CrossRoadsNews, September 8, 2012 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

MINISTRY

SCENE

First Afrikan Church in Lithonia is combining its brotherhood and sisterhood events into a single weekend of togetherness. 10

Fans of actor and rapper Tupac Shakur will celebrate his life by planting shrubs and flowers in the Peace Garden at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts. 11

Unified fellowship weekend

Plants for an icon

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

September 8, 2012

Volume 18, Number 19

www.crossroadsnews.com

School district readies response to SACS claims in private DeKalb Schools is preparing its response to allegations that it violated its accrediting agency’s standards and policies, and it will do it behind closed doors. On the heels of an Aug. 28 letter from AdvanceED’s president and CEO, Mark Elgart, citing allegations of stewardship failure on the part of the School Board and interference in the district’s Cheryl Atkinson day-to-day operations, School Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson recommended to a hastily called Sept. 5 meeting of School Board members that the process of responding to SACS be closed to

the public. view team of herAdvanceED is self, School Board “I’m surprised that SACS the parent company Chairman Eugene felt the need to look into of the Southern AsWalker, Vice Chairthis when they already sociation of Colman Paul Womack, reviewed our operations leges and Schools, legal representawhich accredits the tives, two senior in March.” district. staff members and Eugene Walker In March, SACS a communications let the school sysrepresentative to tem keep its “accredited on advisement” respond to the letter. status after a review team said that it found “We’re going to try to move as expedisome improvement but that the district still ently as we can through this process,” she has other issues to address before gaining full said. accreditation. Before leading the vote to close the disAtkinson told board members Wednes- cussions on the district’s response to SACS, day that she will establish a special re- Walker said the goal was to be as open and

transparent as possible. The district has until Sept. 28 – 30 days from the date of the letter – to respond to the allegations that Elgart said stemmed from “numerous complaints” that SACS received about the school system’s handling of its financial resources. The district received the letter on Aug. 29. Elgart said the complaints allege that the School Board failed to be “good stewards” of the district’s financial resources for the past five years, that it interferes in day-to-day operations of the district, unduly influences hiring of individuals, and leaks confidential information, among others. Please see SACS, page 12

Veterans Group Seeks Obama Park The 177-acre Wade-Walker Park in Stone Mountain is now home to a new $20 million YMCA. A veterans group wants the county to name it for President Barack Obama.

DeKalb hasn’t named anything for president By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Since Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States in 2008, dozens of schools, streets, roads, avenues, boulevards, mountains and settlements nationwide and internationally have been named for the nation’s first African-American president. In DeKalb County, one of Georgia’s largest black and Democratic counties, no public honors have been bestowed on the president. There are no public spaces, no buildings or roads named for Obama. Barack Obama But since May, the Stone Mountain-based Georgia Black Veterans for Barack Obama has been attempting to change that. In a May 23 letter to DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis that was copied to the seven members of the Board of Commissioners and 4th District U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, the group asked for Wade-Walker Park in Stone Mountain to be named the “Barack Obama County Park.” Countywide, the only institution bearing the president’s name is the privately owned O.B.A.M.A. school on Glenwood Road in Decatur. Vernell Davis, founder of the school that serves children from infancy to 12 years, said she renamed it for the president in 2009 to inspire her students. She said the Georgia secretary of state would not approve the name and she had to resort to an acronym, which stands for Only the Best Attend My Academy, to get it. “It reads Obama and everybody gets it,” she said. “Our students are proud to say they attend the Obama Learning Center.”

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

“We don’t know who Wade-Walker was. To have an African-American president is of extreme and important historical significance. We should carry this forward by naming something after him.” Alfanso Mallory

The 177-acre park targeted to be the first public space named for Obama is home to a new $20 million, 60,000-square-foot YMCA. It offers a range of fitness and family fun, including baseball, softball, soccer and multi-use fields, and street hockey. The park, located at 5585 Rockbridge Road, has tennis courts, a swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions, a lake and walking trails. Karim Shahid, who co-signed the letter with fellow veteran Alfanso Mallory, said it would be beneficial to our county

to honor the nation’s first African-American president by naming its signature park for him. “It would show our support for our president,” he said. “Over time, history will prove that Obama was the right man for the job at the right time, and we will have

where he had gone to hear the president’s speech accepting his party’s nomination for the Nov. 6 election. “I know that the president is very popular and very revered in DeKalb, but I don’t know of any renaming that is happening in the county,” Brennan said. District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, in whose district Wade-Walker Park is located, said the honor is “something to consider.” “Having a park dedicated to our president is S. Barnes Sutton a great idea,” she said. “If the community wants to do that, we should consider it.” Barnes Sutton and Super District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson, who also represents Stone Mountain, would have to sponsor such

honored him.” “We live in a great nation lead by President Barack Obama, a president that we all can be proud of in what he has achieved in the areas of education, human rights and world affairs,” said the veterans’ letter. Through Thursday, the men had not received a written reply from Ellis. CEO spokesman Burke Brennan said Thursday that he was seeing the letter for the first time and would bring it to Ellis’ attention when he returned from Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Please see PARK, page 6

CrossRoadsNews

People

September 8, 2012

Her latest theatrical production, “What I Learned in Paris,” is running through Sept. 30 at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre.

Cleage places papers at Emory Benton marks 35 years at Fairfield Madonna, a religious inPearl Cleage, the nastitution that continues to tionally acclaimed playhave a national presence. wright, poet, novelist and Her multifaceted casocial activist, has placed reer includes educator, her papers at Emory Unispeechwriter, journalist, versity’s Manuscript, Arnovelist, poet and playchives and Rare Book wright. Her papers include Library. writings, correspondence, Cleage said she picked printed material, photoMARBL for several reagraphs and audiovisual sons, including discusmaterial. sions she had with the Of special interest are late Emory professor Ruher letters to her father, dolph Byrd, who was a mother and other family MARBL supporter, and members from the time with Emory’s curator of she enrolled at Howard African-American collecUniversity in 1967 and tions, Randall K. Burkett. continuing through the She said she appreci1980s. ates the way Burkett ap- Pearl Cleage’s papers include rare The collection includes proached collecting Afri- issues of her family’s biweekly. can-American material as an integral part rare issues of her family-edited biweekly, Illustrated News, as well as a complete set of of American culture. “Emory was a place that would value the the periodical Catalyst: A Magazine of Heart work that I’ve done and make the papers and Mind, of which she was the founder and available in a way that would make it produc- editor. It also includes extensive documentation of her long collaboration with her tive to place them there,” she said. Cleage is best known for the novels “What husband, writer Zaron W. Burnett Jr. Cleage earned a bachelor’s in drama from Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day” (an Oprah Book Club selection) and “Babylon Spelman College in 1969. Her latest theatriSisters,” both of which are being adapted for cal production, “What I Learned in Paris,” is film, as well as for her plays “Blues for an running through Sept. 30 at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre, where she is in residence as its Alabama Sky” and “Flyin’ West.” She grew up in Detroit in a household first artist in dialogue. Emory University’s Manuscript, Archives committed to social justice and political activism. Her father, Albert B. Cleage Jr., who and Rare Book Library is at 540 Asbury was ordained in the Congregational Church Circle in Atlanta. For more information, visit in 1943, later founded the Shrine of the Black www.news.emory.edu.

Activist to discuss ‘Drone Warfare’ Author and peace activist Medea Benjamin will speak on “Drone Warfare – Killing by Remote Control” at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House on Sept. 17 in Decatur. Benjamin is a co-founder of both CODEPINK, a women-initiated grass-roots peace and social justice movement, and the international human rights organization Global Exchange. She has been an advocate for social justice for more than 30 years. The free event begins at 6 p.m. with a reception. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. The Atlanta Friends Meeting House is at 701 W. Howard Ave. For Medea Benjamin more information, call 404-522-4500, e-mail georgiapeaceatl@gmail.com or visit www .georgiapeace.org.

Fairfield Baptist Church in During his tenure, he has licensed Lithonia will celebrate the 35th more than 75 ministers and oranniversary of its pastor, Micheal dained five pastors and more than Benton, during September. 40 deacons. The celebration gets under In the past five years, Benton way on Sept. 9 and continues has preached on the Sea of Galilee, Sundays through Sept. 30 at the was baptized in the Jordan River in 7:30 and 10:45 a.m. worship serIsrael, and funded and dedicated a vices. The theme is “Integrity and Chichanian church in the Yucatán Micheal Benton Longevity in the Pulpit.” Peninsula. Benton, a native of Lithonia, began The church is located at 6133 Redan his tenure at the church in June 1977. He Road. For more information, call 770-482is the church’s fifth pastor in 127 years. 7660.

