CrossRoadsNews, March 25, 2017

COMMUNITY

WELLNESS

Avoid the transit blues

Help where it’s needed

MARTA officials say customers should upgrade to the new silver Breeze cards before their old blue cards expire. 5

A $158,762 endowment grant will provide comprehensive integrated care to clients of the DeKalb Community Service Board. 7

Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways

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

Copyright © 2017 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

March 25, 2017

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 22, Number 48

Spring is here and Arabia Mountain is showing off

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

“Don’t let me wax poetic,” Astrove said this week, unable to stop himself from calling the mountain “just awesome” multiple times in a short conversation.

It’s hard to blame him when the gray and barRobbie Astrove ren-looking mountain is teeming with life and color in surprising places.

“The mountain has been sleeping all

Beautiful displays of color can be found in surprising places on Arabia Mountain in Stonecrest this spring as the granite outcrop puts on a show.

This time of the year, there is no place like Arabia Mountain.

Spring arrived March 20 and the granite outcrop is showing off.

Its signature bright-red diamorpha are in full bloom this weekend, and in the next two weeks, tiny white and pink flowers will emerge to carpet sections of the mountain that is part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Seems like there is a surprise at every turn for walkers and hikers.

Park Ranger Robbie Astrove can barely contain himself.

Please see SPRING page 2

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Lary is Stonecrest’s first mayor; 3 runoffs needed Clanton, Cobble win seats on City Council

Jason Lary and his supporters celebrate his election as the first mayor of the new city of Stonecrest at Arizona’s on March 21. A runoff will be held April 18 for three council seats.

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker and Terry Shropshire

Jason Lary will be the first mayor of Stonecrest, but the new city’s government won’t be fully operational until after April 18 because of runoffs in council districts 2, 4 and 5.

Helping Lary run the new city will be Jimmy Clanton in District 1 and Jazzmin Cobble in District 3. They won’t be able to meet because the counJimmy Clanton cil will lack a quorum.

Making the runoffs in District 2 are Plez Joyner and Rob Turner; in District 4, George Turner and Mary-Pat Hector; and in District 5, Diane Adoma and Tammy Grimes.

In unofficial results Tuesday night, Lary won with 52.2 percent of the Jazzmin Cobble vote to rivals Charles Hill II’s 39.4 percent and Douglas Favors II, who got 8.1 percent.

They were among 20 candidates who competed in the March 21 special election for mayor and five council seats.

Turnout was better than early predictions with 4,267 or 13 percent of the city’s 32,831 voters casting ballots. Election officials had forecast a turnout of 3 percent to 5 percent.

Lary said his victory left him “almost without words.”

“It was such a hard thing to do,” he told supporters gathered at Arizona’s restaurant at the Mall at Stonecrest on election night.

“As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ve done anything harder than what that I’ve done. I thought getting the city on the ballot was the

Terry Shropshire / CrossRoadsNews

hardest part. But it didn’t stand at all to this.”

He told supporters that just like they did in creating Stonecrest, they did a lot to get him the position of mayor.

“So we start a new city, we start a new life, Plez Joyner and we’re going to show the rest of the world that we got the best in class here in Stonecrest,” he said.

Lary’s coattails, however, were not long enough to carry all of the so-called “Jason 5” to election victory. Only Clanton, who worked alongside Lary to create the city, sailed to victory on election day with him.

Clanton, a longtime community advocate and Parks of Stonecrest Community Civic Association president, won easily in District 1 with 65.9 percent over Dr. Charles Ross.

Rob Turner

Mary-Pat Hector

George Turner

Three other “Jason 5” members – Joyner, George Turner, and Adoma – will battle on to the April 18 runoff.

In District 3, Cobble, a government auditor, won easily with 66.1 percent over Eric Hubbard, the 4th Congressional District outreach director.

Diane Adoma

Tammy Grimes

deserved to be mayor after fighting for years to create the city.

Calvin McWhorter, a 25-year resident of the area, said Lary “has been here from the very start.”

“He’s been active for as long as I can remember,” McWhorter said.

“I think he’ll be the right guy to take the job as the mayor.”

Voters say Lary deserved office In exit polls on election day, voters generally said they voted for Lary because he Please see STONECREST, page 2

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CrossRoadsNews

Community

March 25, 2017

“The mountain has been sleeping all winter. Now it’s awake. It’s amazing to see this display of color, texture, and life.�

MARTA to host public safety briefing The MARTA Police Department will by an update from Police host a public safety briefing on March 29 Chief Wanda Y. Dunham to share information about the authority’s and Lt. Aston Greene, who efforts to ensure the security and safety of serves as Emergency Preits customers. paredness coordinator.

It starts at 11 a.m. at MARTA headMARTA Police have quarters, 2424 Piedmont Road N.E. received the Gold Stanin Atlanta across from the Lindbergh dard of Excellence Award MARTA station. RSVP at ajackson2@ from the Commission on Keith Parker itsmarta.com.

Accreditation for Law EnGM/CEO Keith T. Parker will provide forcement Agencies seven times after initial an overview of security measures followed accreditation in 1996.

‘Take Back’ event targets trafficking Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Hikers and walkers will see displays of color in surprising places on Arabia Mountain in Stonecrest this spring as the granite outcrop puts on a show.

Arabia Mountain teems with life SPRING

from page

1

winter,� Astrove said. “Now it’s awake. It’s amazing to see this display of color, texture and life.� As many times as he has seen the mountain in spring, Astrove says he stays in “a state of awe and wonder.�

The granite mountain, now part of the city of Stonecrest, is part of 500 acres that the Davidson family donated to DeKalb County in the 1970s as a nature preserve. It is one of three granite outcrops or monadnocks, an isolated stone hill that rises from a plain, in Georgia. It and Stone Mountain are in DeKalb. The third is Panola Mountain, a short drive away in Henry County.

Quarried for more than a hundred years for its prized “Tidal Grey� granite, Arabia Mountain’s vernal or solution pools, depressions in the rock filled with its sand, cradle a unique collection of plants like diamorpha, black-spored quillwort and amphianthus that grow and thrive there.

Astrove said something blooms on the granite outcrop 11 months a year, but that spring is extra special. “By far, the mountain is the most beautiful in the spring,� Astrove said.

There are guided walks at 8 a.m. Fridays and Sundays. For other events, Visit http:// arabiaalliance.org/news/the-lost-world-ofarabia-mountain.

Blue Breeze Cards

must be replaced with Silver Cards!

#HVGT /CTEJ

%OXH %UHH]H FDUGV FDQQRW EH UHORDGHG

#HVGT ,WN[

%OXH %UHH]H FDUGV ZLOO QRW EH DFFHSWHG Avoid losing any trips or value still loaded on your Blue Breeze card: Use all remaining trips or value on your Blue card before July 9, 2017.

