CrossRoadsNews, October 1, 2016

Come on now ...

A reader submitted these photos and wrote: “Definitely not a springtime scene at 3291 Springside Ridge, Decatur, and vacant lot across the street.”

Send us your recommendations for “Kudos & Come On Now,” highlighting the people, businesses or groups who are going the extra mile to make our communities look better, as well as those who aren’t doing nearly enough.

Email a photo and the location to us at editor@crossroadsnews.com.

Litter...

R Is unsightly R Lowers property values R Discourages investment R Is everyone’s problem R All of the above

Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful

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

Copyright © 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

October 1, 2016

Volume 22, Number 23

www.crossroadsnews.com

First presidential debate energizes Clinton’s supporters

By Ken Watts

The watch party doubled as the grand opening of the Georgia Democratic Party’s DeKalb Field Office at 619 E. College Ave. in Decatur.

The debate, televised from Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., was viewed by more than 80 million people nationwide. It was the first of three between Clinton and Trump. The other two are set for Oct. 9 at Washington University in St. Louis and Oct. 19 at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

For the first time in decades, Georgia Democrats are hopeful that a Democratic candidate is in a competitive race to turn

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton square off at a Sept.

26 televised debate viewed by more than 80 million people nationwide.

A spirited group of Democrats cheered on presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at a watch party for the Sept. 26 debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump.

After the 90-minute sparring match between Clinton, a former U.S. first lady and secretary of state, and Trump, a billionaire businessman, the room of 70 people declared Clinton the winner. Dr. Opal Ware, who chairs DeKalb Get Out the Vote, said Clinton gave her campaign a boost.

“I think she attracted more voters. Now I won’t have to ask them to register. They will Please see DEBATE, page 5 register so they can vote for her.”

Pool

Warrant issued for owner of blighted apartments Meisel didn’t show up for code violations court

Trash-strewn Creekside Forest Apartments deemed uninhabitable.

Judge issues $338,000 bench warrant for owner Chester Meisel, who is facing 228 code citations.

By Ken Watts

Chester Meisel, who owns and operates the rundown Creekside Forest Apartments in Decatur, is a wanted man.

DeKalb Magistrate Court Judge Matthew McCoyd issued a $338,000 bench warrant for his arrest on Sept. 27 after he failed to appear in court to answer code violation charges.

Meisel’s bond equal the $338,000 he owes in fines.

Interim CEO Lee May called the bench warrant “a huge step in the right direction as we work to rectify the Creekside Apartment situation and others.”

“We are serious about holding those accountable who habitually violate our codes,” May said.

Meisel has more than 200 citations at the aging apartment complex at 3200 Ember Drive.

DeKalb Code Enforcement officers, who have been working for years with the complex that has been through numerous owners, found dozens of violations on July 27.

The violations included abandoned buildings, water leaks, bedbugs, rodents and trash littering the community. Code inspectors issued Meisel 228 citations.

On Aug. 4, he was served with the citations and signed an affidavit of service.

On Sept. 7, county fire inspectors visited the complex and found nonworking emergency signs and fire alarms and sprinklers in disrepair.

Residents of the trash-strewn complex are happy to finally see action.

Calandra Williamson, who has lived at the crime-ridden complex since 2014, says it is unsafe for kids.

Williamson said the legal process could be long and drawn out and they need help now.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

“If something breaks down in here, there’s nobody to come fix it,” she said. “We wouldn’t live out here if we didn’t have to.”

A neighbor of Williamson, who didn’t want to be identified, rattled off a long list of maintenance issues that need to be fixed in his building.

“It’s got mold, bad plumbing, fleas, ticks and bedbugs, everything,” he said. “Somebody tried to fix it a few months ago, but they just stopped. We’re just stuck.”

Lynn Johnson, who moved into the complex in 2015, said the management office is closed and no one is in charge.

“Right now the gangs are collecting ‘rent,’” she said. “They’ve been kicking in doors and demanding money. Some people got hurt.”

The community of 30 mostly abandoned buildings was first featured in a Cross­Roads­ News Sept. 5, 2015, Special Code Enforcement edition where it was described as

comprising “buildings with the first floors completely boarded, broken windows everywhere, trash and graffiti.”

Commissioner Larry Johnson, who represents District 3 where the Creekside Forest Apartments complex is located, also said the court’s action is a step in the right direction.

“We want to continue making code enforcement and public safety a priority,” he said. “We will also continue to collaborate and build strong partnerships as we work to help these families improve their living conditions.”

Johnson says he has been working on Creekside Forest since 2012 to get its various owners to clean up and renovate the community. Johnson, who lived at Creekside Forest when he first relocated to the county more than 20 years ago, said it has undergone many changes since he and his family lived

there.

