CrossRoadsNews, October 15, 2011 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

FINANCE

WELLNESS

South DeKalb residents are disappointed that the I-20 Rail Project was shafted by the Regional Roundtable. 3

Arabia Mountain High culinary students will operate a restaurant to get handson experience. 6

More than 100 adults channelled their inner youth in a quest to help set a new Guinness record. 11

Passion for rail

Bistro on the Mountain

Jumping for new mark

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

October 15, 2011

Volume 17, Number 24

www.crossroadsnews.com

Stone Mountain kids make ‘The Amazing Race’ By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Rebecca Young of Stone Mountain is a dedicated fan of “The Amazing Race.” On Sunday nights when the CBS reality show is on, she commandeers the big-screen television, and if football happens to Rebecca Young be on, Jim, her husband of 40 years, has to settle for checking the scores during commercial breaks. That was until their two youngest kids – Justin, 31, and Jennifer, 27 – became contestants on the show’s new season that debuted Sept. 25. So far, the siblings have survived

three episodes of the popular show, which takes contestants to exotic locations around the world to test their physical, analytical and creative skills. Eleven two-member teams started the journey on the first episode, and the last team standing in Episode 12 will win $1 million. Along the way, teams that finish first each week win trips to fabulous locales around the world. When Episode Four airs on Oct. 16, the siblings’ thrilled parents will again be glued to their television. Their mother said that having her children as contestants on the show has been amazing. “No pun intended,” she said Wednesday. “I love it, love it, love it.”

Young became an early fan of the show that first aired in September 2001. As they watched the show, the retired DeKalb County teacher said her kids would take turns saying, “I can do that.” After rounds and rounds of “We can do that,” Young said Justin, a medical doctor, and Jennifer, a special education teacher, sent in their application – an essay and video – this spring. To everyone’s surprise, the show’s producers called. When Justin and Jennifer were picked to be contestants on “The Amazing Race,” everyone, including their parents, had to sign confidentiality agreements. Please see ‘RACE,’ Page 2

CBS

Siblings Justin and Jennifer Young graduated from DeKalb County high schools.

‘Fired Up’ for King Dedication South DeKalb contingent making bus trip to D.C. By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

It’s six weeks later than originally planned, but 56 South DeKalb residents will depart Saturday to witness the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. The bus carrying members of the DeKalb NAACP will travel overnight, arriving in time for a day of activities around the West Potomac Park ceremony. John Evans, the group’s president, said they will “keep it fired up” on the trip. “This is an opportunity for the ages,” he said Wednesday. “Being at the dedication is simply superb. It’s just like going to John Evans the inauguration of the first black president. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” During the bus trip, riders will celebrate King, who is the first African-American to have a statue on the National Mall. “We are going to sing freedom songs,” Evans said. “There will be testimonies from those who were involved in the movement and we will play clips of Dr. King’s speeches,” he said. The dedication was rescheduled from Aug. 28 as Hurricane Irene caused havoc along the eastern seaboard. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, which is hosting the dedication ceremony for the 30-foot King Memorial, has scaled back the festivities, but a full day of events is still planned. The dedication activities begin with an hour-long “Morning Joy” program at 8 a.m.

The dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall was rescheduled to Oct. 16 from Aug. 28 because of Hurricane Irene.

emceed by television commentator Roland Martin. The 9 a.m. dedication program, emceed by PBS “NewsHour’s” Gwen Ifill, will pay tribute to King. President Barack Obama will deliver the dedication address, and noted civil rights leaders, including Julian Bond; U.S. Rep. John Lewis; Marian Wright Edelman; former

Ambassador Andrew Young; and the Revs. Joseph Lowery, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, are scheduled to speak. King family members and retired network TV news anchor Dan Rather, who covered the civil rights movement early in his career, are also on the program. Musical and spoken tributes will be delivered by poet Nikki Giovanni, Mary

Mary, Miri Ben-Ari and PoemCees, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Jennifer Holliday. The Dedication Choir of 75 vocalists from across the Washington metropolitan area will perform. Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president and CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Please see KING, Page 2

CrossRoadsNews

Community

October 15, 2011

“I can’t wait to see her eyes light up when she sees the monument. I just wish we could take more kids with us.”

Forum for Lithonia Council candidates Donations sought for pantry The seven candidates vying for Lithonia City Council will take questions from the media and voters at an Oct. 18 candidate forum at the Lithonia-Davidson Library. Pat Miller, Tracy-Ann Williams, Drucilla Woods, Shameka Reynolds, Darold Honore, Tabitha Wingo and Leonard Ware have been invited to the forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters, CrossRoadsNews and the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce.

Woods, who is running as a write-in candidate, was confirmed as a candidate by the DeKalb Board of Election at its meeting Thursday. The seven are vying for four seats on the five-member City Council in the Nov. 8 election. The forum takes place 6 to 7:45 p.m. The library is at 6821 Church St. in Lithonia. For more information, call Belinda Pedroso at 404-321-0913.

The $120 million King Memorial on the National Mall features a 450-foot inscription wall with more than a dozen of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quotes engraved into granite.

Historic day will be a tear jerker KING,

from page

Memorial Project Foundation Inc., said Sunday’s dedication will be a wonderful way to celebrate the life, the dream, and the legacy of King as well as democracy, hope, justice and love. “Although our plans have been scaled back, I am confident Sunday’s event will be momentous for all who join us in West Potomac Park and those who tune in from across the country and around the world to witness this long-awaited moment in our nation’s history,” he said. The $120 million Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is America’s 395th national park. It is adjacent to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and in a direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. It features a 450-foot inscription wall with more than a dozen of King’s quotes engraved into granite. The memorial opened to the public on Aug. 24. Its original Aug. 28 dedication date was the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington and King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. On Oct. 15, Sharpton’s National Action Network is hosting a March on Washington to advocate for Obama’s jobs package that was voted down by the Senate. Carrie Briscoe of Stone Mountain will be on the NAACP bus headed for the memo-

rial’s dedication. She says that her main reason for going on the trip is to take her 12-year-old greatgranddaughter, Mya Garrison, to witness the historic occasion. “I can’t wait to see her eyes light up when Carrie Briscoe she sees the monument,” said Briscoe, 72. “It will be something she will remember for the rest of her life. To be there with the civil rights leaders and see the passion of the older people. I just wish we could take Mya Garrison more kids with us.” Briscoe, who moved to Atlanta 25 years ago, said she was inspired to move here after meeting Coretta Scott King, King’s widow. She was in the audience when Mrs. King was advocating for a library to honor her slain husband. “The compassion I saw in her face inspired me to move here,” Briscoe said. “I fell in love with the dream. Just to go there and see the statue, I know will be a tear-jerker.”

Please Join Me for My

Birthday Celebration & Campaign Kickoff Reception

Oct. 21, 2011 • 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ Sammiches n Stuff 515 McDonough St. • Decatur (Across from the DeKalb County Courthouse)

“Moving DeKalb Clerk’s Office into the 21st Century” • Businessman • 23-year Clerk of Superior Court case manager • Fatherhood Program Facilitator • DeKalb Juvenile Diversion Program member • South DeKalb Business Ass’n Board member

Donations welcomed

Frank Swindle for DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court www.friendsfor frank.org • 404-519-8986 Paid for by Committee to Elect Frank Swindle

The Clarkston Community Center has opened a new food bank and is accepting donations to stock the pantry. The next distribution will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Oct. 22. The center is seeking donations of vegetable oil, white rice, noodles, canned tuna, lentils, jam, dried green peas, milk (hermetically sealed kind that does not require refrigeration), tomato sauce, tomato paste, red or white beans (dried), soy sauce, rice noodles, white flour, black tea, sugar, tea cookies/biscuits, cereal (preferably not sugary), granola bars, black olives, potatoes, onions, and garlic. The Clarkston Community Center is at 3701 College Ave. For more information, visit www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org or call 404-508-1050.

