CrossRoadsNews, November 5, 2011

COMMUNITY

WELLNESS

SCENE

An appeals court rules that ormer DeKalb Schools superintendent Dr. Crawford Lewis (right) can keep his attorney Mike Brown. 3

Young motorists are the focus of a statewide campaign to eliminate texting and other distractions while driving. 9

Cory the Raccoon will share lessons in peer pressure and conformity in a musical being staged at the Porter Sanford Arts Center. 12

Legal team intact

Accident waiting to happen

Cory in the community

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

Copyright © 2011 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

November 5, 2011

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 17, Number 27

DeKalb business owners share concerns with SBA official

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

SBA Deputy Administrator Marie C. Johns, updates business leaders on the Obama administration’s efforts.

Commissioner Larry Johnson is at left.

Fifteen small-business owners and leaders of business organizations met with Johns for an hour.

She told them that the president entered office focused on small businesses and wants to help them so much that he is not going to wait on Congress, which voted down his $447 billion American Jobs Act last month.

“Your are the job creators in the country,” she said. “Two of three private-sector jobs in this country are created by small businesses. He is now using his executive order and powers to put as many pieces of the American Jobs Act in place as possible and will continue to pursue the legislative route as it presents itself.”

A small group of DeKalb business owners got the ear of a top White House official this week, and they wanted to know how President Barack Obama’s American Jobs Act would help them access capital, investors and affordable health insurance to grow their businesses.

Marie C. Johns, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s deputy administrator, brought the White House Business Council to the Porter Sanford Center on Oct. 31 to hear from business owners about their issues, what the president is doing that can be replicated, to identify gaps they see, and what the White House should be doing to Please see SBA, Page 6 help them create jobs.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

School Tax Gets Mixed Reviews A Friends of DeKalb Education sign sits across the street from the $17 million Flat Rock Elementary School in Lithonia Thursday. The school was built with SPLOST II funds.

Five-year penny sales tax to build, upgrade schools

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker When the polls open on Nov. 8, voters in unincorporated DeKalb County will only have one decision to make ­– vote yes or no to a new round of the five-year penny sales tax to build, renovate and upgrade schools, improve sports facilities, and add technology.

In other parts of the county, voters will pick council representatives and vote on Sunday alcohol sales, but for the majority of South DeKalb voters, extending the five-year Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax will be the lone item on the ballot.

Will it be enough to get them to show up at the ballot box?

When the current tax was extended in March 2007, only 5.4 percent of DeKalb voters made that decision and they approved it two to one.

Maxine Daniel, DeKalb’s director of elections, predicts a 10 percent turnout this time.

That would be just be 38,465 of the county’s 384,655 active voters.

But even that prediction may be rosy. On Wednesday, Daniel said early voting, which ended Friday at 4 p.m., had been very slow.

“We have had very few people coming out to vote,” she said.

If voters approve it, the new SPLOST will be the DeKalb School Board’s fourth consecutive penny tax since 1997.

It is expected to yield $645 million.

DeKalb County Schools will get $475 million to build new schools, renovate and upgrade aging schools, improve school stadiums, purchase school buses, and modernize technology for staff and students.

The City of Decatur will get $18 million

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

and Atlanta Schools will get $152 million for its schools located in Atlanta in DeKalb.

Just over half of DeKalb’s funds – $240.2 million – will replace nine schools, including seven elementary schools. Four of the nine schools – Gresham Park, Peachcrest and Rockbridge elementary and McNair Middle – are located in South DeKalb.

The SPLOST also will upgrade schools to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and fund more than 300 HVAC, roof, plumbing and other projects.

But while the goals are lofty, support for the extension of the sales tax to 2017 is mixed.

Charles Gripper of Stone Mountain told School Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson at her Tuesday evening roundtable at Miller Grove High that he cannot support it.

“I will be hard-pressed to vote for it after all the scandals,” he said.

His wife, Patricia, said she supported the tax on its first three outings.

“I am not this time,” she said. “People have to be accountable to the taxpayer.”

But Luis and Julie Martinez from Avondale Estates, who voted their support early Wednesday at the DeKalb Elections Office, said the tax is worthy of support.

“I think we should have new construction for schools,” Julie Martinez said. “Kids in the lower grades have gone to schools outside of Avondale Estates. If the schools are reconstructed, then the kids will stay in their neighborhood schools.”

The Organization of DeKalb Educators, which represents thousands of the school district’s teachers and staff, has endorsed the

new SPLOST. ODE President David Schutten said the system has more than $2 billion in needs.

“We have schools that are 50 to 60 years old,” he said. “It’s going to finish Southwest DeKalb David Schutten High School. Major work will be done at Redan High. It will rebuild Gresham Park, Peachcrest, Rockbridge elementary and McNair Middle School and do basic maintenance.”

Thad Mayfield, the Friends of DeKalb Education co-chair, said that the SPLOST – which will extend the sales tax to 2017 – is Please see SPLOST, Page 2

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Community

November 5, 2011

“It would be inconsistent to want better education and not create an environment that is conducive for learning.”

Some voters wary of extending tax in wake of recent scandals SPLOST,

from page

1

deserving of support.

He calls it a no-brainer.

“It would be inconsistent to want better education and not create an environment that is conducive for learning,” he said Wednesday. “The need is there. It’s the more Thad Mayfield efficient way to fund capital improvements, and because it’s a consumption tax, everybody pays, not just property owners.”

SPLOST referendums have been a way of life in DeKalb County since 1997 when the first one was approved. They paid for 22 new schools, 22 major renovations/modifications, replaced school buses, and improved technology in the classroom.

If the SPLOST IV referendum is approved, the new tax will kick in when the current one expires next June.

The School Board and district are prohibited by law from promoting the tax, and citizens who support it formed the political action committee to promote it.

Mayfield, who lives in Lithonia, said that the 25-member PAC has been raising funds to promote the extension of the tax. Through Oct. 25, it had raised $21,675 in cash and inkind contributions. He said the funds were used to pay for 1,200 yard signs that are going up across the county and for 15,000 fliers that are going to likely voters.

The fliers, which were mailed Tuesday, should be in mailboxes through the weekend, just in time to hopefully garner some yes votes for referendum.

Even though Mayfield’s last child graduated from DeKalb Schools in 2002, he says he is promoting the tax because he lives in the county.

“I want economic development,” he said.

“We will never have it without a good school system.”

Some voters, who happily embraced the other three SPLOST programs, are a little wary of extending it again in the wake of indictments of top school officials who managed the $1.2 billion construction program paid for by the previous three SPLOST programs. Former School Superintendent Crawford Lewis and former Chief Operating Officer Patricia Reid were among those indicted on racketeering and other charges in connection with their management of construction.

To voters who worry about accountabil-

Luis and Julie Martinez of Avondale voted early on Wednesday.

They support extending SPLOST until 2017.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

ity, ODE’s Schutten said that steps have been taken to protect taxpayers’ money. He points out that the new school superintendent is putting people with experience in forensic accounting and construction on the SPLOST Citizen Review Committee.

“We are going to be hurting if SPLOST doesn’t pass to ensure that there are good teaching and learning environments in DeKalb County,” he said.

If the SPLOST extension fails, Mayfield said that the school district will have to raise property taxes, or issue bonds, which will burden only the county’s property owners.

“With SPLOST, 33 percent of the dollars come from people who live outside the area.

When visitors use our interstates, they stop to buy gas, go to restaurants, and they shop.

It’s like getting a 33 percent discount.”

Ramona Tyson, who served as interim schools superintendent for 18 months, told parents at the Miller Grove roundtable that the district has tightened internal controls on purchasing.

