CrossRoadsNews, November 15, 2014 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

SCENE

YOUTH

PEOPLE

Entertainers and partners are needed for the kickoff of Commissioner Larry Johnson’s annual Tree of Love at the Gallery at South DeKalb. 6

Sporty Girls Inc. has received $10,000 in grants and volunteer support in its mission to help girls become well-rounded leaders. 9

Hundreds turned out in their finest fashions from the Roaring 20s for the 10th annual “Stompin’ at the Savoy” fundraiser. 11

Tree of Love kickoff

Grants for good work

Savoire at the Savoy

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

November 15, 2014

Volume 20, Number 29

www.crossroadsnews.com

Target store at Stonecrest closing for good on Feb. 1 By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Target on Mall Parkway in Lithonia opened for business in June 2004. It is among 11 stores Minneapolisbased Target Corp. is closing nationwide and the only location closing in Georgia.

In 1999, Target closed its store on Covington Highway in Decatur when it opened a Super Target on U.S. 78 in Stone Mountain, which has since closed. Donald Bieler, who has lived in the Stonecrest area for 13 years, said it’s a sad loss. “As a loyal Target shopper, I am going to miss it,” he said. “But it is no surprise. If the community wants big-box retailers, restaurants and other types of retailers, they need to support them. The reason the store is closing is that the community didn’t sup-

The Target store on Mall Parkway at Stonecrest is closing on Feb. 1, 2015. The 124,717-square-foot Lithonia store, which opened for business at 8109 Mall Parkway in June 2004, is one of 11 stores that Minneapolis-based Target Corp. is closing nationwide. It is the only store in Georgia on the chopping block. The other Targets closing in 2015 are in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Kansas and Texas. The Stonecrest store is the second Target to go out of business in South DeKalb. Please see STORE, page 2

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Candler Road senior center to open by spring A dozen seniors representatives toured the South DeKalb Senior Center on Candler Road in Decatur on Nov. 12. The $5 million center is 80 percent to 85 percent complete.

Members take a hard-hat tour of new facility By Jennifer Ffrench-Parker

The stalled South DeKalb Senior Center on Candler Road is now scheduled to open by spring. DeKalb County officials told dozens of seniors on Nov. 12 that work will resume at the construction site at 1931 Candler Road in Decatur in December, and it should take four months to complete. During a hard-hat tour of the facility that is 80 percent to 85 percent complete, Morris Williams, the county’s deputy chief operating officer, told the seniors that he couldn’t speak to what happened in the past but that he is focused on finishing the center so that they can return to Candler Road. “We have a new team,” he said. “We brought you in a new team.” The old senior center, on the same site, was fashioned from a remodeled funeral home. It was demolished in 2012 and the county broke ground on Nov. 15, 2012, on a new $5 million center with a large multipurpose room, computer lab, and classrooms for sewing, pottery, games and exercise. The center’s 150 members have been displaced for two-and-a-half years and have been transported to the Hamilton Recreation Center in Scottdale. The Candler Road center manager, Hazel Gonzalez, said the program’s members expected to be away for 12 months. “A year later we are still waiting,” she said. With the new larger facility coming, Gonzalez said the center’s waiting list has grown. “We have 365 people waiting,” she said. When it opens for business, the new center will accommodate 500 members. After listening to Williams and county

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

lawyer Kamy Molavi tell them that the contractor PCI defaulted on the $5 million project in August but that its surety bonding company has stepped in to complete it, Algie McCrary of Decatur summed up the feelings of many seniors in the room. “Why should we believe you now when what you told us before didn’t happen,” he asked. “What is it now that’s different from what you told us before? How do we know that you won’t come back two months from now with something else. It looks like all we can get is the runaround.” Molavi of the Atlanta-based law firm Molavi Law PC said he doesn’t know what the seniors were told before. “I was only hired two, three months ago,” he said. “That was when the bonding company was put on notice.”

Molavi said it is frustrating how long it has taken but that the bonding company had to conduct its own investigation, which took time. He said its four-month completion projection sounds reasonable to the construction team. “Why should you believe me,” he said. “I am telling the truth as I know it. That’s all anyone can do.” The Candler Road facility is one of three senior centers that the county is building simultaneously in south, central and north DeKalb. The others are Malone Drive Senior Center at 3393 Malone Drive in Chamblee, which began on Nov. 14, 2012, and the Mason Mill Park Senior Center, which got under way in June 2013 at 1340 McConnell Drive in Decatur. Each center, funded by federal commu-

nity block grants, is being built at a cost of $5 million. Construction on all three has stalled. Williams said he assumed responsibilities for the projects six to seven months ago with a goal to bring all the centers to fruition. Along with several libraries that also were under construction at the time, Williams said the county had a lot projects and some problems that he didn’t want to get into. “I wasn’t there. I don’t know who did it,” he said. “My daddy told me a long time ago, ‘Boy, when you find yourself in a hole, quit digging.’ So what we did was quit digging. We stopped everything.” During the tour with 13 representatives of the center’s members and at the briefing, Please see TOUR, page 4

CrossRoadsNews

Community

November 15, 2014

“I think the county should look to invest in that space that could be a revenue-generating facility for the county.”

New Lithonia city administrator, police chief NAACP raising funds Moody and Mr. Smith will work The city of Lithonia has a for turkey giveaway well together to establish the new city administrator and pohigh standards expected by the lice chief. residents,” Jackson said. Eddie J. Moody moves from Moody, who grew up in the police chief to city administrator, city, retired from the DeKalb and Capt. Roosevelt Smith, who Police Department in 2004 after has 27 years of police experience, more than 30 years. takes over as chief of police. Smith joined the Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson and police force in 2013 and has the City Council announced the worked to improve the level appointments on Nov. 12. and quality of training for ofMoody joined the city as poficers. He is a 1987 graduate of lice chief in December 2012. Eddie J. Moody Roosevelt Smith the Clayton County Regional Jackson said Moody, a retired DeKalb County police chief, has “a tremendous level of Police Academy. He rose from a patrol officer to deputy chief at Morris experience and an impeccable reputation.” “The council and I are very confident that both Mr. Brown College in 2010.