Jennifer Young (left) urges on her brother Justin Young of Stone Mountain and competitors during a leg of CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” which airs at 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Siblings make show’s 4th week ‘RACE,’

from page

In July, the two “disappeared” for a month. “We had no idea where they were,” said Jim Young, president and CEO of Atlanta-based Citizens Trust Bank. “But every week on Wednesday, we got a call from the show’s producer telling us they were OK.” Rebecca Young said Jim Young she tried wheedling the whereabouts of her kids from the caller but to no avail. “I did not like that they wouldn’t tell me where my kids were,” she said. When friends asked about Justin and Jennifer, the parents told them, “Backpacking in Europe.” “How could I say anything else,” Rebecca Young said. “I didn’t know anything. That kept me honest.” When the kids returned, mum was still the word. “They are so tight-lipped and secretive.” their mom said joked this week. “They are driving me insane. I just say, whatever. Win or lose. I still love ’em.” Most of all she is looking forward to the next challenge. Justin is a 1998 graduate of Chamblee High School. He went to Meharry Medical School and is working at an Alpharetta Emergency Center. Jennifer, who graduated from Stephenson High, taught at Knollwood Elementary until this summer. She is now teaching in Newark, N.J. The siblings are one of two teams from Georgia on this season’s show. Marcus and Amani Pollard, a married couple from Pine Mountain, make up the other team.

‘They won’t tell me anything’ For the season’s Sept. 25 premiere, the parents watched with Justin, Jennifer and about 100 friends and relatives. “We had TVs everywhere,” their mom said. “It was a lot of fun.” Last week, Jennifer, who now lives in Newark, came home for her birthday and watched the third episode with them.

The parents said the children still have not told them what countries they visited or how far they advanced in the contest. “They could be millionaires and we don’t know,” their dad said. He adds that if they talk about the show, they would forfeit the prize money or any prizes they win along the way. That doesn’t stop their mother from trying to get them to spill the beans. “I keep asking, ‘Where did you go?’ ‘How far did you get?’ ” she said. “They won’t tell me anything.” Justin did not return calls at press time and Jennifer referred requests to CBS spokesman Mallory Mason, who said she cannot do interviews at this time. “She will be able to speak about her experience once her status on the show changes (i.e., she wins or is eliminated),” he said in an e-mail Thursday. So far, from watching the aired episodes, the parents know that Justin and Jennifer went to Taipei, Taiwan, and to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They have finished in fourth, eighth and third place. They have argued with each other and earned the moniker “Bickering Siblings.” They also have helped their competitors and been kind to strangers. None of it surprises their parents. “They are being Justin and Jennifer,” said their mother. “They are very competitive.” Jim Young said employees at Citizens Trust’s headquarters and board members have been watching the show because his children are on it. So are former schoolmates and colleagues of Justin and Jennifer. Young said the show is a lot of fun to watch even if you don’t have relatives on it. “There is a lot of life lessons in it. It’s not just about physical strength. It’s how you interact with your teammate, your competitors and the people you meet along the way.” From previews of this Sunday’s “This Is Gonna Be a Fine Mess” show, the Youngs know their children will be on a boat as the eight remaining teams depart from the Borobudur Temple in Indonesia and embark on the fourth leg of “The Amazing Race.” They will be watching to see their next destination – and if they survive another week.

October 15, 2011

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“At this point, I will encourage voters to vote against the referendum. Without a strong showing in South DeKalb, it won’t pass.”

No rail for I-20 in final transportation projects for referendum By Mary Swint

that the project list includes $600 million for critical MARTA state-of-good repair projects. “From the very beginning, our top priority was focusing on projects that would ensure necessary investments in the safety and modernization of the existing MARTA system, which is our regional transit backbone,” she said. “We are thrilled that key expansion projects such as the Clifton Corridor, the I-20 Corridor, the Beltline and Ga. 400 fared as well as they did. “Of course, some people wanted more transit – and so would we,” she said. “But given the limitations of time and money, we think these projects are a substantial down payment on Atlanta’s transit future.” MARTA plans to use the $225 million earmarked for I-20 to build park and ride transit centers in South DeKalb. The plan is to transformed the transit centers into rail stations if funds become available in the future.

Funding for the I-20 East Transit Investments project stayed put at $225 million on the Atlanta Regional Roundtable final list of projects for the 2012 penny sales tax referendum. At its last meeting on Oct. 13, the 21-member Atlanta Regional Transportation Roundtable voted unanimously for 157 projects totaling $6.14 billion. DeKalb’s share remained the same at $1.24 billion. Roundtable Chairman Bucky Johnson said the projects will combat congestion, create and support jobs, and enhance the quality of life for residents around the 10-county Atlanta region. “This final list of investments will move us forward and make sure the Atlanta region remains competitive well,” said Johnson, who is mayor of Norcross. But in a joint statement Thursday after- South DeKalb residents rallied for rail earlier on Oct. 3 at the Porter Sanford Center in Decatur noon, five of DeKalb’s seven Board of Com- but to no avail. The Atlanta Roundtable approved its final project list on Thursday without funding missioners members said they were outraged rail along I-20 to Stonecrest. Rail supporters say they will work to defeat the penny tax. at both the Roundtable and DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis’ decision not to allocate more funding to the I-20 corridor. “With no champion on the Roundtable to further the interests of the people, rail will not come to South and Central DeKalb and the economic advantages that rail brings will continue to be out of reach for this segment of DeKalb,” the statement by DeKalb County Commissioners Lee May, Larry Johnson, Sharon Barnes Sutton, Stan Watson and Elaine Boyer said. Only Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader’s names were not attached to the statement. The statement accused Ellis, who sat on the Regional Roundtable, of refusing to offer an amendment that would have allowed a full vote on equally splitting funding between the I-20 East and the Clifton Corridor projects. Ellis did offer an amendment but he was forced to withdraw it when he lost his seconder. To be considered by the full Roundtable, with proof of id and at least amendments had to be seconded. 5 people in party Ellis had proposed amending the list to One coupon per ticket • Dine in only allocate $83 million more to the I-20 transit project by transferring $16.5 million from NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED. the I-285 North at Ga. 400 Interchange Expires November 5 2011 project, $16.5 million from Ga. 400 collector distributor lanes project, and $50 million Mon.-Sat. 11am-3:30pm (Not Including Sunday) Mon.-Sat. 3:30pm-Close (Sunday All-Day Dinner) from the Clifton Corridor transit project. May had proposed taking $297 million Adult $6.59 Adult $8.99 from the $700 million Clifton Corridor projKids By Height: Kids By Height: ect, reducing it to $462.5 million, but it was 33-43" – $2.99 • 43-53” $4.59 33-43" – $3.99 • 43-53” $5.59 never presented to the Roundtable. Under 33” – Free Under 33” – Free The Clifton Corridor project would con(Excludes Drink Prices) (Excludes Drink Prices) nect the Lindbergh Center MARTA station One coupon per ticket • Dine in only with Emory University and the national Most Popular Items Include Create-Your-Own Hibachi Stir-Fry, Rib-Eye Steak, Salmon, NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Black Pepper Shrimp, Fried Fish, Crabmeat, Many Selections of Sushi, General Tso’s Expires November 5 2011 in DeKalb by heavy or light rail. Chicken, Cheese Spinach, and Large Selection of Salads, Fruits, Cheese & Desserts The I-20 Rail Project needed $500 million to build. Johnson told CrossRoadsNews on Wednesday that he plans to ask state legislators for help in raising the Investment List’s allocation for the I-20 transit project. He said he will give DeKalb legislators a petition signed by more than 900 people supporting full funding for a MARTA rail extension to Wesley Chapel Road. Monday-Thursday • Dine In Only He believes the I-20 transit project should Expires December 31, 2011 have received $522 million on the RoundNot Valid on Major Holidays table’s Investment List. “At this point, I will encourage voters to NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED. vote against the referendum,” Johnson said. “Without a strong showing in South DeKalb, it won’t pass.” After his Oct. 6 amendment failed, Ellis said the goal was to get enough Bus Rapid Transit. “There is not enough to get rail, but enough to put infrastructure in place to advance the ball down the field,” he said. Dine in only • One coupon per person Not everyone was unhappy with the NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED. final list. Expires November 5, 2011 In a statement Thursday, MARTA CEO Beverly Scott said she was extremely pleased

