CrossRoadsNews, November 5, 2016 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

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Taking sides on new city

Pink Pig’s back in town

Readers present their arguments for why the proposed city of Stonecrest is right or wrong for the area’s residents. 4

Priscilla the Pink Pig’s return to Macy’s is ushering in the 2016 holiday season. The popular ride at Lenox Square will be open through Jan. 1. 10

Put Litter in Its Place Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful

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

November 5, 2016

Volume 22, Number 28

www.crossroadsnews.com

Homebuyer program targets foreclosure-ravaged areas By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, ANDP President and CEO John O’Callaghan, and new homeowner Lakesha Head help kick off the Nov. 2 launch of the $1 million Homebuyer Assistance Program.

help low- and moderate-income families in DeKalb, Clayton, Douglas and Fulton counties and the city of Atlanta achieve their homeownership dreams. John O’Callaghan, ANDP president and CEO, said the program, which will be available for one year, will help 30 to 40 families. “Lifting homeownership in our communities helps families build wealth, stabilize neighborhoods and strengthen our region,” he said. “We are hoping to get these dollars

DeKalb homebuyers who need a little help with their down payment could qualify for up to $30,000 from a new ANDP Homebuyer Assistance Program if they are willing to live in some of the communities hardest hit by foreclosures. At a Nov. 2 launch of the program in Lithonia, the nonprofit Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership Inc. said the down-payment assistance program, supported by a $1 million grant from the Bank of America Community Home Fund, will Please see HOUSING, page 6

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Nov. 8 is decision time, key issues on ballot DeKalb elections director predicts turnout of 75% By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

After months of raucous national debate, insults, aha moments, surprises, and even discussions of some of the issues, it’s Election Day on Nov. 8 for DeKalb’s 518,947 registered voters. Among the many important issues on the ballot, voters will decide whether Republican businessman Donald Trump, Democrat and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson will succeed President Barack Obama in the White House. They also will pick a new DeKalb CEO and District 7 commissioner and decide whether to amend the Georgia Constitution to allow the governor to create a new school district for underperforming schools. Through Nov. 3 early voting, 168,804 First-time voters from Cedar Grove High in Ellenwood prepare to cast early ballots at the DeKalb Elections Office on Memorial Drive in Decatur. DeKalb voters had cast ballots, including 16 new voters from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood. The seniors are among 200 students from Columbia, McNair, Towers and Elizabeth n The main office on Memorial Drive is not must have their ballots postmarked by Nov. Before you go to the polls, here are Andrews high schools who were registered an Election Day polling precinct. 8 and received by Nov. 14). some tips from DeKalb Elections Director by AKAs, Deltas and the People’s Agenda. n Take a government-issued photo ID with n Cellphones and electronic devices Maxine Daniels: On Nov. 2, as part of their Roll to the Polls you to the polls. cannot be used by voters in the polling n Verify your registration status at www. initiative, the fraternities place. Taking pictures of the screen or in mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do (Georgia My n Visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do and sororities paid for a to see your sample ballot and familiarize the enclosed space is expressly prohibited. Voter Page) before going to the polls. If school bus to transport Through Nov. 2 early voting, 149,926 you voted in any elections since 2007 and yourself with candidates and issues. the students to the early n If you encounter problems with the voting DeKalb voters had cast ballots. Daniels said have not moved, your registration should polls at the DeKalb Elecmachine or do not see what you expect while the early voting compares to the 2008 be fine. tions Office on Memorial presidential election. For this election, she n Voters must go to their assigned polling at the polls, contact a poll official for help Drive. BEFORE you press “Cast Ballot.” Nothing can is predicting voter turnout of 75 percent. places on Election Day. Some polling Keandrea Rogers, a be done after your ballot is cast. All of DeKalb’s 189 precincts, located at places have changed, especially if you Cedar Grove High senior n If you have a mailed absentee ballot, it 173 sites, will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on haven’t voted since 2014. Verify your who was on the bus, said Keandrea Rogers must be received in our office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. All voters in line at 7 p.m. will registration at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/ Election Day (military and overseas voters be allowed to vote. mvp.do to see where to vote on Nov. 8.

Things to keep in mind when you vote on Election Day

Please see ELECTIONS, page 2

Vote 2016

CrossRoadsNews

November 5, 2016

“As Dr. King said, ‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.’ ”

Party faithful set watch parties Democrats and Republicans will be watching election results in DeKalb and in Atlanta on Nov. 8. The DeKalb Dems will congregate at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard, 130 Clairemont Ave. in downtown Decatur. The Georgia Democratic Party will be hosting its Election Night Watch Party at the Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St. N.E. in downtown Atlanta. The party starts at 7 p.m. in the hotel’s Centennial Ballroom. The Georgia Republican Party is hosting its party at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta, 3300 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta. The festivities take place 6 p.m. to midnight. Those planning to spend the night must confirm hotel reservations by Nov. 7 to get the Grand Hyatt’s special rate of $219 per

night. Election night at the political watering hole Manuel’s Tavern is expected to be a wallto-wall event with a crowd that will spill into the adjacent parking lot. To accommodate the expected spillover crowd, the parking lot immediately behind the tavern at 602 N. Highland N.E. in Atlanta will be closed to vehicles. Tables and chairs will be set up to accommodate more than 200 people. A 20-foot TV screen will capture the night’s coverage of the election. Food and drinks will be available to the spillover crowd. The polls close at 7 p.m. on election night. Results will start flowing in as soon as all voters in line before 7 p.m. have voted.

DeKalb NAACP offering ‘Rides to the Polls’ on Nov. 8 Voters who need a ride to the polls on Nov. 8 can get one from the DeKalb NAACP. Branch President Teresa Hardy said “Rides to the Polls” will be offered 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To book a ride or volunteer to drive someone to the polls, call 404-241-8006 or email naacpdek@comcast.net. “As Dr. King said, ‘In the end, we will

remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends,’ ” Hardy said. Thirty-eight candidates are in 15 contested races for U.S. president, the U.S. House and Senate, Georgia Public Service Commission, the Georgia House and Senate, and DeKalb CEO and Board of Commissioners. All DeKalb County polling precincts are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cedar Grove students learned about the importance of voting and the democratic process before heading to the polls early to vote for the first time.

