CrossRoadsNews, June 13, 2015 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Kudos ...

Come on now ...

Send us your nominees

... to Olive Garden on Turner Hill Road at the Mall at Stonecrest for attractive and well-maintained landscaping along its entire street frontage.

... to Pizza Hut on Candler Road, which has not replenished mulch around its streetside shrubs, allowing dirt to erode into its parking lot.

Welcome to “Kudos & Come On Now,” a new initiative where we shine the spotlight on the people, businesses or groups who are going the extra mile to make our communities look better and on those who aren’t doing nearly enough. When you see examples at either extreme, tweet a photo and the location to us @CRNews_DeKalb or post it to facebook.com/crossroadsnews with #KudosDeKalb or #ComeOnDeKalb. For more examples of Kudos & Come On Now, visit crossroadsnews.com/kudos.

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

June 13, 2015

Gregory Adams

Harmel Codi

M. Davis Johnson

M.J. Edmondson

Gwendolyn Green

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 21, Number 7

Vaughn Irons

Gina Mangham

Kathryn Rice

Kenneth Saunders

George Turner

District 5 voters head to polls June 16 to pick commissioner By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

On Tuesday, 95,000 registered voters in DeKalb’s Commission District 5 will head to the polls to pick a commissioner to represent them after nearly 24 months without full

representation. The district lost its commissioner on July 13, 2013, when former Commissioner Lee May was appointed interim CEO to fill in for suspended CEO Burrell Ellis, whose second trial on corruption charges got under

way June 9. The 10 candidates – Gregory Adams, Harmel Codi, Jerome Edmondson, Gwen Russell Green, Vaughn Irons, Mereda Davis Johnson, Gina Mangham, Dr. Kathryn Rice, Kenneth Saunders III, and George Turner –

have made their cases to voters at forums, peppered voters with campaign literature, shook hands, and kissed babies over the brisk five-week campaign. Please see ELECTION, page 6

Weeds, trash obscure Candler landscaping County officials call project unsatisfactory By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

A DeKalb County contractor just finished installing $64,210 worth of crape myrtles and yupon holly along Candler Road, but passers-by can barely see them among the weeds, overgrown grass and trash. Samir Patel, project manager for county contractor KEMI Construction, said June 9 that 165 crape myrtles and 65 yupon hollies were planted between May 27 and May 29 along Candler Road. The trees and shrubs were installed between Fair Lake Drive and Northview Avenue for the landscaping that comes with the $7.1 million underground water and gas line replacement project. Long-suffering business owners, residents and motorists were led to believe that area would be made beautiful when the water-line installation, was completed. The water line project, which began April 2013, is replacing aging water mains between I-20 and Memorial Drive. It was originally scheduled to take three months and is still underway more than two years later. Resurfacing of the torn-up street began in May and is expected to be completed by mid-August. Patel said installing the plants is all they were required to do and the work was subcontracted to Lawrencecille-based Green Pastures Landscaping. “They were to dig holes, plant the trees, stake the trees and mulch around the roots,” he said. “We have completed all the landscaping.” He said they were not required to remove weeds and grass before the planting. MaLika Hakeem, Watershed Management’s administrative and program outreach manager, confirmed in a June 5 email that all the plantings have been completed.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

More than 165 crape myrtles like these two, near McAfee Road, were planted along Candler Road in the middle of grass, weeds and trash.

New initiative spotlights property upkeep – good and bad, Page 2. “KEMI Construction and its subcontractors have completed the work per the original contract and approved changes since the contract was awarded,” she said. But on a tour of the area on June 10, county officials said what they saw was unsatisfactory. DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson

and Stan Watson, DeKalb COO/Executive Assistant Zachary Williams, Code Enforcement interim Senior Officer Danny Jordon, Keep DeKalb Beautiful Director Gordon Burkette, and Police Chief James Conroy stopped Larry Johnson along Candler Road on a tour of District 3, represented by Johnson, and Super District 7 represented by Wat-

son. Johnson said he was very disappointed with what he saw. He said weeds and grass should have been removed and water bags attached to the trees to water them. “Otherwise these things are going to die,” Johnson said. Watson said the plantings also need a warranty plan. “If they don’t survive, they need to come Please see TOUR, page 6

Community

CrossRoadsNews

June 13, 2015

“The campaign is clearly resonating with the community. Many people want to see improvement.”

‘Kudos and Come on Now’ supports improvement efforts By Ken Watts

South DeKalb residents can now give a thumbs up or down to businesses, residents and property owners who keep up their properties or miss the mark in CrossRoadsNews’ “Kudos and Come on Now” campaign. The community newspaper launched the campaign in its print edition and social media sites on May 29 to encourage county residents and employers to improve the curb appeal of their properties. Residents and business owners can take photos of attractive, well-maintained properties and those that that wre neglected and post them at facebook.com/crossroadsnews or tweet them to @CRNews_Dekalb. Some photos will appear in the newspaper’s print editions published weekly on Saturdays. Jennifer Parker, editor and publisher, said the entries for both kudos and come on nows have poured in since the launch. “The campaign is clearly resonating with the community,” Parker said. “Many people want to see improvement in the area.”

Photos by Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

She said that the Kudos and Come on Now campaign reminds our the community that small steps can go a long way in improving our neighborhoods. “This is a carrot-and-stick approach to applaud those who cut and edge their yards

On Candler Road, “Kudos” would go to Legacy at Eastwyck (left) for new landscaping at its entrance, while “Come on Now” went to DeKalb County for weeds and debris taking over the pedestrian crosswalk near Saint Philip AME Church on Candler Road.

and business properties, bag their grass clippings instead of blowing them into the street and leaving them at the curb to clog the storm water drains,” Parker said. “If we all do these things, the look of the area will immediately improve.” Curtis Parker, general manager, said uncut grass, weeds, trash and illegal signs have long been eyesores in the south end of the county. “The idea is to shine a spotlight not only on the people who are doing positive things to improve the area, but also on the ones who are not keeping up their property,” he said. “The onus is on property owners, residents and business owners to maintain their landscaping or their frontage and prevent the pileup of litter.” Community improvement has always been a main issue of coverage for the newspaper. When blight began to set in during the recent economic recession, CrossRoad-

sNews highlighted the issue in the front-page “Ugly Ugly South DeKalb” story on Sept. 24, 2010. Since then, the newspaper has encouraged residents to do better and to hold the county and the Georgia Department of Transportation accountable for their share of keeping up county and state roads, medians and public rights of way. Things have begun to change for the better, and residents like Kevin Chapman, Dr. Kathryn Rice and others have formed groups like the Wesley Chapel Curb Appeal Taskforce and the South DeKalb Improvement Association that stage regular cleanup and beautification events. The Kudos and Come on Now campaign is supporting those efforts. Next May, the newspaper and its partners will recognize individuals, homeowners, businesses, subdivisions and groups who make the greatest efforts to improve their space.

