SCENE
WELLNESS
YOUTH
The overwhelming popularity of the “America I Am” African-American exhibit has led to an extension of its run at the Atlanta Civic Center. 15
When Kaiser Permanente opens its new office in the Artisan Building in downtown Decatur, it will be the company’s fourth office in DeKalb County. 9
Actor and R&B singer Michon Ratliffe had Jenee Douglas ready to swoon during an appearance at McNair High School. 18
Extended showing
Fourth medical office
Copyright © 2009 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
September 19, 2009
Teen serenade
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Volume 15, Number 20
Sheriff ’s weapon returned; alleged thief was already in jail By McKenzie Jackson
The man who broke into De Kalb Sheriff Thomas Brown’s SUV and stole his service revolver is now in jail – the same jail operated by Brown. Sammy Davis White Jr. was arrested on Sept. 15 on charges he stole Brown’s semiautomatic hand gun from his county-owned black Ford Expedition in the parking lot of a Home Depot on Aug. 18. On a tip from “a very credible source,” police arrested White, 22, for breaking and entering an au tomobile and theft by taking in connection with the break-in of
Brown’s car. They didn’t have to go far to nab him because he had been sitting in the county jail since Sept. 8 on unrelated charg es of probation violation, giv ing a false name and information to police, mari juana possession Sammy White Jr. and firearm pos session by a con victed felon. Surveillance video from the Home Depot on Lawrenceville Highway on Aug. 18 showed a man
DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown has gotten back the service revolver that was stolen from his SUV on Aug. 18.
following Brown into the store en trance, turning around and going to the sheriff ’s vehicle where he stole the weapon, a suitcase, Ipod, navigation system and radio. Brown said the crime was not a random act. “He was an inmate at our jail before and had some problems with me before that resulted in him being placed in the disciplin ary part,” Brown said Wednesday. “The theory is he wanted to get back at me.” White, who lives in Decatur, is no stranger to law enforcement. Please see WEAPON, page 3
McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews
Court orders Grady to keep dialysis clinic open
Grady board chair A.D. “Pete” Correll (left) and hospital CEO Michael Young talk with protesters who are against the closure of Grady’s dialysis clinic.
By McKenzie Jackson
The Grady Dialysis Clinic will stay open indefinitely after an injunction from Fulton Court Su perior Court. Judge Ural D. Glanville issued the injunction on Sept 16 to stop the closure that was set for Sept. 20. Advocates and patients peti tioned the court for the temporary restraining order to prevent Grady Memorial Hospital Corp. from closing the dialysis clinic, which treats 96 patients. They resorted to the courts after Grady’s board of directors voted Sept. 14 to only extend the clinic’s license for 60 days. During the emotional and raucous board meeting attended by more than 100 patients and advocates, opponents of the clinic’s closure said the safety net hospital should not close the clinic without a clear plan for what will happen to the patients who get their treat ment there. Dr. Neil Shulman, a longtime Grady physician and advocate,
said dialysis patients who don’t get treatment face death. “This really involves whether some of these people will die in two or three weeks,” he said. Michael Young, Grady’s presi dent and CEO, said he was not trying to kill anyone. “I’m committed to not let any one die,” he said. Dorothy Leone-Glasser, a reg istered nurse and member of the Grady Advocates for Responsible Care, said the group of physicians, medical care providers and dialysis clinic patients filed the restraining order because Grady was pres suring patients to seek treatment elsewhere without giving them a written contract to explain why the dialysis clinic was closing on Sept. 20. “We felt we needed the injunc tion for Grady to keep the dialysis center open so the patients can get their treatment until they are really taken care of and we know that they are going to have complete transi tional care,” she said. Grady spokeswoman Denise Simpson said on Thursday the hos
McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews
Dr. Neil Shulman, a longtime Grady physician and advocate, urges board members to keep the dialysis clinic open.
pital will not comment on anything that is active litigation. The cash-strapped hospital sys tem, which is financially supported by DeKalb and Fulton county tax payers, has been operating in the red for years. It is seeking to cut costs in the face of declining rev enues. It had planned to outsource dialysis services to Fresenius, a private dialysis provider. Patient advocates were opposed to the hos pital’s attempts to relocate dialysis patients who are in the United States illegally. Leone-Glasser said the mostly Hispanic patients are not getting all of the information they need.
“This needs to be in writing,” she said. “Fresenius has a written contract with Grady. The patients deserve to get a written contract with Fresenius and Grady Hospi tal, so they know exactly what day they are supposed to show up, how much dialysis they are getting and when it is going to start.” The restraining order prohibits the hospital from discontinuing treatment to the patients and clos ing the clinic. The hospital must also give all of its dialysis patients written notice in their primary language. Denise Williams, Grady’s senior vice president of operations, told
the board at Monday’s meeting that the 96 dialysis patients included 46 from Fulton or DeKalb counties. She said the hospital has offered to pay for undocumented patients to return to their home countries. “Grady is providing all manner of relocation support to these pa tients including apartment rental, moving costs and airline tickets, “ she said. “We are doing everything to do to assist in their transition and will continue to do so.” Williams says it costs $3 million a year to operate the clinic and that money could pay for 75,000 out patient visits at Grady’s Neighbor hood Health Centers.
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CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
Community
“We have to count everyone because that is how the money is allocated. We need every person in every community within DeKalb to be counted.” Police say these two men robbed the Bank of America on Flat Shoals Parkway on separate occasions in August.
Same bank hit 5 days apart DeKalb police are searching for two separate bandits behind two robberies at the same South DeKalb Bank of America branch five days apart. The men robbed the Bank of America at 4960 Flat Shoals Park way in Decatur the last week in August. Now the police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects. On Aug. 26 at 3:55 p.m., a black man entered the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money. The robber fled after re ceiving an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect is described as 5-foot-6 in height and between 30 and 40 years of age. Surveil lance camera footage shows the man wearing a green shirt, dark sunglasses and a straw hat. On Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. another black man went to the same bank and passed a note to the teller de manding money. The crook fled with an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect is described as 5-foot-9 inches in height and be tween 35 and 45 years of age.
Eyewitness picked suspect from lineup WEAPON,
from page
1
He has had several run-ins with the law since Dec. 12, 2008, when he was arrested for contempt of court. Since then he has been arrested for entering an auto illegally, posses sion of tools in commission of a crime, and probation violation. Brown said White, who is also known as Big Man, recognized his vehicle in the Home Depot park ing lot. He said an eyewitness noticed White coming out of Brown’s vehicle and attempted to follow White, who was driving a Ford F-10 pickup. After the theft made the news, Brown said his gun was placed in a bag and dropped in a mailbox on Hosea Williams Drive in Atlanta on Aug. 21 with a note attached. “[The note] essentially said ‘sorry,’” the sheriff said. White was picked out of a po lice lineup by the eyewitness in the Home Depot parking lot. Brown said he is thankful that he did not come out of the Home Depot while White was still in his car. The sheriff said if he came back any sooner White would have had the drop on him.
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CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
Surveillance footage shows the robber wearing a blue and gray shirt with dark pants and a blue and red baseball cap with the letter “A” on the front. No weapons were used in either robbery and no one was injured. DeKalb Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said Thursday that the police have no leads in the case. Anyone with information or who recognizes either suspect should call the police’s Major Felony Unit at 770-724-7850.
Committee to work for full census count By McKenzie Jackson
DeKalb County government knows the stakes are high for the 2010 census. If the census gets a complete count of residents, the county will get its fair share of federal dollars and representation. To make sure the best count takes place, the county has cre ated the DeKalb County Complete Count Committee. CEO Burrell Ellis announced the creation of the committee at a Sept. 16 press conference. The committee will be led by Commissioner Connie Stokes, who represents Super District 7. Ellis said the group will lead the efforts to ensure that all county residents are counted dur ing the census Connie Stokes period, which begins on April 1, 2010. “DeKalb is ready to meet this responsibility,” Ellis said. “We will take all necessary steps to achieve the maximum count of people in our county.” He said every community has a responsibility to ensure that every man, woman and child of every age, race and ethnic group are included in census counts. With an accurate count, Stokes said DeKalb will be better posi tioned to get its share of more than $400 billion in funds to support vital local services like health care, schools, transportation, social ser vices and law enforcement. “We have to count everyone because that is how the money is allocated,” she said. “We need every
person in every community within DeKalb to be counted.” The census, which is done every 10 years, attempts to count every U.S. resident. State populations de termine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census forms asking the age and number of residents will be mailed to every address in March 2010 and must be returned. In the 2000 census, when 72 to 78 percent of DeKalb residents responded, DeKalb had a popula tion of 665,865. In 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the population had grown to 739,956, an increase 74,091 people. The county’s Complete Count Committee is composed of seven subcommittees whose members are drawn from a cross-section of the community, including business, ed ucational institutions, faith-based and community organizations, and social service providers. The groups will work together to ensure that all of the county’s residents – citizens and non-citi zens – are counted. a’s eric Am rt Sale ho #1 S rvice Se
Stokes said within the next 30 days the group will begin spread ing census information and raising awareness about the upcoming cen sus by contacting local community and neighborhood groups. She said distrust of the govern ment is one of the obstacles to a complete count. “The data is collected only for statistical purposes,” Stokes said. “The individual responses are protected and information cannot be used against a person by any government agency or court.” Ellis said they would like to have a response of at least 80 percent for the 2010 census. “Every citizen should make sure they are present and accounted for,” he said. For more information on the Complete Count Committee, the 2010 Census, or employment op portunities, call Commissioner Connie Stokes’ office at 404-3713053, visit www.conniestokes.org or www.census.gov, or call the U.S. Census Bureau Atlanta Regional Office at 404-730-3832.
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Community
CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
“It’s been eight years now and everybody is so busy doing their normal day-to-day things, that they kind of forget.”
DeKalb firefighters remember comrades in 9/11 attacks 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 McKenzie Jackson Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear-Warren
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By McKenzie Jackson
Eight years ago, 343 firefighters perished in the rubble of al Qaeda’s terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York. Firefighters in DeKalb County haven’t forgotten. On Sept. 11, they remembered the attack that has been seared into the U.S. memory as “9/11.” They raised their hands in salute to their fallen colleagues, and to the 2,752 other people killed when terrorists flew four commercial airliners into the World Trade Center’s twin tow ers, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and into a field in Shanksville, Pa. At 8:45 a.m., the moment when the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, more than 40 recruits and firefighters observed a moment of silence. During the solemn ceremony, emergency alert tones emanated from their department walkietalkies, and recruits raised the U.S., Georgia and DeKalb County flags. Fire Chief David Foster said it’s important to remember the fire fighters who died trying to rescue people in the crumbling World Trade Center buildings. “Unfortunately, I think people start forgetting,” he said. “It’s been eight years now and everybody is so busy doing their normal day-to-day things, that they kind of forget.” The DeKalb ceremony echoed 9/11 ceremonies held across the country Friday. President Barack Obama laid a wreath of white flowers at the Pentagon, where 184 people were Photos by McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews More that 40 DeKalb Fire Rescue recruits and firefighters honored the killed. Obama told the crowd of rela firefighters that died on 9/11.
tives and friends of the victims that no words can ease the ache in their hearts. “Nearly 3,000 days have passed, almost one for each one who has been taken from us,” he said. As bells tolled, family members and friends of the victims read their names in a solemn roll call at the site of the former World Trade Center. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised the newly es tablished Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. “From this day forward, we will guard the memories of those who died by rekindling the spirit of service that helps keep us strong,” he said. In Shanksville, former Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered the keynote address at the site where the 40 passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 died after fighting with terrorists over control of the aircraft. “In the face of fear, they found the courage of attack,” he said.
