COMMUNITY
SCENE
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MARTA has dusted off its proposal to extend service from the Mall at Stonecrest to downtown Atlanta and is gathering residents’ input. 3
“Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience” will be on exhibit at the Decatur Library from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2. 8
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will talk about her and sign memoir at the Mall at Stonecrest on Nov. 3. 8
Transit plan revisited
The making of sports history
Copyright © 2010 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
October 30, 2010
Rice on Rice
Volume 16, Number 27
www.crossroadsnews.com
Registry won’t affect 15,500 homes By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Community groups and individuals eagerly awaiting the implementation of DeKalb’s new Foreclosure Registry found out this week that it does not apply to the more than 15,500 properties foreclosed before Oct. 27 – its effective date. The law only requires owners of properties foreclosed after Oct. 27 to register them with the county. Brenda Pace, president of the East Lake Terrace Neighborhood As-
sociation, said that fact was kept from residents. “That was not how it was presented to us,” said Pace, who attended a number of public hearings about the ordinance Brenda Pace and was eagerly awaiting its implementation to help her neighborhood deal with more than 50 vacant foreclosed homes. “We thought this was going to take
care of the existing problem,” she said. “Here we are still sitting with thousands of foreclosures that nothing can be done about.” Gil Turman, president of the South Gil Turman DeKalb Neighborhoods Coalition, said he too thought the ordinance was to help deal with the Please see REGISTRY, page 6
DeKalb County’s new Foreclosure Registry does not apply to properties foreclosed before Oct. 27, its effective date.
Residents oppose plan for new cell tower Variance sought for a T-Mobile facility on Candler By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
A plan to erect a 154-foot-high T-Mobile cell phone tower on the Lincoln Funeral Home property on Candler Road is facing major opposition from residents who say it would be located too close to their homes in violation of existing county codes. Three J Holdings LLC, which owns the 5.1-acre Lincoln Funeral Home property at 2321 Candler Road, wants DeKalb County to reduce the distance for the telecommunications tower from a residentially zoned property to 70 and 85 feet from the required 200 feet. It also wants to waive the 10-foot landscape buffer to allow it to build the tower. Judy Jackson, who will see the tower from her kitchen window and backyard on Ousley Court, said there is a reason why the county set the buffer at 200 feet. Judy Jackson “It is to protect residents,” she said. If the variance is approved, both the property owner and T-Mobile say they will lease space to more cell phone operators. In a Sept. 1 letter accompanying the application for the variance, Lannie Greene of T-Mobile South LLC said T-Mobile plans to locate two other providers on its tower for a total of three users and that the property owner intends to lease ground outside the T-Mobile proposed fenced-in area to other wireless providers. Greene told the county that the purpose of this facility is to provide safe, reliable, uninterrupted in-building and in-car coverage in the area bounded by Second Avenue, Candler Road, McAfee Road and I-20. But residents of Ousley Manor and Toney
At least nine cell phone towers are located on or near Candler Road, including a structure at 1816 Candler, next door to the DeKalb Police South Precinct (far left), and one at 202 Candler behind the Exxon station at Memorial Drive (left). Above, signs at the structure at 1816 Candler Road seem to indicate that T-Mobile already has a tower in the area, and that proximity to the towers carries potential heatlh risks.
Valley subdivisions say that reducing the distance will literally put the tower in their backyards and be a detriment to them. “We strongly oppose the construction of such a tower in our backyard,” they said in an Oct. 5 letter to the county’s Planning/
Development Department and to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Through Thursday, 73 residents had signed a petition opposing the construction of the tower. “We believe that this project will adversely affect the health of already physically
challenged residents, endanger the health of our children and grandchildren, negatively impact our property values, and encourage the flight of younger families from the Please see TOWER, page 2
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Ousley Manor and Toney Valley residents say that reducing the distance will literally put the cell tower in their backyards.
Radiation hazards, declining property values among concerns TOWER,
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community,” they said in the letter to the county. Jackson, who has lived on Ousley Court for 28 years and has had a cell phone for 10 years, said she has never lost service on Candler Road. “There are already enough cell towers on or near Candler Road,” she said, showing photographs of towers she took on Candler and Rainbow Drive. “I have never lost signal around here.” The residents quoted studies and concerns raised nationally about the electromagnetic field that spreads low-level radiation throughout neighborhoods surrounding cell phone towers and said that while these fields are invisible to the naked eye, the damage caused from radiation from these cell towers is not. If Gladys Barriner steps through the back gate of her Ellen Way home, she is on the funeral home’s property, and she said a cell tower there is too close for comfort. Barriner, who operates an in-home day care for six children, said no one knows for sure how harmful the radiation from cell towers might be and she doesn’t want to expose the children she cares for to any danger. “I don’t want to look at it,” she said. “They say they are going to put a barbed-wire fence around it. I don’t want to see it. We don’t live on a prison. “We don’t know how much radiation is going through it,” she said. “We don’t know what is going to happen. When we find out 20 years from now, it will be too late.” Jackson said she doesn’t understand why T-Mobile can’t locate its signal on one of the existing towers.
Towers of babble There are at least nine cell phone towers on or near Candler Road from Memorial Drive to Rainbow Drive: n 202 Candler Road (behind the Exxon station at Memorial Drive) n 1816 Candler Road, next door to the DeKalb Police South Precinct n 2505 Candler Road (behind U-Haul) n 2963 S. Rainbow Drive (near Gibbs Garage) n 2988 Rainbow Drive (left) (near Joe May Valet Cleaners) There are also cell towers on McAfee Road behind the DeKalb County Fire Station, at I-20 and Flat Shoals Road, at I-20 and Columbia Drive, and on H.F. Shepherd Drive behind the former Greater Travelers Rest Church.
T-Mobile’s application says it needs the telecommunications tower to serve residential customers in the area bounded by Second Avenue, Candler Road, McAfee Road and I-20. County ordinances prohibit cell phone towers in residential zoned areas. In his letter to the county, Greene said TMobile was unable to collocate on an existing tower or building and that other large tracts in the area that would be more central like Mark Trail Park, Tilson Elementary School, St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School and Pilgrim Church of Atlanta are all zoned R-75. He said they selected the Lincoln Funeral Home property because of its proximity to the residential areas.
“At the present, there are no existing or planned tower structures in or around the search area or other structure (i.e. building rooftops) suitable that would satisfy the coverage objective or available to meet TMobile’s obligation to the citizens of DeKalb County,” Greene wrote. On Thursday, he referred a reporter’s questions to Ann Brooks, T-Mobile senior manager for external affairs for the Southern region in Texas. Brooks said she could not speak to why her company wasn’t locating on any of the five existing towers on Candler Road because she wasn’t familiar with where they are located. “When we seek to improve service, we always look to locate on existing towers
because it is easier, speedier and more affordable,” she said. “But sometimes existing towers will not meet the needs we are trying to improve.” In its application, T-Mobile said that county zoning codes that prohibit cell towers in residential areas present “undue and unnecessary hardship” on it because it cannot meet the demands of its customers in more residentially zoned and developed areas of DeKalb County. “Wireless customers, now, more and more, depend upon wireless coverage in their homes,” it said. “In order to meet this demand, wireless facilities must be close to these residential areas.” T-Mobile argues in its application that the proposed tower would be 264 feet from the closest home, which is more than 150 percent of the proposed height of its 154-foot tower. “The distance of 264 feet is more than adequate to protect the impacted property,” it said. At the Zoning Board of Appeals’ first hearing of the application on Oct. 13, members were tied over the application. District 6 representative Bonnie Jackson, District 3’s Darryl Jennings and District 5’s Jeremy Clark voted to deny the application. District 1 representative Collette McDonald, District 2’s Liz Beyer and District 7’s Patrick Desamours supported the application. District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton has not named a representative to the board. On Oct. 26, Greene invited residents to a public information meeting on Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear the application again on Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in downtown Decatur.
