WELLNESS
SCENE
Dodging the skeeters
Crusader for health
Now that the rain has created standing water all over the place, how do you deal with those pesky, diseasebearing mosquitoes? A5
National health expert and children’s food allergy analyst Robyn O’Brien will discuss her new book at the Decatur Library on May 27. A6
Copyright © 2009 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
May 23, 2009
MINISTRY
Raize the Praize
Zhani Moore and her brother Zion will carry their distinctive brand of worship to the televison screen on May 26. A7
Volume 15, Number 4
www.crossroadsnews.com
Internal reviewer says no bullying took place at school By McKenzie Jackson
The DeKalb School System says fifth-grader Jaheem Herrera did not commit suicide because of bullying at Dunaire Elementary School in Stone Mountain and that his mother, Masika Bermudez, never complained to the school. Jaheem Herrera That was the finding of an internal review commissioned by Superintendent Crawford Lewis and released to the media on May 20. Retired Fulton County Judge Thelma Moore, who conducted the review, said she found no evidence of bullying at the Stone Mountain elementary school. “My conclusion is that there is no evidence of bullying at Dunaire in respect to this investigation,” she said. “There is name-calling, there is teasing, but I will tell you that it is almost always done outside the presence of adults. There is no report of this to any adult. There is a code of silence among the students.” Eleven-year-old Jaheem hung himself April 16 with a cloth belt in his family’s apartment off Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur. Bermudez, who has been on an Oprah Winfrey Show on school bullying, said her son killed himself because of constant bullying at the school he attended from August 2008 until his death. Bermudez has said she will sue the school system over her son’s death and donate the
Retired Fulton County Judge Thelma Moore, who conducted the School System’s internal review, delivers her findings to the media.
money to stop bullying. She and her lawyer Gerald Griggs were not a l l owe d i n to We d n e s d a y ’s press conference at which Moore Gerald Griggs discussed the findings of her review. Instead, Bermudez stood outside the board room and cried. Former Atlanta City Council member Derrick Boazman, who
INSIDE
Looking ahead to the future Caps and gowns, will mingle with congratulatory hugs and smiles as thousands of DeKalb County students complete their high school careers at graduation ceremonies. Inside, we take a look at some of their accomplishments, goals and aspirations. We also offer a gallery of photos taken during Pre-Commencement Exercises at South DeKalb schools. Section B
was also denied access to the board room, stood outside chanting “shame, shame, shame.” He was arrested by DeKalb School Police for disorderly conduct. The school system did not release copies of Moore’s report nor the final cost of having it done during the 54-minute press conference. It said that Moore was paid $350 an hour to conduct the review but has not said how many hours she worked on it. Moore began her investigation May 1. She said she had the help
of two attorneys and that together they interviewed more than 50 witnesses including Jaheem’s teachers, friends, neighbors and Dunaire administrators. They did not interview members of Jaheem’s family. Griggs said he was shocked at Moore’s findings. “We know what really happened,” he said. “He was bullied repeatedly at Dunaire Elementary School which caused his death.” Griggs said Bermudez was extremely shaken and disheartened by Moore’s report.
“We thought it was going to be an open and transparent investigation,” he said. Griggs said the school system has 30 days to respond to their intent to sue. After the press conference, CrossRoadsNews requested a copy of the report and Dale Davis, the school system’s spokesman, said there was none. The newspaper filed a request under Georgia’s Open Records Act for the report. The School System has three business day to respond.
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Forum
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
My son and I were interviewed by the Judge and her team. My son disclosed information about the way he was bullied.
Judge’s report does a disservice to kids and parents 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer McKenzie Jackson Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear
CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.