Animal Services advisers named DeKalb’s newly created Animal Services Advisory Board now has a 12-member board of directors. The members are Robert Dennis, Ashley Derek, Rebecca Guinn, Cynthia Houston, Susie Jensen, Dr. William Mangham, Susan Neugent, Sonali Saindane, Yvonne Samuels, Leesia Teh, Catharine Tipton, and Capt. Torrence D. Williams. Public Safety Director William Miller and acting Director of DASE Tim Medlin also are serving in an ex-officio capacity. Three additional board members will be appointed at a later date.

The Animal Services Advisory Board will assist the DeKalb Animal Services and Enforcement Office to continue improvements in the treatment of animals in the county’s care, help raise funds, and monitor the implementation of long-range plans. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said the county has made significant progress in the animal services operations and the board is “another step in the right direction.” “With the help of the Animal Services Advisory Board, we will build one of the strongest comprehensive animal services programs in the nation,” he said.

Attorney is Ellis’ new chief of staff the areas of land use and zoning, Attorney Hakim Hilliard is licensing and permitting, ecoDeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis’ new nomic development incentives, chief of staff. public-private partnerships and He will begin his new posiprocurement. He has worked as a tion on Oct. 1, replacing Dr. key adviser to elected officials from Jabari Simama, who left the local and state governments. administration in August to Prior to joining McKenna Long become Georgia Piedmont Col& Aldridge LLP, he was an assistant lege’s new president. city attorney for the city of Atlanta, In a letter informing the Hakim Hilliard DeKalb Board of Commissioners of the providing counsel to the mayor, City Counappointment, Ellis said Hilliard has depth cil and various city departments, includof knowledge of the complexities of gov- ing the Bureau of Planning Development ernmental affairs and keen insight and and Neighborhood Conservation. He also experience with key stakeholder groups. worked with the Atlanta Board of Zoning Hilliard was an attorney with McKenna Adjustment and Zoning Review Board on Long & Aldridge LLP’s Public Policy and issues related to land use and zoning. Hilliard is a member of the Atlanta Regulatory Affairs Practice Group, where his practice concentrated on state and Business League and the 100 Black Men of local government law, particularly in Atlanta.

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Community

Varnum joined the Lithonia Police Department as a part-time reserve officer two years ago.

Lithonia seeking new top cop after firing acting police chief By Donna Williams Lewis

The city of Lithonia is looking for a new police chief after city officials fired acting Police Chief Washington Varnum Jr. on Tuesday night. The City Council voted unanimously to ax Varnum, who was left with no arrest powers after a 2010 revocation of his certification was upheld in court last week. Varnum’s last day as the Police Department’s W. Varnum Jr. “officer in charge” was Wednesday, Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson said. Jackson said city officials “were saddened” that Varnum lost his battle to restore his certification from Georgia’s Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. Administrative Law Judge Kimberly Schroer upheld the POST Council’s decision in a ruling issued last week. “[Varnum] was generally well-liked and seemed to be having a good impact on the morale of the police officers,” Jackson said. “But it was important that the city have someone in that position that meets all of the qualifications to act in all capacities.” Varnum joined the Lithonia Police Department as a part-time reserve officer two years ago after being forced to resign as a DeKalb County deputy marshal while being investigated on charges of neglect of duty, falsifying a document and unbecoming conduct. The city named him its officer in charge in January, just as the POST Council was completing its investigation of issues arising

CrossRoadsNews

September 8, 2012

during his more than 13 years as a deputy marshal. Among them was an April 2010 incident in which Varnum processed his own eviction notice and returned it as “unable to serve.” As a deputy marshal, Varnum’s job was to serve civil warrants for the state and magistrate courts of DeKalb County. Court documents show that Varnum volunteered to assist a deputy who was assigned to a territory that included his Henderson Mill Road apartment complex, Les Jardins. One of the six warrants for the complex was an eviction warrant for Varnum for past due rent. Marshal’s Office policy provides that warrants must be served by deputies who are disinterested parties in the suit. But Varnum said nothing and later that day returned his notice and four of the five others for his complex to the DeKalb County State Court. He had checked a box marking them as unable to be served. During his appeal hearing, Varnum reportedly told Schroer that he was strictly following the department’s policy that notices would not be served if breezeways at apartment buildings were not clearly marked. The court did not find his explanation credible and concluded that he acted unethically in his own self-interest. Jackson said the city will post the police chief job this week, with a salary of about $45,000. Varnum was paid an annual salary of about $32,000, she said. Capt. Xavier Todd, who came to Lithonia as a reserve officer this year, was named the city’s new officer in charge. Lithonia has not had a police chief since last December when Chief Kennis Harrell tendered his resignation.

Judge Seeliger for lunch-time chat Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger has been on the DeKalb bench for 32 years and he has seen it all. Over his long career, he has removed the Confederate Battle Flag from his courtroom and presided over the case that led to the creation of Freedom Parkway. On Sept. 18, he will Clarence Seeliger talk about those experiences as well as his defeat of the infamous Judge Oscar Mitchell in 1980 as he shares his perspective on the DeKalb County courts in the 1980s at a free Lunch and Learn on Tuesday. Mitchell was the judge who imprisoned Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on a driving infraction. The noon-to-1 p.m. event will be held on the second floor at the Historic

DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square in Decatur. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. When Seeliger defeated Mitchell, he became the first and remains the only challenger ever to defeat a sitting judge in DeKalb County. He will discuss his 1989 and 1984 elections during his talk. Beginning in 1985, Seeliger presided over the Presidential Parkway case, which resulted in a settlement and the creation of Freedom Parkway and the park next to the Carter Presidential Library. He has been honored for his work for civil rights and against domestic violence. Seeliger holds a law degree from Emory University Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1970. For more information, call 404-3731088.

MARTA touting new 1-20 plan DeKalb residents can give input and learn about a new MARTA I-20 East Transit initiative at Public Scoping Meetings next week. The three meetings on Sept. 10, 11 and 13 will focus on the Locally Preferred Alternative for transit improvements in the I-20 East Corridor, an extension of the existing MARTA rail line from the Indian Creek Station to the Mall at Stonecrest, and new Bus Rapid Transit service along I-20 between downtown Atlanta and Wesley Chapel Road. All meetings start at 6 p.m. with an hour open house session followed by a

presentation and Q&A session beginning at 7 p.m. They will be held on: n Sept. 10 at Trees Atlanta, 225 Chester Avenue in Atlanta. n Sept. 11 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. n Sept. 13 at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia. If you can’t make the meetings, written comments can be submitted by Oct. 15 to Janide Sidifall, Office of Transit System Planning, MARTA, 2424 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324. For more information visit www.itsmarta.com/i20-east-coor.aspx.

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis reminds you of the Best Practices for Proper Disposal of

F.O.G.

(Fats, Oils, and Grease)

F.O.G. enters plumbing through garbage disposals, sinks and toilets. It coats the inside of plumbing pipes and also empties into DeKalb County’s sewer system. Here are three simple guidelines to help keep F.O.G. out of our pipes and sewers:

1. 3.

POUR

fats, oils or grease into a sealable container, allow it to cool and throw it in the trash. Do not pour down the drain or toilet.

SCRAPE plates and cookware before washing.

Do not throw scraps of any kind down the drain. Instead, place them in waste containers or garbage bags.

WIPE

excess grease from all plates, pots, pans, utensils, and surfaces before washing. Throw greasy paper towels away.

Plumbing and sanitary sewer systems are simply not designed to handle the F.O.G. that accumulates in pipes. When it gets into the pipes and hardens, blockages occur and cause sewage to backup and overflow out of manholes or into homes. This is expensive for you, and for the County. The damages caused by fats, oils and grease in the sewer system are costly to repair. Over time, they increase the costs of our water and sewer services.

F.O.G. directly impacts your wallet! DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management 1580 Roadhaven Drive * Stone Mountain, GA * (770) 270-6243 dekalbwatershed.com

Forum 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Carla Parker Jennifer Ffrench Parker Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

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CrossRoadsNews

September 8, 2012

The entire county supported and contributed to the success of North DeKalb and its infrastructure.

