Corps. The May 29 statement also said the school system would continue discussions with the Marines in order to come to a mutual agreement. In a follow-up statement on June 3, the school system said its administration and the DeKalb Board of Education will continue to communicate with the Marine Corps with hopes of finalizing an agreement. “If accomplished, the school

posite side of the Board of Education on this issue. “The Board of Education continually tells us that this is not a recruitment tactic, but if you put 13- and-14-yearolds in an environment for three to four years where they learn military history, military curriculum, military personnel, they are going to be predisposed,” she said. “You can’t militarize them and say they have free choice. It’s not a free choice. I mean this is indoctrination. This is something that countries like Germany do to their children. They indoctrinate them and they militarize the children.” Tatum said the school system needs to launch a peace institute – not a military institute. “They need to have a peace institute where they teach conflict resolution, where they teach life skills, a health course, because there are so many people suffering and dying. How about a green institute, because that is where the future is going. There are so many other things they could do and I don’t know why they rushed into the very worst decision.” Tim Franzen, a peace building program director for American Friends Service Committee, said the proposed institute violates a number of U.S. protocols including one that protects children from being recruited. He said the U.S. picked the age of 17 and to estabTim Franzen lish an institute serving children below that age is a violation. “We know that this is a recruitment pipeline because the Marine

“I do know that there was a lot of support in my community, in our community for that school.”

“I think the emphasis should be on academic areas where the children are introduced to stimulating programs involving life skills.”

Zepora Roberts

John Zientowski

system will move forward with plans to open the school in August of 2010,” the statement said. “There is no confirmation, however, that DeKalb County School System will in fact do so.” The statement said that the school district’s legal counsel will continue to work with legal counsel for the U.S. Marine Corps to monitor and revisit those items that are needed to complete the process. “Such items include, but are not limited to, building selection and modification, the application process for students and the curriculum modification and other important points of the school’s administration,” the statement said. The district also promised to keep the public informed of its progress concerning the school.

students. The center currently houses special needs students who were to be relocated. Thaddeous Dixon, a coordinator at the district’s Region 3 office, was named the school’s principal and retired Col. James David Leonard, 32-year Marine veteran, was to oversee the school’s military programs. It was to be the first school of its kind in Georgia. Superintendent Dr. Crawford Lewis and board members had promoted the school as a “choice” school under the district’s choice program, and said it would promote academics and character development and provide quality education while instilling discipline to those students who chose to enroll. Opponents said that the Marines were going to use the school Bureaucracy blamed as a recruitment tool. Some also did Last week, School Board mem- not believe the Heritage Center was ber Paul Womack, in whose District the right location for the institute. 4 the institute was to be located, blamed Washington bureaucracy ‘Boots on the battlefield’ for the delay in opening the The Georgia Peace and Justice school. Coalition, one of the institute’s He said the school was put on most vocal opponents, said it hold because the Secretary of the would be a reNavy had not yet inked the deal. cruitment tool District 7 School Board mem- for the army. ber Zepora Roberts, a supporter of Gloria Tatthe school, said she agrees with the um, a coalition superintendent’s decision to delay member who opening the institute. attended Mon“I do know that there was a lot d ay’s S ch o o l of support in my community, in Board meeting Gloria Tatum our community for that school,” at Lakeside High she said. School in Atlanta to protest the The Marine Institute was to academy, said that if civil rights open with 150 freshmen in August icon Martin Luther King Jr. were and grow to an enrollment of 650 alive today, he would be on the op-

Corps is going to pay for their part of the bill out of their recruitment budget,” Franzen said. “Because the military is producing such bad results, especially for low-income recruits, we feel like this is a direct threat to DeKalb County children. If the Marine Corps is going to spend millions of dollars in DeKalb County they are clearly going to want a return on that investment and that is going to be in the form of filled boots on the battlefield.”

Funding questions remain Latasha Walker, whose child attends DeKalb School of the Arts, called the delay in opening the school a ploy to get the pressure of opposition off the school system. “They just haven’t been clear on any funding for the other alternatives and our school is one of the alternatives,” she said. Latasha Walker “They have many other options that they can put funding into, but they told us there was no funding left in the budget, so our issue is, where is the funding coming from besides the military. What part of it is coming from the taxpayers, so why didn’t they put money into existing programs?” John Zientowski, a Stone Mountain resident and Chamblee High parent, said he is glad the institute is being delayed. “I don’t think it should be around in the first place,” he said. “I mean they are looking at it as an answer for discipline problems, but children don’t go to school to be disciplined, they go to school to learn. I think the emphasis should be on academic areas where the children are introduced to stimulating programs involving life skills.”