Quick Read
Same bank hit 5 days apart 3 Computer classes at library Demise of public housing a 8 threat to communities 16 DeKalb police are searching for two branches separate bandits behind two robberies at the same South DeKalb Bank of America branch five days apart.
Adults can learn how to use library online resources and how to navigate Microsoft Word 2007 at two branches this week.
The decision to close public housing projects and migrate its residents into mixed income communities has proven to be a gigantic failure.
Judge to sit on Supreme Court Flu shots available at festival 9 for a day 5 Stonecrest hosting annual Adults and children can get flu shots 18 DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gregory at Riland Educational Corp.’s Community college fair Adams will be a Supreme Court Justice for a day on Sept. 21.
Health and Arts Festival on Sept. 26 at Milam Park in Clarkston.
The PROBE College Fair will be at the Mall at Stonecrest on Sept. 24 with more than 100 colleges and universities.
Support group offers diabetics TV co-anchor to be honored 11 28 categories in bill for for work with Juvenile Court 5 information, resources Diabetics can find camaraderie, help bullying probe Fox 5 News co-anchor Amanda Davis will be honored Sept. 24 by the DeKalb County Juvenile Court for her work with foster care children.
First-time unemployment claims drop
and friendship at a Diabetes Support Group that meets monthly at the DeKalb County Cooperative Extension Office.
African-American exhibit 6 extended to Sept. 27
The number of people filing first-time unemployment insurance claims in DeKalb County dropped in August. It was the first decline since January.
19
The DeKalb School System’s $389,161.81 tab for the bullying investigation did not all go to Judge Thelma Wyatt Moore.
Single life eyed from biblical 15 view 21
“America I AM: The African American Imprint,” the exhibit showcasing nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to U.S. history, is held over through Sept. 27.
Single adults can “Take a Look Within” at a Sept. 25-26 Singles Conference hosted by Elder Dane Cunningham, CEO of Embrace Relationships Seminars Inc.
index to advertisers Circulation Audited By
Ardyss International........................................23 Atlanta Family Fun Centers............................. 15 BJH Attorneys & Counselors at Law..................8 CDC Federal Credit Union................................ 6 Club Z In-Home Tutoring Services.................. 19 CrossRoadsNews, Inc...................................... 17 DeKalb Co. Dept. of Watershed Mgmt. . ..........5 DeKalb Co. Schools-Parent Resource Ctr. ...... 18 Delicious Blooms............................................23 E. L. Bouie Traditional Theme School.............23
Ella’s Caring Hands Adult Day Care................23 Embrace Relationship Seminars, Inc............... 21 First African Presbyterian Church.................... 21 Friends of Larry Johnson................................. 9 Friends of Stephanie Stuckey- Benfield............8 Jay’s Lawn Service...........................................23 Just Decks........................................................ 14 Kool Smiles Children & Adult Dentistry............11 Les Kemp / Allstate...........................................5 M&J Package Store.........................................23
Malcolm Cunningham Ford............................24 MARTA..............................................................5 National Ass’n of Minority Contractors........... 15 Newburn Reynolds Photography....................23 Oakhurst Medical Centers Inc......................... 12 Pretty Faces By Kimberly................................23 Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia.....................10 ReMax of Buckhead..........................................3 Rowe & Rowe, LLC.......................................... 6
South DeKalb Business Association..................7 Southeastern Primary Care Consortium Inc.....11 Steps to a Healthier DeKalb............................ 13 Sump’em Good Catering Company................ 14 Sylvester Ayaeze/Solid Source Realty................5 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas......................23 The Mall at Stonecrest......................................2 The Small Business Center.............................. 19 Wright, James & Boston P.C..............................3
September 19, 2009
Community
5
CrossRoadsNews
“We want the residents of District 4 to continue to work together to improve the environment for sustainable neighborhoods.”
Judge to sit on Supreme Court for a day DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams will be a Supreme Court Justice for a day on Sept. 21. Adams will “serve by des ig nation” on the Georgia Su preme Cour t and be among Gregory Adams the justices hear ing the case Hall, Warden v. Lance, S09A1536. The 10 a.m. session will hear the Jackson County case in which the state is appealing a lower court’s ruling that threw out the death sentence given to Donnie Lance for the murder of his ex-wife and her boyfriend. On Nov. 9, 1997, Sabrina “Joy” Lance and Dwight “Butch” Wood were found dead in Wood’s trailer home. According to evidence presented at trial, Wood was shot
twice with a shotgun and Joy Lance, Donnie Lance’s ex-wife, died from repeated blows to her head. Investigators found imprints from “Diehard” work shoes on Wood’s trailer door. A box with Diehard work shoes – the same size and style as the imprints on Wood’s door – was found in Lance’s shop, along with an unspent shotgun shell that matched the ammunition used to kill Wood. At trial, the state presented evidence that Lance had a five-year history of violence against his wife, including cutting her with a knife and beating her with his fist, a belt and a handgun. One incident re sulted in her hospitalization. The jury convicted Lance of two counts of malice murder, and in 1999, he was sentenced to death. In February 2002, the Georgia Supreme Court upheld his convic tions and sentences. In 2003, Lance filed a petition
for a writ of habeas corpus, a civil proceeding that gives already con victed prisoners another chance to challenge their case in court in the county where they’re imprisoned. In April of this year, the habeas judge overturned Lance’s death sentence, finding that his trial at torney had provided “ineffective assistance of counsel” during the penalty phase of his trial. The at torney general, representing the state, now appeals to the state’s high court. Adams made history in 2004 when he became the first judicial candidate in an open race, to be elected unopposed to the DeKalb Superior Court. He joined the Su perior Court bench in 2005 after nine years as DeKalb’s Juvenile Court Judge.
Get over $8,000
On Any Home Purchase on or before November 30, 2009. Call Sylvester @ 404-216-2247 or e-mail ayaeze-ae@msn.com for details.
Health care reform, voting, census on meeting agenda Health care reform is taxpayers and their health on the agenda for state care choices. Participants Rep. Rahn Mayo’s Sept. will also hear about the 29 community meeting goals of President Obama’s at Java Delight Café in administration and details Decatur. of his health care plan. The Charity Woods from meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Health Care for America The League of Women Now and Dr. Ayna Her Rahn Mayo Voters will discuss voter bert, a DeKalb Medical registration and impor emergency medicine physician, tance of a complete count in the will give an inside look at the chal 2010 census. lenges in the current health care Java Delight Café is at 4153 Flat system. The discussion will center Shoals Parkway. For more informa on health care reform’s effects on tion, call 404-656-6372.
TV co-anchor to be honored for work with Juvenile Court Fox 5 News co-anchor Amanda Davis will be honored Sept. 24 by the DeKalb County Juvenile Court for her work with foster care chil dren. D av i s , a n E m my - aw a r d winning an nouncer, an chors the televi sion station’s 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. broadcast. She Amanda Davis profiles children in the state’s foster care system in her weekly “Wednesday’s Child” program. She will be among 400 volun teers recognized at the Juvenile Court’s Child Advocate Network’s annual Volunteer Ceremony at the
Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. Davis will also be the event’s guest speaker. Chief Judge Desiree Sutton Pea gler said volunteers with the court’s Citizen Panel Review Program, Court Appointed Special Advo cates, Youth Diversion Program, Community Service Program and the Youth Achievement Program will be honored for their service. Together the 400 honorees have given more than 30,000 hours of service annually on behalf of the children served by DeKalb Juvenile Court. The Manual Maloof Audito rium is at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur. For more information, call Phyllis Douglas at 404-297-2777.
Cleanup day set near park help build safe, clean and Individuals and groups stronger communities. will be cleaning up the “We want the resi roadways near Stone dents of District 4 to con Mountain’s Wade Walker tinue to work together to Park on Sept. 26. improve the environment The District 4 Com for sustainable neighbor munity Clean-Up and Re hoods,” she said. cycling Day is sponsored The clean up starts at by DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Sutton 8:30 a.m. Sharon Barnes Sutton. Wade Walker Park is at 5585 Sutton said she is just trying to beautify the district’s streets and Rockbridge Road in Stone Moun neighborhoods, helping instill tain. For more information or to community pride and encourag register, email sbsutton@co.dekalb. ing neighbors to work together to ga.us or call 404-371-4907.
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY MARTA greatly appreciates the ongoing support of our customers, stakeholders, employees, regional partners and the general public during this difficult economic time. MARTA, like so many other private and public sector companies, continues to face financial challenges. We are making it through Fiscal Year 2010 only because of significant funding made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the help of our regional partners. Unless the President and Congress decide differently, we will not have those funds available to us in the future. We hope to secure additional funding to avoid further fare increases and service modifications next fiscal year. We need you to help us carry our request for assistance to state lawmakers, regional and local decision makers.
On October 1st, we will be raising our fares. A ONE-WAY TRIP will cost $2.00. We will need to secure additional funding to avoid further fare increases and service modifications next fiscal year. Please visit www.itsmarta.com to see details on all fare changes. We are honored to serve you and hope we can count on your support in the future. Thank you for being a valued customer.
404-848-5000
TTY: 404-848-5665
Accessible Format: 404-848-4037
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CrossRoadsNews
Finance
September 19, 2009
“The best way to slow the spread of the disease is keep sick people away from well people.”
Deadline approaching to take advantage of homebuyer tax credit Time is running out for firsttime homebuyers who want to tap into $8,000 tax credit for new homes purchased this year. Eligible buyers must purchase a home by Nov. 30 to get the credit that is good on a principal residence valued at up to $80,000. The IRS defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married tax payers, the three-year ownership rule also applies to both spouses.
For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the firsttime homebuyer tax credit. The credit from the American Recovery and Reinvestment or Stimulus Act applies to a principal residence purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009. It is good only if you make up to $75,000 as an individual, or $150,000 if you’re filing a joint return with a spouse.
The credit cannot be used for vacation homes and rental prop erty. The IRS says the credit can re duce your tax bill or increase your refund, and it will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed. The credit does not have to be repaid if you stay in the house for at least three years. First-time homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009 can claim the credit on their 2009 taxes. For
more information, visit http://www. qualify for the full tax credit. irs.gov. or www.federalhousingtax n Any home used as a principal credit.com/2009/home.html residence qualifies for the credit, including single-family homes, Tax credit at a glance townhouses and condominiums, n The tax credit is equal to 10 per mobile homes, and houseboats. cent of the home’s purchase price You cannot purchase a home from up to a maximum of $8,000. your parents, grandparents, etc., n It is available for homes pur your lineal descendants – chil chased on or after January 1, 2009 dren, grandchildren, etc. – or your and before December 1, 2009. spouse. nIt does not have to be repaid. The credit is also good on n Single taxpayers with incomes houses you built, as long as the up to $75,000 and married couples date of first occupancy is after Jan. with incomes up to $150,000 1, 2009.
