CrossRoadsNews, June 27, 2015 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Kudos ...

Come on now ...

Send us your nominees

... to the new Bojangles’ on Panola Road for planting flowers, shrubs and other landscaping elements at each of its entry points.

... to any non-runoff candidates for District 5 whose campaign signs still dot the local landscape, especially those that violate county codes or are located outside the district.

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

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

June 27, 2015

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 21, Number 9

Church, community mourn 9 killed in S.C. racist attack Family and friends of the nine victims of the June 17 shootings at Emanuel AME in Charleston, S.C., and church members are picking up the pieces of their shattered lives and burying their dead this week. A week after police say self-avowed white supremacist gunman Dylann Storm Roof killed their pastor, S.C. state Sen. Clementa Carlos Pinckney, and eight church members during a Bible study class, members of the historic black church reclaimed the room on June 24 for Bible study. Dylann Roof Pinckney, 41; Susie Jackson, 87; her cousin, Ethel Lance, 70; the Rev. Daniel Simmons, 74; the Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45; Tywanza Sanders, 26; the Rev. Depayne Middleton Doctor, 49; Myra Thompson, 59; and Cynthia Hurd, 54, were shot and killed during Wednesday Bible study at the church. The six women and three men are all African-Ameri-

cans. Roof, 21, is white. He has not shown remorse. Survivors told police that he told them he came to the church “to kill black people.” Funeral services got under way on June 25 with homegoing services for Lance and Clementa Pinckney Depayne Doctor Coleman-Singleton. President Barack Obama was set to deliver the eulogy at Pinckney’s funeral on June 26, and Hurd’s homegoing service is set for 11 a.m. on June 27. Roof entered the church on June 17 and sat quietly for an hour with the victims during the Bible study class before pulling a .45-caliber Please see SLAYINGS, page 3

Tywanza Sanders

Cynthia Hurd

Susie Jackson

Ethel Lance

Daniel Simmons

S. Coleman-Singleton Myra Thompson

Thurmond reflects on time in School District Thurmond said the DeKalb School District’s 100,000 students made him take the job. “Their education careers were literally hanging in the balance,” he said.

System on track as he hands over reins to Green By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

On Feb. 8, 2013, when Michael Thurmond took over the DeKalb School System, it was teetering on the brink of a precipice. Two months earlier, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the district’s accrediting agency, had put it on probation to lose its accreditation. A dysfunctional School Board; a musical chairs of superintendents; corruption in its multibillion-dollar construction program; the indictment of former Superintendent Crawford Lewis, top executive Patricia Reid, and her former husband, architect Tony Pope; poor student achievement; and declining graduation rates all brought the state’s one-time top-rated School District to its knees. On June 30, when Thurmond – a lawyer, former state representative, director of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, state labor commissioner, university professor, 2010 Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, and author of two books – hands off to new Superintendent R. Stephen Green, it will be a very different district that he leaves. Within 10 days of Thurmond taking the job, Dr. Eugene Walker, the School Board’s then chairman, resigned, and a week later, the majority of its members – six of the seven – who hired him were removed from office by Gov. Nathan Deal for governance and other issues. In two-and-a-half years, Thurmond has steadied the district, got it off probation, rescued it from financial ruin, cut legal fees, eliminated furlough days for teachers, and established a $10.25 an hour minimum wage for the district that takes effect July 1.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

“Hopefully I did some good, and hopefully I will leave it better than how we found it, but no matter how much we did, it won’t equal what I gained, and I gained a better self. I gained a clearer view of who I am and what my calling has been in life.” Michael Thurmond

In the district’s approved $874 million Fiscal 2016 budget, he set aside $10 million to re-establish a pre-tax employee contribution retirement program; awarded costof-living increases, including 4 percent for the district’s most veteran teachers; and set aside $500,000 for a board-approved district curriculum – something the district has not had in 15 years. Thurmond also reopened the district’s

International Welcome Center that serves its students who hail from 160 countries and speak 140 different languages; hired 13 translators, added 25 more bus drivers, and rehired mechanics to keep its fleet of 850 school buses roadworthy for the 11 million miles that they cover annually. Even though the county’s tax digest is still below its 2009 high, the district’s budget surplus has come from better management of the district’s QBE Funding from the state Department of Education netting $15 to $25 million more in state funding. Quinn Hudson, the district’s spokesman, said a lot of people are thinking the surplus is because of property increased values. “It’s really a function of managing our resources better and getting the money we are entitled to,” he said. School Board chairman Dr. Melvin Johnson credits Thurmond’s communication skills for his success as superintendent. “He is an excellent communicator,”

Johnson said. “He met and engaged parents, citizens and all the stakeholders. And he certainly understood the importance of creating a culture of learning for our boys and girls and allowing stakeholders to be part of that culture.” Eight days before his June 30 departure, Thurmond sat down with CrossRoadsNews to talk about his sojourn at the district, which is the state’s third-largest school system. On Jan. 26, 2013, he was a lawyer with the Butler Wooten Law Firm in Atlanta when his telephone rang. On the other end was a DeKalb School District lawyer. “It was a Saturday morning, midmorning,” he said. “I will never forget it. The question was, ‘Are you interested in serving as superintendent of the DeKalb County Schools?’” Like every resident of the county, Thurmond, a DeKalb resident since 1994, had read and heard news reports of the problems Please see THURMOND, page 2

Community

CrossRoadsNews

June 27, 2015

“The future of this county is really dependent on the quality of education we provide for our children.”