GOP wants to turn back the clock to Bush era By Jerry Wyatt

I would like to offer some ordinary American commentary regarding this past Republican National Convention, which crowned Willard “the Mitt” Romney the 2012 Republican presidential nomination for POTUS. In the interest of open disclosure, I must acknowledge I am a conservative and I was an active Republican, a member of the Georgia Republican State Executive Committee serving as one of the vice chairmen and a candidate for public office on the Republican primary ballot. With that being said, I believe it is within my ability to offer a perspective about the 2012 GOP National Convention. Many have stated in the media that POTUS Barack Obama is a failure. It has been said our president has caused our country to increase its debt, has stole $750 billion from Medicare, and that his policies have caused unemployment to continue around 8 percent. The lies cover perhaps any issue one can think of. Now, I do not expect many of the GOP of today to respect anything Obama has attempted to accomplish or has accomplished. The goal of some in the GOP was “Do not support anything President Obama wants to do to move America forward.” That is the No. 1 goal according to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. During this GOP Convention, lies were stated by many who spoke. Now it would take too much time

“Much of the GOP Romney/Ryan plan is to go back to the way things were during the Bush years. Romney would like to restore things back to the way they were before President Obama.” Jerry Wyatt

and space to outline all of the lies so I will not attempt to repeat them. What is the GOP presenting to the American public as their plan for America? Its basic theme is tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, cuts in social programs, cuts in education, and talks of eliminating the deduction of interest paid by homeowners. The GOP speakers failed to acknowledge the reason why we lost over a million jobs per month during the eight years of the Bush presidency was because corporate executives made the decision to take jobs from manufacturing to call centers to places outside of the USA. This decision by many corporate executives increased the profit of their companies but also increased the unemployment of Americans. You only need to look at the “made in” label of any of the products you buy or ask the person answering the 800 telephone number for any American corporation where he is located. The speakers at the 2012 GOP convention swore if they win the presidency and win both the U.S. House and Senate, they would repeal the Affordable Health Care Act.

Think about it? The GOP is publicly stating its goal to eliminate our ability to have access to health care at a cost we can afford, to have insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions and a number of other positive benefits. On education, Romney wants to cut the U.S. Department of Education and give the states the responsibility to make education decisions. Many today may not understand it was the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1956 Brown v. Board of Education that legally ended the so-called separate but equal school districts. In fact, a little-known fact about student loan debt is that during the 20042008 student loan boom, students were as deep in debt as homeowners were in the sub-prime mortgage crisis. If Romney thinks states led by his party would be fair to minorities and the poor when it comes to educational dollars, one only needs to view the decisions made by Republican-led states on the ability to register and vote. If the Republicans are willing to make it difficult to register and vote, what would they do to make it difficult for minorities to get an education. You hear many Republican leaders saying “President Obama

is not like us.” Of course Obama is not like them. He is actually concerned about all of America while many in the Republican Party are only concerned about the wealthy. In fact, Romney states “the poor have a safety net” and the Romney-Ryan plan is to cut the social safety net in as many places as they can. Romney also believes “corporations are people” and therefore his support for tax cuts for corporations is based on his sincere belief of corporations being people. Noticeably absent from conversation by any of the speakers at the 2012 RNC Convention was the coordinated efforts by Republican-led states to suppress or prohibit the poor and minorities from registering and being allowed to vote. As recently as this week, at least two federal judges have ruled the efforts by some Republican-led states to stop the poor and minorities from voting as unconstitutional. Much of the GOP Romney/ Ryan plan is to go back to the way things were during the Bush years. Romney would like to restore things back to the way they were before President Obama. This election is so very important and the re-election of President Barack Obama is of greater importance. If your life was better during the eight years prior to President Obama, then you should support Romney. Jerry Wyatt lives in Lithonia. Read his blog at www.crossroads news.com.

Race has everything to do with state of DeKalb County By Zack 2

The state allowed the county I read with interest Vincent M. to be robbed of facilities Kelly’s op-ed in the Aug. 18 edifor pennies on the dollar. tion of this paper titled “County It’s comical how folks who to blame for flight to cities” and felt compelled to respond. The preach local control and less writer evidently does not have an government approve items that understanding of the history as it work to the contrary. relates to DeKalb County. I have been living in unincorporated Stone Mountain for almost 28 years Along with the white flight was and for anyone to think that the the erosion of the business comcreation of these new cities is not munity who tagged along with racist in nature is disingenuous to the movers like a wagon train. My say the least. We can have different initial dwelling was in an apartment opinions but we cannot dispute complex on Memorial Drive, which facts. was a very busy corridor with profWhen I arrived in 1985, the itable businesses. However, soon population shift from white to after my arrival, the businesses black was well under way and racial began a seemingly systemic move tensions were evident. Whites be- down Highway 78 into Gwinnett gan moving to North DeKalb and County. Gwinnett County to avoid integratAlthough some of the businessing directly with the emerging black es began to blame the installation of population that settled in Central the median down Memorial Drive and South DeKalb. for what they deemed a decline in

business, I had quite a different experience when patronizing them. For instance, the Red Lobster and most of the other restaurants were always full and required a wait for service. From car dealerships to the first Sam’s Club in the area, the corridor began to deteriorate because of vacant and under-utilized retail/office space left by the mass exodus from the area. The decline in business was taking place throughout Central/South DeKalb, eroding the tax base of the county. Conversely, in North DeKalb business was thriving with newly constructed office space, the Perimeter Mall and Lindbergh MARTA station. The entire county supported and contributed to the success of North DeKalb and its infrastructure. Fast forward to the 2000s with the Mall at Stonecrest, infrastructure improvements and some new schools – North DeKalb began to protest about the upgrades on the

Southside. With the help of the good ole boys in the Statehouse, the plan to secede from a county whose leadership had become majority black took root. The state allowed the county to be robbed of facilities for pennies on the dollar. It’s comical how folks who preach local control and less government approve items that work to the contrary. In conclusion, race has everything to do with the state of this county. It is now up to those of us who want to work together, regardless of race, to support our interest in this county. We need to start being cognizant of where we spend our money. Any area and businesses exclusive to those areas need not be on our spending list. If they want to be segregated, then we need to let them be and not assist them in their separatist actions with our money. Join the conversation at www .crossroadsnews.com.

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September 8, 2012

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Community

September 8, 2012

“The president has been in office for nearly four years. We should have done something before now.”

Wade-Walker name change urged as Obama tribute Health clinics offer services to Schools, roads honor African-American president DeKalb seniors awithresolution. She said she would discuss it Watson. PARK,

DeKalb seniors can get preventive health services, including vaccinations, at four separate SPARC events beginning Sept. 20. The clinics are sponsored by Sickness Prevention Achieved Through Regional Collaboration, which brings together the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, county-based aging programs, and other partners throughout the region. The goal is to improve access to preventive services and screenings and encourage more people – particularly older adults – to get flu shots, pneumonia vaccinations, and blood pressure and other screenings every year. Upcoming clinics are: n Sept. 20 – Antioch Manor Estates, 4711 Bishop Ming Blvd. in Stone Mountain; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. n Sept. 27 – Briarcliff Oaks, 2982 Briarcliff Road N.E. in Atlanta; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. n Oct. 3 – Lou Walker Community Center, 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. n Oct. 17 – Scottdale Senior Center & Hamilton Recreation Center, 3262 Chapel St. in Scottdale; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. SPARC is sponsored by Senior Connections, DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs, DeKalb County Board of Health, ARC, Georgia Cares, and Visiting Nurse Health System. Seniors enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can check with their provider about preventive coverage. Nationally, about 20,000 people die from flu each year – more than from any other vaccine-preventable disease – and another 114,000 are hospitalized. A flu shot takes about 15 seconds and usually costs less than $25 (people on Medicare or Medicaid can get a flu shot for free). Flu and pneumonia shots are particularly important for older adults, individuals with long-term health problems, and those with weakened immune systems. For more information, visit www .agingatlanta.com or call Mary Groover or Susie Park at 404-488-7073.

from page

On Wednesday, Watson said it was the first time he was hearing about the proposal when a reporter called him. “I haven’t seen the letter,” he said, adding that in general, he would be in favor of honoring the president in some way. District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, the presiding officer, said naming the park for Obama is a good idea he would support. “This is not on Larry Johnson,” he said. “The districts 4 and 7 commissioners would have to take the lead on it. They are the key, but I would support it.” Mallory said Wade-Walker Park is the best and largest park in the county. “Everybody uses the park,” he said. “That’s where people meet. It would be a fitting tribute to the president.” Shahid adds that the park brings people together, just like Obama does. “He unifies people,” he said. “That’s what the park does. Everybody goes there.” Mallory said he is beloved by everyone. “We don’t know who Wade-Walker was,” he said. “To have an African-American president is of extreme and important historical significance. We should carry this forward by naming something after him.” Brennan was unable to say on Thursday who Wade-Walker was and why the park was named for him. He promised to find out but did not respond before press time. Shahid said their request to honor the president has nothing to do with his reelection campaign. He said everyone has dropped the ball on honoring Obama. “The president has been in office for nearly four years,” he said. “We should have done something before now.” Their group, which has a membership of 50 veterans, is pushing for the honor because Obama has been supportive of veterans. “He has done a yeoman’s work for vets,” Shahid said. They also point out in their letter to Ellis that Obama has created thousands of new jobs, saved the auto industry, ended the war in Iraq, killed Osama Bin Laden, and has been a leader for women’s rights. The men said the commissioners they

Nationally and internationally, cities and countries are honoring President Barack Obama by naming schools, avenues, boulevards, streets and mountains for him.