Students exposed to voting process ELECTIONS,

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she was a little nervous casting her first ballot. “But I felt kinda proud,” she said. Jarquesse Ellis, also a Cedar Grove senior, said he prepared himself before he went to vote. “I read up on it,” he said. “I wanted to know who is running and how it is going to impact me.” Pamela Benford, the Jarquesse Ellis school’s principal who accompanied them to the polls, said that before they went to vote, the students learned about the importance of voting in history class and participating in the democratic process, and

they received a sample ballot to familiarize themselves with the candidates, amendments and other issues on it. The students left saying that they would encourage their parents to go to the polls too. DeKalb Elections Director Maxine Daniels said the 2016 early voting compares to the 2008 presidential election. Based on the early turnout, she is predicting voter turnout of 75 percent for this election. All of DeKalb’s 189 precincts, located at 173 sites, will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters who have not yet cast ballots should vote at their regularly assigned precincts on Nov. 8. Daniels said all voters in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

November 5, 2016

Vote 2016

CrossRoadsNews

“Part of the reason is that the state did not purge the list of inactive voters in 2015, so we have a higher than normal number.”

DeKalb registered 25,800 new voters for Nov. 8 “Part of the reason is that the DeKalb County voter rolls grew state did not purge the list of inby 25,800 new voters for the Nov. active voters in 2015, so we have 8 presidential, general and special a higher than normal number,” elections. Daniels said. Numbers released for new votAs of Oct. 24, DeKalb has ers who registered through the Oct. 99,551 inactive voters, defined as 11 voter registration deadline show voters who did not vote in the last that the number of registered voters two presidential elections. in the county grew to 518,947, up Maxine Daniels Daniels said that DeKalb’s regisfrom 493,147 in April. tered voters generally hover around 475,000. Maxine Daniels, DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections director, said it’s the high- Had Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp est number of registered voters the county purged the inactive voter rolls, she said DeKalb might have lost 35,000 to 50,000 has ever had.

inactive voters. For the Nov. 8 elections, 419,396 of DeKalb’s voters are classified as active voters. New women voters grew by 13,538 to 287,506 and male voters by 12,262 to 231,441. The growth in new registered voters was accomplished with the help of civic organizations, churches and other groups hosting voter registration drives and encouraging eligible citizens to register. The DeKalb NAACP even held a voter registration drive at the DeKalb County Jail, where 134 inmates who were eligible to vote were able to register on Oct. 10.

Issues prompt congressmen to ask for poll monitors Four Georgia congressmen have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to provide poll monitors for the Nov. 8 presidential and general elections. In a Nov. 1 letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, Reps. Hank Johnson, John Lewis, David Scott and Sanford Bishop said voting machines in several Georgia counties “appear to be ‘flipping’ or incorrectly marking the votes” cast by voters at the polls. “Due to our concern regarding reports of inaccurate voting machines, we request that the department provide any resources or assistance to ensure voters at Georgia polls can exercise their fundamental right to vote and cast their vote with accuracy and confidence,” the congressmen wrote. The lawmakers also asked for “any other election monitoring resources” to ensure that:

The congressmen pointed out that Georgia is one of only six states that employ a Direct Electronic Recording system without a backup Hank Johnson John Lewis David Scott Sanford Bishop paper trail. “The lack of paper backup makes it nearly n Georgia poll workers inform all Georgia voters of the option to request and cast paper impossible for voters to verify or audit their vote after it has been cast,” they wrote. ballots at all polling sites; Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, n Any paper ballot cast in person by a confirmed, registered, Georgia voter is not who was copied on the letter, said that he is holding news conferences on Nov. 7 in classified as a provisional ballot; and n Georgia voters are receiving assistance if DeKalb County and in Augusta, Albany, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah on elecmachines are not functioning properly. The letter said that voters in Bryan, tion integrity, preparedness, and security to DeKalb, Bulloch, Chatham, Dodge, Effing- assure members of the public “that Georgia ham, and Macon-Bibb counties have expe- is ready to conduct a secure, accessible, and fair election on Nov. 8.” rienced problems while voting early.

Pastors hosting prayer vigil Members of the DeKalb Pastors Alliance will hold a prayer vigil on Nov. 8 at the DeKalb Courthouse to pray for the newly elected president and other officials, police services, and communities. The vigil begins at 11 p.m. on the front steps of the courthouse, 556 N. McDonough St. in Decatur. Dr. Steven Dial Sr., who heads the 11member alliance, said clergy need to pray for newly elected officials. “We vote,” he said. “But at the end of the day, God is in control.” Organizers say the pastors understand the spiritual and practical battles facing the community and want the public to aid them in combating key issues. The alliance is asking all pastors, elected officials, activists and residents to join them at the vigil. Call 404-288-1910 for more information.

Volunteers needed for Election Day

Volunteers are needed on Election Day to help with a range of duties between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The DeKalb Coalition for Voter Education and Mobilization needs people to man telephone banks, canvass neighborhoods, provide voter protection advice, and provide rides to the polls, among other duties. They must be able to serve for two-hour increments at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. Sign up at goo.gl/ACgqA8.

“WHEN THEY GO LOW, WE GO HIGH!” “This November, when we go to the polls this election and every election...is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives.” ~ Michelle Obama

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November 5, 2016

My community is not within the parameters of the proposed city of Stonecrest, but cityhood within DeKalb County affects the entire county.

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisements, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

city of stonecrest: to be or not to be?