“To spend a dollar in capital dollars, there are checks and balances,” she said, adding that the superintendent can no longer approve expenditures of more than $50,000 without approval from the School Board.

On November 8th elect

Deborah A. Jackson, Mayor

for a NEW Lithonia

Deborah’s Action Plan for Lithonia ■ Implement a Strategy to Rebuild Lithonia Plaza ■ Improve Administrative Operations in City Hall ■ Improve Police Services and Code Enforcement ■ Attract Partners for Economic Development ■ Support Business Development and Healthy Job Creation ■ Provide Community and Youth Leadership Opportunities ■ Encourage Community Participation PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT DEBORAH A. JACKSON

SPLOST IV project list DeKalb School System will spend the $475 million it will raise from SPLOST IV to: n Replace Austin, Fernbank, Gresham Park, Pleasantdale, Peachcrest, Rockbridge & Smoke Rise elementary schools; McNair Middle and Chamblee HS .............$240.2M n Capital renewal: Renovations, modifications, and upgrades including roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, kitchens, and program-driven modifications...... $90.6M n Technology equipment and infrastructure refresh ............................................. $38.7M n Redan HS renovation/addition ........................................................................... $22.4M n Henderson MS renovation/addition.................................................................... $16.0M n Americans With Disabilities Act improvements ..................................................... $2.5M n Renovation of Southwest DeKalb & Stone Mountain HS: Modify, upgrade, and renovate............................................................................................................ $11.8M n Coralwood Diagnostic Center addition: Modify, upgrades, and renovate the center......................................................................................................... $10.6M n Stadium upgrades, turf installation, and renovations to athletic facilities including, Adams, Avondale, Hallford, North DeKalb, and Panthersville stadiums........... $10.2M n School buses: Acquisition of buses, upgrade bus radio communications . .......... $10.1M n Local school priority requests: Minor interior and exterior facility projects........... $5.5M n Arts School at former Avondale MS: Modify, upgrade, and make additions......... $4.3M n Early Learning Center: Development of an early learning center in the Wesley Chapel area to include design, acquisition, construction, renovation, and modification of an existing structure................................................................................................. $2.9M n Code requirements : Modify and upgrade existing buildings and facilities to comply with health, safety, and other building codes..................................................... $2.5M n Demolition: Repurpose and/or demolish surplus properties as needed. ............. $2.5M n Safety/security systems upgrade........................................................................... $2.5M n Service vehicles, acquisition of................................................................................ $1.7M Source: www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/splost-iv

“Some are for it and some against “The transparency is there,” it. she said, directing parents to the “They are letting me know they district’s Web site. “If we get it [a are going to hold me accountable. fourth SPLOST], we will be transPeriod.” parent.”

In the past 15 years of the tax, Tyson said the district is 20 years Cunningham said SPLOST has imbehind on its construction because proved infrastructure and technolduring the years of court-ordered ogy across the county. His district desegregation, it was not allowed Jay Cunningham got $103 million from the tax to build anything.

“Look at the number of kids that have Mayfield said the needs are well-docubeen put into new schools at Arabia Mounmented and are not going away.

“As buildings age, they need repairing,” tain, at Flat Rock, at MLK, Stephenson and he said.“This is the best way to fund public so on,” he said.

“There are new kitchens and new roofs projects because it is not placing the burden and technology all over the county. We have on the property owners alone.”

District 5 School Board member Jay Cun- reduced the number of trailers. We want to ningham, whose district will receive more continue on that path. We’ve got to keep than $50 million in improvements if the tax putting infrastructure in place.”

All of the county’s 189 precincts will open passes, thinks people will show up at the polls 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 8. on Tuesday.

Carla Parker contributed to this article.

“I am hearing from people,” he said.

Community

“I encourage all residents to change regularly the batteries in their smoke alarms and follow routine fire safety procedures ... every day of the year.”

Crawford Lewis gets to keep his lawyer erating Officer Patricia Reid; her Former DeKalb Schools Suformer husband, Anthony Pope; perintendent Crawford Lewis will and her secretary Cointa Moody get to keep Mike Brown as his atwere indicted on April 28, 2010, on torney. racketeering charges in connection On Oct. 31, the Georgia Court with the school district’s SPLOST of Appeals reversed a lower court construction. ruling that would have removed Prosecutors allege the four Brown over a conflict of interest. defendants funneled construction Brown’s law firm, Alston & Bird contracts to Pope’s architecture LLP, also represents the employer Crawford Lewis of a witness for the state in the school cor- firm and his friends’ companies while Reid managed the schools’ multimillion-dollar ruption case.

Lewis and former DeKalb Chief Op- construction program. The defendants say

they are innocent of the charges.

On Oct. 1, 2010, DeKalb Superior Court Judge Cynthia J. Becker dismissed Brown.

Barbara Colman, a consultant with Parsons Construction Technology Group, took over Reid’s job at the school system and is scheduled to testify at the trial. Alston & Bird represents Parsons Commercial Group.

Erik Burton, a spokesman for the DA’s office, said Tuesday that District Attorney Robert James will decide in 10 days whether to appeal the ruling. A trial date has not been set.

Man indicted in shooting of police officer Michael Hughey has been indicted by a DeKalb County grand jury on charges related to the Aug. 23 shooting of DeKalb Officer Deron Fulton.

Hughey, 37, was indicted on Nov. 3 on charges of criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a

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CrossRoadsNews

November 5, 2011

firearm during commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime. He faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted.

Police say Fulton, 24, was shot after exchanging gunfire with the suspect following a routine traffic stop on Bouldercrest Road. After a two-day manhunt, Hughey was captured in

Henry County.

Fulton, a four-year member of the force, was shot in the shoulder.

District Attorney Robert James said officers put their lives on the line every day. “An act of violence against a police officer is extremely serious, and we plan to make sure that justice is served,” he said.

Michael Hughey

Bookkeeper gets 10 years for stealing from school A former high school bookkeeper who used school funds to buy herself a big-screen TV, iPod and DVD player is going to jail for six months.

Shirlene Benton, who worked at Stephenson High in Stone Mountain, pleaded guilty on Nov. 3 to theft by taking for stealing Shirlene Benton $12,446.76 from the school.

“She DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gail Flake ordered her to report to the DeKalb County 50-inch

Jail on Dec. 4 to begin serving her six months in custody.

In addition to the jail time, she will be on probation for the remainder of the 10-year sentence.

She also must pay more than $12,000 in restitution.

DeKalb District Attorney Robert James said Benton used taxpayers’ dollars for her personal use. purchased a Blu-ray DVD player, plasma TV, iPod and more. She

lined her pockets with money that wasn’t hers. She broke the law and now she is paying the price.”

Benton began working at Stephenson in 2009. School officials said the theft began shortly after. She used a school purchase card to buy the personal items in January 2010. A school system internal audit revealed Benton’s financial transactions and illegal use of school funds. She was fired Feb. 22, 2010.

She was indicted on seven counts of theft, forgery and fraud.

Fall back, check smoke detectors this Sunday Clocks are falling back on Nov. 6, signaling the beginning of Eastern Standard Time.

The time change is effective at 2 a.m.

Sunday, ending daylight-saving time, which has been with us since 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March.

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis says the beginning of Eastern Standard Time is also a good time to check and change the batteries in smoke alarms.

“I encourage all residents to change regularly the batteries in their smoke alarms and follow routine fire safety procedures to ensure the safety of their families every day of the year,” he said in a Nov. 2 statement.