Purchase a new, secure Silver Breeze card for $2.00 at any rail station vending machine, Ride Store or online at www.Breezecard.com.

Go to www.itsmarta.com for FAQs or call 404-848-5000, M-F 8-5.

A “Take Back Your Community� event on March 28 at Bethune Middle School in Decatur will address safety and human trafficking in metro Atlanta.

It takes place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is presented by Towers Action Group and Partners in Action for Healthy Living.

There will be an open discussion on in-

creasing neighborhood safety and helping eradicate human trafficking as well as a question-and-answer session with DeKalb Police and Tapestri Inc. Attendees can enter a raffle to win a gift card.

The school is at 5200 Covington Highway.

For more information, email towersactiongroupdekalb@gmail.com.

Voters cite Lary’s cityhood efforts STONECREST,

from page

1

Marilyn Arnold, a 19-year resident, said she picked Lary because he has a vision. “We got a lot of no’s and, to me, he just stuck to it,� she said.

Voters said they were disturbed by a negative campaign mailer that painted Hill as mentally ill and marred the campaign.

The last-minute mailer was delivered to their mailboxes over the weekend, but they said it did not sway their votes.

Arnold said she didn’t believe Lary was

behind the negative mailer or that he had anything to gain by it. “To me, he was already in,� she said. “Even though some of the other candidates may have made a push here and there, he’s the face of this whole movement. “So I never saw that he had enough to fear to do something like that.�

Her sister, Carol, who went to the polls with her and picked Lary as mayor, said she is very proud to live in the new city. “We’re becoming a city and I wanted to take the opportunity to vote for the people that are going to represent me,� she said.

March 25, 2017

Community

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CrossRoadsNews

“Anything I have done is to make the community better.

There was a misstep but there was no malice.”

Stonecrest charter bill focused on mayor’s term, voting DeKalb CEO

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker plans two State State Rep. Doreen Carter has tabled of County talks changing council district lines in the city of Stonecrest, but House Bill 600 is still seeking to amend the city’s charter to impose a two-consecutive term limit on the mayor and limiting the mayor to voting only to break a tie.

The tweaking comes after push-back from residents and members of the Governor’s Commission who said lawmakers did not seek input from them before writing the bill.

Carter, who represents House District 92, told residents who packed the Stonecrest Library on March 20 to discuss the impending changes that the local bill to amend Stonecrest’s charter will now only focus on the mayor’s term of service and voting.

The bill is seeking to amend the city’s charter that was approved by legislators on April 21, 2016. It was due for a vote March 24 in the House of Representatives and was expected to move to the Senate for a vote on March 30, the last day of the 2017 session.

HB 600 is co-sponsored by Reps. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-93), Vernon Jones (D-91), Karen Bennett (D-94), Pam Stephenson (D-90) and Ernest “Coach” Williams (D-89).

At the meeting with residents, called by District 1 candidate Jimmy Clanton, some people wanted to know why state legislators were “rushing” changes to the city’s charter before its elected officials are seated.

Carter said the changes were not being rushed and lawmakers were just trying to get them passed before the November elections when council 1, 3 and 4 seats are up for re-election.

Joel Thibodeaux, a Stonecrest resident and chair of the Governor’s Commission, said he favors a comprehensive review of the

State Rep. Doreen Carter explains a bill that would amend Stonecrest’s charter at a March 20 meeting the Stonecrest Library.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

charter rather than a piecemeal approach.

“The charter as it stands now says that within the first five years of incorporating the city that we can establish a charter commission to look at all the things that work, and the things that don’t work, the things that may not be necessary in the charter. The city does that with its citizens. They contact the legislators who have to write the bill that will fix all these things and then there is a comprehensive fix to the charter,” he said.

“You all get to decide how you are going to do this.”

Some residents felt like legislators were rushing the changes and had not solicited input from residents or the city’s leaders.

Carter said there had been lack of communication and missed communication but that for more than 20 years, in non-elected and now a elected position, she has fought daily for Lithonia and Stonecrest.

“Anything I have done is to make the community better,” she said. “There was a misstep but there was no malice.”

She said she did not speak with the Governor’s Commission before sponsoring the bill with five other legislators because they

did not know who to notify since the city’s first election had not yet taken place.

Thibodeaux said the commission should have been notified. Carter said the commission had not engaged legislators.

“We are now communicating,” she said, adding that the plan now was to spend the summer trying to fix the district lines and resolve issues with properties that are partially within both the city and the county.

“We heard you and we have taken the district lines off the table,” she told residents.

Carter said most cities in the state have term limits and there is clear separation between the executive and legislative branches of government.

HB 600 also establishes a quorum of four, including the mayor, for the city council and requires council members and the mayor to disclose conflicts in writing prior to or at the meeting and make it a part of the minutes if they wish to abstain from voting on any matter properly brought before the city council for official action.

Carter said there are other issues in the charter people have brought to legislators and they will address them going forward.

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will present his inaugural State of the County address on March 30 and April 4.

The theme is “The First 90 Days.”

The first address will be held at the Thalia Carlos Hellenic Center, 2500 Clairmont Road N.E. in Atlanta, and will be hosted by the Council for Quality Growth and the DeKalb Chamber.

It takes place 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For cost and to register, visit councilforqualitygrowth. org. For sponsorships, Michael Thurmond call Amanda Janaskie at 770-813-3381.

The April 4 address, which is free to attend, begins at 7 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Thurmond, who pledged to erase the white-black divide between North and South DeKalb, will make his evening address on the 49th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tenn.

Within the first three months of his term as CEO, Thurmond has been able to pass a $1.5 billion budget through the Board of Commissioners that includes addressing the longstanding water bill debacle. He also was able to purchase the county’s first street sweepers to help remove tons of trash and debris from the roads that caused flooding during inclement weather and led to potholes.

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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 Assistant Editor Terry Shropshire Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams 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.

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March 25, 2017

“Rep. Harold Rogers of Kentucky denounced the reductions as “draconian, careless and counterproductive.”

Is that the sound of a train comin’ round the bend?

By Dr. Kathryn Rice

I’m beginning to hear the faint sounds of a train comin’ round the bend in of all places the proposed city of Greenhaven in South DeKalb. I’m about to explain how that might happen with special kudos to Greenhaven proponents and especially some of our DeKalb Delegation.

People in South DeKalb have been waiting for almost 40 years (the east-west corridor started service in 1979) while being, until recently, one of only two counties to pour taxes into transportation and hopes of MARTA. Many people moved to South DeKalb with the promise that MARTA would be coming down I-20. But year after year passed with no progress. Indeed, in 2017, the latest proposal has MARTA going from the Clifton corridor to Atlanta and from Indian Creek to Stonecrest mall (bypassing almost all of I-20).

Proponents of the proposed city of Greenhaven have been pushing the MARTA issue since they began in 2014 because transportation stimulates economic development.