For a new start, let’s vote yes to Stonecrest By Jason Lary

A small group of dedicated individuals have worked very hard for almost four years for all of us to have our say on forming the new city of Stonecrest. We sacrificed our finances, family time, and lost some good friends along the way. This journey cost some of us our jobs and careers. All of which we would do again for the right to have a vote. I want each of you to listen carefully to words from my late father, James Lary Sr.: “What are you preJason Lary pared to do about your situation?” It is incumbent upon each of us to decide if we are courageous enough to recognize and fix our own problems. We all know the problems of our community: a suffering mall, no real job opportunities, overgrown sidewalks, and streets littered with trash and potholes. Each of us must bear some of the blame for this situation. We elected and re-elected the same folks to do the same thing (nothing). As a 30-year taxpaying citizen of southeast DeKalb County, I’m not willing to wait any longer. There is no “trick.” The city of Stonecrest is feasible … without a tax increase. The proposed city passed every requirement from the state of Georgia. Stonecrest will have surplus revenue of $2 million per year and a $40 million SPLOST payout for infrastructure (roads, potholes, capital equipment), but only if we are a city. Otherwise, that funding is split between the other DeKalb cities such as Brookhaven and Dunwoody, never to be seen by Stonecrest. Consider the following: n Every new city that has formed in the last 10 years has prospered, period! n Stonecrest will be the largest, organized majority African American city formed since U.S. Reconstruction (slavery). Personally, I don’t need to hear from another “shade tree” economist or newly elected “self-proclaimed” protector of DeKalb County regarding our viability. The only question you should ask yourself is “Can we do better than what is currently happening to us?” For a new start, new leadership and a new city, please join me now through Nov. 8 in voting yes to Stonecrest. Jason Lary is chairman of the Stonecrest City Alliance.

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Create a city for the right reasons By Ed Williams

The residents of the Stonecrest area have a choice on the Nov. 8 ballot to create a city or not. This referendum outcome will have an impact on the region for decades to come. The Stonecrest area Ed Williams has a 95 percent African American population and would be the least diverse city in the metropolitan area, according to the Georgia Reapportionment Office. Create a city for the right reasons, not because someone else is doing it. We should fix our current governance

structure first before we create another level of government, particularly since the county leadership comes from South DeKalb. A city will certainly create more politicians. However, there is no evidence that any significant economic development will occur. The proponents of Stonecrest have not presented a credible model or rational economic plan for the proposed new city. Cities historically have been created around a major business activity or a transportation hub. What is the main industry in South DeKalb? No, it is not Family Dollar. Ed Williams is chairman of Citizens Against Cityhood in DeKalb. He lives in Lithonia.

We need leaders, not incorporation By Dianne Medlock Joy

You have all heard all the reasons and justifications to vote yes or vote no for the city of Stonecrest. We fought this same battle against LaVista Hills. What I saw were self-appointed leaders who saw a way to control your tax dollars. It is very difficult to have a city without yet another group of people with special interests. Cities are very hungry. Much hungrier than counties. Look around at all the new shiny, city halls built in the middle of Sandy Springs (under construction) and Lilburn. The money for all of that comes from you, the taxpayer, and they come up with creative ways to nickel and dime the citizens through a permit and fine system.

They say it won’t cost you to live in a city, but ask those that have moved to unincorporated DeKalb to escape the city of Atlanta and Decatur’s rising costs. DeKalb County is turning over its management this election season and I see great things and honest work ahead for our county. I have lived in unincorporated DeKalb all of my 68 years and it has had its highs and lows, but I would not change living here, unincorporated. We do not need incorporation to clean up corruption or create jobs or inspire development. We need the right county leaders and we are on the right track to do that. Dianne Medlock Joy is a 68-year resident of unincorporated DeKalb.

Cityhood affects the entire county By John W. Frase

I feel an obligation to inform my fellow South DeKalb neighbors about issues that might have impact on their vote. My community, Kings Row, is not within the parameters of the proposed city of Stonecrest, but cityhood within DeKalb County affects the entire county.

My neighborhood was very active in opposing the proposed city of Greenhaven. Introspection of the facts would expose the economic development shortcomings and actual cost of this new city to both the citizens within the parameters of Stonecrest and DeKalb County. John W. Frase is vice president of Kings Row Community Association.

index to advertisers Andalman & Flynn, P.C.................................. 11 Andrew H. Wiebelt II...................................... 11 Committee For Stonecrest Yes!....................... 2 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court..................... 11 DeKalb County Board of Health......................9 DeKalb County Watershed Management.....2,6 DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office....................... 11

Democratic National Committee..................... 3 Fabric Joint, LLC.............................................12 Glaxo SmithKline............................................ 7 Georgia Piedmont Technical College..............9 Gregory Adams 4 DeKalb Commissioner....... 2 GrowBiz Solutions..........................................12

Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC...................12 Law Office of Trichelle Griggs Simmons........12 Life Solutions For Health, LLC........................12 Strategic Real Property Advisors....................12 The Samuel Group.........................................12 Wells Fargo..................................................... 5

Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Rite Aid...................................................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Committee to Elect John Tolbert, Jr........ Online Gregory Adams DeKalb 4 Commission.. Online

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November 5, 2016

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Moving forward to make things right. We are deeply committed to serving you and your financial needs. We know we did not live up to that commitment. We want you to know that we’re making things right and that we’re even more dedicated to serving you and making sure you know where you stand. There is nothing more important than for you to experience the very best from us. That’s why we’ve already taken action: Putting your interests ﬁrst: We have eliminated product sales goals for our Retail Banking team members who serve customers in our bank branches and call centers. This means that their focus will be on meeting your financial needs, not meeting sales goals. Proactively communicating with you: We send a confirmation after you open a new consumer or small business checking, savings or credit card account so that you know what is happening and can tell us if anything we’ve confirmed is different than what you expected. Full transparency: You can always see your eligible accounts any time when enrolled in Wells Fargo Online.® Fixing what went wrong: We have provided full refunds to customers we have already identiﬁed and we’re broadening our scope of work to find customers we may have missed. If we have any doubt about whether one of your accounts was authorized, and any fees were incurred on that account, we will contact you and refund fees. If you have any concerns about your accounts or any aspect of your relationship with Wells Fargo, please come into a branch or call us on our dedicated hotline ��/� at �-��-��-��. The trust you place in us means everything and we will work hard every day to earn it back.

