CrossRoadsNews, May 22, 2010 - Section A by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

May 22, 2010

Volume 16, Number 4

www.crossroadsnews.com

NAACP state convention coming to Stonecrest By Carla Parker

More than 1,500 NAACP delegates and supporters are expected to descend on the Stonecrest area in October for the civil rights group’s 68th annual State Convention and Civil Rights Conference. The DeKalb NAACP is hosting the Oct. 6-10 convention, which will be held at the four Stonecrest hotels – Hyatt Place, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites, and the Hilton Garden Inn – in Lithonia. The hotels are located next to the 1.3 million square foot Mall at Stonecrest, which has shopping, dining and an AMC cinema. They also offer easy access to the Arabia Mountain trails. Organizers say the convention will be Stonecrest’s first major convention. Yvonne Hawks, president of the DeKalb NAACP, said the convention will be a major economic boost. “We’re hoping this convention will be the kickoff for future conventions in the mall area,” she said at a May 20 press conference announcing the chapter’s selection as host.

Bettye Davis, executive director of One DeKalb, who represented DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis at the press conference, said Ellis is excited about the convention which will bring additional revenue to the county. “This is our stimulus package,” she said. “Bringing this statewide convention to DeKalb County and to this area is our stimulus package and we appreciate it.” During the fall convention, delegates will evaluate health, education, criminal justice, and veterans issues. Dubose said there are more than 700,000 veterans in Georgia. “We want to make veterans the centerpiece of this civil rights issue,” he said. With the this being an election year, the NAACP will host Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews forums to discuss the political empower movement. NAACP’s Edward Dubose and Yvonne Hawks at the press “We are more prepared than ever to help in the outcome conference announcing that DeKalb is hosting fall convention. of the election,” Dubose said. The convention will include a morning run/walk that Edward O. DuBose, president of the Georgia Confer- will focus on health, and a golf tournament. It is open to ence of the NAACP, said they are expecting more than 500 the public. delegates from across Georgia and more than 1,000 visitors For registration and more information, call the Convento attend the convention. tion Planning Committee at 678-476-1428.

Graduation season in full swing this week

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Nearly 6,000 DeKalb seniors will be getting diplomas this weekend, capping 12 years of education. Many will head off to colleges and universities in the fall to pursue further studies. Above, Martin Luther King, Jr. High graduates wait to enter The Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur on May 16 for their Pre-Commencement program. On Saturday, they will don cap and gown again for their graduation ceremony at the Georgia Dome. For a look at the graduating class’ top students and other news, and their upcoming graduation ceremonies, see Section B inside.

Forum

CrossRoadsNews

May 22, 2010

“We expect that this will have a significant impact on the pedestrian access and safety. It is great to have a homegrown vendor working on the project, too.”

Calling GSU study a ‘county staffing report’ is disinformation In the article “County staffing report fails in several key comparisons” (CrossRoadsNews, May 8, 2010) and Apples and Oranges (Champion Free Press, May 7, 2010) “Never let a few facts get in the way of a good story” is one witticism Dr. Eugene P. Walker used to lash out against Georgia State University (GSU) and the AJC for their respective conduct and publishing of the findings of a study titled: Organizational Structure and Staffing Analysis GSU conducted for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. However, there is another witticism that says, “If you do not like the facts look at them again while standing on your brain and their meaning will be reversed.” Still, there is another witticism that says, “If you do not like the facts ignore them and promptly scalp the messenger.” Dr. Walker failed to keep in mind that the study was not only about Staffing Analysis but also about Organization Structure, which deals with governance architecture. Who reports to whom? Who is responsible for what span of control? Is there authority and

The study makes it clear that the Organization Structure in DeKalb County government is broken. Anyone who has ever tried to get anything done by DeKalb County government can affirm that CYA is the county’s mission statement. Elrado Ramsey

no responsibility? Is the same responsibility comingled under different levels authority? The study makes it clear that the Organization Structure in DeKalb County government is broken. Anyone who has ever tried to get anything done by DeKalb County government can affirm that CYA is the county’s mission statement. Reaching the person who is really in charge is a like having a blind date with a Rubik’s Cube. Contrary to what Dr. Walker wants us to believe, Cobb, Gwinnett, and DeKalb counties are more similar than they are different if we ignore their respective governance, but that demographic generosity is cured when we inject it with the curious correlation that as DeKalb became a predominantly black

County it has also produced more crime, more trash, more shady businesses, more dysfunctional schools, more broken families, more questionable police initiated killings, a more crooked school supervision apparatus, more nepotism, cronyism and vendor rigging in governance, a more unsavory presentment for development, and, unquestionably, more crooked politicians than Gwinnett and Cobb – combined. If those are the reasons to solicit mercy from comparisons be my guest, but those are diseases of political courage and leadership, not of a GSU/AJC conspiracy to do DeKalb a “hatchet job.” Dr. Walker would do better to relieve himself of the puerile penchant to pillory