First-time jobless claims drop Guide offers tips for dealing with flu season The number of people filing first-time unemployment insur ance claims in DeKalb County dropped in August. It was the first decline since January. In August, 4,756 unemployed workers filed first-time claims with the Georgia Labor Depart ment, a 14.6 percent decrease than the 5,570 claims filed in July. Statewide, the first-time claims decreased 25.7 percent or 69,856. In July, 93,988 people filed initial claims. Labor Commissioner Mi chael Thurmond said that while the August numbers were higher than a year ago, they were lowest increase since January 2008. He said the pace of new layoffs is decelerating. “However, a rising number of laid-off workers are remaining unemployed longer,” he said.
The number of jobless work ers receiving state benefits rose 79.6 percent over the year, from 80,150 in August 2008 to 143,942 in August 2009. According to the labor de partment, 148,000 claimants are receiving federally funded extended benefits, bringing the total number of UI beneficiaries to 291,942. The average length of time that jobless Georgia workers drew benefits increased from 11.6 weeks in August of 2008 to 13.7 weeks in August of 2009. A majority of the initial claims were filed by laid-off workers in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, construction, and administrative and support ser vices. For more information, visit www.dol.state.ga.us.
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Small business owners now have their own guide to help them battle a H1N1 flu outbreak this fall. Karen Mills, the Small Business Administration administrator, and Janet Napolitano, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary unveiled “Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Business” on Monday. The 11-page preparedness guide, authored by the Department of Homeland Security, Centers for Disease Control and Small Busi ness Administration, is designed to assist small businesses in planning for the possibility of an H1N1 flu outbreak. The new influeza virus spreads quickly because most people do have immunity to it. A vaccination, that is in devel opment, is expected to be available in October. The virus is spread through coughing or sneezing or by touch ing something with the virus and touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Children younger than five years old, pregnant women, adults and children with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease and weak immune system, residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities, and people, 65 years and older. Small businesses, who have 10 or less employees are especially susceptible to the negative eco nomic impact of a flu pandemic. The Institute of Business and Home Safety estimates that 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster. The SBA says that planning can help business owners offset losses and protect their business and em ployees when the flu hits.
Karen Mills
Janet Napolitano
The H1N1 guide for small businesses encourages people to wash their hands or use sanitizer frequently and to cough or sneeze into a tissue or shirt sleeve.
Preparation will help busi nesses minimize disruption protect employees’ health and safety and limit negative impact on the com munity’s economy. Mills said that for countless small business owners, having even one or two employees out for a few days has the potential to negatively impact operations and their bot tom line. “A thoughtful plan will help keep employees and their families healthy, as well as protect small
Let’s face it, in today’s economy everyone is looking for ways to make their money stretch just a little bit more. Car payments can take a big bite out of your budget, especially in Atlanta where auto loan rates can run as high as 10% or more. When you consider the fluctuating gas prices, your car can cost much more to own and operate than your budget can comfortably afford. The good news is that CDC Federal Credit Union can help. We are so confident that we can lower your monthly payment by lowering the rate or extending the term of the loan that if we fail, we will give you $50 in gas just for allowing us to try! Either way, it’s money in your pocket. *Applicant must show written verification of current auto loan terms. Existing CDC FCU loans are not eligible for refinancing; offer is valid on loans financed through another financial institution. In order to collect the $50 incentive, the member must qualify for loan based on an assessment of individual creditworthiness and our underwriting standards. Terms and conditions are subject to change without further notice.
We Do Business In Accordance With The Federal Fair Housing Law And The Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
businesses and local economies,” she said. Since the outbreak of the virus in April, more than 147 Georgians have been confirmed with the illness. Statewide, the virus, also known as swine flu, has killed four people. Nationwide, it has sickened 7,983 people and killed 541. The CDC recommends that sick peopele stay home and away from the workplace. “The best way to slow the spread of the disease is keep sick people away from well people,” the CDC says. “If sick people come to work, they may infect other work ers, and this has the potenetial to lead to a high rate of absenteeism in the workplace.” The “Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza” guide offers small busi ness owners and employees seven recommendations on writing a preparedness plan, including iden tifying a workplace coordinator, determining who will be respon sible for assisting, establishing an emergency communications plan and preparing business continuity plans. The suggestions include exam ining policies for leave, telework and employee compensation; iden tifying essential employees, essential business functions and other criti cal inputs; and sharing pandemic plans with employees and clearly communicating expectations. The guide also offers 10 tips to help protect the health of employees and eight tips for individuals to protect their health and the wellbeing of those around them. In the foreword of the guide, Napolitano says that small business leaders are a valuable partner in the country’s defense against natural and man-made threats. “Preparedness is the best meth od to defend against the impacts of all threats and all hazards, including public health threats,” she said. Napolitano said small busi nesses are often the backbone of private sector industries and their local communities. “With this in mind, we must partner to ensure the wheels of the nation’s economy continue to turn, even if faced with absentee ism, restricted services and supply chain disruptions,” she said. “If prepared, small businesses can keep their doors open and our na tion’s economic health and security resilient. “ To download the booklet, visit http://www.flu.gov/professional/ business/smallbiz.pdf. For infor mation on the H1N1 virus, visit www,flu.gov. To prepare a business continuity plan, visit www.ready. gov/business/.
S D B A
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CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
South DeKalb
Business Association Commercial prosperity & Quality of life...
&
Save money. Live better.
Are Proud to Spotlight Businesses in Our Community Ma r y To r r e n c e Mary Torrence Consulting P. O. Box 368 Tucker, Georgia 30084 404-513-1645 Office 770-804-2014 Fax mtorrence7@aol.com
Mary Torrence is an independent marketing consultant with more than 20 years of experience in the Marketing/Advertising Industry. She has worked in the areas of strategic planning, media buying and public relations with small businesses, non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 companies. Mary Torrence develops custom marketing solutions that are designed to fit the unique needs and budgets of her clients. Mary Torrence is known for her business leadership and her track record of successful campaigns.
Mary Torrence Owner
L o r e tta C a r r Wa s h in g ton LCW Engineering, Inc.
Loretta Carr Washington, Owner
Loretta C arr Washington, P.E., is President & CEO, of LCW Engineering, Inc. She is a licensed professional engineer with over 23 years of progressive and responsible c ivil engineering design and management experience. LCW Engineering, Inc. was established in August 2004 as a consulting firm that prides it on providing civil engineering services for the design of roadways, water/sewer, transit and site design. LCW is an S-Corporation providing our clients with the design and construction plans for public works infrastructure projects. Loretta Carr Washington of LCW Engineering, Inc. is one of only a few African American woman owned civil engineering firms in the country.
South DeKalb Business Park 4260 Clausell Court, Suite 103 Decatur, Georgia 30035 Ph. 404.917.1231 Fax 404.917.1232 lwashington@lcwengineeringinc.com
S h e ld o n F le m in g 3145 Rainbow Drive Decatur, Georgia 30034 404-286-6163 Office sfleming@wonderlandgardens.org www.wonderlandgardens.org
Wonderland Gardens Sheldon Fleming is the co-founder and executive director of Wonderland Gardens. Wonderland Gardens is a nonprofit organization that is a sustainable year-round green space destination, which offers individual and group gardening, nature walks and fresh vegetables and fruits for public viewing and consumption. The components of Wonderland Garden's includes: community gardens, a cooperative gardening program, an outdoor classroom, a storytelling area, Life Skills seminars, a Wondertrail, lectures and workshops sessions. Sheldon Fleming is an agricultural scholar, a Master Gardner and a longtime inspiration for “green” in South DeKalb.
Sheldon Fleming Founder/Executive Director
L o y le n e J e ffe r s o n -Sh aw Sensational Gifts Agency
Loylene Jefferson-Shaw President
LoyLene Jefferson-Shaw saw the vision of starting her business i n 1991. After working several years in television production and sales, she desired to create her own Advertising S pecialty business. Her first clients were Kraft Foods, Inc., H.J. Russell & Company, Premier Electric & Supply Company and others who helped to empower her company. Sensational Gifts, Ltd. is a advertising promotional marketing firm providing products and programs to stimulate sales, motivate employees and strengthen corporate identity. Sensational Gifts, Ltd.’s, mission is to enhance and develop the image of its clients by placing their Brand / Image on the mind of others and to constantly surpass their customer ’s expectations
4980 Lawrenceville Hwy NW Lilburn, GA 30047-4912 (770) 638-0218 404-642-8168 cell 770-638-0218 office 770-638-5046 fax sensationalgifts@bellsouth.net
D e lp h y n e L o m a x V & L Research and Consulting, Inc. 8075 Mall Pkwy, Suite 101-102 Lithonia, Georgia 30038 770-484-5889 office 404-218-8413 cell 770-484-5863 fax vlresearch@mindspring.com www.vlresearch.com
Delphyne L. Lomax is the Principal for V & L Research and Consulting, Inc. The firm offers over 45 years of experience in the market research industry and consulting. Under her leadership, the consulting firm has been recognized and awarded for its commitment to the highest standards for informati on collection, data processing, and analysis and report generation. V & L Research and Consulting offers solutions through the delivery of accurate, timely and cost efficient information clients need to make decisions. Delphyne L. Lomax is a noted business leader who works with clients to develop results driven strategies on serving customers more efficiently and profitably.
Delphyne Lomax Principal
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Finance
CrossRoadsNews
“It is going to take the business community working on one accord to encourage elected officials to make difficult decisions.”
Time to incorporate when risk of loss exists There’s a middle ground you guys can reach, but it’s going to take some time and effort. Most of all it means the two of you are going to have to work together! - Dave
Dear Dave, I started a small business a few years ago. Since then, it’s grown larger than I anticipated. When should you change from a sole proprietorship to something else? – Mike Dear Mike, I would incorporate the business into a Sub-S Corp when it becomes large enough that liability and lawsuits are a concern, especially if you’re in a business that is litigious in nature. I ran my company as a sole proprietorship for a few years, but once we grew to 20 or 30 team members and saw the potential for bad things to happen, we changed to a Sub-S. Incorporating is also a good idea if you’re worried about protecting your personal assets. If you’re worth a few million and decide to open a business, the last thing you want is for somebody to sue you and take all your money because they fell down on your property and bumped their head. You can keep that from happening by standing behind what lawyers call “the corporate veil.” Make sure you’ve got liability insurance and good basic business insurance in place, too. A corporate veil is always a good idea once you’ve got some wealth or your company starts to generate a lot of money! – Dave
Deeper problem at work Dear Dave, My husband and I are not on the same page when it comes to money and our three teenage daughters. I think they should learn to work and make some money, but he doesn’t care if they work or not. Plus, he insists on regularly buying them big-ticket items they don’t deserve like cameras and fancy phones. What can I do about this? – Susan
Dear Susan, You’re right about one thing.
I’m on the radio every day giving financial advice to people, but I don’t grab them by the throats and make them listen. I encounter or hear about people doing dumb things all the time, and in most cases I mind my own business. Kids should learn to work and make money at an early age. I’ve given nice gifts to my kids, but the difference is that they work and make money for themselves, too. The nice gifts I gave them were for special occasions. Showering them with expensive toys all the time was not our way of life. In this situation, your husband is allowing them to be nothing but consumers. They’re not learning how to work, and they’re not learning how to save or give. This is setting them up for a lifetime of unrealistic expectations, and it’s a really bad plan. If nothing changes you’re going to end up with kids who think they’re princesses. They’ll believe the entire world revolves around them, and the poor guys who marry them will spend the rest of their lives trying to keep three spoiled little girls happy. Still, I think the biggest problem here is that you and your husband are experiencing a marital breakdown. If the kids were taken out of the picture, the same problems would still be there. The difference is that they would manifest themselves in other ways. He needs to stop being so impulsive, but maybe you could lighten up a little and try to establish some guidelines as to when gifts are appropriate.
