FINANCE
SCENE
MINISTRY
Smiles and hugs were in abundant supply when 17 women graduated from the DeKalb Micro Enterprise Institute on May 12. 5
The Afrikan Martial Arts Institute is one of many groups that will entertain folks at the annual Malcolm X Festival in Atlanta. 9
Artist Minnie Murry figured she would give back some of God’s gift by dedicating a painting to celebrate her church’s anniversary. 10
Earned accolades
Martial arts for Malcolm
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May 16, 2009
Geometric celebration
www.crossroadsnews.com
Volume 15, Number 3
Permanent police chief awaits merit system change By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
DeKalb County won’t get a permanent police chief until the Board of Commissioners removes the job of chief from merit protection. That is the word from CEO Burrell Ellis, who has been talking up his first 100 days in office across the county this week. Responding to questions after his 100-day speech at Leadership DeKalb’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast Wednesday, Ellis said that merit protection for the police chief is an anomaly peculiar to DeKalb County. “We can’t find another instance throughout the United States where a police chief has that kind of protection,” he said. Ellis, who took office on Jan. 5, fired former Police Chief Terrell Bolton on Feb. 24. He said that because the position is merit protected, if he was to appoint a permanent chief now, that person would be in that merit protection. “That creates a real managerial problem,” he said. “It really does.” Ellis said that acting Police Chief William O’Brien is doing a fine job but that he thinks merit protection is not appropriate for the position of police chief. Using the prior chief as an example, Ellis said one of the problems he had coming into office was that Bolton took the attitude that he couldn’t be touched. “One of the things he very clearly said to me is that, ‘I can’t be touched. I am merited protected,’” Ellis said. “It makes it difficult, to
CEO Burrell Ellis chats with members of the audience after delivering his 100-day speech at the Lou Walker Senior Center on May 11.
McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews
say the very least.” He said he hopes to put someone in place who doesn’t have that protection. “I have asked the board to act and when they act, I will do my part,” he said. Ellis has asked the Board of Commissioners to change the law to remove the police chief ’s job from under the county’s Merit System. The request, which was on the Board of Commission’s May 12 Business Agenda, has not yet made
it out of the Public Safety Committee. District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who heads that committee and was in attendance at the Eggs & Issues breakfast, said she expects the amendment to come before the full board on June 9. Ellis also made his 100-day speech to senior citizens at Lou Walker Center on May 11, the Maloof Auditorium on May 12, and Senior Connections in Chamblee and the Historic Courthouse in downtown Decatur on May 14.
He claims success at creating a teamwork approach and fixing problems in the police department. “Morale was at an all-time low,” he said. “We had to fix that. We had problems with the leadership. We had to fix that. We took action. We put the leadership in the police department.” Under O’Brien, he says there has been an uplift in morale, a decrease in crime, and appropriate reorganizations of the department. He said that he has met with
groups like labor unions and higher education – which have never been to the county before – and that he and his staff meet regularly with county commissioners. “We are bringing more groups to the table as we put unity back into the community,” Ellis said. “We are opening opportunities and giving everybody a fair shake. But government can’t do it alone. Make no mistake. We can’t do it alone. We need your help.” McKenzie Jackson contributed to this report.
Grady center gets reprieve while CEO seeks answers to questions By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
The Grady South DeKalb Health Center will not close on July 1 as previously announced. Instead, Grady CEO Michael Young committed Tuesday to do nothing for 60 days while he finds answers to questions from DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson and Sharon Barnes Sutton on patient use of the center, the services they get, and where they come from. Young said he will also figure out how Grady can work with Oakhurst Medical Center, a federally qualified health center, to serve the residents of South DeKalb. Young backtracked from his original plan to close the center and send South DeKalb patients to its Warren Street Health Center in
Grady CEO Michael Young pledged to keep the South DeKalb Health Center open on Rainbow Way for 60 days.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Atlanta after Johnson said he would divert some of the $23 million that the county is giving to Grady to other sources to ensure that residents in his district get service. The center, which has been located inside the Kroger Pharmacy on Rainbow Way in Decatur since
1996, is one of three that the ailing safety-net health system has targeted for closure to save money. “If you hear me clearly,” Johnson told Young, “there has to be a clinic in South DeKalb. Downtown is wonderful; I need to have something locally so that residents in
South DeKalb, even if they don’t have transportation, they can walk to.” The $23 million that the county voted in January to give Grady is disbursed in monthly payments of about $1.4 million. It was an increase over what the county had previously given to Grady. Johnson, in whose District 3 the center is located, said the county increased the amount on the premise that service would not be cut in DeKalb County. He said the under-served population in South DeKalb needs to have access to health care. “I have to make sure that the folks in this area continue to get the primary care service they deserve and need in these hard times of distress. We have got to find the
way to keep these type of facilities open,” he said. “These patients are going to the center because they like the proximity to stay engaged in their health care.” At the talk of diverting some of the county funds, Young said there is no need for a knee-jerk reaction. He said that people don’t recognize the cash-flow challenges that Grady is having. He said that Grady’s volume is up 11 percent and it is offering $50 million more of free care with no increase in revenue. “I won’t drastically cut the clinic today, if you won’t drastically cut my funds,” he said. “I would be comfortable to say let’s do nothing for 60 days while we study the issue and talk some more.” Johnson said the two will meet again in 20 to 25 days.
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Community
May 16, 2009
“My executive staff and I will then determine the appropriate department for response to the information being sought by any Commissioner seeking informatiton.”
Tiff brewing over access to county staff $23.4 million in stimulus By Mary Swint
Friction between the county’s legislative and executive branches surfaced at the May 12 Board of Commissioners meeting and the county’s executive assistant seems to be caught in the middle. In a May 1 a memo to all department heads and the Board of Commissioners, DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis ordered all requests for information and invitations to attend meetings to be sent to him “so I can determine priorities and method for response.” “My executive staff and I will then determine the appropriate department for response to the information being sought by any Commissioner seeking information,” Ellis wrote. The memo also pointed out that a section of the Organizational Act requires commissioners to “deal solely through the Chief Executive or his Executive Assistant in all matters concerning the operation, supervision, and administration of the various departments, offices and agencies of the county government.” The law also says no commissioner may order, instruct or try to control the actions of county
Burrell Ellis
Lee May
personnel under the CEO’s supervision. During the May 12 meeting, District Five Commissioner Lee May referred to the memo and pointed out that Executive Assistant Keith Barker reports to both the CEO and Board, which had to approve his appointment. “We should have the executive assistant two days a week to report to the Board of Commissioners’ needs,” May said. He suggested that an office be set up for Barker in the Maloof Building where the commissioners’ offices are on the fifth floor, in addition to his office at the Clark Harrison building on Ponce de Leon Avenue where the CEO and his staff are located. May said he would send a letter to Ellis responding to the May 1 memo. On earlier occasions May has
said the commissioners should have the power to approve appointment of all department heads. This year, the Board gained more power and independence with the passage last year of Senate Bill 52 and voter approval of the referendum last November. That law allows the board, rather than the CEO, to run the Commission meetings. The commissioners formed four committees to review proposed ordinances and budget items. Department heads and the executive assistant often attend the bi-weekly meetings to give presentations and answer questions from the commissioners. When he took office in January, Ellis relocated the CEO staff ’s offices from the sixth floor of the Maloof building where they had been located through all previous CEO administrations. He said the offices were in need of renovations and in a tight budget year, he could not find the funds to do it. The offices on Ponce de Leon were ready to move in, he said. He is not the first CEO to protect county staff. His predecessor, Vernon Jones often chided commissioners when they sought to question county employees.
