CrossRoadsNews, May 30, 2015 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Kudos ...

Come on now ...

Send us your nominees

... to the Chapel Lake Homeowners Association for maintaining the landscaping at the entrance to the subdivision on Wesley Chapel Road.

... to the people who littered H.F. Shepherd Drive in Decatur. To the property owner’s credit, this mess was cleared within a week after this photo was taken.

Welcome to “Kudos & Come On Now,” a new initiative where we shine the spotlight on the people, businesses or groups who are going the extra mile to make our communities look better, and on those who aren’t doing nearly enough. When you see examples at either extreme, tweet a photo and the location to us @CRNews_DeKalb, or post it to facebook.com/crossroadsnews, with #KudosDeKalb or #ComeOnDeKalb. We will run the best – and worst – examples in this space and on crossroadsnews.com/kudos.

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

May 30, 2015

Volume 21, Number 5

www.crossroadsnews.com

Development Authority unveils new name, branding campaign By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

County.” Irons said that one of the difficulties faced by the county was that people who wanted to do things in DeKalb didn’t know who to call. “Hopefully after this point they will know and understand who to connect with and who to call,” he said. John Kelley, Georgia Power area manVaughn Irons ager, said that the first 39 years of its 40 years, the Development Authority was a conduit to issue bonds. “Most of the actions in the county was a result of its action,” he said.

Decide DeKalb is the new name of the Development Authority of DeKalb County. The group that is leading the county’s charge for economic development also has a new tag line, “Invest Connect Thrive.” The authority’s board of directors unveiled the new name and branding campaign at its 40th anniversary celebration on May 27 at Agnes Scott College in Decatur. Board Chairman Vaughn Irons said it has been a long journey and a relay race. “We have passed the baton between many different people to get us to this point,” he said. “But we are excited about the conclusion. We will finally have a brand that can be marketed and that encompasses every part of DeKalb Please see DEVELOPMENT, page 2

One-stop help for child sex abuse victims DeKalb District Attorney Robert James and interim CEO Lee May hold stuffed bears donated by businesses for child abuse victims during a tour of new DeKalb Family Protection Center in Tucker on May 28.

DeKalb Family Protection Center opens in Tucker By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Children victimized by sex criminals and human traffickers now have a center dedicated to them in Tucker. District Attorney Robert James and a dozen partners cut the ribbon on the 6,800-square-foot DeKalb Family Protection Center located at the DeKalb Fire & Rescue headquarters on May 28. The center, at 1950 W. Exchange Place, also will serve victims of domestic violence and elder abuse. It was eight years in the making, and James, who was applauded at the event for his vision and dogged efforts to get it opened, said it will be a safe and tranquil place for kids and other crime victims to receive forensic interviews, counseling and other services. “All the services are here,” he said. “We have it all here in one place.” Before the center opened, James said victims had to go to 10 to 15 different places for services. “Oftentimes they ended up being victimized again by the process,” he said. Not anymore. At the DeKalb Family Protection Center, which is operated by the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, victims will be interviewed once, undergo sexual assault examinations by a qualified nurse, and get counseling all under one roof. The center, decorated in warm colors, was fashioned from former training and conference rooms for Fire & Rescue. It opened at a cost of $1 million. Funding came from federal stimulus funds and DeKalb Police forfeiture dollars. Flooring and tile, artwork, decor, some furniture, teddy bears, and an exam table were donated by a dozen businesses. Donated teddy bears line several walls in the center.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

James said the stuffed bears signal security to child victims. “Oftentimes a child victim will hold a teddy bear in their arms when they are being interviewed,” said James, who patterned the center after one in Athens and one in San Diego. “Ours is a hybrid of the two,” he said. “It’s bigger than the center in Athens, and when I saw the exam room in San Diego, I said we had to have one here, too.” The DeKalb Family Protection Center is the first of its kind in metro Atlanta. The center’s one-stop shop of services offers victims access to Day League, formerly the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center; the Department of Family and Children Services; and a host of other agencies. Interim CEO Lee May said he first heard

about efforts to start the center eight years ago, and he is thankful to be a part of something like this and DeKalb is proud to have the first in metro Atlanta. “I don’t think I fully understand the impact it would have on the lives of people,” he said. “And as long as it took, it showed that we as a family in DeKalb County are committed to doing the right things where our most vulnerable are concerned.” Nancy Chandler, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy’s executive director, called Thursday “one fabulous day” in the county. “I am overwhelmed. I am amazed and I am blown away,” she said. “We have worked for so long at this. We never gave up. We knew it was going to happen.” Chandler said the center started with former DeKalb District Attorney Gwen Keyes

Fleming and James ran with it when he became DA. “It really took a village,” she said. “It took all of us. We have accomplished so much and it is a wonderful day.” During the tour of Nancy Chandler the facility, Chandler said three to five full-time employees will staff the center weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. She said the center will serve 300 children ages 3 to 18 years old in its first year of operation. With funding, James said he would like to see it operate seven days a week, around Please see CENTER, page 2

CrossRoadsNews

Community

May 30, 2015

“We spent two days talking about nothing but economic development in this county.”

