CrossRoadsNews, September 18, 2010 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

FINANCE

SCENE

YOUTH

A group dominated by lawyers and bankers peppered county officials with questions about DeKalb’s new foreclosure registry ordinance at a Sept. 14 information meeting. 6

Lithonia videographer Eddy Anderson’s film about the historic Flat Rock Community will be screened at the Cinefest Film Theater in Atlanta. 8

The DeKalb Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is taking applications for its Young Men of Excellence mentoring program . 9

Questions about foreclosure

Documentary onscreen

September 18, 2010

Raising up men

Volume 16, Number 1

www.crossroadsnews.com

DeKalb receives $2.35 million for fight against obesity DeKalb’s battle with the bulge got a $2.35 million boost this week from the Obama “The DeKalb County Board of Health has a long prevention history working with administration. a variety of community partners, such as the DeKalb County School System, The county’s Board of Health was one of faith-based groups and health advocates, to address health problems such as 10 communities in eight states – and the only obesity, improving physical activity and promoting good nutrition.” Georgia agency – to get some of $31 million Dr. Les Richmond from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fight obesity. In a statement Wednesday, the Board of physical activity and nutrition and reduce munity Health and Prevention Services Health said it will use the $2.35 million to the risk factors that contribute to childhood Division said DeKalb was chosen because of its history of success using evidence-based fund a 24-month project to create policies, and adult obesity. Dr. Les Richmond of the board’s Com- strategies to eliminate obesity and reduce systems and environments that improve

tobacco use in the county. “The DeKalb County Board of Health has a long prevention history working with a variety of community partners, such as the DeKalb County School System, faith-based groups and health advocates, to address health problems such as obesity, improving physical activity and promoting good nutrition,” he said. The grants, announced Sept. 14, are part Please see GRANT, page 2

Friends Celebrate ‘A Miracle’ Teenager survives bout with deadly flesh-eating illness By Carla Parker

Four months ago, Makaila Wills was a happy-go-lucky teenager celebrating her 19th birthday. The 2009 Columbia High School graduate was working at a downtown Decatur Chick-fil-A where she has had a job since high school. On her May 10 birthday, she and her family had dinner at her favorite restaurant on Panola Road to celebrate. Back at home later that night, Makaila’s back began aching and swelling. “It was real painful,” she recalled this week. “When it started to swell, it felt like dead weight. It got so bad that I had to crawl to the bathroom and hop around.” Four weeks later, doctors gave her a diagnosis – necrotizing fasciitis, a deadly flesh-eating disease. No one knows where, when or how Makaila contracted the disease, which is caused by streptococcus bacteria, better known as strep. Makaila’s doctor at Emory Hospital believes she came in contact with someone who had Group B strep. An infected person can pass along the infection from an open wound, scratch or cut. At first doctors thought she had shingles and muscle spasms. The disease was only diagnosed through a blood test that found a high number of white-blood cells. By then, the bacteria had eaten into her left arm, wrist, right ankle and leg. Makaila said she got lucky. “The infection was heading to my bones,” she said. “If it had gotten to my bones, I wouldn’t have my leg right now.” She lost muscle and tissue from her toes, right shin and left arm and spent a month in the hospital recovering from surgery to repair the damage. Her recovery has been slow, but in August, Makaila resumed her

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Makaila Wills, 19, is recovering from an attack by a flesh-eating bacteria. Supporters are hosting a fish-fry fundraiser to help pay her medical bills.

chemistry studies at Georgia Perimeter College’s Decatur campus. She moves slowly but is getting to class with the help of friends and kind strangers, who hold doors open for her and watch her take careful steps going up and down stairs. To aid her recovery, Makaila is in need of one-on-one treatment from a physical therapist at a cost of $300 to $400 a day. She also needs special shoes to help her keep her balance. Makaila does not have health insurance, and her mother, Cassandra Harris, said her hospital and other medical bills already have

reached $50,000. To help out, friends, relatives and church members are hosting a “Celebrating a Miracle” fish fry on Sept. 25 to raise money to help the family with her medical bills. Audrey Trottie, the friend who is hosting the event for Makaila at her Decatur home, said fish plates are $5 and benefactors also can bid to pay a portion of the hospital bills in a silent auction. Trottie, who goes to church with the family at Beulah Baptist Church, said she has known Makaila since she was 13 years old and said she deserves the help.

“Makaila and her mom are a wonderful family,” Trottie said. “She is an energetic girl who was stricken by this disease and made a miraculous recovery. We just want to help her out.” It takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “The theme is love, so everyone should wear red,” Trottie said. John Crays, owner of the Chick-fil-A where Makaila has worked for three years, said he and her co-workers have been supportive. Please see MAKAILA, page 9

Community

CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 2010

“We’re determined to build a more united America with jobs, justice and education for all.”

Civil rights groups to rally in Washington for jobs, Obama By Carla Parker

Jobs, justice and education are some of the issues that the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP and other civil rights organizations will march for when they rally in Washington on Oct. 2. Thousands of citizens from all backgrounds and beliefs are expected to gather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington in support of the One Nation Working Together movement. The groups – which include the Georgia Minimum Wage Coalition, Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials, the Peoples Agenda, and Concerned Black Clergy – said they are heeding a call to “put people back to work” and “pull America back together” in response to the floundering economy, new assaults on human and civil rights, and declining public school systems. Edward O. DuBose, president of the Georgia Conference of the NAACP, said it’s time to take a stand. “We’re determined to build a more united America with jobs, justice and education for

Edward O. DuBose, head of the Georgia Conference of the NAACP, said civil rights organizations will gather in Washington on Oct. 2 in support of the One Nation Working Together movement.

all,” he said. DuBose said the march and rally are not a response to Fox News personality Glenn Beck’s march and rally held in Washington on Aug. 28.

“This march and this rally is not about Glenn Beck, and it’s not about seeing who can mobilize the most people to Washington, D.C.,” he said. Instead, DuBose said they are marching

for safe workplaces, energy independence and green jobs. He said they also are marching to end racial profiling, to advance civil and human rights, and to fix the broken immigration system. Partners like the nonprofit 9 to 5 Atlanta, which works to strengthen the earning ability of low-wage workers, say they are marching in support of economic recovery. Charmaine Davis, 9 to 5 Atlanta’s lead organizer, said that jobs should lift people out of poverty and not keep them in the cycle of poverty. “Everyone should be paid a living wage so they can provide for his or her family, and not just a minimum wage,” she said. In America, minimum wage is currently $7.25 an hour. DuBose said they also are marching in support of President Barack Obama. “We march to give him the voice that he needs to move policies forward, legislations forward in Congress,” he said. For more information, call 404-5778977.

Grant to help the Board of Health create a healthier, active community GRANT,

from page

of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Communities Putting Prevention to Work funding to states. Since February, it has awarded more than $491.8 million to U.S. territories and communities to support statewide and community-based policy and environmental changes in nutrition, physical activity, tobacco control, expanded tobacco quit lines, and cessation media campaigns. This is the Board of the Health’s second

award this year. In March, it got $3.2 million for tobacco control, expanded tobacco quit lines, and cessation media campaigns through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Both local grants will be administered by the board’s Health Assessment and Promotion program. Christopher Holliday, the department’s manager, has high hopes for them. “We anticipate that these two awards will significantly move us toward working with

local partners to create long-term plans that will help to create a healthier community.” First lady Michelle Obama applauded the grants targeting obesity. “As I’ve seen throughout the year in my work with Let’s Move! prevention works when it comes to improving the health of our families,” she said. “These critical investments will help more communities across America tackle serious health challenges like childhood obesity, while promoting physical activity and healthy eating.”

