CrossRoadsNews, November 21, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

HOLIDAY

Students at Columbia High School will feed more than 400 homeless men, women and children at their third annual Turkey Dinner on Nov. 21. 10

Commissioner Larry Johnson is hoping to see a sea of gifts when his annual Tree of Love kicks off at the Gallery at South DeKalb mall. 11

Want to be a hit when the family and friends gather for a holiday potluck? Try one of these recipes sure to please a hungry palate. 12

Learning to help others

Making wishes come true

November 21, 2009

Treats for the feast

www.crossroadsnews.com

Volume 15, Number 29

Signs that people are shopping again inspire retailers By Donna Williams Lewis

While people aren’t expected to loosen the grips on their wallets anytime soon, local malls are still optimistic that this holiday season will be merrier for them than the last. The International Council of Shopping Centers predicts a moderate gain for 2009 in holiday sales. Local malls say they expect that to be the case. The Mall at Stonecrest has seen an uptick in sales since September, said marketing manager Donald Bieler. “People are starting to shop again,” Bieler said. “We’ve started the slow climb but it won’t be quick. It is going to be a long climb.” North DeKalb Mall has seen an increase in traffic since Halloween, said the mall’s marketing manager, Mary Joyce Burdge. “To be sure, I believe people are going to be sticking to a stricter budget than they may have had in the past, but I think there may be a small increase in spending over last year,” Burdge said. Though there are about 10 shuttered spaces at the Gallery at South DeKalb, general manager Tene Harris said the mall is “90 percent occupied” and that mall traffic has been stable throughout the year. Stores are under construction behind six of the tarps, Harris said. Meanwhile, the mall’s Piccadilly Cafeteria is “No. 1” in its chain for

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Retailers are hoping shoppers like these 2008 Black Friday bargain hunters will make this holiday shopping season a merry one. The 2009 shopping season kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving despite dire projections.

sales volume in Atlanta, according to Harris. And its Macy’s store is widely known for doing brisk business. “Our customers have been extremely loyal,” Harris said. “We have not seen the significant decreases in mall traffic some other centers have.” The rosy pictures are painted against a grim backdrop – one in which some surveys show that

consumers plan to spend about the same or less than they did last year, won’t be splurging or buying on credit. “Retailers are about to embark on the holiday season of the serious bargain hunter,” the National Retail Federation said in an Oct. 20 press release. An NRF survey found that U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $682.74 on holiday-related

coupons and putting up last year’s decorations. Many say they plan to buy more practical gifts, to buy joint gifts for kids or parents, and to give more handmade gifts. To help lure customers early on Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving – the Mall at Stonecrest is offering patrons a buy one get one free gift card special. Customers who buy a $100 Mall at Stonecrest gift card will get a $50 gift card for free, while supplies last. The sale begins at 7 a.m. Santa arrives at the Mall at Stonecrest at I-20 and Turner Hill Road in Lithonia and at the Gallery at South DeKalb at 1-20 and Candler Road in Decatur on Nov. 21. He makes it to North DeKalb Mall on Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur on Nov. 27. The traditional beginning of the holiday shopping season, Black Friday is expected to be a much bigger deal for consumers this year than in recent years. Sixteen percent of respondents to a survey conducted by the International Council of Shopping Centers said they expect to begin their holiday shopping that day. That’s up from a previous high of 13 percent in 2006 and a low of 10 percent in 2007, the ICSC said. Some of the new retailers to the Gallery at South DeKalb are targeting Black Friday for getting their doors open. Already a new eatery, Mikie’s

shopping this year, a 3.2 percent drop from last year’s $705.01. In its November issue, Consumer Reports unveiled results of its consumers’ spending practice survey that found that 86 percent of adults 18 years and older say they will buy only what they need and put less on credit cards. Respondents to the NRF survey said they would be shopping for sales more often, using more Please see SHOPPING, page 4

90-year-old’s passion is helping his church feed community’s needy By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Even the years can’t slow Sam Brown down. Two days after his 90th birthday on Nov. 7, Brown was at his post at Holy Cross Episcopal Church managing the food pantry he helped set up 25 years ago. “It’s better than sitting down,” he said this week. “My health is good and all that work keeps me young.” Brown, who lives in Decatur, says his volunteer work at the church he has attended for 31 years keeps him going. He also rarely misses the monthly first Saturday DeKalb Community Cabinet Meeting hosted by former state Rep. Stan Watson at New Piney Grove Church. A retired engineer, Brown came to Atlanta in 1976 to help build the MARTA subway system. He also helped build the Washington, D.C., and San Francisco subway systems that were designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff Engineers, where he worked. He retired in 1982. When he joined the Decatur church in

1978, he said the pantry was needed. “We used to have 50 to 60 households receiving food,” he said. “They came from Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, just all over.” Then as now, the country was in the midst of recession and families were hurting. Three decades later, the country is in another recession and families are struggling with job layoffs, unemployment, foreclosures and a host of other economic issues. Hunger also is rising across the country. This week, a Household Food Security Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says that there were more than 506,000 U.S. families in which a child experienced hunger multiple times over the course of the year. Local food pantries, like Holy Cross’, have helped stave off some of that hunger. Brown said that the number of families served by the pantry has doubled this year. The pantry is supported by the 267 families making up the membership of the church on South Columbia Place and by its Diocese of Atlanta. Members also put in

volunteer hours to pick up from the Atlanta Community Food Bank and pack the food boxes they give away monthly. Last month, the pantry helped 170 families. On Saturday, it will be serving as many again with food boxes that will include all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Brown said what they do is necessary. “This is one of the most important ministries of this diocese,” he said. His pastor, the Rev. Brian Jemmott, said Brown shows no signs of slowing down at the church, which counts members from 21 countries including various Caribbean islands and Africa. “He is the nucleus of what goes on there,” Jemmott said Thursday. “Sam has the energy and he continues to lead the efforts.” Brown says he gets a “Christian feeling” from helping people in need. Even as a child growing up in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, he was helping others. “We had a day that we did things for the Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews church,” he said. Sam Brown loads a freezer with some of the Please see BROWN, page 4

turkeys that Holy Cross Episcopal Church will give away for Thanksgiving dinners.

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“That’s when I realized that we’ve gotta give ourselves a break or permission to say dumb things and keep moving.”

Groups provide Thanksgiving meals Families from DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties will find hot meals at the J.A.M. Community Development Center on Nov. 22 and A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys and Girls Club on Nov. 26. The Nov. 22 event is the fourth annual Thanksgiving giveaway held by J.A.M. Worldwide Ministries Christian Church. This year, it is joined in the venture by former NBA player Dion Glover. Recipients will get baskets loaded with whole turkeys and nonperishable items for their holiday dinner. Lorenzo G. Johnson Jr., senior pastor, said the giveaway allows them to serve families who have limited resources and are in need. “Our goal is to ensure that families are fed both spiritually and physically,” he said. The giveaway, which starts at 5 p.m.,

November 21, 2009

includes a Gospel Expo with local artists performing rhythm and gospel, holy hiphop, and soul music. The J.A.M. Community Development Center is at 1419 Old McDonough Highway, Conyers. For more information, visit www .jamchurch.org or call 1-888-495-4056.

Thanksgiving Day dinner On Thanksgiving Day, New Life Family Christian Center is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community. The meal will be served at 1 p.m. at the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys and Girls Club, 1015 O’Kelly St. in Conyers. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. To register or for more information, call 678-342-9117.

