CrossRoadsNews, October 17, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

FORUM

WELLNESS

MINISTRY

Comedian Chris Rock’s documentary “Good Hair” has sparked conversations about how AfricanAmericans view themselves and their styles. 4

To help bolster its blood reserves during the coming holiday season, the American Red Cross is offering donors a chance to win tickets for domestic air travel. 9

The Men’s Ministry at New Piney Grove Missionary Baptist is going all out to re-energize its membership during Men’s Day services. 10

Hair-raising question

Added incentive

October 17, 2009

Fanning the flame

Volume 15, Number 24

www.crossroadsnews.com

Redan Road bridge to be replaced at a cost of $1 million The flood-damaged Redan Road bridge in Stone Mountain will be closed for six months to a year for replacement. The bridge, which spans Barbashela Creek, is located between Redan High School and South Hairston Road. It will be replaced by the Georgia Department of Transportation at a cost of $1 million, paid for entirely with federal highway funds. The Redan Road bridge was heavily damaged by flood waters during the Sept. 20-21 rainstorms that damaged homes, roads and bridges across North Georgia. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said Wednesday that replacing the bridge was the best option.

“While building a new bridge means Redan Road is going to be shut down longer than first anticipated, the decision to replace the bridge rather than repair it, ensures optimal safety for citizens using the road on a daily basis,” he said. The bridge has been closed to traffic since the flood, forcing motorists to detour through the Main Street community. GDOT spokesman David Spear said last week said that the $1 million price tag is only an estimate. “It’s hard to tell exactly what the cost will be,” he said. “More than likely it will be $1 million, perhaps a bit more.” The Redan Road bridge is one of three metro Atlanta bridges that

state and local inspectors and the Federal Highway Administration determined needed to be replaced, rather than repaired. GDOT Commissioner Vance C. Smith Jr. said all three are critical components of their community’s transportation infrastructure. “Thousands of motorists depend on them daily,” he said. “We all agreed that the fastest, most cost-efficient way to replace the bridges was for Georgia DOT to manage the work on a fast-track schedule.” GDOT is conducting expedited bid lettings on the three projects. It expects to award contracts within the next three weeks to meet a sixmonth completion timetable.

Local and state officials determined that the flooddamaged bridge over Barbashela Creek should be replaced rather than repaired.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Co-workers pitch in to fix up Habitat home

Amolya Murshliyeva and her family hope to move into their new home next month.

By McKenzie Jackson

After only two years in the United States, Amolya Murshliyeva is still refining her English – but her smile needs no translation. And it was very big on Thursday when eight of her co-workers from the Avondale Wal-Mart store showed up to help renovate her Habitat for Humanity house in Decatur. “I am very happy,” said Murshliyeva, a refugee from the former Soviet Union country of Azerbaijan who lives in a Clarkston apartment. Over four hours Thursday morning, the seven women and a lone man, who hold jobs as associates, cashiers and supervisors, pulled out rotted boards and old flooring and painted the ceiling of the carport of the onestory brick and wood house in the Belvedere community. Joe Stoner, DeKalb Habitat’s executive director, said Murshliyeva’s family will move into the brick and frame house that was damaged in a fire last year next month. The house was donated to Habitat for Humanity in January and its refurbishing is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, which

Photos by McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

On Thursday, Wal-Mart employees (from left) Shateka Husser, Vakelvion Holmes and Ashley Henderson paint the carport ceiling of the Habitat for Humanity house in Decatur that is being renovated for their co-worker Amolya Murshliyeva and her family.

already has the Healthy Belevedere Project under way in the community. Stoner said the frame and brick mortar were still usable despite the blaze, but that the interior will need to be gutted and completely rebuilt. Felicia Ellison, a Wal-Mart assistant manager, said when they found out that the house was being renovated for a co-worker, they had to help. Murshliyeva, 31, who has a 3-month-old

daughter, Nillulaz, was on leave when coworkers found out about the house. When she returned to work and heard about their plans, Ellison said she was very excited. “It meant a great deal to her and a lot to us too,” she said. Caron Yance, a Wal-Mart apparel supervisor, said it was an easy to decision to help Murshliyeva’s family. “She is such a sweet associate,” she said.

“She helps me all the time. I want to do something to help her and her family because they are so nice.” Murshliyeva, her husband of 11 years, Ibrahim Ahmadi, a refugee from Afghanistan, their new baby, and 5-year-old son, Javid, will live in the house on Catalina Drive. The couple applied for the DeKalb Habitat home last winter after a friend, who got Please see WAL-MART, page 3

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October 17, 2009

Community

CrossRoadsNews

October 17, 2009

Habitat for Humanity sells donated homes at cost to families, who volunteer 250 hours working on other Habitat homes and on their own.

FEMA shutters all but 3 disaster centers Candidates to be at forums FEMA has pulled out of DeKalb and most of the North Georgia counties ravaged by floods last month. The Federal and Georgia Emergency Management Agencies closed the DeKalb Disaster Recovery Center at the Browns Mill Recreation Center in Lithonia at 6 p.m. on Friday. Over the 17 days that the center was open, 393 people applied for low-interest loans to help repair

their flood-damaged homes and businesses and sought aid from other agencies. It was one of 16 disaster centers that opened around metro Atlanta on Sept 30 in wake of the Sept. 21 floods that damaged homes, businesses, roads, bridges and other public property across the area. Charley English, GEMA director and state coordinating officer, said three recovery centers in Cobb, Douglas and Gwinnett are

still open. “Help is available through other sources,” he said. FEMA also closed centers in Cherokee, Douglas, Paulding, Walker and Fulton counties Friday. The Rockdale County center was among five closed on Oct. 10. Flood victims from all jurisdictions can still visit one of the three open centers, call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or visit www. DisasterAssistance.gov.