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October 15, 2011

Dwight Thomas’ distinguished career is indeed an inspiration to all Georgia lawyers.

Death penalty, a way to deal with heinous criminals As the Troy Davis execution heads into the annals of criminal justice textbooks, law journals, appellate reviews and search engine logic, a mighty case had traction that Georgia probably should have erred on the side of caution and let him live out his life in prison. After all, no one has proved that Troy Davis was innocent, Troy Davis but the state proved that there is significant doubt about his guilt, and that should have been enough to have overturned his execution. Still, we would be very wrong to take the death penalty off the table as a way to deal with heinous criminals. The notion that a government is precluded from using a clean, instant and humane methodology to terminate the life of a goon who beats an old lady to death with a tire iron for her Social Security check, even as another goon does the same

“Minorities who kill other minorities get life sentences or joke sentences, but minorities who kill whites get taxpayer assistance shooting up the potion.” Elrado Ramsay

thing tomorrow free and clear of a death penalty sentence, is a utopian flower garden that has not been planted on this earth yet. The problem is not the death penalty because it is preventative and it works. I have never heard of anyone who got the death penalty coming back to carjack anyone or to murder again. On the contrary, we are littered with cases of murderers that got “life sentences” coming back to commit a new murder and to cause new pain to new people. The problem is that the death penalty is a political football. Rich murderers use expensive lawyers to tie up appeals courts. Poor murderers rock the hearts

of the clergy, activist and miscellaneous pressure groups or sit on death row for 25 years eating food, seeing doctors and talking crap. There is also a racist component to the death penalty. Minorities who kill other minorities get life sentences or joke sentences, but minorities who kill whites get taxpayer assistance shooting up the potion. Additionally, convictions with DNA support get life sentences while a Troy Davis, with dubious eyewitnesses, police-manipulated testimonies and a pit-bull prosecutor, gets the death penalty. I know there are hundreds of cases where DNA refutations and recanted testimony have revealed innocence and fostered commuta-

tions and releases, but those are not the results of intrinsic problems with the death penalty, but a problem of defective convictions that had not earned the high merits of a death penalty sentence. Any prosecutor can ask for the death penalty, but not any conviction can truly earn it. As DNA analysis, fiber analysis, bloods splatter analysis, cell phone transmission signatures, and other forensic tools mature, the death penalty shouts out for consistent judicial attention. Troy Davis, with prosecution witnesses playing musical chairs, should not be the international contention it became because a cogent death penalty law would have eliminated his from the context of a death penalty case, unless we continue to believe that he should die because “he killed” a white policeman and we continue to believe that the death penalty is the bogeyman and we continue to believe that “25 years to life” keeps us safe from repeat tire iron murders. Elrado Ramsay lives in Decatur.

‘Dwight Thomas Day’ was well-deserved recognition By Kenneth L. Shigley

On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I offer congratulations to DeKalb County lawyer Dwight Thomas, who was honored by the county government, his colleagues in the legal profession and many other friends on Sept. 15, which was designated as “Dwight Thomas Day” in DeKalb. This honor appropriately recognizes Mr. Thomas for his 35 years in the practice of law, including service with the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office; the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare; the U.S. Department of Education; and the Office of Civil Rights and as a trial lawyer in private practice. I know Dwight as a valuable and outspoken member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia, having served since 1996. He is also a past president of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the DeKalb Lawyers Association. His service to the legal profession and the community also includes

Quick Read

No rail for I-20 in final transportation projects

Funding for the I-20 East Transit Investments project stayed put at $225 million on the Atlanta Regional Roundtable final list of projects.

Students opening Bistro

South DeKalb’s newest restaurant is at school. On Oct. 17, culinary arts students at Arabia Mountain High School will open Bistro on the Mountain.

Sweet success at historic Lithonia farm

It took Sheldon Fleming awhile to unearth the sweet potato, and when he did, he could hardly believe it.

Attorney Dwight Thomas (right), with Vernon Jones and Sharon Barnes Sutton, was honored Sept. 15, for his service to the legal profession and to the community.

frequent lecturing and mentoring of students and young lawyers and a commitment to education through his “adoption” of several local schools. Dwight Thomas’ distinguished career is indeed an inspiration to all Georgia lawyers as

Flat Rock festival set

we seek to fulfill both our duty to help others and our high calling as stewards of the justice system. Thanks to everyone involved in organizing “Dwight Thomas Day” in DeKalb County. Kenneth Shigley is president of the State Bar of Georgia.

EthicsLine ready for calls 12

The Flat Rock Community History Festival and Tour on Oct. 29 in Lithonia serves up a heritage lesson along with good food and games.

DeKalb School System employees, students, parents and citizens can report unethical behavior to the school system through the district’s new “EthicsLine.”

Zany costumed characters to meet, greet young fans 10

Pioneering doctor to speak at Women’s Day service 13

The countdown is on for the arrival of the zany cast of “Yo Gabba Gabba!” at the Mall at Stonecrest.

Surgeon and breast cancer specialist Dr. Rogsbert F. Phillips will be the guest speaker for Ousley United Methodist Church’s Women’s Day on Oct. 30.

Museum School gets 5-year charter 12 The Museum School of Avondale Estates has officially joined the DeKalb School System and will begin operating out of the old Forrest Hills Elementary School.