Schools

California n In Compton, Qued Charter Elementary School was renamed Barack Obama Charter School in January 2009. n In Los Angeles, a new school built in 2010 was named Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy. n In Oakland, the Alternative Learning Community School was renamed Barack Obama Academy in March 2009. Maryland n In Upper Marlboro, a new school was named Barack Obama Elementary School in June 2009 while under construction. Missouri n Pine Lawn dedicated the Barack Obama Elementary School in August 2011. Minnesota n Saint Paul opened the Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary. New Jersey n Plainfield renamed Plainfield Academy for Academic & Civic Development School the Barack Obama Academy, and Barack Obama Green Charter High School opened in September 2010. New York Hempstead’s Ludlum Elementary School was renamed Barack Obama Elementary School.

have spoken with are mostly supportive, but they were disappointed that three months after they wrote their letter, no resolutions have come to the floor of the BOC. “There may be hesitation because of some of the negative things going on toward our president,” Shahid said. Mallory thinks the county may be hesitating out of fear of offending its conservative black clergy. “They don’t support the president anymore because of his stance on same-sex mar-

Pennsylvania n In Pittsburgh’s East Liberty community, the Barack Obama Academy of International Studies was created when the Pittsburgh Public Schools combined Frick Middle School and Schenley High School. Texas n In Oak Cliff, Dallas, the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy is a magnet university preparatory secondary school for boys. Wisconsin n Milwaukee has the Barack Obama K8 School.

Roads

n In Florida, there is Barack Obama Avenue in Opa-locka; a Barack Obama Boulevard in West Park; and a Barack Obama Parkway in Orlando. n Seaside, Calif., has Obama Way. n In St. Louis, there is a proposal to change Delmar Boulevard to Barack Obama Boulevard, n Hollywood, Fla., has proposed changing Pembroke Park Road to Barack Obama Boulevard. n On the president’s birthday in 2009, the Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda renamed Boggy Peak Mount Obama. n And in the Spanish province of Valencia, there is a proposal to change José Antonio Primo de Rivera to Calle Barack Obama Source: Ask.com

riage,” he said. “I think that definitely came into play. No question in my mind.” They said they will continue pushing for the honor. “We are a Democratic black county,” Mallory said. “To not bring it to the table to talk about it and vote on it is not good for the county.” Shahid said he would like to see the park renamed before the Nov. 6 election. “Or at least be in the planning stage. Hopefully it will happen.”

CrossRoadsNews

September 8, 2012

Finance

The first 10 people to arrive at the seminar will receive a review/critique of their resume.

Workforce Development job fair on Sept. 21 Job seekers can meet with representatives from various DeKalb government departments and with private-sector employers at the seventh annual Workforce Development Day Job Fair on Sept. 21 in Decatur. The companies confirmed for the 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. job fair include Comcast, Sears, TJ Maxx, All (n)1 Security, Walmart, Life House Partners Inc., Manpower, and DeKalb County Public Safety.

Work Readiness Workshops set Work Readiness workshops weekdays at DeKalb Workforce Development in Decatur. The workshops offer work readiness tips and services. Topics include resume writing, interviewing techniques, “Personal Branding & Marketing: Part I & Part II,” and networking. September workshops: n Resume writing – 10 a.m.-noon Mondays and Thursdays; 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. on Fridays n Interviewing techniques – 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays n Personal Branding & Marketing: Part I – 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays n Personal Branding and Marketing: Part II – 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays n Networking – 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays DeKalb Workforce Development is at 320 Church St. For more information, visit www .dekalbworkforce.org or call 404-687-3400.

They have jobs ranging from communication technicians, forklift operators, police officers, 911 dispatchers, security guards, sales associates, cashiers, marketing coordinators, and facility directors with annual salaries range from $16,000 to $85,000. The job fair will give job seekers the opportunity to meet with industry professionals who will critique resumes, provide interviewing and networking tips, and ex-

Seminar on e-mail newsletters Marketing expert and entrepreneur Lanelle Henderson will demonstrate how e-mail newsletters can really help connect members of a community at a Sept. 15 seminar in Decatur. “The Power of Community Engagement Through Neighborhood Newsletters” seminar will be held at Maloof Auditorium from Lanelle Henderson 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants will get tips on starting and building a strong permission-based contact list; getting their community members to open, read and act on their e-mail; and using their past results to sharpen their information-packed e-mails. The Maloof Auditorium is at 1300 Commerce Drive. For more information, call 678-362-4143.

Job seekers and college students can get help honing their communications skills at the Get the Job seminar on Sept. 22 at Beulah Baptist Church in Decatur. The free event, sponsored by Dawn Breakers Toastmasters, takes place from noon to 2 p.m. in the Family Life Building. It will cover how to prepare for the job interview, answer tough questions, and what employers are looking for. Cindy Cannon, a Distinguished Toastmaster and executive recruiter, interviewer and speaking coach, will discuss the one thing you should never do on an interview, how to dress, the top 10 questions an employer will ask, and other topics. The first 10 people to arrive at the seminar will receive a review/critique of their resume. Seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. Dawn Breakers meets Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Beulah Baptist at 2340 Clifton Springs Road. Visit www.dawnbreakers tm.com or call 770-255-9596.

3455 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

Hours: Mon-Thur 11AM-10PM • Fri 11AM-10:30PM • Sat 12PM-10:30PM • Sun 12PM-10PM

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Young women and girls who want to establish sound financial habits can participate in a free 10-month program sponsored by the nonprofit Sisters in Spirit. The Financial Literacy Education Project course, which starts Sept. 13, will be held via webinar on Thursdays at 8 p.m. and will run through June 31, 2013. To reinforce the webinar teachings, quarterly face-to-face Saturday workshops will be held. Financial advisers, bankers, entrepreneurs, credit experts, and abundance consciousness spiritual and motivational speakers will facilitate the sessions. Sisters in Spirit says financial education is the process by which people improve their understanding of financial products, services and concepts so they are empowered to make informed choices. To register, visit http://sisters-in-spirit.net or call 678-629-0069.

KIDS UNDER 2 YRS. EAT FREE!

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DINNER BUFFET Monday - Thursday 3:30 pm – Close & Sunday All Day ADULT $8.99 KIDS BUFFET 3 TO 6 YEARS $3.99 7-10 YEARS $5.59 KIDS UNDER 2 YRS. EAT FREE!

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New hours for Building Services The DeKalb County Building Services Division has new hours for walk-in customers. The offices at 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. in Decatur will now be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The new hours, which are an hour shorter than the old, are effective Sept. 10. They will be consistent with window hours at the Land Development Office. The county says the change ensures that staff has ample time to provide quality customer service, answer all inquiries and complete service requests in a timely manner. It also allows time for ongoing staff training. For more information, visit http://dekalb countyga.gov.

plain why personal branding and marketing is beneficial to their job search. Job seekers also will get to visit the Mobile Career Unit to create resumes, meet with work force professionals, and apply for positions. To register, visit http://conta.cc/NEPg1q. For more information, contact Brent Sharperson at bwsharperson@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-687-2771.

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CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

September 8, 2012

“SHAPE Month is about letting every Georgia family know we support them and we want them to know fitness is fun.”

Extension service offers these tips to help keep food safe Autumn doesn’t officially start until Sept. 22, but cooler weather is creeping in and fall festivities will soon be in full swing. Food plays a big part in fall festivals, and for National Food Safety Education Month, which is observed in September, DeKalb Cooperative Extension agents offer these tips to keep food safe.

n Don’t let raw meat juices come

in contact with other foods.

Cook n Use a food thermometer to take the guesswork out of cooking. Clean Looks can be n Wash hands for at least 20 deceiving, and seconds before handling food. Use you can’t tell if soap and warm, running water. Rub harmful bacteria your hands together and send germs have been destroyed just down the drain. by looking or feeling. n Use soap and hot water to clean kitchen surfaces that will come in contact with your food. n Cook foods until they reach the safe, n Use coolers with ice or freezer packs when transporting foods for your fall outings. recommended internal temperature in the thickest part. n Put cold foods back in the refrigerator as soon as you have Separate used them. n Keep raw foods that must be cooked, like raw meats, Chill For more information, visit www.ugaextension.com away from other foods that can be eaten raw like fruits and n Keep cold foods cold. Cold temperatures slow the growth /dekalb or call 404-298-4080. vegetables. of bacteria.