DeKalb Fire Rescue promotes regular smoke alarm maintenance to reduce fire deaths and injuries. Smoke alarms with working batteries cut the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. In addition to changing the batteries in smoke alarms, the following steps are recommended for citizens to ensure their home is fire safe: n Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when batteries are changed. n Test smoke alarms once a month with the test button. n Replace the entire alarm if it is more than 10 years old or does not work properly when tested. n Install smoke alarms on every level of the house, including the basement, and both inside and outside of sleeping areas. n Make sure everyone in the house understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

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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 Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Carla Parker Jennifer Ffrench Parker Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Alison White

November 5, 2011

“I would like to know why the manager of a database of foreclosures requires a salary of $79,000?

Join me and vote yes for the 1-cent SPLOST IV For the last 15 years we have been asked to go to the polls three times and vote yes or no for a 1-cent Special Local Option Sales Tax for new construction or major renovations for our DeKalb School System. n The first five years we renovated and constructed new elementary schools throughout DeKalb. n In the years six through 11 we said yes again to major renovation and new construction to middle and high schools. n In year 12 to date, we again said yes to our children and upgraded existing schools throughout the system with new HVAC systems,

“Our children have been wellserved. The school system deserves another vote of confidence and I will give them mine and ask that you give them your vote as well.”

Thomas Brown, DeKalb County sheriff

new roofs, new multipurpose buildings and physical education infrastructure improvements.

Now we are being asked to go back on Nov. 8 to continue what we started. Make no mistake, I have followed the improvements closely the past 10 years as your

sheriff and five years before as your Public Safety director. Our children have been well-served. The school system deserves another vote of confidence and I will give them mine and ask that you give them your vote as well.

Voting yes on the 1-cent sales

tax for education will help build new classrooms, new auditoriums, new vocational classrooms and other improvements in many schools and will make much needed repairs, renovations and improvements in many other schools throughout DeKalb. All schools will get updated with improved technology, and our children will have new buses to get to school safely. All of our children will benefit.

Please join with me on Nov. 8 and vote yes to continue the 1-cent SPLOST. DeKalb will be a better and safer place to live.

Thomas E. Brown is sheriff of DeKalb County.

Congratulations and thanks to Judge Michael Hancock CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoads­News, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings.

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On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I congratulate DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Michael Hancock on the announcement of his upcoming retirement and thank him for his service to the justice system over the past three decades.

From the time he was appointed to the DeKalb Recorders Court bench as the county’s first African-American judge in 1983, Judge Hancock has blazed many trails throughout his stellar career as a jurist. The people of DeKalb

“Judge Hancock’s career-long commitment to public service is an inspiration to all Georgia lawyers and judges as we seek to fulfill both our duty to help others and our high calling as stewards of the justice system.”

Ken Shigley, State Bar of Georgia

County and our court system as a whole are better for his service.

It seems like just the other day that Judge Hancock was a young addition to the bench in DeKalb

County. My bride returned from a tour at a bar convention in Savannah to tell me of the delightful couple she had met and that the husband was a new judge named

Mike Hancock. Since that June day, he has served with distinction and now has wisely recognized the right time for him to move to the next stage of life.

Judge Hancock’s career-long commitment to public service is an inspiration to all Georgia lawyers and judges as we seek to fulfill both our duty to help others and our high calling as stewards of the justice system. We wish him well when his retirement begins in January.

Kenneth L. Shigley is president of the State Bar of Georgia.

Foreclosure Registry does not work as it was intended At the Oct. 25 Board of Commissioners meeting, a 5-2 vote was cast to create a budget for DeKalb’s Foreclosure Registry until the end of the year and also setting aside the remaining $406,000 raised through the fees properties paid to get on the list.

I am glad that Commissioners [Elaine] Boyer and [Kathie] Gannon voted against this request.

Basically this registry does nothing for the community as a

whole. Foreclosed properties are not inspected when they are registered; therefore the community still must call Code Enforcement to register a complaint, which could have been noted when the property was registered, if it was only a photo.

The way this is set up now, the registry is a list of addresses forwarded to Recorders Court to be used as a tool for Code Enforcement. This is not the way the registry was intended. There are no goals

or plans to improve the system.

I would like to know why the manager of a database of foreclosures requires a salary of $79,000?

The two record technicians do the data entry, and the two Code Enforcement officers need to be put in Code Enforcement’s budget.

In essence they are not assigned anything initially to complement the Registry. They are following the established Code Enforcement procedures. Is this basically an avenue

Quick Read

to justify the manager’s salary?

This is clearly an instance whereby funds are not being utilized as one would want to think.

I don’t feel we are getting the most for our dollar.

And further, the southside commissioners knowingly voted for something without requesting some changes. The southside has the most foreclosed properties.

A. Jean Richardson lives in Decatur.

DeKalb business owners share President takes action to put concerns with SBA official 1 Americans to work 6

Flu shots keep the bug at bay for one and all 11

A small group of DeKalb business owners asked a top White House official how the American Jobs Act would help them access capital, investors and affordable health insurance to grow their businesses.

Before you know that the pesky influenza virus has you in its grip, you could be spreading the germ around.

Man indicted for shooting police officer

3

President Obama moved to speed up the transfer of research and development from the laboratory to the marketplace and create a one-stop platform for small businesses.

Chapel Hill 7th grader gets noticed 8

Professor recognized for 30year work 12 Elizabeth M. Bounds, associate professor of Christian ethics at Emory University, has been honored for more than 30 years of teaching incarcerated women.

Michael Hughey has been indicted by a grand jury on charges related to the shooting of DeKalb Officer Deron Fulton.

London Lewis may be only 12 years old, but at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, the seventh-grader has the body of a college football player.

Fall back, check smoke detectors this Sunday

Rainbow Push honoring ‘Txt l8r’ campaign persuading leaders 13 drivers to pocket phone 9 Seven business and community leaders

3

Clocks are falling back on Nov. 6, signaling the beginning of Eastern Standard Time.

Young motorists are the focus of a statewide anti-texting and driving campaign launched by Georgia Southern University.

who help make their communities better, were honored for their contributions at the Rainbow Push Keep Hope Alive Gala.

index to advertisers

Circulation Audited By 3 Girls & A Needle, Inc..................................13 Abbott’s Hair Studio.......................................14 ALS Career Institute.......................................14 AT&T............................................................... 7 Bankers Life & Casualty Co.............................6 Beautiful Babes Hair Care for Children..........15 BJH Attorneys & Counselors at Law...............14 Cajun Turkeys................................................15 CDC Federal Credit Union...............................6

Chapel Hill Orthodontics................................ 11 Children of the Future Daycare, Inc...............15 Committee to Elect Deborah A. Jackson......... 2 Delta Sigma Theta.........................................14 Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care...............14 Gwinnett Federal Credit Union....................... 3 Law Offices of Chris M. Toles.........................14 Macy’s............................................................. 5

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.............................9 Pastor Kathern Thomas.................................14 Pretty Faces Spa.............................................14 Ruby Tuesday.................................................. 3 Soul Discount Fabrics.....................................15 South DeKalb YMCA......................................15 Sterling Health Plans...................................... 11 Stompin at the Savoy.....................................13

Sunset Ranches..............................................15 The Gallery at South DeKalb......................... 16 The Herb Lady...............................................15 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas.....................14 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Wal-Mart.................................................Inserts

November 5, 2011

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Finance

November 5, 2011

“The goal of the conference is that each attendee leaves saying, ‘I never knew that – I learned something new today.’”

President takes action to Business conference Repair help for seniors sixth annual Small Business Conference is Seniors living in the Belvedere community can now get put Americans to work takingTheplace Nov. 5 with lots of information and help making their homes more energy-efficient.

President Barack Obama issued two Presidential Memoranda on Oct. 28 to speed up the transfer of federal research and development from the laboratory to the marketplace and create BusinessUSA, a one-stop, central online platform for small businesses.

