CrossRoadsNews, May 8, 2010 (New) by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

WELLNESS

SCHOOLS

It wasn’t all fun and games when the DeKalb Democratic Party held its annual awards dinner Saturday. Photos of award winners are on page 5.

Shiroya “Kiki” Cornelious, who nearly died following surgery to remove 21 inches of her large intestine, plans to take part in the Walk for Lupus Now fundraiser on May 8. 7

A group of business, government and civic leaders have formed EduKalb, an initiative to improve education in the county. 9

Party for the party

‘I’m still here’

Focus on education

May 8, 2010

Volume 16, Number 2

www.crossroadsnews.com

Uncertainty looms in State Court race School Board to vote on tax increase, bus cutbacks

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Five lawyers who have been campaigning for months to replace DeKalb State Court Judge Edward E. Carriere Jr., may not get their chance at the ballot box on Nov. 2. Carriere, who has been on the bench since 1998, is one of 836 DeKalb County employees who have taken the county’s offer of early retirement. He did not return telephone calls to his office this week, but his clerk, Toni Cook, said he is leaving the county on Aug. 31, instead of his previously announced retirement date of Dec. 31. With less than six months left on Carriere’s term, it could fall on Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue to appoint his replacement. Perdue spokesman Bert Brantley said that as of Thursday, Carriere had not tendered his resignation to Perdue. Under Georgia Constitution Article VI, Section 7, Paragraph 4, “An appointee to an elective office shall serve until a successor is duly elected and qualified, and until January 1 of the year following the next general election which is more than six months after such person’s appointment.” Brantley said that if and when Carriere sends his resignation to the governor, Perdue can do one of two things. “The governor could keep the seat open or he could appoint someone, which would cancel the previously scheduled election and put off the election until 2012,” he said.

“Tunde” Akinyele

Sherry Boston

Nicole Marchand

Qualifying for the bench, and other nonpartisan races, will be June 28-July 2. Word on the street this week is that Republican state Sen. Dan Weber is the likely appointee for the position. Weber, the incumbent representative for District 40 in Dunwoody, did not qualify for re-election last week. He did not return phone calls or respond to emails. Brantley said any talk of a specific nominee would “just be speculation.” “There is a judicial nominating commission of 20 respected members of the legal community, including the attorney general,” he said. “The commission will interview candidates and present a short list to the governor. Until he gets that short list, he wouldn’t know who is on it, but that is not to say that the person who is being speculated about wouldn’t be on the list.” If the Nov. 2 election to replace Carriere is pre-empted or cancelled, only one other open judicial seat – to succeed DeKalb Superior Court Judge Robert Castellani, who is retiring in December – would be on the

Anton Rowe

Phyllis Williams

ballot. Nicole Marchand, Sherry Boston, Akintunde “Tunde” Akinyele, and Anton Rowe – who have been campaigning for Carriere’s seat, said this week that if their race is aborted, they would like to be considered for appointment to the position. Until then, they say their campaigns continue. Phyllis Williams, the fifth candidate was unavailabe at press time. Akinyele, who was the first to declare for the seat in September 2008, said that until Carriere turns in his resignation, no one knows for sure what will happen with the seat. “The campaign continues until we know differently,” he said Wednesday. While he has spent a lot of has spent a lot of time and money on his campaign, Akinyele, said that he but has to deal with whatever happens. I have worked hard at it, no doubt about that,” he said. “But I am not upset. The law Please see STATE COURT, page 5

Amnesty program nets over $1.9 million By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Old traffic tickets are providing a bonanza for DeKalb Recorders Court. Through noon on Thursday, motorists had settled 10,710 outstanding traffic citations and paid more than $1.9 million in fines. Chief Judge Nelly Withers said that the court had collected fines totaling $1,979,751 by 12:48 p.m. on May 6. She said they are still processing amnesty tickets and collecting fines and would do so through May 7. On April 30, the last day of the six-week amnesty, the line of people outside the Decatur-based court stretched down Camp Circle to Memorial Drive. The motorists, some armed with folding chairs for the long wait, were hoping to settle their old tickets at the old fines schedule and benefit from reduced fees that were being offered between March 22 and April 30 to help resolve more than 500,000 outstanding tickets dating back to the late 1990s. That day, Withers said they were open past midnight and still ended up issuing 600 blue tickets to people who were still on line at closing. Those blue tickets allowed motorists to return this week and still benefit from the amnesty. “Volume has been heavy all week with the

Motorists with outstanding traffic tickets waited for hours on April 30, in a line that stretched to Memorial Drive, to take advantage of savings and keep their license from being suspended.

blue ticket holders,” she said. The lines at the court are also swollen by motorists who are being reported to the state Department of Driver Services (DDS) for failure to appear. Withers said they are reporting 300 a day and she expects the long lines to continue into next year as the court tackles its huge failure-to-appear and warrant backlog. “I guess the bottom line is, until we get through all those cases, citizens can expect long lines daily,” she said. “Realistically, this could take until the third quarter of next year.” A new higher fee schedule kicked in at the court on May 1 and the court is now

reporting motorists with outstanding traffic citations to DDS for their licenses to be suspended. Yolanda Crowder of Stockbridge got a speeding ticket on Jan. 4, 2000, and didn’t want to lose her license. “They are digging up old tickets,” she said. “I never heard anything about it; I thought they had thrown it out.” One motorist was so angry, he expressed his displeasure on the side and rear windows of his SUV sitting in a nearby parking lot. “Tax collectors w/badges,” was written on one window. Another read: “U fail 2 give me new court date, now 5 yrs later its my fault. WTF.”

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

A property tax increase and the elimination of all magnet transportation will be on the agenda when DeKalb School Board members meet May 10 for a final vote on its $735 million budget for 2011. After the board’s Budget Committee failed to reach a consensus at its May 4 meeting, board members Jay Cunningham and Eugene Walker said they will propose a 1 mill increase to the full board to help balance the budget and minimize the impact Jay Cunningham on the classroom and staff. Cunningham, who represents District 5 in South DeKalb, said a 1 mill increase would gross $18 million and help the board preserve the jobs of all 200 paraprofessionals and the 59 media clerks Eugene Walker targeted for layoff. After removing the four school closings from the budget last week, which would have saved $2.4 million, the committee started the meeting with a gap of $113.4 million. Committee members voted to remove four other items from the list of cuts. They preserved the seventh period for schools, kept targeted points and preserved 100 of the 200 paraprofessionals and 30 of the 59 media clerks but were still $101.9 million short. Cunningham said it was time to be truthful and adjust the millage rate. “We are going to come up short,” he said. “At the end of the day, we are going to be right back here.” Cunningham said the tax increase would allow the board the cushion it needs to meet its obligations to children and its employees. Finance Director Marcus Turks shared with the committee that DeKalb County Tax Assessor Calvin Hicks had revised his estimate of the amount of decline in the tax digest. Hicks is now anticipating a 2 percent decline, instead of the 7 percent previously announced. If everything else stays the same as last year, the DeKalb Tax Commissioner’s Office said Thursday that a 1 mill increase would cost the owner of a $200,000 home Please see SCHOOLs, page 8

2010 Vote

CrossRoadsNews

May 8, 2010

Attorneys Jason Carter and Tom Stubbs, who are running in the May 11 special election to replace David Adelman in Senate District 42, will meet again on July 20.