In addition to moving people rapidly, a lot of construction and retail occurs around MARTA stops in

“Many people moved to South DeKalb with the promise that MARTA would be coming down I-20. But year after year passed with no progress. Indeed, in 2017, the latest proposal has MARTA going from the Clifton corridor to Atlanta and from Indian Creek to Stonecrest mall (bypassing almost all of I-20).”

Dr. Kathryn Rice

its transit oriented development, which means JOBS. So, in 2016, the Greenhaven Business Alliance Inc., chaired by L. Dean Heard, formed to conduct research and promote business in South DeKalb.

Heard is a partner in Magnitrans, a private firm that has been planning for the last few years to bring MARTA down I-20.

Greenhaven proponents are excited to see their efforts begin to come to fruition with the help of some of our legislative leaders in the Georgia General Assembly.

On March 15, 2017, the DeKalb Delegation voted to approve an additional half-cent SPLOST only if MARTA would guarantee that the funds would go to rail (not bus or maintenance). MARTA agreed.

Commendations go to state Reps.

Pam Stephenson, Vernon Jones, Howard Mosby, Doreen Carter, Karen Bennett, Dar’shun Kendrick, Michelle Henson and Billy Mitchell (who is on the MARTOC

committee).

Previously, the DeKalb Delegation had voted that they would support the half-cent tax only if the funds went to MARTA projects in DeKalb County. Why is this important?

As many of you may know, Emory and the Centers for Disease Control [and Prevention] have been exploring the possibility of annexing into Atlanta. Indeed, Emory has purchased property to position itself to be able to do just that, leading many to believe they are on the verge of taking action. By adding the condition that “funds can only be for rail,” the DeKalb Delegation is forcing Emory and CDC to decide whether they want to stay in DeKalb and get the funding for rail or leave DeKalb, in which case I-20 emerges as the clear front-runner to get the MARTA funds for rail.

Either way, DeKalb County wins because DeKalb gets a rail project and transit oriented development.

Kudos to the delegation for showing leadership and for not settling for South DeKalb to get the usual bus or maintenance but no rail.

What surprised me is that the vote was divided between North DeKalb representatives who voted against rail only and South representatives who voted for it. If North DeKalb representatives vote against a bill that would ensure rail in South DeKalb, then it furthers the claims of those who are skeptical about the North supporting projects in the South.

Everyone agrees that South DeKalb has large undeveloped areas that represent DeKalb County’s future growth and potential. Then, let’s support policies like MARTA down I-20 that will help the southern part of the county. In the end, it benefits all DeKalb County.

Kathryn Rice, Ph.D., chairs Concerned Citizens for Cityhood in South DeKalb.

Trump’s budget readily reveals who counts, who doesn’t While much of the country is focused on the NCAA men’s basketball “March Madness” tournament, the White House has unleashed a March Massacre, its “skinny budget” plan, for 2018.

Budgets often seem impenetrable, packed with a blizzard of numbers too big to comprehend. But budgets are value statements. They tell us what we value and what we discount. President Donald Trump’s budget reveals who counts and who does not.

Trump believes in walls. This budget includes a $2 billion-plus down payment – paid by U.S. taxpayers, not the Mexicans – for his famous wall on the border. It also builds a wall around the wealthy and around the military-industrial complex. They are protected and rewarded; the rest of us are at risk.

The first priority for Trump is a “massive” tax cut for the wealthy and the corporations. A first installment came with his health care plan that cuts the top-end taxes used to subsidize health care under Obamacare and pays for that tax cut by depriving millions of health insurance (14 million in the first year, according to the Congressional Budget Office estimate). Older, lower-wage workers and those living in rural areas – ironically, a source of many Trump votes – get hurt the most.

Trump’s “skinny budget” doesn’t contain his tax cut plan. That is promised in May. But the budget is disciplined by that plan, so increases in military spending are

“Trump abandons his pledge to rebuild our inner cities.

His budget cuts funds for virtually every program for impacted communities.... If passed, this budget will produce more unemployment, more poverty, more despair and more shattered dreams.”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

“paid for” by cuts in domestic programs. We don’t know yet how Trump will finance his tax cuts.

This budget excludes any reporting on mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare. What’s clear is that Trump will either violate his promise to protect those programs or violate his pledge to balance the budget in a decade. The March Massacre is likely to be followed by a May Monstrosity.

Trump will add 10 percent, or $54 billion, to the Pentagon’s budget over its baseline (3 percent and $18 billion over Obama’s plan).

The Pentagon already spends more than the countries with next eight largest military budgets combined.

Its books are so messed up that they cannot be audited. Cost overruns, sole-source contract rip-offs and massive waste are routine. What we need are not smarter missiles but wiser policies. But wisdom is not protected behind the wall: Trump would cut funding for diplomacy

by nearly 30 percent. Even military generals and admirals have protested against this folly.

Trump lays waste to the domestic programs beyond his walls. The most vulnerable take the biggest hit. His budget would devastate rural areas, cutting regional development authorities, support for rural radio stations and rural airports, support for clean water projects and more. Combined with his health care plan, Trump is betraying his biggest supporters. Rep. Harold Rogers of Kentucky denounced the reductions as “draconian, careless and counterproductive.” And he’s a Republican.

Trump abandons his pledge to rebuild our inner cities. His budget cuts funds for virtually every program for impacted communities – community development block grants, preschool and after-school programs, summer enrichment programs, help for students to prepare for college, college workstudy and grant programs, infant nutrition for impoverished mothers with children, and housing and rent subsidy programs. If passed, this budget will produce more unemployment, more poverty, more despair and more shattered dreams.

Trump deals with this by calling for a return to aggressive police tactics, giving police the impossible task of sustaining order amid despair.

Trump tramples his promise to working people. This budget contains no hint of a program to rebuild America. It decimates Labor Department funding to enforce worker health and safety in factories and mines, to protect against wage theft, to ensure that minimum wage and fair-hours laws are respected.

Much more is left on the cutting room floor. Programs to deal with climate change are gutted. The Republican fixation on Planned Parenthood and rolling back support for women’s health care continues.

The budget makes a bizarre assault on science and research, cutting even the medical research at the National Institutes of Health.