CrossRoadsNews

June 13, 2015

Community

“I want those few who have not played by the rules to know that I am serious about restoring the public’s confidence.”

DeKalb suspends P-card use for most By Ken Watts

DeKalb County has suspended use of its county-issued Visa purchasing cards for most of the current users, including county officials and members of the Board of Commissioners. The suspension went into effect on June 12 and reduced the number of P-card users to 40 from 260. County press secretary Burke Brennan said interim CEO Lee May’s P-card was the first one surrendered upon the announcement. May said on June 8 that the suspension Lee May of the privilege comes after he received preliminary findings from special investigators he hired on March 18 to probe county operations. “Just 12 weeks ago, I announced my intention to return DeKalb County to the people; implement real reform; and bring about more transparency, ethics and integrity – to the public’s trust,” he said. “Progress is being made every day, but major challenges remain in our commitment to root out any abuse, corruption or malfeasance. This is the primary reason why we hired special investigators.” The investigating team, led by former Georgia Attorney General Mike Bowers and investigator Richard Hyde, is conducting a sweeping investigation of county government that May said will “remove the stench of corruption.” The probe is scheduled to last 120 days or as long as Bowers needs. The investigators’ letter dated June 2 and signed by Hyde said that a preliminary summary shows dubious expenses charged to the county with no apparent direct benefit to county government and/or with no justification or explanation given. The list includes: n Improper use of tax-exempt status. n Purchases of flowers. n Purchases of unauthorized computers and related items. n Personal membership dues paid to various non-mandatory bar associations and other private organizations.

n Self-aggrandizing “donations” made to nonprofits and charities. n Splitting of large purchases to circumvent the county’s $1,000-per-transaction limit. n International airline tickets. n Dance lessons. n Hundreds of employee meals costing thousands of dollars. n Purchases of coffee, water and other break room supplies for the benefit of county employees and elected officials. Hyde said that while they may find reasonable explanations for many of the purchases, it is clear that many of the P-card purchases were made in direct violation of the P-card policy in effect at the time. “Given this stunning pattern of apparent mishandling and potential crimes relating to P-card usage we have found throughout all levels of DeKalb County government, I recommend you immediately suspend all P-card use until this investigation is concluded,” Hyde wrote. May said that departments with critical emergency operations that would be detrimentally affected are exempted from the suspension. Those emergency operations include: n Payment for motor vehicle repairs and maintenance (for county vehicles only). n Payment for materials or supplies needed in the event of an emergency. n Payment for expenses associated with a court case. n Payment for repairs, maintenance, and service agreements for county-owned equipment, buildings and infrastructure (provided no contract is required to be signed). He said that the vast majority of county employees are hard-working, honest men and women who do their jobs every day with honor and dignity. “I appreciate them,” May said. “I want those few who have not played by the rules to know that I am serious about restoring the public’s confidence, and we will continue to carry out reform and restore trust in our government.” Brennan said the temporary suspension is in effect until mid-July when the special investigators’ report is expected or until the end of the investigation if investigators seek an extension.

Testimony under way in Ellis’ second trial By Ken Watts

A jury of six men and six women began hearing evidence on June 9 in the second trial of suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. The diverse jury of seven AfricanAmericans and five whites, along with four alternates who are all women, was seated on June 5 before DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson. Ellis’ first trial ended in a mistrial on Oct. 21, 2014, when the jury said it was hopelessly deadlocked and could Burrell Ellis not reach a verdict. This time he is facing four fewer charges after District Attorney Robert James dropped two counts each of coercion and theft on May 25. Ellis, who is also an attorney, is facing nine felony counts of extortion, bribery and perjury. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and disbarment. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. After opening arguments on June 9, Kelvin Walton, the prosecution’s star witness, was the first witness. on the stand. He fielded questions about his secretly recorded conversations with Ellis. He was director of purchasing and contracts in 2012 when prosecutors say Ellis strongarmed vendors for donations to help wipe out his $48,000 re-election campaign debt in return for business with the county. After he was caught lying to a special purpose grand jury, Walton agreed to wear a wire to gather evidence on Ellis for the District Attorney’s Office to avoid prosecution. Walton spent about eight hours June 9 and June 10 on the stand. He testified that he helped Ellis compile a list of potential donors because he feared losing his job. Prosecutors say the tape recordings are “key evidence” because they show that Ellis put undue pressure on vendors for donations. Assistant DA Lawanda Hodges told jurors Walton lied to a grand jury but that his “tapes don’t lie.” For longer story, visit www.crossroadsnews.com.

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT MEREDA DAVIS JOHNSON

CrossRoadsNews

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Graphic Design Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker

CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

June 13, 2015

“What you see are signs, but they are to improve your overall experience when you come into the heritage area.”

New kiosks guide visitors at Arabia Mountain By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Visitors to Arabia Mountain will soon have six information kiosks to guide them through the offerings of the 2,600-acre National Heritage Area. On June 6, officials, friends and supporters of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance Inc. unveiled the first of two kiosks installed at the Arabia Nature Center on Klondike Road and at the base of the 400-acre Arabia Park farther down Klondike Road. The signage at the kiosks welcomes guests to the heritage area and provides information on its features. Mera Cardenas, alliance executive director, said the kiosks, which are designed to encourage repeat visits and a culMera Cardenas ture of stewardship, are being installed at a cost of $45,000 each. “What you see are signs, but they are to improve your overall experience when you come into the heritage area at any of its gateways,” she said. “Our goal is to take this experience to all of our gateways to help our visitors.” She said they are raising funds to construct the other four kiosks that will be installed at Flat Rock Archives, the Vaughters Farm, in the city of Lithonia, and at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. The kiosk at the Nature Center was retrofitted from a structure that was already there. Cardenas said it was done with a $22,999 matching grant from Park Pride. Michael Halicki, Park Pride’s executive director, said the grant funded by Home Depot was the result of a great partnership. “We provide seed money to make these dreams possible, but it is really the community stepping up to make it possible and coming up with the other half that we are able to celebrate the successes today,” he said. Cardenas said the alliance matched the funds with design work and in-kind donations. The kiosks offer trail maps and highlight special features of the areas where they are located. Cardenas says they are part