Relatively few seats to be decided in July primaries By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

South DeKalb voters will be headed to the polls in July to pick winners in only six DeKalb County races – the 4th Congressional District; Commission District 7; Senate District 42; and House Districts 88, 89 and 94. In all other House, Senate and County Commission districts, Democratic incumbents were largely returned unopposed. Only state Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield and state Sen. Ronald Ramsey attracted Republican opposition in the Nov. 2 general election. Qualifying for the July 20 primary took place April 26-30. In the open race for the DeKalb Commission Super District 7 seat, four candidates – Decatur residents Bryce Evan Farbstein, Tiernery Grier and former state Rep. Stan Watson, and Kathryn Rice of Stone Mountain, a college professor and past president of the Hidden Hills Homeowners Association – are vying to replace Connie Stokes, who is running for Congress. Willie Mosley, who had previously announced for the seat, did not qualify. Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones, a Democrat, also qualified for the District 4 congressional seat held by incumbent Hank

Billy Mitchell

Simone Joye

Bryce Evan Farbstein

Tiernery Grier

Kathryn Rice

Stan Watson

Earnest Williams

Kenneth Samuel

Andrew Bostic

Dar’shun Kendrick

Kendrick and Sherri Johnson. On the Republican side, four candiL. Washington, and dates – Victor Armendariz, Liz Carter, Larry Rhonda Peek – are Gause and Cory Ruth – qualified. vying in the primary. State Rep. Billy Mitchell, who has repThe winner will face resented District 88 since 2003, is being Republican attorney challenged by political newcomer Simone Steven Conner in Joye, a business owner and nonprofit adNovember. ministrator. Mangham, who Next door in House District 89, Earnest held the seat since “Coach” Williams, who has represented the 2001, is one of seven district since 2003, faces Kenneth Samuel, Rhonda Peek candidates seeking pastor of Victory Church in Stone Mountheir party’s nomination for governor. tain. District 94 covers portions of DeKalb and In House District 94, vacated by Randal Mangham, four Democrats – senior IT devel- Rockdale counties. Benfield, who has represented House oper Andrew Bostic, attorneys Dar’shun N.

District 85 since 1999, will face Republican Kenneth Brett Quarterman in November. Attorneys Jason Carter and Tom Stubbs, who are running in the May 11 special election to replace David Adelman in Senate District 42, both qualified for the Democratic primary and will meet again on July 20. In Senate District 43, Ramsey will meet Republican Diana Williams in the fall. In other DeKalb races, Democrats Keith Gross, a business owner, and Sandy Murray, a computer consultant and trainer, are seeking the right to challenge Dunwoody Republican Mike Jacobs in House District 80. Jacobs, who was first elected to the House in 2005 as a Democrat, switched parties in 2007. In House District 81, Republican incumbent Jill Chambers will defend her seat in the fall against Democrat Elena Parent, an attorney. All other incumbents for the House and Senate were returned unopposed. On the DeKalb Board of Commissioners, Larry Johnson (District 3) and Jeff Rader (District 2) were returned to office unopposed, as was DeKalb Solicitor-General Robert James. In other East Metro races, Rockdale incumbent state Rep. Toney Collins will defend his District 95 seat from two Democrats, Covington investigator Andrea Cooper and Conyers flight attendant Pam Dickerson. The victor will meet Republican Rodney Upton, a septic contractor, in November. In the 13th Congressional District, Democratic incumbent David Scott is facing consultant Mike Murphy and graphic designer Michael Frisbee. In the GOP primary, six candidates – Mike Crane, Hank Dudek, “Chip” Flanegan and Rupert G. Parchment, physician Deborah Honeycutt, and restaurant manager Dave Orr – are running.

May 8, 2010

Community

CrossRoadsNews

Early retirement grosses $22 mill By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The gross savings from the 836 employees who are leaving DeKalb County government on May 31 will be $22.8 million – more than twice what county commissioners had hoped for. Dr. Michael Bell, the county’s finance director, said that $17.4 million – the bulk of the savings for the period June 1-Dec. 31 – is coming from the tax-funded budget. The enterprise funds – water, sewer and the airport – account for $4 million of the gross savings. While the county expects to refill some of the positions that will erode some of the savings, the early retirement program that was offered to employees in April has greatly exceeded expectations. More than 50 percent of the 1,217 eligible employees are taking the package of lumpsum cash payment and an additional two years of service on the pension of employees with 10 years of service. The county, which has 7,900 employees, is downsizing to help cover a $100 million revenue shortfall in its 2010 budget. Even with the early retirees, a staffing study commissioned by the Board of Commissioners from Georgia State University,, suggests that the county might still be bloated by over 900 employees. The $564.9 million budget approved by commissioners had assumed a $10 million to $17.5 million savings from the program. “We met our goal and we are satisfied with the program,” said Bell, a 15-year county employee who is one of 13 department heads who have taken the early retirement. The other department heads who are leaving are Lee Remmel, director of DeKalbPeachtree Airport; Board of Commissioners

“We met our goal and we are satisfied with the program.” Michael Bell, Finance Director

Clerk Barbara Sanders; Maria Mullins, director of Economic Development; GIS Director Denise Finley; Human Resources Director Joe Stone; Magistrate Court Judge Winston Bethel; Medical Examiner Paul Kelhofer; Planning Director Patrick Ejike; Roads and Drainage Director Carl Glover; State Court Chief Judge Edward Carriere Jr.; and Transportation Director John Gurbal. A total of 177 sworn officers – 62 from the Sheriff ’s Office, 43 from the Police Department and 72 from Fire and Rescue Services – are leaving the county. All of those officers will have to be replaced. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis has the option of designating certain of the employees that he supervises as “key employees” and can ask them to stay beyond May 31. The constitutional officers – sheriff, district attorney, courts, and tax commissioner – also are conducting a similar exercise for their departments. Keith Barker, the county’s chief operating officer, was unavailable Wednesday, but Myra Hagley, his assistant, said he received the final list of retirees and recommendations from department heads on April 30 and has not yet reviewed the recommendations with them. She said Barker has until May 18 to turn his recommendations over to Ellis and to the Board of Commissioners. “He won’t know the final list of those who would be taking deferred retirement until then,” she said.

