COMMUNITY
YOUTH
WELLNESS
Family and friends said goodbye to 9-monthold Kendarius Edwards on May 24, 14 days after he was shot to death in his Stone Mountain home. 3
Fun science experiments and other good times will help launch the county’s summer reading program. 6
High-quality recess is the goal of a partnership of Georgia SHAPE, Playworks and the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation. 11
Young victim laid to rest
Reading program kickoff
Makeover for recess
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
Copyright © 2014 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
May 31, 2014
Volume 20, Number 5
www.crossroadsnews.com
Give-A-Meal initiative offering food to homeless vets By Ken Watts
Homeless DeKalb County veterans no longer have to go hungry thanks to Give-AMeal, a new initiative that allows anyone with $3.50 to buy a vet a hot meal. Piccadilly Cafeteria Inc. will provide and deliver the meals in partnership with the Lou Walker Senior Center’s Positive Force Coalition in Lithonia.
Give-A-Meal, which kicked off May 27 at the Lou Walker Center, is the brainchild of center Director Darryl Blackwell. Donors will buy complete meals – entrees and sides – for $3.50 each at any Piccadilly restaurant Darryl Blackwell in the county and the
Gwen Bonner
chain will deliver them to vets in any homeless shelter metrowide. The meals will be available for purchase at www.louwalkercenter. com/giveameal starting in August. Gwen Bonner, a GiveA-Meal coalition member,
said homelessness directly correlates with hunger. “This is a tremendous opportunity to give back to the community at a nominal cost,” she said at Tuesday’s kickoff. The coalition, comprising 11 core members from the senior center, will oversee and manage Give-A-Meal. Please see VETERANS, page 2
Copper thieves strike Wesley Chapel Library Staff, patrons sweat it out after HVAC units hit By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Staff and patrons at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown Library are sweltering as late spring temperatures soar. The rising temperatures inside the Decatur library began May 22 after thieves raided its two HVAC units for copper and left the building without air conditioning. Peggy Ramsey-May, the branch’s manager, said they arrived at work to find the air conditioning not working last week. “Apparently they came overnight Wednesday,” she said. Outside, library staff found the ground littered with insulation and only the sawedoff stump where feet of copper tubing once existed. Before they vandalized the property, the thieves broke and redirected the library’s security camera that covered the HVAC units. Alison Weissinger, the DeKalb Library director, said that replacing or Alison Weissinger rebuilding the units will cost tens of thousands of dollars. “It’s not like you can run down to Home Depot and buy one of these,” she said. Weissinger said that reports were filed immediately with DeKalb Police and DeKalb County’s Facilities Management Office that
Photos By Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Thieves sawed off the copper tubings to the Wesley Chapel Library’s HVAC units on May 22 leaving library staff to make do with fans, and patrons to sweat in the heat. The timeline for repairs and replacement costs were uncertain this week.
oversees county buildings, but she did not yet know how much it would cost and how soon the air conditioning would return to the library. The timing of the theft couldn’t have been worse. Last week, temperatures began rising into the mid-80s, and with schools out for the summer break, traffic is up at the branch, which is a popular venue for kids. On Wednesday afternoon, all of the branch’s 18 computer stations were occupied and children and adults were reading at many of the tables.
At the checkout desk, the staff was trying to stay cool with two large rotary fans. Ramsey-May said they had three more fans in the back where staff members work. There were no fans for library patrons, and some were sweating. Mario Jackson, who was sitting with his 5-year-old daughter, Zeuri, on Wednesday, was trying to make the best of it. “It’s kinda hot in here,” he said. Jackson didn’t know the reason for the high temperature and was surprised to learn that thieves would vandalize a library. “I just thought the HVAC wasn’t working
well,” he said. “It’s bad that you have to go through things like this.” About 2:30 p.m., Darrell Wimby was sitting at a computer with beads of sweat on his face. “It’s a little warm in here,” he said. It was Wimby’s second consecutive day at the library, and he said Tuesday was even hotter. “I never thought people would do that,” he said, brushing at the sweat around his nose. “I hope they fix it quickly.” Please see COPPER, page 2
NOW ENROLLING AGE 4 TO FIFTH GRADE
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Community
CrossRoadsNews
May 31, 2014
“There is an axiom that says, ‘If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.’ And that is our mantra.”
Library staff, patrons sweltering without air conditioning COPPER,
from page
1
An hour later, the library, which usually is open until 8 p.m., closed for the day. Last Saturday, it did not open at all. Weissinger said it’s library policy to close branches if the temperature gets to 85 degrees inside the building. “At that temperature, it gets uncomfortable for everyone,” she said. “The staff gets cranky, patrons get cranky. Everyone is sweating like a pig. It’s miserable.” While this was the first time that the Wesley Chapel Library was hit by copper thieves, it’s not the first time that library branches have been targeted. After two robberies at the Covington Library, Weissinger said they literally built a cinder-block fortress around that branch’s HVAC units. Before the Candler Road library relocated to its new digs in August 2012, it was hit by copper thieves at its old McAfee Road location. Across the state and nationally, copper theft is on the rise. A September 2008 FBI report blamed “organized groups of drug addicts, gang members and metal thieves for conducting large-scale thefts from electric utilities, warehouses, foreclosed and vacant properties, and oil well sites for tens of thousands of dollars in illicit proceeds” every month. The theft of high-priced metal from critical infrastructure as well as government buildings, businesses, homes, and churches causes families pain and threatens public safety. Metal thieves have even robbed dozens of veterans’ graves in Minnesota, taking the brass rods that hold their symbol of service
Legislative relief offers hope With the growing incidence of metal thefts, some states have enacted legislative and regulatory efforts to stem the problem. In October 2012, North Carolina’s Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2012 went into effect. It puts more regulations on the businesses that buy copper, offers provisions for buyer and seller to be charged, and provides restitution to the individual or business. It also relieves the individual or company of liability if the person stealing metal is hurt or killed. The law covers buyers of “ferrous metals,” which is copper wire, copper clad steel wire, copper pipe, copper bars, copper sheeting, aluminum other than aluminum cans, a product that is a mixture of aluminum and copper, catalytic converters, lead-acid batteries, and stainless steel beer
and more than 200 bronze star markers. In a May 2013 Metal Thefts Report, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says that metal theft, particularly copper, rose 36 percent between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2012. During this period, 33,775 insurance claims for the theft of copper, bronze, brass or aluminum were processed and 32,568, or 96 percent, were for copper, up from 25,083 claims between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2011. Nationally, Georgia with 1,953 metal
kegs or containers. There are no pending bills in Georgia, but bills addressing metal theft are pending in Arizona, California, Michigan, Minnesota and Washington, among other states. At the federal level, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the “Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2013” in February 2013 to make it much tougher for thieves to sell stolen metals to scrap metal and other dealers. It contains a “Do Not Buy” provision that bans scrap metal dealers from buying specific items unless sellers establish, by written documentation, that they are authorized to sell the secondary metal in question. It calls for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and gives state attorneys general the ability to bring civil action to enforce the provisions of the legislation.