The goal of the platform is to increase access to information about exporting and federal programs.

The announcements are part of a series of executive actions to put Americans back to work and strengthen the economy, the president said.

“With too many families struggling and too Barack Obama many businesses fighting to keep their doors open, we can’t wait for Congress to take action,” Obama said. “Today, I am directing my administration to take two important steps to help American businesses create new products, compete in a global economy, and create jobs here at home.”

resources for entrepreneurs.

During the 9 a.m.-to-2:30 p.m. conference, participants will explore strategic management, social media marketing, and other business tools and technologies needed in today’s economic climate. It takes place at Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center in Clarkston.

Lisa McDonald, events and meetings manager for MyTrueBiz, said the conference offers One-to-One Business consultations and hot topics sessions.

“The goal of the conference is that each attendee leaves saying, ‘I never knew that – I learned something new today that will definitely help me to keep my business moving forward,’” she said.

The college is at 495 Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For cost and other information, visit www .businessconferenceatlanta.com.

A Brush With Kindness, a program launched by Habitat for Humanity DeKalb on Oct. 22, is providing repairs for low-income seniors who are unable to repair their own home. Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and the Healthy Belvedere Initiative, it will improve weatherization and energy efficiency.

Adam Moreland, A Brush With Kindness project coordinator, said the utility bills of many seniors skyrocket to more than $500 in the winter.

“Our goal is to bring these costs down in order to improve their standard of living,” he said.

A Brush With Kindness focuses on exterior home repairs such as painting, landscaping and exterior cleanup.

The service uses volunteers and donated materials to make repairs affordable. For more information, call 770-2706813 or visit https://dekalbhabitat.org/A_Brush_with_ Kindness.html.

Access to capital, health care among small-business issues SBA,

from page

1

Johns said billions of dollars of provisions in investments for small businesses were incorporated in the act, including payroll tax cuts for payrolls under $5 million, incentives for small businesses to hire individuals who have been out of the work force for six months or longer, and a quick-pay provision that halved the pay time from 30 days to 15 days for small businesses that do business with the federal government.

“As we spend money in our schools, roads and bridges, small businesses can benefit from the spending,” she said.

Johns said the Jobs Act was to build on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and on the Small Business Jobs Act that the president signed last October.

Those two initiatives helped the SBA end a record year of lending, she said.

“We were able to support $3 billion in loans to small businesses, which put us back to pre-recession levels in terms of smallbusiness lending,” Johns said.

But while the recovery is taking place in some sectors of the economy, Johns said it is not even.

“We have a whole lot more work to do,” she said. “We need to continue this work in terms of access to capital, put more tools in the hands of small businesses so that you can grow and create jobs.”

Johns said the White House is “particularly focused on under-served communities, on the African-American business community, on the Hispanic business community, on women-owned small business, and veterans and young entrepreneurs.”

“We want to make sure that there is no corner of the country where there is an entrepreneurial spirit thriving that we haven’t

Richard Younge of Curbside Recycling (from left), Jerome Edmondson and Waleed Shamsid-Deen attend the SBA session at the Porter Sanford III Community Center on Oct. 31.

touched and made sure that the tools that small businesses need in order to create jobs are available,” she said.

Richard Younge, a partner in Curbside Recycling, asked Johns about a special smallbusiness investment corporation established when Jack Kemp was secretary of Housing and Urban Development that allowed investors in small businesses to write off their investment in the year they made it.

“That would be an effective program to get some equity in startup businesses,” he said. “Surely there are jobs in small businesses, but there are a tremendous amount of jobs that are going to come from new businesses. New business don’t fare well with debt financing,” he told her.

“They fare better with equity financing.

That was the purpose behind the special investment corporation and it’s still on the books, somewhere, and I am wondering why it’s not being promoted and why it has disappeared from the investment scene all together?”

Johns said the program is no longer active and predates her time at the SBA.

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“There were some problems with the program that needed to be fixed. What I can promote today is the Small Business Investment Program. Just last year the SBA created a $1 billion impact fund as a part of the SBIC program whose purpose is to focus on businesses operating in under-served areas.”

Johns said SBIC firms would invest in businesses located in under-served areas.

Johns also fielded questions about access to capital and to affordable health insurance, technical assistance for small businesses, and lack of staff and resources to staff resource centers. She said commercial banks turned their backs on small businesses after the capital crash in 2008. The SBA opened its network to include new types of lending partners including Community Development Financial Institutions, micro loans and credit unions to give them the opportunity to take advantage of the SBA federal government guarantee.

She said it created a new type of loan called Community Advantage, and effective Oct. 1, introduced CAP Lines, a type of loan to provide working capital with contracts

and receivables as collateral, “There weren’t enough of those types of loans for small businesses,” she said. “The ones that exist, if the business lacked assets, the owners had to put up their homes as collateral. We just have to have more opportunities for getting capital in the hands of small businesses.”

Johns said that lending partners like CDFIs can be much more effective than a commercial bank because they are closer to the community and understand the landscape better than a bank based another state away or halfway across the country.

“They also have a high-touch approach and provide technical assistance and walk along with the business, which can make a big difference,” she said.

Johns also said that SBA Administrator Karen Mills and Vice President Joe Biden recently announced that 13 of the nation’s largest banks have committed to lending an additional $20 billion to small businesses over the next three years.

“A big part of that commitment is to be focused on technical assistance, particularly with the CDFIs, making sure that banks are investing more in CDFIs and giving them more wherewithal to provide technical assistance,” she said.

She said the health care issue is more complex but that insurance pools are coming and tax credits are available to qualified businesses.

“Under the Affordable Health Care Act, each state was to build exchanges so that multiple companies could come together so that businesses and individuals could buy from a pool that would help drive cost down because of the effective competition,” she said. “I don’t know where Georgia is with that, but it goes into effect in 2014.”

CrossRoadsNews

November 5, 2011

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7

8

CrossRoadsNews

Youth

November 5, 2011

“This is a very important game for him. It’s an opportunity for him to get his name out there and get exposure.”

Chapel Hill 7th-grader gets noticed Retired NFL player now

By Carla Parker

ther noticed how talented he was at football.

“His size and blocking skills London Lewis may be only 12 is what stood out the most,” he years old, but at 6 foot 1 and 220 said. pounds, the seventh-grader has the Scouts from JuniorRank nobody of a college football player. ticed him at a Georgia Stars vs.

His size and his skills on the Florida Stars all-star game this football field have grabbed the atsummer at Woodward Academy tention of scouts from JuniorRank, in Atlanta. a St. Charles, Ill., company that The Junior All-American identifies, trains and recognizes the games for ages 13 and under best student athletes nationwide. and for age 14 and under will be The company invited the ChaLondon Lewis is only 12 years old, but he played on an East vs. West format. pel Hill Middle School student to looks and plays like he is in college.

They will be coached by former participate in its 2012 Junior Academic All-American Game on Jan. 2 in Phoenix, Ariz. NFL coaches and players.

London’s 13 and under game will be coached by London will play with other top junior high school student athletes from around the country at Phoenix’s former NFL defensive back Mark McMillian and former Chase Field. His father, Henry, said he is very excited NFL defensive end Ernest Jones. McMillian played eight years and was a six-time all-pro with the Eagles, Chiefs to be invited to the game.

“This is a very important game for him,” Lewis said. and Saints. Jones played with the Denver Broncos and “It’s an opportunity for him to get his name out there won a Super Bowl with them in 1997.

London and his family will be in Phoenix from and get exposure.”