Second Target to close in South DeKalb STORE,

from page

port it.” The nearest Target to Lithonia is in Conyers. Bieler said he will now have to go out of the county to shop. Target also has stores in Tucker on LaVista Road and in Edgewood and on North Druid Hills in Atlanta. Super District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson, who represents the area, said Thursday that while it’s a letdown to lose the Target, he will push for the county to acquire the building and remodel it into a mini civic center or auditorium Stan Watson that can seat 1,500 people. “We don’t have any place to do events outside of churches in the area,” Watson said. “I think the county should look to invest in that space that could be a revenuegenerating facility for the county.”

The closings, announced by Target on Nov. 4, is the retailer’s largest round of store closures in recent years. Over the past three years, it closed just 12 stores while opening 63 new ones. The company has 1,800 U.S. stores. It said the decision to close a Target store is only made after careful consideration of the long-term financial performance of a particular location. “All eligible store team members are being offered the option to transfer to other Target stores,” the company said. “Team members who choose not to transfer will be offered a separation package.” Chad Belinfanti, vice president of the Parks at Stonecrest, said he is disappointed about Target’s departure and hopes the building won’t stay empty for long. “They offered a different shopping experience from Walmart and we will miss that,” he said. The retailer will be missed for another reason. Belinfanti said the store was a “premier annual sponsor” of his community’s “National Night Out.”

DeKalb NAACP-WIN and District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson are raising funds to purchase 400 turkeys for needy families in South DeKalb. The turkeys will be distributed on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot near Macy’s at the Gallery at South DeKalb in Decatur. To make an online donation, visit www .gofundme.com/NAACP-WIN. Last year, 300 families received turkeys for the Thanksgiving meal, but Women in NAACP had to turn others away because of limited resources. The mall is at 2801 Candler Road. For more information, call Dennise Allen at 404-399-6260.

Explore technology at GIS Day on Nov. 19 DeKalb residents can learn about geographic information systems at the county’s GIS Day on Nov. 19 at Manuel Maloof Auditorium in Decatur. The 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. event, hosted by the DeKalb GIS Department, is free and open to the public. GIS technology allows users to visualize, manage and analyze spatially linked data. Examples include census data, natural resource management, crime analysis, business analysis, and asset management. GIS Day is an annual global observance that provides opportunities for citizens to learn more about the important contributions geographic information systems make to science, technology, information, and the humanities. The county event includes food, prizes and GIS demonstrations. Residents can find flood plain information for their property, and they can find out if their tax bills will be impacted by recent annexations. GIS Director Stacy Grear said GIS provides the most accurate, up-to-date information for decision-makers. Maloof Auditorium is at 1300 Commerce Drive. For more information, call 404-371-2257.

DeKalb County's Department of Watershed Management Reminds You of the Best Practices for Proper Disposal of FOG What are Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)? FOG is composed of the animal and vegetable fats and oils that are used to cook and prepare food. Where does FOG come from? • Baking goods • Food scraps • Sauces • Meat fat

• Dairy products • Lard

• Butter and margarine • Cooking oil

• Shortening

What happens when FOG is not properly disposed of? FOG should be properly disposed of or recycled. It enters the plumbing system through home garbage disposals, kitchen sinks and toilets, coats the interior of pipes, and empties into the County's sewer system. Excessive accumulation of FOG in the sewer system will result in sanitary sewer overflows and sewage backup in homes and businesses. Sewage overflow repairs are costly for the County and its citizens, and can result in increased costs for water and sewer services.

Here are three simple practices to help keep FOG out of our pipes and sewers: 1. POUR cooled fats, oils or grease into a sealable container and throw it in the trash. Do not pour down the sink or toilet. 2. SCRAPE plates and cookware before washing. Do not throw scraps of any kind down the sink. Instead, place them in waste containers or garbage bags. 3. WIPE excess grease from all plates, pots, pans, utensils and surfaces with a paper towel before washing. Throw the greasy paper towels away.

Remember, you can make a difference! Visit the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management's FOG Program Online! www.dekalbwatershed.com/FOG 1580 Roadhaven Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 • (770) 621-7200

November 15, 2014

Community

“Because of the egregious nature of this senseless crime, my office had no choice but to seek the death penalty [in the baby’s death].”

Judge Becker is leaving the bench By Ken Watts

DeKalb Superior Court Judge Cynthia Becker says she will resign from office before the end of the year. In a Nov. 10 statement, Becker, who has been on the bench for 14 years, said her departure is unrelated to controversial decisions she made in the DeKalb Schools corruption case that have put her at odds with DeKalb District Attorney Robert James. “As my family, friends, colleagues and courthouse family had known for months before the trial, I plan to leave office before my term ends, not due to any pressure from anyone, but because I am engaged to be married in early spring 2015,” she said. Becker’s current term of office ends on Dec. 31, 2016, and Gov. Nathan Deal will appoint a successor to finish her term. Becker sentenced former DeKalb Schools Chief Operating Officer Pat Reid and her ex-husband Tony Pope to prison on Dec. 9, 2013, for manipulating school construction contracts for personal gain. Reid got 15 years in prison and Pope, an architect who worked on school projects funneled to him by his then-wife, is serving an eight-year sentence. Becker also sentenced prosecution star witness former DeKalb Schools Superintendent Crawford Lewis to 12 months in jail, even though he and District Attorney Robert James had negotiated 12 months’ probation in exchange for his testimony against Reid and Pope. She said she did not honor the plea deal because she did not believe Lewis’ testimony. The Georgia Court of Appeals overturned Lewis’ prison sentence on Oct. 24, saying that Becker breached an agreement between Lewis and the D.A. when she sentenced Lewis to a year in jail instead of probation.

CrossRoadsNews

DeKalb Superior Court Judge Cynthia Becker says she is resigning to get married and become a private person.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

“After reading that directive and researching the law,” Becker said, “I concluded that I would have to give those two defendants a new trial in the interests of justice.” On Oct. 27, she ordered a retrial of Reid and Pope and their release from prison because she didn’t find Lewis’ testimony to be credible. But in a Nov. 7 motion filed with the Georgia Court of Appeals, James said Becker gave advance notice to Reid’s and Pope’s lawyers before attempting to reverse their convictions, without also notifying the district attorney’s office. Becker said there was nothing improper about her communication with the defense lawyers and that she called them to verify the exact location of each defendant in the state prison system because it was important that the [new trial] orders go directly to those prisons. “There was no need to involve the D.A.’s office in that procedural communication, just as there had been no need to involve the attorneys for Pope and Reid months earlier when the district attorney’s and defendant Lewis’ attorneys met with me in my office with the proposed plea deal,” she said. Becker did not give a departure date but she said she will give Deal her letter of resignation “after closing out professional obligations later this year as planned.”