Holly and Chris Scarborough of Decatur check out a kiosk at the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area on June 6 with children Daisy, Declon and Lucy.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The alliance is raising funds for kiosks at Flat Rock Archives, the Vaughters Farm, the city of Lithonia, and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

of a five-year, $1.5 million comprehensive signage project for the three-county heritage area that was designated by Congress in 2006. It is one of 49 national heritage areas. The project also will include trailhead signs and directional markers. The heritage area, which spans DeKalb, Rockdale and Henry counties, includes 30 miles of paved hike/bike trails constructed at a cost of $15 million by the nonprofit PATH Foundation. Cardenas said the signage project is important to the area. “This major visual, impactful project will help define for residents and visitors that they are in the area and in a place that is important,” she said. Marvin Billups, DeKalb’s deputy director of parks, said that he

was introduced to the concept of a heritage area by Kelly Jordan about 11 years ago. He said the signage will help build awareness. “You are here, but if you don’t know the history of where you are and what happened in these spaces, it’s just that you went out in the woods and you went along the trails. But if you go along the trails now, you can understand why they are so significant to this geographical area of the county. And for that we do appreciate having that partnership with you.” Jordan, who started the Arabia Alliance in 1999, said the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area is not a $100 million project based on the value of all the lands bought and donated and construction of the paved bike trails. Cardenas said that other recent

development includes the alliance hiring Melody Harclerode as its program coordinator in May to develop the heritage area’s education program. The alliance also is developing the South River water trails, and she said that this summer it is offering scholarships to youth ages 10-17 to paddle the river and learn about the importance of river protection and stewardship. It is already offering free bike classes and rentals. Holly and Chris Scarborough, who live in the city of Decatur, were visiting the heritage area for the first time on June 6. Their first stop was at a kiosk. Holly Scarborough said they found the heritage area after an Internet search for trails near Decatur. The couple had their three children in tow – 5-month-old Lucy, 2-year-old Declon, and 7-year-old Daisy. “We just wanted to go somewhere in nature,” she said. Ebony Rainge, who has lived in Lithonia since 2011, also stumbled upon the heritage area last December when her Aunt Jessie Ogletree, who lives off Browns Mill Road, told her to use Klondike Road to get to her house. She came to check it out on June 6 with her 10-year-old son, Noah, who is on summer break from school. “I didn’t realize all this was here,” Rainge said.

index to advertisers Chapel Hill Orthodontics.................................9 Committee to Elect Mereda Davis Johnson..... 3 Comtte Elect Gregory Adams.......................... 2 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court.....................12 DeKalb County School District........................ 8

DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office........6 Wells Fargo..................................................... 5 Georgia Power................................................ 7 Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC..................12 Kip Academy, Inc...........................................12

Little Tots Academy........................................12 Marten Transport...........................................12 People for Gina Mangham............................. 2 Single Mothers Matter...................................12 Vaughn Irons for DeKalb................................ 2

Wright Vision Care..........................................9 Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Michael L. Hickman Salsa Dance........... Online

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb! R Don’t Litter Circulation Audited By

R Mow, Trim & Paint R Clean to the Curb A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

June 13, 2015

CrossRoadsNews

Community

“We have been working diligently for the past two years to find ways to help our loyal employees.”

Thurmond pushes for restoring retirement plan DeKalb School Superintendent Michael Thurmond has recommended that the School Board spend $10 million of its proposed $821 million budget for fiscal 20152016 to re-establish a district-supported retirement option for all employees. The funds will come from the district’s budget surplus, which Thurmond says is expected to exceed $80 million at the beginning of the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1. DeKalb School Board Michael Thurmond members will consider Thurmond’s recommendation at their June 17 meeting, when they are expected to vote on the final fiscal 2015-2016 budget. It is Thurmond’s third proposal to help workers recover from the effects of the recent economic recession. The district has 14,000 total employees, including 6,000 teachers. On May 4, Thurmond proposed a pay raise for the district’s lowest-paid employees to bring them to a minimum hourly wage of $10.25.

June 13, 2015

He said he is particularly proud of the much-needed and deserved proposed salary increases for the district’s lowest-paid employees. “We have been working diligently for the past two years to find ways to help our loyal employees, who have been the victims of a bad economy and poor management decisions in years past,” Thurmond said. “With the new budget, the district will have the ability to assist employees with their pre-tax retirement savings in addition to allocating $20 million for significant salary increases for qualified, veteran teachers as well as improved salaries for all other employees.” In March, Thurmond recommended a three-tier salary increase that emphasizes improved salaries for veteran teachers for fiscal 2015-2016. The proposed increases include: n 4 percent cost-of-living adjustment for all veteran teachers with six or more years of experience. n 3 percent COLA increase to teachers with zero to five years of experience. n 2 percent COLA increase for all other employees.

Teen gets life in Lithonia bus stop killing By Ken Watts

Nineteen-year-old Christopher Oliver Merritt, who robbed and killed Marcaysia Dawkins at a MARTA bus stop on Fairington Road in Lithonia, is going to prison for life with no chance of parole. Dawkins, 19, was waiting on a bus on Nov. 23 when Merritt attacked her. The crime was caught on tape by the cameras of Christopher Merritt a nearby business. Merritt is shown struggling with Dawkins for her handbag and shooting her twice with a 9 mm pistol before running off with her belongings. DeKalb District Attorney Robert James had sought the death penalty for Merritt, who pleaded guilty on June 9. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gail Flake

Landscape project fixes under way From left, DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson, Police Chief James Conroy, DeKalb COO Zachary Williams, Code Enforcement interim Senior Officer Danny Jordon, and Commissioner Larry Johnson inspect trees planted in grass on Candler Road during June 10 tour.

Crime prevention workshop seeks solutions Southwest DeKalb residents and other stakeholders can attend a June 18 Community Crime Prevention Workshop at Greenforest Community Baptist in Decatur. The workshop, hosted by Commissioner Larry Johnson, begins at 6:30 p.m., part of “Seeking Solutions,” a programming initiative designed to help District 3 residents live safer, healthier and more prosperous lives. Participants will discuss how faith com-

munities, local businesses, neighborhoods and community associations, schools, and law enforcement can come together to tackle crime prevention, support youth, and build stronger communities. There will be a meet-and-greet with South Precinct police officers. The church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive. For more information, call 404-3712425.

June is National Elder Abuse Awareness Month ,.

Please Join Us for Our 4th Annual Safety in Numbers Bingo Event Wednesday CD June 24, 2015 CD 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Manuel Maloof Auditorium CD 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia OPEN TO THE PUBLIC CD FREE LUNCH BEGINS AT 12:00

Limited Seating and RSVP Required

RSVP by June 17, 2015 to Community Prosecutor Hannah Chung 404.371.2820 CD hychung@dekalbcountyga.gov

accepted his plea deal and sentenced him to life in prison without a possibility of parole. A DeKalb grand jury indicted Merritt on Feb. 5 on charges of malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. As part of his plea deal, Merritt admitted to unrelated rapes and sexual assaults of three women dating back to 2013. Dawkins’ family said the 2014 Lithonia High School graduate, who grew up in Pittsburgh, was going to college to study international business or nursing. Her mother, Charisma Dawkins, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in December 2014 that there was so much that she wanted to do with her life. “She touched everybody that knew her,” her mother said. “She was always smiling and always looking for ways to improve herself.”