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I was at the press conference today where retired Judge Thelma Moore gave results of the investigation. As a parent I am astounded at her results. This is a complete embarrassment to all parents who participated in the investigation. I am also a mother whose child was bullied at that same school under the same local site administrative team and I too was ignored and found the principal to
be unconcerned and unresponsive to my concerns for my child who suffered from bruises, teeth bites, teasing taunted, jump in the boys bathroom at the school and threatened that he would be constantly jumped. I found no help at the local site and I personally had to go to DeKalb County School Board myself with a plea for help for my child. My son and I were interviewed
by the Judge and her team. My son disclosed information about the way he was bullied and what Jaheem had experienced. There was and still is a very real connection to the fact that this child was bullied. My son cried as he disclosed the information in front of the Judge and her team. I personally find the results are fictitious but at $350 an hour she had to come up with something. Lastly, the way the Judge tried
Why have a policy if there is no bullying? DeKalb property owners largest portion of their tax bill goes to the DeKalb School System. The latest ludicrous expense was for retired judge Thelma Moore to come up with a verdict that no bullying occurred at Dunaire school. Unfortunately Jaheem Herra of Decatur is in a grave and can't answer a charge that he started one fight. Do you think an administrator
or a teacher will admit that she or knew about the bullying... then they would have to answer as to what they did to stop it. Judge Moore which parents were interviewed? If the DeKalb School System doesn't have a study on why 50 percent of students in the DeKalb System don't graduate high school, why would they have a no-bullying policy or program, or even ad-
mit that bullying occurs in their schools. How could Supt. Crawford Lewis not allow the mother of the deceased child who hung himself to hear the results of the investigation. This blatantly disrespects a grieving mother whose child was at the heart of this study. A. Jean Richardson lives in Decatur.
Article adds to misconception I often read CrossRoadsNews for the latest on what’s happening in DeKalb County Government. This email is to express my concern with the obvious misconception that is being spread through the article “Tiff brewing over access to
county staff " in the May 16 issue. The last paragraph which reads "He is not the first CEO to protect county staff " sends a misperception of what is actually transpiring as well as shows an obvious bias toward the actions of the CEO.
Quick Read
Use of county vehicles curtailed
You must understand the reason why the CEO's Office is taking the actions before you justify it. Politicians have been known for using the law to further their own personal agendas. Marquitrice Short is a DeKalb
to depict Jaheem’s family was depressing to say the least. It was an outright disgrace to try to paint this picture of this strong woman and her family in hopes to remove the spotlight of the reason Jaheem is in Heaven. I really don’t know how these people sleep at night. “What prosper a Man to gain the Whole World and Lose His Soul”? Apostle Dr. Monique McMiller is a DeKalb County School parent.
Story yielded lots of volunteers We thank you so much for the wonderful article that you wrote in the April 25, 2009 issue of CrossRoadsNews. The article h a s bro u g h t in several volunteers ...Yeeeeeeeeah! Thank you so much for keeping South Renee Ransom DeKalb Center for Healthy Living in the forefront. We are grateful for your support. Be well. Be blessed. Renee Ranson is executive director of th e South DeKalb Center for Healthy Living in Lithonia
DeKalb schools to graduate Chick-fil-A operator hands out A3 5,480 over four days B1 $14,500 in scholarships B8
DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis is cracking down on employee usage of county vehicles to help save money.
The annual graduation season is in full swing the Class of 2009 has been celebrating its achievements.
Chick-fil-A operator Tony Royal doled out $14,500 in scholarships to Chick-fil-A employees last week on behalf of his two South DeKalb stores and Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy.
Black Chamber’s Walker to Chorus planted seeds of step down A4 success for 4 top students B4 Journalism scholarship helps In 1998, Dennisa Thomas, LeAna Moore, After five years running the Georgia Black bring career goals closer B9 Chamber of Commerce, Theresa Walker is Malia Hibbler and Jonathan Jones entered the third grade at Narvie J. Harris Elementary School in Decatur.
stepping down.
Fennell Wilkins knows a career in journalism beckons her, and she has been in hot pursuit of it.
Greenforest facing lawsuit alleging discrimination A4 Graduating class includes 77-year-old student B4 Scholar athletes’ physical help Greenforest/McCalep Christian Academic pay for college education B10 BaSix Knowledge Academy is graduating Center is being sued by the EEOC for withdrawing a job offer from a teacher because she was pregnant.
its largest crop of graduates this year. The non-traditional school will issue diplomas to 44 students at its May 23 graduation, up from 14 in 2008.