theft claims is ranked third of all states, behind Texas and Ohio, which had 2,624 and 3,228 claims, respectively. Copper is valuable because it is used in everything – from plumbing to fiber optics to anything electrical. At about $3 a pound, the profits are tempting. The nonprofit NICB said that when the number of metal theft claims per month and monthly average copper prices are compared, the number of claims filed is found to have a statistically significant correlation with the
price of copper. The Des Plaines, Ill.-based group, which works to prevent, detect and defeat insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness, said comprehensive empirical data are elusive because many thefts don’t generate insurance claims or even a police report. Ultimately, it says that metal thefts impact all consumers. “Losses to businesses and government entities are shared with customers and taxpayers through higher costs for goods and services and/or reductions in services,” it said. The group says that individuals can do their part to prevent metal thefts by being vigilant in their neighborhoods and business communities. “If dwellings remain unoccupied for extended periods of time, they become magnets for unlawful behaviors. Wire stripping is among the activities that are routinely discovered in these locations.’ It also suggests that neighbors pay attention. “Talk with your neighbors and ask one that you trust to keep watch on your home if you will be away and return the favor. As always, you should report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency. Unreported crime may breed more crime.” Anyone with information about metal theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-8356422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting www.nicb.org. And iPhone or iPad users can download the NICB Fraud Tips app.
Online donors can buy one or more meals for delivery to vets VETERANS,
from page
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Blackwell said its main goal is to ease the plight of homeless veterans by providing them with free, nutritious meals generated from the community. “We’re also partnering with Disabled American Veterans Chapter 91 in Decatur and they are identifying homeless veterans shelters around metro Atlanta so everyone will know exactly where those meals are go-
ing,” he said. “They’ll go to between five and 10 different shelters.” Online donors will be able to buy one meal or several and request that they be sent to a specific shelter beginning in August, Blackwell said. Piccadilly already supplies breakfast and lunch at the Lou Walker cafeteria five days a week and was a natural fit for the initiative. Blackwell said the $3.50 includes the cost of delivery.
“We’re excited that we’re able to do this at such a nominal cost and it’ll be a tax write-off for the donor as well,” he said. Nationally, there are more than 57,000 homeless veterans, but the number in DeKalb and metro Atlanta is currently unknown. In January, the Metro Atlanta Tri-Jurisdictional Collaborative on Homelessness conducted a first-ever survey of homeless vets for Veterans Affairs. The data are still being analyzed and will
be sent to the VA sometime this summer. Bonner, the Lou Walker coalition member, said they began working on the GiveA-Meal initiative in November. She said veterans have fallen on hard times. “The least we can do is to give back,” she said. “There is an axiom that says, ‘If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.’ And that is our mantra, to give back to those who have given so much in the service of our country.”
Community
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CrossRoadsNews
May 31, 2014
Right Choice, a coalition of DeKalb pastors, is trying to raise $10,000 for a reward for information leading to an arrest in the baby’s death.
Family, friends bid farewell to baby killed in shooting spree By Ken Watts
Fourteen days after he was shot to death by intruders at his Stone Mountain home, family and friends buried 9-month-old Kendarius Edwards on May 24. Four pallbearers carried his tiny mahogany casket from the hearse to the gravesite at Resthaven Cemetery in Decatur after a funeral service at Mount Ephraim Baptist Church Kendarius Edwards in Atlanta. The Rev. Darrell Edwards of Mount Ephraim led the final graveside prayers as grief-stricken loved ones bid a sad farewell. Kendarius was killed on May 10, and his mother and two other women were seriously wounded when their To Lani Farm Road home was invaded by masked gunmen. Police think the attack may be related to a string of shootings that started on May 3 in South DeKalb. Michael Phillips, 29, was shot and killed that day after a party at the Mountain Lake Apartments on North Hairston Road in Stone Mountain. Police arrested Kemontay Cullins, 18, in connection with the Phillips killing and later also charged brothers Oslushla Smith and Cutrez Johnson in the May 3 incident. Alexis Malone, 19, a witness to Phillips’ killing, was found shot to death in a park on Agape Way in Decatur on May 10, about five hours before the attack that killed the baby. Police believe the home invasion may have been retaliation for the shooting of Malone. They say Smith and Johnson were the baby’s uncles and either lived at the To Lani Farm Road house or had connections to it.
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
Pallbearers carry the casket of 9-month-old Kendarius Edwards, who was shot to death on May 10 by intruders at his Stone Mountain home.
Police have charged Kayla Dixon with luring Malone to the park where she was killed. No arrests have been made in Kendarius’ death. Right Choice, a coalition of DeKalb pastors, is trying to raise $10,000 for a reward
for information leading to an arrest in the baby’s death. Bishop Quincey Carswell said they already have raised $5,000. Investigators are trying to determine whether two slayings at the Walden Pond Townhomes off Snapfinger Woods Drive
on May 19 are connected to the shooting spree. The bodies of Shaniqua Camacho, 20, of Lawrenceville and 21-year-old Sonia Williams of Norcross were found at the complex on Shellbark Road. Investigators do not know why the women were in the complex.
Because you get what you pay for.
That’s why I invested in ENERGY STAR® appliances and received rebates in return. Thanks to the money saving tips on the Georgia Power website, I learned exactly how to turn my renovation into a reward. First, I got $50 for taking advantage of the Georgia Power Refrigerator Recycling Program. Then, I got a rebate for purchasing ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, and since these appliances use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, I get the benefit of a lower monthly bill. For more information on tips and rebates, visit georgiapower.com/save. Certain restrictions apply. Must be a Georgia Power customer. Rebate available through November 30, 2014. Customer must submit receipt/invoice for the ENERGY STAR® appliance with the rebate form.
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Forum
CrossRoadsNews
May 31, 2014
I’d like to suggest an alternative – let’s embrace the cityhood movement. Let’s make it work for us.
City of South DeKalb could change power dynamics 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Cherie Esteves Billing Clerk Charmyne Montfort 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.
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L CA ! LO RCH A SE
L ITA G! DIG ETIN RK MA
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First of a two-part series
“Instead of creating small cities that will struggle to simply survive, like the cities of Pine Lake and Lithonia, why not create an entity that will have enough assets – people and commercial property – that it can leverage itself into success?”