London, who plays left offensive tackle and defen- Dec. 28, 2011, to Jan. 4, 2012. He and the other young sive tackle, is the only seventh-grader on the Chapel athletes will get to march in the Fiesta Bowl Parade and be honored during the Semper Fidelis All-American Hill Middle football team.

He started playing football at age 5 at Wade Walker Bowl, which will air on the CBS Sports Network on Park in Stone Mountain. When London was 8, his fa- Jan. 3 at 2 p.m.

champions love of learning Two-time NFL Super Bowl Champion Darrin Smith will be encouraging families to read with their children at “The Million Book Read: Read to Super Bowl XLVI” event on Nov. 12 at Ousley United Methodist Church.

The free 8:30 a.m.-to-noon event offers thirdthrough fifth-grade students and their parents the opportunity to meet NFL players and participate in other activities.

There will be a pinewood derby competition, book readings with former NFL players Ryan McNeil and Brian Jordan, and free lunch and T-shirts.

Smith, a linebacker, was also a two-time Darrin Smith NCAA national champion. He retired from the NFL in 2004 while playing for the New Orleans Saints.

A supporter of literacy, he established the Project 59 Race for Reading Foundation, which helps children discover their potential and power through reading. In 2010, his commitment to children expanded to embrace the Million Book Read campaign.

The Million Book Read is an international literacy pledge campaign that motivates adults to read with children. It is seeking to get a million participants reading with kids annually during Super Bowl week.

The church is at 3261 Panola Road in Lithonia.

For more information, contact Jeff Buchanan at 678-938-4388 or jeffreyb@millionbookread.com.

Action plan gets School Board nod The DeKalb School System has adopted a mission and philosophy statement that outlines steps to improve student success.

On Oct. 31, the School Board unanimously approved the Theory of Action for Change. It is part of Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson’s 90-Day Entry Plan.

The document calls for creating a culture of accountability among the system’s leadership and employees, pledges more authority in the hands of principals who achieve, offers more support and guidance for schools that need improvement, and outlines finding new and creative ways to recognize and compensate teachers.

It outlines the oversight role for the School Board, creates a framework to build

a new district-wide curriculum, provides more transparency of School System operations, and seeks to improve the district communication with the community.

Atkinson said the school district must change from having just pockets of success and high achievement.

“We have to transform DeKalb Schools into a true district-wide School System of Excellence,” she said. “The Theory of Action for Change is our first step in changing the culture of DeKalb Schools and refocusing all of our efforts toward improving student success.”

For a copy of the DeKalb Schools Theory of Action for Change, visit www .dekalb.k12.ga.us.

Fashion scholarship up for grabs High school seniors who have a passion for fashion can win a $3,000 tuition scholarship to the Art Institute of Atlanta– Decatur.

The Art Institute is accepting entries for its “Passion for Fashion” scholarship competition through Jan. 20, 2012, in the Fashion Marketing and Merchandising and Retail Management category.

The scholarship is good at the Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur. Local winners also can compete nationally in the same category for Art Institute schools throughout the United States and Canada.

Dr. Melissa Manuel, the institute’s Fashion and Retail Management chairwoman, said the competition offers a foot in the door for fashion-minded individuals.

“This competition is a great opportunity for high school students who are interested in the fashion industry.”

Applicants must be full- or part-time high school seniors scheduled to graduate in 2012. They must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. For more information, visit www.artinstitutes.edu /passion4fashion.

The 2012 Youth Leadership DeKalb Class comprises students from 20 public and private high schools. The 35 sophomores and juniors will be together for 10 months.

Students join Youth Leadership class Thirty-five high school sophomores and juniors will be getting leadership training as part of the Youth Leadership DeKalb’s Class of 2012.

For the next 10 months, the students, who hail from 20 public and private high schools, will be exposed to a range of issues, including justice and public safety, health, quality of life, business, government, banking and personal finance, career options, civic engagement and personal etiquette.

Dr. Diane Jackson-Chapman, the program’s director, said it gives students the opportuni-

ties to explore their true potential and helps them to improve their leadership skills.

“These students come from different backgrounds but they all share the same desire to become effective leaders and community contributors,” Jackson-Chapman said.

Youth Leadership DeKalb was created in 1991 by Leadership DeKalb graduates to mentor high school students and foster their leadership skills and commitment to public service. It has graduated more than 400 students since its inception.

Educating and Empowering Our Community

Community Expos

at the Mall at Stonecrest Health, Wellness & Beauty Expo January 28, 2012

Dance & Summer Camp Expo March 31, 2012

Healthcare providers, insurance companies, fitness instructors, spas, haircare & natural product providers, and others bring messages of good health and help empower residents to live more active lives. Exhibitors also offer health screenings, fitness & product demos.

Dance & karate schools, cheerleaders, churches, tutors, YMCAs, and other summer activity providers offer options for parents seeking innovative and interesting programs for their children.

Organizations offering services and resources to families are also invited.

Best of East Metro/Small Business Expo April 28, 2012

Businesses and entrepreneurs – from landscapers to lawyers, Realtors, florists, insurance and travel agents – showcase their goods and services at this expo, which also celebrates the winners of CrossRoadsNews’ “Best of East Metro” Readers Choice Awards.

Family & Back to School Expo August 4, 2012

Businesses and organizations serving families will showcase goods and services to help students have a successful school year. The expo highlights services from afterschool to private schools and options for adults looking to retool and sharpen their skills for new careers.

Limited Signature Sponsorship Opportunities.

Only 50 exhibitor spaces available. Book yours today. Call 404-284-1888 for more information.

CrossRoadsNews • 2346 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 • 404-284-1888 • Fax: 404-284-5007 • expos@crossroadsnews.com

9

CrossRoadsNews

November 5, 2011

Wellness

“Our students fall into the age groups most likely to be hurt or killed by texting and driving,” President Brooks Keel said.

‘Txt l8r’ campaign persuading young drivers to pocket phone Young motorists are the focus of a statewide anti-texting and driving campaign launched by Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.

The “txt l8r” (text later) campaign comprises a series of radio and TV public service announcements and digital signage images that will be featured on campus and distributed to media around Brooks Keel the state of Georgia.

The campaign features GSU President Brooks Keel, Eagles head football coach Jeff Monken, university students and athletes, and a professor who had to break the news of a texting and driving death to one of his classes.

Teens and young adults, ages 20 to 29, are the groups most likely to be killed or injured in traffic accidents involving Jeff Monken distracted driving.

“It only takes a split second for a text message behind the wheel to turn into a tragedy,” Keel said in an Oct. 26 statement.

“While texting and driving is illegal in the state of Georgia, we know that thousands of young drivers engage in this potentially deadly behavior every day. With the ‘txt l8r’ campaign, we are sending the clear message that no text is too important to wait.”

Biology professor Lorne Wolfe decided to become involved in anti-texting and driving awareness after one of his students had a relative killed in an accident in which texting and driving was involved.

“I looked into this classroom filled with young people and told them that one of their

U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show that in 2009, distracted driving, which includes texting, was a factor in nearly 5,500 traffic deaths and a half million injuries.

classmates wasn’t there because they had gone home to bury a loved one killed by texting and driving,” Wolfe recalled.

“As shocking and sad as that message was, I knew many of those same students would continue Lorne Wolfe to text and drive.”

Wolfe partnered with Georgia Southern’s Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and the Office of Marketing and Communications to develop the “txt l8r” campaign. Students involved in Greek

Kelvin K. Belcher, M.D. Melissa W. Seely-Morgan, M.D. Interventional Radiology Section Chief Chief of Radiology, DeKalb Medical DeKalb Medical Hillandale

Steven C. Storey, M.D. Certified by the American Board of Radiology

Ajay K. Joshi, M.D. Certified by the American Board of Radiology

For more information about UFE, please visit our website,

www.radadpc.com

For a consultation appointment, call our UFE Hotline,

404-564-5404

organizations, ROTC and athletic teams are featured to send the message that members of the Eagle Nation do not text and drive.