Georgians of all ages encouraged to get in SHAPE during September Georgians of all ages can participate in dozens of free or discounted programs and events across the state during “SHAPE Month” fitness promotions in September. Gov. Nathan Deal signed the official proclaNathan Deal mation on Aug. 30 as the Georgia SHAPE Coalition announced the observance. “Georgia SHAPE is about improving the health of our state’s children,” Deal said. “And SHAPE Month is about letting every Georgia

family know we support them and we want them to know fitness is fun.” The month culminates in a special ceremony to honor the work of schools and physical education teachers at the Atlanta Braves game on Sept. 25 and the Atlanta Falcons game on Sept. 30. Student winners of Georgia’s “Stay in SHAPE” contest also will be honored at the Falcons game. Students in kindergarten to 12th grade can enter a song, video or written words about how they stay physically fit. The deadline for submission to contest@ GeorgiaSHAPE.org is Sept. 10. Winners will receive two tickets to the

game along with a new Polar Active fitness watch, and they will join the governor on the field before the game. All state parks and historic sites will be admission-free on Sept. 29, and all month long, hundreds of other programs from guided hikes to farmer’s markets will be available statewide. SHAPE Month activities – organized with help from partners, agencies and athletic teams committed to improving child

fitness in Georgia – coincide with National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, also observed in September. Deal’s SHAPE initiative is a statewide program that merges governmental, philanthropic, academic and business communities to address the childhood obesity epidemic. For more information about SHAPE Month activities or the Stay in SHAPE contest, visit www.GeorgiaSHAPE.org.

Workshop tackles eating on a budget Older metro Atlanta residents can learn how to shop and eat healthy on a budget at a workshop on Sept. 12 at Peachtree Christian Church in East Point. The workshop, which begins at 11 a.m., is presented by Georgia State University nutrition students and the Fulton County Housing and Human Services Office of Aging’s East Point NORC – Naturally Occurring Retirement Community. Topics include healthy eating, food budgets for singles and couples, maximizing leftovers, reducing food waste, and strategies for stretching your food dollar. A healthy snack will be provided. The deadline to R.S.V.P. is Sept. 10. East Point NORC is a collaboration of

service agencies and organizations designed to reduce service fragmentation and create healthy, integrated communities where seniors living in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities are able to age-in-place with greater comfort and security in their own homes. Peachtree Christian Church is at 1706 Washington Road in East Point. Meeting facilities meet Americans With Disabilities Act accessibility requirements. Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations and communication in an alternative format can contact Fulton HHS at 404-613-7944. For relay-type service, dial 711. For more information, call Leslie Bridges at 404-762-2094.

Beautiful Smiles for Children, Teens & Adults Cel 20 Ye ebrating ar Comm s in the unity

www.drcraigwilliamsortho.com

CrossRoadsNews

September 8, 2012

Wellness

Willie Harris travels the country sharing his decadelong battle with cocaine abuse.

Writer to share his journey to recovery from cocaine addiction DeKalb at their Sept. 11 meeting. Atlanta-based author and enHarris travels the country shartrepreneur Willie Harris will share ing his decade-long battle with the story of his recovery from a 10cocaine abuse. He recently turned year cocaine addiction on Sept. 13 his story into a book, “Whose Will,” at the DeKalb CSB Lecture Series a powerful testament for those on in Decatur. the road to reclaiming their lives. The Reach for Recovery event, A strong proponent of treatwhich begins at 6 p.m. at the Boment, Harris has implemented the han Auditorium of the Richardson 12 steps to living a life free of drugs Health Center, is sponsored by the Willie Harris nonprofit DeKalb Community Service Board and alcohol. Theresa Schaffer, who serves as director in recognition of National Alcohol and Drug of Addictive Diseases for the DeKalb CSB, Addiction Recovery Month. Special musical guest is the DeKalb CSB’s also advocates treatment. “Addiction is a treatable brain disease Brighter Tomorrows Choir. DeKalb commissioners are expected to and recovery is possible,” Schaffer said in an proclaim September as Recovery Month in Aug. 6 statement. “Effective treatment offers

people hope by teaching them new skills to cope with and manage their symptoms.” National Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which educates Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. More than 23 million Americans age 12 and older – nearly 9 percent of the U.S. population – need treatment for drug and alcohol use, according to the government’s 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. However, less than 10 percent receive treatment. According to this study released by SAMHSA, 2.6 million people age 12 or older

who needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem received treatment at a specialty facility in the past year. Reach for Recovery is open to individuals in recovery and their families, the public, advocates, and professionals and is designed to raise awareness that treatment works. The DeKalb CSB offers communitybased behavioral health care, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment and developmental disabilities programs. It helps more than 11,000 DeKalb residents and their families annually. Richardson Health Center is at 445 Winn Way. R.S.V.P. at events@askaprillove.com. For more information, visit www.dekcsb.org or call 678-732-0559.

Health fair raises awareness of substance abuse disorders, treatment More than 800 people are expected at a Sept. 8 wellness fair at Mozley Park in Atlanta. The event will help raise awareness of substance abuse disorders and treatment resources in observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that only 10 percent of Americans who need treatment for substance use disorders actually receive it. The 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. fair, sponsored by Metro Atlanta Recovery Connections, promotes positive ways of combating stress, encourages a healthy lifestyle, and informs the community about available treatment and recovery resources. Participants can receive glucose and blood pressure testing. The fair will include free food; a kid’s zone; card tournaments; a dance contest;

and information on substance use prevention and treatment, stress management, and support groups. There will be a job fair with more than 40 local businesses represented. Keynote speakers include Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell; District 7 Fulton County Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards; Denise Stokes, author of “From the Crack House to the White House”; Reggie Smith of HIV Anonymous; and Jennifer Hardaway, a mother of four children. Others will share stories of overcoming substance use disorders triggered by stressful situations and their lives in recovery. Many people who endure prolonged high levels of stress can develop substance use disorders, especially people in the military, the work force, the homeless, older adults, and families, organizers say. Illicit drug use among Americans 12 or

older is on the rise. This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: It’s Worth It,” emphasizes that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders are significant and valuable to individuals, families, and communities, organizers say. People in recovery achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally, and contribute in positive ways to their communities. The event provides an opportunity to share positive ways a person can cope with stress; highlight the benefits of treatment; and encourage friends, colleagues and family members to begin their journey through recovery. Recovery Month, in its 23rd year, is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In 2010, about 22.6 million people ages 12 or older, or 8.9 percent of the population 12 or older, said they had used illicit drugs in the past month – an increase from 8 percent in 2008. The change was largely attributed to a rise in marijuana use, from 14.4 million Americans in 2007 to 17.4 million in 2010. Nearly a quarter of Americans 12 or older said they participated in binge drinking, defined as having five or more drinks on the same occasion at least one day in the past 30 days prior to the survey interview in 2010. Among young adults 18 to 25, the rate of binge drinking was 40.6 percent in 2010. The DeKalb Board of Health and Decatur-based STAND Inc. are fair supporters. Mozley Park is at 1565 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. For more information, e-mail elizabeth.thompson@makingawayhousing .org, visit www.makingawayhousing.org or call 404-799-9652.

Great Healthcare is Close to Home Dr. Eddie Whitehead

is a board-certified internist who has been practicing medicine for almost 30 years. He received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN and before that received his undergraduate degree from Valdosta State College (now VSU). Dr. Whitehead considers it a privilege to be entrusted by patients in their healthcare.

FOR ADULTS ONLY WITH

SICKLE CELL

DISEASE WORKSHOP

Extended Office Hours on Mondays!

• • • • • •

Dr. Whitehead’s services include, but are not limited to: Care of patients 17 + Treatment of chronic conditions and illnesses Health screenings Preventive medicine Women’s healthcare and gynecology Select vaccines and immunizations

Are you an adult residing in Georgia living with sickle cell disease? Do you want to learn more about treatment options for sickle cell disease? Do you want to learn how you can a better quality of life with sickle disease? In recognition of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a free, one-day workshop is being offered to raise awareness and educate adults with sickle cell disease residing in Georgia. Participants will hear from healthcare professionals specializing in sicke cell disease as well as individuals living with the disease. In addition, community resources will be available for workshop participatnts as well. Attendees may be accompanied by a caregiver or significant other, however, we will not be able to accommodate children.

Complimentary continental breakfast and lunch will be provided

sicklecelladultworkshop.eventbrite.com or call 404-815-4996

487 Winn Way, Suite 202, Decatur, GA 30030 Telephone: 404.294.0702 • Fax: 404.299.7499 www.winnwayinternalmedicine.com Most insurance plans accepted.

CrossRoadsNews

Ministry

September 8, 2012

“Too many believe that the church has become an exclusive club where only certain ‘holy’ people come.”

Brotherhood/Sisterhood Weekend at First Afrikan Church Fresh produce from the First Afrikan Church garden will be used for the Sept. 14 buffetmeal fund-raiser during the Brotherhood/ Sisterhood Weekend.