funds approved for DeKalb Eight more DeKalb County transportation projects now have $23.4 million in federal stimulus funding Gov. Sonny Perdue certified the funds on May 6. The latest projects to be funded are: n $8.3 million for road improvements on Memorial Drive, between Candler Road and Mountain Drive. n $4.6 million to resurface Goldsmith Road to West Park Place. n $2.6 million for sidewalk on Memorial Drive to West Austin Drive. n $6.8 million for four traffic signal upgrade projects at 53 locations throughout the county. n $1.1 million resurfacing and maintenance project will take place on Interstate 285 from State Route 236 to State Route 8. The county and Georgia Department of Transportation will begin bidding the projects by mid-July. This adds to the eight projects totaling $887,000 that were certified on April 9. DeKalb County has 13 shovel-
ready projects totaling $27 million awaiting funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Statewide, Georgia expects to get $932 million in stimulus funds for transportation projects from President Barack Obama’s federal stimulus plan. Perdue’s certification of the eight highway projects follows up his April 9 approval of an $887,000 traffic signal project on Hairston Road. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said that the county is pleased to have received the stimulus dollars from the federal government. “We are also thankful for the Governor’s support in certifying that these projects meet the federal objectives for transportation improvements and job creation,” he said. “This federal, state and local partnership has ensured that we will receive funding for vitally important transportation projects that will not only aid citizens of our county, but all others who travel DeKalb roadways each and every day.”
Help signing up for DTV $40 coupons coming to Stonecrest weekend Federal Communications Commission representatives will be at the Mall at Stonecrest on May 16 and 17 to help people sign up for $40 DTV converter box coupons in
preparation for the conversion to digital television on June 12. The FCC staff will also answer questions about the DTV transition. Older television sets that use
antennas will not be compatible with the new digitial signals that televisions stations will begin transmitting on June 12. With the coupons, consumers will pay $9 to $19 for the
digital converter boxes that cost from $49 to $59. The officials will be in the mall’s food court from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 16 and from noon
to 3 p.m. on May 17. The mall is at 2929 Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. For more information, email fcc504@fcc. gov or call 202-418-0530.
Community
“It’s something we don’t want and we will fight it mighty hard.”
Opposition mounting to proposed bike center in residential community near trail By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Opposition is mounting against the Arabia Mountain Bike Center’s application for a special land use permit to open a bike center in a house on Rockland Road in Lithonia. Ernest and Yvonne Johnson’s application to DeKalb County for a Special Land Use Permit to operate the bike center in a residential neighborhood, has neighbors up in arms. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners will hear the application at the its May 19 meeting which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in downtown Decatur. Residents say they will turn out in force to defeat the request that is seeking to change the residential nature of their community. Rosemar ie Pickett, president of the Klondike Area Civic Association, said that a residential street is not the right Rosemarie Pickett place for such a project. “It’s something we don’t want and we will fight it mighty hard,” she said Monday. Pickett said that the house at 6657 Rockland Road is not in a business district and will not be conducive to tour buses.
Ernest and Yvonne Johnson and their son, William, try out the bikes they want to offer for the use of seniors and disabled people in the Arabia Heritage Area in Lithonia.
McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews
“I told them to locate in one of the vacant storefronts in downtown Lithonia where there is ample parking,” she said. Residents also point out that there are other plenty of commercial buildings and properties near the path that would be perfect for such a center. The Johnsons say they want to open a nonprofit recreational bicycle center in the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area to introduce senior and disabled people to the paved trail that winds through the area. “This may be their only source of getting out and seeing this area,” Yvonne Johnson said. “There are a lot of seniors that haven’t even seen what this trail has on it.” They bought the house on three acres and spent the last six months renovating it. They plan to offer
multi-seat bicycles that can also run on electricity. Randal Fleming, who has lived on Rockland Road for three years, said he is not opposed to bike center near the trail or seniors using the trail, just to the attempts to change the residential use of the community. “Is it appropriate for where they want to put it,” he said. “Putting a bike shop on a residential street doesn’t work. It should be in a commercial area.” Pickett said that the even though the Young’s call the center a non-profit, they will have to charge for use of their bikes. “It’s just a business really,” she said. “We don’t want any business on the path. Most of the people I have talked to in our area don’t want this coming here.”
Cabbagetown man seeks 58th seat “Between sessions, I want to Michael McPherson, a cambe a valuable resource to all the paign consultant and former state communities in the 58th,” he Senate chief of staff, wants to take said. “I want to make sure the the House District 58 seat vacated rubber of metro Atlanta’s volrecently by Rep. Robinn Shipp. unteer resources meets the road McPherson, 34, said this week in the district – through direct that he will be a candidate in the communication and diligent special election to finish Shipp’s coordination.” term, which is expected to occur District 58 includes portions in November. The Atlanta native is the first Michael McPherson of DeKalb County and the city of Atlanta. person to announce. A spokesperson for the governor’s office Shipp resigned April 21 because of a conflict with her new job as senior district said on Thursday that a date for the special attorney with the Fulton County district election has not yet been set but that they are working with the Secretary of State’s office to attorney’s office. McPherson, who lives in Cabbagetown, have the special election during an already is a vice president of research and admin- scheduled election. McPherson serves on the board of the istration at Cornerstone Communications Group. He previously served as chief of staff Cabbagetown Initiative Community Develfor Sen. Doug Stoner (D-Smyrna) and Sen. opment Corporation and is a member of the Stacks/Fulton Cotton Mill Homeowners Tim Golden (D-Valdosta). He has also served as chairman of the Association Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Cabbagetown Senate Democratic Caucus and a campaign disaster recovery committee, which works manager for Stoner. He said his legislative experience would with Cabbagetown’s victims of the March 2008 tornado. allow him to hit the ground running .
Postal Service raises first-class rates It now costs two cents more for a firstclass stamp. The U.S. Postal Service raised the price of the stamp to 44 cents on May 11. It is the third consecutive year that postal rates have gone up in May. The rate hike comes under a new system that allows annual increases as long as they don’t exceed the rate of inflation for the year before. The Postal Service says it is raising rates because of financial struggles as more Americans communicate and pay their bills through the Internet and many businesses have cut back on mail advertising.
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The Postal Service says in the second quarter of 2008, mail volume totaled 43.8 billion pieces, down 7.5 billion pieces, or 14.7 percent, compared to a year ago. Last year, the postal service lost $2.8 billion and has already lost $2.3 billion this year. It is anticipating a cash shortfall of more than $1.5 billion at the end of the fiscal year. The 44-cent rate covers the first ounce of first-class mail. The price for each additional ounce remains at 17 cents. “Forever” stamps are not affected by the rate increase.