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wellsfargo.com/commitment ��-��-��

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Community

November 5, 2016

“My two girls are going to be so excited that we are going to have one of the best Christmases because we have extra money and we are in our own house”

Seventh suspect arrested in fatal shooting of Keaira Palmer By Ken Watts

Alleged gang member Tahja T. “Mayhem” Williams, the seventh suspect in the shooting death of 15-year-old Stone Mountain High student Keaira Palmer, is being held without bond in the DeKalb Jail. Tahja Williams The Decatur man is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

Williams was arrested on Oct. 27 when a DeKalb Police officer spotted him at Panola and Young roads in a blue 2009 Saturn Vue driven by his friend Mariah Givian of Lithonia. Police say the car was stopped because of an expired license tag. The officer said Williams jumped out and tried to escape on foot. He was arrested a short time later at Panola and Covent Way. Williams, 24, had been wanted on a murder charge since the Aug. 3 death of Keaira, who was killed while walking with a group of people outside a convenience store on Glenwood Road near the entrance of the Peachcrest Gardens Apartments, 4110

Glenwood Road, where she lived. Police have described Keaira as an innocent bystander but are checking to see whether she had any connection to the gangs. Two other teens ages 18 and 19 were slightly injured, and a 25-year-old man was hospitalized for Keaira Palmer several days. Williams, who has the letters “RIP” tattooed on his Adam’s apple, allegedly holds the rank of Double OG in the Six Deuce Brim Bloods gang.

Six suspects – two unnamed juveniles ages 15 and 16; Roderick Harris, 17; Sharod Jackson, 18; Roderick Jackson, 18; and Michael Miller, 22 – were arrested Aug. 10. Investigators believe the shooting may have been revenge for an earlier incident in which Williams was robbed by members of a rival gang. They say he was angry because the robbers bragged about what they’d done. Williams has been in trouble with the law before. He was arrested April 6, 2012, on burglary charges; Feb. 12, 2013, for contempt of court; April 20, 2014, for failure to appear; and Feb. 4, 2016, for violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act.

Seven available homes in Decatur, Ellenwood, Lithonia and Pine Lake HOUSING,

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out as soon as possible.” Qualified homebuyers must make up to 80 percent of the area’s median income, which ranges from $37,800 for an individual to $54,000 for a family of four. If they are veterans, they can make up to 120 percent, which ranges from $56,700 for an individual to $81,000 for a family of four. To qualify for the funding, which ranges from $20,000 to $30,000, buyers must purchase from a list of homes. The funds, which are given to the homebuyer as a no-cost second mortgage that is only repaid if they sell the home, can be used for a down payment and/or toward closing costs. O’Callaghan said that as long as homeowners live in the home and occupy it as their primary residence, they can use the money without paying it back and without paying any interest on it.

“At the end of the day, you are selling it, you are making some money, you are moving up, and then those dollars will be returned so we can use for that next homeowner 30 years down the road,” he said. Of the 20 DeKalb homes currently available in the program, seven are in Decatur, Ellenwood, Lithonia and Pine Lake. They range in price from $130,000 to $165,000. At the launch held in the driveway of the first home closed in the program, O’Callaghan said neighborhoods, especially in DeKalb, that had been thriving were hit hard by the recession, and ANDPbegan working with the federally-funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program. “This is our 148th home in DeKalb County and we are just thrilled,” he said. Lakesha Head, who closed on her home Oct. 24, said that a year ago she was renting a similar home for $1,100 a month. “Because ANDP and Bank of America

Thursday, November 10, 2016 6:30 P.M. - 8 P.M. Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030

came together and gave me $30,000 of down-payment assistance, I am a proud homeowner who only pays $731 a month,” she said. “My two girls are going to be so excited that we are going to have one of the best Christmases because we have extra money and we are in our own house.” O’Callaghan said the nonprofit transitioned from working with NSP to developing partnerships with private companies to continue reclaiming neighborhoods. He said the nonprofit now uses “charitable dollars, grants like Bank of America’s and low-interest loans to rehabilitate the houses and sell them to income-eligible buyers.” O’Callaghan said that in Douglas County they found the more homes they renovated and sold in high-foreclosure neighborhoods, the more the appraised values increased. “With $3.2 million of investment with NSP, we were able to increase the values of homes by $11 million,” he said.

Bob Lee, Bank of America’s divisional sales executive, said the bank is excited to partner with ANDP and be a participant in increasing homeownership in the Atlanta market and it is a team effort with lenders, real estate people and development agencies. “There is a lot of help Bob Lee for people buying homes today and we need to make sure they have access to it all,” Lee said. DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, who attended the kickoff, said homeownership is power and he encouraged Head to get involved. “Homeownership is more than just buying a house,” he said. “You now have bought a community, and the community involves the PTA, the homeowners association.”

Town Hall Meeting: Water Billing and Dispute Resolution

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May will host a community meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. to address community concerns with high water bills and provide an update on the county’s status in mitigating those issues. Representatives of the dispute resolution team will be onsite to provide customer assistance with water bills. The community meeting will be held in Maloof Auditorium, located at 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.

IMPORTANT:

If your account is in dispute and you pay your average bill, disregard any disconnection notices. Your water will not be disconnected under the moratorium.

How do I dispute my bill? Call Utility Customer Operations at 404-371-3000, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit 774 Jordan Lane, Suite 200, Decatur, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Email customerassurance@dekalbcountyga.gov

November 5, 2016

CrossRoadsNews

AN HIV EVENT THIS INSPIRING DOESN’T COME TO ATLANTA EVERY DAY. Informative sessions and workshops • Interactive exhibits Health & Wellness booths

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER Join the conversation about setting — and getting to — your new goals to do more than be undetectable.

Reserve your spot today. Food will be available. Call 1-844-682-7234

11AM to

2 PM

LOUDERMILK CONFERENCE CENTER 40 Courtland Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

November 5, 2016

“Let’s take stock of historic gains in coverage we’ve made as a country and work together to continue that progress.”