Next school year, Southwest DeKalb’s Kia Jackson will be at the University of Tennessee sprinting among the nation’s best and Marcus Vaughn of Columbia High will be driving to the basket in the Great South Atlantic Conference.
Three Lithonia High School students got $4,900 in scholarships from the James L. Thornton Memorial Scholarship Fund.
raked in $901,300 in scholarships from 15 colleges, universities and organizations from Texas to Washington, D.C.
Slave girl’s quest for love coming to Sanford Center A6 DeKalb students show gains The story of a hot-tempered slave girl in on graduation test B5 Cedar Grove student rakes search of freedom and love comes to the DeKalb seniors are making strides on the stage at the Porter Sanford Community and in nearly $1 million in Georgia High School Graduation Tests. Performing Arts Center. scholarship offers B11 In the scholarship hall of fame, Dennisa Authors to discuss books Three students land Thorton Thomas is almost a million-dollar scholar. during Festival of Writers A6 Memorial scholarships B8 The 2009 Cedar Grove High valedictorian Three celebrated authors will visit the Decatur Library in the coming days as part of library’s May Festival of Writers.
index to advertisers Circulation Audited By
1.2.3 Discount Fabrics.................................... A4 Alpha Climate Control.................................... A8 Atlanta Gastroenterology............................... A5 Berean Christian Church.................................A7 Children’s Healthcare..................................... A5 Congressman Hank Johnson..........................A3 CRAM Academy............................................. A8 CrossRoadsNews Adoption Expo................... A6 DeKalb Community Development Dept......... A4 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau............A3
Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care............... A8 Jay Lawn Service............................................ A8 Mini Mall........................................................ A8 Newburn Reynolds Photography................... A8 Padgett Business Services.............................. A4 Wright Vision Care......................................... A5 GRADUATION SECTION BaSix Knowledge Academy..........................B10 Chaz Wood.................................................... B8
Chick-fil-A /Turner Hill Road...........................B3 Christian & McKenzie Fahie........................... B4 Christiana Torere........................................... B8 Dazzéa B. Rockmore..................................... B8 Deborah A. Jackson....................................... B5 Ernest Brown Jr.............................................. B4 Fletcher J. Penn Jr.......................................... B8 Georgia Power Co......................................... B9 Jametreus Hamilton....................................... B5 Jami Ffrench-Parker....................................... B4
Joel M. Brown................................................ B5 Kelli Ffrench-Parker....................................... B8 Keya Hughey.................................................. B8 Kirsten D. Bailey............................................. B4 Marcus Kernizan............................................ B4 Organization of DeKalb Educators................ B11 Reginald W. Sharpe Jr................................... B8 Stephanie Swindle......................................... B4 The Gallery at South DeKalb.......................... B9 The School Store..........................................B10
May 23, 2009
Community
CrossRoadsNews
Use of county vehicles curtailed By Mary Swint
DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis is cracking down on employee usage of county vehicles to help save money in the face of declining tax, sales and other revenues. Ellis has revised the policy on the use of take-home vehicles and has ordered all county employees currently assigned them to submit requests showing why they should keep the vehicles. Keith Barker, the county’s executive assistant, said that they need to address cost savings wherever they can. “When we began looking at take-home vehicles, we were not sure we have Keith Barker accurate assessment of who takes home vehicles,” he said Wednesday. “I want to make sure there is a good business need for a person to have a takehome vehicle.” In the May 1 executive order, Ellis told the Fleet Management Division of the Public Works Department to submit a report “detailing the legitimate business purpose” of every county take-home vehicle and recommending which vehicles should be removed from the county’s fleet. The Fleet Management Division performs maintenance work on the take-home vehicles. The CEO also wants every employee who uses a county take-home vehicle or receives an auto allowance to submit to him a request form showing their justification for using the vehicle or receiving compensation in lieu of a take-home vehicle. Barker said the inventory of take-home vehicles should be completed by June 12. “I expect we will receive all requests by
that time,” he said, adding that the deadline for submitting requests was extended because of a delay in sending out the executive order. Employees determined to be eligible for the vehicles will have to submit annual request to use the vehicle the vehicles will have to sign an acknowledgement that they have read the county vehicle rules. The executive order prohibits smoking in county vehicles. The order also said employees who live more than 35 miles outside the county or who are not required to work outside of normal business hours will not be eligible to use a county take-home vehicle. The CEO or his designee has to approve any exceptions. Barker said some individuals may need vehicles to do their jobs but may not need to take vehicles home. He said the administration is working on a more comprehensive vehicle policy and expects to roll it out in the next month. “We will look at the overall size of the fleet,” he said. “We want to make sure we have enough vehicles to provide an adequate level of service, but not an overabundance. It costs to insure and maintain a vehicle. The 2009 budget recommendation called for suspending all vehicle purchases unless an emergency.” The DeKalb Board of Commissioners raised questions about county vehicles last year and its staff prepared a vehicle audit in September 2008. That report estimated that there were 220 to 228 take-home vehicles, including 152 in the Police Department. The staff report noted the master list of vehicles did not always match documents from the departments. Barker said this new report will be more accurate.
