CrossRoadsNews, October 20, 2012 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

PEOPLE

SCENE

The Rev. Jesse Jackson met with participants of the Atlanta Technical Institute for Males and other students while in town for an Operation PUSH event. 2

Families can compete in pumpkin carving and costume contests at Decatur First United Methodist Church’s Fall Festival. 9

Keeping hope alive

Operation scary faces

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

October 20, 2012

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Volume 18, Number 25

State lawmakers studying creation of city of DeKalb By Mary Swint

State legislators are exploring the possible creation of a city of DeKalb that incorporates all of the county’s unincorporated areas. A new Senate Study Committee, lead by Sen. Gloria Butler, met for the first time on Oct. 17 at the State Capitol. Butler, a Democrat representing Senate District 55, said she doesn’t Gloria Butler have a bill but wanted to start a dialogue. The study committee comes in the wake of a bill that state Rep. Billy Mitchell floated in February in the House to create what would be Georgia’s largest city with 600,000

residents. The bill was assigned to the House delegation’s Policy Committee. Butler said she was asked to introduce similar legislation in the Senate but declined because she wanted more information on starting a city. Instead, she asked Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle to appoint a study committee, which he did on Sept. 12. At Wednesday’s meeting, four of the six committee members showed up. Those in attendance were Sens. Steve Henson, Gail Davenport and Jason Carter. Sens. Emanuel Jones, Ronald Ramsey and Fran Millar were absent. Millar is the lone Republican on the committee. Following the creation of the cities of Dunwoody and Brookhaven and a flurry of annexations by other DeKalb cities, Butler said the subject is ripe for discussion.

“The recent creation of new cities in DeKalb County and ongoing debate about future annexations means we need to talk about the future of our county,” she said. “As other areas are siphoned off, it leaves the county in dire straights for a revenue base. I want to start conversation on new ideas for ways revenue can be generated for the county.” Carter said the committee should “think creatively” and explore other options, such as townships. He said many of his constituents feel they are in a state of flux. Davenport, whose district now includes portions of DeKalb, said she Gail Davenport

has heard a lot of concerns from residents in unincorporated DeKalb about new cities taking away commercially developed areas and whittling away their tax base. The meeting was called to hear comments from county and municipal agencies and their representatives, but only DeKalb County lobbyist Joel Alvarado and two lobbyists from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, two central DeKalb residents and three members of media attended. The lobbyists offered to assist the committee but did not say whether they support or oppose the proposed new city. At its next meeting on Oct. 31, the committee will get a presentation on demographics from the Carl Vinson Institute. The Please see DEKALB, page 5

Foundation Targets Hazing Pam Champion offers materials to help educate families about hazing at Commissioner Larry Johnson’s DeKalb Walks event at Exchange Park in September.

Champion’s family seeks to end ritual ‘senselessness’ By Donna Williams Lewis

As the one-year anniversary of the death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion approaches, a foundation created in his name is working to eradicate hazing. Pam Champion, his mother, said she created the Robert D. Champion Drum Major for Change Foundation last December, a month after the Nov. 19 death of her son after a hazing ritual Robert Champion aboard a FAMU band bus. “We put together a foundation to end the senselessness of hazing,” his mother said. She says she and her husband, Robert Sr., have been aggressively trying to develop a program to take into the schools. Their son, a graduate of Southwest DeKalb High, was a member of the Marching Panthers during his high school career there. The Champions still live in Decatur. “We want to give the real picture of what hazing is,” she said. “The dangers, a visual of what it actually is in true color.” On the day he died, her 26-year-old son and the FAMU band were in Orlando for the Florida Classic. Orlando officials ruled his death a homicide after an autopsy showed he died of internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma. More than a dozen people have been charged, and Champion’s parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against FAMU. Pam Champion said working through the foundation created in her son’s name is help-

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

ing her work through the pain of her loss. “Robert was 1 year old when we brought him into this house, and there are memories in every crack and crevice of this house,” she said. “It’s not easy, and it’s not a journey I would wish on anybody, and it’s something that was so needless.” The nonprofit is already laying groundwork for change. The first program under way is C.H.A.M.P., Creating Hazing Awareness With Mentality Progression. Inspired by college students, the program aims to change mind-sets from the start, by educating middle and high school students on the dangers of hazing and bullying. Professionals in law and medicine and other vol-

unteers will be recruited, along with people who have participated in hazing – people who have hazed as well as hazing victims. “We want them to get the real story,” Champion said Tuesday. A pilot of the program, which is still being developed, was conducted at a Clayton County school in February. In September, the Champions set up a tent at Commissioner Larry Johnson’s annual DeKalb Walks for the Health of It at Exchange Park to educate families about hazing. Champion also wants to shred the shroud of secrecy that cloaks hazing rituals. She’s looking for people who are willing to tell their stories, anonymously, if so

desired. A contact form is available on the foundation’s Web site. The site also posts a hotline number for reporting hazing and bullying. “People who are speaking out, calling the hotline number, need to be recognized as heroes,” she said. Robert D. Champion Drum Major for Change T-shirts, available on the site for $15, were worn by students in September during Haze Awareness Week at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, N.C. The Champions have been featured on national and local news programs, and their Please see FOUNDATION, page 5

People

CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

“I am on a serious and passionate mission to transform and take back our community and youth one neighborhood at a time.”

Jackson urges students to vote at lecture on Price of Freedom By Stormy Kage

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. had the entire audience chanting on Oct. 11. In the auditorium of Atlanta Technical College, students young and old gathered to witness one of the nation’s most well-known political and civil rights activists speak. Before long, chants of “Keep Hope Alive” rose to a chorus and Jackson was the conductor. The former presidential candidate and founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition found some common ground among members of his audiJesse Jackson ence. “Stand if you know someone in jail,” he commanded. People stood. “Stand if you know anyone with credit card debt.” Many people stood. Then, Jackson, who established Rainbow PUSH in 1971 to improve the economic conditions of black communities nationwide, asked his audience if they knew of anyone who found it difficult to pay off student loans. The students turned, looked at one another, and seemed to realize just about everyone fell in that category. Jackson was discussing the Price of Freedom as a guest lecturer at the Atlanta college. He was in town as part of his organization’s

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. speaks to students at Atlanta Technical College on Oct. 11.

Horace Henry / Special

13th annual Creating Opportunity Conference that took place Oct. 12 and 13 at the Hyatt Regency. He also met with participants of the Atlanta Technical Institute for Males, which increases enrollment and retention of minority males interested in personal development. The group which is called AIM, addresses recidivism, the pursuit of post-secondary education and cultural diversity exposure, and works to foster civic engagement. The struggle for freedom, peace, gender equality and social justice is a fight Jackson knows well. He said he believes these prob-

lems will remain until more people take part in elections. “The big world is not in the mirror, but out the windowpane,” Jackson said. “Use [your] vote to change our condition.” After Jackson’s speech, Janice Mathis, vice president of the Rainbow PUSH Atlanta chapter, said she is adamant about getting young people to vote. She said she is pushing for Georgia’s voting age to be lowered to 16., and added that when the voting age was first lowered to 18 in 1972, it was the younger generation who effectively ended the Vietnam War.