First Afrikan Presbyterian Church’s Sept. 14-16 Brotherhood/Sisterhood Weekend is offering fellowship in programs ranging from a book chat to a special activity for youth. The Lithonia church is combining its annual brotherhood and sisterhood events, usually held separately, into a single weekend this year for maximum benefit. The church’s Creative Care and Young Adult ministries are co-hosting a Garden Gathering Meal with music and poetry on Sept. 14. The buffet-meal fund-raiser, which begins at 7 p.m., will feature vegetables and produce grown in the church’s community garden. The weekend’s theme is “Being We: FAC Men & Women Committed and Working Together.” On Sept. 15, events from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. include a relationship workshop, Youth Interactive Exercises, a potluck brunch, and a book chat for “I Wish I Had a Red Dress” by Pearl Cleage. The Brotherhood/Sisterhood Weekend culminates with a “God Unite Us!” Sunday worship service on Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. Ministers Melva Sampson and Daniel Kelley will lead the service, and the FAC Music Ministry and Tamba Issa dance ministry team will perform. The special weekend celebration is open to the public and visitors are welcomed. First Afrikan Church is at 5197 Salem Road. For more information, visit firstafrikanchurch.org or call 770-981-2601.

Ousley forum addresses senior care Praise in Park takes service outside Seniors, baby boomers, caregivers and children of aging parents can attend a forum on the golden years on Sept. 15 at Ousley United Methodist Church in Lithonia. The Senior Care Awareness Day, hosted by the church’s Stephen Ministry, begins at 9 a.m. Participating speakers include representatives from AARP, Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, and hospice care as well as mental health advocates. They will cover topics ranging from “Protecting Your Family During Difficult Times” to “Adding Value to Your Life After 50.” Coordinator Barbara Moody and Ed Birt, minister of Discipleship and Evangelism, say the annual observance grew out of a response from Ousley members who are providing care for their parents as they age. They said members found that there are vast amounts of information available but the information is not centralized for easy access. The church’s event for “children responsible for their parents” offers access to infor-

mation in one location. The event also will provide a support group for church and community members who are caregivers for aging parents. Ousley’s ministry to seniors includes an Older Adult Bible Study that meets every Tuesday at 11 a.m. The Stephen Series, also called Stephen Ministry, provides congregations with the training, resources and ongoing support to organize and equip a team of lay caregivers – called Stephen ministers – who provide highquality, confidential, Christ-centered care and support to people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, job loss, loneliness, disability, relocation, and other life difficulties. Since 1975, the St. Louis-based Stephen Ministries has helped more than 11,000 congregations in more than 150 denominations in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and 23 other countries implement Stephen Ministry. Ousley UMC is at 3261 Panola Road. For more information, visit www.ousleyumc.org or call 770-981-0180.

who founded the 480-member, Members of Redemptive interdenominational church in Life Christian Fellowship will be November 2007. “The Praise in the worshipping in the park on Sept. Park represents a breaking down of 9 instead of inside their Conyers barriers and the establishment not sanctuary. only of community but relationThe church will take its 10 ship.” a.m. Sunday worship service to Before launching Redemptive the ultimate pavilion in Lenora Life Church, Thompson was pasPark in Snellville for fellowship, Mark Thompson tor at New Bethel AME Church in food and fun. Dr. Mark W. Thompson, the church’s Lithonia, historic Big Bethel AME Church senior pastor, said the church of God is not in Atlanta, and the historic Allen Temple in Cincinnati. shut up behind closed doors. Redemptive Life’s praise team led by “When people recognize that God is visible through his church to the com- its music minister, the Rev. Darius Elder, munity, the community will be less ap- and its Glorious Grace Dance Ministry will prehensive and/or even condemning about perform. After the service, worshippers will enjoy a the work of the church,” he said. Thompson said the service is for “any- picnic-style meal and games and activities. The church is located at 406 Pleasant Hill one searching, lost, in need of a listening ear, or anyone who may simply need a dose Road N.W. in Conyers. Lenora Park is at 4515 Lenora Church of renewed hope.” “Too many believe that the church has Road in Snellville. For more information, visit http://the become an exclusive club where only certain ‘holy’ people come,” said Thompson, redemptivelife.org or call 770-922-1234.

Friday, September 14th • 7 p.m. Garden Gathering Meal with Music, Poetry Creative Care & Young Adult Ministry • Donation Requested

Saturday, September 15th • 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Being We: FAC Men & Women Committed and Working Together Brotherhood/Sisterhood/Youth Interactive Exercises POTLUCK BRUNCH - All Adults Contribute

“I Wish I Had a Red Dress” Book Chat

Sunday, September 16th • 10 a.m.

Worship Services: .... Sundays - 7:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Church School: ........ Sundays - 9:30 a.m. Victory Chapel:......... Sundays - 11:00 a.m. (Ages 5-16) Prayer Service: ........Tuesdays - 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Family Bible Study: ..Tuesdays - 7:00 p.m. Mid-Wk Communion: Wednesdays B4 First Sunday - 11:30 a.m. Child Development Center

404-371-0777

God Unite Us!

Featuring Ministers Melva Sampson & Daniel Kelley, the FAC Music Ministry, Tamba Issa AND A Unified Effort of ALL FAC MEMBERS to Tithe Sunday, Honoring Our Commitment to our First Afrikan Church Ministry

Rev. Dr. Mark A. Lomax Senior Pastor

5197 Salem Road • Lithonia, GA 30038 • 770-981-2601

“God has a vision for our lives that is greater than any vision we can have for ourselves or that others can have for us.”

September 8, 2012

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

The Dial Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit created to provide financial and educational support to students seeking to obtain their GED. Kids play in the Tupac Shakur Peace Garden where supporters can plant shrubs and other perennials on Sept. 8.

Poets to read at Callanwolde Poets Alice Friman and Christopher Martin will read some of their pieces at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Library as part of the art center’s celebration of art and poetry on Sept. 12. Friman, who is published in 13 countries, is Poet-in-Residence at Georgia College & State Alice Friman University in Milledgeville. She is a former professor of English and creative writing at the University of Indianapolis. Her fifth book of poetry is “Vinculum” from LSU Press. Her previous books are “The Book of the Rotten Daughter,” “Inverted Fire” and “Zoo.” Martin, author of the poetry chapbook “A Conference of Birds,” has poems published or forthcoming in “Shambhala Sun,” “Ruminate Magazine,” “Drafthorse,” “Buddhist Poetry Review,” “Thrush Poetry Christopher Martin Journal and the Southern Poetry Anthology” and “Volume V: Georgia,” due out fall 2012. He is founding editor of “Flycatcher” and is a contributing editor at New Southerner. He is pursuing a Master of Arts in Professional Writing at Kennesaw State University. The show begins at 8 p.m. General admission is $5. Students with IDs, seniors and Callanwolde members pay $3. The center is at 980 Briarcliff Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.callan wolde.org or call 404-872-5338.

Peace Garden plantings at Tupac Center

Family, friends and supporters of hip-hop icon, singer and actor Tupac Shakur will celebrate his life on Sept. 8 by planting shrubs and flowers in the Peace Garden at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts in Stone Mountain. Shakur, who was born in New York on June 16, 1971, died in Las Vegas after being shot in September 1996. The seventh annual Memorial Planting in the Peace Garden is taking place 16 years after death. No one was charged for his murder.

Sensory story time for disabled kids David Schutten, president of the Organization of DeKalb Educators, will conduct the family story time for special needs children and adults with disabilities at the Sept. 8 Multi-Sensory Story Time program at the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library in Tucker. The program for children with developmental disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, and sensory and mobility disorders includes songs, rhymes and simple stories. The one-hour program begins at 1 p.m. The class is limited to 15 people. The library is at 3772 LaVista Road. To register, call 404-370-8450, David Schutten Ext. 2257.

Golfers can support GED scholarships Youth and adults working toward their GED will benefit from a Sept. 14 golf tournament presented by the Rev. Clifton Dial Sr. Scholarship Foundation. Registration is under way for the third annual golf tournament, which will be held at Heritage Golf Links in Tucker. A golf foursome can play for $400 or $125 for individual players. The tournament includes a hole-in-one prize, putting contest, prizes and giveaways, snacks, lunch, and an awards banquet. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the tournament starts at 10.

Sponsors also are needed. Sponsorship levels include Gold for $1,500, Silver for $750, Bronze for $250, and Hole sponsorship for $100. The Dial Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit created to provide financial and educational support to students seeking to obtain their GED. Eligible students must be enrolled in a state-approved GED class and meet minimum requirements. Heritage Golf Links is at 4445 Britt Road in Tucker. For more information, call 404288-1910.