GSU and open his mind for critical analysis, by looking at the study for the thesis of its attestations about Organizational Structure. DeKalb could eliminate 909 positions if it got its governance architecture in order, by getting clear lines of authority and responsibility, eliminate bureaucratic redundancies, improve training, insist on accountability at all levels of county government, and respond to the need for administrative and functional excellence in all quadrants of governance. These are some of the adaptations that make Cobb County one of the most imitated counties in America. If we follow Dr. Walker’s argument to its logical conclusion by correcting for the 1,500 personnel that would bring DeKalb within 1,000 of the total staffing of Cobb or Gwinnett, the quality of life and government effectiveness should become identical between the three counties. However, we do not need a professor of mathematical chemistry to convince us that such a conclusion would be utter rubbish. Elrado Ramsay is a financial analyst living in Decatur.

Staffing study cites inefficiencies in county government “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” Thus goes a popular refrain in organizations and businesses. It’s a way to justify operational methods, usually based on organizational culture or a manager’s instincts, in the absence of concrete data. The downside to adhering to the same operational model is that the organization or business does not adapt to evolving trends. Rather it tends to change only in response to exceptional circumstances, such as the recent

nosedive of the U.S. economy, the worst since the Great Depression. Such is the case for DeKalb County government, which, like most public sector entities, has been slow to adapt to emerging trends. Now that the county is forced to tighten its belt, the foundation for updating its operational model cannot be the gut feelings or educated guesses of the administration’s leaders. That is why the county Board of Com-

missioners contracted with Georgia State University last fall to conduct a staffing study and analysis of DeKalb County. With the release of the study’s report, the county now has concrete data to help make strategic and informed decisions in revamping its organization. In the three-and-a-half years since I was elected to the Board of Commissioners (BOC), I have continually pointed out that the county should not continue to do business as usual. Some of the business-as-usual examples cited in the GSU study, conducted by its Public Performance and Management Group: n Unfilled positions carried over to following year’s budget, allowing departments to spend the money for other purposes. n Employees hired in one department, ended up working in another department while being paid by the original department. n Employees accumulated significant overtime pay, sometimes more than 20 percent of their base salary. n Employees hired for specific time period or project remained employed long after initial time period or project ended. Hopefully the county administration takes action this year to eliminate those cited examples because they are not consistent with best business practices. Meanwhile the county is attempting to reduce its workforce as a short-term fix to close the anticipated budget deficit, pending final revenue projections in June when the BOC has to set the millage rate for property

taxes. The question becomes how to best downsize the workforce. The administration, to my regret, chose to proceed with an across-the-board approach by offering an early retirement package. At last count, more than 820 employees accepted the offer, well above the stated goal of 550 employees. Because the administration allowed the employees to self-select which positions to vacate, the county lost talented and experienced personnel, most notably in public safety departments. More than 30 percent of those early retirees are from police, fire and sheriff ’s departments. An alternative method for adjusting the workforce, is to adjust the goals and service expectations for each department, which in turn dictates the number and type of employees needed. The county needs to prioritize its services, to focus on its core services such as public safety, because future budgets are likely to be constrained by the economy or population growth. To quote the report, “Everything the county does cannot be critically important; … strategic services have become confused with desirable services….” The take-away message from the report is a reminder that an effective organization is one which continually monitors, evaluates and revises its operations. Then the operative phrase, unlike the opening line of this commentary, would become, “That’s how we do it and evidence shows that it works.” Jeff Rader represents District 2 on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.

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CrossRoadsNews

May 22, 2010

Community

“The technology will be the centerpiece of a tolling program that is safe, seamless, reliable and customer-centered.”

HOV toll lane conversion coming to limit access Hank gets seat on The conversion of HOV lanes into limited-access managed toll lanes along the I-85 corridor in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties has moved a step closer to reality. Program officials have announced the completion of the environmental certification of the project and the procurement of tolling equipment and related technology. The State Road and Tollway Authority selected Electronic Transaction Consultants Corp. as the tolling systems integrator for the I-85 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes conversion project. SRTA also has awarded a contract to TransCore for support services. The first phase of the project is the conversion of a 15-mile stretch of HOV

lanes to HOT lanes along I-85 from Chamblee Tucker Road in DeKalb to Old Peachtree Road in Gwinnett. HOT lanes are limited-access managed lanes that allow eligible car poolers and buses to use the lanes toll-free. Vehicles with two or fewer occupants can choose to pay a fee to use the lanes. Georgia was awarded a $110 million U.S. Department of Transportation Congestion Reduction Demonstration grant in 2008 to help fund a pilot project on I-85 to reduce congestion by using transit enhancements, innovative technology and variable toll pricing. SRTA Executive Director Gena L. Evans said the program is a success in San Diego, Minneapolis and Miami. “We are extremely pleased with the