Happy Mother’s Day

CrossRoadsNews

Forum

May 8, 2010

If you compare apples to apples, DeKalb is quite similar in size and stature to other area counties. That’s not a very exciting story.

County staffing report fails in several key comparisons 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

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“Never let a few facts get in the way of a good story.” That old witticism among politicians and journalists comes to mind today. A trusted, venerable institution named Georgia State University just completed a study on DeKalb staffing. It made a big splash in the news, decreeing that DeKalb County was overstaffed, that 909 people had to be fired, and that DeKalb has twice the paid staff of Gwinnett and Cobb counties, which have comparable populations. From a storytelling standpoint it was a hatchet job, although I’m not sure why it played out that way. The troubling thing to me is the way the misinformation was dealt as though DeKalb, Cobb and Gwinnett are all identical commodities, and by virtue of paid staffing levels, Cobb and Gwinnett are somehow more efficient than DeKalb. It specifically cited that Cobb had 4,600 employees, Gwinnett 4,800 and DeKalb 8,077. When you look at the break-

If I can find a 1,500-person discrepancy in 10 minutes, what else is askew in this report? Why would Georgia State University rush to promote skewed data? Eugene Walker

down, it’s a lot closer. Cobb and Gwinnett have some outsourced services, like watershed management and sanitation. DeKalb County operates its own services in these areas. We can argue the relative merits of privatizing government services another day, but one thing is certain: There are human beings picking up the trash and fixing the water lines in Cobb and Gwinnett. It is not being performed by animals, machines or extraterrestrials. The taxpayers of Cobb and Gwinnett are paying for these human beings to do these jobs (and possibly others). The difference is they may be paying a private contractor or entity separately, or they

are paying through the county, and the county is paying the outsourced staff. Either way, there are employees and they are being paid. But the study contemplates zero people in both departments in Cobb and Gwinnett. So if we are comparing apples to apples, you have to take out DeKalb’s watershed and sanitation, right? Then De Kalb’s staffing level falls to 6,563. Take away the 820 employees that are taking the county’s early retirement package, and the total drops to 5,743. Now we are down to about 1,000 paid staff that separate De Kalb from Cobb and Gwinnett, and that’s just with two glaring errors found in a side-by-side compari-

son. There are other areas that may be outsourced on a smaller scale. In the case of Gwinnett, the study showed that zero people were fixing county-owned cars and trucks. Again, I can guarantee you that someone is repairing those vehicles, and taxpayers are paying them to do it. If I can find a 1,500-person discrepancy in 10 minutes, what else is askew in this report? Why would Georgia State University rush to promote skewed data, and why would the Atlanta papers be in such a hurry to copy an unvetted propaganda piece? If you compare apples to apples, DeKalb is quite similar in size and stature to other area counties. That’s not a very exciting story. But if you spin it so it looks like government run amok, then that tall tale might make the front page of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Dr. Eugene P. Walker represents District 9 on the DeKalb County School Board.

School system’s move raises questions about priorities When I read in CrossRoadsNews [May 1] that the DeKalb County School System had relocated as of March 19 to new Stone Mountain offices in the old Cub Foods building on Mountain Industrial, well, I was almost speechless. Reportedly, the renovation process cost $31 million. How can that be when there is a budget shortfall and proposals on the table for school closings? One of the reasons stated for moving to the new facility was that “DCSS believes the new location will prove economically efficient through a streamlining of facility operations.” Another reason given was “such an environment will aid the district in creating and maintaining successful business protocols.” It sounds like a bunch of “useless words” to me. Seemingly the focus is not on the education of our children. It seems like the administration is

We believe that our communities should not be robbed of our schools on an educational administration’s whim that puts buildings before children’s learning. Miriam Knox Robinson

waving their “magic wand,” i.e., instead of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, they are pulling money out a “supposedly” depleted budget when it fits their so-called “wants.” When will they focus on the educational future of our children and find ways to keep our schools open? While they believe in “economically efficient buildings,” etc., I think most people believe in “the educational future of our children.” We believe that our communities should not be robbed of our schools on an educational administration’s whim that puts buildings before children’s learning. It is a sad day in the neighborhood when

Quick Read

Relatively few seats to be decided in July primaries

South DeKalb voters will be headed to the polls in July to pick winners in only six DeKalb County races.

Retirement savings exceed goals 3 The gross savings from the 836 employees who are leaving DeKalb County government on May 31 will be more than twice what county commissioners had hoped for.

‘Town hall’ in Belvedere

Glad to see Chamber get involved

DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson is taking his next town hall meeting on the road – literally.

material structures take precedence over the child’s right to go to school in their own community. Attending a school outside their community would mean busing the children there, causing a hardship on the parents too. This is not a progressive move but a regressive move back to the 1950s, when black people were struggling for equalized education with the opposite color. What excuses do we have now other than a “budget shortfall” or a “renovated building,” etc., when we impose such disparities on our own children? Miriam Knox Robinson lives in Decatur.

Klan rumor spurs activists 5 If the Ku Klux Klan shows up in downtown Conyers on May 8, there will be a crowd to tell them they are not welcomed.

I am one DeKalb citizen who is so thankful that the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and other concerned business leaders have stepped forth to address this “disaster of a school board” that we have in DeKalb County. As to many other county officials, from the CEO to the Board of Commissioners, where have they been? We must ask ourselves if these other elected officials are leading DeKalb County to a “better place” or “a deep dark hole.” Jerry Myer Jackson Jr. lives in Decatur.

Lupus patient who defied death will join fund-raiser 7 Eleven months ago, Shiroya “Kiki” Cornelious stared down death and lived to talk about it.

Clinic puts heart specialists on site at Lou Walker Center 6 Johnson calls for hearings 8 Patrons of the Lou Walker Senior Center can now walk down the hall to see a heart specialist.

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson has raised concerns about the proposed merger of United and Continental airlines,.

Conference looks at health literacy

Business community to help shepherd education 9

Residents and health professionals can learn how reading, understanding, and acting on health care information is important for improving health.

A group of 21 concerned parents, DeKalb citizens, businessmen, and governmental officials came together to seek quality school board leadership in DeKalb County.

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Community

CrossRoadsNews

May 8, 2010

“We remember the killings and rape of African-Americans in the past. We will stand up to them and let them know that we are not scared.”