Garden of Eatin’ to tickle taste buds Hot plates of fish and sweet cool treats will be plentiful when Decatur Cooperative Ministry hosts “The Garden of Eatin’ – A Taste of Decatur” on Sept. 15 at the DecaturDeKalb Family YMCA. The 5-to-8 p.m. event will feature mouthwatering samples from more than 20 restaurants, a silent auction full of fun and unique items, and live entertainment. A Taste of Decatur, which is in its 17th year, will deliver a mix of delicious food and desserts from Decatur-area favorites Café Alsace, Community Q BBQ, New Orleans Snoball Café, Nicola’s, SunO Desserts and more.

Guests can bid on auction items like handmade jewelry, tickets to fun local events and attractions, gift certificates to local restaurants, art, and more. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and can be purchased through Sept. 14 at Pastries a Go Go and the 17 Steps or by contacting the Decatur Cooperative Ministry offices at 404-377-5365. Family and child discount tickets are available. Decatur-DeKalb Family YMCA is at 1100 Clairemont Ave. in Decatur. For more information, visit www.decaturcooperativeministry.org or call Beth Vann at 404-377-5365, Ext. 8.

The planting, which is sponsored by the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, starts at 10 a.m. It is free and open to the public. Participants should bring evergreens, purple coneflowers, bath’s pink dianthus, and Georgia blue veronicas. The center’s Pac’s Kids troupe will perform and there will be live entertainment and vendors. The Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts is at 5616 Memorial Drive. For more information, visit www.tasf.org or call 404-298-4222.

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

September 8, 2012

The DeKalb School District was one of 17 organizations included in the 2012 Back to School Celebration in metro Atlanta.

Kindermusik sessions at Callanwolde

Office Depot donates supplies to DeKalb pupils

SWD Panthers vs. MLK Lions at Hallford

Parents can register their young children for Kindermusik classes at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. The music and movement programs for children from newborn to 7 stimulate their minds with a carefully constructed combination of song, story and activity. Classes are held every day, including weekends. Fall classes are under way and registration is ongoing if space is available. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is at 980 Briarcliff Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information or to download a class catalog and register, call 404-872-5338 or visit www.callanwolde.org.

More than 1,200 bags of school supplies were donated to DeKalb students by Office Depot on Aug. 29. School Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson, 47 students from Henderson Mill Elementary, and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart were present for the donation. Through the National Backpack Program, which is in its 12th year, the Office Depot Foundation has helped children prepare for school. The DeKalb School District was one of 17 organizations included in the 2012 Back to School Celebration in metro Atlanta. Atkinson said the district is appreciative of Office Depot’s generosity. “With more than 71 percent of our students receiving assistance for meals, school supplies are often luxuries that many families simply cannot afford,” she said.

The Southwest DeKalb Panthers and Martin Luther King Jr. Lions football teams will face off Sept. 8 for a big regional match-up at Hallford Stadium. This is the third meeting between the two schools. The Lions hold a 2-0 advantage in the series, having won the only meetings in 2008 and 2009. Both teams enter the big Region 6-AAAAA opener with 1-0 records after season-opening road wins last week. The Lions downed Henry County’s Stockbridge High 23-0 in their opener on Sept. 1, while the Panthers won by an identical 23-0 margin over Cobb County’s Pebblebrook High. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Hallford Stadium is at 3789 Memorial College Ave. in Clarkston.

Fair targets non-English speakers DeKalb’s non-English-speaking students can learn about literacy and job readiness at the “PHLOTES to the Top” community fair on Sept. 10 in Clarkston. The 6 p.m.-8 p.m. program takes place at Clarkston High School, 618 North Indian Creek Drive. PHLOTES to the Top is a collaborative initiative of the DeKalb County Higher Education Advisory Council, a consortium of higher learning institutions. PHLOTES stands for Primary Home Language Is Other Than English Students. DeKalb has nearly 17,000 English-as-asecond-language students, many of whom qualify for language support services. The PHLOTES to the Top program extends the school day for targeted k-12

students to increase accessibility to educational, social, and work force services for them and their families. Assistance in areas of transportation, housing and social services will be addressed early next year. The PHLOTES to the Top community resource fair coincides with September being recognized as Workforce Development Month and the week of Sept. 10 is National Literacy Week. While the program is now focused on the Clarkston High School area, which is home to a large percentage of the county’s immigrant population and refugees, it will be expanded in the future to additional high school clusters. For more information, call 678-6765302.

School Board interference alleged SACS,

from page

“The primary concerns shared in the complaints are that the Board of Education has failed to conduct itself in accordance with locally approved policy, state law, and the AdvanceED Accreditation Standards,” Elgart wrote. “In addition, the complaints allege that the Board of Education has failed to ensure that the financial resources of the school system are budgeted and allocated within the means of the school system as well as in accordance with local policy and state law.” Elgart said the complaints include adopting budgets that do not adequately cover the district’s financial expenses for legal fees and utilities. The SACS letter comes a week after New York-based bond-rating agency Moody’s downgraded $384.9 million of the district’s debt on Aug. 20, impacting the rates at which the district will be able to borrow money. Moody’s, which rates the creditworthiness of school districts, lowered $222.9 million in outstanding general obligation debt to Aa3 from Aa2 and revised the outlook to stable from negative. It also downgraded $162 million in outstanding Certificates of Participation to A1 from Aa3. That downgrade came two months after Standard & Poor’s downgraded the district’s credit rating to A+/Stable from AA-/Negative in June. In that downgrade, the school district’s series 2007 general obligation bonds went from AA-/Negative to A+/Stable due to inconsistent financial performance and inability to maintain adequate reserves. In June, the School Board approved a $760 million general operating budget, which included more than $77 million in cuts that increased class sizes; reduced salaries 6.25 percent for all employees; increased furlough days for district teachers and employees; cut teaching positions, and eliminated media specialists and counselors. “If, after review of your response, we

believe the DeKalb County Public School System may be in violation of the AdvanceED Accreditation Standards or Policies, a Special Review Team may be appointed to visit the school system,” Elgart said. Walker, the School Board chairman, said Wednesday that he is baffled by the SACS letter. “I’m surprised that SACS felt the need to look into this when they already reviewed our operations in March,” he said. Other allegations in the Aug, 28 SACS letter include the board’s interference in the day-to-day operations of the system by working to minimize and neutralize the administration of the school system. Elgart said that it was reported to SACS that the board has, at the least, blurred the lines between board governance and administrative leadership and, at the worst, stepped into the role of administrative head of the school system. “Such instances include undue influence on the hiring of personnel, interference with budgeting procedures and accounting, and undermining the authority of school administrators and supervisors throughout the system,” he wrote. The letter also lists allegations of board members releasing confidential information that was shared during executive sessions. That allegation might stem from the superintendent search in 2011. One of the finalists, former Hickory, N.C., Superintendent Lillie Cox – who was the School Board’s pick for superintendent – withdrew her name after details of her negotiations were leaked to the media. At Wednesday’s meeting, Atkinson said their review team will prepare recommendations to address the agency’s concerns, submit a draft response to board members for review and comments, and submit the formal response to SACS. She did not give dates on when the actions will be completed but said it will get done before the 30-day deadline.

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Youth

CrossRoadsNews

“Thousands of African-American kids are going to go into gymnastics because they will want to be the new Gabby Douglas.” With her stellar performances at the 2012 Summer Olympics, gymnast Gabby Douglas (far left) has inspired youth like Camryn Graham, who trains at In Flight Gymnastics in Decatur.

Groundbreaking performance spurs new interest in gymnastics By Christiana Clerk

When golden girl Gabby Douglas swung high over the bars in the 2012 London Olympics, she inspired young gymnasts everywhere. No more so than at Decatur’s In Flight Gymnastics, where 112 gymnasts started a new season of training last month, up from 88 a year ago. Derrin Moore, the school’s owner and coach, said she would definitely attribute some of the higher numbers to the Gabby effect. “This year is definitely different,” she said. “Every Derrin Moore day we are getting more and more phone calls and more and more people are coming by.” On the home page of its Web site, www. inflightgymnastics.com, the first thing visitors see is “Congratulations Gabrielle Douglas” in bold letters. Moore said they had to do something to acknowledge Gabby’s accomplishments. “For Gabby to win the biggest prize in gymnastics is amazing,” she said. Gabby is the first African-American gymnast to win both the individual all-around Olympic gold medal and the all-around and team event at the same Olympics. She is also only the fourth American woman to win the all-around title with a score of 15.966 on the vault, 15.200 on the uneven bars, 15.233 on the balance beam and 15.066 on the floor exercise. Right after her win, Mary Lou Retton, the 1984 Olympic all-around champion,

predicted that Gabby was going to inspire girls everywhere. “Literally, a 7-year-old is watching the Olympics, and that seed is going to be placed and they’re going to say, ‘I’m going to be just like her,’ ” Retton told The New York Times in August. Bela Karolyi, the legendary coach who counts Retton among his pupils, also said that Gabby’s glow will cover a wide swath. “Thousands and thousands of AfricanAmerican kids are going to go into gymnastics because of her because they will want to be the new Gabby Douglas,” he said. “With Mary Lou in 1984, her popularity doubled the number of gymnastics participants in this country. I expect a similar effect with Gabby.” Corianne Cowan, who has been coaching at In Flight since 2007, said Gabby began inspiring the school’s gymnasts, ages 3 1/2 years to 16, even before she crossed the Atlantic Ocean. In Flight also coaches boys and men in acrobatics. Gabby won her first big championship in July when she beat world champion Jordyn Wieber at Olympic trials. “They began talking about her during the Olympic Trials,” Cowan said. Now all Cowan has to do is mention the 4-foot-11-inch, 94-pound Olympian, affectionately called the “Flying Squirrel” for the height at which she soars over the uneven bars. “They work harder at the mention of Gabby’s name,” said Moore, who opened In Flight Gymnastics in 2004 as a mobile gymnastics program servicing day care centers, private schools, cheerleading squads, afterschool programs and other private groups.

