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MINISTRY
Twenty fathers and their sons or daughters are competing for a $2,000 Disney vacation in the Gallery at South DeKalb’s annual contest. 2
Participants in Berean Christian Church’s weightloss program, who hope to lose a combined 2,010 pounds in the six-week initiative, are within reach of their goal. 9
Daddy’s mirror image
Lofty weight-loss goals
Limited number of spaces, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 404-284-1888 to confirm your space. www.crossroadsnews.com
EXPO GRAND PRIZE Vacation for Two to Beautiful St. Lucia
Copyright © 2010 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
June 19, 2010
Volume 16, Number 8
www.crossroadsnews.com
Cuts get painful as county wrestles with budget By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Cuts in staff and service, closures of county recreation centers, and reduction in trash pickups are some of the items on the table as DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and the Board of Commissioners set about making midyear adjustments to the county’s $564.9 million budget. In his midyear budget adjustments sent to board on June 11, Ellis proposes $8.7 million in cuts to almost every department. His cuts anticipate a $10.2 million, or 3 percent, decrease in the tax digest and $4.2 million in reduced transfers from the Emergency Telephone Fund. Ellis said his proposal of “shared sacrifice” includes a 5 percent cut in his budget. The Board of Commissioners will vote on the midyear adjustments on June 22. It is scrambling to find $10.2 million in additional cuts by Tuesday, when it must set the millage rate for this year. Late Thursday, Commissioner Connie Stokes, who chairs the budget committee, said they are still working to balance the budget without a tax increase. “I don’t know how yet, but we are optimistic that by Tuesday we will have everything in order,” she said. So far this year, the county has axed about $50 million from the budget. Ellis’ recommendation of $4.5 million in
“I cannot and will not “Shared sacrifice allow an unfunding among all of our county of the court system government institutions which will harm was the most reasonable irreparably the citizens way to address these of this county.” stark financial realities.” Judge Cynthia Becker
cuts to the courts and Constitutional offices earned him scathing June 14 letter from DeKalb Superior Court Chief Judge Cynthia J. Becker. Becker said she was “appalled” at his attempts to cut the courts “over eight times the figure” they were given in May. She said Ellis had increased cuts in the court from $86,641 in May to $704,299. “Your apparent disregard for the Constitution mandates placed upon the entire system of justice will force my hand as chief judge to issue a Certificate of Need this week,” she wrote. “I cannot and will not allow an unfunding of the court system which will harm irreparably the citizens of this county.” Ellis wrote back that he was “very much aware” of the judicial mandates but believes that all elected officials should lead by example. “After weighing many alternatives, I decided that the principle of shared sacrifice
CEO Burrell Ellis
among all of our county government institutions was the most reasonable and equitable way to address these stark financial realities while preserving our most critical public safety priorities,” he said in a June 14 reply. On Thursday, Becker and the constitutional officers went to the Board of Commissioners’ finance committee to plead their cases. Becker had two carts full of case files wheeled in. She told the commissioners that each case must be touched by a magistrate judge within 72 hours or they are let go. She said the county was at risk of releasing inmates from jail. “We’re not using scare tactics,” she said. “This is what has to happen.” Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson reminded the commissioners that furlough days are not an option for her office. “I am the revenue collector,” she told them. “That day that I am closed, you get no money.”
Ellis also proposes: n Closing two recreation centers – Mason
Mill in Decatur and Lucious Sanders in Lithonia. n Closing one pool – the N.H. Scott pool on Tilson Road in Atlanta. n Delaying the opening of two library branches now under construction. n Deferring 15 miles of road resurfacing and adding to a more than 300-mile backlog of road repairs. n Deferring park and county building maintenance. n Mowing parks monthly instead of biweekly. n Reducing sanitation pickups. n Cutting services at the Board of Health. n Trimming the opening hours at the tax commissioner’s satellite offices. And even though he is proposing to refill 193 of the positions being vacated by the 826 employees who took early retirement, Ellis said that his plan will decrease the county work force to 7,900 from 8,578. He said the proposed reductions represents a 60 percent decrease in the number of county employees added between 2000 and 2008, and an 8 percent overall reduction in county employees. Stokes said their goal is to reduce the CEO’s recommended cuts in the courts and in public safety and keep the recreation centers open, which would cost about $90,000.
Amnesty raked in $2 million-plus The final numbers are in, and the DeKalb Recorders Court raised more than $2 million during its recent amnesty period. Chief Judge Nelly Withers said that 11,259 tickets were cleared and $2,069,862 in fines were paid. The court extended the six-week amnesty March 22-April 30 to encourage motorists People waited for hours in long lines to take advantage of the March 22 to April 30 amnesty w ith more than offered by DeKalb Recorders Court. They cleared 11,259 tickets and paid $2,069,862 in fines. 500,000 outstanding tickets dating back to the late 1990s to pay their fines now take place on Tuesdays all day in one of the three without penalties. divisions. During the last week of the amnesty, people waited To reduce distractions in the court, cell phones are for hours in lines that stretched down Camp Road to now banned. Memorial Drive. A pilot program in partnership with the DeKalb Withers says long lines will continue into third quar- solicitor-general’s office is set to begin next month. To ter next year as the court tackles its legendary backlog expedite cases, a solicitor will now be available in Record– its huge failure-to-appear and warrant backlog. ers Court to discuss cases before trial. Since June 1, the court has been operating under Citizens also will be able to contact the solicitornew rules that include a new court schedule and cell general’s office with questions about tickets via a link on phone policy. the Recorders Court Web page at http://web.co.dekalb. Trials are now held on Wednesday weekly, with ses- ga.us/dcrc/index.html. sions at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. For more information on the new rules in Recorders Code Enforcement trial and arraignment calendars Court, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Alluring Mexican fare Server Alexis Seals delivers a tray to customers Wednesday at the new Pesos Mexican Cantina on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. The restaurant is the newest venture of long-time friends. Story, page 6.