“However, it was home to me for a short while so I have a special and vested interest in ensuring that this issue is appropriately resolved,” he said.

District 1 Commissioner Nancy Jester, who has called attention to the conditions in which residents live with a YouTube video and television media tours, said on Sept. 29 that she too is encouraged by court action against Meisel.

“I’m very pleased that the judge has taken strong, decisive action by issuing the arrest warrant and the Solicitor’s Office is aggressively prosecuting the case,” she said.

Before Meisel failed to appear in court on Tuesday, he had issued eviction notices to all of the residents of his complex on Sept. 22 because the “Complex is Closing UninhabitPlease see APARTMENTS, page 3

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October 1, 2016

October 1, 2016

Community

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“Do you think DeKalb County is now open for business? I do and it’s open tonight.”

Mixed-use project approved for N. Decatur Road, Church St. Applications for a new mixed-use development planned for North Decatur Road and Church Street were unanimously approved by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on Sept. 27.

The proposed North S. Barnes Sutton Decatur Square complex by developer S.J. Collins Enterprises LLC will include a Whole Foods 365.

Many residents in the community came out in favor of the project. The developer was commended on its inclusiveness and work involving the community in the process.

Jim Smith, a resident of Clairmont Heights, said the applications fit well with the proposed vision of the North Decatur Square and reflect concerns of the neighborhoods.

District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who represents District 4, also praised the developer.

The proposed North Decatur Square complex by developer S.J. Collins Enterprises LLC will include a Whole Foods 365, retail and commercial space, and 300 multifamily residential units.

“Do you think DeKalb County is now open for business?” she said in a Sept. 28 statement. “I do and it’s open tonight.”

Barnes Sutton moved the motion to approve the development. The motion was seconded by District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon.

North Decatur Square will include a

35,096-square-foot Whole Foods 365 grocery store, 54,486 square feet of retail and commercial space, and 300 multifamily residential units planned for North Decatur Road and Church Street.

The development will add trees and green space; improve water quality; offer shopping, dining and affordable housing; and provide

upgraded pedestrian crosswalks.

Installation of a traffic signal and signage will increase walkability and bike access.

North Decatur Square is expected to open in spring 2018.

For more information on the project, visit http://sjcollinsent.com/property/wholefoods-north-decatur-square.

Three top corporate executives convicted in DeKalb, GWCC bribery case Three executives of Alabama-based janitorial company Rite Way Service Inc. – Anthony Lepore, John Rife and Brian Domalik – are guilty of conspiracy, bribery and fraud charges for bribing a DeKalb County government official.

A federal jury convicted the three on Sept. 22 after a two-week trial for paying more than $100,000 in bribes to Patrick Jackson in connection with janitorial contracts worth millions of dollars.

Jackson was simultaneously employed full time with both DeKalb County government and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority when he took bribes amounting to more than $100,000 for rent, utilities and a garage lease for a luxury apartment. The bribes were made over a six-year period.

Jackson also took more than $24,000 in furniture for the apartment, a $5,100 deposit for event space for a party he threw at Waverly Renaissance Hotel, and other benefits.

Jackson, 55, of Loganville pleaded guilty in 2015 and is serving a four-year, threemonth prison sentence. He also was fined $20,000 and ordered to pay restitution to DeKalb County and GWCCA. Evidence in the trial showed that beginning in the summer of 2005, Lepore, Rife and Domalik’s predecessor, Cecil Clark, conspired to bribe Jackson to help Rite Way win, maintain and increase profits from multiyear janitorial services contracts with DeKalb and the GWCCA worth millions.

Domalik joined the conspiracy in late 2010 when Clark resigned from Rite Way.

He continued the scheme with Lepore and Rife through 2012.

Lepore, 64, of Birmingham was president and CEO of Rite Way, which sought to do business with DeKalb and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, a state government entity that manages the World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome, Centennial Olympic Park, and other properties.

Rife, 66, of Cumming was Rite Way regional vice president who oversaw the company’s Georgia Division based in Norcross.

Domalik, 49, of Kennesaw was the division manager in charge of Rite Way’s Georgia Division between 2010 and 2014.

Clark, 55, of Jonesboro agreed to waive indictment and pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with conspiracy

to commit bribery on May 26, 2015. He was sentenced on Sept. 30, 2015, to serve one year, five months in federal prison; fined $20,000; and ordered to pay restitution.

Lepore, Rife and Domalik were each convicted on one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of honest services fraud, and five counts of bribery. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

U.S. Attorney John Horn said the case highlights how public corruption offenses harm our communities.

