COMMUNITY
INSIDE
Renovations complete
Primary countdown
A more spacious QuikTrip store on Panola Road offers convenience and better access for its customers. A3
Learn about the candidates and the issues in the May 24 primary, nonpartisan and special elections. Section B
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EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
Copyright Š 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
May 7, 2016
Volume 22, Number 2
www.crossroadsnews.com
Gas station, sport bar seeking home on Wesley Chapel Road By Ken Watts
Both applications will come before the Board of Commissioners on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. Myrio Lemons, the sports bar’s owner, needs the permit because the business will be located within 1,500 feet of a residentialzoned district. The business is planned for the space once occupied by Dudley’s restaurant in the 1980s and the ’90s. Residents opposed to late-night sale of alcohol along the corridor that is enjoying a rebirth fear the business will bring crime, noise and congestion.
A Circle K gas station and convenience store selling beer and wine is proposed for the intersection of Wesley Chapel Road and the I20 West exit ramp.
Two separate proposals for a sports bar and a convenience store on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur are now headed to the DeKalb Board of Commissioners with mixed reviews. At its May 4 meeting, the DeKalb Planning Commission recommended deferral for a special land use permit for the proposed Lemon Drop Sports Bar and Grille at 2565 Wesley Chapel Road to sell alcohol beyond 12:30 a.m., but it recommended approval for a proposed Circle K convenience store and gas station at 2586 Wesley Chapel to sell beer and wine. Please see WESLEY CHAPEL, page A2
Planting seeds of better health, teamwork Garden to grow at apartment community
Residents and volunteers prepare to plant vegetables in raised beds in the common area at the Hills at Fairington Apartments in Lithonia on April 30.
By Ken Watts
Residents of the Hills at Fairington Apartments in Lithonia will soon have high-quality tomatoes, okra, eggplant, and bell peppers from their newly planted community garden. Tenants of the 406-unit townhome and apartment community near Chupp Way joined about 25 volunteer gardeners on April 30 to kick off the project in the common area. They will grow vegetables in a dozen raised beds as part of a “Cultivating Healthy Communities� initiative sponsored by Peach State Health Plan and the nonprofit Mercy Housing, which owns and operates low-income family and senior housing in 20 states. The Hills at Fairington, which has 1,005 residents, is Mercy’s largest community. Most of its households are headed by single parents with average annual income of $19,000. During the groundbreaking, Debra Peterson-Smith, Peach State vice president, presented a $25,000 check to Mercy Housing
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
Southeast President Tina Lowe to support the initiative. Lowe said the Denver-based company has more families in Lithonia than in any other development in the country. “We think this is a great place to start
engaging our residents in eating better and getting outside to create a great social environment around a healthy activity like community gardening,� she said. Organizers say the community garden addresses a need for more affordable produce
Re-Elect President Obama’s Nominee Dax Lopez
in an area of South DeKalb considered a “food desert� by some. Selena Freeman Reeves, Mercy Housing’s resident services director, said a six-member Please see GARDEN, page A2
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Community
CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
“The plan is not in the best interest of a community that we are trying so desperately to revitalize.”
Afeni Shakur Davis, mother of Tupac Shakur, dies at 69 Jan. 10, 1947–May 2, 2016 Afeni Shakur Davis, who built an arts center in Stone Mountain in 1997 to honor the memory of her famous son, Tupac Shakur, died May 2 in Sausalito, Calif. She was 69. Shakur, a part-time resident of Stone Mountain, was the subject of her son’s 1995 hit rap song “Dear Mama” that chronicled her battle with drug abuse as she struggled to raise him. “There’s no way I can pay you back/But the plan is to show you that I understand/ You are appreciated,” rapped the hip-hop icon who was killed in 1996 in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. Shakur died of an apparent heart attack, a Marin County Sheriff ’s Office spokesman said. Paramedics provided CPR at the scene, but Shakur died a short time later at a local hospital. Investigators said there was no sign of foul play. Born Alice Faye Williams in Lumberton, N.C. on Jan. 10, 1947, Shakur changed her name when she moved to New York City in the late 1960s and joined the Black Panther movement. Police arrested her and other party mem-
bers in 1969 and charged them with conspiracy to bomb multiple city landmarks. Shakur was acquitted in 1971 after she represented herself in court while pregnant. She gave birth to Tupac Amaru Shakur a month later. The young Tupac was heavily influenced by the involvement of his mother and several other relatives in the Black Liberation Army and the Panthers. He rose to superstardom as a rapper in the late 1980s, selling 75 million records worldwide. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him 86th on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. After her son’s death, Shakur took over his estate. On March 18, Shakur filed for divorce from her husband of 12 years, Gust Davis, and was in a legal battle over her son’s estate, according to TMZ. Friends say Shakur grew fond of DeKalb County after Tupac bought his first house here. The center at 5616 Memorial Drive provided opportunities for young people through the arts and offered programs such as drama, dance and creative writing. It closed in 2014. Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time Thursday.
Part-time Stone Mountain resident Afeni Shakur Davis, a former Black Panther, was acquitted in a bombing conspiracy case in 1971 after representing herself.
Nonprofit may expand initiative BOC to hear proposals for corridor GARDEN,
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board of residents will oversee maintenance of the garden and distribution of the harvest. As she watched residents shovel rich black topsoil from a huge pile into wheelbarrows, Reeves said the garden belongs to the residents. “We are just helping facilitate all of this,” she said. Lynwood Blackmon, an University of Georgia Extension agent who helped plan the garden, said the planting of tomatoes, okra, eggplant and bell peppers was just the beginning. “We’ll work with what we have, get a nice harvest in August, then go right into planting cold season crops like greens and kale,” he said.
Mercy hopes to expand the community garden idea to the 90-unit Terraces at Parkview apartments in the city of Lithonia next year. In addition to supplying nutritious food, Lowe said the project could inspire children from low-income families to pursue career options they might not have considered. “If you get kids in this setting helping with the cultivation Tina Lowe of food, it’ll be the most natural thing in the world to say to them, ‘Do you know that you could be a scientist who works on developing seeds and better plants for food?’” she said.
WESLEY CHAPEL,
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Bobbie Sanford, who lives near Wesley Chapel Road and operates a real estate firm on Snapfinger Woods Drive, said the bar is not the kind of development the area needs. “The plan is not in the best interest of a comBobbie Sanford munity that we are trying so desperately to revitalize,” she told the planning commissioners. “We vehemently oppose this application.” The commission voted 5-3 to defer Lemons’ application. Lemons, who graduated from Towers High School and worked at the old Shoney’s Restaurant on Wesley Chapel Road in 1986,
said he wants to create a place “where older adults can gather after work for a nice meal or drinks.” He said he was disappointed with the vote but plans to see it through. “I believe this business will be good for the community,” Lemons said. Atlanta businessman Amin Chitalwala plans a Circle K gas station with a 4,112square-foot convenience store near the I-20 West exit ramp. The 0.91-acre property is zoned C-1 (local commercial), but Chitalwala needs the permit to sell alcohol. No one spoke against the application and the Planning Commission voted 7-1 to recommend approval. The BOC’s May 19 meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.
CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
Community Public forum on police shootings, grand jury bill
Decatur civil rights attorney Mawuli “Mel” Davis will offer his views on grand jury reform and policeinvolved shootings at a May 12 Viewpoint public forum at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Viewpoint presents expert opinion on both Mawuli Davis sides of the issue on House Bill 941: Grand Jury Reform and Officer Involved Shootings. Other speakers include District 5 state Sen. Curt Thompson; Gwinnett District Attorney Danny Porter; Gwinnett Police Chief A.A. “Butch” Ayers; attorney Marissa Dodson, Southern Center for Human Rights; and attorney Gerald Griggs, second vice president of the Atlanta NAACP. AJC Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Brad Schrade also will be a contributor. The panel will discuss officer-involved shootings and the grand jury process from the framework of Georgia law, judicial accountability and community involvement. Viewpoint is sponsored by Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Rho Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. The community center is at 10 College St. N.W. Contact Koi Fisher at connection@ upsilonalphaomega.com, email justice4allinga@gmail.com or call 470-236-1906.
“We realized 10 years ago that gasoline was a steady category, but it was not going to be a growth category.”
New Panola QT offers convenience, access By Ken Watts
QuikTrip customers now have a spacious new store on Panola Road in Lithonia. The gas station and 5,900-square-foot convenience store at Hillandale Drive rose on the location of a smaller store, built in 1996, that was demolished last November to make way for it. The redesigned facility is QT’s “Generation 3.” It opened for business on April 14 featuring an on-site kitchen to prepare fresh, made-to-order breakfast foods, hot sandwiches, pizza, salads, fruit, drinks and frozen treats. QT spokesman Mike Thornbrugh said the rebuild is part of the chain’s strategy of expanding on-site food services in response to consumers’ changing preferences. “We realized 10 years ago that gasoline was a steady category, but it was not going to be a growth category,” he said. “We also recognized 10 years ago that tobacco use is declining and continuing to decline.” QT launched Generation 3 in 2014 and about 200 of its 728 stores reflect the
Educators and the general public can get free books on May 1314 at Bethune Middle School courtesy of First Book and the Delta Teacher Efficacy Campaign, which is giving away 20,000 books. Sign up at www.firstbook.org/DTECDeKalbCO. Teachers and registered groups will pick up their books from 2 to 8 p.m. on May 13 in the school gymnasium, 5200 Covington Highway in Decatur. The general public can get books from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 14. Bring containers to pack your books. For more information, email dtecdekalb@gmail.com.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2017 Operating and Capital Budgets INCLUDING Elimination of the Holiday Group Fare One-Day Tickets and
Proposed Bus Service Modifications for August 6, 2016 for the following routes:
Route 3: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive / Auburn Avenue; Route 4: Thomasville / Moreland Avenue / MTC; Route 13: Fair Street / Mozley Park; Route 15: Candler Road / South DeKalb; Route 51: Joseph E. Boone; Route 117: Rockbridge Road / Panola Road; Route 125: Clarkston / Northlake; Route 181: Buffington Road / South Fulton P/R; and Route 191: Justice Center / Hartsfield International. All route information, a video with Hearing information and comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com
Community Exchange: 6-7 P.M.
HEARING: 7 P.M.