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June 19, 2010
Community
Finalists in the Father-Child Look-A-Like contest include Jonathan and Christian Johnson (far left) and David McRae and Raven McRae.
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We need your help!
Twenty fathers and their children will compete for a $2,000 Disney vacation on June 19 in the Gallery at South DeKalb’s annual Father-Child Look-A-Like contest. Monica Hawkins, the mall’s marketing director, said the 20 finalist pairs were picked June 16 from more than 50 entries. “The number of entries grows every year.” The contest honors fathers just in time for Father’s Day, which is being celebrated on June 20. The six-day/five-night Disney World grand prize package includes hotel and
tickets to the Magic Kingdom for up to four people. The second-place winner will get a threeday/two-night vacation on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. The third-place winner will get mall gift cards and merchant gift packs. Judging starts at 2 p.m. at the stage in front of Macy’s. The Gallery of South DeKalb is at I-20 and Candler Road. For more information, visit www.galleryatsouthdekalb.com or call 404-241-2431.
Bynum to perform at Stonecrest experience gained over the past 10 Televangelist, author, actress years. Asked why she was redoing and gospel singer Juanita Bynum the book at this time, Bynum said: will perform live at the Mall at “I always said that if I ever found Stonecrest on June 26. myself in the same situation as Bynum will sing music from her anything in that book, I would pick newly released extended play single, it up and read it myself and start all “Soul Cry,” at 3 p.m. over again.” She also will host a VIP meetThe expanded version includes and-greet with fans who purchase a new foreword and a chapter on her new book, “No More Sheets II: Juanita Bynum “Starting Over.” Starting Over,” from Borders Stonecrest. The Mall at Stonecrest is at Turner Hill The book was originally published 10 Road and I-20 in Lithonia. For more inforyears ago and has sold a million copies. The re-release of the book worldwide mation, visit www.mallatstonecrest.com or includes additional words of wisdom and call 678-526-9880.
We are interested in finding out about the condition of your neighborhood to create a healthier DeKalb. This information will assist in: • Identifying what health issues are important in your community • Understanding how these issues affect your family’s health • Developing action plans to improve the health and well-being of residents • Developing partnerships to work together to find solutions To participate, you need to be a resident of DeKalb County and at least 18 years old. To participate, simply go to:
www.StudyNeighborhoods.com The survey takes only 15 minutes to complete.
Share your voice. Be heard. Express Yourself!
June 19, 2010
Community Stokes pushes 90-day foreclosure moratorium A 90-day moratorium on foreclosures in DeKalb County proposed by District 7 Commissioner Connie Stokes will come up for vote at the June 22 Board of Commissioners meeting. Stokes introduced legislation June 8. If it is approved, it will stop all pending foreclosures for 90 days and give property owners additional time to pursue counseling, loan modification and other workout plans from a HUDapproved counseling agency. Connie Stokes The introduction of the moratorium comes at a time when property values continue to fall and DeKalb is facing budget cuts as a result of skyrocketing foreclosure rates. Stokes said the foreclosures have laid siege on the American dream of homeownership. “DeKalb County is experiencing increased homelessness, unemployment and an overall decline of neighborhoods. We cannot sit and do nothing while residents suffer.” Georgia currently ranks sixth in the nation for foreclosures and DeKalb County ranks third in the state behind Fulton and Gwinnett counties. For more information, visit www.conniestokes.org.
Youth VIBE 15th anniversary The nonprofit Youth VIBE will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a fund-raising banquet on June 24. The banquet at the Thurgood Estates subdivision in Ellenwood is hosted by YoLanda Betha of Betha & Associates. It starts at 6 p.m. and also will kick off “The 15 Year Crystal Campaign” to raise $150,000 for the group’s after-school services and to serve more high school students. Founded in 1996, Youth VIBE – Vision, Industry, Business and Empowerment – offers a mentorship program that nurtures entrepreneurship in students. Thurgood Estates at 4439 Thurgood Estates Drive. For more information, call Adeidra Washington at 770-5938800. To donate, visit www.youthvibe.org.
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CrossRoadsNews
“DeKalb County is experiencing increased homelessness, unemployment and an overall decline of neighborhoods. We cannot sit and do nothing while residents suffer.”
Workshops to tackle crime prevention DeKalb County residents can get crime fighting information at June 26 workshops at Charles R. Drew Charter School in East Lake. DeKalb District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming, Solicitor-General Robert James, DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown, Atlanta City Councilwoman Natalyn Archibong, and members of the Atlanta Police Department will show the steps to prevent, protect and provide peace of mind to residents.
The workshops also will include a session call “Darkness to Light,” a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program in which adults learn how to recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program is based on the premise that ensuring a child’s safety is an adult’s job. There will be workshops on gangs, how the juvenile justice system works, domestic violence prevention pro-
grams, elderly and disabled abuse, child abandonment, and the DeKalb County Police Department’s Interactive Community Policing Program. The event begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast. The workshops start at 9 a.m. and end at noon. Charles R. Drew Charter School is at 301 East Lake Blvd. For more information, contact Dana Lawrence at delawrence@co.dekalb .ga.us or call 404-371-4976.