“That’s the power of young people,” said Mathis, who feels young people are under the radar. “Young people can do things that nobody else can do. I think given the sophistication of today’s teenagers, it’s time to lower it again.” Factcheck.org, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, says that 38.4 percent of eligible voters did not cast a vote in the 2008 presidential election. “I think people who don’t vote don’t know a lot about it,” Mathis said. “The more you know about voting, the more eager you are to participate. … You may not be interested in the government, but the government is sure interested in you.” Johnnie Fletcher, an AIM member who was in the audience and got a chance to talk with Jackson before his speech, said he can relate to being under the radar. “Meeting Jesse Jackson was monumental and life changing,” said Fletcher, who feels he is ready to turn his life around. “I’ve recently been released from prison and the streets [are] not a place I want to be,” the 24-year-old welding student said. “I’m going to vote because we need a leader who is going to speak on our behalf. I have goals of being an entrepreneur … but if you get the wrong politician in office, a lot of things that are out here to help will be taken away.” Before he left the stage, Jackson assigned a challenge to the entire auditorium. “By Monday, I want everyone here to get out and vote,” he said

Concerned resident wants to improve life for kids in Bouldercrest area By Donna Williams Lewis For CrossRoadsNews

Shontica Wallace is hoping to help improve life for children in the Bouldercrest Road/Gresham Road area through a Florida-based foundation called America’s Youth Inc. “I have noticed a lot of the youth go astray because of the lack of a solid foundation to live by,” said Wallace, who has been active in the community for many years. “I am on a serious and passionate mission to transform and take back our community and

youth one neighborhood at a time.” Wallace is president of the foundation’s Georgia Youth Division, “Be Glamorous!/Be Debonair!” Wallace said she plans to offer a nine-month Shontica Wallace course to young men and women with a focus on health, life, academic and leadership skills. She hopes to raise funds for projects such as buying band instruments for Cedar Grove High School students who

need them. Wallace, who has lived in the Bouldercrest area for 28 years, is reaching out to businesses for assistance. She’s asking local barbers, for example, to change the conversations being held in their shops; to change the music being played; to have one-on-one conversations with their young customers; and to offer incentives for good grades and performance. To kick things off, Wallace is planning a Community Day featuring health screenings and a showcase of local small businesses. The event, to be held annually, is sched-

uled for Oct. 27 in Bouldercrest Plaza at the corner of Bouldercrest Road and Clifton Church Road. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wallace is seeking sponsors and exhibitors. Wallace, 32, is the owner of a T-shirt production company and is a recent automotive collision repair graduate of Atlanta Technical College. She is the mother of two children, a 12-year-old son at Cedar Grove Middle School and a 5-year-old daughter at Narvie J. Harris Theme School. For more information, e-mail americas youthincga@att.net or call 404-241-1199.

Community turned out to clean up Indian Creek Elementary By Donna Williams Lewis

More than 120 people turned out Oct. 13 to help in the third massive cleanup since last spring at Indian Creek Elementary School. The grounds of the Clarkston school include several acres of woods that have long been a dumping ground for neighborhood trash and a haven for drug use and prostitution. On Monday, Susan Rawlins, a retiree and volunteer who coordinated the trash removal effort, pronounced the campus “clean.” “We actually met our goal and finished cleaning the woods,” Rawlins said. “We met our goal and most of all that we got such a huge support from the community.” Many of Indian Creek’s 1,065 students are from refugee families, and more than 50 languages are spoken in their homes. Their teachers have each “adopted” new metal trash cans on campus and were expected to begin using the woods this week for educational purposes. “Before it was too dangerous,” Rawlins said, “not only the garbage, but also the drug paraphernalia, broken glass, bottles, just garbage. Children were never allowed back there.” More than 1,500 volunteer hours were logged in the first two cleanups, held in March and September, and more than 3,000 pounds of garbage were collected.

More than 120 volunteers helped clean up the grounds of Indian Creek Elementary School on Oct. 13. They hauled away trash and built an outdoor classroom for students.

On Oct. 13, volunteers filled a 30-cubicyard dumpster with the remaining garbage from the woods and built an outdoor classroom and a seating area with a patio under an old oak tree in an area where the children like to play. Dr. Toni Campbell, the school’s principal,

said they appreciate everyone who donated their time in support of the school. “Indian Creek is a wonderful school and our students are happy and they feel safe,” she said. “We want to continue to make Indian Creek a place where students want to be and love to be.”

Amber Weaver, director of Keep DeKalb Beautiful, said it was great to see the community turn out. “In the end, you have a wonderful campus beautification project at a school that needed a lot of TLC and it didn’t cost the school system much, if anything at all.”

CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

Community

“You have made my feet very beautiful. Now my feet is protect from damage. I thank you for all you have done.”

Soul Project collecting shoes for December trip More than 16,000 vote in first three days Smart voters are casting their ballots now so that they won’t be stuck in long lines on Election Day. Early voting began Monday, and through Wednesday, 16,064 voters had cast ballots. Maxine Daniels, DeKalb’s elections director, said 47,000 households assigned to precincts with the highest number of voters are being encouraged to take advantage of early voting to avoid long waits. Advance voting locations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Achievement Center on Flat Shoals Parkway; the DeKalb Voter Registration & Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur; and at the Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road. On Oct. 29, three more advance voting precincts will open at the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon, Room A, in downtown Decatur; at Berean Christian Church Community Center, 2440 Young Road, in Stone Mountain; and at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad St. The polls will only be open on two Saturdays – Oct. 20 and 27. Early voting ends on Nov. 2. Voters also can locate their precincts, a sample ballot and other information at www .dekalbvotes.com and at My Voter Page at http://mvp.sos.state.ga.us/. Voters must have one of six acceptable forms of identification – a Georgia driver’s license, which can be expired; state or federal photo ID; a valid U.S. passport; governmental employee ID; U.S. military photo ID; or tribal photo ID. For more information, call 404-2984020.

The nonprofit Soul Project is hoping to collect 100,000 shoes to ship to West Africa as part of a December 2012 relief effort to aid disadvantaged children, youth and adults. Martin Kumi, who founded the Soul Project in 2005 to provide footwear to Africa’s shoeless children, said the need continues to be great. On a trip to Ghana last month, he was inundated with gratitude from those lucky to get shoes. “You have made my feet very beautiful,” Adu Bouheile, a student of Christ Children International School, wrote. “Now my feet is protect from damage. I thank you for all you have done. I thank you for helping me and my friends.” George Worldchanger, a tutor of the school, wrote that nothing is more remarkable and admirable than to bring a change from nothingness to something. “The Bible says that when you give

Martin Kumi laces a shoe for a student of Christ Children International School in Ghana in September.

to the needy you have actually given to the Lord,” he wrote. “It is only the maker of heaven and earth can replenish you and your donors for making the feet of people look beautiful.” Kumi broke down in tears this week as he shared the handwritten letters of gratitude.