‘Every employee is important and it’s not just a verbalization’ THURMOND,

from page

plaguing the district. But the call to lead the district was, well, unexpected. “It was totally out of left field,” he said. “I had no warning.” The first reaction of Zola, his wife of 25 years, “was absolutely not.” But a week and a half later, he took the reins of the district. “It was the shortest superintendent search in the history of public education,” he recalled Monday with a hearty laugh. Thurmond said the district’s 100,000 children made him take the job. “Their education careers were literally hanging in the balance,” he said. “This is what I said to Zola. She had finally agreed with me.” In the state Legislature and as a private citizen, Thurmond had fancied himself an advocate for public education. Becoming superintendent of the troubled DeKalb School District helped him to “put that advocacy to the test.” Thurmond – who grew up in Sandy Creek, GA., was used to breaking barriers. He was the first African-American to represent a majority-white district in Clarke County since Reconstruction. He was also the first black person to win election to a statewide seat. He said he understands the transformative power of public education. “I am a product of it,” he said. “I am the product of three generations of illiterate Georgia sharecroppers, and the difference between my father, my grandfather and my great-grandfather is that I had access to a public education. The future of this county is really dependent on the quality of education that we provide for our children.” Thurmond said he took on the job because of his experience leading large public agencies, his ability to build bridges between disparate groups, and his belief in hard work. Here are excerpts from our conversation with Thurmond: Q: From the outside, we all knew that something was not right at the district. Once you got here, what was the most surprising thing for you? Thurmond: It was dysfunction at the highest levels, and the morale was extremely low. To be honest with you, looking back, the district was on a precipice . It was really worse than was reported in the media. I had read about the financial problems. I had read about the board dysfunction, the low morale, the declining academic performance, the declining graduation rates, but I didn’t start there. I first began to examine what were the assets – a hundred thousand assets, children; 14,000 employees, asset; tens of thousands of parents who want the best for their children, asset; stakeholders, around the county, around the state, who want to improve the quality of education, asset. So when I looked at the assets, they far outweighed the deficits. So what you do is leverage your assets to address the deficits. That had worked for me in the past, and we were able to make progress here as a result of that. Q: What was your next move after that? Thurmond: I went on a listening and learning tour, and let me tell you, it was brutal. As I traveled around the county, people were beyond angry, and frustrated. Parents. Students. Employees. Stakeholders. I had to go through some very brutal community meetings. Part of the frustration was that citizens felt like they were not being heard. Even though it was very uncomfortable, and disconcerting, I was learning things about the district that would prove to be critical in terms of shaping a strategy to progress the district forward. Q: What were the top three things that you learned?

significant amount of preparation prior to coming to school. That’s where the greatest disservice has been done, but thank God, that is changing now that we know. We put $500,000 in the new budget and I have talked to Dr. Green about it and he is very focused on making that a high priority for his administration to get this done.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Thurmond said his experience leading large public agencies, his ability to build bridges between disparate groups, and his belief in hard work helped prepare him for the superintendent’s job.

Far left, Thurmond examined a burned cubby after fire destroyed a classroom at Fairington Elementary School in January 2015. He received the Howey Hudson Lowe Foundation’s Trailblazer Award in 2014. Photos by Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Thurmond: People were concerned, invested. They were passionate about the district and about the educational futures of their children. Now, we had to reshape it from the negative to a positive. Secondly, I began to understand the high levels of diversity that is DeKalb County, the deep chasms that existed, and the need to build bridges of communication between the various communities. And not just north/south. You see, I was aware of the north/south divide, but that’s really just the beginning.

Q: How did you go about rebuilding morale among employees in the district? Thurmond: Engaging all the employees. For instance, every employee has to feel that he and she is important. So part of what I had to do was help employees understand what their roles were and how they contributed to the overall success. Superintendents, principals and teachers are important. But one of the more important successes we have had is that we helped our bus drivers to understand and feel like they are important as well as our food service workers, and our janitorial staff. You have to have good principals and teachers. You need an engaged superintendent. You need qualified board members, but if the buses don’t run, there is no school. If the cooks don’t cook, school is dismissed. So every employee is important. And it’s not just a verbalization. One of our proudest accomplishments is that we now have a $10.25 minimum wage in the DeKalb County School District. We had people who were earning $9,000 and $10,000 a year full time in 2015. Now nobody working here will make less than $10.25 an hour. I can say you are important, but it is how I pay you that defines whether or not there is any validity in that.

Q: What are some of the other divides that you found? Thurmond: Economic. Well, the middle class – and not just white middle class. Middle class, black and white, and the gap between the lower socio-economic communities. And then you look at my population – 21 percent of our students come from homes where English is spoken as a second language – I realized that this old black/white construct that has defined DeKalb politics for decades is obsolete. The population that is growing inside the DeKalb School District is the Hispanics and Latinos. And that’s a population that is not often considered, and rarely has a seat at the table. Q: You have said the district operated for And the third one that I learned was that the budget was item No. 1. We had to get our 15 years without a board-adopted curriculum. fiscal house in order before we could begin How did that happen? Thurmond: Our board policy requires us to address any of the other issues. to do it, and we just weren’t doing it. So we have teachers who are going out Q: What was going on with the money. You don’t just find $27 million. There was a on the Internet and finding curriculum and deficit, and then there was no deficit. What teaching it in their schools. It took a year of investigation to find that was really going on? Thurmond: [laugh] It was about exper- it wasn’t being done because there was some tise and experience. You had to know where confusion and disagreement over whether we to look, and then understand what is it you had one or not. But finally, last fall it became clear that this had not been done. are looking at. It’s a major, I hate to say it, embarrassWhat may have been most under-appreciated about my previous history was that ment. You see, a curriculum is the floor and at DFACS, I had a billion-dollar budget. At not the ceiling. It is the minimum of what the Georgia Department of Labor, we had a must be taught. Where it has the greatest impact is in schools where you have a high $750 million budget. So I had some experience managing pub- percentage of inexperienced teachers and lic-sector finances. That helped me engage administrators and kids who come from homes where they might not have had a this situation with a lot more confidence.

