FINANCE
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Disabled commuters will see prices go up on Oct. 7 if MARTA’s proposed budget is adopted. 6
Winners in Hank Johnson’s 2012 Congressional Art Competition were recognized at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. 8
Fare increase rolling out
Young artists lauded
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May 19, 2012
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Volume 18, Number 3
South DeKalb property values take another big hit By Mary Swint
Property values in south DeKalb County continue their downward spiral, falling 12 percent since 2011. Preliminary fiqures, in a property appraisal report accepted by the DeKalb Board of Assessors on May 3, show that the appraised values of homes in unincorporated DeKalb lost $2.7 billion in value. The county’s chief appraiser Calvin Hicks said notices will be mailed May 29 to property owners. In unincorporated DeKalb, 95.6 percent or 173,086 of its 181,000 properties are residences. DeKalb has 227,694 properties. Countywide, property values declined $3 billion or 6 percent, going from $47.2 billion in 2011
to $44.2 billion. This is the third year of double digit declines in property values. Last year, appraised property values across DeKalb plummeted overall by 13 percent from 2010 in the wake of new state legislation that requires distressed property sales to be factored into appraisals. Property values has fallen in DeKalb which has seen unprecedented foreclosures and economic depression engulfed homeowners over the last three to four years. Lower appraised values mean that property owners will pay less taxes but many homeowners who are under water on their mortgages are expected to appeal them. Hicks said the appraised figures will change as property owners begin appealing their 2012 appraisals.
The Board of Assessors report did not include taxable personal property, public utilities, heavy duty equipment, motor vehicles, timber and mobile homes. Hicks said those will be added to real estate values when the 2012 tax digest is prepared this summer. The county will charge taxes against 40 percent of the appraised values. The Board is still hearing 2011 appeals. Of the 20,000 appeals filed last year, Hicks said that there are 2,560 remaining appeals to be scheduled or rescheduled for hearings.
Stone Mountain’s remained almost the same and properties in the Stone Mountain CID increased by 1 percent. Pine Lake and Doraville had the steepest overall drop of all the cities in DeKalb. Pine Lake’s values plummeted almost $8.4 million or 20 percent and Doraville’s residential values fell, 31 percent. Clarkston’s property values went down by $7.1 million or 5 percent. In the city of Lithonia, property values went down almost $2.6 million or 7 percent. In Avondale Estates, property values decreased by $27.2 million or 8 percent. Mixed bag in cities County spokesman Burke Brennan, said Decatur was the only city in the county CEO Burrell Ellis’s midyear budget recomthat experienced an increase in appraised mendations will account for the ramificavalues. Its property values increased $74.7 tions of the tax digest declines and all other million or about 3 percent. factors.
Absence of rail for I-20 fuels dissent
Former state Sen. Steen Miles (second from right) urges forum participants to vote against sales tax. Other panelists are (from left) Jeff Dickerson, Lyle Harris and Commissioner Lee May.
Transportation penny tax a hard sell in South DeKalb By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
The absence of rail for I-20 is proving to be a huge stumbling block for South DeKalb residents facing the July 31 transportation referendum. At a May 16 forum hosted by the Greater Lithonia Chamber, panelists – Commissioner Lee May, former state Sen. Steen Miles, and Jeff Dickerson, a paid spokesman for Citizens for Transportation Mobility – were starkly divided on support for the penny sales tax to fund 157 projects around the 10-county metro-Atlanta region. MARTA spokesman Lyle Harris and ARC Land Use Division Chief Dan Reuter were also on the panel to provide information. Miles, a 32-year Decatur resident, said voters should not support the Transportation Investment Act which is expected to raise $8.5 billion over 10 years. “Send it back,’ she told the room of mostly business owners. “Let them rework it, and they can bring it back in another two years.” Miles said the referendum, which would require DeKalb residents to pay two pennies in sales tax for transportation, is not worthy of DeKalb votes because of issues with governance, because I-20 rail is not a priority, and because of what it is doing to MARTA. Residents of DeKalb and Fulton counties have been paying a penny sales tax for MARTA since 1971. The TIA tax would make it two pennies. “We are not getting anything for another penny,” Miles said. “Bus Rapid Transit to Stonecrest – it’s still a bus. It has designated lanes. It mimics a train. It’s still a bus. It’s on rubber, not rail. And we want rail out to I-20.”
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Miles said that most of the referendum’s projects are in the north end. “There is precious little for Henry, and South DeKalb and Rockdale County,” she said. “Vote against it, unless, and until I-20 rail is made a priority.” Miles said that former Gov. Roy Barnes created the Greater Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) which had the potential of uniting this entire region. “Instead of supporting it, other counties decided they were going to cherry pick and establish their own little bus systems, and then when they found out that their buses were going to be stuck in traffic out there at I-85 and 400, then they decide, ‘oh, well maybe it might be a good idea for a regional transportation plan.’ Well doggone it, you better kiss me before you screw me, because I am not going to do it anymore.” Dickerson, a Lithonia resident, said the referendum is worthy of support because
it will bring 200,000 jobs to the region, $19 billion in income and has a four-to-one return on investment of $30 billion over the next 30 years. “There is an awful lot of good reasons to support this,” he said. “We live in a region. We are not an island. We commute throughout this region. To work and play, we use the region. We have to begin to think of ourselves in this area as one region.” Whether we like it or not, Dickerson said our fortunes rise and fall together. “They rise and fall with Cobb and Gwinnett and Fayette,” he said. “We are one region and we need to begin to think and vote as one region.” Dickerson said that the 157 projects on the list are a healthy, balanced mix of roads and transit. “We need one more thing,” he said. “We need to put rail out I-20 to the top of the ARC’s list. We need to tap into the 15 percent
local projects for DeKalb County to use that money. We need to leverage those resources to get rail out here, while at the same time supporting the regional tax.” May, who represents DeKalb’s District 5, said its not fair to ask DeKalb residents to pay two pennies and not get rail. “I am not anti tax,” he said. “I am for the I-20 rail project.” May said DeKalb and Fulton counties have been regional thinkers for decades, funding Grady Hospital, a safety net hospital, and MARTA, the 9th largest transit system that receives no funding from the state. “The state has talked about regional thinking,” he said. “The region has talked about regional thinking, but very few players have come forward to act upon that with putting their money where their mouth is. In DeKalb County, we have always been on Please see FORUM, page 2
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“We need to impress on the students and the community that we cannot allow the band to hold the public hostage.”