‘View’ co-host to discuss new book encourage women to give Sherri Shepherd, the themselves a break. She ebullient co-host of ABC’s came to that realization “The View,” will be at the after causing a media hysDecatur Recreation Center teria during her first week on Nov. 21 to talk about her on “The View.” During a life and her intriguing new discussion on evolution, book, “Permission Slips: she told Goldberg she Every Woman’s Guide to didn’t know if the world Giving Herself a Break.” was flat or round and Shepherd, an actress, never thought about it comedian and sitcom star, and set off a frenzy of hate is always opinionated on e-mails that crashed her “The View,” where she Web site. co-hosts with Whoopi “That’s when I reGoldberg, Barbara Walters, alized that we’ve gotta Joy Behar and Elisabeth give ourselves a break or Hasselbeck. Sherri Shepherd will sign copies of permission to say dumb Fans of the show know her book on Nov. 21. things and keep moving,” her as a dynamic, energetic personality, and her book exudes those same she told Time magazine. “I know what a lot of other women are going through. You try qualities. Shepherd’s new Lifetime series “Sherri” was to be perfect for everybody. We’ve gotta give the most-watched original comedy premiere on ourselves a break.” Shepherd will sign copies of the book the network in more than a decade. The new show, which centers around a after her talk. Because of the anticipated large crowd, newly single mom, paralegal and part-time comedian/actress who tries to get back into additional parking will be available at the the dating scene and move on with her DeKalb County Parking Deck at the corner life after divorcing her cheating husband, of Trinity and Commerce streets. The event is sponsored by the Georgia nearly doubled the average viewership of the previous four-week time period. The comedy Center for the Book at the DeKalb Public Library. For more information, call 404airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Shepherd says she wrote the book to 370-8450.

Drivers face seat belt crackdown The state is cracking down on The dual enforcement strategy is people who drive without seat designed to reduce high-fatality belts during the heavily traveled crash-counts during the deadly Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving travel period. The holiday, which will be celLast year, Georgians had 3,815 ebrated Nov. 26 this year, is known crashes during the November as one of the most dangerous and holiday. Statistics indicate that deadliest times of the year to drive many people died in those crashes because of low safety belt use. because they didn’t buckle up. Bob Dallas The Governor’s Office of Last Thanksgiving, 19 GeorHighway Safety, which launched Click It gians died during 102 hours on the road. or Ticket on Nov. 16, says law enforcement Another 1,457 were injured. will be looking out for Georgia motorists Nationwide, 40 percent of all traffic who violate the law and threaten their crash victims killed during the Thanksgivsafety during the Thanksgiving travel pe- ing holiday travel period were not wearing riod, Nov. 25 through Nov. 29. their safety belts. This year AAA projects that 982,000 Bob Dallas, the Governor’s Office of Georgians will drive 50 miles or more this Highway Safety director, says it is just so Thanksgiving to visit relatives. Those num- clear that safety belts save lives. bers are up 3 percent from last year, when “And yet day or night, unbuckled drivhigh gas prices kept many people home. ers and their passengers continue to pay the Concentrated patrols will be checking price with their lives,” he said. for seat belt violators on interstate highways “That’s why we always need to buckle up. by day and seat belt road checks will take Otherwise, it’s just a never-ending formula place on state and county roads at night. for fatalities.”

AAA: More motorists for holiday With a cautious eye on economic recovery, more Americans will be traveling this Thanksgiving to visit family, and a growing number of them will be driving to their destination. AAA projects 38.4 million Americans will travel a distance of 50 miles or more away from home throughout Thanksgiving weekend, a 1.4 percent increase over last year when 37.8 million traveled for the holiday. In Georgia, 1.2 million will be going somewhere; 982,000 of them will drive while 77,000 will fly to their destination, 3 percent higher than in 2008. Kevin Bakewell, senior vice president of AAA Auto Club South, said they take the projected increase as a sign that economic recovery may finally be taking root. “We believe many Americans certainly share the same hope,” Bakewell said. Overall, the numbers show an even greater number of people who plan on driving – 86 percent of all travelers – which AAA says reflects a growing public dissatisfaction with air travel. This holiday, higher costs for airfare, frequent delays and increased fees

have a record number of Americans opting for other means of travel. Only 6 percent of travelers said they will travel by air, a 10-year trend in which air travel accounts for a declining percentage of total Thanksgiving travel. Since 2000, the number of air travelers during Thanksgiving weekend has dropped by 62 percent. With so many motorists expected on the roadways, Bakewell recommends that everyone avoid distractions such as cellphones and texting as well as “driver fatigue.” He suggested that motorists do not attempt a long drive home at night, especially if there’s any drowsiness after enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving dinner. “It’s much better to stay put rather than place yourself and others at risk,” Bakewell added. “A fresh start in the morning after you’ve rested makes a world of difference.” AAA’s holiday travel projections are based on a national survey of 1,350 U.S. adults conducted by IHS Global Insight and D.K. Shifflet Associates. The complete Thanksgiving holiday forecast is available at www.AAA.com/news.

November 21, 2009

Community

“We are committed to that area of DeKalb and need a new larger location to provide services.”

Grady to add super center in South DeKalb By Mary Swint

South DeKalb will get another Grady health center next year but this one will be a “super center “ providing a wide variety of services to both insured and uninsured patients. DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson welcomed news of the center which comes four months after Grady had tried to close its Rainbow Drive health center in District Three, which he represents. “It will become the Wal-Mart of health care, a one-stop shop,” Johnson said. Denise Williams, Grady’s executive vice president, made a presentation about the health system’s plans to add four super health centers in Fulton and DeKalb counties at the Nov. 2 meeting of the Grady Memorial Hospital Corp. Board of Directors. No vote was needed, according to Matt Gove, the system’s vice president of communications and marketing. He said the goal is to open them sometime in 2010. Grady has just started trying to identify sites for the new center in southeast DeKalb, Gove said. “It needs to be more than 15,000 square feet,” he said. “Mostly it has to do with ease of access and parking.” The site may be rented or purchased, whichever is most cost effective. In addition to the southeast DeKalb center, plans call for expansion of the DeKalb Grady Neighborhood Health Center in the

Early voting under way for runoff elections Early voting for the Dec. 1 runoff elections for Clarkston mayor and Geeorgia House District 58 is now under way at the DeKalb Elections Office on Memorial Drive in Decatur. The early polls, which opened Nov. 18, continue Nov. 23-25 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Suite 300 at 4380 Memorial Drive Howard Tygrett in Decatur. Clarkston Cit y Council m e m b e r Pa t Dav is-Mor r is and store manager Howard Tygrett are seeking to succeed Lee Swane y, w ho Pat Davis-Morris did not seek reelection. The runoff is going ahead despite a Nov. 13 resolution by the city council that declared Tygrett the winner and affirmed the city’s long tradition of selecting its elected officials with a plurality of votes. In the House 58 race, attorney Asha Jackson and community organizer Simone Bell are seeking to finish the term of Robbin Shipp, who resigned in April. On election day, the polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the city and throughout House District 58.

“It will become the Wal-Mart of health care, a onestop shop.” Larry Johnson, DeKalb County Commissioner

Kirkwood area of Atlanta. Gove said parking is terrible at the center. “It is difficult for some patients to get up hill from the parking area,” he said. “We are committed to that area of DeKalb and need a new larger location to provide services. There are a couple options very close by that we are looking at to move that center.” The two other super health centers will be located in north and south Fulton County. “The goal for each center is to break even on their own,” Gove said. “Part of what we are trying to do is to move from strictly free care to create a medical office that attracts all patients, insured and uninsured.” Gove said the plan for all Grady centers is to provide the level of service that insureds are used to and uninsured deserve to have. He said cardiovascular, orthopedic and obstetrical specialists will rotate through the super centers. There will be no outpatient surgery, at least initially. Johnson said it is always good to increase primary care access points and it is hope that the new center will be a “holistic place” that focuses not just on care of the sick,

CrossRoadsNews

but also on wellness. He also wants to see it offer preventive care such as screenings for diabetes and health education classes and prenatal services, as well as mental health, dental and geriatric services. A decision has not been made whether the doctors at the super centers will come from Morehouse or Emory medical schools or be employed directly by Grady. While details of the center’s schedule and staffing have not been determined, Johnson hopes it will be accessible by MARTA and will open seven days a week and in the evening to accommodate residents who work different shifts. Gove said a $1 million gift from an unidentified donor will help fund the expansions, estimated to cost about $5 million. The rest of the funding will come from capital gifts and operational dollars in Grady’s budget. While it is not part of the plan, Grady says it is not closing the door on seeking direct support from the counties for centers. DeKalb already gives Grady $23 million a year for indigent care. The South DeKalb Health Center inside the Kroger on Rainbow Way in Decatur will remain open. Gove said the customers who use it feel strongly about that location. “It will continue operating as it has for years,” he said. “As we see success of the new centers, we may revisit moving that center to another location in the same neighborhood.”