By Kathryn Rice, Ph.D.
Now that the 2014 legislative session is behind us, we can draw a breath because the cityhood and annexation talk has abated. But everyone knows it will begin again for the next session. Some people are concerned, especially those of us in South DeKalb, because we know new cities will likely mean more tax revenue leaving the county and probably higher taxes for us. Thus, we want to stop the cityhood movements. I’d like to suggest an alternative – let’s embrace the cityhood movement. Let’s make it work for us. Let me be the first to suggest the city of South DeKalb, or whatever name is chosen. Such a creation has far-reaching and long-term implications. In the twinkling of an eye, the power dynamics of the metropolitan Atlanta region change. While Atlanta will reign as the region’s premier city, a new city, a potentially rival city will emerge. Is that a dream? Consider these economically relevant statistics. Based on boundaries that include 15 ZIP codes, South DeKalb has a 2012 population of 422,368 versus Atlanta’s 443,775. Between 2000 and 2010, South DeKalb grew 3.9 percent versus Atlanta’s struggling 0.85 percent. However, the recession hit DeKalb hard; growth from 2010-2012 was only 1.03 percent while Atlanta’s picked up to 5.66 percent. In terms of professionals (which lures attractive businesses), Atlanta still dominates with 99,855 people in the management, business, science or arts occupations, but South DeKalb is no slouch with 63,792 people in the same occupations (yes, just in south DeKalb County). Where Atlanta really dominates South DeKalb is in the number of businesses, employees and payroll.
Dr. Kathryn Rice
That is South DeKalb’s challenge. Therefore, if South DeKalb decides to incorporate as a city, its prime directive must be economic development. While my first preference would be to remain in an unincorporated DeKalb (because new cities generally mean higher taxes), the approval of new cities has resulted in a grab-the-assets environment that is forcing communities to respond to a new reality. When I face that reality, the best answer is a new city of South DeKalb. A question-and-answer format may be the best way to address some questions that will probably arise. If the study of a new city of Stonecrest revealed it lacks the commercial assets to sustain a city, how can a larger area afford to incorporate? Remember this term – economies of scale. Basically that means that doing things on a larger scale saves you money because you cut costs. As an example, let’s say the cost of one policeman for one year is $50,000. A small town of 100 people will each have to pay $500 each. A medium size town of 1,000 people will each pay $50 to afford one policeman. A large town of 10,000 people will only pay $5 each for one policeman. Because there are more people, costs are spread out and each person pays less. There are few, if any, areas within South DeKalb that could incorporate and sustain themselves individually, but as a whole, South DeKalb can probably afford to form a city. As a matter of fact, as time goes on there may not be a choice. As new cities an-
Quick Read
nex valuable assets and property, the remaining citizens will bear the burden of paying for what’s left behind. Why do new cities form and why do existing cities annex property? Most cities form for either an aggressive or protective (to prevent annexation) nature. Most of the cities in north metro Atlanta form for aggressive purposes – to take control of a designated area that they can “separate” and “control.” To afford their community at the tax level they want, they must take commercial property with them (because commercial property pays most of the tax revenue that feeds local government). Thus, every city that forms is taking away more and more of the revenue base that allows the county to operate at the tax level we currently have. As a result of these cities forming, other areas want to form cities because: a) They don’t want to get stuck having to pay more taxes to the county to stay at their current level of service, b) They’re afraid that if they don’t incorporate someone else will take away the valuable commercial property, and c) The affluent areas believe they’re getting a raw deal – paying more in taxes because they have higher property values but not getting their services’ worth. Often, more services are given to the poorer areas because they need it more but because there is greater need, the services are often not enough. It’s hard for the county to win. No one feels they’re getting enough
services. Prices are always rising (inflation) and people always want more (in wages and services). Cities, even affluent ones, find themselves always searching for more revenue. Commercial property pays more in tax revenue to local governments, hence, they become the first target for which cities search. In this climate, if you do not take some type of action, unincorporated DeKalb will be left without anything to live on except residential property taxes, which will skyrocket. The only reason taxes didn’t go up this year is because it’s an election year. If the city of South DeKalb were to form with as few assets as it has, wouldn’t that put a greater tax burden on its residents? Initially it might. One of the main reasons taxes increase with the formation of new cities is the creation of a new local government and the wages of its personnel (.the highest expense that local governments face). The city of South DeKalb would have to pay for a new set of leadership. But one needs to consider that the trend is heading in that direction anyway. Why not make a strategic move now? Instead of creating small cities that will struggle to simply survive, like the cities of Pine Lake and Lithonia, why not create an entity that will have enough assets – people and commercial property – that it can leverage itself into success? Visit the SDIA Economic Development blog at www.improve dekalb.blogspot.com to post your comments. Dr. Kathryn Rice is a resident of Stone Mountain.
Coming next week … Find out which ZIP codes would be included in a city of South DeKalb and a leadership structure that could lift the area into economic viability.
Give-A-Meal initiative offering food to homeless vets 1
More rigor for HOPE starts in 2015 6
Initiative aims to make recess safer for elementary kids 11
Homeless DeKalb County veterans no longer have to go hungry thanks to Give-AMeal, a new initiative that allows anyone with $3.50 to buy a vet a hot meal.
Students graduating from high school on or after May 1, 2015, will have to meet new academic requirements to qualify for the HOPE Scholarship.
Recess in Georgia’s elementary schools is getting a makeover with a partnership among Georgia SHAPE, Playworks and the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation.
Copper thieves strike Wesley Chapel Library 1
PTA leadership training session
Clarkston annex receives preservation award 12
Staff and patrons at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown Library are sweltering as late spring temperatures soar.
Newly elected and returning PTA officers and others can attend free leadership training workshops on June 7.
Family, friends bid farewell to baby killed in spree 3
Summer break kicks off 100 deadliest days for teens 7
Fourteen days after he was shot to death by intruders at his Stone Mountain home, family and friends buried 9-month-old Kendarius Edwards on May 24.
Over the next three months, some 783 teens will die in automobile accidents as an influx of first time drivers on our roads increase the risk of motor vehicle crashes.