Breakfast for veterans, families

DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson will be the keynote speaker at the sixth annual Veterans Day Celebration and Fair.

index to advertisers Circulation Audited By

Abbott’s Hair Studio.......................................15 ALS Career Institute.......................................15 AT&T............................................................... 5 Auto 285........................................................14 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts BJH Attorneys & Counselors at Law...............14 Chevrolet........................................................ 7 Committee to Elect Frank Swindle.................. 2 Creolaise Catering, LLC..................................15 DeKalb Health Pharmacy............................... 11

DeKalb Technical College..............................12 DeKalb Workforce Housing Initiative Prgm...15 Georgia Perimeter College............................12 Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet....................... 3 Home & Asset Ombudsman..........................15 Johnny Harris CPA.........................................15 Law Offices of Chris M. Toles.........................14 Lithonia Flea Mart..........................................14 Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery............. 16

Mini Mall........................................................14 New Creations................................................14 North DeKalb Mall.......................................... 8 Padgett Business Services...............................6 Pastor Kathern Thomas.................................14 Rainbow Park Baptist Church......................... 11 Skyline Records..............................................15 Soul Discount Fabrics.....................................15 South DeKalb YMCA......................................15

Stompin’ at the Savoy..................................... 8 Sunset Ranches..............................................15 The $5 Barber Shop......................................14 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas.....................14 The Mall at Stonecrest....................................9 The Samuel Group.........................................14 Walgreens...............................................Inserts Wal-Mart.................................................Inserts Westgate Resorts.......................................... 10

October 15, 2011

CrossRoadsNews

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CrossRoadsNews

Finance

October 15, 2011

The bistro will be operated entirely by the school’s 115 culinary arts students under the watchful eye of chef Felicia Harris.

Expo for workers with disabilities The needs of job seekers with disabilities will be addressed at an “Unlock Your Possibilities” resource expo fair at Saint Philip AME Church. The 9 a.m.-to-noon event on Oct. 20 will explore the impact earnings have on disability benefits and how disabled job seekers should discuss their disability in an interview setting. It is being held in observance of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The church’s Career Resource Ministry is partnering with the Georgia Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation Program and Goodwill Industries of North Georgia on the event. The expo, which will be held in the church’s Family Life and Administration Center, will include workshops and exhibits by vendors of services for people with dis-

abilities. DeKalb County Public Library, Goodwill Industries, representatives from GDOL’s Assistive Work Technologies Unit, and the Center for the Visually Impaired are among organizations and agencies that will provide information about their services to help the disabled enter the work force. The expo also will include representatives and professionals with expertise in advertising the unique needs of veterans and those with criminal offenses. Space is limited and preregistration is encouraged. Saint Philip is at 240 Candler Road in Atlanta, at the intersection of Candler and Memorial Drive. For more information or to register, visit www.saintphilip.org or contact Donna Coles at 404-371-0749.

Parade seeks business participants Businesses and community groups that wish to participate in the Stone Mountain High School Homecoming 2011 Parade must register by Oct. 18. The Oct. 22 parade, which will be held for the first time on Memorial Drive, begins at 3 p.m.

It is expected to draw 300 to 500 participants, including Stone Mountain High’s band, sports teams and clubs. Participation is free but the school welcomes donations. For more information, contact Lester Wright at 678-676-6333.

Grease collection program offered City of Stone Mountain residents can register for Curbside Recycling’s free FOG Collection Program on Oct. 22. The company is collecting household grease in an effort to reduce the presence of fats, oil and grease in the sewer system. Registration takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Village Café, 6670 James B. Rivers

Memorial Drive. Collection containers will be distributed to residents to be used for redirecting FOG and keeping it out of sewers. Residents also can bring recyclable items for cash. For more information, call 678-3003591.

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Junior Tya Young (left) and senior Tiffany Griffin get “real-world, restaurant experience” at Arabia Mountain High’s Bistro on the Mountain.

Students opening Bistro By Carla Parker

South DeKalb’s newest restaurant is at school. On Oct. 17, culinary arts students at Arabia Mountain High School will open Bistro on the Mountain at the Lithonia school. Mondays and Wednesdays weekly during the school year, they will get hands-on restaurant experience while preparing and serving panini sandwiches, desserts, and an array of flavored coffees and teas from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Patrons will include teachers, staff, parents and other students. Members of the public also can patronize the bistro with a reservation. The bistro will be operated entirely by the school’s 115 culinary arts students under the watchful eye of chef Felicia Harris. Harris said the 28-seat bistro is booked for its grand opening but that it is taking reservations for other opening hours. She said the school created the restaurant to offer students an “entrepreneurship situation.” “The main thing is giving our children real-world, restaurant experience,” she said. Sandwiches are $5.50 each and drinks are $1.75. It costs 50 cents to sit at the bis-

Senior Bernardre Lane prepares a panini in the Bistro on the Mountain kitchen.

tro’s only VIP table, and drink refills are included. Bistro on the Mountain is located on the school’s second floor in Room C213. Arabia Mountain High is at 6610 Browns Mill Road in Lithonia. For reservations and more information, visit www.bistroonthemountain.com.

Johnson joins copyright panel U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson has secured a seat on a House subcommittee that oversees copyright, patent, trademark law, information technology and antitrust matters. Johnson, who represents Georgia’s 4th District, announced the ap- Hank Johnson pointment to the influential House Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet in an Oct. 6 statement. “In light of so many Georgians struggling with the economic downturn, consumer interests should remain our top priority,” he said.

Johnson, who has served on Judiciary since 2007, said he is looking forward to working with Democratic and Republican colleagues to help foster innovation and job creation through fair and equitable copyright and intellectual property law. “As a longstanding consumer advocate, I will also be focused on whether mergers will lead to increased choices and lower prices for consumers,” he said. “Georgia is home to a burgeoning tech sector, and I look forward to helping Georgia’s and the nation’s businesses grow.” Johnson is a member of two other Judiciary subcommittees: Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law and Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.

October 15, 2011

CrossRoadsNews

Dr. Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work has continued to touch the hearts and minds of millions for over 48 years. Today, the Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial adds to that great legacy as the first tribute to a man of peace and to a person of color on the National Mall. Come celebrate what will forever s ta nd a s a tes ta ment to Dr. K ingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timeles s idea l s of pea ce, unders ta nding a nd huma n digni t y.

Awaken his spirit in all of us Chevrolet is honored to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

October 15, 2011

“The farm has been sitting here waiting for someone to work it. I was the chosen one.”

Sweet success at historic Lithonia farm

Friends tout libraries

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Next week is National Friends of Libraries Week, and the Scott Candler and Stonecrest library Friends groups are celebrating. The annual observance, which recognizes Friends groups that support their libraries by coordinating programs; volunteering; raising awareness in the community; and advocating for libraries on the local, state and national level, takes place Oct. 16-22. The new Friends of the Stonecrest Library is hosting a meet-and-greet on Oct. 22 at the Mall of Stonecrest in front of Macy’s on the mall’s lower level. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., members will promote the Friends group and their first event, the exhibit “Forty Acres and More: African Americans and the Civil War,” scheduled for Nov. 5 from noon to 3 p.m. The Stonecrest Library is at 3123 Klondike Road. For more information, visit www.friendsofstonecrest.org or call 770-482-3828. On Oct. 25, the Friends of Scott Candler Library will acknowledge and spotlight longtime library advocates for their dedication to the branch, located at 2644 McAfee Road. The 7-to-8 p.m. celebration is free to attend. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Zepora Roberts at 404284-7458 or the library at 404-286-6986.