Q: How is the transition going with Dr. Green? Thurmond: We have been in touch with Dr. Green, over the phone and by email. We rode around the district last Friday. We spend most of the afternoon here just talking. I am going to do everything I can to support him and ensure his success. He is an outstanding educator. He is an expert in curriculum and instruction. The one person we need right now is someone who is expert in curriculum and instruction to address this long festering issue that has had a negative impact on academic performance in this district. Q: Might there be a book in your future about this experience? Thurmond: I am thinking about it. I enjoy history. It would help if we have a better understand the history of public education. We have lost a chronological understanding of and appreciation for where we are. We have lost sight of the fact that this experience where you offer all children – regardless of color or class – at least an equal opportunity to quality public education is a recent relative experiment in the history of the country. Brown v. the Board of Education was 1954. The schools remained segregated until 1970. I attended segregated schools until the fall of 1970. So, we have only had 44 years of a system that offered all children equal access. You can’t undo centuries of history in just two generations. Still we have come a long way in a short time. Q: What’s next for Michael Thurmond? Thurmond: I am going back to my law firm, the Butler Wooten Law Firm. I have been on leave so I am going back to the law firm. But first, I am going to take some time off and just think, and just ruminate. Q: Of all the things that you accomplished here, what will stay longest with you? Thurmond: I am proud that somewhere, somehow I summoned the courage to go and stand in the gap at a critical time. It was a job that no one else wanted. I didn’t tell you the story about the list of nine names. They told me that the first eight people they called all said no. But just having the courage to go and stand in the gap. I want to say this too, this job has been the most rewarding and inspiring job I have every had. Q: Why is that? Thurmond: Because of 100,000 children. You actually see the future. As a politician, as a candidate, and elected official, I always talked about, and pontificated about it, but as an educator, the future is now. When you walk into a classroom in DeKalb, the future is now. I am a better person for having served. I walk away having gained more than I gave. I spent almost four decades of my life trying to finagle, strategize, and get to the next election – win, lose or draw – because that is the only way you win. But for these last two-and-a-half years, I have been able to shift from the next election to the next generation. I get up thinking about the next generation, and that is much more transformative, and inspiring and enlightening for me as a person. Hopefully I did some good, and hopefully I will leave it better than how we found it, but no matter how much we did, it won’t equal what I gained, and I gained a better self. I gained a clearer view of who I am and what my calling has been in life.

CrossRoadsNews

June 27, 2015

Community

“How can you forgive someone who is not expressing any remorse and has not asked you for forgiveness?”

Farrakhan to shooting survivors: ‘Don’t be so quick to forgive’ By Ken Watts

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan spoke at West Hunter Street Baptist Church on June 22.

In a fiery speech in Atlanta on June 22, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan chided relatives of nine African-Americans killed by a white gunman in the Emanuel AME Church massacre on June 17 in Charleston, S.C., for being “too quick to forgive.” Farrakhan spoke to a cheering packed house of nearly 1,000 people at historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church, once pastored by the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s closest adviser during the civil rights movement. He was in town as part of a tour to promote the upcoming 20th anniversary observance on Oct. 10 of his 1995 Million Man March on Washington that called on black men to renew their commitment to their families and communities. Farrakhan, 82, spoke for two hours about the racially motivated church killings and other issues facing African-Americans. He got a strong reaction from his audience when he told them alleged Charleston shooter Dylann Storm Roof had time to

fire, reload and fire again and not only did church members not attack him or try to defend themselves, but victims’ relatives are offering forgiveness to someone who does not want it. Farrakhan was making reference to relatives of some of the dead who told Roof at his arraignment hearing that they forgave him. “How can you forgive someone who is not expressing any remorse and has not asked you for forgiveness?” Farrakhan asked. “How many in your own family have lied and cheated and you have not forgiven them? You carry that anger to the grave. But when it comes to white people doing you wrong, you’re quick to say ‘I forgive.’” Farrakhan, who has led the Nation of Islam since 1978, has been both praised and widely criticized for views seen as racially inflammatory or anti-Jewish. He has always rejected that characterization. “Anybody who demands economic justice for black people is labeled anti-Semitic,” Farrakhan said. “I am not anti-Semitic. I just know their history.”

Candidate forums in Lithonia for District 5 runoff

Search under way for elderly man

Voters in DeKalb Commission District 5 can hear from runoff candidates Mereda Davis Johnson and George Turner at two upcoming forums in Lithonia. On June 29, a group of seven organizations is hosting a forum at Salem Bible Church, and on July 9, three groups are co-hosting a forum at Fairfield Baptist Church. Johnson and Turner are vying for the seat in the July 14 special election runoff. Both led the field of 10 candidates in the June 16 special election. Johnson was the top vote-getter with 1,239, or 27.21 percent. Turner came in second with 726, or 15.94 percent. Because no candidate got 50 percent plus one vote, they must face off on July 14. Early voting begins June 29 at the DeKalb Elections and Registration office on Memorial Drive in Decatur.