Habitat grand opening scheduled for Nov. 7 WAL-MART,

from page

a Habitat home three years earlier, told them about the program. The county nonprofit group is part of Habitat for Humanity International, which was founded in Americus in 1976. Since then the international group has built more than 300,000 homes in nearly 100 countries. Habitat for Humanity sells donated homes at cost to families, who volunteer 250 hours working on other Habitat homes and on their own. Families have 30 years to pay back the loan. Stoner said DeKalb Habitat, which has built 50 homes since it came to the county 20 years ago, is completing eight homes this year. Habitat volunteers for have been at work on Murshliyeva’s since August. Stoner said they are expected to be finished in early November. So far they have put in new windows, a new roof and cleared shrubs and high grass from the yard. A grand opening celebration is planned for Nov. 7. Quincy Springs, who joined Wal-Mart just two weeks ago, said he wanted to help Murshliyeva’s family achieve the American dream of owning a home.

Furloughs to close DDS offices DeKalb motorists will be unable to renew driver’s licenses or get any service from the Department of Driver Services on Oct. 22 because the office will be closed. The closure is the first of four furlough days scheduled over the next four months as the state grapples with reduced revenues. The furlough is part of a July 22 directive initiated by the state Office of Planning and Budget. DDS Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier said that while the decision to disrupt customer service is a difficult one, the selected days should minimize the impact on customers because they chose days when the office historically has the fewest average transactions. The remaining furlough days will be Nov. 19 and Dec. 18 this year and Jan. 28, 2010. Even when the offices are closed, the DDS says transactions such as change of address or replacing a lost license can be done online at www.dds.ga.gov.

in Clarkston, Decatur

Park neighborhood associations are co-hosting a forum for candidates for Decatur’s city commission and school board. The forum will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Oakhurst Elementary School, 175 Mead Road, Decatur. Kyle Williams and Patti Garrett are running for city commission District 2 seat. Incumbent commissioner Fred Boykin is facing James Radford for the District 1 seat. The candidates for the school board’s District 1 seat are incumbent Marc Wisniewski and challenger Garrett Goebal. Incumbent Valerie Wilson is facing challenger Rob Pope for the at-large. District 2 incumbent Decatur elections Bernadette Seals is running unopThe Oakhurst and Winnona posed. Voters in Clarkston and Decatur can hear from candidates vying for seats in the Nov. 3 elections at two upcoming forums. Candidates for mayor and city council will be at an Oct. 24 forum at the Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave. It starts at noon. Pat Morris Davis, Joyce Wade, Howard Tygrett and Rosemarie Nelson are running for mayor. Karen Feltz, Dean Moore, Joan Swaney and Adam White are vying for three City Council seats. The forum will be hosted by state Rep. Karla Drenner. For more information, call 404-508-1050.

Delegation to meet residents DeKalb residents can bring their concerns about state issues to members of the DeKalb House Delegation at its Oct. 22 public hearing. The Georgia House and Senate members are hosting the meeting to receive public input about the

2010 legislative session and to find out what constituents want to see happen at the state level. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-656-0311.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

The frame and brick mortar are still usable on Murshliyeva’s new home, but the interior needs to be gutted and completely rebuilt.

Deadline to pre-qualify is Nov. 13, p. 5 “With the recession going and the tough economic times, ownership of a home is big,” he said. Ashley Henderson, a 14-yearold Wal-Mart employee who

helped paint the carport, said the white paint splattered on her hair, face and clothing was worth it. “I would do it again,” she said. Murshliyeva is looking forward to a house to call home. “We are paying to much for the apartment,” she said. “We are happy to have the home.”

Get over $8,000

On Any Home Purchase on or before November 30, 2009. Call Sylvester @ 404-216-2247 or e-mail ayaeze-ae@msn.com for details.

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Forum

October 17, 2009

There are so many braid styles available to all types of hair texture and for all ages that black hair care should be trouble-free today.

Heavy rains help us remember what is really important 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

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As the floodwaters rise in the Atlanta area, the scramble for safety and survival takes precedence over other matters of daily concern. Concerns like the rudeness and disrespect of Cong ressman Joe Wilson when he spoke out and interrupted President Obama, calling Miriam Robinson him a lie in the middle of his speech. Likewise, rap singer Kanye West was rude with disrespect when he interrupted the presentation of an award to country singer Taylor Swift. As adults, we need to set the right examples for our children and teach them how to respect themselves and others. If we don’t teach them, who will? The only thing

these two men accomplished with their outbursts was a stupid display of ignorance in a public forum for millions to witness. Somehow I think floods, fires, volcano eruptions and other worldly disasters don’t just happen. There is a reason. It could be God’s way to let his people know that, “hey, I am the one in charge of this universe. I am the one who can calm the waters of the raging sea, stop the rain, stop the thunder and lighting and then I can make the sun shine again in the blue sky.” We sometimes fail to realize that God is the basis of our being. We did not make ourselves. For those who do not believe in the existence of God as a higher power, that is their business. We take prayer out of school, sometimes leaving the children in without a belief system. Thank God we can still say the

never be peace on earth, as long as there are different races of people with different opinions and other factors that impede unity. The only peace is within your soul. Attacks on our president could sometimes be viewed as red herrings designed to draw attention from the ability to stay on track of fixing the country’s real problems. Issues like affordable health care for all, jobs, homes, and empowering young people to respect themselves, stay in school and get an education is of more importance. We are all God’s people in a world of uncertainty. Whether the president of United States is red, black, blue or green is irrelevant. We are all God’s people, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Miriam Knox Robinson lives in Decatur.