H1N1 vaccines Saturday DeKalb residents in priority risk groups can get the novel H1N1 vaccine on Nov. 21 in Decatur. The DeKalb Board of Health will dispense 2,5000 injectable vaccines while supplies last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the old DeVry University campus, 250 N. Arcadia Road.

The free doses will go pregnant women, caretakers of infants younger than 6 months, anyone from 6 months to 24 years of age, and adults 25 to 64 years who has a medical condition. Parents should bring their children’s immunization records. For more information, call 404508-7880.

Get over $8,000

On Any Home Purchase on or before November 30, 2009. Call Sylvester @ 404-216-2247 or e-mail ayaeze-ae@msn.com for details. ans s rle Boy O o w Ne inal P g Ori

Holiday

Fried Cajun

Voted #1 Sandwich in Atlanta

WHOLE TURKEYS

CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR TURKEY FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

at 6124 Covington Hwy 00 Lunch Special OfferLimitGood 1 per customer. Not valid Half Poboy Sandwich (Selected Meats) with Fries 11 am - 3 pm • Mon - Fri – Not Valid on Deliveries

with other offers. Expires 12/31/09

6124 Covington Highway • Lithonia, GA 30317 • 770-322-3550 www.justloafn.net

Community

CrossRoadsNews

November 21, 2009

“We have temporaries in our vacant spaces like every other mall across the country.”

Seasonal tenants move into vacant spaces for holiday season 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer McKenzie Jackson Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear-Warren

CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday 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.

SHOPPING,

What’s on your mind? We welcome your comments on issues of importance to the community. E-mail us at editor@crossroadsnews.com. Please include a contact number where we can reach you if necessary. Your contact information will not be published. Submissions may be edited for clarity or space. We do not publish anonymous letters. You can also voice your opinion about stories and Forum pieces on our website, www.crossroadsnews.com.

Big Burger, opened this month in the mall. Among new vendors in the pipeline are a men’s clothing store, Mr. ATL, and an optical outfit called Fashion Optique. Though the Gallery at South DeKalb generally requires at least a one-year lease for its store spaces, many malls nationwide are leasing to temporary stores, known as “pop ups.” During the third quarter of this year, mall vacancies across the nation were at a 10-year high, New York real estate research firm Reis Inc. said. North DeKalb Mall, which features anchors Macy’s and Burlington Coat Factory, has about six empty storefronts. Some of the mall’s vendors are pop ups that will be open just for the holidays or for a month or two, Burdge said. With the help of pop ups, the Mall at Stonecrest is at 99 percent capacity, with the former Gap being the only vacant storefront, according to Bieler. A tenant is coming to the space formerly occupied by Called to Conquer bookstore, he said. “We have temporaries in our vacant spaces like every other mall across the country,” Bieler said. “They come in for two, three or four months. Most are here for the holidays and if sales are favorable, they may stay longer.”

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Officials at the Mall at Stonecrest say they expect a healthy shopping season despite the current economic downturn.

Swiss Leather, which carries coats, jackets and pocketbooks, on the mall’s upper level is one of the holiday tenants. Pop ups can be a great opportunity for retailers in a seasonal business, says Leonardo McClarty, president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. “I think it also could be good for young businesses,” McClarty said. “It may give them a chance to see almost on the fly if [the mall] is the best location for them, or whether it’s a storefront in a strip shopping center or a free-standing store.” Black Friday is traditionally the

day when retailers go into the black for the year, making more than 30 percent of their annual sales for the 25 shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. McClarty said customer service is what will give retailers an edge this shopping season. “Of all the seasons, this is the one where customer service has got to be at the forefront,” McClarty said. “With the competition for sales … people will perhaps be ready to pay a little bit more or go out of their way a little bit if the treatment far exceeds their expectations.”

Bieler said the Mall at Stonecrest will lure holiday shoppers with entertainment, pictures with Santa and a “pleasant shopping experience.” On Dec. 5, the Gallery at South DeKalb will host the ladies of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and the Mall at Stonecrest hosts Peter Facinelli who plays Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the hit book and movie “Twilight.” “We are looking forward to a happy and healthy shopping season,” Bieler said. Jennifer Ffrench Parker contributed to this report. Sam Brown (right) and Dennis Belgrave discuss items that will go into the food boxes that the Holy Cross Episcopal Church pantry will give to the needy this week.

Happy to help those in need BROWN,

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.

from page

Not one to sit still, Brown jumped in where he saw a need. “It’s a God-given gift that I have to render assistance to people who are destitute from time to time,” he said. “I feel happy to know that the church is able to offer assistance. We don’t know what next year will bring, but the church is always there ready and willing to help.”

Brown left his island home in 1941 for England to study engineering. While there he flew airplanes for the Royal Air Force for three-and-a-half years during World War II. He immigrated to the United States in 1967. Before he moved to south DeKalb County, he lived in southwest Atlanta and was a member of Pantry preparing for holiday St. Paul Episcopal Church. giveaway, page 13

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Quick Read

Drivers face seat belt crackdown

Food company expansion to Columbia students to feed 2 add 60 jobs in Conyers 6 homeless 10

The state is cracking down on people who drive without seat belts during the heavily traveled Thanksgiving holiday.

Golden State Foods has created 60 jobs in its liquid products division, which includes syrups, sauces, condiments, dressings and other products.

Columbia High School students will feed more than 400 homeless men, women and children at their third annual Turkey Dinner.

Grady to add super center in Annual Tree of Love kicks off Children’s lands $30 million South DeKalb 3 Nov. 21 11 for research, autism 8 South DeKalb will get another Grady Area residents can play secret Santas for health center next year but this one will be a “super center” providing services to both insured and uninsured patients.

A $30 million grant to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will help fund a new pediatric research building and support autism research, clinical care and advocacy.

500 foster children who will be given toys and gifts as part of DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson’s annual Tree of Love.

Workshop tackles debt, money Pantry volunteers preparing Lack of knowledge hampers topics 6 for busy holiday 13 diabetes care 9 Financial analyst Jeff Shirley will teach This Saturday, 170 families will get small-business owners how to manage their money and debts at a workshop sponsored by the Small Business Administration.

Circulation Audited By

Even though diabetes is a major health problem in the country, Americans earned a failing grade on diabetes awareness.

Thanksgiving boxes laden with all the fixings for a hearty Thanksgiving dinner from the pantry at Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

index to advertisers AtlantaJobs.com.............................................. 14 Cake Café........................................................ 15 Children’s Healthcare........................................7 Comforcare Services LLC................................ 14 CrossRoadsNews 2010 Expos......................... 16 Decatur Pediatric Group, P.A............................8 DeKalb County Board of Health........................8

Doing It Just 4 U.............................................. 14 Ellenwood Express Oil Change....................... 14 Chase................................................................3 Gibbs Garage.................................................. 15 Horizon Theatre Company.............................10 Just Loaf’N........................................................3 Kool Smiles Children & Adult Dentistry............ 9

Macy’s...............................................................5 Newburn Reynolds Photography.................... 15 North DeKalb Mall...........................................11 North Georgia Orthodontics............................ 9 Outback Insurance.......................................... 15 Saint Philip AME Church................................. 13

Salt & Light Truth Center................................ 13 Sylvester Ayaeze/Solid Source Realty................3 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas...................... 15 Wireless Global Solutions............................... 15 Wright, James & Boston P.C............................. 6 Zip2Save..................................................... 2, 15

CrossRoadsNews

November 21, 2009

GET READY SALE 20%85% OFF SAVINGS JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

SALE 24.99

SALE 9.99

You save 55%. Reg. 59.99-$60. Only at Macy’s. Your choice: Tools of the Trade nonstick roaster with accessories, Martha Stewart Collection rectangular stainless steel roaster or Tools of the Trade covered oval nonstick roaster with rack.