Rape Crisis Center facing closure The DeKalb Rape Crisis Center may be forced to close its doors if it cannot secure funding. Allyson Gevertz, the nonprofit’s board chair, said therapists are being asked to stop seeing new clients because of funding cuts, dwindling donations, and changes in grant dispersal timing. Without more financial assistance, the center will be unable to fund basic therapy services by the end of 2012. “We are in a dire financial situation,” she said. “Please help us get the word out.” Last year, the center provided counseling to 609 clients, and crisis hotline advocates provided assistance to more than 1,500 sexual assault survivors. The center has made cuts to education/prevention, volunteer training, fund development, event planning, and community outreach. It maintains a waiting list full of sexual assault survivors seeking services. For more information or to find out how to help, visit www.dekalbrapecrisis center.org or call 404-377-1429.

“There are still millions more who are in need of shoes,” he said. “This project will not end until there are no more barefoot souls in our world.” To donate new and lightly worn flatheeled shoes, call Temita S. Davis at 678-6444976 or Martin Kumi at 678-518-0777.

Greenforest fair offers help for vets Vets can get information about benefits, wellness, employment and other services for them and their families at the 7th Annual Veterans Fair at Greenforest Community Baptist Church on Oct. 27. The fair takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Building 3 at the Decatur church, 3250 Rainbow Drive. It is sponsored by the church’s Veteran Support Ministry and includes breakfast with a keynote speaker, retired Gen. Robert Stephens. The breakfast is $10; registration is available at www.greenforest.org/veterans. For more information, visit www.greenforest.org or call 404-486-1120.

Vote Early • Now Through Nov. 2

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October 20, 2012

The money for these special “for profit” schools will create a dual state school system.

Charter School Amendment is path to resegregation By Sen. Emanuel Jones

With the Nov. 6 general elections just 16 days away, local airwaves have been inundated with a barrage of commercials advocating for any number of politicians. However, there is a crucial issue that Georgians will decide on Election Day with- Emanuel Jones out a face or political platform – the fate of the Charter School ballot amendment. This decision has the potential to take us back to the pre-civil rights days of segregated schools and change the way our state funds public education. It is also the most important decision for Georgia’s educational system since Brown v. Board of Education. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As a father, state legislator, and businessman, I couldn’t agree more. Partisan politics aside, we can

all agree that youth of this great state is undoubtedly our most valuable resource. Conversely, Gov. Nathan Deal and the Republican majority are promoting this amendment as the only way to save Georgia’s failing schools. Let me be clear: This could not be further from the truth. Their “solution” is a one-way street to resegregate our schools, divert funding from local school boards, and take away local control from the educators and parents who are in our schools on a daily basis. This discussion has primarily focused on the idea that public schools are inferior to charter schools. Supporters have repeatedly cited facts and figures that claim to showcase the superiority of charter schools. However, the Georgia Department of Education, including State School Superintendent John Barge, have been steadfast in their opposition of this constitutional amendment. Local boards of education, including many in the metro Atlanta area, have also encouraged taxpayers to reject this measure that would take away local control and siphon funding from existing schools.

According to the State Department of Education, during the 2010-11 school year, Georgia had 162 charter schools in operation serving 56 local school districts. Of these charter schools, 70 percent made Adequate Yearly Progress this year. This is comparable to the 73 percent of traditional public schools that made AYP this year. Furthermore, of all the public charter schools in our state, conversion charter schools – those schools that have converted from traditional public schools to public charter schools – are outperforming virtually all other public charter schools in the state. These schools have been chartered and supported by their local school boards. Sadly, even with these kinds of results, proponents of the Charter School Amendment continue to tout the need for another state agency to approve charter schools. As we continue to recover from the most severe economic collapse since the Great Depression, it is equally important to look at the financial ramifications should this amendment pass. At a time when the state has repeatedly cut teachers’ salaries and funding for local school systems,

the Republican leadership wants you to think this amendment is the only way to save Georgia’s schools. However, they are not talking about the 4,400 teachers who have lost their jobs since 2008 due to budgetary constraints. They also haven’t mentioned that 121 of our 180 school systems, over two-thirds of school districts, have shortened their school year by up to 36 days. As it stands right now, the General Assembly plans to come up with more than $430 million in new state funds for state charter schools over the next five years. This funding would go to the schools approved by the State Board of Education. The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus proposed that those funds go back into our public education system as it stands today. I join Superintendent Barge in urging for a full restoration of the 180-day school year, renewing essential student services and reinstating all teacher positions. Join me in voting ‘no’ and support a brighter future for all of our children and grandchildren. Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties.

Amendment equals new state agency controlled by governor By the Georgia Federation of Teachers

The Charter School Amendment is not about supporting parents or student achievement. It is about granting the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker unprecedented power over billions of local and state tax dollars via creating a new state agency which will control billions of tax dollars for private interests. This agency would be appointed by the governor and accountable only to the governor. This agency would siphon precious tax dollars away from 1.7 million Georgia schoolchildren. It would support and fatten special schools for select people by exacerbating class and racial segregation. T h e C h a r te r S ch o o l Am e n d m e n t is about “who chooses and who loses.” Children, not profits, are our priority. We agree with Georgia’s state school superintendent, Dr. John Barge. Until all of Georgia’s schools are financed appropriately, and students

and teachers are no longer furloughed, it is unconscionable to fund a new state agency or support the objectives of the Charter School Amendment. The money for these special “for profit” schools will create a dual state school system and will cost Georgia’s taxpayers billions of dollars. While the powers at the State Capitol deceive the public by pushing for less government, they are creating more government via another state agency to add to the 128 state agencies that already exist. While they deceive the public and claim that they support local control, they are attempting to take local control away from locally elected school boards. And while they claim that this amendment is about expanding parental choice and helping students achieve, they deceive the public by taking over $6 billion from public schools. Over 70 school districts are operating with a deficit. At least four school districts are broke, and over 20 school districts are still furloughing

teachers and students. Parents already have a choice. Local boards of education may and do grant charters. And if a board denies a charter petition, the Georgia Department of Education has an appeal process. The only “choice” as per this amendment is the choice to finance private schools at the public’s expense. If we can’t trust the state with Medicare, transportation, or to use dollars earmarked for the foreclosed homes our families and students need, why would we trust the state with our children? This amendment is not about charters, achievement, or parental choice. It is about giving five people who will only be accountable to the governor free rein, unprecedented control and power over our billions of tax dollars. And it is about big profits for private interests on the backs of our children and at the expense of Georgia’s taxpayers. The Georgia Federation of Teachers represents teachers across the state.

Charter School Amendment will separate students By Miriam Knox Robinson

It seems that the more we want our children to be educated, the more people in authority put obstacles in their way that can hinder and taint the learning process. I call it the “tainting of minds.” Before black and white school desegregation, we were told that a “white school” was better than a “black school.” I am reminded of our forefathers and the accomplishments they made and they did not attend white schools. I am a firm believer that wherever education is taught – in a barn, the Underground Railroad or at the

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kitchen table – a child has the ability and will learn to be successful. For example, the ability to learn the essentials of life, Miriam Robinson reading, writing, spelling, and math, and let’s not forget basic good ole common sense, trust in God, and believing in yourself will never change. Not to date myself, I attended all-black elementary, high school and college and I consider myself successful in my endeavors.