Southern portion of metro Atlanta region left out FORUM,
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board in terms of thinking about the region.” May expressed disappointment with the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce which voted to support the referendum without asking for what he called “any real concessions for
our part of region. “If you look at the project list,” May said, “there is one section of the region that has really been left out and it’s the southern part of the region.” He said that the I-20 project is the oldest of the projects out here. “So we have been asked now, to take the crumbs under the table, and be happy to
use this,” he said. “We keep hearing, do you want to really get rid of the $200-something million that you have been allocated, and get nothing? “Well my question is, does the region want to lose $8 billion because they don’t want to add a couple of hundred millions to a project that is desperately needed. That’s what I am asking.”
Hazing fallout: Suspension expanded for FAMU’s ‘Marching 100’ By Carla Parker
The famed Florida A&M University “Marching 100” will not see the field for at least another year. FAMU President James Ammons announced the yearlong suspension on May14 and said they will hire a new band director and adopt new band rules. The band was temporarily suspended last November after 26-year-old drum major Robert Champion died after being hazed on a band bus outside an Orlando hotel. Champion was a graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur; his parents, Robert and Pam, both live in Decatur. School officials tried to fire band director Julian White, but he fought the dismissal. White, 71, chairman of the university’s music department and director of bands since 1998, retired on May 10 after it was revealed that more than 100 of the band’s members were not FAMU students. The new band rules being considered include academic standards for band members, more chaperones on out-of-town trips, and limits on how long a student can remain in the band.
The return of FAMU’s Marching 100 awaits a new director and new band rules.
Ammons also said that it is critical that all ongoing investigations into the band be wrapped up before moving forward. He said he will re-evaluate his decision next year, but made no promises for when the band would return. “Although the band is a part of the university, this decision was for Florida A&M University,” Ammons said. “I just felt after listening to all the advice and all the positions
that people had, this decision was in the best interests of the long-term growth and development of Florida &M University.” Ammons also said the university plans to come with “alternative entertainment” but he said he hoped FAMU supporters would still show up at football games. “We are going to work very hard to sell this football program with the hopes our fan base will remain solid this football season,” he said. White agreed that suspending the band for a year was the right move. “I think we need to impress on the students and the community that we cannot allow the band to hold the public hosJulian White tage,” White said. Chris Chestnut, the Champion family’s attorney, said the family were relieved by Ammons’ decision to keep the suspension in place another year. “They are disappointed that all of this could have been avoided if FAMU had paid attention to what was going on in that band for the last few years,” he said.
The family has said they plan to sue the school. Eleven people face felony hazing charges in Champion’s death, and two more have been charged with misdemeanors. Among those charged is 19-year-old Aaron Golson, who was also arrested for allegedly beating 18-year-old and Southwest DeKalb alumni Bria Hunter. Hunter said Golson and two fellow DeKalb School district alumni and FAMU band members hazed her at an off-campus apartment three weeks before Champion’s death. She said she suffered a broken thigh bone and had blood clots in her legs after the beating. Four of the 11 people charged in Champion’s death, including Golson, are from the Atlanta area. Two of them, Jonathan Boyce, 24, and Shawn Turner, 26, were among the drum majors who marched at the funeral. Turner spoke at the service. Another drum major, Rikki Willis, also charged in Champion’s death, told reporters at Champion’s funeral that, “It was a pleasure to have ever met him.” Lasherry Codner, 20, also of Atlanta, is charged in Champion’s death.
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“A pattern of activity was taking place at this particular precinct that was being directed by a sergeant to junior officers.”
Biomass facility applies for air permit
Officers indicted on assault charges
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Three DeKalb County police officers were indicted May 10 on assault charges for allegedly beating teenage suspects in their custody. A DeKalb grand jury indicted Blake Andrew Norwood, Arthur Parker III and Sgt. Anthony Remone Robinson on Arthur Parker III Anthony Robinson 15 counts including aggravated Blake Norwood assault, battery, violating their oaths as the beating and reported it. police officers, making false statements Williams sued Norwood and Parker in and racketeering. March, claiming personal injury. Three of the four teens allegedly beaten DeKalb District Attorney Robert James by the officers were 15 and 16 years old. said Robinson, the junior officer’s supervisor, The alleged incidents took place Dec. 23, ordered them to beat the suspects. 2010, and Nov. 15, 2011. “They essentially have a pattern of conThe other victim, Travarrius Williams, duct,” he said, “a pattern of activity that was was 18 at the time when Norwood and taking place at this particular precinct that Parker drove him in their squad cars in was being directed by a sergeant to junior handcuffs behind a garage at the South officers.” Precinct on Candler Road and beat him on Norwood and Parker resigned from the Oct. 15, 2011. Williams suffered a broken force, and Robinson is on administrative tooth and bruised ribs. A third officer saw leave.