“You have greedy company executives who seek an unfair advantage over their competitors and a crooked public official who is willing to sell their power for personal gain.

The people of DeKalb County and the state of Georgia deserved better.”

Safe Neighborhoods Task Force gets $499,899 to fight gang, gun crime DeKalb Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force has been awarded $499,899 in federal funds to reduce gun and gang violence within three target areas – South DeKalb, Brookhaven and Chamblee.

The grant from the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance is funded under the 2016 Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction – Project Safe Neighborhoods – Program.

It goes to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help the task force composed of DeKalb County, Brookhaven and Chamblee police departments.

The task force will develop and enhance initiatives focusing on crime suppression, education and prevention. It will form a Gang Task Force to work jointly in each of the three jurisdictions. In conjunction with the DeKalb District Attorney’s Office, officers will get training on gang recognition and on best practices for compiling evidence for successful gang prosecutions.

Rehoboth Baptist Church in Tucker will provide training on a variety of topics to youth in the target areas and will conduct community outreach to build strong and lasting relationships within the communities.

The outreach programs are designed to

closely implement the recommendations of the President’s 21st Century Task Force on Policing and specifically the Implementation Guide issued by the Department of Justice last year.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch said gang violence and gun crime are “two of the most formidable obstacles we face in ensuring that every American lives in safe and secure communities.” She said the grants give jurisdictions the resources to develop comprehensive, collaborative responses to the most serious and destructive crimes.

“By combining more effective enforcement with closer cooperation, better data and expanded prevention initiatives, Project Safe Neighborhoods helps communities make meaningful strides toward ending violence, promoting peace, and restoring hope,” Lynch said in a Sept. 28 statement.

U.S. Attorney John Horn said the grants will help fund the DeKalb Task Force’s multifaceted approach to reduce gang violence and gun-related crimes.

“The task force’s collaborative approach, which relies on the expertise of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners as well as key community leaders, will help communities that struggle with gang and

Residents receive eviction notices APARTMENTS,

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able Living Conditions by Direction of the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement.”

The eviction notice dated Sept. 22 gave tenants “30 days from the date of this notice” to “completely vacate by Oct. 22, 2016, at 5 p.m.”

DeKalb County spokesman Andrew Cau-

then said on Sept. 29 that they do not know how many residents live at Creekside Forest but several county agencies began preparing on Sept. 22 to offer them assistance.

“Some were referred to DeKalb Housing Authority,” he said. “Some were being given first month rent for new apartments through a special program, and another agency with 35 units was standing by.”

gun violence to implement meaningful and proven anti-gang and anti-violence measures,” Horn said.

Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura, Chamblee Police Chief Donny Williams, and Rehoboth’s senior pastor, Dr. Troy Bush, said they look forward to participating in the initiative. Bush said he is grateful for the local partnerships.

“This initiative is a strategic and timely effort that will make our neighborhoods and communities safer,” he said.

In addition to the three participating police departments, the District Attorney’s Office and Peace Baptist Church in Decatur contributed to the grant application.

For more information, visit www.ojp.gov and www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

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Scene

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoads­News, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings.

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers.

The concept, design and content of CrossRoads­News are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

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October 1, 2016

“Many live with tremendous challenges … health problems, lack of education, mental and physical abuse.”

35 experts to speak at black genealogy conference National and regional experts will explore “Ancestors on My Mind” for novice and advanced researchers on Oct. 13-16 at the 37th Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society Inc. National Conference in Atlanta.

AAHGS Metro Atlanta Chapter is host for the conference, which is open to the public and will be held at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel, 4736 Best Road. For registration and schedule, visit www.aahgs.org or www.aahgsatl.org.

Chapter President Gene Stephenson, a DeKalb resident and

conference co-chair, said the conference provides an opportunity for researchers at all levels to witness structured presentations on how to search for their ancestors.

Among the 35 speakers at “The Ancestors on My Mind – Discovering Our Ancestors, Our History, and Ourselves – Together” are online radio host genealogist Bernice Bennett; LowcountyAfricana.com founder Toni Carrier; DNA expert Shannon Christmas; migration-pattern expert Jim Ison; black military historian Hari Jones; researcher of slave-era Upson County, David E.

Paterson; Afrigeneas.com cofounder Angela Wa l t o n - R a j i ; FamilyS earch Freedmen’s Bureau Indexing Project marketer Thom Reed; and Whitney Planta- Larry Spruill tion, La., museum Director Ashley Rogers.