outcome,” Evans said. “The technology will be the centerpiece of a tolling program that is safe, seamless, reliable and customer-centered.” The funding will provide for the purchase of 36 new transit coaches for use in the I-85 corridor, new park-and-ride lots at Hamilton Mill Road and at Cedars Road, and expansion of the I-985/Ga. 20 park-and-ride lot. The CRD funding will enable the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority to buy 46 more coaches for expanded Xpress service, develop a South Xpress Operating Center, and construct eight new park-and-ride lots. Roadway construction is expected to begin in July. The I-85 HOT lanes are scheduled to open in summer 2011.

Retiring DeKalb officer to be West Point’s top cop DeKalb Sheriff ’s Maj. Jeffery Uniform and Warrant units; the K. Cato will become the new Communications Section; and police chief in West Point, Ga., fleet maintenance. on June 1. Cato said he jumped at the Cato, who took early retirepolice chief position because of ment from DeKalb County, won the opportunities for growth in the unanimous vote of the West the area with the new Kia MoPoint City Council in April. tors plant. He is leaving with 26 years of West Point is in western Georservice in law enforcement. gia on the Alabama border. Cato Cato is one of more than 800 is no stranger to the area. He grew DeKalb employees who took the up in LaGrange, which is 15 miles incentive package offered by the from West Point. DeKalb Board of CommissionDeKalb Sheriff Thomas ers to help balance the county’s Brown said Cato is well-prepared 2010 budget. for his new job. He is the commander of the Sheriff ’s Office Field Services “If he serves the city of West Point as he has DeKalb County, Division, which includes the Special Weapons and Tactics Team; I am sure he will be a great police chief for that community,” the Fugitive Squad; the Domestic Violence, Sex Offender, Brown said.

powerful committee Congressman Hank Johnson is now a member of the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The new assignment positions Johnson to more effectively serve the needs of the 4th Congressional District, the state of Georgia, local governments and MARTA in his new seat. He is the only Georgia Democrat on the committee. Johnson, who lives in Lithonia, already a member of the House leadership team as Southeast Regional Whip and chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy. Since January 2009, Johnson has helped bring nearly $1 billion in infrastructure investment to Georgia via President Obama’s Recovery Act. Those funds include $168 million for mass transit, of which more than $70 million has gone to support MARTA. Johnson said part of his focus would be to upgrade transportation along the I-20 East corridor through the heart of the 4th District.

NAACP’s Open House coming up Food, music and fun will be on tap at the DeKalb NAACP’s May 29 Open House in Decatur. The noon. to 3 p.m. event is the group’s second annual open house. Residents can meet Branch Leaders and sign up for membership. Vending spae is available for $50. Proceeds benefit the DeKalb County NAACP Youth Council. . The Open House will be held at 3011 Rainbow Drive, Suite 180A in Decatur. For more information, contact Sharvon Green at 404-275-0645 or dekalbnaacpyc@yahoo.com.

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CrossRoadsNews

Finance

May 22, 2010

“The specter of structural unemployment is beginning to cast a long shadow across the American workplace.”

Yard sale to benefit women, kids home

AKAs hosting meet and greet for everyone Entrepreneurs, professionals and job seekers can meet-andgreet and make new business contacts at a May 27 networking event sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Admission to the 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. event is free. It takes place at Marlow’s Tavern-Northlake, 4156 LaVista Road in Atlanta. Bring plenty of business cards. The Stone Mountain/Lithonia Graduate Chapter of AKA is host. Since 1993, the chapter has served the local community, addressing the health, economic and educational needs of the residents of Stone Mountain and Lithonia.

Unemployment down in April

A yard sale at the North Decatur United Methodist Church on June 5 will benefit a homeless shelter for women with children. Proceeds from the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sip and See Spring Shopping Spree funds programs at Hagar’s House, a short-term shelter providing temporary housing and comprehensive services for homeless women with children operated by Decatur Cooperative Ministry. Donated items for the yard sale are still needed, including cookware and other household items, yard and lawn equipment, arts and crafts (paintings), as well as furnishings and appliances. To donate, contact Sybil Corbin at 404-3700914. To drop off donations at the church, call Diane Stubbs at 770-938-8006. Drop-offs are by appointment only. North Decatur United Methodist Church is located at 1523 Church St. at the corner of North Decatur Road. For more information, visit www. ndumc.org.