Residents have until June 1 to file comments to the Georgia Environmental Division about the air permit application for the controversial bio-mass facility proposed for Lithonia. Green Energy Partners, which is developing the facility, filed its air permit application to the Georgia EPD on April 24. The application came nine weeks after the DeKalb Development Authority approved a resolution to provide $53 million in bond funding for the facility it plans to build on 21.12 acres at 1770 Rogers Lake Road. Green Energy Partners, which has been trying for two years to build the $60 million plant, says it will incinerate wood chips to create energy which it will sell to Georgia Power Co. Members of Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment (CHASE), which opposes the plant for health and environmental reasons, said Thursday that they are preparing comments to file to EPD. Deborah Jackson, a CHASE member, said they remain concern about the toxins that will be emitted from the plant if it is built. “We are particularly concern as it relates the very fine particulate mat- Deborah Jackson ters that will be emitted but are not addressed by the EPD,” said Jackson, who is mayor of the city of Lithonia, which is near to site of the proposed plant. Dr. Jewel Crawford, another CHASE member, said residents should also send letters to the EPD protesting the plant. “People with asthma and families with
children with asthma should write to object to this because it will make their condition worst,” she said. Green Energy’s president and CEO Neville Anderson did not return telephone calls by press time Thursday. In his EPD permit application, he said the estimated start date for construction of the plant is August 2012. Neville Anderson Supporters say the 79,710-square-foot plant will bring jobs, produce green energy, and generate revenue for the county government. Anderson has said the plant will generate 650 jobs during construction and 25 permanent jobs once it opens. In his air permit application, he said the “Green Energy Resource Center (GERC)” will process approximately 165,000 tons of wood annually. Its gross output, will be 11.5 to 12.5 megawatts. It will operate round the clock, 365 days per year except for two weeks per year for scheduled maintenance. Jackson said residents are not giving up. “It was a bad project when it was first presented and it continues to be a bad project,” she said. “The few jobs that will be generated is not worth the health risks and damage to the environment.”
Speak your mind To comment on Green Energy Partners Air Permit Application: write: Eric Cornwell, Manager, Stationary Source Permitting Program, Georgia Air Protection Branch, 4244 International Parkway, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA 30354 The deadline to comment is June 1.
Home invasion crew gets prison time Convicted murderer Michael felony murder, armed robbery, Blaine will spend the rest of his aggravated assault, burglary, poslife behind bars. session of a firearm by convicted DeKalb Superior Court Judge felon and false imprisonment. He Clarence Seeliger sentenced was found guilty on 31 of the 38 Blaine on May 17 to eight concounts. secutive life sentences without Blaine was convicted of orchesthe possibility of parole. trating the criminal activity of a A DeKalb jury found the Michael Blaine home invasion crew that targeted leader of a home-invasionwealthy individuals and homes of robbery crew guilty of murder and other drug dealers. In some instances, he had a charges on May 16. woman pose as a prostitute to distract vicBlaine was indicted on 38 counts, tims and gain entry into their homes. All including racketeering, malice murder, additional members of his crew pled guilty.
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How does concentrating the funding within the city of Atlanta solve our traffic congestion problem?
Why we should vote ‘no’ on T-SPLOST referendum By Viola Davis
When will we as taxpayers and voters get tired of “status quo” solutions that do not solve problems? The T-SPLOST referendum is yet another so-called solution to our everlasting traffic congestion problem. The politically connected corporations will provide plenty of funding to pay for political lies that distort the truth. What truth? Once again, we have a problem that will generate profits for the politically connected instead of solve the traffic congestion. Please view the accompanying chart that explains our Return on Investment and the percentage loss. We focused on funding and projects “entirely” within each given county. When we searched for which location benefited from the loss identified in each county, the city of Atlanta received the money.
County-by-county breakdown County/City Cherokee Clayton Cobb DeKalb Douglas Fayette Fulton Gwinnett Henry Rockdale
Revenue Generated $279.9 million $451.7 million $1,220.3 million $1,017.2 million $206.8 million $190.2 million $1,237.6 million $1,289.7 million $279.2 million $136.7 million
Projects Entirely w/in County/City $268.5 million $370.0 million $305.5 million $556.8 million $121.4 million $157.2 million $920.6 million $1,023.9 million $261.6 million $98.2 million
ROI (4% loss) (18% loss) (75% loss) (45% loss) (41% loss) (17% loss) (25% loss) (20% loss) (6% loss) (28% loss)
How does concentrating the funding within the city of Atlanta solve our traffic congestion problem? Return on Investment for the city of Atlanta – investment overall for the city of Atlanta – $2,156.5 million, or 2.1 billion! The city of Atlanta is the “winner”!
and projects entirely within their counties compared to the money generated in their counties. n The city of Atlanta will benefit from $2.1 billion in money and projects compared to $914.7 million generated within the city limits. n Biggest losers for T-SPLOST Facts to remember: are everyone outside of the city of n Ten counties that make up Atlanta. District 3 will receive less money n County with the lowest percent-
Poll respondents express support Editor’s note: On our Facebook page, we asked people how they planned to vote on the 1-cent Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax on July 31. Here are some of their responses and comments.
George Turner: Yes The T-SPLOST proposal is not ideal, and I am sure it will never be ideal when it comes to satisfying everyone. Three of the biggest missing pieces with MARTA over the last 40 years have been zero support from Gwinnett, Cobb and Clayton, who are some of the prime users of MARTA. This proposal George Turner can bring those players to the table and link not only the five original MARTA referendum counties, but it also targets five other key counties. Although I live in southeast DeKalb, I have a need to access the entire metro area on a regular basis. We can debate the equity of the distribution of projects forever. Meanwhile, we should not miss out on job opportunities and regional growth. I don’t know if we can afford to wait on Plan B if this plan is bypassed. I will be voting YES.
encouraging everyone who drives and/or uses public transit to support it as well. I drive and I often ride MARTA, so I would be served by improvements in either area. Many of the challenges we face today could have been avoided had more people Akbar Imhotep taken a look at the big picture 30-40 years ago. They did not. Let us not make the same mistake this year and 40 years from now, our descendants look back and wish we had done things differently today.