Folks may not want advice Dear Dave, I’m worried about my parents and their finances. They’re both in their fifties, and they’re not being very responsible with their money. I’m especially concerned about what this could mean when they reach old age. Do you have any advice on how I could help them manage things better? – Corey
Dear Corey, It sounds like you may have already run into what I call “Powdered Butt Syndrome.” Once someone has powdered your butt, they really don’t want your advice on anything. Sometimes parents will grow to the point where they respect and even seek counsel from their children. But the reality is that most adults simply don’t want unsolicited advice. I’m on the radio every day giving financial advice to people, but I don’t grab them by the throats and make them listen. I encounter or hear about people doing dumb things all the time, and in most cases I mind my own business. Now, it’s a different story if someone asks for my opinion. At that point, I’m obligated to tell them what I think. But if the person I’m worried about is a good friend or member of the family, I’ll try to put myself in a position where they might ask for advice. One good idea could be to tell them your story. You could describe your past problems, how you fixed them, and how much easier and secure things are now. Sometimes, when you approach a person with this kind of spirit, it becomes easier for them to get into subjects they ordinarily wouldn’t talk about. – Dave
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September 19, 2009
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Computer classes at libraries Adults can learn how to use their local library’s online resources and how to navigate Microsoft Word 2007 Basics I & II at two branches this week. During the Sept. 22 Online Open House at the Clarkston Library, patrons can learn to use AutoRepair Reference Center, locate articles in Consumer Reports and other magazines. and get a brief introduction to Galileo, “Georgia’s Virtual Library.” The 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. clas will be at the library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information, call 404-508-7175. On Sept. 23, the Decatur Library will offer a class in creating, editing and saving simple documents and cutting, pasting, and using other special features of Microsoft Word.
The two-part class will take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mouse and typing skills are required. Class size is limited and registration is encouraged. To register, call 404-370-8450, ext. 2259. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. Free computer classes are also available at the: n Cyber Center, Wesley Chapel UMC Church Administrative Building, Room 101, 2828 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur, GA 30034. Call 404-289-7011. n DeKalb Workforce, 320 Church St., Decatur, GA 30030. Call 404687-3400. n Goodwill of North Georgia – Decatur Career Center, 1295 Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA 30032. Call 404-728-8605.
Chamber launches fund drive Tad Leithead, the The DeKalb Chamchamber’s development ber of Commerce is director, said business trying to raise $100,000 leaders need to get inwith its “Return of the volved in their local Chamber: Breaking Tochamber to help address morrow’s Barriers” camthe three major issues paign. threatening economic It launched the 12week initiative on Sept. Leonardo McClarty prosperity: water, education and transportation. 1 to address economic “It is going to take the business issues in DeKalb and to help raise community working on one acthe chamber’s profile. Chamber president Leonardo cord to encourage elected officials McClarty said the county is a to make difficult yet much-needed major player in the Atlanta region decisions,” he said. During the initiative, corporate and that issues facing the DeKalb business community impact areas volunteers are working to attract new chamber members, generate outside the county. “For us to begin addressing event and program sponsorships, the real issues that face our com- and raise the awareness of the munity, we must have committed chamber across the region. For more information, visit and dedicated supporters who know and understand the true www.dekalbchamber.org or call value of a strong and well-funded Jackie O. Ginn at 404-378-8000, ext. 225. Chamber,” he said.
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CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
Health & Wellness
www.crossroadsnews.com
Workers are renovating space in the Artisan Building in downtown Decatur to house Kaiser Permanente’s fourth medical office in DeKalb County.
McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews
Downtown Decatur office to be Kaiser Permanente’s 4th in DeKalb Kaiser Permanente of Georgia will open its fourth location in DeKalb County by the end of 2009. The nonprofit HMO is spending $1.8 million on interior construction, furniture, equipment and technology upgrades to open a new medical office in downtown Decatur at the corner of Ponce De Leon Avenue and Commerce Drive.
“The property is an They are renovating excellent growth location 5,442 square feet in the that will allow us to betArtisan Building at 201 W. ter serve members from Ponce De Leon Ave. some of our key employer Peter Andruszkiewicz, groups such as the DeKalb president of Kaiser PerCounty government and manente of Georgia, said city of Decatur,” he said. the new medical center in Kaiser Permanente downtown Decatur would P. Andruszkiewicz provide more convenience and ac- already operates centers on Panola Road and Mall Parkway in Lithonia cess to Kaiser members.
DeKalb Medical lands award for quality DeKalb Medical at North Decatur picked up a Presidential level award on the Partnership for Health and Accountability Quality Honor Roll on Sept. 4. The honor, given by the Georgia Hospital Association, places the hospital among top health systems statewide for providing the most effective methods of treatment for cardiac patients and patients diagnosed with pneumonia. Eric Norwood, the hospital’s CEO, said
DeKalb Medical has emerged at the top level of several regional and national quality rankings. “We are gratified to receive this kind of recognition for our quality,” he said. To nab the award, DeKalb Medical maintained a score of at least 93 percent on clinical data collected by the Federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services, which administers the country’s Medicare Eric Norwood and Medicaid Programs.
and the Crescent Center in Tucker. It has 15 other locations in its 28-county metro Atlanta area. The Decatur Center will bring to $32.2 million its investment in medical offices in DeKalb County. When remodeling is complete, the medical office will include exam and procedure rooms, a laboratory, a pharmacy and basic radiology services. On Wednesday, construc-
tion workers were installing pipes and beams on the first floor of the Artisan Building, where Kaiser Permanente will occupy Suite A. The new center will increase Kaiser’s DeKalb workforce to 280 employees. Physicians from the Southeast Permanente Medical Group will offer internal medicine and pediatrics for Kaiser Permanente members.
Flu shots available at festival Adults and children can get flu shots at Riland Educational Corp.’s Community Health and Arts Festival on Sept. 26 at Milam Park in Clarkston. The Stone Mountain-based nonprofit is hosting the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. festival to help educate residents about taking care of their health. Representatives from the DeKalb Board of Health will
provide flu shots for $25. Local doctors will offer free blood pressure screenings and there will be food and activities for youth. A number of companies will exhibit their goods and services. Admission is free. Milam Park is at 3867 Norman Road in Clarkston. For more information, visit www.rilandcorp. com or call 404-433-0987.
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CrossRoadsNews
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September 19, 2009
Wellness
11
CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
“Some people just think they should look at sugar, but they should be looking at the total carbohydrates in a food item. Diabetics and their families learned about healthy eating habits that can help them cope with the disease at a recent Diabetes Support Group meeting.
Photos by McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews
Support group offers diabetics information, resources, camaraderie By McKenzie Jackson
Diabetics don’t have to battle their disease alone. They can find camaraderie, help and friendship at a Diabetes Support Group that meets monthly at the DeKalb County Cooperative Extension Office. The group meets the fourth Tuesday monthly except in November and December. Members and their family members learn to manage their illness, participate in healthy cooking and meal planning demonstrations, get exercise tips for diabetics. They also listen to presenters discussing medical and other issues that affect them and get the
latest information on battling their chronic illness. At its Sept. 22 meeting, the group will discuss “Foot Care and Diabetes.” The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Jessica Hill, the Cooperative Extension director, and Felicia Marable-Williams, the Family and Consumer Sciences agent, will lead the discussion on the threat diabetes presents to the feet and legs of diabetics. Without proper care, MarableWilliams said, diabetics can lose feeling in their lower extremities. “Diabetics need to check for discoloration and make sure there is feeling because too much sugar can cut that off,” she said. “It’s quite serious. I don’t think people real-
ize how serious it is. It can lead to amputation.” The September meeting is the ninth Diabetes Support Group meeting hosted this year by Cooperative Extension. Other meetings have discussed topics like “Living With Diabetes,” ‘Healthy Meal Planning,” “Diabetes and Eye Care,” and “Stress and Diabetes.” Marable-Williams said that the Cooperative Extension Service, a department in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, started the support group in 2007 because of the county’s high rate of diabetes. In DeKalb, 37,000 people are diabetics, one of the highest in the state. The lifelong disease, which is
marked by high levels of sugar in blood, leads to fatigue, blurred vision, hypertension, stroke, peripheral vascular and heart diseases, and erectile dysfunction in men. The Diabetes Support Group attracts 10 to 20 diabetics and friends and family members monthly. Marable-Williams said participants get an education at each session. “We have different topics about diabetes. We discuss whether it is eyes or foot care or controlling the intake of certain foods and carbohydrates,” she said. “We also have various guest speakers and handouts for them to take.” Marable-Williams said they show participants healthy ways
to cook and teach them to count carbohydrates. “Some people just think they should look at sugar,” she said, “but they should be looking at the total carbohydrates in a food item as well as the sodium.” Marable-Williams said participants are also encouraged to talk to their doctor and ask questions. “The support group makes them feel more comfortable being around others who have what they have, and they are able to ask questions and be in an environment that is welcoming.” The DeKalb Cooperative Extension Service is at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-298-4080.
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CrossRoadsNews
Wellness
September 19, 2009
“The survey results reinforce the need for regular eye exams as kids’ eyes continue to change and adapt.”
Regular eye exams encouraged for youth One in five youths ages 12 to 17 have difficulty seeing the classroom chalkboard, a new study finds. The study by VSP Vision Care and Prevent Blindness America, which surveyed nearly 1,500 participants, also found that more than one in four youths complain of headaches. Gary Brooks, VSP Vision Care president, said that is why regular eye exams are so important as children progress in school. “Most parents probably assume once a prescription is given, there isn’t a need for further follow up,” she said. “However, the survey results reinforce the need for regular eye exams as kids’ eyes continue to
change and adapt.” The survey also found that: n Almost two-thirds (66 percent) of children under the age of six have never had an eye exam by an eye doctor. n One in four kids, ages 6 to 11 yearsold, wears prescription glasses. n The prevalence of common eye conditions, as reported by parents, increases with the child’s age. Nationally, the most common vision problem in older children is nearsightedness, also called myopia. Children with the condition can see close objects clearly, but objects farther away, like a chalkboard, appear blurred. Prevent Blindness Georgia, an
Johnson happy that public option still has support Fourth District Congressman Hank Johnson says he is pleased that President Barack Obama did not back down from his commitment to a robust public option as a part of his health insurance reform legislation. “All of us can agree that health care costs are spiraling out of control, and that something needs to be done to rein that in,” Johnson said in a statement after Obama’s address to the joint session of Congress on Sept. 9. Johnson said the public option is the logical way to provide coverage to 47 million Americans
who don’t have coverage today. “It would bring costs down, create competition and get the insurance company bureaucrats out of the patient-doctor relationship,” he said. Johnson, who lives in Lithonia, represents portions of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties. He said that H.R. 3200 as proposed is a good plan, but it doesn’t have to be the only way to attain fundamental reform. “One thing we know is that the status quo is unacceptable,” he said.
affiliate of the national organization, recommends all children have their vision checked at infancy and regularly throughout childhood. If a child fails a vision screening, or if there is any concern that might indicate an eye or vision problem, the child should be referred for a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The combination of primary care doctor eye evaluations and vision screenings with a referral for a complete eye exam by an eye doctor is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Health fair in Stone Mountain Adults and children can join a brisk walk and then get flu shots and health screenings at the Sept. 26 Health Fair and Wellness Walk in the village of Stone Mountain. Mayoral candidate and city councilwoman Beverly Jones is hosting the event at the Baptist Pavillion, 5325 Manor Drive in Stone Mountain. Registration for walkers begins at 8:30 a.m. The health fair starts at 10 a.m. There will also be fitness demonstrations, massages, children’s activities, food and entertainment. For more information, call Beverly Jones at 678-886-6247.