Healthcare Marketplace enrollment opens Clocks ‘fall Most consumers will again have coverage plan options for less than $75 per month with financial assistance as the Health Insurance Marketplaces open for business. Open enrollment continues through Jan. 31, 2017, with a Dec. 15 deadline for Jan. 1 coverage. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said the department is encouraging every American who might need coverage to visit HealthCare.gov for options for affordable Sylvia Burwell health insurance. “This year, the vast majority of consumers will qualify for tax credits that help keep coverage affordable, and it’s easier than ever to shop around and compare options,” Burwell said on Nov. 1, the launch of open enrollment. “As we sound today’s opening bell, let’s also take stock of the historic gains in coverage we’ve made as a country and work together to continue that progress.” The Marketplaces have helped drive the national uninsured rate down to historic lows: It reached 8.6 percent in the first quarter of 2016, down from 16.3 percent in 2010. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 20 million more Americans have coverage today. The Marketplaces – along with the expansion of Medicaid in 31 states and the District of Columbia and the ability for young adults to stay on their parents’ plans up to age 26 – have been an important contributor to those gains. More than 70 percent of Marketplace consumers will be able to find plans for less than $75 per month. Eighty-four percent of current Marketplace consumers receive tax credits, which are designed to increase

SRA center offers sign-up assistance Individuals and families can find help with Marketplace enrollment at SRA International’s Atlanta Enrollment Assistance Center in Decatur. SRA, a leading provider of IT solutions and professional services to government organizations, opened the center at 1850 Lawrenceville Highway to provide fair, impartial, and free guidance to consumers as they make their Affordable Care Act health care selections. At the center, they can meet with trained enrollment specialists, many of whom are bilingual, to review their coverage options, find out if they qualify for financial assistance, and sign up for or renew a plan that meets their needs. Free and confidential in-person enrollment assistance is available from now through the end of January. Residents are encouraged to bring: n Information about your household – names, mailing addresses, Social Security along with benchmark premiums to protect consumers from rate hikes. More current Marketplace consumers will qualify for next year. About 85 percent of Marketplace-eligible uninsured Americans also could qualify for tax credits. This year, the average consumer will be able to choose from 30 plans, with an average of 10 plans per issuer. More than seven in 10 current Marketplace consumers could save by coming back to shop instead of re-enrolling in their current plan. If every returning consumer nationwide selected the lowest-cost plan within the same metal level,

numbers or immigration documents for everyone in your household who plans to apply for coverage. n Employer and income information for every household member. This information will be used to help determine if you qualify for financial help. Such documents include recent pay stubs or W-2 forms. n Information about current insurance. If you have existing coverage, bring along policy numbers for any current plans covering members of your household. The center’s hours of operation are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; noon-8 p.m. Tuesday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. SRA provides enrollment assistance under contract to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services. To make an appointment, email enroll_atlanta@ sra.com, visit www.facebook.com/enrollatlanta or call 404-623-1088. average premiums paid would fall by $28 per month – 20 percent – compared to 2016, after factoring in financial assistance. HealthCare.gov will be piloting and phasing in further improvements to make the shopping experience more intuitive and streamlined, particularly for users who access the site from their mobile phones. This new Plan Compare 2.0 will offer a simpler, step-by-step sign-up process that integrates improved physician and drug look-up tools directly into the shopping experience. For enrollment assistance, visit localhelp. healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.

back’ Nov. 6 to Standard time

The hour of sleep you lost in March is coming right back at you on Nov. 6. At 2 a.m. Sunday, clocks “fall back” to 1 a.m. as we return to Eastern Standard Time. The change is automatic for most smartphones, computers, tablets and other digital devices, but you will have to move the hand back on your analog alarm clock. Sunrise and sunset will be about an hour earlier on Nov. 6 than the day before. There will be more light in the morning. In the Northern Hemisphere, the days will get progressively shorter until the winter solstice, which falls on Dec. 21 at 4:44 a.m. That will be the shortest day of the year. The return of Eastern Standard Time ends daylight saving time that got underway in March. It is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The twice-a-year routine of “springing forward” in March and “falling back” in November was enacted by Congress in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Since 2007, daylight time begins in most of the U.S. on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. Daylight saving time returns at 2 a.m. on March 12, 2017.

CrossRoadsNews

November 5, 2016

Wellness

“We are honored to celebrate these resilient warriors who refuse to let a cancer diagnosis dictate their lives.”

Pink and Black Ball honors 14 breast cancer survivors

Fourteen cancer survivors will be honored at the 11th annual Pink and Black Ball on Nov. 5 at the Courtyard Marriott in Decatur. The black-tie gala, a signature fundraiser of 100 Black Women Decatur/ DeKalb Chapter, begins at Keisha Burnette 7:30 p.m. Shaunya Chavis Rucker, broadcast and cable director for Fulton County’s public government TV station FGTV, will serve as mistress of ceremony. For tickets, visit www. ncbwdekalb.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer SociDelphyne Lomax ety and the chapter’s Legacy mentoring program for high school girls. “We are honored to celebrate these resilient warriors who refuse to let a cancer diagnosis dictate their lives. They are truly courageous, and every year the Decatur/ DeKalb chapter looks forward to recognizing them in a very special way,” said ball Chair Delois Grizzle and Co-chair Debra Curtis in a prepared statement. The 2016 honorees are: n Keisha Burnette, a mother of two sons who was diagnosed in October 2015 with triple negative breast cancer and BRCA 2, an inherited gene that makes her prone to getting ovarian or breast cancer again. n Janis Edmondson, who was diagnosed with cancer in both breasts in 2012. Edmondson says her five siblings played their own special role in her recovery along with friends and her church family. n Angie Gardner, whose journey began at age 26 as a recent college graduate. After

Janis Edmondson

Angie Gardner

Annajanette Murphy Tracy Nicole

Joan Garner

Chandra Houston

Lesley Hudson

Alda Nolberto

Shirley Pettway

Crystal Pugh

a mammogram and biopsy in November 2010 following a breast injury, she was told she had Stage 3 breast carcinoma. She had six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a mastectomy and radiation. In March 2012, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, which metastasized. n Joan Garner, District 4 Fulton County commissioner. Garner, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during her first term in 2015, went through weeks of rigorous cancer treatment while continuing to serve her district. She has been told her cancer is back. n Chandra Houston, whose journey began on June 11, 2014, when she discovered a knot while watching television with her daughter. She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative, with a high proliferation rate, meaning the cancer cells were forming at a rapid rate. Houston decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.