DeKalb officials back Barnes for governor Current and former DeKaBarnes garnered support lb elected officials are lining from state Sens. Gloria Butler, up behind Roy Barnes’ bid for Steve Henson and Ronald governor. Ramsey; state Rep. Stephanie Almost two dozen state, Stuckey Benfield; DeKalb county, city and School Board District Attorney Gwen Keyes officials endorsed Barnes at a Fleming; and Solicitor-GenerJune 10 gathering in downal Robert James. town Decatur. Butler said that Barnes has Roy Barnes The group included former the knowledge and experience DeKalb CEO Liane Levetan, who said to help the people of DeKalb County. that we can’t take another four years of “We’re counting on him to clean up failed policies and failed leadership. the mess under the Gold Dome – and I “I trust Roy to make a difference for know he can do it,” she said. DeKalb County,” she said. Benfield said Barnes can help get
Georgia’s public education system back on track. “Our state’s first and most foundational responsibility is to educate our children, and Roy understands that,” Benfield said. “He will do whatever it takes to restore the cuts to public education, stop teacher furloughs and layoffs, and put Georgia’s children first.” Keyes Fleming said Barnes understands the issues of residents in DeKalb and in every corner of the state. “Roy is the only candidate with a real plan to make Georgia work,” she said.
Candidates forums for July 20 primary races Voters can hear from candidates seeking the 4th Congressional District and DeKalb County Commission District 7 seats at forums this month. All candidates on the ballot in the July 20 primary have been invited to participate.
The League of Women Voters of DeKalb County and The Champion newspaper are co-hosting the forums at the historic Decatur Courthouse in downtown Decatur from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The 4th District forum will be June 22, and the District 7 forum will be held
on June 29. Both forums are free and open to the public. Submit a question to be asked to president@lwvdk.org and indicate which forum and to whom the question should be asked. For more information, visit www .lwvdk.org.
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CrossRoadsNews
June 19, 2010
The CEO and the commissioners will undoubtedly take out the budget shortfalls on the county employees at the bottom of the food chain.
I will work tirelessly to bring more funding to MARTA 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer Carla Parker Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear-Warren
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Congressman Hank Johnson responds to Vernon Jones’ Forum article in the June 5 CrossRoadsNews. President Barack Obama’s transformative leadership and the aggressive action of the Democratic Congress have brought us back from the brink of economic collapse to the beginning of a lasting recovery. As Southeast regional whip in Congress, I help ensure that critical legislation has the support it needs. I championed passage of the Recovery Act and historic health care reform. I’m proud to have Obama’s endorsement for my re-election. The Recovery Act has created more than 84,000 jobs in Geor-
gia since 2009. It has created jobs at road improvement projects on Covington Highway, South and North Hairston Road, Sigman Road, ChambleeHank Johnson Dunwoody Parkway, Briarcliff Road, and Shallowford Road. It has created jobs at Goodwill Industries of North Georgia, which is training workers for green jobs. It has created jobs at DeKalb Tech, where EMTs are training to be our first responders. It has created jobs at Suniva in Norcross, where solar panels are manufactured and sold to China and India, and it has helped
DeKalb hire 64 more firefighters, make crucial investments in our public safety, save more than 1,000 teaching jobs, and put thousands of our teenagers to work. DeKalb County government received more than $102 million under the Recovery Act – our schools more than $50 million. And as the newest member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will work tirelessly to bring more funding to MARTA. We’re not out of the woods yet. But we are on firmer footing now than at any point in the last two years. Any candidate who boasts that they could fix all our ills with a magic wand doesn’t understand
the challenge. There are no quick fixes. But we have taken deliberate steps to invest in a lasting recovery that will see new jobs in alternative energy, in health care, in rebuilding America’s crumbling transportation infrastructure. Economic recovery isn’t easy. Change isn’t easy. They take time. They take hard work. They take patience and discipline. The president is leading the way, and I am proud of the role I have played. Trust our president. Trust me. Better days are ahead. Hank Johnson is seeking reelection to the 4th Congressional District in the July 20 Democratic primary.
DeKalb County needs Troubling rumors on hiring to cut back strategically Maybe DeKalb’s Chief Operating Officer Keith Barker doesn’t know what reorganize means. I will tell him. Mr. Barker, reorganize means change the way something is organized; it means to rearrange and restructure after it has been disturbed. The public has made it clear that public safety is prime – not classes on how to grow a tomato. Volunteers can manage a 4-H Club. And remember that from 2000 to 2008, DeKalb was building on almost every piece of vacant land. Therefore, additional positions were needed. Building has halted and foreclosures have taken its place. Therefore, we need to cut back strategically. And, the threat to close libraries is senseless. Where will the unemployed go to use free Internet to job search? The library is a place where families can take advantage of free programs that add knowledge. I am proud that the members of the DeKalb Board of Commissioners are thinking and keeping their constituents in mind. A. Jean Richardson lives in Decatur.
Now that the DeKalb Commission has paid out huge bonuses to employees to encourage early retirements, I hear rumors that it now wants to turn around and rehire some of these same people. Especially troubling is that some they want to bring back are people who work closely with the board and are already receiving extremely high pay for routine work. You would think that once they got these high-priced employees to retire, they would want to hire new people at lower salaries. Instead, these employees will now get a chance to continue receiving huge salaries and increase their lifetime pension, which will cost the county even more money over the next several decades.
The CEO and the commissioners aren’t willing to control their spending but will undoubtedly take out the budget shortfalls on the county employees at the bottom of the food chain via unpaid holidays, layoffs, frozen annual increases, etc. I heard that in the CEO’s office they promoted one of the high-paid employees into another even higherpaid job, hired a new highly paid employee, and gave a pay raise to the public affairs person who has already made the county look bad. The commissioners and CEO’s office continue to give so-called promotions and pay increases to many of their staff while the rest of the employees have pay that is decreasing. Kay Jones lives in DeKalb County.