District 5 candidates focus on economic development at forum By Ken Watts

Economic development in South DeKalb dominated the conversation on May 26 at the first public forum for the 10 candidates seeking to fill the District 5 Board of Commissioners seat in the June 16 special election. Eight candidates – Gregory Adams, Harmel Codi, Jerome Edmondson, Gwen Russell Green, Gina Mangham, Dr. Kathryn Rice, Kenneth Saunders III and George Turner – participated. Mereda Davis Johnson and Vaughn Irons were absent. Johnson had a family emergency, and Irons said he never received an invitation. About 60 people were in the audience at the Stonecrest Library in Lithonia. Moderator Steen Miles asked candidates that if elected, what would they do to spur economic development in the district where residents are clamoring for “high end, high value” places to shop, eat and do business? Turner said the Perimeter Mall area in North DeKalb grew because businesses formed a community improvement district. “I would work with the East Metro CID in DeKalb to improve the cleanliness of our area. We gotta clean it up. I would support that effort along with improvements in our school system to create a better work force.” Saunders said he would help make it easier for new companies to get through the county’s permitting process and open. “You need the right kind of information on our area and I would see that they get it by putting them together with the East Metro CID and the South DeKalb Improvement Association,” he said. Rice, who founded SDIA and led an effort

Upcoming DeKalb Commission District 5 Candidate Forums Tuesday, June 2, 6 p.m. Stonecrest Library 3123 Klondike Road Lithonia Hosted by the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce Monday, June 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Community Achievement Center 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m. Stonecrest Library 3123 Klondike Road

to establish a city of Greenhaven in South DeKalb, said the district needs a clear vision of where it wants to go. “We don’t have a plan for this area that says what we would like to have here,” she said. “We know that there are certain [businesses] that we don’t want, so you have to do an assessment of the area and build on your strengths and create assets that attract new business.” Mangham said she’s seen five plans in the 20 years she’s lived in South DeKalb. “What we need to do is implement,” she said. “Cityhood won’t do it. Talking to businesses to bring them in won’t do it. We need to develop the talent we have here, show them what we can do on our own and maybe we can attract other people to come and join in on our success.” Green said DeKalb’s young people need

Lithonia Hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Stone-Mountain Lithonia Chapter Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. Fairfield Inn and Suites Hotel-Stonecrest 7850 Stonecrest Square Lithonia Hosted by the Stonecrest Business Alliance Thursday, June 11, 7-8:30 p.m. DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale Theatre 2745 DeKalb Medical Parkway Lithonia

Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-noon District 5 Candidate Community Forum & Political Mixer This is It! Banquet Hall 2853 Panola Road Lithonia Hosted by the DeKalb NAACP For more information, visit www. dekalbvotes.com or call 404-298-4020.

to be trained in entrepreneurial strategies while South DeKalb consumers need education on how to support development. “We should demand higher levels of excellence from our businesses than what we’re getting,” Green said. “Also, if we go to Perimeter Mall to shop, we should let the companies there know we want them to open stores in South DeKalb.” Edmondson said South DeKalb needs to look at its lack of infrastructure and discord in county government. “I built a million-dollar call center on North Shallowford Road because we didn’t have the fiber-optic infrastructure over here,” he said. “The Falcons wanted to build their new stadium at the old GM Doraville assembly plant site and we lost that because of our lack of collaboration in the government. We’re running business out of the county.”

Codi said potential business investors study an area’s vital statistics. “The first data they look at is graduation rates, then crime levels, then property values, but all good things in our communities stem from education,” she said. “So if we want economic development in District 5, we need to build coalitions with the school system to elevate its performance and help us attract business.” Adams said he would advocate aggressive efforts to bring in reputable businesses. “When you bring money into your county, people want to work in your county, then they want to live in your county and that brings about economic stability,” he said. Early voting is under way 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays through June 12 at DeKalb Voter Registration & Elections, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, in Decatur.