Daily searches are under way in Stone Mountain for 83-year-old Thomas Walker Jr., who has dementia and diabetes. Walker, a black male, was last seen on June 20. He has brown eyes and is bald. He was last seen at 601 Mountain Springs Drive wearing black jeans, a blue-and-white striped T-shirt, black socks and no shoes. Due to dementia, he has a hard time comThomas Walker Jr. municating. Because of diabetes, he is likely in need of medical attention. Searches are being held at 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. daily and begin at 601 Mountain Springs. For more information, contact Detective Burton at 770498-8984, Ext. 117.

Commission District 5, which has 140,000 residents and 95,000 registered voters, has been without full representation since July 2013 when its former commissioner, Lee May, was appointed DeKalb’s interim CEO. The June 29 candidate forum starts at 6:30 p.m. and will last for an hour and a half. It is sponsored by the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., National Council of Negro Women, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., East Metro Orchids, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Salem Bible Church is at 5460 Hillandale Drive. On July 9, Georgia Stand Up, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and the Voter Empowerment Collaborative are hosting a forum at Fairfield Baptist, 6133 Redan Road. It starts at 6:30 p.m.

Charleston picks up the pieces and moves toward healing SLAYINGS,

from page

handgun and shooting the victims at close range, police say. He confessed after police arrested him on June 18 in Shelby, N.C., after 14 hours on the run. He has been charged with nine counts of murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty. Pinckney, a Democrat, served in the General Assembly for 19 years. He was pastor of Emanuel AME, one of the country’s oldest black churches. Colleagues said he was the most kind, gentle man in the Senate. Jackson was a longtime member of Emanuel AME and sang in the choir. Lance, who grew up in Charleston and raised five children, was a custodian at the church for about 30 years. She lost her husband in 1988 and a daughter to cancer in 2013. She has seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Simmons was a retired pastor of Friendship AME in Mount Pleasant, S.C. He was the only victim who didn’t die at the church. He passed away on the operating table at the Medical University of South Carolina. Coleman-Singleton was an assistant pastor at Emanuel AME, a speech therapist, and a girls track and field coach at Goose Creek High in Goose Creek, S.C. Sanders, an aspiring rapper, described himself on Instagram as a poet, artist and businessman. He graduated in 2014 from Allen University in Columbia, S.C., where he studied business. Middleton Doctor, a retired pastor, was an admissions coordinator at Southern Wesleyan University’s Charleston learning center. She had a bachelor’s degree in biology from Columbia College and a master’s in organizational management from Southern Wesleyan and was a former manager of Charleston’s Census Bureau office. She has four daughters who sing in Emanuel’s choir.

Thompson was a pastor at Emanuel AME and wife of the Rev. Anthony Thompson, vicar of Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church in Charleston. She graduated from Benedict College in Columbia. Hurd was a head librarian and 31-year employee of the Charleston County Public Library, which closed all 16 of its branches on June 18-19 in her honor. She was a graduate of Clark Atlanta University. Last week after the shooting, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said the “heart and soul” of her state was broken. “Having said that, we are a strong and faithful state,” she said. She called for the Confederate flag that flies over the State Capitol to be removed. Photos of Roof posing with the Confederate flag have surfaced on the Internet. African-Americans view the flag as racist. Obama expressed deep sorrow at the slayings. “There is something particularly heart-

breaking about a death happening in a place where we seek solace and seek peace,” he said. “I have had to make statements like this too many times. Communities like this have endured tragedies like this too many times.” He said the tragedy happened because someone intent on causing harm had no trouble getting his hands on a gun. “Now is the time for mourning and for healing,” the president said, “but let’s be clear: At some point, we as a country, we have to reckon with the fact that this mass violence does not happen in other advanced countries. It doesn’t happen in other places with this kind of frequency. And it is in our power to do something about it.” When Emanuel AME reopened for Sunday services on June 21, the Rev. Novel Goff of Emanuel delivered a sermon in memory of Pinckney about overcoming evil with faith in God. He said his congregation will seek justice as well as reconciliation in the case. “We’re going to be vigilant,” he said.

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb! R Don’t Litter R Mow, Trim & Paint R Clean to the Curb A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

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

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

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

CrossRoadsNews

June 27, 2015

Pediatricians, children’s hospitals and health groups have lobbied for years against legalizing fireworks.

Fireworks sales legal in Georgia starting July 1 law prohibits the possession of Georgia consumers can legally buy Proponents say legalizing fireworks in school zones, at fireworks in the state starting July the sale of fireworks will school functions or on school 1, in time for Independence keep tax dollars from going buses. Day celebrations. to neighboring states. Proponents say Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed consumers had been crossing HB 110 into law on May 5 the border into South Carolina for the commercial sale and and Tennessee to buy fireworks at regulation of fireworks. holiday time, and now that money can The sale of fireworks in be spent in the state under the new law. Georgia had been banned for State Rep. Jay Robdecades. Pediatricians, chilerts (R-Ocilla), bill dren’s hospitals, health groups, sponsor, says fireand fire and safety officials have wor k s s tore s i n lobbied for years against legalizing Georgia would pay fireworks because of the potential an initial lifor causing serious injuries to cense fee of kids. $5,000 with Prevent Blindness Georgia annual resays injuries from fireworks newals cost- Jay Roberts accounted for 11,400 visits to ing $1,000. Fireworks will be emergency rooms in 2013 with subject to a 5 percent excise tax 16 percent of injuries to the in addition to normal state and eyes. Many of the injured were local sales taxes. children. Roberts, who represents Ten years ago, the General District 155, said the new law Assembly passed legislation alwould create a cottage industry lowing the sale of sparklers. with 1,500 new jobs. HB 110 legalizes the sale of State officials are processing applications from companies seeking to blank cartridges, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets and other explosive devices, effective July 1. The new sell consumer fireworks in Georgia.

