CrossRoadsNews, November 7, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

WELLNESS

SCENE

Veteran educator Narvie J. Harris, who died Oct. 30 at age 92, leaves behind an elementary school named for her, lots of pithy sayings and a host of endearing memories. 3

While advocates join friends and relatives of victims at candlelight vigils around the country, DeKalb County is on pace for a record number of deaths resulting from domestic violence. 9

The origins of Avondale Estates will be addressed at the DeKalb History Center’s final Archives Lecture Series event for 2009. 10

Farewell to education pioneer

Disturbing trend

November 7, 2009

History lesson

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 15, Number 27

McDonald’s going up at corner of Candler Road and McAfee By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

A new McDonald’s restaurant will be rising out of the rubble at Candler and McAfee roads early next year. Owner/operators, Yves and Cheryl Dominique were joined Thursday by District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, McDonald’s officals and community leaders for the groundbreaking and demolition of the former KFC-turnedGolden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill building. The Dominiques hope to open the 3,838-square-foot store by February. They say they are looking forward to making an impact on the corridor. Yves Dominique, who entered the McDonald’s owner-operator program in April 2008, said he

Yves Dominique

turned dow n two other Atlanta locations to be on Candler Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews Road. “I see what’s Commissioner Larry Johnson (third from left) joined Yves happening there, and Cheryl Dominique (center) for the groundbreaking. the streetscape and the lights and I want to be part sion, but we are not participating of the revitalization,” he said. in it,” he said. “This restaurant is Johnson said the new construc- going to be a catalyst right here on tion and jobs are good for the area. this corner.” “There is supposed to be a recesCheryl Dominique said the

store will open with 45 full- and part-time positions and operate 24 hours a day. It will seat 70 and have comCheryl Dominique munity tables for large group gatherings. It will have side-by-side double drive-throughs, flat-screen TVs, and a full McCafe for espresso-based drinks, smoothies and frappes. The Candler Road restaurant is the second location for the couple, where are former corrections officers with New York’s Corrections Department. Yves Dominique signed on to be a McDonald’s owner-operator after serving 20 years with the Cor-

rections Department. He retired in 2006 and was inspired to join McDonalds because of the successes achieved by friends who were part of his crew when he worked at McDonald’s as a teenager years earlier. “They became owner-operators and are successful at it, so I thought I could do that too,” he said. Even though they both grew up in New York, the Dominiques have immigrant roots. Yves moved to New York from Haiti when he was 11 years old, and his wife arrived from Trinidad when she was 6 years old. Like Yves, she also flipped burgers at a McDonald’s fresh out of high school. She was a New York Corrections Please see MCDONALD’S, page 6

Wigs needed to help cancer patients look, feel good By McKenzie Jackson

When Doris Jones began losing chunks of her hair, eyebrows and eyelashes during chemotherapy treatments in 2007, she felt almost as bad as the day she learned she had breast cancer. “ I d i d n’ t want to deny I had cancer; I Doris Jones just didn’t want to look ill,” said Jones, who had shoulder-length blond hair. “When I would see that face in the mirror that person had cancer.” Jones, who works at DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center in Decatur, sought refuge at the center’s “Look Good … Feel Better” program that provides female cancer patients with free wigs, scarves, hats, turbans, and makeup and skin-care tools to help them feel better. “When you’re standing in a shower and you see hair plugging up the drain, and you have to pick it up, it is very depressing,” said Jones, who has been a registered nurse for 18 years. In the 20 years since the program’s launch, hundreds of women have received wigs and makeup tips to help them look and feel good, even in the face of cancer. Susan Voss-Smith, the program’s coordinator since 2007, said they provide black, brown, red and blond wigs and makeup instruction free of charge to about 120 women

Doris Jones (from far left), Susan Voss-Smith and Kamilah Konrad look at wigs from the “library” of hairpieces in the “Look Good … Feel Better” program at DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center. The program also offers makeup instruction.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

annually in the program, which is supported by the American Cancer Society. “The need is so great and we have many women taking advantage of it,” she said. “We are so thrilled.” While many women can buy their own wigs, Voss-Smith said many low-income and uninsured

women cannot. She said that being able to offer the wigs at no cost helps ease one of the financial pressures on patients who are already paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer treatment. “Many of our patients are so burdened by the expenses of cancer and the last thing they can

afford to do is go out and buy a $100 wig,” said Voss-Smith, who is also a cancer survivor. “We are in a wonderful position to be able to offer free wigs.” Jones did not get a wig from the program because her friends, family and co-workers donated enough money for her to buy her own, but she did learn how to apply

eyebrows during a “Look Good” workshop. And when doctors pronounced her cancer-free in 2008, she donated her $400 hairpiece to the program and now volunteers to help to secure more wigs for its “library” of wigs. Please see WIGS, page 8

CrossRoadsNews

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority Public Notice 1st Annual Public Hearing The Board of Trustees of The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority will hold its 1st annual public hearing on Monday, November 16, 2009. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss: (a) financial performance, (b) progress towards quality and service benchmarks comparable to similar urban teaching hospitals in the Southeast, (c) provision of indigent and charity care, and (d) other matters requested by the Authority and/or DeKalb County regarding the Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation. What:

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority Public Hearing

When:

November 16, 2009 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where:

DeKalb County Government Center Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, Georgia 30030

Community

November 7, 2009

Attorney and businessman to battle Dec. 1 for House 58 seat By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

House District 58 voters will be headed back to the polls on Dec. 1 for the runoff election between attorney Asha Jackson and businessman Kevin Johnson. In the five-person race to finish out the term of Robinn Shipp, Jackson got 33.2 percent of the votes and Johnson, 25.5 percent. Asha Jackson In municipal races, Howard Tygrett, an REI store manager, will be Clarkston’s new mayor and in Stone Mountain, Patricia “Pat” Wheeler will become mayor again. Wheeler, a retired insurance agent, was Stone Mountain’s from 1987 to Howard Tygrett 1997. Two incumbents, Marcus Lloyd in Lithonia and Karen Feltz in Clarkston, lost their seats. Lloyd will be replaced on the Lithonia Council by Richard “Ric” Dodd, who won a seat after three tries. Incumbents Al Franklin and Deborah Jackson retained their seats on the Lithonia Council with 27.5 percent and 25 percent of the votes respectively. Dodd got 23.2 percent of the votes in the five-person race. In Clarkston, Dean Moore, Joan Swaney and Adam White will be joining the council with 28.6, 25,6 amd 24 percent of the votes. Stone Mountain city council incumbents Susan Coletti and Steve Higgins held onto their seats, and they will be joined on the

council by Nan Odum Nash. Stone Mountain voters also approved a referendum to provide a new charter that allows the city to hire a city manager with 58.9 percent of their votes. In Pine Lake, incumbents Kathie Denobriga and Melanie Hammet were re-elected. They will be joined on the council by Cindy Diamond. On the Decatur Board of Education, incumbents Kevin Johnson Marc Wisniewski and Valarie Wilson retained their seats with 55.4 and 50.4 percent of the votes respectively. On the Decatur Commission, incumbent Fred Boykin retained his District 1A seat with 69 percent of the votes and Patti Garrett claimed the District 2A seat with 53.7 percent of the votes. Voter turnout was low across the county. Only 23 percent of the 54,597 registered voters in the districts holding elections showed up at the polls. For example, in Lithonia, where 1,077 are registered to vote, only 327 ballots were cast. In Clarkston, which has 3,383 voters, 432 people voted. In Stone Mountain, which has 3,985 voters, 620 cast ballots. Pine Lake, which has 600 registered voters had the highest turnout with 460 people voting. In House District 58, which has 17,649 registered voters, only 2,755 voted. In Decatur, which has 14,781 registered voters, 2,794 people voted. For the Dec. 1 runoff election, the polls will be open in House District 58 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Community

CrossRoadsNews

November 7, 2009

“She always reminded you that the children looked up to and you have to bring your ‘A’ game every day.”