Road Scholar program taking applications for $5,000 travel scholarship African-American edganization for adults, in ucators can apply for the honor of Hilliard, who 2009 Asa Grant Hilliard died in August 2007. III Road Scholar Award The world-renowned for Lifelong Learning. Pan-Africanist educator, T h e s c h o l a r s h i p, historian and psycholowhich is being offered for gist passed away during a a second year, is a $5,000 trip to Cairo, Egypt. travel award to experiThe Fuller E. Callaway ence a Road Scholar or Asa Hilliard Professor of Urban EduElderhostel program anywhere in cation at Georgia State University, the world. Hilliard spent more than 30 years It is given by Road Scholar/ leading study groups to Egypt Elderhostel, the world’s largest and Ghana as part of his mission nonprofit educational travel or- of teaching the truth about the

history of Africa and the African Diaspora. The deadline for the scholarship is Sept. 30. It is available to applicants nationwide and will be presented at the National Alliance of Black School Educators annual conference on Nov. 18-22 in Indianapolis, Ind. Applicants must have at least 10 years of experience in education, be on faculty at a historically black college or university, or be a professor of African American studies. Membership in NABSE or the

Association for the Study of African American Life and History is also required. Applicants must write an essay on the significance of lifelong learning to the African-American community and describe the ways they will impact their communities with the knowledge from their learning and travel experience. The 2008 recipient was Patricia Payne, director of the Indianapolis Public Schools’ Crispus Attucks Center. James Moses, Elderhostel and

Road Scholar president and CEO, said the Hilliard Award honors the legacy of a man who was a lifelong learner. “Dr. Hilliard promoted learning through travel in everything he did,” he said. “We are pleased to recognized educators who have longstanding commitment to their field and look forward to welcoming them on our Road Scholar adventures.” For more information, visit www.roadscholar.org/hilliardaward/.

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CrossRoadsNews

Ministry

June 6, 2009

“We get really crowded and sometimes have to deny people space because we can’t find space.”

Antioch-Lithonia gets approval for Family Life Center By McKenzie Jackson

By 2016, the congregation at AntiochLithonia Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia hopes to have a sprawling family life center and an athletic field on their church campus. The church can now move ahead on its expansion plan after securing approval on May 19 from the DeKalb Board of Commissioners for its application to rezone 10 acres of the campus on Rock Chapel Road from R-85 to Office Institutional. James Ward, the church’s pastor, said the 3,500-member congregation is ready to expand. In 1995, when he became pastor of the 143-year-old church, it had 550 members. “We are excited about the family life center because we are just bursting at the seams,” he told commissioners at their May 19 meeting. “Not on Sundays so much, but with the activities we have during the week.” Ward said they will begin construction on the $12 million family life center and athletic field by 2012. The 66,000-square-foot facility will have a gymnasium with a regulation-size basketball court, retractable bleachers, locker rooms, a weight room and walking track. It will also house a 288-seat auditorium, a daycare center, kitchen, classrooms, arcade area and two outside pavilions. Ward said the center will be host seminars, community meetings, musical shows, youth group meetings and health fairs. “It will also double as a chapel,” he said. The BOC’s approval came with zoning

Tonia East

Kathern Thomas

Authors to be featured speakers at singles event

Pastor James Ward (right) and Deacon Tony Goldman talk about plans that Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church has to build a 66,000-square-foot Family Life Center.

conditions that the church must adhere to. It must have a parking lot landscaping plan that must be submitted for review and approval by the county’s planning and development department prior to the final approval. Its exterior lighting for the athletic fields must also be turned off at 10 p.m. and it must build sidewalks to connect the family life center, playing fields and the church sanctuary. Ward said the church has no problems with the board’s conditions. He said the family life center is phase two of the church’s strategic building plan, which began in 2004 with the purchase of the 23

acres on Rock Chapel Road and the construction of its $6.2 million sanctuary. Ward said church members have constantly told him the church needs the family life center. “They see the need,” he said. “We get really crowded and sometimes have to deny people space because we can’t find space.” With the start of construction three years away and the church still raising money for it, Ward said there could be some changes in the construction plans. “The field may come with the family life center,” he said. “We may do two fields. We are still trying to work that part out.” In the future, Ward said the church hopes to build a senior living facility. “People are more excited about that than the family life center,” he said. “So, we are going to pursue that too.”