Chris Rock movie begs question of what is ‘natural’ hair The holidays are around the corners and many are starting to think about their hairstyles. And on the back of many people’s minds will be Chris Rock’s HBO documentary, “Good Hair.” So the question becomes what style to get in order to keep it nice, simple, affordable, manageable and not ridiculous. Black hair care can be complex when one tries to reach all these goals at the same time; however, it could be simple when you try some of the natural hairstyles available today. But what is a natural style? Which women actually wear natural hairstyles? Maybe Chris Rock can tell us. Is adding hair natural, or using chemical products un-natural? Does it just depend on what kind of hair you are adding, or what kind

of chemical or how much chemical you are using. Many of us use products that we may not acknowledge as chemical, or is it? Is adding 100 percent human hair “natural,” or is “natural” just using your own hair? I think many methods are used to make natural hair look more natural. I find it hard not to add hair when braiding, even with very long or thick hair. Even if the natural hair is as long as 12 to 18 inches, we need certain level of thickness and fullness whether it is in loose, locked or braided hair. This allows the weave or the braids to cover the entire scalp with no gaps and make them last longer and actually looking more natural. So no one should feel embarrassed about adding hair or using products when watching Chris Rock’s movie, because we are

confident that we are just trying to make our hair look more natural while we are looking our best. Chris Rock’s take on black hair seems to be just a comedic approach to things we overlook regularly. It is an interesting debate to me, because it allows me to dig deep in hairstyle history in order to illustrate the plethora of styles available – in a very natural way – to black women when it comes to hair care. There are so many braid styles available to all types of hair texture and for all ages that black hair care should be trouble-free today. Thick or kinky hair is actually easy to braid, lasts longer and is healthier than thin hair. We have left behind the era of curly or straight hair being the fashion of the day. Since the Egyptian era, black

hair care has been filled with thousands of beautiful natural styles, with sophisticated designs that always expose the artistic flair of the moment and the convenience of the care. Today, we have many braid styles that can be worn comfortably that allow a manageable and affordable hair care. However I believe we need to modernize the way we braid hair, the styles we offer and explore ways to reduce the minor pain or blisters noticed sometimes. This will allow many black women to save time and energy in managing their hair, to express a great self-esteem in presenting themselves, and to manage health issues involved with chemical use. Ramata Sissoko Cisse is owner of 1007 Braids and Styles. She lives in Lithonia.

Quick Read

Candidates to attend local forums

Baranco joins development Performances to help raise 3 authority 6 funds for clinic 9

Voters in Clarkston and Decatur can hear from candidates vying for seats in the Nov. 3 elections at two upcoming forums.

Furloughs to close DDS offices

Lithonia resident and car dealer Gregory Baranco is the newest member of the DeKalb County Development Authority Board.

NAACP to honor seven at 3 Freedom Fund banquet

DeKalb motorists will be unable to renew driver’s licenses or get any service from the Department of Driver Services on Oct. 22.

Low-income families who want to own their homes can apply to attend Habitat for Humanity’s new home orientation meeting.

The Superstar Kidz “The Musical,” KIDDS Dance Project and Christopher Gordon will help raise funds for the House of Grace.

Free prostate screenings 8 to be offered

Seven individuals and organizations will be recognized at the DeKalb NAACP 53rd Freedom Fund Awards.

Habitat pre-qualification due Fish fry, yard sale part of Nov. 13 5 school’s open house

Attorney general asked to probe arbitration cases Circulation Audited By

Pledge of Allegiance saying, “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Thank God that “In God We Trust” is still on our American money. Whether people believe in God or not, they believe in the money. God on the money is still a reminder of his existence whenever we use money. Hopefully it will never go away. As I listened to the wind, rain and thunder, it also let me know that God is real and still on the throne. No woman or man can be created to compete with his powers, so why are we focusing on losing energy on what people say racially. There are other important things like our troops dying in Afghanistan, homeless people, jobless people, sick people and other concerns in this world. I am convinced that there will

Free prostate cancer screenings are available Oct. 23 at the Rockdale County Radiation Therapy Center in Conyers.

Men’s Day celebration to re8 energize men 10

Delicious hot fried fish and all the fixings will be on the menu at Kilombo Academic and Cultural Institute in Lithonia.

New Piney Grove’s Men’s Ministry will seek to re-energize members during its annual Men’s Day Celebration.

Donors can win airline tickets Ministers, commissioner to 6 during blood campaign 10 9 speak at services

Rep. Hank Johnson is urging Attorney General Thurbert Baker to investigate homebuilders’ use of arbitration clauses.

To boost its supply for the holidays, the Red Cross is luring donors with the chance of winning tickets from Delta Air Lines.

Women will be in the pulpits at three South DeKalb churches on Oct. 18 and 25 for special services.

index to advertisers Angela Lott/Mona Vie......................................11 Atlanta Satellite Team......................................11 Comforcare Services LLC.................................11 DeKalb County Delegation................................5 DeKalb Co. Schools-Parent Resource Center....5 Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care.................11

Georgia Power..................................................5 Harper & Associates Family Medicine PC........ 9 M&J Package Store..........................................11 Macy’s...............................................................7 Malcolm Cunningham Ford............................ 12 Narvie J Harris Theme School PTA..................11

Newburn Reynolds Photography.....................11 North Georgia Orthodontics............................ 9 ReMax of Buckhead......................................... 6 Sylvester Ayaeze/Solid Source Realty................3 The Gallery at South DeKalb.............................2

The Law Office of B.A. Thomas.......................11 Tru Natural Shop.............................................11 UGR Network...................................................11 Wright, James & Boston P.C..............................3 Zip2Save.com.............................................. 6, 8

Community

Habitat for Humanity homes are built by teams of volunteers, including Habitatowners-to-be who are building “sweat equity” for their own home.