Narvie J. Harris • Dec. 17, 1916 - Oct. 30, 2009

Longtime educator leaves a legacy of teaching DeKalb’s children By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

When Narvie J. Harris’s heart gave out on Oct. 30, she left a legacy that will long outlive her 92 years. Known as DeKalb’s “Black Superintendent” during segregation, Harris retired from the DeKalb School System in 1983 with 39 years of service. But she never stopped working for kids. At the Decatur elementary theme school named for her in 1999, she was a familiar figure at black history events, dinner theaters and PTA meetings. Always well dressed and elegant, Harris could be seen chatting with students and teachers. Dr. Sean Tartt, the school’s principal of three years, said she wouldn’t take superficial answers from anyone. “When she asked the students what they were learning, they couldn’t Sean Tartt just say math or English,” he said. “They had to tell her the topics.” In her conversations with teachers, he said she always gave direct and honest feedback. ‘“Her favorite saying was ‘Teach from your feet – not your seat,’ ” he said. “She always reminded you that the children looked up to and you have to bring your ‘A’ game every day.” Harris, who had been ailing for several months, died Oct. 30 at Atlanta Medical Center after a heart attack. Tartt, who was also her grandgodson, will speak at her Nov. 7 home-going service at Wheat street Baptist Church on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta.The Narvie J. Harris Elementary School Chorus will perform at the service. This week, family, friends and

Memorial services

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The Narvie J. Harris Elementary Theme School Chorus will perform at her homegoing service on Nov. 7.

“She was an educator who never stopped teaching. She never stopped being a supporter of DeKalb County Schools and she took every opportunity to be in the schools interacting with the children and teachers.” Frances Edwards, former DeKalb School Board member

former co-workers called Harris “an extradordinary woman,” and a “great lady.” Former school board member Frances Edwards, who chaired the committee that named the $10.8 million Narvie J. Harris Elementary School in her honor, said she respected and adored Harris for her class and character, and her commitment to children. “She was an educator who never stopped teaching,” Edwards said. “She never stopped being a supporter of DeKalb County Schools and she took every opportunity to be in the schools interacting with the children and teachers.” Edwards said Harris was so ac-

tive, you forgot her age. “We just thought she would be here forever,” she said Wednesday. “She was just a phenomenal lady. She lived her life and made a difference.” When the DeKalb School Board named the 99,000-square-foot elementary school for Harris, it set aside a long-standing policy that prohibited naming schools after living individuals. When the vote was taken, Edwards said everyone erupted in applause. “There was no opposition to it,” she remembered. “Everyone thought it was well-deserved.” Over the years, Harris garnered many other awards. In 1985, two years after her retirement, the School Board named her honorary associate superintendent, acknowledging the enormous administrative role she played in educating children between 1944 and 1983. In February 2008, 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson honored her at his first-ever Black History Month Program. Over the nearly four decades that she worked with the school system, Harris documented the fledgling attempts made to educate the county’s black children.

Between 1944 and 1969, she served as Jeanes Supervisor, named for philanthropist and humanitarian Ann T. Jeanes, who funded black teachers to educate black children in the south. Harris’ first office was in a funeral home in Decatur. Many of the photographs she took of the early days of teaching black DeKalb students were published in her 1999 book “AfricanAmerican Education in DeKalb County,” which offered a personal recollection of her tenure as an educator and administrator. On the poor conditions of the one-room school buildings where she and other early black teachers taught children, she said she looked through the roof and taught astronomy, and looked through the floors and taught botany. Famous for her gems of wisdom, everyone has a favorite Narvie saying. Edwards said one of Harris’ favorite sayings was “you can no more teach what you do not know than you can come back from where you did not go.” Steen “News Lady” Miles, a retired Atlanta television anchor, called Harris “a teacher’s teacher.”

Narvie J. Harris will be remembered at two services: On Nov. 6, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will honor her with an Omega Omega Ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Willie Watkins Funeral Home in West End Atlanta. Her home-going service will be 11 a.m. on Nov. 7 at Wheat Street Baptist Church, on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, with Rev. Dr. Michael N. Harris officiating. She will be laid to rest at Southview Cemetery, between her mother and her husband of 42 years.

“One of her favorite saying was ‘Teach each child as if today is yours and that child’s last,’” she said. Harris was born Dec. 17, 1916, in Wrightsville, Ga., to James E. and Anna Jordan. Her family moved to Atlanta when she was young and she and her four siblings matriculated through the Atlanta Public Schools. Her father owned a department store on Auburn Avenue. She graduated from Clark College and received a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Atlanta University. Harris completed graduate work at numerous colleges. She began her stellar career with DeKalb School System as Supervisor of Instruction for the Negro Schools in 1944. She was an active volunteer Wheat Street Baptist where she was a long-time member. She also volunteered with a host of community groups. Harris was preceded in death by Joseph L. Harris, her husband of 42 years. She is survived by her daughter Narvie Daryll Griffin, her son-in-law Mike Griffin, her grandson Michael Griffin and her brother Robert Jordan and his wife, Edna.

CrossRoadsNews

Forum

November 7, 2009

It’s imperative that Congress continues with its efforts toward creating a good universal health care plan for all citizens.

Hysteria aside, all can agree that health reform is needed 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

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The Declaration of Independence declares, “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness and access to Health Care.” Well, not exactly. But we’re getting there. As far back Ophelia Maynard as 1945, President Harry S. Truman introduced the idea of a national health care program, currently referred to as universal health care. He tackled a number of issues, including the controversial idea of a national insurance plan that would be administered by the federal government. Sixty-four years later, on Oct. 13, 2009, the Senate Finance Committee voted to move the country one step closer to achieving the

goal of universal health care for all Americans. The idea of universal health care has plenty of detractors, who in the past few months have created hysteria by scaring seniors with talk of death panels, predicting sharply increasing costs, promising loss of coverage for those who currently have insurance with which they’re happy, and disrupting town hall meetings where citizens gathered to hear both sides of the issue. Now that the hullabaloo has died down, Americans are better able to delve into the details and discern that these were distractions used to drum up premature support against the program. Americans can now better determine whether or not health care reform is good for this country. And it is. Consider that despite the fact we cannot agree on what should be in the health care bill, we can agree that the current system is not work-

ing. Costs are spiraling out of control, with the United States spending almost $2.3 trillion in health care in 2008, more than triple the $714 billion spent in 1990. Medical expenses are bankrupting families, and those who are unable to pay for good health care suffer when they fall prey to complications of diseases that could have been avoided if they had the financial means to receive basic preventive care. It’s imperative that Congress continues with its efforts toward creating a good universal health care plan for all citizens. The reforms proposed by the administration will help rein in costs by providing caps on out-of-pocket expenses that insurance companies are able to charge. There’s even more good news. No one who is satisfied with their current health coverage will be forced to relinquish their insurance plan. If you have a pre-existing condition, you will not be denied

coverage, nor will you lose your coverage when you become seriously ill, which is precisely when people need it the most. Subsidies will be available for lower-income households so that they can obtain affordable health care, too. And one of the most important parts of the reform that will help to keep costs down is that preventive services, such as mammograms, will be covered. The emphasis will shift from treating and maintaining diseases to prevention. The League of Women Voters supports access to a basic level of quality care for all citizens and has positions on broad areas of health care, including indigent care and public health administration. For more information about the League of Women Voters, its stance on health care, and upcoming programs, go to www.lwvdk.org. Ophelia Maynard is a member of the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County.