Photos by Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

TOUR,

from page

back and replace them,” he said. This is the second time that Candler has been landscaped without any obvious difference in the area’s appearance. In 2009, the county completed a $4 million streetscape project that installed sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, and lampposts and benches along the corridor. That Candler Road Pedestrian and Landscape Enhancement project was part of a $10.4 million streetscape project that

re-configured the Candler/Glenwood Avenue intersection. The county did not put in place a plan to care for the plants installed in the median and along the sidewalk. Most of them are now dead or overgrown with weeds. Williams said he had not seen the KEMI contract, but the contractor should have cleared out the boxes first. “I will talk with Watershed Management about making the fixes. We need to get the beds cleaned out Zachary Williams and get mulch on them. The way I see it, it’s not complete.” On Thursday, Williams said they had started replacing the mulch between I-20 and Flat Shoals Road. He said eight of the trees were stolen bewtween Tuesday and Wednesday and will be replaced. “All of the remaining trees will have the planter boxes cleaned and mulch will be applied by July 1st,” he said.

All District 5 precincts are open Tuesday ELECTION,

Sherry Boston DEKALB COUNTY SOLICITOR-GENERAL

www.dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org 404.371.2201

MAKING DEKALB SAFER FOR ALL in partnership with aarp, wellcare, and the elder & disability law firm of victoria l. collier, pc

from page

Adams is a minister and Emory police officer; Codi, Edmondson and Irons are business owners; Rice and Saunders are self-employed consultants; Green is a school librarian and poet; Johnson and Mangham are practicing attorneys; and Turner is a retired MARTA manager. All have decades of residency in the district and say they are ready to serve and commit the time it will take to represent the district of 140,000 residents on the sevenmember Board of Commissioners. Now, it’s the voters’ turn. Through Thursday, 284 voters had cast ballots during early voting that ended June

12. Eleven of those ballots came by mail and 273 people voted at the lone early polling precinct at the DeKalb Elections Office in Decatur. On election day, all polls in the district open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For this and all future elections, voters at the Lithonia precinct will cast ballots at Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main St. The DeKalb Elections Office said it relocated the precinct from Lithonia Middle School to improve parking for voters. If no candidate wins 50 percent-plus one vote on June 16, the runoff between the top two vote-getters takes place on July 14. Early voting for that election will begin on June 29 at the Registration and Elections Office.

June 13, 2015

Finance EEOC resources for small businesses “What You Don’t Know Can Hurt – Protecting Your Business” on June 18 at the SBA’s Atlanta office offers information and resources to help guide small-business owners. The 10 a.m.-to-noon event is free, but registration is required – visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/what-you-dontknow-can-hurt-protecting-your-business-tickets-16425246354. Presenters are Terrie Dandy, outreach manager for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Atlanta district office, and Kandie Carter, Terrie Dandy benefits adviser for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Atlanta regional office. What you don’t know can tarnish your business reputation, lead to business losses, and hurt the employer/employee relationship, and it is important to know how to protect your interests, avoid costly timeconsuming complaints, and where to go for help in understanding your responsibilities under the law. The EEOC will provide resources and information to guide employers on preventing and addressing employment discrimination, and the Department of Labor will share the advantages of retirement savings and benefits of a retirement plan. The U.S. Small Business Administration is at Peachtree Center/Harris Tower, 233 Peachtree St. N.E., Suite 1900. For more information, contact Patrice Dozier at patrice. Dozier@sba.gov or 404-331-0100, Ext. 411.

CrossRoadsNews

Entries will be judged on vision, creativity, and on topic and clearly stated message.

DeKalb BOC urges DOL to reopen Decatur Career Center The DeKalb Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution urging the Georgia Department of Labor to reconsider its closure of the DeKalb Career Center at 3879 Covington Highway in Decatur. The center served thousands of people a year and has been closed since Feb. 28 when a motorist crashed into the side of the building. District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson called permanently closing the center a travesty. Five commissioners voted for the resolution on June 9 while District 1 Commissioner Nancy Jester opposed it. Closing the center has created an issue of accessibility to job training and other career support services for many job seekers in South DeKalb, the resolution says, citing

a population of more than 300,000 within the Covington Highway Career Center’s service area. According to 2013 estimates by the American Community Survey of the U.S. Census, the unemployment rate among the population over 16 years of age in DeKalb is 14 percent with 39 percent of those unemployed living below the federal poverty level over the past 12 months, the resolution reads. In March, Labor Department spokesman Sam Hall said the decision not to reopen the center would save the DOL about $400,000 a year. He said South DeKalb residents will continue to use the North Metro Career Center at 2943 N. Druid Hills Road, about 9.6 miles away from the Covington Highway center

that served South DeKalb and Rockdale County. The North Metro Center is the only other center in DeKalb, which has a population of more than 713,000 and a labor force of 370,871. DeKalb was one of the few counties statewide with two career centers, Hall said. On June 3, the DOL announced that it is merging its Americus and Cordele career centers to form one center in Sumter County to serve an eight-county region, effective June 12. The department said more and more services provided by state departments of labor nationwide are online, reducing the demand for fully staffed career centers.

Jobs Bus visiting library branches

Wells Fargo small business contest

The DeKalb Mobile Career Center will be available to job seekers next week beginning June 15 at area library branches and other locations. The mobile unit provides residents with job search assistance, adult workshops and training, resume writing pointers, and interviewing tips. Businesses also are able to use the unit for recruiting, pre-employment screenings, interviewing, and training. More than 3,000 DeKalb residents have used the career center’s work readiness services since its launch in February 2012. It is funded through the Workforce Investment Act grant and services are free. Upcoming stops include: n June 15 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. n June 17 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at DeKalb Access and Resource Center, 949 N. Hairston Road in Stone Mountain. n June 18 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Villages of Eastlake, 460 East Lake Blvd. in Atlanta. For more information, visit onedekalb.com.

Small-business owners and nonprofit controlling members have until June 30 to enter the Wells Fargo Works Project Contest for a chance to win $25,000 for their business. Five winners who would benefit from receiving mentorship and the grand prize will be selected from a pool of 25 finalists who will each receive $1,000. To enter, submit a 150-second video responding to the five contest questions or an essay up to 600 words that responds to the questions along with a photo representative of the business or business owner. Entries will be judged on vision, creativity, and on topic and clearly stated message. Judges will score the entries July 1-24, and public voting takes place through July 19. Finalists will be notified the week of Aug. 10, and grand prize winners will be notified the week of Sept. 21. For entry forms, FAQs and complete instructions, visit wellsfargoworks.com/project.

