FINANCE
WELLNESS
SCENE
Seventhgrader Essence Snowden smoked the competition to win the fifth annual Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival last month. 2
They’re not really potatoes, and their not really yams, but sweet potatoes by any name pack a powerful punch when it comes to eating healthy. 7
Legendary singer songwriter Wilson Pickett’s legacy will be honored in music, dance and drama during a concert at Morehouse College. 11
Cooking champ at 12
Copyright © 2010 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
I am what I yam
October 2, 2010
A sound that endures
Volume 16, Number 23
www.crossroadsnews.com
Lots of love for DeKalb employees at first Empowerment Day DeKalb County employees got some TLC Thursday from county government and businesses at the first ever DeKalb Employee Empowerment Day. County officials set aside the day to show appreciation to its more than 7,000 employees who have faced furlough days and a reduction in force when more than 800 employees took early retirement. During the day-long event in the Maloof
Auditorium, employees got coupons, food and gifts and door prizes from local restaurants, retailers and small businesses. They also attended empowering workshops on health, wellness and financial management. Patricia McCombs, an administrative coordinator, said she felt a little appreciated, but still thinks the county should do more for the employees.
“They should show us more appreciation,” she said. “Appreciate all departments, not just one.” Tracy White, an administrative assistant in the property appraisal department, said she still doesn’t feel appreciated, but that the event was a step in the right direction. “We need a little morale boost,” she said. “But it’s good to come out and socialize with all the employees.”
Tracy White (right) enjoyed the social nature of the first Empowerment day.
No say for New Birth members
Former DeKalb School Superintendent Dr. Crawford Lewis confers with his lawyer, Mike Brown during a court hearing in August.
Lewis may lose lawyer to conflict By Carla Parker Under Bishop Eddie L. Long’s leadership, New Birth changed its Articles of Incorporation in 1997 to exclude members and their votes and to make the church’s purpose to “receive and maintain real or personal property.”
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Lawsuits allege sexual encounters
the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, their articles of incorporation, filed on July 13, 1975, stated the church’s function was to “minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the community in which it exist; to propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; to instruct and teach the obedience to the ordinances, discipline and doctrines as stated in the Holy Bible.” Long because the church’s pastor in 1987. Ten years later, the church restated its articles of incorporation, depriving its members of a vote and omitted all mention of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Long was
Talk this week about whether Bishop Eddie Long might step down from New Birth Missionary Baptist Four young men – Anthony Church in the wake of the gay sex Flagg, Maurice Robinson, Jamal scandal that has dominated the airParris and Spencer LeGrande – waves, raises a single question. have filed lawsuits alleging that If it came to that, who can make Long began a sexual relationships Long leave his church? with them when they teenagers. According to New Birth’s reIn separate lawsuits, filed Sept. stated articles of incorporation, 21, 23 and 24, the four, who are filed with the Georgia Secretary of all former members of New Birth, State on April 14, 1997 – none of its allege that Long coerced them into 25,000 members. sexual acts in exchange for lavish In fact, according to those artrips, cars and money. ticles, New Birth, the corporation, has no members, and its purpose is “to receive and maintain real or personal property.” named CEO. None of its 11 Articles of Incorporation indicate Article 9 of the restated articles states: anything about it being a church or propagating Chris“The purposes for which the corporation is organized tianity. are to receive and maintain real or personal property, or That is in stark contrast to the church – Travelers Rest both” and “to use and apply the whole or part of income Baptist – that it succeeded in 1984. for charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational When 97 members of Travelers Rest Baptist Church Inc. voted on July 23, 1984, to change their name to Please see NEW BIRTH, page 4
DeKalb Superior Court Judge Cynthia J. Becker was set to rule Oct. 1 on whether former DeKalb School Superintendent Crawford Lewis can keep his lawyer. Prosecutors want to scuttle Mike Brown, who is representing Lewis in the DeKalb School System’s racketeering case, because of a conflict of interest. Brown’s law firm, Alston & Bird, also represents DeKalb Schools construction manager Barbara Coleman’s employer, Parsons Construction Technology Group. Coleman is a witness for the state’s case against Lewis. At a Sept. 30 hearing on a motion to disqualify Brown, DeKalb Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney John Melvin said Alston & Bird’s multiple representation of Lewis and Coleman “creates and irreconcilable conflict of interest.” “At the end of the day, Mr. Brown is going to be faced with a choice of cross-examining one witness or not cross-examining one client in favor of another client,” he told Becker. Brown, who informed Melvin that Parsons is represented by his firm, said the fact that the State may call Coleman as a witness does not give rise to a conflict of interest because his firm represents the corporate entity – not any individual employees of Parsons. “Coleman is not a client of Alston & Bird and has never been represented by Alston & Bird in any matter in her individual capacity,” Brown said. “No lawyer employed by Alston & Bird has spoken to Coleman or anyone at Parsons about this case or Parsons’ work for the DCSS.” Brown said the important fact is that Lewis selected a counPlease see LEWIS, page 3
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Community
CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
Essence will be a guest chef at the Children’s Africa Ball in November; she said she also is working on a cookbook and a 2011 Healthy Eating Cooking Calendar.
Seventh-grader snags Top Jerk Chef trophy with veggie dishes By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Twelve-year-old Essence Snowden was up against some very stiff competition – an experienced chef and three-time festival winner and longtime hobby cooks – at the fifth annual Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival last month, but was she intimidated? Not at all. For her entry into the Sept. 5 contest for Atlanta’s Top Jerk Chef, the Stone Mountain seventh-grader served up a spread of Jerk Lentil Patties, Jerk Kale Salad and Barbecue Jerk Tofu Kabobs and left all the competition in her wake. Along with the trophy, Essence walked away with the $350 grand prize. “It felt great,” she said. “It was really fun cooking for all those people.” Essence is the first child to be allowed in the contest, which requires contestants to be at least 18. She was allowed to participate after her mother, Queen Taese, waived all liability. Glen Simmons, the festival’s organizer, said Essence came out of nowhere to walk away with the trophy and bragging rights. Simmons said she is the youngest competitor and the first to do an all-vegetarian spread. For her to compete, Simmons said he required parental supervision. “She is a minor so we needed her parents to be there,” he said. “She did all the prep and work but they had to be there with her.” Simmons was both surprised and impressed when she walked away with the top prize from the field of five contestants. “What was unique about her presentation is that she didn’t do any meat,” he said. “Usually we get entries with meat and fish. Her presentation was also very good.” Essence, who is home schooled by her mother, says she has always helped around the kitchen at home but took up serious cooking about a year and a half ago. Her vegetarian and vegan creations were so tasty that a family friend sent her mother information about the Jerk Festival.