Habitat pre-qualification due Nov. 13 By Stephen Paterson

Low-income DeKalb families who want to own their homes can apply to attend DeKalb Habitat for Humanity’s upcoming new home orientation meeting. A pre-qualification form is available at www.dekalbhabitat.org and must be completed and returned to Habitat’s Decatur office by Nov. 13. The new home orientation meeting is held once a year to pick candidates for Habitat homes and only qualified applicants will be invited. The 2010 meeting is scheduled for January. Jan Winfield, DeKalb Habitat’s operations manager, said the number of homes to be built next year has not yet been determined because they have not yet found funding partners. The nonprofit offers adults, who would not otherwise be able to buy their own homes, the opportunity to participate in building their homes.

CrossRoadsNews

For 2009, the group is building eight homes. In has built 50 homes in DeKalb County over the last 20 years. Qualified candidates must live in DeKalb County for at least a year, must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent U.S. citizen status, and must be willing to put in “sweat equity” – a total of 250 hours – by helping to build other Habitat homes, including their own, and attending approved educational classes and workshops. They must also have had a steady source of income for the past two years, and total household income must not exceed 50 percent of the area’s median income indicated on the family table on Habitat’s website. For example, a family of four’s total income can be up to $38,500. Completed pre-qualification forms can be faxed to 404-534-9922; mailed to P.O. Box 1681, Decatur, GA 30030; or hand-delivered to DeKalb Habitat’s offices at Belvedere United Methodist Church, 2915 Midway Road, Decatur, GA 30030.

DeKalb County Delegation Holds Public Hearing Georgia State House and Senate members of the DeKalb County Delegation will hold a special meeting for public input about the upcoming 2010 legislative session on Thursday, October 22, 2009. During this meeting residents of DeKalb County will have an opportunity to address any concerns they may have about state issues with their General Assembly representatives.

The hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center 3181 Rainbow Drive Decatur, GA 30034

SNIFF OUT SAVINGS Dogs can be trained to do lots of things. So why not teach them to find energy savings? Tara has learned that adding proper insulation to attics and crawl spaces can reduce your home’s heat gain and heat loss by up to 28%. Find more ways to sniff out savings at GeorgiaPower.com.

EarthCents programs from Georgia Power benefit the environment.

October 17, 2009

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

October 17, 2009

“This and other cases demonstrate a gross abuse of an already flawed arbitration system.”

Attorney general asked to probe arbitration cases

New jobless claims down, Baranco joins development yearly numbers still up

Fourth District U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson is urging Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker to investigate homebuilders’ use of pre-dispute arbitration clauses. In a Sept. 15 letter to Baker, Johnson said a Marietta couple was devastated after the new Hank Johnson home they purchased for $429,000 was so overrun with mold that the couple was forced to sleep in friends’ homes, tents and cars. Johnson said that even in the face of overwhelming evidence that the new home was poorly constructed and the family severely harmed by mold and other health problems, arbitrators found in favor of the builder. “There are hundreds, if not thousands of other cases like this all over the country,” he said. “This and other cases demonstrate a gross abuse of an already flawed arbitration system.” Johnson, whose district includes portions of DeKalb, Gwin-

First-time claims for state unemployment insurance benefits in DeKalb County dropped by 14.2 percent in September. The Georgia Depar tment of Labor said 4,080 outof-work county residents filed claims last month. Michael Thurmond That was 676 fewer people than the 4,756 jobless workers who filed claims in August. While the month-to-month numbers are down for the county, September claims were still up 26.1 percent from September 2008. Statewide, 66,614 laid-off workers filed first-time claims in September, a 17.6 percent increase from a year ago, when 56,562 people filed claims. Despite the decrease, Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said that the average length

a’s eric Am rt Sale ho #1 S rvice Se

nett and Rockdale counties, is the author of the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2009 that would allow consumers to redress their grievances in court. Currently, consumers purchasing a home, obtaining a credit card, buying a car or hundreds of other products and services are required to sign contracts that require disputes to be resolved by forced arbitration. Because of that law, the Marietta family had no recourse but arbitration. Russell Willard, a Baker spokesman, said there is no mechanism for their office to investigate arbitration abuses. He said the state Legislature would have to change the law. “We don’t have investigative authority,” he said. “It has not been given.” Johnson said the more than 70-year-old Federal Arbitration Act has found its way into consumer agreements and that to buy a home, car or get a new job, consumers must sign away their right to a trial. “That’s simply unfair. The American people overwhelmingly agree arbitration is a problematic system that’s got to go,” he said.

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of time that jobless Georgians are receiving unemployment insurance benefits is the longest it has been since March 1976. “This is a strong reminder that we must increase our efforts to help unemployed Georgians find new jobs or careers,” he said. “I believe that federal, state and local governments must invest greater public-sector resources in order to stimulate job creation by small businesses.” Thurmond is pushing employers and job seekers to take advantage of the opportunities available through expanded use of the Georgia Work$ initiative. The GDOL initiative reduces employer costs associated with recruiting, training and hiring new employees. For more information about the GW$ hiring strategy, visit www.dol.state.ga.us or e-mail inquiries to gaworks@dol.state. ga.us. GW$ telephone operators are available at 1-877-967-5709.