Johnson taps new chief of staff district as well,” he said. Attorney Arthur D. Sidney, 35, is a native Sidney is Congressman of Pittsburgh, Pa., and a Hank Johnson’s new cum laude graduate of chief of staff. Vassar College in New Sidney, who was York. He went to law most recently legislative school at Howard Unidirector for Rep. Shelia versity and the American Jackson (D-Texas), will University. He began his start work on May 26. career in the nation’s He is replacing Dara- Arthur Sidney ka Satcher, who left the position capital in 1999 as an international on May 8 to become a deputy attorney for the Commerce Deassistant secretary for the U.S. partment. Sidney has also operated his own law firm. Commerce Department. He said Johnson’s reputation Johnson, whose 4th District includes portions of DeKalb, as a serious substantive legislator Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, attracted him. “I look forward to my new said he is pleased and excited that role assisting the Congressman to Sidney is joining his staff. “He brings a wealth of experi- pass legislation and keeping the ence, expertise and management interests of the residents of the skills that will be an asset not only Fourth Congressional District in to our Washington office, but the the forefront,” he said.
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May 16, 2009
The overall economic impact of the new performing arts center would mean a boon to South DeKalb and to the county overall.
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I have some serious concerns about the readiness of the Department of Parks and Recreation and the current administrators of the new performing arts center to make the new facility an economic success. During fiscal year 2007-08, I had the pleasure of serving as the executive director of the DeKalb Council for the Arts. My job was more like “cultural ambassador,” in which my mission was to unite the diverse communities and support countywide cultural and artistic endeavors that highlighted the diversity of its artists and institutions. DeKalb County has become the home of many cultures from around the world. You should welcome and embrace them for their future is your future. With the building of the new performing arts center in South DeKalb, several interesting opportunities provide for the need of an open discussion about the success of the new arts center; the current and future state-of-the-arts in DeKalb County; and the unique opportunity to do something positive to make DeKalb County the model of successful economic growth and development throughout metro Atlanta with regards to art and culture. Art and culture in metro Atlanta is a multibillion-dollar industry and its impact will bring enormous economic growth and development to DeKalb County.
Adequate support needed For the past five years, DeKalb County had operated its arts initiative through the Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment. Now the arts are being orchestrated through the Parks and Recreation’s office. Unfortunately, the current situation with arts in DeKalb is that
There is a need for a commissionappointed arts council whose primary focus would be to act as a check and balance as well as oversee the operations of the office of cultural affairs. Byron C. Saunders
it has no focus and no leadership. This situation has severely limited the capability of a countywide office to fully administer to arts and culture that serves its constituents, artists, and arts institutions and provide the adequate leadership and arts vision for DeKalb County and its cultural community. The recent cost over-runs of the new performing arts center came as a direct result of the absence of leadership in the Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment. It also points to the need for a commission-appointed arts council responsible for the focus and direction of the arts in DeKalb County. The 2006 census acknowledges that DeKalb County has the most affluent African-Americans in metro Atlanta, yet when compared to other arts councils, is woefully way behind in the support it provides to its artists and arts organizations. You are fortunate to have in DeKalb County the likes of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Spruill Center for the Arts, and Art Station Inc.. However, the disproportionate support given to those main arts organizations and the support given to the smaller, less-supported institutions leaves a void. The South DeKalb Performing Arts & Community Center will accommodate approximately 200 citizens. The primary performing arts focus is to be music, theater, and dance. The community is supposed to have access to the facility for not only arts performances and community-sponsored events, but
Home for local groups When the DeKalb Council for the Arts Inc. hired me as their executive director in March 2007, I was invited to join the “Core Community Design Team” for the new DeKalb Performing Arts & Community Center. I immediately recognized the need for this center to become the home of several highly regarded local arts groups if it was to succeed as a business operation. That is why I began to recommend that in addition to local groups like The Young Singers of Callanwolde, that a strong consideration be given to several wellestablished Atlanta organizations that were in need of a home-based performance facility like Ballethnic, Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metropolitan Atlanta, and the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. Each of these groups has a strong reputation for professional quality performance capabilities. Their level of support from private and public sponsorship is unquestioned. They also have a track record of local support. Many of their core support community and artists live in DeKalb County. Bringing their performances
Quick Read
Tiff brewing over access to Graduation from enterprise Reading assignment gives county staff 2 program raises pride 5 students a new perspective 8 Friction between the county’s legislative and executive branches surfaced at the May 12 Board of Commissioners meeting.
Opposition mounting to proposed bike center
When Sherrinita Tillman got her certificate Tuesday at the DeKalb Micro Enterprise Institute, she couldn’t stop looking at it.
SBA offering workshop on 3 retail business
Opposition is mounting against the Arabia Mountain Bike Center’s application for a special land use permit to open a bike center in a house on Rockland Road in Lithonia.
McNair Middle School seventh-grader Randy Tyson did something a lot of students his age would have a hard time admitting.
GPC to end Continuing 5 Education program
A two-part workshop on the “ABC’s of Owning a Retail Business” will take place at the SBA office in downtown Atlanta.
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Georgia Perimeter College’s Center for Continuing and Corporate Education will close on June 30 to save revenue.
Healthy cooking can reduce Annual festival celebrates Cabbagetown man seeks 58th risk of heart attack, stroke 6 birthday of Malcolm X 9 seat 3 Eating less cholesterol, salt and saturated Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Michael McPherson, a campaign consultant and former state Senate chief of staff, wants to take the House District 58 seat vacated recently by Rep. Robinn Shipp.
Johnson taps new chief of staff Circulation Audited By
also an array of educational offerings geared to all age groups. This facility, however, must become competitive with the other venues in metro Atlanta by attracting world-class entertainment as well as servicing local artists and arts organizations.
to this new facility will engage an outpouring of support and loving care because the community will perceive them as their own. The overall economic impact as a result of a strong office of art and culture and the success of the new performing arts center would mean a boon to South DeKalb and to the county overall. There will be a need for added amenities to the community such as restaurants, hotel/motel upgrades, convention and visitors needs, etc. There needs to be a professional management team and support staff to stabilize the arts center and the office of cultural affairs. What is needed for the performing arts center is to make sure that during the 52-week calendar year, there must be ongoing and secured usage of the space. Generated revenue is a priority for its success. The center must compete for professional shows that tour nationally and internationally. It is time to consider the creation of an office of cultural affairs. There is a need for a commissionappointed arts council whose primary focus would be to act as a check and balance as well as oversee the operations of the office of cultural affairs. This arts council should also be charged with assisting in creating public/private partnerships to match the arts funding appropriated by the commission. What I am recommending is that the Board of Commissioners consider this opportunity as a bold and unique concept for the future of DeKalb County. Until the focus and direction of Art and Culture is restored, the new arts center and the arts in DeKalb County will continue to flounder in a sea of confusion and missed opportunities. Byron C. Saunders now lives in Fayetteville, Ga.
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Attorney Arthur D. Sidney is Congressman Hank Johnson’s new chief of staff.
and trans fats will make you healthier and reduce certain health risks.
Collective, Gritz and Jelly Butter, and Julie Dexter are among artists who will help celebrate the birthday of civil rights icon.
Drivers-to-be will need documents
8 Chaplain honored by women in ministry 10 Students planning to apply for an instruc-
tional permit or driver’s license over the summer break will need to get some paperwork from administrators before school closes.