Because money does not grow on trees.

That’s why I installed a programmable thermostat and got a $100 rebate. I saved money by installing the thermostat myself. I also qualified for the full $100 Georgia Power rebate. B y f o l l o w i n g j u s t a f e w o f t h e e a s y, m o n e y - s a v i n g t i p s o n G e o r g i a P o w e r ’s w e b s i t e , I ’ v e b e e n a b l e t o r e a p some great cash rewards. For more information on tips and other rebates, visit georgiapower.com/save. Georgia Power customers may be eligible to receive a rebate of 50% of the installed cost up to $100 for upgrading from a standard to a programmable thermostat. Certain preconditions and requirements must be met in order to qualify for this rebate. Rebate available through December 2014. Application and receipt/invoice must be submitted within 60 days of purchase or installation. ©2014. Georgia Power Company. All rights reserved.

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

June 13, 2015

“Children still require quality nutrition during the summer months, especially with the expected increase in physical activity.”

School nutrition program feeding all kids for the summer The DeKalb School Nutrition Department is offering the Seamless Summer Feeding Program through Aug. 1 to all DeKalb children 18 years of age and younger regardless of eligibility during the regular school year. Students can receive free meals at Bethune and Redan middle schools and Tucker High. They are available weekly Monday through Thursday for breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. All free, reduced and paying students can participate free of charge. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in an effort to pro-

vide nutrition during the summer months for all children regardless of financial status. For some children, the meals they receive at school during the academic year are the only meals they eat all day. Joyce R. Wimberly, executive director of nutrition services for the School District, said more than 311,000 meals were served last summer. “Children still require quality nutrition during the summer months, especially with the expected increase in physical activity and caloric expenditure,” Wimberly said. “It is our goal to provide a source of nutrition to children while school is out and continue

the ongoing process of readying their minds and bodies for learning during the upcoming school year.” For more information, visit www.summerfood.usda.gov or call DeKalb School Nutrition at 678-676-0162.

More summer meals programs The Summer Food Service Program also offers free meals to eligible children. The program provides free meals in lowincome areas during the summer months when students are out of school. More than 60 percent of Georgia’s school-aged children are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

The SFSP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered in Georgia by the Department of Early Care and Learning. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is participating to provide nutritious meals to eligible children 18 and under. For more information, contact Rose McGrue at 678-698-1114. Meals also will be available through Georgia Nutritional Services Inc. Email georgianutrition@me.com or call 770-860-0509 for more information. For more sites where meals will be served, visit http://decal.ga.gov/Nutrition/Search. aspx or call 1-855-550-SFSP (7377).

Players selected in major league draft Senior All-Stars James Nelson of Redan High and Stephenson’s Dexter “DJ” Neal have been selected in the 2015 MLB Draft. Nelson and Neal got phone calls from Major League Baseball teams on June 10. Nelson (6-2, 180, SS) Dexter Neal hit .405 (30-74) during the regular season with 16 RBI, 13 doubles, one triple and one home run while playing shortstop for the Raiders this spring. He was chosen in the 18th round with the 531st pick of the draft by the Boston Red Sox. He also became the 18th Raider to be selected in the draft since the 2004 MLB Draft when his uncle and current Milwaukee Brewer organization player Christopher Nelson was chosen in the first round by the Colorado Rockies.

Neal (6-3, 201, OF), a South Carolina Gamecock wide receiver signee in February, finished the year leading the DeKalb County stats with a .571 (28-49) average with 39 runs, 28 RBI, nine doubles, three James Nelson triples and five home runs while playing center field for the Jaguars. He was picked up by the hometown Atlanta Braves in the 32nd round with 960th pick of the draft. The 2014 football season had him catching passes for the Jaguars with 24 receptions for 386 yards and 10 touchdowns. Neal is the second Jaguar to be drafted and the first since Geoffrey Thomas went to the Houston Astros with the 371st pick (12th round) of the 2009 draft.

Cross Keys SkillsUSA chapter attained Models of Excellence status and is headed to the June 22-26 Skills Conference in Louisville, KY. The group ranks among the top 24 chapters in the US.

Cross Keys heads to Skills Conference Twenty-four members of the Cross Keys High SkillsUSA Chapter will participate in the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky., on June 22-26. The chapter has achieved “Models of Excellence” status and is among the top 24 chapters nationally. It is also the recipient of a $2,000 award grant from program sponsor Lowe’s. Conference activities include Models of Excellence finalist interviews, an awards dinner at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and recognition during the awards ceremony. Winston Johnson and Fernando RivasFlores will represent Cross Keys in the Models of Excellence interviews. Winston served as the SkillsUSA state vice president and Fernando is Cross Keys SkillsUSA president. All of the students will participate in skills and leadership competition. Cross Keys competed at state and won first as “Outstanding Chapter.” Its advisers are Calvin Gray, Marian Hesse, Marcus Lee

and Glenda Bonds. Bonds, who serves as lead adviser, said attaining the Models of Excellence status is an honor. “The goal of our chapter is to be a ‘shining light’ to what SkillsUSA stands for – education, motivation, determination and skilled to lead America,” she said. Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA, said the Models of Excellence program represents the best in chapter achievement and community involvement. “The Cross Keys High School chapter defines excellence across the board, serving as a model for other chapters to emulate in strengthening their local programs,” he said. “Students impacted by a quality chapter not only represent our future work force, they reflect the future of the communities in which they reside.” For more information, email glenda_m_ bonds@dekalbschoolsga.org or call 678874-6102.

Reading program to keep kids sharp Students can lose up to three months of reading ability over the summer, and the Georgia Department of Education is working with the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, and other partners to help ensure that kids don’t fall behind while school is out. All students are challenged to read every day this summer for a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes, and the DOE and partners are offering free resources to make it easier: n Find a Book Georgia generates a personalized reading list tailored to a student’s interests and reading level – https://www. lexile.com/fab/ga. n myON Reader provides free access to a library of more than 8,000 enhanced digital books with multimedia supports. Visit http://thefutureinreading.myon.com/ GetGAREADING; enter school name: Get Georgia Reading and username and password: read. n The Georgia Public Library Service (http:// www.georgialibraries.org) offers a search-

able catalog of books for kids by specific subject: http://gapines.org/eg/ kpac/home. State School Superintendent Richard Woods said literacy and reading ability are the building blocks for all educational Richard Woods attainment. “Escaping to other worlds through books is a fun, positive way to spend the summer hours, and it keeps students on track academically at the same time,” he said. Suggested reading goals: n K-2 students – 10 books. n Grades 3-5 students – eight chapter books. n Grades 6-12 students – five fiction books and five nonfiction books. For more information, visit https:// www.lexile.com/using-lexile/summerreading and http://www.summerlearning. org/?page=know_the_facts.