Essence Snowden, 12, of Stone Mountain, won tthe trophy at the fifth annual Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival lin September. She was the contest youngest competitor.
Essence persuaded her mother to let her enter the contest that seeks to crown Atlanta’s top jerk-cooking specialist. She even paid the $50 entry fee from cash gifts she got for her May 27 birthday. She researched “jerking,” which originated with the Maroons of the Caribbean island of Jamaica. The Africans, who ran away from Jamaica’s slave plantations and established
free communities in the island’s mountainous interior, waged guerrilla warfare against the British for 80 years in the late 1600s and early 1700s. They developed the mix of spices and peppers to preserve the wild hogs that they hunted for food. It is now used to flavor grilled meats, fish and vegetables worldwide. Essence, who is growing up in a vegetarian household and hasn’t eaten meat since she was 4, said she doesn’t remember what meat tastes like. She thinks her vegetarian and vegan creations are healthier anyway, and best of all, meat eaters also enjoy them. For her contest entries, Essence created her own jerk seasoning from Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice and agave nectar. She made her salad from dinosaur kale, a deep-green tasty kale. “It’s very nutritious and I love the taste of it,” she said. Her spicy raw salad was a hit with the judges as were other items on her menu. She fried the tofu and stir-fried red-, yellow- and orange-colored bell peppers for her kabobs. Essence said the professional chef who was one of the judges was very impressed with her dishes. “He brought others over to taste my entries,” she said. Essence is saving her prize money until she figures out what she wants to do with it. She was so encouraged by her victory that she is now considering becoming a chef. “I like mixing different ingredients to get different tastes,” she said. “I like that people enjoy the food I make. I enjoy how it feels when people like my food.” Her creations were such a hit, Taese said people kept coming to their table trying to sample them. “They thought we had food to sell,” Taese said. Fresh from her Jerk Festival victory, Essence will be a guest chef at the Children’s Africa Ball in November. She said she also is working on a cookbook and a 2011 Healthy Eating Cooking Calendar. But cooking is not the only thing on Essence’s plate. Mathematics is her top subject, and she is also an avid dancer and member of the Rakaba West Africa Ballet Company. She also writes poetry and crochets. The one thing that is not on her list is being a couch potato. “I don’t really have time to watch television.”
Community Bonds to fund public safety, infrastructure DeKalb County will spend its $36.3 million in Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds for public safety and infrastructure projects. The Board of Commissioners voted Sept. 28 to allocate the funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 as follows: n $28.4 million toward Stonecrest sanitary sewer improvements and Lower Crooked Creek lift station improvements. n $7.9 million to public safety – $4 million toward the renovation of Recorders Court, $2.9 million toward the relocation of the North Police Precinct, and $1 million toward the construction of a Family Protection Center. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said the vote ensures that the county will realize the maximum benefit of the stimulus package allocated to DeKalb under the Obama administration. “We will be addressing critical infrastructure and public safety needs without adversely affecting the budget, which is what the citizens of DeKalb County expect us to accomplish.” Commissioner Larry Johnson, the board’s presiding officer, was among commissioners applauding the action. “This is an opportunity for us to fill some critical needs, from public safety to our water and sewer needs.” Ellis had wanted to use the funds to remodel the old Ford plant in Doraville but got no support. For more information, visit www.dekalb countyga.gov.
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CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
“We will be addressing critical infrastructure and public safety needs without adversely affecting the budget.”
EduKalb to rate candidates
School Board forum at SWD
The 15 candidates seeking five seats on the DeKalb School Board in the Nov. 2 election will be at a forum in Decatur on Oct. 7. The 6:30-to-8:30 p.m. forum will include candidates for districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. It is being sponsored by the DeKalb County League of Women Voters, The Champion & Free Press, Leadership DeKalb, DeKalb County Junior League and eduKalb. EduKalb’s board of directors will rank its preferences of candidates and release its endorsements and preferred candidates slate on Oct. 11 at www.edukalb.org. The forum takes place at DeKalb Medical’s Central Campus, 2701 North Decatur Road.
Voters can hear from District 5 and 9 DeKalb School Board candidates at an Oct. 12 forum at Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur. District 5 incumbent Jesse “Jay” Cunningham and challengers Jacques Hall Jr. and Dr. Kirk A. Nooks and District 9 incumbent Dr. Eugene “Gene” Walker and opponent Ella Smith will face a panel of journalists and PTA President Kevin Chenault at the 7:30-to-9 p.m. forum. They also will take questions from the audience. The forum, which takes place in the school’s cafeteria, is cosponsored by CrossRoadsNews, Southwest DeKalb High School PTSA and the Local School Council. Southwest DeKalb High School is at 2863 Kelley Chapel Road.
Statewide candidates at meeting Roy Barnes, the Democratic candidate for governor, and four other statewide candidates will be at the Oct. 2 DeKalb Community Cabinet Meeting at New Piney Grove Church in Decatur. Mike Thurmond, who is running for the U.S. Senate; Carol Porter, who is running for lieutenant governor; Georganna Sinkfield, who is running for secretary
of state; and labor commissioner candidate Daryl Hicks will speak at the monthly meeting hosted by DeKalb Commissioner-elect Stan Watson and other DeKalb commissioners and state representatives. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. The church is at 2580 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. For more information, call 678-242-2327 or 404-371-2425.
Eye on I-20 East construction The following will be closed for construction from 9 p.m. on Oct. 1 to 5 a.m. on Oct. 3: n Exit and entrance ramps at Panola Road (Exit 71) n Exit ramp to Evans Mill Road (Exit 74) n One right lane between Wesley Chapel Road and Evans Mill Road For more information, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org.