Democrats hand out awards at annual dinner

‘Town hall’ in Belvedere DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson is taking his next town hall meeting on the road – literally. Johnson will hold a “walking town hall meeting” on May 10 that will take him through the Belvedere community in Decatur. Johnson, who represents District 3, will be joined by DeKalb Police, Code Enforcement and Belvedere residents. They will assemble at the intersection of Monterey Drive and Rupert Road at 6:30 p.m. and walk the length of Larry Johnson Monterey Drive, talking with and getting feedback from neighborhood residents about crime and violence. In April, three people living on Monterey Drive were the victims of gunfire, and last year a 3-year-old died from a gunshot wound. For more information, call Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425.

Klan rumor riles activists Photos by Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

At its annual dinner Saturday, the Democratic Party of DeKalb presented awards to members for their dedicated service, including Jodi Cobb (clockwise from left photo), who received the Chairperson’s Award from Sandra Austin (left); Tim Cairl, the group’s Unsung Hero; state Sen. Steve Henson, who was named DeKalb Democrat of the Year; and Ann Abramowitz (right), who received the Sarah Taylor Volunteer of the Year award from Taylor’s daughters, (from left) Juanita Lee, Rita Owens and Jackie Taylor.

Campaign goes on pending judge’s decision STATE COURT,

from page

is the law and we have to abide by it.” If it turns out that an appointment will be made, Akinyele said he plans to be part of the process. “I will definitely put in my name in if that happens,” he said. Anton Rowe, a lawyer and pastor who declared for the seat last summer, said he has heard rumors that Judge

Carriere is retiring. “I haven’t heard that it is definite yet,” he said Thursday. “Until he retires, we’ve got to keep campaigning.” Rowe said he has been putting in about 25 hours a week campaigning. “I would be very disappointed if the race does not happen because of all the time, money and work I have put in,” he said.

If the Ku Klux Klan shows up in downtown Conyers on May 8, there will be a crowd to tell them they are not welcomed. Community activists Josie Dean, founder of Black Men Never Forget; John Evans, president of Operation LEAD; and Gerald Rose, president of New Order, said this week they will lead a group of community activists and grass-roots organizations in a counter-demonstration. Dean said Wednesday that they had secured a permit to march. The group got wind of a possible KKK rally – at noon outside the Rockdale Courthouse at 22 Court St. N.E. in Conyers – from a posting on a blog in December. Dean said her group will not stand for the KKK coming into Rockdale County. “We remember the killings and rape of African-Americans in the past,” she said. “We will stand up to them and let them know that we are not scared.” Dean said the KKK originally said the rally would celebrate its anniversary. “Because of all the attention the rally brought, they’re now saying they are marching for jobs and immigration,” she said. For more information about the rally, contact Josie Dean at 770-369-1507 or John Evans at 678-526-9026.

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CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

May 8, 2010

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not a week that goes by that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a form from the Lou Walker Center to fill out for one of my patients to be active here.â&#x20AC;?

Clinic puts heart specialists on site at Lou Walker Center Patrons of the Lou Walker Senior Center can now walk down the hall to see a heart specialist. Doctors at Atlanta Heart Specialists cut the ribbon on their new office at the senior center on Panola Road in Lithonia on May 3. Dr. Anthony Dorsey, one of the three partners in the practice, said that since they opened at Hillandale just over a year ago, the Lou Walker Center has kept them busy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not a week that goes by that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a form from the Lou Walker Center to fill out for one of my patients to be active here,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lou Walker provides a forum where our senior population can go and spend time and effort to try to improve not only their minds but their bodies.â&#x20AC;? Dorsey said that as a population we are getting older and people are living longer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s places like this that give our older patients the avenue to spend time with themselves, to fellowship with

one another and to provide a support system for each other.â&#x20AC;? He said his practice is excited to be opening its fifth office at Lou Walker Center to provide services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our goal is for you to take away at least four numbers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your blood pressure, your body mass index, your cholesterol and your blood sugar Ââ&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we will provide a creative model where so we can target risk factors for heart disease and so that you can be more educated about your heath and your body,â&#x20AC;? he said. The ribbon-cutting for the clinic was part of the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ceremony kicking off May as Older Americans Month. Through the month, the center will host a number of activities including a spring fashion show on May 10, a water volleyball contest on May 13, a pinochle tournament on May 14, and an awards luncheon on May 15. The Lou Walker Senior Center is at 2538 Panola Road. For more information, call 770-322-2900.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis (left) and Dr. Sandeep Chandra help cut the ribbon on Atlanta Heart Specialistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new clinic at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia.

H1N1 vaccines offered at 4 high schools Workshop on fibroid treatment Free H1N1 vaccinations will be available to students of all ages at four DeKalb County high schools on May 15. The DeKalb Board of Health, which is offering the clinics at Miller Grove, Stone Mountain, McNair and Cross Keys high schools, says this is the last chance to get the vaccines free of charge. While H1N1 flu activity is relatively low in most other states, the flu continues to circulate in Georgia. As of April 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that DeKalb experienced five H1N1-related deaths this year. Bernard Hicks, the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Emergency Preparedness program manager, said the virus is still around and that the vaccine is safe and effective. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an excellent opportunity for parents who may have missed getting their child immunized during the beginning of the school year to take advantage of the ample vaccine supply and get their child both immunized and protected.â&#x20AC;? The clinics, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offer protection for students who may be entering summer camps, traveling domestically and internationally, or

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going off to college. Children or adults with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and HIV are encouraged to get the vaccine. To be effective, children younger than 9 should receive two doses. If a child already has received the first dose, parents are encouraged to bring them for the second dose. Although there is no charge for the vaccine, an administrative fee may be charged to Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance. Parents should bring their health insurance card and immunization records. Pre-registration is available until May 13 by calling 404-294-3700 weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinics will be at: n Stone Mountain High, 4555 Central Drive, Stone Mountain. n McNair High, 1804 Bouldercrest Road S.E., Atlanta. n Miller Grove High, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia. n Cross Keys High, 1626 North Druid Hills Road N.E., Atlanta. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.dekalbhealth.net.

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Women suffering from fibroids can learn about uterine fibroid embolization at DeKalb Medical on May 13. During the 6:30-to-8:30 p.m. session, participants will find out about the nonsurgical procedure, which requires only a one-night stay in the hospital. In contrast, surgical procedures require hospitalization for up to five days and take six to eight weeks for full recovery. The session will be held at the Bobbie Bailey Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tower Auditorium on the North Decatur Road campus in Decatur. Parking and registration are free. For more information and to register, call 404-501-9355.