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CrossRoadsNews
Finance
“While Recovery Act funds flowing into the District will provide some relief, I’ve decided to hold my 2009 Career Expo as soon as possible.”
Companies to gather resumes at job fair More than 35 businesses and federal and local agencies will be taking resumes for hundreds of job vacancies at Cong ressman Hank Johnson’s 2009 Career Expo on May 28 at DeKalb Technical College. The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. expo Hank Johnson will feature businesses and agencies including AT&T, Gwinnett Police, the Department of Homeland Security, EPA,
DeKalb Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Census Bureau, the IRS, Veterans Affairs, Primerico Conyers, DeKalb Workforce Development and FAA. Johnson, whose 4th Congressional District includes portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties, said many residents have either lost their job or know someone who is unemployed. “While Recovery Act funds flowing into the District will provide some relief,” he said, “I’ve decided to hold my 2009 Career Expo as soon as possible.” Some indicators show encour-
aging signs that the economy is beginning to turn around, but Johnson said now is not the time to sit idly by while residents of his District are struggling. At the free expo, job hunters will learn how to write resumes, prepare for job interviews and do business with local governments. DeKalb Technical College is at 495 North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For more information, visit www.hankjohnson. house.gov or call 770-987-2291.
Black Chamber’s Walker to step down After five years running the day- Philip AME Church; the DeKalb Medical Center at Hilto-day operations of the landale Advisory Board Georgia Black Chamber and the Greater Towers of Commerce, Theresa Community Association,” Walker is stepping down. she said, “and most imWalker who became portantly, spending more the group’s executive ditime with an active 4 year rector in 2004 on the old grandson.” death of her late husband Walker was tapped to DeKalb Commissioner Theresa Walker take her place of husband, Lou Walker, announced who was the group’s founder and her retirement on May 13. “While I still have the energy, chairman, after his sudden death I look forward to being more in- following a motor vehicle accivolved in the volunteer activities of dent. The GBCC advocates on behalf the Lou Walker Senior Center; Saint
of African-American-owned businesses statewide. She said she will continue to support and be involved with the GBCC and its mission to help small businesses. Walker and her late husband were successful entrepreneurs in the metro Atlanta area and coowners of Paragon Productions, a full service public relations and marketing firm for 24 years. They also operated Lou’s Place nightclub at I-20 and Candler Road and Blues in the Alley nightclub in Underground Atlanta.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION! U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Funding Allocations to DeKalb County, Georgia to Include the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) and Community Development Block Grant Recovery Program (CDBG-R) In accordance with the Title III Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated funding to DeKalb County through the following programs: • • •
Greenforest facing lawsuit alleging discrimination By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Greenforest/McCalep Christian Academic Center is being sued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for withdrawing a job offer from a teacher because she was pregnant. The EEOC said in a May 14 statement that the Decatur school, owned and operated by Greenforest Community Baptist Church, violated federal law when it rescinded an offer of employment to Victoria Y. Brown in July 2007. The agency which enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination said it filed suit against the school after first trying to reach a voluntary settlement. In its lawsuit, the EEOC said Brown had already received an employment offer from Greenforest McCalep when she went for a meeting with the headmaster to discuss some final pre-employment matters before she began teaching in the 2007-08 school year. “During this meeting, Brown informed the headmaster that she was pregnant, and she was then told that she would not be able to teach at Greenforest McCalep because of
her pregnancy,” the EEOC said. Robert Dawkins, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Atlanta District Office, said pregnant women have an equal right to participate in the work force. “No expectant mother should be deprived of her livelihood for bringing life into the world,” he said. The EEOC says that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex or pregnancy status. The EEOC is seeking back pay and compensatory and punitive damages for Brown. The lawsuit also seeks injunctive relief designed to stop the discrimination and prevent it from recurring in the future. Deacon James Chester, the church’s acting human resources manage,r said that they are reviewing the charge and cannot comment on active litigation. “Our academy does its best to provide opportunity for all races, creeds and individuals,” he said. “We work towards the implementation of all federal and state laws.”