June 13, 2015

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“Many men do not like to go to the doctor and do not like to think about their own health.”

Focus on health of boys, men in June Prevention reports. June is Men’s Health Dr. Sankineni J. Rao, a Month, and the annual obnetwork adviser, says men’s servance seeks to encourhealth is much more than age men and boys to take just physical health. care of their health and “In addition to reguto heighten the public’s lar checkups, it also inawareness of the many prevolves mental and spiritual ventable health problems awareness and addressing that affect them and their socioeconomic barriers,” families. Rao says. “Men’s health Men die at higher rates can improve with the help than women from the top of the women in our lives, 10 causes of death and increasing physical activity account for more than at home and at work, and 92 percent of workplace teaching young boys the deaths. value of healthy eating and The chance of being healthy living.” a homicide victim places Depression in men is African-American men at often undiagnosed, conunusually high risk – one tributing to the fact that in 30 for black males commen are four times as likely pared with one in 179 for to commit suicide, the white males. CDC says. The suicide rate Dr. David Gremillion, for people 65 and above: a board member of the 28.5 for men and 3.9 for Men’s Health Network, women. which organizes events Dr. Judd W. Moul, a nationwide that focus on urologist, prostate specialthe health and well-being ist and network advocate, of men and boys, says CDC says June is a critical time there’s a silent health crisis Men’s Health Month is a critical time to get the word out to encourage men and in America. their families to focus on “It’s a fact that, on that men need to take action to improve their health. men’s health. average, American men “Many men do not like to go to the doctor and do not live sicker and die younger than American women,” like to think about their own health,” Moul says. “This is Gremillion says. Women are 100 percent more likely to visit the doctor one time a year when we can get the word out that men for annual exams and preventive services than men. In need to take time for themselves, to think about their 1920, women lived on average one year longer than men. health, and take action to improve their health.” For more information, visit www.menshealthnetNow, men on average die almost five years earlier than women, the national Centers for Disease Control and work.org.

Celebration promotes rights of the disabled A 5K fun run/walk and celebration on June 20 at Exchange Park in Decatur will promote the 2015 Campaign Toward Inclusion that advocates for people with disabilities. The 8 a.m.-to-5 p.m. event includes free food, health screenings, and information and resources. The 5K benefits the South DeKalb YMCA scholarships for families, the Transportation Ministry at the Light of Hope Church, and the advocacy work of Disabled in Action. The Rev. Jessie Simms, 27, who was born with cerebral palsy, will speak at the celebration. Organizers say Simms exemplifies the current need to highlight “disability justice,” an examination of how race impacts inclusion. Simms confronts the expectations that disabled people of color must live in poverty and isolation. Presenters and resource participants will raise awareness on the status of Georgia’s response to the landmark 1999 Olmstead decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that “unnecessary institutionalization amounts to segregation and is a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.” The case has become a mandate for states to free tens of thousands of people from unnecessary and unjust institutionalization. The Campaign Toward Inclusion, an ongoing community outreach initiative, was started in 2004 by the Rev. Calvin Peterson, an Atlanta native and author of “Nothing Is Impossible.” He was born with severe cerebral palsy in 1948 in poverty in a segregated and pre-ADA era. After finishing college, he became a disability rights activist. In 1986, he founded Disabled Calvin Peterson in Action, and in 2009 he started the Light of Hope Church of Inclusion at 6615 Tribble St. in Lithonia. The campaign seeks to develop sustainable community collaborations and partnerships, promote better community access for all people, create opportunities of inclusion in mainstream daily activities, and advance the need to increase funding for community-based support resources. It advocates for improved legislative funding and enhanced legal protection for people who are disabled, physically fragile, abused and neglected. Exchange Park is at 2771 Columbia Drive. For more information or sponsorships, contact Alvin Dollar at 404-454-4063.

‘Look Again’ to safeguard children Heatstroke, which Parents, caregivers occurs when the body is and any motorist who unable to properly cool transports children are after being exposed to being advised to “Look extreme temperatures, Again” to ensure that is a summer threat to kids are not left inside everyone, but the risk vehicles, particularly is even greater for kids, during hot weather. whose body temperaIn Georgia, the inture increases three to side of a car can reach five times faster. life-threatening temperDECAL recomatures on a hot summer Last year, 30 children in the nation died mends creating a system day in about 10 minutes, from being left in hot cars. increasing risks for injuries or deaths associ- to never leave a child behind by examining the front, back and underneath car seats. ated with extreme heat. Hot cars and heat-related health risks are Then look again to ensure all passengers are a threat to the more than 375,000 children accounted for. In the event you find a child in Georgia child care programs that provide left in a hot car, call 911 immediately. Fitzgerald said first responders would transportation services every day. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning rather respond to a false alarm than deal with is advising all caregivers to look again after the loss of a child. “We all live in very busy times. Multireaching their destination. Investigations are under way in two cases tasking has become a way of life. If you’ve involving children being left in hot vehicles ever set a cup of coffee or a purse on top of your car, something in plain view, and taken in metro Atlanta. Public Health Commissioner Brenda off without noticing, think how easy it could Fitzgerald and DECAL are promoting the be to forget a small child sleeping in the back awareness campaign. DECAL says 30 chil- seat. It can happen to anyone at any time.” Visit http://decal.ga.gov/ChildcareSerdren in the nation died from being left in hot vices/TransportationNewsConference.aspx. cars last year, including two in Georgia.

Food, garden tips at ‘Back to Eden’ “Back to Eden: Experiencing Healing Through Food” on June 20 at First Alliance Church in Atlanta offers information on nutrition, wellness, gardening, and preparing and storing food. The 9 a.m.-to-7 p.m. event also features children’s activities, small farm animals for petting, and a bluegrass band. There is no cost to attend. Local organic, non-GMO, humane farmers will participate, and there will be info booths and six presentations, includ-

ing “Square Foot Gardening” with Anthony Gobert, adjunct instructor of Sustainable Urban Agriculture at Gwinnett Tech, beginning at 10 a.m., and at 5 p.m., the acclaimed “Back to Eden” documentary about Paul Gautschi and the methods of gardening he uses that require very little watering/weeding and no fertilizer or pesticide. The church is at 2512 N. Druid Hills Road. Visit www.facatl.org/back-to-eden or contact Margarita Szechenyi at EdenFreedom24@gmail.com or 404-634-1209.