It is fitting that the SCLC chose a woman for its next leader Congratulations to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for selecting the Rev. Bernice King as its next president. As a lawyer and a minister, she is uniquely and eminently qualified to lead the organization. At a time when women have demonstrated their excellence in virtually every aspect of American life – from politics Janice L. Mathis to tennis – it is only fitting that the civil rights movement would choose a woman to lead. She is also to be congratulated for the courage to offer to serve a cause for which those nearest to her have already paid such a dear price. I have every confidence

that the Rev. King will shoulder her father’s mantle with dignity, grace, intelligence and wisdom. Her appointment will intrigue a new generation of potential activists and invigorate a movement grappling with demonstrating its relevance. Doors will open because of her name – progress will be made because of her commitment. Several months ago I wrote the following: So far, women have rarely led major civil rights organizations – and those that do are typically widows of a slain organizational president. The movement remains a largely male-led bastion, with a few exceptions. The day will come when a woman leads a major civil rights organization. Women have too much talent and commitment to be ignored. I don’t pretend to prophetic

vision, just old-fashioned mother wit. It has long been the case that behind every great civil rights organization is a principled group of committed women. They fill key roles as advocates, planners, strategists – but enunciation of the vision has remained stubbornly dominated by men. Women have worked to make the vision real – doing the follow up, designing and implementing the programs, and responding to the calls for assistance. Women in the upper echelon of Rainbow PUSH leadership are part of the organization’s tradition. Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson has been a key confidante and adviser to the Rev. Jackson for decades. She went to Cuba and to Syria before the Rev. Jackson did, and in many ways introduced him to foreign policy. The Rev. Willie T. Barrow, chair

Quick Read

Attorney, businessman to battle for House 58 seat

Deadline to apply for flood 2 assistance nears

House District 58 voters will be headed back to the polls on Dec. 1 for a runoff election between attorney Asha Jackson and businessman Kevin Johnson.

Educator leaves a legacy of teaching DeKalb’s children 3 When Narvie J. Harris’s heart gave out on Oct. 30, she left a legacy that will long outlive her 91 years.

Wins overturned for Lithonia, Stone Mountain teams 5 The Georgia High School Association has ruled that Lithonia and Stone Mountain high schools’ football teams must forfeit nine wins between them a day before the close of the regular season because of penalties levied against them. Circulation Audited By

emeritus of RPC, keeps an active schedule of speeches well into her seventh decade of service. It is fair to ask, “What difference can a woman make?” I hope to see a more collaborative movement, where organizations are less concerned about public credit and more concerned about real-time, real-life solutions. I hope to see more emphasis placed on systemic inequities and strategic, long-term solutions and a little less knee-jerk reaction to high-profile individual affronts. Perhaps I hope too much. This is not the Rev. King’s cross to bear alone – there’s enough work for everyone who is inclined to lend a shoulder to the cause. Her appointment is evidence that prophecy sometimes turns into promise. Janice Mathis is executive director of Rainbow PUSH /Atlanta.

‘Stompin at the Savoy’ revives 6 ’30s chic 11

Flood victims have just three weeks to register for state and federal assistance.

“Stompin’ at the Savoy” fans will be dressing up and stepping out on Nov. 14.

Puppet show to tackle H1N1 8 School construction oversight 12 Kids can learn how to protect themselves handed to firms from nasty viruses like H1N1 with help from “Captain Healthy and Safety Dog.”

Record pace on domestic violence

For the first eight months this year, 111 deaths across Georgia were attributed to domestic violence.

SWD coach to sign book

Legendary football coach William “Buck” Godfrey will sign copies of “The Team Nobody Would Play” at a Nov. 7 fundraiser.

Parsons Construction Technology Group and Jacobs Project Management Co. will oversee the DeKalb School System’s $466 million construction program for the next six weeks.

Nutrition program offered at Saint Philip 13 Families on a limited budget can learn how to prepare healthy, tasty meals and fight obesity with the help of cooking program launched at Saint Philip AME Church by a state alliance that targets childhood hunger.

index to advertisers Career Wellness Training................................ 15 Children’s Healthcare....................................... 9 Comforcare Services LLC................................ 15 CRAM Academy.............................................. 15 CrossRoadsNews, Inc......................................10 DeKalb County Board of Health........................5 DeKalb County Delegation................................2

Doing It Just 4 U.............................................. 15 Chase .............................................................. 6 Just Loaf-N.......................................................11 Law Office of C.E. Taylor.................................. 6 M&J Package Store......................................... 15 Macy’s.............................................................. 6 Newburn Reynolds Photography.................... 15

No Junk Productions........................................11 Outback Insurance.......................................... 15 Q Clinical..........................................................8 Salt & Light Truth Center................................ 13 Stompin at the Savoy.......................................11 The Gallery at South DeKalb........................... 16 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas...................... 15

The Lovett School........................................... 12 Tru Natural Shop............................................ 15 UGR Network.................................................. 15 Wireless Global Solutions............................... 15 Wright, James & Boston P.C..............................2 Zip2Save.......................................................3,13

CrossRoadsNews

November 7, 2009

Community

“I just can’t say enough about the wholesome image of the YMCA and the positive impact it has on the community.”

Nine wins overturned for Lithonia, Stone Mountain teams By McKenzie Jackson

Lithonia and Stone Mountain high schools’ football teams had to forfeit nine wins between them a day before the close of the regular season because of penalties levied against them. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) ruled Thursday that both teams used ineligible players during games between early September and late October. The forfeits eliminated each teams’ slim hopes of qualifying for

the state playoffs and dropped their combined records to 1-17 with season finales played on Friday. DeKalb School System spokesman Dale Davis said in a statement Thursday that the Stone Mountain Pirates played with an ineligible player and had to forfeit wins over Miller Grove, Forsyth Central, Lakeside and North Springs. The Lithonia Bulldogs reportedly had several ineligible players and had to forfeit victories over Forsyth Central, Chamblee, Miller Grove and Lakeside. Stone Moun-

tain’s Sept. 25 victory over Lithonia is a double-forfeiture since both squads used ineligible players. Davis’ statement did not say what violations occurred within the football programs, but sources close to the investigation said officials became aware of the violations after a Lithonia coach reported that a top defensive player transferred from Lithonia to Stone Mountain after the season opener on Aug. 28. The player, who did not live in the Stone Mountain attendance zone, then joined the Pirates’ foot-

ball team. In retaliation, a Stone Mountain coach told officials about several ineligible players who were playing for the Bulldogs. The GSHA’s by-laws stipulate the age, academic requirements, semesters in high school, transfer rules and residence in the school’s service area for eligible high school sport competitors. Calls to the GSHA office and the school system’s athletic department were not returned at press time. Before their wins were vacated, the Pirates had a 6-3 record and the

Bulldogs had a 4-5 record. As of Thursday, the Pirates’ record is 1-8 and the Bulldogs are 0-9. Davis said the school system learned of the potential violations during the week of Oct. 25 and conducted an investigation. The findings were turned over the GSHA. “We take great pride in our athletic programs and are very disappointed to learn of these violations,” Davis said. “All appropriate steps are being taken to correct the violations and prevent this from happening again.”

YMCA salutes volunteers for their service to programs Six men and women who give generously of their time to the YMCA were recognized Nov. 5 at the Metro Atlanta YMCA annual volunteer recognition dinner. Candace Aaron-Paschal, Felicia Mayfield, Barbara Storey, and Ellen and John Yates were honored at the Georgia World Congress Center as Volunteers of the Year. Phil McGregor got the Kellogg Branch Champion Award. Aaron-Paschal gives time at the YMCA Academies of South DeKalb where she works tirelessly to involve families in the Academies’ early childhood development programs on Snapfinger Road in Decatur and Evans Mill Road in Lithonia. She says that volunteering enables her to spend more time with her son, who attends the programs. “I started reading to the kids,

C. Aaron-Paschal

Felicia Mayfield

which rekindled my passion for volunteering,” said Aaron-Paschal, who lives in Lithonia. Mayfield has been volunteering at the South DeKalb Y for 20 years. “The YMCA provides a safe and reliable place for parents to leave their children,” said Mayfield who is associate superintendent of support services for DeKalb School System. She said the YMCA stepped

Phil McGregor

Barbara Storey

up to the plate when the school system was wrestling with afterschool care. “I just can’t say enough about the wholesome image of the YMCA and the positive impact it has on the community,” she said. McGregor began volunteering with the Y when his sons Brian and Sean were in its Prime Time afterschool program. The former DeKalb Board of Education member has champi-

Ellen Yates

John Yates

oned YMCA programs ever since. He says he gets immediate confirmation from his volunteer services. “I drive by the Y every day and see children and families using the facilities and services offered,” he says. Storey is a board member at the East Lake Family YMCA. She also serves on the Y’s membership committee and raises funds for its Partner With Youth annual campaign.