Board saw need for new vision at 2013 summit DEVELOPMENT,

from page

But he said the authority’s board members decided at a summit that it is time for a new vision for the county. He said members wanted a better school system, business retention and business recruitment, but one thing really stood out. “That when we talk economic development in DeKalb County, we want one place that we can pick up the telephone or we can direct others to a one-stop shop,” he said. “And that’s what we have. We also decided that it was time to develop a public-private relationship and we are still working on that.” Kelley said that having Ray Gilley, the authority’s new president, to lead the organization is a big plus. “If we work together and allow our professionals to lead us in economic development, you are going to be very pleased with the next 40 years,” he said. Irons said there have been many moments in DeKalb’s history that people have come together to move the county forward. In January 2013, he said a group of 28 people

that included board members and county officials laid the groundwork for the Development Authority’s new framework at a retreat in Birmingham, Ala. “We spent two days talking about nothing but economic development in this county,” Irons said. “It was probably a watershed moment for us because out of this meeting, with this group of people, came the framework that we introduced to you last year and has led to the hiring of Ray [Gilley] and to bring us to a new brand that we can unveil to you today and that the entire county can embrace.” Irons said the group came to the conclusion that the Development Authority of DeKalb County was the best place to house economic development. “And still to this day, it is one of the most transparent discussions that we have had about economic development issues in this county,” he said. Gilley said he is impressed that the county took the time in 2013 for self-introspection and to establish a strategic plan. He said he is looking forward to working with stakeholders to implement the plan and

Hosted by Junior League of DeKalb County, Parent Councils United, South DeKalb Improvement Association and Leadership DeKalb

he will push the county’s WE DeKalb Program that offers 3 percent to 5 percent down payment to people earning up to $91,000 for new home purchases and refinancing of existing homes. Gilley said the program will allow employees who want to buy homes or refinance in DeKalb to live closer to where they work in the county. He said Decide DeKalb will embark on a campaign to market and brand Ray Gilley DeKalb as a top business destination and will highlight the county’s most valuable asset – its people. Gilley said there is not a single place in the county that doesn’t have something that it needs to work on, and that while DeKalb has challenges, it is no worse than anyplace else. “Employers, those present and those we want to attract to our county, will be most impressed, hopefully, by our strengths and also by our ability to deal with our challenges,” he said.

Once-a-week trash collection Once-a-week trash collection is going countywide on July 6. DeKalb interim CEO Lee May said the “Rolling Forward to One” program will enable the county to keep annual sanitation fees to $265 for residents. “Since 2006, DeKalb residents have not seen an increase in sanitation fees,” May said. “In addition to ensuring we continue this trend, the change brings us many internal and external benefits, including cost savings to the county, neighborhoods that are cleaner and neater, and a reduction in injuries for our crews.” More than 28,000 residents have been on once-a-week collection since April 28. Garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings all will be collected on the same day. The county will provide 65-gallon green garbage roll carts to single-family households in unincorporated DeKalb and in Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Lithonia. Bin delivery will take six to eight weeks, but once-a-week collection begins July 6, even for those without the new bins.

13 agencies support facility that is serving crime victims across county CENTER,

from page

the clock. Heather Stockdale, executive director of Atlanta-based Georgia Cares, which fights commercial sexploitation of children statewide, said DeKalb and Fulton counties account for the agency’s highest referrals. In 2014, she said the agency served 387 youth sex trafficking victims ages 9 to 17 years in the two counties. “The average age of the victims was 14.9 years old, and they had been in the life for 11 months,” Stockdale said. Dr. Cedric Alexander, the county’s

deputy COO for Public Safety, said the DeKalb Police Special Victims Unit has a dozen detectives who are working on cases that involved domestic and elder abuse and child sexploitation. “They work hundreds of these cases every year,” he said. “The evidence that is collected is moved over to the DA’s office for prosecution. It’s a great deal of work, but the dedication of the men and women that do this job help protect and save the lives of these young people.” Alexander told the story of a SWAT team responding to an apartment complex in south DeKalb County two months ago where

two girls 13 and 14 years old were being held captive by perpetrators who were prostituting them. “It was a rescue,” Alexander said, “and when SWAT brought them out from the apartment, it was unbelievable to see 13-, 14-year-old young girls who were being used the way that they were used. It was heartwrenching to me. “And they had absolutely nowhere to go. They came out of foster environment and they had nowhere to go.” The 13 agencies supporting the center signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the ceremony.

James said the center will serve victims across the county and all victims will be brought to the center for service. Before she left the podium, Chandler told the stakeholders that they have a lot to be proud of. She told them to think about all the babies that are born today, tomorrow and next week. “Let’s build a community,” she said. “Let’s build a world where there is no child abuse, there is no elder abuse, there is no trafficking. Let Atlanta be known for something really cool like a winning football team. I’d rather be known for that than for the trafficking hub of the East Coast.”

CrossRoadsNews

May 30, 2015

Community

“Accepting the resignation would have left the issue unresolved and the outcome would not have been included in his permanent records.”

