CrossRoadsNews, June 14, 2014 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

SCENE

FINANCE

Cyclists can pedal from Lithonia to the monastery in Conyers with the completion of more than 30 miles of the Arabia Mountain PATH trail. 5

History buffs can view the extensive Kinsey Collection of AfricanAmerican art and history for free on June 21-22. 13

A new traffic signal will help motorists trying to exit the Kroger shopping center on Flat Shoals Parkway near Flakes Mill Road in Decatur. 14

Final leg of trail complete

Final free weekend

Traffic relief on Flat Shoals

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

June 14, 2014

Volume 20, Number 7

www.crossroadsnews.com

Hearings into school board decision not to roll back taxes By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb homeowners won’t be getting a millage rollback from the DeKalb School Board this year even though their property assessments are rising, compliments of the stabilizing economy and the rebirth of the real estate market. In a statement Thursday, the School Board said that state law requires it to announce its intention not to roll back the millage rate to compensate for an increase in DeKalb County property tax assessments and to hold three public hearings so that residents can express their opinions on the increased revenues that result from reassessments.

“Therefore, in accordance with state law, the DeKalb County Board of Education announces its intention to increase the property taxes it will recommend to be levied this year by 6.54 percent over the rollback rate,” it said. The public hearings will take place June 25 at 6 p.m. and at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on July 7 at its Administrative & Instructional Complex in Stone Mountain. Across the county, as property values rebound from a 2012 low, property owners have been receiving notices this month from County Tax Assessor Calvin Hick showing higher tax assessments on their properties. In 2012, the values of the county’s

227,694 properties declined $3 billion, or 6 percent, going to $44.2 billion from $47.2 billion in 2011. School District spokesman Jeff Dickerson said that the School Board has not increased the millage rate. “Under state law, if there is an increase in revenue collections without a rollback in the millage rate, every taxing authority must advertise it as a ‘tax increase,’” he said. Dickerson said the board intends to retain a 6.54 percent increase in revenue resulting from higher assessed property values. “The district will use the additional

Public hearings The DeKalb School Board is holding three public hearings into its decision not to roll back the millage rate to compensate for higher revenues from increased property tax assessments. The meetings take place in the Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. in Stone Mountain: n June 25 at 6 p.m. n July 7 at 11 a.m. n July 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Please see ASSESSMENTS, page 6

Effort afoot to name ballfield for beloved coach Pedro “Big Poppa” Sanders, who died June 4, 2013, of a heart attack, volunteered at Browns Mill Park in Lithonia and coached youth baseball.

Pedro Sanders shaped many young lives By Ken Watts

Pedro “Big Poppa” Sanders, who died suddenly a year ago, was a dedicated baseball coach at Browns Mill Park in Lithonia. Now on the first anniversary of his untimely passing, friends, family and parents want the 13/14 baseball field, where he gave so much and shaped so many young lives, to be named the Pedro A. Sanders Memorial Field. Over the 13 years that he volunteered at the popular youth baseball facility on Browns Mill Road, the 36-year-old Sanders, who died June 4, 2013, of a heart attack, worked with more than 150 youths. Jonasha Sanders, who was married to him for 13 years, said he lived and breathed the sport and taught his players everything he knew about the rules, challenges and nuances of the national pastime with the full Jonasha Sanders knowledge that the discipline would carry over in a positive way into their daily lives. “I’m proud that he not only was a great father to my children but was also able to be a mentor to underprivileged boys who didn’t have a father figure in their lives,” she said. On June 7, more than 40 players, parents, supporters and friends joined Sanders’ widow and his three children – Jonnethan, Morganne and Bryson – at the park to remember the beloved coach. They played games, enjoyed entertainment, and shared food and memories of Sanders. Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson read a proclamation declaring June 7 Pedro A. Sanders Day in Lithonia. Jackson said that Sanders understood

Members of the Georgia Reds youth baseball and Georgia Red Hots kickball teams release balloons on the ballfield at Browns Mill Park on June 7 in memory of their late coach, Pedro A. Sanders. Photos Courtesy of the Sanders Family

the importance of parental and community involvement. “Coach Sanders was a firm believer in the capacity of our youth to be successful with the right support and nurturing,” she said in the proclamation. Shayla Amos of Lithonia said Sanders had

and coach Sanders stepped up to become a father figure for him. One time I heard coach tell Raheem that being a man means taking responsibility and doing the right thing. He gave Raheem a positive outlook as he was entering his teens.” Sanders, a 1996 graduate of Lithonia High School, was a lifelong resident of Lithonia. He was the owner of SuperKlean Waterworks, a mobile car detailing and pressure washing business. With basketball and football dominating pop culture and attracting most AfricanAmerican athletes, Sanders was known for his love of baseball. He coached the sport at Browns Mill from 2000 until his sudden death. In 2012, he founded the Georgia Reds Youth Association that included four teams for ages 5 to 16. A year later, he launched the

a powerful influence on her nephew, whom she helped raise. Raheem Collier, now 16 and a rising junior at Martin Luther King Jr. High School, played third base and catcher for Sanders’ teams in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons. “Raheem lost his father when he was 5 Please see COACH, page 6

People

CrossRoadsNews

June 14, 2014

“He was always full of energy and willing to do whatever was needed to keep residents safe.”

March 22, 1931 – June 6, 2014

Longtime Police Chief Bobby Burgess dies at 83 DeKalb County officials joined family and friends on June 10 at the Avondale First Baptist Church to eulogize Robert “Bobby” Theron Burgess, who was the county’s longest-serving police chief. The Stone Mountain native, who retired from the county in 2001 after 22 years as police chief, died June 6 of natural causes. He was 83. Burgess was buried at Melwood Cemetery in Stone Mountain. He joined the Police Department in 1957 as a patrolman and was known for being tough but compassionate with his officers and for his extensive knowledge of his family’s long history in DeKalb. DeKalb police Lt. Tom Reiner, who knew Burgess for more than 25 years, said that when Burgess entered public service, he Robert “Bobby” Theron Burgess retired in joined the family business. 2001 after 22 years as DeKalb police chief. He “Generations of Burgess men were in the joined the force in 1957 as a patrolman. DeKalb County government and he was re-

Oliver Brown ailing after stroke Longtime DeKalb political strategist and dancer extraordinaire Oliver Brown is ailing. Brown, who worked with many candidates seeking local, state and congressional office in DeKalb in the 1990s and early 2000s, is battling the effects of a stroke he suffered in March. In his heyday, Brown, who has a booming voice and a laugh to match, was the life of holiday and other parties around South DeKalb. He loved to dance, and when he found a partner to match, he often domi-

nated the dance floor. He was often quoted by local newspapers and the Wall Street Journal on political issues. State Rep. Pam Stephenson, a relative of Brown, said the family is asking for prayers for him. “Pray for him,” she said. “Keep him in your prayers.” While the stroke did not incapacitate him physically, Stephenson said, it has affected his memory. Brown, who lives in Decatur, turned 80 last October.

ally proud of that – since the late 1800s – and he continued the tradition,” Reiner said. It is the longest stretch of time a DeKalb police chief has served, Reiner said. Burgess’ son, Bobby Jr., said his father had “an extreme love for DeKalb County” and its history and could tell their family’s entire history since they came to DeKalb in the early 1800s. “He knew almost every detail of the last 80 years of DeKalb,” his son said. DeKalb interim CEO Lee May called Burgess’ long service to the county an inspiration. “Bobby Burgess was a good man whose life was guided by a deep and abiding faith and a commitment to public service,” he said. “He meant a great deal to us all and served as an inspiration with his ongoing efforts to give back and improve his community, about which he cared so deeply.” DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson,

who is the BOC’s presiding officer, said Burgess’ top priority was the safety of the people. “Throughout his years of service, he was always full of energy and willing to do whatever was needed to keep DeKalb residents safe,” Johnson said. “He was a tremendous community servant who will be sorely missed.” Former CEO Liane Levitan, who first met Burgess in 1973, called him a natural leader who ran a tight ship. “He always fought to ensure that DeKalb County had the best-equipped police force,” Levitan said. “My thoughts and prayers remain with his family during this difficult time.” Burgess also is survived by his wife, Shirley Burgess; sons Joel and David; stepdaughters, Sandy and Terry Pendley; stepson Robby Lanier; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Political strategist Oliver Brown of Decatur, who turned 80 in October, suffered a stroke in March that affected his memory.