You save 20%. Reg. 12.99. 3-qt./9"x13" glass baking dish with decorative metal and wicker serving basket.

ROASTERS

50% + 15% OFF

PYREX

50% OFF

40% OFF

HELIUM FUSION

Reg. $110-$760, sale 54.99-379.99. Down or polyester fill; cotton or polyester microfiber covers. Twin-king.

Reg. $50-$55, sale $30-$33. Selections from Izod® or our Alfani.

EXTRA 30% TO 40% OFF

40% OFF

ALL COMFORTERS

MEN’S SWEATERS & SPORTSHIRTS

Reg. $80-$300, final cost 33.99-127.49. Lightweight wheeled luggage.

CLEARANCE SPORTSWEAR

Total savings 65%-85%. Orig.* $29-$299, final cost 4.35104.65. Tops, pants, sweaters, more. For misses & petites. Women’s prices slightly higher.

40% OFF SLEEPWEAR

Reg. $22-$68, sale 13.20-40.80. Sleepshirts, pajamas, more.

DESIGNER DOWN COATS

You save $82$106. Reg./Orig* $205-$265,sale/ was $123-$159. From Jones New York, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Calvin Klein & more. For misses.

25% OFF FASHION JEWELRY

Reg. $16-$48, sale $12-$36. Selections from Liz Claiborne, our Charter Club, Holiday Lane, more.

50% T0 60% OFF SUITS & SUIT SEPARATES

You save $270-$297. Reg. $450-$495, sale $180-$198. From Jones New York, Lauren Ralph Lauren and more.

50% + 15% OFF DIAMOND PENDANTS

Reg. $100-$800, final cost 42.50-$340. Selections in 14k gold in our Bridge Jewelry dept. Sale ends 11/21/09.

REG. AND ORIG. PRICES ARE OFFERING PRICES, AND SAVINGS MAY NOT BE BASED ON ACTUAL SALES. SOME ORIG. PRICES NOT IN EFFECT DURING THE PAST 90 DAYS. SALE PRICES IN EFFECT THROUGH 11/21/09, EXCEPT AS NOTED.*Intermediate price reductions may have been taken. Orig./Now items are available while supplies last. Extra savings taken off already reduced prices, “final cost” prices reflect extra savings. Moderate sportswear not in Short Hills, Chestnut Hill, Cherry Hill, Suburban Square, Bridgewater Commons or Quaker Bridge. Fine jewelry not at Belmont; select items at Essex Green, Middlesex and Hampton Bays. Jewelry photos may have been enlarged or enhanced to show detail. Luggage shown carries a warranty; to see a manufacturer’s warranty at no charge before purchasing, visit a store or write to: Macy’s Warranty Dept., PO Box 1026 Maryland Heights, MO 63043, attn Consumer Warranties. Advertised items may not be available at your local Macy’s, and selections may vary. For store locations & hours, log on to macys.com 9100419A.indd 1

11/17/09 8:36:30 AM

Finance

CrossRoadsNews

November 21, 2009

Check the price you pay your marketer with others to see whether it is in your best interest to change to another marketer.

Workshop Natural gas users can take steps now to cut heating bills to lower their winter heating bills. general public. Consumers also may be eligible tackles debt, By David Burgess Of course, if you don’t need to for assistance through the Salvation Army. though we have been havhave any of your equipment replaced, For more information, call Project Share money topics ing Even unseasonably warm weather for be sure to have these inspected by a at 1-800-257-4273; United Way at 211; and Financial analyst Jeff Shirley will teach small-business owners how to successfully manage their money and debts at a Dec. 3 workshop sponsored by the Small Business Administration. The two-hour workshop will cover “A Workable Budget”; “How Money Works”; “Money and Debt Management Skills”; and “Improving Your Credit Score.” It starts at 10 a.m. at the SBA Georgia District Office, 233 Peachtree St. N.E. in Atlanta. The office is on the 19th floor in the Harris Tower. The workshop is free but pre-registration is mandatory. Register online at www.sba.gov/ ga and select Public Training and Seminars – Register Now! in the Web site’s Spotlight section. Your name and telephone number and/or e-mail address are needed on the online form. The completed registration form also can be faxed to Dorothy Fletcher at 404-331-0101.

November, consumers should begin professional to ensure operation at preparing now for the upcoming winmaximum efficiency. ter heating season. Georgia Power Co. provides free Take steps to ensure your heating in-home energy audits. Call 1-800system is ready, check into current 524-2421. natural gas plans, and make sure you David Burgess know your rights and responsibilities when it Weatherization comes to paying those winter heating bills. Weatherization assistance for low-income DeKalb consumers can take a number of families is available in DeKalb County. This steps to reduce the impact of winter heating assistance is offered through a program adcosts. They include: ministered by Clarkston-based Partnership for Community Action Inc. They can be reached at Budget billing 404-929-2451 or 404-929-2452. If you are on a budget, retired or on a fixed The Georgia Environmental Facilities Auincome, you may find budget billing to be an thority also provides weatherization assistance. attractive payment option. For more information, visit www.gefa.ga.gov or It allows consumers to make levelized call 404-584-1000. monthly payments on their bills and is available whether you have fixed or variable rate plans. Low-income assistance Budget billing can help you avoid spikes in your Low-income consumers may qualify for winter heating bills. assistance with their heating bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Energy conservation In DeKalb, the program is administered by the Conservation is vital to any plan of action Partnership for Community Action. to lower one’s monthly utility bill. Purchasing Eligible consumers may receive a one-time energy-efficient equipment such as a furnace, credit of up to $350 on their home heating bill. hot water heater and/or stove; caulking around The program opened on Nov. 2 for senior citidoors and windows; and insulating walls, floors zens and disabled and homebound residents. and the attic are some things consumers can do On Dec. 1, the program will be open to the

H.E.A.T. Inc. at 678-406-0212.

Review of natural gas plans Now is also a good time to see if you’re getting the best value for your dollar. The Public Service Commission publishes a monthly pricecomparison chart of all natural gas marketers’ plans – fixed and variable. Check the price you pay your marketer with others to see whether it is in your best interest to change to another marketer. Also, the Regulated Provider is available to serve low-income citizens and those who are not able to obtain service from any of the certificated marketers in Atlanta Gas Light Co.’s service area. For more assistance Visit the PSC Web site at www.psc.state.ga.us to get information to help you obtain senior citizens discounts, manage your utility bills, to assist in selecting a natural gas marketer, and to get additional conservation tips. Consumers may contact the commission for more information: Visit www.psc.state.ga .us, e-mail gapsc@psc.state.ga.us or call 404656-4501. David Burgess is a former Georgia Public Service commissioner.

Food company expansion to add 60 jobs in Conyers Golden State Foods is expanding its Conyers facility. The company has created 60 jobs in its liquid products division, which includes syrups, sauces, condiments, dressings and other products for clients like McDonald’s. Georgia’s economic development program Quick Start and DeKalb Technical College are providing customized training for the new positions.

Kim Donahue, Golden State Foods human resources manager, said the up-to-date training materials have given them a competitive edge for future growth. Golden State Foods, one of the largest diversified suppliers to the fast-food industry, provides 20,000 restaurants with raw material and equipment sourcing and procurement, food processing/manufacturing, custom distribution and

convenient on-site services. Its liquid products division annually produces more than 17 million cases, about 400 million pounds. Jackie Rohosky, assistant commissioner for economic development programs at the Technical College System of Georgia and head of Quick Start, said they are eager to see more Georgians in good jobs as a result of Golden State Foods’ growth.

Since 1967, Quick Start has trained more than 600,000 employees through 5,100 projects with a broad range of industries. Dr. Robin Hoffman, DeKalb Tech’s president, said the partnership is a shining example of how the college joins with local businesses to improve the economy, the job market and the quality of life in our community. “It is a team effort. Today our team scored.”