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The job market showed imUnemployment finally dipped provement for the third consecuin Georgia. tive month. The number of payroll The state Department of Labor jobs in April increased 26,900, said Wednesday that the state’s or seven-tenths of a percentage seasonally adjusted unemployment point, from 3,794,700 in March to rate declined to 10.4 percent in 3,821,600. However, the number April, down one-tenth of a perof jobs remains less than in April centage point from a revised 10.5 percent in March. Michael Thurmond 2009, when there were 3,912,700 payroll jobs, 2.3 percent or 91,100 DeKalb County’s initial unemployment insurance claims for April more than this year. In April, there were 215,100 long-term also dipped to 4,199 from 4,541 in March. It however, is still above April 2009’s 4,104 unemployed Georgians, those who have been out of work 27 weeks or longer. This initial claims. The Department of Labor also said that represents an increase of 10,400, or 5.1 perthe April jobless rate was up 1.2 percentage cent, from 204,700 long-term unemployed in points from 9.2 percent at this same time March, and 129,600, or 151.6 percent, from last year. This is the 31st consecutive month 85,500 in April 2009. The long-term unemGeorgia has exceeded the national rate, now ployed now account for 43.1 percent of the 489,010 jobless workers in Georgia. at 9.9 percent. Also in April, 60,661 laid-off workers filed The number of long-term unemployed Georgians increased while the state job mar- initial claims for UI benefits, a decline of 8,604, or 12.4 percent, from 69,265 in March. ket posted modest gains. State Labor Commissioner Michael There was also a decline of 23,685 initial Thurmond said the continuing increase claims, or 28.1 percent, from 84,346 filed in in the number of long-term unemployed April 2009. Most of the first-time claims were filed in trade, manufacturing, construction, Georgians is troubling. “The specter of structural unemployment and administrative and support services. For more information, visit http://www. is beginning to cast a long shadow across the dol.state.ga.us/pr/current_data.htm. American workplace,” he said.

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Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

May 22, 2010

“ The powerful suction forces can trap a child underwater or cause internal injuries.”

Morehouse promotes Power to End Stroke campaign African-Americans who are at higer risk of strokes are the least aware of the risk factors. To help increase awareness about stroke prevention, the Morehouse School of Medicine is helping promoting the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Power to End Stroke campaign. The heart association is uniting people to use their personal power to make an impact on the high incidence of stroke in their communities. Dr. Roger P. Simon, author of more than 200 journal articles, and the textbook “Clinical Neurology,” has been named director of Translational Programs in Stroke at the medical school. Morehouse says it is in a unique position to learn the basic principles of unique stroke effectors in African-Americans living in the “stroke belt” of the southeastern United States. Simon’s clinical practice in neurology includes in indigent care clinic at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Oregon, which he co-founded with his wife in 1999. He has also done research on nervous system injury and repair related to stroke and epilepsy. The risk factors of strok include high

blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use. Blacks have higher death rates for stroke compared with whites. n The prevalence of high blood pressure in African-Americans in the United States is the highest in the world. n Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, 62.9 percent of men and 77.2 percent of women are overweight or obese. n Black women have higher prevalence rates of high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes than white women. African-Americans are twice as likely to have a stroke compared to white Americans, but stroke is not inevitable. Educating yourself and your family may reduce your risk. Stroke is the third leading cause of death for all Americans. Strokes can cause paralysis and affect language and vision as well as other medical problems. Warning signs include: n Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. n Confusion. n Trouble speaking or understanding. n Trouble seeing in one or both eyes. n Difficulty walking. n Dizziness.

n Loss of balance or coordination. n Severe headache with no known cause.

Stroke is a medical emergency and every second counts. Risk factors include: n High blood pressure, which affects 40 percent of African-American men and women over age 20. n Smoking. Heavy cigarette smoking approximately doubles a person’s risk for stroke when compared to light smokers. n Diabetes – about 2.7 million AfricanAmericans, or more than 11 percent, have diabetes. n Carotid or other artery disease. n Atrial fibrillation. n Transient ischemic attacks – TIAs or “mini strokes.” n Certain blood disorders, including sickle cell anemia. n High blood cholesterol. n Physical inactivity or obesity. n Excessive alcohol. n Illegal drug use. If you’ve suffered a stroke, or even a heart attack, you are at increased risk for another stroke. The risk never goes away. For more information, visit powertoendstroke.org.

Fifth graders wins dental quiz bowl Destiny Rogers, a McLendon Elementary fifth-grader, is the DeKalb Board of Health’s 2010 Dental Health Quiz Bowl champion. Destiny’s knowledge of X-ray discoverer W.C. Roentgen helped her win top honors. About 1,200 students from nine schools in DeKalb and city of Atlanta school systems were involved in the first round in January. The quiz bowl helps to educate elementary school children about oral health and the importance of proper dental care. To compete, participants had to learn and recall dozens of facts. Dwayne Turner, the Board of Health director of Dental Health Services, said finalists had to learn a great deal about oral health to compete. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and Sheriff Thomas Brown presented awards and spoke of the importance of oral health. The other finalists were Nina Stecker, Dunwoody Elementar; Erika Alford, Canby Lane Elementary; and Sofia Bertarioni, Stone Mill Elementary. For more information, call 404-2943700.