June 14, 2014

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“This is an opportunity to increase the service level that the YMCA provides in a community that needs it.”

YMCA agreement failed to pass Board of Commissioners By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

A controversial public-private agreement that would have allowed DeKalb County to purchase the South DeKalb YMCA for $4.95 million failed to get a majority vote from the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on June 10 and will have to come back before them again. Commissioners Larry Johnson and Stan Watson, whose districts 3 and 7 include the YMCA, want to use the rest of their districts’ green space land acquisition funds and $4 million of countywide acquisition money from the 2001 and 2006 Park Bond Funds to purchase the 18-acre property and lease it back to the Metropolitan YMCA for $1 a year for 50 years. The YMCA says it will turn around and invest the $4.95 million back into expanding and renovating the facility. After passionate statements from Johnson and Watson supporting the deal and emotional comments from Commissioners

Runoff forum set for June 17 Voters can hear from candidates in the July 22 runoff election for state school superintendent, DeKalb sheriff, and DeKalb School Board districts 3 and 5 on June 17 at the Community Achievement Center in Decatur. State Rep. Rahn Mayo and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity are hosting a forum. It takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. The Community Achievement Center is at 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, call 404-214-7400.

Jeff Rader and Kathie Gannon opposing the agreement, Rader switched his no vote to abstention, then recused himself so that the vote would not be tied. “I do not want it to be decided by someone who is not serving on the commission,” he said. Interim CEO Lee May had earlier broken the tie vote on Rader’s motion to defer the item to January 2015. May, who is the District 5 commissioner, cannot serve on the Board of Commissioners while he is interim CEO, but he is called in to break ties when the six remaining commissioners are deadlocked. Watson, who made the motion to approve the agreement, said it was legally sound and that they had 11 meetings in and around the county. “We have done a tremendous job to make sure all the voices are heard,” he said. “We should go ahead and approve this and move on.” Watson said that they had talked about health disparities and it was the right thing

to do. May said that the same board members who were opposing the South DeKalb Y agreement voted for a similar one for the Wade Walker Park. “This is an opportunity to increase the serStan Watson vice level that the YMCA provides in a community that needs it,” he said. But both Gannon, the District 6 commissioner, and Rader, who represents District 2, said that there are greater needs across the county and if they are going to spend green space money on renovations, the Hamilton Recreation Center in Scottdale, the Lucious Sanders Center in Lithonia and the Tucker Center were more deserving. “I invite members of the YMCA’s board to visit Hamilton Rec Center,” Gannon said. “It will make you cry to see where those kids have to go. It’s an embarrassment.”

Gannon said she is not against the YMCA, but that green space funds should not be used to renovate a nonprofit institution’s facility. Rader said the dollars should be spent on land acquisition. Kathie Gannon “We are converting land acquisition money into renovations for a facility,” he said. “If we can do that, why can’t we do that at Hamilton, at Lucious Sanders? Why can’t we do that at Mason Mill? Why can’t we do that at Tucker? Those facilities are greatly lacking. When you compare them with the South DeKalb YMCA, you can see that they are clearly less attractive.” He said the terms of the agreement were not presented to anyone in the public before it came on the BOC’s agenda in April. “This agreement is new and it obviously needs more work,” he said.

Legendary actress and activist Ruby Dee dies at 91 Dee was married to fellow acAcclaimed stage, film and televitor Ossie Davis for 56 years until sion actress actress Ruby Dee died his death in 2005. Together they June 11. formed one of the entertainment Dee, who was also a notable industry’s most productive and figure in the Civil Rights moveenduring artistic and activist partment, was 91. She died peacefully nerships. at her home in New Rochelle, N.Y., They were friends with barriersurrounded by her family. breaking baseball star Jackie RobDee was born Oct. 17, 1927, in inson, the Rev. Martin Luther King Cleveland. She grew up in Harlem Ruby Dee and joined the American Negro Theater in Jr. and Malcom X, and they took part in marches for racial equality in the South. 1941 before making her way to Broadway. At the news of her death, NAACP board She won an Oscar nomination in 2008 for chairman Roslyn M. Brock said we lost a true her role in “American Gangster.”

gem in the civil rights and entertainment community. “Ruby Dee blazed a trail for AfricanAmerican artists by advocating for racial equality in the performing arts,” Brock said. Fellow actors Elisabeth and Afemo Omilami said Dee represented the best of her craft as an actress. “She maintained a standard and an excellence that led to her longevity and her status and one of the best actresses of all time,” they said. Broadway theaters were planning to dim their marquees Friday in Dee’s memory.

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Cherie Esteves Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker

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L CA ! LO RCH A SE

L ITA NG! G I D ETI RK MA

June 14, 2014

On July 22, voters will decide whether Michael Erwin or Atticus LeBlanc will represent District 3 on the DeKalb County School Board.

“My opponent has decided to focus on labeling our communities as charter or anticharter instead of uniting our community around equitable education for all of our children. … I believe that our local community … will have an opportunity to form charter schools that fit the academic needs of their children and make decisions that lead to academic growth within their community schools.”

“Please forgive my cynicism for suggesting that a ‘Charter System’ under the current administration will look a lot like the broken system we already have and will continue to ignore our parents and teachers. So while Mr. Erwin continues to ask for our patience, I am asking: ‘What is stopping us from pursuing fundamental change to our school system now?’ ”

Michael Erwin

Atticus LeBlanc

‘Charter System’ option Fundamental change is a vehicle for change needed for schools By Dr. Michael Erwin

I volunteered to serve on the DeKalb County School Board because of my belief that every child should have equal access to a quality education. At the beginning of my tenure, the district was on the verge of losing its accreditation through SACS; it was running a $14 million deficit; layoffs, furlough days and no cost of living adjustments had devastated employee morale. Deep budget cuts had also negatively impacted student achievement such as reduced funding for textbooks, counselors, support staff and services. My opponent Atticus LeBlanc has chosen to ignore the unprecedented results of our new School Board and Superintendent Michael Thurmond over the past 16 months. By eliminating the district’s budget deficit, reducing furlough days, and cutting the Central Office’s budget by $12 million, we will ensure that our budgets place dollars closest to where student instruction is occurring in the classroom. Furthermore, the proposed budget for FY 2015 includes the removal of all remaining furlough days, hiring of 100 new teachers, and a cost of living adjustment for teachers and staff. We will end the current fiscal year with an estimated $20 million surplus. Currently, the district is implementing a variety of strategies to address the graduation rate. We are utilizing post-secondary transition specialists to work with at-risk students and the district has partnered with local colleges to offer summer preparatory courses to help students prepare for Georgia High School Graduation Tests. Thanks to a grant from AT&T, we will also establish five “Job for Georgia Graduates” sites at high schools with the lowest graduation rates. Current efforts have resulted