Green energy use explored Residents can get answers to their questions about going green with energy use at home or on the job at a May 15 workshop. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take Back Your Power! Using Energy More Efficiently Without Breaking the Bankâ&#x20AC;? takes place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Georgia Perimeter Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clarkston campus. DeKalb District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon, who is hosting the session along with DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and the DeKalb Green Commission, said the workshopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on saving energy and money is timely. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This workshop is the one our residents have been asking for,â&#x20AC;? she said. The free workshop will explore energy audits, use of solar panels, tax credits for saving on home energy costs, and purchasing energy-efficient appliances. It is co-sponsored by the Reznick Group and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and will include door prizes and exhibits. Pre-register by e-mailing onedekalb@co.dekalb.ga.us. Georgia Perimeter College is at 555 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For more information, call 404-371-6353 or 404-371-4909 or visit www.kathiegannon.com.

Conference on health literacy Residents and health professionals can learn how reading, understanding, and acting on health care information is important for improving health at the DeKalb Health Literacy Conference on May 11. The DeKalb Board of Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention is hosting the conference, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Decatur Conference Center in downtown Decatur. Topics include defining health literacy, the 2010 Status of Health in DeKalb Report, and improving patient/provider communication. The hotel is at 130 Clairemont Ave. For more information and to register, visit www.arhf.net.

Seminar targets teen dating violence Teens can find out how to prevent teen dating violence at a May 15 workshop at Emory University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Violence Has No Face! A Teen Dating Violence Prevention Workshopâ&#x20AC;? will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at White Hall, 301 Dowman Drive in Atlanta. It is sponsored by the Saint Philip AME Lay Organization. Teens will learn how to prevent teen dating violence and how to make a difference in their lives, in a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, in the schools and in the community. A continental breakfast will be served. To R.S.V.P., e-mail cpearson@msn.edu. For more information, call Betty Maddox at 404-732-3873.

CrossRoadsNews

May 8, 2010

Wellness

“The doctor told my mom and grandmother that I was brain-dead and that if I was his daughter, he would let me die.”

Lupus patient who defied death will join fund-raiser walk By Brenda Camp Yarbrough

Eleven months ago, Shiroya “Kiki” Cornelious stared down death and lived to talk about it. Cornelious, 28, fell into a coma in June after surgery to remove 21 inches of her large intestine ravaged by bleeding ulcers. The ulcers were a side effect of prednisone, the drug she was taking to treat the lupus she was diagnosed with when she was 19 years old. Lupus, an autoimmune disease, causes the immune system to produce antibodies that attack the body. Cornelious says doctors advised her family to “let her die with dignity.” “The doctor told my mom and grandmother that I was brain-dead and that if I was his daughter, he would let me die,” she said last week. Instead, her grandmother, Laverna Barber, and mother Marcia Doss turned to prayer. “God is a healer,” Barber said Tuesday. “When the doctor says ‘no,’ God says ‘yes.’ ” After two weeks in the coma, Cornelious woke up and looked at her grandmother. “I ran out in the hallway dancing,” Barber said. Cornelious is happy she defied the odds, even though she is yet to get access to physical therapy because Medicaid keeps denying her. “I’m still here,” she says proudly. During the coma, Cornelious lost use of her legs due to poor circulation and nerve damage. She has been in a wheelchair ever since, but this week she found that she is finally able to move her right ankle. On May 14, she is to be fitted with leg braces to help her walk.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Shiroya Cornelious lost the use of her legs due to poor circulation while she was in a coma, but she will participate in the annual Walk for Lupus Now at Piedmont Park on May 8.

million Americans, is more common in African-Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. African-American women are three times more likely to get lupus than Caucasian women and to suffer worse symptoms. The National Institutes of Health es-

But on May 8, she will be one of hundreds participating in the annual Walk for Lupus Now fund-raiser at Piedmont Park. The event, which starts at 4 p.m., is part of annual observations during May as National Lupus Awareness Month. Lupus, which affects more than 1.5

timates that as many as one in every 250 African-American women has lupus. In Georgia, at least 55,000 suffer from the disease. Although 80 percent of lupus patients are women of childbearing age, anyone can develop the disease. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the causes are unknown but are believed to be linked to genetic, environmental and hormonal factors. Because the symptoms – which may include rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis, kidney problems, seizures and psychosis, and pericarditis as well as blood cell abnormalities – are so widespread, a rheumatologist’s diagnosis is considered the gold standard. Cornelious is a member of the Decaturbased support group LACES, which stands for Lupus and Community Empowering Support. The group, which meets at 7 p.m. at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library on second Tuesdays monthly, is a patient resource and advocacy organization that collaborates with other health organizations to promote lupus research, awareness and education and serves the needs of people with lupus and their families. The group was founded in 2003 by Kim Schofield, a patient advocate for people living with lupus. Schofield was diagnosed in 2000. Betty McPherson, the group’s co-leader who was diagnosed in 1996, says members run the age gamut. She said some young patients are very ill. For more information, visit laceslupus .com or contact Kim Schofield at kim schofield@bellsouth.net, 404-966-6397, or Betty McPherson at bettymcpherson @bellsouth.net, 678-614-7050. For more information on Walk Now for Lupus, visit www.lupus.org.

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Finance

May 8, 2010

“We are still talking about a lower tax base. If they don’t adjust the millage rate, there is still a hole, just not as deep.”

Assessed values lowered for many property owners as tax digest declines on May 7 and would start arriving This week, owners of 50,000 in mailboxes this week. DeKalb properties will be getting The lower assessed values come notices from DeKalb Tax Assessor in the wake of the decline in the Calvin Hicks changing the assessed tax digest. This week, Hicks told value of their properties. the Board of Commissioners that Hicks said Wednesday that the the decline is now estimated at 2 great majority of the notices will percent, a decline of $500 million, be for lower values but that some which is lower than the 7 percent people would see increases if they Calvin Hicks first anticipated. subdivided their land or renovated “The reduction wasn’t as severe as inior had new construction on their propertially thought,” he said. ties. The county has more than 233,000 propHe said the notices would go in the mail

erties. Preliminary reports show the 2010 tax digest is valued at $24.1 billion, down from $24.6 billion in 2009. The earlier estimate of the decline in February amounted to a $100 million shortfall in the county’s budget. Hicks said any decline in the tax digest will amount to less revenues for county governments. “We are still talking about a lower tax base,” he said. “If they don’t adjust the millage rate, there is still a hole, just not as deep.” Hicks said the final numbers won’t be

known until June when the digest is sent to the state Department of Revenue. He said the earlier estimate of the tax digest decline was based on sales activity in 2009. “We didn’t take into consideration the impact of new construction and partial completes that were completed this year,” he said, adding that new construction offset the drop in values by $235 million. The final percentage of the decline could be affected by 15,000 appeals that have been filed by property owners who disagree with their assessed values.