For his first season, Fleming and volunteers planted a half acre. The farm’s harvest is used in food demonstrations at Wonderland’s Weight Off Wisely – WOW – program. “We are teaching people to eat locally and healthily,” he said. Weather permitting, he will be harvesting the rest of the potato vines in the 30-foot-by 30-foot sweet potato plot this weekend. Who knows, a bigger tuber could be lurking in the ground. Fleming credits the farm’s rich soil with the potato’s large size. “The farm has been sitting here waiting for someone to work it,” he said. “I was the chosen one.” Fleming is already putting in

It took Sheldon Fleming awhile to unearth the sweet potato, and when he did, he could hardly believe it. The tuber was so large, it weighed in at 11.8 pounds. “That’s the biggest one I have ever seen,” he said. “And it was organically grown.” Fleming, the founder of Wonderland Gardens, said he has asked around and no other farmer has seen one that big. He grew the sweet potato at the Lyons Farm in Lithonia, along with several varieties of tomatoes, peppers, okra, beans, garlic and Wonderland Gardens’ Sheldon Fleming shows off his herbs. 11.8-pound sweet potato grown at the Lyons Farm. The 48-acre farm, named for the Lyons family that owned it from 1827 to 2003, was pur- his winter crops. “I am now planting broccoli, cabbage, collards, snow chased by DeKalb County as part of the buffer for its Pole peas, leeks, spinach, beets, onions and kohlrabi,” he said. Creek wastewater treatment plant.

Song circle Poetry on ‘Day With Christy’ in East Lake Crooners, warblers and wannabe “Idols” can sing just for fun at the monthly song circle on Oct. 28 in East Lake. The repertoire for the group singing, which begins at 7:30 p.m., includes folk music, old standards, spirituals, political songs, pop, freedom songs, country and show tunes. For directions or information, call Bob Goodman at 404-378-5424.

Businesswoman, author and community activist Christy M. Priester will perform some of her poetry at “A Day With Christy” on Oct. 23 at the Community Achievement Christy Priester Center in Decatur. At the 3-to-6 p.m. event, she will recite poems like “Let’s Put It Together,” “Why I Don’t Have No Man” and “The Lord Knows.”

Priester, publisher of the Atlanta Child Care Guide, is the author of “Lessons From the Spirits” and “Let’s Put It Together.” An automobile accident put her in a wheelchair 25 years ago. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children younger than 12 pay $5. For tickets, e-mail atlantachild care@Gmail.com or call 404-288-8980. The fund-raiser benefits programs for families and children, including the Spring Into Reading book fair. The Community Achievement Center is at 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway.

Flat Rock festival set The Flat Rock Community History Festival and Tour on Oct. 29 in Lithonia serves up a heritage lesson along with good food and games. The fest, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., includes a tour of the historic African-American settlement at 1 p.m. The second annual consecration ceremony and community history celebration begins at 11 a.m. Vendors can e-mail flatrockarchive@bellsouth.net or call Johnny Waits at 678-983-2292 for more information. The Flat Rock Museum and Archives is at 3979 Crossvale Road. For more information, call 770-808-0030.

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October 15, 2011

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

October 15, 2011

“They are the hottest brands on Nickelodeon and wildly popular. You may have to take five different photos to get them all.”

Zany costumed characters to meet and greet their young fans The 10th anniversary celebrations kicked off Oct. 8 with the The countdown is on for the arreturn of the stars of “Dora the Explorer” and “Diego.” rival of the zany cast of “Yo Gabba Disney Channel’s Bella Thorne was to be in the Gabba!” at the Mall at Stonecrest. mall on Oct. 15 but canceled On Oct. 22, the live-action her appearance on Monday costumed characters – Muno, the because of a conflict. red cyclops; Foofa, the pink An estimated crowd of flower bubble; Brobee, a little 3,000 parents and kids packed green monster; Toodee, the the mall for Dora and Diego’s 2 blue cat-dragon; and Plex, the p.m. and 4 p.m. shows last week. yellow robot – will be all over Bieler said he is expecting bigger the mall posing for photos with crowds for the colorful “Yo Gabba their fans 1 year old and older. Gabba!” cast who will actually meet Donald Bieler, the mall’s marand greet fans of all ages. keting director, said families DJ Lance Rock will host all of should bring their cameras to the fun for the live-action show capture the moments. for young children. He will intro“They are the hottest brands duce spectators to the friendly on Nickelodeon and wildly toy monsters who reside in a popular,” he said. “Yo Gabba Gabba’s” cast – Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex – magical land full of music, dance Fans will have to meander will bring music and dancing to the Mall at Stonecrest on Oct. 22. and colorful cartoons and learn through the mall in search of the colorful stars, who will just be all over the place between noon simple life lessons through short animated sketches. Of course, dancing is involved to the magic words “Yo Gabba and 4 p.m. “You may have to take five different photos to get them all,” Gabba!” The popular children’s TV show, which premiered in 2007, airs on Bieler said. The cast will be in town to help the Lithonia mall celebrate its the Nick Jr. and Noggin cable networks. It gets its title from the chant 10th anniversary. It opened on Oct. 22, 2001, six weeks after 9/11, “Gabba Gabba Hey,” first coined by punk rock band the Ramones. The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 and Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. with great fanfare, fulfilling a longtime yearning for great shopping For more information, visit www.mallatstonecrest.com. and eating places close to home.

Disney Channel star won’t appear at mall Bella Thorne, star of Disne y Channel’s “Shake It Up,” won’t be at the Mall at Stonecrest on Oct. 15. Mall marketing director Donald Bieler said she canceled her appear- Bella Thorne ance on Monday. “There is some red carpet event she has to be at in Hollywood,” he said. Because of the short notice, there wasn’t time to schedule another act for this weekend, but Bieler said the excitement is building around the appearance of the “Yo Gabba Gabba!” cast on Oct. 22 and the opening of the Oct. 27-to-Nov. 6 Fall Fair with daring rides, merry-go-rounds, slides, trains and bumper cars.

‘Dracula’ onstage at GPC Newton

Musical ‘Fela!’ at the Civic Center

“Dracula,” the original Victorian tale of love, secrets and the undead, will be onstage at the Georgia Perimeter College Newton Campus on Oct. 19-23. The production of the original 1927 Broadway script is based on the novel by Bram Stoker. Associate professor Janet Hollier, who is directing the production, said the time period in this version has been updated from 1897 to around 1910. In the play, Lucy Seward, daughter of the physician in charge of a sanatorium near London, is mysteriously anemic. Dr. Van Helsing, a specialist in obscure diseases, suspects a vampire is afoot. “The search for the vampire gives audience members a quick-fire procession of thrills, surprises and shudders,” Hollier said. “And being so close to Halloween just adds to the supernatural fun.”

“Fela!” the award-winning Broadway musical, is onstage at the Atlanta Civic Center through Oct. 16 in honor of National Arts and Humanities Month, which is being observed in October. It explores Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s controversial life as an artist, political activist and revolutionary musician as well as his pioneering blend of jazz, funk and traditional African rhythms that launched the Afrobeat community. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster .com or by calling the Atlanta Civic Center box office, 404-658-7159. Group rates are also available. Other events hosted by the city of Atlanta include “Secrets of the Quilt – One Method of Escape” on Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum. There will be a discussion on the Underground Railroad secret quilt code and

The time period in the original 1927 Broadway script has been updated to 1910.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Oct. 19-22 and 3 p.m. on Oct. 23. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for everyone else, and one free ticket with GPC ID. Performances take place in Room 2100 in Building 1N. GPC Newton is at 239 Cedar Lane in Covington. For tickets, call 770-278-1435 or e-mail newahac@gpc.edu.