Bunnie Jackson-Ransom: Yes I see the value in the project. Byron Merritt: Yes We rise or fall as a region. The package will provide for the engineering plans for the heavy rail to Stonecrest, moving us closer. The alternative seems to be a step backward. Let’s cooperate and go forward. Byron Merritt
Ernest Holsendolph: Yes I will vote for the transportation referendum! I learned with public transportation, you never, not ever, get exactly what you want. You just have to keep nibbling. That actually is the history of public transportation. And yes, the extension of rail from Indian Creek to Stonecrest is logical and necessary, so we must keep plugging away. But we will not get there Akbar Imhotep: Yes Yes, I’m voting for the penny sales tax and by boycotting T-SPLOST! Bill E. Leavell: Yes Because I’m counting on our elected officials to do their jobs and get the legislation needed to get the best job done as in rail to Stonecrest and other much needed help for MARTA! Our traffic on any given day in South DeKalb is ridiculous.
age for Return on Investment: Cobb County at 25 percent, with a loss of 75 percent. n Second county with the lowest percentage for Return on Investment: DeKalb County at 54.7 percent, with a loss of 45 percent, especially for everyone living in South DeKalb. Counties with less than a 20 percent loss with T-SPLOST: Cherokee County, Henry County, Fayette County. This data prove that the TSPLOST problem will merely generate profits for the politically connected instead of solving our traffic congestion. The public’s demand for a viable solution will not be answered with this plan of action. To review the ROI data, visit www.scribd.com/doc/92194885/ Transportation-Investment-Act -Return-on-Investment-for-Coun ty-City. Viola Davis is a registered nurse and the co-founder of the Unhappy Voter and Taxpayer organization in Stone Mountain.
NAACP says vote ‘no’ on referendum Blacks and others in DeKalb and Fulton County who already pay 1 cent would be paying 2 cents. Other suburban and rural counties would be paying 1 cent. The math is simple. The proposed tax is unfair and racist. The state of Georgia will take over and operate MARTA. This will lead to privatization and loss of jobs for blacks and others. DeKalb will not have fair representation on the MARTA board of directors. The regional Transportation Roundtable has 21 members. The taxpaying counties have four votes and non-taxpaying counties have 17 votes. DeKalb never had a chance for the I-20 rail. The DeKalb County Commission and MARTA recommended the I-20 rail, but the roundtable turned it down. Blacks are always underserved and never get a fair share of taxes paid. Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties have never paid a penny to support MARTA. We are asking blacks and right-thinking people in all 10 counties to oppose the 1-cent transportation tax. For more information, call the DeKalb County Branch NAACP at 404241-8006.
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“Our CID is keenly aware of the need to see at least 2,000 new jobs become available in this part of DeKalb County.”
Career expo in Decatur to help veterans, other job seekers Unemployed and under-employed veterans and other job seekers can attend a career expo on May 23 at the New Life Community Center in Decatur. The 10 a.m-to-2 p.m. Veterans Memorial Career Expo is co-sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor. Veterans will have priority entrance Mark Butler from 10 to 11 a.m. State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said the job fair is especially designed to help returning service personnel. “As more of our veterans end their
terms of service, I want to ensure that we welcome them back home properly and that we acknowledge what they did for our country,” Butler said in a May 14 statement. “Although we are seeing signs of growth in the economy, it will still be awhile before we recover completely.” Butler said that the Georgia Department of Labor will continue to work hard, matching the unemployed with companies in a position to hire. “This effort includes career expos, such as this one, that introduce veterans and potential employers,” he said. The expo will feature about 25 employers, educational institutions, and resource agen-
GDOT seeks comments on study Georgia residents can voice their opinions this month on the Draft Disparity Study that targets participation of minorityand women-owned businesses in Georgia Department of Transportation construction and engineering contracts from 2009 through June 2011. Residents can offer input at three public comment meetings and online by May 31. The GDOT Draft 2012 Disparity Study, which focuses on participation of minorityand women-owned firms (MBEs and WBEs), including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises or DBEs, also analyzes conditions for MBEs/WBEs within the Georgia marketplace and examines steps to encourage utilization of all small businesses in Georgia contracts as well as programs specific to DBEs. The draft study was researched and prepared by BBC Research & Consulting, which presented the study to the Equal Access Com-
mittee of the State Transportation Board on April 18. Comments and results of the analysis will help the department establish goals for DBE participation in the coming three years. Additional information on the program is available at www.dot.ga.gov /doingbusiness/dbePrograms/Pages /default.aspx. In metro Atlanta, public comment meetings will be held May 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at GDOT headquarters, 4th Floor, 600 W. Peachtree St. N.W. in Atlanta. Meetings are also planned in Thomaston and Savannah. Comments also can be submitted via e-mail to disparitystudy@dot.ga.gov or at www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/dbe Programs by May 31. For more information, contact the GDOT Office of Equal Opportunity at 404-631-1972.
cies that provide assistance to job seekers. Some employers will be hiring, while others will be discussing possible future employment opportunities. Other organizations will provide educational and other resources. Applicants should bring plenty of resumes and be prepared to fill out company applications and to interview for available job openings, including part-time, full-time, entry-level, supervisory, and management positions. Participating companies and institutions include Aflac, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Belhaven University, BH Delivery Service, Bobby Dodd Enterprise, Care Master Medical, Carl Perry Enterprises, Cintas, Clark
Atlanta University, Dart Container Corp. of Georgia, DeKalb County Police Department, DeKalb Workforce Development, Executive Marketing, General Services Administration, Goodwill of North Georgia, Jacobson Staffing Co., Lowe’s, R.R. Donnelley, Rent the Box, Safelink, Teachers R US Staffing, Weave Shop, Wells Fargo, and Westin Atlanta Perimeter. New Life Community Center is at 3592 Flat Shoals Road in Decatur. For more information about the expo, or for employers seeking to register, visit www.dol.state.ga.us or contact Kenneth Dinkins at 404-298-3990 or Angela Spruill, James Thrasher or Timothy Moses at 404298-3970.
Stone Mountain CID gets job grant said in a May 10 statement. “This The Stone Mountain Commueconomic development effort is nity Improvement District’s efforts focused on re-creating our area as a to create jobs got a shot in the arm destination for investment and rewith a $20,000 award from the development. The more businesses Development Authority of DeKalb that we have filling our available County. spaces, the more employment opAuthority members recently portunities will open where they are voted to grant the funds to the CID, which will help it create 2,000 new Emory Morsberger needed most.” He credited the leadership of jobs by the end of 2013. The funds will match an $80,000 grant Development Authority Chair Judy Turner award by the Atlanta Regional Commis- and other authority members in making the grant decision. sion. “We greatly appreciate this support The CID’s president, Emory Morsberger, said the funding puts it in a much better from the Development Authority of DeKalb position to accomplish important planning County, and we look forward to working even more closely with the economic deefforts. “Our CID is keenly aware of the need to velopment professionals serving DeKalb see at least 2,000 new jobs become available County,” Morsberger said. For more information, visit http://stone in this part of DeKalb County, and we are working to help meet that need,” Morsberger mountaincid.com.