Riding MARTA: Routes 32, 49, 55, 74 & 186.
around the same time the new store opens. Customers at the Panola Road store said the redesign creates better access during morning and evening rush hours. It has 14 pumps capable of serving 28 cars at a time. Roderick Turner of Lithonia’s Hunters Hill neighborhood says there are more gas pumps and more parking spaces. “It’s a good addition to the neighborhood,” he said.
Neighborhood groups and individuals can help launch DeKalb’s new beautification department with a day of spring cleaning on May 12. DeKalb interim CEO Lee May, in partnership with the Board of Commissioners and Keep DeKalb Beautiful, is asking residents to participate in the countywide effort that begins at 10 a.m. Register your neighborhood or yourself by contacting Nichole Simms at jnsimms@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-371-2552. To request cleanup supplies, call 404-294-2010.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the
141 Pryor Street Atlanta, GA 30303
new concept. The company also is replacing its store, built in 1991, at the corner of Columbia Drive and Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur with a new one across the street at the corner of Flat Shoals and Clifton Springs Road. Thornbrugh said that store is about two months away from completion and is expected to open “sometime in June.” He said the old location will be sold to another business
Free books for teachers, public
Notice of Public Hearings May 16 & 19, 2016
Fulton County Government Center Conference Room
QuikTrip has expanded its onsite food services in response to consumers’ changing preferences. There are also more gas pumps and parking spaces.
Countywide spring cleaning
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Monday, May 16th
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Monday, May 16th Clayton County Govt. Office Board Room 112 Smith Street Jonesboro, GA 30236
Community Exchange: 6-7 P.M.
HEARING: 7 P.M.
Riding MARTA: Bus routes 191, 192, 193 &194 from the Justice Center exit at Tara Blvd and Smith Street for a 0.5 mile walk due to construction closure of Smith Street.
Thursday, May 19th Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
Community Exchange: 6-7 P.M.
HEARING: 7 P.M.
Riding MARTA: Walk one block west of Decatur Rail Station.
Copies of the proposed Budget and Bus Service Modifications will also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404) 848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665. In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings and want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete an online Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) or fax your comments no later than May 26, 2016 to (404) 848-4179. All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require. Keith T. Parker, AICP, General Manager/CEO
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Finance
2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Graphic Design Curtis 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
May 7, 2016
“I am pleased that Dart has chosen to partner with Workforce Development in its job search.”
H&M coming to Mall at Stonecrest in 2017 Global fashion retailer H&M will open a new location at the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia in spring 2017. Georgia is a quickly growing market for the retailer, which has 10 other locations currently open in the state, including stores at Atlantic Station, Cumberland Mall, Perimeter Mall, Town Center at Cobb, North Point Mall, Mall of Georgia and Arbor Place mall. The new 21,000-square-foot Lithonia location will offer clothing for the whole family with collections for ladies and men as well as separate “store within a store” sections for accessories. It will carry H&M’s children’s collection for newborns to 14-year-olds. The mall also is welcoming a 14,800-square-foot Family Entertainment Center in a redevelopment of the plaza area. It is losing Kohl’s department store, which is scheduled to close Nov. 1, and a nearby Best Buy is relocating its Turner Hill Road store to Conyers by the summer. Target closed its store near the mall on February 2014. H&M has about 16,000 U.S. employees. It was ranked No. 21 on Interbrand’s list of 100 Best Global Brands and was selected by Great Place to Work as a top
H&M is opening a store at the Mall at Stonecrest next spring, its 11th in Georgia. The mall’s plaza is being redeveloped for a Family Entertainment Center.
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25 Best Multinational Workplace. In 2016, H&M also was named by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth year. For available job opportunities, visit career.hm.com. The brand also is growing and making long-term investments for sustainable development. In 2013, it launched Garment Collecting, an in-store clothing recycling project, and was the first global fashion
Dart hiring for 50 positions More than 50 jobs are available at Dart Container Corp.’s hiring event on May 17 at DeKalb Workforce Development in Decatur. It takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 774 Jordan Lane, Building 4. The food service packager is looking to fill more than 50 fulltime positions in its Lithonia facility. It seeks to hire inspector packers and forklift operators for the second and third shifts. Inspector packers are required to have six months of production/manufacturing experience. Forklift operators must have one year of related experience. Dart Container will be conducting on-site interviews as well as making hiring offers on the spot to qualified candidates. The Mason, Mich.-based company is responsible for manufacturing food service packaging items such as cups, plates, containers, lids, and straws. In 2012, Dart purchased Solo Cup Co., which doubled its size as well as diversified its paper product lines.
DeKalb interim CEO Lee May is urging DeKalb job seekers to participate. “ This is a great opportunity for DeKalb Lee May residents and I am pleased that Dart has chosen to partner with Workforce Development in its job search,” May said in a May 3 statement. “I encourage those who are actively seeking employment to take advantage of this event.” Interested job seekers must preregister at gaworkready.org and fill out an application through the employers’ website at www.dart.jobs. They also are asked to mention that they were referred by DeKalb Workforce Development on their online application. For more information, contact Tammy Patterson at tlpatterson@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-687-3400.
Job fair seeking employers Employers are needed for the May 12 Parents Pounding the Pavement Job Fair at DeKalb Schools’ Administrative and Instructional Complex in Stone Mountain. To participate, visit https://form. jotform.com/61223743287153. The fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the DeKalb Chamber
of Commerce, DeKalb Workforce Development and Georgia Piedmont Technical College as partners to help parents get back to work. The AIC is at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. For more information, contact Emily Yang at eyang@ dekalbchamber.org or 404-3788000.
company to implement such a program. Since its inception, about 53.6 million pounds of garments have been collected globally. H&M was selected as a U.S. EPA Green Power Leadership Award winner in 2015. The company has committed to sourcing renewable energy wherever possible in order to reduce indirect emissions stemming from the company’s purchased electricity use. H&M opened its first U.S. store
on New York’s Fifth Avenue 16 years ago, and it now has 420 locations across the country. H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB was founded in Sweden in 1947. Its business idea is to offer fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands & Other Stories, Cheap Monday, COS, Monki and Weekday as well as H&M Home. For more information, visit hm.com.
Security officers needed Veterans are encouraged to apply for security officer positions at the G4S Secure Solutions (USA) recruitment event on May 11 at the North Metro Career Center. It takes place 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. G4S Secure Solutions will be interviewing for Custom Protection Officers (Job ID 377951127) and Upscale Security Officers (Job ID 378348739/378348737/378094167) for the following areas: Decatur, Atlanta, Duluth, College Park, Lithia Springs and Austell. Prior to attending the event, visit http://www.employgeorgia. com and create an Employ Georgia
account and resume (existing resume can be uploaded), or log into your existing Employ Georgia account. Go to the Job Search tab and select “Search Jobs” at the top of the page. Enter the Job ID# of interest shown above and select “Go” to view the job details and apply. Dress is business casual, and participants should bring resumes, paper and writing instruments. The Georgia Department of Labor’s North Metro Career Center is at 2943 N. Druid Hills Road in Atlanta. Visit http://dol. georgia.gov.
Casting, film crew jobs DeKalb job seekers can look for casting and crew positions online at the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office’s Help Wanted Hotline page. The page, www.georgia.org/ industries/entertainment/georgiafilm-tv-production/help-wantedhotline, provides links to available positions. The office offers up-to-date job information for film and TV projects happening throughout the state. Submit resumes to the production companies directly at the links provided, and put the department/job title you are applying for in the subject line of the email.
In fiscal 2015, Georgia-lensed feature films and television productions generated an economic impact of $6 billion, the Georgia Department of Economic Development says. The department plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia; drive the expansion of existing industry and small business; locate new markets for Georgia products; inspire tourists to visit Georgia; and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects.
index to advertisers
Circulation Audited By Art Awakening............................................... 11 Avon.............................................................. 11 Braids By Theresa.......................................... 11 Chapel Hill Orthodontics.................................6 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court......................9 DeKalb County Watershed Mgmt.................... 3
DeKalb County Watershed Mgmt.................... 5 Georgia Military College.................................6 Henry Mitchell, CPA, PC................................. 11 JenCare Medical Centers................................. 5 LawnMax, Inc................................................. 11 Macy’s............................................................12
Mini Mall........................................................ 11 Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center.......... 8 Soul Discount Fabrics..................................... 11 The Mall at Stonecrest.................................... 7 The Samuel Group......................................... 11 Best Buy..................................................Inserts
Walgreen’s..............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Allstate - Rochelle Bridges Johnson....... Online Decatur Business Association................. Online Georgia Military College........................ Online
May 7, 2016
CrossRoadsNews
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CrossRoadsNews
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Wellness
May 7, 2016
“Older adults are a growing and increasingly vital part of our state. The contributions they make are varied, deeply rooted.”
State recognizes trailblazing older Georgians in social media State Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden is calling on Georgians to honor senior citizens who are “trailblazers” in their communities throughout the month of May. Georgia has the 11th Robyn Crittenden fasting growing population of adults 60 and over and the 10th fastest growing population of those age 85 and
above. The state’s population of adults age 60 and over is expected to increase by nearly 98 percent between 2010 and 2030. As the nation celebrates Older Americans Month, Gov. Nathan Deal has issued a proclamation affirming the observance in Georgia, and Crittenden is asking Georgians to use May to focus on how older adults in the state are leading and inspiring others. “Older adults are a growing and increasingly vital part of our state,” Crittenden said in a May 2 statement. “The contributions
they make to our communities are varied, deeply rooted and include influential roles in the economy, politics and the arts.” Since 1963, Americans have acknowledged the contributions of older people. Led by the Administration for Community Living, the annual observance offers the opportunity to learn about, support, and celebrate older citizens. This year’s theme, “Blaze a Trail,” emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and new passions, engaging their communi-
ties, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages. Throughout May, the Department of Human Services will be recognizing trailblazers in communities around the state. Crittenden encourages others to join in by volunteering at a senior center and sharing stories of older Georgians they consider trailblazers on social media using the hashtag #GAtrailblazers. For more information, visit http://acl. gov/olderamericansmonth or http://www. eldercare.gov or call 1-800-677-1116.