Johnson calls for hearings on proposed merger of United, Continental airline, breaking a record set just Fourth District U.S. Rep. Hank two years ago by the merger of Johnson has raised concerns about Delta and Northwest. the proposed merger of United “The disappearance of another and Continental airlines, calling major airline could lead to fewer for hearings on competition in the choices and possibly higher prices,” airline industry. Johnson said. Johnson, who chairs the Judi“The potential for increased ciary Subcommittee on Courts and prices, coupled with consumers’ Competition Policy, urges care- Hank Johnson concerns about continued approval ful scrutiny of the merger, which reportedly would create the world’s largest of antitrust immunity for international air-

line alliances demand that Congress examine this merger. It’s the Judiciary Committee’s responsibility to hold hearings to determine how the public would be impacted by these changes when traveling here and abroad.” The subcommittee’s hearings would include the proposed merger in addition to airline practices such as multi-company international alliances and aggressive gateswapping, which have raised concerns about circumvention of antitrust scrutiny.

A key lawmaker on aviation issues has already come out against the proposed $3 billion merger, voicing some of the same concerns. U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the proposed merger announced this week would speed up the consolidation of the airline industry, leading to higher fares, a decline in service and fewer choices for air travelers.

Ending transportation to magnet schools among cost-cutting options SCHOOLS,

from page

an additional $67.50 in property tax for a total school tax of $1,618.65. In 2009, that homeowner paid $2,492.12 in property taxes. School taxes accounted for $1,551.15 of it. The Budget Committee’s two other members – Paul Womack, its chairman, and Don McChesney – said they could not support a tax increase. “We have too many people living hand to mouth in this county to raise taxes now,” Womack said.

Wa l ke r, w h o h a s pushed for a tax increase from the beginning, said it was necessary. “A 1 mill tax increase will offset some of these things,” he said. “I will take it to the full board.” The School Board is Paul Womack on the final leg of closing an $88 million revenue gap in its 2011 budget. It is required by law to approve a balanced budget. This week, the school system posted its

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new transportation efficiency plan on its Web site that proposes eliminating transportation to magnet schools and for extracurricular activity routes for middle and high schools at a savings of $4 million. Last year, the district stopped picking up magnet students from their homes and implemented centralized shuttle stops to which parents have to take their children. If approved by board members, this new plan would take all transportation away and parents would have to drive their students to school daily. Cunningham, who fought to keep all the

magnet schools open, said he would propose an alternative to eliminating all the transportation, which would be a de facto elimination of the magnet program for most parents. Cunningham said he will propose reducing the number of shuttle stops to eight and save $2 million. “What I am doing is trying not to eliminate all the transportation,” he said. “But the real problem is getting all the schools up to par so that parents would not feel the need to send their children great distances. Quite frankly, we are not living up to that standard.”

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CrossRoadsNews

May 8, 2010

Schools

“As parents and as citizens, we have come to the conclusion that excellence for our kids in the classroom starts with excellence at the top.”

Business, community advocates form group to shepherd education By Carla Parker

A group of 21 concerned parents, citizens, business people and government officials have formed eduKALB, an education political action committee to change and strengthen the DeKalb School Board. Chris Marquardt, an attorney who is co-chairing the group, said at a May 4 press conference announcing its formation, that group’s mission is to facilitate improved school board leadership through civic engagement, community awareness and enhanced professional training. “As parents and as citizens, we have come to the conclusion that excellence for our kids in the classroom starts with excellence at the top,” said Marquardt, who works with the Atlanta law firm Alston & Bird LLP. “We believe that it is vitally important for the DeKalb school system to have the highest school board leadership available.” The group says its focus is county-wide and not just on focused on certain sections of DeKalb County. “We’re unified by the common belief that there is nothing more important to our future as a community than the education of all our kids,” Marquardt said. EduKALB’s other members include Gregory B. Levett, owner and founder of Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes who is co-chairing the organization, Robert Newcomer, an attorney at the Lang Legal Group; Leonardo McClarty, president and CEO of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce; Bettye Davis, director of One DeKalb; Barbara Holliman, president of Everest Institute; Kerry Ramsey, president of KD Ramsey and Associates; Dr. Donata Renfrow, president of J. Galt & Associates; David Schutten, presi-

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Allyson Gevertz and other board members discussed some of the goals of the EduKALB initiative during a press conference Tuesday.

dent of Organization of DeKalb Educators; Arnie Silverman, president of Silverman Construction Program Management; Rocio Woody, president of Road to Recovery; Ken Wright, mayor of Dunwoody; and community advocates Ernest Brown, Delores Crowell, Sadie Dennard, Sara Fountain, Allyson Gevertz, and Brenda Landers. Levett said that as a businessman he wants to have the very best to offer the people that move to DeKalb County. “When companies come to a county they do not look at the private schools,” he said. “They look at the public school. It is one of the first things they look at.” The group says it will endorse a slate of candidates for the five School Board districts – 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 – that are up for re-election this year, and will do the same for future elections. Dr. Eugene Walker, the District 9 School

Board member, said eduKALB is misguided. “Their purpose should be to help develop and recruit businesses,” he said. “They are trying to educate people on school board business. Given their track record in recruiting businesses, they have fallen short. What expertise do they bring to the table?” Walker, who is up for re-election, said the School Board needs help with funding. “If the Chamber is concerned about helping, that’s the area it should help in,” he said. “We are in the midst of putting together what is the most difficult budget in our history and they want to change the school board, I think

it’s politically motivated.” Jay Cunningham, the District 5 board member who is also up for re-election, said he was disappointed that the Chamber did not have a conversation with board members. “I understand they talked with Tom Bowen, but he does not represent the whole board,” he said. Cunningham said he will concentrate on representing his district. “They can back who they back, “ he said. “They can pick who they want to pick, I don’t feel that one group can say who is better.” Marquardt said that in a few weeks eduKALB will begin a voter’s education campaign and will endorse candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot. The group plans to hold forums, issue questionnaires, conduct interviews, sponsor training and promote voter education, to support the election of highly qualified school board members. The kickoff press conference was attended by School board members Paul Womack and Don McChesney. McClarty, the Chamber’s president, said they will work closely with someone who has experience on being a school board member to train the candidates. “Our goal is to educate ourselves about all the candidates and then encourage fellow DeKalb citizens to make inform choices when they go to the polls in November,” Marquardt said. For more information, visit www.eduKALB.org.

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A Safe Comfortable Place for the Elderly. Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care. Weekdays, 8:30 a.m.6 p.m. Snapfinger Road, Lithonia. 770-322-1973

LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE Robinson Lawn Care Service Mowing, Edging, Hedge Trimming, Pressure Washing, Gutters Cleaned, Small Tree Removal, Etc. 404-244-9193 or 404-838-6541.

FINANCIAL HELP Home foreclosed on? Don’t move, we can help you stay in your home. Call Rebecca 404946-1819. Atlanta Black Business Bureau.