“As the cases of novel H1N1, or swine flu, continue to circulate in our community this fall, it is important to prepare now for the effects that higher-than-normal absenteeism rates will have on our daily lives.” Dr. Pat. O’Neal
Prepare, plan and stay informed about the flu Throughout September, designated National Preparedness Month, the Georgia Department of Community Health) is encouraging Georgians to take action and be prepared to slow the spread of the seasonal flu and novel influenza A (H1N1) viruses in their communities. As cases of novel H1N1, or swine flu, continue to circulate in our communities this fall, it is important to prepare now for the effects that higher-than-normal absenteeism rates will have on our daily lives. While the severity and symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are similar to the seasonal flu, we anticipate an increase in the number of novel H1N1 flu cases because very few people have immunity to this virus. Combine those numbers with the Georgians who will be affected by the seasonal flu and you have a very busy flu season. Rolling up your sleeve and arming yourself against the flu viruses is as simple as following
these three key steps:
n Prepare for an increase in the
number of individuals affected by the seasonal flu and novel H1N1 in schools and across businesses. n Plan what to do if you, your loved ones or co-workers get sick and have to stay home. Make contingency plans now for your home and work place needs in the event that you or your family members become ill. n Stay informed: Stay connected with a trusted source for up-todate information on seasonal flu and novel H1N1. We cannot stop an influenza pandemic, but we may limit spread of the disease through early detection and a well-planned response. For more information visit, www.dch.georgia.gov/rollupyoursleeve or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GADCH. Dr. Pat O’Neal is director of Georgia Department of Community Health’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Providing quality, affordable, culturally sensitive healthcare to the residents of DeKalb County for 30 years. TWO LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVEYOU!
Oakhurst Medical Centers, Inc. is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO)
September 19, 2009
CrossRoadsNews
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CrossRoadsNews
Scene
September 19, 2009
The free movie kicks off “Let’s Go to the Movies,” hosted by the Friends of the Lithonia Parks and sponsored by the the Lithonia business community. Ice Cube (left) nad Keke Palmer star in “The Longshots,” about a former football star turned coach and his unlikely star quarterback.
Aussie guitarist to perform One of the most talented guitar players from Down Under will be performing Sept. 24 at the Decatur Library in downtown Decatur. Australian musician Geoff Achison will perform a mix of gutsy original tunes, improvised jams and dynamic new arrangements of blues and soul classics from his new album, “One Ticket, One Ride,” at 7 p.m. in the library’s auditorium. Achison, who hails from rural Australia, gets his inspiration from great blues and R&B music of yesteryear. He is known worldwide for his blues/funk-style music and has released 18 albums since 1990. He has performed throughout the United States, United Kingdom and his home country on solo tours and with the groups Classically Blue and the Dutch Tilders. Achison has also won more than 20 awards and honors, including being voted the “Top Ten Hott e s t Ne w Guitarists” by Guitar Player Magazine. His performance is sponsored by the Friends of the Decatur Library. Admission is free. The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, call 404-370-3070. Geoff Achison is known worldwide for his blues/funk-style music and has performed throughout the United States, United Kingdom and his home country.
Movie screening at Lithonia Amphitheatre “The Longshots,” starring Ice Cube, Tasha Smith and Keke Palmer, will be screened Sept. 19 at the Lithonia Stewart Amphitheater. The free movie kicks off “Let’s Go to the Movies,” hosted by the Friends of the Lithonia Parks and sponsored by the the Lithonia business community. “The Longshots,” which was released August 2008, is based on a true story of a poor Illinois town that came together behind the Minden Browns, their local
football team and their unlikely quarterback, Jasmine Plummer, played by Keke Palmer, who made a name for herself in “Akeelah and Bee.” Jasmine was the first and only female to play in the team’s 56-year history. Ice Cube plays a down-on-hisluck former high school football star, who turns his niece into the quarterback of the local team, and gets his stride back as the team’s coach. With their new leader and their
Youth group holding tryouts
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The Young Singers of Callanwolde will hold auditions at the Sanford Arts Center on Sept. 19.
Financing Available
Boys and girls singers in grades two to five can audition for the Atlanta Young Singers of Callanwolde’s 34th season of Bringing Music to Life on Sept. 19 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in Decatur. The choral program is seeking singers of all musical levels to create a diverse group of youth from
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across metro Atlanta. Kids get to learn new music, meet new friends, perform live and travel. The free auditions are from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, visit www. aysc.org or call 404-873-3365.
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pigtail-wearing star, the team of misfits claws its way to the Pop Warner Super Bowl and ignited the town with team spirit and town pride. The 94-minute family comedy, which is written by David Lane and directed by Fred Durst, is rated PG. The Friends group group also plans an Oct. 31 Community Festival @ The Amphitheatre. For more information, call councilwoman Deborah Jackson at 404-534-6545.
Octoberfest set at Wesley Chapel Library Fall is here and the Friends of the Wesley Chapel Library are celebrating with an Octoberfest Bazaar on Oct. 3 at the library. The 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. event will include the library’s fall book sale, and vendors selling homemade crafts, collectibles and other items. There will also be food and refreshments. Emma Davis, a member of the Friends group, said they need books and residents are encouraged to donate new and lightly used books to the library. Davis said a limited number of vendor tables are available for $15 on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Wesley Chapel Library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur. For more information, contact Marcus Williams at jpmarcus1944@bellsouth.net or call the library at 404-286-6980.
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CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
Scene
“By telling the stories of the events of the past, we can help the leaders of the future set the stage for active participation in the democratic process for years to come.”
Books to be discussed at local branches Award-winning novels by Alice Walker, William P. Young and Geraldine Brooks will be dissected by book lovers at group discussion meetings at three DeKalb Library branches this month. The groups will discuss the books’ themes, storyline, writing style and characterization. Members of the Covington Library Book Discussion group will explore Walker’s “The Color Purple” at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 21. The book, which was released in 1982, tells the story of a 1930s rural Georgia family and focuses on the low position of black females in American social culture. The library is at 3500 Covington Highway in Decatur. For more information, call 404-508-7180. “The Shack,” published by Young in 2007, is about Mack, a father of five who comes to terms with the murder of his daughter through conversations with God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. It will be discussed at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the Wesley Chapel Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. For more information, call 404-286-6980. The Decatur Library’s Discussion Group will talk about the “People of the Book,” a historical fiction about Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the oldest surviving Jewish illuminated texts. “People of the Book,” was published in 2008. The group meets at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, call 404-3703070.
African-American exhibit extended to Sept. 27 “America I AM: The African American Imprint,” the exhibit showcasing nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to U.S. history, is held over through Sept. 27. The exhibit, which opened June 12 was scheduled to close Sept. 6 at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta, but was extended to accommodate the large crowds. Atlanta is the second stop on the exhibit’s 10-city, four-year tour, which kicked off in January during the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center. Organizers say it has already attracted tens of thousands of visitors. The 15,000-square-foot exhibit depicts pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity in the history of African Americans across the nation and worldwide. It includes more than 200 rare artifacts, including the “Doors of No Return” from the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, through which enslaved Africans passed to board ships to the New World, the typewriter Alex Haley used to write the groundbreaking book “Roots,” the door key and stool from the jail cell where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” a copy of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in America, Frederick Douglass’ clothing and the letter from President Lincoln that enabled him to move among Union lines recruiting black soldiers, Malcolm X’s journal and personal Koran, and Prince’s “Purple Guitar” from the movie Purple Rain.” Visitors can leave a video imprint in an interactive area. “America I AM: The African American Imprint” is developed in partnership with author and commentator Tavis Smiley. It is organized by Cincinnati Museum Center and Arts and Exhibitions International and
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The America I Am exhibit features pivotal elements of courage, conviction and creativity in the history of African Americans.
sponsored by Wal-Mart. At its opening in Atlanta, Smiley said the exhibit encourages all people to connect in a meaningful way with the foundations of democracy, cultural diversity, exploration, and free enterprise. “By telling the stories of the events of the past, we can help the leaders of the future
set the stage for active participation in the democratic process for years to come,” he said. At Wal-Mart Stores, tickets are $10 for adults, 12 years and older, and $4 for children, ages 3 to 12. For more information, visit www.AmericaIAM.org.
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CrossRoadsNews
Forum
September 19, 2009
Are we going to sit back and witness the destruction of our neighborhood to crime and trash?
Many who oppose Obama need refresher in civics, history Now I understand why after all of the monies we spend on education, Georgia is and for the foreseeable future will have one of the lowest educational achievement levels in the country. This morning’s (Friday, September 4th) headlines describe the urgency with which a number of Republican leaders are moving to amend the state’s constitution to “Prevent Democrats in Washington from enforcing health care reform in Georgia.” This in a state with one of the highest levels of H1N1 cases, highest levels of TB, need I go on? First of all, they probably were absent the day “Primacy of Federal Law” was taught in their civics class. Secondly, they and a number of their “Go Fish Georgia” non-reading, non-comprehending cohorts
How many of the current recipients of Social Security and Medicare who so vocally object to health care reform because it is a government program, are prepared to give up their governmentoperated Social Security and Medicare programs? William Murrain
shout that Obamacare is leading us towards Hitlerite Nazism and communism. They were also absent in history class when the lesson focused on the fact that those two forms of governments were mortal enemies to each other. Finally, they allege that page 16 of a non-existing health care plan will outlaw private insurance companies. I would encourage them to have someone read Factcheck.org to them where it unquestioningly rebuts that assumption as a bald
faced lie, and much to the contrary finds that the “proposed health care plan” permits everyone to keep their current insurance if they are pleased with it. In addition, it will require all private insurance plans within five years of passage of the proposed health reform act to meet certain national, federal standards: n They can no longer drop your coverage if you have a preexisting condition. n They may no longer capriciously change your plan without good
reason, due process and proper advance notice These reasons seem reasonable enough for me. How, may I ask, does that outlaw private insurance companies? How many of the current recipients of Social Security and Medicare who so vocally object to health care reform because it is a government program, are prepared to give up their government-operated Social Security and Medicare programs? I applaud the Progressive Caucus in the House of Representatives for standing up for their principles. They should not sign on to a plan just to make Obama look good. A reform in name only is no reform. A reform where the leadership agrees to leave in place the mendacious Bush administration’s agreement with Big Pharma – that limits our ability to implement true
competition or to get the drugs they sell in Canada, for a third less than those same pharmaceutical companies sell to us here in the United States – is a violation of the contract for change that Candidate Obama made with us. President Obama and his team dropped the ball coming out of the gate on this one. It will take a miracle to recover with a plan of any meaningful substance. As a society we share a moral and social contract to look out for the best interests of each other. Can we truly say that the current debate reflects that purpose and goal? The thundering silence of our churches that were so loudly present on all sides during the last presidential debate is deafening. William A. Murrain lives in Conyers.