Mental Health and Wellness Fair Activists and concerned residents can attend the second annual Mental Health and Wellness Fair on May 14 at Maloof Auditorium. D e K a l b Su p e r i o r Court Clerk Debra DeBerry is host for the 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. event by the DeKalb Mental Health Action Coalition that seeks to change the way we look at mental health Debra DeBerry care. There will be presentations by Behavioral Health Care Providers, information sessions, access to innovative therapy methods, resources and representatives from the DeKalb Community Service Board, Behavioral
Health Link, NAMI DeKalb, DeKalb Jail, Veterans Affairs, and local community behavioral health agencies and providers. The event is free and open to the public. DeBerry is founder of the coalition, a group of mental health professionals and advocates who collaborate to discuss current policy and issues affecting mental health care for DeKalb citizens. It grew out of concerns over the school shooting on Aug. 20, 2013, at the McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Decatur. The gunman, Michael Brandon Hill, who had a history of mental illness, received a 20year sentence for the school invasion. The auditorium is at 1300 Commerce Drive. Visit www.dksuperiorclerk.com/ mental health or call 404-687-4076.
Skin screening at DeKalb Medical Free skin screenings will be available on May 14 at DeKalb Medical in Decatur in recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. DeKalb Medical is partnering with Dermatology Associates to provide the complementary skin screenings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Radiation Oncology Department,
2675 N. Decatur Road, Suite G09. Spots are limited – to reserve a spot, call 404-501-WELL. Free parking will be available in the lot outside the Radiation Oncology Center as well as the Wellness Center. Parking in the deck requires a fee.
Dance, relaxation class for seniors Get moving with dance instructor Temekia Powell on May 13 at the Scott Candler Library in Decatur. Movement With Love begins at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the first 15 participants 55 and older. Learn dance movements and breathing and relaxation techniques with Powell, a sacred dancer and spiritual adviser. Funding is provided by the Friends of Scott Candler. The library is at 1917 Candler Road. For more information, call 404-286-6986.
Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer
Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates is proud to announce the association of
Nader Dbouk, M.D. for the practice of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Conyers 1501 Milstead Road | Suite 120 678.745.3033 Lithonia 5403 Hillandale Park Court | Suite B 770.817.0224 www.atlantagastro.com AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.
Temekia Powell
Residents can leave nonperishable food donations in a bag near their mailbox on May 14 for the U.S. Postal Service Stamp Out Hunger food drive that benefits local food banks and pantries.
Stamp Out Hunger on May 14 U.S. Postal Service patrons can help Stamp Out Hunger with food donations on May 14. The National Association of Letter Carriers is conducting the 24th annual campaign, the nation’s largest single-day food drive. Last year, with the help of thousands of volunteers, letter carriers across America collected nearly 71 million pounds of nonperishable food, bringing the grand total to more than 1.4 billion pounds. More than 1,849,396 pounds were collected in Georgia. To participate, leave nonperishable food donations in a bag near your mailbox on Sat-
urday, May 14. In the days leading up to the food drive, letter carriers will deliver special bags that will be used to make donations. While all nonperishable donations are welcome, foods high in protein such as canned tuna, salmon, beans and peanut butter are needed the most. Canned fruits and vegetables; whole-grain, low-sugar cereals; macaroni-and-cheese dinners; and 100 percent fruit juice also top the list of preferred items. Food collected during the drive will be delivered to local community food banks and food pantries for distribution. For more information, visit usps.gov.
Free hot meals at Soup Kitchen Residents in need of a free hot meal can get one every second and fourth Tuesday at Decatur Bible Chapel’s Soup Kitchen in Lithonia. The Soup Kitchen began the program on April 26 and will be open to the public from 3 to 6:30 p.m. each month on the second and fourth Tuesdays. The meals are available at 3355 Snapfinger Road. For more information, call 770-322-1495.
Food pantry at Christ Our Hope Lithonia residents can get help with meals at a food pantry at Christ Our Hope Catholic Church. A nonprofit under the banner of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia is operating the pantry. Clients should call 678892-6163 on Tuesdays from 8 to 11 a.m., and an appointment will be scheduled. The church is at 1786 Wellborn Road.
May 7, 2016
Youth
CrossRoadsNews
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“Of the almost 17,000 children we screen in each year, about 17 percent need prompt or urgent [dental] care.”
Many DeKalb schools show improvement on 2015 CCRPI DeKalb Schools showed significant academic growth in the 2015 CCRPI results, and nearly all Opportunity School Districteligible schools are on track to leave the list, the district says. One school, Columbia High, is now off the list of OSD-eligible schools. The DeKalb School District has 24 schools with a threeyear College & Career Ready Performance Index average under 60 points that qualify for the governor’s proposed OSD, which would take over poorly performing schools. All three categories of DeKalb schools received nearly 34 or more points out of a maximum of 40 points for academic growth (progress) – high schools, 36; middle schools, 35.4; and elementary schools, 33.9 – in the CCRPI for school year 2015 recently released by the Georgia Department of Education. The results are from the 2014-2015 school year when Michael Thurmond was superintendent. Dr. R. Stephen Green, who took over as superintendent in June 2015, said students
demonstrated significant academic growth, “a precursor to achievement.” “Learning comes from mastering content, and our students are proving they are making progress,” he said in a May 3 statement. “By continuing our Stephen Green laser focus on classroom instruction with the best teachers, who are fairly compensated, properly motivated, and retained for the long term, we will continue to see our students grow and excel.” He said the district “is regaining its rightful place as a leader in public education.” “We have regained full accreditation, built a modest fund balance through fiscal responsibility, and give all our principals and teachers a needed pay raise as well as increasing SAT scores by 103 points, improving graduation rates by more than 10 points, and being a leader in STEM education,” he said. From 2014 to 2015, students in 10
of the district’s 27 high schools showed double-digit growth in overall scores with no declines in overall scores. These schools included McNair, 19.5; Clarkston, 17.9; Gateway to College Academy (closed), 16.6; Destiny Achievers Academy of Excellence, 14.5; Dunwoody, 12.5; Elizabeth Andrews, 12.5; Tucker, 12.5; Arabia Mountain, 12.4; and Columbia, 10.8. For middle schools, 17 schools, or 55 percent, of 31 demonstrated growth. Twelve elementary schools had doubledigit growth in overall scores with eight qualifying for Title I free or reduced lunch costs. A total of 66 elementary schools, or 79 percent, of 84 showed growth. Fourteen schools scored the maximum 40 points for growth (progress): Austin Elementary, Arabia Mountain High, Brockett Elementary, DeKalb Early College Academy, DeKalb School of the Arts, Dunwoody High, PATH Academy Charter, Globe Academy Charter, Idlewood Elementary, Indian Creek Elementary, Kittredge Magnet, Laurel Ridge
Elementary, Leadership Preparatory Academy Charter, and Wadsworth Magnet. There were 11 very high performing schools with CCRPI scores exceeding 90 points as well as four schools that exceeded the 100-point scale by earning additional bonus points: Wadsworth Magnet, 107.3; Kittredge Magnet, 106.4; DeKalb Early College Academy, 102.5; DeKalb School of the Arts, 102.1; Arabia Mountain High; Museum School Charter; DeKalb School of the Arts Middle; and Austin, Dunwoody, Fernbank and Vanderlyn Elementary. The CCRPI is Georgia’s statewide accountability system, implemented in 2012 to replace the No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress measurement, after the U.S. Department of Education granted Georgia’s waiver from NCLB. It measures schools and school districts on a 100-point scale: achievement – 50; progress – 40; achievement gap – 10; challenge points – 10. An additional 10 challenge points may be awarded. For more information, visit www.dekalb.k12.ga.us.
CAU offers social work scholarship
Winner Jahin Zashim, a Hightower Elementary fifth-grader, celebrates with Community Health and Prevention Services Director Leslie Richmond, meteorologist Vivian Brown, Dr. Dwayne Turner, District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford and former Superintendent Michael Thurmond.
Quiz Bowl promotes healthy smiles Hightower Elementary School fifthgrader Jahin Zashim is the winner of the DeKalb Board of Health’s Oral Health Quiz Bowl for 2016. Five students competed in the third and final round of the annual bowl, now in its 10th year. Former Weather Channel meteorologist Vivian Brown compared the beaming children to the sun as she congratulated the finalists, and Michael Thurmond, former DeKalb Schools superintendent, commended them on their vast knowledge of oral health. The first round began in January with more than 1,000 fifth-graders at 10 DeKalb County schools. First runner-up is Zaniyah Kimber of Avondale Elementary, and second runnerup is Breanna Donaire from Dresden Elementary. Fourth place went to Imya Evans of Avondale, and Brandy Alvarenga from
Hightower was fifth. All finalists received spin toothbrushes and other dental products. Dr. Dwayne Turner, manager of the Board of Health’s Dental Health Services, called poor childhood oral health an important issue. “Our 2015 Status of Health in DeKalb Report states that of the almost 17,000 children we screen in each year, about 17 percent need prompt or urgent care,” Turner said in a May 2 statement. “This means that dental problems have gone untreated for quite a while.” Colgate-Palmolive, Suburban Custom Awards and Framing, Delta Dental, and the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Oral Health Program supported the Quiz Bowl. For more information about Dental Health Services, visit http://dekalbhealth.net/ hs/dental-health or call 404-294-3700.
Nominate teen for McDonald’s honor Individuals and organizations can nominate teen activists who are making a difference in their communities for McDonald’s 365Black Community Choice Youth Award at www.365Black.com. The third annual award honors young people 13-18 whose vision, compassion and diligence result in significant local, national or global impact. Nominators must complete an entry form, answer three questions about the nominee, and submit a three-minute video highlighting his or her contribution to the community. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on May 31. One male and one female recipient will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship and honored alongside celebrities, philanthropists and influencers at the 13th annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards on July 1 in New Orleans during the 22nd annual Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola.
William Rhodes, McDonald’s U.S. marketing director, said many young people are making positive change in their communities. “We mean it when we say we are ‘Deeply Rooted in Your Community’ and we hope this recognition and appreciation of their work encourages our honorees to continue aiming high,” Rhodes said. The Youth Award is part of McDonald’s 365Black Awards that salute outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. This year’s partner is the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a leading advocate for historically black colleges and universities, which will distribute the $10,000 scholarships. The awards launched in 2003 as an extension of the 365Black platform, which celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year-round.