The DeKalb County Putting Prevention to Work initiative will work with community partners and local government officials to create a Master Active Living Plan. The plan will include a policy that will allow neighborhood residents access to school recreational facilities, offering them easy access to places for physical activity, and establishing community vegetable gardens in local parks. The changes will make it easier for children and adults to eat healthier and be more physically active.

CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 2010

Community

“They’ve both called me for fundraising at various time – to which I’ve responded generously.”

Two DeKalb housing officials face ethics probe over donations By Jim Walls

Two DeKalb County housing officials face an ethics inquiry into their requests for charitable and political donations from a developer doing business with their agency. The county’s Board of Ethics voted unanimously Sept. 14 to hold a formal hearing on its complaint against former state Rep. George Maddox and Dorothy Williams. Both serve as commissioners on the board of the DeKalb County Housing Authority. Maddox acknowledged asking developer George Maddox Dave Dixon to donate to two unsuccessful political campaigns in 2006 and 2008 and, last year, to help pay for a new roof for his church. Williams said she asked Dixon for donations for charities benefiting senior citizens.

Dixon said he or his business gave them each $2,500 for a total of $5,000. DeKalb’s Code of Ethics provides that county officials may not “directly or indirectly request, exact, receive, or agree to receive a gift, loan, favor, promise, or thing of value for himself or another person if … it tends to influence him in the discharge of his official duties.” Williams and Maddox said the donations had no influence on their decisions as housing officials. The issue came to light after Dixon, whose NorSouth Cos. work as a partner with the authorDorothy Williams ity, proposed reappraising land last year to move a North DeKalb redevelopment project forward. NorSouth and the authority had invested in the property but could not sell it at values established before the economic downturn. “It was pretty clear that we were unable to

sell those tracts at prices that were set in 2005 and 2006,” Dixon said Wednesday. NorSouth and the authority’s staff worked up a proposal to reappraise the land so the project could be completed. But Sterling Bethea, the authority’s then executive director, told Dixon he thought Maddox and Williams would be hostile to the idea. Dixon, in an e-mail, responded by offering to approach the commissioners: “Given what you’ve shared with me about potential opposition to our appraisal proposal, I’m planning to call Comm. Maddox and Comm. Williams and see if I can talk to them before the meeting. They’ve both called me for fundraising at various times – to which I’ve responded generously – so I feel like I have enough of a relationship to at least call them and discuss ‘where we are’ in a quiet environment.” On Wednesday, Dixon told the Ethics Board, he only meant that he knew them well enough to talk to them about it. “I think that was probably unfortunate

phrasing on my part,” he said. Bethea discouraged Dixon, records show, and he never made the calls. Williams and Maddox, in affidavits, said the authority’s board discussed the reappraisal idea but did not pursue it. Both said they believe Bethea raised the issue more than six months after the fact in retaliation for their questions about his job performance. Dixon’s e-mail, dated Sept. 22, 2009, was not forwarded to top county officials for review of a possible ethics violation until April. Bethea resigned in June. The Ethics Board scheduled an Oct. 19 hearing after hearing everyone’s explanations. Board members said they want to know more about the donations, which member Isaac Blythers characterized as bargaining chips. Jim Walls is editor and founder of atlantaunfiltered.com, a web site that investigates public and political malfeasance.

Stogner to serve as Ellis’ executive assistant for a year without pay By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Richard Stogner, who was former CEO Vernon Jones’ executive assistant for eight years, will now be CEO Burrell Ellis’ as well. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Sept, 13 to appoint Stogner for a one-year term. Stogner is volunteering his services for a year at no cost to the county. He replaces Keith Barker, who was fired on Sept. 1 for an extramartial affair with a Watershed Department secretary.

Ellis tapped Stogner for his chief operating officer and executive assistant on Sept. 10 and the Board of Commissioners expedited its vote. He said that he is pleased that Stogner has agreed to join his manageRichard Stogner ment team. “In addition to his demonstrated public management expertise, his decision not to accept a salary is clear evidence of his integrity and commitment to DeKalb County,”

Ellis said. Stogner, who has 40 years of public service throughout metro Atlanta, is wellknown and recognized as a top-notch public administrator. Before coming to DeKalb in 2001, he worked for the city of Atlanta and Fulton County governments, HartsfieldJackson International Airport, and the Atlanta and U.S. Olympic committees. As Jones’ executive assistant from Jan. 1, 2005, to Dec. 31, 2008, Stogner began with a salary of $200,000 a year and got an automobile allowance. In case of termination, he would get six months salary.

Ellis’ office did not provide details of Stogner’s volunteer contract at press time. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, Stogner will focus on developing recommendations for filling current administrative vacancies, preparing the 2011 fiscal budget recommendations, and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of county operations throughout DeKalb. Ellis said that the feedback about Stogner’s appointment has been overwhelmingly positive. In e-mails and telephone calls, everybody seems happy with it, he said.

Struggling With Mortgage Payments? We’re Here To Help. Chase mortgage customers are invited to a special Homeowner Assistance Event. 4 Day Event: September 17 through September 20, 2010 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Hyatt Regency Atlanta 265 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303

Chase and EMC customers, if you are struggling to keep up with your mortgage payments, we want to help. Atlanta Chase Homeownership Centers are holding a Homeowner Assistance Event, Friday, September 17 through Monday, September 20. Chase Loan Advisors will walk you through the options available, and find the best solution for your needs. We’ll even pay for parking. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Need help but can’t come to the event? Visit chase.com/homeownershipcenters, or call 1-866-550-5705, to find the Homeownership Center closest to you.

All home lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. © 2010 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 2010

How about North DeKalb build a garbage dump on the GM Doraville property and you keep your garbage on your side of town.

Black men must confront racism, bigotry to survive 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer Carla Parker Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear-Warren

CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday 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.