in an improved graduation rate for 2013 from 57.3 percent to 60.2 percent and we are expecting even more of an increase for the 2014 graduation rate. My opponent has decided to focus on labeling our communities as charter or anti-charter instead of uniting our community around equitable education for all of our children. The recommended Charter System School Flexibility Option is a vehicle for change that allows each of our schools to develop its own long-term plan that involves all of our children receiving the best educational experience we can give them. It will maximize school-level governance by providing each school with substantial autonomy and decision-making over budgets, programs, personnel and academic innovation. Furthermore, the recommended Charter System will not prevent the Druid Hills Charter Cluster from forming, but it will require that they obtain consensus from each of the seven schools’ local governance boards to work as a cluster. I believe that our local community members, educators, parents and stakeholders will have an opportunity to form charter schools that fit the academic needs of their children and make decisions that lead to academic growth within their community schools. We need consistency in governance, a continuous channeling of resources to the classroom, and accountability for academic growth and achievement at every level. So, I ask the public to stay engaged and involved and keep an open mind as we continue to change the educational culture in DeKalb County. Dr. Michael Erwin is the incumbent District 3 School Board member. He is a biology professor at Georgia Gwinnett College. He was appointed to the School Board by Gov. Nathan Deal and is running for his first elected office.

By Atticus LeBlanc

I had the honor of attending a candidate forum hosted by the DeKalb NAACP last weekend during which my incumbent opponent, Michael Erwin, cited progress in the county since his appointment by [Gov. Nathan] Deal and asked for continued patience from the audience. He asked for more time to improve the state of DeKalb schools, and he cited the state formulas for calculating graduation rates as a reason for DeKalb’s performance seeming worse than it actually is. With all due respect to my opponent, it doesn’t matter how you measure DeKalb’s performance ... it’s terrible. The challenges facing our school system may indeed be great, and we cannot expect drastically different outcomes overnight, but how can we expect to actually improve those outcomes if we aren’t changing the way we are operating our schools? And what are we waiting for? Since the new board was appointed, there hasn’t been one policy change affecting the management structure of our schools. We still have high-level administrators at the top delegating down to the local schools. We still have just as many parents and neighborhoods that are being ignored. We are still losing great teachers at alarming rates. While KIPP and other charters outperform the vast majority of schools in the state and serve as models of achievement, our School Board has done nothing to either attract more of these schools to South DeKalb or to even attempt to model the best practices from these or other successful schools in our own public education system.

When McNair High School has a 44 percent graduation rate compared to 93 percent for KIPP, and the demographic and socioeconomic breakdown of the student body is virtually identical, shouldn’t we expect our Board of Education to at least start to make fundamental policy changes to address these disparities? Or should we continue to “be patient” while more students fall through the cracks? Mr. Erwin should understand the value of charters, since he is a parent of a child at the GLOBE Academy Charter. But I simply don’t understand how someone justifies sending their own child to a charter school while at the same time denying the same opportunities to thousands of other kids in the district he serves. When wait lists for charter school enrollment in DeKalb exceed the actual enrollment of those schools, shouldn’t our board and administration see we have pent-up demand for more of these schools? While I’m intrigued by the superintendent’s announcement that DeKalb will pursue status as a “Charter System” as one of the three options that must be selected by districts before the summer of 2015, please forgive my cynicism for suggesting that a “Charter System” under the current administration will look a lot like the broken system we already have and will continue to ignore our parents and teachers. So while Mr. Erwin continues to ask for our patience, I am asking: “What is stopping us from pursuing fundamental change to our school system now?” I don’t think we can wait any longer. Atticus LeBlanc is a businessman with ownership interest in multiple real estate and construction management and investment firms. He serves on the DeKalb District 3 Community Council and is a soccer coach. This is his first run for public office.

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June 14, 2014

Community

“Gang activity on the streets in DeKalb and across the metro area is at an all-time high and it’s increasing.” Police and sheriffs from DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Clayton counties have teamed up to crack down on gang activity in jails.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 14 at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers will officially open the final leg of the Arabia Mountain PATH trail.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Metro jails begin fight against gangs By Ken Watts

DeKalb and three other metro counties have joined forces to crack down on a growing threat of gang-related crime in their jails. At a June 5 news conference, DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann and police and sheriffs from Fulton, Gwinnett and Clayton counties announced a coordinated series of jail inmate shakedowns and intensive intelligence to root out gang plots and other illegal activity behind bars that threaten the safety of jail employees and lead to violent crimes in the community. “Gang activity on the streets of our community in DeKalb County and across the metro area is at an all-time high and it’s increasing,” Mann said. The first shakedowns at the DeKalb lockup took place without incident while the news conference was in progress. Mann said that officers went throughout the jail attempting to identify potential gang members who are housed in the DeKalb Jail and to locate any contraband in the facility. Frank Woods, a Gwinnett sheriff ’s cap-

tain, said intelligence is revealing that gang members are becoming more savvy. “Frequently gangs use the jails to grow their numbers,” Woods said. “They get younger members and they get them into the gang activity.” Woods said the names of some gangs come up frequently in jail incidents. “The Bloods gang is a large issue in the metro area, the Gangster Disciples is a large problem. In DeKalb and other counties, you’ve got Sex Money Murder,” he said. “And you have the Aryan Brotherhood, which can be very large in state prison systems as well.” Woods said police also have noticed gangs working with each other to make money. He said they view law enforcement and people in the community as the enemy. After investigators identify gangs in the jail system, Mann said they will share information among local jails and with state prisons to cut gang activity. He said teams have been assigned to monitor communications between inmates and the outside world more closely.

Final leg of Arabia trail opens Bicycle riders can now pedal from the city of Lithonia to the Monastery in Conyers with the completion of more than 30 miles of the Arabia Mountain PATH trail. The final leg of the hike/bike trail that meanders through the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area will officially open on June 14 with an 8 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212 S.W. in Conyers. The trail, built by the PATH Foundation with a mix of public and private partners including Georgia State Parks, the city of Lithonia, DeKalb County, Rockdale County, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and the monastery, took 12 years to construct. Mera Cardenas, executive director of the nonprofit Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, said that after the ribbon cutting, the community can celebrate the culmination of the 12-year project with activities from the monastery to the city of Lithonia.

“This is a wonderful time of year to explore the trail,” she said. “Even if you have been here before, there are new sections just completed and discovery awaits around every twist and turn.” Activities include a 38-mile bike ride that will leave from the monastery, and walkers, hikers and explorers of all ages can join activities at each of the trailheads and historic sites. There will be scavenger hunts, nature identification games, free bike rentals and kayak rentals, and geocaching, a high-tech scavenger hunt. There also will be a bike repair workshop and a South River fish display. The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Preserve is hosting a Family Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3787 Klondike Road in Lithonia. There will be nature walks, face painting, inflatables, bubble stations, arts and crafts, and Zumba. For more information, visit www. arabia alliance.org.

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CrossRoadsNews

Schools

June 14, 2014

“The board does not assess property in DeKalb and has no control over the assessed value of county property.”