Only love can conquer hate Wyatt inaccurate on Jones CrossRoadsNews recently allowed me to respond to an article about Congressman Hank Johnson taking my idea about extending MARTA to Stonecrest mall. The purpose of my transportation economic plan is to create thousands of jobs and increase property Vernon Jones values while addressing traffic gridlock. I pointed out how Hank was silent on the issue until my message started resonating with the voters. My response was not an attack on Hank; he’s my friend. It was merely a political and civil response. However, in his June 12 letter responding to my June 5 article, Jerry Wyatt was neither political nor civil. His words were deeply rooted in hate. We have seen his kind before. As a matter of fact, I wish everyone would rent the movie “Animal,” starring Ving Rhames, Terrence Howard and Jim Brown. You will see his character exemplified. This one powerful movie can free a lot of minds. Jerry, you stated DeKalb County had to defend and lost a racial
Circulation Audited By
discrimination case caused by me. The facts are DeKalb County and no one else was found guilty of discrimination. And believe it or not, the same people that accused me accused Hank Johnson, who also testified at the trial. The jury ruled that there was a hostile work environment and awarded two of the four plaintiffs $187,000. However, that same jury did not award them compensatory damages. Therefore, the plaintiffs do not even get the $187,000. And remember, the plaintiffs’ attorneys tried to politically extort the county for $18 million. Jerry said I was a subject of rape. This false allegation by a disturbed individual was thoroughly investigated by the district attorney and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. I was never charged or arrested; I was completely exonerated. I was a victim of false allegations just like the Duke lacrosse players. In spite of your hate, false accusations and misguided utterances, I will not stop fighting for what’s right. You know, the only force that can conquer your type of hate is love. Jerry, love you man. Vernon Jones is a candidate for the 4th Congressional District.
There were several facts in Jerry Wyatt’s letter in the June 12 Forum Section that were stated incorrectly about the Vernon Jones administration. Every day as residents of DeKalb, we are reminded of the accomplishments made during the eight years Mr. Jones was CEO of DeKalb County. In particular, the sidewalks Mr. Wyatt believes lead to nowhere actually lead and travel along Wesley Chapel Road, Memorial Drive, Candler Road and others. Also, much-needed road improvements along these streets have eased morning and afternoon traffic congestion. These improvements are still continuing and employing many people to this day. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art water park on Browns Mill Road developed under the Jones administration that is not only giving families a nearby water park but also employs teenagers for the summer and provides revenue for the county. Before Vernon Jones came to office, many residents traveled outside the county to enjoy the outdoors. There is now a walking trail, one of many, along the South River that ends at the intersection
It seems the majority of this article was a personal attack on Mr. Jones and so far the 4th Congressional race has been cordial. of Panola Road and Snapfinger Road, where one can walk, fish, swim and enjoy nature in a safe, clean environment that is located in south DeKalb County. In reading Mr. Wyatt’s opinion, I noticed a lot of personal animosity against Mr. Jones. It seems the majority of this article was a personal attack on Mr. Jones and so far the 4th Congressional race has been cordial. Finally, I believe 4th District voters would like to know facts such as how all candidates will bring jobs, reduce foreclosures and continue to improve the community we live in – not the opinion of a Republican like Jerry Wyatt. Voters would like to hear about the issues and how each candidate plans to solve or at least ease some of the problems facing our district. Kena S. Searcy lives in Decatur.
index to advertisers Andre Cleveland / State Farm . ..................... 11 AT&T............................................................... 3 Beautiful Babes Hair Care for Children.......... 11 Before & After Fitness Center........................ 11 Camp Fierce................................................... 11 Chase..............................................................6 Clemmons Law Firm...................................... 11 Computer Source Inc..................................... 11
Decatur Pediatric Group, P.A.......................... 7 DeKalb County Board of Health...................... 2 Gibbs Garage................................................. 11 Henry Mitchell, CPA, PC................................ 10 Holly Hill Homeowners Association............... 11 J. Durham...................................................... 11 Kool Smiles P.C............................................... 8 LaHair Café................................................... 10
LawnMax, Inc................................................. 11 Macy’s............................................................. 5 Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery..............12 McLendon Monuments..................................6 Michael Griggs............................................... 11 Pesos Mexican Cantina.................................. 11 Saint Philip AME Church.................................9 Sister Locks.................................................... 11
Six08 Portaits.................................................. 2 Sterling Health Plans....................................... 7 Tadda’s Fitness Camp..................................... 7 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas..................... 11 The Magic of Mr. Me.................................... 10 The Samuel Group......................................... 11 Univ. of Georgia School of Social Work.......... 7
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June 19, 2010
For his wise words, clear vision and unconditional support, Happy Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day to the best Dad in the world!
Hero everyday
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Finance
June 19, 2010
The Turners and Lewis Roberts know their Mexican cuisine and hired the best Mexican food chef they could find.
Cantina offers Mexican favorites close to home Job readiness By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Mexican food aficionados now have a new restaurant to satisfy their passion for tacos, quesadillas, tortillas, burritos, fajitas, Spanish rice, beans – and margaritas, of course. Pesos Mexican Cantina opened on June 11 in the Village at Flat Shoals shopping center, across from Kroger on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. Paul and Robin Turner and their friend Lewis Paul Turner Roberts opened the eatery and bar, but don’t be fooled by the fact the trio are African-Americans because they know their Mexican cuisine and hired the best Mexican food chef they could find. Robin Turner says she Robin Turner and her husband used to travel across metro Atlanta in search of great Mexican food. “Then one day we said, ‘We should just open a Mexican restaurant,’ ” she said. The couple, who lived in Lithonia for many Lewis Roberts years before relocating to Conley, are no strangers to the business world. They have operated a string of emissiontesting stations in DeKalb County since 1999, and so has Roberts, who also has been a car
Pesos Mexican Cantina, which opened June 11 in the Village at Flat Shoals shopping center, boasts mango margaritas and a pizza built on a tortilla crust as well as wings.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Immigrants, refugees and other job hunters can get information on preparing for a job transition at a June 26 Job Preparedness Seminar in Decatur. The 8:30 a.m.-to-5:50 p.m. seminar will assist participants in marketing themselves and maximizing professional opportunities. It will include workshops on American business culture; resume and cover letter writing; interviewing skills; networking; and rights and responsibilities of the employer and employee. The seminar will be held at the Refugee Resettlement and Immigrations Services of Atlanta office, 4151 Memorial Drive, Suite 205D, in Decatur. For more information, contact Rosemarie Nelson at rosemarie4ck@yahoo.com or 404-622-2235.