n Lesley Hudson, an inspirational speaker, actress, mentor, and mother. She wrote the lyrics to her theme song, “Celebrate Life,” which is what she encourages others to do every day. In 2006, Hudson was diagnosed with breast cancer. n Carolyn Jordan, whose journey began during a regular doctor’s visit in January 2002. She had surgery that lasted 10 hours and was told there was no need for chemotherapy. n Delphyne Lomax, a business owner and recent divorcee from a marriage of more than 30 years, found herself uninsured and needing help. Her diagnosis came after a mammogram at the Center for Black Women’s Wellness health clinic. She then encouraged her sister to have a mammogram, and her sister had breast cancer as well. n Annajanette “Paris” Murphy, a celebrity makeup artist, always placed others above herself. Despite her breast cancer diagnosis, she’s committed to taking care of her mother,

father, two children and grandson. n Tracy Nicole, a DeKalb native, mother of two daughters, a writer and business owner. When her mother battled breast cancer for a second time, Nicole and her sister deCarolyn Jordan cided to be checked. Her sister’s results were fine, but Nicole learned she had breast cancer. n Alda Nolberto, a member of the breast cancer support groups Harbor of Hope and Thriving & Surviving. She cared for and supRhonda Savain ported her two sisters, Kim and Jacqueline, who have peacefully transitioned due to cancer. n Shirley Pettway, a mother of two. On May 26, 2009, she was diagnosed with cancer. She underwent surgery and reconstruction of her right breast, followed by chemotherapy. n Crystal Pugh, who was diagnosed with breast cancer on Jan. 28, 2014, her birthday. She is an educator, entrepreneur, songwriter, author, conference speaker, and facilitator of a teenage girls club. n Rhonda Savain, a Master prepared registered nurse and a mother of two. On June 5, 2013, she was diagnosed with Stage 1, Grade 3 breast cancer, an early stage but an aggressive form of cancer. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction, which required seven surgeries, and four treatments of chemotherapy. The hotel is at 130 Clairemont Ave. For more information, visit www.ncbwdekalb. com.

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

November 5, 2016

More than 2.4 million people have been impacted by the wishes that Macy’s has helped grant.

Priscilla the Pink Pig heralds holiday season ‘Believe’ letters to Santa Priscilla the Pink Pig’s back at Macy’s Lenox Square to usher in the 2016 holiday season. The ride officially opened to the public on Oct. 29 and will remain open through Jan. 1. Each ride costs $3 and multi-ride tickets have a special discounted price. True to tradition, a portion of the proceeds from each ride will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Priscilla has been carrying children of all ages through a life-sized storybook filled with friends and fun beneath the signature 170-foot, 1950s-themed Pink Pig Tent for decades. The treasured tradition debuted in the 1950s as a holiday ride at Rich’s downtown store and later enjoyed a brief stint at the Egleston Children’s of the Great Tree – Priscilla continues Hospital Festival of Trees. Now at to hold a special place in the hearts of Macy’s Lenox Square on the upper-level millions of Atlantans. parking deck – with spectacular views Macy’s Lenox Square is at 3393

Rides on Priscilla the Pink Pig are available through Jan. 1 at Macy’s Lenox Square. A portion of the proceeds from each ride will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, including times, visit http://www1.macys.com/ce/ splash/pink-pig/index.

to benefit Make-A-Wish Macy’s South DeKalb customers can help make dreams come true for deserving kids with the return of the “Believe” Santa letter-writing campaign on Nov. 11 that benefits MakeA-Wish. The campaign, which is in its ninth year, urges children of all ages to write their letters to Santa and mail them in the store. Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish for every letter received in its stores up to $1 million. Thanks to customers and associates, this year Macy’s will celebrate $100 million in total giving since 2003. More than 2.4 million people have been impacted by the wishes that Macy’s has helped grant, including wish kids and their families, volunteers, community groups, nurses, and doctors. On Nov. 13, customers can take advantage of the Ultimate Shopping Event at Macy’s South DeKalb from 3 to 9 p.m. Most goods will be an additional 30 percent off, just in time for holiday shopping. There will be refreshments and prizes as the store honors the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Macy’s is at the Gallery at South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Road in Decatur.

Santa cops bowl for kids Author tapped for 4th District’s poet laureate Lane sponsorships are available for the ninth annual Charity Bowling for Santa Cop on Nov. 13 at FunTime Bowl in Atlanta. The event helps the DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police provide Christmas gifts for more than 50 children this holiday season. Registration starts at 2:30 p.m., and bowling begins at 4. Proceeds along with donations from the public help the organization make Christmas a little brighter for the children of DeKalb County. Sponsorships are available for $100 company donation and include the display of the donor’s company logo and bowling for two players. There will be prizes for best team score and highest total score for male and female bowlers. FunTime is at 3285 Buford Highway. For more information, call John Gardner at 678-825-8011.

Decatur author and motivational speaker Hank Stewart will be named poet laureate of the 4th Congressional District on Nov. 7 by U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson. Interim CEO Lee May and Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond will present proclamations declaring Nov. 7 Hank Stewart Day in Atlanta and DeKalb County in a ceremony at 5 p.m. in the Atlanta City Hall Atrium. The event will mark the release of Stewart’s new book, “25 Years and Still Hank Stewart Counting,” which chronicles his career, some of his favorite poems, and the lives he has touched with his messages. Stewart, who has been called a catalyst for action and a

messenger of hope, is the author of seven books, six CDs and DVDs, and a long list of performances on love, unity and religion throughout the United States. He believes that a firm spiritual guidance can help an individual remain true to the mission of life and success. Stewart has recited his works for first lady Michelle Obama, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, the Rev. Hosea Williams and Dr. Joseph E. Lowery. He also has performed for Ruby Dee, Johnnie Cochran, Harry Belafonte, Xernona Clayton and Ambassador Andrew Young, among others. Singer and actress Jill Scott says: “Hank Stewart’s poems get all up in your bones.” For more information about the Nov. 7 proclamation and book-signing event, visit www.hankstewart.net.

CrossRoadsNews

November 5, 2016

People

“All of us who knew Bob admired his wit, grace, humor, intellect, and storytelling. He surely made his mark in this world.”