Revenue to be used to eliminate all furlough days, bolster reserves ASSESSMENTS,

from page

revenue to eliminate all furlough days, restore the 180-day school year, give teachers a 1 percent pay raise and bolster the School District’s reserves,” he said. The School Board said that the increase in its property tax collections will result directly

from an increase in overall reassessments of properties – not from an increase in the millage rate. “The DeKalb County Board of Education does not assess property in DeKalb County and has no control over the assessed value of county property,” it said. When the total digest of taxable property

is prepared, state law requires that a rollback millage rate must be computed to produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred. “Due to the impact of the Great Recession, the DeKalb County Board of Education is considering maintaining its present millage

DeKalb Chamber hosts Common Core discussion Business owners can participate in a panel discussion on Common Core and Georgia Education on June 18 at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Decatur. The talk, which starts at 11:30 a.m., is part of the DeKalb Chamber Executive Speaker Series. Panelists include Dr. Allene Magill, executive director of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, and Ann Cramer, senior consultant of Coxe Curry &

Associates. Georgia is among 44 states that have adopted a set of core standards for kindergarten through high school in English language arts and mathematics and grades 6-12 literacy in science, history/social studies, and technical subjects. The Common Core Georgia Performance Standards provide a consistent framework to prepare students for college and the 21st century workplace (GeorgiaStandards.

org). It seeks to ensure that all Georgia students have equal access and opportunity to master the skills and knowledge needed for success beyond high school. To register, visit www.dekalbchamber. org. The hotel is at 130 Clairemont Ave. For more information, contact Noelle Lloyd at nlloyd@dekalbchamber.org or 404-3788000, Ext. 224.

Explore GPC this summer and fall. Learn more at gpc.edu

Did you know there is still time to apply and/or register for second-half summer and fall classes? Maybe you’re already taking a summer class at GPC and want to continue. Perhaps you’ve been accepted recently and haven’t yet enrolled, or you’re thinking about applying. Visit our website to see how you can jump-start your educational journey. A BETTER WAY FORWARD CrossRoadsAd.indd 1

rate in order to fully fund its academic school year and to continue to rebuild its financial reserves,” the board said. The public hearings will take place in the J. David Williamson Board Room, The Administrative & Instructional Complex is at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. in Stone Mountain.

Sanders’ life lessons recalled COACH,

from page

Georgia Red Hots, a women’s kickball team, made up of some of the mothers of the team members. That team helped the women to become more active and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Jonasha Sanders said her husband was on the phone scheduling a tournament when the heart attack struck and robbed the community of a man who cared deeply about kids and the betterment of the park. “Baseball was his life,” she said. “I think naming the ballfield for him is a great way to keep his memory alive.” Jonnethan, 16, who is Sanders’ oldest child and played on the baseball team, said his father’s life lessons have stuck with him. “He said some games you’ll win and some you won’t, but just never give up,” said Jonnethan, a rising junior at Druid Hills High School. Morganne, 12, who plays softball, appreciates her dad’s coaching legacy but fondly recalls a loving father. “He always told me how special I was because I was his only girl child,” she said. Melvin Walton, the Browns Mill Civic Athletic Association’s president, said on June 9 that he submitted a formal request to DeKalb Parks and Recreation in May to name the ballfield for Sanders. Marvin Billups, the Parks Department assistant director, said such requests have to go through several steps. “We have a vetting process that we follow,” he said Tuesday. “We review the honoree’s background and accomplishments and then submit the request to our citizens advisory board for further review.” After that, Billups says it goes on to the Board of Commissioners for a final approval. Billups said he isn’t familiar with the Pedro Sanders request and didn’t know how long it would take for the county to approve it.

6/9/14 2:01 PM

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201 Morningside Drive Buford, Ga. 30518

(770) 945-9999

www.levettfuneralhome.com

Sherry Boston DeKalb County Solicitor-General

June 14, 2014

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

“I wanted to bring the program to our schools in DeKalb to share that opportunity for success with students who need it the most.”

Five DeKalb high schools get help to boost graduation rates By Ken Watts

Five DeKalb high schools are getting help to fight dropouts with the start of the new school year in August. Between 200 and 225 students at Clarkston, Lithonia, Ronald E. McNair and Towers in South DeKalb and Cross Keys in Atlanta will participate in the highly respected Jobs for Georgia’s Graduates program. Superintendent Michael Thurmond, who announced the initiative on June 9 alongside state Labor Commissioner Mark Butler at DOL headquarters in Atlanta, said he has seen the impact of Jobs for Georgia’s Graduates serving disadvantaged students to help them finish high school and move on to postsecondary education and a career. “I want to bring the JGG program to our schools in DeKalb County to share that opportunity for success with our high school students who need it the most,” said Thurmond, a former state labor commissioner. The School District is hoping the partnership among schools, business and the Georgia Department of Labor, which provides mentoring, tutoring and academic help, will keep at-risk students in class until they graduate. Adrian Harris, who graduated in May from Newnan High School’s Jobs for Georgia’s Graduates, said he was in danger of becoming a dropout statistic before it arrived at his school. “I just felt at some point that I wasn’t the type to graduate,” he said. “But [JGG counselor] Gaines Coker changed my mind, kept me on track and helped me out with any problem I had school-wise, socially, whatever.” Harris graduated with a 3.0 GPA and is now pondering the University of West Geor-

DeKalb Superintendent Michael Thurmond (second from right) receives a $30,000 grant from AT&T Georgia President Beth Shiroishi (second from left) on June 9 at the Department of Labor headquarters in Atlanta. The money will help start the Jobs for Georgia’s Graduates program at five DeKalb high schools. Also pictured are Janelle Duray, associate vice president of Jobs for America’s Graduates, and Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler.

gia in Carrollton and two other colleges to study business management in the fall. “I’m also considering the University of North Carolina and the University of Georgia,” he said. The Jobs for Georgia’s Graduates program also provides training to help students develop “soft skills,” which school officials say will make them more employable.

Those skills include dressing appropriately, interviewing well, embracing teamwork and communicating well. Program counselors offer follow-up consultations with the students for 12 months after they graduate. Newnan High graduate Kaelin Bridges said JGG made him a more competitive job candidate. “They taught me to reach for the stars,”

said Bridges, who is a sophomore business major at Tuskegee University in Alabama. “I already had good support from my family, but JGG taught me the skills I need to launch a career and what employers actually look for in hiring a new employee.” Butler, the first Republican to head the state Labor Department, said the JGG program counselors get results. “The passion they have to help these young people is like no other,” he said. “A lot of times all they need is a caring adult who can give them good solid advice because for a lot of them, the barriers that keep them from succeeding in school aren’t necessarily academic. It’s all the stuff going on in their home lives. Maybe Mom has to work three jobs. So they don’t have that extra help to get past those barriers. So, what happens then? They give up.” Butler said the schools identify at-risk kids and Jobs for Georgia’s Graduates gives them intensive one-on-one counseling to overcome personal obstacles that may be blocking their progress in school. He said they have had great success with the program. “A 95 percent graduation rate over the last six years,” he said. Jobs for Georgia’s Graduates is an affiliate of the Jobs for America’s Graduates. The Alexandria, Va.-based nonprofit network serves 45,000 students in 31 states. It has a $1 million grant from AT&T to expand nationally. During the June 9 news conference, AT&T Georgia President Beth Shiroishi presented a $30,000 check to Thurmond for DeKalb’s program. Thurmond said the grant will help pay for classroom space and offices for counselors.

CrossRoadsNews

June 14, 2014

Join us to hear how HIV-positive patients have taken the courageous first step in their treatment journey.

Meet a Couch Coach

Hear from an Expert

Join the Conversation

A Couch Coach will be providing information and advice. Hear an honest story, be inspired.

A local healthcare professional will be providing information on TIVICAY, a prescription HIV-1 medicine.

You will have the chance to ask questions.

We encourage you to talk to your doctor about HIV and your treatment—and to see if TIVICAY may be right for you. All presenters are paid spokespersons of ViiV Healthcare.