Youth must face consequences of choices Demise of public housing a How often have you heard the regular school and may never learn excuses that people make for the the consequences for their actions. Pregnant girls can make bad choices they have the high school halls look made in life? I have heard like a maternity ward. it many times, probably Some of these girls made a few myself. don’t think much of However, it’s as though themselves and use their they want to blame everybodies for their brains. body for their failure in Some have multiple partlife. The failure could Miriam Robinson ners and may never know be blamed on the fact that they never knew their father who the daddies are, thus no child or mother, and because of that a support leaving the taxpayers as spell of defeat was cast over them financial fathers. There was one girl I met who at birth? Females could say that because their mother was a teenage was 17 or 18 and who had two small mother, she was destined to do the children. She was somewhat bragsame; i.e, it was meant for her to ging that she had finally finished high school while being pregnant follow in her mother’s footsteps. Sometimes, the world makes it two times. She further lamented easy for people to make bad choices. how she was taking care of her It is understood that there is noth- children etc., how she was going ing wrong with people who really to college. I told her there is no way that need help to get it. But sometimes there are too many freebies and the you are taking care of your children without a job so it has to be system is abused. For example, back in the day the welfare system from taxpayers’ when girls got pregnant, they were money who is supporting you. I not allowed to attend regular high also told her there is no way that school with the other students. you can take care of your children They had to go to “night school.” when you “go to college” and you Today these girls know that don’t have a job. There is nothing wrong with there are no rigid consequences for their actions, so they can keep getting an education, but there are getting pregnant, continue to go to people who seem to believe that
they have an entitlement and the world owes them something for their bad choices in life. If the system would stop making it easy for people to make bad choices, the world would be better off. It might make teenage girls think twice if they had to be home schooled or required to attend evening school for continuance of their high school education when they elect to get pregnant. Having babies when you are a teen is just plain stupid and selfish, an act that only puts restraints on the child you are carrying and on your life in general. Most of the time, no respect or support is gained from the father of your child. He will only go and impregnate another girl who thinks with her body instead of her brain. These deadbeat fathers are to blame also, and need to consider a vasectomy when they keep making babies. The bottom line, for any given situation: Instead of making excuses to make bad choices, weigh the difference and decide to make a good choice. The choice is yours to make and so are the consequences. Miriam Knox Robinson lives in Decatur.
threat to stable communities The decision to close public housing projects and migrate its residents into mixed income communities has proven to be a gigantic failure. As a 25-year resident of South DeKalb, I observe daily the destruction of our community by people who have little or no sense of community as it relates to cleanliness or respect for their fellow neighbor’s property. I witness daily, young men loitering and using all manner of profanity in public places; individuals of all ages discarding trash in the streets and on my property with no understanding of the impact it has on the beauty of the neighborhood and the environment. Some Section 8 residents moved into established communities with no understanding of their part in keeping them clean. We must be truthful to ourselves; if not, our clean well-kept communities will cease to exist. I’m convinced that no matter what you do for some people, care and respect for the community is something that they don’t understand. I hope I’m wrong,
but I predict if we don’t come together and work for changes, South DeKalb with transition into a despicable ghetto. Being poor has nothing to do with being nasty and disrespectful. Are we going to sit back and witness the destruction of our neighborhood to crime and trash, or will we fight to maintain the dignity and beauty of our communities? This is a fight I refuse to lose. I have invested too much in my property and this community to stand back and let a few bad people bring it down. When our young men seem eager to line up for volunteered slavery through the penal system by involving themselves with crime and violence, this is a sure sign we’ve lost our moral compass as a race and as a community. I asked a question to the community in a previous letter to CrossRoadsNews that I will ask again. In the words of the Last Poets, “Black People, What y'all gone do? Will the real Black People please stand up." Wayne K Jones lives in Decatur.
Where are Atlanta’s church leaders when tragedy struck at AUC campus? With any tragedy comes realiza- the AU Center to go it alone for the tion of the value of each human rest of the week. But in the wake of life. this homocide, a stuThe brutal murder dent-government-run of Spelman College stuvigil was held in the student Jasmine Lynn was dent’s memory. However, senseless and cowardly. A the absence of Chrisreckless gunman took the tian church leaders was innocent life. shocking, if not indictA young Afr ican Kevin Oliveira ing. There wasn’t one American scholar, full of promise and potential was taken leader from any of these “named too soon. Another human being churches” in all of Atlanta, Fulton violently taken from this earth. County or DeKalb County. The death of a budding flower Another destiny lost. But what’s really lost is the “fire in the spring of her life, and not one of the Christian community” to spiritual leader from any of these stand up against these violent acts. churches was present to support, On any given Sunday, some of the comfort, encourage or embrace a biggest church buses attempt to student population grieving from bring these African-American stu- the loss of a dear sister. The Atlanta University Center dents to their buildings. They take up the tithes, the of- has long been the intellectual and ferings, the building fund offering, academic center of excellence for and the missionary offering. Then African Americans. The main elethey drop these students back off in ment that made the AU Center
valuable and vitally significant to African Americans students was its commitment to Christian spiritual development and commitment to Christian Service. Historically black colleges and universities grounded their collective responsibility to academic excellence in their faithfulness to Jesus Christ and the practical application of his teachings. The glaring absence of Christian leaders was shocking as well as painfully disappointing. You can send a bus on Sunday morning but not a spiritual leader during a crisis? If these churches really cared about these young people, this was the time to show it. In the students’ deepest time of pain, ministries were missing in action. In the Bible, Jesus was touchable. He was approachable. People could talk to Him. He was not “trippin” on his title or status as the Son of God. Jesus was simply one of
the people who loved the people. It’s not how big your church is, it’s about how many lives you touch for Glory of God. Metro Atlanta has some of America’s biggest, wealthiest, influential, polished, and industrious churches in America. Preachers are on billboards, television, radio, newspapers, the Internet, and cable television, but not on the battlefield – in the streets, where they should be compelling men and women to turn their lives around. So what should these churches have done? They should have organized a collective worship service
on the AU Center campus. They could have mandated their leadership staff and membership to deploy their benevolence, hospitality, praise and worship, grief teams and pastoral counseling teams to the campus, to show an undeniable presence of God’s love. But it just didn’t happen. And then you wonder why we have a lost generation of gunslinging cowards killing innocent people. If the church won’t stand up, who will? Kevin Oliveira lives in McDonough.
Speak your mind! We welcome your comments on issues of importance to the community. E-mail us at editor@crossroadsnews.com, or voice your opinion on www.crossroadsnews.com. Include a contact number with Letters to the Editor so we can reach you if necessary. Your contact information will not be published. Submissions may be edited for clarity or space. We do not publish anonymous letters.
September 19, 2009
CrossRoadsNews
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CrossRoadsNews
Youth
September 19, 2009
“You know you can never say how many people you have reached. I just do what I can and try to give a positive message.”
Young television star sets hearts aflutter at McNair High assembly By McKenzie Jackson
McNair High School ninthgrader Jene Douglas, 14, probably had never felt her heart beat so fast. But when 16-year-old actor and R&B singer Mishon Ratliff pulled her onstage and serenaded her with his new song “Just a Kiss” on Sept. 10, all the starstruck student could do was put her hand over her chest. Afterwards, she pronounced him “cute.” “I was just shocked and I didn’t know what to do,” she said with a blush. Jene had her close encounter with the teen heartthrob in the auditorium of her Atlanta school. And she was not the only ninth-grade girl who went gaga over Mishon, a star of the ABC Family sitcom “Lincoln Heights.” When he walked into the ninthgrade girls’ assembly, Mishon was met with screams of “I love you!” “Oh my God!” and “Wow!” Mishon, a Los Angeles, Calif., native, held the rapt attention of the girls for an hour while discussing staying in school, healthy relationships, bullying and domestic violence. The sitcom star’s visit to the school was part of “It’s Cool to Be Smart,” a two-year-old initiative The program’s goal is to en- and positive messages that encouradministered by DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson and rich the lives of underserved and age success in education. Steffanie E. Wilson-Jerome, a the nonprofit mentoring organiza- underprivileged youth by providing access to role models, music artists Johnson assistant, said actress Keke tion It’s Cool to Be Smart.
Photos by McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews
Mishon Ratliff (left) serenades 14-year-old Jene Douglas during a ninth-grade girls assembly at McNair High School. Above, Ratliff takes questions from students before his musical performance.
Palmer, gospel rapper Canton Jones and hip hop star T.I. have all made appearances in DeKalb schools through the program. Before his musical performance, the girls peppered Mishon with questions. They wanted to know what kind of shoes he likes to wear and what he plans to do when he gets older. He rewarded them with autographed posters of himself. Mishon said he hopes his positive message registered with the girls. “You know you can never say how many people you have reached,” he said. “I just do what I can and try to give a positive mes-
sage.” Alice Nedd, McNair’s Community in Schools liaison, said that she hopes Mishon’s visit motivated the girls to stay focused on their schoolwork so that they can buck the high dropout rate in the state. “We want them to stay in school and graduate in four years,” she said. Mishon didn’t leave emptyhanded. Fourteen-year-old Brittany Brown, who had never watched “Lincoln Heights” before, admitted that she might now be a Mishon fan. “I can say I like his song,” she said.
Program offers skills to address bullies
DeKalb County School System Announces NCLB
Supplemental Educational Services (SES) ROUND I 2009-2010
FREE TUTORING As part of its requirements under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, DeKalb County School System is offering free tutoring 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 that is included on the “Needs Improvement” list and receives free or reduced-price meals
Eligible Schools Avondale Middle Avondale High Bethune Middle Cedar Grove High Clarkston High Columbia Elementary Columbia High Cross Keys High
Eagle Woods Academy Fairington Elementary Flat Rock Elementary Freedom Middle International Student Center Lithonia High Martin Luther King, Jr. High
McNair Middle McNair High Salem Middle Shadow Rock Center Stone Mountain Middle Stone Mountain High Towers High
Open Enrollment Begins August 28, 2009 and ends September 25, 2009 A brochure containing an application will be mailed to each eligible student or you may obtain one from your local school. Applications must be returned to the local school by September 25, 2009 For more information call DeKalb County School System Office of School Improvement at 678-676-0309 or by contacting your local school counselor
K.C. Cristian is on a mission to teach children the power of their words and how to avoid bullying, teasing and taunting. Using her presentation titled “Power of Words,” Cristian visits schools and youth centers to teach children about bullying and provide tips on ways to respond when confronted by bullies. Cristian said while the K.C. Cristian POW presentation offers a viable alternative to bullying or retaliating in anger, its main focus is to provide children with good communication skills that can be used in all walks of life. “Everybody can use good communication skills,” she said, “even people who are not
being bullied.” She said the Power of Words teaches that the mind gravitates toward whatever one feeds it. “Adults often shout, ‘Use your words!’” she said. “POW gives students appropriate words to use.” She said POW aims to teach children what to say or do when challenged with situations such as teasing or taunting, self-doubt, parental conflicts, teacher-student disagreements, and bad customer service. A native of Washington, D.C., Cristian moved to metro Atlanta in 2003. She created the POW presentation in April after two young boys reportedly committed suicide as a result of bullying, and after her own daughter was taunted by a fellow second-grader. For more information or to schedule a POW presentation, email kc.cristian@ me.com or call her at 770-884-4988.