Educating and Empowering Our Community
Community Expos
at the Mall at Stonecrest Health & Wellness Expo
Dance & Summer Camp Expo
January 29, 2011
March 19, 2011
Health care providers, insurance companies, fitness instructors and others bring messages of good health to residents and help empower them to live healthier & more active lives. Exhibitors also offer health screenings, fitness demos and workshops.
Dance schools, churches and other summer activity providers offer options for forward-thinking parents who innovative and interesting programs for their children. Organizations offering services and resources to families are also invited.
Best of East Metro/ Small Business Expo
Back to School & Family Expo
April 23, 2011
August 13, 2011
Each year, CrossRoadsNews readers nominate and vote for the small businesses, places and people who exemplify the best that East Metro Atlanta has to offer. We celebrate the winners of the Best of East Metro Readers Choice Awards at this highly popular annual expo.
The focus returns to the family in August as children and their parents prepare to for the annual rites of fall, going back to school. The expo highlights services such as afterschool care, school supplies and fashions, adoption services and private school options.
Limited Signature Sponsorship Opportunities Only 50 exhibitor spaces available. Book yours today. Call 404-284-1888 for more information.
CrossRoadsNews • 2346 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 • 404-284-1888 • Fax: 404-284-5007 • expos@crossroadsnews.com
Community
“We’ve been through this process before and nothing has come up. Somebody needs to assure us that we will at least get a shot at it this time.” MARTA is studying three types of transit technologies – bus rapid transit, light rail transit, and heavy rail transit – to link the Mall at Stonecrest with downtown Atlanta.
Stonecrest line back on MARTA’s radar By Carla Parker
There is interest once again in a MARTA rail line to Stonecrest and the transit system held three meetings in South DeKalb this week to discuss the new I-20 East Transit Initiative with residents and to get input on some of the area’s transportation issues. At the Oct. 26 meeting at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale, a small group of residents saw a presentation on past studies and heard about three types of transit technologies – bus rapid transit, light rail transit, and heavy rail transit – that are being studied. This is not the first time that MARTA has discussed rail transportation down I-20 to Stonecrest. Ten years ago, residents participated in a series of meetings on the topic but hopes were dashed in January 2000. Now MARTA, DeKalb County government and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) are undertaking a new study. MARTA officials also held public meetings on Oct. 27 at East Lake Y and on Thursday at the Gallery at South DeKalb. MARTA officials said the new initiative will identify and summarize the transportation and environmental impacts associated
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with the completion of new east-west transit service from downtown Atlanta to the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia. DeKalb NAACP President John Evans, who attended Tuesday’s meeting, and others in attendance were concerned that this project could go down the drain like it did 10 years ago. “We’ve been through this process before and nothing has come up,” Evans said. “Somebody needs to assure us that we will at least get a shot at it this time.” The study is preparing for the new Transportation Investment Act of 2010, which authorizes a transportation referendum in 2012. That referendum requires the creation of a project list. Dr. John Crocker, MARTA’s director of development and regional coordination, said they have to be ready to go. “In order to get the I-20 East project on that list we must have certain documentation, such as the locally preferred alternative or a completed environmental impact statement,” he said. Elected officials must finalize the project list on Oct. 15, 2011 to be voted on by the public in 2012.
$1.4 million for high-speed rail study Atlanta is getting $1.4 million to study an Atlanta-to-Charlotte high-speed line. Fourth District Congressman Hank Johnson said Thursday that Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina are receiving $1.4 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop a multistate plan for high-speed rail between Atlanta and Charlotte. “As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m encouraged that Georgia is now more a part of the mix for federal transit and high-speed rail investments,” Johnson said. The announcement comes on the heels of a $47 million award for the Atlanta Streetcar project last week.
The $4.1 million award will go toward intermodal high-speed intercity rail with Georgia as the lead state for the CharlotteAtlanta Corridor Plan. “This is good news for Georgia, but we must continue to bring federal resources for transit and rail to ensure we create jobs and lay the groundwork for our current and future transportation needs,” Johnson said. The US DOT is also sending $840,000 to MARTA to retrofit its buses with lithium-ion batteries, which allow the buses to run longer and use less fuel. “This kind of investment helps us create jobs and clean our air,” Johnson said. “I will fight for more.” Members of the DeKalb Police Academy’s 91st class received their certificates on Oct. 15.
11 graduate from Police Academy Eleven newly minted DeKalb Police Officers are now ready for duty. The officers, who are the 91st class from the Police Academy, picked up their certificates on Oct. 15 during a graduation ceremony at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis commended the grads for their selfless service to DeKalb County and congratulated them on suc-
cessfully completing 31 weeks of rigorous cadet training. “To be effective in the roles that you have chosen, it will be important that you understand the true partnership between law enforcement and the community,” he told them. “This partnership requires that you care about, trust and respect the citizens you serve, and that they care about, trust and respect you.”
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Visit a branch to enroll today. Debit cards linked to Chase High School Checking, Chase credit cards issued on behalf of other financial institutions, and Chase private label credit cards are not eligible. Only credit card and non-PIN debit card purchases qualify. Chase credit card participants must have a Chase checking account. Other restrictions apply. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR BANK TRANSACTION WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. SWEEPSTAKES SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS. OPEN TO INDIVIDUAL LEGAL U.S. RESIDENTS CURRENTLY RESIDING in AZ, CO, CA, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, NJ, NY, NV, OH, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, WI, and WV (the “Eligible States”) WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER and BUSINESSES WITH A MAILING ADDRESS LOCATED WITHIN THE ELIGIBLE STATES. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion ends 12/31/10. Enrollment and drawings end 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 12/31/10. For information on how to enroll and obtain entries, entry limitations, how potential winners are determined, and no-purchase method of entry, as well as the rest of the Official Rules, please log on to www.chase.com/TheTab. Maximum amount of each prize is: $200. Maximum ARV for all prizes combined is: $3,456,000. Odds of winning any one prize depend on the number of eligible entries for any single five-minute period. SPONSOR: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1111 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC Credit cards issued by Chase Bank USA, N.A. © 2010 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
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The key to making a difference now is education at the community level.