DeKalb DA seeks death penalty in baby’s slaying DeKalb District Attorney Robert James is seeking the death penalty for Devin Thomas, who is accused of shooting 9-month-old KenDarious Edwards Jr. to death in May during a home invasion in Stone Mountain. The DA’s office filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty on Nov. 12. James said the case warrants capital punishment. Devin Thomas “Because of the egregious nature of this senseless crime, my office had no choice but to seek the death penalty regarding the death of an innocent baby,” he said. Robert James Thomas, 18, and Marco Watson, 36, both members of the Bloods street gang, were indicted on eight felony counts after KenDarious being charged in the infant’s death. Both face malice murder and felony aggravated assault charges for allegedly opening fire on the baby’s grandmother Tracy Smith; his mother, Tanika Smith; and her best friend Teniqua Clark in the Smiths’ Lani Farm Road home on May 10. The home invasion came in a string of fatal shootings that started on May 3. The indictment said that gunfire initiated by Thomas and Watson struck the women multiple times and killed the baby. Thomas is the only one named in the death penalty notice. The crimes were acts of intra-gang retaliation – Watson and Thomas targeted the family members of fellow Bloods gang member Oslushla Smith just days after Smith killed Thomas’ associate Alexis Malone, the indictment said. The infant was the nephew of Smith. James said his office will continue its pursuit of justice for KenDarious. Thomas and Watson face additional felony charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, and violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MEDICARE

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Medicare Open Enrollment Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 CMS_OE_2014_Ad_10x7_v2.indd 1

WWW.MEDICARE.GOV 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) 10/24/14 10:52 AM

CrossRoadsNews

Community

November 15, 2014

“I take great pride in our legislative shop and will continue offering bills of substance and work to get them passed into law.”

Johnson among most effective Democrats in Congress 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

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

Fourth District Rep. Hank Johnson is the 18th most effective Democrat in Congress, and the most effective congressman of either party from Georgia, a study by Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia finds. T h e re a re Hank Johnson 200 Democrats in the House of Representatives. The Lawmakers, a study that examined why some members of Congress are better than others at lawmaking, was authored by the University of Virgina Professor of

Public Policy and Politics Craig Volden and the Vanderbilt University associate professor of political science Alan E. Wiseman. It also ranked Johnson higher than any of his GOP colleagues from Georgia. The study looked at bills introduced, and how representatives advocated for them in committee hearings and floor debate, to get them enacted into laws. It also examined how variation in legislators’ effectiveness affect the organization of Congress and the creation of American public policy. Volden and Wiseman said they developed the Legislative Effectiveness Scores and used them to explore how parties influence leg-

islative policymaking, what strategies women and African Americans use to promote their policy goals, and how entrepreneurial lawmakers can develop issue expertise to overcome party polarization and policy gridlock. They also highlighted the 20 most effective rank-and-file representatives of the past 40 years, identify the strategies and habits that legislators can use to become effective lawmakers, and discuss how American voters can focus on legislative effectiveness to promote a better democracy. The scoring also adjusts a lawmaker’s grade based upon seniority, committee leadership positions

and whether their party holds the majority. At the news of his ranking, Johnson said that many people know him for his dry sense of humor, but said he is also a serious legislator who gets results. “I work hard to offer meaningful and impactful legislation that helps level the playing field for consumers, working people, the middle class and civil rights for the disenfranchised,” he said. “I take great pride in our legislative shop and will continue offering bills of substance and work to get them passed into law.” For more information, visit http://www.thelawmakers.org/.

Seniors concerned about cracks in floor, project delay TOUR,

from page

the seniors questioned the county officials about cracks they saw in the building’s floor and asked why the commodes in the restrooms and the water fountains were so low to the ground. They also had questions about safety issues, whether they would have key card entry to the building and whether the building would be fenced. Jackie James, a member who sews, said she checked out the sewing room thoroughly. “There is some really neat stuff, but there is not enough [electrical] sockets in the sewing room,” she said. “I counted them and there is not enough.” Williams said that when he first visited the Candler Road building, the first thing he saw was the cracks in the floor. “I am not an engineer but that scared me,” he said.

‘I want it to be done right’ Williams told the seniors he has to depend on his team to finish the projects. “That’s the best I can give you,” he said. “I have to depend on each member of this team to provide enough facts and information to make sure.” The design of the 15,000-squarefoot facility complements the new Scott Candler Library that opened next door in August 2012. It also has a catering kitchen; activity rooms for ceramics, billiards and board games; a social lounge; and interior and exterior sitting areas. Williams told the seniors that he, his staff and Commissioners Larry Johnson and Kathie Gannon, who represent the area and were at the briefing, took a big risk by taking them on a hard-hat tour of the unfinished center. “If I keep you out of there, you don’t know what’s going on in there, and I can make up something,” he said. “But you got to see it for yourself.” Bob Sims, the county’s deputy director of Facilities Management,

Cracks in the floor of the new senior center (above) on Candler Road will be fixed before it opened in the spring.

Photos by Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Architectural & Engineering, said he wants to make sure that when they open the building, nothing is going to fall apart. He said the county hired Matrix Engineering, which did a lot of tests and took samples and reviewed the results. “What they found was that the time the concrete was poured, it was 34 degrees,” Sims said. Sims said Matrix found that the surface below the concrete exceeds specifications for compression and expansion and its solution is to open the cracks and do pressure injections of poxins to close them because they don’t want insects coming into the building later on. He said the building is structurally sound, and while they don’t want to see cracks, they are going to fix them. “We are going to make it right,” he said. “It’s going to look good.”