EEOC suing homebuilder
Under One Roof!
Matthew Ware
May 23, 2009
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) - $18,545,013 This funding will be used in the areas of greatest need in DeKalb County to help stabilize neighborhoods impacted by the foreclosure/mortgage crisis. Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) - $2,359,998 This funding will be used to either prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless or help those experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. Community Development Block Grant Recovery Program (CDBG-R) - $1,543,400 This funding will be used to stimulate the economy through measures that modernize the local infrastructure and improve energy efficiency. Funding will assist with hard development costs associated with infrastructure improvements and activities that stimulate job creation and long-term economic benefit.
Citizens and interested parties are encouraged to visit DeKalb County’s website, www.co.dekalb.ga.us, for current information and continuing updates to these programs. Please visit our website on a regular basis. We want citizens to be informed of recent developments and opportunities to improve their neighborhoods and help prevent homelessness. In addition, information may be obtained at the DeKalb County Community Development Department located at 1807 Candler Road, Decatur 30032 between the hours of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Comments may also be submitted to Fax: (404) 286-3337 or Email: bhcamp@co.dekalb.ga.us Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access TTY by phone at 404-286-3336. Limited English proficiency (LEP) persons that desire assistance regarding these programs may visit the Community Development Department (CD) at the Candler Road location or contact CD by phone at 404-286-3308.
The U.S. Equal Employment whose race corresponded with the Opportunity Commission is su- predominant population of each ing John Wieland Homes and community. “Therefore Mouser was told Neighborhoods Inc. for unlawfully discriminating against black sales that she could not hire qualified African-American sales agents for agents. The Atlanta-based homebuild- communities with predominantly er, which has developed numer- Caucasian populations,” the lawous subdivisions in south DeKalb suit said. “When Mouser complained County, is charged with intentionally assigning sales agents to hous- about the company’s discriminaing communities based on the race tory practices to management officials, no action was taken. of the surrounding community. In the lawsuit filed on April 30, Because management failed to act IMPO the EEOC said that the practice and Mouser could not participate led to black sales agents earning in the illegal hiring practices, she U.S. Department significantly less than their white felt forced to resign.” Funding The EEOC is seeking back pay, Alloc counterparts, who were assigned to punitive damhousing communities where they compensatory and to Include the Neig ages for Mouser and the affected sold higher-priced homes. Homeless Prevention a The EEOC says that conduct African American sales agents for Community Developme by Wieland Homes violates Title the period beginning in 2003. The lawsuit also wants injuncVII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. tive relief designed to stop The agency began its investigation In accordance with the Titlethe III Hou discrimination and prevent from of Wieland Homes when Michelle American Recovery and itReinvestm Mouser, a white human resources recurring in the future. Urban Bernice Development (HUD) has allo Williams-Kimbrough, representative, filed a discriminaprograms: the EEOC’s Atlanta district office tion charge with the agency. Mouser, who was responsible director, said that race discriminaan insidious, but prevafor recruiting sales agents to work tion • is still Neighborhood Stabilization of discrimination. onsite at Weiland’s new housing lent form This funding will be used in th “All employees are entitled to a communities under construction, neighborhoods impacted by t said that the company’s manage- workplace free of racial discriminament expressly stated that the goal tion,” she said. “More importantly, Homeless Prevention regardless of their and R was to hire and assign employees all• individuals, This funding will be used to e or help those experiencing ho
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Business Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. In addition, information be obtained 279 Candler Road • Atlanta, GAmay 30317 (Inlocated front of at Saint Philip AME) 1807 Candler Road, Decatur through Friday. Comments may also be bhcamp@co.dekalb.ga.us
WELLNESS
A5
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
“By emptying standing water, Georgians are able to decrease the presence of mosquitoes.”