I am not a genius and probably never would be, but I am satisfied with my accomplishments. All of my children are collegeeducated and doing quite well. They were educated in public, elementary and high schools and college in the black institutions just like their father and myself. The new craze for charter schools versus public schools, as I understand it, is a disguised creation of the separation of poor and wealthy. I say vote no to charter schools in which local people like you and I have no control. The only thing we are certain

of is that this will probably be a school tax increase. We now have five charter schools in DeKalb. Enough is enough. All of our children deserve the right to be in school, but as I understand it, they may not be accepted at a charter school which can make their own set of rules. Is this the type of system we want in this day and time where our children may be excluded? If so, we are regressing to the days of black and white school segregation. Miriam Knox Robinson is a substitute teacher and children’s book author. She lives in Decatur.

index to advertisers Alpha Omega Inc.......................................... 10 Aramark........................................................ 10 Arthur’s Contracting....................................... 11 Attorney Robert Burroughs.......................... 10 Cash Rentals....................................................1 Committee to Elect Henry “Hank” Johnson.... 3 DeKalb Community Development................ 10 Faith Community Christian Academy.......... 8,11

First African Presbyterian Church.................... 7 Georgia Military College................................. 8 Harvest Financial Associates.......................... 11 Hibachi Grill.................................................... 5 Jamaican Jerk Turkey...................................... 7 Johnny Harris CPA......................................... 11 Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery..............12 Mechanixx Corporation.................................. 11

Narvie J. Harris Traditional Theme School.... 10 New Creations................................................ 11 North DeKalb Mall..........................................9 Patsy Solomon.............................................. 10 Primerica....................................................... 11 Quenon Smith............................................... 11 Savannah State University...............................9

Solution Heating and Air.............................. 10 The Spa Ladies.............................................. 10 Wright Vision Care.......................................... 7 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts

CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

Community

“Champion (You’ll Be Remembered)” is available on iTunes. All proceeds go to the Robert Champion Foundation.

Annexations, Nonprofit partners with others in mission new cities cut The Robert D. Champion Drum Major for Change Foundation into tax base FOUNDATION,

DEKALB,

from page

meeting starts at 10 a.m. in Room 450 in the Capitol building. With the newly created city of Brookhaven, DeKalb County is now home to 11 cities. Only 125,000 of the county’s 691,893 residents live in its cities. The last time county government officials floated the idea of a city was in 2006, when then-CEO Vernon Jones proposed creating a city that could capture $30 million in utility fees that counties cannot claim. DeKalb spokesman Burke Brennan said CEO Burrell Ellis is encouraged that the study committee is looking into the incorporation of the county but that he has certain reserve that it might not be the right answer. “The CEO would like more than anything else for there to be equitable legislation as it pertains to incorporation and annexation of cities,” Brennan said. “It pits neighbors against neighbors, cities against counties, and poses long-term problems for shortterm gains.” On Nov. 6, Chamblee residents will vote on that city annexing a large chunk of the county. The county’s 2013 budget is expected to take a big hit from the new cities and annexations. At the DeKalb Board of Commissioners fall retreat on Oct. 5, DeKalb Chief Operating Officer Richard Stogner said the county will lose $42 million next year, including $25 million due to the incorporation of Brookhaven and $7 million due to a large annexation by Chamblee. The declining tax digest and appeals of tax appraisals account for the rest. Joel Gottlieb, the county’s chief financial officer, told the commissioners recently the state will distribute to the cities in DeKalb almost half of the $20.6 million in HOST revenue allotted for capital improvements UT said they will get a greater thisCHyear. ECK OHeER M SUMyear share ! to the incorporation of ALSdue OUR next C E SP I w Brookhaven. TIMECoupons Belo ee SThe county is using 80 percent of the 2011 Homestead Option Sales Taxes revenues to reduce property taxes this year and 20 percent for capital projects in the cities and county. In 2012, Gottlieb said the cities will receive about $10.1 million from the HOST to use on capital projects while the county government’s share will be $10.5 million. About 43 percent will go to two cities. Dunwoody will get 25 percent and the city of Decatur 17.7 percent even though they don’t have 43 percent of the county population. “Brookhaven will raise the distribution to the cities to $14 [million] to $15 million so the county will have $5 [million] to $6 million for capital projects next year,” Gottlieb said. The distribution is based on a complicated formula in a state law that takes into account each city’s millage rate and the value of homesteads in the city. The purpose of the law was to equalize the benefits received by residents of incorporated and unincorporated areas from the countywide sales tax. “It went beyond equalization,” Gottlieb said. “It would require legislation to change.” Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson said this week that he thinks everyone in DeKalb County ought to have the opportunity to live in a city. “But those cities would all have to be apart from the county government,” he said. “You could not have a unified government in part of the county and also have autonomous cities. So what would you call the city that was created out of the remaining unincorporated areas of the county? I do not think that you could call it DeKalb. That would be too confusing.”

Remembered)” is available on iTunes. It was released by Grammy foundation has participated in Address: P.O. Box 361287, Decatur, GA 30036 Award-winning songwriter, pronumerous events at schools, Phone: 678-800-1382 ducer and artist Cassius D. Kalb, churches, conferences and out one of his friends and former Hazing hotline: 1-855-N-Hazing (1-855-642-9464) in the community over the past band mates. All proceeds go the year. They were at the news Fax: 404-244-8101 foundation. conference announcing the Web site: www.drummajorforchange.com Pam Champion received a National Anti-Hazing/AntiE-mail: rdcdm4change@gmail.com letter from Bryce McIntosh, a Violence Task Force conference 9-year-old boy from Lake City, held in January in Washington, Facebook.com/RobertDChampionDrumMajorforChange S.C., in January. He marches with D.C., and in August, they were Kingstree High School. a part of the annual Social He had drawn a picture of Robert in his Justice Awareness Sunday at Bethel Baptist band member of Robert Champion. drum major uniform. Church in Tallahassee, Fla. Jackson said M.U.S.I.C. is working with “He said he wanted to be just like Robert,” The Champion foundation also has 30 to 40 students and wants to help set “some said Champion, who has spoken with the partnered with the nonprofit M.U.S.I.C. black-and-white parameters” on hazing. Inc. – Musicians United to Serve in Co“In my own personal opinion, there are McIntosh family. “When you hear something hesion – foundation that mentors high so many gray areas with hazing. How do like that, it just strikes you deeply.” Champion said her son wasn’t perfect, school and middle school students, seek- we differentiate between calisthenics and ing to improve their skills in music and forced calisthenics, horseplay versus haz- but that it was a pleasure to be his mother. “I’d give it all up in a heartbeat just to see academics and to help eradicate hazing ing, or a casual drink versus forced alcohol him again, but that’s not going to happen. So and bullying. The organization is led by consumption?” Byron Jackson, a Pine Ridge Elementary The Champion foundation is on Face- what I can focus on is making sure that no School teacher who was a friend and fellow book, and the song “Champion (You’ll Be one else has to go through this.” from page

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Finance Seminars offer help with debt, credit issues Adults struggling with consumer debt can get tips and information at library seminars this month. On Oct. 23, a Consumer Education Clinic at the Decatur Library will put people in touch with local attorneys who are experts in handling debt cases. They will have one-on-one consultations, and participants should bring all documents related to their cases. It takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, call 404-370-3070. On Oct. 27, Duane White, president of Need to Know Information Inc., will lead his “What’s My Credit Got to Do With It?” workshop at the Hairston Crossing Library. It takes place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is not required. Hairston Crossing Library is at 4911 Redan Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, call 404-508-7170. On Oct. 30, “Credit Scoring and Identifying Where You Are” takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Road in Tucker. No registration is required. For more information, call 770-2708234.