Williams told the seniors that everyone on the team with one exception has an AARP card. “I have an AARP card,” he said. “I am going to be at the center soon, so I want it to be done right as well.” In addition to the cracks in the floor, work to be completed includes interior flooring; minor electrical, plumbing and painting; installing pedestrian walkways, sidewalks and parking lot; and landscaping. Aaron Worthy, the center’s new project manager, reassured the seniors that once the project resumes, he will be on site daily. “The most important think I can say today is, I am not responsible for looking back at how things happened but mainly at looking at what we need to do to go forward to get this project completed. “I know there is a lot of bad his-

tory with this one, but with a threeto four-month time frame, there is no reason why this center shouldn’t be completed very soon.” Worthy is the chief operating officer of BuffCove LLC, a Stockbridge-based program management consulting firm. In 2008, he was a project manager for the new Scott Candler Library that is next door to the senior center. Williams said the county still has 17 percent of the facility’s $5 million budget left to complete the project and that he has not asked the Board of Commissioners for any more money. “We hope to finish it within budget,” he said. “That is our goal.” Paul Gresham, the seniors’ council president, said he was impressed with the center’s multipurpose room and the big windows that let in a lot of natural light from the outdoors, but he wanted to know how they would darken the room if they want to watch a movie. He was told that curtains will be installed. Rachel Brotherson of Stone Mountain, who has been a member of the Candler Road center since 2006, said the classrooms could be larger but she liked what she saw. “I am more than ready to be in it,” she said. “There is a lot of potential there and after seeing it, I want it to open tomorrow.” Gannon, the Super District 6 commissioner, told the seniors that they will have a garden and that there will be lots of pedestrian access to the center. “Wherever you park, there will be a way to walk into the building,” she said. The facility also has an indoor corridor that circles the interior. Seniors will be able to walk a mile in 12 laps. “With the library, the center will make a great presentation on Candler Road,” she said. Johnson, the District 3 commissioner, said he is anxious for the center to open. “I miss you all on Candler Road,” he said. “I need you back.”

index to advertisers

Circulation Audited By Cajun Turkeys................................................12 Celebrity Glamour Salon................................ 11 Decatur Business Association..........................6 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court......................9 DeKalb County Dept. Watershed Management.2 Ga Health Services Network / Chris Fagan...... 8

Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC.................. 11 Johnson’s Antiques & Flea Market................ 11 Medicare.gov.................................................. 3 Ousley United Methodist Church................... 11 Quenon Smith............................................... 11

Smiles for Less............................................... 11 The Mall at Stonecrest.................................... 7 Truth Tabernacle.............................................6 ViiV Healthcare............................................... 5 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts

Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Sam’s Club..............................................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, P.C......... Online

November 15, 2014

CrossRoadsNews

T:15.675”

Talk to your doctor about a treatment option for adults with HIV-1. Visit hivoption.com to learn more.

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

November 15, 2014

“We have been very fortunate through the years to make a positive difference in the lives of more than 6,500 children.”

Gospel quartet Walls Group to perform live at Stonecrest The chart-topping Walls Group will perform live at the Mall at Stonecrest on Nov. 22. The brother and sister quartet will be on stage at 7 p.m. near Macy’s to celebrate their debut album, “Fast Forward.” The RCA recording group – Darrel, 23; Rhea, 19; Paco, 18; and Ahjah, 16 – has wowed the gospel world with their whistle-and-clap-backed anthem “Perfect People.” The 13-track “Fast Forward” gospel album is produced by the Rev. Kirk Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, The Houston siblings introduced their music via Facebook, then gained millions of followers on YouTube. Two years ago on Easter, they got a phone call from Franklin that changed their lives. He wanted to talk about a record deal.

Franklin, a nine-time Grammy winner, said he was blown away by the siblings’ talent and ages. “This genre doesn’t showcase a lot of young talent,” he said. “So seeing a whole family of kids be so unapologetic about their faith and backing it up with strong, innovative talent was too appealing to pass up.” Franklin wrote eight of the songs on the “Fast Forward” CD, which ministers to church youth and anyone who has lost his or her faith. Darrel Walls calls it an album of messages. “If you feel some kind of way about your life, there’s something on this record that will help you,” he says. The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 and Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.mallatstonecrest. com.

Tree of Love seeks talent, partners Produce, shredding Entertainers and partners are needed for the kickoff of District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson’s 16th annual Tree of Love on Nov. 22 at the Gallery at South DeKalb in Decatur. The event, which benefits disadvantaged children, will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Macy’s Stage. Benefactors can pick a child’s name from the decorated Christmas tree, purJennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews chase a gift and return it Benefactors will pick a child’s name from the tree, purchase on or before the Christmas a gift and return it on or before Dec. 20. program scheduled for noon for those who may have experienced a on Dec. 20 at the same location. A final opportunity to “adopt a child” blighted holiday season otherwise.” Last year, the effort garnered the suptakes place noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Walport of District 3 community and neighmart at 3580 Memorial Drive in Decatur. Johnson said the need is great and they borhood associations, the DeKalb NAACP, often have more needy children than gifts. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the DeKalb “We have been very fortunate through the Board of Health, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, years to make a positive difference in the lives the DeKalb Tax Assessors Office, state Rep. of more than 6,500 children,” Johnson said Rahn Mayo, and Josh Powell’s 21 Reasons in a Nov. 4 statement. “This task, which is far to Give Foundation, Johnson said. “This year we are looking to add to too great for us to attempt to handle singlehandedly, presents an awesome opportunity these as the more support we garner, the for shoppers, community leaders, businesses, more children we are able to assist.” The mall is at 2801 Candler Road. For churches, etc., to come together in a meaningful way and make Christmas brighter more information, call 404-371-2425.

Truth Tabernacle is giving a helping hand to DeKalb County Residents for the Thanksgiving Holidays. Gift cards will be available for guests attending the 11am service on Sunday, November 23, 2014. The gift cards will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.

DECATUR TERRIFIC THURSDAYS Butter & Cream

Sherlock’s Wine Merchant

Decatur-crossroads-nov15-2014.indd 1

South DeKalb residents can buy fresh organic produce for the holidays while clearing out old sensitive documents at Saint Philip’s fourth annual Community Shredding Event on Nov. 22. The 9 a.m.-to-1 p.m. event is sponsored by Saint Philip’s Community Development Corp. On-site document shredding is free. The church’s primary produce supplier will have collards, turnips, kale and sweet potatoes for purchase in the parking lot market. Saint Philip AME Church is at 240 Candler Road S.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.saintphilip.org or call 404-371-0749.