FEMA disaster center to close on Nov. 23 The FEMA federal disaster assistance center at the Browns Mill Recreation Center is closing at 6 p.m. on Nov. 23. Monday 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 Small Business Administration. DeKalb Center is one of the final six to close for flood victims in the 17 North Georgia counties affected by the Sept. 20-21 floods that damaged homes, businesses, and roads and bridges. Total disaster assistance provided to families, individuals and businesses for home repairs, temporary housing, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs reached nearly $90 million last week. For more information, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362, TTY 1-800462-7585.

Click. Print. Save! 8. 59 e d $1 s f r o m v a s I on s coup Ne w w i t h s sR o a d s Cro

www.crossroadsnews.com/pages/coupons

Health & Wellness Nov. 21, 2009

www.crossroadsnews.com

Page 7

Study finds growing hunger in households with kids As Americans head into the annual Thanksgiving eating season, sobering news came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week: Hunger is on the rise across the country. The annual Household Food Security Report, released Nov. 16, said there were more than 506,000 families in which a child experienced hunger multiple times over the course of the year. The report found an increasing number of U.S. households – 14.6 percent, up from 11.1 percent the previous year – had difficulty putting food on the table in 2008. It is the highest recorded prevalence rate of food insecurity since 1995, when the first national survey was conducted. President Barack Obama said it is “particularly troubling” that children in so many families are experiencing hunger. “Our children’s ability to grow, learn and meet their full potential – and therefore our future competitiveness as a nation – depends on regular access to healthy meals,” he said in a statement about the report. The president noted that food stamp applications are surging and that food pantries face shortages in many communities. “The first task is to restore job growth, which will help relieve the economic pressures that make it difficult for parents to put a square

In the last year, a USDA survey found children in more than 506,000 U.S. families experienced hunger multiple times because of their families’ inability to provide them the food like these on the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan.

meal on the table each day,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to working with Congress to pass a strong child nutrition bill. In 2008, the median U.S. household spent $43.75 per person for food each week – about 14 percent more than the cost of USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, a low-cost food

“market basket” that meets dietary standards. The 2008 food security report surveyed about 44,000 households comprising a representative sample of the U.S. civilian population of 118 million households. The USDA defines food insecurity as a household’s difficulty

providing enough food for all its members because of the lack of resources. Food security is defined as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Typically, households classified with very low food security experienced the condition in seven or

eight months of the year for a few days in each of those months. On an average day in late November or early December 2008, for example, an estimated 1.1 million to 1.4 million households, or 0.9 percent to 1.2 percent of all U.S. households, had members who experienced very low food security. Children experienced these conditions in 86,000 to 111,000 households. The report found that hunger has risen significantly in the past year. It said that about 85 percent of U.S. households had access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life for all members last year. The remaining households – 6.7 million – were food insecure at least some time during the year. That was 5.7 percent of all U.S. households. The households with children experiencing very low food security jumped to 506,000 in 2008, from 323,000 in 2007. The 2008 report found that 55 percent of all households facing difficulty providing enough food participated in one or more of the three largest federal food and nutrition assistance programs, including food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, during the month before the survey. To view the full report, visit www.ers.usda.gov/features/house holdfoodsecurity.

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

November 21, 2009

“This grant boosts our efforts at the Marcus Autism Center as we continue to build on the foundation Bernie and Billi Marcus put in place.”

Children’s lands Focus on weight goals now to avoid holiday gains Also, make a commitment with a buddy has been much debate over how $30 million for muchThere to stay active over the holidays. That way you weight the American population gains can exercise together or at least check up on the holidays. Health research, autism during and encourage each other to stay with the Many people report weight gain of 5 to 7 A $30 million grant to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will help fund a new pediatric research building and support autism research, clinical care and advocacy. The hospital, which announced the grant from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation Nov. 13, said $25 million will go to its research building located on the Emory campus and $5 million to support the Marcus Autism Center. Doug Hertz, who chairs Children’s board of trustees, said the pediatric research facility will enhance the hospital’s ability to attract top scientists and to drive discovery of new knowledge. “Additionally, this grant boosts our efforts at the Marcus Autism Center as we continue to build on the foundation Bernie and Billi Marcus put in place to help children with autism and related disorders,” he said. Some of the pediatric research expected to be conducted in the new building will include cardiac, cancer, vaccines and new drug discoveries. Donna W. Hyland, president and CEO of Children’s Healthcare, called the grant the largest single gift to Children’s. “We are profoundly grateful for this grant, which will further the collaboration between Children’s and Emory University and our efforts to find cures for some of the most common and devastating childhood diseases,” she said. The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation supports organizations and programs that benefit children in metro Atlanta.

pounds during the six-week period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Recent studies by the National Institutes of Health conclude that people gain an average of 1 pound. However, for overweight people, the weight gain reached 5 pounds. More disturbing is that these studies indicate that the weight gained during the holidays often hangs around and is a contributing factor to the national obesity epidemic. Incorporating healthy behaviors over the holiday season will help you to stay on track with long-term health and fitness goals as well as allow you to enjoy the holidays comfortable that you will not pay later with unwanted bulges. To help prevent holiday weight gain, your focus should not be on weight loss, but weight maintenance. Now is not the time to relax exercising and eating routines. In fact, because of all the parties and social events and the extra eating, individuals who aren’t physically active should start now and not wait until the new year to begin. For those who are already physically active, now is not the time to take a break.

Matters Ayana Roberts

To help prevent holiday weight gain, your focus should not be on weight loss, but weight maintenance. Now’s not the time to relax exercise and eating routines.

program. Maintaining a balanced eating schedule is also important during this time. Most importantly, do not skip meals, and eat healthy stuff at the holiday buffets. Use a smaller plate and start with the veggies and salads. With more good stuff on your plate, you’ll have less space for fattening foods. If there is no time to prepare a meal, try to incorporate healthy meal replacement drinks or smoothies. Never go to a holiday party hungry. Eating something beforehand will help prevent overindulging on high-calorie, high-fat foods. To reduce mindless munching, focus more on spending time catching up with friends and family members instead of hanging out in the kitchen or buffet area. The holidays can be stressful and stress raises hormone levels, including cortisol, which can lead to weight gain. Try to reduce stress levels by getting adequate rest and take time to relax and have quiet time.

The American Heart Association and other health organizations recommend engaging in physical activity for 30 minutes at least three days a week. To make it easier to exercise during the busy holiday schedule, break up the 30 minutes into two bouts of moderate intensity activity for 15 minutes. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator at work, or park farther away from the mall’s entrance and add some walking to your holiday shopping routine. In addition to walking the stairs, you can Ayana Roberts is fitness and aerobics march in place or walk briskly for 15 minutes in the morning followed by the same thing director at Samson’s Health and Fitness Center. in the afternoon or evening.

Spread cheer, not disease, during holiday gatherings During the giving season, the one thing you should avoid giving to visiting friends and family is the flu. Gatherings have been shown to increase the risks of spreading germs and illness; however, there are some tips holiday entertainers can follow to spread cheer – and not germs – at their parties.

Protecting

Promoting

Improving Health

Has your child received their Novel H1N1 vaccine yet?

Arm Yourself Against the Flu: At all DeKalb County Board of Health Centers 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome!

(404) 508-7880 The Board of Health will provide the vaccine at no charge to patients. However, an administrative fee may be charged through Medicare, Medicaid, and all third party insurance including State Health Benefit plans for United Care and Cigna. Persons are asked to bring their insurance cards at the time of service. Service is based on a first come, first serve basis until the current vaccine supply is depleted. For more information, call (404) 508-7880 or visit our website at www.dekalbhealth.net.