Morehouse College professor Larry H. Spruill is the opening plenary speaker. Other presenters from Georgia are genealogy librar-

ian Laura W. Carter, The Write Image owner Anita R. Henderson, church historian Jackie Henderson, author Michael Nolden Henderson, researcher Elyse Hill, Washington Memorial Library archivist Muriel McDowell Jackson, author Pauline Mansfield, author/filmmaker Paula Whatley Matabane, genealogist Karen Molohon, Auburn Avenue Research Library archivist Derek Mosley, and genealogist Elizabeth Olson. There will be pre-conference tours Oct. 11-13 to historic sites and research visits to the National Archives and Georgia Archives.

‘Sister’s Keeper’ supports human rights for women, kids Photographer Marie Plakos’ “Our Sister’s Keeper” exhibit on display at the Carter Library and Museum shows the strength and beauty of women around the world in support of the Carter Center’s Forum on Women.

The 36 stunning images of women and children from India, Mexico, Ghana and Peru are on display through Dec. 13, and the exhibit is free with paid admission to the museum. It opened on Sept. 13.

Plakos, who is also a textile artist, said the purpose for the project is to honor the dignity, beauty and strength of women she met on her travels.

Images of women from Ghana, India, Mexico and Peru are featured in the photo exhibit “Our Sister’s Keeper” at the Carter Library in support of the Forum on Women.

“Many live with tremendous challenges in their lives,” she writes on www.oursisterskeeper.org.

“These include health problems, lack of sanitation, lack of education,

mental and physical abuse. In contrast to extreme hardships, I have seen the beauty and strength these women embody. While they often endure extreme hardship their

SWD graduate in movie with Oprah played by Winfrey. The Southwest DeKalb film is directed by George High alum Kyanna SiC. Wolfe and will be remone Simpson has joined leased in 2017. the cast of HBO Films’ Deborah Lacks “The Immortal Life of searches to learn about Henrietta Lacks” starring the mother she never Oprah Winfrey. knew and to understand The film tells the true how the unauthorized story of Henrietta Lacks, Kyanna Simpson harvesting of Lacks’ canan African-American woman whose cells were used to cerous cells in 1951 led to unpreccreate the first immortal human edented medical breakthroughs, cell line. It is told through the eyes changing countless lives and the of her daughter, Deborah Lacks, face of medicine forever.

Simpson, a 2015 SWD graduate, will play the young Deborah Lacks from 14 to 24 years. She is billed as Kyanna Simone on imdb.com.

Her nickname on the Decatur school’s cheerleading team was “Oprah,” the SWD website says.

She is known for her recurring role on the HBO miniseries “Show Me a Hero” in 2015 and is cast in the upcoming comedy “Fist Fight” starring Christina Hendricks and Ice Cube.

Ministers, evangelists for DIVA sessions Five ministers and evangelists will bring the me ss age at the Called to Be a D.I.V.A. 12th Annual Women’s EmKathern Thomas Donna Frazier Audrey Ledgister Gloria Smith Kammye Staley powerment Conference on Oct. 8-9.

Apostle Kathern Thomas, Minister Audrey Ledgister of The Divine, Inspirational, Vic- church founder and senior pas- Worshippers Interceding. torious, Anointed session on Satur- tor, will address the conference.

There will be praise and worday takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Other featured speakers are evan- ship and Healing, Deliverance the DHA Community Center, 481 gelist Kammye Staley, first lady of and Dance ministries.

Electric Drive in Decatur.

Celebration Worship Center in For more information, inThe Sunday program begins at Riverdale; Minister Donna Fra- cluding registration and vendors, 11 a.m. at Worshippers Interceding zier of Worshippers Interceding, visit www.worshippersinterfor Excellence, 599 Hempstead St. a recording artist and songwriter; cedingforexcellence.com or call in Scottdale. and evangelist Gloria Smith and 404-587-2751.

entire lives, many bring strength and resilience to their families and villages, and rise above those conditions. Others simply endure.”

Plakos says human rights for women and children must exist for everyone to have a better life, pledging her support for the Carter Center project, http:// Marie Plakos forumonwomen.cartercenter.org.

The library is at 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov or call 404- 865-7100.

Hillside celebrating 60 years

Members and leadership of Hillside Presbyterian Church are celebrating 60 years on Oct. 2 with the help of the Rev. Brady Radford of Oakhurst Presbyterian.

The celebration and worship service begins at 3 p.m. The theme is “Sixty Years on the Hill: Brady Radford Moving Forward With Faith.”

Radford, who has served as a pastoral counselor for the Greater Atlanta Presbytery, began his ministry as associate pastor at Oakhurst in 2014.