Jail Chaplain Airrener Farquharson has earned kudos for her work from the National Coalition of Women in Ministry.
index to advertisers Americolor Opera “Carmen J”......................... 9 Atlanta Center for Gastroenterology................ 6 Chick-fil-A / Turner Hill Road............................5 Congressman Hank Johnson............................3 Craig B. Williams, DDS..................................... 6 C.R.A.M. Academy...........................................11
Daughters of the Light....................................10 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau..............4 Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care.................11 Fairington Condos............................................3 Heard & Heard Dental Associates.....................7
Henry Mitchell, CPA, PC....................................8 Jay Hopson.......................................................5 Jones PT Physical Therapy............................... 6 Narvie J Harris Theme School PTA...................8 Newburn Reynolds Photography.....................11
North Georgia Orthodontics.............................7 Saint Philip AME Church.................................10 Salt & Light Truth Center................................10 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas.......................11 The School Store..............................................8
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May 16, 2009
Finance
“We are helping these women bridge the gap from where they are. We expose them to different options through self-employment.”
Graduation from Micro Enterprise program raises pride levels By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
When Sherrinita Tillman got her certificate Tuesday at the DeKalb Micro Enterprise Institute graduation, she couldn’t stop looking at it. Standing over her seat, she opened it and looked at it. Then she sat down and studied intently for several minutes. Later she told a visitor that she couldn’t stopped looking at her “Road to Entrepreneurship” certificate because she was just so proud of herself. “It’s an accomplishment,” said Tillman, a single mother with four children ages four to 17. “I am glad I made it. I am just ecstatic. It means I can do more than just be at a standstill. It shows me I can do it even with no money.” Tillman, who lives in Lithonia, was one of 17 women who graduated from the 12-week program. All of them are single mothers and clients of DeKalb County Department of Family & Children Services
Sherrinita Tillman eyes her “Road to Entrepreneurship” certificate after completing the DeKalb Micro Enterprise Institute’s 12week program.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program with their own stories of hardships and perseverance. Tillman, who has been unemployed for two years and has being getting food stamps and other government help for her family, said this is the first time she has had the opportunity to learn something. She said in the past, you got a check and that’s it.
“I learned something to assist me in making a life for myself and my kids,” she said. Tillman said she has been making gift baskets for about two years and want to turn it into a moneymaking business. “That’s something I like to do and I want to continue doing it,” she said. Some of her classmates want to start daycare and property man-
Stimulus funds arriving in 4th District beneficiaries in Georgia Residents in the 4th are getting an extra $250 Congressional District this month. have begun receiving “When we passed the more than $18 million Recovery Act, we wanted in stimulus funds from to get more money back the American Economic in the pockets of seniors, Recovery Act passed by disabled veterans and SSI Congress. recipients,” he said. “ComCongressman Hank Hank Johnson Johnson, who represents the district bined with the middle class tax cut that includes portions of DeKalb, that is part of the stimulus, we’re Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, trying to help millions of Amerisaid this week that Social Security cans at a time when they need it and Supplemental Security Income most.”
Johnson said Railroad Retirement Board beneficiaries will get $250 checks later this month. Veteran Compensation and Pension beneficiaries will get their checks in June. People who get benefits from more than one of these agencies will get only one payment. Johnson said the checks will show up in the mail. “You don’t have to do anything to apply,” he said. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.go ment.
SBA offering workshop on retail business A two-part workshop on the “ABC’s of Owning a Retail Business” will take place May 21 and 28 at SBA office in downtown Atlanta. The first session will cover branding, internal business procedures, defining your customer, the correct merchandise mix, marketing and retail vocabulary and find-
ing out if you are ready to go into at www.sba.gov. For more information contact business. The second session will focus Dorothy Fletcher at Dorothy.fletchon retail match, selling and visual er@sba.gov or 404-331-0101. presentation and merchandising. Admission is free. The free workshops will meet 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Suite 1900 in Harris Tower at 233 Peachtree Street. Pre-registration is required
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agement companies. The program helps aspiring, startup and small business owners with five and fewer employees position themselves for growth. The class taken by Tillman and her colleagues is funded by a $25,000 TANF grant o train welfare recipients interested in going into business for themselves. Over the 12 weeks, participants explored what it takes to be an entrepreneur, understanding the business model, financial management, conquering credit challenges, managing cash flow for a profitable business, building a business plan and accessing capital for expansion. She said the program taught her something that will assist her in turning her life around. “I am going to fix my credit,” she said. “I have credit barriers but I can get beyond it. I am going to get a bank account and once I fix my credit, my business will take off.” Rod Wallace, the Institute’s director, said the Tuesday graduates bring to 120 the number who
have successfully completed the program. He said 18 women from the first three classes have launched their own businesses. “We are helping these women bridge the gap from where they are. We expose them to different options through self-employment,” Wallace said. Wallace said the women also get life skills coaching. “A lot of them have barriers in their life,” he said. “We help them to manage their resources. We have even done classes on upgrading their parenting skills.” Tillman said the program taught her that there are resources out there to help people like her. “Now I know that there are people who can help me,” she said. “A lot of my friends don’t know there are people out there to help them.” Tillman said she now has a road map for the future. “I have to plan to make progress,” she said. “You have to know where you are going.”
Workshop on recovery funds The Small Business Administration will update business owners on the small business provisions of the 2009 American Recovery Act at a May 22 workshop in Atlanta. The 10 a.m. to noon workshop will explore provisions of the Recovery Act including the temporary fee reductions or eliminations on SBA loans and increased SBA guarantee of up to 90 percent to lenders for certain loans. The free workshop will also cover new deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 that will soon be initiated under the Recovery Act and the establishment of a new maximum of $5 million for contracts covered by an SBA guaranteed surety bond.
Presenters include Peter Leppert, SBA lender relations specialist, and Carol Wilson, a financial education specialist with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Greater Atlanta Inc. Wilson will provide information on budget and credit and debt management that can help a business face economic cycles with confidence. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit www.sba.gov/ga and click on “Events Calendar.” The completed registration form can also be faxed to Catherine Williams at 404-331-0101. The SBA Georgia District Office is on the 19th floor in Harris Tower, 233 Peachtree St. N.E., adjacent to the MARTA Peachtree Center Station.
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CrossRoadsNews
Wellness
“If they know what the warning signs are, they can get help. 911 is the first thing you do.”
Hotline for postpartum depression Georgia women suffering from postpartum depression can call 1-866-944-4776 for help. T h e n on prof i t G e or g i a Postpartum Support Network launched the support hotline on May 10 to offer new mothers a place to turn. Postpartum depression, a mood disorder that occurs during pregnancy or soon after birth,
affects up to 20 percent of new moms. Symptoms may include sleep and appetite disturbances, uncontrollable emotions, or feeling overwhelmed or inadequate. The hotline is staffed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.Callers are referred to psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers. For more information, visit www.gpsnetwork.org.
Do You Suffer From Severe Reflux or Heartburn? We are looking for volunteers to take part in a clinical trial of a new investigational study drug. If you qualify, you may receive study-related medical care and study drug at no cost, as well as reimbursement for travel expenses. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Study Coordinator
Atlanta Center for Gastroenterology PC 2665 North Decatur Road, Suite 550 Decatur, GA 30033
404-296-1986 StudyACG@hotmail.com
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May 16, 2009
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Healthy cooking methods can reduce risks Eating less cholesterol, salt and saturated and trans fats will make you healthier and reduce your risks of heart disease and stroke. Eating less saturated fat and trans fat helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. Consuming fewer calories will help you lose weight, especially when you also enjoy regular physical activity. Eating less salt and more potassium helps control blood pressure in most people. Focusing your diet on foods such as fat-free and low-fat dairy fruits, vegetables and whole-grain, high-fiber foods is essential to good health. Here are some tips to help make your meals healthful: n Frying: Steam, bake, broil or stir-fry foods in canola or olive oil instead of deep-frying in shortening or bacon grease. n Salt: Use vinegar, lemon juice, hot red pepper flakes, garlic and onions or other low-salt spices instead of salt.Use little or no salt when you cook noodles, spaghetti, rice or hot cereal. n Salad dressing: Use low-fat, lowcalorie or fat-free salad dressings.