The award-winning musical explores life of the artist who launched the Afrobeat community.

information about tracing your Civil War ancestors. Visit the www.atlantacyclorama .org or www.plantationquilts.com. For a complete list of activities for the month, visit www.atlantaplanit.com.

October 15, 2011

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“It’s about finishing what you start. Just get out there and do the best you can,” said Tadda’s Fitness Camp owner LaTasha Lewis.

Local residents join jumping jacks campaign to break record By Carla Parker

When you were a kid, jumping jacks were a piece a cake. Not so much when you are an adult. Still, that didn’t stop 163 men and women from jumping up and down for 60 seconds on Oct. 11. The group made up of members of Tadda’s Fitness Camp in Lithonia took time out from their regular exercise routine to do jumping jacks to help National Geographic Kids magazine earn the Guinness World Records title for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period. The Tadda’s “Let’s Jump!” event took place at 3 p.m. on Oct. 11 and at 6 p.m. on Oct. 12. Let’s Jump is in support of first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign to fight childhood obesity. Tadda’s group was jumping jacks at the same time that Obama was kicking off the 24-hour period with 400 Washington children on the South Lawn of the White House. She and the kids jumped for a minute. To set a new record, more than 20,000 people worldwide had to complete one minute of jumpCarla Parker / CrossRoadsNews ing jacks. Tadda’s Fitness Camp members jumped up and down in a national quest to set a new Guinness World Record for the Let’s Move campaign. The current record is 20,425 people. a Lithonia-based ankle and foot specialist. “It’s about finishing what you start,” she pants and that all rules were followed. LaTasha Lewis, Tadda’s Lewis said contest wasn’t about doing a said. “Just get out there and do the best you “My job is make sure they’re doing the Fitness Camp owner, said jumping jacks and efficiently,” said Shaheed, certain number of jumping jacks. can.” LaTasha Lewis she wanted to support Obama’s campaign. “The initiative of childhood obesity is close to my heart,” Lewis said. “I love the push to keep kids active and healthy and teaching A Make Believe Tea Party on Oct. 15 is raising funds of her mother, Vandora Keith Brown. them that fitness can be fun.” for breast cancer. “This is a disease that continues to impact the lives Lewis said her clients were excited about For the “High Hats, High Heels and High Times,” of so many women and families,” Brown-Johnson said. participating. participants will drink a cup of tea at 6 p.m. in the “The Make Believe Tea Party is my way to help women “Our goal was to meet 100 people and comfort of their home in memory of a loved one, family make a commitment to their health.” everyone was happy about meeting the goal,” member, friend or neighbor or to celebrate the life and Brown says she will donate $5 of each $20 donation she said. health of others. from the Make Believe Tea Party to the national breast Both of Tadda’s jumping jacks sessions Oretha Brown-Johnson, a candidate for DeKalb cancer survivors organization Sisters Network Inc. were videotaped. Clerk of Superior Court, is hosting the event in observaFor more information, e-mail orethaforclerk@yahoo. Dr. Naim Shaheed was the independent tion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in memory com or contact Yesha McKay Jackson at 404-973-2577. O. Brown-Johnson witness to confirm the number of partici-

Fantasy tea party to support and raise funds for breast cancer

Hike and Seek coming to Piedmont Park Families and individuals can enjoy Hike & Seek – a cross between a nature hike and a scavenger hunt – on Oct. 15 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. The National Wildlife Federation fund-raiser, which is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, begins at 9 a.m. in the 189-acre park at 1215 Piedmont Ave. The 1.8-mile hiking adventure will allow kids to connect with nature and interact with five adventurous Stop & Study locations. At Basecamp, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will have wildlife such as a raptor (owl), a gopher tortoise (Georgia state reptile), and a selection of snakes native to Georgia. Local sponsor REI is featuring its PEAK maze activity. PEAK is a hands-on, interactive program in which children are taught to have fun outside while practicing responsible outdoor recreation. Seven tents will be set up representing the 7 Leave No Trace principles. Participants will receive a prize upon completion of the maze, and there will be other giveaways during the event. Hike & Seek is part of the nonprofit National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement to connect children with nature. For more information and to register, visit http://online.nwf.org/site.

Adjustments needed to help elderly age in place In the next 20 years, Americans 65 and older will make up 20 percent of the population, and most of them will want to remain in their homes as long as possible. That’s the word from the National Aging in Place Council, but it says many homes will need to be modified for seniors. The Washington-based senior support network says that while people may wish to stay in their homes longer, most houses were not built to adapt to our changing needs as we age. Here are some tips from door manufacturer Therma-Tru Corp. to help homeowners accommodate their changing lifestyles.

Evaluate your entryway To accommodate a wheelchair, ideally the doorway to your home should be at least 32 inches wide. Even without needing a wheelchair, a wider opening can be beneficial to provide added space for getting in and out. Consider also how the door swings. A door that swings in may be easier to operate than one that swings out. A remodeling contractor can help determine what your home will accommodate structurally and can provide recommendations for the door styles available and handle the installation. Get a grip According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 67 million adults 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis by the year 2030. For arthritis sufferers, just turning a doorknob can be painfully difficult. For this reason, consider installing lever-style handles on exterior and interior doors.

Upgrade patio doors Patio doors tend to receive more traffic than the front entry door. If your patio door is due for an upgrade, you can choose the classic elegance of a hinged patio door or the modern convenience of a sliding patio door. Both are available in two-, three- or four-panel configurations to ensure a wide opening.

maintenance over time as it tends to rot, split or crack and requires frequent painting and staining. A better option is a fiberglass door that can withstand a wide range of temperatures and weather elements. These doors are easyto-maintain, can be stained or painted and are easily cleaned with soap and water. Fiberglass doors can even replicate the rich look and feel of a real oak or mahogany door but Maintain the beauty As we age, simple home cleaning and offer more durability and energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.agein maintenance tasks get harder. Having a wood door, for example, will require more place.org and www.thermatru.com.

CrossRoadsNews

Schools

October 15, 2011

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will do everything reasonably possible to protect the filerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity and employees are protected under the school districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whistleblower Policy.â&#x20AC;?

Museum School gets 5-year charter By Carla Parker

The Museum School of Avondale Estates has officially joined the DeKalb School System and will begin operating out of the old Forrest Hills Elementary School buildings in Decatur for the 201213 school year. The DeKalb School Board unanimously approved a five-year charter for the 2-year-old charter school on Oct. 10. The Museum School was approved in 2009 by the Georgia Charter School Commission and opened for business in August 2010. It lost its state charter in May when the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that only local districts can fund and open public charter schools. The DeKalb School Board approved a one-year charter so the school could open in August. Its five-year charter begins with the next school year and will end on July 30, 2017. It currently enrolls 200 students and is located next to the First Baptist Church of Avondale at 3191 Covington Highway. The school will lease the Forrest Hills Elementary School buildings at no cost. The lease agreement requires the Museum School to spend $1.3 million in school improvements. The school system is currently spending about $100,000 annually to maintain the Forrest Hills Elementary buildings. Rodney Jenkins, the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public information officer, said the final lease agreement will come before the board for approval in November. The Museum School plans to open its doors in the new location July 1, 2012.

Museum School students showcased experiments and culture quilts at an Oct. 6 Exhibit NIght.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Toney Elementary students get lunch at the Decatur school on Oct. 13 during National School Lunch Week.