Hillside, a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has been providing food for the disadvantaged via the Atlanta Community Food Bank, other organizations and individual donations for almost two decades. Its outreach programs also include Whiz Kids reading and math tutoring for children in the community and the Georgia Justice Project Family Visitation Program.

The church is at 1879 Columbia Drive in Decatur. For more information, visit www.hillsidepresbyterian.org or call 404-289-3092.

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Macy’s............................................................. 8 Holistic Health Management Inc............. Insetts Rite Aid...................................................Inserts

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CrossRoadsNews

October 1, 2016

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“Until we get something in writing, he has not withdrawn from the race. As far as we are concerned, he is still a candidate.”

Edmondson hasn’t dropped out of District 7 race Three months after he told voters at a July 14 candidate forum hosted by PRISM that he was no longer a candidate for the vacant DeKalb Super District 7 seat, businessman Jerome Edmondson has not withdrawn from the race and his name is on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Maxine Daniels, DeKalb elections supervisor, said on Sept. 27 that no one has withdrawn from the Nov. 8 election.

“Until we get some- Jerome Edmondson thing in writing, he has not withdrawn from the race,” she said. “As far as we are concerned, he is still a candidate.”

Edmondson’s name is on the DeKalb Nov. 8 sample ballot on the county’s website.

Joe Arrington, the Pride Rings in Stone Mountain coordinator who moderated the July forum, said more than 100 people were in the room when Edmondson announced

that he was no longer running, “He went up to the mic and said that he was withdrawing from the race,” he said.

Following that forum, a July 25 AJC story headlined “Candidate exits DeKalb race to open nonprofit” said that Edmondson, CEO of a call center, said he wants to dedicate his time and resources toward mentoring young black men instead of running in the DeKalb Commission District 7 special election.

The newspaper quoted him as saying: “My time is going to be better served in DeKalb County creating jobs and helping the next generation.”

Edmondson also said he and his wife would restart their nonprofit, Urban Hope Development Corp.

On Sept. 20, Edmondson told CrossRoadsNews that he did not know he had to inform the Elections Office that he is no longer a candidate.

“I am going to tell them right now,” he said, ending a phone call with a reporter.

Mark Frances Weeks, elections administrative assistant, said last week that it is too late to remove Edmondson’s name from the ballot, but if he withdraws, notices would be posted at the precincts informing voters that he was no longer in the race. Early voting starts Oct. 17.

This is Edmondson’s fourth run for elected office in DeKalb. He ran twice for CEO, and in 2015 he was a candidate for Commission District 5.

Because he has not “officially” withdrawn, Edmondson could still get votes.

He is one of nine candidates who qualified in April to run in the special election being held alongside the Nov. 8 presidential and general elections. The other candidates are Gregory Adams, Diane Adoma, George Chidi, Faye Coffield, Randal Mangham, Rita Robinzine, Edward Patton and John Tolbert Jr. They are seeking to replace Stan Watson, who resigned to run, unsuccessfully, for DeKalb tax commissioner.

Clinton, Trump face off again on Oct. 9 in St. Louis DEBATE,

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Georgia blue. A WSB/Landmark poll taken on Sept. 22 showed Clinton within four points of Trump – 43 percent to his 47 percent – statewide and leads Trump in national polls by about the same margin.

During the debate, Clinton accused Trump of being racist, sexist and a tax dodger who has refused to disclose his returns to the public because he has something to hide.

“Maybe it’s because he’s paid nothing in federal taxes or that he is not as rich as he says he is,” Clinton said.

She attacked Trump for his support of the “birther” movement that cast doubt on President Barack Obama’s citizenship. In 2012, Obama released a copy of his birth certificate that showed that he was born in Hawaii. Still Trump fanned the flames of doubt until Sept. 16 when he said Obama was born in the United States.

“He got his start in politics by promoting the racist lie that our first black president was not eligible for the office,” Clinton said.

She also criticized Trump’s attitude toward women, including the body shaming of Alicia Machado, winner of the 1996 Miss Universe Pageant that Trump owned. He publicly criticized her for gaining weight.

Trump denied Clinton’s claims about him and blasted her for supporting foreign trade

Democrats at a watch party in Decatur cheer on presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in the Sept. 26 televised debate with Republican Donald Trump.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

deals that weakened the U.S. economy.

“Look at Michigan,” he said. “Look at Ohio. Look at a lot of the states where companies have sent manufacturing jobs overseas where it’s more profitable to do business.”

After the debate, Trump praised himself for not bringing up the indiscretions of her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

“I may hit her harder in certain ways next time,” Trump said.

Dexter Smith, a Clinton campaign volunteer who attended the watch party, said Clinton accomplished her mission.