Toolkit measures energy use DeKalb residents can track their energy use with the help of their local branch library and save money on their utility bills. DeKalb library branches are now lending the “Kill-a-Watt Energy Detector Toolkit” in a partnership with the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and the Georgia Public Library Service. The Kill-a-Watt unit measures the energy consumption of individual appliances by the kilowatthour and estimates the cost of operating the appliance by the hour, day, week, month and year. The toolkit is available for checkout for a week at a time. It

comes with instructions on how to use the meter, what the information means, and tips about energy consumption. Darro Willey, the DeKalb Library System’s director, said the toolkit can help residents save money. “With the Kill-a-Watt Energy Detector Toolkit, residents will be able to test their energy consumption and make adjustments, thereby saving themselves money,” he said. “The kit will allow them to get a better idea of their carbon footprint.” For more information about the Kill-a-Watt Program, call 404370-8450, Ext. 2278.

authority

Lithonia resident and car dealer Gregory Baranco is the newest member of the DeKalb County Development Authority Board. Baranco was tapped Oct. 13 by DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis to fill the seat vacated by Dr. Eugene P. Walker on Aug. 18. Walker, who Greg Baranco was the authority’s chairman, was on the board for eight years. He stepped down amid charges of conflict of interest. Baranco, who was appointed to a four-year term, is the president and CEO of Baranco Pontiac GMC in Lilburn and Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead. He has lived in DeKalb County for more than 30 years and is a member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb, the United Way and the DeKalb County Task Force on Efficiency in Government. The seven-member appointed authority was created in 1974 by the General Assembly to promote trade, commerce, industry and employment opportunities. It assists in financing business facilities and equipment for job creation and expansion. It may also package bond financing for companies based on the type and number of jobs produced. Baranco joins Decatur First Bank president Judy Turner; Emory University professor Dr. Delores P. Aldridge; Greater Piney Grove pastor Dr. William Flippen; PATH Foundation executive director Ed McBrayer; APD Solutions CEO Vaughn Irons; and Bank of America Home Loans vice president Michael D. Williams on the authority’s board.

October 17, 2009

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

October 17, 2009

The NAACP will discuss its faith-based economic development conference, annual health fair, and plans to bid for the NAACP Georgia State Convention.

NAACP to honor individuals, groups at Freedom Fund banquet Seven individuals and organizations will be recognized for their contributions at the DeKalb NAACP 53rd Freedom Fund Awards Banquet on Oct. 24. The event’s keynote speaker will be civil rights advocate, pastor and educator Dr. Francys Johnson. The NAACP’s Southeast Region director is also the vice president of Cultural Health Initiatives and Strategic Alliances at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in New York. Tickets for the banquet are $75. Proceeds finance the chapter’s operation.

Francys Johnson

Gregory Adams

Individual awards go to DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams; former state senator and minister Steen “News Lady” Miles; NAACP chapter member Calvin Sims Sr.; and W.O.W.W. and W.I.T.N.E.S.S. ministries found-

Annual book sale at Lithonia Library Bargain-priced paperback and hardback books will be available at the Friends of Lithonia Library’s annual book sale on Oct. 24. The collection of new and used books includes fiction, nonfiction, biographies, short stories and novels. Proceeds from the sale benefit the library’s summer reading program for children and other activities. The sale will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the library, at 6821 Church St. in downtown Lithonia. For more information, call Jeffrey Meeks at 770-355-8125.

Fish fry, yard sale part of school’s open house Delicious hot fried fish and all the fixings will be on the menu at an Oct. 24 fish fry, yard sale and open house at Kilombo Academic and Cultural Institute in Lithonia. The home school, which is a project of First Afrikan Community Development Corp., is located on the grounds of First Afrikan Presbyterian Church. The school will showcase its culturally sensitive curriculum during the 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. event. The church is at 5197 Salem Road. To donate crafts, clothes and jewelry from Africa for the yard sale, call Rosalyn at 845-863-4466. For more information, call Aminata Umoja at 404-992-8021.

Steen Miles

Calvin Sims Sr.

er Cassandra Alexander-Green. Awards also will go to Greenforest Baptist Church Social Ministries, Ronald E. McNair Middle School and House of Grace Health Care Clinic. Adams will receive the Thur-

good Marshall Award. Miles is getting the Pat C. Jones Award and Sims, the David C. Albert Award. Alexander-Green will receive the Thomas C. Wilson Youth Service Award. Greenforest Baptist Church Social Ministries will get the Benjamin L. Hooks Award, and the Narvie J. Harris Education Award goes to Ronald E. McNair Middle School. The House of Grace Health Care Clinic, the free health ministry of Bethesda Baptist Church in Decatur, receives the Religious Award. The theme of the banquet, which starts at 7 p.m. at St. Philip

AME Church in Atlanta, is “Celebrating 100 Years in the Struggle.” Miles, a retired TV news anchor, also will be the mistress of ceremony. During the event, the NAACP will discuss its first faith-based economic development conference, which was held in August; its annual health fair; and its plans to bid for the NAACP Georgia State Convention. St. Philip AME Church is at 240 Candler Road, at the corner of Memorial Drive in southeast Atlanta. For tickets and more information, call 404-241-8006.

Theatre Award winner, ‘Hannah’ co-star has local ties Rae’Ven Kelly, a Kennesaw native with ties to DeKalb County, won the Best Female Lead award in the 2009 NAACP Theatre Awards recently in Hollywood. Kelly, who has been appearing in the stage play “Turpentine Jake” in Los Angeles, stars as the venerable 1937 soothsayer the Woods Witch, telling the true story of a man who escaped slavery in America. The 24-year-old, who now lives in L.A., is the cousin and niece of Lithonia residents Jenny Randall, Corliss Davenport, Michael Randall and Michael Randall Davenport. She has been acting since age 6 and

has more than 30 acting credits in film, television and theater. Kelly is best known for playing Olivia in Disney’s television series “Hannah Montana” and has appeared on the big screen in “A Time to Kill,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” “Ghosts of Mississippi,” and “How to Make an American Quilt.” She was in Atlanta last fall filming the Warner Bros. movie “Preacher’s Kid,” which is scheduled for release on Oct. 30. While in town, she visited several area schools, among them DeKalb’s Shamrock Middle School.

Rae’Ven Kelly, who plays Olivia in the “Hannah Montana” television series, is the cousin and niece of Lithonia residents.