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It is quite evident to me that there is a underground agenda to diminish the character, ability, opportunities, and essence of being a polished, progressive and productive Black man. Through mass media manipulations, political gerrymandering, legal and judicial manipulation, corrupt corporate insider cutthroating, and religious compromising, the African-American male image is being systematically assaulted with the intent of being completely destroyed. The plantation mentality of emasculating the strength of qualified African American men is contributing to national racial tension on the rise in this country. Mainstream America needs to accept that when America has been in serious trouble throught out her history, it has always been a African American, God-fearing man that has brought stability to an unstable nation. Rather than fighting against or resisting the innovative, intelligent, insightful, and inspirational contributions of African American men, mainstream America should recognize, celebrate, embrace, and

If the Congress would diligently work with President Obama to restore America, he will be remembered as the black President who pulled America back from the brink of disaster. Kevin Oliveira

respect the contributions of African American men. Without question, African American women have also carried their cross of human suffering in American history. And often times our women have had to be the woman and the man in the home, community, and the church. Which confirms my point that... African American men, from the beginning of this country, have always had to confront the demons of racism and bigotry to survive in a nation that wants them to fail. Systemic racism, oppression, character assassinations, silent bigotry, employment discrimination, and institutional-invisible barriers are still seeking to marginalize black males. A prime example is how the United States Senate will not take up confirmation hearings for 130 nominees that President Obama is

seeking to have confirmed to perform their duties and help stablize the nation. In 18 months President Obama has had to deal with internal opposition like no other president in American history. And I would dare to write, the primary reason for opposition is this: If the Congress would diligently work with President Obama to restore America, he will be remembered as the black President who pulled America back from the brink of disaster. That type of success and recognition is not what the bigots and the haters want to remember. If there has even been a time in American history to study the contributions of African-American men, it’s now. Globalization has literally destroyed the AfricanAmerican community structure. Black farmers in rural communi-

ties, and urban manufacturing centers like Detroit and others have been ravaged because of globalization. Globalization has created an imbalance in the need of AfricanAmerican unskilled male labor. Lack of employment for African American men was systemically created by outsourcing jobs to find cheap labor. Today mainstream America is more concerned about what’s going on in Beijing and New Delhi than what’s going on in Oakland, Detroit, East St. Louis, Southwest Atlanta, the Bronx and every other heavily populated African American community. Finally, do you think if U.S. Army Gen. McChrystal were a black man and spoke against the president, vice president and other government leaders in a time of war, he would have simply lost his command? I believe if McChrystal were black, he would been courtmartialed and sent to prison for treason. Instead, as usual, an arrogant white male gets a pass, even if he disrespected the president and the highest office in the land. Kevin Oliveira lives in McDonough.

Readers carry dialogue forward on crossroadsnews.com Anonymous wrote on Monday, Sept. 6 Dear Name One – You have named just about everything we have in South DeKalb in three lines. You support my issues very well. The transfer of DeKalb Parks to Dunwoody for only 100 dollars an acre pretty much wipes the small slate clean that you speak of. Add in the Very Nicely remodeled South DeKalb Mall and two new WalMarts and that’s about it for the last 20 Years! 20 Years of DeKalb’s contributions to Dunwoody, Tucker and Brookhaven would take a Big Book! Oh! And don’t forget the Garbage – We get all of DeKalb’s Gar-

bage! Those mountains along 285 at Moreland Ave use to be Valleys, now they are mountains of North DeKalb’s garbage. How about North DeKalb build a garbage dump on the GM Doraville property and you keep your garbage on your side of town. Fair is Fair, isn’t it! Or is your neighborhood just too good for your own garbage? “HYPOCRISY” ~ Keep your own garbage in your own back yard!

The Browns Mill aquatic complex, the Sanford Performing Arts Center, the Lou Walker Seniors Center, the Wade Walker Park renovation, the new Arabia Mountain High School, etc., etc. South DeKalb is getting the overwhelming majority of new government construction. You are certifiable if you think South DeKalb has “been neglected for years.” We live in the same county. The commissioners want to redevelop the GM plant as the Name One wrote on tax revenue could be substantial Saturday, Sept. 4 and it would benefit the ENTIRE Jerry Myer Jackson Jr: Do you county. have any sense of reality? Or do you Enough with the South DeKalb just make up stuff as you go? vs. North DeKalb nonsense. The

Quick Read

county provides poor service to the entire county. Let’s work together instead of whining about being “neglected”!!!

Jerry Myer Jackson Jr wrote on Thursday, Sept. 2 South DeKalb County has been neglected for years. Commissioner Kathie Gannon spoke up for the development of the GM Doraville property noting that it would put DeKalb citizens back to work. Dear Commissioner Gannon; The infrastructure repairs to the streets and sidewalks of South DeKalb can wait no longer. If not now Commissioner Gannon, when?

Civil rights groups to rally for jobs, Obama 2

Flat Rock UMC votes to give up Symposium targets infant sanctuary 5 deaths 7

Jobs, justice and education are some of the issues that the NAACP and other civil rights organizations will march for when they rally in Washington on Oct. 2.

The congregation of Flat Rock United Methodist Church will vacate the $1 million sanctuary they opened in 2004.

Advocates for children will share effective grass-roots strategies at an interactive symposium on Sept. 24.

Foreclosure ordinance called vague by bankers, lawyers 6

Stories of black pioneers on stage 8

Bankers and lawyers think DeKalb’s new Foreclosure Registry ordinance is vague and will load them down with more paperwork.

“Madam,” a musical that tells the story of Madame C.J. Walker, and the awarding-winning drama “Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” are onstage this month.

Housing officials face ethics probe over donations 3 Two DeKalb County housing officials face an ethics inquiry into their requests for charitable and political donations from a developer doing business with their agency.

Two running for district attorney seat

Only two lawyers will vie for the DeKalb district attorney position vacated by Gwen Keyes Fleming on Sept. 4. Circulation Audited By

Johnson launches anti-crime fight 6 Residents and businesses along the Glenwood Road corridor in Decatur will help Commissioner Larry Johnson proclaim “Enough Is Enough!” to crime in their community.

Mentoring program for boys under way 9 Boys as young as 7 can now sign up for the Young Men of Excellence (YME) Mentoring Program offered by the DeKalb Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

index to advertisers Agape Christian Counseling Center............... 11 Before & After Fitness Center........................ 11 Chapel Hill Orthodontics................................. 7 Chase.............................................................. 3 Community Lenders....................................... 11 Decatur Pediatric Group, P.A..........................9 DeKalb County Schools...................................9

DeKalb Technical College...............................9 DirecTV..................................................... 6, 10 DoMaro Uniform Services.............................. 11 Dreamz Catcher Productions.......................... 8 Elegancer Coiffeurs........................................ 11 Exotic Thai Restaurant................................... 11

F.I.E.R.C.E. Dance Team................................ 10 Felecia’s Hair Care for Children.................... 10 Kool Smiles P.C............................................... 7 Law Office of Trichelle Griggs Simmons........ 11 Macy’s............................................................12 MARTA............................................................ 5

Mini Mall........................................................ 11 Mystery Valley Golf Club.................................6 Rainbow Park Baptist Church.......................... 2 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas..................... 11 The Samuel Group (2)................................... 11 The Spa at Stonecrest.................................... 11

Community

“We voted to surrender the deed to protect our credit rating.”

Two running for district attorney seat Only two lawyers will vie for the DeKalb district attorney position vacated by Gwen Keyes Fleming on Sept. 4. When qualifying ended on Sept. 10, DeKalb Solicitor-General Robert James and Decatur attorney Constance Pinson Heard had qualified for the Nov. 2 Special Election. James, who was completing his first four-year term as solicitor-general and was running unopposed for re-election in November, resigned the office on Sept. 7 to run for district attorney. Heard, a 63-year-old family and criminal law at-

torney, did not return telephone calls by press time Thursday. A 1968 Spelman graduate who has been in practice since 1997, she is not well-known among DeKalb lawyers and many people said this week that they know little about her. The victor in the special election will complete the three-and-a-half years left on Keyes Fleming’s term before running for re-election for a full four-year term. Keyes Fleming, who was DeKalb DA for five and a half years, left to become the Region 4 administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She was picked by President Barack Obama for the position.