Judge Becker to rule on whether lawyer stays put LEWIS,
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sel under his Sixth Amendment right to represent him and they have spent “hundreds of hours” preparing for a trial that is scheduled for January 2010. Crawford, along with DeKalb Schools former chief operating officer Patricia Reid, Reid’s former husband, Anthony “Tony” Pope, and her secretary, Cointa Moody, are facing charges of racketeering,
bribery, theft, and falsifying public documents arising from their management of the district’s multi-million-dollar construction program. The four pleaded not guilty to the charges. Becker said she was not impressed with Brown’s argument that Parsons, the “corporation,” is whom Alston & Bird represents, and not an individual. She told Brown that Lewis needs to understand that the conflict of interest may hurt him.
“The bottom line is, somebody may get thrown under the bus,” she said. “And I need to know that [Lewis] understands that he may be the person getting thrown under the bus.” Lewis told the judge that he had discussions with Brown about the potential conflict situation and that he doesn’t view it as a conflict and will keep his attorney. Becker said she will wait 24 hours to make a decision on whether Lewis can keep his representation.
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Forum
CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
“We know that maintenance is a problem. We also know that residents don’t care whether the road is DOT’s or the county’s. They just want them cleaned.”
Weeds along Flat Shoals will be around a while longer 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 Carla Parker Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear-Warren
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Decatur residents will have to live with the weed-infested sidewalks and medians on Flat Shoals Parkway for one more week. Ronnie Jones of the Georgia Department of Transportation said Thursday that the 20-mile long road will be on the schedule for cutting this week. “It could take us anywhere from three to seven days to get there,” Jones said. Both Flat Shoals Parkway and Snapfinger Road are state highways. Portions of the sidewalks on both roads are disappearing under lush kudzu and waist-high grass and other weeds.
This sidewalk on Flat Shoals Parkway is overrun by kudzu and weeds. Cuts in the Department of Transportation’s budget have contributed to the condition of the road, DOT board member Robert Brown says.
Jones said that because of bud“We respond if there is a comgetary restraints, state roads are cut plaint,” Jones said. He said that twice a year unless there are safety there had been no complaints issues. about Flat Shoals Parkway that he
knew of. Robert Brown, who represents DeKalb County on the DOT board, said cuts in DOT’s budget have contributed to the condition of the road. “We know that maintenance is a problem,” Brown said. “We also know that residents don’t care whether the road is DOT’s or the county’s. They just want them cleaned.” Brown said that DOT is working with the Department of Corrections to see if prisoners can help clean up some of the roadways close to the prisons and is working on a transportation bill to secure a funding stream to protect the state’s assets.
‘Ugly DeKalb’ story sparks flurry of online commentary 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.
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Here are two of several comments posted online in reaction to the Sept. 25 CrossRoadsNews cover story about the unkempt appearance of many streets in South DeKalb. To read more comments, visit www. crossroadsnews.com.
eadams wrote on Tuesday, Sep 28 Thank you for addressing this important issue. We need to hold the people we elect more accountable for making sure that South Deklab is kept clean. As citizens of South Dekalb
in requesting services that our tax dollars pay for. At the same time, we must also take ownership to ensure our communities have the ‘curb appeal’ that can attract both new businesses and residents. Too many of our own citizens take where we live for granted by littering. The choices may be that mindful residents take action by volunteering to help with the clean up while EBrown wrote on Tuesday, Sep 28 simultaneously continue to educate residents This article is a great reminder that we get (especially our children) about the negative what we advocate for. Citizens should be diligent impact of littering on our communities.
Restated articles make no reference to church, religion NEW BIRTH,
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purposes” related to the corporation’s nonprofit status. Article 6 reads: “The Corporation hereby elects to have no members. “Any action which would require a vote of members shall require only a vote of members of the Board of Directors, and no meeting or vote of members shall be required for this Corporation, any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of this Corporation or the Bylaws to the contrary withstanding.
“All rights which otherwise would vest in the members shall vest in the Directors.” Among some of South DeKalb’s large churches, pastors as CEO are common and many exclude members, but New Birth, since 1997, stands alone in stating a purpose that does not reference Jesus, the Bible, or Christianity. At Greater Travelers Rest Church, Pastor E. Dewey Smith Jr. is CEO, and the corporation requires no members, but its Article V states: “The corporation shall operate and conduct a Christian Church and worship center, and all
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matters pertaining thereto, foster and promote all other religious, charitable, scientific, educational, and non-profitable activities...” Article VI also sets out that financial and business affairs of the corporation shall be administered by a Board of Directors, consisting of not less than three nor more than nine members and that future directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the corporation as provided in the Bylaws.” The Ray of Hope Christian Church has members, and no CEO. In its June 24, 1988, incorporation, it states that it is a “non-profit
religious organization” formed to “proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Church in faithful response to God’s Will and purposes as revealed; to seek in all persons a faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, to serve the community of which it is a part; and to bring the Gospel message to bear upon society….and in all ways to seek to make known the love of God.” Saint Philip AME Church does not list its pastor as CEO and says that the purpose for which it is organized “are exclusively religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational.”
Seventh-grader snags trophy with veggie dishes 2
Campaign tackles fake check scams 5
Scholarships point to brighter future for teens in need 8
Twelve-year-old Essence Snowden was up against some very stiff competition at the fifth annual Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival last month, but was she intimidated?
Georgia’s banks and other financial institutions have joined forces to educate consumers about fake check scams.
It’s tough enough being a teenager, but for Southwest DeKalb High School junior Jaiva Crawford, it’s been compounded by her father’s job loss.
Bonds to fund public safety, infrastructure 3 DeKalb County will spend its $36.3 million in Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds for public safety and infrastructure projects.
Weeds along Flat Shoals will be around a while longer 3 Circulation Audited By
we need to do our part in keeping the county clean. It is disheartening to see the lack of pride that many seem to have in our neighborhood. If there are laws prohibiting littering and illegal signs, why aren’t the laws being enforced? Enforcing the laws can be a great revenue source for Dekalb County.
Decatur residents will have to live with the weed-infested sidewalks and medians on Flat Shoals Parkway for one more week.
Social media among seminar topics 5 Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can learn more about technology and its lingo at the Oct. 12 Cornerstones of Business Seminar in Decatur.