Authors to discuss books at Auburn Avenue library Authors Michael Gray and Robert “Bob” Holmes will discuss their latest books at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in downtown Atlanta. Gray, a British author who has written Michael Gray extensively about popular music, will discuss his book, “Hand Me My Travelin’ Shoes: In Search of Blind Willie McTell,” on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

Holmes, the former director of the Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy at Clark Atlanta University, will talk about his book, “Maynard Jackson: Trailblazer,” on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Bob Holmes Gray’s book is the story of influential U.S. blues singer and guitarist Blind Willie McTell, who recorded almost 150 songs from 1927 to

1956. McTell’s world is a trip into a lost world of black music and white power, along with an unprecedented portrait of the culture, language and landscape of the Deep South. Holmes, a longtime friend of Jackson’s, details the historical significance of Jackson becoming Atlanta’s first black mayor and the seismic shift in political power his legacy represents. Admission to both events is free. The library is at 101 Auburn Ave. For more information, call 404-730-4001.

CrossRoadsNews

October 17, 2009

Wellness

“We encourage everyone to give the gift of life. One donation can save as many as three lives.”

Donors can win airline tickets during holiday blood campaign By Brenda Camp Yarbrough

To boost its supply of blood and platelets for the coming holiday season, the American Red Cross is luring donors with the chance of winning domestic round-trip tickets from Delta Air Lines. The “Gift of Life” campaign, which kicked off Oct. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, offers the gift of flight to healthy adults who donate blood now. Donors will be entered to win one of three pairs of domestic round-trip tickets. April Phillips, a communications specialist for the American Red Cross’ Blood Services Southern Region, said donations are exceeding expectations. At an Oct. 2 blood drive at the DeKalb County Maloof Auditorium, Phillips said their goal was Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews 98 pints of blood. Blood donors will be entered into a drawing for domestic flights on Delta Air “We ended up collecting 108 Lines during the American Red Cross’ “Gift of Life” campaign.

Performances to help raise funds for clinic The Superstar Kidz “The Musical,” KIDDS Dance Project and gospel singer Christopher Gordon will be onstage Oct. 23 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center to help raise funds for the nonprofit House of Grace clinic. The clinic, operated by the health ministry of Bethesda Baptist Church in Decatur, is at 3567 Covington Highway. It serves adults 18 years and older who are uninsured

with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. It is open on the first and third Mondays each month and serves 15 patients per evening with nonemergency primary care, including physical exams; screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer, cholesterol and HIV/AIDS; and some lab and prescription services. Diabetics can get help managing their illness and there are also nutrition and weight manage-

ment, smoking cessation and stress management services. The fund-raiser, which is hosted by DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, in whose district the clinic is located, will be 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. The Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-371-2425 or 404-298-6078.

Free prostate screenings at offered Free prostate cancer screenings are available Oct. 23 at the Rockdale County Radiation Therapy Center in Conyers. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the clinic’s staff will offer the prostate-specific antigen or PSA test to men as part of its TRIM (Teach Reach and Inform Men) Initiative. A PSA test at a private physician’s office can cost up to $200. The PSA test, which is done through a blood test, detects the presence of protein levels made by prostate cells. It is

recommended for African-American men 40 and older and men with a family history of prostate cancer, and for all men over 50. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Admission is free and no appointments are necessary. Rockdale County Radiation Therapy Center is at 1293 Wellbrook Circle in Conyers. For more information, call 770-9222012.

H1N1 info available AAA contest Consumers now have an online H1N1 flu selfpromotes safe assessment tool from Emory University’s H1N1 Response Center. teen driving The website – www.h1n1responsecenter.com – built by Emory medical and public health experts, offers information that can help adults make decisions about what to do if they are concerned that they or someone they know exhibits symptoms of the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu. The self-assessment tool helps people determine whether their symptoms could be caused by the flu virus, whether they are at increased risk for developing a severe disease and whether their illness warrants immediate medical attention and offers practical advice on what to do. H1N1 has captured the nation’s attention since March, when cases were reported in Texas and California. In June the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 flu a global pandemic. Georgia’s public health agencies began immunizing children ages 2 to 4 with nasal flu vaccines on Oct. 9. Dr. Arthur Kellermann, Emory University’s professor of Emergency Medicine and an associate dean at Emory School of Medicine, said certain people are more vulnerable to the effects of swine flu than others. “This website is carefully designed to encourage those who are severely ill, and those at increased risk for serious illness to contact their doctor while reassuring large numbers of people with mild illness that it is safe to recover at home,” he said.

Creative teens can win some of the $36,000 in prize money in AAA’s Teen Advocate Contest to promote driver safety. Across the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says two-thirds of teen drivers and passengers killed in crashes involving teens were not wearing safety belts. The contest challenges youth ages 13 to 19 to craft messages encouraging their peers to buckle up and drive safely. The safety message and means of delivery are up to competitors, but could include an Op-Ed piece in a college newspaper or community weekly, a public service announcement broadcast on radio or cable TV, a poster displayed in high-visibility areas, or a video for a social media website. The deadline for entries is Nov. 20, 2009. The grand prize is $10,000. For more information, visit www.AAA.com/SafetyMatters.

pints of blood from DeKalb County government employees,” she said. Phillips says there is a constant need for blood, particularly Type O and Type B. Type O negative, which is a universal blood type, is especially crucial for emergency rooms because there is no time to type-match trauma victims. “We encourage everyone to give the gift of life,” she said. “One donation can save as many as three lives.” About 1,200 donors are needed each weekday in the region, but Phillips said that goal is seldom achieved.

Upcoming blood drive locations include: n Emory Clinic, 1365C Clifton Road, Atlanta, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. n First Christian Church of Atlanta, 4532 LaVista Road, Tucker, on Oct. 19 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. n East Metro Service Center, 3486 Covington Highway, Decatur, on Oct. 29 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and n Stone Mountain Park on Oct. 31 from 1 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.givelife.org or www.redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-448-3543.