Green gets $300,000 contract to lead DeKalb Schools Teacher faces Board of Education board selected an experienced, welltermination in votedTheMayDeKalb 28 to extend a three-year suited educational leader to move the to Dr. R. Stephen Green to district forward. student sex case contract be its next superintendent. “Dr. Green brings an impressive By Ken Watts

The Champion Middle Theme School teacher accused of allowing students to have sex in his classroom is facing termination from the DeKalb School District. Quentin Wright, 25, was scheduled for a May 29 disciplinary hearing after the district refused to accept his resignation. Wright, who was also a former coach at the Stone Mountain school, had tried to Quentin Wright quit his job but Superintendent Michael Thurmond refused his resignation, saying he would leave the district free and clear. Wright is charged with four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor after allegedly allowing students to have sex in a storage closet in his classroom. School officials removed him from duty on May 18. On May 19, Wright submitted his resignation. Schools spokesman Quinn Hudson said that based on the seriousness of the allegations against Wright, the district chose not to accept his resignation. “Accepting the resignation would have left the issue unresolved and the outcome would not have been included in his permanent records,” Hudson said. “We believe this decision is in the best interests of all parties concerned.” He called the allegations disturbing. “The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” he said. Wright taught math and science and coached basketball at Champion Middle. DeKalb Schools police arrested him after getting a call from parents claiming that he had sent inappropriate text messages to their 14-year-old son. Police said parents reported that Wright had been planning to meet the student at school on the morning of May 15. The teen told investigators of other inappropriate texts Wright allegedly sent to other male students about female students. The arrest warrant said Wright arranged times for the students to have sex in the storage closet of his empty classroom and gave them condoms. “He told my son you can have it from 7:30 to like 8:30,” a mother, who asked to remain anonymous, told WSB-TV. “‘Did you tell the girl what’s going to happen? That she cannot tell anybody? Basically don’t tell anyone I’m allowing you to use my room.’” Police also have a warrant to search for more evidence on Wright’s computer. Hudson said after Wright was removed from duty, he was notified that the district would start the termination process. Wright was released from the DeKalb County Jail on May 19 on $16,000 bond.

Green will make an annual base salary of $300,000. He will begin serving on July 1. District 7 School Board member Joyce Morley cast the lone no vote. Green, who was superintendent of the Kansas City School District, will succeed Michael Thurmond, who leaves the DeKalb School District on June 30 after two years and four months on the job. Board Chair Melvin Johnson said that after a six-month search, the

record to DeKalb not only from Kansas City, but also from New York, New Jersey and Indiana,” Johnson said. “He was a stabilizing force in Kansas City and will do the same here in DeKalb County.” Green was the lone finalist from a field of 100 candidates. He is credited with leading Kansas City Public Schools back to provisional accreditation within two years of being named its superintendent in 2012.

The vote to hire Dr. R. Stephen Green was nearly unanimous; only one board member said no. He starts July 1.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Moore’s family sues City of Atlanta over his death By Ken Watts

Bernard Moore’s family has filed a $5 million wrongful death civil lawsuit against the city of Atlanta. Moore, 62, was killed on March 6 by an Atlanta Police cruiser on Metropolitan Parkway in Atlanta. He was crossing the street during a break from his job at a nearby auto parts store when the poBernard Moore lice car driven by Atlanta Officer Christopher Blaise struck him. There was evidence that the car tried to stop before it plowed into Moore. Witnesses said the cruiser was speeding and its emergency blue lights were not on. Moore’s daughter, Keshanna Spencer of Moody, Ala., who attended a May 26 news conference at the Davis Bozeman Law Firm in Decatur, said unanswered questions add to the pain of losing her father. “It’s been a very rough two months,” said Spencer, who was accompanied by her 5-month-old son, Noah; her husband, Nathaniel; and brother Bernardo Hicks. “This will be our first Father’s Day without him.” The suit filed in Fulton County Superior Court accuses Blaise of reckless conduct. As a police officer, he has immunity from civil suits, but Spencer’s lawyers say the city as his employer could be liable to Spencer, who incurred funeral and burial expenses. It also seeks attorney’s fees and expenses. In the suit, Spencer claims that “at all relevant times, Defendant City of Atlanta was vested with the obligation of ensuring that the police officers of the City of Atlanta Police Department, including Christopher Blaise, complied with the statutes, ordinances, regulations” of the state and city. The suit said Blaise was engaged in acts and omissions that caused the accident, including: n Negligently speeding. n Failing to discover and avoid Moore. n Failure to make reasonable and proper observations while operating his vehicle. n Failure to exercise due care in operating his vehicle.

n Driving his vehicle without keeping a proper lookout for pedestrians in the roadway. n Driving too fast for conditions. Attorneys Mawuli Davis and Robert Bozeman said the suit is a last resort after the family tried for more than two months to meet with Police Chief George Turner. Bozeman said the family also appealed for an investigation into the case at the May 12 meeting of the Atlanta City Council’s Public Safety Committee.

“This isn’t just an ordinary car accident,” Bozeman said. “There’s something more to this because police are involved. Police were driving without lights and without sirens and killed a citizen of Atlanta and should be held to a higher standard. We have not seen that adherence to a higher standard happen yet and that’s what’s really, really troubling.” Bozeman said Blaise has not been arrested, charged, ticketed or indicted and the lack of disciplinary action could erode public confidence in police.