broker. In addition, Robin Turner is a SunTrust E-Banker, specializing in online business projects for the bank in Lithonia. Now the three are focusing their years of business experience on the restaurant. The cantina opened with 15 employees and word spread fast. On Wednesday, customers were sipping mango margaritas at the bar and filling up on their favorite dishes from the extensive menu. In addition to the regular Mexican fare, there is also a Mexican pizza built on a tortilla crust and wings with chipotle and sweet, mild and spicy hot sauces. Entrees range from $2.39 tacos to $7.39 for taco salads. Pesos Mexican Cantina is at 4920 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. For more information, call 770-981-4123.
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June 19, 2010
Wellness
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CrossRoadsNews
There are several foods and nutrients men should consume most days of the week for optimum health.
Put Dad on path to good health Free HIV/AIDS testing in DeKalb Families who are preparing to honor Dad on June 20, Father’s Day, can do so by helping him lay the building blocks for good health. TOPS Club Inc., a nonprofit weight-loss support group, says that improving Dad’s health can benefit the entire family. Mom and the kids can offer Dad: n Time and share it with him. Make a date for a regular activity, and support each other in your healthy lifestyle. Commit to doing yardwork together every Saturday or taking regular walks every other evening after dinner. n If Dad’s a cook, give him a healthy cookbook for his collection. Provide him with new grill accessories and encourage replacing unhealthy food options with grilled fresh vegetables, fish and seafood. n Give him a surprise activity – a long bike ride, a day hike, doubles tennis with family members, or an afternoon of golf. n A subscription to a health and fitness or sports magazine that matches his interests will be a gift that keeps on giving. n A healthy brain is a happy brain. Give him books of puzzles and brain teasers. Play board games with him and the family. There are several foods and nutrients men should consume most days of the week for optimum health, as outlined by Drs. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen, authors of the “You” series of books. n Fiber – Men need to eat at least 25 grams each day. Fiber is found in a number of sources, like grapefruit, soybeans and whole grains. Look for “100 percent whole grain” or “100 percent whole wheat.” n Folate – Men can significantly reduce their risks for some kinds of cancer by eating food rich in folate. Take a supplement or add dark, leafy greens and orange juice to your diet. Men are advised to look for the words “folate” or “folic” on food labels and to get at least 800 mg each day.
Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are good for Dad – and for the rest of the family.
n Tomato sauce – It takes 165 raw tomatoes
to equal 10 tablespoons of sauce. This juicy red fruit contains lycopene, which can help fight cancer. Enjoy 10 tablespoons per week and decrease the chances of arterial aging, heart disease, stroke and memory loss. n A handful of nuts – Men should eat walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts to get the powerful omega-3s, healthy fats with multiple benefits. It’s good practice to snack on some before eating foods like pasta or corn on the cob. The fat in the nuts helps the stomach slow down and the body to more effectively process sugar from the carbohydrates. n Fish – Men also should consider eating a serving of fish three times a week. Tilapia, salmon, flounder, cod, and mahi-mahi are all good choices. They’re high in protein and low in fat and carry a low amount of mercury, a chemical that can increase the risk of heart disease and impaired memory. For more information on TOPS or to find a local chapter, call 1-800-932-8677 or visit www.tops.org.
Disparities in men’s health persist More men in Georgia are living beyond age 60 but still have lower average life expectancies than men living in many other parts of the United States. Heart disease, stroke and cancer account for more than 50 percent of all male deaths in the state, and while mortality rates for chronic diseases in men are improving, racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in outcomes persist. Because of that fact, the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Office of Health Improvement is encouraging men to learn and incorporate steps to live a healthier and happy life. Most men in Georgia do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables or engage in the recommended levels of exercise daily.
During Men’s Health Month, which is observed in June, the Office of Health Improvement says healthier choices and early detection of male health problems can help reduce rates of mortality for male-specific diseases as well as improve the health of Georgia’s men. James Peoples, the office’s executive director, offers these tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: n Get recommended screening tests. n Be tobacco free. n Be physically active. n Eat a healthy diet. n Stay at a healthy weight. n Take preventive medicines if you need them. For more information, visit www.georgia healthinfo.gov.
Free HIV/AIDS tests, information and entertainment will be available across De Kalb County on June 26 and 27 at observances of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day. The Decatur chapter of 100 Black Women, the DeKalb County Board of Health, SisterLove, Recovery Consultants Inc., the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kaiser Permanente and Emory University will provide testing and education in Decatur on June 26. Kimberly Cameron, the 100 Black Women’s president, said free OraQuick Rapid HIV tests will be offered to the first 300 people from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at STAND Inc. at 3878 Covington Highway in Decatur. With the OraQuick Rapid tests, results are available within 30 minutes. There will be speakers, games and condom demonstrations with the “Do You Know?” public service announcement being played throughout the day. Denise Dunbar of Magic 107.5/97.5 will provide live broadcasting. Food and beverages will be donated by Emory and local stores. Giveaways include safe sex kits. For more information, call STAND at 404-284-9878.