“She showed not only that she has the temperament, intelligence and experience to be president, she made Donald Trump look like the unhinged clown that he is,” he said.

Oct. 11 is last day to register to vote Unregistered DeKalb residents have until Oct. 11 to register to vote in the Nov. 8 presidential, general and special elections.

To register, you must be a U.S. citizen at least 17.5 years old and 18 or older before the election to vote. You also must not be serving a sentence for a felony and not have been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent.

Eligible residents can submit an electronic application using their Georgia driver’s license number or state-issued ID card number on several platforms: online registration at https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/ GAOLVR/welcome.do#no-back-button, the free “GA SOS” mobile app for Apple and Android devices, and the recently announced “2VOTE” text messaging pilot project.

Individuals also can mail applications (https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/ images/reg_form.pdf) to the DeKalb Elections Office by 5 p.m. on Oct. 11.

For more information, visit www.dekalbvotes.com or www.sos.ga.gov.

Upcoming forums HGD’s District 7 Forum

Oct. 3, 7 to 8 p.m. – Forum will center around the candidates’ positions on various ethics issues. Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 5140 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain.

DeKalb County Forum

Oct. 4, 7 to 8 p.m. – For more information, call 770-987-2523. Kelley Chapel United Methodist Church, 3411 Kelley Chapel Road, Decatur.

CrossRoadsNews

6

Wellness

October 1, 2016

“Falling isn’t an inevitable part of aging. Older adults have the power to prevent falls.”

Older adults can take steps to prevent falls Summit focuses on An older adult falls every second of every day in the United States, making falls the No. 1 cause of injuries and deaths from injury among seniors.

In 2014, older Americans experienced 29 million falls causing 7 million injuries and costing an estimated $31 billion in annual Medicare costs, a new report published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows.

CD C Director Tom Frieden said falls can affect seniors’ quality of life.

“Older adult falls are increasing and, sadly, often herald the end of independence,” Frieden said in a Sept.

22 statement. “Health Tom Frieden care providers can make fall prevention a routine part of care in their practice, and older adults can take steps to protect themselves.”

Georgia Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald agreed.

“O l d e r a du lt s want to stay active, independent and safe Brenda Fitzgerald

Although one out of four older Americans falls each year, less than half tell their doctor. Falls can affect quality of life.

in their homes, but many worry about their risk of falling,” Fitzgerald said as the state observed Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 23 at the Shepherd Center. “But falling isn’t an inevitable part of aging. Older adults have the power to prevent falls.”

More than 10,000 Americans are

turning 65 each day. The CDC created the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries initiative to help health care providers make fall prevention routine.

STEADI provides information and resources for patients, caregivers, and the health care team. At each visit, providers should ask patients if they have fallen in the past year, feel unsteady or worry about falling; review medications; and recommend vitamin D supplements.

Reduced muscle strength, increased inactivity, more severe chronic health conditions, and increased use of prescription drugs are risk factors for falls.

Fall injury rates are almost seven times higher for older adults with poor health than for those with excellent health.

Older adults also can take steps: n Talk to your health care provider about falls and prevention. Tell your provider if you’ve had a recent fall. Although one out of four older Americans falls each year, less than half tell their doctor. n Talk to your provider or pharmacist about medications that may make you more likely to fall. n Have your eyes checked once a year. n Participate in programs that can improve balance and strengthen legs. n Make your home safer by getting rid of fall hazards.

Visit www.cdc.gov/steadi.

BOH provides on-site flu shot clinics at workplace Employers can help keep their workers healthier and more productive as well as protect their bottom line by encouraging employees to get a flu shot at an on-site clinic provided by the DeKalb Board of Health.

When employees get sick during flu season, the workplace may suffer with increased absenteeism, lost productivity when employees who are ill perform below normal, and increased cost for a temporary service to replace ill staff.

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect workers against the flu. It keeps the staff working and helps to reduce the spread of influenza to others.

The on-site flu shot clinic requires a minimum of 10 people. The standard flu vaccine is $30 and the high-dose vaccine for people 65 and older is $65. Checks, cash, debit/ credit cards, PeachCare for Kids, Medicaid, Medicare (Part

B), Medicare HMO, and State Health Benefit Plan are accepted.

Other insurance also may be accepted. Participants should bring their Medicaid, Medicare or insurance card.

Flu vaccination is recommended for individuals ages 6 months and older. It is especially important that people at high risk of serious flu complications be vaccinated. These include young children; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease; and people 65 and older.

Vaccinations are also available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at these Board of Health centers: Clifton Springs, East DeKalb, North DeKalb, T.O. Vinson, and Richardson – call 404-294-3700.