Healthy alternatives to frying foods like chicken (above) might include (from left) stir fried vegetables, baked chicken and steamed chicken.
n Butter: Use soft tub margarine before cooking except when roasting a
instead of butter, or use other spreads that are lower in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, such as a stick of margarine. n Eggs: Limit egg yolks to three or four per week, or eat egg whites instead. n Meat: Buy fresh lean cuts of meat and trim the fat before cooking. Eat turkey, chicken and very lean beef or pork. Remove the skin from poultry
whole chicken. Broil, bake or roast meats instead of frying them. n Oils: Use canola, olive, corn or safflower oil in cooking. Use fat-free, calorie-free cooking spray to provide a non-stick surface for wokware, bakeware and grills. n Fat: Limit saturated calories to less than 7 percent of your total calories and trans-fat calories to less than 1 percent of your total calories.
Recognizing stroke early can limit damage For most African Americans, stroke is as familiar as a cousin. Most all of us have someone in the family who has had a stroke or died from a stroke. The reason is simple: Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for African-American men and women. In Georgia and across the country, they are twice as likely as whites to die from stroke. The American Heart Association says that each year, cardiovascular disease kills nearly 100,000 people. Stroke alone kills 17,500 blacks a year. Throughout May, which is observed nationally as Stroke Awareness Month, health care officials are turning the spotlight on hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and lack of physical activity that all contribute to stroke, which is sometimes called a “brain attack,” because it occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, parts of the brain begin to die, forcing the portions of the body controlled by the damaged area to malfunction. Every year, 780,000 new and recurrent strokes are reported in the United States, making stroke the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. Caryl Reilly, president of the Stroke Club, a support group for stroke survivors that meets monthly at DeKalb Medical on North Decatur Road, said stroke does not discriminate. “It can happen to anyone and any age,” she said Wednesday. “Children have strokes, teenagers have strokes, old people have strokes, middle-aged people have strokes, Anybody can have a stroke.” Reilly knows this all too well. She was a 39-year-old wife with five kids, ages 5 to 19, when a stroke left her in coma for seven days and crippled the right side of her body.
Know the signs of stroke When stroke symptoms occur, quick action is vital but you must know the signs and act in time. Warning signs can begin from a few minutes to days before a stroke. If you think you or someone with you is having a stroke, call 911. Stroke warning signs and symptoms n Weakness in an arm, hand, or leg n Numbness on one side of the body n Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye n Sudden difficulty speaking n Inability to understand what someone is saying n Dizziness or loss of balance n Sudden, excruciating headache
“I had to learn to walk, talk, read and write again,” she said. “I had to learn everything over.” Now 76 years old, Reilly and the 30 members of the Stroke Club get together every first Saturday to talk about their common problems and help spread the word about stroke and the need for early detection. “If they know what the warning signs are, they can get help,” she said. “911 is the first thing you do.” A stroke can happen very quickly and victims and their loved one often don’t realize they are having one. A recent Gallup survey found that 97 percent of people over age 50 did not recognize the warning signs of a stroke which include numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; blurred or double vision in one or both eyes; slurred or garbled speech; unsteadiness or dizziness and confusion. Recognizing the symptoms and getting treatment within 60 minutes can prevent disability.
Why is treatment urgent? Every minute counts. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. The most common kind of stroke, ischemic stroke, can be treated with a drug that dissolves clots blocking the blood flow. The window of opportunity to start treating stroke patients is three
hours. But to be evaluated and treated, a person needs to be at the hospital within 60 minutes of having a stroke. African Americans’ higher incidences of hypertension, obesity and smoking contribute to their increased risks for stroke and other vascular diseases. One in three African Americans suffers from high blood pressure.
Controlling risk factors n If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to get it under control. Many people do not realize they have high blood pressure, which usually produces no symptoms but is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Managing your high blood pressure is the most important thing you can do to avoid stroke. n If you smoke, quit. n If you have diabetes, learn how to manage it. n As with high blood pressure, diabetes usually causes no symptoms but increases the chance of stroke. n If you are overweight, start maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. For more information, visit www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ stroke or call the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at 1-800-352-9424.
May 16, 2009
Wellness
CrossRoadsNews
If you have heart disease or have had a stroke, members of your family may also be at risk.
for diseases like heart attack, stroke
Choosing foods low in saturated fat Using low-saturated-fat, low-trans-fat, low-cholesterol recipes makes it easier to cook healthful meals. Here are some food substitutions that can lower saturated fat:
Instead of… Try… Whole milk (1 cup) �����������������������Fat-free evaporated milk (1 cup) Heavy cream (1 cup) ���������������������Evaporated fat-free milk (1 cup) Sour cream ����������������������������������Low-fat or fat-free sour cream Cream cheese �������������������������������Low fat or whipped cream cheese Butter (1 tbsp.) ������������������������������1 tbsp. polyunsaturated margarine or 3/4 tbsp. polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oil Shortening (1 cup) ������������������������Tub margarine (1 cup) Eggs (1 egg) ����������������������������������1 egg white plus 2 tsp. of unsaturated oil Unsweetened chocolate (1 oz) ������3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder and 1 tbsp. polyunsaturated oil or margarine. Carob is sweeter than cocoa so reduce sugar in recipe by 1/4. How to use cooking oils When cooking requires using fat, use liquid vegetable oils: n To brown lean meats and to pan or oven fry fish and skinless poultry n To sauté onions and other vegetables for soup n In sauces and soups made with fat-free milk n In shipped or scalloped potatoes n For popping corn n In casseroles made with dried peas or beans n When cooking dehydrated potatoes and other For more information prepared foods Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. If you have heart disease or have had Limit salt in your food a stroke, members of your family may also Eating more salt than the body needs can lead to high blood pressure in some people. People be at risk. It’s important for them to make with high blood pressure are more likely to de- changes now to lower their risk. Visit powertoendstroke.org to learn velop heart problems or have a stroke. more about stroke in the African-American n Use herbs and spices, instead of salt. n When using canned vegetables, drain the liquid community. Call 800-AHA-USA1 (800-242-8721) or and rinse them in water before cooking. visit www.americanheart.org to learn more n Read food labels carefully, watching for sodium about heart disease. on the nutrition facts panel.
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CrossRoadsNews
Youth
Drivers-tobe will need documents Students planning to apply for an instructional permit or driver’s license over the summer break will need to get some paperwork from administrators before school closes. The Georgia Department of Driver Services says students testing for a permit or license must obtain a DDS Certificate of Attendance Form from their schools before the end of the school year, and that students planning for an on-theroad test will also need a Georgia Alcohol Drug Awareness Program certificate of completion. The attendance form must be signed and notarized from the student’s school and presented when applying for a permit or Class D driver’s license. The form will be valid until Sept. 30. All applicants under 18 years old who are not enrolled in school must provide a GED diploma, high school diploma, or an attendance form from the student’s local board of education if enrolled in an approved home school program. For more information, visit www.dds.ga.gov.