Robert Freeman piloted DeKalb Schools during turbulent times A simple, private graveside service with family and friends in Conyers honored the life of Dr. Robert Freeman, who served as DeKalb Schools superintendent from 1980 to 1996 during desegregation of the county’s schools. Freeman died on Oct. 21 in Alpharetta. He was 84. Freeman led the School District during a historic shift in DeKalb’s racial Robert Freeman demographics when African Americans and other minorities became the majority of students in the public schools. He was instrumental in DeKalb Schools obtaining unitary status in 1996 at the conclusion of the Pitts v. Cherry desegregation

10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/05

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM10275-1++ Joel Lee Domingues filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Aug. 09, 2016 to change name from: Joel Lee Domingues to Joel Leee Bensing, Jr. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Aug. 09, 2016 Name: Joel Lee Domingues Georgia State Prison 2164 Georgia Hwy 147 Reidsville, GA 30499 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/05

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM10470-8++ Natalie Galiotto filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name following minor child(ren) from: Rumi Angelo Haroon to Rumi George Galiotto. 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: Mar. 01, 2016 Name: Natalie Galiotto 702 Dancing Fox Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 10/22, 10/29, 11/05, 11/12

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV11334-7++ Caleshia McClurkin, Plaintiff Vs. William Mann, Defendant To: William Mann 2089 Black Oak Lane Ellenwood, GA 30290 By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 07, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Oct. 07, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Caleshia McClurkin, 490 Glenn St., #B422, Atlanta, GA 30312. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 07, 2016, Witness the Honorable Jack M. McLaughlin by designation for the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 10th day of Oct., 2016 10/22, 10/29, 11/05, 11/12

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County

lawsuit. Freeman’s career spanned 43 years as a teacher, administrator, superintendent, and consultant. He guided systems as a school superintendent in Menominee, Mich.; Mishawaka, Ind.; Muncie, Ind.; and Pueblo, Colo., before moving to Georgia. The district’s administration building on Mountain Industrial Boulevard in Stone Mountain is named in his honor. School Board Chairman Melvin Johnson, who was a school principal in 1980, was on the committee of school officials that selected Freeman. “Bob was my mentor. He was my friend,” Johnson said in a School District statement. “He was one of the most influential people in my life.”

Born in Jordan, Mont., in 1931, Freeman brought the lessons of a Western upbringing to a long career in education. “He had a deep belief in self-reliance and on people being true to themselves,” Johnson said. “But he also believed that teamwork and shared goals led to success.” As a young man, Freeman excelled as an athlete, earning 10 varsity letters in high school sports – football, basketball and track. After four years of service in the U.S. Air Force, he played a freshman year of basketball at Indiana University in 1954. He earned a Doctor of Education degree from Indiana University in 1965. Among many honors, Freeman received the Human Relations Award, DeKalb Community Relations Commission; Outstanding School Administrator of the Year, Peachtree-

Legal Notices State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9044-3++ Evelyn L. Armwood, Plaintiff Vs. Norman E. Armwood, Defendant To: Norman E. Armwood 2148 Riverbrook Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 By ORDER for service by publication dated Oct. 11, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Aug. 22, 2016, the abovenamed Evelyn L. Armwood- Pro Se filed suit against you for Abandoment. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to serve upon the plaintiff’s Evelyn L. Armwood- Pro Se an Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first date of publication. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM11061-2++ Tarieka Lewis, Plaintiff Vs. Ottis Lewis, Defendant To: Ottis Lewis 2600 A Fieldstone View Ln. Conyers, GA 30013 By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 21, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Oct. 17, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce with minor children. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Tarieka Lewis, 2900 Athena Ln., Apt. 42C, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of publication. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 21st day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM6660-10++ Renee Meadows, Plaintiff Vs. Elwyn Meadows, Defendant To: Elwyn Meadows 604 Wild Circle Rd. Clarkston, GA 30021 By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Sept. 09, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Jun. 15, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Donald M. Coleman, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore St., Suite 120 Decatur, GA 30030-3434. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Sept. 09, 2016.

Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 21st day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM10626-4++ Jamecia Zarur, Plaintiff Vs. Karem Zarur, Defendant To: By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 17, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Oct. 03, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Jamecia Zarur, 806 Summerview Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 17, 2016. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 17th day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM6908-2++ Andrew K. Jaa, Plaintiff Vs. Ruth K. Jaa, Defendant To: Ruth K. Jaa 8102 Paua Way Sacramento, CA 95823 By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 12, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Jun. 21, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Abandoment. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to serve upon the plaintiff Andrew K. Jaa – Pro Se an answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first date of publication. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of this Superior Court. This the 14th day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM10838-9++ Earnest York, Plaintiff Vs. Tanzia Graham, Defendant To: By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 17, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Jun. 21, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Legitimization. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and addrss is: 6128 Creekford Dr., Lithonia, GA 30058.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 17, 2016. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of this Superior Court. This the 17th day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM6279-3++ Amber Ferguson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jun. 02, 2016 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Michael Oscar Toole, Jr., to Michael Oscar Toole, III. 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: Oct. 17, 2016, 2016 Name: Amber Ferguson 3026 Lauren Parc Road Decatur, GA 30032

Atlanta Kiwanis; president of the National Federation of Urban-Suburban School Districts; Superintendent of the Year, American Association of School Administrators; and two Executive Educator 100 awards. “All of us who knew Bob admired his wit, grace, humor, intellect, and storytelling,” Johnson said. “He surely made his mark in this world.” Freeman is survived by two sons, Robin Freeman (Frankie) of Grayson, Ga., and Timothy Freeman (Teresa) of Big Canoe, Ga. He had seven grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by wives Jean Ann Jessup and Mary Lou Day. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

++136697-FL++ RODAH KIRERA, Plaintiff Vs. LEONARD CHARLTON, Defendant A Complaint for Absolute Divorce was filed with the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland on June 2, 2016. The Complaint alleges, in substance: that the Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Maryland for more than one year; that the parties were married on June 12, 2009 in DeKalb County, Georgia; that no children were born of the marriage; that the parties voluntary separated on September 12, 2013, have continued to live separate and apart without cohabitation for more than one year prior to the filing of the Complaint, and there is no hope or expectation of reconciliation; and that ownership of marital property has not been resolved. Plaintiff requests an Absolute Divorce; that the Court determine the value of marital property; he Court resolve any and all disputes between the parties with respect to the ownership of real and/or personal property; that the Defendant be ordered to pay Plaintiff’s reasonable counsel fees, and the costs of these proceedings; and that the Court award to the Plaintiff suit money. It is this 26th day of Oct., 2016 OR-