For more information, visit www.flu.gov and www.dekalbhealth.net or call 404-294-3798.

healthy community

“Building a Healthy Community: One Step at a Time” is the theme for the fifth annual FDHA Health Summit on Oct. 11 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta.

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, owners of Grady Health Systems, is sponsoring the 8:30 a.m.-to-5 p.m. event, which is free to attend. To register, visit http://thefdha.org.

The purpose of the summit is to build a healthy community by sharing resources and solutions through workshops, a town hall forum, and wellness screenings.

There will be sessions on cancer, obesity, mental health, violence, diabetes, and heart health.

The topic for the luncheon panel is “Red Alert: Unmasking the Truth About HIV,” and the topic for the town hall is “Good Health Is Your Wealth.”

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority focuses on decreasing health disparities by promoting healthier communities and advocating for the indigent residents of Fulton and DeKalb counties.

The hotel is at 265 Peachtree Center Ave. N.E.

Bling out your bra at breast care workshop Women can pick up valuable tips on breast health at “ABCs of Breast Care and Bling Your Bra!” on Oct. 4 at DeKalb Medical Hillandale.

It begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Radiation Oncology Theatre on the Hillandale Campus. The program is free to attend – register at 770-233-7389.

Most people know the importance of detecting breast cancer early, but many forget to take the necessary steps for early diagnosis. Physicians and nurse navigators will discuss how to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, and participants will receive tips on how to be a good steward of their health by making diet and lifestyle changes.

The event helps kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a fun and informative women’s celebration.

Participants can bring a bra to “bling” or decorate one that the medical center provides. Decorated bras will be displayed at the Hillandale Breast Center.

The theater is at 2745 DeKalb Medical Parkway in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.dekalbmedical.org.

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

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

Legal Notices 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9762--7++ Rose Kathryn Lewter filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Rose Kathryn Lewter to Ronan Kristopher Lewter. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Aug. 08, 2016 Name: Rose Kathryn Lewter 1897 Donna Place Decatur, GA 30032 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9507-1++ Evelyn Griffin Plaintiff Vs. Michael Griffin Defendant To:

By ORDER of the Court for service by

publication dated Sept. 08, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Sept. 07, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file upon the plaintiff’s attorney / Evelyn Griffin. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of this publication.

Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 14th day of Sept., 2016

30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Sept. 19, 2016, Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 19th day of Sept., 2016

10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22

++16FM9436-3++ Barbara Yarbrough Plaintiff Vs. Randal Curney Defendant To: Randal Curney 3 Willowick Dr. Lithonia, GA 30038

By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Sept. 08, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Sept. 02, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Petition for name change for a child. You are required to file upon the plaintiff’s attorney name and address: 437 Sheppard Creek, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days Sept.

08, 2016.

Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 9th day of Sept., 2016

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9822-3++ Tammie James Plaintiff Vs. Louis McCrary Defendant To: Louis McCrary 895 Green Oak Terrace Macon, GA 31210

By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Sept. 19, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Sept. 15, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Tammie James, 1386 Dennis Dr., Decatur, GA

10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of CHILD(REN)

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Robert Baugh 3309 Peppertree Circle, Apt B Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 5/9/1994

Anthony Boone 3832 Raiders Ridge Drive Lithonia, GA 30038 Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 8/19/1994

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Marquis L. Berry 1822 Panola Road Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of False Imprisonment of a Minor Convicted on 12/18/2012

Michael Bullard 4735 Jackam Ridge Court Lithonia, GA 30038 Charge of Incest Convicted on 9/14/2009

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Derontae Clark 4893 Memorial Drive, Apt 145 Stn. Mtn., GA 30083 Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 6/22/2000

Christopher Nesbitt 4303 N Shallowford Road, Apt C Atlanta, GA 30341 Charge of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Convicted on 8/24/1994

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Christopher Headrick 5280 Peachtree Ind. Blvd.

Chamblee, GA 30341 Charge of Aggravated Statutory Rape Convicted on 11/14/2012

Keith Smith 3391 Columbia Trace Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct Convicted on 1/13/2006

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

CrossRoadsNews

October 1, 2016

Finance

7

“A well-trained work force is key to the growth of the county ‌ WSD helps job seekers learn skills to find employment.â€?

Startup accelerator course for business owners Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can sign up for the ULGA Small Business Start-Up Accelerator Program that begins Oct. 4 at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.

To register for the free program, visit http://tecfallbizplanseries.eventbrite.com.

The 12-week training and development program will help entrepreneurs identify a business venture and learn market-driven fundamentals of planning for the launch and operation of a

by doing, they will see the business idea evolve as they build the details. A strong, well-researched business plan increases the likelihood of success. Entrepreneurs will save time and money later on by making mistakes up front and on paper.