Aspiring entrepreneurs in Clark Atlanta University’s Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work can apply for the Atasha M. Murray Entrepreneurial Endowed Scholarship. Its first recipient will be awarded $2,500 at the May 14 social work hooding ceremony at 11 a.m. in Epps Gym- Atasha Murray nasium. The fund will provide scholarships to second-year graduate social work students who desire to become business owners in the field. CAU President Ronald A. Johnson
recently announced the establishment of the endowed scholarship. With the launch of the university’s Coca-Cola Co. $1 million alumni matching challenge grant, the CocaCola Foundation matched Murray’s $50,000 contribution dollar for dollar, bringing in additional critical scholarships and resources to the university. Alumna Atasha M. Murray graduated with a Master of Social Work in 2002 and is founder and executive director of Life Evolutions Behavioral Health Care LLC, which provides pediatric behavioral health services to children with special needs. Murray wants to provide entrepreneurial opportunities to graduate students with the same passion. Visit www.cau.edu/school-of-social-work.
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Community Kudos
CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
Kevin Chapman took ownership of curb appeal in hi By Donna Williams Lewis
These days when Kevin Chapman Jr. gets off I-20 at Wesley Chapel on his way home, he can hardly recognize the wasteland that drove him into action in 2012. “It was saturated with litter,” he said. “There were abandoned buildings, empty stores, and homeless people wandering around. It wasn’t a place to be proud of or to invite people to.” The landscaped gardens he Kevin Chapman spearheaded at the Wesley Chapel Road entrance and exit ramps to the interstate have matured and the median beautification he started has been expanded by the East Metro Community Improvement District. What a difference four years make. “Now, we have nice plants growing,” he said. “I no longer hesitate to invite people to my home.” The work Chapman initiated attracted likeminded people who also were tired of litter, weeds and other signs of neglect along the Wesley Chapel corridor. David George, who lived off Boring Road at the time, read about Chapman’s effort in CrossRoadsNews in May 2012 and sought him out. Kevin Chapman Jr. has spearheaded landscaping and cleanup projects along Wesley Chapel Road. Chapman is now focusing on his He was impressed that Chapman had secured condo community, which is recovering from a fire. funds from his condo owners association and donated labor from the condo’s landscaping contractor, Kevin Chapman Greenwood Group LLC, to plant gardens at three Jr. speaks at a community corners of the intersection. He was even more immeeting at the pressed that Chapman and volunteers from his comWesley Chapelmunity were regularly hauling jugs of water there in William C. Brown his car trunk to keep the plants alive. Library about a proposed But what really struck George was the fact that service station Chapman, then just 29, was young enough to be his project along the son. corridor. “When I met him, I wondered, ‘What is this young guy going to teach me?’” George said.
Homeowner at age 22 Here’s what he learned: “Number one, Kevin is very patient,” George said. “He’s very persistent, and he’s very strategic. He knows how to get things done and how to find the resources to get them accomplished.” George became Chapman’s “right-hand man” in the Wesley Chapel Curb Appeal Task Force, a group Chapman formed in 2012 after they met. became a proud homeowner at age Today, in addition to the pro“Number one, Kevin is 22 when he bought his condo in the fessionally landscaped median very patient. He’s very Snapfinger Manor community 11 and gardens, there is an expectapersistent, and he’s very years ago. tion among businesses that they strategic. He knows how to But it didn’t take long for him to will do their part to make and become frustrated by the litter he keep the corridor beautiful. get things done and how saw everywhere and proliferation of George calls Chapman an to find the resources to the weeds growing along the curbs. ideal, wonderful, fantastic human get them accomplished.” being. – David George, “He has done everything in his ‘He leads by example’ community advocate power to make that area look apTeresa Hardy, president of the pealing and attractive,” he said. Rainbow Park Home Owners Association, met Chapman is passionate about environmental Chapman in spring 2012 when her group was planbeauty and stability – things that were foreign to ning a cleanup on the south end of Wesley Chapel him in his early youth. Road and heard about one he was doing on the Chapman trims trees in the median. Home Depot, East Metro CID and Keep DeKalb Beautiful have assisted his beautification efforts. A combat veteran who served in Iraq, Chapman north side of I-20.
May 7, 2016
CrossRoadsNews
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“It can be 30 minutes, an email, a telephone call, or a weekend. … We have to be the change we want to see.”
is own community, organized others to do the same boxwood, euonymus, azaleas and liriopes. In 2015, the East Metro CID expanded on their efforts by adding more plants and mulch and, along with Keep DeKalb Beautiful, is sharing the upkeep of the median. “He’s one of the most The Wesley Chapel Curb Apcommitted, dedicated, peal Task Force also works with genuine, sincere individuals businesses along the corridor to that any community could improve and keep up their landscaping. And it makes sure new possibly have.” – Kathryn Rice, co-founder businesses like Krispy Kreme and of the South DeKalb Dunkin’ Donuts follow the guideImprovement Association lines of the I-20 Overlay District.
A ‘no-nonsense’ guy These days, Chapman, now 33, is focusing on his own condo community, which he said has nearly recovered from a 2015 fire that displaced 13 families. He became condo association president as the neighborhood was falling into decline. Soon after his installment, new standards were set in place and payment of neighborhood fees was enforced. Terri Webb, a condo association board member, says she will never forget her first encounter with Chapman shortly after he took office. She was a new resident who was pretty steamed over a $25 condo association fine for leaving trash outside the community’s dumpster. Her son was responsible for taking out the family’s trash, and she wanted to know how anyone could blame him for the litter. Chapman’s answer was swift: “I can show you video of what happened.” She declined and he followed up with an offer. If Webb agreed “He’s just a hard worker to help out with an upcoming and he does so without neighborhood cleanup, her fine complaint. He yearns for would be waived. She accepted. that community to be a “We’ve been best friends ever better place. There’s no since,” Webb said. project too big or too small She also got used to Chapfor him to tackle.” man’s early morning phone calls – Terri Webb, or knocks at her door, rounding Snapfinger Manor homeowner her up for some weekend project around the neighborhood, including a massive cleanup day at Fairington Elementary. Chapman also got MARTA to relocate a bus stop that was impeding traffic at the entrance to their Chapman cleans debris from the curb along the median in the Wesley Chapel corridor. He has tackled litter, neighborhood, and when it was gone, he landscaped weeds and other signs of neglect in the area since 2012. the spot where it once stood. Webb says Chapman takes interest in the comShe too was impressed by his youth and his desire to sincere individuals that any community could posmunity’s teenagers, correcting them when they do make a difference. sibly have,” she said. something wrong but then offering to help them “He was trying to exemplify what it means to take In collaboration with other groups and Keep pride in your community,” she said. DeKalb Beautiful, Chapman said they have removed apply for jobs. She calls him a “no-nonsense” guy. Once they connected, they went from 2.5 tons of litter, 900 illegal temporary signs and “He’s just a hard worker and he does so without doing small cleanups to working on dozens of tires from Wesley Chapel Road. complaint,” Webb said. “He yearns for that commularger projects. In 2014, Chapman joined Gordon Burkette, KDB director, other community advocates to form the said Chapman is an invaluable part- nity to be a better place. There’s no project too big or too small for him to tackle.” South DeKalb Improvement Associaner in the battle against litter. Chapman says everyone can do something, tion. “We are grateful for Kevin’s lead“It can be 30 minutes, an email, a telephone call, Dr. Kathryn Rice, an SDIA co-foundership,” Burkette said. “He leads by Kathryn Rice or a weekend,” he said. “You can make a call to reer, said the group was “blessed” to have example.” port code compliance issues. You can go out of your Chapman for a two-year term chairing its Code CompliTo start the landscaping of the ance Committee that organized major monthly cleanups Gordon Burkette Wesley Chapel median and the I-20 home and pick up trash someone else left. You can talk to the youth. We have to be the change we want across South DeKalb. entry and exit ramps, Chapman tapped the Wesley to see.” “He’s one of the most committed, dedicated, genuine, Chapel Home Depot store to donate crape myrtles,
CrossRoadsNews
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Scene
May 7, 2016
“I want to fight for what I believe is right. … I want to be a voice for those who don’t, or can’t, raise theirs.”
Volunteers needed to index African American history Family historians, genealogists and other volunteers can help index the Freedmen’s Bureau’s records on African Americans in post-Civil War America on May 7 at the Atlanta Family History Center. The event is part of a yearlong project led by the free FamilySearch.org website, the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society and other partners to index the records by Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, the day in 1865 when slaves in Galveston, Texas, finally learned that slavery had been abolished on Jan. 1, 1863, and they were free. Organizers are seeking to index at least 500 names during the 10 a.m.-to-4 p.m. event. Volunteers will type names and other information, including labor contracts and land, complaint, education and ration records, that will be uploaded to the Internet in a searchable database to make the documents accessible to people searching for their ancestors and history. Currently, names can be found only through page-by-page browsing. Volunteers can give as little as 30 minutes. Participants are asked to email their arrival time to aahgsatlanta@gmail.com. The Atlanta Family History Center is at 1469 Lee St. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www. AAHGSAtl.org and www.DiscoverFreedmen.org.
“We Walk the Difficult Road” is part of artist Brian Washington’s “The Continual Struggle” exhibit on display at the Carter Library from May 14 to July 31.