$300K grant allows STAND to resume HIV testing 6 STAND Inc., which lost its funding for HIV testing earlier this year, has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Concert to shine light on Wilson Pickett’s legacy
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Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday and two-time Grammy winner Ann Nesby will help bring the enduring and distinct music of Wilson Pickett to a new generation on Oct. 9.
Rice Festival celebrates diversity of Asian culture
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Asian cuisine, music and games will be in plentiful supply at the Oct. 9 Rice Festival on Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial Lawn.
index to advertisers Agape Christian Counseling Center............... 11 Cedar Grove High School Booster Parents..... 8 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau............ 2 DeKalb County Board of Health...................... 7 DeKalb County School System........................ 8 DeKalb Technical College............................... 8
E.L. Bouie Trad. Theme School..................... 11 Exotic Thai Restaurant................................... 11 F.I.E.R.C.E. Dance Team................................. 11 Georgia Dept. of Labor................................... 5 Holiday Inn Atlanta Northeast........................ 11 Kool Smiles P.C...............................................6
La Ritz Spa..................................................... 11 MARTA............................................................ 5 Mini Mall........................................................ 11 Mystery Valley Golf Club.................................9 New Dads 101 Class....................................... 11 Ousley United Methodist Church................... 11
Partnership For Community Action............... 11 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas..................... 11 The Samuel Group (2)................................... 11 The Spa at Stonecrest.................................... 11 Wilson Pickett Jr. Legacy LLC.......................... 3
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CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
Finance
“There is no legitimate reason why anyone who wants to give them money would ask them to send money anywhere in return. If that’s the deal, it’s a scam.”
‘Don’t Become a Target’ campaign tackles fake check scams Georgia’s banks and other financial institutions have joined forces to educate consumers about fake check scams. The “Don’t Become a Target” campaign focuses on consumers who visit banks to deposit checks or money orders of $1,000 or more or to withdraw $1,000 or more. The Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, the Consumer Federation of America, the Georgia Bankers Association, and Georgia Credit Union Affiliates announced the campaign on Sept. 28. Nearly 60 banks and credit unions have already signed on. Participating financial institutions include Community and Southern Bank, Colony Bank, South DeKalb Church Federal Credit Union, and Emory Alliance Credit Union. Susan Grant, the federation’s consumer protection director, said she is pleased with
the response from banks and credit unions. “The key is to prevent consumers from being victimized by educating them about these scams at the very point where they may be at risk,” she said. The CFA created the brochure, which is in English and Spanish, and gave training materials to parSusan Grant ticipating institutions. In fake check scams, the consumer receives a genuine-looking check or money order and is asked to wire money in return. For instance, the check may be described as an “advance” on millions that the consumer has won in a sweepstakes or lottery. The consumer is instructed to send money to pay the taxes and claim the rest of the prize.
Ministry helps with job search Job seekers and workers in career transition can attend a networking meeting at Antioch AME Solid Rock Church on Oct. 6 in Conyers. The theme for the Career Network meeting is “What Is Your 30 Second Commercial?” A limited number of resumes will be reviewed by human resources professionals at the 6:30 p.m. session.
The church’s career ministry offers encouragement, contacts and ideas to help participants find a job, change careers, and discover God’s calling for their lives. Antioch AME Church is at 1790 Ebenezer Road. For more information, contact Antioch AMESolidRock@gmail.com, Joan Davis Anderson at 770-602-3230, or Pam Roebuck at 770-413-5983.
Social media among seminar topics Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can learn more about technology and its lingo at the Oct. 12 Cornerstones of Business Seminar in Decatur. Jodi Hersh and Nick Villaume of Orange Star Design will discuss Web sites, e-mail marketing and social media at the 5:30-to-7 p.m. session at the Keller Williams Offices, 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 100.
They also will share tips on how to choose and work with a Web designer/developer to get the most out of the experience. Handout materials will be provided and questions are encouraged. The seminar is free to members of the Decatur Business Association and $20 for nonmembers. R.S.V.P. to wendy@passion fruitpeople.com.
Yard sale to benefit food pantry Bargain hunters can find deals and help the needy at the Oct. 2 rummage sale at First Saint Paul AME Church in Lithonia. The annual sale, which benefits the Eldoris S. Williams Food Pantry and the Community Garden, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church parking lot. Baby items, clothing, jewelry, household appliances, dishes, linen, books and knickknacks are among items on sale. Light re-
freshments also will be available for purchase. Vending tables are $25 each. Since 1998, the pantry has provided free food to residents on the second and fourth Saturday, helping nearly 150 senior citizens, single parents and families each month. The church is at 2687 Klondike Road. For more information, call Ca-Trina L. Scott at 404-993-3297 or the church office at 770484-9660.
REMEMBER SERVICE CHANGES! SEPT 25, 2010
BE PREPARED FOR MARTA SERVICE CHANGES 9/25/10: Detailed information explaining how to adjust your commute due to changes is available in various formats: • www.itsmarta.com for interactive links showing bus route changes as well as text descriptions. • Printed booklets in RideStores or mailed upon request through the website or by calling Customer Service at 404-848-5000. • Route maps and descriptions posted in all bus bays • Call 404 848-5000 and ask one of our Customer Service agents to help you plan your trip.
CUSTOMER CALL CENTER HOURS CHANGE • Routes/Scheduling Info Weekdays 7 A.M. – 7 P.M. Weekends/Holidays 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. • Customer Service Center Weekdays 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. BREEZE CHANGES: OCT. 3, 2010 • Multi-Day Breeze passes go up in price. • Breeze Tickets and Cards modified. • Reloading at bus fareboxes made easier.
404 848-5000
TTY: 404 848-5665
www.itsmarta.com
In another popular scenario, the consumer is recruited to work at home as a “mystery shopper” or processing payments for a company and is instructed to send money somewhere as part of the job. No matter the story, the check or money order is phony, and when it bounces, the victim owes the money back to the financial institution where it was deposited or cashed. The average loss is $3,000 to $4,000. Joseph B. Doyle, administrator of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, said it’s impossible to detect these counterfeits just by looking at them. “The message that we want to give consumers is that there is no legitimate reason why anyone who wants to give them money would ask them to send money anywhere in return. If that’s the deal, it’s a scam.” Joe Brannen, president and CEO of the
Georgia Bankers Association, said scammers exploit the trust built into the system. Federal law gives consumers the right to access their funds quickly, usually within a day or two. But it is often impossible for the financial institution to tell if there is a problem with a check or money order until it goes through the system to the Joe Brannen person or company that supposedly issued it. That can take several days or weeks. Brannen said the campaign is a service to help consumers understand they are responsible for the checks and money orders they deposit or cash. For more information, visit www .consumerfed.org/fakecheckscams.