Summer increases drowning risks latch automatically. Studies estimate that this type of isolation fencing could prevent 50 percent to 90 percent of child drownings in residential pools. n A pool or spa with a single drain should be equipped with an anti-entrapment drain cover and a safety vacuum release system to prevent children from being caught in the suction of the drain. The powerful suction forces can trap a child underwater or cause internal injuries. n Do not leave toys in or near the pool where they could attract unsupervised children. For extra protection, consider a pool alarm and alarms on the doors, windows and gates leading to the pool. n Enroll your children in swimming lessons around age 4, but do not assume swimming lessons make your child “drownproof.” There is no substitute for active supervision. n Remember: Inflatable swimming aids, such as “waTOP 5% IN THe ter wings,” are not flotation NATION FOR devices and do not prevent drowning. CLINICAL eXCeLLeNCe n Keep rescue equipment, a two yearS IN a row phone and emergency numbers by the pool. For more information on pool safety, visit www.choa. org or www.safekids.org.

The IT expert who expanded DeKalb Medical’s Occupational Medicine branch in Lithonia has been promoted to director of Corporate Services. Amin Bhatia, who joined DeKalb Medical in 2003 as business manager/ Occupational Medicine, developed information technology infrastructure that optimizes rehabilitation patient care management at the Lithonia branch, resulting in a quicker return to work for clients. One of his first accomplishments with the private non-profit hospital was growing its Primary Care Services division by setting up a Web-based electronic medical records system. Bhatia has a background in software and business development and began his career in public accounting in the United Kingdom. Before joining DeKalb Medical, he served as director of Global Solutions for MindLever, an enterprise software company specializing in eLearning Amin Bhatia solutions. He led the development of content management systems used by Fortune 100-listed companies for employee training. The DeKalb Medical hospital system includes the 451-bed DeKalb Medical at North Decatur, the 40-bed DeKalb Medical Long Term Acute Care at downtown Decatur, and the 100-bed DeKalb Medical at Hillandale in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.dekalbmedical.org.

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Summer is almost here and kids and adults will be flocking to pools, creeks and watering holes to cool off. Those trips will greatly increase the risk of drowning, which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is a leading cause of death for children 1 to 4. Drowning also remains the secondleading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14. To miminize the dangers, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Safe Kids Georgia offer these pool and spa safety tips: n The most important precaution is active supervision. Simply being near your child is not necessarily supervising. Although 94 percent of parents say they supervise their children while swimming, many acknowledge that they engage in other distracting activities at the same time – for example, talking, eating, reading or taking care of another child. A supervised child is in sight at all times with your undivided attention focused on the child. When there are children in or near the water, adults should take turns serving as the designated “water watcher,” paying undivided attention. n If you have a pool or spa, or if your child visits a home that has a pool or spa, it should be surrounded on all four sides by a fence at least 5 feet high with gates that close and

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DM-149 Sleep ad_CE2_XRoads.indd 1

ABC’s of Sleep Friday, May 28, 2010

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the DeKalb Medical Theater on North Decatur campus Do you have trouble waking in the morning? Feel tired all day? Join Massey Arrington, MBA, Director of the DeKalb Medical Sleep Lab, to learn about sleep disorders. He will discuss tips for improving sleep and explain when you should seek help to treat sleep problems.

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Light refreshments will be served and parking is free. Appointments required. Call 404.501.WELL to reserve your space.

5/12/10 10:17:23 AM

Ministry

CrossRoadsNews

May 22, 2010

“If we are not careful, new things can’t come into our life if old baggage is holding you down.”

Churches gear up for Pentecost Sunday events

New ministry to focus

Area Christian congregations will observe Pentecost Sunday on May 23 with special events. Pentecost, the seventh Sunday after Easter, is a Christian holy day commemorating the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament. It is also known as Whitsunday. On the 50th day after Easter the apostles received the “gift of tongues” – the ability to speak in other languages – and immediately began to preach about Jesus to Jewish people from all over the world who flocked to Jerusalem for the Feast of Shavuot. According to church tradition, Pentecost is always 50 days after Easter, including Easter Day. Whitsunday is observed on a different date in some Orthodox churches. The congregation of Greenforest

The homeless population along Memorial Drive will get a helping hand from a new ministry launched by three area churches. The Memorial Drive Lunch Box Program, created by Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church and St. Timothy United Methodist Church, has a tentative start date of May 25. Initially, serving days will be Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. at Rock of Ages, 5135 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. Recipients will be offered a personal care kit in addition to prepackaged food items with a long shelf life that do not require cooking, heating or refrigeration. Each church will provide volunteers and share initial startup costs. The joint ministry also is seeking support from other churches. For more information, call 404-292-7888 or visit www. rock-of-ages-lutheran-church.org.