Businessman, activist to speak at ABWA lunch Businessman and activist Thomas Jenkins will be the featured speaker at the American Business Women’s Association monthly luncheon meeting on Oct. 24. The session takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rockdale Leadership Center, 2826 Ga. Highway 20 S.E. in Conyers. The cost is $20 for non-members. For more information, contact Michelle Currie at ignitelife12@gmail.com or 770-865-1101.

CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

“Qualified tuition plans” for college have been around since 1996 when Congress created and named them after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.”

Employment expo for disabled workers Workers with disabilities can find out how to navigate the job market at an Oct. 25 Employment Expo at Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta. The expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, located at the intersection of Candler Road and Memorial Drive. The expo is hosted by Region 3A of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and it will take place in the Family Life Administration Center. The 24 confirmed employers and employment resources include the federal General Services Administration, the federal Department of Education, AFLAC, Lowe’s, Dover Staffing, and RBM Hospitality. Career development experts will review participants’ resumes and offer advice on creating effective resumes. Attendees can connect with local resources for employment and training opportunities. The expo’s theme is “A strong work force is an inclusive work force: What can you do?”

It is being held in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed in October to raise awareness of disability employment issues and to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. There will be a one-hour workshop starting at 9 a.m. on best practices for the hiring process for businesses and employers with Terri Stewart of Fisher and Phillips LLP. Activities for job seekers start at 10 a.m. Expo sponsors include the Career Resource Ministry of Saint Philip in partnership with the Georgia Department of Labor, Goodwill Industries of North Georgia and Delta Air Lines. Region 3A provides employment services, training and support to citizens with disabilities in DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. Saint Philip AME Church is at 240 Candler Road in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.saint philip.org or call Sonya Springer at 404- The Employment Expo will be held on Oct. 25 298-4900. at Saint Philip AME Church on Candler Road.

‘Qualified tuition plans’ help families save for college By Johnny Harris

Finding money for college tuition today has become a full-time job. Scholarships have become fiercely competitive and the thought of having to pay back student loans after college is a bit unnerving. If you have been searching for creative ways to try and get ahead of paying college tuition for your children or relatives, you may want to explore the option of investing in a 529 plan, which is a savings vehicle operated by a state or educational institution. These plans offer tax advantages that make it easier to save for college and postsecondary training for a beneficiary such as a child or grandchild. The earnings from this type of investment are generally not subject to federal and state taxes when used to pay tuition, books, fees, and room and board. The contributions to this plan, however, are not deductible. The “qualified tuition plans” for college have been around since 1996 when Congress created and named them after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. Many families

Tax

Advantage Johnny Harris, CPA

have taken advantage of these types of investments and established these plans. They see the benefits of contributing when the beneficiaries are toddlers and continuing all the way through college until graduation. The rules are very simple. You can set up one of these qualified tuition plans and name anyone as a beneficiary – a relative, friend or even yourself. Currently there are no income restrictions on either the contributor or the beneficiary. As a bonus, there is no limit to the number of plans you can establish. There are two basic types: prepaid tuition plans and savings plans. Each state has its own plan and most are somewhat unique. Most states can offer both types. In establishing the plan, you have to name

a beneficiary. A designated beneficiary is usually the student or future student for whom the plan is intended to provide benefits. The beneficiary is generally not limited to attending schools in the state that sponsors their 529 plan. However, it is advisable to check with an investment adviser before setting up an account. The only requirement of this type of tuition savings plan is that an eligible beneficiary must enroll in an educational institution such as a college, university, vocational school, or other post-secondary institution eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The 529 plan is devised where you can start contributing at any time. However, the beauty of this investment is that the sooner you get started contributing to the plan, the larger the investment will be when the beneficiary goes off to college. If you are interested in finding out more information about these qualified tuition plans, consult with your CPA or financial adviser. Johnny Harris is a Decatur-based CPA.

CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

Wellness

“I kept thinking of how he will save her life and my efforts will be confirmed that this was a good decision.”

Nutrition classes at library Families with children can learn about healthy eating practices at a series of nutrition classes at the Salem-Panola Library in Lithonia beginning Oct. 25. The 11 a.m.-to-noon sessions are provided by the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Funding is provided by UGA’s Cooperative Extension Services. The class schedule: n Oct. 25 – Color Me Healthy. Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. n Nov. 1 – Winning Ways With Fast Food. Learn to make delicious fast foods for your family. n Nov. 8 – Keep Yourself Well! Eat healthy and get moving. n Nov. 15 – Keep Your Health Out of Jeopardy! Make the right food choices to help prevent and/or reduce your risk of chronic diseases. The Salem-Panola Library is at 5137 Salem Road. For more information, call 770-987-6900.

Halloween party at Breast Center

Victoria and Choco, her new service dog, will say thank you on Oct. 20 to friends and supporters who helped raise $13,000 to buy and train the dog that watches over her when she has seizures caused by a rare disease.

Victoria and Choco become fast friends By Brenda Camp Yarbrough

Eleven-year-old Victoria Williams of Canton, who has a neuromuscular disease, has settled in with Choco, her search-and-rescue dog. Victoria, who was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in 2002, suffers from seizures. She is the daughter of Clarkston Police Officer Corey Lowe Williams. The family traveled to Ohio in June to train the dog for Victoria at 4 Paws for Ability. Williams, who is known as Officer Lowe in Clarkston, said the family will host an appreciation event at the Stone Mountain Park playground on Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. to thank friends and strangers who donated money to help the family raise $13,000 of the $24,000 needed to acquire and train 1-year-old Choco. Students at Loganville Middle School, the city of Clarkston, CrossRoadsNews readers, and visitors and fans of Victoria’s Facebook page are among donors who helped the family raise the needed funding. Williams said the dog showered her daughter with kisses.

“I kept thinking of how one day he will save her life and all of my efforts will be confirmed that this was a good decision,” she said, adding the training was long and arduous. “We would practice tracking Victoria at different parks in Ohio every other day, and each time he found Victoria no matter how far away she ran,” Williams said. Choco is now Victoria’s constant companion and her mother says she is working to get Choco to go to school with Victoria, who attends Hasty Elementary in Cherokee County. She said Victoria’s brothers, Jayden and Joseph, adore Choco, and the family is willing to bring the dog to schools, businesses or events to raise awareness about his special role. “We were blessed with him and it would be a disservice not to share him with the community,” she said. For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the Oct. 20 appreciation event, e-mail Pawsforaprincess@gmail .com or visit Paws for a Princess at http://www.facebook .com/pages/Paws-for-a-Princess/209884319028630.