‘Continual Struggle’ depicts fight for freedom Artist Brian Washington’s “The Continual Struggle: The American Freedom Movement and the Seeds of Social Change” will be on display at the Carter Library & Museum from May 14 to July 31. The exhibit is included with museum admission. “The Continual Struggle” depicts the pain, sacrifice and emotion of those who fought for freedom during the civil rights movement. This selection of 23 works provides a stark glimpse of those tumultuous times. Washington, a self-taught artist and Los Angeles-based attorney, offers his view of sharecropping, nonviolent protest, Freedom
Legal Notices 04/16, 04/23, 04/30, 05/07
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV9505-2++ Taisa Te’aira Harvey Plaintiff Vs. Demetrious Harvey Defendant To: Demetrious Harvey 120 Prison Farm Rd. Valdosta, GA 31601 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Apr. 05, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Sept. 15, 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: Taisa Te’aira Harvey, 3618 Pepperdine Ct., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 05, 2016. Witness the Honorable Ashe F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 7th day of Apr., 2016 04/16, 04/23, 4/30, 05/07
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Child(ren) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4238-7++ Getachew Gebre Argaw filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Apr. 04, 2016 to change name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Ezana Getachew Argaw to Ezana Getachew Gebre. 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: Mar. 30, 2016 Name: Getachew Gebre Argaw
1281 Brockett Rd., Apt. 23C Clarkston, GA 30021 (404) 988-8710 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Child(ren) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4975-3++ Anndria Robinson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Apr. 22, 2016 to change name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Nailah Robinson-Molley to Nailah Robinson. 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: Apr. 19, 2016 Name: Anndria Robinson 771 Rockboro Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (678) 361-3473 04/23, 4/30, 05/07, 05/14
Notice of Petition to Change Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4506-4++ Fabian Blue filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Apr. 12, 2016 to change name from: Fabian Blue to Kal-elle Jagger. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition for Name Change was filed. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 14th day of Apr., 2016 04/23, 4/30, 05/07, 05/14
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court
of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4457-3++ Fanny A. De Leon Velasquez Plaintiff Vs. Isaac D. Torres Sauceda Defendant You are hereby notified that the abovestyled action seeking Plaintiff for Divorce was filed suit against you in said court on Apr. 13, 2016 and that by reason of an Order for Services Summons by Publication entered by the court on Apr. 18, 2016, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the Clerk said court, and serve upon Sarah T. Austin, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, Georgia, 30030, an answer to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the Order for Service by Publication. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 18th day of Apr., 2016 04/23, 4/30, 05/07, 05/14
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4486-9++ Shewaye K. Kiffay Plaintiff Vs. Halemarim Kassa Defendant To: Halemarim Kassa Ethiopia, Shire Endselasie Kebede 03 By order of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 18, 2016. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 12, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Petition of Custody. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and serve upon plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is:
Rides, marches, voter registration campaigns, police violence, and the realities that provoked those actions – demonstrating the conflict-ridden nature of social change. Each individual piece is the result of his research and reflection on a critical era of American history. The use of color has been restricted by the artist in an attempt to show that the feelings of man are ageless and everlasting. He sees multiple parallels between his art and legal education. “They are really two different means of getting to the same end. I want to raise awareness of certain issues and fight for what I believe is right. I want to be a voice for those
Donald M. Coleman, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, Georgia, 30030. Answer in writing with in sixty (6) days of Apr. 18, 2016.. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 18th day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4473-3++ Artie Maryland Snell Plaintiff Vs. Kelvin Richardo Snell Defendant To: Kelvin Richardo Snell 5068 Wellborn Trace Lithonia, GA 30038 You are hereby notified that the abovestyled action seeking Plaintiff for Divorce was filed suit against you in said court on Apr. 20, 2016 and that by reason of an Order for Services Summons by Publication entered by the court on Apr. 15, 2016, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the Clerk said court, and serve upon Artie M. Snell, 280 Northern Ave., Apt. #16, Avondlae, GA 30002, an answer to the Petition within sixty (60) days of Apr. 20, 2016. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 28th day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4979-3++ Sylvia Soumano Plaintiff Vs. Sikina Soumano Defendant To: Sikina Soumano 2660 Godby Rd. College Park, GA 30345 By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated 04/26/16; You are hereby notified that Sikina Sourmano,
who don’t, or can’t, raise theirs,” he says on www.brianwashington.com. His first edition of The Continual Struggle, known as “The Continual Struggle: The Civil Rights Movement – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” was acquired in its entirety by the Smithsonian Institution and placed in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian-affiliated National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. Former President Bill Clinton calls the exhibit “a powerful and moving vision of America’s struggle for equal rights.” The library is at 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta. Visit www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov.
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: Sylvia Soumano, 2260 McAfee Rd., Decatur, 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 26, 2016. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 27th day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV2301-4++ Trenita Wilson-Beals Plaintiff Vs. Orlando J. Beals Defendant To: Orlando J. Beals By Order of the Court by publication dated 04/22/16; You are hereby notified that on Apr. 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: Trenita Wilson-Beals, 5280 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Rm#416, Chamblee, GA 30341. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 22, 2016. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 25th day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4769-7++ Kevin Carter Plaintiff Vs. April Carter Defendant To: April Carter 1131 Audubon Circle By Order of the Court by publication dated Apr. 22, 2016; You are hereby notified that on Apr. 19, 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: Kevin Carter, 2274 Salem Rd., #106, Conyers, GA 30013. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 22, 2016.
Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr.,, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4774-7++ Deborah Rasheed Plaintiff Vs. Omar Rasheed Defendant To: Omar Rasheed 5354 Fawnbrook Cir. Griffin, GA 30023 By Order of the Court by publication dated Apr. 22, 2016; you are hereby notified that on Apr. 19, 2016, the abovenamed Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court of DeKalb County, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Deborah Rasheed, 37 Treeview Dr., #70C, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 22, 2016. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4547-1++ Rose Kinsey Smith Plaintiff Vs. Dorcy David Smith, Sr. Defendant To: 3747 Rockbridge Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 By Order of the Court by publication dated Apr. 20, 2016; you are hereby notified that on Apr. 15, 2016, the abovenamed 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: Rose Kinsey Smith, 3747 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 20, 2016. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 21st day of Apr., 2016
CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
People
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“Coach White has established Miller Grove as one of the best high school basketball programs in Georgia and in America.�
Macy’s hat parade honors Mom
Miller Grove High head coach Sharman White led the Wolverines to their seventh Georgia state basketball championship in eight years.
Ty Freeman
White named Coach of the Year By Ken Watts Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Hat lovers showed up at Macy’s at the Gallery at South DeKalb on April 30 to model hats from the store’s extensive collection or just to cheer on those who walked the runway. The annual event, which is held the weekend before Mother’s Day, is in its fifth year. Models competed for prizes.
Store manager Terry Young said the South DeKalb store is the department chain’s fifth-highest seller of hats. Above, models pose with Young at left and Macy’s sales manager Shirley Tredway (second from right). Tredway created the Parade of Hats show and organizes it every year.
Gnome garden workshop at library Children and adults can create a miniature garden in a container on May 14 at the Salem-Panola Library in Lithonia. Saturdays at Salem: Gnome Garden begins at 10 a.m. and is open to the first 12 participants. No registration is required. Gnome gardens, otherwise known as fairy gardens, are miniature gardens with a
whimsical twist. Participants will make a little garden in a container. Patrons may get a little dirty while they set out some small plants and design a little garden accessory. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Salem-Panola Library. The library is at 5137 Salem Road. For more information, call 770-987-6900.
Miller Grove High head coach Sharman White has been named Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association. On March 4, White led the Lithonia school to its seventh Georgia state basketball championship in eight years with a hard-fought 50-48 win against Allatoona (Acworth) at the Macon Coliseum. The Wolverines finished with a 30-2 record. In 20 seasons, White has compiled an overall record of 372-90. White told CrossRoadsNews that he is humbled by the Coach of the Year award. “It’s an honor receiving recognition for myself, but I have great players and staff that made it possible,� White said on April 27. Bobby Ferraro, executive director of the NHSCA, said the organization was pleased to honor White. “Coach White has established Miller Grove as one of the best high school basketball programs in Georgia and in America,� Ferraro said. “He exhibits a strong dedication
to supporting and developing high school student-athletes.� White was named the USA Today AllUSA Coach of the Year in 2014 and was picked to be an assistant coach for the 2016 USA Basketball Men’s U17 World Championship Team that will compete in the FIBA World Championship in Spain on June 23July 3. Ferraro said throughout 2016, the NHSCA will be honoring high achievers in the high school coaching community by naming Coaches of the Year in a total of 20 boys’ and girls’ sports. It’s the 17th straight year that the NHSCA has presented its National Coach of the Year awards. Each honoree will receive a trophy and be inducted into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame Museum that the NHSCA will build in Easton, Pa. White said he is already looking forward to the 2016-2017 season with eight players returning from the championship team, including Naquante Hardy, one of Miller Grove’s best scorers, and Joshua Jackmon, a talented defensive player.
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B1
Choices abound for primary voters
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
Election season is in full swing for the May 24 primary. Campaign signs are everywhere, voters are questioning candidates at forums, opponents are sparring, and early voting is underway for those who want to skip long lines on election day.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
CrossRoadsNews
B2
May 7, 2016
Wells Fargo’s donations have exceeded $1 million since the giving program started five years ago.
Guide to primary, nonpartisan and special elections
“East Metro Atlanta’s Weekly Newspaper” 2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007
www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
The 2016 Guide to the Elections is a publication of CrossRoadsNews Inc., East Metro Atlanta’s award-winning weekly newspaper. Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Reporters Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Graphics Editor Curtis Parker
These candidates are in contested races on the DeKalb County ballots in the May 24, 2016, Democratic and Republican primary elections. This information includes the office they are seeking, the salary for the office, party affiliation, age and occupation. Candidates who are running unopposed are not listed.
(D) = Democrat (R) = Republican (I) = Incumbent
U.S. Senate Democrat Jim Barksdale (D) Cheryl Copeland (D) John F. Coyne III (D) Republican Mary Kay Bacallao (R) Derrick Grayson (R) Johnny Isakson (R) (I) Georgia Senate 43rd District Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D) Toney L. Collins (D) Tonya P. Anderson (D) Georgia House 82nd District Mary Margaret Oliver (D) (I) Brian Westlake (D) 84th District Rahn Mayo (D) (I) Renitta Shannon (D) 86th District Michele Henson (D) (I) Joscelyn O’Neil (D) 87th District Ivy J. Green (D) Earnest L. “Coach” Williams (D) (I)
91st District Charles Hill (D) Vernon Jones (D) David Neville (D) Rhonda S. Taylor (D) DeKalb CEO Joe Bembry (D) Connie Stokes (D) Michael “Mike” Thurmond (D) DeKalb County Board of Commissioners District 4 Sharon Barnes-Sutton (D)(I) Steve Bradshaw (D) Lance Lawyer Hammonds (D) District 6 Kathie Gannon (D)(I) Warren Mosby (D) Nonpartisan General Election JUDGE OF STATE COURT (TO SUCCEED DAX E. LOPEZ)
Roderick Bridges Dax Lopez (I)
Tax Commissioner (non-partisan) (To Fill the Unexpired Term of CLAUDIA LAWSON, RETIRED)
Irvin J. Johnson Susannah Scott Stan Watson
newborn, newly adopted child or newly placed foster child? n Should private property on rivers and streams be protected by natural vegetative buffers to ensure that Georgia’s waters are swimmable, drinkable, and fishable? n Should Georgia automatically register to vote all legal and permanent residents upon issuance of a driver’s license or state-issued ID which includes an opt-out provision?