Avoid injuries, leave the fireworks to professionals Prevent Blindness is urging Georgians to leave fireworks to the professionals on July Fourth and throughout the year. “You might have heard that Georgia passed a law this year that allows the public to purchase and use fireworks in our state,” the nonprofit says in a June 24 statement. “However, just because fireworks are legal does not mean that they are safe.” Nearly half of all fireworks injuries are suffered by innocent bystanders, and children are often on the receiving end of these injuries, Prevent Blindness says. It is asking residents not to purchase, use or store fireworks of any type – even sparklers can be dangerous. “Attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous. Be creative – and safe – this July Fourth by using flashlights wrapped in colored cellophane or nontoxic glowsticks that can safely light the night for kids.” The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says fireworks are involved in thousands of injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says fireworks are involved in thousands of injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms each year. Most injuries occur during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July. rooms each year. Most injuries occur during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July. An estimated 5,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in ERs during the one-month special study period between June 22 and July 22, 2012. Children younger than 15 accounted for about 30 percent of the injuries, and 46 percent were to people younger than 20. The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers (41 percent); head, face and ears (19 percent); legs (13 percent); and eyes

(12 percent, or 600 total). If an accident does occur, minimize damage to the eye: n Do not rub the eye. n Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. n Do not apply pressure to the eye itself. Holding or taping a foam cup or the bottom of a juice carton to the eye are two tips. Protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including the child’s hand, is the goal. n Do not stop for medicine. Aspirin (which should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the child to the emergency room at once. n Do not apply ointment. Ointment, which may not be sterile, makes the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine. n Do not let your child play with fireworks, even if his/her friends are setting them off. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, and bottle rockets can stray off course or throw shrapnel when they explode. For more information, visit preventblindness.org/prevent-eye-injuries-fireworks or call 404-266-2020.

Metro Atlanta jobless rate climbs in May, still below 2014 Metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate for May rose to 5.9 percent, up three-tenths of a percentage point from 5.6 percent in April. The rate in May 2014 was 6.9 percent. The jobless rate inched up as the metro labor force grew by 23,594 to 2,831,311, and while the new entrants are searching for work, they are counted as unemployed. Last year in May, the labor force grew by 20,131. In DeKalb County, the jobless rate for May was 6.2 percent. It was 5.9 percent in April and 7.4 percent in May 2014. The labor force was 372,567 for May, up by 2,944 from 369,623 in April. A year ago, the

Circulation Audited By

labor force was 370,678. While the number of initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in metro Atlanta declined, first claims for UI benefits in DeKalb in May rose to 2,045, up 84 or 4.3 percent from 1,961 in April. There were 2,432 initial claims in May 2014 for an over-the-year decrease of 387 or 15.9 percent. The number of jobs in metro Atlanta increased by 16,000, or 0.6 percent, in May to 2,583,200. All of the job gains came in the private sector, mostly leisure and hospitality, 9,700; professional and business services, 6,500; construction, 1,600; and trade, transportation and warehousing, 1,500. Government

lost 2,500 jobs, primarily in noncontract school employees. In the previous three years, Atlanta gained an average of 14,300 jobs in May. There was an over-the-year gain of 79,600 jobs, or 3.2 percent, from May 2014. Most of the job growth came in professional and business services, 20,100; trade, transportation and warehousing, 19,400; leisure and hospitality, 17,500; education and health services, 9,800; construction, 6,100; and financial activities, 5,700. The number of initial claims for UI benefits in the metro area declined by 450, or 3.2 percent, to 13,753 in May. Most of the decrease

came in construction, manufacturing and retail trade. Over the year, claims were down by 1,874, or 12 percent, from 15,627 filed in May 2014. Metro Gainesville had the lowest area jobless rate at 5.1 percent, while the Heart of Georgia-Altamaha region had the highest at 7.7 percent. Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May was 6.3 percent, up from a revised 6.2 percent in April. It was 7.3 percent in May 2014. Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.gdol.ga.gov.

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June 27, 2015

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“Extreme heat can lead to very high body temperatures, brain and organ damage, even death.”

Stay cool, hydrate to beat the heat

Partially hydrogenated oils have been widely used as ingredients since the 1950s to increase the shelf-life and flavor stability of processed foods.

FDA gives trans fat the boot Food manufacturers have three years to remove trans fat from their products after the FDA finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils are not “generally recognized as safe” for use in human food. The action taken by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on June 16 to remove artificial trans fats in processed foods is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year, acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff said. It will significantly reduce the use of PHOs, the major source of artificial trans fats, in the food supply. In 2013, the FDA made a tentative determination that PHOs could no longer be considered safe. Trans fat intake has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease by contributing to the buildup of plaque inside arteries. Trans fat wouldn’t be completely gone because it also occurs naturally in meat and dairy products. It is also present at very low levels in other edible oils, where it is unavoidably produced during the manufacturing process. PHOs have been widely used as ingredients since the 1950s to increase the shelf-life and flavor stability of processed foods. Foods that may contain PHOs include crackers, cookies, cakes, frozen pies and other baked goods; snack foods such as some microwave popcorn; stick margarines; coffee creamers; refrigerated dough products such as biscuits and cinnamon rolls; and ready-to-use frostings. Various studies have consistently linked trans fat consumption to heart disease. A 2002 report by the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine found a direct correlation between intake of trans fat and increased levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, and, therefore, increased risk of heart disease. Eradicating trans fat would prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from heart attacks