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A “Facing Your Fears” Halloween party on Oct. 28 at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale will encourage women to face their fears of mammography and breast cancer and provide a safe place for kids to trick-or-treat. Carol Blackmon of Majic 107.5/97.5 will host the 3-to-6 p.m. event in the Comprehensive Breast Center at the Lithonia hospital. Kids should wear their costumes for Trunk-or-Treat and the costume contest. Activities include bounce houses, food, prizes, performances, Breast Center tours, and physician meet-and-greet. Registration is required – visit www.dekalbmedical.org or call 404-501-WELL. The Comprehensive Breast Center is at 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway. For more information, call 404-526-9321.

‘Silent No More’ to raise funds DeKalb County Chief Assistant District Attorney Nicole Marchand Golden will be the keynote speaker at the “Silent No More” fundraiser on Oct. 27 at the Holiday Inn Atlanta Perimeter in Atlanta. Domestic violence survivors and about 200 other guests are expected to attend the 11 a.m.-to-1 p.m. event. Special guests include jazz artist Kemba Cofield; Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis; Nicole Lessor, executive director of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Tina Williamson, the DeKalb DA Office’s victim advocate; and survivors Nadia Mathews and Chyna McGarity. Tickets are $25 and proceeds benefit the Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and women and children in the program will share their stories of survival. The hotel is at 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. For more information, visit http://bcop.org or call 678-488-3324.

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CrossRoadsNews

Youth

October 20, 2012

“Little things like calling you all the time, questioning your friends and having problems with your family is the beginning of everything.”

Survivor of dating violence shares story with Decatur High By Stormy Kage

Johanna Orozco was only 18 when her high school sweetheart, Juan Ruiz, shot her in the face. But in many ways, that violent climax in 2007 was not as surprising as it should have been. Along the way of their three-year relationship, there were lots of signs. The two began dating when she was 15, and while everything was perfect at first, she said his behavior soon began to change. Looking back, Orozco, now 23, said the No. 1 thing girls need to look out for is jealousy. “Jealousy comes from insecurity and that is where the controlling part starts,” she told teens at Decatur High School on Oct. 17. “Little things like calling you all the time, questioning your friends and having problems with your family are the beginning of everything.” Orozco said the abuse began as jealousy and escalated into accusations of cheating, then pushing and shoving. After each outburst, Ruiz would apologize and profess his love. After each reconciliation, the abuse returned. When she broke up with him for good, Ruiz raped her at knifepoint in her own bedroom in a twisted attempt to regain her affections. While out on house arrest for the sexual assault, he stalked her and shot her in the face with a sawed-off shotgun as she sat in her car at her grandmother’s Ohio home. The blast blew off a major portion of her lower left jaw. Surgeons rebuilt what was left of her jaw with a piece of bone from her leg.

Johanna Orozco, who was shot in the face by an ex-boyfriend, spoke to Decatur students.

After a six-week recovery, Orozco, who was in her senior year, finished her high school classes at home, attended prom and graduated with her class. Orozco is newly married, and her husband is stationed at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Ga. The Cleveland native, who has been on “Oprah” and “The View,” travels the country telling her story and warning teens about the red flags of unhealthy relationships. Her trip to Decatur High was part of

“Love Doesn’t Hurt,” a Domestic Violence Awareness Month program focusing on the growing incidence of domestic violence among teens. She wears the scars of her attacks on her face, but her speech is clear as she retells her powerful story to the rapt audience of high schoolers. Every now and then, a gasp rippled through the auditorium of about 100 students. The DeKalb District Attorney’s Office and the DeKalb Police Special Victims Unit co-hosted the interactive forum to educate students about mental, emotional, sexual and physical abuse in relationships. Nicole Marchand Golden, DeKalb’s chief assistant district attorney, said that one in every three teens nationwide experiences some degree of domestic violence, and 40 percent of girls ages 14 to 17 know someone who has been a victim. A 2009 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that in Georgia, one of six high school students suffered abuse at the hands of their partners. Between 2004 and 2011, the Georgia Fatality Review said that 54 percent of domestic violence killings in Georgia involved couples that began relationships as young adults. Orozco’s speech followed a skit re-enacting a physically abusive relationship that was created by the drama club. In the skit, a male student marches up to his girlfriend, grabs a cell phone from her hand, and demands to know who she is talking to and why. Senior Arkia Wynn, who played the battered girlfriend, said domestic violence is a critical issue.

“When you’re in high school, a lot of people joke about stuff like this,” she said. “It’s dangerous to joke about it because then people start to act like it’s OK. This showed students it’s never OK to joke about it.” Orozco became the driving force behind Ohio House Bill 10, which allows teens to get protective orders in cases of domestic violence. It went into effect in June 2010. Marrius Brown, a senior, said he knows teens who are in abusive relationships. “There are some who talk about it and there are some who do not,” he said. “The statistics only show people who talk about it.” Detective D.F. Poythress said everyone needs to talk about it. “Anyone who is dealing with domestic violence does not have to deal with it alone,” Poythress said. “Awareness is key. There are resources out there to help and give support to those who need it.” Victims of domestic violence, no matter their age, can call 911 for help. The Decatur-based Women’s Resource Center offers support and shelter to women and children through its 24-hour hotline, 404-688-9436. Wednesday’s program was a first at Decatur High, but given the positive reception, District Attorney Robert James now plans to make “Love Doesn’t Hurt” an annual event at other schools in the county. Tiffany Hull, a sophomore, said the high incidence of teen domestic violence is outrageous. “The number could be lowered if everybody did their part. If we had more activities like this in school, the number of teens victims will not be as high.”

Donations needed for families

Psych’d about Math fest

Beaux & Belles Walk for Cancer

Clothing and a range of household supplies are needed for 10 families of Meadowview Elementary School devastated by a recent fire. Donations will be accepted on Oct. 25 at the DeKalb County school located at 1879 Wee Kirk Road in Atlanta between 8 and 10 a.m. Needed items include linens and towels, kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, toiletries, clothes, shoes, school supplies, and gift cards. The drive is sponsored by DeKalb Commissioners Stan Watson and Larry Johnson, the Organization of the DeKalb Educators, state Rep. Howard Mosby, and the Gresham Park Neighborhood Association. Donations also can be dropped off at the ODE Office, 100 Crescent Centre Parkway, Suite 290, in Tucker or weekdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Meadowview Elementary. For more information, call David Schutten at 678-8371170 or Stan Watson’s office at 404-371-3681.

Students from kindergarten to 12th grade and their parents and neighbors can attend a free family fun math night on Oct. 25 at Redan Middle School in Lithonia. “We’re Psych’d About Math,” presented by the South DeKalb Parent Council, takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event features a special drum line performance. A number of math teachers and tutoring experts will provide presentations, among them Stephanie Espy, MathSP Tutoring & Test Prep; Scott Blanck of Start Code Programming Labs for Kids; Tim and Melanie Brown of My Education Express Full Service Tutorial Center; Clark Atlanta University’s Dr. Paul Brown; Chrishele Hruska, an Arabia Mountain High School gifted certified math teacher; and Dr. Pamela Seda, Fulton County Schools director of mathematics. Redan Middle School is at 1775 Young Road. For more information, e-mail southdekalbparentcouncil @gmail.com.