She says the YMCA has a big impact in her life. “The Y really shows me the value of teamwork and setting goals,” said Storey, who lives in Conyers. “When I volunteer, I feel I’m impacting someone else’s life, and that’s a great feeling.” The Yates have been volunteering at the Decatur-DeKalb Family YMCA for more than 20 years. John Yates says when they work with the Y, they see results directly. He helps with Partner With Youth and and Happy Club, the Y’s activity group for young adults with developmental disabilities. His wife serves on the board and is active on the membership committee and raises funds for the Partner With Youth annual campaign. They live in Druid Hills in Atlanta.

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

November 7, 2009

“Everything makes sense when I rely on my faith. One of these days I will have the opportunity to work again.”

Furloughs preceded engineer’s layoff in March Touré Moody saw it coming weeks before he lost his job at a Lithonia civil engineering firm in March. “I was furloughed for two days a week the last month and a half,” he said. “I kept hoping it would turn around.” It didn’t, and the Touré Moody pink slip followed when the project he was on was put on hold. It’s now November, and eight months into his job search, the 12-year civil engineer – like thousands of other metro Atlantans – is still unemployed. Moody, 37, who lives in southwest Atlanta, was making $60,000-plus a year. Following the job-hunting adage that it takes about a month for every $10,000 you made to find a new position, he should have landed a new position in September. But since his job search started, Moody has had fewer than five interviews and none in the past two months. To keep busy, he is helping out at his father’s construction business and volunteering at the youth ministry at

Editor’s note: While unemployment numbers dropped slightly in October, DeKalb County, like the rest of Georgia, continues to have a double-digit unemployment rate that is higher than the national average of 9.8 percent. Metro Atlanta’s rate is even higher than Georgia’s. With job scarcity plaguing every sector and the seemingly unending cycle of cutbacks, layoffs and furloughs, finding a job can be daunting. Over the next several months, in this space, we will spotlight some of the people hunting for work.

Profiles OF THE

Unemployed Mount Moriah Baptist Church in West End, where he attends church. Still, he is not giving up. “I am trusting in God,” he said. “He will provide for me. Everything makes sense when I rely on my faith. One of these days I will have the opportunity to work again.”

Background and qualifications: To be featured in this column, e-mail Moody has a B.S. in civil engi- your story, photo and contact telephone neering from the Georgia Institute of number to editor@crossroadsnews.com. Technology. He has worked as a project – Renee Turner

BANKRUPTCY DEBT RELIEF

Chapter 7 GET A FRESH START & BECOME DEBT FREE

manager and designer for commercial site development, telecommunication, transportation and airport projects. His experience also includes regulatory permitting, stormwater management, erosion and sedimentation control and utility design, drainage basin delineations, preparing flood and hydrology studies, and project quality control. He is a registered Georgia Engineer-in-Training and a GSWCC Level II Certified Plan Reviewer. His software applications experience includes 2008 AutoCAD & Civil 3D, Autodesk Land Desktop, MicroStation SE, Bentley StormCAD, and Hydraflow for Hydrographs and Storm Sewers. To reach him, e-mail tmoody.ce96@gtalumni.org.

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(404)292-3123

Deadline to apply for flood assistance nears Flood victims have just three weeks remaining to register for state and federal assistance. Disaster recovery officials said this week that Nov. 23 is the final day to apply for assistance online or by phone. It is also the last day to return applications for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. So far, flood victims in DeKalb and Rockdale counties have received more than $4.5 million in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in wake of the Sept. 20-21 floods across North Georgia. DeKalb flood victims accounted for $4.1 million of the aid made to individuals for housing repairs and temporary housing and the replacement of personal items like clothing, medicine and food. In Rockdale County, the aid amounted to $499,132. The aid to east metro Atlantans is part of $76.7 million awarded in the 17 counties declared disaster areas for disaster assistance grants and low-interest SBA disaster loans. FEMA spokesman William Lindsey said the grants were made through Oct. 28. Through that date, FEMA received 4,164 applications in DeKalb and 220 in Rockdale. Eligible flood victims may get FEMA grants for home repairs, temporary housing, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs by calling 1-800-621-3362. They also can apply at the Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road in Lithonia, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or online at www.Disaster Assistance.gov.

Workshop offers tips for retirement, divorce Business owners and individuals can find out how to overcome the challenges of funding retirement while running a business and financial matters to consider when facing a divorce at a Nov. 9 financial workshop in Lithonia. The 6 p.m. workshop at Antioch Lithonia Missionary Baptist

Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, is hosted by the Stone MountainLithonia Chapter of 100 Black Women. Financial planner Don M. Roman Sr., who works with the Atlantic International Group, an office of MetLife, will share strategies on funding your retirement while

keeping your business afloat. Lisa C. Decker, CDFA-certified divorce financial analyst and an expert in divorce financial matters, will provide need-to-know information before you get a divorce. To register for the financial workshop, e-mail admin@NCB WSML.com or call 404-551-5437.

Candler site will be couple’s 2nd McDONALDS,

from page

Department captain with nine years’ service when she quit to work with her husband in their company, Dominique Products Inc. The couple said they picked the metro-Atlanta to grow their McDonald’s business because of familiarity with the area. Cheryl’s mother, Thora Jones, used to live off Flat Shoals Parkway a decade ago. “I used to get off at Candler Road to go to her house,” he said. “Candler was the road I knew best in Atlanta.” Cheryl Dominique said they also were attracted to Decatur because they are always in the area visiting her 89-year-old maternal grandmother, Mae Lord, at a nursing home on Panthersville Road. The couple’s first store on Forsyth Street in downtown Atlanta was more than 14 years old. They bought it in August 2008, remodeled it, and turned he business around. The Decatur store at 2020 Candler Road opened as KFC restaurant in 1983. It was a Dugan’s Express for three years before becoming a Golden Krust restaurant in 2006. Cheryl Dominique said they are excited about building a new store and hopes it will be the first of many more. “This is a long-term commitment,” she said. “We are hoping to extend our organization over the years.”

November 7, 2009

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

November 7, 2009

“You don’t even look remotely the same. You don’t recognize yourself in the mirror anymore.”

Pop singer Monica to perform

Photos by McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Susan Voss-Smith (from left), Kamilah Konrad and aesthetician Heather Schardan examine some of the hats available in DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center’s “Look Good ... Feel Better” program.

Cancer patients get to feel good about looks WIGS,

from page

Jones said the “Look Good” program, which kicked off a wig donation drive in September, is in constant need of wigs so that it can have a wide selection of stylish wigs for the cancer patients it serves. Voss-Smith, w ho b a t t l e d cancer three years ago, held S. Voss-Smith the center’s first wig drive shortly after she came on the job in 2007. She said they currently have 42 short and longhaired black, brown and blond wigs but that the supply can dip pretty quickly so they have to keep up the supply. She said the library is currently in need of black and brown wigs in modern styles. DeKalb Medical’s “Look Good” program is part of a national initiative to help cancer patients feel good about themselves even as they manage their treatment and recovery. During treatment, chemotherapy leaves the body’s immune system weak and renders the skin

The “Look Good” program has wigs in a variety of colors and styles.

pallid. The program supplies wigs to cover a balding head and teaches women how to apply makeup safely. In a culture where beauty is often tied to a full head of bouncy hair, Voss-Smith said hair loss is very depressing. “You don’t even look remotely the same,” she said. “You don’t recognize yourself in the mirror anymore.” Voss-Smith said getting a new head of hair can uplift the spirits of cancer patients and put a spring in their steps.