Let the mosquitoes bite someone else Now that it has been raining again and water is collecting everywhere, count on pesky mosquitoes and their viruses that can cause disease in humans and animals. The best way to remove the welcome mat and minimize mosquito activity is to empty standing water. Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford, the state acting public health director, says the standing water that persists after downpours in puddles, flower pots and other containers provides additional places for mosquitoes to breed and may cause mosquito eggs to hatch that have laid dormant for months or even years. “By emptying standing water, Georgians are able to decrease the presence of mosquitoes and reduce their risk of contracting mosquitoborne illnesses,” Ford said. “Even if residents do not believe mosquitoes are biting, we still encourage them to dump excess water.” The most common mosquitoborne viruses that plague Georgia annually include eastern equine encephalitis, west nile and la crosse viruses. Mosquito-borne viruses are most active from late spring to early fall in Georgia. Increased numbers of human cases are normally detected in August. Mosquito-borne viral diseases are also best prevented by taking personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites. Personal protective measures include wearing repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; ensuring mosquitoes cannot enter your home through open doors or
Keep the bugs at bay n Empty standing water n Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. n Dress appropriately when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. n Use insect repellant with an EPA-approved active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the package for safest and most effective use. n Protect your skin with natural bug repellent, such as lemon eucalyptus oil, available at health food stores, or apple cider vinegar which you can rub all over your body. If you cannot tolerate the smell of apple cider vinegar on your skin, drink two tablespoons each day for the same effect. You can also add five or six drops of the oil to one cup of water in a spritz bottle and spray it all over your body. n Burning citronella candles on your deck or around your house when you plan to be outside after dark will also mosquito-proof home and outdoor living space. n Hang mosquito netting, available at camping supply stores, around your deck or porch for extra protection to keep mosquitoes at bay. For more information about mosquito-borne viruses in Georgia, visit http://health.state.ga.us/epi/vbd/mosquito.asp.
windows or through screens with tears in them, and avoiding outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active. If you are allergic to over-thecounter repellants or you prefer natural remedies, you can surround
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Breathe easy. Treatment for your kids is closer than ever. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding offers excellent care for many of the health issues children face, especially asthma. The multi-specialty Children’s Asthma Center offers comprehensive services for the number one reason kids are admitted to Children’s, for the treatment of asthma, including respiratory therapy, asthma education and a pulmonary function testing lab. So the next time your child needs emergency or general medical care, remember Children’s at Hughes Spalding, one of Atlanta’s three nationally ranked pediatric hospitals. For more information, visit www.choa.org/asthma or call 404-785-9960.
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©2009 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding is owned by Grady Health System and managed by HSOC Inc., an affiliate of Children’s. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals who perform services at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are independent providers and are not our employees. ®
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Scene
CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
In Willis’ version, Carmen J journeys from a Southern plantation at the end of the Civil War to the streets of Philadelphia and New York City.
Slave girl’s quest for love coming to Sanford Center The story of a hot-tempered slave girl in search of freedom and love comes to the stage at the Porter Sanford Community and Performing Arts Center on May 28-30 in the Americolor Opera Company’s play, “Carmen J.” The production, written by composer and Americolor Opera founder Dr. Sharon J. Willis, is an adaptation of French opéra comique “Carmen” by Georges Bizet. Sharon Willis Willis says her opera brings a history lesson and a twist to the original composition. In Willis’ version, Carmen J journeys from a Southern plantation at the end of the Civil War to the streets of Philadelphia and New York City. Her story is laced with deception, humor, romance, folly and conspiracy. Carmen J is the 10th original opera written by Willis and performed across metropolitan Atlanta since she founded Americolor Opera Company in 1999. Showtimes for the DeKalb run of Carmen J are 8 p.m. on May 28 and May 29 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 30. Tickets are $25 and are available online at americoloropera.org. May 28 is DeKalb County Night and all tickets are $10 each. The Arts Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information email info@americoloropera.org or call 404-917-4137.