Register on Nov. 17 for turkey giveaway Families in need of help with the Thanksgiving meal can register on Nov. 17 for state Rep. Ronnie Mabra’s third annual 1,000 turkey giveaway. Register at www.mabraturkeys.com or call 1-800-My-Attorney. The giveaway, co-sponsored by the Mabra Firm, takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 22 at 5495 Old National Highway in the Grown Folks Plaza in Atlanta. Mabra, who represents House District 63, has provided more than 3,000 free turkeys to families since the giveaway’s inception in 2012. Health care workers will offer free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings during the giveaway. Mabra said serving his community has truly been a humbling experience. “This annual event is just my way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who have entrusted me as the voice of this district,” he said. Recipients must be a resident of Georgia, at least 18 and have a valid email address. Confirmed registrants must bring a state photo ID or driver’s license and their emailed confirmation.

Donations needed for holiday dinner

HomeGrown

visitdecaturgeorgia.com visitdecaturgeorgia.com

event at Saint Philip

Get gifty in Decatur this holiday season. Look for sales, snacks, and extended hours at local restaurants and shops during Terriﬁc Thursdays in November and December. 11/10/14 4:28 PM

Donations are needed for Austin’s Barber Shop’s annual turkey giveaway and inaugural Thanksgiving Barbecue Dinner on Nov. 22. The event, which will serve up to 300 dinners, takes place from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 100 Hurricane Shoals Road in Lawrenceville. The menu includes turkey, ham and chicken from the grill and all the fixings. Free haircuts will be offered from 8 to 10 a.m. There will be music, moonbouncers and free giveaways. For more information, contact Austin at 678-852-7968 or Willie at 770-865-1629.

The brother-andsister act the Walls Group will be on stage at 7 p.m. on Nov. 22 at the Mall at Stonecrest to celebrate their debut album, “Fast Forward.”

Women’s Day at Union Missionary The Rev. Wendy Torres will be the keynote speaker at Union Missionary Baptist Women’s Day on Nov. 16. The theme for the 10:45 a.m. program is “Women Doing Great Things for God by Staying Connected to God.” Torres, associate Wendy Torres minister of Zion Shiloh Baptist Church in Douglasville, is a 19year public school teacher. She is also the author of “The Angel Rules” and “The Little Angel Book for Girls.” Union Missionary Baptist Church is at 2470 Bruce St. in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-7088.

Santa Hugh returns to N. DeKalb Mall Nor th DeKalb Mall’s Santa Hugh will be in his seat in the Clock Court starting Nov. 22. Santa is on his 30th year at the Decatur mall. He starts greeting Santa Hugh kids and taking photos at 10 a.m. The mall is at 2050 Lawrenceville Highway. For more information, visit www.NorthDeKalbMall.com.

Free self-defense for girls, women Women and girls as young as 11 years old can get some self-defense training on Nov. 16 at the Davis Bozeman Law Firm in Decatur. The free mini-workshop, sponsored and taught by WarrioRobiX Martial Arts & Fitness, will focus on rape prevention and personal safety. It takes place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. SisterCare Alliance is co-host. Participants will learn the seven signals of a potential attacker as well as how to effectively put down an assailant. Seventeen percent of high school girls have been abused physically, and one in six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape, according to the Peace Alliance’s statistics on violence. To reserve a space, email warriorobix@ gmail.com or call 404-454-5422. The Davis Bozeman Law Firm is at 4153-B Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, visit www.davisbozeman. com.

November 15, 2014

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

November 15, 2014

“Tobacco companies heavily target young adults … because they know it is a critical time period for solidifying a tobacco addiction.”

DeKalb Medical program recognized by American Diabetes Association DeKalb Medical’s Nutrition and Diabetes Education Center has earned kudos from the American Diabetes Association for its self-management education program that offers individual and group training and pre-diabetes classes. The diabetes association says the center provides high-quality education that is an essential component of effective treatment and meets the national standards for selfmanagement education programs.

The center also offers cooking demonstrations and grocery store tours and monthly workshops that encourage patients to discuss the challenges of diabetes and how to manage the disease. Lyssa Youngblood, the center’s program manager, says the education center helps develop and improve patients’ self-care skills essential to their diabetes or pre-diabetes management. “Our team’s goal is to help these patients

What will you find during Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare Open Enrollment: Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 Your health needs change from year to year. And your health plan may change the benefits and costs each year too. That’s why it’s important to review your Medicare choices each fall. Compare your current plan to new options and see if you can lower some costs or to find a plan that better suits your needs. Open Enrollment is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage. Whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now: n Certain preventive benefits – including cancer screenings – are available at no cost to you when provided by qualified and participating health professionals. The annual wellness visit lets you sit down with your doctor and discuss your health care needs and the best ways to stay healthy. n Medicare will notify you about plan performance and use its online Plan Finder to encourage enrollment in quality plans. n In 2015, if you reach the “donut hole” in Medicare’s prescription drug benefit,

you’ll get a 55 percent discount on covered brand name drugs and see increased savings on generic drugs. It’s worth it to take the time to review and compare, but you don’t have to do it alone. Medicare is available to help. n Visit Medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare your current coverage with all of the options that are available in your area, and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change. n Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227) 24-hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. n Review the Medicare & You 2015 handbook. It’s mailed to people with Medicare in September. n If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get Extra Help paying your prescription drug coverage costs. For more information, visit social security.gov/i1020 or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778. n Get one-on-one help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit Medicare.gov/contacts or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get the phone number. This message is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

develop the cornerstone healthy lifestyle choices, such as healthy eating, being active and modest weight loss,” she said. This is the second time that DeKalb Medical has earned a certificate from the American Diabetes Association. It also recognized the center in 2001. Each day, about 4,657 people are diagnosed with diabetes. In 2012, about 1.7 million new cases were diagnosed in people 20 years old or older.

The association says that about 29.1 million people, or 9.3 percent of the population in the United States, have diabetes, but that 8.1 million are unaware that they have the disease. Many find out when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications – heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease and amputation. For more information, visit www.diabetes .org/erp and www.dekalbmedical.org.