DeKalb Sheriff Geraldine Champion (D) Ted Golden (D) Kyle Keith Jones (D) Jeffrey L. Mann (D)(I) Michael Williams (D) DeKalb tax commissioner Irvin J. Johnson (D) Susannah Scott (D) Stan Watson (D) DeKalb Solicitor general Donna Coleman-Stribling (D) Nicole Marchand Golden (D) DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston (D) Robert James (D)(I) Nonpartisan General Election JUDGE, SUPERIOR COURT (TO SUCCEED GAIL C. FLAKE)
Angela Brown Democratic Party Questions Gail C. Flake (I) n Should Georgia invest less than 1% of its annual budget to provide healthcare Nonpartisan General Election to 500,000 low-income citizens and JUDGE, SUPERIOR COURT military veterans by expanding Medicaid? (TO SUCCEED CLARENCE F “CHUCK” n Should Georgia guarantee paid family SEELIGER) leave to include pregnancy, serious Stephone Johnson illness, care of a family member with a serious health condition, or care for a Clarence “Chuck” Seeliger (I)
Put Litter in Its Place Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful
CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
B3
Of DeKalb’s 493,147 registered voters, 377,561 are active – they have participated in the past two elections.
Early voting under way, 2,000-plus cast ballots in first 4 days More early polls to open To vote early through May 20, visit these polls: n Voter Registration & Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, in Decatur. Two areas – one exclusively for senior and disabled voters. Weekdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, May 15, noon-4 p.m. n South DeKalb – Gallery at South DeKalb mall, 2801 Candler Road in Decatur. Weekdays 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, May 15, noon-4 p.m. n North DeKalb – Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road in Tucker. Weekdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; no Sunday voting. n North DeKalb – Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad St. in Chamblee. Sunday, May 15, noon-4 p.m.; weekdays, May 16-20, 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.
File
Early polls are open through May 20 for the May 24 primary and nonpartisan elections. Saturday voting will be available in DeKalb County and across the state on May 14.
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
The May 24 primary and nonpartisan elections are just 17 days away and candidates in 18 contested races are reaching for second gear in their quest for office, even as early voters started going to the polls on May 2.
Through 7 p.m. Thursday, 2,076 voters had cast ballots by mail and at three early precincts at the DeKalb Election main offices on Memorial Drive, at the Gallery at South DeKalb and in Tucker. Right up to election day, smart candidates are making the rounds of discussion forums, heading to churches in hopes of
a getting a mention from the pulpit, and jockeying for invitations to homeowners association meetings and other public events – all to meet, greet and ask the voters for their consideration. As of April 19, the DeKalb Election Please see EARLY, page B4
May 16-20 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All locations including these: n Brookhaven – Brookhaven City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road N.E. in Brookhaven. n Downtown Decatur – Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. in Decatur. n Dunwoody – Dunwoody Library, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody. n East DeKalb – Berean Christian Church Community Center, 2440 Young Road in Stone Mountain. n Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia.
“JUDGE LOPEZ IS A HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATE WHO ENJOYS DEEP SUPPORT FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.” -WHITE HOUSE
Community. Family. Justice. Re-Elect President Obama’s Nominee
Dax Lopez
www.daxfordekalb.com
Re-Elect Judge Dax Lopez May 24, 2016
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Judge Dax E. Lopez
CrossRoadsNews
B4
May 7, 2016
The vote “yes” or “no” questions were developed by the Democratic Party leadership and legislators.
Sunday voting available at a few sites EARLY,
from page
B3
Office says the county has 493,147 registered voters. Maxine Daniels, the county’s elections director, says voter turnout will be about 25 percent. She said that turnout for most primary elections since 2008 has been in the low 20s. The only exception was in 2012 when ?? helped push Maxine Daniels turnout over 31 percent. Even with the hotly contested races for DeKalb district attorney, CEO, solicitor general and County Commission districts 4 and 6, Daniels is not optimistic. “I don’t think the races on the ballot, coupled with the change of the primary from July to May, will be significant enough to bump it that high,” she said May 5. Still there is plenty on the ballot to get even the most jaded voter excited. The race for Senate District 43, which pits state Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler against former state Reps. Tonya Anderson and Toney Collins, is sure to pull voters in both DeKalb and Rockdale counties. The House District 91 race in which former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones is trying to make a comeback against the young and fiery Morehouse and Harvard graduate Charles Hill Jr. and Conyers residents Rhonda Taylor and David Neville will hopefully help lure more voters to the polls. Of the 493,147 DeKalb registered voters, 377,561 of them are active voters, meaning they have participated in the past two elections. Countywide, 273,968 or 55.6 percent of DeKalb voters are female and 260,799 or 52.9 percent are African-Americans.
Early polls will be open statewide on Saturday, May 14. It is the only mandated Saturday voting in all 159 counties for the May 24 primary and nonpartisan elections. In DeKalb County, the May 14 Saturday polls will open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial Drive, Tucker and the Gallery at South DeKalb mall, and on Sunday, May 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at Memorial, the Gallery at South DeKalb and Chamblee. As voters head to the polls early or on election day, Daniels says they must remember to bring approved photo identification with them. To cast a ballot, every voter must select a party or a nonpartisan ballot. Daniels said that those who choose a nonpartisan ballot will not have an opportunity to vote in the CEO, commissioners, sheriff and other county races or in state and federal partisan races. Regardless of your ballot choice, the special elections for DeKalb tax commissioner (to fulfill Claudia Lawson’s term) and the DeKalb School District E-SPLOST will appear at the end of every ballot. Voters who select the Democratic ballot can vote in both the Democratic primary race for tax commissioner, whose term starts Jan. 1, 2017, and in the special election for tax commissioner whose term ends Dec. 31, 2016. Daniels said voters must go to the end of the ballot to see the special election for tax commissioner. “Since there are no Republican primary or nonpartisan candidates for tax commissioner, those voters will have only one tax commissioner race at the end of the ballot,” she said. Before you head to the polls, voters can view their ballot by visiting the Georgia My Voter Page at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do.
Ballot questions to raise awareness on key issues Democrats voting in the May 24 primary can let their party know their support for Medicaid expansion, family leave, protection for the state’s rivers and streams, and making it easier for all Georgians who are legal and permanent residents to register to vote when they get their driver’s license. The vote “yes” or “no” questions were developed by the Democratic Party leadership in collaboration with the Democratic Senate and House delegations. The questions, which are on primary ballots in all 159 counties in Georgia, are: n Should Georgia invest less than 1% of its annual budget to provide healthcare to 500,000 low-income citizens and military veterans by expanding Medicaid? n Should Georgia guarantee paid family leave to include pregnancy, serious illness, care of a family member with a serious health condition, or care for a newborn, newly adopted child or newly placed foster child? n Should private property on rivers and streams be protected by natural vegetative buffers to ensure that Georgia’s waters are swimmable, drinkable, and fishable? n Should Georgia automatically register to vote all legal and permanent residents upon issuance of a driver’s license or state-issued ID which includes an opt-out provision? Michael Smith, the state Democratic Party spokesman, said support for these issues will raise awareness that a broad cross section of Georgians care and could influence legislative agenda in the upcoming session. On the Medicaid expansion issue, Gov. Nathan Deal has joined with 16 other Republican governors across the country to refuse federal funding to implement the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, that provides health coverage to about 1.8 million low-income children, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Statewide, an estimated 600,000 low-income Georgians, mostly adults under the age of 65 who don’t have children, are uninsured. Smith said that nationally, states that have made voter registration automatic when residents get their driver’s license have increased civic engagement. “We would like to encourage that in Georgia,” he said. Currently, only federal employees are guaranteed six weeks of family leave when they have babies or adopt children, are ill or have to be caregivers to a sick family member. Without paid leave, Smith said families face serious financial burdens. “We would like to see that addressed,” he said.
CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
B5
“Unless we raise the millage, we can’t fund capital projects. … It is really critical that we pass this SPLOST.”
E-SPLOST seeks another penny to continue fixing schools By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
DeKalb voters headed to the polls early and on May 24 might be surprised to find a DeKalb School Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax – E-SPLOST – referendum on the ballot. The referendum is seeking to re-up the current five-year SPLOST that ends in June 2017. If approved, the new SPLOST will begin July 1, 2017, and end in June 2022. Since DeKalb voters approved the first five-year SPLOST that went into effect on July 1, 1997, the district has returned to the voters for consecutive SPLOST votes in 2002, 2007, and 2011. SPLOST 5, which could raise $500 million for the district, has been very low-key because this time, the district is seeking approval from voters before presenting a list of projects, which always engages more citizens. The lack of a project list before the May 24 vote is a major departure from how the district has approached its four previous penny sales taxes that have netted more than $1.85 billion for capital and other improvements since 1997. This time, the DeKalb School Board wants the voters to approve the SPLOST first, and develop the specific projects later. Dr. Melvin Johnson, School Board chairman, said May 3 that the district elected to fund categories, rather than specific projects, because this board has no trust issues with the voters. “We don’t operate poMelvin Johnson litically,” he said. “We operate from an equity standpoint. Board members don’t get a pot of money to spend in their district. We go where the resources are needed.”