LOANS & MORTGAGES

FOR RENT/LEASE Clean 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, two-story, townhome for rent! Basically New! Lithonia area. Spacious, central heat/air, fireplace, fauxwood blinds. Only $800 monthly! 404-914-7573.

NoopooH Cultural Academy. Your Replacement for Daycare. Early learning, 6 weeks & up. Full, Parttime, Summer Camp. Lithonia Area. Call Nubi, 678-480-9339.

WEDDING SERVICES ATTENTION ALL BRIDES: Creative wedding designer specializing in custom weddings,

School Law Attorney Representing Teachers

Essence Music Festival Bus Trip

The Law Office of B.A. Thomas, LLC

July 2-5, 2010

Covington Hwy/I-285. North Center: full service professional office building offering suites from

404-525-6902

Book Now! Contact Upscale Events

678-735-7556

www.upscaleevents.net

Over 24 Years of Experience

Free Estimates on Installation • Financing Available

All Name Brands Air Conditioners • Furnaces Heat Pumps All Your H.V.A.C. Needs

404-766-6306

Cell: 678-773-1193 email: ccrawford@att.net web: wwwcrawfordhvac.com

White Oak Hills Academy

(non-refundable)

Breakfast and Lunch provided by Camp. BASKETBALL CAMP May 24-May 28 7:30am-6pm $65 per child A healthy snack will be provided. Campers must bring their own lunch this week.

White Oak Hills Academy 5171 Redan Road Stone Mountain, Ga 30088 770-498-7992

Your Source for Neighborhood News

Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information

GRADUATION & WEDDING INVITATIONS

$50 - $250 Call 404-492-2801 404-213-4193

Wireless Global Solutions Serving Metro Atlanta

Clear At South DeKalb Is Now a "Clear Payment Center." Make Your Clear Payment In "CASH"

June 1 – August 6 Camp Fees: Camp Hours: 9am-4pm Reservation fee $50 Weekly Fee: $65

(678) 663-6229

Call 404.288.3604 today.

Reynolds Printing Co. 2962 Ember Dr. #107 Decatur, GA 30034 (404) 244-3641

(Down street from Chit-Chat)

Copy Fax Notary

Tues-Sat 11:30am-9pm; Sun 9am-7pm Bar: Sun-Sat 12pm-12:30am

SUMMER CAMP 2010

Before Care: 6:30am-9am After Care: 4pm-6pm

Certified Public Accountant Adjunct Instructor of Accounting, Atlanta Metropolitan College Call us at

Be a Clear Internet Reseller and get paid $1,000 to $5,000 per week. Cost nothing to join! Work from home. $160 for each customer you sign up.

Collard Greens • Old Fashion Fried Corn Mac & Cheese • Green Beans • Ribs Chicken • Pork Chops • Fish Homemade Desserts Lemonade & Ice Tea Full Service Bar 3596 Panola • Lithonia, GA 30038 770-323-3999

Certified • Licensed • Insured

te Flat RaCalls e Ser vic75 $

Henry K. Mitchell

Best Soul Food in Metro Atlanta

“We’ll help you create the climate you choose.”

Charlie

(678) 954-5736

I Buy Junk Cars & Trucks

Crawford Heating & Air Conditioning

Service Manager

Family Law & Criminal Law

SUMMER CAMPS

Loans for churches, restaurants, day care centers, multi-family properties, office buildings, and other commercial properties. Pur-

Large Studio Apt. Furnished or bring your own furniture. $700 includes utilities. Cable, storage, & pool available. Private entry & parking off Wesley Chapel. (770) 558-1227.

floral, cakes, catering. 25 yrs. exp. One stop packages. Set your price! Hall Rental Available. Call 678-698-8863.

• We review prior years’ tax returns at no charge and recommend amendment if neccessary. • We provide management and financial advice to help small business owners avoid violation of tax laws and to pay only their fair share of the tax burden. • We establish competent bookkeeping system for corporations, LLC, partnerships, nonprofit, and sole proprietorship. • We compile professional financial reports for small business, nonprofit, bankruptcy, grant, loan, and mortgage loan modification. • We process payroll and the associated periodic reports. • We serve our clients with due diligence and with utmost respect for their financial interests.

HOME/VOICE $50.00 PER MONTH FOR 6 MONTHS

• HOME/MOBILE OR MOBILE/MOBILE $55 PER MO.* • HOME/VOICE/MOBILE OR HOME/MOBILE/MOBILE $75.00 PER MO. * (* FOR SIX MONTHS)

Please Call Today

MOBILE INTERNET $40 PER MONTH FOR 6 MONTHS

OFFERS EXPIRE 5/31/2010

BASIC HOME INTERNET $25.00

678-368-4504

Ayanna Nubienne loctitian

2964 s. rainbow ste 312 decatur, ga 30032 trunaturalsshop.com

Beautiful Babes Hair Care for Children

Ms. Felecia

• PRESS & CURL • BRAIDS • QUICK WEAVES • HEALTHY HAIRCARE Call for Monthly Specials

678-887-6203

beautifulbabeshaircare.vpweb.com

“Kiosk/Store” located in South DeKalb Mall “In front of Footlocker” Monday-Saturday: 10am - 9pm • Sunday: 12:30pm - 6pm www.clearinternet.me • wirelessglobalsolutions@gmail.com

ADULTS ACCEPTED

Located Inside Fidel’s Signature Salon 5045 Memorial Drive • Stone Mountain, Ga. 30083

CrossRoadsNews

May 8, 2010

RIGHT NOW AT MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM’S AUTO GALLERY

HUGE SAVINGS $

Don’t Miss The...

DOWN!

Buy with

2009 Chevrolet

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1083 $

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1084 $

COBALT LT

10,997

2009 Chevrolet

IMPALA LT

Power Pkg., Wheels, Stk#A1098 $

13,997

FINANCING AVAILABLE

2006 Ford

Automatic, CD, Stk#A1110

Work Truck One Owner, Stk#A1029 $

Leather, Moonroof, Wheels, Stk#A1130 $

2006 VW

2005 Ford

2007 Honda

2008 Chrysler

Automatic, CD, Wheels, Stk#A1086 $

3rd Seat, Leather, Moonroof, Stk#A1041 $

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1129 $

CALIBER SE

10,997

JETTA VALUE EDITION EXPEDITION XLT

13,997

Get A

For a limited term on approval of credit.