Two women authors, one of them a pastor, will be the featured speakers at a June 6 “Singles Seminar” at Worshippers Interceding For Excellence Ministry in Scottdale. Tonia East, author of “Changing Lanes: A New Adults’ Guide to Understanding Their Lane in Life” and “The One: A Woman’s Search for Eternal Love,” and Pastor Kathern A. Thomas, author of “Celebrating Celibacy” will speak at the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. event. The Singles Seminar will help participants focus on relying on God wholeheartedly to meet their needs. It will also help them deal with the demands of life, instead of looking for other people to provide solutions. Unmarried adults will learn how to enjoy being single and gain an understanding that this period in life is the time to seek God’s direction. They will also learn to let go of past hurts, pains and disappointments to allow God to demonstrate his love. Admission is free and lunch will be served. Worshippers Interceding For Excellence Ministry is at 3096 N. Decatur Road, Suite H, Scottdale. For more information, call Alicia Cardwell-Brown at 404-455-6678.

HIV campaign under way

Written by

Bobby Simmons,

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Churches can get a free copy of public service announcements and other materials on how their church and community can participate in the 2009 Our Church Lights the Way HIV Testing Campaign. The campaign, sponsored by The Balm In Gilead, encourages churches to urge African Americans to take the HIV test, especially during June which is observed nationally as HIV Testing Month. The public service announcements were recorded by senior bishops of the AME, AME Zion and CME churches. Pernessa C. Seele, The Balm In Gilead’s founder/CEO, said the Our Church Lights the Way HIV Testing Campaign is a call to action from pulpits across the nation to encourage and support individuals to take the HIV test and to seek immediate care and treatment if test results are Pernessa Seele positive, and for everyone to embrace responsible sexual and emotional behaviors. Seele said the 2008 campaign saw a 300 percent increase in the number of African-American churches conducting HIV testing programs at their places of worship. The 2009 testing campaign is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign. For more information, visit www.balmingilead.org or call 1-888-225-6243.

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June 6, 2009

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June 6, 2009

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Child Care PreSchool Teachers Needed Competitive Pay !!! Flexible Schedule!!! Several positions available!!! Early Learning Centers looking for dedicated preschool teachers for FT/PT positions. Experience required. Apply today. www.expresspros. com (Atlanta Midtown Office) email: jobs.midtownatlantaga@ expresspros.com

Contractors/Construction Home Remodeling & Roofing Services Call Rob at 404-2072875 or go online for a free estimate. GA Licensed & Insured www.atmconstructors.net

Financial & Tax Services Insurance licensing course Become a Professional Insurance Agent. Join our Life & Health Insurance classes in Conyers, Georgia or complete the course at your own pace online at www. emccmarketing.com. Call 404394-5023.

FOR RENT/LEASE Conyers/Stonecrest area. 3-4 BR, 2 1/2 baths. Ask about move in discount. Call owner/agent 770842-3150 or 770-322-3150.

4 bedroom, 2.5 bath over 2700sq ft. located in lithonia. family rm with fireplace, kitchen with appliances, dining rm, laundry rm, 2 car garage, built in 2000. Contact Jim @ 4-372-4440. 1225 per month 700 deposit. Single room for rent in Decatur. $100 weekly. Private entrance. Utilities included. 404-408-9125.

considered. Closings as quick as 7 days. www.thesamuelgroupinc. com. 404-870-9070.

MOVERS Gideon Movers, Inc. Moves & Deliveries, In-house Moves; Loading & Un-loading. Free

2806 E Atlanta Rd/Fairview Rd Ellenwood, GA 30294

770-474-0002

HAIR CARE/SALON

★ Balloons ★ Cleaning supplies ★ Greeting Cards ★ Household items ★ General Merchandise all starting at $1

Homes for Rent Rooms for rent Rooms for rent/ Decatur. util & basic cable inclu. $400/mo.sm dep.770-322-8051.