Community Baptist Church will mark Pentecost Sunday and the Global Day of Prayer on May 23. Members are encouraged to wear red to signify and honor the presence of the Holy Spirit at the 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. services. Greenforest is at 3250 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-486-1120. Rainbow Park Baptist Church also asks its members and visitors to wear red on Pentecost Sunday to its services. Minister Bonita Tharpe of New Piney Grove Baptist Church in Macon will speak at the 8:15 a.m. service and Minister Kalaya Dollison will speak at the 11 a.m. service. Evangelist Julia Russell of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church in Rome will be the featured speaker at 9:45 a.m.

for Women’s Corporate Sunday School as the church continues its observance of Women’s Day as well. Rainbow Park is at 2941 Columbia Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-288-1910 or visit www. rainbowparkbaptist.org Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Stone Mountain observes Pentecost Sunday at its 11 a.m. service. At 5:30 p.m., it holds its Spring Jazz Vespers, performed by jazz pianist Gary Motley and vocalist Veronica Motley and other artists. Gary Motley is a lecturer and director of Jazz Studies in the Music Department at Emory University. Rock of Ages is at 5135 Memorial Drive. For more information, call 404292-7888 or visit www.rock-of-ageslutheran-church.org.

Women’s Day Celebration offer a lot to do Dinner, a play and a book signing are just a few of the events being offer as part of Rainbow Park Baptist Church’s Women’s Day Celebration. The day’s theme is “Godly Women Empowering Generations.” The festivites start with free continental breakfast, praise, fellowship and workshops from 8 a.m. until noon. Dr. Regina Anderson, author of “Sisters on the Journey,” also will sign copies of her book at the event. The church will introduce a new cancer support ministry, LIFE, Living in Faith Eternally, spearheaded by cancer

survivor Laverne Lewis. A Dinner Theater featuring the play by Sandy Ferguson takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The play “From Generation to Generation” follows the life journey of Hope, whose mother died when she was very young and left her a purse that she never opened until late in life. “A mysterious bag lady, her guardian angel, collects bags throughout the play,” Ferguson said. She says the bags accumulated by the women in their lifetime symbolize the baggage they carry – their past hurts, their frustrations.

Ferguson said many women fill the void in their hearts with material things. “Throughout generations, some patterns emerge,” she said. “If we are not careful, new things can’t come into our life if old baggage is holding you down.” Tickets are $25 and include dinner and free valet parking. The play alone is free beginning at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Rainbow Park Baptist is at 2941 Columbia Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-288-1910 or visit www.rainbowparkbaptist.org.

on homeless people

Holy Cross hosting Financial checkups Tweens and teens as well as older adults can get a checkup on their finances during a May 23 forum at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross. The Decatur church is holding a Financial Wellness Forum from 10 a.m. to noon. Holy Cross also has a program to help bring the body and mind into balance. On Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., you can strengthen your mind and stretch your body with free yoga at the church. To participate, just bring a towel or yoga mat and an open mind. Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross is at 2005 South Columbia Place. For more information, call 404-422-3314 or 404-284-1211 or visit www.holy-cross.org.

CrossRoadsNews

May 22, 2010

MARKETPLACE RATES

Marketplace Contractors/Construction Roofing, Painting, Renovation, & More Call 404-207-2875 or go to www.atmconstructors.net for all your home improvement needs.

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

FOR RENT/LEASE A must see! Gym for rent at Straight Life Church of God Pentecostal, Inc., 4228 Glenhaven Dr., Decatur, GA 30035. The gym space is great for summer camps, sports practices, wedding receptions, and much more. Please contact Denise Head for details @ 404-289-6069 or 678642-9870. Clean 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, two-story, townhome for rent! Basically New! Lithonia area. Spacious, central heat/air, fireplace, fauxwood blinds. Only $800 monthly! 404-914-7573. Covington Hwy/I-285. North Center: full service professional office building offering suites from 281 s.f. to 2680 s.f. Ideal medical

School Law Attorney Representing Teachers

The Law Office of B.A. Thomas, LLC

404-525-6902

facility. Premier location minutes from I-285 and I-20. Contact Carole Egan: (770) 598-1298.

Any Home Repairs. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Call Derrick, 678-469-0071.

HEALTH & FITNESS

LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE

If you are at least 18 years old and interested in free birth control, please call Soapstone Center, Natalie at 404-534-9359.

Robinson Lawn Care Service - Mowing, Edging, Hedge Trimming, Pressure Washing, Gutters Cleaned, Small Tree Removal, Etc. 404-244-9193 or 404-8386541.