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CrossRoadsNews

June 13, 2015

Each year, more than 6,000 women and children turn to the Women’s Resource Center for aid.

Free state park access for DeKalb library patrons Adult patrons with a valid DeKalb Public Library card can borrow a pass to state parks and other attractions in a program made available through the Georgia Public Library Service. They can borrow a pass at any branch for an educational day of family fun. For more information, visit http:// dekalblibrary.org/news/parks-and-museum-passes. “Annie” starring Quvenzhane Wallis and Jamie Foxx screens at Hairston Crossing Library on June 17.

‘Annie’ screening for Movie Madness series Family films rule at Wednesday Movie Madness screenings this summer at the Hairston Crossing and Decatur library branches. The offerings are suitable for patrons ages 5 and up. On June 17, “Annie” screens at 1 p.m. at Hairston Crossing. The 2014 musical comedy, which is rated PG, stars Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis as the title character, a foster kid living with a mean foster mom, Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz), who sees her life change when business tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Oscar winner Jamie Foxx) makes a thinly veiled campaign move and takes her in. It is open to the first 100 participants, and funding is provided by the Friends of the Hairston Crossing Library. The library is at 4911 Redan Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, call 404-508-7170.

‘Despicable Me 2’ The Decatur Library screens “Despicable Me 2” at 1:30 p.m. on June 17. The 2013 animated comedy, which is rated PG, features the voice talent of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Benjamin Bratt. While ex-supervillain Gru (Carell) is adjusting to family life and an honest living in the jam business, a secret Arctic laboratory is stolen and the Anti-Villain League recruits him in the investigation. Eccentric AVL agent Lucy (Wiig) and Gru conclude that the prime suspect is the presumed dead supervillain El Macho (Bratt), while Gru’s minions are being quietly kidnapped en masse for some malevolent purpose. The showing is open to the first 164 participants. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, call 404-370-3070.

State parks, historic sites The Georgia ParkPass library loan program is a partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Passes check out for seven days and allow up to four visitors to be admitted to state parks and historic sites at no charge. Passes also include free parking and a guide booklet. Visit getoutdoorsgeorgia.org. Go Fish Education Center The Go Fish Education Center Library Pass program is a partnership with Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. Passes check out for seven days and allow up to four visitors to be admitted to the center in Perry at no charge. Visit gofisheducationcenter.com. Zoo Atlanta The Zoo Atlanta Family Pass program is a partnership with GPLS and Zoo Atlanta. Patrons must check out, watch and return the Zoo Atlanta DVD to receive a receipt, good for up to seven days, for free admission for two adults and two children to Zoo Atlanta. Visit zooatlanta.org.

Participants should bring their own bikes, lots of water and bug spray for the guided bike ride and hike.

Bike and hike at Arabia Individuals and families can take a free guided bike ride and hike at Arabia Mountain on June 14. Participants must bring their own bikes. There will be four miles of biking and 1.8 miles of hiking. The ride starts at 8 a.m. at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. The group will take the paved trail to the Laurel Creek Trail where they will park their bikes and hike, then ride back to the Nature Center. The family-friendly ride can be strenuous and has several changes in elevation. Bring plenty of water and bug spray. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The Nature Center is at 3787 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit http://arabiaalliance.org/event/ bike-and-hike-at-arabia-mountain or call 770-492-5220.

Champions for Change honoring abuse survivors Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey is host for the Women’s Resource Center’s 12th annual Champions for Change Luncheon on June 23 at the Georgia Aquarium. Tr e t h e w e y ’ s mother, Gwendolyn Grimmette, was murdered in DeKalb County in 1985 by her former husband, Joel Grimmette, Trethewey’s stepfather. Her death became Natasha Trethewey the catalyst for the founding of the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence one year later. The nonprofit honors the legacy of

domestic violence survivors at the annual event. A silent auction begins at 11 a.m., and the program starts at noon in the Oceans Ballroom. Items for auction include firstclass airfare on Delta Air Lines, jewelry, event tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, and gift certificates. Members of the community also may bid on auction items online at www.501auctions.com/ wrcdv beginning one week prior to the event. Donations can be made directly to the center. Trethewey is a two-term U.S. poet laureate whose work often reflects on her mother’s life. She is the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of English and Creative

Writing at Emory University, where she also directs the Creative Writing Program. Each year, more than 6,000 women and children turn to the Women’s Resource Center for aid. Its programs include a 25-hour hotline, confidential safe house, legal advocacy, support groups, community-based advocacy, financial education, supervised visitation, child and family advocacy, prevention programming with youth, and community education. The aquarium is at 225 Baker St. N.W. in Atlanta. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. wrcdv.org or call 404-370-7670.

CrossRoadsNews

June 13, 2015

People

“It begins in sports with life lessons – dedication, willingness to sacrifice, execute and try to do things as correct as possible.”

‘Klandestine’ reviews SWD track coach inducted into Hall of Fame Southwest DeKalb High track and King assassination field coach Napoleon B. Cobb, whose Journalist and author Pate McMichael reads from “Klandestine,” a review of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on June 18 at the Decatur Library. The talk, part of the Georgia Center for the Book’s Festival of Writers series, gets under way at 7:15 p.m. In “Klandestine: How a Klan Lawyer and a Checkbook Journalist Helped James Earl Ray Cover Up His Crime,” McMichael details how a legacy of unpunished racial killings provided the perfect climate for two men with Pate McMichael opposite views on race to convince a nation that a conspiracy was behind King’s murder. McMichael, who taught narrative journalism and media law as a senior lecturer at Georgia College, graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in history and the Missouri School of Journalism with a master’s in journalism. In 2009, he was a finalist for the Livingston Awards for Young Journalists. His stories have been published in Atlanta magazine, St. Louis magazine, and Zócalo Public Square. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. For more information, call 404-370-3070.