per year, doctors estimate. Since 2006, manufacturers have been required to include trans fat content information on Nutrition Facts labels. Between 2003 and 2012, the FDA estimates that consumer trans fat consumption decreased about 78 percent and that the labeling rule and industry reformulation of foods were key factors in informing healthier consumer choices and reducing trans fat in foods. The current intake remains a public health concern. The Institute of Medicine recommends that consumption of trans fat be as low as possible while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet. The FDA set a compliance period of three years to allow companies to either reformulate products without PHOs and/or petition the FDA to permit specific uses of PHOs. After the compliance period, no PHOs can be added to human food unless they are otherwise approved by the FDA. Currently, foods are allowed to be labeled as having “0” grams trans fat if they contain less than 0.5 grams per serving, including PHOs. For more information, visit http://www. fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ ucm372915.htm.

Grilling advice for diabetes patients Outdoor cooking enthusiasts coping with diabetes can pick up grilling tips at a free class on June 30 at DeKalb Extension in Decatur. Summer Grilling and Diabetes begins at 6:30 p.m. in the demonstration kitchen. R.S.V.P. at 404-298-4080 by June 29. The Extension office is at 4380 Memorial Drive.

Summer arrived this week with a bang, and high temperatures are raising health concerns throughout the state. DeKalb residents can cool off at county libraries and rec centers during normal business hours as temperatures linger in the mid- to upper 90s. The buildings have been pressed into use as cooling centers. Extreme heat affects everyone, but it can be especially hard on the elderly, infants and young children, and people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure. The Department of Public Health is urging residents to check on neighbors, friends or family members at particular risk at least once a day. Everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and sun and limit strenuous outdoor activity to prevent heatrelated illness, Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald says. “Extreme heat can lead to very high body temperatures, brain and organ damage, even death,” Fitzgerald said in a June 23 statement. “It’s important to stay Brenda Fitzgerald cool and hydrated in extreme temperatures to avoid serious health effects like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.” Heatstroke is characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees.

Signs may include dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset can be rapid, and serious symptoms can occur within minutes. Treatment involves rapidly lowering body temperature using a cool bath or wet towels. Immediately call 911. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke. Signs include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or headache. Treat with lots of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or other health problems should contact a doctor. When temperatures are extremely high: n Drink more fluids – don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Liquids that contain alcohol or lots of sugar can cause more fluid loss. n Go to the mall or library if you don’t have air conditioning – a few hours spent in a/c can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. n Fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a much better way to cool off. n Wear lightweight, light-colored, loosefitting clothing. n Never leave infants, children, adults or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. “Look Again” to be sure everyone is out. If you see anyone locked in a hot vehicle, call 911. n Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. n Keep a close eye on kids at lakes/pools.

Safety tips to avoid lightning strikes Lightning is the No. 2 weather-related killer in Georgia, and DeKalb residents can take precautions to avoid being struck, especially when swimming, grilling and participating in other outdoor activities. Lightning Safety Awareness Week is observed through June 27. People struck by lightning can suffer from long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression and an inability to sit for long periods of time. Susan Loeffler, director of the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, said the risk is very real. “Because lightning usually injures one or two people at a time, this threat can be underrated,” Loeffler said in a June 18 statement. “During Lightning Awareness Week, take the time to learn basic safety

measures and avoid unnecessary risk.” Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors. Be informed of the most current local weather forecasts and stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms, DEMA and Ready Georgia say. Learn the 30/30 rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity – unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances and avoid taking a bath or shower or running water. If outside when a storm approaches, find shelter in a building or car. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and seek shelter. For more information, visit www.ready. ga.gov or call DEMA at 770-270-0413.

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Youth Registration open for international students New students born outside the United States as well as those whose primary home language is other than American English can register over the summer at the DeKalb International Welcome Center. Parents and guardians can call 678-6767202 to make an appointment. The child must be present in order to register. Registration is closed on Fridays. Hours are 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Required documents: n Proof of residence in the DeKalb School District – updated utility bill (gas, water, electric) or rent/lease agreement in the parents’ name or an affidavit will be needed. n Certified copy of birth certificate, passport or I-94. n Immunization certificate – Form 3231. n Hearing, vision and dental – Form 3300. n Social Security card (or complete a waiver). n School transcripts (if applicable). The welcome center is at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. in Stone Mountain. For more information, visit www.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

School textbooks available for review Parents, educators and other stakeholders can review textbooks and resources for classroom instruction in k-12 foreign/modern languages and Latin and k-12 English as a second language through July 9 at Lithonia High, one of 14 Learning Resources Evaluation Sites in the state. The review takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday in the cafeteria. All sites are closed on Fridays and holidays. An advisory committee will meet in late July to compile a recommended list of learning resources for approval by the State Board of Education. Each local school system will determine which learning resources best meet the system’s instructional needs. The school is at 2440 Phillips Road in Lithonia. For more information, contact Randall N. Lee at rlee@doe.k12.ga.us or 404-656-0476.

CrossRoadsNews

June 27, 2015

“Since there were so many great outfits, I was very nervous. I’m completely honored to be selected as one of the Top 10 finalists.”