What is TIVICAY? TIVICAY is a prescription HIV medicine that is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) in adults and children 12 years of age and older and weighing at least 88 pounds. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if TIVICAY is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years or who weigh less than 88 pounds. TIVICAY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control the HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

ad removed from online edition at advertiser’s request

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Who should not take TIVICAY? • Do not take TIVICAY if you take dofetilide because of a life-threatening interaction. What are the most serious side effects of TIVICAY? • Allergic reactions. Stop taking TIVICAY and get medical help right away if you have: ° A rash with any of these symptoms: fever; general ill feeling; extreme tiredness; muscle or joint aches; blisters or sores in your mouth; blisters or peeling of your skin; redness or swelling in your eyes; swelling of your mouth, face, lips or tongue; problems breathing. ° Any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes; dark or tea-colored urine; pale-colored stools (bowel movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; pain, aching, or tenderness on your right side below the ribs. • Changes in liver tests. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with TIVICAY. Your healthcare provider

may do tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with TIVICAY. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines, including increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these problems are not known. • Changes in your immune system can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. What are the other possible side effects of TIVICAY? • The most common side effects of TIVICAY include trouble sleeping and headache. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of TIVICAY. Important Safety Information continued on next page.

CrossRoadsNews

June 14, 2014

A speaker program about HIV treatment

YOU’RE INVITED TO A SPECIAL HIV EVENT We’re bringing people together to talk honestly about HIV. Save the date: Mon., June 16 The Loudermilk Center 40 Courtland Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA Registration: 6:00 pm Program start: 6:30 pm Parking Available

ad removed RSVP from by calling 1-855-653-7430 online edition at advertiser’s request Walk-ins are welcome but registration is encouraged.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take TIVICAY? Before taking TIVICAY, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have ever had an allergic reaction to TIVICAY • have or had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C • have any other medical condition • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TIVICAY will harm your unborn baby • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take TIVICAY. You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. It is not known if TIVICAY passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. TIVICAY and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects. TIVICAY may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how TIVICAY works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: • other HIV-1 medicines including: efavirenz (SUSTIVA®), etravirine (INTELENCE®), fosamprenavir (LEXIVA®)/ritonavir (NORVIR®), nevirapine (VIRAMUNE®), or tipranavir (APTIVUS®)/ritonavir (NORVIR).

• antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum, magnesium or calcium, sucralfate (CARAFATE®), iron or calcium supplements, or buffered medicines. TIVICAY should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines. • anti-seizure medicines: oxcarbazepine (TRILEPTAL®), phenytoin (DILANTIN®, DILANTIN®-125, PHENYTEK®), phenobarbital (LUMINAL®), carbamazepine (CARBATROL®, EQUETRO®, TEGRETOL®, TEGRETOL®-XR, TERIL®, EPITOL®) • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) • a medicine that contains metformin • rifampin (RIFATER®, RIFAMATE®, RIMACTANE®, RIFADIN®) You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Patient Information for TIVICAY on the next pages and discuss it with your healthcare provider. ©2014 ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. DGV179R0 March 2014

T:16”

Food will be provided

CrossRoadsNews

June 14, 2014

PATIENT INFORMATION TIVICAY® (TIV-eh-kay) (dolutegravir) Tablets Read this Patient Information before you start taking TIVICAY and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is TIVICAY? TIVICAY is a prescription HIV medicine that is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infections in adults and children 12 years of age and older and weighing at least 88 pounds. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if TIVICAY is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age or who weigh less than 88 pounds. When used with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, TIVICAY may help: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load.” • Increase the number of white blood cells called CD4+ (T) cells in your blood, which help fight off other infections. • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 and increase the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood which may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). TIVICAY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others. • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with any body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV to other people. Who should not take TIVICAY? Do not take TIVICAY if you take dofetilide. Taking TIVICAY and dofetilide can cause side effects that may be life-threatening.

ad removed from online edition at advertiser’s request

How should I take TIVICAY? • Take TIVICAY exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. • Do not change your dose or stop taking TIVICAY without talking with your healthcare provider. • Stay under the care of a healthcare provider while taking TIVICAY. • You can take TIVICAY with or without food. • If you miss a dose of TIVICAY, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. If you are not sure about your dosing, call your healthcare provider. • If you take too much TIVICAY, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. • Do not run out of TIVICAY. The virus in your blood may become resistant to other HIV-1 medicines if TIVICAY is stopped for even a short time. When your supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy.

How should I store TIVICAY? • Store TIVICAY at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep TIVICAY and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about TIVICAY Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use TIVICAY for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give TIVICAY to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about TIVICAY that is written for health professionals. For more information call 1-877-844-8872 or go to www.TIVICAY.com. What are the ingredients in TIVICAY? Active ingredient: dolutegravir sodium Inactive ingredients: d-mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K29/32, sodium starch glycolate, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The tablet film-coating contains the inactive ingredients iron oxide yellow, macrogol/PEG, polyvinyl alcohol-part hydrolyzed, talc, and titanium dioxide. This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufactured for:

ViiV Healthcare Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 by:

GlaxoSmithKline Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 August 2013 TVC:1PIL ©2013, ViiV Healthcare. All rights reserved. TIVICAY and LEXIVA are registered trademarks of ViiV Healthcare. The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of ViiV Healthcare. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse ViiV Healthcare or its products.

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What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TIVICAY? Before you take TIVICAY, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have ever had an allergic reaction to TIVICAY • have or had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection • have any other medical condition • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TIVICAY will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking TIVICAY. Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take TIVICAY. • You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. • It is not known if TIVICAY passes into your breast milk. • Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. TIVICAY and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. TIVICAY may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how TIVICAY works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: • other HIV-1 medicines including: efavirenz (SUSTIVA®), etravirine (INTELENCE®), fosamprenavir (LEXIVA®)/ritonavir (NORVIR®), nevirapine (VIRAMUNE®), or tipranavir (APTIVUS®)/ritonavir (NORVIR). • antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum, magnesium or calcium, sucralfate (CARAFATE®), iron or calcium supplements, or buffered medicines. TIVICAY should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines. • anti-seizure medicines: • oxcarbazepine (TRILEPTAL®) • phenytoin (DILANTIN®, DILANTIN®-125, PHENYTEK®) • phenobarbital (LUMINAL®) • carbamazepine (CARBATROL®, EQUETRO®, TEGRETOL®, TEGRETOL®-XR, TERIL®, EPITOL®) • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) • a medicine that contains metformin • rifampin (RIFATER®, RIFAMATE®, RIMACTANE®, RIFADIN®) Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is one that is listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of TIVICAY? TIVICAY may cause serious side effects, including: • Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash with TIVICAY. Stop taking TIVICAY and get medical help right away if you: • develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms ° fever ° generally ill feeling ° extreme tiredness ° muscle or joint aches ° blisters or sores in mouth ° blisters or peeling of the skin ° redness or swelling of the eyes ° swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue ° problems breathing • develop any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: ° yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes ° dark or tea-colored urine ° pale-colored stools or bowel movements ° nausea or vomiting ° loss of appetite ° pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side below the ribs • Changes in liver tests. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with TIVICAY. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with TIVICAY. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these problems are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. The most common side effects of TIVICAY include: • trouble sleeping • headache Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of TIVICAY. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Wellness

“We realize that decisions like making health care choices, seeking employment and financial planning can be complex and different for everyone.”

Party, ride fight domestic violence The Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program’s third annual “Domestic Violence Block Party & Charity Ride” takes off at noon on June 21 from Old National Highway in College Park. The ride terminates in the parking lot of Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain, where a block party that started at 11 a.m. will be in full swing. Bikers pay $10 to participate and $5 for an additional passenger. The block party is free to attend. There will be interactive activities and games; live entertainment, food and drink; and vendors and community partners. Siman Baby and Vince “the Voice” Bailey are co-hosts.