We can do more to reduce cancer rates among blacks 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
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There will be an estimated 1.5 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2010. Thankfully, we have come together as a nation to fight the devastating effects of this disease, and America’s cancer death rate is declining. We are fortunate to have many nonprofit organizations and hospitals providing great services. Those diagnosed with cancer are living longer and enjoying a better quality of life than those who faced the disease just one generation ago. In fact, survival rates leaped from 50 percent in 1977 to 69 percent in 2005 and continue to climb. Although we praise the many victories in the battle against cancer, a disproportionate number of African-Americans still succumb to the disease when compared to other races. African-Americans have the highest death and shortest survival rates of any racial or ethnic group in the United States for most cancers. The mortality rate for all cancers combined continues to be 33 percent higher among AfricanAmerican men and 16 percent higher among African-American women when compared to white men and women. Together, though, we can take action to lower cancer
“In addition to understanding and addressing the reasons that African-Americans are underdiagnosed, we can take action to prevent acquiring the cancer in the first place.” Calvin Smyre
rates and improve treatment in the African-American community. The key to making a difference now is education at the community level. We have already proved as a country that we can significantly reduce incidences of cancer through education and mobilization around preventive care. We can begin to do this by first understanding the major gap in proper cancer diagnosis between the African-American community and other racial groups. Statistics show that AfricanAmericans are less likely to be diagnosed with and more likely to suffer from cancer. African-American women are 10 percent less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer but 34 percent more likely to die from it as compared to white women. In addition, African-American men are two and a half times as likely to die from prostate cancer
compared to white men. This disproportionate mortality rate is largely due to lower levels of diagnosis and inadequate access to treatment, including culturally competent care. These differences also directly contribute to increased costs of treatment and greater financial and psychological strain on family and caregivers. In addition to understanding and addressing the reasons that African-Americans are underdiagnosed, we can take action to prevent acquiring the cancer in the first place. The African-American community must become more educated about the risk factors leading to cancer. Physical inactivity, obesity and poor diet, for example, are risk factors that individuals can take control of. Environmental factors, such as pollution and indoor smoking, are risk factors that must be addressed by the community
working together. Either way, it is truly exciting that we have the ability to change something that has devastated so many families, that premature cancer death is not inevitable. Early this month, members of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators convened from across the country to learn about the facts, tools, and resources necessary for better educating the community and discussed legislative solutions that could leverage community and individual action. The goal was to develop a process by which NBCSL members can effectively partner with existing organizations to make the most of these resources in their own communities. NBCSL legislators are bringing this knowledge home and sharing it with you. By taking action at the most local level, we will help prevent cancer, better diagnose it and increase survival rates. Ultimately, by uniting in the fight against cancer, we will build stronger, healthier communities, improving the lives of those around us. State Rep. Calvin Smyre is president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Jay Cunningham has become productive leader I have known DeKalb School Board member Jay Cunningham for several years. In 1982, almost 30 years ago, Jay Cunningham, at age 23, was accused of inappropriate conduct as to the property of Pleasants Industries Inc. (not McDonald’s as reported). That occurred in a 1982 DeKalb County with a legal system much different than the diversity of today. Facing the obstacles of challenging a system that was lacking in representative diversity and often fairness, Mr. Cunningham availed himself of the Georgia First Offender Act rather than risk a potentially wrongful conviction by a jury that may not have been of his peers. The final court order in that
“Mr. Cunningham has never forced, coerced or pressured anyone to eat at his establishment. He has not violated any laws, written or unwritten.” Dwight Thomas
case specifically stated that “no judgment of guilt was imposed . . .” and upon successful completion of probation, Mr. Cunningham “shall stand discharged of said offense and shall be completely exonerated of guilt . . .” There are those who would like to turn the clock back to the days when the law was irrelevant and maintaining the status quo was essential. Those days are gone and today Jay Cunningham has evolved into an energetic and productive
leader of the DeKalb School Board bringing millions of dollars to his district. The so-called “Pizza sales to the District” matter is nothing but “trash him” journalism. There is no law or School Board policy preventing any employee or school from voluntarily buying pizza, water or gas, or any other perishable item from a School Board member who owns such business. If a school bus driver needed to buy bottles of water for dehydrated
children, would he have to bypass a store owned by a School Board member and risk danger to the children? Of course not. Mr. Cunningham has never forced, coerced or pressured anyone to eat at his establishment. He has not violated any laws, written or unwritten. Is there a hidden agenda in the political slander of Jay Cunningham, a standout Morehouse alumnus? Mr. Cunningham is an example of what we want and need for our children – get an education; become productive; and own your own business and not rely on national, state, or local government to support you and your family. Government may let you down, but Jay Cunningham will not. Dwight Thomas is an attorney. He lives in Stone Mountain.
How can ODE defend its endorsement process as fair? I was reading the article in the Oct. 23, 2010, issue of CrossRoadsNews [“Newcomers Nab Support in School Board Races”] where you stated that Nicole Duff said that “Roberts did not answer ODE’s questionnaire or attend the interview sessions that they held to determine their endorsements.” This is untrue. Neither Duff, nor anyone from the [Organization of DeKalb Educators], contacted me via e-mail at my personal e-mail address at rzepora@yahoo.com, or FirstClass e-mail at zepora_w_ roberts@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us, nor through U.S. mail, nor telephone at 404-284-7314 (a number I have
“I want the leadership of ODE to come clean and tell your readers the truth, that she, nor anyone from ODE, contacted me for their interviews, and this is why there was no response from me.” Zepora Roberts
had for 40 years). My question: If all candidates were not given the same opportunity to compete in the process, then how can they defend their process as being fair and objective toward all candidates? The other question: How do you defend your motives for slan-
dering me by saying to the public that I “did not respond,” and what yardsticks were used to measure all candidates if you went through careful measures to ensure that certain candidates were not a part of the process? As a supposed-to-be professional organization, I want Duff
and the leadership of ODE to come clean and tell your readers the truth, that she, nor anyone from ODE, contacted me for their interviews, and this is why there was no response from me. I cannot respond to anything that I was not sent anything to respond to. This was done deliberately to hurt, harm and maim me by ODE. I have received calls from people that have known me for years regarding the statement from Duff that I “did not respond” to be untrue. ODE’s credibility has lost it all. Zepora Roberts is seeking reelection to the District 7 seat on the DeKalb County School Board.
index to advertisers Agape Christian Counseling Center............... 11 Center For Black Women’s Wellness.............. 7 Chase ............................................................. 3 Congressman Hank Johnson.......................... 5 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau............6
DeKalb County School System........................9 DeKalb Medical............................................... 7 DoMaro Uniform Services.............................. 11 Greenforest McCalep Christian Acad. Ctr....... 11 Gutbusters..................................................... 11
Laurencin’s Home Services............................ 11 Make Me Over Hair Lounge.......................... 11 Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery..............12 My True Biz Small Business Services.............. 11 Mystery Valley Golf Club................................. 8
The Kingdom Mall......................................... 11 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas..................... 11 The Samuel Group (2)................................... 11 The Spa at Stonecrest.................................... 11
October 30, 2010
Community
“As you also acknowledged, there is much work to be done to repair the reputation and safeguard the processes of DeKalb County Schools.”
SACS: System taking proper steps, will keep accreditation The DeKalb School System will keep its accreditation for now. A month after the district submitted a 2,500-page response to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ questions, the agency responded Thursday to Interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson saying it will assist the School System as it prepares for a full comprehensive evaluation. AdvancED, parent firm of SACS, sent the Oct. 28 letter to the School System. Dr. Mark Elgart, AdvancED president and CEO, said in the letter that it is clear that the school system is beginning a process to review and reflect on all aspects of its operation and future direction. Mark Elgart “As you also acknowledged, there is much work to be done to repair the reputation and safeguard the processes of DeKalb County Schools after the events of last spring,” he said. Elgart said the AdvancED will appoint a Special Review Team to visit DCSS before Feb. 1, 2012. He said the purposes of the visit are to: n Engage stakeholders in discussions regarding the direction of the school system, further examine details regarding the system’s response to AdvancED’s Request for Information; and review the system current state of operation and efficiency. n Provide the system with direction and assistance as it begins preparation for a full comprehensive evaluation to be conducted by March 1, 2012. This is a required evaluation for District Accreditation and must be
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conducted within this time frame, regardless of the system’s efforts/timeline to secure a permanent superintendent. n Monitor the progress of the school system including, but not limited to, the progress in securing a permanent superintendent; implementation of newly enacted or modifies policies and procedures; engaging legal matters; and the governing effectiveness of the Board of Education. Elgart acknowledged that system is in the midst of transition. “It is evident that there is much uncertainty about the future direction of the system with respect to its leadership and long term strategic objectives,” he wrote. “As such, it is our intent to provide the system and its current leadership with assistance during this period of time.” The Special Review Team will engage stakeholders, review the system’s current state of operation and efficiency, monitor the progress of securing a permanent superintendent and other matters. In a statement late Thursday, School Board Chairman Tom Bowen welcomed SACS help, advice, counsel and assistance. “We think we’ll be a better system because of it,” he said. “Parents and Tom Bowen students can rest assured that the DeKalb County School System’s accreditation is not at issue.” SACS Special Review Team will visit before Feb. 1, 2011. Elgart said the district is expected to reimburse AdvanceED for the expenses associated with the visit.