Stonecrest hosting annual college fair The seventh annual PROBE College Fair will be at the Mall at Stonecrest on Sept. 24 with more than 100 colleges and universities from Georgia and other states. High school seniors and their parents will be able to meet college representatives and discuss entry requirements and financial aid programs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the mall’s lower level.
The fair is offered by Georgia Education Articulation Committee Inc. Over eight weeks last year, the 2008 tour reached an estimated 49,500 high school students and their families. The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 at Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.mallatstonecrest.com or call 678-526-8955.
Five named Charter Scholars at UGA Five freshmen with South DeKalb roots were awarded Charter Scholarships at the University of Georgia for the 2009-2010 school year. They are among 250 undergraduates who received the $1,000 scholarship, which recognizes first-year students with stellar academic records, leadership and community involvement, and a commitment to intellectual, social and cultural diversity. UGA
announced the awards on Aug. 28. Recipients from the South DeKalb area include Latrice Lyle and Marissa Akery from Southwest DeKalb High School, and Decatur High School graduates Olivia Gorbatkin, Benjamin Wertz and Catherine Hughes. Students can renew the Charter Scholarship, founded by the University of Georgia Foundation, for up to three more years if they maintain certain academic standards.
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CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
Youth
The school district has refused to release the invoices filed by Moore for the investigation, citing attorney-client privilege and attorney work-product doctrine.
28 categories in bill for bullying probe Blue Ribbon Schools named By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
The DeKalb School System’s $389,161.81 tab for the bullying investigation did not all go to Judge Thelma Wyatt Moore. The cost of the investigation into the death of Dunaire Elementary fifth-grader Jaheem Herrera included hours billed by two associates who worked with the retired judge on the 30-day investigation, and expenses for mileage, meetings, telephone calls, research, interviews, surveys and the preparation and editing of the 313-page doublespaced report, released to the media on Aug. 26. On Wednesday, after a Sept. 12 CrossRoadsNews story on the cost of the investigation, the DeKalb School System released 28 “general categories” for which the funds were spent but did not put dollar amounts on the categories. The school district has refused to release the invoices filed by Moore for the investigation, citing attorney-client privilege and attorney work-product doctrine as its reasons for denying reporters at CrossRoadsNews and other media outlets the opportunity to view the payments made between May 12 and Aug. 18. School Superintendent Dr. Crawford Lewis hired Moore on April 30 to investigate allegations made by Masika Bermudez, Jaheem’s mother, that the child killed himself because of relentless bullying at the Stone Mountain School. Jaheem, 11, hung himself with
Where did the money go? The $389,161.81 tab for the DeKalb School System’s investigation into the death of Jaheem Herrera were spent on the following: Meetings and interviews Meeting with superintendent and general counsel Principals/asst. principal meetings Meeting with administrators Meeting with Internal Affairs director and DeKalb District Attorney Chief meeting with associates to review interviews and prepare draft report Meeting at State Bar of Georgia National school safety conference meetings Interviewed numerous witnesses at Dunaire Elementary Interviewed staff Interviewed parents Conducted surveys Talked to experts in the area of children psychology Conference Rockdale Clerk of Court Research Telephone calls
a cloth belt at his family’s Decatur apartment on April 16. In verbal and written reports, Moore said Jaheem did not commit suicide because of bullying at Dunaire Elementary. She also said that his mother never complained to the school. In her written report, she said numerous complex circumstances affected Jaheem’s life and
Open Records Act request and U.S. Dept. of Justice report U.S. Virgin Island records Review of documentation and process planning information from the GBI Researched criminal histories Researched information regarding bullying Researched various training courses with school safety and bullying emphasis Salary and report Hours billed by the associates Investigator Preparation for press conference Press conference Mileage/printing/paper/misc. supplies (Staples) Preparation of report Review and editing of draft of final public report Final public report Source: DeKalb School System
documented a history of domestic abuse between his mother and her boyfriend. Moore said she was unable to interview Bermudez, or any family member of Jaheem. “This is not a simplistic case of bullying,” she said. “The investigation reveals a multitude of complex and significant factors impacting the life of this young boy before his death.”
DeKalb School of the Arts in DeKalb County and Honey Creek Elementary School in Rockdale County are among the 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan named them among seven Georgia public schools making the list. Students at Blue Ribbon Schools score in the top 10 percent in student achievement even though at least 40 percent of their students are considered economically disadvantaged. The award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at
very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap. State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox said the seven Georgia schools show how high expectations and hard work can lead to outstanding achievement. The other Georgia schools making the list are Carter Godwin Woodson Elementary in Atlanta Public Schools; Hightower Trail Middle, Cobb County; Alice Coachman Elementary in Dougherty County; Trion High, Trion City Schools; and Tunnel Hill Elementary, Whitfield County.
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CrossRoadsNews
Sports
September 19, 2009
“Taiwo deserves it because she’s a hard worker. You’ll see her staying after practices and games shooting at the goal on her own.”
Ball may play GPC’s Adeshigbin named soccer Player of the Week By McKenzie Jackson in first game Georgia Perimeter College’s Taiwo Adwith Memphis eshigbin was named the NJCAA Division By McKenzie Jackson
Former Stephenson High School linebacker Marcus Ball, 22, could be making his college football debut for this season on Sept. 26. Ball, now a safety for the University of Memphis, will be eligible to compete in the Tigers’ contest against Marshall University. The former Florida State linebacker and Pearl River (Miss.) Community College defensive back was ruled ineligible to play in the Tigers’ first three games because of academic issues stemming from his playing career Marcus Ball at Florida State. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound redshirt junior transferred and joined the Tigers on Aug. 29, after a standout one-year stint at Pearl River. With the Wildcats, Ball, a 2006 Stephenson graduate, was a first-team All-American safety and recorded 53 tackles and two interceptions in nine games. He transferred to the Popularville, Miss., junior college after spending two years at Florida State. In his first season with the Seminoles, Ball earned playing time in the first four games of the season and recorded 13 tackles and one interception before injuring his left knee in a game against Rice University. In his final season at Florida State, Ball played in nine games and recorded 24 tackles, one sack, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery before he drew a three-game suspension for his part in an online cheating scandal. Ball never served the suspension until leaving for Pearl River. Memphis, a Conference USA football team, had an 0-2 record as of Sept. 18, with losses to Mississippi and Middle Tennessee State. The Tigers are scheduled to play Tennessee-Martin on Sept. 19.
1 Player of the Week in women’s soccer on Sept. 9. Adeshigbin, a freshman forward, won the National Junior College Athletic Association honor after scoring six goals in a three-game span from Aug. 28 to Sept. 4. She tallied three scores in the Lady Jaguars’ 4-0 win over Spartanburg Methodist at the start of the season, and then nailed two more goals in the Lady Jaguars’ 3-0 win over Oxford College on Sept. 1. In the third contest, Adeshigbin scored GPC’s only goal in a 2-1 loss to No. 3 ranked Polk State College. A former star at Central Gwinnett High in Lawrenceville, Adeshigbin said she was shocked to be named player of the week. “But I’ve had great coaching support and great support from my teammates,” she said. Head coach Bruno Kalonji said winning the award is a big honor. “It hasn’t happened here at GPC with women’s soccer in a long time,” he said, “and Taiwo deserves it because she’s a hard worker. You’ll see her staying after practices and games shooting at the goal on her own.” While in high school, Adeshigbin was a four-year starter on the soccer team and made the Gwinnett All-County team three times. She was a three-time team MVP and twotime Offensive Player of the Year at Central Gwinnett. Adeshigbin has also played soccer for the Atlanta Fire United Soccer Club, a Duluthbased travel team; Tophats Soccer Club, an Atlanta area recreational soccer club; and the Gwinnett Soccer Association, a soccer league.
Freshman forward Taiwo Adeshigbin scored six goals in a three-game span from Aug. 28 to Sept. 4.
South DeKalb teams fare well in combined tally Six schools from south and central DeKalb finished in the top 10 standings for the 2009 DeKalb County All-Sports Award on Sept. 9. Tucker, Southwest DeKalb, Redan, Stephenson, Miller Grove and Columbia finished in the top 10, but were topped by Dunwoody High School, which won the award for second time in three seasons and 10th time overall. The award winner is determined by the accomplishments of all the athletic programs in the 19 DeKalb County
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high schools and is based on a point system compiled by athletic specialist Chris Chilton, including countywide competitions such as wrestling, crosscountry and gymnastics and playoff advancement. Dunwoody finished first in the rankings with 315.5 points, followed by Lakeside with 295.5. Rounding out the top 10 were Tucker, 289; Chamblee, 286.5; Southwest DeKalb, 253; Redan, 227; Stephenson, 218; Miller Grove, Dunwoody High School’s athletic teams scored the most points 199.5; and Columbia,181. to win the 2009 All-Sports Award.
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CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
Ministry
“We are committed to embracing diversity and we continue to seek opportunities to reach out to each group.”
Ethiopian Orthodox Church opens new cathedral in Lithonia DeKalb is now home to the Kidist Mariam (St. Mary) Ethiopian Church, the largest Ethiopian Orthodox Church ever built outside of Ethiopia. The ribbon-cutting for the 32,000-square-foot Lithonia cathedral, which will serve DeKalb County, was held on Aug. 29. The church, which was founded in metro Atlanta in 1987, initially held services in a chapel rented from Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta before moving to 266 Robin St. in Decatur in 1995. As it outgrew that location, the church bought the 5.5 acres in Lithonia that is now home to the cathedral. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, who delivered the keynote address at the dedication ceremony, praised DeKalb’s diversity and said the cathedral will serve as a sanctuary for all citizens of DeKalb. “When you come to DeKalb County, you get a global snapshot,” he said. “We are committed to embracing diversity and we continue to seek opportunities to reach out to each group.”
From left, Abuna Yakob, Kidist Mariam Church pastor and Archbishop of Georgia and Tennessee Ethiopian Orthodox Churches; Abune Merkorios, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Patriarch; Abate Zewdie, Board President Kidist Mariam Church; and DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis cut the ribbon on the new cathedral.
Abuna Yakob, Archbishop of Georgia and Tennessee Ethiopian Orthodox Churches, is pastor of the Lithonia church. He was joined at the ceremony by Ethiopian Orthodox Church leader Abune Merkorious and Abate Zewdie, the Patriarch
of Ethiopia Kidist Mariam Church board president. The Ethiopian Or thodox Church dates back to the fourth century A.D. when the Christian church broke into its two main branches – Orthodox and Roman
The Kidist Mariam Ethiopian Church plans to offer classes in health promotion, anti-crime, youth activities, disease prevention, English language training and other activities.
Catholic. With expanded space, the church now has adequate space for worship and community outreach and will serve metro Atlanta Ethiopians and community residents. From its new home, the church plans to offer classes in health promotion, anti-crime, youth ac-
tivities, disease prevention, English language training, senior citizen activities and educational and employment referrals. The church is at 1152 South Stone Mountain Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www. kmariam.org or call 404-3772238.