“The Georgia Southern Eagles practice safety on the field every day because we want to win,” coach Monken says in one of the PSAs. “I’m recruiting your support while you’re driving so that we all win.”

In addition to targeting Georgia Southern’s 20,000 students, the PSAs will be distributed to media around the state.

U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show that in 2009, distracted driving – which includes texting – was a factor in nearly 5,500 traffic deaths and a half mil-

lion injuries. Studies show those most likely to be killed or injured are under the age of 20, while the second most likely group is between the ages of 20 and 29.

“Our students fall into the age groups most likely to be hurt or killed by texting and driving,” Keel said. “So that makes this campaign very personal for me and everyone involved. We don’t want our students’ great potential squandered by a moment of inattention at the wheel. The message is clear.

Don’t text and drive – text later.”

For more information, visit http:// news.georgiasouthern.edu/index .php?link=announcements.

When her doctor diagnosed her problem in 2003 as uterine fibroids, Hyacinth Robinson was not surprised. She had undergone surgical treatment for the same condition in 1990 and 1994. Both times she chose to have a myomectomy to remove the fibroids.

"I knew that there was a chance I'd develop more fibroids after my myomectomies, so I'm glad I had a different option this time," says Robinson. "My doctor recommended a partial hysterectomy, but I was not sure I wanted to undergo surgery again," she explains.

After consulting two other doctors, Robinson's boyfriend heard a radio advertisement for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and one of her friends told her about a UFE seminar she had attended. After learning more about UFE, Robinson decided to choose the nonsurgical treatment.

"It was not painful or uncomfortable and I only stayed one night at the hospital," says Robinson. "I exercise five days a week and I'm healthy, so my recovery went well."

According to Mayo Clinic, as many as three out of four women have uterine fibroids at some time in their life, but most are unaware of the fibroids ecause they cause no symptoms. When fibroids do cause symptoms, the most common are: < Heavy menstrual bleeding < Prolonged menstrual periods— seven days or more of menstrual bleeding < Pelvic pressure or pain < Frequent urination < Difficulty emptying your bladder < Constipation < Backache or leg pains Nonsurgical treatment shrinks uterine fibroids Because the effects of UFE on fertility are not fully understood, each patient desiring children in the future is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, says Melissa Seely-Morgan, M.D., an interventional radiologist at DeKalb Medical.

Small particles that block the arteries that provide blood supply to the fibroids are delivered through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter under X-ray guidance. "It is like clogging a hose with sand," she says. IV conscious sedation, not general anesthesia, is used for the procedure so patients are awake but are comfortable and sleepy, she says. "Most patients don't remember the procedure," she adds.

Uterine cramping is the most common side effect of the procedure, says Seely-Morgan. "The cramping peaks between six and 10 hours after the procedure, so I like to keep a patient in the hospital overnight to better control that pain," she explains. Recovery can be very quick, she says. "If a patient has the procedure on Thursday, she may be able to return to work on Monday." Full recovery depends on the individual, but patients are up and moving that night or the next day after the procedure. "Although there are no restrictions on activity, I recommend that patients take it easy for a few days after the procedure." she points out.

UFE does not remove the fibroids, but it does shrink them to the point that the symptoms disappear points out Seely-Morgan.

"The maximum shrinkage of fibroids is between three and six months, but they may continue to shrink for up to a year after the treatment," she says.

If you think you may be a candidate for Uterine Artery Embolization we obtain an MRI, then we sit down together and go over what is on the images together. "I love for women to see what exactly is going on in their bodies," says Seely-Morgan. Then we discuss the woman's options and set up the procedure." I love the six-month follow up conversation when women tell me they have their life back after their UFE – that makes my day!"

10

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

“If we’re going to move the needle in our fight against obesity, we must take a look at local food policies.”

PeachCare now enrolling state workers kids State employees with children can now apply for PeachCare for Kids for coverage that will be effective Jan. 1.

Georgia anticipates that about 40,000 children covered by the state employee benefit plan will move to PeachCare, saving about $32 million for fiscal 2012.

State officials say the shift allows for federal matching funds in PeachCare to pay part of the costs.

The state Community Health board gave final approval on Sept.

8 to the voluntary switch of thousands of children now covered by the state employee benefit plan into PeachCare, Georgia’s insurance program for children in lower-income families.

Under PeachCare, premiums and co-pays will be cheaper for many parents than the State Health Benefit Plan.

Scott Frederking, the state Department of Community Health’s budget director, applauded the move.

“It’s cheaper for the family and it’s cheaper for the state,” he said at the agency’s board meeting last month.

Frederking said statewide physician organizations have raised concerns about the change because doctors are paid lower rates under PeachCare than under the state employee plan. The pay differential amounts to about 12 percent, he said.

Frederking said the state has considered offsetting that pay reduction to doctors, dentists, hospitals and other providers.

A second concern raised, he said, was whether the current network of doctors and other medical providers would be sufficient to handle the new load of patients.

PeachCare currently covers about 200,000 Georgia children.

The State Health Benefit Plan covers about 700,000 people, including state employees, teachers, state retirees and school personnel as well as dependents.

Georgia officials say the shift allows for federal matching funds in PeachCare to pay part of the costs.

Eligibility for PeachCare for Kids must be determined annually.

To be eligible, a child must be a Georgia resident, under age 19, a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant, not covered by or eligible for Medicaid, not a resident in an institution, within the income ranges established for participation, and not covered by other group health insurance. A family of three can make about $43,500 annually and qualify; a family of four can make about $52,500.

West End Medical Centers Inc. has an outreach team to assist families in enrolling in PeachCare – visit www.wemc.org, e-mail marketing@wemc.org or call 404-756-8748.

For more information about PeachCare or to apply, visit www. peachcare.org or call 1-877-427-3224.

Free mammograms for uninsured women Uninsured women 35 to 64 years old can receive free mammograms on Nov. 12, but they have to call for an appointment.

The YWCA of Greater Atlanta and the DeKalb Medical Center Wellness on Wheels program are partnering again to offer the breast cancer screening test to women who lack health insurance as part of EncorePlus,

November 5, 2011

a national YWCA breast and cervical cancer awareness program that connects women to free and low-cost mammography and cervical screening locations throughout metro Atlanta.

Thomasine Platt Leachman, the Y’s EncorePlus program coordinator, said the turnout at last year’s event was excellent.

“The women really felt good about attending an event that gave free clinical breast exams, mammograms, food and gifts – but most of all, camaraderie,” she said.

Eligible women can call 404-835-1632 to schedule an appointment; space is limited.

For more information, visit www.ywca atlanta.org.

Food Day puts focus on access Food and access to it was the topic of discussion at a recent “Nourish DeKalb!” forum hosted by the DeKalb Board of Health.

The Oct. 24 forum spotlighted the availability of locally grown food in DeKalb as well as the county’s fight against obesity.

It was one of thousands of activities held nationwide in observance of Food Day to focus on healthy diets and communities’ food problems.

D i s t r i c t He a l t h Director S. Elizabeth Ford said that with more than 25 percent of DeKalb’s adults overweight or obese, more action is needed to fight obesity.

S. Elizabeth Ford “It is time to move beyond cooking demonstrations and exercise classes,” Ford sad. “If we’re going to move the needle in our fight against obesity, we must take a look at local food policies and the decisions being made in neighborhoods and cities that affect healthy eating choices and future health.”