Emory Medical School makes ‘Free From Tobacco Money’ list Emory University Medical School is the only Georgia-based college to make a national list of colleges and universities that have divested themselves of tobacco money. Action on Smoking & Health, a Washington-based nonprofit that supports the global war on tobacco, released the list of 33 certified “Free From Tobacco Money” schools in honor of their divestment from tobacco interests on Nov. 12. Emory Medical School in DeKalb County is one of only two schools from the Southeast on the list. The other is the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. Other schools on the list include Brown University, Harvard University, Harvard School of Public Health, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Stanford University. The full list can be found at http://ash. org/tobacco-free-schools. Laurent Huber, ASH executive director, said universities should not profit from tobacco addictions and death. “The money students spend bettering themselves should not be inLaurent Huber vested in projects that have such a negative impact on the health of students and of people around the world,” Huber said. “By divesting from tobacco funds, these schools are doing their part in

the fight against tobacco.” Tobacco use, the single most preventable cause of death worldwide, kills more Americans than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined. ASH says that in 2005, the tobacco industry spent more than $1 million a day sponsoring events and giveaways targeting college students. “Tobacco companies heavily target young adults ages 18 to 21 through a variety of marketing activities – music and sporting events, bar promotions, college marketing programs, college scholarships, and parties – because they know it is a critical time period for solidifying a tobacco addiction,” the group said. “Clearly, it works. In 2010, 24.8 percent of college students categorized themselves as ‘current smokers,’ far higher than the national prevalence for adults (18.1 percent).” ASH directs an international coalition of more than 350 non-governmental organizations from over 100 countries that worked with the World Health Organization to shape the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the first global public health treaty. ASH is encouraging alumni, current students and supporters of the certified schools to thank them for doing their part in the fight against tobacco. “And we encourage schools that are not on this list to consider divestment as a way to fight the tobacco epidemic,” ASH said.

ACA enrollment help at libraries Health insurance marketplace information and enrollment assistance will be available at three DeKalb Public Library branches on Nov. 17, 20 and 24 to help residents seeking coverage for 2015. Open enrollment for coverage under the Affordable Care Act takes place Nov. 15 to Feb. 15. Health navigators from Oakhurst Medical Centers will offer assistance at the Scott Candler Library on Nov. 17 and at the Flat Shoals Library on Nov. 24. Both libraries are in Decatur and the sessions take place 5 to 7:45 p.m. For appointments, call 404-2988998, Ext. 371. Walk-ins also are welcome.

The Scott Candler Library is at 1917 Candler Road. For more information, call 404-286-6986. The Flat Shoals Library is at 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, call 404-244-4370. On Nov. 20, Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy agency, will provide health care enrollment assistance at the Clarkston Library from 1 to 5 p.m. No appointment is required and some interpretation services will be available. The library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For more information, call 404-525-1085.

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb! R Don’t Litter R Mow, Trim & Paint R Clean to the Curb A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

CrossRoadsNews

November 15, 2014

Youth

“Almost all the confirmed cases this year of EV-D68 infection have been among children. Many had asthma.”

Child care providers urged to be vigilant for Enterovirus D68, flu Child care workers and early education providers in Georgia are on notice to look for symptoms of enteroviruses and influenza among children in their care. Enterovirus D68 causes mild to severe respiratory illness, and children with asthma could have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says America has experienced a nationwide outbreak of EV-D68 since midAugust. Through Nov. 6, the CDC and public health labs confirmed 1,116 people in 47 states and the District of Columbia with re-

spiratory illness caused by EV-D68, detected in specimens from 11 patients who died. “Almost all the confirmed cases this year of EV-D68 infection have been among children,” the CDC says. “Many of the children had asthma or a history of wheezing.” In a joint Oct. 17 letter to child care providers statewide, Gov. Nathan Deal and Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning interim Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs urged caregivers to be vigilant. While there isn’t a vaccine to prevent EV-D68, the letter said there’s a flu vaccine and Georgia law requires kids in day care to get vaccinated.

Each year, enteroviruses affect 10 million to 15 million Americans, especially during the summer and fall months. Infants and children are more susceptible to infection. Pregnant women also have a greater chance of being infected. The symptoms – fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and body and muscle aches – are similar to the common cold. Severe symptoms can include wheezing and difficulty in breathing. Some individuals could develop heart or brain infections or even become paralyzed. To prevent the spread of EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses:

n Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. n Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. n Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick. n Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands. n Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs. n Stay home when you are sick. For more information, visit www.cdc. gov.

Sporty Girls lands grants for outreach The nonprofit Sporty Girls Inc., which fosters and develops lifestyle skills among young female athletes, has received $10,000 in grants and volunteer support since August to help girls become well-rounded leaders in the classroom, on the field and in the community. It received a $5,000 “Sports 4 Life” grant from the Women’s Sports Foundation and espnW in November to increase participation and retention of AfricanAmerican and Hispanic girls ages 11-18 in developmental youth sports programs. It also received a $5,000 grant from the Finish Line Youth Foundation in August to bring more free sports clinics to metro Atlanta for girls ages 8 to 18. Media personality Rashan Ali, who founded Sporty Girls Inc. in 2006, said the funds will help the group reach more girls. There are 45 girls enrolled in its Sporty Tract to Scholarship Initiative that includes Camp Elite and Sporty Saturday programs. More than 350 girls from DeKalb County Sporty Girls programs encourage girls to participate in soccer, swimming, and metro Atlanta have participated in golf and tennis and promote lifestyle and leadership skills. field day events through its Get Girls Sporty Initiative whose programs are free and open to volunteers to address many social issues in the comthe public. More than 100 girls have taken part in its free munity. golf, soccer, swimming and tennis clinics since 2011. Under Sporty Saturday’s 2014 theme of PhilanPrograms also receive support from Alpha Kappa thropy, girl athletes are learning budgeting, planning, Alpha Sorority’s Ivy & Roses Community Fund. communication and leadership skills and designing and Sporty Saturday participants are working on a service implementing community service projects. project to benefit homeless youth through a partnership For more information, visit www.sportygirlsinc. with the nonprofit Love Beyond Walls that mobilizes org.

Omarri Suggs’ family is competing in the National Red Ribbon Photo Contest to win a top prize for Arabia Mountain High. Supporters can vote online through Nov. 19.

Contest entry needs votes Students, friends and supporters of Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia need votes through Nov. 19 to help Omarri Suggs’ family win a top prize for the school in the National Red Ribbon Photo Contest. The contest, which promotes drug awareness and prevention among youth, celebrates the 29th annual Red Ribbon Week, observed Oct. 23-31. Competitors decorate their front door, mailbox or fence with the 2014 theme “Love Yourself. Be Drug Free.” Ten families nationwide will be selected for the iPad and $1,000 donation grand prizes, and one prize for a school decoration will be awarded. Supporters visit http://redribbon.org/vote and vote for the Arabia entry. Entries with the most votes win $1,000 for their school to be used for drug prevention efforts to help more students to stay away from drugs. The winning family gets an iPad for raising awareness in the local community about the cause. Winners will be announced Dec. 5.