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“ANDP is creating positive momentum in communities that have experienced four years of foreclosures.”
Clarkston hires planning manager MARTA fares for disabled to rise Jason Gaines has joined the city of Clarkston as its first Planning & Development manager. Gaines previously worked for Cobb County’s Community Development Agency and the Cobb Department of Transportation. Clarkston City Manager Keith Barker, who Jason Gaines announced the appointment on May 7, said more than 60 “very qualified applicants” were considered. “I look forward to working with someone with Mr. Gaines’ experience and background,” Barker said. “He will be able to ensure that our permitting, zoning and land use functions are customer focused and will assist in addressing some of our critical community and economic development needs.”
Gaines holds a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Georgia Tech and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He is a graduate of the Management Development Program at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. His contributions in Cobb included work on its Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Transportation Plan, oversight of annexation proceedings and service delivery agreements with Cobb’s six incorporated cities, and development of its Complete Streets Policy as well as work on corridor-and-small-area studies. He also spent a year with Henry County’s Planning and Zoning Department, where he was responsible for the review and analysis of zoning requests, sign applications and other day-to-day functions.
SunTrust assists Capitol City Bank Capitol City Bank & Trust Co. has received a major investment from SunTrust Banks as well as support from other financial institutions and investors. SunTrust made a $4 million investment to Capitol City Bank, of which $1 million has already been funded. George Andrews, president and CEO of Capitol City, said SunTrust stepped up to the plate as a community partner. “This investment is an example of one hometown bank providing assistance to another,” Andrews said in a May 3 statement. Atlanta-based Capitol City Bank, which has a branch on Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, was founded in 1994. It needed an infusion of cash to stay afloat after being placed on a federal watch list.
William H. Rogers Jr., chairman and CEO of SunTrust Banks, said SunTrust is proud to invest in such “a longstanding and important community partner.” In a statement this week, Capitol Capitol City Bank was organized to serve metro Atlanta’s minority community, and its customer base is primarily AfricanAmerican. It lends to churches, small businesses and individuals who have been some of the hardest hit in the economic downturn. These facts make it an attractive investment under the Community Reinvestment Act. “If Capitol City Bank did not have enough capital to survive, our absence from the marketplace would leave a tremendous void,” Andrews said.
By Carla Parker
Disabled MARTA commuters and riders who qualify for reduced fares will see base fares and monthly passes go up again this year as part of the transit authority’s proposed $434.95 million budget. At a May 15 public hearing at the Maloof Auditorium, MARTA’s Kevin Hurley said the increase is the final step up in a three-year staggered increase that began in fiscal year 2010. The price of a reduced fare will increase from 95 cents to $1, the mobility base fare will increase from $3.80 to $4, and the mobility monthly pass will increase from $122 to $128. Hurley, board manager of financial planning, said the staggered increase was created to mitigate the immediate financial impact on seniors and individuals with disabilities. If approved by the MARTA board of directors as part of the FY 2013 budget, fare increases would take effect Oct. 7. The base fare of $2.50 and the monthly pass fare of $95 will remain constant in FY 2013. Hurley said the budget, which includes a capital budget of $230.4 million and $141.6 million for debt service, “represents the continued commitment of staff to maintain a safe and secure system, improve service quality, respond to customer needs, and prepare MARTA for the future of transit in the region.” The FY 2013 budget includes no rec-
The hike in fares for disabled commuters is the final step up in a threeyear staggered increase that began in fiscal year 2010.
Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
ommendations for annual merit or wage increases for employees, which would be the fifth year in a row of no wage increases. The board of directors will vote on the final budget on June 11. It will continue to hear feedback from MARTA riders, including at a May 21 public hearing at the South Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park. The hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. The proposed budget will be available for public inspection an hour before the hearing, and MARTA staff will be present to provide information and answer questions. The public also can provide comments to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs through May 25 by calling 404-848-5299; writing to 2424 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; completing an online comment card at www.itsmarta.com/webcomments .aspx; e-mailing custserv@itsmarta.com; or faxing comments to 404-848-4179. Copies of the proposed budget highlights and fare changes will be available for review at the MARTA headquarters front desk, 2424 Piedmont Road N.E. in Atlanta, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Copies are also available on www.itsmarta.com.
$125,000 award to help fight blight A $125,000 Wells Fargo Foundation award to the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership will help the nonprofit redevelop foreclosed homes and stabilize metro neighborhoods. ANDP is working directly to redevelop vacant homes in areas hard hit by foreclosures as well as convening 140 other organizations to combat the crisis through the regional Piece by Piece Initiative. CEO John O’Callaghan said the award will help ANDP further its mission. “ANDP is creating positive momentum in communities that have experienced four
years of foreclosures,” O’Callaghan said in a May 3 statement. “Wells Fargo’s consistent support has been crucial to our development of 218 homes thus far, and it will propel us toward our goal of 250 more homes over the next three years.” Mike Donnelly, Wells Fargo’s Atlanta regional president, said ANDP is doing crucial work to ensure that neighborhoods rebound from foreclosures. ANDP, which was founded in 2007, works in the city of Atlanta and DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties to execute its stabilization programs.
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Wellness
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“Being active and staying active is one way to help combat this epidemic.”