Early voting at snail’s pace in DeKalb Early voting was slow in DeKalb County this week. Through end of day Wednesday only 36,375 of the county’s 386,454 voters had cast ballots in person and by mail even though four more voting precints were added across the county. Of the five sites, the South DeKalb Precinct at the Porter Sanford Center logged the second highest number of voters behind the Election Office location on Memorial Drive. Through Wednesday, 6,399 people had cast ballots at Memorial Drive, 1,963 at Porter Sanford Center, 1,957 at the North DeKalb Precint in Chambleee, 1,733 at Northlake Precinct in Tucker and 1,029 in Decatur. The early polls were set to close Friday. The next time to vote will be on Nov. 2. All 110 polling precincts across the county
Fewer than 10 percent of DeKalb’s 386,454 voters had cast ballots as of Wednesday.
will open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. For more information, visit http://web. co.dekalb.ga.us/voter/default.html or call the DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections, 404-298-4020.
Rides to polls available on Nov. 2 DeKalb voters who need a ride to the polls can call the DeKalb NAACP or the DeKalb Democratic Party on Nov. 2. From 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the DeKalb NAACP will provide rides to residents across the county. Riders must call in or e-mail their contact information to the NAACP, including voting precinct name and location. The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. For more information or to schedule a pick up time with the DeKalb NAACP, call 404-241-8006 or email naacpdek@ bellsouth.net. To schedule a pick up time with the DeKalb Democratic Party, call Sandra
Austin at 404-272-9437.
Rides for Oak View residents Oak View neighborhood residents in Decatur who need a ride to the polls can call on businesswoman Delores Tennant on Nov. 2. Tennant, who owns DelTravel Transportation, is offering free rides in her 15-passenger van to the polling precinct at Oak View Elementary School at 3574 Oakvale Road on Election Day. “I just want to help out in my community and get people out to vote,” she said. For more information or to schedule a pick up time, call Delores Tennant at 678576-0156.
Vote Now Through Election Day, November 2, 2010
Friends: These are historic times. We changed the world by electing President Obama and I am proud to have his endorsement. I know times are still tough. That’s why we have to keep fighting for you. I will stand with our President as we get our economy back on track and move America forward. With your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 2, I will keep fighting to: • Create jobs • Bring resources to our community, and Vote Now Through Nov. 2 • Defend our rights.
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October 30, 2010
“Does the ordinance go far enough? I don’t think so. But you have to do something and continue to work on it.”
Eco-friendly businesses showcased at GPC Small-business workshops set Local businesses will showcase their eco-friendly goods and services at the first DeKalb Green Products Expo on Nov. 13 at Georgia Perimeter College in Clarkston. The DeKalb County Green Commission celebrates its inaugural year as host of the expo, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon, in conjunction with One DeKalb Neighborhood Summit. The event is free and there will be door prizes. The commission’s goal is to highlight those businesses that have taken up the challenge of helping to work toward building a sustainable community, “the greening of DeKalb.” DeKalb is
one of the first counties to earn the Atlanta Regional Commission’s “Green Community” designation. It has award-winning programs for natural gas conversion, residential curbside recycling and green space development and holds quarterly sustainability education workshops for the community. Georgia Perimeter College, Clarkston campus, is at 555 North Indian Creek Drive with parking lots off Memorial College Drive. Pre-register for the Neighborhood Summit by e-mailing onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. For more information, visit www.kathiegannon.com.
Existing unkempt properties not affected REGISTRY,
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problem of existing vacant and unkempt foreclosed properties. “I had no idea this was not to be the case,” Turman said Wednesday. “We thought it was something to deal with foreclosures affecting the community now. Why didn’t they say it was for the future?” DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes, who sponsored the ordinance, said Thursday that no one was trying to hoodwink residents. “We just would not have gotten it passed if we didn’t grand father them in,” she said. “We were being threatened with lawsuits and we did not want that. In order to move forward we had to do it this way.” Stokes defended the registry. “It’s not a charade,” she said. “I heard on the news this week that foreclosures are still increasing. The new ones will have to be registered. Does the ordinance go far enough? I don’t think so. But you have to do something and continue to work on it.” Stokes said the issue was much more complex than they first thought. “We started out thinking that we could do a moratorium on foreclosures and quickly found out that it’s only the banks that can do that. My effort was to do something. I just want the banks to be accountable and take care of the properties they own.” Stokes, who is leaving office on Dec. 31, said the Foreclosure Registry, which was approved by the DeKalb Board of Commis-
sioners on July 27, makes a start. Owners of vacant foreclosed properties must now pay a $175 fee to register the property with the county. Violators will be fined $1,000 a day per property, capped at $100,000 per calendar year. “I wish we could have gone on and had all the properties registered, but we would Connie Stokes have been in court right now,” she said. “No, we didn’t do what we should have or what we wanted to do. We realized when we opened this can of worms, it was a much bigger issue than we thought.” Still, Stokes said that the county has put a process into place that can be tweaked and amended. “If the people want more, they need to let the commissioners know they want to go further,” she said. “If the Board of Commissioners want, they can revisit the issue.” Stokes said that the county will be hiring three Code Enforcement officers with federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds to work primarily on foreclosed properties. She said they will be able to find the owners of properties if they follow the money trail and the people who are paying taxes on the properties. “For the overwhelming majority of the properties, the owners can be found. Now they will have Code Enforcement officers dedicated to finding them.”
Small-business owners can get updated industry information and network at the 12th Annual Small Business Development Conference on Nov. 4 in Decatur. Exhibitor check-in for the conference, presented by the DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting, Contract Compliance Division, begins at 7 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Decatur Conference Plaza, 130 Clairemont Ave. The all-day conference includes 14 workshops, breakfast and lunch, plus a reception with a live band. Registration is $55 online (http://dekalbcounty sbdc-auto.eventbrite.com) or on-site. For more information, visit http://dekalbcountysbdc-auto .eventbrite.com or call 404-371-4795.
Business professor to keynote session Dr. Greg Henley, interim director of the Herman J. Russell Sr. International Center for Entrepreneurship at Georgia State University, will be a keynote speaker at MyTrueBiz’s 5th Annual Small Business Conference – Charting Your Entrepreneurial Course on Nov. 6 in Atlanta. Participants can attend a range of workshops on cash flow, business certification, social media, and government contracts Greg Henley and enter to win a number of door prizes. The 8:30 a.m.-to-4:30 p.m. conference takes place at the Hilton Suites Perimeter hotel, 6120 Peachtree Dunwoody Road. For sponsorships and more information, visit www.smallbusinessconferenceatlanta.com.