Kamilah Konrad, the American Cancer Society patient resource navigator assigned to the center, said patients try on different wigs and get feedback from other patients. “It is a really big camarader ie,” she said. “Everyone in here is going through the Kamilah Konrad same thing and everyone is connected.” When their treatment is over, Voss-Smith said many of the women, like Jones, donate their wigs back to the library. The wigs are cleaned and sanitized before they are given to patients. She said the program is open to any cancer patient, and not just those getting treatment at DeKalb Medical. “If they are in need of a wig, we want to do it for them,” she said. DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center is at 2665 North Decatur Road, Suite 130, in Decatur. For more information, contact Susan Voss-Smith at susanv .smith@dekalbmedical.org or call 404-501-3295.

R&B singer Monica will be the VIP performer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding’s “A Night to Remember” on Nov. 14. The event at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta celebrates the opening and dedication of the hospital’s new pediatric-focused facility, which began serving patients on Oct. 19. It begins at 6 p.m. Monica, who has two sons, Rodney aka Lil Rocko and Romello Montez, has had a personal connection with Children’s at Hughes Spalding. Her younger son was born in January 2008. The 27-year-old singer is best known for ’90s hits such as “The Boy Is Mine,” R&B singer Monica, who has two sons, has with Brandy. had a personal connection with Children’s “A Night to Remember” Healthcare at Hughes Spalding. will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar and compli- Children’s, takes place Nov. 12-14. During the three-day radiothon, mentary valet parking. Tickets are $50 each and are available at www Star 94 listeners will meet some of the hospital’s patients between 8 .choa.kintera.org/hsparty. The hospital’s Star 94 Cares a.m. and 6 p.m. The radiothon is for Kids Radiothon, featuring the in its seventh year. For more information, call Jenvoices of children and families whose lives have been touched by nifer Reid at 404-785-7614. “Captain Healthy and Safety Dog” will teach kids how to protect themselves from viruses and offer other tips for healthy living.

Puppet show to tackle H1N1 Kids as young as 5 can learn how to protect themselves from nasty viruses like H1N1 with help from “Captain Healthy and Safety Dog” on Nov. 13. The lively, colorful original puppet show takes place 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in Decatur. It is free but seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The production, created by the Center for Puppetry Arts, teaches healthy living tips to kids 5 to 10. The DeKalb Board of Health will provide free novel H1N1 vaccines for children 2 to 10 years old. Parents should accompany their children or send a signed parental immunization consent form. The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive. To reserve show seating, call 404-294-3700.

How to make a healthy home Parents can learn how to make their homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly at “Creating a Healthy Home” on Nov. 14 at the Decatur Library. During the 10 a.m. workshop on indoor air quality, participants will get tips on protecting their family from pollutants like gases, chemi-

cals, radon and carbon monoxide. Presenters include Peter Michelson, CEO of Renewal Design-Build, and Joe Thomas, a certified home performance consultant for Renewal System Solutions. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. For more information, call 404-370-3070.

Seminar on Medicare plans Medicare beneficiaries can get enrollment information for Medicare Advantage Plans at a Nov. 14 seminar at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur. Discussion topics will include Medicare Advantage Plans (Parts A, B & C) and Medicare D-Prescription Drug Plan. The annual Medicare enrollment period runs

Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. The seminar takes place 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Cornerstone Room on the church’s campus at 3250 Rainbow Drive. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Overton Curtis at 404-486-1120 or 678-580-2875.

November 7, 2009

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“One could make the argument that we have a good support and good capture system. The cases that occur are reported.”

County on pace for record number of deaths due to domestic violence By McKenzie Jackson

For the first eight months this year, 111 deaths across Georgia were attributed to domestic violence. In DeKalb County, District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming’s office has handled 592 domestic violence cases through August. G. Keyes Fleming At that rate, Keyes Fleming estimates that her Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit will handle just under 900 cases this year – a record number. “That would be the highest volume we’ve had since we started the unit and started keeping the statistics separate,” she said. The district attorney spoke about the unit last month during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed annually in October. The unit, which is headed by Assistant District Attorney Ingrid Skidmore, prosecutes felony domestic violence and sexual assault crimes ranging from unwanted sexual contact to aggravated sodomy, rape and domestic violence. Keyes Fleming said this year’s high number of cases does not necessarily mean more people in the county are committing acts of sexual assault or domestic violence. “One could make the argument that we have a good support and good capture system,” she said. “The cases that occur are reported.”

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

A candlelight vigil for victims of domestic violence is held each year at the gazebo in downtown Decatur to draw attention to the problem.

“What happens oftentimes when people come seeking help they are often encouraged to do things like couples counseling. That is not appropriate based on all the data; as matter of fact it can be dangerous.” Robert James, DeKalb Solicitor-General

DeKalb Solicitor-General RobNationally, Keyes Fleming said only 50 percent of domestic vio- ert James, who prosecutes mislence victims report the crimes demeanors, said that domestic violence is one of the most pressing committed against them.

issues in society. “It starts with misdemeanor battery and simple battery and issues of power and control,” he said. “It is not just a criminal problem, it is a public health issue. Women are dying from it, children are dying from it.” Last month, he hosted a workshop on domestic violence that was attended by 60 religious leaders from different faiths. James said domestic violence

is a countywide problem and that victims often confide in faith leaders rather than call the police. “What happens oftentimes when people come seeking help, they are often encouraged to do things like couples counseling,” he said. “That is not appropriate based on all the data; as matter of fact, it can be dangerous.” Amber Harris, the director of development for the Women’s Resource Center, which sponsors the annual candlelight vigil for victims of domestic violence at the gazebo in downtown Decatur, said it is very important that people recognize that domestic violence is a yearround problem. “It’s not like domestic violence stops when October ends,” she said. “Domestic violence happens all year.” Harris said most of the 80 people whose names were read aloud during the 18th annual candlelight vigil on Oct. 15 were killed in months other than October. Keyes Fleming said fear is one of the main obstacles they face in prosecuting domestic violence cases. “Women might be scared that if they testify they or someone they know will be killed,” she said. To combat that, Keyes Fleming said investigators try to build a strong enough case that doesn’t always hinge on the victim’s testimony. “We’ll get photographs,” she said. “We’ll get medical records. We’ll talk to friends and family so we don’t have the victim as the focus during our presentation of evidence.”

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

November 7, 2009

During his 17th year of coaching Southwest DeKalb’s football team, Godfrey was recognized as the winningest football coach in DeKalb Schools history.

History Center series to wind down with look at Avondale Estates Author Terry Martin-Hart will walk history buffs through the history of Avondale Estates at the DeKalb History Center’s final Archives Lecture Series for 2009 on Nov. 17. Martin-Hart, an independent communications specialist and magazine journalist with more than 20 years of professional experience, released “Images of America: Avondale Estates,” in 1999, which depicts the history of the unique town through a vivid collection of historic photographs. The city of Avondale Estates was founded by George Francis Willis in 1924 after a trip with his wife to the British city of Stratford-upon-Avon.

The planned city was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The historic district is recognized for its significance in architecture, community planning and landscape architecture. Planned landscape features are located throughout the community, which features a downtown commercial area in the English Vernacular Revival style. Avondale Estates’ downtown is sometimes called a “Tudor village.” The lecture, which is free, will be noon at the Old Courthouse on the Square. Guests can bring bag lunches to eat during the program.

Avondale Estate’s downtown is designed in English Vernacular Revival style, sometimes called a Tudor village.

Jennifer Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Legendary SWD coach to sign book for boosters

ird ly B ires Ear r Exp 0! e Off Nov. 2

Legendary Southwest DeKalb High football coach William “Buck” Godfrey will sign copies of his book “The Team Nobody Would Play” at a Nov. 7 fundraiser for the school’s Touchdown Club. The two-hour event at the Sanford Event Facility in Decatur starts at 6 p.m. The book tells the story of 14 African-American Buck Godfrey boys who were chosen as Little League All-Stars in the Charleston, S.C., Little League Baseball Tournament in 1955. It depicts the cruelties of segregation and shows how the fears of the people in power clash with the expectations of the children, who knew little of this social evil. Godfrey, who lives in Decatur, retired from Southwest DeKalb in 2005 after 34 years of teaching. In 1999, during his 17th year of coaching Southwest DeKalb’s football team, he was recognized as the winningest football coach in DeKalb Schools history. At that time, he had coached the Panthers to 170 wins. Even though he is retired, he continues as the school’s head coach for football and swimming. He was prompted by his Little League teammates to record the story of their struggle. “The Team Nobody Would Play” was published in April. It joins Godfrey’s two other books, “Moods of a Black Man,” published in 1970, and “Songs for My Father,” in 1983. During the fundraiser, the book will sell for $15 each. Proceeds benefit the club, which supports the football team. The Sanford Event Facility is at 4813 Snapfinger Woods Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-396-5961.