Golfer wins $5 million in lottery Lee McDaniel ond-chance drawings and wife Maude’s for the instant game 46th anniversary World Class Millions. became even more Each weekly winmemorable last ner won $5,000 and a month when he chance at the $5 milwon $5 million in lion grand prize. the Georgia LotContestants gathtery’s World Class ered at viewing parties Millions $5 Milat Georgia Lottery dislion Grand Prize trict offices in Atlanta, Event. Augusta, Columbus, Lee McDaniel, shown with wife Maude, won McDaniel, a the $5 million grand prize in a drawing. Dalton, Duluth, MaStone Mountain con and Savannah golfer who works at Mystery Valley Golf last month. Random drawings were held to Club Labor in Lithonia, was one of1 729/21/10 contes- award 25 $500 and two tickets to an Dept. ad-5x8:Layout 9:34 PM Pageprizes 1 tants randomly selected in weekly sec- Atlanta Falcons game.
GW$ competitive advantages: • Pre-screened qualified jobseekers • Up to six weeks of pre-employment training • Trainee stipends covered by GDOL
Georgia Work$ is Working!
• Workers’ compensation coverage provided by GDOL • Hiring of trainees at discretion of employers
Created by Commissioner Michael Thurmond, Georgia Work$ (GW$) is a nationally recognized Georgia Department of Labor initiative that reduces employer costs associated with recruiting, training and hiring new employees. Since its inception, 8,785 GW$ trainees have completed GW$ training provided by 9,728 Georgia employers. Of those trainees, 3,940 have been hired through GW$. Participating employers have collectively reduced hiring costs by approximately $18 million.
For more information regarding GW$, visit www.dol.state.ga.us or email inquiries to gaworks@dol.state.ga.us. GW$ telephone operators are available at 1-877-WORKS09 (1-877-967-5709).
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Wellness
CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
Grady, metro Atlanta’s only Level 1 trauma center, hopes to raise $100,000 through the G2G campaign.
MADD’s 5K $300K grant allows STAND to resume HIV testing walk, festival at STAND Inc. is back in the HIV testing business. The Decatur-based nonprofit, which lost Stone Mountain its funding for HIV testing earlier this year,
Anti-DUI activists, their families and friends can Walk Like MADD on Oct. 2 at the sixth annual 5K event at Stone Mountain Park. The walk, which is wheelchair-accessible, begins at 9:30 a.m. It helps fund MADD’s mission to eliminate drunken driving, support victims of DUI and their families, and prevent underage drinking. The nonprofit says that 331 Georgians were killed in 2009 in crashes caused by drunk drivers. The stories of the survivors and victims are staggering as well, says MADD Georgia, which offers programs that support victims and their families coping with a permanent disability from injuries sustained in a crash, the economic burden of mounting medical bills and the loss of income from a job, and the emotional impact. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; an awards ceremony starts at 9 in the Special Events Meadow/Fireside Pavilion. There will be refreshments; entertainment; a health and safety fair; teen scene, tot spot and kids corner; vendors; a victim services area and tribute; and giveaways. The DeKalb County Board of Health’s Office of Injury Prevention is supporting the Mothers Against Drunk Driving awareness campaign, which is raising $50,000 this year. Stone Mountain Park is at Exit 8 off U.S. Highway 78 East. All vehicles without annual passes must pay to park. For more information, visit http:// maddga.org or call 770-615-3737.
has been awarded a $300,000 annual grant from the Department of Health and Human Services in support of its HIV testing and prevention programs. The annual grant, which starts Oct. 1, will run until 2015. Charles “Skip” Sperling, founder and executive director of Standing to Achieve New Directions, said the funds will Charles Sperling go toward “Project Getting Connected 2,” which will bolster HIV testing and prevention efforts. “We’re very happy with the award,” Sperling said. “This grant allows us to continue our now more than 10-year mission of providing critical HIV counseling and testing services in South DeKalb.” U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, who supported the grant application, congratulated Sperling and STAND on receiving the HHS grant. He said the group, which has offices on Covington Highway, can point to many success stories. “STAND’s work is helping people live
The annual grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to STAND, which lost its funding for HIV testing earlier this year, starts Oct. 1 and runs until 2015.
healthier, happier and more productive lives,” he said. STAND focuses on HIV, domestic violence and substance abuse intervention and prevention services as well as comprehensive re-entry services for men who have been incarcerated. Sperling, who was a community epidemiologist testing people for HIV in Fulton County, launched STAND in October 1998 to work with men with STDs near the Kensington MARTA station in Decatur. About the same time, his wife, the late
Faith Brown Sperling, also an epidemiologist, launched Our Common Welfare to test people for HIV infection and support those with positive results. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which funded Our Common Welfare’s HIV testing program, shuttered the organization in 2008 in the wake of her death and shifted its programs and staff to STAND. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit www.standinc.com or call 404-288-4668.
Stars turn up wattage for Grady fund-raising drive Local celebrities are rallying around Grady Memorial Hospital and lending their star power to a fund-raising campaign for Atlanta’s only Level 1 trauma center. Jermaine Dupri, DJ Drama, Frank Ski, Rashan Ali, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of
TLC, Kandi Burruss of “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Bobby Valentino, and songwriter Cristyle are ambassadors of “Give to Grady,” a campaign launched Sept. 10 with a mass-messaging event on Twitter and Facebook to Jermaine Dupri inspire community giving and increase awareness. Fans are encouraged to text “GRADY” to 50555 to donate $5 to one of Atlanta’s oldest health care facilities. Supporters also can make donations at www. gradyhealthfoundation. org. Grady hopes to raise $100,000. “We are extraordinarily excited that Atlanta’s entertainment community will join Grady in what may be the only Lisa Borders grass-roots fund-raising campaign of this kind in the country,” said Lisa Borders, president of the Grady Health
Foundation. “Public hospitals are woven into the fabric of our communities and yet rarely does the community come together in this way to support our important work. Atlanta is a special place, with special R. “Chilli” Thomas people who are genuinely concerned about each other and the city.” G2G will run through the end of the year and include a press reception in October and a series of promotional events around the city. TV spots are airing on local cable. As metro Atlanta’s only Level 1 trauma center, Grady Hospital provides state-of-theart health care across a variety of disciplines, including trauma, neurosciences, burn and wound care, sickle cell, and neonatal intensive care. The medical facility depends on contributions from the private sector to advance the work, services and research it provides to the community. For more information on G2G, visit www.gradyhealthfoundation.org. The Health Ministry of Saint Philip AME is introducing its upcoming Zumba fitness class with a free demonstration on Oct. 7.