May 16, 2009
“They were like, ‘Wow this is great,’ because they dealt with the entire inner-city life, then went to college.”
Reading assignment gives students a new perspective By McKenzie Jackson
McNair Middle School seventh- grader Randy Tyson did something a lot of students his age would have a hard time admitting. He read a novel, thought it was good, learned from it and can’t wait to read the book’s sequel. Twelve-year-old Randy was one of 26 seventh-graders in McNair Middle School Boys Academy’s book program to read “The Pact” this school year. The novel tells the real life story of three African American doctors’ rise from the streets of Newark, N.J. to successful adulthood. Randy said the book was good. “It was like the situations we are in,” he said. “They went through the same things. They failed tests.We have failed tests. They came from like a hood neighborhood. That is where we are all from.” The book, which has themes of brotherhood and rising above bad surroundings, is the story of Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins. Randy said the book gives
Photos by McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews
Christopher Williams (left) explains the chapter “Interpretation of The Pact” to members of the book club. Book club students received a certificate of completion for reading “The Pact.”
him something to look up to. “We saw them accomplish something,” he said. “We can do the same thing.” The students started reading the 272-page book in September and finished it last week. At a May 11th “A Celebration of Learning” breakfast in the school library, they celebrated a task completed. Thomas Chisholm, their language arts teacher who led the weekly reading sessions, said the boys read and discussed each chapter of the book. He said it was a different task for the youngsters. “We always look at the NBA, the NFL and baseball but we want our kids to be able to do something different beside sports,” he said. “We want them to have a connection to the outside world, but not just to athletes. We want them to know
that they can be whatever they want to be despite the struggle and the insurmountable odds they face.” Chisholm said at first the boys were reluctant to read but that the story captured their imagination. “They were like, ‘Wow this is great,’ because they dealt with the entire inner-city life, then went to college,” he said. At the breakfast, some of the students spoke about chapters in the book. Thirteen-year-old Freddie Burnett gave a short presentation on the chapter titled “Peer Pressure,” but admits his favorite chapter was “Love Sick.” “He really loved that girl, but she was cheating on him” Freddie said. “I liked the drama.” Raynard Malcom, 14, said he liked reading about how the three doctors rose through adversity. “It makes me want to do the
same,” he said, “go get a doctorate degree and be a better person.” McNair principal Susan Freeman said reading “The Pact” fit the gender-based educational style of the McNair Boys Academy, which has a total enrollment of 250. The school also has a Girls Academy. Freeman said research shows that there are differences in how boys and girls learn, “so everything in each academy is geared towards what is best for the students.” As a reward for reading the book, Chisholm said authors of “The Pact” sent the students autographed copies of their books and posters. The students are now reading President Barack Obama’s book, “Yes We Can.” They will also read “The Bond,” the sequel to “The Pact.”
GPC to end Continuing Education program Georgia Perimeter College’s Center for Continuing and Corporate Education will close on June 30 to save revenue. The college said May 7 that a limited number of programs will continue through completion for current center participants. GPC president Dr. Anthony Tricoli said that, like other colleges and universities across the country, GPC must make deeper financial reductions to help it weather the
current economic storm. “While it is necessary to discontinue some elements of this program,” he said, “the college is committed to preserving our academic quality and our positive relationship with the community.” The Center for Continuing and Corporate Education offers a variety of enrichment, job-training and professional certificate Anthony Tricoli programs each semester.
Lithonia singers shine during competition THE SCHOOL STORE At Stonecrest
Your Education Resource Center 8075 Mall Parkway, Ste. #106 Lithonia, GA 30038
Education Resources for Teachers, Students and Parents * Teacher Supplies/Teacher Aids * Books/Workbooks for all Subjects (Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, etc.) Grades Pre K-12 * Early Learning Resources * Educational Toys * Learning/Teaching Materials * Classroom Supplies * Test Prep Material * Homeschool Materials and Resources * School Furniture, Equipment and Rugs We have all materials and resources for parents and teachers to help produce an “A” student
GET YOUR SUMMER BRIDGE PACKETS AND READING MATERIAL
Lithonia High School’s Golden Chorale won two awards at the National Festivals of Music conference in New York.
More than 30 students in the Golden Chorale of Lithonia High School sang their way to two musical victories on April 4. The group won first place for Class “A” Mixed Chorus and received the Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser “Esprit De Corps” Award during the National Festivals of Music conference in New York City. The chorus’s performance of melodic works such
as John W. Work and Albert Hay Malotte helped them capture the Mixed Chorus award, and their school spirit and class act during the competition earned them the “Esprit De Corps” award. The competition in New York was group’s first on the national level. Choral director George-Patrick Johnson said it was an honor to represent Georgia and DeKalb County at the competition.
Scene
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CrossRoadsNews
May 16, 2009
Twenty Tupac Amaru Shakur Center students were pen pals with students from Ogaki Kita High School’s English Club in Gifu, Japan.
Annual daylong festival celebrates birthday of Malcolm X Chinese Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective, Gritz dance demo and Jelly Butter, and Julie Dexter are among artist who will strut their stuff at the May 30 festival celebrating the birthday of civil at library rights icon Malcolm X . The festival kicks off at noon in Atlanta’s West End Park. The Atlanta Chapter of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement has sponsored it for 20 years. Malcolm X, who came to prominence as a minister in the Nation of Islam, was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Neb. A controversial advocate for the rights of AfricanAmericans, he was assassinated on Feb. 21, 1965, at age 39. If he were alive today, Malcolm X would be turning 84 years old. The festival, which ends at 8 p.m. will also include a martial arts display by the Afrikan Martial Arts Institute, African dance by Folade na Weusi and Giwayen Mata, and children’s activities sponsored by Roots to Fruits. There will also be vendors and food. An after-party with Zayd, Heed and DJ Sol Messiah kicks off at 9 p.m. at Foreign Exchange Café, 658 Whitehall St., Atlanta. The festival is free. The after party is $10 and $15 each. For sponsorships and vending opportunities, call 770-987- Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective will perform during the Malcolm X 9390 or visit www.malcolmxfestival.com. Festival at West End Park in Atlanta.
Chinese dance and music will be on display at the Decatur Library in downtown Decatur on May 16. From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., the Chinese American Cultural Performing Group will stage a cultural show highlighting Chinese singing, music, dancing and entertainment. The event celebrates Asian Heritage Month, which is observed in May. Admission is free. The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, call 404-370-3070.
Americolor Opera
presents...
“Carmen J” brings a history lesson as well as a twist to the original composition. Carmen J. is a hot-tempered young woman in search of freedom and love. Her journey takes her from a southern plantation at the end of the Civil War to the streets of Philadelphia and New York City… From the art of deception, humor, romance, folly and conspiracy, this vibrant performance will bring you to your feet. ◆ ◆ ◆
Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center 3181 Rainbow Drive • Decatur, GA 30034
Thursday, May 28 & Friday, May 29, 2009 - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30 - 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. ◆ ◆ ◆
Tickets: $25 Children 10 and under $10 Group Rates Available Thursday, May 28th - DeKalb County Night – All Tickets $10
Students at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts learned to make origami during the center’s annual Intercultural Exchange program.