DERED, that the Plaintiff cause a copy of this Notice to be published at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in DeKalb County, Georgia; publication to be completed by Nov. 12, 2016. Defendant must file a response on or before Dec. 12, 2016. Defendant is warned that failure to file a response within the time allowed may result in a default judgment or the granting of the relief sought. Filed: Oct. 26, 2016

Notice BY PUBLICATION

Hilton L. Patterson, Sr. individually and as income and principal beneficiary of Mrs. Rita H. Patterson Revocable Living Trust. Chris Mickal is seeking to partition by Licitation; 209 40th Street, New Orleans, LA 70124 in proceedings entered Chris Mickal vs The Rita H. Patterson Revocable Living Trust, Ingrid C. Foster and Hilton L. Patterson in Case No: 2012 – 10301; Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans Division “F”, 401 Loyola Avenue, N.O., LA 70124. Be notified you have 15 days from this date to file an answer herein and Contact: Andrew H. Wiebelt, II, Attorney (504) 831-1313; extension 1005 immediately.

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

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

11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9436-3++ Barbara T. Yarbrough filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Sept. 02, 2016 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Zachariah Aundraw Curney to Zacharah Andre Yarbrough. 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: Aug. 25, 2016, 2016 Name: Barbara Yarbrough 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

Sex Offender

Reginald Bolton Homeless Decatur, GA Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 10/2/2001

Bakheit Fater 966 Carlisle Road Stn Mtn, GA 30083 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 9/20/2016

Sex Offender

Jordan Holly 4463 Golf Vista Circle Decatur, GA 30035 Charge of Sexual Battery Against Child Under 16 YOA Convicted on 11/9/2009

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM11077-1++ Devonta Rashida Johnson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Oct. 14, 2016 to change name from: Devonta Rashida Johnson to Joel Devonta Rashard Johnson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Oct. 14, 2016 Name: Devonta Rashida Johnson 2458 Shoals Terrace Decatur, GA 30034 11/05, 11/12, 11/19

Notice BY PUBLICATION

Clerk of the Circuit Court Montgomery County, Maryland Case No.

Eric Cooper 978 Alford Crossing Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of Rape Convicted on 3/12/1997

Anthony Davis 1900 Glenfair Road Decatur, GA 30035 Charge of Cruelty to Children Convicted on 6/2/2004

Anthony Gates 4815 Buford Highway Atlanta, GA 30341 Charge of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child under 14 YOA Convicted on 4/22/1994

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

Sex Offender

David Tate Jr. 1704 Wellborn Road Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of Rape Convicted on 1/27/1969

Sex Offender

Jacob Wilson 4380 Reins Ridge Stn Mtn, GA 30083 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 4/29/2013

CrossRoadsNews

Community

November 5, 2016

“A lot of the kids were also walking without assistance and wandering into the street at night, which is very dangerous.”

Southland’s grinches stole Halloween, no candy for kids By Ken Watts

Kids looking for candy on Halloween didn’t find any at the Southland subdivision in Stone Mountain. To discourage outsiders from trick-ortreating along its upscale streets on Oct. 31, the Southland Homeowners Association hung a large black-and-white “No Trick or Treating in Southland” banner at its entrance. Under the large letters, the banner depicted a red stop sign and a red line going across a white ghostly figure. People driving past the sign thought the ban on kids was in poor taste, but many residents of the upscale community of 1,100 homes off Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road were supportive of it. They said they were just protecting their community, which has seen a rash of recent break-ins. Michael Thompson said crime has the neighborhood on edge. “We get nervous about strangers in the neighborhood,” he said. Sheree Stewart said Michael Thompson she and her family have learned from experience to be watchful. “I’ve only been here a year but our car got

The upscale Southland subdivision in Stone Mountain discouraged outsiders from Halloween trickor-treating with this banner at its entrance.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

broken into,” she said. The decision to ban trick-or-treaters was made by the HOA board of directors. Lulu Murray said the Southland HOA made sure the trick-or-treat ban didn’t catch residents by surprise. “They sent out an email a few weeks ago saying they were going to do it,” she said. “So everybody knew and un- Lulu Murray derstood why.” Delethia Foxx, the association’s office

manager, said burglaries and car break-ins were only part of the reason for the trickor-treat ban. The other part was traffic congestion, she said, On Halloween night 2013, Foxx said it took her 45 minutes to drive three blocks from her home. “Parents were driving along slowly or stopped in the middle of Southland Drive while their kids went door to door trick-ortreating,” she said. “A lot of the kids were also walking without assistance and wandering into the street at night, which is very dangerous.”

The following year, residents organized a volunteer “road crew” to greet visitors on Halloween night. “We advised them to park in the spacious lot around our office and walk with their kids,” Foxx said. “It didn’t go over well. People got mad, yelled obscenities, cussed at us.” In 2015, the homeowners association closed the neighborhood to outside trickor-treaters, but Foxx said one motorist “blew past” the road crew and a DeKalb Police officer who was parked at the entrance. “He jumped out of the car and ran off leaving three kids in the car,” she said. “The officer found burglar tools in the car.” For 2017, the homeowners association plans to discourage families who live in the subdivision from going door to door on Halloween. Foxx said it is planning a neighborhood fall festival at Southland Country Club as an alternative to trick-or-treating. “It’ll feature a ‘trunk or treat’ where parents will load their car trunks with candy and the kids will go trunk to trunk instead of door to door,” Foxx said. Sylvester Spann, who has lived in Southland for nine years, said the trend away from trick-or-treating at the subdivision is probably for the best. “Kids were congregating in the streets and eventually someone was going to get hurt,” he said.

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404-870-9070

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www.thesamuelgroupinc.com

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

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3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE SE DECATUR, GA 30032

P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

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WE HAVE MOVED TO A BIGGER AND BETTER LOCATION! ADDRESS : 3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE DECATUR, GA 30032 PHONE : (404) 284-1543 r (404) 966-8320 HOURS : MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM E-MAIL : FABRICJOINT@GMAIL.COM WEBSITE : FABRICJOINT.COM