The history of DeKalb Schools SPLOST SPLOST Date of Vote SPLOST Duration % Yes % Turnout $millions I Mar. 18, 1997 July 1997 – June 2002 68.40 20.60 $415 II Mar. 20, 2002 July 2002 – June 2007 61.40 9.40 $457 III Mar. 20, 2007 July 2007 – June 2012 69.70 5.40 $489 IV Nov. 8, 2011 July 2012 – June 2017 62.20 13.90 $492* V May 24, 2016 July 2017 – June 2022 $500* * Anticipated
Johnson said that To fund categories, not specific projects even though Superintendent Stephen The proposed SPLOST 5 will fund five project categories: Green would have Project Areas $ millions % preferred to wait n New Facilities and Additions $230 46 until the November n Facility Condition Improvements $100 20 election, he asked n Technology Improvements, including the board to bring Enterprise Resource Plan $65 13 the referendum in n Management and Contingency $50 10 May because Atlanta, Fulton and Decatur n Buses, Vehicles, Other Capital Equipment $40 8 school districts also n Safety and Security $15 3 are doing referenTotals $500 100 dums at the same time, and the law input meetings on the project list in July requires them to do it at the same time. “Our new superintendent would have and September. The School Board plans to preferred to do it in November but he wanted approve the list on Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. It plans to collaborate and be a good neighbor with to issue general obligation bonds in $200 million blocks to fund portions of the projects. the other districts,” Johnson said. Allyson Gevertz, chairwoman of the Voters are being asked to approve reimposing the special 1 percent sales and use Friends of DeKalb Education 5, a political actax for educational purposes starting July 1, tion committee supporting the referendum, 2017. The current tax is set to end on June said SPLOST is a much fairer way to fund capital improvement. 30, 2017. “Unless we raise the The question says the tax will last for not more than 20 consecutive calendar quarters millage, we can’t fund and raise “not more than $650,057,000,” but capital projects,” she said. School District estimates of spending have “With SPLOST, 30 percent of the funding comes stayed at $500 million. DeKalb will split the proceeds with City from people from outside Schools of Decatur, $30 million, and with the county who come here to shop and spend Atlanta Public Schools, $20.05 million. Allyson Gevertz If voters approve the new SPLOST on money.” Gevertz, who has two kids in middle and May 24, the School District plans public
high schools in DeKalb, said there are a lot of kids in trailers and buses in disrepair, and technology and security issues. “We really don’t have a choice,” Gevertz said. “It is really critical that we pass this SPLOST.” The district proposes to spent the bulk of SPLOST 5 funds, 46 percent or $230 million, on new facilities and additions. Facility condition improvements take the second biggest chunk with 20 percent or $100 million. If approved, Johnson said the overcrowded Cross Keys Cluster, which is populated by mobile classrooms, will get the bulk of the new facilities. “Most of the funds will go there because of need,” Johnson said, adding that two new schools – high and middle – are planned. For the rest of the anticipated funds, technology improvements will get 13 percent or $65 million; management and contingency, 10 percent or $50 million; and buses, vehicles and other capital equipment will get 8 percent or $40 million. Safety and security rounds out the anticipated total with 3 percent or $15 million. Johnson said all of the district’s 134 schools will get technology improvements and buses facility improvements. “Every school will get the same techology improvements, and we will upgrade all our buses,” he said. Gevertz said the School District is working very hard to be transparent and to take parents’ input. “We have to trust that Dr. Green is going to do what he says and he has not given us any reason to think otherwise,” she said. “We need this SPLOST to make improvements and take care of our overcrowding.” Rochelle Jackson who went to the polls on May 5, said she voted for the SPLOST. “Everything I read it is going to do, we need,” she said. “We need technology, we need security, and we need equity. Our schools need all the help they can get.”
It’s time for a new DAy in DeKalb. Join us in supporting
SHERRY BOSTON for District Attorney
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Vote in the Democratic Primary May 24th.
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www.sherryboston.com boston-johnson.indd 1
4/18/16 10:54 AM
CrossRoadsNews
B6
May 7, 2016
Fortyfive candidates in 18 contested races are seeking our vo Dekalb chief executive officer Joe Bembry
Connie Stokes
DeKalb Distr
Michael “Mike” Thurmond
Sherry Boston
DeKalb County Sheriff Geraldine Champion
Ted Golden
Kyle Keith Jones
Board of commissioners dist 4 Sharon Barnes-Sutton
Steve Bradshaw
Board of commissioners di
Lance Lawyer Hammonds
Kathie Gannon
State Court Judge Roderick Bridges
State Representative (86) (D) Michele Henson (I)
Joscelyn O’Neil
Jeffrey L. M
Warren M
State Represen
Dax Lopez
Mary Margaret Oliver (I)
State Representative (87) (D) Ivy Green
Earnest “Coach” Williams (I)
CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
B7
otes in the May 24 primary, nonpartisan and special elections
rict Attorney
Tax commissioner
Robert D. James (I)
Irvin J. Johnson
Susannah Scott
Stan Watson
DeKalb Solicitor General
Mann (I)
Michael Williams
ist 6
Donna Coleman-Stribling
Nicole Marchand Golden
Superior Court Judge
Mosby
Angela Brown
ntative (82) (D) Brian Westlake
Gail C. Flake
Superior Court Judge Stephone Johnson
Clarence “Chuck� Seeliger
State Representative (84) (D) Rahn Mayo (I)
Renitta Shannon
State Representative (91) (D) Charles Hill
Vernon Jones
David Neville
Rhonda S. Taylor
CrossRoadsNews
B8
May 7, 2016
45 candidates in 18 contested races....cont’d State Senate (43) (D) Tonya P. Anderson
Toney L. Collins
Dee Dawkins-Haigler
United States Senate (D) Jim Barksdale
Cheryl Copeland
John F. Coyne III
James Knox
May 7, 2016
CrossRoadsNews
B9
Political contributions are considered a barometer of the level of support a candidate or incumbent has in a race.
James, Boston amass hefty war chests in district attorney race Campaign Contributions Filings, March 31, 2016
The top five fundraisers for the May 24 primary are Robert James (from left), Sherry Boston, Jeff Mann, Dax Lopez and Mike Thurmond.
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
District Attorney Robert James has set a new DeKalb record for the most contributions ever raised for a DA race. For his March 31, 2016, campaign disclosure filing, James reported contributions of $225,108 even after he returned $3,700 in donations to two contributors who inadvertently gave him more than the $2,600 limit for this election. In contrast, in 2010 when he first ran for the office, he collected $93,680. James said he is very proud of the outpouring support for his re-election. “I am humbled by the generosity of strangers,” he said. “We got donations from all kinds of people and not just those who feel they have skin in the game.” More than 1,000 contributors to his campaign gave $100 to $2,600. “They believe in the work that we do and they want to see us be successful and continue to do it,” James said. He reported a net balance of $158,116. James’ challenger, DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston, wasn’t far behind in total contributions. At $204,896, she amassed the second-highest amount of donations and reported a net balance of $110,793. At the Jan. 31 disclosure deadline, Boston had outraised James. She disclosed contributions of $157,795 to his $130,996. Candidates breaking the $100,000 contribution mark for the March reporting deadline are Sheriff Jeff Mann with $114,307, State Court Judge Dax Lopez with $107,317, and CEO candidate Michael Thurmond with $101,335. Thurmond, who is in a race with Connie Stokes and Joe Bembry for the Democratic nomination, is the only non-incumbent to top $100,000 in contributions. Stokes reported $25,270, but $25,000 of it was a loan she made to her campaign. Bembry has not filed any campaign disclosures. Together, the 37 DeKalb candidates who
filed campaign disclosures for the March 31, 2016, reporting deadline disclosed just over $1.5 million in contributions and net balance of $838,766. The top five fundraisers – James, Boston, Mann, Lopez and Thurmond – raised $752,963, or 49.3 percent of the total. Fourteen candidates reported loans totaling $162,166. The loans ranged from the $400 that House District 91 candidate Charles Hill Jr. made to himself to loans of $41,562 that District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton brought forward from past campaigns. Political contributions are considered a barometer of the level of support a candidate or incumbent has for the office they are seeking. James, who is in a tight race with Boston, said this campaign is the first that he has garnered support from people he doesn’t know personally. “I used to be on first-name basis with all my contributors,” said James, who first ran for office as DeKalb solicitor general in 2006. “They used to be college buddies, lawyers I knew, friends and neighbors. This time, it’s a lot of donors, many of whom I have never met.” With the growth in donors, James said he did a compliance audit of his campaign account and found that two of them – Childers, Schlueter & Smith in Atlanta and G.A. Rockdale Partners LLC – who had given to his campaign multiple times had exceeded the contribution limit. On March 31, he refunded $2,500 to the first and $1,200 to the latter. James said he started raising money for his re-election in May 2015. “Some people gave more than once,” he said. “The average person doesn’t know the rules.” James said he audited his campaign account because the burden for compliance lies with the candidate, not the donor. He said his carefulness was not motivated by the March 24, 2016, consent order that he had to sign with the Georgia Government
Candidate Office Contributions Loans Robert James (I) District Attorney $225,108 $19,049 Sherry Boston District Attorney $204,896 $950 Jeff Mann (I) Sheriff $114,307 $0 Dax Lopez (I) State Court Judge $107,317 $0 Michael Thurmond CEO $101,335 $320 Nicole Marchand Golden Solicitor General $87,472 $0 Rahn Mayo House District 84 $81,833 $0 Donna Coleman-Stribling Solicitor General $69,261 $0 Kathie Gannon (I) Commission District 6 $60,097 $0 Mary Margaret Oliver (I) House District 82 $57,944 $0 Stephen Bradshaw Commission District 6 $45,480 $0 Michele Henson (I) House District 86 $40,623 $0 Gail Flake (I) Superior Court Judge $35,512 $0 Clarence Seeliger (I) Superior Court Judge $32,795 $5,000 Sharon Barnes Sutton (I) Commission District 4 $27,475 $41,562 Michael Williams Sheriff $26,423 $5,000 Connie Stokes CEO $25,270 $25,000 Roderick Bridges State Court Judge $21,800 $0 Renitta Shannon House District 84 $19,237 $0 Lance Hammonds Commission District 4 $18,481 $0 Kyle Jones Sheriff $14,252 $2,560 Stephone Johnson Superior Court Judge $14,243 $0 Dee Dawkins-Haigler Senate District 43 $13,250 $10,000 Brian Westlake House District 82 $11,936 $3,000 Stan Watson Tax Commissioner $11,375 $0 Susannah Scott Tax Commissioner $10,145 $5,992 Earnest “Coach” Williams (I) House District 87 $9,183 $0 Irvin Johnson Tax Commissioner $8,619 $0 Ted Golden Sheriff $7,680 $42,833 Charles Hill House District 91 $6,885 $400 Vernon Jones House District 91 $5,970 $0 Geraldine Champion Sheriff $5,124 $0 Joscelyn O’Neil House District 86 $2,410 $0 Rhonda Taylor House District 91 $2,290 $0 Warren Mosby Commission District 6 $1,151 $0 David Neville House District 91 $750 $500 Ivy Green House District 87 $400 $0 Totals $1,528,329 $162,166
Cash on Hand $158,116 $110,793 $43,837 $78,415 $0 $65,392 $27,955 $40,744 $0 $80,477 $24,877 $27,164 $32,107 $32,795 $22,335 $4,631 $5,857 $16,902 $10,135 $832 $2,846 $5,142 $13,250 $11,936 $3,974 -$606 $1,524 $2,877 $614 $6,485 $4,775 $0 $591 $988 $0 -$349 $400 $838,766
Source: Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Commission & DeKalb Registrations & Elections
Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission to resolve ethics violation complaints filed against him. James paid $2,850 in fines for failure to file personal financial statements in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and 15 instances in which he failed to comply with requirements of the Campaign Finance Act. Lopez, who is being challenged by former Traffic Court Judge Roderick Bridges, raised $107,317 to Bridges’ $21,800. Mann outraised his three challengers combined, clocking in at $114,307 to the $53,479 raised by Michael Williams, Kyle Jones, Ted Golden and Geraldine Champion. Nicole Marchand Golden and Donna Coleman-Stribling, who are vying for the Solicitor General’s Office, raised $87,472 and $69,261, respectively. In the race for Senate District 43, Toney Collins and Tonya Anderson had not filed any disclosures for the primary through May 5. Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger raised $32,795 to challenger Stephone John-
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kyle Jones
son’s $14,243. The March 31 report for former Recorders Court Judge Angela Brown was not available. Brown, who is challenging incumbent Superior Court Judge Gail Flake, raised $43,052 by the Jan. 31 deadline. Flake reported total contributions of $35,512 and a net balance of $32,107. In the hot Commission District 4 race, challenger Stephen Bradshaw raised $45,480 to embattled incumbent Barnes Sutton’s $27,475 and challenger Lance Hammonds’ $18,481. In the Super District 6 race, incumbent Commissioner Kathie Gannon reported a war chest of $60,097. Warren Mosby, her challenger, reported raising $1,151. He said that it is difficult raising money when you are running against “an entrenched incumbent.” “If I need money, I will put in my own funds,” he said. The next campaign disclosure reporting deadline is June 30, four weeks after the May 24 primary.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
“The letter notifying Copelin-Wood of the hearing outlined applicable code sections that governed the process.”