Circulation Audited By
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Clarkston’s renovation of an 1850s house into its City Hall Annex has earned a nod from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
Commissioners delay McDonald’s vote 30 days 14 A decision on whether McDonald’s Corp. can build a second restaurant on Wesley Chapel Road won’t come until June.
index to advertisers Chapel Hill Orthodontics................................ 11 Decatur-Southside DeKalb Optimist Club.......6 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court.....................13 Emory Asthma Clinical Research Program.... 11 F.I.E.R.C.E. Dance Team.................................15 Georgia Health Services Network.................. 11 Georgia Piedmont Technical College.............. 5
Georgia Power................................................ 3 Glaxo-Smith Kline.................................8, 9, 10 Johnny Harris CPA.........................................15 Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC..................15 Metro Insurance Agency................................15 MSNBC.......................................................... 16 New Creations Fitness....................................15
Norman Davis...............................................15 North DeKalb Mall.........................................12 Quenon Smith...............................................15 Savannah State University...............................6 Team Blue Tennis..........................................15 The Academy of Scholars................................1 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas.....................15
Wesley Chapel Child Care..............................15 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Dish Network..........................................Inserts Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Gregory B. Levett & Sons...................... Online
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CrossRoadsNews
May 31, 2014
www.gptc.edu
Everything is FREE but the Food!
FREE FAMILY FUN Music and Entertainment Face Painting & Storytelling Sno-Cones Balloon Animals Inflatable Funhouse Tennis Play Day Tractor Ride Games
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Vital Signs Check Blood Pressure Check Blood Sugar Check Cholesterol Check Child Safety Seat Checks Basic Vehicle Service Tips Child ID Kits
For more information call: 404-297-9522 x5000
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Youth
CrossRoadsNews
May 31, 2014
“Reading just a few books over the summer can help your schoolage children maintain their reading levels so they don’t fall behind.”
Public hearing on school budget Stakeholders can share their views on the DeKalb School System’s proposed $800 million fiscal 2015 budget at a June 2 public hearing at the district’s Administrative and Instructional Complex in Stone Mountain. The hearing begins at 5:45 p.m. Superintendent Michael Thurmond’s proposed budget is up $41 million over fiscal 2014’s $759 million budget. He presented the spending plan on May 5 at the DeKalb School Board’s monthly meeting. It includes the first pay raises in six years for DeKalb’s more than 6,100 teachers and the end to their final four furlough days. The budget also provides a 1 percent cost of living adjustment pay hike for all
employees, increases investments in school safety and academic achievement, reduces class sizes by hiring 100 new teachers, and features a $20 million general fund balance or “rainy day” fund. The budget is based on estimated revenues of $801,547,870. Estimated expenditures are $800,144,877 for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2014, and ending on June 30, 2015. The Administrative and Instructional Complex is at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. For more information, visit www .dekalb.k12.ga.us.
Forum on Safe Routes to Schools Educators, school administrators, local officials, PTA representatives, and other residents can attend a free, statewide Safe Routes to Schools forum on June 6 at Decatur High School. The 9 a.m.-to-3 p.m. forum, presented by the Georgia Department of Transportation, is the first of its kind in Georgia and offers a variety of workshop sessions – from how to spice up your Safe Routes event to how to conduct a walkability review. Participants will hear from Safe Routes champions and advocates, and this year’s Resource Center Partners of the Year will be introduced. Katherine Moore, Sustainability Growth manager for the Georgia Conservancy, will discuss the Conservancy’s work on school siting. GDOT’s Safe Routes to Schools Resource
Center, launched in 2009, assists schools and communities with education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation, planning, and other non-construction-related Safe Routes activities. Efforts have focused on elementary and middle schools, grades k-8, but are now being expanded to include high schools. The Resource Center is centered on the concepts of the international safe routes to school movement, which encourages children to walk and bike to school, and also to improve safety in the vicinity of schools. Decatur High School is at 310 N. McDonough St. in Decatur. Space is limited and registration is required by June 3 at http://www.saferoutes ga.org/content/first-statewide-safe-routesschool-forum-friday-june-6-2014.
Big Thinkers Science Camp will offer fun science experiments and demonstrations at the kickoff of DeKalb County Library’s Vacation Reading Program.
Summer reading fun for all ages When school is out, kids who love to read flock to the library and, as always, the Vacation Reading Program is packed with lots to read and do. The annual program, which continues its kickoff on May 31 with a Big Thinkers Science event at the Decatur Library, runs through July 31 for babies, children, teens and adults. The 10 a.m. event at the library at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur will feature fun science experiments, craft making and photo opportunities with the library’s mascot, Dog in the Woods. Kitty Wilson, library operations coordinator, says that encouraging children to read during the summer offers benefits beyond
giving them a productive way to spend free time. “Studies show that reading just a few books over the summer months can help your school-age children maintain their reading levels so they don’t fall behind in reading when school resumes,” she said. For more information, visit your local branch or dekalblibrary.org. For children, click “Kids,” then “VRP.” For teens, click “Teens,” then “Spark a Reaction.” Families can find hundreds of free programs at the library during the summer, including story times, science and nature activities, book discussion groups, crafts, music, and movies. Pick up a schedule at your local branch or visit dekalblibrary.org.
More rigor for HOPE starts in 2015 Students graduating from high school on or after May 1, 2015, will have to meet new academic requirements to qualify for the HOPE Scholarship. The new requirements were included in bipartisan legislation signed and enacted in 2011 that made significant changes to the HOPE Programs, including the creation of the Zell Miller Scholarship Program. When the legislation was introduced, Gov. Nathan Deal said it is designed to stabilize the lottery-funded programs, including pre-k. The minimum number of courses required prior to graduation increases from two in 2015 to three in 2016, then to four in 2017. New requirements also are included in House Bill 697 signed by Deal on April 29, 2014. Among requirements: n Advanced math, such as Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, Math III, or an equivalent or higher course taken at an eligible high
Junior Golf Tournament Sponsored by Decatur/Southside DeKalb Optimist Club
Monday, June 2, 2014 Sugar Creek Golf Club 2706 Bouldercrest Road Atlanta, GA 30317
Boys & Girls Ages 10-18 The top finisher in each age group will advance to the Georgia District Qualifier, June 7-8 in Canton, Ga., with a chance to qualify for the prestigious Optimist International Junior Golf Championship in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Registration Begins at 7 a.m. • Tee Off at 8 a.m
Entry fee: $20 For more details or to register, call Jerome Brown at 404-388-7450 or 404-754-4003
school or taken for degree level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution; n Advanced science, such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology II, or an equivalent or higher course taken at an eligible high school or taken for degree level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution; n Advanced placement courses in core subjects; n International baccalaureate courses in core subjects; n Courses taken at a unit of the University System of Georgia in core subjects where such courses are not remedial and developmental courses; or n Advanced foreign language courses taken at an eligible high school or taken for degree level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution. For more information, visit http://www .gsfc.org.