Women’s conference going behind the scenes include cholesterol, glucose, Women can attend selfHIV/AIDS, sickle cell, vihelp classes and get free sion, body mass index, visscreenings and health and ceral fat, and hypertension. beauty tips at the May 19 Self-help classes include “Behind the Scenes ‘I Am managing anger; underStill a Woman’ Health and standing diabetes; and surWellness Conference” at viving the aging process, the Holiday Inn Perimeter cancer and unemployment Atlanta. Connie Jackson Kathie Gannon stress. The 8 a.m.-to-4 p.m. con- Philippa Ellis There also will be a speference, produced by Brenda Jackson and Associates, is helping celebrate National cial screening of “The Weight of the Nation,” an HBO and Institute of Medicine documentary on the obesity Women’s Health Week. Keynote speakers include attorney Philippa V. Ellis, epidemic, and DeKalb’s Jobs Bus will be on location. Space is limited. Registration is $25 at behindthe wife of CEO Burrell Ellis; the Rev. Connie “CJ” Jackson of On the Edge Ministries; and District 6 DeKalb Com- sceneswc.eventbrite.com. It includes snacks, lunch and conference materials. missioner Kathie Gannon. The hotel is at 4368 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour Bus will join a host of local health and social service agencies to provide For more information, contact bjaeventserv@aol.com health screenings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The offerings will or 770-808-0114.
Health grants for kids
Families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care can apply for a medical grant from the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation. The grants are for treatments, services or equipment not covered by a family’s commercial health insurance plan. Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy; counseling services; surgeries; prescriptions; wheelchairs; orthotics; eyeglasses; and hearing aids. Grants can cover expenses incurred up to 60 days before the application. Eligible children must be 16 years or younger and their families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States, and have a commercial health insurance plan. Parents or guardians may apply at www.uhccf.org. There is no application deadline. Foundation President Matt Peterson urges families in need to take advantage of the medical grants. “The grants enable families to focus on their children’s care instead of worrying about how they’ll pay their medical bills,” he said. Funding is provided by contributions. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.uhccf.org.
Fitness guru to lead Day of Play Blood donors can vie for gift card which has the nation’s second A Day of Play on May 19 at Exhighest rate behind Mississippi, change Park in Decatur is designed nearly 40 percent of children are to get DeKalb residents young and obese. These numbers are even old moving toward better health. higher in African-American and District 3 Commissioner Larry Hispanic communities. Johnson is hosting the 10 a.m.-to-1 Studies show childhood obep.m. event, which features dance sity can lead to chronic health fitness guru Stepp Stewart. The problems like high blood presevent supports first lady Michelle sure, asthma and heart disease. Obama’s national Let’s Move! Ini- Stepp Stewart Stewart, who has been featured on tiative to help combat childhood obesity. Johnson says that with the nation’s high “The Dr. Oz Show” and has produced the rate of obesity, this generation will be the first “Stepp With Me” and “Burn It Up” cardio dance workout DVD series, will lead the that may not reach the age of 40. “Being active and staying active is one workout sessions and activities. The Exchange Park Intergenerational way to help combat this epidemic,” he said. Nearly one in three children in the United Center is at 2771 Columbia Drive. For States is overweight or obese. In Georgia, more information, call 404-371-2425.
Adults who give blood or platelets through June 30 still have a chance to win a $1,000 gift card in the American Red Cross “Spring Into Giving” drawing. Three $1,000 gift cards will be given away. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The Southern Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in more than 120 hospitals. About 1,200 people need to give blood or platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Upcoming blood drives include: n May 22 – Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road N.E. in Atlanta; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. n May 22 – MedTech, 4053 LaVista Road in Tucker; from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
n May 22 – Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore
St. in Decatur; from 2 to 7 p.m.
n May 23 – Emory Clinic Decatur Plaza, 101
W. Ponce de Leon Ave. in Decatur; from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. n May 24 – Georgia Bureau of Investigation, 3121 Panthersville Road in Decatur; from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be donated every seven days or up to 24 times a year. Most healthy people 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate. Donors 18 and younger also must meet specific height and weight requirements. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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Youth
May 19, 2012
“It’s kind of overwhelming and humbling at the same time. The kids and the community are enjoying the recognition.”
Four win scholarships in Congressional Art Competition Miller Grove High School student Justin Housley will be going to the Arts Institute of Atlanta on a $10,000 scholarship as a winner in U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s 2012 Congressional Art Competition. Justin and other winners of $20,000 in scholarships in the 2012 competition were recognized at a May 5 ceremony at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. His “Random Thoughts” artwork won second place. First place went to Nicolaas Turner of Chamblee High. His artwork, “I Am Nicolaas Turner Trayvon Martin,” will be on display at the U.S. Capitol for a year with those of other award winners from congressional districts nationwide. Nicolaas earned a $6,000 scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design. He will travel to Washington next month to see his art displayed in the Capitol tunnel.
Amber Green of Miller Grove High took third place and a $5,000 scholarship to the Art Institute with her artwork, “Stop the Violence.” Ruth Pannill of Chamblee High won fourth place and a $2,500 scholarship to the Art Institute for her piece, “What Do U See When U See Me?” The four won from a field of 22 competitors. Johnson, who represents the 4th District that includes parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, said that he is proud of all the students who participated. “In my eyes, they are all winners and every student should be justifiably proud of their art and accomplishments,” he said. The Congressional Art Competition, which began in 1982, provides an opportunity for members of Congress to recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since 2007, Johnson has awarded more than Justin Housley of Miller Grove High won second place with “Random $200,000 in arts scholarships to 4th District students. Thoughts” in U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s Congressional Art Competition.
Towers High band wins $5,500 Grammy Foundation grant The Towers High School band will be getting new equipment compliments of the Grammy Foundation. The Decatur school won a $5,500 check and a Grammy award from the Grammy Foundation on May 2. It was among 18 schools nationwide, and the only school in Georgia, selected as a 2012 Grammy Signature School and awarded cash grants totaling more than $100,000. The Grammy Signature Schools program, created in 1998, recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year. Band director Jermaine Morell said it was amazing to win the award. “It’s kind of overwhelming and humbling
plications are submitted online in October at www.grammyintheschools.com. Finalists are asked to submit additional documentation, such as recordings of school concerts, sample concert programs and repertoire, for review by an independent blueribbon committee of top music educators and professionals. Grammy Signature School winners are notified in April. Morell said he hopes the award and recognition will attract more students to the band, which currently has 50 students. Towers High was one of 18 schools nationwide selected as a 2012 Grammy Signature School. “We have to get the transition going from The grant will be used to purchase new equipment for the band. middle school to high school,” he said. “We at the same time,” he said. “The kids and the dation mails notification to more than 20,000 hope this award will encourage the middle community are enjoying the recognition.” public high schools requesting information school band students to join the high school Each year in August, the Grammy Foun- about their music program. Completed ap- band and build the program.”