On June 27, free HIV testing and chronic disease health education will be offered along with entertainment, speakers and raffle prizes at the Mall at Stonecrest. The program, a collaboration between the DeKalb Board of Health and Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi Alpha, takes place 1 to 5 p.m. on the mall’s lower level in front of Macy’s. Speakers will include people living with AIDS. In 2008, DeKalb had 2,793 people living with HIV and 3,273 living with AIDS. Each year, the county records 302 new cases of HIV infections. Nationwide, an estimated 1.1 million adults have HIV, and the CDC says that 21 percent, or 232,700, of them are not aware of it. The agency says that in 2006, AfricanAmericans made up 12 percent of the population but accounted for 46 percent of all people living with HIV. Testing is a key component in controlling the spread of infection. Early diagnosis, medication, good nutrition and health care support can lead to a longer life. The Mall at Stonecrest is at 2929 Turner Hill Road. For more information, call 404294-3829 or visit www.dekalbhealth.net.
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8
Youth
CrossRoadsNews
June 19, 2010
Hitting coach Stewart Bailey said that Davis really turned it around the last three weeks of the season.
GPC players make major leagues Three Georgia Perimeter College baseball players h ave been drafted into the major leagues. Pitchers Nathan Fawbush and Matt Hill and infielder LeAndre Davis are headed to the Minnesota Twins and Nathan Fawbush Texas Rangers. T h e Tw i n s picked Fawbush, a sophomore, and freshman Davis on June 8 and 9 in the 21st round of its amateur draft. The Rangers drafted Hill, a left-hander who pitched for GPC in fall scrimmage games but was academically ineligible for the regular season this spring. The 6-foot-7-inch Fawbush, who tips the scales at 193 pounds, is a right-hander from McDonough. A graduate of Union Grove High School, he was the 645th pick on the second day of the draft. Pitching 63-1/3 innings, Fawbush posted a 4-2 record and a 4.55 earned run average for GPC this spring. He struck out 60 and walked 31, allowing 32 earned runs against a strong hitting conference. Fawbush transferred to GPC from Walters State Community College in Tennessee, where he had compiled a 7-0 record in his freshman season. His fastball was clocked this spring in the low 90s and he throws an excellent curveball. GPC head coach Danny Blue says everybody likes his potential. “He’s tall and has good arm strength,” Blue said. “You can’t coach someone to be 6-7. He was a big part of our program, part
of the staff that had the lowest ERA in the conference.” This was Davis’ second draft by the Twins. They chose him in the 13th round last season after his senior year at Campbell High school. Davis, who is 5 feet 10 and LeAndre Davis weighs 160 pounds, has an exceptional arm and led the GPC Jaguars during the postseason with a .462 batting average. GPC hitting coach Stewart Bailey said that Davis really turned it around the last three weeks of the season. “He started hitting the ball up the middle more and made some unbelievable plays at third base,” Bailey said. “That really helped his confidence in the field and at the dish.” Hill also was a transfer. He pitched his freshman year at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Alabama in 2008. The lefty posted a 3.14 ERA in 17 innings for the Jaguars and beat the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, Pensacola Junior College, early in the season. He throws a fastball in the high 80s and low 90s. “He possesses a power arm and slider that pro scouts fall in love with,” Bailey said. For the second straight year, GPC’s pitching staff led the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA Region 17) with a team ERA of 4.59. The Jaguars finished with a 36-19 record after losing a three-game series to Middle Georgia College in the region tournament semifinals.
Author Barbara Bishop will include essays by four Cedar Grove Elementary fourth- and fifthgraders in her new books, “Notes to a Young Black Girl” and “I’m Cool Because I Read Books.”
Young writers to be published Four Cedar Grove Elementary fourthand fifth-graders will become published authors in the fall. Essays written by Kayla Edwards, Makayla White, Don Boddie and Samad De’ Andre Smith will be published in “Notes to a Young Black Girl” and “I’m Cool Because I Read Books.” The students’ entries were winners in the “My Best Friend Is … Me!” and “My Best Friends Are Books!” essay contests that took place at the Decatur school in April. Barbara Bishop, who is writing both books, said she wanted to include the voices of children in the books, which are designed to instill positive self-esteem in AfricanAmerican girls and a love of books in young African-American boys. The contest was open to all fourth- and fifth-graders. Bishop, a writer and photographer who retired from Georgia Perimeter College in 2005, said the young writers interpreted the “My Best Friend …” themes well. The books will be published by Bishop’s
company, Prodigy Publications. She said copies will be available by the time the new school year starts in August for $10 each at mybestfriendproject.com and on Amazon .com. “Notes to a Young Black Girl” and “I’m Cool Because I Read Books” will be Bishop’s second and third books. In 2005, she cowrote “Enchanting the Beauty in Life in Photographs” with Elaine Watts. Bishop created the “My Best Friend Project,” a home-based Decatur business, after her retirement because she said there is an ongoing need in the African-American community for young people to feel good about themselves and because a love for books instills a love for lifetime learning. “My Best Friend Project” produces Tshirts and hats, journals, posters, note and image cards, calendars, bookmarks, and books, which are now available from Bishop and will be available on its Web site, which goes live before the end of June. For more information, call Barbara Bishop at 404-831-4488.