Poet pays tribute to fathers Award-winning poet and essayist Gwen Russell Green pays tribute to dads and their relationships with their children and the world at “Feelin’ Father’s Day” on June 15 at the Stonecrest Library. The 6-to-8-p.m. program will explore the portrayal of fathers from both a media and personal perspective. Gwen R. Green Attendees are invited to share personal poems and essays during the open mic segment. Funding is provided by the Friends of Stonecrest Library. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-3828.

career has spanned 50 years, has been inducted into the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The induction took place at the GACA 77th Annual Awards and 15th Hall of Fame reception and banquet on May 29-30. Cobb said the greatest honor he has received is being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Southwest DeKalb’s six Top 3 finishes at the Class 5A Boys’ State Track and Field Championships on May 14-16 at Jefferson’s Memorial Stadium propelled SWD to its ninth state track title, giving Cobb his eighth title at SWD, where he completed his last season, and 11th overall. A graduate of Henry McNeal Turner High in Atlanta, Cobb received a degree in physical education from Tennessee State University. Cobb earned State Track and Field Championships in 1975, 1976 and 1978 while at DeKalb’s Gordon High and was head track coach at Morehouse College from 1978 to 1988. In 1988, he returned to DeKalb to coach at SWD and became the only coach to win four or more state championships in AAAA and the first coach ever to have two of his high school students compete in the 2000 Summer Olympics. Both became champions in hurdle events with Angelo Taylor winning gold and Terrence Trammell winning silver. He returned to Morehouse as assistant head track coach in 2008 before rejoining SWD in 2011. Cobb, who lived in DeKalb for 30 years, has amassed a national championship, 13 county championships, 11 state championships, numerous invita-

Legendary track coach Napoleon B. Cobb, who was inducted into the GACA Hall of Fame, coached Olympic medalists Angelo Taylor and Terrence Trammell.

tional and relay victories nationally and statewide, 24 high school All-Americans, and 22 college All-Americans in addition to Olympic medalists. His daughter, Katanya Cobb, finished Gordon High in 1983; daughter Shan Cobb finished DeKalb’s Open Campus in 1990; and his twin sons, Jabari B. Cobb and Napoleon A. Cobb, graduated from SWD in 1992. They all attended Kelley Lake Elementary. In his retirement, the coach will do

track clinics and motivational speaking and run track camps through his Cobb School of Champions. “Sports, education and life are allinclusive,” he said. “They all merge into one. It begins in sports with life lessons – dedication, willingness to sacrifice, execute and try to do things as correct as possible. And all these principles carry over into the classroom, and in the final analysis they must be transferred into career and into daily life.”

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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

CrossRoadsNews

June 13, 2015

Legal Notices 06/13, 06/20, 06/27, 07/04

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV6159-5++ Gabriela Hernandez-Galvez Plaintiff Vs. Sabino Hernandez-Villanueva Defendant To: Sabino Hernandez-Villanueva

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 11, 2015 you are hereby notified that on June 14, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Elizabeth Ann Gerewaut, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc., 246 Sycamore St., Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 11, 2015. Witness the Honorable Gregory A.

Adams, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of May, 2015. 06/13, 06/20, 06/27, 07/04

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 14CV861310 Ebonique Greggs Plaintiff Vs.

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Phillip Greggs Defendant To: 4401 Flat Shoals Pkwy Decatur, GA 30032 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 28, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Sept. 04, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: 3365 River Mill Ln, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty

MARKETPLACE RATES

PERSONAL CARE

JHC

Help needed Personal Care Home live-in caregiver. Interested compassionate, and serious persons; Call 678-773-6210

“EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

advertising

education

Store helper needed. Competent in basic math; good customer

Residential Instructors/Housepar-

Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC

Love Divine Music Conservatory award-winning school teaches: piano, organ, voice, band and strings. Call Dr. Sue Hampton at 404-244-7420.

THIS SIZE AD FOR ONLY $ Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody • Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Immigration Law

4153 Flat Shoals Parkway | Bldg C Suite 322 | Decatur, GA 30034

P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.jhclawyers.com

30?

Call 404-284-1888 to find out how.

06/13, 06/20, 06/27, 07/04

Notice of Petition to Change Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 15CV53592 Isatu Kamara Plaintiff Vs. Mohamed Tejan Smith Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 28, 2015 you are hereby notified that on May 12, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Isatu Kamara, 1120 Oakwood Manor, Decatur,

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV4930-2++ Alva Nolia Smith filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Alva Nolia Smith to Triellis Ann Bell Chadwick. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr. 30, 2015 Triellis Chadwick aka Alva Nolia Smith Petitioner, Pro se 3937 Glenwood Rd., #50 Decatur, GA 30032 404-513-8390

help wanted

miscellaneous

SINGLE MOTHERS MATTER

attorneys

HELP WANTED

MUSIC LESSONS

06/13, 06/20, 06/27, 07/04

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

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

Drivers: Need a Change? More home time this Summer? 60K+ Per Year. Full Benefit Package + Bonuses. CDL-A 1 Yr. Exp. 855-454-0392

GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 28, 2015. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 29th day of May, 2015.

Notice OF PUBLICATION

Marketplace ALTERATIONS

(60) days of May 28, 2015. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 28th day of May, 2015.

Serving Ages 6 wks to Age 13

Family Owned Quality Child Care Facility 25+ Years Experience 18+ Years in the community 6am-6pm Monday-Friday 2650 McAfee Rd Decatur 30032

(404) 534-9969

Lucy T. Andrews, Exec. Dir.

Regional Runs Available. Choose the Total Package: Auto Detention Pay after 1HR! Weekends Home! Regular Frequent Home Time, Top Pay Benefits; Monthly Bonuses & More! CDL-A, 6 mos Exp. Req'd EEOE/AAP 866-326-2679 www.drive4marten.com

Changing the lives of single mothers one mother and one family at a time.

VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED To see how you can help, visit www.SingleMothersMatter.org

youth FREE Summer Meals for Children LITHONIA, GA - Children up to 18 years of age are offered breakfast, lunch, and supper at no cost to them this summer. This annual program is open to any and all children 18 years old and under in qualifying areas. Meals will be offered at KIP Academy, Inc. (located inside Union Missionary Baptist church). Breakfast will be served Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be served 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch are available to all children in the community, regardless of whether or not the children attend a camp offered by KIP Academy. Camp registration is now open. During the summer, 3 to 4 mornings each week campers will have an opportunity to maintain the basic academic skills in the areas of math, reading and writing. Students will expand upon skills learned from the previous school year and get a boost on new skills to prepare them for the next school year. Students are placed in groups according to academic levels and ratios. Supper will be served 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to those enrolled in the camp. (A free/reduced price application is required if children want to receive supper meals.) Daily camp registration is available. KIP Academy, Inc. is located at 2470 Bruce Street, Lithonia, GA 30058. The school lunchroom number is 770-482-6112. The Seamless Summer Nutrition Program is sponsored by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and administered with assistance from the Georgia Department of Education. For more information, please contact Martha Howard, school nutrition manager, KIP Academy, at 770-482-6112.

5,00 atte 0 peop 201 nded t le Bac 4 Famil he k-to y -S & Exp chool o

Educating & Empowering the Community July 25, 2015 • Noon - 5 p.m. at the Mall at Stonecrest Exhibitors • Screenings Entertainment Limited number of exhibitor slots available.

Call 404-284-1888 to reserve your space.