DeKalb Prep taking applications Redan Lady Raiders grab state title DeKalb Preparatory Academy, a tuitionfree public charter school, is now accepting applications for enrollment for the 20122013 school year. The school received approval from the DeKalb School System to open its doors for the 2012-2013 school year. It will start off serving grades k to 4 and will add a grade per year up to 8th grade. DeKalb Prep offers a rigorous college preparatory education utilizing the Paragon curriculum, which replaces the traditional history and social studies curriculum. Rather than memorizing names, dates and events in
isolation, students learn the sequential circumstances surrounding historical events, helping them to remember both facts and larger concepts more readily and leading to a deeper understanding of the world, its history and its diversity. Paragon incorporates English/language arts, math, science, technology and the arts throughout the teaching of history and the world. The school is located at the intersection of I-285 and Covington Highway. For more information, visit www.dekalbprep .org or e-mail enroll@dekalbprep.org.
Wheeler High Class of ’74 sought Wheeler High School in Marietta is looking for members of the 1974 class. In May 1974, the school’s graduation ceremony for 425 students on its football field was interrupted by a sudden storm that hit the area, dumping rain and creating huge winds. With the ceremony in ruins, students had to pick up their diplomas in the library and cafeteria. Todd Nixon of the Class of ’74 said he
would like to correct the wrong created by the weather and do it all again. The school has invited the students, faculty and friends to stage the graduation that wasn’t. Members of the ’74 class can join classmates on June 2 at 6 p.m. in the Wheeler High auditorium, 375 Holt Road N.E. Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.74regraduation.com or contact Todd Nixon at 678-492-6732.
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The Redan High School Lady Raiders track team dethroned Southwest DeKalb for the Class AAAA Girls’ State Track title on May 5. The Lady Raiders scored 58 points on the final day of the AAAA championships to capture the 2012 state title from the defending champions. Redan did not score a point in the first two days of competition at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany but scored 58 points on the last day of competition. The Lady Panthers, who had won four of the past five Class AAAA state titles, scored 30 points in the field events, led by Kenya Wheeler’s gold medal in the shot put. Redan got the third day under way with victory in the 4x100 meter relay in a time of 47.90 seconds to put 10 quick points on the board. The hurdles duo of India Hammond and Nikkia Jefferson were the next big contributors as they combined for 32 points in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. Jefferson won gold in the 300 hurdles in a time of 43.44 seconds with Hammond taking the silver in a time of 44.06 seconds. Hammond also took silver in the 100 hurdles in a time of 14.56 seconds and Jefferson the bronze in 14.72 seconds. Redan picked up second-place finishes in both the 400-meter dash by Crystal Gray in 56.37 seconds and the 4x400 relay in 3:53.10 to complete the big rally for the state title. Dunwoody High School gave DeKalb a sweep of the top three spots in Class AAAA with a team total of 38 points behind a gold medal in the 4x400 relay with a time of 3:49.32 and Alex Cameron’s win in the 1600-meter run in 5:03.86. Alyssa Felton scored eight of Chamblee High School’s 14 points on the way to a Top 15 finish of 11th while Miller Grove High School gave DeKalb five teams in the Top 15
Redan’s Nikkia Jefferson, who won gold in the 300-meter hurdles, was a big contributor.
with 13 points for a tie for 12th behind a gold medal by Tatiyana Caffey in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:17.24. Redan’s title marked the sixth consecutive Class AAAA girls’ track state title won by DeKalb teams and Redan’s second title overall coupled with the 2005 AAAAA state championship. The six-year run includes Southwest DeKalb’s four titles (2007-2009, 2011) and Tucker (2010). Redan also gives DeKalb eight girls’ track teams with two or more state titles and the district’s 28th girls’ track title overall.
May 19, 2012
Scene
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CrossRoadsNews
“It is time for us to get in the way. It is time for us to start some good trouble, some necessary trouble.”
Decatur woman Anderson honored with Clarence Seeliger Award DeKalb Chief Magistrate Berryl judge in May 2010. She is the first supporter of the Women’s Resource lauded for work Anderson will receive the “Clarence African-American female to hold that Center, also will be honored as the 2012 “Champion for Change.” Seeliger Local Justice Award” on May position. with young kids 22 at the Women’s The luncheon, which will be held She has extensive training in the Resource Center Decatur resident Tianna K. Bailey was among 10 activists honored at the 2012 11Alive Community Service Awards on May 3 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Bailey and the other honorees were recognized for selfless commitment to helping others. She is co-founder of IMAGE – I Must Achieve the Goal to Excel, an after-school program that serves Tianna Bailey 300 school-age children in the Edgewood and Whitefoord communities. Bailey co-founded IMAGE in October 2000 with her cousin Maurice Shaffer to embody the best practices for after-school programs. For more information, visit www .imageafterschool.org.
to End Domestic Violence 9th annual Champions for Change Luncheon at the Georgia Aquarium. Anderson, who became associate magistrate judge in DeKalb County in 2005, was appointed chief magistrate
issues of domestic violence and elder abuse and is receiving the award for improving the court’s ability to serve family violence survivors. During the luncheon, which starts at 11 a.m., Cox Enterprises, a longtime
Mug shot tees available on Lewis’ online store
Surveys frame future of arts Artists, arts and cultural organizations, faith-based institutions, and residents who support the arts can weigh in on shaping the future of arts and culture in DeKalb in online surveys at www.dekalbcountyga .gov. The DeKalb Creative Industries Task Force is conducting surveys through July 1 to determine the cultural opportunities and desires of stakeholders countywide. The surveys are also available at all DeKalb County libraries. There are four different five-minute surveys, one each for artists, art and cultural organizations, faith-based institutions, and residents. Results will be used to develop a framework to foster a healthy arts and culture community and support artistic endeavors in the county. The surveys take less than five minutes and are available 24 hours a day.
in the Oceans Ballroom, will include a silent auction of airline tickets, jewelry, autographed sports memorabilia, gift certificates, and more. For tickets and more information, visit www.wrcdv Berryl Anderson .org or call 404-370-7670.