Rider registration starts at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart Super Center, 6149 Old National Highway. For more information, contact Tiki Business Manager at 678-205-7498 or Nitro Road Captain at 404-863-5416. For vending space and sponsorship, contact Stephanie Lee at s.lee@asocialrose. com. Supporters of the Domestic Violence Block Party & Charity Ride include DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry and Jakes Management Co. Berean Christian Church is at 2201 Young Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, visit https://www. facebook.com/bcop.org.

Input sought on funding formula Seniors, advocates for the aging and others can weigh in on the development of a new Intrastate Funding Formula through June 30. The Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging Services is seeking public comment that will be used to create the formula to distribute funding to Georgia’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging. The

area agencies manage in-home services and support for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Comments scan be made at http:// aging.dhs.georgia.gov/comment-fundingformula. For information about services available through Area Agencies on Aging, visit www. aging.ga.gov or call 1-866-552-4464.

‘Try the Trail’ at Arabia Mountain Outdoor enthusiasts can “Try the Trail” in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area in June thanks to a 2014 Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation. The Arabia Mountain Alliance received a $19,838 grant to encourage people to use the 30-mile hike/bike trails that stretch from Lithonia to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. It is one of 37 national parks sharing more than $700,000 in grants. The Active Trails program, now in its sixth year, supports healthy living by get-

CrossRoadsNews

June 14, 2014

ting people out and active in national parks through projects that help restore, protect, and/or create land and water trails. Neil Mulholland, foundation president/ CEO, said the program is impacting lives. “Through the Active Trails program, people across the country are connecting with their national parks, discovering more ways to lead active and healthy lives, and giving back to the places they love,” he said. Visit http://arabiaalliance.org/news /trythetrail for Try the Trail events.

Older blacks polled on issues on finances and employment could Health care, education, finandirectly impact their future retirecial security and the digital divide ment security. are among the most important Edna Kane-Williams, the nonsocial issues for African-Amerprofit’s vice president for Multiicans ages 50 and older, a new cultural Markets and Engagement, AARP survey finds. said AARP is working to provide The national African-Ameriall people with enough informacan Social Issues Survey, released June 6, examined the importance E. Kane-Williams tion to make the right choices for themselves and their families. of key social issues facing older “We realize that decisions like knowing African-Americans and gauged their opwhen to claim retirement benefits, making timism in regard to the social issues. More than 650 people responded to health care choices, seeking employment the telephone survey. The survey dem- and financial planning can be complex and onstrates that while many older African- different for everyone,” she said. Among respondents, access to quality Americans are optimistic that the country is moving in the right direction on health health care and financial security ranked care, education and the digital divide, high at 91 percent and health care informathey are significantly less optimistic about tion ranked 89 percent. Visit www.aarp.org/politics-society/ finances, employment and work force advocacy/info-2014/african-american-blackdiscrimination. AARP says the lower levels of optimism social-issues-study.html for survey results.

Stroke, osteoporosis screenings Men and women can get screened for stroke and osteoporosis on June 25 at Rehoboth Presbyterian Church in Decatur. Life Line Screening is providing the service at the event, which is sponsored by DeKalb Medical. Screening, which is fast, noninvasive and painless, identifies potential cardiovascular conditions such as blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and hardening of the arteries in the legs, a strong predictor of heart disease. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk also is offered and is ap-

propriate for both men and women. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of permanent disability, and 80 percent of victims had no warning signs prior to their stroke. Health officials say that preventive ultrasound screenings can help adults avoid a stroke. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Pre-registration is required. Rehoboth Presbyterian Church is at 2729 Lawrenceville Highway. For the cost of packages, more information and to schedule an appointment, visit www.lifelinescreening.com or call 1-877237-1287.

Chapel Hill Orthodontics

Does your child have Asthma? Take part in a Clinical Research Study! Consider joining a research study at Emory University / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to improve asthma treatments for African Americans/Blacks. To participate in this study, you must: • Be 5-21 years old • Have at least one grandparent of African descent

Qualified participants will receive: • Asthma medications • Pulmonary evaluation • Compensation for time and travel

For more info, contact:

Jennifer Dodds

jcdodds@emory.edu 404-727-5176

Alice Bruce

alice.bruce@emory.edu 404-712-1773

Shaneka Douglas sdougl5@emory.edu 404-727-7687

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Scene

CrossRoadsNews

Frank’s “Hurricane Sisters” depicts the complex relationship of a dysfunctional South Carolina Lowcountry family.

Real Men Cook for Charity June 15 Men who know how to throw down in the kitchen will showcase their prowess at the 25th Real Men Cook for Charity on June 15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The 3-to-6 p.m. Father’s Day tradition features more than 100 dishes to sample, chef demonstrations, a health pavilion, and prizes and games. It takes place in the Georgia Ballroom, Building C. Men from all walks of life volunteer to cook a dish for the public to taste and compete for prizes. A silent auction will include a Bahamas hotel stay and an original autographed Super Soaker donated by the creator, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, along with an original print by International Olympics artist Steve Allen. Guest hosts include Idris Muhammad, executive chef, Neiman Marcus Café at Lenox Square; Rick Joyner of “The Rick Joyner Experience” and “Bobby Jones Gospel”; and Fox 5 TV weekend anchor Deidre Dukes. Tickets are available at www.ticketannex.com. Proceeds benefit the Organization of Black Aerospace

June 14, 2014

The Father’s Day tradition features more than 100 dishes to sample, chef demos, a health pavilion, prizes and games.

Professionals Summer Youth ACE Academy, Principles of Manhood After School Program at Sylvan Middle School and Real Men Charities Inc. For more information, call 770-961-6200.

Chefs vying at Saint Philip More than 100 men will cook up a storm at Chefs Galore – A Taste of Saint Philip on June 14. The 1-to-4 p.m. event will include U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, state Rep. Billy Mitchell and other elected officials; male members of the church; and community leaders. Hank Johnson Billy Mitchell Participants will cook in teams and a panel of five judges will pick the best-tasting dishes. Johnson, who represents the 4th District, will serve up his popular “Busy Day Strawberry Cobbler” that was a hit at last year’s event. Mitchell, who represents House District 80 in Stone Mountain, says he is cooking a chicken entree. The event takes place in the church’s Family Life Center. Saint Philip AME Church is at 240 Candler Road S.E. in Atlanta at the intersection with Memorial Drive. For more information, email spchefsgalore@fieldsinc.com.

Bake sale at Scott Candler Library supporters can satisfy their sweet tooth and help the Scott Candler Library raise funds at a June 16 bake sale. The Friends of the Scott Candler Public Library will sell cookies, cakes, brownies and other snacks at the library in Decatur between 4 and 6 p.m. The goodies, which will be donated by members of the Friends group, will sell for 50 cents to $1. Proceeds will benefit library programs. The library branch is at 1917 Candler Road. For more information, visit www. dekalblibrary.org or call 404-286-6986.

Novel tackles dynamics of dysfunctional family New York Times best-selling novelist Dorothea Benton Frank and Southern California poet Brendan Constantine will share their work next week at the Decatur Library. Frank will discuss her latest book, “The Hurricane Sisters,” on June 16 and Constantine will read his poetry on June 18. Both appearances are part of the Georgia Center for the Book’s Festival of Writers Series and both talks begin at 7:15 p.m. Frank’s “Hurricane Sisters” depicts the complex relationship of a dysfunctional South Carolina Lowcountry family. It spans three generations of women grappling with challenging life hardships. When lies and unresolved issues escalate, an emotional hurricane changes their D. Benton Frank lives forever. Frank is the author of 15 novels, including best-sellers “Sullivan’s Island,” “Plantation,” “Porch Lights,” “The Last Original Wife” and “Folly Beach.” Critics say Frank’s novels are synonymous with summer. Bestselling author Adriana Trigiani calls her a great storyteller. “If she were a cocktail, she’d be fizzy,” Trigiani said in USA Today.