PTA leadership training session Newly elected and returning PTA officers and committee chairs, parent volunteers, principals, and staff can attend free leadership training workshops on June 7 at DeKalb Schools’ Stone Mountain headquarters. The DeKalb County Council of PTAs is hosting the annual Summer Leadership Training from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshops include: How to Effectively Manage a PTA; Budgets, Treasurers Reports, Audits and 990s; How to Conduct a PTA Meeting; Starting a Reflections Program at Your School; and Infinite Campus – The New Parent Portal. Space is limited. Register at https://www .eventbrite.com/e/pta-leadership-trainingtickets-11571405385. The Administrative and Instructional Complex is at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. For more information, contact Sabreen Mateen at 770-593-1350.
May 31, 2014
Youth
7
CrossRoadsNews
“Parents play a significant role helping their teen be a safer driver. … It’s imperative [they] help keep safety top of mind.”
Summer break kicks off 100 deadliest days for teen drivers Over the next three months, some 783 teens will die in automobile accidents as the summer break, an influx of first time drivers on our roads, and more time for joyriding increase the risk of motor vehicle crashes. The auto club group AAA says that Memorial Day, celebrated on May 26, marked the beginning of the 100 deadliest days on the road for teens, but that parents can ensure a better outcome for their teen drivers by staying involved and setting boundaries on their new drivers. John Pecchio, AAA’s traffic safety consultant, says an average of 261 teens die during each of the summer months in traffic crashes, a 26 percent increase compared with the rest of the year. “Parents are instrumental and play a significant role helping their teen be a safer driver,” Pecchio said in a May 27 news release. “During the summer months, teens are more carefree and excited to have the freedom to drive around. So it’s imperative parents help keep safety top of mind.” Among the nation’s 211.9 million licensed drivers in 2011, young drivers accounted for 12.6 million or 6 percent of the total. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all 15- to 20-year-olds in America. Every year, almost 6,000 teens die in preventable car crashes, which means a teenage driver dies every 90 minutes. AAA says studies show that in families where parents set limits on initial driving privileges, risky driving behavior, traffic violations and crashes are lower among teens. Pecchio said AAA research reinforces the importance of parents setting and enforcing family rules. Georgia DOT’s “Teens in the Driver Seat” initiative also can help teens and parents battle the dangers of distracted driving, get safe driving messages, and help prevent teens from becoming a statistic. Visit http://www.t-driver.com/ whatyoucando/get-started/gainfo, http://www.dot.ga.gov or http://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaDOT. Following are AAA tips for parents to help keep their teen drivers safe: n Restrict driving and eliminate trips without purpose. Teens have three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers, based on amount of miles driven, and a teen’s crash risk is
An average of 261 teens die during each of the summer months in traffic crashes, a 26 percent increase compared with the rest of the year, the auto club group AAA says.
highest during the first year of solo driving. Parents should limit teens’ driving to essential trips and only with parental permission for at least the first year of driving. n Become an effective driving coach. The best way for new teen drivers to gain experience is through parent-supervised practice driving where parents can share their wisdom accumulated over many years of driving. Even after a teen has a license that allows solo driving, parents and teens should continue to practice driving together to help the teen manage increasingly more complex and challenging driving conditions. AAA’s Teaching Your Teens to Drive coaching program is a great tool to help parents become effective driving coaches for their teens and is available at AAA.com. n Limit the number of teen passengers and time as a passenger. Teen crash rates increase with each teen passenger in the vehicle. Fatal crash rates for 16- to 19-year-olds increase fivefold when two or more teen passengers are present versus when teens drive alone. Also, riding in a vehicle with a teen
driver can be risky for teen passengers. Parents should set firm rules against driving with teen passengers and restrict their teens from riding as a passenger with a teen driver. n Restrict night driving. A teen driver’s chances of being involved in a deadly crash doubles when driving at night. Many parents limit driving at the highest-risk late night hours, yet they should limit evening driving as well because more than half of nighttime crashes occur between 9 p.m. and midnight. AAA recommends that newly licensed teens not drive after 9 p.m. unless accompanied by a responsible adult. n Establish a parent-teen driving agreement. Many parents and teens find that written agreements help set and enforce clear rules about night driving, passengers, access to the car, and more. AAA offers a parent-teen driving agreement at TeenDriving.AAA.com and additional tools and resources for parents and teens as they progress through the learningto-drive process, including AAA StartSmart, based on a program developed by the National Institutes of Health.
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CrossRoadsNews
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Wellness
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CrossRoadsNews
“Increased physical activity results in fewer disciplinary incidents … and students are better prepared to learn.”
Initiative aims to make recess safer for elementary kids Recess in Georgia’s elementary schools is getting a makeover with a partnership among Georgia SHAPE, Playworks and the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation. Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Georgia Department of Public Health commissioner, said the statewide initiative is designed to make recess safer. “High-quality recess is a game-changer,” she said in a May 5 statement. “Increased physical activ- Brenda Fitzgerald ity results in fewer disciplinary incidents, teachers see more instructional time, and students are better prepared to learn.” Georgia SHAPE fights childhood obesity. Playworks, a national nonprofit that seeks to create a place free of bullying for every kid on the playground, has an innovative anti-bullying curriculum that changes recess through game play. It will provide staff support and training to deliver its recess model to more than 35,000 students at elementary schools across the state. The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation is providing $750,000 in matching grants to help create a safer, more active and inclusive place for children on elementary school playgrounds. The recess initiative promotes 30 minutes of additional physical activity in every Georgia elementary school. Research shows a strong positive relation-
activities (34 percent fewer minutes). Thanks to the “re-captured” time, Playworks students received an additional 20 hours of instruction during the school year. 2) Less bullying. Teachers in Playworks schools reported significantly less bullying and exclusionary behavior during recess compared with teachers in control schools – a 43 percent difference in average rating scores. 3) Increased feelings of safety at school. Playworks teachers’ average rating of students’ feelings of safety at school was 20 percent higher than the average rating reported by teachers in control schools. 4) More vigorous physical activity. Accelerometer data showed that children in Playworks schools spent significantly more time in vigorous physical activity at recess than their peers in control schools (14 percent versus 10 percent of recess time, representing a 43 percent difference). Playworks currently serves more than 380 schools in 23 cities. With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and other investors, it is fulfilling an ambitious national expansion effort with the goal of operating in 27 cities across the country by 2016 and providing play and physical activity to more than a million students every day. Schools interested in Playworks should contact David Badillo at dbadillo@playworks.org. For more information, visit www. georgiashape.org, www.playworks.org and www.AFYF.org.
Georgia SHAPE, Playworks and the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation have teamed up to promote safer, more active and inclusive elementary school playgrounds throughout the state.
ship between physical fitness and academic achievement. Daily exercise challenges the brain so it can grow, and incorporating just 30 minutes of physical activity into the school routine without altering the academic schedule every day can make children more alert and ready to learn.