Elections board chair defends Copelin-Wood disqualification Editor’s Note: Former DeKalb School Board member Sarah Copelin-Wood was disqualified from the District 3 School Board race after qualifying on March 11. CopelinWood said in an April 16 CrossRoadsNews story that the election office refused to take her certified Wells Fargo check for $540 “because there was no line on the back” and she had to send for cash. By Samuel E. Tillman
I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the allegations made by Ms. Sarah Copelin-Wood in your April 16, 2016, article concerning her disqualification from the School Board District 3 race. On March 11th, the final day for qualifying, Ms. Copelin-Wood came to the office of the Board of Registration & Elections. She entered the office at least one hour prior to the noon deadline for qualifying. Several times, she approached our staff members and asked questions but did not start her qualifying process until after 11:30 a.m. At that time, she was processed using normal procedures, which includes entering her information into the voter registration system and preparing her Notice of Candidacy form. Upon completion of the form, she was asked for her qualifying fee. Ms. CopelinWood produced three photocopies of a cashier’s check in the amount of $500.40. The staff member conferred with other staff
“It is unfortunate that Ms. Copelin-Wood opted not to present her case before the Board nor use her legal channel of appealing the ruling, but having failed to do so, she must take full responsibility for her disqualification.” Sam Tillman, chairman DeKalb Board of Registration & Elections
who confirmed that the copies presented by Ms. Copelin-Wood were not a check, but photocopies. The staff member asked her if she had the actual check and she insisted that the photocopy provided was a check. The staff asked Director Maxine Daniels to speak with Ms. Copelin-Wood about the situation. Ms. Daniels told Ms. Copelin-Wood that the copy of the check that she presented was not acceptable. After Ms. Copelin-Wood insisted that the paper she had was what she had received from her bank, Ms. Daniels inquired whether Ms. Copelin-Wood had made a copy of the check and she confirmed she had. When Ms. Daniels suggested that the check may have been inadvertently left on the copier, Ms. Copelin-Wood insisted that the photocopy she presented was a check. At this point, it was less than ten minutes until the noon deadline for qualifying. Since the normal process is to allow anyone who appears before noon with the required fee to complete their qualifying process even it would be concluded after noon, Ms. Daniels
decided to give Ms. Copelin-Wood every opportunity to finalize the process and defer to the Board of Registration & Elections to determine if her actions met the requirement of the Election Code. Ms. Daniels informed Ms. Copelin-Wood that if she left and was not back in the office at noon, she could not qualify but if she could have someone bring the funds, it would be accepted pending a hearing before the Board. Ms. Copelin-Wood contacted her daughter who was able to bring cash to her at approximately 12:20 p.m. Ms. Daniels accepted the money and Ms. Copelin-Wood’s name was added to the list of candidates for the School Board District 3 race. The Board of Registration & Elections scheduled a hearing to consider Ms. CopelinWood’s eligibility as a candidate. As required by law, a letter notifying Ms. Copelin-Wood of the challenge hearing was sent via mail to both her home address and post office box and via email to the address listed on her notice of candidacy. In addition, Ms. Daniels called and spoke
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with her personally to inform her of the upcoming hearing. Ms. Copelin-Wood chose not to attend and present her side of the issue. Based on the facts presented by the staff, the Board determined that Ms. Copelin-Wood did not properly qualify since she did not have the required qualifying fee at the noon deadline and thus removed her from the list of candidates. The money that she provided after the deadline was refunded to her. Our office handled Ms. Copelin-Wood in a manner consistent, not only with its normal procedures, but also within the statutes of the Georgia Election Code. In fact, to ensure Ms. Copelin-Wood was given every opportunity for due process, her fee was accepted after the noon deadline. The letter notifying Ms. Copelin-Wood of the hearing outlined applicable code sections that governed the process. Her being disqualified was based on the particulars of her case. If Ms. Copelin-Wood felt that the Board had acted improperly, her recourse was with the Superior Court and she was so advised in the letter and subsequent Order informing her of the Board’s finding. It is unfortunate that Ms. Copelin-Wood opted not to present her case before the Board nor use her legal channel of appealing the ruling, but having failed to do so, she must take full responsibility for her disqualification. Samuel E. Tillman is chairman of the DeKalb Board of Registration & Elections.
CrossRoadsNews
May 7, 2016
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Candidates for tax commissioner are vying in a special election and for the Democratic nomination on May 24.
Voters can vet candidates at forums at New Life, other venues Candidates in the hotly contested races for DeKalb CEO, district attorney, sheriff and tax commissioner will face off on May 16 at a Vote 2016 Forum at New Life Baptist Church. The forum, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is sponsored by CrossRoadsNews in partnership with New Life and the Rotary Club of South DeKalb. Former DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes, former DeKalb Superintendent Michael Thurmond and Decatur businessman Joe Bembry are vying to replace convicted and suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, whose term ends on Dec. 31, 2016. Incumbent District Attorney Robert James and his challenger, DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston, and DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann’s four challengers – retired Atlanta detective Geraldine Champion, retired U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent Ted Golden, former DeKalb Sheriff Deputy Kyle Jones and law enforcement officer Michael Williams have been invited. For the special election and Democratic primary for DeKalb tax commissioner, interim Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson, attorney Susannah Scott, and former DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson are expected. The forum will be moderated by CrossRoadsNews Editor/Publisher Jennifer Parker. Questions will be taken from the audience. Candidates seeking other offices that are not part of the forum will be recognized. New Life is at 3592 Flat Shoals Road in Decatur.
The 90-minute forum begins at 7 p.m. The candidates for CEO are Decatur businessman Joe Bembry, former DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes and former School Superintendent Michael Thurmond. The winner will face Republican Jack Lovelace in November. Lovelace is unopposed in the May 24 GOP primary. Incumbent Sheriff Jeffrey Mann, retired homicide detective Geraldine Champion, retired DEA Special Agent Ted Golden, business owner and former Sheriff Deputy Kyle Keith Jones, and law enforcement official Michael Williams are seeking the Democratic Forum at Victory for World Church nomination for sheriff. The winner will face Candidates running for CEO, sheriff and former DeKalb Reserve Lt. Harold Dennis, tax commissioner have been invited to a 2016 who has no GOP opposition in the May 24 Candidate Forum on May 17 at the Victory primary. for the World Church in Stone Mountain. Candidates for tax commissioner are
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Keep Irvin J. Johnson as Your DeKalb County Tax Commissioner PAID FOR BY IRVINFORDEKALB COMMITTEE • WWW.IRVINFORDEKALB.COM
At far left, businessman Joe Bembry, former Commissioner Connie Stokes and former Superintendent Michael Thurmond are running for DeKalb CEO. Vernon Jones (near left) and Charles Hill are among four candidates seeking the Georgia House District 91 seat.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
interim Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson, attorney Susannah Scott and former DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson. All three are vying in the special election to succeed Claudia Lawson, who retired in December and whose term ends on Dec. 31, 2016, and for the Democratic nomination for a new four-year term that begins in January 2017. Victory Church is at 1170 N. Hairston Road. For more information, contact Gregory Lewis at 678-895-1954.
Sparring at Rockdale forum Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones and political newcomer Charles Hill Jr. sparred at the April 23 Rockdale Democrats Election Forum when Jones raised concerns about Hill’s youth and accomplishments and Hill questioned the quality of Jones’ experience.
Jimmy Norfleet
The Lithonia residents are vying with Conyers residents Rhonda Taylor and David Neville for the Democratic nomination in the House District 91 seat that covers portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. Taylor, a consultant, and Neville, a retired educator, were no-shows at the forum. Jones, a former state representative and DeKalb CEO for eight years between 2000 and 2008, had unsuccessfully sought office in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House and DeKalb sheriff since leaving office. Hill, 30, a Morehouse and Harvard graduate, is a small-business owner. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Carl Anuszczyk, who is unopposed in the GOP primary, in November. Primary candidates were scheduled to meet again on May 5.
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Let’s Fix It Together. www.electmikethurmond.com
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CrossRoadsNews
Educating & Empowering the Community
May 7, 2016
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T HE 2016 F AMILY & B ACK TO S CHOOL E XPO July 23, 2016 at the Mall at Stonecrest Noon - 5 p.m.
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