Poet known for workshops at hospitals, shelters Constantine, who is known for his dreamy abstraction and emotional ferocity on the page and on the stage, is a creative writing teacher at Windward School in Los Angeles. His recent collections are “Birthday Girl With Possum” and “Calamity Joe.” He became a published author at age 18 and his work has appeared in journals like FIELD, Ploughshares, and Ninth Letter and in the LA B. Constantine Times best-seller “The Underground Guide to Los Angeles.” He has appeared in the films “Pretty in Pink” and “Commando” and is well-known for his workshops at hospitals, foster care centers, and homeless shelters. Atlanta Intown newspaper’s managing editor, Collin Kelley, will be the evening’s host. Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org or call 404-370-3070.

CrossRoadsNews

June 14, 2014

Scene

The Atlanta exhibit marks the Civil War Sesquicentennial and the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

Kinsey Collection on display through July 13 ‘Blessed Life’ Black history buffs and families who want to expose their children to their heritage can see rare documents and artifacts at the Atlanta History Center on June 21-22 free of charge. It will be the final Free Admission Weekend, sponsored by Wells Fargo, when families can view “The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, Where Art and History Intersect” without paying the museum’s fees. The exhibit, which chronicles 400 years of African-American art and history, is on display through July 13. The eye-opening 130-piece exhibit comes from the private collection of art, books and manuscripts that document the story of African-American triumphs and struggles from 1604 to the present. Bernard Kinsey, a former Xerox Corp. manager, and his wife, Shirley, a former elementary school teacher, amassed the collection over decades. The collection includes first-edition copies of Solomon Northrup’s “12 Years a Slave” and W.E.B. Du Bois’ ground-breaking “Souls of Black Folks.” There is also an early version of the Emancipation Proclamation and stories of blacks who wrote books and held high positions during slavery and after. It includes the earliest known AfricanAmerican marriage record dating back to 1598, a 1773 first-edition of Phillis Wheatley’s poems, letters between Malcolm X and Alex Haley and by Zora Neale Hurston and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It features fine art by luminaries like Henry O. Tanner, Elizabeth Catlett, Lois Mailou Jones, Richard Mayhew, Jacob Lawrence and

prayer breakfast

Women can join Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church senior pastor Kathern Thomas for a June 21 Ladies’ Prayer Breakfast in downtown Decatur. The “Living a Blessed Life” breakfast begins at 10 a.m. There will be praise, worship and testimonies. Prophetess Alicia Cardwell Alston will be the guest speaker. The breakfast takes place at 266 Robin St. in Decatur. For more information, call 404-4556678.

100 Black Women holds open house Women who are community leaders with knowledge and experience to share can attend the annual open house of 100 Black Women on June 17 in Lithonia. The 5-to-9-p.m. event, hosted by the Decatur-DeKalb chapter, takes place at DeKalb Medical Hillandale. Women can learn about the benefits of joining the chapter and meet members of the group. To attend, R.S.V.P. by June 14 to membership Chair Donna Payne at myagent donna@yahoo.com or chapter President Norma J Johnson at normajbody@aol .com. DeKalb Medical Hillandale is at 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/NCBW100.

The Kinseys’ extensive collection of African-American art, books and manuscripts can be viewed at no cost on June 21-22 during Free Admission Weekend, sponsored by Wells Fargo.

The Kinsey Collection, one of the world’s largest private collections of African-American artifacts, documents and artwork, has been on national tour since 2006. It has been on exhibit in dozens of museums, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and Epcot at Walt Disney World. The Atlanta exhibit commemorates the Civil War Sesquicentennial and the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Shirley and Bernard Kinsey and son Khalil visit Act. the Atlanta History Center. The Atlanta History Center is at 130 W. Romare Bearden. Paces Ferry Road N.W. in Atlanta. Since it opened on April 5, more than For more information, visit www.atlan1,200 people have viewed it. tahistorycenter.com/Kinsey.

DeKalb County Sheriff

Legal Notices 5/17, 5/24,6/7,6/14

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV4861-9++ Willie B. Lovelace filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 8, 2014 to change the name from: Willie B. Lovelace to Willie B. Harris, Jr. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: May 5, 2014 Willie B. Harris aka Willie B. Lovelace 1533 Van Epps St Atlanta, Ga 30316 (404) 622-1183 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5126-1++ Leslie Hill Thomas filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 6, 2104 to change the name from: Leslie Hill Thomas to Lexie Lee Jackson Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed.

Dated: March 31, 2014 Leslie Hill Thomas Petitioner, Pro se 2035 W. Flatshoals Terrace Decatur, Ga 30034 (404) 243-1908 6/7,6/14, 6/21, 6/28

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5628-7++ Melissa Hamilton filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 29, 2014 to change the name of the following minor child from: Che’lynn Malea Cunningham to Che’lynn Malea Hamilton. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: May 29, 2014 Melissa Hamilton 5009 Galleon Xing Decatur, GA 30035 (310)462-4627 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5631-7++ Princetta Sumner filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 30, 2014, to change the name from: Princetta Edward to Princetta Sumner. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after he Petition was filed. Dated: May 30, 2014 Princetta Sumner Petitioner, Pro se 2670 Kelley Chapel Rd Decatur, Ga 30034 (404) 444-6120

6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5

Notice

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV3591-3++ Hopic S. Long Plaintiff Vs. Kelia D. Willis Defendant By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 30, 2014 you are hereby notified that on April 1, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Legitimization. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney

4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

whose name and address is: Hopic S. Long, 3766 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 30, 2014. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 2nd day of June, 2014 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5

Notice

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5697-4++ Benita Wynn Plaintiff Vs. Nicolas Ngom Defendant 3641 Berry Parkway, Apt 12-B Kennesaw, GA 30249 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 4, 2014 you are hereby notified that on _____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: Benita Wynn, 2051 Flat Shoals Rd SE, Apt O-10, Atlanta, GA. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 4, 2014 Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 2nd day of June, 2014

When You Miss CrossRoadsNews, You Miss News You Can Use! Call 404-284-1888 for Subscription Rates & Information

Sex Offender

Brian Boose 1819 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Tucker, GA 30083. Charge of Sexual Battery Against Child Under 16 YOA. Convicted on 9/12/2013

Reginald Harvey 3308 Boring Road SE Decatur, GA. 30334. Charge of Child Molestation. Convicted on 12/2/2007

Tony Kelly 3841 Kensington Road, Apt E 39 Decatur, GA. 30344 Charge of Child Molestation. Convicted on 3/26/2003

Sex Offender

Demarcus Cochran 1800 Memorial Drive E6 Atlanta, GA. 30317 Charge of Aggravated Assault With Intent to Rape. Convicted on 3/17/2003

Herbert Holley 2541 Kelley Lake Drive, Decatur, GA. 30032 Charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct. Convicted on 9/14/1994

Sex Offender

Faheem El Amin, 1207 To Lani Farm Road, Stone Mountain, GA. 30083. Charge of Child Molestation. Convicted on 2/28/2011

Donnie Joyce 6760 Chupp Road Lithonia, GA. 30058 Charge of Rape. Convicted on 12/4/1986

Barry Krieger 795 N Parkwood Road, Decatur, GA. 30030 Charge of Sexual Exploitation of minor. Convicted on 7/18/2013

Sex Offender

Hulon Mitchell III, 6928 Deshon Ridge Drive Lithonia, GA. 30058. Charge of Child Molestation. Convicted on 10/3/1999

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

June 14, 2014

“After doing a little research, we decided there was no time like the present.” The new signal is a joint project of the state and county. Heavy traffic on Flat Shoals Parkway often makes it difficult for drivers to negotiate left turns into shopping plazas.