7
CrossRoadsNews
October 30, 2010
Wellness
“Community health events will always be one of the most direct ways to reach people.�
Health expo at Big Miller Grove
5K walk promotes heart health
DeKalb families can learn more about wellness and fitness issues as well as receive screenings at a Nov. 6 Women’s Health Expo at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church in Lithonia. The 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. event, which is free to attend, is presented by the Center for Black Women’s Wellness. There also will be a vendor marketplace and activities for all ages. Jemea Dorsey, the Jemea Dorsey nonprofit center’s CEO, said the expo, now in its third year, was moved to Big Miller Grove to have a greater impact and interaction with its clients in DeKalb County. “This year we are taking health screenings, education and resources into the second-largest county we serve – DeKalb County,� Dorsey said. “No matter how many expos we do, there are constantly people who tell us they aren’t aware of the many free and low-cost services available to them to manage and take charge of their health.� The center is partnering with the faithbased community to impact more families. “Community health events will always be
one of the most direct ways to reach people,� Dorsey said. Activities include: n Educational workshops on key health issues disproportionately affecting AfricanAmerican women and interactive health panels. n Fashion show highlighting children, teen and adult fashions. n Image consulting and free makeovers for early attendees. n Vital health screenings including cholesterol, HIV testing, and mammograms. n Community door prizes for attendees who share the word and bring the most guests to learn about health. n Fitness action plans with Atlanta-based fitness professionals that are designed to motivate. n Interactive children’s fitness activities provided by C.H.O.I.C.E.S. n Community organizations and sponsor booths. Since its launch more than 20 years ago, the Center for Black Women’s Wellness has provided health care services and programs to more than 10,000 metro Atlanta women. For more information, visit www.cbww.org or call 404-688-9202.
Thousands of coming cause of death for pany and community African-Americans in teams as well as heart Atlanta; heart disease and disease survivors, friends stroke are America’s No.1 and family members will and No. 3 killers. participate in the Start! Each day, nearly 2,400 Heart Walk at Turner Americans die from a carField on Oct. 30. diovascular disease – an The American Heart average of one death every Association’s annual 37 seconds. A leading risk non-competitive 5K factor for heart attack and raises funds to fight heart stroke is lack of physical disease and stroke and activity. Only one in two encourages metro At(48 percent) of Georgia lantans to get physically adults is regularly active; active. It begins with an 8 1.9 million (29 percent) a.m. warm-up; the walk Georgians are obese. starts at 9. Research shows that More than 15,000 are Celebrity trainer Dolvett Quince individuals may gain two expected to take part in hours of life expectancy the event, which includes a 1-mile walk. for every hour of regular, vigorous exercise. Celebrity trainer Dolvett Quince and There is no registration fee, but parAtlanta Falcons cheerleaders will help ticipants must register at http://metroatlanta walkers warm up. Participants also can heartwalk.kintera.org and get sponsorships. warm up in the Nintendo tent at game- Turner Field is at 755 Hank Aaron Drive, play kiosks featuring active-play video Atlanta. For more information, contact games for the Wii system. Survivors will Kristin Gross at 678-224-2094 or kristin relate their personal stories. .gross@heart.org or visit www.startwalking Cardiovascular disease is the lead- now.org.
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Breast cancer survivors honored A dozen women who have triumphed over breast cancer will be honored by the DeKalb 100 Black Women at its Nov. 6 Pink & Black Affair at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in downtown Decatur. The annual event, which is in its sixth year, includes dinner, dancing and a silent auction. This year’s honorees range from a shy DeKalb County Schools employee who was diagnosed this spring to a 15-year survivor who works on the local, state and national fronts to empower and support women affected by the disease. Some have a family history of breast cancer; others are the first in their immediate family to contract the disease. All rely on their faith and offer testimony and assistance to others. The women – Yashman “Evette� Smith, Rebecca L. Evans, Mary Nicholson-Jackson, Paula Petty, Kimberly T. Evans-Lawson, Crystal Wyre-Daugherty, Tammy A. Fuller, Corzetta Anise Motley, Sherri Banks, Barbara Green, Linda Scales, and Lavern Lewis – are wives, mothers, grandmothers, health care
workers, a licensed minister, entrepreneurs, scholars, a star athlete, civil servants, mentors, and active members of their churches. They were nominated for recognition by family members, friends and co-workers. The gala raises awareness about breast cancer and educates the community on the importance of lifestyle choices, early detection and treatment options. October is observed nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and pink is the national symbol of breast cancer awareness. Black symbolizes women of color standing together in the fight against the disease. Breast cancer afflicts more than 2 million U.S. women and men. Tickets are $55 each or $500 for a table of 10. Proceeds benefit breast cancer research and the 100 Black Women’s Legacy Program that mentors young ladies. The gala begins at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in downtown Decatur. For tickets or more information, visit www.ncbwdekalb.org or call Norma J. Johnson at 678-418-8059 or 770-981-8775.
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Scene
CrossRoadsNews
October 30, 2010
Red Moore played five seasons for the Atlanta Black Crackers and is the only living player from the 1938 championship team.
Negro Leagues star headlines reception for baseball exhibit Former Atlanta Black Crackers star James “Red” Moore will be featured at a reception for “Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience” that opens Nov. 6 at the downtown De- James “Red” Moore catur Library. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum traveling exhibit goes on display at 6 p.m. It examines the impact of black players in baseball from the 1860s to the present, with a focus on the Negro Leagues. Because of his race, Moore could not play in the major leagues during the 1930s and ’40s but became a star in the old Negro Leagues. Although many blacks played baseball with whites in the 19th century as amateurs and also played on minor-league teams through the 1880s, black players were not allowed to compete with whites when Major League Baseball was created in the mid-1890s. To counter this discrimination, they organized teams made up entirely of black players and formed leagues known collectively as the Negro Leagues. The Negro Leagues had their highest level of success
“Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience” examines the impact of black players in baseball from the 1860s to the present.
in the 1940s and continued into the 1960s, with the last team disbanding in 1961. When Jackie Robinson was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945, though, integration in baseball began a slow and uneven path to the integrated status of modern-day teams, and all-black teams began to disappear. “Pride and Passion” is part of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ “We the People” initiative, which explores events and themes in U.S. history and advance knowledge of the principles that define America. It is a collaboration of the NEH, the American Library Association, and the Hall of Fame.
The exhibition is based at the Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N.Y. Historian James Riley and former NFL linebacker Pellom McDaniels III, chair of the board at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City and assistant professor of history and American studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, also are expected to attend the Nov. 6 opening reception. Acting DeKalb Library Director Alison Weissinger calls the exhibit eye-opening. “Anyone who sees this exhibit will find themselves not only caught up in the story of baseball, but in the story of America as
well,” she said, The exhibit will be on display at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., until Dec. 2. On Dec. 4, it will open in the newly renovated and expanded Hairston Crossing Library, 4911 Redan Road in Stone Mountain, and stay there through Jan. 7. Special programs, which are free, will take place around the exhibit. They include: n A Talk With Red Moore – Noted Negro Leagues baseball historian and author James Riley will talk with Moore about his career on Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Decatur Library. Moore, a former first baseman, played five seasons for the Atlanta Black Crackers (1935, 1938 and 1946-48) and is the only living player from the 1938 championship team. n Role of Baseball in Our Culture – On Dec. 13, Emory University professor Dana White will discuss the important role of baseball at the Hairston Crossing Library at 7 p.m. n Grand Slam Film Festival – “The Jackie Robinson Story” on Nov. 22; “Bingo Long and the Traveling All-Stars” on Nov. 30; “Soul of the Game” on Dec. 8; and “Only the Ball Was White” on Dec. 14. All screenings start at 7 p.m. There are a number of activities especially for kids. For more information, visit dekalblibrary.org.