Cancer survivor to sign new book Shakeia Cowan will sign copies of her new book, “The Delicate Flower,” at Borders Books at the Mall at Sonecrest on Nov. 13. Cowan, a trained social worker who lives in Decatur, said the book is inspired by her profession, her life experiences and health challenges. She is a cancer survivor and is battling Crohn’s disease with a mix of alternative and traditional medicine. The book discusses the healing process through journaling, short stories, and poetry and shares tools to transform sorrow songs into praise poems. The book signing is at 5 p.m. The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 and Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.thedelicateflowerbook. com or call 678-542-9287.

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

November 7, 2009

“It is my hope that children, their parents and grandparents, too, will read and learn from this story.”

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Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Fashions from the 1930s to the present abound at the annual fundraiser for the Howey Hudson Lowe Foundation.

‘Stompin at the Savoy’ revives ’30s chic “Stompin’ at the Savoy” fans will be dressing up and stepping out on Nov. 14 for the fifth annual fundraiser that benefits the nonprofit Howey Hudson Lowe Foundation that helps homeless people attain self sufficiency. The theme for this year’s blacktie dinner and dance is “A Golden Holiday.” It is inspired by the beautiful Savoy Ballroom and the Cot-

ton Club in Harlem, N.Y. It starts at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select in downtown Decatur, with an after party with DJ “Cinto.” The evening’s music will pay homage to the jazz legends from the 1930s to 2000s with live bands, vocals and swing dancing. Performers include jazz violinist Delores Major, saxophonist Gary Harrison, vocalist Adrion Bell, and

Al Smith, Myrna Clayton and Jere “Jfly” Flynn. Former state Rep. Stan Watson and Kantis Simmons will be the evening’s masters of ceremonies. Keith Howey will also perform again this year. For individual and table tickets and other information, visit www. bjaevents.com or www.howeyhudsonlowe.org, or call Brenda Jackson at 770-808-0114.

Popular piggie returns to Lenox The Pink Pig ride at Macy’s has been a favorite holiday destination at Lenox Square Mall for many years.

Starting this Saturday, kids will be squealing for delight again as the Macy’s Pink Pig makes his rounds under the 1950’s theme Pink Pig tent at Lenox Square Mall. The legendary Priscilla the Pink Pig train ride runs Nov. 7 through Jan. 3 and continues a holiday tradition for generations of Atlanta families. Macy’s unveiled the ride Thursday under the 170-foot tent on the upper-level parking deck near Macy’s. Four-year-old Kanya Reeves, a Children’s

Healthcare of Atlanta heart transplant recipient, got the first ride as this year’s Pink Pig VIP – Very Important Patient. Despite facing many health challenges including the loss of her right leg, Kanya continues to demonstrate a spirit of optimism and playfulness. A portion of the proceeds from each ride will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Macy’s at Lenox Square is at 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta.

Boxing coach writes books for youth Stone Mountain boxing coach hardships, and “coming of age” isAl Brown is adding author to his sues faced by children and teens. résumé. Brown said the adults will also Brown will be signing copies of find the books helpful. his new children’s books, “The Life “It is my hope that children, Story of Halle” and “Lujah – Passing their parents and grandparents, the Wealth to the Next Generation,” too, will read and learn from this on Nov. 7 at Borders Books and story,” Brown says. Music at the Mall at Stonecrest in The book signing will be 2 p.m. Al Brown Lithonia. to 4 p.m. Both books are for children 9 to 15 years For more information, call Al Brown at old. They depict real life, everyday situations, 1-317-903-1805 or 770 465-3708.

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CrossRoadsNews

Youth

November 7, 2009

“I don’t know why outside of the fact that we are good friends with Ms. Pope and have been working with the school system for 15 years.”

School construction oversight handed to engineering, management firms By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

lipped about the inquiry, but on Oct. 14, Pope’s office was one of six places searched by DA and GBI investigators. Wa r r a n t s also were executed for Pope’s home and the business of her husband, architect Vincent Pope, who has Patricia Pope designed a number of DeKalb school projects. The Lithonia home of C.D. Moody Jr., a friend of the Popes and a longtime school contractor, also was searched. Moody said he has done nothing wrong and has been cooperating with the investigators over the past year.

Parsons Construction Technology Group and Jacobs Project Management Co. will oversee the DeKalb School System’s $466 million construction program for the next six weeks. The engineering and construction firm and project management company got the nod Monday from the DeKalb School Board to provide “supplemental” construction management services to the district. The companies take the reins from Patricia Pope, the school system’s chief operating officer, whose office is the subject of a criminal investigation by District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming. Authorities have been tight-

Moody’s neighbors woke up on Oct. 14 to more than six police cars at his gate. Reached by a reporter, he said he had no idea why his home was searched. “I don’t know why outside of the fact that we are good friends with Ms. Pope and have been working with the school system for 15 years,” he said. He declined further comment. District Attorney’s Office spokesman Orzy Theus would only confirm that six warrants were executed on Oct. 14 and that all the locations searched were inside DeKalb County. He declined to say what categories of individuals were searched. “Due to the fact that this is an open case, it is not subject to Open Records,” he said. “The judge also

sealed the search warrants.” Pope’s status remains unclear since she was reportedly relieved of her duties on Oct. 22. School officials have not officially confirmed her status and she continues to report to work, but not at the Sam Moss Service Center where she has overseen construction projects for the school district since 2005. She is earning $198,760 a year under a contract that runs through June 2010. The Parsons and Jacobs contracts approved by the School Board on Monday come in the wake of an ongoing criminal investigation of Pope. The DeKalb School Board voted to pay both firms $644,150 through Dec. 11. Work orders submitted to the School Board Monday show Par-

sons and Jacobs personnel bringing in monthly compensation of up to $28,000. In an Oct. 22 letter released Tuesday, School Superintendent Crawford Lewis gave Parsons “full responsibility” for the district’s Capital Improvement Program and asked the firm to provide “all pertinent services,” including weekly status reports, financial accounting and analysis, managing proper resources for all projects, and identifying critical issues for projects. Parsons’ Barbara Colman, who is the new interim operations officer for construction, will report to Deputy Superintendent Ramona Tyson. Atlanta Unfiltered contributed to this report.

Internet extends bully’s influence beyond classroom or playground of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “But with electronic media such as Facebook and e-mail, something that happened at school can be splashed across the Internet, giving it national publicity. Bullying has taken on a different role, and victims are more vulnerable to a much bigger population.” According to a survey by the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, 13 percent

Internet technology has taken the age-old problem of bullying to a new and troubling level. Long gone are the days when the school bully was just the kid who calls a bespectacled student “four eyes” or annoyingly tugs on a girl’s pigtails during class. “It used to be what happened in your school stayed in your school,” says Dr. Gwen McIntosh, a pediatrician at American Family Children’s Hospital and associate professor

of students in grades six through 10 admitted they had bullied others; 11 percent said they were the target of bullies; and 6 percent said they had been both bully and victim. McIntosh said often both the bullies and their victims end up in trouble with the law. “The perception is that their voice is not being heard, and they feel they are being victimized with no one to help them or go to bat for them,” she said. “They view

it as their own problem and they have to find their own way to deal with it.” That kind of outlook has been cited in tragic events such as the April 16 death of 11-year-old Jaheem Herrera, a fifth-grader at Dunaire Elementary School in Stone Mountain, who reportedly committed suicide as a result of constant bullying at school. McIntosh said schools should make it clear that bullying among

students will not be tolerated, and those who report it should not fear backlash. She also encourages parents to be vigilant and monitor their children for possible signs that they are being bullied or turning into bullies. “A sudden change in peer group and a marked withdrawal from activities in which they normally participate could be a sign of difficulty or conflict that might manifest in a violent way,” she said.