Stock up on sanitizer In addition to having alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the bathroom, place a bottle on the buffet table and on other commonly used surfaces. This gives guests an opportunity to kill germs before filling a plate and provides a friendly reminder to engage in this healthy practice. Offer disposable towels Multiple-use cloth towels are a haven for germs. Rather than asking guests to share one cloth towel, set out disposable guest towels. “Individual disposable guest towels, like those made by Chinet, combine the elegance and absorption of cloth while minimizing the spread of germs,” said Julie Stoetzer, marketing manager for Huhtamaki, the makers of Chinet. “And since you can find these guest towels at your local grocery store, it will mean one less trip during the hectic holiday shopping season.” Use single-serving bowls and cups Candy and nuts are snacking staples in many households. To prevent germs from being transmitted through common dishes, present your snacks in single-serving containers. Disposable cut crystal tumblers are an affordable and attractive option to community dishes and will eliminate the temptation guests might have to place their

Hosts can help limit the spread of germs by offering snacks in single-serving containers.

hands into a bowl.

Provide drink identifiers In the excitement of a party, it’s easy to mistakenly grab the wrong glass. Using wine charms or decorative swizzle sticks can ensure that partygoers only drink from their own cup. Another option is to decorate and personalize disposable tumblers with permanent markers. By taking these precautions this holiday season, you can help your friends and family have a happy and healthy holiday. Get more holiday entertaining tips at www.mychinet.com. – Family Features

Wellness

“The Stop Diabetes campaign aims to put a halt to this lack of awareness and misinformation so we can change the direction of diabetes prevalence in this country.”

Lack of knowledge hampers diabetes care Even though diabetes is a major health problem in the country, Americans earned a failing grade on diabetes awareness in a survey released Nov. 2. When asked a series of questions about a disease so common that every 20 seconds someone is diagnosed with it, Americans earned a 51 percent and the survey revealed that many diabetes myths and misconceptions still exist even as the disease’s prevalence continues to rise. Nationally, nearly 24 million people have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Another 57 million have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. One out of every three children will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue. To help fight the pervasive ignorance, the American Diabetes Association launched a Stop Diabetes campaign on Oct. 29, just before November, which is observed nationally as American Diabetes Sue McLaughlin Month. Sue McLaughlin, the association’s Health Care & Education president, said the very limited understanding of the basic facts about diabetes and the disease’s serious health consequences hampers efforts to battle the chronic illness. “Denial of diabetes and the promotion of inaccurate informa-

CrossRoadsNews

November 21, 2009

Join the effort to stop diabetes The Stop Diabetes Movement wants everyone to get involved. Here is what you can do: Share: Inspire others to join the movement by sharing their personal story. Act: The American Diabetes Association provides many ways to get involved with the fight to stop diabetes, including volunteer opportunities, walks and bikes around the country. Learn: The American Diabetes Association has many resources throughout the country to help stop diabetes for people who already have diabetes or are at risk for Type 2, including lifestyle and motivational information for patients and loved ones. Give: The drive to stop diabetes cannot succeed without individuals dedicating time, effort and funds to support the American Diabetes Association’s mission-critical activities in cities and towns across the country.

tion, full of stereotypes and stigma, do not serve anyone well,” she said. “The association’s Stop Diabetes campaign aims to put a halt to this lack of awareness and misinformation so we can change the direction of diabetes prevalence in this country.” The association says diabetes has reached epidemic proportions across the country. Since 1987, the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent while the death rates due to cancer, heart disease and stroke have declined. About 60 percent to 70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction, and other nerve problems. The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than for people without dia-

betes. Two out of three diabetics die from heart disease or stroke. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults. It is the leading cause of kidney failure. The association says the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion. Direct medical costs reach $116 billion, and the average medical expenditure among people with diabetes is 2.3 times higher than those without the disease. The cost of caring for someone with diabetes accounts for $1 out of every $5 in total health care costs. Indirect costs for disability, work loss or premature death is estimated at $58 billion.

Myths about diabetes abound The Harris Interactive Diabetes survey, released Nov. 2, polled 2,081 Americans about their diabetes knowledge. Among the many myths it found: Myth: Diabetes is not that serious of a disease. Asked to rank which disease – diabetes, breast cancer, AIDS – was responsible for the greatest number of U.S. deaths each year, less than half – 42 percent – of respondents chose diabetes. Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Myth: Eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes. Only a third of the survey’s respondents, 32 percent, knew this myth was false. Fact: Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight increases your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, following a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight. Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop Type 2 diabetes. Nearly three in five, or 59 percent, did not know that this is a false statement. In addition, more than half, 53 percent, of them did not know that risk for developing Type 2 diabetes increases with age. Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Many overweight people never develop Type 2 diabetes, and many people with Type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.

from stealing moments, hours and days from millions of children and adults; to stop the anxiety, fear and heartache it causes every day; to stop the blindness and amputations; to stop discrimination against people with diabetes; and to Put on the brakes stop it from haunting our children’s The Stop Diabetes Movement future and stealing our loved ones aims to halt this deadly disease all too soon.

It encourages all people affected with diabetes to join together to share their stories, raise awareness of diabetes and its consequences, and support fund-raising efforts in support of diabetes education and research. For more information, visit StopDiabetes.com or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

Holiday

CrossRoadsNews

November 21, 2009

Military members and their spouses can get discounts to see the Rockettes by showing military ID and providing a special promo code.

Stone Mountain’s scenic downtown will provide the backdrop for the annual parade, which culminates with Santa (below) lighting the Christmas tree and fireworks.

Music, parade in Stone Mountain Daiquan Zachery (left) and Joshua Holt prep some of the turkeys that students will feed to homeless people during Columbia High School’s annual Turkey Dinner.

Columbia students to feed homeless During the event, which starts Columbia High School stuat 11 a.m., the homeless people, dents will be feeding more than who come from various shelters 400 homeless men, women and around Atlanta, also will get children at their third annual clothes, haircuts, toiletry items and Turkey Dinner on Nov. 21. health screenings. Students at the Decatur school Zachary says they have partplan, donate, cook and volunteer nered with Greenforest Baptist for the event. and Green Pastures Christian Shomari Zachary, their teacher, says the event brings the Shomari Zachary churches and they will pick up and transport the people to the school students together to serve their at 2106 Columbia Drive. community. The students are still accepting blankets, “This event gathers more student participation than any other event at Columbia coats and toiletry items. For more information, call 678-874High School,” he said. “The kids prep all 0802. the food.”

The Ruby Red’s Band, marshmallow roasting, and freshmade snow are just a few of the activities that make the Stone Mountain Village Christmas Celebration special on Nov. 27. The annual celebration in the picturesque Village of Stone Mountain will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Main Street downtown. The Ruby Red’s Band will kick off the evening with live Christmas music. There

also will be an arts and crafts show, a letter writing station, and holiday shopping with downtown merchants. Santa w ill arrive on his sleigh at 6:30 p.m. and visit with children until he lights the Stone Mountain Christmas tree at 8 p.m. The celebration culminates with a fireworks finale at 8:15 p.m. For more information, call 770-4987334.

Discounts for military to see Rockettes Military families can get free or reduced- and a wintry landscape. The “Parade of the price tickets to see the world-famous Radio Wooden Soldiers” comes alive as the signature Rockette number for precision City Rockettes at the Fox Theperformance. atre through Dec. 6. Leenie Ruben, Operation Operation Homefront Homefront’s development Georgia has made it posdirector, said the effort sible for military memcan be called both a bers and their families morale-raiser and a to save $10 on select fund-raiser. tickets to all weekday Military personnel performances, excludand their spouses can ing Fridays at 8 p.m. get discounts by showing Families of deployed military ID and providing military troops will be the promo code USAROX. hosted at a special perforTickets are available mance at 8 p.m. on Dec. 4. at Ticketmaster and Now in its 77th year, the Fox box office. For the Radio City Christmas more information, visit www. Spectacular is touring 31 cities. More than 67 million people have seen the RadioCityChristmas.com. show, which includes larger-than-life sets

Chinese photography at GPC campus Two photography exhibits – “Hometown: Post Documentary Photography” and “Water” – offering nontraditional views of China are on display at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston campus through Dec. 8. In “Hometown,” four young Chinese photographers capture stark, unvarnished images of the people and countryside of China in black and white. The “Hometown” exhibit features black-and-white The “Water” exhibit features images of the people and countryside of China. abstract color photographs by Zhou Ning. Center, at 555 N. Indian Creek Drive. The exhibits are open Monday to Thurs“Hometown” and “Water” are part of day from 7:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from dozens of shows on display throughout 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. metro Atlanta as part of “Atlanta Celebrates to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. Photography.” The exhibits are on the fourth floor of For more information, call 678-891the Jim Cherry Student Learning Resource 3556.