Free Zumba session at Saint Philip Exercise enthusiasts and newcomers can check out lively Zumba fitness moves at a free Oct. 7 demonstration at Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta. The session, at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center, is an introduction to the upcoming Zumba fitness class sponsored by the church’s Health Ministry. Zumba is a Latin music-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie-
burning dance fitness party that has gained in popularity over the past decade. Saint Philip AME is at 240 Candler Road, at the intersection of Candler Road and Memorial Drive. For more information, contact Jeanie Vickers, a licensed Zumba instructor, at 678-429-5977 or e-mail zumbawithjinkz @bellsouth.net.
7
CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
Wellness
Sweet potatoes also have the lowest glycemic index of the commonly eaten root vegetables – good news for diabetics.
Sweet potatoes pack a nutritious punch Sweet potatoes have a bit of an identity problem. Despite being called yams when served in the popular brown sugar and butter side dish, sweet potatoes are not true yams. The name yam was adapted from an African word “nyami,” which refers to a starchy root vegetable that is not sweet at all. When the yellow-fleshed variety of sweet potatoes was introduced to the West around the mid-20th century, Americans were accustomed to whitefleshed sweet potatoes and called the colorful cousin yams to distinguish between the two. In fact, sweet potatoes aren’t even really potatoes! They are a tuber or root of a vine-like creeper plant with attractive heart-shaped leaves. There are more than 400 varieties of sweet potatoes with colors ranging from creamy white, to pink, yellow and even purple. Regardless of what you call them, there is plenty of evidence that sweet potatoes deserve the moniker superfood. Baked in its skin, a sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A via the phytochemical beta carotene, with more than 260 percent of your recommended daily value, as well as almost 30 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Beta carotene and vitamin C are antioxidants that help the body eliminate free radicals, chemicals that destroy cellular integrity and have been linked to cancer and degenerative diseases. Studies including these antioxidants also have shown them to have antiinflammatory properties, good news for people suffering from conditions such
Studies have shown that sweet potatoes have antiinflammatory properties and are rich in the antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin C.
Eating Healthy Life Chef Asata Reid
as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Sweet potatoes also contain many essential minerals such as manganese, copper, potassium, folate and iron in significant amounts. Pyridoxine or B6, B2, and biotin or B7 also are found in sweet potatoes. When eaten in their entirety, sweet potatoes have more dietary fiber than oatmeal, about 12 percent of the recommended daily value of dietary fiber, which is important in regulating blood sugar and controlling the absorption rate of carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes also have the lowest glycemic index of the commonly eaten root vegetables – good news for
diabetics. While sweet potatoes are available year-round, their peak season is late fall/ winter: November through January. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth-skinned, free of blemishes, dark spots, obvious rot or cracks. Avoid those that have a green discoloration, which may indicate the presence of a toxin called solanine, a naturally occurring chemical that acts as a pesticide and fungicide and is thought to be a part of the plant’s defense mechanism. Store them loose (not in plastic produce bags) in the crisper bin of the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place such as a root cellar or cupboard. Be aware that some conventionally grown sweet potatoes may have a waxy coating on the skin and should be peeled prior to being eaten. For more healthy and delicious recipes or information on cooking classes, visit www.lifechef.net.
Curried Sweet Potato Soup 6 servings 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder ¼ teaspoon ground allspice 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 bay leaf 2 cups water 1 pint low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 3 pounds sweet potato, peeled and cubed Salt and pepper 1 1/2 cups Greek-style fat-free yogurt Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and continue cooking until aromatic. Lower the heat to medium and add the curry powder, allspice, cayenne and ginger. Stir constantly while cooking until the spices are toasted. Add water, broth, bay leaf and sweet potatoes; increase the heat to medium-high; and bring up to a simmer. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Carefully puree (hot liquids expand in the blender) the sweet potatoes until smooth in batches in a blender or use an immersion blender. Return puréed sweet potato mixture to the pot to heat thoroughly, remove from heat, and swirl in 1 cup yogurt until blended. Ladle soup into 6 bowls and top each serving with dollop of yogurt as garnish.
Express Yourself! We need to hear your voice to work toward a healthier DeKalb County. Your participation will help: • Identify what health issues are important in your community • Develop action plans to improve the health and well-being of residents • Develop partnerships to work together to find solutions
Join our
Live Healthy DeKalb Coalition 404-508-7847 www.dekalbhealth.net Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of each month.
8
Youth
CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
The stop at Morehouse College is part of an eight-city tour to help identify solutions and best practices to combat the dropout crisis.