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Forum 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Graphic Design Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker

CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday 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 CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

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CrossRoadsNews

May 30, 2015

Thousands of people from the Caribbean call DeKalb home. The Carnival was an exhibition of their culture.

County dropped the ball with Carnival trash Jennifer Parker (in white) poses with paraders at the Caribbean Carnival on Covington Highway on May 23 when it came to DeKalb for the first time.

As I See It Jennifer Parker

On May 23, I went to Carnival. Yes I did, and I didn’t even have to fly to New York City, or Toronto, or Trinidad, or Rio de Janeiro. I didn’t even have to drive to the city of Atlanta. I just went up to Covington Highway in Decatur. And what a spectacular event it was. Big bodacious costumes, the colors of the rainbow were everywhere. Bodies of all shapes and sizes gyrated to the strains of the pan. It was a sight for sore eyes, music to the ear, and balm to the spirit. Everybody was having a good time because that is what a Caribbean Carnival does to people. Spectators were snapping photos or dancing along on the sidewalks. I even saw a DeKalb Police officer taking photos or a video with his cell phone. Joycelyn Dorsey from the Greater Towers Community grabbed my arms as I walked by to tell me how happy she was to see Carnival on Covington Highway. DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey Mann was glad he brought his lawn chair so he could sit through the fourand-a-half-hour parade. Yes, that is how long it took 7,000 people to dance their way to the festival village across from the MARTA station. For a moment I couldn’t believe I was in DeKalb County. Then I tried to find a trash can for an empty water bottle and reality set in pretty quickly. The Atlanta Carnival Bandleaders Council brought thousands of people – including tourists from as far away as New York City – to DeKalb County, but DeKalb Sanitation and its Keep DeKalb Beautiful arm had not bothered to line the parade route with trash cans or recycling bins. So the 7,000 paraders and the estimated 8,000 people who lined Covington Highway had nowhere to put their trash. It was a sunny day and, of course, everyone was guzzling water and soda. Being the upstanding citizen that I am, I crushed my bottles and stuffed them in my pocketbook. But after quenching their thirst, the paraders, dancing down the streets in large headdresses and tiny bikinis, had nowhere to store their bottles. The spectators too tried not to litter, but with nary a trash can in sight, they had no choice. A lone trash can at a MARTA bus stop filled and overflowed. Someone tied up some trash in grocery store plastic bags, and to no one’s surprise, the waves of people left empty plastic water bottles in their wake.

Jami Ffrench-Parker / CrossRoadsNews

With no trash or recycling bins along the parade route, spectators did the best they could. Some wrapped their trash in grocery bags at left.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Once again, I was left asking – why DeKalb? Did DeKalb County not understand what was coming? Yes they did. Organizers told them that the parade alone would have 7,000 people. Did no one think that those people have friends and family members who would come to cheer them on? Did no one in the county understand that curious DeKalb citizens would want to see for themselves what Carnival was? Did no one in the county know that large numbers of people generate large amounts of trash? Three days later on Tuesday, May 26, after the organizers were forced to hire a crew of 14 people to clean up the street, DeKalb Sanitation still had not hauled away the bags of trash sitting along the sidewalk and in the MARTA parking lot. Thousands of people from the Caribbean call DeKalb County home. The Carnival was an exhibition of some of their culture. Many of them are voters. I saw three elected officials at the event – DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson and Stan Watson,

who were parade grand marshalls – and Sheriff Mann, who was a spectator. The Carnival was a big boon to businesses along the parade route. The RaceTrac convenience store did a booming business. The line was through the door at the Roti House, at This Is It BBQ, and all the small shops along the route. County and state government got their share too from the sales taxes collected on all the drinks and food that were sold. Organizers paid for 43 DeKalb Police officers to man the parade route. So why didn’t the county ensure that its citizens and visitors had someplace to put their trash? After two days of going back and forth with Keep DeKalb Beautiful, ACBC President Charles Baker said that he finally just hired a private trash removal company on Wednesday to haul the trash away. Why didn’t DeKalb County have trucks to cart away the trash when the event was over? In New York City, where Carnival has been taking over Eastern Parkway for decades, city government moves in with street sweepers and trucks to haul away the trash

when the parade ends. They do the same in the city of Atlanta. That’s just what governments do to keep their cities and counties clean. Why can’t we do the same in DeKalb County? As a taxpaying citizen, when I go to a big event on county/city streets, I expect county/city services – including trash cans. And when the event is over, I expect trash to be hauled away. Is that asking too much? The Caribbean Carnival has the potential of becoming a destination event for DeKalb County. Organizers proved that on Saturday. Given all the bad news emanating daily from DeKalb, the Carnival was a breath of fresh air. With marketing, the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau could fill hotels with visitors, restaurants could do booming business, and this could be an economic boon to the county. Besides, it’s about time that DeKalb begin to show that it is really the most diverse county in the state and that it embraces the cultures of all the people who call the county home. Of particular note, with the thousands of people who participated in, and who watched the parade, DeKalb Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said that there was no incident of crime reported. By Sunday, organizers got complaints about the lingering trash. Some Avondale residents sent emails complaining about the loud music. The parade took twice as long as organizers estimated, but that and the music volume is something that can be fixed for next time. Does DeKalb have the will to do its part in making this event an annual success for the county? County press secretary Burke Brennan said Thursday that they underestimated the magnitude of the event. “It is something we regret,” he said. “We are going to learn from it for next year.” Jennifer Parker is the editor and publisher of CrossRoadsNews.