Japanese art at Tupac Center “Atlanta-Japan: A Cultural Exchange Experience” is on display at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center in Stone Mountain through June 15. The 60-piece exhibit of calligraphy, origami, embroidery, fine art, photographs of Japan and a Japanese garden opens May 16. Vernal Cambridge, a center spokesman, said that some of the items are on loan from the Consulate General of Japan and the Konnichiwa Club in Atlanta. Some of the calligraphy was created by students in the center’s Intercultural Exchange Program. Cambridge said the calligraphy and origami pieces are popular
with students because of their bright colors. “You get to see and learn,” he said. The exhibit, which is free, grew out of the center’s annual Intercultural Exchange program that ended recently. Twenty Tupac Amaru Shakur Center students were pen pals with students from Ogaki Kita High School’s English Club in Gifu, Japan. During the program students learned about Japanese culture and society. The center is at 5636 Memorial Drive. For more information, visit www.TASF.org or call 404298-4222.
Author to discuss new book Author Mindy Friddle will discuss her new novel, “Secret Keepers,” at the Decatur Library on May 18. The book, Friddle’s second, tells the story of 72-year-old Emma Hanley, who wants to leave Palmetto, S.C., and travel the globe, but her divided family is drawn together by a mysterious and potent botanical influence. Friddle, a South Carolina resident, is also the author of “The Garden Angel.” The discussion starts at 7:15 p.m. Admission is free. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. For more information, call 404-370-3070.
Music and Libretto by Sharon J. Willis With excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen
Ticket Information: 404.917.4137 or info@americoloropera.org Online (starting May 22) www.americoloropera.org
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CrossRoadsNews
Ministry
May 16, 2009
“I feel like church is where I needed to be because it started with me wishing to God that I could paint.” Minnie Murry, who began painting six years ago, painted a piece titled “Centennial” for Big Miller Grove’s anniversary.
Chaplain honored by women in ministry held the office of head DeKalb County Jail chaplain for eight years Chaplain Airrener Farat the jail. She coordinates quharson has earned ku55 volunteer chaplains dos for her work from and ensures that Sunday the Atlanta Chapter of church services and weekthe National Coalition of day Bible services are Women in Ministry. Farquharson, who A. Farquharson held. She also seeks donations of Bibles and other has been at the jail for 11 years, received a plaque at the faith-based books for the jail and group’s May 8 awards ceremony counsels inmates, employees and celebrating and honoring women their families. She also facilitates in ministry for their leadership, visits from clergy of various decommitment, and tireless service in nominations at inmates’ request. “Many inmates who have been their communities and churches. Farquharson, who is an associ- here for a while need clothing ate minister at Big Miller Grove upon their release, or some may Baptist Church in Lithonia, has need a place to stay,” Farquharson
said. “We try to assist them with these needs, also.” Her community service extends beyond the jail house. She works with the Street Jail Prison and Hospital Ministry, the Ronald McDonald House (McMeal) Program, serves as a youth counselor and mentor in the school system, and conducts workshops on women’s issues. Sheriff Thomas Brown said Farquharson deserves the award. “We are extremely grateful for the personal sacrifices and the difference that she makes among inmates and employees at the Sheriff’s Office,” he said.
Service for Disabled in Action
Written by
Bobby Simmons,
“Daughters of The Light” is an inspirational novel about a young girl Nua who loses both parents as an infant. This book is a must read as Nua serves as a guide through this thing we call life.
To order your copy, visit www.daughtersofthelight.com or www.amazon.com.
“Who Authorized You regularly serves as a guest to Give Up” is the theme lecturer at the Fellowship of the Day of Inclusion Ministry. service at the InternaMinister Shon Freetional Christian Fellowman of Christ Sanctuship Ministry in Atlanta ary Church and Patrick on May 24. Muhammad of Mosque The 11 a.m. service, Calvin Peterson No. 15 in Atlanta will also which will include people speak during the service, with disabilities, their families, which will be followed by a dinner friends and advocates, will help prepared by “Flaxseed Lady” Dr. celebrate Disabled In Action’s Joy Scott, a certified nutritionist sixth annual Day of Inclusion. and weight-loss coach, and IbraRev. Calvin E. Peterson, Dis- him Abdullah, DIA’s minister of abled In Action’s founder and health. director and author of “Nothing Admission is free. is Impossible” will be one of the International Christian Felfeatured speakers. lowship Ministry is at 3076 Peterson, who was born with Humphries Drive in Atlanta. For a severe case of cerebral palsy, more information, visit www. is a well-known advocate for disabledinaction0009@comcast. empowering disabled people. He net or call 678-358-1180.
Artwork marks 100th year By McKenzie Jackson
In April 2003, Minnie Murry was sitting at home watching the Home and Gardening network on television. In the middle of a show about painting murals, Murry, who lives in Lithonia, said she wished she had the artistic skill to paint. Inspired, she picked up art supplies from a local store, and embarked on a new passion. A day and a half later, she had painted an oriental rug on the cement floor in her basement. Six years and 1,500 paintings later, Murry is a celebrated artist whose art was a central part of Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church’s recent 100-year anniversary celebration. Murry, who has been a Big Miller Grove member for five years, painted an 18- by 24-inch piece she called “Centennial” for the church. The yellow, red, maroon, orange, black and white painting features triangles and circles mashed together into a single figure. She says it symbolizes 100 years of service in the faith community.
“Centennial” and about 50 other pieces of Murry’s work were displayed in the church hallways during the 100-year celebration on April 26. It was also printed on church fans and given to church members and visitors. “I don’t even have the words to describe what that Sunday meant to me,” she said. “I feel like church is where I needed to be because it started with me wishing to God that I could paint.” Paula Saunders, a consultant to the church’s Centennial Celebration, called Murry a “secret treasure,” and said the hand fans were a hot souvenir item. Murry said that church members were surprised when they saw the “Centennial” piece and her other artwork. Bishop Miles E. Fowler, the church’s pastor, said he had no clue that Murry was a painter. “When they told me she was an artist, I said, ‘She is?’” he said with a chuckle. “I think it is excellent. It is really outstanding and a gift.” Saunders said Murry is humble. “Her heart comes across in her work,” she said.
AIDS is topic of teen summit Young people will have their say about HIV/AIDs at the Hip Hop Leadership Peer Mentoring Program on May 30 at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church. The all-day workshop, which is sponsored by the church’s Heshima and Kijana Rites of Passage programs, is designed to build awareness of HIV/AIDS in the AfricanAmerican community. Teens ages 13 to 18 will write songs, produce beats, create dances,
and develop cover art and flyers, and engage in discussion about the subject. The 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. workshop, which is open to the community, is funded by the Center of Excellence on Health Dispaarities at Morehouse School of Medicine. First Afrikan Church is at 5197 Salem Road in Lithonia. For more information, call Bettye Beatty-Wilson at 770-9819381.
Workshop on care of elders Families caring for elderly relatives can get information at a May 23 Elder Care Workshop at New Bethel AME Church in Lithonia. The 9 a.m. workshop, presented by the Commission on Christian Social Action, will address legal issues for family caregivers including powers of attorney, last will and testament, living wills and guardianship.