After participants have planned their business, the TEC coach can guide access to resources that will help participants finance and operate their business.

Visit http://ulgatl.org.

profitable small-business enterprise.

Classes are conducted from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays at the ULGA’s Empowerment Center at 229 Peachtree Center, International Tower, Suite 300, in Atlanta. They are facilitated by the ULGA TEC team, business experts and experienced entrepreneurs who share advice, guidance and lessons learned.

Starting with a business idea, participants create a business in real time.

As students and entrepreneurs learn

SDBA scholarship event seeks sponsors

Sponsorships are available for the South DeKalb Business Association’s annual Book Scholarship Breakfast on Oct. 13 at the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center in Clarkston.

The 8:30-to-11 a.m. event benefits students at GPTC who are studying business and technical disciplines.

For sponsorships, contact LoyLene Shaw at 404-6428168 or Norma Johnson at 678-418-8059. For more information or to register, visit www.sdba-inc.org.

The conference center is at 495 N. Indian Creek Drive.

Cafe Clarkston helps 203 find work IRS warns of ACA tax bill scam More than 200 refugees have found work after creating a resume at Cafe Clarkston during fiscal 2016.

Since October 2015, the organization, now Career Hub: Clarkston, set out to help 1,000 refugees connect to Americans and place 200 refugees directly in local jobs around metro Atlanta.

It has surpassed its goal: 3,803 individual visits were recorded from refugees returning to meet volunteers, 634 new refugees were helped during walk-in hours, and 203 refugees found work during fiscal 2016 that ended on Sept. 30.

Career Hub, under the umbrella of Friends of Refugees, is still trying to meet its funding goal and is seeking 2017 pro-

gram sponsors. Most of its operating capital comes from cash donations, which are taxdeductible.

It says $500 will sponsor a job placement, $100 will sponsor a job fair, and $25 will sponsor a student.

Cafe Clarkston is being rebranded the Career Hub because it is the center of employment, vocation and training for Friends of Refugees and the Clarkston area. It helps refugees and immigrants by providing employment opportunities through computer access, job readiness training, and social and professional networking events.

For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit http://careerhubclarkston.com and https://friendsofrefugees.com.

Taxpayers and tax professionals are being warned about scam emails purporting to contain an IRS tax bill related to the Affordable Care Act. The Internal Revenue Service and its Security Summit partners issued the alert on Sept. 22 after the IRS received numerous reports around the country of scammers sending a fraudulent version of CP2000 notices for tax year 2015. Generally, the scam involves an email that includes the fake CP2000 as an attachment.

The CP2000 is a notice commonly mailed to taxpayers through the U.S. Postal Service. It is never sent as part of an email to taxpayers.

The scam notices are being sent elec-

tronically, even though the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or through social media platforms, and they appear to be issued from an Austin, Texas.

The underreported issue is related to the ACA requesting information regarding 2014 coverage. The payment voucher lists the letter number as 105C. The fraudulent notice includes a payment request that taxpayers mail a check made out to “I.R.S.� to the “Austin Processing Center� at a post office box address. This is in addition to a “payment� link within the email itself.

Taxpayers or tax professionals who receive this scam email should forward it to phishing@irs.gov, then delete it from their email account. Visit www.irs.gov.

WorkSource DeKalb exceeds state standards on five measures WorkSource DeKalb has exceeded state performance standards for helping residents find and retain jobs in the program year 2015.

WSD earned an overall performance status of exceeding and surpassing five common measures applicable to the county’s adults, dislocated workers and youth populations.

The Georgia Department of Eco-

Lee May

nomic Development’s Workforce Division annually evaluates program results.

Of the five metro Atlanta work force development areas, DeKalb is one of two that successfully exceeded the performance measures. WSD’s program year 2015 ended June 30, 2016.

DeKalb interim CEO Lee May praised WSD. “We are proud that WorkSource

DeKalb exceeded the Workforce Division’s benchmarks across many areas of focus, and we will continue to strive for excellence as we serve DeKalb’s citizens,�

May said in a Sept. 26 statement. “A prepared and well-trained work force is key to the growth of the county, and WSD helps job seekers learn skills to find and retain employment,� he said.

WSD exceeded measures in adult

worker retention, dislocated worker retention, youth placement in employment or education, youth attainment of degree or certification, and youth literacy or numeracy gains. It also helped more than 90 percent of adults and dislocated workers in its programs retain their jobs by providing career coaching and incumbent worker training. Call 404-687-3400 for more information.

health / wellness

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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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CrossRoadsNews

8

October 1, 2016

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