index to advertisers DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court...................... 8 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau............ 3 DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office........................ 8 Higher Level Worship Church......................... 8

Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC................... 8 Little Tots Academy......................................... 8 Marten Transport............................................ 8 Quenon Smith................................................ 8

Rainbow Academy of Learning...................... 3 Wells Fargo..................................................... 5 Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts

Walgreen’s..............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Michael L. Hickman Salsa Dancing........ Online

May 30, 2015

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

May 30, 2015

“This awards show provides an open forum to celebrate successes, share resources and promote innovative ideas that change lives.”

Beginner paddlers needed for the South River The outings presented by the South River Watershed Alliance will introduce youth and adults to the joys of paddling and the importance of stewardship.

Scholarships are available for first-time and beginner paddlers to experience the South River courtesy of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance and a grant from the National Park Foundation and Subaru. The South River Watershed Alliance’s South River paddles will introduce adults and youth ages 10-17 to the river, the importance of river protection and stewardship, and the joys of paddling. Paddle dates are June 13, July 25 and Aug. 22. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, to sign up or volunteer to be a paddle mentor, visit http://www.southriverga.org/content. cfm?sid=37 or call 404-285-3756.

Andrea Stroud will read from “This Thing Called Life” on June 6 at Covington Library.

May 31 deadline for Kingdom Builders nominations The May 31 deadline is fast approaching to nominate an outstanding pastor, first lady, missionary, gospel artist or youth for the second annual Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards. Nominations can be submitted at www. kingdombuildersawards.com for eight categories, including ministers, organizations and churches. The event takes place on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. The multicultural awards program honors Christian men, women and youth who exemplify a standard of excellence. Alicia Cardwell Alston, founder and executive producer of the Kingdom Builders

Gospel Awards and co-creator of the annual Trumpet Awards, called the show a tribute to the faith community, churches and individuals who serve others. “This awards show provides an open forum to celebrate successes, share resources and promote innovative ideas that change lives,” she said. “The awards show recognizes pioneers, innovators and trailblazers Alicia Alston that are making a difference in individual lives, churches and communities across the nation.” At last year’s black-tie gala, Kim Parris, founder of the Resilience Foundation,

received the Kingdom Builders organization award; Bishop Richard Green of New Covenant Metropolitan Ministries got the Soul Harvest Award; Aryanna Brown of Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church and Benjamin Pollard of High Point Christian Tabernacle received the Young Star Award; and gospel artist Gary Fordham got the Rising Star Award. Pastor Karl Moore of Clarkston First Baptist Church was the recipient of the Good Shepherd Award, and Chief Apostle Mary D. Lawrence of Open Door Outreach Center was honored with the Kingdom Trailblazer Award. For tickets and vendor information, visit www.kingdombuildersawards.com or call 404-455-6678.

Stroud to discuss book, field questions Multi-talented Atlanta native Andrea Stroud will read from her new novel, “This Thing Called Life,” on June 6 at the Covington Library in Decatur. The talk, which includes a question-andanswer session, begins at 2 p.m. It is open to the first 30 patrons. Stroud is an actress, playwright, singer, songwriter and director. She made headlines with her first stage play, “At Midnight,” which sold out a 500-seat theater the first show. She was a finalist in the 2014 Peachtree Village International Film Festival for her screenplay “Broken But Not Destroyed.” The library is at 3500 Covington Highway. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org or call 404-508-7180.

Forum, luncheon in celebration of Caribbean Month Miguel Southwell, aviation general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, will address the Caribbean American Forum and Luncheon on June 5 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. The event, which begins at 11 a.m. in the South Wing, is free and open to the public. It is in celebration of National Caribbean American Heritage Month observed Miguel Southwell in June. Southwell, who has more than two decades of aviation management experience, was named to the Atlanta post in May 2014. At Hartsfield-Jackson, he managed the conclusion of the airport’s food and beverage concessions expansion, one of the largest expansion projects in the global airport industry. He also is leading the ATL team in executing a master plan that will chart the course of airport development for the next 20 years. Southwell has served six years on the Airports Council International World Governing Board and is a past president of its Latin America and Caribbean region. Arthia Nixon and Michael Thomas will serve as moderators at the forum. Among guests is state Rep. Billy Mitchell. The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia was created in 2013 to promote metro businesses. The venue is at 206 Washington St. S.W. For more information or to R.S.V.P., visit www.caribchamber.org or call 678464-0648.