11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/26

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

Legal Notices 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10028-2++ Donyiele Nichole Daniels filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on October 20, 2014 to change the name from: Donyiele Nichole Daniels to Carmen Donyiele Nichole 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. 10, 2014 Donyiele Nichole Daniels Petitioner, Pro se 5678 Cedar Craft Lane Lithonia, GA 30058 678-431-3601 11/15, 11/22, 11/26, 12/06

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Child in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10767-4++ Shannon Strozier filed a petition in

the DeKalb County Superior Court on November 3, 2014 to change the name of the following minor child(ren) from: Tyreus Narague Thomas, Jr. to Tu’riko David Fortson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Nov. 3, 2014 Shannon Strozier Petitioner, Pro se 3666 Stanford Circle Decatur, GA 30034 (678) 927-4220 11/15, 11/22, 11/26, 12/6

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10818-5++ Lizzie Louise Hogan filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on November 5, 2014 to change the name from: Lizzie Louise Hogan to Lizzie Louise Hampton. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Nov. 5, 2014 Lizzie Hogan

Petitioner, Pro se 2817 Misty Water Drive Decatur, GA 30032 404-553-1992 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV9310-8++ Samayyah Robinson Plaintiff Vs. Kevin Robinson Defendant To: Kevin Robinson 3400 Edgefield Ct. Greensboro, NC 27406 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 29, 2014 you are hereby notified that on July 22, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Samayyah Robinson, 1364 Hays Lane Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of October 29, 2014. Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter,

Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 29th day of October, 2014 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV9695-3++ Marlene Wilson-Taylor Plaintiff Vs. Rodney B. Wilson Defendant To: Rodney B. Wilson 14200 Vance Jackson, #2308 San Antonio, TX 78249 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 30, 2014 you are hereby notified that on Oct. 3, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Marlene Wilson-Taylor, P.O. Box 450423, Atlanta, GA 31145. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of October 30, 2014. Witness the Honorable Clarence Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of October, 2014

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV7698-7++ Tiffany S. Cunningham Plaintiff Vs. Zebulon Cunningham Defendant To: Zebulon Cunningham 2909 Nells Ct. Augusta, GA 30906 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 17, 2014 you are hereby notified that on August 1, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Tiffany S. Cunningham, 4341 Ward Bluff Ct., Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of October 17, 2014. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of October, 2014 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10435-8 ++ Angelica K. Clarke Plaintiff Vs. Marlon Mullinas Defendant To: Marlon Mullinas

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 29, 2014 you are hereby notified that on October 27, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Angelica K. Clarke, 6202 Wesley Kensington, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of October 29, 2014. Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of October, 2014 11/15, 11/22, 11/26, 12/06

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10557-7++ Stanley Preston Plaintiff Vs. Tiffany Preston Defendant To: Tiffany Preston 570 Ashburton Decatur, GA 30032 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Nov. 5, 2014 you are hereby notified that on Nov. 1, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Stanley Preston, 570 Ashburton, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 5, 2014. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 5th day of Nov., 2014

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

November 15, 2014

“If you’ve ever pulled out of either side on Flat Shoals Parkway, you know it’s been a bit dangerous and you’re putting your life in jeopardy each and every time.”

New Flat Shoals traffic signal to make left turns less risky By Ken Watts

A newly activated traffic signal on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur will make it easier for customers of the Chapel Hill Commons and Village at Flat Shoals shopping plazas to get around safely. County and business officials staged a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the taffic signal’s activation on Nov. 13 in the Village Plaza at 4920 Flat Shoals Parkway, DeKalb Police reports about 55 accidents and at least two fatalities since 2010 in the 4900 block of Flat Shoals in the vicinity of both shopping centers. The block is home to a Kroger, Catos, Aldi’s, Pesos Mexican Restaurant, Anytime Fitness, a Bank of America branch and other retailers and restaurants. Customers have complained about the tough time they have entering and exiting both shopping centers from busy Flat Shoals Parkway. Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May, Super District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson, State Reps. Pam Stephenson (DDecatur) and Rahn Mayo (D-Ellenwood) attended the ceremony in the Village Plaza parking lot. May said navigating the stretch can be hazardous. “If you’ve ever pulled out of either side on Flat Shoals Parkway, you know it’s been a bit dangerous and you’re put-

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

The new traffic signal on Flat Shoals Parkway took nearly two years and the cooperation of DeKalb County and Georgia DOT.

ting your life in jeopardy each and every time,” he said. “I’ve seen it myself.” Stephenson said she learned firsthand in 2012 how risky it can be to cross the parkway. “I crossed from here going to Kroger and someone thought they were in a left-turn lane and hit me,” she said. “

I went over a median and got hit again, then realized I had a concussion.” Technicians placed the new signal in flash mode a week ago to alert drivers. The lights were completely operational by rush hour on Thursday. The signal project, which got underway in June, was a welcome sight for neighborhood residents in subdivisions off Flat Shoals Parkway and nearby Wesley Chapel Road. Mayo said tresidents urged county leaders for years to do something about the hazardous traffic situation. “I’m glad we were able to make it happen,” he said. Flat Shoals Parkway is a state road and Watson said it took nearly two years to find a solution and get cooperation and funding from Georgia Department of Transportation. A signal can cost more than $100,000 and GDOT said it didn’t have the funds. Watson said GDOT board member Robert Brown, who attend the ceremony, found a solution. “He donated from DOT the signal equipment and the lights and our transportation and public safety departments put the equipment together,” Watson said. “A year and a half later, we have a light that is functioning and should provide safety for our constituents.” The signal has a flashing yellow left-turn arrow that allows for left turns if the road is clear.