BeltLine bike tour coming up Cycling and outdoor enthusiasts can hop on their bikes for a chance to explore parks and paths throughout 45 Atlanta neighborhoods during the June 14 Atlanta BeltLine Bicycle Tour. The seventh annual tour, presented by the nonprofit Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, kicks off at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark at 830 Willoughby Way N.E. in Atlanta. The tour takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants should arrive by The seventh annual BeltLine Bicycle Tour on June 14 8 a.m. will wind through 45 Atlanta neighborhoods. Full- and half-route options are available. interim director, said the project is transThe 27-mile tour includes the East- forming lives. side Trail, the Ormewood Avenue railroad “The community has responded with bridge, D.H. Stanton Park and splashpad, tremendous enthusiasm to the Atlanta Beltthe Oakland City Urban Farm site, the West Line Annual Bicycle Tour as well as the many End Trail, Mozley Park, the Lionel Hampton other programs and fitness classes we have to Trail, Washington Park, the Northside Trail, offer,” he said in a May 23 statement. Tanyard Creek Park, and Piedmont Park. Rebecca Serna, the Atlanta Bicycle CoThe 16-mile “East Meets West” route alition executive director, said the coalition takes cyclists along a section of the Eastside started the tour in 2008 “to celebrate the Trail before crossing town to parks along the BeltLine’s role in making biking practical, BeltLine’s west side. Highlights include the popular, safe, and convenient.” Sweet Auburn Historic District, Adair Park, “Atlanta is becoming a more bikeable and the Oakland City Urban Farm site, the West walkable city, and this tour celebrates the End Trail, Mozley Park, the Lionel Hampton potential,” she said. Trail, Washington Park, Centennial Olympic For advance registration, visit atlantaPark, and the Freedom Park trail. beltlinebicycletour.com. For ride-specific Rob Brawner, the BeltLine Partnership questions, email erik@atlantabike.org.
A rigorous evaluation of the Playworks recess model from 2010-12 found that the program provides four concrete benefits for participating schools: 1) Ready to learn. Teachers in Playworks schools reported spending significantly less time transitioning from recess to learning
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CrossRoadsNews
Scene
May 31, 2014
“The city realized the potential … as an important community landmark and tried to maintain the historical architecture.” The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation honored Clarkston with an Excellence in Rehabilitation award for its City Hall Annex housed in a renovated 1850s building. The project at 1055 Rowland St. was completed in June 2013. The photo below shows the building before it was renovated.
VFW Post 4706 to get makeover More than 150 Home Depot employees will give a much-needed face lift to the VFW Post 4706 in Decatur on June 5 as a 2014 Community Service Project. They will paint the entire outside of the building and the walls of the bingo room, build benches, repair the retaining wall adjacent to the flagpole, remove old and rotting railroad ties, plant new shrubbery, trim current shrubbery, and grind stumps. Harold Roberts, the post commander, said the post is grateful for Home Depot’s generous donation of time and services. “This project is in unison with and perfectly matches the spirit of assistance to veterans as we celebrate Memorial Day in 2014,” he said in a May 28 statement. The post, founded in 1960 to serve veterans of World War I and II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, is at 5362 Covington Highway. For more information, visit www .homedepot.com.
Callanwolde holds open mic for poets Amateur and professional poets can share their work on June 11 at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s “Open Mic” Poetry Night. Poets can perform their original work during the 8 p.m. event. Readings are open to the first 10 poets who sign up at 404-8725338, Ext. 228. Callanwolde is at 980 Briarcliff Road N.E. in Atlanta. For tickets and other information, call 404-872-5338.
Clarkston annex receives preservation award The city of Clarkston’s renovation of an 1850s house into its City Hall Annex has earned a nod from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The city won the award for Excellence in Rehabilitation at the preservation organization’s 37th annual awards ceremony on May 16 in Cartersville. The city acquired and renovated the two-story, 3,000-square-foot house at a cost of $647,000 after the death of Mary Morris, a longtime Clarkston resident, who lived there for 84 years. Morris moved there when she was 21 years old. She was 105 when she died in late 2011. The project at 1055 Rowland St. was completed in June 2013.
City Manager Keith Barker said the intent was not only to provide adequate space for city administrative functions but also preserve the historic character of the property and building. “The city realized the potential for the structure as an important community landmark and tried to maintain as much of the historical architecture as possible,” he said. Mark C. McDonald, the Georgia Trust’s president, said this year’s winners represent a tremendous dedication to restoring and revitalizing Georgia’s historic buildings and communities. “We are proud to honor such deserving projects and individuals,” he said. The annex, which is next door to City Hall, houses the city’s administrative offices and meeting space for city staff.
Imani Book Club marks 22 years Delec Dessetable rts
ing! Danc ore! And M
Saturday, June 14 • 6pm-8pm Food Court Area s for e z i r P and s r e h Fat ghters Da u
Only $25 per couple $8 add’l person
Call 404-320-7960 for more information Register and pay at http://bit.ly/R5fpyg (Eventbrite) or pay at Rising Sun Squire Shoppe, AMC Wing
2050 Lawrenceville Hwy • Decatur, GA 30033
Husband-and-wife writAl Sharpton and Kirk ing duo Nick Chiles and Franklin, Massachusetts Denene Millner will headGov. Deval Patrick, and line the Imani Book Club’s actress Holly Robinson 22nd anniversary celebraPeete, among others. tion on June 7 at the Wesley Their contemporary Chapel-William C. Brown romance novels include Library in Decatur. “Love Don’t Live Here The author talk, funded Anymore” and “In Love by the Friends of the Wesley and War.” Chapel-William C. Brown Millner is foundLibrary, takes place from 1 Nick Chiles and Denene Millner will er of MyBrow nBaby to 3:30 p.m. with the Wesley speak at Wesley Chapel Library. .com, an award-winning Chapel Book Discussion Group as co-host. Web site that shares the joys and challenges Chiles and Millner are chroniclers of Af- of raising children of color. rican-American life, culture and celebrity. Registration is required by June 2. Call Both are New York Times best-selling 404-286-6980 or visit the branch to register. authors who have co-written books with The library branch is at 2861 Wesley Chapel comedian and actor Steve Harvey, the Revs. Road.