Local teens vying for $10,000 duct tape scholarships Rising seniors Ella Coleman and Jarron Jones of Lithonia are finalists in Duck brand duct tape’s Stuck at Prom scholarship competition. Voting in the 15th annual contest takes place through July 8 at http://stuckatprom. com, and the grand prize is a $10,000 scholarship for each member of the winning couple and $5,000 for the school that sponsored their prom. Entries were judged on workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories, and use of duct tape, and 10 finalist couples were chosen from across the United States and Canada. Ella, who attends Arabia Mountain High, and Jarron, a Martin Luther King Jr. High student, created their red, black and gold formalwear with 70 rolls of tape and 198 hours of work for MLK’s May 1 prom, whose theme was the Roaring ’20s. Both are 17. Ella’s versatile outfit has a low V-neck top and a high-low detachable skirt with a long train and transforms into a romper when the skirt is removed. Jarron’s outfit features a matadorinspired jacket, vest and shorts. Ella said making it into the finals was expected. “But what was unexpected was all of the notoriety and support that we’ve been receiving,” she said. It was Jarron’s idea to enter the contest after his math teacher, Jenny Kerven, suggested that he would do well. Jarron

Arabia Mountain High student Ella Coleman (left) and Jarron Jones of MLK Jr. High are finalists in Duck brand duct tape’s 15th annual Stuck at Prom scholarship competition.

says that since he dresses differently and can draw well, Kerven always would compliment his attire and artwork, which has been selected for display for the past two years at the DeKalb County School Art Festival. He sketched and designed both prom outfits and thought Ella would be the perfect participant. “I really wasn’t sure on what to expect,” he said. “Since there were so many great outfits, I was very nervous. I’m completely honored to be selected as one of the Top 10 Stuck at Prom finalists.

“Hopefully, I will win the $10,000 scholarship, and this will be the beginning of many to pursue my dream to attend FIT – Fashion Institute of Technology – to become a fashion designer.” Second-place students each will receive $5,000, third-place winners each will receive $3,000, and the prom host schools will get a cash donation. The remaining couples in the Top 10 each will receive $500 scholarships as well as $500 for the school that hosted their prom. Winners will be announced on July 15 on stuckatprom.com.

Summer vacation Bible School on at area churches Wisdom bearers and wisdom seekers can attend Camp Taifa, an African-centered Family Vacation Bible School, on July 6-9 at First Afrikan Church in Lithonia. Wisdom Under the Baobab Tree takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. and includes “Bible Jeopardy,” crafts, “Salad in a Jar Making,” gardening and other Community Festival preparations, and family posters. The four evening conversations with children, youth and adults will explore the wisdom Scriptures in the Old Testament and how to use Proverbs and African proverbs to strengthen families as well as

share experiences and lessons. The church is at 3261 Panola Road. For Registration is required for the free camp. more information, call 770-981-0180. The church is at 5197 Salem Road. For more information and to register, contact Elder Berean Christian Church The School of Biblical Studies at Berean Itihari Toure at itiharit@gmail.com or call is offering two six-week classes, “When Life 770-981-2601. Is Hard: Turning Your Trials Into Gold” and “Have the Funeral: God’s Plan for Your Past.” Ousley United Methodist Vacation Bible School takes place July Classes are June 29-Aug. 9. Registration is free; visit www.berean21-24 at Ousley UMC in Lithonia. “Shining Star: See the Jesus in Me!” ac- christianchurch.org. The church is at 2201 Young Road in tivities start at 7 p.m. To register, visit http:// ousleyumc.org or email Minister Ed Birt at Stone Mountain. For more information, call 770-593-4421. ebirt@ousleyumc.org.

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CrossRoadsNews

June 27, 2015

Scene

Many government offices and businesses will be closed on July 3 this year because July Fourth falls on a Saturday.

Parades, fireworks and more ways to celebrate Fourth of July America turns 239 on the Fourth of July, and DeKalb residents will join in the national celebration at parades, barbecues, fireworks and laser shows, and concerts around metro Atlanta. The Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, and the Continental Congress adopted the document on July 4, 1776. Many government offices and businesses will be closed on July 3 this year as the federal legal holiday is observed on Friday because July Fourth falls on a Saturday.

Stone Mountain Park “Rockin the Rock” featuring American Authors and Rachel Ashley Platten in concert on July 2 kicks off the four-night Fantastic Fourth Celebration in Stone Mountain Park. The Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision and extended fireworks finale will immediately follow the concert, which begins at 7:15 p.m. on the laser lawn. American Authors is a four-piece alternative-rock outfit based in Brooklyn with breakout hits “Best Day of My Life” and “Believer.” Platten is an American pop singer and songwriter best known for her 2015 single “Fight Song,” which has made it to the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. The concert is free; there is a parking fee to enter the park. The show includes a lighting feature that showcases the 825-foot mountainside. A special patriotic fireworks finale immediately follows the laser show July 2-5. Daily attraction hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park is at 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. in Stone Mountain. For more information, visit www.stonemountainpark.com or call 770-498-5690.

Fireworks displays are scheduled at Stone Mountain Park, Centennial Olympic Park, the city of Decatur, Lenox Square and other venues.

(about 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck. For more information, email Katie.Abel@decaturga. com or call 404-371-8386.