SoReal Cru will perform at the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting on Nov. 26 at Lenox Square.

Stars to shine at Macy’s Tree Lighting Grammy-nominated singer Josh Turner, “American Idol’s” Season 5 contestant Mandisa, R&B vocalist Stephen Norwood, SoReal Cru and the Macy’s All Star Holiday Choir will headline the lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree on Nov. 26 at Lenox Square. Country music star Turner, who Mandisa Hundley Stephen Norwood hails from rural South Carolina, Josh Turner made his debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry in 2001 and since then has been Since then he has opened for the legendary wowing music lovers with his storytelling. B.B. King, performed at a pregame concert His latest CD is “Everything Is Fine.” in front of 30,000 at Turner Field before an Mandisa Lynn Hundley, a Grammy- and Atlanta Braves game, and was picked as the Dove Award-nominated Christian music 2009 Macy’s Rising Star. artist, finished ninth in the 2006 season of SoReal Cru, one of the country’s top “American Idol.” Her debut album, “True dance teams, was a finalist of MTV’s “AmeriBeauty” in 2007, created history as the only can’s Best Dance Crew.” The Houston-based female debut to hit No. 1 in the 27-year his- group takes a versatile approach to the dance tory of Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart. scene, incorporating everything and anyThe album was nominated for Best Pop/ thing to express the art of raw emotion that Contemporary Gospel Album and the single moves spectators. “Only the World” became a Top 5 hit on The annual Thanksgiving night event, Christian radio. which is marking its 62nd year, will be broadEighteen-year-old Norwood is a rising cast live at 7 p.m. on WSB-TV Channel 2 with R&B artist and popular entertainer on the hosts Monica Pearson and David Chandley. Atlanta music scene. The talented newcomer Seating opens at 5:30 p.m. and a pre-show only launched his singing career in February. begins at 6:15 p.m.

CrossRoadsNews

November 21, 2009

Holiday

“I didn’t realize it would become one of the most rewarding community service projects of my life.” District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson says the annual Tree of Love campaign at the Gallery of South DeKalb is “one of the most rewarding community service projects of my life.”

Santas scheduled to arrive at malls The Big Guy in red will be arriving at area malls this weekend and next to help kick off the holiday shopping season. Santa will be showing up in parades and with the help of Nickelodeon stars at the Mall at Stonecrest, the Gallery of South Santa Jack Santa Robert DeKalb and North DeKalb Mall Santa Sam between Nov. 21 and 27. At the Mall at Stonecrest, it’s a Bikini thers. The parade kicks off in front of Conway Bottom Christmas Spectacular on Nov. 21, and will proceed to the stage in front of Macy’s. when “SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick After festivities with V103’s Ryan Cameron Live” will perform at four live productions as emcee, Santa will begin taking photos at 7 to welcome Santa to his workshop in front p.m. in his village at Center Court. of Sears on the mall’s lower level. Visit with Santa Dee through Dec. 24, Once again, not one but three Santas will Mondays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., be in residence at the Lithonia mall through- and Sundays from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. out the season. Santa Jack, Santa Sam and For more information, call 404-241-2431. Santa Robert will play musical big chair. For Stonecrest customers who want an North DeKalb Mall African-American Santa, Santa Sam will be North DeKalb Mall’s Santa arrives at 11 in residence Monday to Wednesday from 5 a.m. on Nov. 27. p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 16. After that, it The mall has had the will be Santa Jack, who has been the mall’s same Santa for 26 years. Santa since it opened in 2001, and Santa Mary Joyce Burdge, Robert, daily through Christmas Eve. the mall’s marketing manSantas are taking photos through Dec. 24 ager, says that the parents at the Mall at Stonecrest, weekdays from 11 who sat on his legs as a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., children are now bringand Sundays noon to 6 p.m. For more infor- ing their children to take N. DeKalb Santa mation, call 678-526-8955. photos with him. Santa’s arrival will follow a fun interactive Gallery at South DeKalb play directed by Jeff Baker. “Christmas With At the Gallery at South the Canes” will teach kids to remember to say DeKalb, the annual Santa thank you for the gifts they get, even if they parade takes place at 6 are not what their heart desires. p.m. Nov. 21. Santa will take photos Mondays through Santa Dee, who beSaturdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays came the mall’s Santa last 1-6 p.m. On Christmas Eve, he will be in year, will be heralded into residence from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the mall by the Southwest For more information, call 404-235DeKalb Marching Pan- Santa Dee 6444.

Annual Tree of Love kicks off Nov. 21 Area residents can play secret Santas for 500 foster children who will be given toys and gifts as part of DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson’s annual Tree of Love. The project, which is marking its 10th year, kicks off Nov. 21 at noon at the Gallery at South DeKalb. During the kickoff, individuals and community and civic groups can select from the children’s wish lists. The wrapped gifts must be returned to the mall during the Dec. 19 Tree of Love Christmas Program. Johnson, who represents District 3, said the Tree of Love needs community support this year more than ever. “Not only does this year mark a significant milestone for the Tree of Love, it’s a year where there are more and more families in our community that need us all to come together to help make the holidays a little brighter for some of our most precious citizens, our children,” he said. The Tree of Love relies on individuals and social and community groups to fulfill the wish lists of more than 500 children, provided by the DeKalb Department of

Family and Children Services. Walker E. Solomon II, DFACS county director, said the Tree of Love allows them to indirectly meet the needs of the children who are in their care because of domestic circumstances beyond their control. “We are thankful for the partnership with Commissioner Johnson, and we appreciate the community’s contributions to help fulfill a Christmas wish for a child,” he said. Johnson, who launched the Tree of Love program in 1999, said he had no idea at the time that it would endure and provide such satisfaction. “I didn’t realize it would become one of the most rewarding community service projects of my life,” he said. Over the years the Tree of Love has served more than 5,000 children. During the kickoff, the community will have the opportunity to select a name or names from the Tree of Love and buy gifts from the child’s wish list. For more information, call 404-3712988.

SANTA'S ARRIVAL NOVEMBER 27 @ 11 a.m.

Santa Photo Hours Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

KIDS! HAVE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Enjoy the play

“Christmas with the Canes” Saturday, Nov. 28 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Register for Breakfast at Avon Kiosk Near Chick-fil-A $3.00 Per Person for a Chick-fil-A Breakfast Receive $1.00 Off Santa Photo Package One Per Family

NORTH DEKALB MALL • 2050 LAWRENCEVILLE HWY. • FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 404-235-6444

CrossRoadsNews

November 21, 2009

Want to be a hit at the next potluck buffet? Bring along this perfect bake-and-take dish, Loaded Potato Potluck Favorite.

Family Features

he holidays are upon us, which means not only are you preparing those huge meals, but you also have an endless stream of other fun and festive get-togethers with hungry guests. To help you whip up those extra special dishes during the holidays, the folks at Carnation have created some rich and creamy holiday recipes. For the early birds in your family, try Eggnog-Spiced French Toast. The addition of eggnog spices puts just the right holiday touch on traditional French toast. To use those leftovers, try Turkey & Cranberry Encore Salad — the combination of the uniquely creamy cranberry dressing along with fresh greens and succulent turkey makes the perfect post-holiday entrée. You’ll be happy for the leftovers. Fun Mexi-Meatball Kabobs are party perfect and easy to prepare. Use skewers to make them easy to eat. Want to be a hit at the next potluck buffet? Bring along this perfect bake-and-take dish, Loaded Potato Potluck Favorite. It gets its creamy texture from Carnation Evaporated milk, which is fondly referred to as “The Cooking Milk.” Did you know you can substitute it for drinking milk in any of your favorite recipes? These rich and creamy recipes are perfect for any entertaining you’ll be doing this holiday season. Find even more recipes at TheCookingMilk.com.