Affordable Insurance Liberty National Life Insurance Company Whole and Term Life Insurance Cancer Insurance Supplemental Health Insurance Call for Quote J. Tarver 404 754 1199

HOME SERVICES Affordable Home Repairs. Interior/Exterior Painting, Basement Remodeling, Plumbing & Tile,

Essence Music Festival Bus Trip

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.

Family Law & Criminal Law

Pivotal Movers Licensed and Insured. We offer local and long distance service. Call today for a free, no obligation quote 678-5594864, and ask about our college pick up special!

OPPORTUNITIES Need extra income without buying inventory or selling products? Get with the #1 fastest growing online shopping team. 404-468-6142.

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

I’LL BUY YOUR HOUSE FAST ANY PRICE ANY CONDITION

July 2-5, 2010 Book Now! Contact Upscale Events

678-735-7556

www.upscaleevents.net

Movers

(678) 954-5736

888-781-8009

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. SERVICES Learn about Hidden College Scholarships & Top 10 Things to Know Before Living on Campus. Call CR Associates at 404.207.5860.

WEDDING SERVICES ATTENTION ALL BRIDES: Creative wedding designer specializing in custom weddings, floral, cakes, catering. 25 yrs. exp. One stop packages. Set your price! Hall Rental Available. Call 678-698-8863.

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

Henry K. Mitchell Certified Public Accountant Adjunct Instructor of Accounting, Atlanta Metropolitan College Call us at

(678) 663-6229

Crawford Heating & Air Conditioning

GRADUATION & WEDDING INVITATIONS

“We’ll help you create the climate you choose.” Certified • Licensed • Insured Over 24 Years of Experience

Free Estimates on Installation • Financing Available

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

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

Charlie

(Down street from Chit-Chat)

Service Manager

Copy Fax Notary

404-766-6306

Wireless Global Solutions Serving Metro Atlanta

te Flat RaCalls e Ser vic75 $

HOW FAR WILL A COMPANY GO TO PROTECT ITS OWN INTEREST?

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

HOME/VOICE $50.00 PER MONTH FOR 6 MONTHS

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

Please Call Today

MOBILE INTERNET $40 PER MONTH FOR 6 MONTHS

OFFERS EXPIRE 5/31/2010

BASIC HOME INTERNET $25.00

678-368-4504

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

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

One man’s story about risking everything in the name of justice.

Jeffrey Wright tells all in his new book, “What Coca-Cola Did to Stop the Union from Coming In: Revealing Secrets Inside Corporate Scandals” www.jeffreywrightbook.com jeffreywrightbook@peoplepc.com

Now Available for $8 each at book@amazon.com, borders.com & from Dorrance Publishing 1-800-788-7654

CrossRoadsNews

Marvelous 0

Buy with

10,997 2008 FORD FUSION SEL

MARKDOWNS!

FINANCING AVAILABLE

Power Pkg., CD, Wheels, Stk#A1107 $

2008 FORD FUSION SEL

2007 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S

Automatic, Power Pkg., Automatic, Power Pkg., CD, Wheels, Stk#A1072 CD, Wheels, Stk#A1073 $ $

11,997

Loaded, One Owner, Stk#A1080 $

2006 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S

2010 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS

PAYMENT

THIS WEEKEND! Example: 2009 Ford Fusion, Sale Price $12,995, Buy

Get A

For a limited term on approval of credit.

Automatic, Low Miles, Local Trade, Stk#A1067 $

11,997

149

.49% APR

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

2009 CHEVROLET 2009 CHEVROLET 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LT HHR LT MALIBU LT $

MAY

Only at Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery

DOWN!

Power Pkg., CD, Stk#A1084

May 22, 2010

2008 JEEP PATRIOT 2WD

Clean, Carfax, Stk#A1033

Automatic, CD, Wheels, Stk#A1025 $

Clean SUV, Must See, Stk#A1105 $

2007 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S

2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT

for 72 months at 3.49% APR financing, with $3500 down plus tax, tag, title and approved credit.

2007 VW JETTA 2005 CHRYSLER 2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING LX VALUE EDITION PACIFICA TOURING Automatic, Loaded, 3rd Seat, Leather, CONVERTIBLE Stk#A1086

Loaded, Stk#A1140 $

2007 JEEP LIBERTY SPORT 2WD

2008 DODGE CHARGER SE

Loaded, Stk#A1112 $

2008 FORD FUSION SE

Automatic, Low Miles, One Owner, Stk#A1138 $

11,997 12,997 12,997 $12,997 13,997 13,997 13,997

Loaded, One Owner, Stk#A1074 $

Loaded, Must See, Local Automatic, Power Trade, Stk#A1078 Pkg., CD, Stk#A1082 $ $