Tucker High artist wins top prize Tucker High School student Sally Beck, Logan Shirah of Lakeside High School, and Nina Wilks of McNair High School were three of four students who were awarded college scholarships worth more than $23,000 from Rep. Hank Johnson’s 2010 Congressional Arts Competition on May 8 at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. Out of 17 high school students from DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties who submitted artwork, Sally took home the top prize with her “Post Earthquake: A Day in Haiti” piece. Sally won a $1,500-a-year scholarship from Savannah College of Art and Design, and she will travel to Washington next month to see her art displayed in the Capitol tunnel, where it will hang with other award winners for a year. Logan was first runner-up and won a $10,000 scholarship to the Art Institute of
Atlanta, and Nina was second runner-up with a $5,000 scholarship to the Art Institute of Atlanta. Michelle Lee of Meadowcreek High School in Gwinnett was third runner-up and received a $2,500 scholarship to the Art Institute. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition, which is open to high school students in each member’s congressional district. One piece of art is selected from each congressional district and is displayed in a walkway between the House office buildings and the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Summer of reading for babies to teens Kids can while away the summer reading lots of books during DeKalb County Library’s Vacation Reading Program through July 31. Children from babies to teens can participate: Wee Reader, for babies ages 0-2; Make a Splash – Read! for children ages 3-12; and Make Waves, for teens ages 13-17. Library patrons can visit any local branch to sign up. Teens also can register online. The program will culminate in a special July 31 wrap-up for teens at the Decatur Library from 1 to 3 p.m. Entertainment will include a local band, the Solar Bears, and teen singer/ songwriter Sydney Rhame. This year, a lucky Vacation Reading Program participant, born after 1993, will win more than $5,000 in the Make a Splash – Save
for College Sweepstakes to apply toward his or her future education. The sweepstakes is supported by Path2College 529 Plan, Georgia’s state-sponsored 529-college savings plan, and public libraries across the state. The Path2College 529 Plan is managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. Children and teens also can attend special programs such as “Royal Class: Kente, Gold Trade and the Asante Kingdom” presented by the Michael C. Carlos Museum for tweens ages 9-14; tours of Georgia State University Bio Bus, a mobile science lab for children ages 6-12; and the Kidz 4 Money Teen Summit, a special program for teens 13 to 17 focusing on topics such as leadership and financial literacy. For more information, visit www .dekalblibrary.org or call 678-676-0460.
9
CrossRoadsNews
June 19, 2010
Ministry
“There is much we can learn from each other because of … the differences in our ages and stations in life.” Teams at Berean Christian Church are nearing their goal of shedding 2,010 pounds. The challenge, which attracted 960 participants, will culminate in a 3.5-mile walk/run on June 26 at the Stone Mountain church.
Weight-loss challenge to end with walk Nearly 1,000 Berean Christian Church members are nearing the homestretch of their six-week weight-loss challenge, which culminates June 26 in a 3.5-mile walk/ run. The weight-loss program, loosely modeled on the TV reality show “The Biggest Loser,” started out to attract 500 participants, but a whopping 960 people registered on May 15. The teams of adults and teens are hoping to lose a combined 2,010 pounds. Andrea Diallo, the church’s minister of community outreach, said that in the first two weeks, participants lost more than 600 pounds. At the halfway point on June 5, participants had lost 1,458 pounds. Diallo said the church’s focus this year has been on the number 2,010 and the fitness program was a nice fit. She said it got people excited about participating in groups and getting to know new people. “It really re-energized people after the New Year’s resolutions had all worn off,” she said. Participants compete in teams of 10 to accomplish a common goal – losing weight and promoting overall
health and wellness. Each team has a name and a captain and has designed its own strategy to be the winning team and/or individual at the end of the six weeks. Diallo called the challenge an intergenerational experience – there are participants as old as 75. Teens must be on the same team as their parents or guardian. Participants weigh in weekly at church locations in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties that include free group fitness opportunities as well as fellowship and fun. Diallo said some participants have shared testimonies about their progress with the congregation. “The response has been overwhelming,” she said. The June 26 walk/run is free of charge and will celebrate the victories of health, discipline, weight loss and fellowship. It begins at 8 a.m. at Berean on Young Road, then onto Panola Road to Covington Highway, and back up Young Road to the church grounds. Berean Christian Church is at 2201 Young Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, contact Andrea Y. Diallo at 770-593-9179 or andrea.diallo@berean christianchurch.org.
Fashions for biblical ladies Esther, Hannah and 12 other women from the Bible will be portrayed in some of today’s hottest styles at the June 23 “Women of the Bible in Fashion” show at Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church in Scottdale. The event combines teachings on the roles of 14 women of the Bible with a fashion show by Stone Mountain-based Aziza’s “She’s Gotta Have It” Boutique. Kathern Thomas, the church’s senior pastor, said the fashions will demonstrate what the biblical women might wear today. She will comment on the biblical role for Kathern Thomas each namesake, and Elder Alicia CardwellBrown will comment on the attire of each woman as models walk down the runway. Thomas said this will be a new way to introduce today’s generation to the women of the Bible. “You don’t hear much about the women of the Bible,” she said. “You always hear about David and other men of the Bible, but not much about women. Women had roles too, and we A. Cardwell-Brown had the most important role when it comes to Mary, mother of Jesus.” Aliyah Lombard, owner of Aziza’s, is up to the challenge of dressing biblical women. She has been doing fashion shows for three years, and her boutique’s classy, funky, chic and unique clothes fit women from petite to plus-size. “We wanted to do a collaboration with my Aliyah Lombard designs and her ministry,” said Lombard, who started out selling handbags out of the back of her car trunk. During the event, participants will get a printed program displaying the biblical teachings on the 14 women. Thomas hopes that this presentation will inspire men and women to discover all of the great women of the Bible. Psalmist Sharonne Mincey will perform, and dinner will be served. The show begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit the church. Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church is at 3096 North Decatur Road. For tickets and more information, call Kathern Thomas at 404-587-2751 or Alicia Cardwell-Brown at 404-455-6678.