Fashion contest taking entries Discrimination exercise to frame discussion High school seniors who long for a career in the fashion industry will want to enter the Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur’s “Passion for Fashion” design competition. A local winner in the fashion marketing and merchandising and retail management category could earn a full scholarship to a participating Art Institute of Atlanta school as well as a trip to New York City to attend a Fashion Week show, a “meet and greet” at Seventeen magazine’s offices, lunch with a Seventeen style pro, and a $500 shopping spree. Mary Jo Miller, department

chair for fashion and retail management at the school, said the contest offers a showcase for students’ skills. Nov. 20 is the deadline to enter the local competition. A local winner from each school will advance to the national competition. National winners will be named in January 2010. The Art Institute of AtlantaDecatur is at One West Court Square, Suite 110, in Decatur. For more information or an application, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/ passionforfashion or call 404-9421800 or 1-866-856-6203.

Lovett

A controversial third-grade ex- at 125 Clairmont Ave. in Decatur. ercise from the 1960s will provide In 1968, after the assassination the framework for a discussion on of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., diversity and inclusion on Nov. 17 Ohio teacher Jane Elliott conducted at Cornerstone Community Bank an exercise to help her third-graders in Decatur. better understand what Leadership DeKalb will discrimination means. screen “A Class Divided,” a Elliott divided her one-hour PBS “Frontline” class into two groups: documentary based on blue-eyed and brownthe experiment, followed eyed people. One day, by a conversation facilithe blue-eyed group was tated by diversity trainer treated superior and givand Leadership DeKalb Pollie M. Battle en extra privileges like graduate Pollie Massey second helpings at lunch, Battle. The 7-9 p.m. program will access to the new jungle gym, and be in the bank’s Community Room, five extra minutes at recess. She

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praised the blue-eyed group for being hard-working and intelligent while she disparaged the browneyed group. The next day, the treatment of the groups was reversed. The impact of the treatment disparities on the children was profound, to say the least. Elliott believed so strongly in the value of the exercise that she continued it every year until she quit teaching in 1984. The program is free, but space is limited. For more information or to R.S.V.P., e-mail bethjansa@ leadershipdekalb.org.

After-school program targets young males Lisa Norwood, founder and exAn after-school program that ecutive director of Mothers Raising targets the challenges facing young Sons, said she started the nonprofit males is accepting registration at because of the challenges she faced four metro Atlanta schools. raising her own three sons. The Boys Assurance for EduMothers Raising Sons also offers cation program currently operparenting classes, separate support ates at Redan Elementary School, group meetings for mothers and MLK Jr. High School and Millers sons, and an All Boys 2 Men SumPreparatory Academy for Boys in mer Camp. Its motto is “A mother Lithonia and Forrest Hill Academy Lisa Norwood cannot be a father nor a positive male role to in Atlanta. It is offered by Mothers Raising Sons Inc., her son(s), but she tries to play the role!” MRS is hiring part-time tutors and math a nonprofit organization focused on improvand English teachers for the after-school ing the plight of young males. BAFE participants receive assistance with program. It also is seeking male volunteers homework and tutoring and engage in activi- willing to give back to “the village of single ties to improve their academic achievement, mothers raising sons” by providing sugcharacter development, decision-making gestions regarding issues and concerns of skills, social skills, and entrepreneurial mothers and sons. For more information, visit www.moth skills. Several academic field trips including ersraisingsons.org, e-mail Lisa Norwood at college tours also are planned for this school mrs@mothersraisingsons.org, or call her at 404-247-1086. year.

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Ministry

CrossRoadsNews

November 7, 2009

Operation Frontline, which is sponsored nationally by the ConAgra Foods Foundation, is celebrating 15 years of nutrition education.

Nutrition program offered at Saint Philip

Ray of Hope men to retreat

By Brenda Yarbrough

Ray of Hope Christian Church’s men’s ministry will hold its annual retreat at the Lodge at Simpsonwood on Nov. 20-21. Rev. Dr. Charles E. Goodman Jr., senior pastor of the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church of Augusta, will be facilitator. Goodman, a charismatic and insightful preacher, has been in the pulpit since age 21. He became pastor/teacher at Tabernacle Baptist Church in December 2006 when he was only 27 years old, after spending three years as pastor of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church in Salem, Ala. Under his leadership, Tabernacle Baptist church to more than 3,000 people. In 2008, he was named one of the 20-to-Watch Young Preachers under 40 by African American Pulpit magazine. Ray of Hope will celebrate Men’s Day at the church on Nov. 22 at the 7:30 and 10 a.m. services

Families on a limited budget can learn how to prepare healthy, tasty meals and fight obesity with the help of cooking program launched at Saint Philip AME Church by a state alliance that targets childhood hunger. The Georgia Coalition for Physical Activity and Nutrition (GPAN) kicked off 21 new classes on the Atlanta church on Oct. 29 at its Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline open house. The coalition uses six specialized curricula to teach hands-on meal preparation, practical nutrition information and food budgeting skills. Participants receive recipes and take-home materials from the day’s lessons, and adult and teen participants take home a bag of groceries each week to practice what they learn. Once a week for six weeks, participants gather for a two-hour class led by the same chef and nutritionist. Since 1993, Operation Frontline and hundreds of volunteer instructors have held more than 4,300 cooking-centered nutrition and financial-planning courses and helped more than 51,500 lowincome families. Classes include: n Eating Right, offered in eight languages, teaches low-income adults about healthy meal preparation

Participants in Operation Frontline’s programs gain tips on meal preparation, practical nutrition information and food budgeting skills.

and sensible shopping on a limited budget. Start by Eating Right is an addendum to Eating Right that focuses on the special nutritional needs of children through age 3. n Kids Up Front teaches children ages 8 to 13 about healthy eating and provides simple recipes that children can prepare. n Power of Eating Right teaches teens how to make healthy food choices and prepare healthy meals and snacks. n Side by Side brings school-age children and their families together to learn about healthy eating and the importance of family mealtime. n Step Up to Eating Right teaches teen parents how to make healthy food choices and prepare nutri-

tious foods for themselves and their babies. n Saving Smart, Spending Smart teaches basic household budgeting, banking, credit, and how to shop wisely to those with low incomes. Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline, which is sponsored nationally by the ConAgra Foods Foundation, is celebrating 15 years of nutrition education. The national organization is working to ensure that no kid in America grows up hungry. To volunteer or participate or for more information on Operation Frontline, call Karen Kierath at 678476-3766 or visit www.g-pan.org. For more information on Share Our Strength, visit www.strength. org.

Young performer to mimic King of Pop face painting, games and prizes. The King of Pop will be The festival will be held in the remembered by a 9-year-old Wayfield Foods Plaza, 2524 Holsinger at the Lithonia Fall & Arts lingsworth St. in Lithonia. Festival on Nov. 7. Sponsors include Family FelJelani Winston, son of Pastor lowship International Christian Darryl Winston of Greater Works Church, Hearts in Motion LearnAssembly of Atlanta, will take the ing and Inspiration Center, Alpha stage and perform as Michael and Omega International, and the Jackson at 12:15 p.m. The 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. festival will fea- Stone Mountain Baptist Association. For more information, call 770-558-6265 ture music and dance performances, arts and crafts, and vendor booths in addition to food, or visit www.familyficc.org.

Charles Goodman Claude Alexander

with Bishop Claude R. Alexander, Jr., senior pastor of the Park Ministries in Charlotte, N.C. Alexander joined “The Park” in 1990. Under his leadership, the church multiplied into three Charlotte locations with 80 ministries and its membership grew from 500 to more than 8,000. The Lodge at Simpsonwood is 4511 Jones Bridge Circle in Norcross. The Ray of Hope is at 2778 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. For more information, visit visit www.rayofhope.org or call 770-696-5100, ext. 231.