Y honors outstanding volunteers
Midway rides return to Stonecrest
A number of volunteers who give of their time to their local Y’s will be honored Nov. 8 at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s annual volunteer recognition dinner at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Melinda Sampang, the Rev. Dexter Rowland and Lamar Jones are being recognized for their ser- Melinda Sampang Dexter Rowland Lamar Jones vice at centers in South DeKalb. Sampang, an East Atlanta mother of four, He became involved with the Y during is the YMCA Academies of South DeKalb’s childhood swimming lessons. He lives 2010 Volunteer of the Year. in Decatur and is in his fourth year as a She is on her second year as parent volun- Y volunteer, serving as board chair and a teer at the center. She first became involved member of the finance committee. with the Y when she enrolled her oldest Jones is the East Lake Family Y’s 2010 daughter into the preschool program.In Volunteer of the Year. He was introduced addition to volunteering in the classrooms, to the Y by a friend and became a volunshe serves as co-chair for the parent advisory teer in 2008. He is a board member and is council and encourages other parents to get involved with the Ask 10 Campaign. involved in their children’s education. Jones, who is president of Key MainRowland, who is pastor at New Piney tenance Supply Inc., is involved with the Grove Baptist Church, is the South DeKalb Partner With Youth annual campaign. He Family YMCA’s Volunteer of the Year. lives in Lithia Springs.
Rides galore will be at the Mall at Stonecrest when the Fall Fair takes over the parking lot near Kohl’s this weekend and Nov. 3 and 7. North American Midway Entertainment, the world’s largest traveling outdoor amusement park, is back for an encore performance
Family fun at Shadow Rock Fall Festival The fun kicks off at 3:30 p.m. AdmisChildren can frolic on an obstacle course and balloon jumper, compete in the cakewalk sion is $10 in advance and $15 on Nov. 5. Shadow Rock Elementary School is at and sack race, and have their faces painted at the Nov. 5 Community Fall Festival at 1040 Kingway Drive. For more information, call 678-676-3950. Shadow Rock Elementary in Lithonia.
after a successful summer run at the Lithonia mall. Its magnificent rides, delicious fair food and rewarding games will offer lots of fun for the whole family. The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 and Turner Hill Road. For more information, visit www.mallatstonecrest.com.
Rice to share family’s story Condoleezza Rice, who was the nation’s 66th secretary of state and the first African-American woman to serve in the position, will be at the Mall at Stonecrest on Nov. 3 to speak about and sign copies of her memoir, “Extraordinary, Ordinary People – A Memoir of Family.” Rice, a professor, diplomat, pianist and author, served in the administrations of President George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush. She was secretary of state from 2005 to 2009 Condoleezza Rice will sign copies of “Extraordinary, Ordinary and national security adviser People” on Nov. 3 at the Mall at Stonecrest. from 2001 to 2005. Before joining the younger Bush admin- blacks from voting, while Republicans welistration, Rice was a professor of political comed them), and speaks of his decision not science at Stanford University where she was to march with the Rev. Martin Luther King also provost from 1993 to 1999. She was the Jr. in Birmingham in 1963 and of his unlikely Soviet and East European affairs adviser to friendship with future Black Panther Party President George H.W. Bush during the dis- leader Stokely Carmichael. She adds that years later when so much solution of the Soviet Union and German attention was paid to then-Sen. Barack reunification. In March 2009, Rice returned to Stanford Obama’s radical associations, “I wondered University as a political science professor what might have been made of the people and the Thomas and Barbara Stephenson who sat at our dinner table.” Rice’s fondness for the Second AmendSenior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution. In September 2010, she became ment began while watching her father sit on a faculty member of the Stanford Graduate the porch with a gun, ready to defend his School of Business and a director of its Glob- family against the Klan’s nightriders. She also writes about why she and her father, both al Center for Business and the Economy. Her memoirs chronicle her life as a gifted terrific football fans, refused to root for the student and chubby piano prodigy in her geographically closest team, the Washington hometown of Birmingham, Ala., during Redskins. The Redskins did not integrate unsegregation and the early years of the civil til 1962 and were the last National Football rights movement to the powerful halls of two League franchise to do so. “They couldn’t be our team,” writes Rice, White House administrations. She was born in November 1954, and her who likes to be called “Condi.” After she speaks, Rice will meet mall parents, John and Angelena, both teachers, patrons who buy copies of her book from sacrificed nearly everything for their talented Borders at Stonecrest for a VIP book-signing only child. Her memoir teems with fascinating event. The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 and details about why her father, who was also Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. For more ina Presbyterian pastor, became a Republican formation, visit www.mallatstonecrest.com (the city’s Democratic machine prevented or call 678-526-8955.
October 30, 2010
Youth
9
CrossRoadsNews
“The purpose of the walk-through is to visit every single room in that building to determine currently how it is being used for instructional focus.”
Vision team visiting facilities to develop master plan for 2020 DeKalb schools that are in need of major facility repairs will see them over the next decade, compliments of the school system’s 2020 Vision and Consolidation and Redistricting Plan. At an Oct. 22 news conference announcing the plan and the process that will get the district there, interim School Superintendent Ramona Tyson said the plan will be developed over an 11-month process that Ramona Tyson will culminate in a 2020 master plan. The end product will describe the facilities, programs, and other needs of the system over the next 10 years and the recommended facility improvements required to meet those needs. The process, which began this month, will terminate in August 2011 and will lead
up to a vote for SPLOST IV in mid-2012. Tyson said the first part of the 2020 Vision is to have a needs assessment done to take a hard look at every instructional facility in the school district. Since Oct. 18, the Vision team visited five schools a week and over the next six weeks will conduct a walkthrough with a lead facilitator, the principal, a parent, the PTA president, a teacher, and the plant engineer of that building. “The purpose of the walk-through is to visit every single room in that building to determine currently how it is being used for instructional focus,” Tyson said. “Sometimes a classroom may be a music classroom, but it wasn’t built to be a music classroom, but a principal will make a building do what it needs to do to accommodate the instructional program.” Tyson said that they want to look and see where a subject’s classroom is truly adequate
for that subject’s instruction. They also will conduct a condition assessment in which they will look at the buildings’ ceilings, air conditioning unit, walls, floors, cafeteria equipment, and technology equipment. The team will walk through 144 schools, centers, facilities, and currently closed schools to collect data for the 2020 Vision Plan. A sub-component of the Vision Plan is the redistricting and consolidation plan for the 2011-2012 school year, which will be developed and approved over five months – October 2010 to February 2011. Tyson said they will go to the public before any decisions are made on redistricting. The district will have public charrettes to discuss the 2020 Facilities Master Plan and the Consolidation and Redistricting Plan. The charrette process will allow forum participants to provide feedback using an interactive electronic survey tool on a series of
questions concerning school building quality and capacity as well as other issues. “We cannot put together a plan without speaking to the constituents, and that is the parents,” Tyson said. “We are opening this journey and making this process transparent to our parents and PTA advocates, and we’re asking them to take this journey as we collect data.” The Community Charrettes begin Nov. 9 at Chamblee High School. Other charrettes will be held on Nov. 10 at Towers High School, 3919 Brookcrest Circle in Decatur; Nov. 15 at McNair High School, 1804 Bouldercrest Road S.E. in Atlanta; Nov. 16 at Martin Luther King Jr. High School, 3991 Snapfinger Road in Lithonia; and Nov. 17 at Stephenson High School, 701 Stephenson Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, visit www.dekalb .k12.ga.us/vision-2020.