Congressional Republicans have called Trump’s budget dead on arrival. They can’t raise military spending without gaining Democratic votes, and Democrats will block the deepest and more perverse cuts. But the thrust of Trump’s budget reflects the values that govern the Republican congressional majorities. They won’t get everything they want, but what they get will leave America more unequal, more vulnerable, with greater poverty and despair from Chicago’s inner cities to Appalachia’s rural hollows.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is founder and president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

index to advertisers Angie’s Elegant Events.................................... 8 Blissful Travel Agency..................................... 8 Blue Bubble Home Services............................ 8 Brock Tours & Travel...................................... 8 Brooks & Assoc............................................... 2 Commissioner Larry Johnson.......................... 7 Committee To Elect Rob Turner...................... 2

DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court........ 10 DeKalb County Office of Community Affairs... 5 DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office....................... 11 DeKalb County Watershed Mgmt.................... 3 Georgia Piedmont Technical College.............. 5 Greenforest Community Baptist Church..........6

Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC................... 11 Johnson’s Antiques & Flea Market................ 11 King Safety & Security, Inc............................. 11 Law Office of Trichelle Griggs Simmons........ 11 MARTA............................................................ 2 Partnership For Community Action................9

Power of Christ International Ministries..........6 Wright Vision Care.......................................... 7 Motivate (EPMG)....................................Inserts Rite Aid...................................................Inserts Feld Entertainment, Inc......................... Online Greenforest Community Baptist Church.Online

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CrossRoadsNews

March 25, 2017

Community

“He is a seasoned and versatile leader, bringing with him a wealth of experience in public policy and academia.”

Deadline looms to upgrade to new Breeze cards MARTA officials are encouraging customers to upgrade to the new silver Breeze cards by March 31.

The cards offer a new look and added security to combat fraud and abuse, says MARTA General Manager and CEO Keith Parker.

“Although we first introduced our new cards in January of last year, we still have a number of customers who continue to use the blue Breeze cards,” Parker said.

“We want to encourage everyone to upgrade to the silver Breeze card to help ensure a smooth transition.”

The silver Breeze cards are $2 and are available at the MARTA RideStores located at the Airport and Five Points stations. Cards also can be purchased at www.

After March 31, MARTA riders will no longer be able to reload trips or balances on the old blue Breeze cards. The new silver Breeze cards are $2.

breezecard.com or at the Breeze vending machines located at all 38 rail stations.

Customers can transfer existing balances to the newly purchased cards.

After March 31, customers will no longer be able to reload trips or balances on the blue cards. MARTA customers registering new cards

LIHEAP for heating bills Eligible residents who live in DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton and Walton counties can apply for help with their heating bills at the Partnership for Community Action.

Funds from the Georgia Department of Human Services are available to provide assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. A portion of the funding is from the Public Service Commission and H.E.A.T. Those who are eligible will be able to apply for the onetime heating assistance payment of either $310 or $350.

Appointments are available to all low-income households in the

service area – schedule online at www.pcaction.org or by calling 404-537-4300.

Crisis walk-ins are accepted Monday-Friday beginning at 7 a.m. at the location at 3597 Covington Highway in Decatur while funds are available. Clients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

All potential clients who heat their homes with natural gas, electricity, propane, wood, kerosene or coal and meet the income guidelines of 60 percent of the median household income for Georgia may be able to apply. Visit www.pcaction.org for documents needed and other requirements.

Bostic to head Atlanta Fed Economist Raphael W. Bostic will become the 15th president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, effective June 5, the first African American to head a Fed regional bank.

Bostic, 50, succeeds Dennis Lockhart, who retired Feb. 28. Bostic is the Judith and John Bedrosian Chair in Governance Raphael Bostic and the Public Enterprise at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California.

Thomas A. Fanning, board chair

GEORGIA PIEDMONT

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before July 9 will be able to transfer their unexpired balances. After that date, all balances will be forfeited and the blue cards officially will be phased out of operation, MARTA CIO Ming Hsi said.

“We are pleased to offer this heightened technology that reflects current industry standards,” Hsi said. “A more secure card decreases

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the likelihood of fraud or other abuse that can be detrimental to our customers.”

The silver Breeze cards will be compatible with the other local and regional transit systems, including CobbLinc, the Georgia Regional Transit Authority, Gwinnett County Transit and the Atlanta Streetcar.

MARTA Customer Service is available at 404-848-5000 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and customers can check www.itsmarta.com/how-to-guide. aspx for more details.

Reduced Fare and Mobility customers who need to upgrade to the gold Breeze cards can visit www.itsmarta.com/reduced-fare-program. aspx or call 404-848-5112.

Contact us at (404) 297-9522 | www.gptc.edu | Equal Opportunity Institution www.gptc.edu/gainfulemployment

of the Atlanta Fed, said the board is pleased with Bostic’s selection.

“He is a seasoned and versatile leader, bringing with him a wealth of experience in public policy and academia,” said Fanning, who is also chair, president and CEO of the Southern Co. “Raphael also has significant experience leading complex organizations and managing interdisciplinary teams. He is a perfect bridge between people and policy.”

Bostic, who served as an assistant secretary at HUD in the Obama administration, called the Reserve Banks “vital contributors to our nation’s economic and financial success.”

Two-day career expo for youth, young adults

DeKalb residents ages 14 to 24 can participate in WorkSource DeKalb’s “Youth ROCK! EXPOsed” on April 3-4 at the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center in Clarkston.

Space at the career readiness expo is limited. Register online to reserve a spot at www.bit.do/ youthrock.

The free event, which takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, aims to prepare DeKalb youth and young adults for summer employment opportunities with workshops such as resume writing, dressing for success, effective communication and entrepreneurship.

Attendees also can participate in a job fair and gain assistance researching scholarships.

Young people who complete the career readiness training at the expo and are selected to participate in the DeKalb Works Summer Employment Program will be able to apply participation in the event to the workreadiness requirement of the summer program.

The GPTC Conference Center is at 495 N. Indian Creek Drive.

For more information, call 404-687-3400.

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Ministry

CrossRoadsNews

March 25, 2017

The 40-day Lenten period for penance, suggested by Christ’s 40 days in the desert, does not include the six Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter.

First Afrikan explores Lent from an Africentric perspective

The 2016 movie First Afrikan will explore Lent at Bible “Queen of Study classes on April 5 and April 12 at the e a part of the vision” Katwe,” about a Lithonia church.

Afrocentric Christian Ministry that Ugandan girl who Classes take place at 1 h and children to move from membersees her world and 7 p.m. church, community and the world. rapidly change The study poses the after being questions: What 5197 Salem Roaddoes introduced to the Lent Lithonia, mean toGA Africentric 30038 game of chess, Christians during a time 770-981-2601 will be screened of the re-emergence of at the church on are building white“We supremacy?

How March 25.

Mark Lomax far beyond our years.” is God calling Africentric Rev. Dr. Mark A. Lomax Christians to bear witness and what are the means of doing so?

Participants will be studying and discussing a chapter each week from the six reflections the church’s senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Mark A. Ogunwale Lomax, wrote for a recently published book, “Lenten Reflections on the Confession of Belhar. A Call to Confess, a Call to Unity, a Call to Reconciliation, a Call to Justice and a Call to Act.” gested by Christ’s 40 days in the desert, does Afrikan, where he has served since 1993. He Lent is the period from Ash Wednesday not include the six Sundays between Ash is an associate professor of homiletics at the through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Wednesday and Easter.

Interdenominational Theological Center.