Simon scholarships point to brighter future for teens in need By Carla Parker
It’s tough enough being a teenager, but for Southwest DeKalb High School junior Jaiva Crawford, it’s been compounded by her father’s job loss. John Crawford, who is raising his daughter alone, lost his human resources job more than a year ago, curtailing his ability to provide for his daughter. Luckily for his family, Jaiva is one of 16 DeKalb 11th-graders who are in the 2012 Ronald M. Simon Family Scholars Program. They each get $16,000 scholarships to attend college. Through the program, Jaiva and other scholars also get leadership training, community service opportunities, college tours, a laptop computer, $500 annual award, SAT prep, and academic tutoring. Her father said the scholarship has been a big help. “It makes things a lot easier for us,” he said. The Class of 2012 was recognized Sept. 20 at the annual Ronald Simon Family Foundation’s scholarship banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Atlanta. It includes eight students each from Southwest DeKalb and Chamblee Charter high schools. All of the students, who are academic high achievers, face economic worries caused by immigration, death, sickness and job loss. Their class is the seventh in the county. Since its inception in 2004, the Irving, Calif.-based foundation has helped hundreds of America’s disadvantaged youth and awarded more than $14 million in scholarships. The Atlanta Chapter of the Simon Scholars Program, which started in 2005, has in-
Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews
The Class of 2012, which includes eight students each from Southwest DeKalb and Chamblee Charter high schools, was recognized on Sept. 20 at the annual Ronald Simon Family Foundation’s scholarship banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Atlanta.
ducted 110 students. Scholarships have been awarded to students in almost all of DeKalb’s high schools, but since 2008 it has selected four certified Simon Scholar High Schools in DeKalb. The others are Druid Hills and Redan high schools. The certified schools were chosen because of their successful academic programs and/or their proven records of success with implementing the Simon Scholars Program in previous years. Each year, the foundation selects scholars from each of the schools’ sophomore class and offers them intensive support during their last two years in high school. Each year, up to 20 scholarships are awarded across the four certified Simon Scholar High Schools. To qualify for the program, students must have at least a 2.5 academic grade-point av-
erage, be self-motivated, and be involved in community service. To stay in the program, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA during their senior year of high school and throughout college. Jaiva said the scholarship is a steppingstone to a much brighter future. “It gives me a sense of hope, a sense of security, and sense of a better future,” she said. During the banquet, each of the students stepped onstage and spoke openly about their hardships and received words of encouragement from Ramona Tyson, DeKalb Schools interim superintendent. Family members and Simon scholars from previous classes also offered moral support. Many in the audience of 150 got emotional as the students shared their struggles
and dreams. Brittany Bennett, a Southwest DeKalb junior, said her dad was a smoker and drinker and was not a part of her life. She said she felt sad when she couldn’t help him with his problems. “I learned that the decision for him to stop drinking and smoking was his choice,” she said. Brittany said that her mother helped her get over the sad moments in her life. “I look at my mom and my sorrows go away and my hope for a brighter future comes alive,” she said. “And because of the Simon scholarship program, my hope is alive and well.” For more information about the Ronald M. Simon scholarship program, visit www .rmsff.org.
Black male dropout crisis targeted “Beyond the Bricks,” a community engagement initiative focusing attention on the dismal graduation rates of black males, will be in Atlanta on Oct. 16. The stop at Morehouse College is part of an eight-city tour to help identify solutions and best practices to combat the growing dropout crisis. Nationally, only 47 percent of black males are graduating from high school on time with their respective classes. Only 46 percent of black males are graduating on time in DeKalb County, 43 percent in Fulton County, and 37 percent in Clayton County. Conference participants will view the 30-minute “Beyond the Bricks” documentary, which follows two African-American boys struggling to navigate life’s challenges while attempting to stay in school. It features commentary from some of the country’s
foremost leaders, experts and scholars, including Newark Mayor Cory Booker, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Schott Foundation President John Jackson. There will be a community forum and three afternoon workshops – for students 15 to 21, for parents and educators, and for community/policy leaders – to identify solutions that will be implemented locally. Supporters of the Beyond the Bricks’ stop include the Morehouse College Brotherhood Collective, Saving Our Sons, Public Broadcasting Atlanta, and People Building People LLC. The free conference takes place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Space is limited; participants must register at http://atlanta btbtownhall.eventbrite.com. Morehouse College is at 830 Westview Drive in southwest Atlanta.
1ST ANNUAL “LITTLE MISS CEDAR GROVE PAGEANT ” FUNDRAISER Thursday Oct. 7, 2010 • 7pm Cedar Grove High School Gymnasium
Our goal is to implant a positive difference and increase confidence, communication skills, character, poise, grace and encourage the beginning & formation of new friendships. Contestants are 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls from Narvie J. Harris, Oakview and Cedar Grove Elementary.
Sponsored by the Booster Parents of Cedar Grove High School
APPL$ &'( )'* )ALL +&*'LL,+&).ll 0u.rter5 2787 August 23rd Appl>?.t>@A Bl@s>Ag C.te deD.lEte?FGeduH.dI>ss>@AsH '* B.ll J7JK2LMKLN22 eOtG P EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION
9
CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
Scene
The concert marks the first time ever that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has been honored by his friends and family.
Morehouse concert to celebrate Wilson Pickett’s music Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday and two-time Grammy winner Ann Nesby will help bring the enduring and distinct music of Wilson Pickett to a new generation on Oct. 9 at “In the Midnight Hour: The Music of Wilson Pickett” at Morehouse College. The 8 p.m. concert in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel will feature some of Pickett’s biggest hits, including Jennifer Holliday “Mustang Sally,” “Land of 1,000 Dances,” “Don’t Knock My Love” and “Funky Broadway.” It will bring Pickett’s music to life in a unique combination of music, dance, drama and neverbefore-seen video clips. Ann Nesby The singer-songwriter, who was known as the “Wicked Pickett,” is recognized as one of the most talented and energetic vocalists of the soul music era. He left a string of hits over his 40-year career and has influenced hundreds of musicians and entertainers for decades. His distinct sound and legendary performances spanned four decades. New York Broadway musical director Zane Mark teams with executive producer/ director Kenneth Green on this dynamic jukebox musical production. The concert marks the first time ever that
On the Record
Wilson Pickett: March 18, 1941 - Jan. 19, 2006
Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991; inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
#1 hits:
R&B: “In the Midnight Hour” (1965) “Land of 1,000 Dances” (1966) “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” (1966) “Funky Broadway” (1967) “Don’t Knock My Love - Pt. 1” (1971)
“She’s Lookin’ Good” (1968) “I’m a Midnight Mover” (1968) “Engine Number 9” (1970) “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” (1971) “Call My Name, I’ll Be There” (1971) “Fire and Water” (1972)
Top 10 hits:
Top 10 albums:
Pop: “Land of 1,000 Dances” (1966) “Funky Broadway” (1967) R&B: “Don’t Fight It” (1965) “Soul Dance Number Three” (1967) “Mustang Sally” (1967) “I’m in Love” (1967) “I Found a Love - Part 1” (1967)
R&B: “In the Midnight Hour” (1965) “The Exciting Wilson Pickett” (1966) “The Wicked Pickett” (1967) “The Sound of Wilson Pickett” (1967) “The Best of Wilson Pickett” (1967) “The Midnight Mover” (1968) “I’m in Love” (1968) “The Best of Wilson Pickett, Vol. II” (1971)
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has been honored by his friends and family, which include his youngest brother, Maxwell Pickett, and his wife, Brenda, who are longtime South DeKalb residents. Wilson Pickett named Maxwell trustee of his estate before his death in 2006. The couple have been working diligently to remind music lovers of the origins of the familiar tunes and has established the Pickett Scholarship Fund to benefit students.