Clean SUV, Local Trade, Stk#A1133 $

3.5L V6, Loaded, Stk#A1111

2009 DODGE GRAND 2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING LX CARAVAN SE All Power, Loaded, CONVERTIBLE Must See, Stk#A1113 $

Loaded, Stk#A1114 $

13,997 13,997 13,997 13,997 14,997 14,997 14,997 14,997 14,997 14,997

MANAGER’S SPECIALS 2007 FORD MUSTANG V6 DELUXE

2009 TOYOTA CAMRY

2007 VW JETTA 2.5

Low Miles, Clean Trade, Stk#A1097 $

Loaded, Must See, Stk#A1109 $

Leather, Wheels, CD, Stk#A1085

2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER S

2006 INFINITI G35 X SEDAN

2006 MERCEDESBENZ C230 SPORT

2008 Dodge

CALIBER SE

2007 HONDA ACCORD 2005 FORD SE V6 SEDAN EXPEDITION XLT Great Deal, Must See, Clean, Stk#A1134 $

One Owner, Clean, Carfax, Stk#A1104 $

2006 FORD F-150 LARIAT

2007 FORD F-150 FX2 SPORT XLT

SEBRING LX

2008 Chrysler

10,997

Automatic, Wheels, Stk#A1110

Automatic, CD, Must See, Stk#A1091

2008 FORD FUSION SE

10,997

2006 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE

2009 Chevrolet

COBALT LT

10,997

Automatic, Power Pkg., Stk#A1084

2004 FORD 2008 FORD EXPEDITION XLT MUSTANG V6 DELUXE

Leather, Loaded, Leather, Loaded, One Clean Trade, Leather, Must See, Stk#A1121 Owner, Stk#A1119 Loaded, Stk#A1136 $ $ $

Automatic, Loaded, Wheels, Stk#A1108 $

2007 NISSAN MURANO S

Clean SUV, Must See, Stk#A1081 $

14,997 14,997 $14,997 15,997 15,997 15,997 15,997 16,997 16,997 16,997

Clean SUV, Must See, Leather, Moonroof, CD, Leather, Wheels, CD, Stk#A1079 Wheels, Loaded, Stk#A1068 Stk#A1087 $ $ $

Leather, Wheels, CD, Loaded, Stk#A1118 $

16,997 17,997 17,997 18,997

Loaded, Sharp Truck, Must See, Stk#A1126 $

2008 DODGE RAM 1500 SLT

20” Wheels, CD, Loaded, Stk#A1125 $

2005 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 4X4

2007 BMW 530i

Ultimate, Loaded, Leather, Moonroof, Leather, Moonroof, Must See, Stk#A1142 Navigation, Stk#A1116 Navigation, Stk#A1115 $ $ $

19,997 21,997 21,997 25,997 26,997

Prices plus tax, tag and title with approved credit.

ALL NEW LOCATION!

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

1-800-640-9458

www.mcautoatl.com

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

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

WE NOW RENT & SELL

TRUCKS! 404-299-6465

Service Coupon Coupon Service

BRAKE SYSTEM EVALUATION & TIRE ROTATION

SAVE ON THESE SERVICES: •COOLANT EXCHANGE •TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE •FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

FREE 10% OFF WITH COUPON

WITH COUPON

REG. $9.99

VALID ONLY AT MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM AUTO GALLERY AND MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD LINCOLN MERCURY

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

Please Contact

Art Krauss

-Body Shop Manager 4334 Snapfinger Woods Drive DECATUR

www.malcolmcunninghamautogallery.com

1-800-640-9458

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

Convenient Locations!

SPRING CAR CARE PACKAGE •Lube, Oil Change & New Filter (Up to 5 quarts of a major brand oil) •Complete Vehicle Inspection •Top Off All Fluids Under The Hood •Complete Four Tire Rotation •Check Tread Depth & Adjust Tire pressure •Check Antifreeze •Examine All Belts & Hoses WITH For Cracks & Proper Tension COUPON

VALID ONLY AT MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM AUTO GALLERY AND MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD LINCOLN MERCURY Must present ad at time of service. Offer not valid with any other offers or advertised specials. Most vehicles. Up to 5 quarts of oil. Canister filter, diesel, high-mileage, synthetic blend, full synthetic and 5W20 oil extra. Extended-life anti-freeze and DEX-COOL may be extra. Disposal fee may apply. Additional charges for shop supplies may be added. See Retailer for compete details.Expires 5/31/2010

Please Contact

Lenny Bishop

-Body Shop Manager 5675 Peachtree Industrial INSIDE THE PERIMETER

www.malcolmcunninghamflm.com

770-621-0200

5C (10.5”) X 16” 20899-MCAQ (5-22) crossroads fc (nb)

BLOW OUT!!!

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