A Breast Cancer Cake Walk at Miller Grove High School on Oct. 25 will honor breast cancer survivors and raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. The event begins at 3:45 p.m. in the school auditorium. It is a service project of Beaux & Belles of Miller Grove. Tickets are $3. Miller Grove High School is at 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway. For more information, contact Eleshia Cash at eleshiavcash@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us or 678-875-1102.

DESA fall festival offers lots of fun An old-fashioned cakewalk, three-legged race and a “Five Minutes of Fame” talent show are among activities at the DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts’ annual fall festival. The family-friendly festival takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 20 on DESA’s campus at 797 Fayetteville Road. For more information, contact Faye Shannon at fshannon @mindspring.com or 678-641-0556.

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“I just want writers to know there is a community.”

Tango party at Callanwolde

Authors to talk about latest works

Adults can dance the night away on Oct. 26 at Costume Tango Night with Tango Rio at Callanwolde Arts Center in Atlanta. People of all skill levels can come with or without partners and learn about the rhythm and movement of authentic Argentine Tango. Tango night begins at 8 with an introductory lesson from the expert Tango Rio instructors. At 9:15, participants can show off their new dancing skills at the costume tango dance party. Tickets are $15 for the lesson and the party, and $10 for the party only. Soft drinks and light snacks will be provided. For more information, visit callanwolde. The evening starts with instructions, after which participants will tango the night away. org or call 404-872-5338.

Carving, costume contests at fall fest Families can compete in pumpkin carving and costume contests at Decatur First United Methodist Church’s Fall Festival on Oct. 26. The 5:30-to-7:30 p.m. festival also will offer trick-or-treating, decorations, and hot dogs. Register at decaturfirst.org to participate in the competition and a chance to win a prize. The church is at 300 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. in Decatur. For more information, call 404-378-4541.

Haunted house and jamboree for kids Kids can have a scary night on Oct. 26 at the first Haunted House/Halloween Jamboree at the Community Achievement Center in Decatur. There will be eerie concessions, face painting, spooky goodie bags, games, a jumper house, and an interactive haunted

CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

house. Cost is $5 for the jamboree, $7 for the haunted house, and $12 for both. It takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. The Community Achievement Center is at 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, visit www .cacdekalb.org or call Clarence Wells at 404-214-7400.

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Justin Cronin will discuss his new book, “The Twelve,” on Oct. 22 at the Decatur Library as part of the Georgia Center for the Book’s October Festival of Writers. The thriller, published in October, is a sequel to Justin Cronin “The Passage.” It continues the story of the unforgettable world transformed by a government experiment gone wrong. The talk starts at 6:30 p.m. On Oct. 23 at 7:15 p.m., David Abrams, an award-winning active-duty journalist in the Army, will talk about his darkly comic novel “Fobbit.” Fobbit stands for U.S. Army employees stationed at Forward Operating Base during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The book relates the trials and triumphs of war. Library Journal calls it “a slice of awesome,” reminding readers how unpleasant life can be for soldiers but also how ridiculous and funny. The book has been compared to “Catch-22” and “MASH.” On Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., actress Gina Gershon will be at Presser Hall at Agnes Scott College to talk about “In Search of Cleo.” Gershon is known for roles in “Show-

girls” and “Bound.” Her new book tells the story of her two-month search for her cat and the characters, from hippies to mystics, she encounters while roaming the streets of Los Angeles. The Decatur Library is Gina Gershon at 215 Sycamore St. Agnes Scott is at 141 E. College Ave. in Decatur. For more information, visit georgiacenter forthebook.org or dekalblibrary.org or call 404-370-8450.

Book bargains at Flat Shoals Library Book lovers can find bargain tomes at the Friends of the Flat Shoals Library fall book sale on Oct. 26 and 27. The sales takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days and proceeds benefit library programs. The library is at 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. For more information, call 404244-4370.

Writers can share stories for feedback Writers of all experience levels can share original work on any subject matter suitable for family audiences at an Oct. 22 writing forum at the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library in Decatur. During the 6:30-to-8 p.m. event, creative writers can share up to 500 words or five minutes of reading time. Writing coach Wayne Smith and the

audience will give feedback. Smith, a graduate of the University of Georgia’s School of Journalism, is a published author of fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays. Smith said sharing is a good thing. “I just want writers to know there is a community,” he said. The library is 1282 McConnell Drive. For more information, call 404-848-7140.

CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

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Call Today 678-985-5300

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opportunities

THIS SIZE AD FOR ONLY $

30?

Call 404-284-1888 to find out how.

3981 McGill Dr • Decatur, GA 30034

• Dance Contest • Pony Rides • Moonwalks • Fun Games • Other Exciting Entertainment • Good Food Vendin TICKETS g Bankruptcy • Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody Wills/Probate/Trusts • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law

RIGHT ER IS RNER SUMMND THE CO AROU

financial

festivals

“EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

Call Arthur 404-838-6541

(770) 882-4541

attorneys

Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC

• Handyman Services • Plumbing - Water Line Repair & Fixture Installation • Unclog & Repair Sewer and Drain • Concrete Driveways • Wood & Chainlink Fence

home services

Individual • 50¢ 10 tickets • $5 20 tickets • $10

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Call Tawhana Johnson 404-218-2816

What could you do with an extra $478 annually?* That’s how much the average client saves on their auto and homeowner’s insurance through Primerica SecureTM | Call Primerica representative Darletta at 404-317-1447 to learn more today. *Savings not typical. The average client saves as much as $478 annually on their auto insurance. The average savings amount is based on a survey of insurance premium information provided by 567 purchasers of insurance from Answer Financial between January 1, 2009, and March 31, 2009.

more. Call 1- 888-705-8134!

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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 Autos 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 CAR DONATIONS WANTED! Help Support Cancer Research. Free Next-Day Towing. NonRunners OK. Tax Deductible. Free Cruise/Hotel/Air Voucher. Live Operators 7 days/week. Breast Cancer Society #800-7280801.

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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.

experience necessary Genuine Opportunity. For Free Information (24/7) 1-800-279-3313

Education & Training ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 800-488-0386 www.CenturaOnline.com AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783

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Health & Fitness

Misc. For Sale

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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 Music Lessons for All Ages! Find a music teacher! TakeLessons offers affordable, safe, guaranteed music lessons with teachers in your area. Our prescreened teachers specialize in singing, guitar, piano, drums, violin and

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CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

notices

REWARD $15,000.00

Marketplace For Rent/Lease Rooms for Rent Decatur/Stone Mt Furnished room wt TV, cable, phone, frig, all utils, access kitchen & Wash/D. Clean and quiet on Marta. $100-$120 per week 678 698 8587

for our $25 specials at 770-5599431 or visit us at 3612 Panola Rd; www.spatastik.com or on facebook.

Personal Care Spatastik: A Salon for Kids Now accepting appointments. Call

opportunities CAREER OPPORTUNITY!

Did you know that there is a shortage of qualified tax preparers available during tax season each year? In just 10 short weeks you can be ready to prepare taxes for the general public. Classes begin soon and space is limited. Interested? Register today for our upcoming tax class. Contact: Nate Gibbs at nategibbs_sr@yahoo.com or call 678-780-6200.