The 40-day Lenten period for penance, sugOther happenings at the church: Lomax is the founding pastor of First

Palm Sunday service at Greenforest Guest preacher the Rev. Dr. Walter T. Richardson will help the Greenforest Community Baptist Church family begin their observance of Holy Week with Palm Sunday services on April 9.

They take place at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. “Rise Above” is taken from Luke 24:34: “…and saying, It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”

Richardson, pastor emeritus of Sweet Home Walter Richardson Missionary Baptist Church in Perrine, Fla., serves as adjunct professor of religion at St. Thomas University and senior chaplain for the Miami-Dade Police Department. He is

author of “Going Through Samaria” and “Think on These Things.”

At the service, live animals will help with the re-enactment of Palm Sunday, which falls on the Sunday before Easter.

The service commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. Jesus’ entry into the city coincided with the Jewish festival of Passover, and he was met by crowds of followers and supporters who lined the road into Jerusalem and waved branches cut from palm trees, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies promising that God’s Messiah would enter the holy city and go to the temple.

The church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, visit www. greenforest.org or call 404-486-1120.

New Birth hosts Feast of Passover New Birth members and leadership will host a Feast of Passover Celebration on April 9 at the Lithonia church. The special service takes place 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Passover celebrates the deliverance of the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

During this feast, families join together and

retell the story of the Great Exodus as God granted freedom and wealth in one night.

New Birth Missionary Baptist is at 6400 Woodrow Road. For more information, visit www.newbirth.org or call 770-696-9600.

n Ujamaa Market on March 25. The Ujamaa

Ministry presents its marketplace from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors and services include S&S BBQ, Calabash Alley with Caribbean cuisine, Eat Right Atlanta Co-op, Munajj Native Seasonings, Pauline’s Tropical Drinks, Be Natural Skin Care, Dr. Foot Massage Therapy, Illyasah’s Ideal Creations (jewelry), Inspiring Women Apparel, and Pink Zebra Candles and Burners. The market is inspired by the Kwanzaa principle of cooperative economics and supports local black-owned businesses. n Movie Night on March 25. The screening the 2016 biography/drama “Queen of Katwe” presented by Creation Care begins at 7 p.m. in the garden. Madina Nalwanga stars as Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan girl who sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess. The cast includes NAACP Image Award winner David Oyelowo and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, and the movie is rated PG. The church is at 5197 Salem Road. For more information, visit www.firstafrikanchurch.org or call 770-981-2601.

Women’s Week at Saint Philip AME ship and Communion Bishop E. Anne HenServices at 8 and 11 a.m. ning Byfield and the Rev. on April 2.

Cindy Carr Rudolph will Rudolph, who studied speak at Saint Philip AME at Drew University and Women’s Week Services the Interdenominational on March 28 and April 2.

Theological Center in Byfield, 16th Episcopal Atlanta, has earned many District presiding prelate, honors, including the Rev. is the speaker at the March Anne Byfield Cindy Rudolph Florence Spearing Ran28 service that begins at 7 p.m. As presiding prelate, Byfield provides dolph Award for a pioneering spirit.

She previously served as minister to leadership to seven annual conferences in the Caribbean, South America and Europe. youth at St. James AME Church under the She wrote the litany used for civil rights tutelage of the Rev. Dr. William D. Watley, icon Rosa Parks’ funeral in Detroit and U.S. who is now senior pastor at Saint Philip.

The church is at 240 Candler Road S.E. Rep. Julia Carson’s funeral in Indianapolis.

Rudolph, senior pastor of Mount Zoar in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.

AME in Conowingo, Md., speaks at the Wor- saintphilip.org or call 404-371-0749.

‘Spirit Walk Up Stone Mountain’ for young adults

Young adult members of Berean Christian Church will take their ministry into the great outdoors on April 8 with a special event at Stone Mountain Park.

“Spirit Walk Up Stone Mountain” begins at 10 a.m. and is presented by the A.L.I.V.E. Young Adult Ministry at Berean.

The church is at 2201 Young Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, email Lori.

Brooks@bereanChristianchurch.org or call 770-593-4421.

Christ Our Hope workshop looks at immigration law Christ Our Hope Catholic Church will host a workshop for immigrants on March 26 in Lithonia.

The program begins at 3 p.m.

Attorneys will be present to explain the ongoing changes in immigration law within the current administration.

The church is at 1786 Wellborn Road. For more information, visit www.christourhopeatl.org or call 770482-5017.

7

CrossRoadsNews

March 25, 2017

Wellness

“This will enable DeKalb Medical to better serve members of our community when they come to the hospital for emergencies.”

Grant to expand access to health care services for CSB clients A $158,762 endowment grant will provide comprehensive integrated care to clients of the DeKalb Community Service Board.

The nonprofit DeKalb CSB offers a wide range of evidence-based behavioral health, substance abuse and developmental disability services.

The Brighter DeKalb Foundation received the grant from the Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority to support DeKalb CSB’s Integrated Health Program. Comprehensive integrated care will focus on assisting clients who may have unmet health care needs due to barriers in accessing care, which often leads to individuals turning to urgent or emergent services unnecessarily.

Dr. Joseph Bona, CEO and chief medical officer of the DeKalb CSB, said the agency has worked for nearly 20 years with individuals struggling from mental illness and addiction and many of them do not have primary care.

“Programs such as DeKalb CSB’s IHP can improve the

The DeKalb Community Service Board’s Integrated Health Program helps clients who may have unmet health care needs.

care for patients with chronic and complex medical and behavioral health conditions while decreasing the operational strain on our emergency care resources,” Bona said in a March 21 statement.

Research indicates that adults living with serious mental

illness die on average 25 years earlier than other Americans, largely due to treatable medical conditions. The FDHA funding provides operational support for primary health care services and will help to improve the health of unfunded DeKalb CSB patients by increasing their access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services.

“We have nearly 500 employees and see over 11,000 patients, and most of that work is with individuals that are struggling financially,” Bona said. “With this grant, DeKalb CSB will be able to broaden the scope of our services by offering clients basic primary medical care, exercise and nutrition education, along with wellness and healthy lifestyle groups.”

Since starting the program, DeKalb CSB has served more than 850 clients through the IHP who otherwise might not access the health care system.

For more information, visit www.dekcsb.org.

DeKalb Medical begins $2.1 million Emergency Department renovation DeKalb Medical patients will benefit from newer and expanded facilities with the renovation of the Emergency Department on its North Decatur campus.

The DeKalb Medical Foundation has exceeded its $2.1 million campaign goal and the hospital is beginning the first phase of the expansion and renovation. The entire project is expected to be completed in December.

The Emergency Department serves more than 70,000 patients every year. The renovation will expedite patient traffic, reduce wait times and create a more modern environment of care, the hospital said.