Largest fireworks display Lenox Square has commemorated Independence Day in grand tradition with patriotic activities for the entire family for more than half a century. This year’s activities include the largest fireworks display in the Southeast, musical entertainment and food Pied Piper Parade concessions. The city of Decatur celebrates Independence Day with Many shops and restaurants are open from 10 a.m. to 6 a parade, concert and fireworks. p.m., when musical entertainment begins with Gump FicCity commissioners will lead the Pied Piper Parade in a tion, followed by Atlanta party band Party on the Moon. mini-firetruck, and neighborhoods and organizations can Fireworks are scheduled to start at about 9:40 p.m. make floats and join in. Residents can decorate wagons, The mall is at 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta. For ride bikes, skate or walk in the event. more information, call 404-233-6767. Lineup is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., at 5:30 p.m., and the parade begins at 6. Centennial Olympic Park It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a The Fourth of July celebration at Centennial Olympic presentation of colors and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Park offers fun and entertainment for the entire family, Anyone may participate in the parade, but those with including free music and a vibrant fireworks display. vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Beginning at 6 p.m., relax on the Great Lawn and listen Piper Parade Guidelines form at http://www.visitdecatur- to live acts, including the U.S. Air Force Band of the West. georgia.com/index.aspx?page=388. The Concert Band is the largest ensemble in the USAF A concert featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band Band of the West with more than 40 musicians. Its repbegins at 7 p.m. in the bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark ertoire consists of music dating from the Renaissance to

the present day and ranges from serious symphonic band literature and Sousa marches to Broadway musicals and Top 40 hits. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. The park is at 265 Park Ave. West N.W. in downtown Atlanta. For more information, visit www.centennialpark. com.

Peachtree Road Race More than 150,000 spectators are expected to cheer on the 60,000 participants in the 46th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race, the 10-kilometer race from Peachtree Road at Lenox Square to Piedmont Park. Organized by the Atlanta Track Club, the event is the largest 10K in the world. The 6.2-mile course winds through Buckhead streets to the corners of Midtown. The wheelchair start is at 6:43 a.m., followed by the Kilometer Kids Charity Chase at 6:53 that benefits youth running programs. The Peachtree Cup begins at 7:20 a.m., and the professional divisions and the footrace start at 7:30. The Peachtree Cup, an elite team competition, is new in 2015. It comprises four teams – Team USA, Team Africa, Team Asia and Team Europe – vying for international bragging rights and a first-place prize of $42,000. The mall is at 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.atlantatrackclub.org/2015peachtree.

Office Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. 246 Sycamore St., Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030-3434 (717) 817-7504; Fax: (404) 377-2349

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

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV4930-2++ Alva Nolia Smith filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Alva Nolia Smith to Triellis Ann Bell Chadwick. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr. 30, 2015 Triellis Chadwick aka Alva Nolia Smith Petitioner, Pro se 3937 Glenwood Rd., #50 Decatur, GA 30032 404-513-8390 06/13, 06/20, 06/27, 07/04

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

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

Sabino Hernandez-Villanueva Defendant To: Sabino Hernandez-Villanueva By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 11, 2015 you are hereby notified that on June 14, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Elizabeth Ann Gerewaut, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc., 246 Sycamore St., Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 11, 2015. Witness the Honorable Gregory A. Adams, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of May, 2015. 06/13, 06/20, 06/27, 07/04

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

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

Defendant To: 4401 Flat Shoals Pkwy Decatur, GA 30032 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 28, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Sept. 04, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: 3365 River Mill Ln, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 28, 2015. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 28th day of May, 2015 06/13, 06/20, 06/27, 07/04

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

Civil Action Case Number: 15CV53592 Isatu Kamara Plaintiff Vs. Mohamed Tejan Smith Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by

06/20, 06/27, 07/04, 07/11

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

publication dated May 28, 2015 you are hereby notified that on May 12, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Isatu Kamara, 1120 Oakwood Manor, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 28, 2015. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 29th day of May, 2015. 06/20, 06/27, 07/04, 07/11

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV6204-7++ FNU Khadija, A/K/A Khadija d/o Mahram Ali, filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: FNU Khadija to Khadija Barati. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Jun. 8, 2015 Rebecca Carr Miller, Ga. Bar 489898 Attorney for Petitioners, DeKalb County

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV6203-2++ FNU Khadija, filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on June 8, 2015 to change name(s) of from: FNU Khatera, A/K/A Khatera d/o Mohammad Khan, to Khatera Barati, and the name of FNU Farzana, A/K/A Farzana d/o Mohammad Khan, to Farzana Barati. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in O.C.G.A. 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Petition was filed. Dated: Jun. 8, 2015 Rebecca Carr Miller, Ga. Bar 489898 Attorney for Petitioners, DeKalb County Office Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. 246 Sycamore St., Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030-3434 (717) 817-7504; Fax: (404) 377-2349 06/20, 06/27, 07/04, 07/11

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

Civil Action Case Number: 15CV59894 Toney E. Booker Plaintiff Vs.

Francine L. Booker Defendant To: 4265 Cabr Valley Lane Conley, GA 30288 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 01, 2015 you are hereby notified that on June 02, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Toney E. Booker, 1472 #B Riverwalk Rd., Atlanta, GA 30349. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 01, 2015. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 9th day of June, 2015 06/20, 06/27, 07/04, 07/11

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

Civil Action Case Number: 15CV22383 James Jackson Plaintiff Vs. Tanya Shade Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 09, 2015 you are hereby notified that on June 02, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Toney E. Booker, 1472 #B Riverwalk Rd., Atlanta, GA 30349. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 09, 2015. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 10th day of June, 2015

CrossRoadsNews

June 27, 2015

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