Kathy “Coach K” Russell, a member of Southwest DeKalb’s coaching staff when SWD earned two Final 4 appearances, led her Troy University basketball team to a conference championship.

SWD’s ‘Coach K’ inducted into Hall of Fame Southwest DeKalb High’s Kathy “Coach K” Russell has been inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. Russell, who is employed with the DeKalb Board of Education Public Safety Department and was its Auxiliary Employee of the Year in 2013, was a member of Southwest DeKalb’s coaching staff when SWD earned two Final 4 appearances. The Chicago native attended Troy on a basketball scholarship, where she led the team to a conference championship and was a two-time All-Conference team selection. Russell still holds the all-time rebounding record, seventh leading scorer, member of the 1,000 point club, and ninth leading free throw shooter. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame on April 25 – view Kathy Russell - 2015 Troy

University Sports Hall of Fame on www. youtube.com. Russell said it meant a lot to be recognized for her accomplishments during her collegiate basketball career. She grew up playing basketball and softball but settled on basketball because college scholarships were more readily available. “My goal was to have my college education paid for,” Russell said on May 27. After her playing career, she returned to Troy as part of the coaching staff as the program transitioned into Division 1. Her recruiting was instrumental in leading the program to its first Division 1 Conference Championship and NCAA appearance. Later Russell joined the coaching staff at then nationally ranked Florida International University, assisting with leading that program

to several conference championships and NCAA appearances. In metro Atlanta, the DeKalb resident has served as a coach, player and basketball official. She has played on Pro-am teams and the VASDA Semi-Pro travel team. She was a member of the Georgia Metro Coaching staff, earning national championships under her direction, and still assists young athletes with college selections and scholarships. Russell, who officiates high school and college games, is a member of the Atlanta Dream Ambassadors and the Elite Founding Fans. She advises young people pursuing sports to do their very best. “I encourage them to give their all. The end results could be a college scholarship and induction into a hall of fame.”

Wellness OCD walk to raise awareness Metro Atlanta’s inaugural 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk on June 6 at Chastain Park is personal for Margaret Sisson, a longtime advocate for the mental health community. Sisson, the walk chair, lost her son, Riley, late last year. He had struggled with addicMargaret Sisson tion and severe obsessive compulsive disorder for years, and Sisson is impassioned about making sure families in the Atlanta area have access to the care and resources they need. “Riley was a dedicated, passionate person in everything he did,” Sisson said. “I am committed to honoring his memory by working to give everyone with OCD a fighting chance.” The event aims to raise awareness about OCD, a mental health disorder that affects one in 100 adults. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:30. The new metro walk co-sponsored by the International OCD Foundation and OCD Georgia coincides with walks in Boston and Sacramento, part of the IOCDF’s campaign to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. OCD Georgia President Kasey Brown said the organization is excited about bringing the walk to Atlanta. “We have a great community of individuals, mental health Kasey Brown professionals and loved ones who are looking forward to being part of such a great event,” Brown said. Chastain Park is at 4469 Stella Drive N.W. For more information, visit www. iocdf.org/walkAtlanta.

CrossRoadsNews

May 30, 2015

“Monitoring the health of children with asthma is an around-the-clock job.”

Ga. schools can stock emergency medications burdens of asthma.” “Monitoring the health of children with asthma is an around-the-clock job and shouldn’t end when they are away from their parents or caregivers during the school day,” she said. “This new law ensures that all children – with or without asthma medication prescriptions – are protected every day and have the best opportunities to attain positive Bridgette Blowe health outcomes when faced with an asthma attack or respiratory distress.” Visit www.dph.georgia.gov/georgiaasthma-control-program.

A new state law provides students with access to lifesaving medications at school in the event of an emergency. SB 126 co-sponsored by Sen. Nan Orrock (D-District 36) allows physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine in the name of a public or private school for use in emergency situations, permitting a lay rescuer to administer or make available the medication under certain circumstances. Epinephrine injection is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, latex and other allergens. Under the law, the medication shall be stored in a location readily accessible in an emergency and in accordance with its

instructions for use and any additional requirements established by the Department of Public Health. The bill also includes language from HB 362 allowing public or private schools to stock a supply of albuterol and inhalers for emergency use. Gov. Nathan Deal signed the bill on May 5, authorizing schools to stock the asthma drugs levalbuterol or albuterol and providing immunity for trained staff to administer the medication to a student believed to be experiencing respiratory distress, regardless of whether the student has a prescription. Bridgette Massey Blowe, program coordinator for the Georgia Asthma Control Program in the DPH Chronic Disease Prevention Section, called the new law “a major milestone in our efforts to ease the long-term

100 Black Women seeks nominations

Summer smog a threat to millions

The Decatur-DeKalb Chapter of 100 Black Women is seeking cancer survivors to honor at its annual Pink & Black Ball that celebrates cancer survivors. Ten honorees will be selected this year, and the deadline for nomination is June 15. Nominators should say why the person was selected, describe their journey prior to their cancer diagnosis, and explain how they have coped with the change and promote cancer awareness in their community. They should say if they received other awards or recognition for their cancer awareness work and/or have acted as a role model or mentor. The Pink & Black Ball will take place on Nov. 7 at the Courtyard Marriott, 130 Clairemont Ave. in downtown Decatur. For nomination forms, email pandbball2014@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.ncbwdekalb.com.