2008 Dodge

COBALT LT

2008 Ford

F-150 XL

FUSION SE

11,995

12,997

2008 CHRYSLER

Automatic, Loaded, Stk#A1097 $

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1067 $

12,997

Window, Wheels CD, Stk#A1082 $

14,995

13,997

2007 Ford

MUSTANG V6 DELUXE

Automatic, CD, Wheels Stk#A1033 $

ESCAPE XLT

Loaded, Stk#A1112 $

13,997

2009 Chevrolet

2008 Ford

SEBRING LX CONVERTIBLE

CIVIC LX

2006 Nissan

ALTIMA 2.5 S

SEBRING

149

.49% APR

Example: 2009 Ford Fusion, Sale Price $12,995, Buy for 72 months at 3.49% APR financing, with $0 down is $204 per month plus tax, tag, title and approved credit.

Going on This Mother’s Day Weekend Only!

PAYMENT

THIS WEEKEND!

Example: 2009 Ford Fusion, Sale Price $12,995, Buy for 72 months at 3.49% APR financing, with $3500 down plus tax, tag, title and approved credit.

2008 Mercury

2008 Jeep

4 Cyl., Leather, Loaded, Stk#A1135 $

Automatic, Loaded, Stk#A1105 $

2007 Nissan

2009 Dodge

2009 Toyota

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1074 $

Loaded, Dual A/C, Stk#A1113 $

Automatic, CD, Wheels, Stk#A1109 $

HHR LT

12,997

MILAN PREMIER PATRIOT SPORT 2WD

12,997

ALTIMA 2.5 S GRAND CARAVAN SE

14,995

2006 Chevrolet

14,997

MALIBU LT

12,997 CAMRY

14,997

2006 Ford

2010 Hyundai

SONATA GLS

Automatic, Wheels, CD, Stk#A1025 $

12,997 2009 Ford

2008 Dodge

CHARGER SE

14,997

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1072 $

AM/FM CD/MP3, Keyless Entry, Stk#A1091

15,997

2008 Ford

FUSION SEL

15,997

2006 Nissan

Automatic, CD, Wheels, Stk#A1079 $

Automatic, Wheels, CD, Stk#A1081 $

17,997

2006 Ford

PACIFICA TOURING

15,997

MURANO S

2006 Infiniti

2006 Mercedes-Benz

Leather, Loaded, Wheels, Stk#A1068 $

Leather, Sunroof, CD, Stk#A1087 $

18,597

G35 X SEDAN

18,997

C230 SPORT

11,997

2009 Chrysler

2007 Chrysler

MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE

SEBRING LX CONVERTIBLE

Leather, Moonroof, Wheels, Leather, Moonroof, 3rd Seat, Stk#A1121 Stk#A1123 Leather, Loaded, Wheels, Stk#A1119 $ $ $

2006 Nissan

PATHFINDER S

14,997 2009 Ford

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1073 $

2007 Nissan

Automatic, CD, Wheels Stk#A1080 $

15,997

Loaded, Stk#A1111

FUSION SEL

FUSION SE

2007 Nissan

Leather, CD, Wheels, Stk#A1085 $

13,588

14,997

ALTIMA 2.5 S

2007 VW

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1061 $

FUSION SEL

14,997

JETTA 2.5

2008 Ford

FUSION SEL

F-150 FX2 SPORT

18,997

19,997

Leather, Sunroof, Premium Wheels, Stk#A1124

2006 Ford

11,997

2007 Chrysler

Automatic, Loaded, Stk#A1108 $

Leather Wheels, Loaded, Stk#A1075 $

Loaded, Stk#A1046 $

Loaded, Rear A/C, Stk#A1104 $

2008 Dodge

2007 BMW

20” Wheels Loaded, Stk#A1125

Leather, Navigation, Loaded, Stk#A1116 $

Leather, Navigation, Loaded, Stk#A1115 $

2006 Ford

F-150 LARIAT Leather, Loaded, Stk#A1118 $

19,997

16,997

RAM 1500 SLT CREW CAB

21,995

Prices plus tax, tag and title with approved credit.

ALL NEW LOCATION!

I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive • Decatur

2005 Ford

F-150 CREW CAB

EXPEDITION XLT

17,997

17,995

530i

26,997

Automatic, CD, Wheels, Stk#A1078 $

2008 Ford

16,997

Loaded, Must See, Stk#A1126 $

11,997

MUSTANG V6 DELUXE 300 TOURING

Loaded, Stk#A1114 $

2007 Ford

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A11007

ALTIMA 2.5 S

530i

27,997

15,997

2006 Ford

2007 Nissan

F-150 XLT CREW CAB

MAXIMA 3.5 SE

17,997

Loaded, Stk#A1040 $

Leather, CD, Wheels, Stk#A1047 $

PLUS MANY MANY MORE!

1-800-640-9458

www.mcautoatl.com

Sales Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 8:00pm • Sat 9:00am - 8:00pm • Sun Closed

Parts & Service Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00am - 7:00pm • Sat 7:00am - 4:00pm • Sun Closed

WE NOW RENT & SELL

TRUCKS! 404-299-6465

Mothers Day Weekend BATTERY HEALTH CHECK

Avoid Summer Travel Breakdown And Unexpected Expenses

SEASONAL PREP SERVICE

FREE

FREE WITH COUPON

WITH COUPON

We’ll check your tires, battery, headlights and wiper blades, perform a complete Cooling System Evaluation and a Preventive Maintenance Inspection. No charge with coupon. Reg. 29.98 VALID ONLY AT MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM AUTO GALLERY AND MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD LINCOLN MERCURY

SAVE $30

Don’t Get Stranded Find Out If Your Battery Will Last the Season VALID ONLY AT MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM AUTO GALLERY AND MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD LINCOLN MERCURY

See store for details. A shop supply fee may apply. Not to be combined with other offers. Must present coupon. Expires 5/31/2010

Please Contact

Art Krauss

-Body Shop Manager 4334 Snapfinger Woods Drive DECATUR

www.malcolmcunninghamautogallery.com

1-800-640-9458

BODY SHOP HOURS PARTS AND SERVICE HOURS SALES HOURS Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Saturday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday: Closed Sunday: Closed Sunday: Closed

Convenient Locations!

WILD CARD SPECIAL

How many times have you seen an advertised discount for something you don’t need? Or you need something but can’t find it at a discount? Well, this coupon is for you.You decide what service you want done and we will give you the discount.

15% OFF VALID ONLY AT MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM AUTO GALLERY AND MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD LINCOLN MERCURY Must present ad at time of service. Offer not valid with any other offers or advertised specials. Expires 5/31/2010

Please Contact

Lenny Bishop

-Body Shop Manager 5675 Peachtree Industrial INSIDE THE PERIMETER

www.malcolmcunninghamflm.com

770-621-0200

5C (10.5”) X 16” 20708-MCAQ (5-8) Crossroads fc (nb)

Service Blow Out!!!

Come In Today For ALL of Your Service, Collision and Pre-Owned Needs!