Ousley’s Bible school for all ages Busy 4th anniversary for Gloss Vacation Bible school goes intergenerational this summer at Ousley United Methodist Church in Lithonia. The June 21-25 sessions feature new and traditional activities and are open to all ages – toddlers to senior citizens. Karla Birt, the church’s Sunday school superintendent, said that instead of separating students based on age, they will group together based on interests/activities. “We believe there is much we can learn from each other because of, and not in spite of, the differences in our ages and stations in life. So we want to tap into and celebrate all we have to offer for the glory of God.” This year’s theme is “Let Everything That
Has Breath Praise the Lord.” Participants will take a journey through the Book of Psalms. Along with Bible study, which starts off each evening, classes include craft, music and dance movement. New offerings include digital photography, mime and creative writing. Sessions start daily at 6 p.m. The week concludes with “Praise in the Park,” an old-time, camp meeting-style picnic under the stars on the Ousley green, where VBS attendees can set up picnic baskets and celebrate their experiences. Ousley United Methodist Church is at 3261 Panola Road. To register or for more information, e-mail ousleysundayschool @gmail.com or call 770-981-0180.
The nonprofit GLOSS is celebrating its fourth anniversary as a Christ-centered sisterhood for girls and women with special events this month. God’s Ladies of Significance & Service, which assists girls and women between 5 and 25 as they transition through the multiple phases of their lives, was founded in spring 2006 by Cherise M. Davis. Davis, who was a junior in college, wanted to merge her interests in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and helping young girls. She is a member of Greenforest Community
Baptist Church in Decatur, where she serves as the youth fellowship coordinator. Anniversary events include: n GLOSS “Share the Vision” Info-ception, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. n “Give Back” Service Project, June 26 at 9 a.m. n Butterfly Ball, June 26 at 6 p.m., at Greenforest McCalep Early Learning Center, 3250 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. n Worship Service, June 27 at 10:45 a.m. For more information, call 404-7132391 or visit www.GLOSSsisterhood.com.
Seminar to explore anger and faith A discussion of anger and faith will take place at a June 27 seminar hosted by Essential Living for Muslim Women at Masjid An Nur in Lithonia. Attendees are asked to bring the Quran and consider the following statements: n Too much anger can hurt your physical health. n There is only one way to handle anger with others.
n Angry people can never change the way
they handle anger.
n I do not have to attend every argument I
am invited to. Register at el4mw.org for the 2 p.m. event. Cost is $15; refreshments will be served. Masjid An Nur is at 1996 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road. For more information, contact Safiyah Abdul Khaaliq at 770-3652277 or Aisha Hasan at 404-441-7029.
Greenforest hosts Men’s Day events Greenforest Baptist Church’s annual Men’s Day celebration kicks off June 19 with a Father/Son/Single Fellowship Breakfast. The “Breakfast and Dialogue With the Guys” event begins at 8 a.m. The theme of June 20 worship services at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. is “Manhood: Insight Into Godly Living.” The 100-plus Men’s Day Chorus will sing for both worship services; the Greenforest Youth and Special Populations minister, the
Rev. Maina Mwaura, is the preacher for the day. Mwaura, who joined Greenforest in March, has more than 14 years in youth ministry with an emphasis on evangelism, missions, discipleship, camps, retreats, topical Bible studies and leadership training. Greenforest Community Baptist Church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-486-1120 or visit www.greenforest.org.
Worship Services: ...........Sundays – 7:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Church School: ...............Sundays – 9:30 a.m. Victory Chapel: ...............Sundays – 11:00 a.m. (Ages 5-16) Prayer Service: ...............Wednesdays – 6:30 p.m. Chapel Bible Study: ....................Wednesdays – 7:00 p.m. Mid-Wk Communion.......Wednesdays B4 First Sunday - 11:30 a.m.
10
CrossRoadsNews
June 19, 2010 com
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11
CrossRoadsNews
June 19, 2010
MARKETPLACE RATES 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.
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FAMILY LAW DOCUMENTS PREPARED
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in the Community Amenity Parking Lot 3400 Holly Hill Parkway, Ellenwood Large Turn Out Expected
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Wesley Chapel
I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive
At The Mall At Stonecrest 7849 Mall Parkway • Lithonia
770-987-9000
678-382-6400
2007 HONDA
2007 NISSAN
2007 HONDA
2009 HONDA
2006 SATURN
2006 CHEVROLET
2008 CHEVROLET
2006 VW
2008 CHRYSLER
ACCORD SE
ALTIMA
ACCORD
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ION
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2007 BMW
2007 NISSAN
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CTS
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328i
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$17,588
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2005 MERCEDES-BENZ
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2007 BMW
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FUSION SEL V6 GRAND CARAVAN
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$12,997
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2009 CHRYSLER
2007 HONDA
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$14,997
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Leather, Sunroof Stk#00A1138
$22,781
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2006 MERCEDES
2007 BMW
2007 CHRYSLER
2006 FORD
2009 FORD MUSTANG
2005 MERCEDES
2006 FORD
BENZ ML350
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$16,997
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2008 LINCOLN
2007 INFINITI
2006 FORD
2010 FORD
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$26,151
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Loaded, Leather, CD, Moonroof Loaded, Leather, CD, Sunroof Stk#00A1126A Stk#00A1160
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TWO LOCATIONS!
WESLEY CHAPEL I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive
MCAutoAtl.com
AT THE MALL AT STONECREST 7849 Mall Parkway Lithonia
770-987-9000 678-382-6400 Sales Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 8:00pm Sat 9:00am - 8:00pm • Sun Closed
Parts & Service Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00am - 7:00pm Sat 7:00am - 4:00pm • Sun Closed
5C (10.5”) X 16” 21301-MCAQ (6-19) crossroads fc (lm)
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