The school moved into its own facility in 2009 and today is still DeKalb County’s only African-American-owned gymnastics school. This year, four of its gymnasts – Jordan Leverette, 8; Kyla Little, 9; Camryn Graham, 10; and Teri Hiley, 11 – are state champions, and eight of its gymnasts competed in the SEC-AAU Regional Competition held in Fort Meyers, Fla., and qualified for Nationals held in Wisconsin. Moore said parents call with stories about their children running and hopping on furniture. Cowan said students are definitely pushing more. “Their work ethic has increased,” she said, adding that seeing routines like kips– swinging forward in a pike or a straddle position and lifting toes to the bar at the very most forward point and swinging backward – and kip push-aways and cast hand stands on tele-

vision inspired the young gymnasts. “It gives them something to work toward,” she said. Cowan said they also use video clips of collegiate gymnasts of color to encourage their students. Nia Myricks, who lives in Lithonia, said Gabby was her daughters’ – Nyela Gutherie, 4, and Naja Williams, 10 – favorite gymnast during the Summer Olympics. She said they all were glued to the television during the London gymnastic competition. Myricks said she wanted to put her daughters in gymnastics school for a while and was happy to find In Flight Gymnastics, at 2520 C-5 Park Central Blvd. in Decatur. “They always wanted to be active,” she said. For more information, visit www .inflightgymnastics.com or call Derrin Moore at 404-451-4925.

Students Excel in DeKalb County Public Charter Schools Congratulations to the students, teachers, parents and administrators at Ivy Preparatory Academy, The Museum School of Avondale Estates, DeKalb PATH Academy, DeKalb Academy of Technology & Environment and Leadership Preparatory Academy.

Students at these outstanding state and DeKalb County-authorized public charter schools posted among the highest scores in the metro area on many CRCT content areas. • Every child is different, which is why families should have a variety of options when deciding how to educate their children. • Public charter schools are free public schools that must accept all students. • Public charter schools agree to have more accountability than traditional public schools in exchange for greater ﬂexibility and autonomy. • All public charter schools are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

For more information, visit www.brightergeorgia.com

CrossRoadsNews

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SENIOR DAYCARE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Solid Rock A.M.E. Zion Church announces the opening of the position of Executive Director for its Friendship Center. The ministry of the Center is to individuals who suffer from Alzheimer and debilitating illnesses. In summary, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall operation of the Adult Day Care Center which includes the following objectives and other duties as required by the Board Chairman and supportive organizations: Communicate the program to the communities at large; Develop procedures/guidelines and provide oversight for the entire staff and volunteers; Monitor and oversee the purchasing and expenditures of the Center; Monitor hiring practices and maintain accurate personnel files. The ideal candidate should have some experience and/or training in the area of elderly care, managerial, budgeting, and administration. Interested persons should submit a resumé to: Office of the Pastor, Solid Rock A. M. E. Zion Church, 4065 Snapfinger Road, Lithonia, Georgia 30038. The deadline for submission is September 24, 2012.

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9995

5000

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

2005 mErCEdEs-BEnz

C230 KomprEssor

STK#A3066A

10,995

2011 nissan

2010 ToyoTa

sEnTra

Corolla

Super Gas Saver, Stylish, STK#A3053

Super Gas Saver, Nice & Clean, STK#A1995

2007 Ford

2008 mErCEdEs BEnz

STK#A3034

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

12,995

2 To Choose $ From Starting At

EdgE

13,995

12,995

s63 amG

49,995

2007 Chrysler 300 STK#A3057A ................................................................. $8995

2004 ACurA Tl STK#A3008A ...........................................................................$9995 2005 ToyoTA sequoiA Leather, Sunroof, 4X4 STK#A3041 ............................. $9995 2009 NissAN seNTrA Auto, P/W, P/L, CD, STK#A3070 .................................... $9998 2006 hoNdA ACCord Coupe lX Low Miles, STK#A2051A ........................ $10,995

2007 NissAN AlTimA P/W, P/L, CD, STK#A3071............................................ $11,995 2009 hoNdA CiviC Coupe Sporty and a Great Gas Saver, STK#A2041....... $13,995

2009 ToyoTA CAmry le Loads of family fun!! STK#A2031 ......................... $14,555

2006 merCedes-BeNz e500 STK#A3001A, 2 to choose from starting at.... $14,995 2004 CAdillAC CTs Ride in Style Every Day, Low Miles, STK#A2096 .......... $14,995 2006 merCedes-BeNz C280 Leather, Sunroof, STK#A2097....................... $15,995 2009 hoNdA ACCord eX-l Loaded, Sunroof, Leather, Like new, STK#A2026 $15,995 2011 NissAN AlTimA STK#A3058 ................................................................ $15,995

2008 hoNdA ACCord eX-l Leather, Sunroof and more!! STK#A2066 ......... $16,495 2010 dodge ChArger All Power, Upgraded Wheels, STK#A3072 ................. $17,995 2008 CAdillAC CTs A Must See Clean, Luxury at its best! STK#A2080 ....... $18,995 2007 iNfiNiTi m35 Leather, Navigation, Sunroof, STK#A3061 ...................... $18,995 2007 BmW 530i Leather, Sunroof, Sporty, STK#A2093 ................................ $20,995

2010 ACurA TsX Loaded, NAV, Sunroof, Leather & more, STK#A3013.......... $20,999

2008 leXus rX 350 Great Luxury SUV, STK#A2092 .................................... $22,995

2008 leXus es 350 STK#A3026 .................................................................. $21,995 2009 liNColN mKs THX Pkg, NAV, Backup Camera, Sunroof, Leather, STK#A3050 $21,995 2009 merCedes-BeNz ClK350 Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3046 ................. $22,995 2009 leXus es 350 Leather, Sunroof, P/W, P/L and more, STK#A2072........ $23,595

2009 BmW 328i Sport Pkg, Leather, Sunroof, Luxury & Performance, STK#A3020 $23,995

2012 ForD MSRP $47,139 - $5251 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $5000 Factory Rebate - $1000 Kickoff Cash = Sale Price

That’s Over

STK#137030

all neW

priCes stArt

2009 NissAN mAXimA Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3062................................. $20,995

STK#133015

Flex

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.

need Credit?

2008 merCedes-BeNz C300 Leather, Sunroof, Sport Pkg, STK#A3006, 2 to choose from starting at $19,995

MSRP $31,529 - $3641 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $1000 Factory Rebate - $1000 Kickoff Cash =

22,888

all neW

STK#121142

Off MSRP!

exPlorer

2012 ForD MSRP $35,769 - $3381 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $4500 Factory Rebate - $1000 Kickoff Cash = Sale Price

16,888 $ 7800

678.502.2005

2009 ToyoTA veNzA Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3076 .................................... $24,995 2008 merCedes-BeNz e350 Luxury, Luxury, Luxury, Loaded, Sport Pkg, STK#A3007 $24,995

Plus Many, Many MorE!

Prices plus tax, tag, and title. All offers with approved credit. *Offers expire 9/10/2012.

Off MSRP!

Plus tax, tag, and title with approved credit. Includes all factory rebates. *Based on 2012 EPA Estimates. See dealer for complete details. Expires 9/10/2012.

5675 Peachtree industrial blvd

770.621.0200 www.MalcolmCunninghamFord.com

A Division of Malcolm Cunningham Ford

(7 70) 987-9000 I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive

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

www. MalcolmCunninghamAutoGallery .com

4C (10.5”) × 16” 34922-MCAQ (9-8) Crossroads FC (nb)

all neW

T’s ThA

Buy WitH

9 816

# STK

tHe tiMe to buy is noW

We NoW ReNt