A full report about DeKalb’s food system and recommendations for improvement will be released in 2012 as part of the community action plan of the Board of Health’s grant-funded Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative to address obesity in DeKalb.

The initiative is partnering with the Strategic Alliance for Health effort to establish more farms, farmers markets and community gardens in the county.

For more information, visit www .FoodDay.org or www.dekalbhealth.net or call 404-508-7847.

Strut Your Stuff & Win the Title of Atlanta’s Champion Fitness Instructor GRAND PRIZE!!

COMPLIMENTARY TABLE AT THE 2012 BEST OF EAST METRO EXPO

Registration Deadline Dec. 28, 2011 Entry Fee $35

• Enter with your team of up to 25 members and show off the routine you use to motivate your clients to fitness.

• Competition starts at 1 p.m. on the mall’s lower level. A panel of celebrity judges will pick the winner.

• To enter, create a 3.5-minute fitness routine, choreographed to music.

• Use steps, balls, weights or just movements (bring your own weights, props, music, etc).

To register, email fitnessfaceoff@crossroadsnews.com, call Jami at 404-284-1888, or fax this form to 404-284-5007.

Name of Team: _______________________________________

Instructor’s Name: ________________________________

Instructor’s Address: ___________________________________

City________________________ ZIP Code____________

Phone__________________________________ Email___________________________________________________________ (Advance registration only! Limit one team per instructor. Print this form and mail with check or money order payable to CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or call 404-284-1888 with credit card information. Space reservation is not guaranteed until confirmed by CrossRoadsNews. Limited to first 20 trainers or instructors who pay in full. Late deposits will be returned.)

11

CrossRoadsNews

November 5, 2011

Wellness

This year’s vaccine also protects against the potentially dangerous H1N1 virus, or swine flu, as well as two other strains of influenza.

Flu shots keep the bug at bay for one and all Flu season is with us again, and before you know that the pesky influenza virus has you in its grip, you could be spreading the germ around.

To stop the spread of the flu before symptoms show up, Kaiser Permanente’s flu expert Juanita Cone recommends getting flu shots.

“We’re all at risk for getting the flu,” Cone said.

“A person gets infected with the virus one to four days before they have symptoms.”

Cone, who is Kaiser’s physician program direcJuanita Cone tor of prevention and health promotion, said the influenza virus can be deadly to vulnerable populations, including infants and the elderly.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. But the reality is that more than half of all Americans don’t seek vaccinations even though they help save lives.

That’s why it’s important for people to take precautions and get their shots as soon as possible, Cone said in an Oct. 26 statement.

She said there are several common myths about flu shots that can cause people to shy away from getting vaccinated. Some of the most common myths are that people think flu vaccines can make them sick with the virus or that the vaccines don’t last more than a few months.

“Vaccines don’t cause the flu,” Cone said.

“You may get a runny nose or soreness at the injection site, but not much more than that.”

The CDC says the U.S. influenza season

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flue vaccines for everyone 6 months and older.

usually begins in October and can last until May. Vaccines are made to last throughout the season, and it takes about two weeks after the vaccination for your body to develop an immune response.

This year’s flu vaccine also protects against the potentially dangerous H1N1 virus, or swine flu, as well as two other strains of influenza. That means there’s no need for two shots this year as in 2009.

Some children between 6 months and 8 years may require two doses. Their pediatrician will make this recommendation.

While most people recover quickly from flu symptoms, some with weakened

immune systems from asthma or diabetes may develop life-threatening complications, including pneumonia.

“We’re protecting each other when we get the flu vaccine,” Cone said. “I had my flu vaccine.”

Kaiser Permanente offers walk-in flu vaccinations for its members at all Kaiser

Permanente medical facilities – except Southwood and Piedmont specialty centers – Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours are available weekdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.kaiser permanente.org.

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12

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

“We’re preparing people for the realities of institutions, which any Christian in development work will face.”

Cory the Raccoon will share a lesson about peer pressure in “The Adventures of Cory” at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center on Nov. 18 and 19.

Professor recognized for 30-year work Elizabeth M. Bounds, associate professor of Christian ethics at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, has been honored for more than 30 years of teaching incarcerated women.

Bounds received a 2011 Unitas Distinguished Alumna Award from Union Theological Seminary last month for her work in restorative justice, and particularly for helping women in Elizabeth Bounds prison.

She began working with prison communities in the 1980s, and since coming to Emory’s Candler School of Theology, she has spent more than a decade teaching incarcerated women at Metro State Prison in Atlanta.

Along with the Rev. Susan Bishop, a Candler alumna who serves as a prison chaplain, Bounds developed the Certificate for Theological Studies for inmates. Atlanta Theological Association, a consortium of four Atlanta seminaries, administers the program, which

November 5, 2011

allows students to teach theology classes in the prison.

The award recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in the church, academy and society. Bounds, who joined Candler in 1997, received her Master of Divinity and Ph.D. degrees from UTS. Bounds said that students working at the prison as part of Candler’s contextual education program learn lessons that will help them in other placements.

“We’re preparing people for the realities of institutions, which any Christian in development work will face,” she said.

“Institutions are complicated. You learn what ministry can or can’t be when you see the reality of those challenges.”

In addition to her prison ministry, Bounds has served as coordinator of the Initiative in Religious Practices and Practical Theology, and as both associate director and director of the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory.

She also currently serves as a faculty member in Emory’s Center for Ethics.

Children’s musical onstage “The Adventures of Cory” will be onstage at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center for performances on Nov. 18 and 19.

The children’s musical follows the main character Cory the Raccoon as he gives in to peer pressure from his best friend, Trent the Fox. Although it seemed fun at first, Cory finds himself all alone and lost in the forest.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 and at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 19.

Tickets are $12 for the 11:30 a.m. show and $15 for the 2 and 7 p.m. show.

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur.

For more information or for tickets, visit www.corysclub.eventbrite.com.

Night hike at Panola Mountain Hikers can climb to the mountaintop under the moon at Panola Mountain State Park Night Hike on Nov. 5.

The 6 p.m. hike will start out just before sunset and hikers can enjoy the stroll as the moon begins to rise. They must meet at the

nature center 30 minutes before the hike and bring flashlights, hiking boots and water. The hike is $7 plus $5 parking.

Panola Mountain State Park is at 2600 Highway 155 in Stockbridge. For more information, call 770-389-7801.

Georgia poet’s latest volume rooted in South Prolific poet David Bottoms will discuss his new book of poems, “We Almost Disappear,” on Nov. 7 at the Decatur Library.

Critics are calling the new title his “most personal and heartbreaking book,” with its poems firmly rooted in Southern soil and in the people of the South.

Bottoms was inducted into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame in 2009 and twice has been included on the Georgia Center for the Book’s list of “25 Books All Georgians Should Read.”

He has written nearly a dozen books, and his first volume of poetry won the coveted Walt Whitman Prize.

The discussion will begin at 7:15 p.m.

Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. For David Bottoms will discuss “We Almost Disappear” on Nov. 7 at the Decatur Library. more information, call 404-370-3070.

November 5, 2011

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

“Some of [the stories] people have tried to forget, but once the conversation starts, others may begin to talk.”

TV personality to discuss theology TV personality Damon Owens will discuss “Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration, Seen Through the Lens of the Theology of the Body” on Nov. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Stone Mountain.

During the meeting, which starts 6:30 p.m., Owens, who is founder of the Joy-Filled Marriage Institute, will discuss “Theology of the Body,” Damon Owens a series of 129 lectures given by Pope John Paul II during his Wednesday audiences in the Pope Paul VI Hall between September

1979 and November 1984.