“It is the mission of the trust and the hope of the family to lift up the work and contributions of Wilson and expose a whole new generation to his music,” says Maxwell Pickett. Fans can learn, see and hear more about Pickett in a special exhibition at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History, 101 Auburn Ave. in downtown Atlanta. Pickett’s personal memorabilia, including
Rice Festival celebrates diversity of Asian culture Asian cuisine, music and games will be in plentiful supply at the Oct. 9 Rice Festival on Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial Lawn. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Rice Festival, which is in its sixth year, will celebrate the diversity of Asian culture and will feature performances by Asian dance groups, singers and martial artists. Korean food also will be available through a partnership with the Korean government as part of its international Korean food globalization project. The festival celebrates the diversity of and promotes harmonious relationships within the Asian-American community. The Asian American Resource Center is host for the festival, which raises funds for the social and educational services AARC provides to the metro Atlanta immigrant community. Stone Mountain Park is off U.S. Highway 78 East. For more information, visit www.aarc-atlanta.org or call Jung-In Soh Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial Lawn will be the site of this year’s Rice Festival on Oct. 9. Korean food will be available through a partnership with the Korean government. at 770-270-0663.
Best-selling authors to visit GPC Husband-andwife authors Pat Conroy and Cassandra King will discuss their work on Oct. 6 at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston campus. They will talk about some Cassandra King of their popular works at the Cole King, a native of Alabama, has Auditorium at written a number of national best7:15 p.m. selling novels, including “The Same Conroy, who Sweet Girls,” “Making Waves” and hails from Atlanta, “The Sunday Wife.” Pat Conroy is a prolific author The two currently live in South whose books include “Beach Music,” “Broad Carolina. Street,” “The Great Santini,” “The Lords of The Clarkston campus is at 555 North Discipline” and “The Prince of Tides” and Indian Creek Drive. For more information, several memoirs. call Janet Florence at 404-370-8450.
some of his awards, outfits and pictures, are on display at the library through Oct. 16. Concert patrons will get to see Pickett’s custom-made Italian Stutz Blackhawk car, which will be on display. Tickets are $25 to $50. For ticket information, visit www.thewilsonpickett.com, www .ticketalternative.com or call 1-877-7258849. Mention “mustangsally” to get $10 off your ticket price.
DeKalb Library board appoints acting director Alison Weissinger is the new acting director at DeKalb County Public Library. Weissinger was appointed by the board of trustees this week to succeed Darro Willey, who is retiring on Oct. 31 after 15 years as director. Weissinger began her career with DeKalb Library in 1997 as a Youth Services librarian at the Alison Weissinger Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. Since then, she has served as a branch manager at several branches, including the Decatur Library, the main branch. Most recently, Weissinger has worked as the system’s Adult Services coordinator, overseeing adult programming, literacy and outreach services and the library’s Web site.
10
CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.
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CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010
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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Partnership for Community Action, Inc. will be accepting bids from Oct. 4 through Oct. 15 (8ja.m.-5 p.m.) for janitorial, lawn care, and pest control maintenance at 11 locations throughout DeKalb, Rockdale, and Gwinnett counties. Bid packets can be picked up at 815 Park North Blvd., Clarkston, GA 30021.
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New Dads 101 Class A Free Training Program for New & Expectant Fathers
Sat. Oct. 9, 2010
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Sat., Oct. 16, 2010 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Public Welcome Call 770-981-0180 or visit www.ousleyumc.org
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H O E T E C DANCE EACH C R E C Y GERL R E M I ERRN D A N OTTEST N A E H S O
P DE E TI TA ’ S& M O E OF TH RMA N A P L M FO FIN K W I T HZ ZATH I P HNOOWING SOMORE IN 403 ARK A K R -8 ESHAMNTPER 0, 2010 R 8 W OE A R N J YEAR FO 7 D AT GTRION CEOCT. 1m L YOUR 2 OW S N E p A END CALL 678 LOCARTECERAEM BEYGSIN3pm – 5
DIVID N I G DIN
E T UNDA CAPS AND S SUBSIDIZE FUNDING
NC
DA
Back 2 School Massage Special
$ 60
$5 million in new renovations
230 sleeping rooms with 10,000 square feet of space
for Swedish massage YOU WANT TO IMPRESS THEN STAY WITH THE BEST!!! Family Reunions ★ Weddings ★ Church Groups ★ Sport Teams
Saturday, October 16th
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tickets: 4 for $1.00 on Carnival day
Vendor tables available (no food items please) Call Deirdre Vernon @ 678-480-4776 or email vernondn@hotmail.com
• Bring in your own food or we can provide it for you • Complimentary jacuzzi suites or hospitality rooms with 20 rooms picked up • Discount $5 T-shirts available for family reunions • Easy interstate access to I-85/285 • We can accommodate banquets up to 350 people • Located minutes from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mtn, shopping mall and 150 restaurants /retail stores within 5-mile radius of hotel • Ask about our $69 with breakfast included Summer Weekend packages or $99 Champagne & Chocolates breakfast/dinner included Romantic Get-away packages. For more information contact April Gipson 770-455-3700 ext. 534, or direct line 404-429-9309. Holiday Inn Northeast • 2001 Clearview Avenue • Atlanta, GA 30340
Visit Our Website for MORE SPECIALS
Now Offering Nail Art
SPA at Stonecrest
8052 Mall Parkway, Suite 104 • Lithonia, GA 30038
678-672-4100
www.spaatstonecrest.com spaatstonecrest@gmail.com
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CrossRoadsNews
October 2, 2010