14 DeKalb schools saw graduation rates fall as state rates soared By Carla Parker
When Gov. Sonny Perdue was celebrating increases in the state’s high school graduation rate this week, DeKalb County could not join in. Even as Georgia’s graduation rate rose to an all-time high of 80 percent in 2010, up 2 percent over last year’s rate, 14 of DeKalb’s 21 high schools saw a slight decrease to 81.3 percent from 81.7 percent in 2009. The schools with decreases are: Avondale, Cedar Grove, Chamblee Charter, Dunwoody, Lakeside, Lithonia, M.L. King, Miller Grove, Redan, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Stone Mountain, Towers and Tucker. All but three of them are located in South DeKalb. The only South DeKalb-based schools with increases are Clarkston, Columbia, McNair and DeKalb School of the Arts. Among the schools with decreases, Southwest DeKalb leads the pack with a 5 percent decrease, followed by MLK with a 4 percent decrease. Lakeside, Lithonia, Miller Grove and Towers had a 3 percent decrease; while Avondale, Cedar Grove, Chamblee,
Dunwoody, and Stone Mountain all had a 2 percent decrease. Stephenson and Tucker tied with a 1 percent decrease, and Redan had a 0.5 percent decrease. School Board member Jay Cunningham, whose District 5 had the most schools with decreases, said he was very bothered by the declines. “It’s very disturbing and we’re going to have Jay Cunningham to take charge as a system and as a board to fix this issue,” he said. “We also have to look at what is going on in the schools and make the adjustments.” Cunningham said he was most concerned about the graduation percentage for AfricanAmerican males. “Research shows that only 37 percent of black males in South DeKalb are graduating and that’s a problem,” he said. “We have to look at how to get the black males to finish school and work with them. This is also a community issue, so we have to start at home and get the parents, students, and commu-
Red Ribbon Week touts drug-free life DeKalb Schools have been standing up against drugs in honor of National Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31. Students wore red clothing, ribbons and stickers to promote a drug-free way of life. Many South DeKalb schools held activities to celebrate being drug-free. Stoneview Elementary kicked off its Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 18 with a parade featuring the Lithonia High School Band, the Stoneview Safety Patrol and 4-H Club. Students also tied red ribbons around the trees in front of the Lithonia school. Greenforest Christian Academy wrapped
up Red Ribbon Week by creating a human red ribbon on Oct. 29. All 350 students, staff and parents wore red shirts and stood on the football field to form the red ribbon and take a stand against drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. The crime launched the tradition of displaying red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance toward the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a drug-free America.
Learning Center hosting tea for new moms New mothers and moms-to-be can sip tea and learn about Greenforest-McCalep Christian Early Learning Center at the center’s “Mothers-to-Be and New Mothers Tea” event on Nov. 6. During the 11 a.m.-to-1 p.m. event, parents will find out about the center’s standard of excellence and its programs, which foster knowledge of phonics, math, writing, sci-
ence, foreign language and the Bible. Tours of the center’s state-of-the-art facility also will be provided. The center serves children from 6 weeks through 4 years. The tea will be held in the Genesis Room of the Early Learning Center on the Greenforest campus at 3250 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. Seating is limited to the first 50 who R.S.V.P. to 404-486-6763.
DeKalb cops to open trunks for Halloween fun Little ghosts, hobgoblins, superheroes and princesses will be trunk-or-treating with the DeKalb Police Department during its free Trunk-or-Treat event on Oct. 30 at the DeKalb Police Headquarters in Tucker. From 2 to 5 p.m., kids troll for treats
in the trunks of police cars, get their faces painted, and mingle with DeKalb police officers. DeKalb Police Headquarters is at 1960 West Exchange Place. For more information, contact Jason Gagnon at 770-724-7479.
nity involved to tackle this issue.” Cunningham, who is facing re-election on the Nov. 2 ballot, said that if he is reelected, this will be an issue that he will work hard to fix. Statewide the 2010 increases represent more than 17 percentage points since 2003, when the graduation rate was 63.3 percent. All groups of students saw significant increases in their graduation rate in 2010. African-American students had a graduation rate of 75.8 percent, up more than 23 percentage points from 2003. The state’s Hispanic students had a graduation rate of 77.6 percent, up more than 29 percentage points from 2003. And Georgia’s economically disadvantaged students raised their graduation
rate to 76 percent in 2010, up more than 24 percentage points from 2003. Perdue and State School Superintendent Brad Bryant announced the results Oct. 26. “We did something no other state had even thought of – put a graduation coach in every middle and high school and focused their efforts on students at risk of dropping out,” Perdue said. “Even with our dramatic enrollment growth, 4,000 fewer students dropped out this year than in 2003.” Perdue had set a goal of reaching the 80 percent rate by the time he left office. In 2003, 65,213 students received a high school diploma in Georgia. Last school year, 91,561 students graduated with a high school diploma.
10
CrossRoadsNews
October 30, 2010
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Timeshares SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $78 Million Dollars offered in 2009! www.sellatimeshare.com (800)640-6886
11
CrossRoadsNews
October 30, 2010
MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.
Marketplace BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Looking for motivated internet people to market an Extraordinary money-making software to home-based businesses. Make unlimited $200 payments instantly. www.gotleads.ws
FOR RENT/LEASE Senior Housing Community (60 ) Emma Cares - Safe & Loving community. Share housing w/ other seniors. Near shops, entertainment & MARTA 770885-2537
Foreclosure maintainer looking for skilled/unskilled laborers. Reliable transportation needed. Vendors need tools/vechicle. Background check/drug screenings done. Fax Resumes:678-894-0479
HOME SERVICES Your Neighborhood Handyman! Plumbing and Electrical repairs, painting, carpentry, flooring, roofing, exterior work also. Call Chris (404) 992-3663
For Rent, Upstairs Condo, Decatur. Total electric, 1br/1bath. Remodeled kitchen, fireplace, carpeted. Alarm system. Walk-out porch. Call 404-349-7110
MECHANIXX CORPORATION. Major Appliance Service. We Repair Washers, Dryers, Stoves, More. Same Day Service. Cash, Checks Accepted. Licensed And Insured. Senior Citizens Discount. 678-982-2068.
Personal Care Home. 10 bdrms 4 full baths. 2 kitchens. $2800 per month. Call 678-755-5955.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & CONSULTING
DeKalb/Kirkwood - 2 & 4bd duplex with appls., CHA, hardwood floors, W/D conn., off-street parking, lg back yard. Contact: CBG Real Estate 404.523.6136. Share a quiet 4-bedroom home near Wesley Chapel & I-20. Not on MARTA. $115/wk 404-9185676
HELP WANTED Drivers: Stability & Peace of Mind with Cypress Truck Lines! Year Round Freight! Great working Environment. Home Weekends! 1yr Tractor/Trailer exp. Req. 800545-1351. www.cypresstruck.com
The Samuel Group, Inc. Loans for Churches, Restaurants, Day Care Centers, Multi Family Properties, Office Buildings and other commercial properties. Purchases or refinancing. All credit considered. Closings as quick as 7 days.
404-870-9070
www.thesamuelgroupinc.com
LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE Next Day Lawn Maintenance Service. Bobcat Work, Hauling, French Drainage System 770593-1382.