CrossRoadsNews

Ministry

October 17, 2009

“We are trying to get men to stop hiding behind excuses and get involved.”

Men’s Day celebration to re-energize men New Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church Men’s Ministry will seek to re-energize members during its annual Men’s Day Celebration, Oct. 24-25 at the Decatur church. Keith DeBowles, the ministry’s cochair, said that during the two-day event, two of the church’s associate ministers will speak on the theme “Men, Where Art Thou,” taken from Genesis 3:11, at an Oct. 24 Pre-Men’s Day Breakfast and at the annual Men’s Day Sunday Service on Oct. 25. DeBowles said the church has 230 adult male members and 40 youths, and they want more of them to become active in the church. “We are trying to get men to stop hiding behind excuses and get involved,” he said. The Rev. Layne Field will speak at the free, Pre-Men’s Day Breakfast, which takes place 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. DeBowles said the men will prepare and serve a hot breakfast of grits, eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, juice, fruit and coffee. “About 100 men and youth usually turn out,” he said.

Harvest Festival at Kelly Lake COGIC Bargain hunters will find plenty of deals in new and used clothing, household items, games and food at the annual Harvest Festival/Flea Market at Kelly Lake Church of God in Christ on Oct. 24. The festival will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Decatur church grounds. Vending tables are $35 for Kelly Lake members. Nonmembers pay $45. Proceeds benefit the church’s educational fund. The church is at 2411 Whites Mill Road. For vendor information, call J. Cleveland at 404475-8028 or J. Parmer at 678-983-1773.

Jehovah’s Witnesses to gather in Conyers Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

New Piney Grove’s Male Choir will perform at the church’s Men’s Day service on Sunday.

For the Men’s Day service, the Rev. Clifford Dixon will preach and the church’s Praise Dancers and Male Choir will perform. The service starts at 9 a.m. DeBowles said both the breakfast and

the Oct. 25 church service are open to the community and visitors are welcomed. The church is at 2580 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. For more information, call 404-513-4104.

Ministers, commissioner to speak at services Women will be in the pulpits at three South DeKalb churches on Oct. 18 and 25 for special services, at Poplar Springs and Union Missionary Baptist churches, and at First St. Peter AME Church. DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes will deliver the keynote address at the “Women of Hope” Women’s Connie Stokes Day worship service on Oct. 18 at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia. Stokes represents Super District 7 on the county Board of Commissioners. The

11 a.m. service will celebrate inspiring and influential women throughout history. The church is at 2470 Bruce St. in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-7088.

Poplar Springs Baptist Minister Andrea Radford will speak at the Oct. 18 Women’s Day Service at Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Ellenwood. The theme of the 11 a.m. service is “I Am a Winner.” The church is at 3797 River Road. For more information, call 404-241-6516. First St. Peter AME The Rev. Legena Saxby Crawford will

be the guest speaker at the 10th annual Men and Women’s Day celebration on Oct. 25 at First St. Peter AME Church in Stone Mountain. Crawford is a deacon at Cosmopolitan AME Church in Atlanta. Her father, the late Rev. Oliver Saxby Jr., served as pastor of First St. Peter AME Church for more than 19 years, from 1978 to 1998. The theme of the 10 a.m. service is “Remembering the Past, Living in the Present, Preparing for the Future: Committed to the Cause of Christ.” First St. Peter AME Church is at 1074 S. Indian Creek Drive in Stone Mountain. For more information, call 404-2920500.

A dozen Jehovah’s Witnesses congregations in DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties will gather for their annual Special Assembly Day on Oct. 1718 in Conyers. The groups will meet 9:50 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. in the new Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 125 Glen Road, Conyers. The assembly’s theme, “The Time Left Is Reduced,” comes from 1 Corinthians 7:29. Visiting guest speaker Thomas Combs will address the subject “Do Not Use the World to the Full” at 11:05 a.m. and “The Time Left Is Reduced” at 2:55 p.m. For more information, call Alfred Wright at 404358-3044 or Harry Dawson at 404-317-1245.

Gospel pianist to be at Music for Missions Gospel pianist and performer Mark Fuller will appear Oct. 25 at Music for Missions at Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church. The 7 p.m. concert is sponsored by the church’s men’s ministry. There is no admission charge but an offering will be taken. Proceeds benefit church missions. The church is at 3142 Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker. For more information, call 770-939-3717.

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

CrossRoadsNews

October 17, 2009

MARKETPLACE RATES

Marketplace COMMUNITY SALE WCI Yard Sale Saturday, 10/24/2009. 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 2030 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur: Household items, clothing, formal wear & more.

COMPUTERS www.jonatech.net. Parts, & Repairs Service for Computers, Laptops & Routers. Diagnostic fee $35. 678-918-4445. Jonatech.

FOR RENT/LEASE Single Family Home in Lithonia (30038) Area. 3 Bedroom, 2 Baths, New Carpet & New Paint. $950/month. Contact Sandra 404-304-9437. 3 Bedroom house for rent 3Bd/2.5Ba, 2 car garage, frml living/dining rm, eat-in kit. Family rm, large deck on back. Near schools and bus line. $1000/Mo. /$1000 Sec. Dep.Call 770-4035625 Narvie J. Harris Traditional Theme School PTA 3981 McGill Dr • Decatur, GA 30034

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HELP WANTED Seeking mature adult to live rent free in assisted living home. Candidate must be drug free. No felons. Call 404-803-3680.