Authors to discuss books during Festival of Writers Robyn O”Brien (above) is on a quest to identify ways that food allergies affect kids. At left, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child will discuss their newest novel.
Three celebrated authors, including a national health expert, will visit the Decatur Library in the coming days as part of library’s May Festival of Writers. Writing duo Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, whose newest novel “Cemetery Dance” follows enigmatic special agent Pendergast on his investigation of a murderous New York City cult, will be at the library on May 23 at 2 p.m. Preston and Child have also penned “Relic,” “Reliquary” and “The Book of the Dead.” Robyn O’Brien, a children’s health and food allergies specialist, will be at the library on May 27 at 7:15 p.m. She will discuss her new book “The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick – and What We Can Do About It.” The tome details O’Brien’s transformation into a one-woman crusader seeking to identify food allergies that affect children. It also explores her discovery of shocking truths about toxicity in American food systems. O’Brien, who has been featured in “The New York Times” and on CNN, is also the
founder of AllergyKids, an organization devoted to raising awareness about food toxins. Both events are free. The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore Street in downtown Decatur. For more information, call 404-370-8450, ext. 2225.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
Ministry
“On that day we will identify, examine and unleash emotional chains of defeat.”
Conference offers emotional empowerment The Reflect My Essence conference creates an environment for women to share their stories, clear their minds of worry and get encouragement from women who have overcome.
Zion (left) and Zhani Moore – a.k.a. Raize the Praize – will be on WATC’s “Atlanta Live” program.
Dazzling hip hop dance duo’s steps to be televised Raize the Praize, a Decaturbased sister-brother hip hop duo, will show their stuff on “Atlanta Live” on May 26. Zhani and Zion Moore, who are 14 and 10 years old respectively, are winners of the 2009 Dance Invasion competition. They will be on WATC TV's flagship program that airs live weeknights between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Encore presentations of the program are broadcast weekday mornings from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Corliss Moore, their mother, says that in the 18 months they have been dancing, they have used
their talent to praise God and to demonstrate to their peers that there is no shame in doing so. The duo, who are are members of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, have appeared at numerous churches in DeKalb County. They are also the first-place winners of the Blaze the Floor praise dance competiton held recently at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, and have performed their poppin’, tickin’ and animation movements on the GospelSuperfest and in James Jackson’s video “Thank You.”
Young women can tap into spiritual and emotional empowerment at the second annual Reflect My Essence conference on May 30 at Emory University in Atlanta. “Waiting to Exhale: Breaking the Chains of Defeat” will take place 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. O r g a n i zer Marissa Mitchell said the conference is for women ages 21 to 30. She said that Marissa Mitchell age group faces many issues including depression and career setbacks, relationship struggles and staggering HIV rates.
“I believe that low self-esteem and spiritual strongholds are the root cause of those issues,” said Mitchell, a former Miss Black Georgia USA and 2007 Emory graduate who lives in Lithonia. She said the free conference creates an environment for women to share their stories, clear their minds of worry and get encouragement from women who have overcome. “On that day we will identify, examine and unleash emotional chains of defeat,” Mitchell said. Speakers include Stacy Terrell Dennis, founder of Blessed and Highly Favored Charities Inc. and author of “My Guardian Angel Is So Real.” Choreographer and artist developer Gee Gee Ibarra of Infinite
Movement Dance Studio in Atlanta will lead an interactive dance session, and Brenda Coleman, chair of the Atlanta Cares Movement, will speak on mentorship. There will also be a guided meditation session, mix and mingle and a soul-stirring “Exhale” ceremony. Mitchell said each participant should receive a blessing. “She will leave knowing that she isn’t alone in her struggles and that she is more than capable of overcoming any battle that comes her way,” she said. Participants must bring a pillow or small comforter for mediation. Casual attire in white or beige is preferred. To register, email reflectmyessence@gmail.com or call 404-314-2821.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 23, 2009
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