A T-shirt on Rep. John Lewis’ online campaign store features a mug shot from his 1960s activism.
Civil rights icon John Lewis now has an online campaign store that offers everything from T-shirts with one of the mug shots from his arrests fighting for civil rights in the 1960s and ’70s to autographed posters. The store at www.johnlewisfor congress.com depicts his lifetime habit of “getting into good trouble” while he was president of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee – or SNCC – and as a foot soldier for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Lewis, 72, was arrested more than 40 times as he fought for voting rights for African-Americans in the South. He was beaten severely in the head during the March 1965 “Bloody Sunday” march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. He also participated in the Freedom Rides and lunch counter sit-ins that sought the desegregation of restaurants. In 2009, he was arrested while protesting policies in Darfur. On the Web site, he writes that a few
years ago, he gave a little blood on that bridge in Selma. “I was beaten and left bloody but I never gave up,” Lewis says. “I never gave in. As a community we must have that same spirit. We must continue to stand up for equality, for women’s rights, and for our environment. “We must protect our seniors and educate our children. It is time for us to get in the way. It is time for us to start some good trouble, some necessary trouble.” Lewis, who is up for re-election, has been the representative for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District that includes portions of DeKalb County since 1987. Beverly Isom, Lewis’ campaign spokeswoman, says the “getting into good trouble” slogan is also a twist on advice the congressman’s mother gave him as a youth – to “not get in trouble.” Lewis faces former Fulton County Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson in the July 31 Democratic primary.
Bowling fund-raiser for animal lovers and shelter Pet lovers and bowlers can show some love for animals at the May 20 “Help DeKalb Animals” fund-raiser at Stars and Strikes in Stone Mountain. DeKalb Commissioners Elaine Boyer, Stan Watson and Sharon Barnes Sutton are hosting the 5-to-7 p.m. fund-raiser that will include animals available for adoption. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children and include bowling, a game pack-
age and food. Proceeds benefit spaying and neutering of animals in DeKalb. A special task force recently highlighted a host of problems with DeKalb’s Animal Control Services. The department has a 67 percent euthanasia rate at its shelter, which was described as a dark and dirty animal services facility. Boyer said the fund-raiser is a first step toward raising awareness of animals’ needs
in DeKalb. “So many four-legged creatures who cannot speak for themselves need care,” she said. “Our fund-raiser will help make sure we stop the cycle of overpopulation.” Donations of dog leashes, collars and laundry detergent also are needed. For more information, visit www.help dekalbanimals.com or e-mail ecboyer@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
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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 19, 2012
Find Local Goods & Services
FOR RENT/LEASE
Marketplace
5 bedroom, 3 baths, w/appliance. $1200/month. Available July 1. Conyers. 770-374-8657
GARAGE SALES STONE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE CITY WIDE YARD SALE. 922 Main St. Behind Gazebo. Sat. 5-26-12, 830am - 3pm. Setup begins 730am day of sale. Info call City Hall 770-498-8984.
HELP WANTED Arnold Transportation now hiring: Recent graduates, experienced drivers & owner operators. Get home! Get paid! Great runs; Modern equipment. Dedicated
fundraising
Make $500 - $5,000 For your School, Church or Community Groups
Visit www.teesofpower.com Call 404-941-8744
home services RIGHT ER IS RNER SUMMND THE CO AROU
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Driver: $2,500 Sign-On Bonus. Hiring Solo and Team Drivers. Great Benefits Package. Excellent Home Time. CDL-A Required. Students Welcome 888-441-9358 www.superservicellc.com
TRAVEL Destinations by Design Travel Agency, Dee Tyner, Owner/ Agent If the islands are calling you--you should be calling me! Let me help with the next reunion or girlfriends getaway. Payment plans are available. 678-632-1180 or dbdtravel@hotmail.com.
SUMMER SPECIAL
AC/Heating Free Diagnoses
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wanted to buy
MARKETPLACE RATES 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 Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.
summer programs
FREE SUMMER TRANSITION PROGRAM For Rising Kindergarten
GRAND OPENING The Exchange 4606 Rockbridge Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (near Pine Lake)
• Bridal Gown Rentals Vis • Bridal Accessories enterit Us & & Jewelry free to win • Avon Products (Minim gas c ard um • Bath & Bedding requ purchas ired) e • Simple Mobile
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Surveys / research
Curriculum Based 6-Week Program
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PROJECT HOME IMPROVEMENT
To qualify child must not have any Pre-K experience Must meet income requirements Alpha Academy & Child Care Ctr. Wee Wisdom Day Nursery
• Deck Design • Deck Repair • Porches / Repair • Pergolas • Patios • Garden Boxes • Drywall • Interior Framing • Door Installation • General Carpentry • Installations • Storage Sheds
wedding services
June 4th-July 14th
home services
4138 Snapfinger Woods Drive Decatur, GA 30035
1535 Columbia Drive Decatur, GA 30032
Fax: (404) 288-8038
Fax: (404) 288-0244
(404) 288-7992
(404) 284-8898
salons / hair care
www.projecthomimprv.com
404-536-5882
opportunities
MAKE MONEY PLACING FREE ADS Extra Income Working From Home
Call Today 678-985-5300
www.eastmetromarket.com
Get Paid Advertising Penny Auction Site No Selling • No Calling No Recruiting Necessary
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S ENIOR C ITIZENS 50% OFF M ONDAY -W EDNESDAY Cleopatra Beauty Salon $10 off $ the $30 Mallinside at Stonecrest
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2929 Turner Hill Road Suite 1090 Lithonia, GA 30038
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If This Was Your Ad, Someone Would Be Seeing It Now! Call 404-284-1888 today for rates & information.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 19, 2012