Find Local Goods & Services

www.eastmetromarket.com

notices PUBLIC NOTICE

ARAMARK Correctional Services is bidding to provide Food Service at the DeKalb County Jail. There will be a variety of opportunities for ARAMARK to utilize LSBE suppliers for the following categories if awarded the contract: food supplies (milk, bread, produce, groceries, other), paper and disposable supplies, dishwashing chemicals, other janitorial supplies, recycling services, uniform sales and kitchen grease removal services. If you are interested, please indicate your interest via e-mail simonesteve@aramark.com.

financial

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.

For info on the whereabouts and safe return of these items: 40' ft White Gooseneck Vintage Outlaw Trailer. The trailer housed a "RED" Dodge Dakota Race Truck w/ Patriotic paint theme of an American Flag that goes down both sides and "David Solomon Racing" lettered on both doors. Also inside the trailer is a Red Yahama Golf Cart w/ paint scheme that matched the Dakota Race Truck. MISSING from Valdosta, GA on Oct.1, 2012. Our Duallie was also taken but was found at "Arbor Crossings Apts." in Lithonia, GA on Oct 4,2012. Please call 423-881-5946 or 931-273-3744 (cell).

for rent / lease

notices

MARKETPLACE RATES

Furnished Office Suites For Rent from $350

The DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority is seeking Applicants for its Executive Director Position. 6440 Old Hillandale Drive, Lithonia ★ High visibility from I-20. Minutes from The Mall at Stonecrest. ★ Ideal Office location for Lawyers, Accounting Firms, Real Estate Companies, Insurance Agencies, Auto Brokers, Architects, Engineers, Business/Life Style Consultants and other Corporate (for profit and not for profit) Executive Office Use.

• Free Wi-Fi • Free Parking • On Site Property Manager

• Monitored Entry From 9-5 • 24/7 Key Card Access

For Information, contact James Burroughs jamesburroughs@burroughslaw.com • 770-484-4044 / 678-938-2281

ministries

Settle Your IRS Debt

Hair Removal • Tax LevyPermanent & Lien October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month & Skin Care Specialist A Community • File Back Taxes Taking a Stand Against Domestic Violence • Offer ’n’ Compromise All Vendors Must • IRS Audits Pre-Register Nov. 3rd CALL FOR APPT

(678) 518-8501 Evenings and weekends available

JOHNNY HARRIS, CPA PC

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

We Invite All Customers and Vendors to Come Participate in Our Domestic Violence Fundraiser Oct. 20th • 9 am - 3 pm

3040 Miller Road • Lithonia GA

Donation Location 3040 Miller Road Lithonia GA This is for men, women and children who are homeless.

(678) 395-5376

All information about the job and how to apply for it can be found on the DeKalb County Website: www.co.dekalb.ga.us/commdev/index.html Applications will be accepted through November 2, 2012. spa / salons

Permanent Hair Removal & Skin Care Specialist Never wax or shave again! Permanent hair removal!

BEFORE

AFTER

678-914-1688 • TheSpaLadies@ymail.com www.TheSpaLadies.com

CrossRoadsNews

October 20, 2012

MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD

DEKALB COUNTY’S

! 3 X

ONLY DEALER! FORD LINCOLN

X3!

WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR NEXT FORD OR LINCOLN!† NEW 2012 FORD

F-150 CREW CAB

TAURUS

ALL NEW

2013 FORD

STK#128172 MSRP $38,834

ALL NEW

2013 FORD

• STK#131504

12, 000 $ 26, 834

UP TO

XLT

ECO BOOST!

- $4000 Factory Rebate - $8000 Malcolm Cunningham Discount =

OFF MSRP SALE PRICE

FOCUS

ALL NEW

2013 FORD

• STK#134500

MUSTANG

• STK#133033

Plus tax, tag, and title with approved credit. Includes all factory rebates. †On select models. See dealer for complete details. Expires 10/21/2012.

770.621.0200

5675 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

www.MalcolmCu n n in g ham F or d. com

Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery $

WE CAN HELP!!!

DOWN!

Example: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300, STK#A3008. Buy for 72 months at 3.75% APR with $0 down is $379 per month. Plus tax, tag and title with approved credit.

2007

2006 MERCEDES-BENZ

MINI COOPER

PRICES START

NEED CREDIT?

2011 CHEVROLET

2009 VOLKSWAGEN

CAMARO LS

E350

UNDER

5000

Example: 2004 Cadillac DTS, STK#A3010A. Sale Price $3995.

2007 BMW

650i CONVERTIBLE

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ

S63 AMG

2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING P/W, P/L, CD, Alloy Wheels, STK#A2094A ...................... $3995

2005 TOYOTA SEQUOIA Leather, Sunroof, 4X4 STK#A3041 ............................. $9995 2009 HONDA CIVIC COUPE Sporty and a Great Gas Saver, STK#A2041....... $13,995

2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Power Package, Alloy Wheels, STK#A3105 ............ $14,995 2010 DODGE CHARGER All Power, Upgraded Wheels, STK#A3072 ................. $17,995 2009 HONDA ACCORD EX V6, Sunroof, Alloy Wheels, STK#A3094 .................. $18,995 2008 VOLVO S80 Leather, Sunroof, Alloy Wheels, STK#A3063 ..................... $18,995 2007 INFINITI M35 Leather, Navigation, Sunroof, STK#A3061 ...................... $18,995

2004 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 AMG Sunroof, Leather, AMG Wheels, Loaded, STK#A3096. $19,995 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER P/W, P/L, Alloy Wheels, STK#A3097...................... $19,995 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3062................................. $20,995 2007 BMW 530i Leather, Sunroof, Sporty, STK#A2093 ................................ $20,995

2009 VOLKSWAGEN CC Leather, Pamaramic Roof, Loaded, STK#A3089 ..... $21,995 Dual Roof, Leather, Bright Alloy Wheels, Nicely Loaded, STK#A3103

Navigation System, Sunroof, Loaded, STK#A3109A

Power Package, Alloys Wheels, STK#A3087

4DR, Auto, STK#A3089

Leather, Alloy Wheels, Nicely Loaded, STK#A3090

V12, Navigation, Rear Camera & More, STK#A3032A

15,995 17,995 21,995 24,995 24,995 49,995 $

Prices plus tax, tag, and title. All offers with approved credit. Offers expire 10/21/2012.

2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300W Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3081................... $21,995 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 Sunroof, Leather, Bluetooth, Navigation System, STK#A3091 $22,995

2007 AUDI Q7 Leather, Sunroof, 3rd Row Seating, STK#A3083......................... $24,995 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 Leather, Sunroof, Navigation System, STK#C9307 $38,995

(7 70) 987-9000

A Division of Malcolm Cunningham Ford

YOUR FIRST, LAST AND ONLY STOP!

WE NOW RENT

678.502.2005

I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive

Sales Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm • Closed Sunday

w w w. M a l c o l m C u n n i n g h a m A u t o G a l l e r y . c o m

4C (10.5”) × 16” 35701-MCAQ (10-20) Crossroads FC (gc)

BUY WITH