Handyman We Do Great Work!
TUTORIAL SERVICES
• Roof Repairs • Ceramic Tiles • Drywall • Basement Finishing
Free Tuition! Performing Arts Zone. After School: Tutoring, Karate, Dance. Saturday Classes Available. 1689 Stone Mountain Lithonia Road Lithonia. 770-885-2788.
Laurencin’s Home Services, Inc. Call Bobby at 404-392-8749
NOW ENROLLING Greenforest-McCalep Christian Early Learning Center • 6 wks – 4 yrs • Small class size
• Accredited • Safe environment
3250 Rainbow Drive Decatur, GA 30034 404-486-6763 • www.greenforestacademy.org
Celebrating 20 years of proven excellence Celebrating 20 years of proven excellence NON-DISCRIMINATORY ADMISSIONS POLICY
Ask about FREE ENROLLMENT & additional discounts Wall Street experienced professionals providing business plans, incorporations, financial statement preparation and other consulting services.
The Samuel Group 404-870-9070
Small Business Conference & Networking Expo Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 8:30am - 4:30pm
• Carpentry • Laminate Floors • Electrical • Ceramic Tiles
w *No ing v r Se Style e * Hom akfast e r B
Buy One 6" or 12" Cheese Steak or Hoagie with a large Drink & Get One 6" Cheese Steak for Free!!! One coupon per serving. Expires 11/30/10.
Mon - Thurs 7am-9pm ---------------Fri - Sat 7am-10pm
Seeking Professional, Multi-Cultural Stylists Who Are Interested In an Upscale Environment That Caters Towards Their Expertise and Clientele FREE Booth Rental for the 1st Two Weeks Hairstylists MUST be Licensed and have Clientele 2567 N. Decatur Rd, Decatur GA. 30033 Contact LaShaundra 404-378-4766 or 404-895-7856 www.makemeoverhairlounge.com
✓ Philly Cheese Steak ✓ Philly Hoagie ✓ Cheeseburgers ✓ Turkey Burgers ✓ Fish
✓ Wings ✓ Gyros ✓ Chicken Tenders ✓ French Fries ✓ And More...
2107 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 • (404) 284-1801
Back 2 School Massage Special
$ 60
Hilton Suites Perimeter
for Swedish massage
6120 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Atlanta, GA 30328
Call: 404.966.5697 www.mytrueevents.com
Agape Christian Counseling
Pre-marriage & Marriage Counseling, Separation & Divorce Crisis, Substance Abuse. Depression, Anxiety, Guilt, Anger, Grief, Stress.
Dr. Al Hibbert
Special rate between now & Jan. 2011 $45 per 1-hr session
404-512-5010
www.acctraininginst.com
Visit Our Website for MORE SPECIALS
Now Offering Nail Art
SPA at Stonecrest
8052 Mall Parkway, Suite 104 • Lithonia, GA 30038
678-672-4100
www.spaatstonecrest.com spaatstonecrest@gmail.com
Your Source for Neighborhood News
Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information
12
CrossRoadsNews
October 30, 2010
This halloween weekend only!
99
The Easy Dealer’s
$
y S a e t!
Only
n e m pay
Per Mon th
Example: 2007 Mercury Milan, Stk#a1201, Sale price $12,987, $1,000 down, 3 payments of $99, 69 payments of $249 at 7% apr plus, tax, tag and title. With approved credit.
At MAlcolM cunninghAM’s Auto gAllery! 2005 Ford Focus
2008 Ford Mustang
2007 Mercury Milan
2007 Honda Accord
auto, all power, and More, Stk#a1250
auto, all power, Sport Wheels, and More, Stk#a1266
leather, Sunroof, and More, Stk#a1201
all power, cd, and More, Stk#a1288
6991
$
or Buy For only
99
$
12,958
$
Per Month
$500 down, 3 payments of $99, 57 payments of $179 at 9% apr plus, tax, tag and title. With approved credit.
or Buy For only
99
$
12,987
$
Per Month
$1,000 down, 3 payments of $99, 69 payments of $249 at 7% apr plus, tax, tag and title. With approved credit.
or Buy For only
99
$
13,887
$
Per Month
$1,000 down, 3 payments of $99, 69 payments of $249 at 7% apr plus, tax, tag and title. With approved credit.
or Buy For only
99
$
Per Month
$1,000 down, 3 payments of $99, 69 payments of $259 at 7% apr plus, tax, tag and title. With approved credit.
2002 pontiac grand prix....................$3995
2006 lincoln toWn car ..................$16,462
2008 acura tl ..................................$20,587
2002 Mazda MillEnia ..........................$5967
2006 bMW 330i.................................$16,784
2006 lExuS lS 430 ............................$22,885
..................$13,758
2005 MErcEdES-bEnz
Ml350 ............$16,789
2010 niSSan MaxiMa.......................$22,994
2007 Ford F-150 Ext
cab .................$18,882
2008 Ford F-150 lariat ...................$26,764
2006 lincoln zEphyr ......................$14,528
2006 bMW x3 ...................................$18,987
2008 MErcEdES-bEnz E-350 ..............$27,598
2008 chrySlEr 300 ..........................$15,753
2007 Jaguar S-typE.........................$19,868
plus many more in stock!
Starter or 2nd car, Stk#a1238a
leather, auto all power, and More, Stk#a1313a
2008 chEVrolEt iMpala Save, Save, Save, Stk#a1299
2007 dodgE dakota crEW
cab ........$13,995
ready For Work or play, Stk#a1313
Sunroof, chrome Wheels, leather, nav., Stk#a1308 ride in Style, Stk#a1287
Sunroof, leather, chrome Wheels, and More, Stk#a1300 Sporty, Very nice, Stk#a1276a
luxury Without the price, Stk#a1272 Feel the power, Stk#a1267
leather, Sport Wheels, and More, Stk#a1226
king of the road, leather, Sunroof, and More, Stk#a1297
loaded, nice ride, great price, Stk#a1305 loaded, Must See, Stk#a1290
loaded, ready to ride, Stk#a1310
crew cab, chrome package, Stk#a1312
Very Very nice, loaded, Must See, Stk#a1326
Prices plus tax, tag and title.
we now rent & Sell
truckS! 770-987-8189
new brakes
oil Change & Car wash
$19
95
ONLY
Valid only at MalcolM cunninghaM auto group
Must Present Coupon When Order Is Written. Not Valid With Any Other Offer. One Coupon Per Visit. Up To 5 Quarts, Diesels And Some Models Slightly Higher. Expires 11/15/10.
$89
95
ONLY
Valid only at MalcolM cunninghaM auto group
Must Present Coupon When Order Is Written. Not Valid With Any Other Offer. One Coupon Per Visit. Some Models Slightly Higher. Turning of rotors not included. Expires 11/15/2010
$25 gas
voucher
on any serviCe over $199.99
Valid only at MalcolM cunninghaM auto group
Cost Of Service Must Be Over $199.99 Before Taxes To Be Eligible. Must Present Coupon When Order Is Written. Not Valid With Any Other Offer. One Coupon Per Visit. Expires 11/15/2010
wesley chapel I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive
Mcautoatl.com
770-987-9000 Sales Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 8:00pm • Sat 9:00am - 8:00pm • Sun Closed
5C (10.5”) X 16” 23086-MCAQ (10-30) crossroads fc (nb)
Spooky Service SpecialS
Come In Today For All of Your Serv ice, Collision and Pre-Owned Need s!