Topics include renewing marriages, awakening vocations, healing deep personal wounds and setting people free to live the life of greatness for which they were created.

This presentation will address the two most fundamental and universal questions of human existence – What does it mean to be “made male and female in the image & likeness of God?” and How can I live my life in a way that brings true happiness and fulfillment?

The event is free but donations will be accepted. The church is at 600 Mountain View Drive in Stone Mountain. For more information, call 770-469-0395.

Story journey kicking off in Lithonia that residents want to tell.

Renowned visual myDeborah Jackson, who thologist Lynn Marshall-Linchairs the city’s Redevelopnemeier will discuss Lithonia ment Committee, said there Journey Project on Nov. 5 at are lots of stories circulating the Lithonia Woman’s Club. in the community.

The project, which is part “We want to capture them of the Lithonia Blueprints while people can still rememProject, will capture commuber,” she said. nity stories that will be told Once the stories are capthrough a visual arts project. tured, Jackson said, the comMarshall-Linnemeier, an Lynn Marshall-Linnemeier award-winning, photo-based mixed-media munity will determine the medium it will use artist, teaches at Spelman College. She often to preserve them for future generation.

“There are stories about the Bruce Street incorporates photography, painting, and writing along with primary source docu- schools and the Sam Colbert house and many ments in the form of diaries and letters to others,” she said.

“Some of them people have tried to forexamine and define historical figures.

During the 3-to-5 p.m. session, she will get, but once the conversation starts, others give an overview of journey projects from may begin to talk.”

The Lithonia Woman’s Club is at 2654 other communities and discuss first steps Wiggins St. For more information, contact for Lithonia.

Georgia Tech students and videographer Deborah Jackson at dajatty@bellsouth.net Eddy Anderson will help record any stories or 404-534-6545.

Conference of storytellers coming Master storytellers, beginners, storytellers with instruments, and storytellers who dance from across the nation and Africa are headed to Atlanta Nov. 9-13 for the 29th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference.

Storytellers of all styles will entertain, inspire, educate and enliven the myths, recite the poems and recount the history of a people.

Festival- and conference-goers can attend storytelling workshops during the day and enjoy performances of nationally renowned black storytellers in concerts in

the evenings.

The conference is hosted by the National Association of Black Storytellers.

It kicks off with an opening gala and includes an African-American Market Place/ Karamu Corner, an auction, and Adopta-Teller – where storytellers are available to perform in local schools, libraries and for organizations all week long. Tickets for events range from $10 to $30.

The festival and conference take place at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, 210 Peachtree St. N.W. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.nabsinc.org.

Show love for transit card and win MARTA customers can win up to $6,500 in the “I Heart My Breeze Card” contest.

Contestants must make an entertaining, original and clean video focused on how their Breeze Card opens doors that take them to the best things in life.

The Breeze Card video with the most “Thumbs Up” votes on the YouTube contest page will win $1,500 as a local transit submis-

sion. Local winners will compete with winners from other transit systems nationwide for a $5,000 National Grand Prize in the final round of the contest.

The deadline to submit the video is Nov. 11. Voting for the national winner begins after Nov. 14.

For more information, visit www.iheart mycard.com/breezecard.

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Rainbow PUSH honors leaders Atlanta airport, making Seven business and sure that NFL veterans community leaders live in dignity, or raising who help make their money for and making communities better donations to the less forwere honored for their tunate, each of them in contributions at the their own way is making Nov. 4 Rainbow PUSH life better for others,” she Keep Hope Alive Gala in Atlanta.

Debra Antney L. Barr-Davenport said.

The Keep Hope Alive The honorees ­– AtGala kicked off Rainbow lanta Business League PUSH Coalition and the President Leona BarrCitizenship Education Davenport, Georgia Fund’s 12th Annual CreatCoalition of Black ing Opportunity ConferWomen President Rita ence in Atlanta under way Samuels, Cross­Roads­ through Nov. 5 at the HilNews Editor/Publisher ton Garden Inn in Atlanta.

Jennifer Parker, former Jennifer Parker Conference workshops Ambassador Andrew Dewey McClain are free and open to the Young, NFL Player Aspublic. The conference’s sociation Atlanta Chapgoal is to revive hope ter President Dewey for people devastated by Mc Cl a i n , h i p - h op job and home loss, promogul Debra Antney, mote recovery from the and WVEE personality economic calamity, and Wanda Smith – were renew efforts to level the feted at a gala that celplaying field for workers ebrates the Rev. Jesse Rita Samuels Wanda Smith and children.

Jackson’s birthday.

The Citizenship Education is Proceeds benefit the work of expected to reveal its new diversity Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the report on Fortune 500 firms based Citizenship Education Fund and in the Southeast and the National families facing foreclosure.

Coalition of Black Federal AviaRainbow PUSH Vice Presition Employees will announce a dent Janice L. Mathis said they partnership to assure fairness and wanted to spotlight honorees to diversity in the aviation industry. encourage them to continue their The conference also will exefforts and to serve as an inspiraAndrew Young plore infrastructure investments tional example for others.

“Whether contributing to the growth and their impact on small-business owners, of minority-owned businesses, keeping family violence, foreclosures, leadership the public informed about local issues, issues, and the business of sports and enteradvocating for inclusion for women at the tainment.

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November 5, 2011

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER Georgia, DeKalb County Under and by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in a Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement given by Daydreams Early Learning Center, Inc. to Children of the Future Day Care, Inc, dated January 31, 2006, recorded February 10, 2006 in Deed Book 18408, Page 763, DeKalb County Records, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia, conveying the after-described property to secure a Note in the original principal amount of NINE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($923,000.00), with interest thereon as set forth therein, there will be sold by the under signed at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the courthouse door of DeKalb County, Georgia, within the legal hours of sale on the first Tuesday in December 2011, the following described property: All the tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot 61 of the 15th District of DeKalb County, Georgia, being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron pin found on the southeasterly right-of-way line of Flakes Mill Road (100í R/W), said iron pin being located a distance of 200.0 feet southwesterly, as measured along the southeasterly right-of-way line of Flakes Mill Road, from the intersection of the southeasterly right-of-way line of Flakes Mill Road and the right-of-way line of Flat Shoals Road; thence leaving the southeasterly right-of-way line of Flakes Mill Road and running South 74 degrees 24 minutes and 45 seconds East a distance of 300.0 feet to an iron pin found; running thence South 19 degrees 40 minutes 00 seconds West a distance of 124.0 feet to an iron pin found; running thence North 74 degrees 24 minutes 45 seconds West a distance of 300.0 feet to an iron pin found on the southeasterly right-of-way line of Flakes Mill Road; thence running in a northeasterly direction a distance of 124.0 feet, as measured along the southeasterly right-of-way line of Flakes Mill Road, to an iron pin found on the southeasterly right-of-way line of Flakes Mill Road and the Point of Beginning.

The above described property is described according to a survey prepared for Children of the Future Day Care, Inc., and Decatur Federal Savings and Loan Association, said survey being prepared by Eston Pendley & Associates, Inc., Eston Pendley, R.L.S. No. 945, said survey being dated March 11, 1988.

The debt secured by said Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement has been and is hereby declared due because of, among other possible events of default, failure to the indebtedness as and when due and in the manner provided in the Note and Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement. The debt remaining in default, this sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same and all expenses in this sale, as provided in the Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement and by law, including attorneyís fees (notice of intent to collect attorneyís fees having been given).

Said property will be sold subject to an outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and matters of record superior to the Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement first set out above.

To the best knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the party in possession of the property is Daydreams Early Learning Center, Inc. or a tenant or tenants and said property is more commonly known as 3616 Flakes Mill Road, Decatur, GA 30034.

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