Vote DeKalb to get people to early polls To encourage voters to hit the polls for the Nov. 2 general and special elections, DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and Board of Commissioners presiding officer Larry Johnson kicked off Vote DeKalb, a nonpartisan early voting campaign, on Sept. 15. The campaign is encouraging DeKalb voters to take advantage of early, advance and absentee voting. Absentee polls open Sept. 20. Advance voting takes place Oct. 25-29. “Advance and early voting gives residents multiple opportunities, other than on election day, to participate in one of our country’s most important activities of civic engagement,” Ellis said. Johnson, who represents Commission District 3, said it is good to get out to the polls early. “This is a part of our right,” he said “It shows people that you are enthused. It shows people that you excited. It reminds people how important and critical it is to vote.” Vote DeKalb is hoping to drive 100,000 early voters to the polls before the Nov. 2 election. It is relying on religious institutions and civic organizations to encourage parishioners and members

to get involved in the political process by establishing a 100 percent early-voting campaign within their congregations and organizations. Oct. 4 is the deadline to register to vote in the November elections. The absentee polls will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Voter Registration & Election Main Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. In-person early voting will be held only at the main office. Advance voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at: n Voter Registration & Election Main Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. n Clark Harrison Building, Room A, 330 W. Ponce De Leon Ave. in Decatur. n Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. n DeKalb County Fire Headquarters, Training Conference Room, 1950 West Exchange Place in Tucker. n Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad St. in Chamblee. For more information on Vote DeKalb, contact the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment at 404-3712881 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Weekend paving resumes on I-20 eastbound Motorists will be hitting the brakes again on Interstate 20 as work crews continue the highway’s $28.6 million resurfacing project. Weather permitting, crews will close one lane on the ramp from I-285 southbound to I-20 eastbound and two lanes from Lithonia Industrial Boulevard to Turner Hill Road. DOT Area Engineer Thomas Parker said if the weather cooperates, they hope to wrap up all of the

paving, except the top layer in the two eastbound left lanes. “Next weekend we expect to begin the eastbound right lane and the ramps,” he said. Work hours are weeknights from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. and on weekends continuously from Friday night at 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Monday. The project, which has been underway since June 18, is resurfacing 9.8 miles of I-20 between Columbia

Drive and Turner Hill Road. It has snarled traffic and made the weekend commute difficult for residents and interstate travelers. The work continue on weeknights and weekends until fall when the temperatures get too low to pave. It will be completed in the spring. The project is a joint venture of contractors E.R. Snell Contractors Inc., and Pittman Construction. For more information, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org.

Flat Rock UMC votes to give up sanctuary The congregation of Flat Rock United Methodist Church will vacate the $1 million sanctuary they opened in 2004. About 80 church members voted Sept. 12 at a congregational meeting moderated by UMC District Superintendent Sharma Lewis, to surrender the deed to SunTrust Bank, which holds the church’s $750,000 mortgage. They also voted not to disband the 150-year-old church and to continue as a ministry elsewhere. Johnny Waits, a longtime member of the church, said Sunday, Sept. 12 was to be the congregation’s final day at the church, but that they were given the opportunity to hold their Sept. 19, 26 and Oct. 2 services there. “We voted to surrender the deed to protect our credit rating,” he said. Waits said the church members will begin meeting at Flat Rock Elementary on Oct. 24 or earlier if they can work the details out. “We wanted to stay in the community,” he said. The church, which was founded

CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 2010

Johnny Waits (left) and Vera Whitaker are among longtime members who hate to see Flat Rock United Methodist Church lose its building.

by ex-slaves, has anchored the historic Flat Rock Community in Lithonia since 1860. Members opened the 350-seat sanctuary at 4542 Evans Mill Road on April 4, 2004. The church’s rolls include members of 18 families who have lived continuously along Flat Rock, Crossvale and Evans Mill roads since the 1800s and whose ancestors were among the founders of the church. Troy Benton, the church’s pastor, was out of town at a revival in Detroit and was unavailable at press time.

A visiting pastor, the Rev. Lanier Perriman, will preach at the Sept. 19 service. Waits said he did not know if Benton would be back for the final two services in the building. Flat Rock UMC is like hundreds of churches nationwide that have fallen behind on their mortgage payments or have received foreclosure notices. Waits said members are heartbroken about losing the church building. “It’s just the way the economy is and how the giving is,” he said, “but we are going to keep going.”

MARTA Service Changes September 25, 2010 Modified Bus Routes:ll 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 42, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55, 56, 58, 60, 66, 68, 73, 74, 75, 78, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 93, 95, 99, 103, 104, 107, 111, 114, 115, 116, 117, 119, 120, 121, 520L, 521E, 123, 125, 126, 132, 140, 143, 148, 150, 153, 155, 162, 165, 170, 172, 178, 180, 181, 183, 185, 186, 189, 193 Eliminated Bus Routes:ll 7, 11, 17, 18, 22, 28, 38, 44, 45, 52, 54, 57, 59, 67, 69, 70, 72, 77, 88, 91, 96, 97, 105, 113, 118, 122, 137, 139, 151, 160, 200, 216, 245, 273, 311, 328, 329, 341, 364, 376, 389, 397. Braves Shuttle and Lakewood Shuttle for 2011. How to Prepare for Bus Route Changes: • Go to www.itsmarta.com for interactive links showing bus route changes and text descriptions. •Call 404-848-5000 and ask one of our Customer Service agents to help you plan your trip.

• Printed booklets are in RideStores or mailed upon request through the website or by calling Customer Sevice at 404-848-5000. •Maps and descriptions will be posted in all bus bays to help guide you.

Modified Rail Service:ll New frequencies.

New hours.

WEEKDAYS 6 AM to 7 PM � 15 minutes 7 PM to 1 AM � 20 minutes WEEKENDS: � 20 minutes

WEEKDAYS � 4:45 AM to 1 AM WEEKENDS � 6:00 AM to 1 AM Every night at 7 PM: Red Line Turnback @ Lindbergh Green Line Turnback @ Vine City

Customer Call Center Hours changing..l Routes/Scheduling Information Center. Weekdays 7 AM to 7 PM; Weekends/Holidays 8 Customer Services Center. Weekdays 8 Five Points Info Booth.

Weekdays 7

to 5

to 7

Fewer Restrooms Open There will be nine restrooms availiable for public use: Bankhead, College Park, Doraville, Edgewood/Candler Park, Five Points, H.E. Holmes, Indian Creek, Lindbergh and North Springs. Restrooms will be available from 6 AM to 7 PM. (Five Points will close at 10 PM.)

Two RideStores Will Remain Open • OPEN at Airport and Five Points stations. • CLOSED at Lenox and Lindbergh stations.

Reduced Fare and Lost & Found Office Hours Reduced Fare Office will remain open at Lindbergh HQ and Five Points stations with new hours. Weekdays 9 AM to Noon and 2 to 4 PM. Lost & Found open until 5 PM.