Eggnog-Spiced French Toast

Turkey & Cranberry Encore Salad

Loaded Potato Potluck Favorite

Eggnog-Spiced French Toast

Loaded Potato Potluck Favorite

Makes 4 servings 2 large eggs 1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 teaspoons rum extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 8 slices (1/2-inch-thick) firm, day-old bread, divided Nonstick cooking spray Powdered sugar Maple syrup (optional) BEAT eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, rum extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in shallow dish until well blended. Place 4 slices bread into egg mixture turning over to evenly moisten both sides.

Makes 16 servings 8 medium potatoes (about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds total), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 cup Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups (8-ounce package) shredded cheddar cheese, divided 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided Sliced green onions (optional) PLACE potatoes in large saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook over medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender; drain. PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 2 1/2- to 3-quart casserole dish. RETURN potatoes to saucepan; add evaporated milk, sour cream, salt and pepper. Beat with hand-held mixer until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese and half of bacon. Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish. BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, remaining bacon and green onions. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

MEANWHILE, spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Transfer prepared bread to skillet in single layer. Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove slices to serving platter. Repeat with remaining bread slices, spraying skillet with cooking spray if necessary. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with syrup.

Turkey & Cranberry Encore Salad Makes about 8 servings DRESSING 2/3 cup (5-fluid-ounce can) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk 1/2 cup jellied or whole-berry cranberry sauce 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing SALAD 1 bag (10 ounces) mixed salad greens of your choice (about 10 cups) 2 cups (about 10 ounces) cooked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional) FOR DRESSING: PLACE evaporated milk, cranberry sauce and Italian dressing in small jar or container; cover tightly with lid. Shake for 1 to 2 minutes. Makes about 1 1/2 cups. (Dressing can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Shake well before using.) FOR SALAD: TOSS greens, turkey, blue cheese and 3/4 cup dressing in large bowl. Sprinkle with cranberries and walnuts. Serve immediately and with additional dressing, if desired. Refrigerate any remaining dressing.

Mexi-Meatball Kabobs

Mexi-Meatball Kabobs Makes 30 servings, 2 skewers each Nonstick cooking spray 3 pounds lean ground beef 2 cups quick oats 1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk 2 large eggs 1/2 cup ketchup 2 packets (1.25 ounces each) taco seasoning mix 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 large bell peppers (any color), cut into 60, 1-inch pieces 60 4-inch wooden skewers Salsa and sour cream (optional) PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Foil-line 3 baking sheets and spray with nonstick cooking spray. COMBINE ground beef, oats, evaporated milk, eggs, ketchup, taco seasoning and black pepper in large bowl until just mixed. Form mixture into 120, 1-inch meatballs. Place on prepared baking sheets. BAKE for 15 to 20 minutes or until no longer pink in center. Drain on paper towels, if needed. THREAD two meatballs and one piece of pepper on each skewer. Place on large serving platter. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

CrossRoadsNews

November 21, 2009

Ministry

The loading, unloading and unpacking is a ritual the church members go through every month for the pantry.

Food pantry volunteers preparing for busy holiday distribution By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

This Saturday, 170 families will get Thanksgiving boxes laden with turkey and all the fixings for a hearty Thanksgiving dinner from the pantry at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Decatur. Like those at many churches across the area, the Holy Cross pantry is run by church volunteers. This week, they have been busy making preparations to ensure that the families they serve will have food on the table as the country celebrates another Thanksgiving. At the church at 2005 South Columbia Place, Sam Brown and his band of loyal volunteers were preparing for them this week. On Tuesday, the seven retirees – six men and one woman ranging in age from the 60s to the 90s – were unloading frozen turkeys and cartons of canned and other food items into the church’s basement pantry. On Friday, more church mem-

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Food pantry volunteers from left Cyrus Tookes,Claudia Merrick, Ernest Grindley, David Chin, Sam Brown, Dennis Belgrave and Asthley Clarke.

bers were to join them to pack the food boxes and have them ready for the families who will be sent to them by the United Way and other agencies. The loading, unloading and unpacking is a ritual the church members go through every month for the pantry, launched 25 years

ago by Brown, a 31-year member of the church. Each month, the group picks up food from the Atlanta Food Bank and other donors identified by church volunteers who solicit businesses for help. They return to the church to pack the pantry’s shelves, refrigerator and freezer.

Brown, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Nov. 7, says the pantry is one of the most important ministries of the diocese. Despite his age, Brown is in the middle of all the activities. On Tuesday, he was opening boxes of frozen turkeys and loading them in the pantry’s deep freezer and directing his buddies where to unload the boxes. “Beans go over there,” he said to Cyrus Tookes, who volunteered with the pantry for four years before he joined the church a year ago. Tookes says his wife, Joan, is a 30-year member of the church but is now disabled and can’t volunteer. Plus, he has known Brown for decades. “He needs help down here,” Tookes said. “I finally transferred my church membership here.” Dennis Belgrave, a four-year church member, became a pantry volunteer the year after he joined the church. Asthley Clarke has been a member of the church for 21 years

and began volunteering with the pantry shortly after he joined. David Chin became a member of the church four years ago and began volunteering with the pantry three years ago. Clarke says volunteering is just something he has done all his life. “I like to work,” he says, adding that he never sees the recipients of his labor. “I am down here,” he says. “I never see the people who come for help.” The pantry also attracts newcomers. Claudia Merrick has only been a Holy Cross member for two years, but she has been a pantry volunteer for a year and a half, volunteering several times a month. Twice a month, she helps pick up the food from the food bank. She returns on Friday to help fill the food boxes and on Saturday, she does the clerical work for the pantry. “I am retired,” she said. “I like helping people.”

Churches hold joint Thanksgiving services Conference for small churches Congregations from six area churches will worship together in their annual Thanksgiving community services. The Stone Mountain and Lithonia churches rotate the location and preacher each year for communitywide Randy Palm services that are open to anyone seeking to give thanks. On Nov. 22, pastors, musicians and choirs from St. Timothy United Methodist, Memorial Drive Presbyterian and Rock of Ages Lutheran churches in Stone Mountain will hold a joint community Thanksgiving service at St. Timothy UMC, 5365 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. The service, which has been held annually for more than 21 years, starts at 7 p.m. This year, the Rev. Randy Palm, pastor of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, will preach the sermon,

and a combined choir of all three within a mile of each other, have cochurches will perform. For more hosted the annual worship service information, call 404-292-8212 or for more than 16 years. 404-292-5969, Ext. 12 or 15. Ousley UMC is hosting the service at 3261 Panola Road, and Joint service in Lithonia Bishop Miles Fowler of Big Miller In Lithonia, First Afrikan Pres- Grove Church will preach. First byterian, Big Miller Grove Mis- Afrikan’s choir will perform. sionary Baptist and Ousley United The service starts at 7 p.m. Methodist churches will hold their Ousley United Methodist annual community Thanksgiving Church is at 3261 Panola Road in service on Nov. 24. Lithonia. For more information, The churches, which are located call 770-981-0180.

First Afrikan Presbyterian’s choir will perform at this year’s joint service with Ousley UMC and Big Miller Grove.

Youth to serve the homeless Homeless men, women and children will be getting hot meals, showers, shaves, fresh clothes and other resources from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on Nov. 22. The Lithonia church’s Operation Blessing program, operated by the church’s young people, will offer the meals starting at 8 a.m. to several hundred people who will be bused in from metro Atlanta’s homeless community. The recipients also will be invited to join the church’s Sunday worship service. Bishop Eddie Long said their student ministry department is

stepping up and being an example of “good stewardship during these tough economic times.” “For our youth to show their compassion and lead this effort demonstrates that they understand that as young Christians, they have a responsibility to help others,” he said. The New Birth Evangelism ministry also will service needy families in the communities of The Hills at Fairington in Lithonia, Highland Chase in Stone Mountain, and Highland Brooke in College Park. For more information, visit www.NewBirth.org or call 678824-1098.