Home Depot warns of phishing scams in breach Money series covers Home Depot is advising customers to be on guard against phishing scams as the home improvement retailer investigates a breach in its data payment systems. Phishing scams are designed to trick customers into providing personal information in response to phony emails. Information about how to avoid phishing and other email scams is available at https://www.onguardonline.gov /articles/0003-phishing. Atlanta-based Home Depot continues to offer free identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to any customer who used a payment card at a Home Depot store in 2014 from April on. Customers who want to

take advantage of the services can learn more at www.homedepot.com or by calling 1-800-HOMEDEPOT (1-800-466-3337). According to a Nov. 6 update of findings in the investigation, criminals used a third-party vendor’s user name and password to enter the perimeter of Home Depot’s network. The stolen credentials alone did not provide direct access to the company’s point-of-sale devices. Hackers then acquired elevated rights that allowed them to navigate portions of Home Depot’s network and deploy unique, custom-built malware on its self-checkout systems in the United States and Canada. In addition to payment card data, separate files containing about 53 million email addresses were taken during the breach.

These files did not contain passwords, payment card information or other sensitive personal information, the company said. It is notifying affected customers. Malware used in the attack had not been seen in prior attacks and was designed to evade detection by antivirus software, according to Home Depot’s security partners. The hackers’ method of entry has been closed off and the malware has been eliminated from the company’s systems. Its investigation, cooperation with law enforcement and efforts to further enhance its security measures are ongoing, Home Depot said. It has rolled out new security protections. Visit www.homedepot.com for more information.

basics of insurance

Financial counselors Pamela Wilcox and Labarron Edwards will cover insurance basics on Nov. 17 as part of the Money Mondays series at the Stonecrest Library. The one-hour program begins at 6:30 p.m. Wilcox and Edwards will give basic tips for understanding and navigating life, health and auto insurance. The Money Mondays class meets the third Monday of the month, and participants learn strategies and best practices for meeting both short- and long-term financial goals and objectives. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-3828. INSTALLED TOMORROW! 888858-9457 (M-F 9am-9pm ET)

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

CrossRoadsNews

November 15, 2014

People

The Roaring ’20s event featuring an array of jazz, blues and R&B artists is the main fundraiser for nonprofit Howey Hudson Lowe Foundation.

All that jazz and more at ‘Stompin’ at the Savoy’ fundraiser

Photos By Jennifer Ffrench Parker, Kelli Ffrench-Parker and Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

On a night filled with fashion, fun and frivolity, supporters of the Howey Hudson Lowe Foundation turned out for “Stompin’ at the Savoy” on Nov. 8 at the Holiday Inn Express in Dunwoody. At left, Kelli Ffrench-Parker took first place in the Best Creative Dress contest; above, ladies were all smiles in their ’30s-era finery; top right, Judge Jeryl Roush and DeKalb Schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond received Trailblazer Awards; bottom right, foundation Executive Director Brenda Jackson (center) recognized CrossRoadsNews owners Jennifer and Curtis Parker for 10 years of support for the annual fundraiser.

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Cajun Fried & Smoked Turkeys

Best in Atlanta $45 and up

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MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

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Community

November 15, 2014

“For the Great American Clean Up … she organized students to clean up Hillandale Drive and DeKalb Medical Parkway.”

Volunteers recognized for efforts to clean up, beautify DeKalb

Cynthia Houston received the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mercer University student Amber Yekinni of Tucker was named Student of the Year for her activism.

Six groups and individuals who pick up trash around their neighborhoods, clean streams and cemeteries, and volunteer at recycling events were recognized by Keep DeKalb Beautiful at its annual awards luncheon on Nov. 1. Cynthia Houston, who has picked up trash daily along Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road for the past 13 years, received the Volunteer of the Year Award that was renamed “The Houston Award” in honor of her longstanding dedication to the county. Amber Yekinni, who gives freely of her time organizing cleanups and volunteering at Keep DeKalb Beautiful recycling events, was named Student of the Year. Kimberly White, KDB program manager, said Yekinni, a Mercer University student and Tucker resident, does a lot. “She is a regular volunteer,” White said. “She helps with our household hazardous waste recycling event, and for the Great American Clean Up in the spring, she organized students from her college to clean up Hillandale Drive and DeKalb Medical Parkway.” The Brook Glen Neighborhood Association repre-

The Brook Glen Neighborhood Association’s Wayne Jones (left) and Cheryl Burnett receive award from KDB’s Kimberly White. Gordon Burkette, KDB’s director, is at right.

The South DeKalb Improvement Association won the Community Leadership Award for its efforts to improve the quality of life in the area.

sented by Wayne Jones and Cheryl Burnett in Decatur and David Kaminski of Clarion Downs Townhomes were recognized for adopting a road and adopting a MARTA stop respectively. The South DeKalb Improvement Association won the Community Leadership Award for its work improving the beauty and quality of life in south DeKalb County. The Tucker Civic Association is the 2014 “Community Group of the Year” for adopting a MARTA stop and cleaning up the old Dabney Cemetery on Brockett Road and the Tucker Nature Preserve. The North Fork Connectors received their trophy for cleaning up Peachtree Creek in Brookhaven and for other beautification projects in their neighborhood. Gordon Burkette, KDB director, said the nonprofit that connects people and businesses with resources to prevent litter, reduce waste, and beautify their neighborhood could not achieve its goal without volunteers from across the county. To volunteer or for more information, visit keep- Tucker Civic Association members (from left) Jane Tanner and Jonnie Johnson dekalbbeautiful.org or call Kimberly White at 404- and Beth White (at right) pose with KDB’s Teresa Williams, Kimberly White and Gordon Burkette after receiving the Community Group of the Year Award. 371-7045.

Saturday Jan. 31, 2015 Noon - 5 p.m.

In Partnership with

Lower Level, The Mall at Stonecrest

Live Healthy & Prosper! When CrossRoadsNews presented the first Health & Wellness Expo in 2006, it immediately became the biggest celebration of health and wellness in East Metro Atlanta and has attracted more than 6,000 people annually to the Mall at Stonecrest. During the 10th anniversary celebration, we will once again provide information, health screenings and other resources to empower residents to eat healthy, be more active, and know their health status. We will also recognize the exhibitors, sponsors, performers and other supporters who have helped us carry the message of wellness to our community for the last decade.

Limited Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities available on a first-come, first-served basis.To reserve your space, call 404-284-1888 or email kathy@crossroadsnews.com

More than 6,000 attended the 2014 Expo

Deadline to Book: Dec. 19, 2014

We hope you will join us in this celebration of Health & Wellness in our community.