Automated Phone System Will Check Your Breeze Balance On Sept. 25 the Call Center will no longer provide Breeze Card Balance information. Instead, you can use the automated telephone system at 404 848-5000 to check your balance. You can also visit www.breezecard.com, use a Breeze vending machine, or check at RideStores in the Airport & Five Points stations.

BREEZE Changes: October 3, 2010 Reduced Breeze Card Cost. Breeze Cards will be reduced from $5 to $1. You will need to add fare at the time of purchase.

Now it’s Easier to Load Breeze Cards on Buses. You no longer need to ask the bus operator for assistance. Only Breeze Cards can be reloaded at the bus farebox (NOT Breeze Tickets). 1. Tap Breeze Card on the bus farebox. 2. Insert cash. 3. Tap Breeze Card once on the farebox to load transfer.

Breeze Tickets Can No Longer Be Reloaded.

The Breeze Ticket will still cost 50¢. However, it can only be used once for either a one-way trip, round trip, or 1 Day Pass.

Fare Increases for Multi-Day Passes. One-Way . . . . . . . Remains $2

7-Day Pass . . . . Changes to $17

Reduced Fare . . . Remains 90¢

30-Day Pass . . . Changes to $68

1-Day Pass . . . . . . Remains $8

Mobility Pass . . Changes to $115

2-Day Pass . . . . Changes to $11

The number of children under 46” tall who can ride free with a paying adult changes will also be changed to a maximum of two.

3-Day Pass . . . . .Changes to $13 4-Day Pass . . . . Changes to $15

w w w. i t s m a r t a . c o m

404-848-5000

T T Y: 4 0 4 - 8 4 8 - 5 6 6 5

Finance

CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 2010

“We want to comply with the ordinance, but we’re more concerned about the added paperwork and fees.”

New foreclosure ordinance called vague by bankers, lawyers By Carla Parker

Bankers and lawyers think DeKalb’s new Foreclosure Registry ordinance is vague and will load them down with more paperwork. At a Sept. 14 information meeting about the registry that takes effect Oct. 25, a group of about 50 people dominated by bankers and lawyers bombarded DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes and other county officials with questions about the ordinance that was approved in July by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners. Michael Keller, a banker at Decatur First Bank, said the ordinance’s language is unclear and that the new registration process will cause more unnecessary work for them. “We already have a registration process in place and they just created a whole new different process,” Keller said. “We want to comply with the ordinance, but we’re more concerned about the added paperwork and fees.” The Foreclosure Registry requires owners of foreclosed properties to pay a $175 fee to register the property with the county. Violators will be fined $1,000 per day, per

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Chris Morris of DeKalb Community Development speaks at the Foreclosure Registry meeting.

property. Commissioners hope the registry will help the county protect residential neighborhoods from blight caused by inadequate maintenance of thousands of vacant properties. In July, DeKalb had 14,510 foreclosed properties. In many instances, county of-

ficials are unaware of who owns them and are unable to locate the owners. Stokes, who spearheaded the ordinance, said the county needs to know who to call on if properties are neglected. “The intent really is to let people know there are consequences if you don’t take care of these properties,” she said.

DeKalb residents like East Lake Terrace Neighborhood Association President Brenda Pace, who attended the meeting at the Decatur Library in downtown Decatur, said the ordinance is a great idea because unkempt foreclosed homes make the neighborhood look bad. “Somebody needs to take responsibility to what they let happen,” Pace said. “We can’t even sell our homes. Our property values have gone down.” East Lake Terrace has more than 50 foreclosed homes. Robert Broome, the Atlanta Board of Realtors’ director of governmental affairs, expressed concern about the lack of a time frame for filing. “Usually we would see something there about us having ‘X’ number of days to file, but the ordinance is silent about that.” He said property owners won’t know how long they have to register their properties before fines kick in. County officials said they are still working out some details and will post the final ordinance before the Oct. 25 deadline. Stokes said two more meetings will be held before the ordinance goes into effect.

Businessman gets leadership award Johnson launches anti-crime fight receiving a 21st Century Community Waleed Shamsid-Deen, Learning Center grant in 2006, Youth president and CEO of AVF VIBE became a free after-school Inc., is the recipient of Leaderprogram for teens interested in acaship DeKalb’s Sue Ellen Owens demic enrichment and “real world” Award. business applications. Shamsid-Deen, a 1999 The program now operates at Leadership DeKalb graduate, the DeKalb Transition Academy; was nominated by the South DeKalb Business Association. W. Shamsid-Deen Towers, Martin Luther King Jr., and Southwest DeKalb high schools; He received the award on Sept. 14 at Agnes Scott College at Leader- and the Mohammed Schools of Atlanta. Participants get preparation to increase ship DeKalb’s 2010 Annual Meeting. Shamsid-Deen is the founder of Youth test scores; have the opportunity to engage VIBE – Vision, Industry, Business and in thought-provoking dialogue with guest Empowerment, a nonprofit business men- speakers; learn to polish their writing, public toring program that exposes students and speaking, strategic planning and conflict resolution skills; and get tours of area busiyouth to entrepreneurship. During its first decade, the curriculum nesses. For more information, visit www was a biweekly, summer program. After .youthvibe.org.

precinct in the shopping plaza at Residents and businesses along 4467 Glenwood to help increase pothe Glenwood Road corridor will lice presence in the area,” he said. help Commissioner Larry Johnson Beginning at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23, proclaim “Enough Is Enough!” to an Enough Is Enough! Community crime in their community. Awareness March will proceed from On Sept. 21 at 6 p.m., a “Busithe old Kmart shopping center to ness Night Out” will be held at the I-285 bridge to symbolize that 4467 Glenwood Road, hosted by the residents and business owners shopping plaza owners Newburger Larry Johnson are staking their claim on the comAndes. Johnson is launching his Glenwood munity. An Enough Is Enough! Community Renaissance Initiative to fight crime along Awareness meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. the corridor between Columbia Drive and on Sept. 28 at Covenant Ministries Cathedral, Covington Highway, the scene of several 1700 Covenant Ministries Blvd. in Decatur. Residents, business owners and police violent incidents. Johnson, who represents District 3, hopes to send the message that will discuss strategies to combat crime and residents and business owners are taking the successfully take back the streets. For more information, call 404-371community back. “One of my goals is to establish a mini- 2425.