“Getting Through the Holidays After Losing a Loved One” Join us for a seminar to help you plan for this holiday after losing a loved one. No matter how long it has been, holidays can be a difficult time. Come and share and be encouraged.

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 at noon in the Family Life Center, DeVeaux Conference Room St. Philip AME, 240 Candler Road, Atlanta Cost $10 for materials • Space is limited • Call 770-987-3977 to register

CrossRoadsNews

November 7, 2009

One-order, one-invoice, multi-newspaper placement service! Reach more than 15 million households served by over 1,020 suburban and community newspapers around North America and Canada. 25-word ad starts at $240 weekly. Discount Contact Rates Available. For more information, call 404-284-1888 Adoptions ADOPTION: Faced with an unplanned pregnancy? Screened/ approved couples longing to adopt. Choose from profiles (info/ pictures) in privacy of your home. Assistance available. 1-866-2367638 24/7

Autos *Police Impounds For Sale!Honda Accord 1993 only $700! Toyota Camry 1993 only $475! Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans & More from $500! For Listings 800-366-0124 ext. L213

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Education & Training HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast Affordable & Accredited. FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1-800-5326546 Ext. 96 www.continentalacademy.com AIRLINE MECHANIC- Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA Approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783 Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-488-0386 www.CenturaOnline.com

Employment Opportunities Make $384 Daily! Data entry positions available online! Internet

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Help Wanted Earn Extra Income, assembling CD cases from home. Start immediately, No experience necessary. 1-800-405-7619 ext 1395 www. easywork-greatpay.com

Misc. For Sale * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting under $10. FREE DVR and HD Upgrades for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1-800-699-7159 **ADT, FREE Home Security System! ($850 Value.)Purchase Monitoring Services & $99 Activation.That’s It! PLUS Remote & Panic Alert FREE. 1-877-4760554 **DISH Network. $19.99/mo, Why Pay More For TV? 100+ Channels. FREE 4-Room Install. FREE HD-DVR. Plus $600 Sign-up BONUS. Call Now!1800-917-8288

Miscellaneous

BURIED IN DEBT? Over $12,000 worth?SAVE Money-Get Out Of DebtFASTER! One Affordable Monthly Payment.Call DEBT SETTLEMENT USA.FREE Consultation: 1-877-476-1684

Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in up to 12 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 815 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 or go to www. classifiedavenue.net

Help Wanted

Real Estate

Travel, Travel, Travel!$500 Sign On Bonus. Seeking sharp guys and gals, Rock-nRoll Atmosphere, Blue Jean Environment!Call Dianne 877724-3386 today

North Carolina Mountains. NEW!E-Z Finish Log Cabin Shell With Loft & Full Basement. Includes acreage. $99,900 E-Z Bank Financing Available 828247-9966 code 45

ABLE TO TRAVEL National Company Hiring Sharp People. Able to Start Today. Transportation & Lodging Furnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid Trainging. Over 18+ 866-734-5216 www. greenstreetsolutions.com

Florida - 40 acre parcels100% useable. $119,900 ea. While They Last. No Closing Costs. Owner Financing from 3 1/2% Call 1-800-FLA-LAND (3525263) Florida Woodland Group, Inc. Lic. RE Broker.

Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

3bd 2ba only $200/mo! 4bd 2ba home only$325/mo!Priced to Sell! More Homes Available! 5%dn, 15yrs @8%apr! For Listings 800366-0142 ext. T253

Affordable Foreclosures from $199/mo! Buy a 4bd 2ba Home only $275/mo! 3bd 2ba Home only $199/mo! 5% dn, 20yrs @ 8%! For Listings 800-366-0142

ext. T251 BUY HUD Homes from $199/mo! 5bd 2ba only $420/mo! 3bd 2ba only $199/mo! More Homes from $199/mo! 5% dn, 15yrs @8% apr! for Listings 800-366-0142 ext. T252

Timeshares SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!! Maintenance fees too high? Need Cash? Sell your unused timeshare today. No commissions or Broker Fees. Free Consultation. www.sellatimeshare.com 1-866-708-3690.

Looking for creative ways to market your business effectively?

Test Your Media Savvy! 1) True or False: Newspapers are no longer effective for advertising. 2) To build brand awareness, 1-3 newspaper ads are as effective as: a) 3-5 radio spots weekly at same time of day, M-F on 2-3 stations b) 20-25 broadcast TV spots weekly, on targeted dayparts c) 100 spots on 2-4 cable TV networks for 4-6 weeks, Sun-Thurs. d) All of the above e) None of the above 3) According to most adults, which medium has the most believable advertising? a) Television

b) Radio

c) Newspapers

d) Internet

4) When they want save money, where do most consumers turn to obtain coupons? a) Mail

b) Internet sites

c) In-store ads

d) Newspapers

5) True or False: More people are reading CrossRoadsNews today than ever before. Answers: 1) F - People still turn to newspapers first for local news and advertising; 2) d; 3) c; 4) d; 5) T. 0-2 correct = You’ve fallen victim to the hype. Newspapers are not dead. 3-4 correct = You have a pretty good grasp of media effectiveness. 5 correct = You probably advertise in CrossRoadsNews!

For more information about these or other media truths, or to advertise in CrossRoadsNews, call 404-284-1888 or visit www.crossroadsnews.com

Local News. Loyal Readers. E v e r y We e k! 2346 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 • 404-284-1888 • Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com • advertising@crossroadsnews.com Sources: 2010 Newspaper Advertising Planbook; Scarborough Research, Multi-Market 2008 Release 2; The Media Audit

When You Miss CrossRoadsNews, You Miss News You Can Use! Call 404-284-1888 for Subscription Rates & Information

CrossRoadsNews

November 7, 2009

MARKETPLACE RATES

Marketplace CHILD CARE Mom who travels needs over night child care 2 weeks every month for her 9 year old son. Call 770-633-6282.

COMPUTERS www.jonatech.net. Parts, & Repairs Service for Computers, Laptops & Routers. Diagnostic fee $35. 678-918-4445. Jonatech.

EDUCATION/TRAINING Learn how to start a church or nonprofit organization. For detail package, send $20 to: Faith Life International P.O. Box 396, Lithonia, GA 30058. 404-671-6158.

FOR RENT/LEASE 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage Ranch Home-Lithonia/Stonecrest Area. Living/Dining Combo. Freshly painted interior. New bathroom floor. Large/Private Backyard. Large Master. $1000 per month/Section 8 Accepted. Call 770 265-2225.

HELP WANTED Our Expansion program is looking for the following: Payment Manager, Sales Representative and Bookkeeper. Please contact us for more details. Requirements Should be home or working place and have access to the Internet weekly. E-mail frankyfulton@ hotmail.com for further information about the Jobs.

LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE Landscape Services Since 1996

Design-Installation-Maintenance Aeration, Bobcat Work, French Drainage, Concrete Work. Free Estimate. Call 770-593-1382.

MOVERS Gideon Movers, Inc. Moves & Deliveries, In-house Moves; Loading & Un-loading. Free on-site Estimate. (404)241-8899. gideonmovers@comcast.net

SERVICES Handyman, 27 years experience. Plumbing repairs, water lines, hotwater heaters, showers, toilets, sinks, bathtubs, sewer drain cleaning, pressure washing, gutters cleaned. Call 404-2449193 or 404-838-6541. Rent tables, chairs, linens,

School Law Attorney Representing Teachers

The Law Office of B.A. Thomas, LLC

404-525-6902

tents and much more Call your community rental store today at 770-323-0424. Add a touch of class to your special event. Call Funcity Party Rentals today. Best rates in metro Atlanta.

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.

DON’T LET THE BANK TAKE YOUR HOME!

2-DAY FORECLOSURE SEMINAR & WORKSHOP