Book touts Ga.’s farm-fresh cuisine Travel writer Jodi Helmer will a lively tour of almost 400 farms help foodies uncover some of and farm-related attractions, all Georgia’s most tasty treasures at an open to the public and visited by author talk on June 2 at the Decatur Helmer. It details opportunities to Library. find farmers markets, dine at farmThe Charlotte, N.C., journalist to-table restaurants, and visit urban will discuss “Farm Fresh Georgia” farms in Atlanta where kids build from 7:15 to 9 p.m. The event is entrepreneurial skills. part of the Georgia Center for the Jodi Helmer Thirteen recipes gathered diBook’s Festival of Writers series. rectly from farmers and chefs offer The first guidebook of its kind for the the farm-fresh tastes of Georgia. Peach State, “Farm Fresh Georgia” leads The library is at 215 Sycamore St. Call food lovers, families, locals, and tourists on 404-370-3070 for more information.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 31, 2014
Scene
“Summer is a wonderful time for the museum for church field trips, family reunions and day camps.”
Black Cultural Expo returns to North DeKalb Mall on June 5 Just in time for summer camp trips, James Horton and his “Sights and Sounds Black Cultural Expo” will be back at North DeKalb Mall starting June 5. The free exhibit, which runs through July 31 during mall hours, presents more than 8,000 artifacts that chronicle African-Americans roots to present-day America. It will be housed near the Clock Court Atrium next to Bath & Body Works. There will be storytellers, local authors, historical leaders and activities such as Wheel of Knowledge, Black History Quiz, and the Who I Am Computer Game. Horton, a civil rights activist who was injured on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., during the 1965 protests, will greet visitors and answer questions. Mary Joyce Burdge, the mall’s marketing manager, said that the exhibit, a Black History Month mainstay at the mall, is back for the summer due to popular demand. “We are asked so often, ‘When is the black history museum coming back?’” she said in a May 21 statement. “Summer is a wonderful time for the museum for church field trips, family reunions and day camps.” North DeKalb Mall is at 2050 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur. To schedule group tours, call 404-966-2137 or 404-454-1462. For more information, call 404-320-7960 or visit Group bookings for summer camps are now open for James Horton’s exhibition of African-American artifacts at North DeKalb Mall. www.northdekalbmall.com.
Self-publishing tips Library staff offering for aspiring authors computer coaching Aspiring authors can get tips on going into print at a June 7 Self-Publishing Seminar at the Decatur Library. The 11 a.m.-to-2 p.m. seminar is sponsored by the Georgia Center for the Book. It focuses on the mechanics, process and the potential of self-publication. Authors Barbara Friend Ish, Bill Bridges, S.R. Johannes and Collin Kelley will answer questions and offer insight on what to do with your treasured manuscript. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. For more information, call 404-370-3070.
If you are stumped by emailing, Web searches and Microsoft Word, “Computer Coaching” at the Covington and Hairston Crossing libraries is for you. The one-on-one sessions take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at the Covington Library and 10 a.m. to noon on June 4, 11, 18 and 25 at Hairston Crossing Library. Library staff will answer basic computer questions. Visit the branch to schedule a session. The Covington Library is at 3500 Covington Highway in Decatur. Call 404-508-7180. The Hairston Crossing Library is at 4911 Redan Road in Stone Mountain. Call 404-508-7170.
GPTC’s free Family Fun Food Fest offers lots to do Fun for all ages is on tap when Georgia Piedmont Technical College hosts its third annual Family Fun and Food Fest on June 7 at its Covington Campus. The college says everything is free but the food. The 11 a.m.-to-4 p.m. event will be packed with music and entertainment, face painting, storytelling, balloon animals, tractor rides, games, an inflatable funhouse, and safety demos and health screenings, including the police K9 Service, Explorers, EMS helicopter and GBI Internet safety, plus screenings for hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes. Child ID kits and child safety seat checks also will be available. The campus is at 8100 Bob Williams Parkway in Covington. Call 404-297-9522, Ext. 5000.
Dora Goldman filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 8, 2104 to change the name from: Dora Goldman to Thelma D. Steele. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: May 8, 2014 Dora Goldman Petitioner, Pro se 4309 Sherwood Oaks Drive Decatur, Ga 30034 (770)- 593-2308
Legal Notices 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31
NOTICE OF Publication In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action # ++14CV2817-3++ Carol Smith Plaintiff Vs. Micheal Angelo Smith Defendant 5451 Biffle Road Stone Mountain, Ga 30088 By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated May 2, 2014 you are hereby notified that on March 11, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Compliant of Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiffís attorney whose name
and address is Carol Smith 5456 Biffle Road Stone Mountain, a 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of, May 2, 2014 Witness the Honorable Cynthia J. Becker Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 5th day of May, 2014 5/10, 5/17,5/24,5/31
Notice of Petition to Change Name (S) OF MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV4235-2++ Makki Mohamed Elbashir filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on April 17, 2014 to change the name(s) of
the minor child(ren) from: Retaj Makki Elagab to Retaj Makki Elbasjir. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA§§19-12-1(f) (2) and (3). Dated: April 17, 2014 Name: Makki M Elbashir Address: 3207 Henderson Mill Road Apt-N4. Atlanta, Ga 30341 (678)-887-8560 5/17, 5/24,6/7,6/14
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV4861-9++ Willie B. Lovelace filed a petition in the
DeKalb County Superior Court on May 8, 2014 to change the name from: Willie B. Lovelace to Willie B. Harris, Jr. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: May 5, 2014 Willie B. Harris aka Willie B. Lovelace 1533 Van Epps St Atlanta, Ga 30316 (404) 622-1183 5/17,5/24,5/31,6/7
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV4935-2++
5/17,5/24, 5/31,6/7
Notice
in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV4862-9++ Serina Taylor Avant Petitioner Vs. Wayne Avant Defendant Wayne Avant 5226 Golfcrest Circle Stone Mountain, Ga 30083 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 12, 2014 you are hereby notified that on March 8, 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: Serina Taylor Avant 831 Martin Ct SE Atlanta, Ga 30315. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 12, 2014. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 12th day of May, 2014 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5126-1++ Leslie Hill Thomas filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 6, 2104 to change the name from: Leslie Hill Thomas to Lexie Lee Jackson Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: March 31, 2014 Leslie Hill Thomas Petitioner, Pro se 2035 W. Flatshoals Terrace Decatur, Ga 30034 (404) 243-1908
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CrossRoadsNews
Finance
May 31, 2014
The survey confirms what Georgia residents already know: “Huge majorities demand fairness for older workers.”