Apply for scholarships, look for job to pay for college Dear Dave, I’ll be starting college next fall. Is it OK to take out student loans if you have no other income to live on while you’re in school? – Mandy Dear Mandy, Wait a second! What do you mean you don’t have any other source of income to live I worked 40 to 60 hours a week all on while you’re in school? Didn’t anyone ever through college, and I still graduated in four teach you about a little thing called work? years. Nowadays, many people would call that child abuse. It’s absurd! Don’t try to box me into a corner with the ridiculous notion that you have to take out student loans to go to college. You do not! Did you know that only 57 percent of people who start college actually graduate? That means 43 percent don’t. And guess what they have? Student loan debt and no degree! Here’s what I want you to do. First, apply for every college scholarship you can find. Next, get a job! You may even have to take a couple of part-time jobs, but so what? Once you’re there, live in the dorm and eat dorm food, too. It won’t kill you. And a state college, where you can get in-state tuition, is always a good idea. If there’s one close by you can save even more money by living at home. Is a college education important? Sure, it is. It’s a great thing, and I recommend going to college. But is student loan debt a necessary part of getting a degree and achieving success in life? Absolutely not! – Dave

Dear Dave, My fiancée is from a wealthy family. The other day, her father suggested a prenuptial agreement. I’m not sure what to think about this. What’s your opinion on prenups? – Jeremy Dear Jeremy, It sounds like her family values its money more than it values their relationship with you. That could be a problem. If your brideto-be feels the same way, then you shouldn’t marry her. In most cases there’s just a really bad spirit that goes along with prenups. It’s basically planning your divorce in advance. One of my daughters just got married, and I never even thought of suggesting a prenuptial agreement. There may be one exception to this rule. If your fiancée was already wealthy on her own, I might change my answer. Extreme wealth has a tendency to attract a whole lot of weirdness and dishonesty. I’ve even told my wife to get a prenup if I die and she marries again. This is different than just the potential to be wealthy, like your case. You can still have a wonderful marriage, even if you don’t see eye-to-eye with her family on this. But both of you need to be on the same page and of one mind. That’s why I think it would be a really good idea for you guys to address this before the wedding with a heart-to-heart talk and some premarital counseling! – Dave

CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 2010

Wellness

For African-Americans, the infant mortality rate more than doubles the rate of all other races in the United States.

Child Safety Day offering free car seat checks, accident prevention tips Parents, caregivers and other drivers can get tips on keeping youngsters safe in and around cars on Sept. 25 at Nalley Automotive Super Center in Decatur. The 11 a.m.-to-2 p.m. event is part of Child Safety Day. It will include free car seat checks and demonstrations and displays about keeping children safe in cars and preventing driveway accidents and heat-related illness and death. By Georgia law, all children 6 years and younger must be in an approved, properly installed safety seat. Children should be in a booster seat until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and about age 8. All children younger than 13 years old are safest in the back seat, away from the air bag, dashboard and windshield.

Statewide, 258 children under age 12 were killed in car crashes between 2004 and 2007. Nine of them died in DeKalb County. Safe Kids of DeKalb, the Nalley Automotive Group, the DeKalb County Board of Health and the Trial Lawyers Section of the DeKalb Bar Association are sponsors of Child Safety Day. Nalley Automotive Super Center is at 1555 Church St., at the corner of Church Street and North Decatur Road. For more information about child passenger safety, visit www.dekalbhealth.net or contact Janet Weisman, the DeKalb Board of Health’s injury prevention coordinator, at 404-294-3719 or jeweisman@dhr.state .ga.us.

Symposium targets infant deaths Advocates for children will share effective grass-roots strategies at an interactive symposium on Sept. 24 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur. The “Hope – Harm in the Hood” symposium will focus on infant mortality, black-on-black crime, child abuse, domestic violence, education impotency, health disparity solutions and HIV/AIDS, among other issues. It is being held in recognition of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, which is observed across the country in September. “Hope – Harm in the Hood” is sponsored by Glorious Solutions, founder of the Angel of Glory Monument, an African-American angel monument created to memorialize the lives of children who have died too soon. Annually, 2 million babies worldwide die within their first 24 hours. The United States

has the second-worst newborn death rate in the modern world. For African-Americans, the infant mortality rate more than doubles the rate of all other races in the United States. Every eight hours a child in Georgia dies before his or her first birthday. The 9 a.m.-to-noon symposium brings together health care providers, legal professionals, policy-makers, educators, law enforcement, church leaders, social workers, community leaders, and others concerned about black children and their families. Registration is $20. A benefit concert – “Wings: Celebrating Love, Life & Legacy” – at 7:30 p.m. will feature local and national artists. The Porter Sanford Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-376-5066 or visit www .angelofglorymonument.com/Events.html.

NASCAR freebies for blood donors NASCAR fans who participate in the sixth annual Drive for Life blood drive on Sept. 21 can get a pace car ride around Atlanta Motor Speedway and other freebies. The blood drive, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the infield Media Center, is seeking to collect 350 pints of blood. Blood donors also will get a commemorative T-shirt; a free round of golf at a participating Robert Trent Jones Course; and a chance to win a ticket package for two to the 2011 Labor Day race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a $1,000 gas card or a Richard Petty Driving Experience.

The drive mobilizes NASCAR fans to help meet the ongoing need for more than 1,200 blood donations every weekday. Most healthy people 17 years and older, or 16 years old with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Atlanta Motor Speedway is at 1500 Tara Place in Hampton, about 30 miles south of Atlanta on U.S. 19 and 41 in Henry County. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “atlantaspeedway” or call 1-800-733-2767.

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Georgia law says that all children 6 years and younger must be in an approved, properly installed safety seat.

Experts to discuss green initiatives Corporate and governBusiness Policies” include Greenment leaders, professors and peace director Amy Larkin, the environmental advocates on Carbon Disclosure Project’s Vice the cutting edge of greening President Zoe Antitich, Coca-Cola America will discuss sustainEnterprises President John Burgess, ability at the 2010 Green InitiaEPA’s Climate Change leader Ken tives Conference on Sept. 29-30 Mitchell, UPS environment director at the Georgia International Steve Leffin, and Emory University Convention Center in College School of Law-Environmental proAlan D. Hecht Park. fessor Larry Sanders. Former Vice President Al Gore’s Georgia Power’s Sustainability Group TheClimateProject.org will open the and environmental specialist chair Rochelle conference with a State of the Industry Routman and Jeff West, director of sustainaddress, and Dr. Alan D. Hecht, director ability, Shaw Industries, also are expected for sustainable development in the Envi- to speak. ronmental Protection Agency’s Office of The Georgia International Convention Research and Development, will deliver Center is at 2000 Convention Center Conthe opening keynote address. course. Seating is limited. Other speakers for “Green InitiaTo register, visit www.greeninitiatives tives: Convergence of Government and conference.com.

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

September 18, 2010

“Madam” explores the life of the first American woman – black or white – to become a millionaire by her own achievements.

Stories of black pioneers on stage

The musical “Madam” tells the story of beauty and hair care magnate Madame C.J. Walker, America’s first female self-made millionaire.

“Madam,” a musical that tells the story of Madame C.J. Walker, and the awarding-winning drama “Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” starring actor and heartthrob Lamman Rucker, are onstage this month at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center. “Madam,” which is headed to Broadway, explores the life of the philanthropist, entrepreneur, pioneer and first American woman – black or white – to become a millionaire by her own achievements. Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hair care products for black women. The musical runs through Oct. 3 with showtimes at 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. “Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” which was written and directed by NAACP award winner Layon Gray, opens Sept. 23 and runs through Oct. 10. It tells the story of six men embarking upon a journey to become pilots in the United States Army Air Forces. It will showcase the talent of Rucker, who is best known for his roles in Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” and “Why Did I Get Married, Too?” The drama explores the black pilots’ collective struggle with Jim Crow, their intelligence, patriotism, dreams of an inclusive fair society, and brotherhood. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Lamman Rucker stars in “Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” a drama that explores the journey of six black men to become military pilots. Both plays are onstage at the Sanford Center.

Both productions are presented by Herman LeVern Jones’ TheatreSouth Atlanta production. The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 404-691-9133.

‘A Taste of Decatur’ offers foodies plenty of sweet, cool and hot treats 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. 25 at the Decatur-DeKalb 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 15th year, will deliver a mix of delicious food and desserts from Decatur-area favorites like Pastries a Go Go, Feast, Farmstead 303, Nathalie’s Fish House, Nicola’s, Skip’s, Dairy Queen and more. Guests can bid on auction items like bed-and-breakfast

stays, original photographs and pottery, portable electronics, kids’ packages, and tickets to local events and attractions. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased at Pastries a Go Go, the 17 Steps, and Kyoto Joe’s or by contacting the DCM offices at loretta@decaturcooperativeministry .org or 404-377-5365, Ext. 7. Family and child discount tickets are available. Decatur-DeKalb Family YMCA is at 1100 Clairemont Ave. in Decatur. For more information, visit www.decaturcooperative ministry.org or call Beth Vann at 404-377-5365, Ext. 8.

Food and fun abound at “A Taste of Decatur” at the DecaturDeKalb Family YMCA on Sept. 25. The event includes a silent auction and live entertainment.

Jazz, swing and big-band music on tap for Music for Missions patrons

Metro Atlanta’s jazz and swing band Capitol City Xpress will be entertaining audiences at Music for Missions on Sept. 19, and on Sept. 26, Sentimental Journey Orchestra will be onstage at Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church in Tucker. Capitol City band formed in 2006 to help preserve the music genre. The 17-member Sentimental Journey Orchestra, a favorite Atlanta dance band, will showcase the big-band sound it has been

playing for more than 30 years. Both concerts start at 7 p.m. Music for Missions concerts support the outreach ministries of the church. Concerts are free but donations are expected. Over its 12 seasons, the concert series has had 174 performances and raised more than $85,000 for church missions and for charities. The church is at 3142 Lawrenceville Highway. For more information, call 770- Capitol City Xpress (above left) brings jazz and swing to Lawrenceville Road United Methodist 939-3717. Church on Sept. 19; Sentimental Journey Orchestra (above) performs on Sept. 26.

Film on Flat Rock to be screened Eddy Anderson’s documentary “Flat Rock – Where Home Is” will be screened Sept. 23 at Cinefest Film Theater in Atlanta. The film takes a sobering look at the historic Flat Rock community in Lithonia. It also features research conducted at the Flat Rock Cemetery by Georgia State University Anthropology and Historic Preservation faculty and students. A question and answer session Eddy Anderson’s documentary “Flat Rock – Where Home with Anderson, GSU archaeologist Is” takes a look at the historic ommunity in Lithonia. and professor Dr. Jeffrey Glover, and Johnny Waits, president of Flat Rock St. SE, Suite 240 in Atlanta. Archives, will follow the 7 p.m. screening. For more information, call 770-808-0030 Cinefest Film Theater is at 66 Courtland or visit www.flatrockarchives.org.

September 18, 2010

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

“You think things like this can’t happen to you because you’re young, but God can change your life in the blink of an eye.”

Mentoring program for boys Members of Alpha Phi Alpha work with students in their Young Men of Excellence program.

Boys as young as 7 can now sign up for the Young Men of Excellence (YME) Mentoring Program of the DeKalb Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The Nu Mu Lambda chapter started YME in 2007 under the organization’s national initiative “Go to High School, Go to College.” Reynaldo Green, YME’s director, said that he and his fraternity brothers created the program to impact young males in DeKalb County. It emphasizes academics, attitude and attendance in school. Green said he wanted to help ensure that male students with varying risk factors remain in school, strive for academic success and prepare for college life. “We wanted to address some of the issues in the community like the school dropout rate and teen pregnancy, and give young men some positive influence,” Green said.

The program is accepting 30 to 35 boys in grades four through 12 from south DeKalb County. YME uses a team mentoring approach with one mentor for every two to three mentees. Mentors commit a minimum of one year to their mentees, who can stay in the program as long as they like. YME’s curriculum centers on developing good character, self-esteem and essential life skills. Topics include goal-setting, conflict resolution, team building, peer pressure, communication and family matters. Mentees also do community service and take field trips to expose them to real world problem-solving and to build skills through face-to-face educational experiences. For more information or to sign up for YME, visit www.youngmenofexcellence.org, or contact Reynaldo Green at rpgreen25@ aol.com or 404-936-1919.

Run/walk to honor grandparents Families can celebrate their elders at a 5-mile Run/Walk/Stride for Grandparents on Sept. 19 at Stone Mountain Park. The event, hosted by Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, begins at 7 a.m. at the Studdard Picnic Area. At 12:30 p.m., grandparents can relax, eat barbecue and share stories about their lives. T-shirts will be given out as well. The event is part of observances for National Grandparents Day, celebrated on Sept. 12 “to honor grandparents, to give grandpar-

ents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.” Former President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Grandparents Day in 1989. It is celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Stone Mountain Park is off U.S. Highway 78 East. For more information, call Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe at 404-569-0229.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Makaila Wills rests her leg between classes at Georgia Perimeter College on Wednesday. She also bears the scars of flesh-eating bacteria that attacked her on her land hand.

Friends, church plan fund-raiser MAKAILA,

from page

“While she was in the hospital, we visited her, sent her cards and flowers,” he said. “We were very concerned about her.“ Crays called Makaila a tremendous employee with a great attitude. “She is very good with people,” he said. “Since she’s been back, we have her working short shifts, one or two days a week for an hour – just moving her along slowly until she gains all of her strength back and is able to work a full shift.”

Makaila, who loved to dance and drive, said she is looking forward to being able to do those things again. She said that her sudden illness dramatizes how fragile life is. “You think things like this can’t happen to you because you’re young, but God can change your life in the blink of an eye.” Donations also can be made to Makaila Wills at Bank of America, Account No. 334015-712-441. “Celebrating a Miracle” will be at 2382 Clifton Springs Road in Decatur. For more information, contact Audrey Trottie at trotact @aol.com or 404-399-6524.

DeKalb County School System Announces The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)

Supplemental Educational Services (SES) 2010-2011

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Free Tutoring

Free tutoring is available for your child under Federal ESEA Schools must offer Supplemental Educational Services in the areas of math and reading/ language arts.

Free tutoring is available for your child if he or she

• attends a Title I elementary, middle, or high school (eligible schools are listed below) that is included on the “Needs Improvement” list and • receives free or reduced-price lunch

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION

Avondale High Avondale Middle Bethune Middle Cedar Grove High Clarkston High Columbia High Cross Keys High Eagle Woods Academy Elizabeth Andrews High

Eligible Schools

Freedom Middle Indian Creek Elementary International Student Center Lithonia High Lithonia Middle M.L. King Jr. High McNair Discovery Learning McNair High McNair Middle

Miller Grove Middle Redan High Shadow Rock Center Stephenson High Stone Mill Elementary Stone Mountain High Stone Mountain Middle Toney Elementary Towers High

The Enrollment Dates are August 30, 2010-September 24, 2010 The Application Deadline is September 24, 2010 DeKalb County School System invites you to attend its Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Providers Fair where you will be able to discuss guidelines and procedures for receiving service for your child

Where

The William Bradley Bryant Center 2652 Lawrenceville Highway Decatur GA 30033

When

Saturday, September 11, 2010, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, September 18, 2010, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

For more information, call the DeKalb County School System Office of School Improvement at 678-676-0309 or contact your local school SES Liaison

CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 2010

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

Beautiful Babes Hair Care for Children

Ms. Felecia

• PRESS & CURL • BRAIDS • QUICK WEAVES • HEALTHY HAIRCARE Call for Monthly Specials

678-887-6203

beautifulbabeshaircare.vpweb.com ADULTS ACCEPTED

Located Inside Fidel’s Signature Salon 5045 Memorial Drive • Stone Mountain, Ga. 30083

When You Miss CrossRoadsNews, You Miss News You Can Use! Call 404-284-1888 for Subscription Rates & Information

CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 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

EVENTS & SEMINARS

Prosper while helping other people! $500-$100 per day for returning phone calls. No Selling. www.easybucks4u.com

Attention Tuskegee Alumni: The DeKalb County Tuskegee Alumni Club will meet Sept. 25, 2010, in the the Piccadilly Cafeteria at South DeKalb Mall. Call Nathan, 404-735-6176.

Looking for motivated internet people to market an Extraordinary money-making software to home-based businesses. Make unlimited $200 payments instantly. www.gotleads.ws

COMPUTERS Computer Sales Repair. Virus Removal, Upgrades, Repair Laptop broken Screen,Networking,Free Diagnostics. Specialize in Apple Repairs. 404-288-7942 or 770482-2426

FOR RENT/LEASE Lithonia 3 bedroom, 2 bath, wood floors, 2-car garage, total electric, great area, New Birth/ Mall. $1000, 770-322-3787, 770833-9398

GARAGE SALES Community Flea Market Vendors, Fun, Food, Music & Community Outreach October 2, 2010, 9am to 4pm Victory Church 1170 N.

Christian Counseling

Community Lending Services Get a Loan. Avoid bankruptcy. Pay your bills, outstanding loans. Credit cards, Auto Personal, Business, Home Debt consolidation

Pre-marriage & Marriage Counseling Separation & Divorce Crisis, Substance Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Guilt, Anger, Grief, Stress

www.acctraininginst.com Dr. Al Hibbert 404 512-5010

MINI MALL

All credit welcome, No fees.

Quick! Call 1-877627-6886

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & CONSULTING

7173 COVINGTON HWY • LITHONIA, GA 30058

678-755-5955

$20 – $95 hr. Salon Restaurant FOR RENT: Hair

Sell ur Stuff for

FREE!

Wall Street experienced professionals providing business plans, incorporations, financial statement preparation and other consulting services.

www.minimall1.com

The Samuel Group 404-870-9070

Hairston Rd. Stone Mountain. Vendor Tables $30.00 Call 678476-6000.

French Drainage System 770593-1382.

Big Garage Sale. 6291 Silver Spur Dr., Lithonia, GA 30058. Furniture, appliances, clothes. Lawnmowers, good condition. Sept. 4, 18, 25.

Senior Housing Community (60+) Emma Cares - Safe & Loving community. Share housing w/ other seniors. Near shops, entertainment & MARTA 770885-2537.

HELP WANTED New Jerusalem Christian Academy, 3900 Memorial College Ave., hiring qualified Early Education Teachers. Must have resume & Criminal Background Check. 404-292-2046/770-981-7408.

LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE Next Day Lawn Maintenance Service. Bobcat Work, Hauling,

Celebrating over 40 years of Service to the Candler Road Community

Personal Care

SERVICES Had hardships lately? Facing Foreclosure, Job Lost, Pay Cut, Unemployed, Illness, Adjustable rate, Keep Your Home! Obama’s Home Made Affordable Program May Help You. Certified Housing Counselor - Free Consultation. 404-288-8381.

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.

Elegancer Coiffeurs 2004 Candler Road • Decatur, Ga. 404-289-6844 THIS MONTH’S SPECIALS (Tuesday & Wednesday Only)

Shampoo & Set ................................. $20 Touch – Up ........................................ $40 Cut Only............................................. $10 Braids................................................. $30 Weaves (Quick) $50 (Sew-In) $75 & up • • • •

Restrictions Apply On All Services All Children’s Services Are 50% OFF ½ OFF Eye Lash with Hair Care Service Free Lock Corn Rows with Hair Lock Service Free Eyebrow Arch with Hair Care Service Additional Services are $10 Extra

Special Invitation to Senior Citizens, Come See What We Have for You!

Exotic Thai Cuisine

Authentic Thai Cuisine • Inexpensive Fine Dining

NOW OPEN

404-870-9070

www.thesamuelgroupinc.com

LAW OFFICE OF TRICHELLE GRIGGS SIMMONS Family Law (Divorce, Modification, Legitimation, Child Support and Name Change). Other Practice areas are Wills, Criminal Law, Traffic Citations, DUI and Personal Injury.

Chef from Vegetarian Restaurant Café Sunflower, Atlanta

Satay • Spring Rolls • Pad Thai • Crazy Drunken Chicken Mosman • Salmon Panang

Now Serving: Lunch Menu $699 Get Soup or Salad, Special Vegetarian Entrée, Spicy Tofu Veggies, Panang Curry Veggies, Ginger Tofu

770-484-9923

TAKE $5 OFF

Lunch or Dinner with a minimum $20 purchase per table

8075 Mall Pkwy • Suite 110 Lithonia, GA 30038 Monday – Sunday Next to Firehouse Subs Limit 1 Coupon Per Table • Expires Sept. 30, 2010

Back 2 School Massage Special

Payment Plans Available

$ 60

CALL 404-304-5854

36 Week

for Swedish massage

Weight Loss Study!

Before And After Fitness Center is seeking a limited number of participants to take part in an innovative 36 Week Weight Loss Study. Participants must have 15-100 lbs of weight to lose and be able to attend three 30 minute sessions per week, eat on plan for 5 days with 2 days off, plus be accountable to your coach. Valued at over $449, You Pay Absolutely No Study Fee to participate. All that we ask is that you cover the low weekly maintenance fee.

CALL TODAY 770-979-0090 Stonecrest Mall Lithonia Location

Visit Our Website for MORE SPECIALS

Now Offering Nail Art

Pat S. lost 40 lbs and 28 inches!

BEFORE

SPA at Stonecrest

8052 Mall Parkway, Suite 104 • Lithonia, GA 30038

678-672-4100

www.spaatstonecrest.com spaatstonecrest@gmail.com

CrossRoadsNews

September 18, 2010

at Macy's, where it all comes together

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GIVE THE GIFT OF CHOICE...

A Macy’s Gift Card is easy for you and it’s the perfect choice for anyone! Ask your Sales Associate or order by phone: 1-800-45-MACYS. Terms and conditions apply to Gift Cards. Details in store. 26806_6080009A.indd 1

Advertised items may not be at your local Macy’s. Prices and merchandise may differ on macys.com. 6080009. For store locations and hours, log on to macys.com

9/15/10 7:38:39 PM