May marks the beginning of summer smog season, when ozone pollution levels can rise and pose a special health threat to the 25.5 million Americans who have asthma, including 6.8 million kids and teens. May is also Asthma Awareness Month. The American Lung Association says four in 10 people live in areas with unhealthful levels of ozone, also known as smog. Dr. Albert Rizzo, senior medical adviser to the organization, says ozone pollution also seriously threatens the health of people with other chronic Albert Rizzo lung diseases like COPD. “Ozone causes wheezing and coughing, triggers asthma attacks, increases the risk of hospital admissions and emergency room visits, and even increases the risk of premature death,” Rizzo said on May 19. Smog forms in the atmosphere when gases that come out of tailpipes, smokestacks

and other sources react in the presence of sunlight, and rising temperatures from climate change make it harder to reduce ozone. Scientists have studied the effects of ozone on health for decades and have found that it acts as a powerful respiratory irritant at the levels frequently found across the nation, especially during the summer months. “When a person inhales ozone pollution, it reacts chemically with the body’s internal tissues, causing inflammation, almost like a sunburn of the lung,” Rizzo said. “And the harm is greater for those most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, especially people with asthma, but also children and teens, older adults, and even healthy adults who work or exercise outdoors.” He recommends checking on local air quality by ZIP code at StateoftheAir.org. The American Lung Association is urging the EPA to strengthen the ozone standard to the most protective level, preventing as many as 7,900 premature deaths and 1.8 million asthma attacks. Visit Lung.org. at 888-486-2466

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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.

CrossRoadsNews

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Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC “EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

May 30, 2015

Legal Notices 05/16, 05/23, 05/30, 06/06

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV11660.10++ Jamilah S. Porter Plaintiff Vs. Lorenzo A. Porter Defendant To: 2051 Flat Shoals Rd., SE, Q-8 Atlanta, GA 30316 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 05, 2015 you are hereby notified that on December 08,2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Jamilah S. Porter, 9047 Raven Drive, Atlanta, GA 30238. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 05, 2015. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 6th day of May, 2015.

P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.jhclawyers.com

A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

Sex Offender

Shawn Butler Homeless Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 8/28/2006

Sex Offender

Gregory Flanders 4466 Hearn Road Ellenwood, GA 30294 Charge of Lewd and Lascivious on a Child Under 16 Convicted on 3/22/1996

Sex Offender

Robdrecus Roberson 5975 Great Oaks Drive Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 1/7/2005

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: Jalisha Jackson Plaintiff Vs. David Jackson Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 06, 2015 you are hereby notified that on May 05, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Jalisha Jackson, 1638 Church St., Apt. 123, Decatur, GA 30033. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 05, 2015. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 6th day of May, 2015.

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

4153 Flat Shoals Parkway | Bldg C Suite 322 | Decatur, GA 30034

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

Notice OF PUBLICATION

Notice of Petition to Change Name of CHILD

Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody • Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Immigration Law

Johnnie Denise Dunson Petitioner, Pro se 3490 Riverview Chase Dr. Ellenwood, GA 30291 678- 598-4892

05/16, 05/23, 05/30, 06/06

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La’Mon Barnes. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr. 30, 2015

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV4945-1++ Johnnie Denise Dunson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 1, 2015 to change child’s from: Ralphel Lilmon Simpson to: Ralphel

Sex Offender

Sex Offender Jesse Williams Todd DeLee Christopher Gaines 983 Milland Road 2050 Peachtree Homeless Stone Mtn, GA 30088 Industrial Court Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Rape Chamblee, GA 30341 Charge of Pimping Person Convicted on 10/25/2000 Charge of Child Under 18 years of Age Molestation Convicted on 7/30/2010 Convicted on 7/13/2012

Sex Offender

David Driskell 1068 Church Street Decatur, GA 30033 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 5/4/2015

Sex Offender

Tonio Jackson 1648 Custer Avenue Atlanta, GA 30316 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 9/11/2012

Sex Offender

Lavaris Young 958 Baltic Way Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct Victim Under 16 yrs Old Convicted on 4/14/2003

The DeKalb Sex Offenders List is published by the DeKalb County Sheriff Office. For more information call the Sex Offender Unit at 404-298-8130.