Dollar Spree

House For Rent - Lithonia 3BR/2BA Ranch home. Den w/ FP, 2 car gar., Salem Rd/Panola Rd., $900/mo. plus dep., 404534-0210.

2806 E Atlanta Rd/Fairview Rd Ellenwood, GA 30294

LOANS & MORTGAGES Loans for churches, restaurants, day care centers, multi-family properties, office buildings, and other commercial properties. Purchases or refinancing. All credit

Integrity Home Repair Your Neighborhood Handyman

770-474-0002 ★ Balloons ★ Cleaning supplies ★ Greeting Cards ★ Household items ★ General Merchandise all starting at $1

for 1st Time Homebuyers

✓ Plumbing ✓ Drywall ✓ Electrical ✓ Painting ✓ Flooring ✓ Roofing

• Specializing in Sect. 8 Punch List • Property managers welcome

InTouch Realty Inc. Government, Bank Foreclosed Homes You may be able to pay much less for a mortgage than what you are paying for rent. Your best buy in today’s lucrative real estate market is buying HUD, Government, and Bank Foreclosed homes. Give us a call today. FREE Down Payment Assistance, and credit counseling for all home buyers. With interest rates under 5%, this is the time to buy a home. Call Robert White, 404-299-0058 or 404-863-0660. LEGAL NOTICE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF RICHMOND, STATE OF GEORGIA

Specializing in Wings & Lasagna

Dollar Spree

Day All et – nly & g price E N LY Atlanta Rd/Fairview y O n t r é e2806 ½ a d n 1 E t r é e e - i n O9 o M u y E n D i n 2 0 0Ellenwood, GA 30294 B 2 n d s – 31, t ly t h e k e - o ui r e s J u NO

$8,000 Tax Credit

PUBLIC NOTICE 1988 Honda Civic VIN# JHMBA4232JC059344. Bidding starts June 4, 2009 at 11 am. - 4 p.m. 1955 Candler Road.

Dollar Spree

Share a 4 bedroom with private bathroom house near Flat Shoals/ Decatur. Not on bus line. $130.00 per week. 404-918-5676. Recession Special. Booth rent $75 per week. Antoine’s Styles of Perfection in Conyers seeking licensed Stylists, Barbers and Nail Technicians. Call 678-509-1329. 10 -7 p.m. No weapon formed against us shall prosper.

on-site Estimate. (404)241-8899. gideonmovers@comcast.net

Exp

770-474-0002

★ Balloons ★ Cleaning supplies ★ Greeting Cards ★ Household items ★ General Merchandise all starting at $1 Monday – Thursday: 11am-11pm Friday-Saturday: 11am-1am • Sunday: Noon-11pm

2801 Candler Road at South DeKalb Mall • Decatur, GA 30034

404-212-0330

IN RE: PETITION OF WILLIE H. EDWARDS, JR. AND ALICE EDWARDS, FOR THE ADOPTION OF A MINOR CHILD, RAQUEL SASHA EDWARDS, DOB: May 19, 1993.

2008-RCA-0075

You are hereby notified that a Motion To Terminate Parental Rights has been filed in the Richmond County Superior Court on the above-captioned child. Pursuant to Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 19-8-10, 19-8-11, 19-8-12, and other pertinent laws, you are advised that you will lose custody rights to this child, and you will neither receive notice of, nor be entitled to object to the custody and adoption of the child, unless, within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this notice, you file an Answer to this Petition pursuant to O.C.G.A. 19-7-22, and give notice in writing of the filing of such Petition to this Court and to the attorney listed below. You must prosecute the action to Final Judgment. You are further advised that if you intend to object to this Petition, you must file an Answer to the within thirty (30) days in the Superior Court of Richmond County, Georgia. You are urged to immediately retain legal counsel to assist you in this matter. You should contact the attorney for Petitioner, Helen W. Yu, 3540 Wheeler Road, Suite 509, Augusta, Georgia 30909, telephone: (706) 736-3020, for further information. All notices to or correspondence with the Petitioner and copies of all pleadings or proceedings you may file in any Court in regard to the above-referenced Child should be served upon him. Dated this 5th day of February, 2009.

404-992-3663

ADOPTION NO

TO: RONALD WHITE, the alleged Biological Father of the minor child, RAQUEL SASHA EDWARDS.

Call Chris

Email: integrity-handyman@ comcast.net

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