Improvements include: n Creation of a new intake area for ambulances that will enable emergency personnel who bring patients to the hospital to get back into the field more quickly. n Addition of a Radiology Room with X-ray to be used exclusively for ED patients. n Addition of 14 new patient care rooms. n Addition of a bereavement room to give loved ones a private, comforting space to grieve. n Creation of a secured Clinical Stabilization Unit for behavioral health patients. n An upgraded nurse call system. n A redesigned central work station to create an open format and better visualization of the patients.

The project is made possible through donations from the community to the DeKalb Medical Foundation’s Building the Future of Emergency Medicine campaign, including a

will allow our EMS partners to get in and out of the Emergency Department more efficiently,” he said. “Spending less time in the hospital allows them to get back out in the community faster. Another example is the creation of a modernized Clinical Stabilization Unit, where patients experiencing behavioral health conditions can receive dedicated care in a secure environment.”

Dennin said the renovation demonstrates DeKalb Medical’s commitment “to be with every patient all the way during their time of need.”

While the foundation has exceeded its goal for the ED renovation, donations are $100,000 gift from the DeKalb Medical ED Peters said.

Eric Dennin, director of Emergency still being accepted to extend the project doctors. further.

S.J. Collins Enterprises, a commercial real Services, agreed.

For more information, visit www.dekalb“One such impact is the creation of an estate development firm, donated $60,000 to Emergency Medical Service intake area that medical.org or call 404-501-5956. the foundation for the renovation.

Steve Collins, principal of S.J. Collins Enterprises, said the firm is “humbled to be a small part of the collaborative campaign.”

“As a locally based firm, we are committed to giving back to the community that we live and raise our families in,” Collins said.

“As the developer of North Decatur Square, we saw this as a perfect fit to support the hospital and this community.”

Kathy Peters, chair of the DeKalb Medical Foundation, said the nonprofit is grateful to donors and the community for making the renovation possible.

“This will enable DeKalb Medical to better serve members of our community when they come to the hospital for emergencies,” Kathy Peters (from left), board chair of the DeKalb Medical Foundation, holds S.J. Collins Enterprises check with Jeff Garrison, partner at S.J. Collins; Steve Collins, principal at S.J. Collins; Eric Dennin, Emergency Services director; and Bob Wilson, DeKalb Regional Health System CEO.

Master herbalist on natural remedies Master herbalist Kofi Annorh of Detroit is guest speaker at the Herbal Remedies Seminar on April 1 at the Beulah Community Life Center in Decatur.

The seminar, which is free and open to the Kofi Annorh public, takes place 2 to 4 p.m. and is presented by My Lifestyle and

the Self Care Agency. To RSVP, email info@ mylifestyleatl.com or call 770-884-7436.

Annorh, CEO of Kofano Organic Products, is also an educator and a founding member of the National Campaign for Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. There will be healthy refreshments and a free 30-minute Salsa workout with AfriSalsa.

The center is at 2340 Clifton Springs Road.

8

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

March 25, 2017

“To have those very definitions of a change-maker as legacies in DeKalb is really awe-inspiring.”

CEO, commissioners recognize DeKalb ‘her-story’ makers DeKalb County honored eight “herstory” makers for their longtime efforts in public service on March 14 at the Board of Commissioners meeting in recognition of Women’s History Month.

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and each commissioner selected a leader in their respective districts who play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in the community.

Thurmond recognized Leng Leng Chancey for her impact to develop strategic growth, resource development and product awareness for nonprofit and profit sectors.

In Districts 1 through 5, Beverly Wingate, founding mother of Dunwoody; Sally Yates, former acting U.S. attorney general and U.S. deputy attorney general; Ann Brown, president of the Great Historic Belvedere Community, public servant and advocate; Melissa Melvin, veteran and owner of Open Heart Home Service; and Carleen

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and the DeKalb Board of Commissioners honored eight women who play critical economic, cultural and social roles in their community at the March 14 BOC meeting in recognition of Women’s History Month.

Cumberbatch, senior citizen and community activist were acknowledged.

Super districts 6 and 7 recognized Liane Levetan, DeKalb’s first female CEO, public servant and philanthropist, and Carrie Bris-

Poet explores culture of Alabama Alabama native and poet Ashley M. Jones will discuss “Magic City Gospel,” a love song to Birmingham, on March 27 at the Decatur Library.

The author talk, part of the Georgia Center for the Book’s Festival of Writers, begins at 7:15 p.m.

Jones, the 2015 Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Award winner, takes readers on a historical, geographical, cultural and personal journey through her life and the life of her home state in traditional forms and free verse poems.

The debut poetry collection is an exploration of race, identity, and history through the eyes of a black woman from Alabama.

Jones, who teaches creative writing at the

Alabama School of Fine Arts, is editor of [PANK] Magazine. She was a finalist in Hub City Press’ New Southern Voices Contest, Crab Orchard Series in Poetry First Book Award Contest, and the National Poetry Series. Her work Ashley M. Jones has been published by the Academy of American Poets; Pluck; PMSPoemMemoirStory, where her work was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2016; Prelude; and Kinfolks Quarterly. She received a 2015 B-Metro Magazine Fusion Award.

The library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, call 404-370-3070.

coe, a pillar in the community with more than 30 years of countywide service.

District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon, BOC’s presiding officer, spearheaded the effort to recognize the activists.

“Women throughout the course of history have been catalysts for change, and to have those very definitions of a change-maker as legacies in DeKalb is really awe-inspiring,” Gannon said.

Toni Morrison’s ‘Recitatif ’ onstage Atlanta actress Bernardine Mitchell presents Toni Morrison’s “Recitatif ” on April 4 at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s for Southern Writers Onstage: Women – Black & White.

The performance, which is free and open to the public, begins at noon.

“Recitatif,” Morrison’s only short story, chronicles the life stories of two girls, one white and one black. The girls are written without any race markers, leaving the reader to wonder. It was first published in 1983 in “Confirmation: An Anthology of African American Women,” edited by Amiri Baraka and Amina Baraka.

Mitchell is an Atlanta native who has performed nationally and internationally

in many roles, including Bessie Smith in “Bessie’s Blues”; Mahalia Jackson in “Mahalia,” for which she won the 2005 Suzi Bass Award for best actress; and Willy in Theatrical Outfit’s production of “The Gifts of Bernardine Mitchell the Magi.”

Southern Writers Onstage is produced in partnership with Theatrical Outfit and support is provided by the Georgia State University Department of English.

The theater is at 84 Luckie St. in Atlanta.

For more information, visit http://cencia. gsu.edu/southern-writers-onstage-2017.

March 25, 2017

Youth

9

CrossRoadsNews

“We strive to do the best we can for our students, and we are headed in the right direction.”

The Greenforest High Eagles celebrate after capturing their second state title against Southwest Atlanta Christian on March 10, their third title in five years.