New signal coming on Flat Shoals Parkway DeKalb Public Works crews are installing a new traffic signal on Flat Shoals Parkway between the Kroger at Chapel Hill Commons shopping plaza and the Village at Flat Shoals across the street that includes a Bank of America branch. Drivers in both directions often have a difficult time making left turns into either plaza because of heavy traffic

on the busy corridor. DeKalb spokesman Burke Brennan said construction is in its early stages and could take 45 to 60 days to complete. “We just started a few days ago,” he said. “It’s a joint project between the state and the county. The state supplied materials, the county is doing the construction.”

Hone work readiness skills at free workshops Job seekers can brush up on their skills at DeKalb Workforce Development Work Readiness Workshops in June. The classes are free. Topics for upcoming workshops include:

n Resume Writing: 10 a.m.-noon June 16 and 23. n Networking: 10 a.m.-noon Mondays; 1-3 p.m. June 17. n Interviewing Techniques: 1-3 p.m. June 16; 10 a.m.-noon June 18; 1-3 p.m.

June 19; 10 a.m.-noon June 20. DeKalb Workforce Development is at 774 Jordan Lane, Building 4, in Decatur. For more information, visit http://workdev.dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-687-3400.

Farmers market opens in Stone Mountain Shoppers can find fresh fruit and veggies at the Stone Mountain Farmers Market Tuesdays through Sept. 9 in the municipal parking lot on Main Street. The market, sponsored by the city’s Downtown Development Authority, launched on June 10. The authority’s executive director, Mechel McKinley, said a farmers market has long been on its wish list. “After doing a little research, we decided there was no time like the presMechel McKinley ent,” she said. The market will carry locally grown produce, dairy and meats. City Councilwoman Andrea Redmond said the market will spur economic development, become a community gathering spot, and add to the city’s quality of life. For more information, visit www.stonemountainvillage.com or contact Mechel McKinley at mmckinley@ stonemountaincity.org or 770-498-8984, Ext. 137.

Forum addresses resources Small-business and startup owners can get information about financing and other resources from a panel of bankers and county agents on June 18 at the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce’s fifth annual Financial Forum in Lithonia. Charles Blackmon, director of DeKalb Enterprise Business Corp.; Tony Brevard, Hamilton State Bank Business Development vice president; Lara Hodgson, NOWaccount Network Corp. president and CEO; Tim Smith, Georgia Department of Community Affairs program specialist; and Teresa Welborn, Peach State Federal Credit Union vice president, will discuss business credit, loan documentation, and resources for capital. The Taking Your Business to New Levels forum gets under way at 11:30 a.m. at This Is It restaurant. The restaurant is at 2853 Panola Road. For cost and registration, visit greaterlithoniachamber. com.

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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 14, 2014

People

“We have seven families making plans to move. … All patients should have the right to have access to this medication.”

Mom, child leaving Georgia for cannabis oil to treat seizures By Brenda Camp Yarbrough

Former Clarkston Police Officer Corey Williams and daughter Victoria are leaving Georgia for Colorado this summer to obtain cannabis oil to treat the 12-year-old’s chronic seizure disorder that threatens her life. “We are packing up and leaving my husband and our two boys and moving to Colorado for the summer,” said Williams, who was known as Officer Lowe when she worked for the city of Clarkston. Victoria, who doesn’t speak, has mitochondrial disease and suffers multiple seizures every day. Her mother resigned from the police force to care for her full time. The two were scheduled to leave Canton, where they live, on June 13 for the 20-plus hour drive to Colorado. They are making the trip with assistance from the Journey of Hope, a nonprofit that is helping many Georgia families travel to Colorado in search of medical marijuana to treat their kids’ seizures. Journey of Hope pays for housing for approved families traveling out of state for treatment. Williams hosted a fundraiser on June 7 in Holly Springs for the nonprofit. Legislation to legalize cannabis oil in Georgia failed to pass during the waning days of the General Assembly session in March. The non-intoxicating oil is extracted from the cannabis plant for medical use. William said there are currently five other children from Georgia in Colorado who are taking cannabis oil. “They are seeing less seizures, some have seizure-free days, and some have begun talking for the first time ever,” she said on June 9. Williams said she will continue to fight

Corey Williams of Canton and daughter Victoria, shown with her service dog, Choco, are leaving for Colorado to obtain medical marijuana to treat the 12-year-old’s chronic seizure disorder.

for access in Georgia but will have to do it from Colorado. “We have seven families making plans to move and four more are in the approval process,” she said. “All patients should have the right to have access to this medication.” Williams said she is sad about leaving Georgia for Colorado and angry that the move is necessary. “I am sad because I was born and raised in DeKalb County, Ga.,” she said. “I have never lived in any other state my entire life. I love Georgia – I love everything about it. Our home is here, our community is here. There is nothing like Southern hospitality. Our church is here and my family is here.” Williams said it is not fair that she has to split her family in order to help Victoria.

“Her dad will miss the seizure-free days and her finally beginning to develop normally and I will miss my son’s birthday and their first day of school,” she said. “I have always been the ‘team mom,’ the ‘classroom parent.’ I am very involved in the lives of all of my children, but now I have to make a choice, no choice that any parent should have to make.” She said supporters of medical marijuana would be happy if federal law decriminalized it. “Then we would not need to worry about Georgia and the politics played with the lives of innocent children. Until people can begin to understand that this is medicine that is working for people suffering from seizures, cancer, autism and many other illnesses, then

we will not move forward and people will continue to suffer and possibly die.” For more information, visit www.journeyofhopefund.com and www.facebook. com/Paws4Princess.

legal

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attorneys

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education

senior services

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CrossRoadsNews

June 14, 2014

lowesT prices & our biggesT

one

day sale

oF THe season

look For our lowesT prices on selecTed iTems sTorewide!

saTurday, June 14 sHop 8am-11pm (iT’s a sale Too big To FiT in a day!)

also sHop Today, June 13 From 8am-1opm

hours may vary by store. visit macys.com and click stores for local information.

one day sale

deals oF THe day specially selecTed iTems priced so low you don’T need a savings pass! available all day, boTH days

doorbusTers

5 Hours only! 8am-1pm Fri & saT-geT Here early, wHile THey lasT! or, extra savings friday and saturday 8am-1pm

savings pass discounT doesn’T apply To doorbusTers or deals oF THe day $1O Off

$2O Off

ALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL & SELECT HOME ITEMS (ExCEPT dOORbuSTERS & dEALS Of THE dAy)

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE.

YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE.

1O Off

valid 6/13 ’til 1pm or 6/14/14 ’til 1pm. limit one per customer. ALSO excLudeS: everyday Values (edV), specials, super buys, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, electrics/electronics, cosmetics/fragrances, athletic shoes for him, her & kids, dallas cowboys merchandise, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, New era, Nike on Field, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., special purchases, services, macys.com. cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value & may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $25 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

2O Off

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one day sale prices in effecT 6/13 & 6/14/2014. “Season’s lowest prices” refers to Macy’s summer from May 1-July 31, 2014. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. N4050186F.indd 1

6/3/14 11:06 AM