On Oct. 6, four days before the good news came, Museum School students showed off some of the lessons they had learned over the past nine weeks to parents, School Board members and supporters. The kindergarten to fourth-grade students presented culture quilts, conducted science experiments and showcased other projects during the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exhibit Night. For the exhibition, they examined a day in their own lives and the lives of scientists, Georgians, freedom fighters and American pioneers. They learned about community and culture, science and stars, government and geography, great leaders and the Great Depression, Native Americans, and a new world for European settlers. The students also explored economics and history, from the American Revolution to segregation and the civil rights movement, and studied the impact of European settlers on the landâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earliest residents. Their lessons took them on adventures to the Atlanta History Center, a science lab, a planetarium, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site, the Georgia Capitol and the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum.

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School lunch celebrated

On Thursday, Toney Elementary School students ate good at lunch. They had a choice of chicken potpie or breaded beef sandwich and steamed broccoli, chilled peaches or ripe banana. And it was not even anything special. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a regular offering at the Decatur school, which joined schools nationwide to celebrate National School Lunch Week, Oct. 10-14. To mark the occasion, Gov. Nathan Deal issued a proclamation for the week that began in 1963 and is observed nationally. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme was â&#x20AC;&#x153;School Lunch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grow Healthy.â&#x20AC;? National School Lunch Programs operate in 95 percent of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schools, providing lunches to more than 31 million children daily. Each year, more than 5 billion lunches and more than 11 million breakfasts are served. Locally, the DeKalb School System serves more than 18 million meals and meal equivalents each school year. Each day, it serves 99,800 meals Ââ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 73,500 lunches and 26,300 breakfasts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; plus an additional 831,400 after-school snacks.

EthicsLine ready for calls and emails DeKalb School System employees, students, parents and DeKalb citizens can report unethical behavior to the school system through the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new â&#x20AC;&#x153;EthicsLine.â&#x20AC;? The phone line and Web site offer the opportunity to report unethical behavior and policy violations within the school system securely and confidentially. Gary Babst, the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of audit and compliance, created the EthicsLine. Babst was brought in to lead the Internal Audit Department last year and was asked

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by former Interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson to create measures to improve the internal control environment in the district. Babst said that when he worked for General Motors, he was involved in following up on EthicsÂ Line calls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew from firsthand experience the effectiveness of such a process,â&#x20AC;? Babst said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, the Association of Certified Gary Babst Fraud Examiners considers a well-run fraud hotline to be one of the most effective mechanisms for deterring fraud and abuse.â&#x20AC;? Babst said Global Compliance, an outside independent service provider, is operating the EthicsLine and Internet reporting process. An incident can be reported over the phone or through the Web site anonymously or with a name. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will do everything reasonably possible to protect the filerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity and employees are protected under the school districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whistleblower Policy,â&#x20AC;? he said. As soon as a report is filed, Babst and Ron Ramsey, the director of the Office of Internal Affairs, are notified and an investigator is assigned. Most matters can be resolved within a few days; however, more complex issues may take weeks or even months to close. Upon resolution, the online case management system is updated with the findings and the individual who filed the original report can see this resolution by using a PIN assigned to the case when it was first reported. The EthicsLine staff follows up on and, to the extent possible, resolves every call received. Babst said the credibility of the fraud hotline is very important. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As far as priority of calls received, any situation where a child or an employee is in a potentially dangerous situation, we react immediately.â&#x20AC;? Potentially dangerous situations include bullying, harassment or any situation that might result in dangerous or hostile school or work environment. To report ethics lapses, visit www.dcsd.alertline.com/gcs/welcome or call 1-888-475-0482.

CrossRoadsNews

October 15, 2011

Ministry

In 1982, Phillips became the first African-American woman to complete the general surgery program at Emory University.

Pioneering doctor to speak at Ousley’s Women’s Day service Surgeon and breast cancer specialist Dr. Rogsbert F. Phillips will be the guest speaker for Ousley United Methodist Church’s Women’s Day on Oct. 30. The worship service begins at 10 a.m. in the Rogsbert Phillips Lithonia’s church sanctuary and will be followed by a reception in the Tom Curtis Christian Life Center. Phillips is also the founder Sisters by

Choice Inc., a nonprofit breast cancer awareness organization she launched in 1989. Its support groups meet monthly to talk about medical and social issues. Survivors, spouses, significant others, family and friends regularly show up to listen and help one another. The Newnan native attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 1970. She graduated from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons with an M.D. In 1982, Phillips became the first AfricanAmerican woman to complete the general surgery program at Emory University.

She started her general surgery practice in Atlanta and decided to specialize in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. She is recognized as one of the top breast cancer specialists in the United States and heads Metro Surgical Associates, a community-based surgical practice with offices in downtown Atlanta and Lithonia. The pioneering physician remains at the forefront of breast cancer research, performing the ground-breaking procedure ductal lavage and breast duct endoscopy. She holds a clinical professorship with the

department of surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and Morehouse School of medicine and also partners with Graduate Medical Consultant Group and Graduate Education of Atlanta to teach and train medical students in the West Indies. A prayer breakfast on Oct. 29 will kick off this year’s Women’s Day festivities. It takes place 9 to 11 a.m. in the Gilmore Center. Ousley United Methodist Church is at 3261 Panola Road, just off I-20. For more information, visit ousleyumc.org or call 770-981-0180.

74th Women’s Day celebration at Friendship Breakfast for veterans, families National civil rights activist Roslyn M. Brock will help Friendship Baptist mark its 74th Women’s Day observance on Oct. 30 in Atlanta. Brock, who chairs the NAACP’s national board of directors, will be the guest speaker at the 10 a.m. service whose theme is “Women of Friendship: Transformed by Faith, Love and Service.” She is the youngest person and fourth woman to hold the NAACP national chairmanship and is a DiaRoslyn M. Brock mond Life member who joined the NAACP as a freshman at Virginia Union University. Before assuming the national office, she was a servant leader with the organization for more than 25 years and has secured millions of dollars to support

its programs. In 2005, Brock created the NAACP Leadership 500 Summit, whose goal is to recruit, train and retain a new generation of civil rights leaders for the NAACP. She was featured in the September 2010 edition of Essence Magazine among the “40 Fierce and Fabulous Women Who Are Changing the World,” recognized for BET’s 2010 “Black Girls Rock,” and received the 2010 National Urban League’s Women of Power Award. She is vice president for advocacy and government relations for Bon Secours Health System Inc. in Marriottsville, Md. Friendship Baptist Church is at 437 Mitchell St. S.W. For more information, visit fbcatlanta.org or call 404-688-0206.

DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson will be the keynote speaker at the sixth annual Veterans Day Celebration and Fair on Oct. 29 at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur. The breakfast celebration, sponsored by the Greenforest Veterans Support Ministry and AMVETS Post 44, will take place from 8 to 10 a.m., under the theme “Moving Forward Even in Troubled Times.” Watson is a former state representative and candidate for DeKalb CEO. He won election to the DeKalb Super 7 district seat last November. The event is open to the community and military Stan Watson veterans, as well as reservists, active duty, retired and National Guard personnel; their spouses, caregivers and dependents; and widows or widowers. The church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive. To register, visit www.greenforest.org/veterans or call 404-486-5751.