Greenforest claims 2nd straight state title

By Terry Shropshire

The Greenforest High Eagles boys basketball team has the makings of a bona fide sports dynasty as it crushed Southwest Atlanta Christian 81-57 to win its second consecutive state championship on March 10.

Anchored by senior superstar James Forrest’s 36 points, the squad coached by Larry Thompson claimed the Georgia High School Association Class A Private State Championship on March 10 with an authoritative 24point decision at the McCamish Pavilion at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

This also marks the Eagles (24-8) third title in five years.

Head coach Thompson credited the play-

ers’ willingness to subjugate their individual egos for the overall good of the team and become a close unit for their ability to overcome season adversities – such as the early season Forrest injury – and reach the zenith of the sport once again.

Jandan Duggan had 14 points and Ikey Obiagu snatched a game-high 10 rebounds for the Greenforest Eagles, which resembled a runaway locomotive to the finish line. The team steamrolled opponents to end the season with a 12-game winning streak.

Isiah Cotton scored a team-high 16 points while Johnathan King and Deaundrae Ballard contributed 12 points apiece for the Warriors (26-6) in the defeat.

Nerves were evident in the beginning of

Obama 5th-grader is first in Mobile Apps Micah Daniel, a fifth-grader at Barack H. Obama Elementary in Decatur, received first place in the Mobile Apps Category in the 2017 DeKalb School District Technology Fair for elementary, middle and high schools.

Micah went on to represent DeKalb and came in second place in the Mobile Apps Category for fifth- through sixthgraders in the statewide competition at the GaETC State Technology Fair held at

Middle Georgia College in Macon on March 11.

Students in grades three to 12 are judged on d o c u me nt at i on , functionality, creativity, understanding and intended purpose.

Micah Daniel Micah is the son of Ricky and Kenethia Daniel.

Columbia High art teacher Chris Shoup (from left) is shown with firstplace winner Yahaziah Brown, secondplace winner Sara Willis, contestant Christina Lewis and Terryl Obasanya, chair of the logo competition.

Columbia student wins logo contest Columbia High junior Yahaziah Brown won first place in the Civic Association of Toney Valley’s logo competition.

The contest was open to students at Toney Elementary, Columbia Middle and Columbia High in Decatur. There were 17 entries from the high school, including from Sara Willis and Alexis Williams, who placed second and third, respectively.

The first-place winner received a $75 Visa gift card, and all three winners were awarded

ribbons and certificates. In addition, all 17 participants who submitted artwork for the competition received art kits.

The association, under the leadership of President Barbara J. Mobley, voted to have a logo competition to engage and challenge students from art classes in community schools to share their talents. Logos were sought that represent the civic association.

For more information, contact Terryl Obasanya at toneyvalley@earthlink.net.

the game as Greenforest shot 39 percent and SW Atlanta 34 percent in the contest. The Eagles out-rebounded the Warriors 46-37 and forced 26 turnovers.

The Warriors made a comeback attempt and a three-point play by Josh Scott gave them a 28-27 lead at the 2:41 mark of the second quarter. But Greenforest made a gamechanging run with a 11-1 clip highlighted by a layup from Duggan and a three-pointer from Forrest to take a 38-29 halftime lead into the locker room.

Greenforest came out of the locker room still on fire as they outscored the Warriors in a 24-10 third-quarter run, effectively putting the game out of reach and etching their names across the state title trophy.

Henderson Mill is first STEAMcertified school Henderson Mill Elementary in Atlanta is the first school in Georgia to receive STEAM certification.

STEAM, defined as “science and technology, interpreted through engineering and the arts, all based in mathematical elements,” is interdisciplinary, contextual teaching and learning that provides students with adaptable, reality-based, handson education that encourages both personal growth and global development.

The certification follows a comprehensive evaluation by the Georgia Department of Education. During its March 15 site visit, the GDOE conducted an extensive review that included classroom observation and in-depth interviews with students, staff, parents, community members and business partners.

Principal Mitch Green said the DeKalb school is “thrilled and honored.”

“Henderson Mill has fantastic leadership at all levels. It was through the efforts of a Mitch Green committed and dedicated staff coupled with tremendous parent support and outstanding partners from the business community that we were able to achieve these incredible improvements in instruction,” Green said on March 20.

“We strive to do the best we can for our students, and we are headed in the right direction.”

In 2012, it was among the first elementary schools STEM-certified in Georgia.

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CrossRoadsNews

People

March 25, 2017

“If you tried to give rock ’n’ roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry.’”

Rock ’n’ roll king, innovator Chuck Berry leaves a rich legacy

By Terry Shropshire

Rock ’n’ roll king Chuck Berry, who influenced generations of musicians, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley, died March 18 at age 90 near his St. Louis hometown.

Born Charles Edward Anderson Berry on Oct. 18, 1926, the former hairdresser-turned-guitarist, singer and songwriter leaves us with classic songs like “Maybellene” (1955), “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956), “Rock and Roll Music” (1957) and “Johnny B. Goode” (1958). Over his long and rich career, Berry meshed rhythm and blues into swing music to help create the genre now called rock ’n’ roll.

“Maybellene,” his first single, was one of the first songs to be classified as a rock ’n’ roll hit.

Berry won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1984 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. His induction said that while no individual can be said to have invented rock ’n’ roll, “Berry comes the closest of any single figure to being the one who put all the essential

pieces together.” Music legend John Lennon put it best.

“If you tried to give rock ’n’ roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry,’” he said.

Singer, songwriter and actor Huey Lewis called him maybe the most important figure in all of rock ’n’ roll.

“His music and his influence will last forever,” Lewis said.

Berry, who performed right up until his death, was working on a new album, “Chuck,” his first in 38 years, he announced on his 90th birthday on Oct. 18, 2016.

His family, who said it has been inundated with inquiries about the status of album, said preparation of the album brought Berry a great sense of joy and satisfaction and that it is working to prepare its release with Dualtone Records.

“While our hearts are very heavy at this time, we know that Chuck had no greater wish than to see this album released to the world and we know of no better way to celebrate and remember his 90 years of life than through his music,” the statement said.

Berry is survived by his wife, Thelma Suggs, and his children, Ingrid Berry Clay, Chuck Berry Jr., Aloha Isa Lei Berry and Chuck Berry, who died March 18 at age 90, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Melody Exes Berry.

Legal Notices 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2121-7 Baby Green filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 08, 2017 to change name from: Baby Green to Earl William Green. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Jan. 20, 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 3/25

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2089-7 Lisa Michelle Williams filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jan. 24, 2017 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Sydney Milan Brown and Ava Elise Brown to Sydney Milan Williams and Ava Elise Williams.

Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3).

Dated: Jan. 24, 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2089-7 Lisa Michelle Williams PLAINTIFF VS Kennard Darius Brown DEFENDANT To:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 13, 2017.