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Oct. 31, 2009

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CrossRoadsNews

October 17, 2009

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2005 Ford Escape XLT . . . . . . . . . . .$11,999 2008 Ford Focus SE . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,999 2008 Ford Focus Coupe SE . . . . . . . .$12,888 2006 Cadillac CTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,888 2008 Ford Focus SES . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,999 2005 Volvo S80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,888 2007 Ford Mustang . . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,999

2008 Pontiac G6 GT . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,999 2008 Mazda6 Sport VE . . . . . . . . . .$13,999 2008 Ford Fusion SEL . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,999 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLS . .$14,999 2008 Ford Mustang . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,388 2004 Nissan Murano . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,999 2008 Nissan Altima . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,999

2008 Toyota Camry LE . . . . . . . . . . .$16,888 2008 Dodge Nitro SXT . . . . . . . . . . .$16,999 2009 MAZDA6 Sport . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,999 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK . . . . . . . . .$18,888 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230 . . . . . . .$18,888 2007 Ford Edge SE . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19,288 2007 Ford F-150 XLT . . . . . . . . . . . .$19,888

2008 Honda Accord . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20,888 2008 Toyota Avalon Touring . . . . . . .$20,999 2006 Land Rover LR3 . . . . . . . . . . .$21,888 2008 Ford F-150 Lariat Super Cab . .$21,999 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 . . . . . . .$22,476 2006 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer . .$23,999 2007 F-150 King Ranch . . . . . . . . . .$24,999

All offers plus tax, tag and title with approved credit. Offers cannot be combined. See dealer for details. Offers expire date of publication.

TAKE THE WESLEY CHAPEL EXIT OFF I-20 TO SNAPFINGER WOODS DRIVE

I-20, EXIT WESLEY CHAPEL TO SNAPFINGER WOODS DR • DECATUR

1-800-640-9458

“We Make It Easy”

MAZDA3

Brand New 2010

Vin#JM1BL1SF1A1140545

Lease For

179 Per Month

Lease For

Lease for 42 months with $0 Security Deposit and $2000 due at signing plus tax, tag and title with approved credit; 12,000 miles per year and 15 cents per mile thereafter.

...OR CHECK OUT OUR HUGE SELECTION OF USED CARS

MAZDA6

Vin#1YVHZ8BA6A5M00110

199 Per Month

Lease for 42 months with $0 Security Deposit and $2000 due at signing plus tax, tag and title with approved credit; 12,000 miles per year and 15 cents per mile thereafter.

Brand New 2010

Mazda CX-7

Brand New 2009

Vin#JM3ER2W51A0304568

Lease For

239 Per Month

Lease for 36 months with $0 Security Deposit and $3334 due at signing plus tax, tag and title with approved credit; 12,000 miles per year and 15 cents per mile thereafter.

MAZDA5

Vin#JM1CR293590358316

Lease For

289 Per Month

Lease for 36 months with $0 Security Deposit and $2884 due at signing plus tax, tag and title with approved credit; 12,000 miles per year and 15 cents per mile thereafter.

1997 Acura RL..............................$4995 2008 Mazda3i Sport ................$12,888 2008 MAZDA6i Touring ............$13,995 2009 Toyota Camry LE ..............$15,995 3.5L, Leather, Sunroof, P/L, P/W, Must See! Stk#96006A

P/L, P/W, CD, Just Serviced, Gas Saver, Stk#M8234

Auto Trans, P/L, P/W, CD, Low Miles, Stk#M8259

P/L, P/W, Auto, Stk#M8232

Automatic, P/L, P/W, CD Stk#M8264

Price Reduced, Sunroof, Leather, Alloys, Stk#G8072A

P/L, P/W, CD, Stk#M37787

Loaded, Low Miles, Must See! Stk#M8266

2005 Chrysler Sebring Conv. ........$7995 2008 MAZDA5 ........................$12,888 2008 Ford Fusion SEL ................$13,995 2009 Mazda3i Sport ................$16,995 Nice, Fun in the Sun, Stk#94510A 2 To Choose From! P/W, P/L Hard To Find! Stk#M4626 Loaded, Low Miles, V6 Stk#M8262 $ $ P/L, P/W, CD, Auto Trans, CD, StK#M8249 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt .................. 8888 2006 Nissan Altima .................. 12,995 Cruise, P/L, P/W, Stk#M8229 2005 Nissan Maxima ................$14,888 2006 Nissan Maxima ................$17,888 2.5 S, CD, Wheels, Must See, Stk#M4589 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 ............$10,888 2008 Pontiac G6 ......................$12,995 Leather, Roof, Sporty, Stk#M8211 Leather, Sunroof, Alloys,1 Owner/Non-Smoker, Stk#M8217 4Dr. P/L, P/W, Stk#93016A $ Chrome Wheels, P/L, P/W, Come Test Drive! Stk#M8242 2008 Nissan Altima .................. 14,888 $ 2007 Mazda CX-7 Touring ........$18,995 $ 2008 Hyundai Sonata................ 11,888 2008 Volkswagen Jetta ............ 12,999 P/W, P/L, Tilt, Price to Sell, Stk#M8131 Leather, Roof, CD, Navigation Stk#M8263

$ 2008 Nissan Sentra ..................$11,995 2005 Volvo S80........................$13,990 2007 Mazda CX-7 Sport............ 15,995 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 ........$22,888

CD, Wheels, Must See! Stk#M8261

Leather, Navigation, Sunroof, Alloys, Stk#P9016

All offers plus tax, tag and title with approved credit. Offers cannot be combined. See dealer for details. Offers expire date of publication.

AT THE MALL AT STONECREST

1-800-641-1939 Come in and take a test drive! More Inventory at

w w w. M C A u t o AT L . c o m

Turner Hill Road

5c (10.5”) x 16” 18121-MCFO (10-17) Crossroads FC (lm)

Brand New 2010

SALES HOURS: MON-FRI 9AM-9PM • SAT 9AM-8PM • SUN CLOSED PARTS & SERVICE HOURS: MON-FRI 7AM-7PM • SAT 7AM-4PM • SUN CLOSED COLLISION & BODY SHOP HOURS: MON-FRI 8AM-6PM • SAT 8AM-1PM • SUN CLOSED