Other topics on the agenda include long-term care facilities like assisted living, personal care and nursing homes, and spiritual support and pre-planning for caregivers. Admission is free and breakfast will be served. The church is at 8350 Rockbridge Road. For more information, call 770-484-3350.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 16, 2009
MARKETPLACE RATES
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Child Care Nanny Needed ASAP Experienced nanny needed by single-mother for newborn and 2 year old children. Must be able to stay overnight. Days and salary negotiable. If interested please contact ASAP. Call Jenna @ 678-707-1474.
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FOR RENT/LEASE Stone Mountain. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Brick House, New Renovation, New Carpet, Fireplace, Single Car Garage. $840 monthly. 404-457-9415.
HAIR CARE/SALON Recession Special. Booth rent $75 per week. Antoine’s Styles of Perfection in Conyers seeking licensed Stylists, Barbers and Nail Technicians. Call 678-509-1329. 10-7 p.m. No weapon formed against us shall prosper.
Help Wanted Immediate virtual assistant position Seeking a motivated individual to fill an online begin-
ning to mid-level clerical position. Handling day-to-day invoicing and billing.Email rashonediggs@ live.com
HOME SERVICES Your Neighborhood Handyman! Plumbing and Electrical repairs, painting, carpentry, flooring, roofing, exterior work also. Call Chris (404) 992-3663.
Homes for Rent House For Rent 4 bedroom,2.5 bath over 2700sq ft. located in lithonia. family rm with fireplace,kitchen with appliances,dining rm,laundry rm,2 car garage,built in 2000. Contact Jim @ 4-372-4440. 1225 per month 700 deposit.
LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE Lawn Care Early Bird Special $99.00 per month. Landscape: Maintenance, Design, Installation, Vegetable Garden. Senior Citizens Discount. Call 770-593-1382
LOANS & MORTGAGES Loans for churches, restaurants, day care centers, multi-family properties, office buildings, and other commercial properties. Purchases or refinancing. All credit considered. Closings as quick as 7 days. www.thesamuelgroupinc. com. 404-870-9070.
Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Thursday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.
MOVERS Gideon Movers, Inc. Moves & Deliveries, In-house Moves; Loading & Un-loading. Free on-site Estimate. (404)241-8899. gideonmovers@comcast.net
REAL ESTATE Convington Hwy/I-285. North Center: full service professional office building offering suites from 281 s.f. to 2680 s.f. Premier location minutes from I-285 and
I-20. Contact Carole Egan: (770) 598-1298.
Services Photography/video services We LOVE photography! We’ll help you feel comfortable and have a blast! WEDDINGS SPECIAL EVENTS BABIES PORTRAITS PETS VIDEO email - thompson2355@gmail.com www. savagephotos4u.com (under construction) Marcus 404-6950730 De 404-542-0851
If This Was Your Ad, Thousands Could Be Seeing It Now! Call 404-284-1888 today for rates & information.
Home Remodeling & Roofing Services Call Rob at 404-2072875 or go online for a free estimate. GA Licensed & Insured www.atmconstructors.net
Financial & Tax Services EMCC Agent Licensing Life & Health Insurance Licensing classes weekly. Online courses in all states for Insurance and Securities at www.emccmarketing.com/EXAMFX.html call 404-394-5023.
One-order, one-invoice, multi-newspaper placement service! Reach more than 15 million households served by over 1,020 suburban and community newspapers around North America and Canada. 25-word ad starts at $240 weekly. Discount Contact Rates Available. For more information, call 404-284-1888 Autos DONATE YOUR CAR to SPECIAL KIDS FUND. Help Disabled Children With Camp and Education. Non-Runners OK. Quickest Free Towing. Free Cruise/Hotel Voucher. Tax Deductible. Call 1-866-448-3254. *Police Impounds for Sale!* Honda Civic 2002 only $1000! Honda Accord 1998 only $750! Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans & More from $500! For Listings 800-366-0124 ext. L213 $500! HONDAS & TOYOTAS FROM $500! Buy Police Impounds & Repos! Acuras, Nissans, Chevys & more from $500! For Listings 800-366-0124 ext. L215
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Yesterday! Find out what is in it for you! 1-866-457-3382 recorded information Earn $500.00-$2,500.00 WEEKLY processing our flyers, brochures. Great opportunity ! Postage supplies furnished. Processors needed NOW. No travel. For FREE information call Speedline Publications NOW. 1-800-395-5972 **Are You Making $1,500.00 + PER WEEK? ALL CASH VENDING! Incredible Income Opportunity! Snack-soda... Minimum $8K To $40K Investment Required. Excellent Quality Machines. 800962-9189 100% RECESSION PROOF! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy. All for $9,995. 800-893-1185 (Void in SD & MD)
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Education & Training Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call
800-488-0386 www.CenturaOnline.com AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Housing Available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 349-5387. HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast Affordable & Accredited. FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1-800-5326546 Ext. 96 www.continentalacademy.com Force Protection Security Details. $73K - $220K Paid Training! Military/Police Exp. helpful but NOT REQUIRED. Kidnapping Prevention $250-$1,000/ day. Paid Expenses. Call 1-615-891-1163 Ext. 733 www.rlcenterprises.net
Employment Opportunities National Org. Now Hiring Gov’t contractor, Avg starting pay $20-$25/hr, $60K/yr incl. Federal Ben/OT, Paid Training & Vacations, Retirement, No Exp Necessary 1-888-320-1704 $600 Weekly Potential$$$ Helping The Government PT. No Experience, No Selling. Call: 1-888-213-5225 Ad Code E. Void in Maryland and South Dakota. Paid In Advance! Make $1000 weekly Stuffing Envelopes from home. 100% Legit! Income is
Guaranteed! No experience required. Apply Today! www. startstuffingnow.com Mystery Shoppers Needed. Earn up to $150 per day. Undercover Shoppers needed to Judge Retail & Dining Establishments Experience Not Required. Call Now 1-877-218-6211 Earn up to $500 weekly assembling our angel pins in the comfort of your own home. No experience required. Call 413303-0474 or visit www.angelpin. net
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Misc. For Sale * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting under $10. FREE DVR and HD Upgrades for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1-800-699-7159 A NEW COMPUTER NOW!!!! Brand Name laptops & desktops Bad or NO Credit- No Problem Smallest weekly payments avail. Its yours NOW- Call 800-317-7891
Miscellaneous COUGAR DEN CIGARETTES Offers the Best Prices on the
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Real Estate BUY HUD Homes from $199/mo! 4bd 2ba only $325/mo! 3bd 2ba only $199/mo! More Home from $199/mo! 5% dn, 15yrs @8% apr! for Listings 800-366-0142 ext. T252 3bd 2ba HUD Home only $200/ mo! 4bd 2ba Home only $325/ mo! Priced to Sell! More Homes Available! 5%dn, 20yrs @8%apr! For Listings 800-366-0142 ext. T253 Opportunity Knocks in NC! ONLINE REAL ESTATE AUCTION www.LightHouseAuctionServices. com NCAF#8552 FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION NY STATEWIDE 600+ Homes Must Be Sold! REDC | Free Brochure www.Auction.com
Timeshares SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!! Maintenance fees too high? Need Cash? Sell your unused timeshare today. No commissions or Broker Fees. Free Consultation. www.sellatimeshare.com 1-866-708-3690
Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 16, 2009