You are hereby notified that on Feb. 08, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Petition to change names of minor children, Sydney and Ava Brown. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Lisa Michelle Williams, 219 Buchanan Terrace, Dec., GA 30030.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 13, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 13th day of Feb., 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM1368-7 Destiny Upshaw PLAINTIFF VS Alton Upshaw DEFENDANT To: 1716 Ellington St. Decatur, GA 30032

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 09, 2017.

You are hereby notified that on Jan. 17, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Destiny Upshaw, 2454 Shiloh Dr., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 09, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 9th day of Feb., 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

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

Civil Action Case Number: 16FM13201-7 Paola Mendoza PLAINTIFF VS Hector Rangel DEFENDANT To: Hector Rangel Unknown

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jan. 05, 2017.

You are hereby notified that on Dec. 22, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce, fallen out of contact for more than 5 years.. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Paola Mendoza, 3602 Meadowglenn Village Ln., Apt. C, Atlanta, GA 30340.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 05, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 6th day of Feb., 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2348-1 Clifton Phillips, Jr., filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 16, 2017 to change name from: Clifton Phillips, Jr., to Clifford Phillips. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Feb. 08, 2017

03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2593 Courtney Falcon Hardt filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Courtney Falcon Hardt to Cleo Falcon Ledvina Hardt. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Jan. 04, 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2517-10 Shelia Largen, a/k/a Shelia Smith filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 22, 2017 to change name from: Shelia Lois Largen to Shelia Lois Smith. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Feb. 09, 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 3/25

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 16FM12298-3 Noelani Reynoso-Carrasoco filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Nov. 23, 2016 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Marquez Davis to Marquez Reynoso Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3).

Dated: Nov. 22, 2016 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

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

Civil Action Case Number: 16FM11196-6 Tavish Liggons PLAINTIFF VS Sharika C. Stevenson DEFENDANT To: Sharika C. Stevenson

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 13, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Oct. 21, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You

are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Tavish Liggons #1001001150; Jenkins Correctional Center, 3404 Kent Farm Dr., Miller, GA 30442. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 09, 2017.

Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 22nd day of Feb., 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2437-7 Julie Marie Brown PLAINTIFF VS Byron Brown DEFENDANT To: Byron Brown 1158 Applegate Lane Sandy Springs, GA 30350

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated 24th day of 2017. You are hereby notified that on 17th day of Feb. 2017, the abovenamed Plaintiff filed suit against you for Abandonment. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon Plaintiff Julie Marie Brown-PRO-SE an Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first date of publication.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 24th day of Feb., 2017 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2822-2 Sylvia L. Barnes filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Sylvia Lynette Barnes to Sylvia Lynette Rowe. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Oct. 02, 2016 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2661-1 Johnny Allen PLAINTIFF VS Shirley Allen DEFENDANT To: Shirley Allen 2000 Bouldercrest Rd., C1 Atlanta, GA 30315

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 02, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Feb. 24, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Johnny Allen, 2000 Bouldercrest Rd., Apt. C1, Atlanta, GA 30315. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 06, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 6th day of Mar., 2017

You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Terrance King, P.O. Box 206, Davisboro, GA 31018. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 28, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 8th day of Mar., 2017

03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM3346 Freddy Boyd filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 15, 2017 to change name from: Freddy Boyd to Freddie Maddox. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Mar. 14, 2017

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2820-2 Monica Ozara Brooks filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 23, 2017 to change name from: Monica Ozara Brooks to Ozara Yemoja Ode’. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Feb. 23, 2017 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2851-1 Michael Gante filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 23, 2017 to change name from: Michael Gante to Michael E. Gantt. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Feb. 22, 2017 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM3175 Reginia Ferry filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 07, 2017 to change name from: Reginia Ferry to Nancy Ferry. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Mar. 07, 2017 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15

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

Civil Action Case Number: 16FM11919-2 Terrance King PLAINTIFF VS Constance King DEFENDANT To: Constance King 902 Gross Lake Parkway Covington, GA 30016

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 28, 2017.

03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15

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

03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2826-7 Maria Wence Lozano Palma PLAINTIFF VS Luis Gabriel Benitez Soto DEFENDANT To: Unknown

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Mar. 08, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Feb. 23, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce.

You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Maria Wence Lozano Palma, 3028 Chamblee-Tucker Rd., Apt. #R7, Atlanta, GA 03041. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 08, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 8th day of Mar., 2017 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15

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

Civil Action Case Number: 16FM10630-4 Latochana Kelly PLAINTIFF VS Billy Kelly DEFENDANT To: Billy Kelly 2707 Knollview Dr. Decatur, GA 30034

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Mar. 08, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Mar. 03, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Latochana Kelly, 280 Northern Ave., Apt. #23E, Avondale, GA 30002.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 08, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 10th day of Mar., 2017

11

CrossRoadsNews

March 25, 2017

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DeKalb County Sheriff Office

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff • 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Syed Abidi 5244 Fleur de Lis Ct. Atlanta, GA 30360 Charge of Aggravated Sodomy and Criminal Attempt at Trafficking for Sexual Servitude Convicted 11 16 2015

Raymond Coe 3890 Skidmore Drive Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Sexual Battery Convicted 11 07 1985

Thomas Gentry 5868 Hall Wood Ct. Lithonia ,GA 30058 Charge of Rape Convicted 03 17 2009

Courtney Kent 1824 San Gabriel Ave. Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted 03 06 2017

Simon Modeste 2565 Wesley Chapel Rd. Decatur, GA 30035 Charge of Sexual Performance by Child Possession of Photo Convicted 11 06 2009

Joe Sitz 4 Sussex Rd. Avondale Estates, GA 30032 Charge of Computer Pornography Convicted 03 03 2017

Tier Turner 3326 Moravia Dr. Lithonia, GA 30038 Charge of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles Convicted 12 07 2004

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Billy Berryman 1479 Panola Rd Stone Mountain, GA 30088 Charges of Rape, Sodomy Convicted 11 16 1977

Anthony Gates 4815 Buford Hwy Room 247 Chamblee, GA 30341 Charge of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Convicted 04 22 1994

Shannon Hall 5153 Winding Glen Dr. Lithonia, GA 30038 Charge of Furnishing Obscene Material to Minors Convicted 02 26 1999

Shannon Larkin 708 Boone Ct. Stone Mountain, GA 30088 Charge of Obscene Internet Contact Convicted 03 26 2015

Kobie Scott 3591 Valpariso Circle Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Sexual Battery against Child Under 16 Convicted 12 30 2016

Michael Stinson 3832 Kensingwood Trace Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Rape Convicted 10 22 1992

The DeKalb Sex Offenders List is published by the DeKalb County Sheriff Office. For more information call the Sex Offender Unit at 404-298-8130.

Paul Washington 701 Mountain Oaks Pkwy.

Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Charge of Sexual Battery Convicted 04 29 1999

12

CrossRoadsNews

March 25, 2017