Commissioners delay McDonald’s vote 30 days MARTA board to By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
A decision on whether McDonald’s Corp. can build a second restaurant on Wesley Chapel Road won’t come until June. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners unanimously deferred the vote for 30 days and is expected to vote on it at its June 24 meeting. Both districts 3 and 7 Commissioners Larry Johnson and Stan Watson, who represent the area, said they needed time to get more input from the company and to talk with the operator of the existing store that has been located near the Wesley Chapel/I-20 West ramp for 30 years. McDonald’s is seeking a special land use permit to build dual drive-through lanes on a proposed new store on a 0.82-acre site in the Kroger shopping center at the intersection of Wesley Chapel and South Hairston Road. Waylon Hoge, the project’s civil engineer, said the new 4,218-square-foot restaurant at 2739 Wesley Chapel Road is six-tenths of a mile from the existing store on the other side of I-20. He said that customers on the north side of the interstate won’t cross I-20 and the median to get to it. He told commissioners the new store will bring 60 to 80 jobs and will improve the Wesley Chapel Square shopping center. “We will sit in the identical footprint of the old Hardee’s restaurant that used to be there,” he said. Beth Von, a member of the District 3 Community Council,
said the council asks for a full-cycle deferral of 60 days to give McDonald’s the opportunity to bring the operator to the council to answer questions about hours of operation and staffing. Gwyneth Zachary, a 25-year resident of Sterling Forest subdivision, said she is opposed to the restaurant. “I like McDonald’s,” she said. “I eat there all the time, but I would like a choice of other restaurants. Two McDonald’s in the same vicinity is just ludicrous to me.” Watson said he wanted to make sure that over the 30 days, they involve the operator of the current McDonald’s. “We need to sit down with him,” he said. “We need to make sure this person remains Gwyneth Zachary whole as well. We need to see what we can do to help him move forward with his business and see what plans he has for development or remodel.” Johnson said they are trying to balance need, economic development and not having a dilapidated or vacant space on the corridor. “What realistically can you put on 0.82 acre to have the type of quality that we want,” he said. Johnson said the 30-day deferral will give them the time to look at all those things in totality. “Do we keep a vacant lot or create traffic and jobs,” he said. “That’s the dilemma we have.”
vote on new budget The MARTA board will vote June 5 to adopt the transit system’s 2015 budget. The proposed budget allocates $415.6 million for operations and $470.1 million for capital programs, which includes $149.2 million for debt service. It includes no fare increase, a 19 percent increase in rail service hours, and a program to improve bus fleet reliability. MARTA’s new fiscal year fiscal year begins July 1. MARTA CEO Keith T. Parker said the budget shows that they are forging ahead with Keith Parker plans to transform MARTA for the future. “Our customers, taxpayers and the general public should be confident in the fact that MARTA is worth the investment and is making the best use of the financial resources entrusted to us as we move forward,” he said. Visit http://www.itsmarta.com/FY15-BudgetHighlights-Operating-Capital.pdf.
Older Georgians support bill to fight age discrimination in workplace Older Georgians strongly support bipartisan legislation to fight age discrimination in the workplace, a new AARP survey unveiled May 29 shows. Eighty-four percent of registered voters 50 and older polled April 8-14 “strongly” favor passage of the bipartisan federal “Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act,” or POWADA. The survey also found that more than one in three Georgians reported that they or someone they know has experienced age discrimination. Greg Tanner, AARP Georgia’s state director, said the survey confirms what Georgia residents already know: “Huge majorities
demand fairness for older workers.” Tanner said support for the law bridges all political ideologies with 80 percent of moderates, liberals and conservatives endorsing it. The non-partisan legislation is designed to overturn a divided U.S. Supreme Court decision, 5-4 in Gross v. FBL Financial Services, that made it much more difficult for older workers to prove claims of illegal bias based on age. The nonprofit nonpartisan AARP is urging Republican Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia to co-sponsor the bill, which would help ensure that employees have a more level playing field when
fighting age discrimination in court. Since the Gross decision, employees must prove that age played the determining role. The age discrimination bill is gaining traction at a difficult time for older workers, whose average length of unemployment between jobs is nearly a year. Eightytwo percent of respondents said they believe “age would be an obstacle to finding work.” To view the Georgia survey, visit http:// www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/ surveys_statistics/econ/2014/ProtectingOlder-Workers-Against-DiscriminationAct-A-Survey-of-Georgia-Voters-Age-50- It takes older workers up to a year to find new positions. Plus-AARP-res-econ.pdf.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 31, 2014
People
“Maya Angelou will be remembered not only for her wit and wisdom, but also for her compassion and grace.”
Poet, activist ‘leaves memorable blessing in hearts of millions’ Maya Angelou, April 4, 1928 - May 28, 2014 “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Poet laureate, author, singer, dancer, teacher, mentor, and wise renaissance woman Maya Angelou died May 28 at age 86. Angelou, who burst on the writing stage in 1969 with her autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” dropped out of high school at 16 to become the first African-American female streetcar conductor in San Francisco. Her colorful life included five years when she refused to speak after she was raped at age 7 by her mother’s boyfriend. President Bill Clinton tapped her in 1993 to be his poet laureate on his first inauguration. Born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, she grew up in San Francisco; was a single mother at 17; sang in a nightclub; worked as a prostitute; toured Europe with “Porgy & Bess”; taught American Studies at Wake Forest University for 32 years; recorded spoken word albums; and worked in music, television, film and literature. She died at her home in Winston-Salem, N.C. Her son, Guy B. Johnson, said her family is grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity.
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MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@ crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.
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Simama said we are all living in a better world because she chose to share her wisdom. “Maya Angelou will be remembered not only for her wit and wisdom, but also for her compassion and grace. Because of her creative insight, we all know what the ‘caged bird sings.’” The King Center called her “a woman of matchless compassion and an eloquent humanitarian activist and champion of the poor and oppressed of all nations.” “Maya Angelou leaves a great and memorable blessing in the hearts of the millions whom she touched with her artistry and she leaves behind a luminous vision of hope that will inspire Dr. Maya Angelou died May 28 at her home in Winston-Salem, N.C. She was 86. millions more for generations to come,” the center said. SCLC CEO Charles Steele Jr. called her work legendary. “She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human be“Dr. Angelou has left her footprint in the sand of the civil ing. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her rights movement,” he said. “Her contributions are undeniand we know that she is looking down upon us with love.” able as she stood against inequalities like Jim Crow.” Oprah Winfrey, whom she mentored for 40 years, said Condolences poured in locally and from around the Angelou “moved through the world with unshakable calm, country. Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Jabari confidence, and a fierce grace.”
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CrossRoadsNews
May 31, 2014
Touré, Krystal Ball, Abby Huntsman and Ari Melber, hosts, The Cycle
T HA NK YO U, AT L A N TA , FOR SH A R I N G YO UR H O PE S ! Every day, MSNBC addresses the issues that matter to you. Now it’s your turn. Tell us your hopes for change in your community. msnbc.com/growinghope
In Atlanta Rev. Al Sharpton, host, PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton
Chris Hayes, host, All In with Chris Hayes