Educating and Empowering Our Community

Community Expos

at the Mall at Stonecrest Health, Wellness & Beauty Expo January 28, 2012 Healthcare providers, insurance companies, fitness instructors, spas, haircare & natural product providers, and others bring messages of good health and help empower residents to live more active lives. Exhibitors also offer health screenings, fitness & product demos.

Dance & Summer Camp Expo March 31, 2012

Dance & karate schools, cheerleaders, churches, tutors, YMCAs, and other summer activity providers offer options for parents seeking innovative and interesting programs for their children. Organizations offering services and resources to families are also invited.

Best of East Metro/Small Business Expo April 28, 2012 Businesses and entrepreneurs – from landscapers to lawyers, Realtors, florists, insurance and travel agents, and HVAC operators – showcase their goods and services at this expo, which also celebrates the winners of CrossRoadsNews’ “Best of East Metro” Readers Choice Awards.

Family & Back to School Expo August 4, 2012

Businesses and organizations serving families will showcase goods and services to help students have a successful school year. The expo highlights services from afterschool to private schools and options for adults looking to retool and sharpen their skills for new careers.

Limited Signature Sponsorship Opportunities. Only 50 exhibitor spaces available. Book yours today. Call 404-284-1888 for more information.

CrossRoadsNews • 2346 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 • 404-284-1888 • Fax: 404-284-5007 • expos@crossroadsnews.com

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October 15, 2011

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TITLE PAWN COMING SOON

4527 Glenwood Road Decatur, GA 30032

Attorney Chris M. Toles Criminal Defense Personal Injury • DUI 770-827-4836

2544 Wesley Chapel Road Decatur, GA 30035

auto285@gmail.com • www.auto285.com

Chrismtoleslaw.com

attorneys

Call 404-284-1888 for details.

Tues-Fri 10am-5pm • Sat 10am-2pm

Phone: 404-288-1600 • Fax: 404-289-0186

DeKalb County’s Largest African-American Law Firm

Attorneys at Law

• Bankruptcy • Personal Injury • Divorce/Family Law

The$

Start Up Businesses Showcase Space & Booth Space $25/wk & up

FOR SALE

HEALTH / FITNESS

Lithonia Flea Mart

In the Gym & No Results?

678-910-7904 Hours: Friday-Monday 10am - 6pm

Items Available: New and Used Furniture, Mattresses, Jewelry, Books, Dinettes, Music, Movies and much more.

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-545-8647

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In this book, Pastor Kathern Thomas tackles marital abuse by ministers – an issue that few people are willing to acknowledge. It also includes a guide on “How to Be Helpful to the Christian Battered Woman.”

ALL Day – EVERY DAY 2076 Candler Road Suite B Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-2855 678-518-0091

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Start Today (770) 882-4541

Private Hell/Public Ministry

Only $15

“I pray that abusers will read this book and repent. I pray that those being abused realize there is still hope. Even if no one else believes what you’re going through, God sees everything and will deliver you from your private hell.”

Available at www.worshippersintercedingforexcellence.com & Amazon.com

Reach more than 15 million households served by over 1,020 suburban and community newspapers around North America and Canada. 25-word ad starts at $240 weekly. Discount Contact Rates Available. For more information, call 404-284-1888

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6933 Main Street Lithonia, GA 30058

Regular Cut - $5

Affordable Health Insurance for EVERYONE!! Uninsured? Dissatisfied? Been Turned down? Call Now We Can Help Licensed Agents Standing By 1-800-9512167

We Have Vacancies $500 Moves You In

404-870-9070

multi-newspaper placement service!

No experience required. Start Immediately! www.national-mailers.net

Small Restaurant 4 Rent Nail Salon 4 Rent

www.thesamuelgroupinc.com

One-order, one-invoice,

Autos

BANQUET HALL for rent $20 – $125/hr

BOOKS

BARBER SHOP

4262 Clausell Court • Decatur, GA 30035 404/289-2244 • bjhlawyers.com “Taking Care of Your Legal Needs”

7173 COVINGTON HWY • 678-755-5955

Loans for Churches, Restaurants, Day Care Centers, Multi Family Properties, Office Buildings and other commercial properties. Purchases or refinancing. All credit considered. Closings as quick as 7 days.

BARBER / SALON

Burroughs Johnson Hopewell Coleman

MINI MALL

The Samuel Group, Inc.

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Miscellaneous Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in up to 12 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 750 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 or go to www. classifiedavenue.net Dish Network lowest nationwide price $19.99 a month. FREE HBO/Cinemax/Starz FREE Blockbuster. FREE HD-DVR and install. Next day install 1-800375-0784

Earn $1000 a week Mailing Brochures from Home. Free Supplies! Guaranteed Income! No experience required. Start Today. www.national-mailers.net AT&T U-Verse for just $29.99/ mo! SAVE when you bundle Internet+Phone+TV and get up to $300 BACK! (Select plans). Limited Time Call NOW! 1-866944-0810

Real Estate North Carolina Mountains. E-Z Finish Log Cabin Shell with Land. Only $89,900. Warm WintersCool Summers E-Z Access Mountain Homesites UP to 10 acres from $29,900. 828-4294004 Code 45 20 ACRE FORECLOSURES Near Booming El Paso, Texas Was $16,900 Now $12,900 $0

Down, take over payments, $99 /mo. Beautiful views, owner financing. FREE map/pictures 1-800-343-9444

Land for Sale Arizona Building Lots! 50% OFF! 15, AAA+ View Lots. $0 Down! Starting $99/MO! Guaranteed Financing! Near Tucson’s Int’l Airport www.sunsiteslandrush. com 1-800-659-9957- Mention Code 7

Timeshares Ask yourself, what is your TIMESHARE worth? We will find a buyer/renter for CA$H. NO GIMMICKS- JUST RESULTS! www.BuyATimeshare.com (888)879-7165

Travel GREAT CRUISE RATES! MILITARY, SENIOR AND RESIDENT SPECIALS CALL Nancy at BeachBound Travel TOLL FREE AT 1-877-296-2629.

Wanted to Buy WANTED YOUR DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Unexpired. We buy Any Kind/Brand. Pay up to $18.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Hablamos espanol. Call 1-800267-9895 www.SellDiabeticstrips. com

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

CrossRoadsNews

October 15, 2011

financial

Settle Your IRS Debt

Marketplace

FOR RENT/LEASE

REAL ESTATE

Stone Mtn,4 br, 2.5 ba,Lr,Dr, Den,$79k, $1000dn, 640 mon, 1 888 269 6795 x150, TL rlty.

3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment for rent in Conyers. $750 per month. Call Nathan 404-286-4802 or 404-735-6176 LBJ Realty.

SERVICES

FOR SALE Public Sale: Gold 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, Vin # 1G1ND52JOY6306047, 1041 S. Hairston Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Oct 10 & Oct 17, 2011, 10-2 PM

Arthur's Contracting. Water line installation and repair, sewer line repair and drain cleaning. Concrete driveways and patios. Wood and chain link fence. Cell 404-838-6541

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.

HELP WANTED

events / seminars

Immediate help needed. Personal Care Home live-in caregiver. Interested compassionate persons call 678-773-6210.

FREE HUD APPROVED Homebuyer Education Workshop For DeKalb County Workforce

CALL FOR APPT

(678) 518-8501

JOHNNY HARRIS, CPA PC

Evenings and weekends available

OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE 5211 Covington Hwy • Decatur, Ga. 30035 real estate