Conference targets church leaders Single life eyed from biblical view Bishop Eddie tor Lori Brooks L. Long and Pastor said they are exE. Dewey Smith pecting 250 paid will be preaching participants. at the 2009 Pastors Workshops and Leaders Confor the two-day ference at Berean conference inChristian Church clude children in October. and youth, Eddie Long E. Dewey Smith Kerwin Lee The two will church leaderdeliver the sermons at the nightly worship ship, outreach, church administration, minservices that will be open to people who are istry enhancement and pastoral leadership. attending the conference. Participants will get to pick from classes Long, who is the pastor at New Birth ranging from “Activating a New Members Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, will Ministry” and “Creating a Culture of Hostake the pulpit on Oct. 7. Smith, the pastor pitality Within Your Church” to “Making at Greater Travelers Rest Church in Decatur, People a Priority.” will preach on Oct. 8. Berean Pastor Kerwin Lee and his wife, Both services start at 7:30 p.m. and will Yolanda, are conference hosts. Registration feature performances by the 200-member is $79 and is available \ at www.bereanchrisBerean Sanctuary Choir. tianchurch.org/registration. Five or more can The conference for pastors and church register at the group rate of $59 each. and ministry leaders is in its fourth year. Last The church is at 2201 Young Road in year, participants came from Missouri and Stone Mountain. For more information call across the Southeast. Conference coordina- 770-593-4421.
Workshops to offer mortgage advice Homeowners looking to restructure their mortgages can get help at a Sept. 19 seminar at Greater Travelers Rest Church in Decatur. The church’s Center for Community Empowerment is hosting the event with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) Home Save Program. The day will consist of workshops for existing and prospective homeowners at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Torri Durham Jones, Center for Community Empowerment coordinator, said the workshops are going to be very helpful. “Our goal is to serve as the liaison between the church and the community by offering opportunities that will empower and motivate persons to excel in life,” she said. Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church is at 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information or to register, visit www.naca.com or call 1-888-302-6222. REGISTRATION $30/person $110 for 6 people
Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
7 p.m. Kick-Off Session • Guest Artist Javen • Minister Reginald Sharpe Jr.
8 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Praise & Worship Breakout Sessions Elder Dane Cunningham
Conference Location Peace Baptist Church 1399 Austin Dr. Decatur, GA 30032 404.288.1750 Office 404.288.5209 Fax www.peacebaptistchurch.org
Single adults can “Take a Look Within” at a Sept. 25-26 Singles Conference hosted by Elder Dane Cunningham, CEO of Embrace Relationships Seminars Inc. The seminar is based D. Cunningham on Cunningham’s book of the same name. The book and Cunningham’s nonprofit ministry address relationships from a biblical perspective. The two-day seminar at Peace Baptist Church in Decatur will explore overcoming the pressures of being a single Christian in today’s society and about the importance of building a stronger relationship with God. A performance by gospel recording
artist Javen will kick off the conference at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25. Conference classes will be 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the 26th. Speakers include Cunningham, Tyrone Barnette, senior pastor of Peace Baptist Church; Tyrone Barnette Paul Brewer and Phyllis Churn, ministers at the church; Vincent Watson, pastor of New Christian Center; and Reginald Sharpe, a minister at Greater Travelers Rest in Decatur. Conference registration is $30. To register or for more information, visit www. peacebaptistchurch.org. The church is at 1399 Austin Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404288-1750.
Gay nominated for gospel award in Stone Mountain and Pastor Reggie Gay, host of the “RegKarl D. Moore of Clarkston First gie Gay Gospel Show,” has been Baptist Church in Clarkston; nominated for the “Best in Media” 100 Most Influential Pastors and award for the 2009 Gospel Choice their church representatives; Awards. corporate sponsors, presenters, Gay, who lives in Ellenwood, politicians, promoters, producmade his name in gospel music in ers, gospel music artists and metro Atlanta on KISS 104 FM. nominees. A 27-year radio veteran, he is Reggie Gay Fans can vote for Gay at also an associate minister at Second Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta. www.TheGospelChoiceAwards.com. Round-the-clock gospel music is availThe 15th annual Gospel Choice Awards will be Sept. 28 at the Georgia World able at www.ReggieGay.com and his show Congress Center. It will include 10 Cho- is “live” weekdays 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and sen Awards Pastors, including Pastor Saturday noon to 3 p.m. For information, Kerwin Lee of Berean Christian Church call 404-214-7117.
22
CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
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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.
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CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
MARKETPLACE RATES
Marketplace CHILD CARE Zogie’s Family Academy. Now Enrolling 6wks-12yrs Caps, $100.00weekly 6:30am-7:00pm M-F 5529 Redan Circle, Stone Mountain GA 30088 770-5591184
COMPUTERS WWW.jonatech.net. Laptop $235 & up. Repair Service for Computers, Laptops, & Routers. Diagnostic fee $35. 678-9184445 Jonatec.
Contractors/Construction Total Maintenance Repair Repair and installation of heat-air conditioning, water heaters and electrical. Bathroom and kitchen renovations. Call Joe at 404-2176460
EVENTS & SEMINARS
Copies. 5616 Redan Road Suite E Stone Mountain, GA 30088. 770-469-4040. 10:00am-8:00pm M-F, Sat 10:00am-6:00pm
HELP WANTED Dump truck driver needed immediately. Must have two years experience and a Class A or B license with a clean driving record. Willing to work 5-6 day week for competitive pay. Must be dependable and have transportation. Pls call Richard, 404-246-3794. AARP Foundation WorkSearch SEEKING SENIORS FOR SECURITY JOBS!! Are you 55 years or older on limited income? Are you interested or previously worked in the security field? Live in DeKalb or Gwinnett Counties? Call AARP Foundation WorkSearch at (404) 292-1330
LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE Landscape Services Since 1996 Design-Installation-Maintenance Aeration, Bobcat Work, French Drainage, Concrete Work. Free Estimate. Call 770-593-1382.
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. www.thesamuelgroupinc. com. 404-870-9070.
MOVERS Gideon Movers, Inc. Moves & Deliveries, In-house Moves; Loading & Un-loading. Free on-site Estimate. (404)241-8899. gideonmovers@comcast.net
Comfort Pharmacy. New, Refill, Transfer Prescriptions. Custom Compounding, Veterinarian formulations Major insurance Generic prescription $3.99/30 day Free Delivery WIC, EBT, Notary, Fax &
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BRING IN THIS AD FOR A FREE BAG OF ICE WITH $15 OR MORE PURCHASE Open 9 a.m. Mon. - Sat. 6146-A Covington Hwy (Covington Square Shopping Center @ Panola Road. Next to Big Lots)
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LOANS & MORTGAGES
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Services
770-808-0382
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.
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24
CrossRoadsNews
September 19, 2009
Malcolm Cunningham asks, "Where are all my used cars?"
THEY’RE ALL AT THE MALL
THIS WEEKEND O
NLY!
Saturday 9/19 Sunday 9/20
It’s happened again!!! Malcolm Cunningham has moved his entire inventory to 1 LOCATION for 1 GIANT sale! LOOK FOR US UNDER THE TENTS!
ALL AT MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM MALL AT STONECREST MAZDA! O P E N S U N DAY 12 PM - 6 PM
T I D E R C U N D E R 2 0 0 1 $ 3STORES LOCATION 1000 PRVEE-HIOCLWESNED! EOXNPESRITTES! PRICES START
OVER
BUY WIT H
0
$ $
DO D OW WN Example: 2004 Chrysle r PT Cruiser, Stk#M822N 48 mo 1A,
nths at 10% APR with $0 S49 down is $288 month95, Buy for per $1000 borrowed, ava or $23.36 ilable through FMCC per on app Offers plus tax, tag and title. Offer expires 9/20/2roved credit. 009
Example: 1995 Mazda 626, Stk#M8200A, $999
3 DEALERSHIPS 1 LOCATION
Malcolm Cunningham Mall at Stonecrest Mazda
7849 Mall Parkway • Lithonia • For More Information, Call 770-482-0600
0% APR FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS ON 2009 FORD F-150 SUPER CABS, SUPER CREWS & SUPER DUTY’S
Brand New 2010
MAZDA3
Brand New 2010
Vin#JM1BL1SF1A1140545
MAZDA6
Vin#1YVHZ8BA6A5M00110
0% for 60 months is $16.67 per month per $1000 borrowed with $0 down thru FMCC on approved credit. Ex. 2009 Ford F-150 Super Cab Stk#98012. Buy for 60 Months at 0% APR with $2000 Including tax, tag & title is $450 per month on approved credit. Expires 9/19/09.
New 2009 Ford Focus SE
Stk#94526
New 2009 Ford F-150 Sport
Stk#98089
V8, Auto
Lease For MSRP ..................$17,474 MCF Discount ......- $1986 Factory Rebate ....- $2500
12,988
$
Sale Price
New 2009 Ford Ranger Super Cab Sport
Stk#96510
16,995
$
Sale Price
179 Per Month
Lease for 42 months with $0 Security Deposit and $2000 due at signing plus tax, tag and title with approved credit; 12,000 miles per year and 15 cents per mile thereafter.
Brand New 2010
Mazda CX-7
Lease For
$
199 Per Month
Lease for 42 months with $0 Security Deposit and $2000 due at signing plus tax, tag and title with approved credit; 12,000 miles per year and 15 cents per mile thereafter.
Brand New 2009
Vin#JM3ER2W51A0304568
MAZDA5
Vin#JM1CR293590358316
New 2010 Ford Fusion SE
V6, Auto, Loaded!
StK#101024
17,895
MSRP ..................$22,769 MCF Discount ......- $3274 Sale Factory Rebate ....- $1500 Price
$
MSRP ..................$25,109 MCF Discount ......- $3214 Sale Factory Rebate ....- $4000 Price
MSRP ..................$23,604 MCF Discount ......- $3609 Factory Rebate ....- $3000
$
17,995
$
All offers plus tax, tag and title with approved credit. Offers cannot be combined. See dealer for details. Offers expire date of publication.
“We Make It Easy” I-20, EXIT WESLEY CHAPEL TO SNAPFINGER WOODS DR • DECATUR
1-800-640-9458 More Inventory at
SALES HOURS: MON-FRI 9AM-9PM SAT 9AM-8PM • SUN CLOSED PARTS & SERVICE HOURS MON-FRI 7AM-7PM SAT 7AM-4PM • SUN CLOSED COLLISION & BODY SHOP HOURS: MON-FRI 8AM-6PM SAT 8AM-1PM • SUN CLOSED
TAKE THE WESLEY CHAPEL EXIT OFF I-20 TO SNAPFINGER WOODS DRIVE
Lease For
$
239 Per Month
Lease for 36 months with $3334 Security Deposit and $0 due at signing plus tax, tag and title with approved credit; 12,000 miles per year and 15 cents per mile thereafter.
Lease For
$
289 Per Month
Lease for 36 months with $2884 Security Deposit and $0 due at signing plus tax, tag and title with approved credit; 12,000 miles per year and 15 cents per mile thereafter.
All offers plus tax, tag and title with approved credit. Offers cannot be combined. See dealer for details. Offers expire date of publication.
Come in and take a test drive! AT THE MALL AT STONECREST
1-800-641-1939
HOURS: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm Sunday 12pm-6pm
www.MCAutoATL.com
5c (10.5”) x 16” 17819-MCFO (9-19) crossroads FC (mp)
MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD