CrossRoadsNews, February 26, 2011 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

EXPO

They’re counting on you There’s still time for you to help determine who offers the best goods and services in East Metro Atlanta. The ballot is online and on pages 8&9.

WELLNESS

YOUTH

This bulb not only adds flavor to foods, it also has lots of medicinal uses, and what it lacks in curative powers, it makes up for at dinner time.11

Glen Haven Elementary students won a Disney “Get Active, Get Fit!” party for winning a challenge to move every day at school. 12

The incredibly edible garlic

February 26, 2011

Winning moves

Volume 16, Number 44

www.crossroadsnews.com

Hidden Hills getting $5.2 million to fight blight By Donna Williams Lewis

Boarded-up foreclosed properties could soon disappear from the Hidden Hills community in Stone Mountain with the help of $5.2 million in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. The community of 1,650 homes, which has about 55 vacant houses, has been approved by DeKalb County as the target neighborhood for funds from the U.S. Department of Housing. The HUD program provides for fund recipients to demolish blighted structures and to acquire, refurbish and sell foreclosed or abandoned homes. While the money has been allocated for DeKalb County, an application to receive the funds must be filed to HUD by March 1. A response is expected by April 15, and officials hope to see work going on in the community by summer. Pauline Dailey, president of the Hidden Hills Civic Association, said she appreciates the focus on her neighborhood, a former

golf course community located off South Hairston and Redan roads. “I think they chose Hidden Hills because they felt like it was on the edge of going one way or the other,” Dailey said. “Rather than see it go from being a top neighborhood to nothing, they chose us so that we could maintain.” DeKalb County received $18.5 million in 2009 from the first year of the neighborhood stabilization funds, known as NSP1. Chris Morris, DeKalb’s director of community development, said applicants for the current year’s program, NSP3, were directed to focus on neighborhoods, rather than doing isolated projects over wide areas. “When we look at many factors that strengthen neighborhoods, NSP3 funds by themselves won’t do it,” Morris said. “But when you combine NSP3 funds with an active homeowners association and an activity level where the neighborhood is already working to address issues … we can all work together to say we’ve made a difference.” Morris said Hidden Hills was selected af-

Pauline Dailey peers in the window of a foreclosed home on her street in the Hidden Hills community.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

ter a local market analysis was conducted by professors Michael Rich and Moshe Haspel of Emory University’s Office of UniversityCommunity Partnerships. The professors were commissioned by the

county to find the HUD-deemed “areas of greatest need” based on the number of foreclosures, seriously delinquent loans, vacated Please see HIDDEN HILLS, page 6

A Hero’s Welcome Home Lewis awarded nation’s highest civilian honor By Carla Parker

The city too busy to hate was the city full of pride when President Barack Obama placed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, around the neck of U.S. Rep. John Lewis on Feb. 15. When Lewis returned to Atlanta on Feb. 21, more than 100 supporters showed up at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport with congratulatory signs and posters to welcome home their hometown hero. Nine-year-old Marsalis Causey from Ellenwood went with his mother, Dawn Causey, and sister Nebia and a homemade “You Rock” sign decorated with photos of Lewis they got from the Internet. “I’ve never met a person like him before,” said Marsalis, a fourth-grader from Henderson Elementary in Clayton County. “I’m glad that he is here with us. He has done a lot for this country.” Lewis, who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement, was one of 15 people who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House. He was born Feb. 21, 1940, to a family of sharecroppers outside of Troy, Ala. At the time, African-Americans were subjected to a humiliating segregation in education and all

Supporters greet Lewis at HartsfieldJackson on his return from the nation’s capital, where he was honored by President Barack Obama. Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

U.S. Rep. John Lewis embraces Soloman Mustafa Reid at Hartsfield-Jackson International on Feb. 21. Lewis was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Feb. 15.

public facilities and had no right to vote. From an early age, John Lewis was committed to the goal of education for himself and justice for his people. Inspired by the example of King and Rosa Parks in the Montgomery bus boycott, he joined the struggle for civil rights. Parks refused an order to make room for a white passenger.

At the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Lewis led the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and was the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. During the March 7, 1965, “Bloody

Sunday” march in Alabama from Selma to Montgomery, Lewis and fellow marchers were on a 54-mile trek to dramatize the plight of African-Americans and to commemorate the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson, shot three weeks earlier by a state trooper Please see LEWIS, page 5

CrossRoadsNews

February 26, 2011

featuring the 2011 StreetBeat DanceOff Street Style • Urban • Hip Exhibitors include: Camp Catalyst Career Technology-DeKalb County Schools Conservatory of Dance & Fine Arts Cornerstone Leadership Academy Destined For Success Educational Services Excellent Montessori School Firm Foundation Early Learning Academy Jennifer Dance Company, Inc. KIDDS Dance Project, Inc. McClendon School of Dance Miles of Learning Christian Academy Tupac Shakur Center for thae Arts Wings of Knowledge Tutoring YMCA Academies of South DeKalb

CrossRoadsNews

February 26, 2011

Community

“I would like the right to decide if I want to buy a bottle of pinot noir on a Sunday afternoon.”

Communities fight to make own decision on liquor sale By Carla Parker

Supporters of Sunday alcohol sales in Georgia made their voices heard this week at a rally on the steps of the State Capitol. “We want a choice!” they yelled at the Feb. 23 rally. During the rally, Georgians for Sunday Sales, a grass-roots, bipartisan organization, held a press conference to urge passage of Senate Bill 10 to allow local communities to decide whether local retailers should sell alcohol on Sunday. Restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol by the drink on Sundays, but retailers cannot. James Dempsey, a representative of Georgians for Sunday Sales, said the issue is not about alcohol but about people having the right to decide whether alcohol can be sold on Sundays in their communities. “We deserve to have our voices heard whether we agree on this issue or not,” Dempsey said. If SB 10 is passed during the current legislative session, Gov. Nathan Deal will sign the bill, and voters could vote on the

Supporters of Sunday alcohol sales came to rally with placards.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

issue in July. Deal has said he would sign the bill because it would give local voters the chance to decide the issue. Georgia is one of only three states in the country that do not provide some option for the off-premise sale of beer, wine, or liquor on Sunday. Indiana and Connecticut are the others.

County seek input on transportation DeKalb County will host four public meetings between March 1 and 9 to gather suggestions for transportation projects that will be recommended for the 2012 regional transportation sales tax referendum. The Transportation Investment Act of 2010 provides for a regional referendum in 2012 for consideration of a regional sales tax to fund transportation projects, including transit, roadway, safety, bicycle and pedestrian improvements.DeKalb must submit a proposed transportation projects list to the

Georgia DOT and Atlanta Regional Commission by March 30. All meetings are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. n March 1, Miller Grove High School, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia. n March 2, Columbia High School, 2106 Columbia Drive, Decatur. n March 7, Tucker High School, 5036 LaVista Road, Tucker. n March 9, Chamblee High School, 3688 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee.

Chase mortgage customers are invited to a special Homeowner Assistance Event.

State Rep. Billy Mitchell said the decision to purchase alcohol on Sundays should be decided by the local communities, not the state government. “It’s all about giving the consumers an opportunity to vote on it,” Mitchell said. Mitchell, who represents House District 88 in Stone Mountain, said it’s more dangerous to the community for a person to drive

to a restaurant, consume all the alcohol they want, and drive home. Dempsey said Sunday is the highest volume-shopping day in many areas throughout Georgia because it’s the only day that some consumers have time to shop. State Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield of Decatur, a mother of two children, says she fits that bill. “As a busy mom, Sundays are the best days for me to do my family’s grocery shopping since our Saturdays are filled with soccer games, birthday parties, and other family activities. Yet, I have to make a separate trip to buy a bottle of wine,” said Benfield, who represents House District 85 in Decatur. “I would like to have the right to decide if I want to buy a bottle of pinot noir on a Sunday afternoon.” Some supporters said they feel the state is choosing Christianity over other religions when it comes to not selling alcohol on Sundays. Republican Liz Carter, a protester, said it’s wrong for certain senators to hold the bill back because of their religious belief.

Commissioners pass reduced budget DeKalb commissioners made good on their promise to cut the budget and pass it without a millage increase. On Feb. 22, the Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 to pass a $530 million budget that is $33.6 million less than the 2011 budget proposed by CEO Burrell Ellis. Commissioners Elaine Boyer, Larry Johnson, Lee May and Stan Watson supported the budget. Saying the cuts were too deep, Commissioners Jeff Rader and Kathie Gannon voted

against it. The 2011 budget includes an 8.9 percent decrease to all departments except the Police and the Fire and Rescue departments and the Sheriff ’s Office, which were cut 4.46 percent each. The commissioners also did not “authorize” the job of Public Safety Director William “Wiz” Miller or the CEO’s One DeKalb Neighborhood Empowerment Office. Ellis said the cuts equal about 800 layoffs. The board will set the millage rate in June.

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Need help but can’t come to the event? Visit chase.com/HomeownershipCenters, or call 1-866-550-5705, to find the Homeownership Center closest to you. All home lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. © 2011 JPMorgan Chase & Co. 13255NP_ATL_0111

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CrossRoadsNews

February 26, 2011

“What we have now are merely political reactions to tax revenue shortfalls with all the rancor, posturing and divisiveness that approach creates.”

Lessons from Egypt apply here in America 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer Carla Parker Advertising Sales Patricia Walthour

CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

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For anyone paying attention to the political events, one could not [help but] notice everyday people of a country in Africa, Egypt, make political history. There were three points of contention for the Egyptians, and one can conclude the order of priority. The concerns centered on unemployment, poverty, and political and judicial corruption. If it were not for the fact the local and nation news media outlets made it known the protest was in Egypt, one could logically conclude the concerns represented the conditions and the state of affairs in America. We are faced here in America with unemployment, poverty, and political and judicial corruption. The difference between the people of Egypt and America is the everyday Egyptian people who were impacted by decades of unemployment, poverty and corruption in every form of government had had enough and decided to make a statement. The statement of the Egyptian people was we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. The Egyptian people took to the streets in massive daily nonviolent civil disobedience to a system which had been oppressive to the masses. Like the civil rights demonstrations of the ’60s in America, the voice of the people was heard and

“However, for the most part, we choose to continue to believe we are better off because we believe in the American Dream of working hard to achieve a good life for ourselves and our families.” Jerry Wyatt

history was changed in 18 days of demonstrations in Egypt. Now reflect back if you will on the land I love called America. We are faced with record unemployment, one in seven Americans lives below the poverty level, and corruption is in every institution which is part of the foundation of America. We have corruption in our elected officials, judicial system, educational systems, and most sadly our religious intuitions. However, for the most part, with our educated population which is unemployed, underemployed and losing ground of the American Dream every day, we choose to continue to believe we are better off because we believe in the American Dream of working hard to achieve a good life for ourselves and our families. We are witnessing people now owing more for their homes than the homes are worth and our government tells the people it is more important to give financial assistance to banks and corporations.

Since DeKalb, like Cobb, evidently has no strategic plan, my impression is that such a plan for DeKalb, with five-year-forward rolling budget estimates, utilizing zero base budget planning would resolve most Jack Sartain of the questions about core services, privatizing, and other effectiveness and efficiency issues. Scarce tax dollars (even revenue in the private sector) require a lot of serious and consistent anticipatory guidance for our decision makers. A strategic plan would certainly be a start. Even certain programs DeKalb contracts for require a business or strategic plan. It appears what we have now are merely political reactions to tax revenue shortfalls with all the rancor, posturing and divisiveness that approach creates. Jack Sartain lives in Stone Mountain.

Robust discussions under way online on many issues Commissioners cut $33 million, eliminate tax increase Iva Ben Hadd wrote: “Let’s re-elect more bad politicians ! That is what has put the citizens of DeKalb County in such “great peril” as we now find ourselves in! Any cutbacks to our Fire and Police Departments place the lives of each and every citizen in DeKalb County and each and every business owner in DeKalb County in “great peril!” The DeKalb Board of Commissioners have all sat on their hind legs for years and watched

hundreds of millions of dollars go right down the toilet! Things in DeKalb County will not change until we, the citizens of DeKalb, vote for change! And a recall of some now would be a good thing!

New libraries collect dust, waiting for funding Sidney Haley wrote: DeKalb has already built one library on Panola Road which has no funding to open. Now they want to build another on Candler Road. If they can’t fund the one on Panola Road, how do they propose to fund the one on Candler Road or will we have another library just sitting and

Quick Read

have more tax dollars tied up that make use of the facility is the right could be used to close the budget approach to making this center the gap. This makes no sense at all. jewel that the Board of Commissioners envisioned. Continue to Ex-judge baffled by make the public/private partnertreatment ships that are mentioned in the JerryMyer Jackson Jr wrote: story and you will be assured of the “So! I’m thinking we don’t success that you pursue. have to refer to this Judge (Barbara Mobley) as “The Honorable” any New Family Dollar irks commissioners longer? Sharo wrote: All dollar stores are not the New director has lots of plans for arts center same. The commissioners’ comByron C. Saunders wrote: plaints should be on “service,” not This center has been long over- the fact that the store is a “dollar” due for a director with vision. Your store. new approach and outreach to the Post your comments at www. community of artists that want to crossroadsnews.com.

Communities fight to make own decision on liquor sale 3

Sessions aid business women

Supporters of Sunday alcohol sales in Georgia made their voices heard this week at a rally on the steps of the State Capitol.

Women business owners will get help improving their businesses at the Accelerated Growth Series workshops.

County seek input on transportation

Jobless claims rise

DeKalb County will host four public meetings to gather suggestions for projects that will be recommended for the 2012 regional transportation sales tax referendum.

Interchange to be dedicated 5 Circulation Audited By

Those same banks and corporations then devise new schemes to rob the American people on paper. The president of the United States in his State of the Union said, “Already, we’ve frozen the salaries of hardworking federal employees for the next two years. I’ve proposed cuts to things I care deeply about, like community action programs.” The president plans to cut Community Services Block Grants in half. That would devastate one of the biggest anti-poverty programs, which now serves about 20 million low-income Americans, providing Head Start, job training, heating assistance, weatherization for seniors, and other services for the poor. Use your ability on Facebook and your Tweets to let our president, members of Congress and the world know we care about what is happening to the unemployed, those living below the poverty standards and the corruption in our country. Jerry Wyatt lives in Lithonia.

We deserve more than political posturing

Family and friends will gather to dedicate the I-285/Memorial Drive interchange to late Tax Commissioner Tom Scott.

Despite talk of economic rebound, new claims for unemployment benefits rose in January.

Garlic packs a punch for flavor and curative powers 11 Garlic is attributed with the ability to ward off all manner of germs and other conditions – not to mention vampires, mosquitoes, plague and a host of other maladies.

Playoffs this weekend

Six South DeKalb high school teams are in the first round of state basketball playoffs this weekend.

Diabetes project screens more than 100 adults 10 Glen Haven students win dance party When the Rotary Club of South DeKalb signed up for the Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall Stonecrest, it thought it would screen about 50 people for diabetes.

Students at Glen Haven Elementary were doing the Cha-cha Slide and Cupid Shuffle after winning a statewide fitness challenge.

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Sarah Fabrics Inc............................................15 Seafood on the Crest.....................................15 The Eye Care Studio....................................... 11 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas.....................14 The Samuel Group.........................................14 The Willie Gray Story.....................................14

CrossRoadsNews

February 26, 2011

Community

Lewis, who was beaten on the head, still carries the scars from the skull fracture he suffered in the attack.

I-285 interchange to be dedicated March 3 to late tax commissioner logically advanced tax collection Family, friends and local and agency. state officials will gather on March When he took office in 1992, 3 to dedicate the I-285/Memothe county tax office was infamous rial Drive interchange to the late for long lines that circled the block DeKalb County Tax Commissioner and frustrated tag holders and Tom Scott. property owners who spent hours The ceremony, which will be waiting to pay their taxes. held on Scott’s birthday, takes place He decentralized the office into at 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the Tom Scott three locations and made technotax commissioner’s Central Office, logical improvements that allowed taxpayers 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. During his tenure, Scott modernized the to pay through the Internet, the telephone department into Georgia’s most techno- or by mail.

He also added Saturday hours so that people didn’t have to take time off work to pay their taxes. Prior to becoming tax commissioner, Scott was state senator for DeKalb’s District 43. During his eight years at the Capitol, he wrote Senate Bill 372 that made Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a state holiday. The resolution to name the $54.8 million interchange that was completed last year was sponsored by state Reps. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, Randall Mangham, Billy Mitchell, Michele Henson and Stan Watson in 2008.

Stuckey Benfield said the idea for naming the interchange for Scott came from community activist Joe Bembry. A vacant lot that housed construction trailers during the three years of work on the interchange project was donated by DeKalb County government to become the Tom Scott Memorial Garden. Scott widow and former DeKalb Commissioner Jacqui Scott has started planting trees and shrubs in the garden at the corner of Memorial Drive and Northern Avenue for a Tom Scott Memorial Garden.

Medal accepted on behalf of ‘countless’ activists

State Court seats to be filled same time

LEWIS,

DeKalb lawyers who want to fill any of the two sudden vacancies on the DeKalb State Court bench have until March 7 to apply to the state Judicial Nominating Commission. The seats of Judges Antonio DelCampo and Barbara J. Mobley are now vacant on the seven-member bench. DelCampo, one of two Hispanic judges on the bench, voluntarily tendered his resignation Feb. 16. His resignation is effective March 15. Mobley resigned on Feb. 4 amid an investigation of judicial misconduct. Stephanie Mayfield, a Deal spokeswoman, said the commission will conduct interviews on March 21 with all nominees who meet the minimum qualifications and a “short list” of candidates will be made. She said Gov. Nathan Deal will conduct his own interviews and make his decision soon after.

while trying to protect his mother at a civil rights demonstration. On the outskirts of Selma, after they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, heavily armed state troopers and deputies brutally attacked the marchers, in plain sight of photographers and journalists. Lewis, who was beaten on the head, still carries the scars from the skull fracture he suffered in the attack. He was elected to Georgia’s 5th Congressional District that includes portions of DeKalb County in 1986. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to individuals who make especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Lewis said he accepted it on behalf of “countless individuals” in the fight for civil rights.

from page

the award. “I cried a little,” he said. Those honored alongside Lewis included former President George H.W. Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, poet Maya Angelou, billionaire investor Warren Buffett, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and sports legends Stan Musial and Bill Russell. Lewis was the only one who got a standing ovation. Lewis celebrated his 71st birthday Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews on Feb. 21. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed (right) was among officials At the airport, well-wishers held who welcomed U.S. Rep. John Lewis home after he “Happy Birthday” and “Congratulareceived the Presidential Medal of Freedom. tions” signs. One woman held high a “Those who took seats on the lunch hand-written sign – “John Lewis, You Have counters, those that were on the Freedom Always Been My Hero.” Ride more than 50 years ago,” he said. “Those Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and other that marched on Washington in 1963, and officials also were at the airport to welcome for those that marched from Selma to Mont- Lewis. gomery.” Lewis said he was gratified by the response Lewis said he got emotional when Obama he received from the people of Atlanta. called him to let him know he was receiving “I’m very grateful,” he said.

Congratulations to an American Hero.

To be granted the highest civilian honor, is not only a testament to his work, but proof that his struggles were not in vain. Georgia Power is proud to congratulate Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Civil Rights leader and Congressman, Representative John Lewis. GEORGIAPOWER.COM

Finance

CrossRoadsNews

“Women business owners may very well be the group that pulls us out of this recession.”

Sessions aid businesswomen Women business owners will get help improving their businesses at the Accelerated Growth Series workshops hosted by the NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development. The institute, a nonprofit educational foundation of the National Association of Women Business Owners, will host the workshops Joy Ott in San Francisco beginning in April. The Accelerated Growth Series is sponsored by Wells Fargo, and workshops will be held April 25-26 and June 16-17. The April workshop is “Assessing Your Organizational Capacity.” The June workshop is “Developing a Strategic Plan for Growth.” Wendy Lopez, the NAWBO Institute’s chairwoman, said they are pleased to pilot the initiative at a time when it is so critical for women to grow their businesses, create new jobs and contribute significantly to the

February 26, 2011

overall economy. “Women business owners may very well be the group that pulls us out of this recession,” she said. Joy Ott, Wells Fargo regional president, said the bank recognizes the power, drive and potential of women entrepreneurs and is committed to helping them achieve continued success through programs like the Accelerated Growth Series. “We are excited for the opportunity to partner with NAWBO and the institute to help women business owners achieve an even greater level of growth, recognition and appreciation for the important contributions they make to the U.S. economy.” For more information on the Accelerated Growth Series, visit www.NAWBO .org. For information about the Atlanta chapter of NAWBO, visit www.nawbo atlanta.org.

Jobless claims rise in DeKalb Despite talk of economic rebound, new claims for unemployment insurance benefits rose in DeKalb County and metro Atlanta in January. In DeKalb, 4,597 initial claims were filed, up 8.9 percent or 376, from 4,221 filed in December. Across the metro area, initial claims rose 3,719, or 11.9 percent, as 35,038 new laid-off workers filed for benefits. In December, Mark Butler 31,319 new claims were filed. Even though the claims rose month over month, there was a decline of 5,434, or 13.4 percent, from the 40,472 new claims that were filed in January 2010. Statewide, 89,659 laid-off workers filed initial claims for UI benefits in January, an increase of 14,024, or 18.5 percent, from 75,635 filed in December. But there was a decline of 5,605, or 5.9 percent, from 95,264

filed in January 2010. State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said most of the claims were seasonal layoffs that occur each year. “However, I am concerned that the number of long-term unemployed Georgians continues to increase. This is a sure sign that the state’s job market remains soft.” In January, there were 262,700 long-term unemployed Georgians, laid-off workers who have been out of work for 27 weeks or longer. They represent an increase of 84,100, or 47.1 percent, from 178,600 in January 2010. Of the 14 major metropolitan areas in the state, only Columbus, Rome and Savannah reported decreases in initial claims filed from December to January. Much of the over-the-month increase in statewide claims occurred in manufacturing, construction, administrative and support services, and trade. State and local area jobless rates were not available due to annual revisions and re-benchmarking of data.

Rehab work in neighborhood to provide job, service opportunities HIDDEN HILLS,

from page

2010 Total Pending Foreclosures, Single Family Residential Gwinnett ............................................ 25,651 Fulton ................................................22,843 DeKalb ................................................18,781 Cobb .................................................. 14,397 Clayton .............................................. 10,261 Henry ...................................................6,627

homes and high-cost mortgages. They also developed local criteria to produce more comprehensive neighborhood profiles, looking at such factors as population change, home sales and whether neighborhoods were already involved in improvement activities. That’s where Hidden Hills scored big. January 2011 Total Pending Foreclosures, The civic association’s overlay commitSingle Family Residential tee has been working for several years with Gwinnett ............................................. 2,085 neighboring communities and county planFulton ...................................................1,779 ners on a blueprint for new development in DeKalb ..................................................1,534 an area bounded by Redan Road, Covington Cobb .....................................................1,222 Highway, Panola Road and South Hairston Clayton ...................................................855 Road. Henry ...................................................... 514 Hidden Hills’ privately owned golf course Source: DeKalb County, Atlanta Foreclosure Report was abandoned years ago. Dailey, who has been the civic association’s president for two years, doesn’t know “I think they chose Hidden Hills because they felt the number of foreclosures in the neighborhood, but she does know that three homes on like it was on the edge of going one way or the her street alone were lost to foreclosure. other,” Dailey said. “Rather than see it go from being “We’re looking forward to those [empty] a top neighborhood to nothing, they chose us so homes being sold to the fireman, the teacher, that we could maintain.” people who can bring some quality to the Pauline Dailey, president, neighborhood,” Dailey said. Hidden Hills Civic Association Under the first Neighborhood Stabilization Program, 27 second mortgages and 81 homes were bought and rehabilitated in Morris said. Cedar Pines apartments in Clarkston. DeKalb. Of those homes, 29 were sold, genThat first-year funding also helped fuel Renamed Avalon on Montreal, the comerating about $2 million in program income, the $9.5 million renovation of the 168-unit plex was purchased at foreclosure by Cortland Partners, which received a $4.9 million loan in Neighborhood Stabilization funds. The rehab work to be done in Hidden Hills will provide short-term job and feefor-service opportunities for area small

HUD fund recipients can acquire, refurbish and sell foreclosed or abandoned homes like this one on Fieldgreen Overlook in Hidden Hills.

Down payment assistance Up to $25,000 in down payment assistance is still available for some of DeKalb’s NSP1 homes. For information, contact one of these county contractors: nANDP Homes – www.ANDPHomes .org; 404-420-1600. n Real Estate Alliance Partners P&S – www.realhomeonline.com; 404-8084405. businesses. Interested parties are asked to wait until mid-April to contact the Hidden Hills Civic Association for information by sending an e-mail to hhcamail@yahoo.com.

February 26, 2011

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

The 2011 seniors will perform Stephen Schwartz’s “Prince of Egypt”; Dr. Cynthia Hale will accompany the orchestra in song.

SWD orchestra to perform at Ray of Hope Music lovers will find lots to love at Sunday’s hour-long concert of the Southwest DeKalb High School’s orchestra at the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur. During the Feb. 27 concert, which starts at 4 p.m., the budding and accomplished musicians will showcase the music of J.S. Bach and Richard Meyer. In honor of Black History Month, the students will play Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” Barry White’s “Love Theme” and Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough’s “Lovely Day.” The 2011 seniors will perform Stephen Schwartz’s moving work, “Prince of Egypt.” Ray of Hope’s senior pastor, Dr. Cynthia Hale, will accompany the orchestra in song. The 45 orchestra members, who include students from Cedar Grove and Chapel Hill middle schools, are directed by Melanie Driver. The orchestra competes annually in the Georgia Music Education Association Festival. Last year, it took first place in the All-Star Festival in Orlando, Fla., and the Fiesta-Val in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and third place in the Six Flags “Amusement in the Park” Competition. This is the fourth year that Ray of Hope is hosting the orchestra concert. The concert is free but donations will be taken. Proceeds benefit the orchestra’s trips to national competitions, master classes and

Composer will perform for ‘Missions’

The Southwest DeKalb High orchestra members, who include students from Cedar Grove and Chapel Hill middle schools, are directed by Melanie Driver.

For more information, call Lorraine clinics and provide assistance with private lessons for section leaders and students who Brackery at 678-234-4336. Ray of Hope Church is at 2788 Snapplan to pursue a career in orchestral music finger Road in Decatur. or music education.

Musician, vocalist and ArtStation music director Patrick Hutchison will perform Feb. 27 at Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church’s “Music for Missions” concert. The 7 p.m. concert is free but donations support missions. Hutchison, a keyboardist, pianist and organist, is also a composer of musicals, including Patrick Hutchison “The Harvey Milk Show,” produced across the United States. He is half the piano duo ph Balanced, a member of the vocal harmony group SIGHS, artistic director of the Peach State Opera Company, and staff accompanist at Georgia Perimeter College’s Fine Arts Department. He played keyboards on the Moody Blues “Strange Times” tour and for Richard Chamberlain, Keith Carradine and Toni Tennille. He has sung, danced and directed musicals in Mexico, Greenland and the United States, including Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre. Lawrenceville Road UMC is at 3142 Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker. For more information, call 770-939-3717.

Movie explores redemption themes Young documents at library The Andrew J. Young Papers, documenting more than 50 years in the life, career and family of civil rights activist and former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, will officially open at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History on Andrew Young March 6. The 4-to-6 p.m. program will feature a conversation between Young and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed discussing Young’s life and mission as minister, elected official, change agent, business leader and mentor. The collection contains corresponMichael Higgenbottom and Louis Gossett Jr. are among the stars in “The Grace Card,” which opens in Atlanta and nationwide this weekend.

Academy Award winner Louis Gossett Jr. and actors Michael Joiner and Michael Higgenbottom are the stars of “The Grace Card,” a crime drama about forgiveness and reconciliation that opens Feb. 25 in Atlanta and nationwide. The film, which is being hailed by church leaders as a “must-see film,” tells the story of two Memphis cops – Mac McDonald, played by Joiner, who is bitter at life, and part-time minister Sam Wright, played by Higgenbottom, who is questioning his calling. When Mac loses his son in an accident, years of bitterness and pain erode his love for his family and leave him angry with God. His rage stymies his career in the police department and creates even more tension

when he’s partnered with Sam, a rising star who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man. Gossett portrays Sam’s grandfather and mentor. “The Grace Card” will be screened at AMC Stonecrest 16 in Lithonia, UA North Point Market 8 in Alpharetta, and Regal Snellville Oaks Stadium 14. It was shot on location in Memphis and is directed by David Evans who along with his wife, Esther, formed GraceWorks Pictures to produce the movie with Calvary Pictures, formed by Calvary Church. The Evanses are members of Calvary in suburban Memphis. For more information, visit www .thegracecardmovie.com.

dence, speeches, press releases, calendars, books, minutes, reports, publications, articles, photos, scrapbooks, artifacts, textiles, trophies and awards, artwork, posters, programs, campaign memorabilia, manuscripts, travel documents, notes, sermons, ephemera, and audiovisual material. It documents his work as an author, congressman, mayor of Atlanta and co-chair of the 1996 Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games as well as his involvement with Law Companies Group Inc., GoodWorks International, and the Andrew Young Foundation. The program will be followed by a reception and opportunity to view items from the collection, which is a permanent part of the library’s research collection. For more information, call 404-730-4001, Ext. 199, or 404-730-1865.

‘You Again’ at Covington Library The comedy film “You Again,” starring Betty White, Kristen Bell and Sigourney Weaver, will be screened Feb. 26 at the Covington Library in Decatur. The one-hour, 45-minute film, which was released in September, is part of the DeKalb Library’s New Movie Series featuring recently released blockbusters. The screening begins at 2 p.m. “You Again” tells the story of Marni, who was tormented in high school by mean girls and shunned by boys. No one

was meaner than head cheerleader Joana. Years later, Marni’s a successful woman with a good job. She returns home to attend her brother’s wedding and discovers that he is marrying Joana. When they meet, she wants Joana to apologize for the way she treated her but Joana feigns ignorance. Marni sets out to expose the real Joana to her brother. The movie’s box-office take was $23.5 million by December. The library is at 3500 Covington Highway. For more information, call 404-508-7180.

“WELL- CRAFTED...WITH A POWERFUL SPIRITUAL MESSAGE OF REDEMPTION AND FORGIVENESS.” DICK ROLFE,

CEO, DOVE FOUNDATION

Emory pianist to perform at Spelman the graduate organ degree programs at Emory’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Candler School of Theology, is a seasoned performer who regularly receives praise for his “ever-present artistry and virtuosity.” The free series, which begins at 4 p.m., runs through March 27 at the Spelman College Sisters Chapel, 350 Spelman Lane S.W. in Atlanta. For more information and other performances, visit www.spelman.edu.

GRACECARD

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Emory University organist Timothy Albrecht will be performing Feb. 27 at the 2011 Harreld-James Organ Recital Series at Spelman College in Atlanta. The series, which is in its fifth year, celebrates the classical sounds of organ music through the performances of distinguished organists. Albrecht, who heads Timothy Albrecht

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CrossRoadsNews

rget o F t ’ Don te!!! to Vo lose ts C o l l a B /11 3/31

Tell Us Who’s Best! Who gives the best haircut in East Metro Atlanta? Where is the best car repair shop or BBQ joint? Walking trail? Most romantic restaurant? Vote now for the Best of East Metro in our annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Winners of these awards will be honored at our Best of East Metro / Small Business Expo on April 23 at the Mall at Stonecrest. Please complete and return your ballot by March 31, 2011 (no photocopies, please). Or, go to www.crossroadsnews. com and vote for your favorites online.

Public Affairs Best Local Activist q Joe Bembry q Gil Turman q John Evans q Karen Davenport

February 26, 2011

Vote for the best that East M Most Beloved Elected Official

Best Church Choir

Best Caribbean Resta

q John Lewis

q St. Philip AME Church

q Kool Runnings

q Stan Watson

q First African Presbyterian Church

q Eat Right

q Sheriff Thomas Brown

q Berean Christian Church

q Hank Johnson

q Saint Philip AME / W.N. Griffin Gospel Choir

Best Italian Restauran

q Rainbow Park Baptist Church

q Figo

q Larry Johnson q Gail Davenport Most Beloved Public Official

q AiJalon Inc. Adult Day Health Care q Victoria Attmore-Pengel q LaTasha Lewis q Brenda Jackson q Anthony “Tony” Royal, Chick-fil-A q Greg Levett q Ron Brown q Robin Smith and Paul Turner, Pesos Mexican Cantina Best School Board Member q Tom Bowen

Best Mexican Restaur Best Dance Ministry

q Mibarrio

q Gwen Keyes Fleming

q Tamba Issa, First Afrikan Presbyterian Church

q Pesos Mexican Cantin

q Commissioner Lee May

q Berean Christian Church

Best Soul Food Restau

q St. Philip AME Church

q Hodge’s

q New Life

q Thelma’s

q Steen Miles

Most Active State Legislator q Stephanie Stuckey Benfield

q Robert's

q Coach Williams

Best Outreach Ministry

q Stacey Abrams

q Camp of Champions

Best Bakery

q Billy Mitchell

q Blessings on Wheels

q Royal Caribbean Bake

q Pam Stephenson

q Berean Christian Church

q Sweet n’ Sinful

Best Civic Organization q Stone Mountain-Lithonia Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority q AKA - Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter q DeKalb Chapter of NAACP q Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association Best East Metro Landmark q Aijalon Inc.

q St. Timothy School q Berean Christian Church q Greenforest-McCalep CAC

q Garlic

q The Mall at Stonecrest

q Exotic Thai, Stonecrest

Community of Faith Best Large Church

Best American Restaurant

q St. Philip AME Church

q Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill

q Ray of Hope

q Java Delight Cafe

q Berean Christian Church

q Parker’s On Ponce

q New Life Baptist Church

q Barbara C. Campbell

q St. Pius H. S.

q The Earl, Flst Shoals Ave., Atlanta

q Sarah Copelin Woods

q Pamela Williams Aijalon Adult Day Health

Best Christian School

q Arabia Mountain

q Beulah Baptist church,

Citizen of the Year

q New Life Baptist Church

Dining Best Asian Restaurant

q Jay Cunningham q Eugene Walker

q Olive Garden

q Green Pastures

q Rainbow Park Baptist Church

Best Local Entrepreneur

q Sauced

Best BBQ Restaurant q Fox Brothers

Best Small Church

q Robert’s

q Poplar Springs Baptist Church

q Community Q

q First African Presbyterian

q Mabels

q New Hope Christian Ministries

q Smokey Bones

q Lilly Hill Baptist Church

Best Takeout q Las Brasas q Gut Busters

q Pesos Mexican Cantin

q Chick-fil-A at Turner H q Java Delight Cafe Best Pizza q Savage Pizza

q Davido’s on Covingto q Avallino’s Best Late Night Eats

q Pesos Mexican Cantin q Waffle House

Most Romantic Restau q Parker’s On Ponce q Arizona’s

Best Restaurant for F

q Pesos Mexican Cantin q Parker’s On Ponce q Applebee’s q Arizona’s Best Chicken Wings

q Poplar Springs Baptist church,

Best Family Dining Restaurant

q Robert James

q Rainbow Park Baptist Church

q Gladys and Ron’s Chicken & Waffles

q Pesos Mexican Cantin

q Gretchen Smith

q Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

q Pesos Mexican Cantina

q Davido’s on Covingto

q Bethel Family Church

q Folks

q Java Delight Cafe

q First Atlanta Wesleyan Church

q Piccadilly

q American Deli

q Rochelle Candeller Best County Commissioner q Kathie Gannon q Lee May q Larry Johnson q Stan Watson

q Highland pub

You can also vote for your favorites online at www.eastmetromarket.com. Click on the “Best of East Metro” banner and follow the directions...

February 26, 2011

Best of East Metro

CrossRoadsNews

Metro Atlanta has to offer

aurant

rant

nas

Best Restaurant When Someone Else Buys

Best Financial Institution

Best Health Club

q Red Lobster

q Citizens Trust Bank

q Power Kicks Tae Kwon Do

q BB&T

q Tadda’s Fitness Camp

q Parker’s On Ponce q Arizona’s Best Breakfast

urant

First Date

Best Law Firm

q Kendrick Family Practice

q The Secret Firm

q Oakhurst Medical Center

q Davis & Bozeman Law Firm

q IHOP

q Boykin Edwards Jr., PC

q South DeKalb Center for Health Living

q Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road

q Noreen Banks Ware

q Gut Busters

q BJH Attorneys at Law

Best Running or Jogging Track

Best Event Planner

q Arabia Mountain

q Java Delight Cafe

q Stone Mountain Park

Best Restaurant Service

q Benita Osbey

q Pesos Mexican Cantina

q Kimberly Cameron

q IHOP

q Brenda Jackson & Associates

q BaSix Knowledge Academy

Best Barbershop

q Woodward Academy

q Chick-fil-A at Turner Hill Road q Java Delight Cafe

ery

Hill Road

Best Health Clinic

q Ria’s Bluebird Cafe

urant

q RBC Bank

Best Sunday Brunch

q Sweet Melissa’s q Carpe Diem Best Supermarket q Wal-Mart Memorial Drive q Publix - Flat Shoals Parkway q Publix - S. Hairston q Kroger - Flat Shoals Pkwy

q Nicks Barber Shop q Ultimate Barber Shop Best Hair Salon q The Good Hair Shop q Acts of Valor

q Excell Preparatory Center q St. Timothy School Best Day Care q Excell Preparatory Center q Aijalon Inc Adult Day Care q Kingdom Kare Academy

q Don Janelle Day Spa q Dynasty Hair Salon

Fun for All Best Movie Theater

Best HVAC Service

q Movie Tavern

q Shamari

q Bowman’s HVAC Buy & Sell Best Auto Dealer - Used

q Lu Woodson - Alpha Climate Control

q Ultimate Benz

Best Orthodontist

q Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery

Best Private School

q Craig Williams q North Georgia Orthodontics

Best Auto Repair

q AMC Theater q Gallery at South DeKalb Best Place to Meet New People q Java Delight Cafe q Pesos Mexican Cantina Best Free WiFi q Chick-Fil-A At Turner Hill Road

q Gibbs Garage

Best Dentist

q Service 1st Auto Care

q Heard & Heard Dental

q Panera

q Ultimate Benz

q Spa Dental

q Pesos Mexican Cantina

q Dr. Diane Stephens Best Car Wash q Village Hand Car Wash

Vote Online @ www.crossroadsnews.com

q California Gold q Upscale Cleaning q So Fresh And So Clean q Zoom Express Car Wash q Cartopia Services Rendered

Best Mall

q Gallery at South DeKalb q Mall at Stonecrest q North DeKalb Mall q Northlake Mall Best Real Estate Agency q Gretta Thomas q Tobias A. Jackson Best Insurance Agent q Devon Hudson, State Farm q Les Kemp, Allstate

Tell Us About Yourself First Name:_ ____________________ Last Name:_________________ Address:_ ________________________________________________ City: _ __________________________ State: _____ Zip: ___________ Phone Number: _ __________________________________________ Email Address:_____________________________________________ Age:

❍ 18-34 ❍ 35-49 ❍ 50-65 ❍ 65+

Sex:

❍ Male ❍ Female

Mail or deliver your completed ballot to CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur GA 30032, or vote at www.crossroadsnews.com. Photocopies of ballots are not accepted.

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

February 26, 2011

“Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.”

Rotary Club diabetes project screens more than 100 adults South DeKalb Rotarian Al Lockhart and Dr. Janie Noll (white coat) talk with expo goers at Rotary’s table a the Jan. 29 Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest.

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

When the Rotary Club of South DeKalb signed up for the CrossRoadsNews 2011 Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall Stonecrest on Jan. 29, it thought it would screen about 50 people for diabetes. Instead, 101 men and women took the free diabetes test, and 15 of them had high glucose levels. Daphne Byrd, the club’s president, said 10 of those with high levels had no idea their blood sugar was high. “They didn’t know or had never been screened for diabetes before,” Byrd said. Sponsoring diabetes screening was a new project for the 30-plus year Rotary Club that began in Decatur and now meets weekly in Lithonia at DeKalb Medical Hillandale. Byrd said the club won a $1,750 Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Grant from its Rotary 6900 district to do the screenings and to create awareness about the disease that disporportionately afflicts African Americans. “It is the number one disease for African-Americans,” Byrd said. “We wanted to increase awareness and promote early detection.” During the expo, the club and its partners, Southeastern Primary Care Consortium/Atlanta Area Education Center, the Morehouse School Medicine, Liberty Medical Supplies and Eli Lilly, also distributed fact sheets and a book about diabetes, and counseled people who got screenings about preventing or managing their diabetes. Byrd said Morehouse provided the screeners, and Liberty Medical provided the screening kits, a nurse practitioner and 65 diabetes monitors, which cost up to $85, that

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

were given away free to people who took the diabetes test. The final leg to the project is a series of diabetes webinars that Janie Noll, a registered nurse and doctor of pharmacy, will give during on March. The diabetes project is one of three that the Rotary Club is working on this year. It also has an Educating for Success project at Meadowview Elementary School and a Crime Prevention project with the DeKalb

Youth Leadership Academy. Those projects are each funded by a $2,500 grant. Byrd said the club won the money from the Rotary District when it was the first to register 100 percent of its members for the April 2010 District Conference at the Cobb Galleria. At Meadowview, a school the club has sponsored for a number of years, the Rotarians are promoting education through a variety of activities. Byrd said they sponsor the

school’s Teacher of the Year, read to children, and participate in the school’s Career Day. They also donated books to the school. The Youth Leadership Academy projects includes co-sponsoring a summer program in collaboration with the South DeKalb YMCA, and the DeKalb Workforce Development, mentoring the students and helping them to development strategy to combat it. To register for the webinar, call Daphne Byrd at 404-815-4996.

Dress in Blue Day raises awareness of colon cancer risks Metro Atlanta residents will be During March, the wearing blue clothing on March alliance is offering 4 to help observe a National Col“Ask Me Why I’m orectal Cancer Awareness Month Blue” buttons event. and bracelets The third annual Dress in Blue to prompt Day, which takes place the first Frimeaningful day in March, is held in communiand lifesaving ties nationwide. Colon cancer is 80 Andrew Spiegel conversations percent preventable when detected about the early. Adults can reduce their risk through highly preventable disregular screenings. ease. The Colon Cancer Alliance, the nation’s Andrew Spiegel, the leading colon cancer patient advocacy or- alliance’s CEO, says Dress in ganization, says that starting at age 50 – or Blue has gained more attention earlier if you have a family history – everyone each year. should get their colon checked. “The purpose of Dress in Blue Day

is to promote awareness regarding the importance of colon cancer screening,” Spiegel said. “Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. We need to make sure that everyone, especially those over the age of 50 years, is talking with their doctor about getting a screening test.” He said Dress in Blue is a great way to get people talking about colorec-

tal cancer while saving lives in the process. Approximately 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer each year. It often has no symptoms at all until it’s at an advanced stage. The idea for Dress in Blue Day originated in 2006 when Anita Mitchell, an alliance volunteer, survivor and co-founder of Colon S.T.A.R.S. of Seattle, wanted to find an effective way to honor a friend who had recently passed away from colon cancer and to recognize others who are fighting the disease. In 2009, the alliance worked with the group to bring national recognition to Dress in Blue Day. For more information, visit www.dress inblueday.com or www.ccalliance.org.

Stretch your dollars by extending food’s fridge and shelf life Tips to save big on food n Line the bottom of your refrigerator’s crisper drawer with paper towels. They’ll absorb the excess moisture that causes vegetables to rot. n To keep herbs tasting fresh for up to a month, store whole bunches, washed and sealed in plastic bags, in the freezer. When you need them, they’ll be easier to chop, and they’ll defrost the minute they hit a hot pan. n A bay leaf slipped into a container of flour, pasta or rice will help repel bugs. n Stop cheese from drying out by spreading butter or margarine on the cut sides to seal in moisture. This is most effective with hard cheeses sealed in wax. n When radishes, celery or carrots have lost their crunch, simply pop them in a bowl of iced water along with a slice of raw potato and watch the limp vegetables freshen up right before your eyes.

Add your ideas online

Rebecca DiLiberto

With fitness, wellness and nutrition on everyone’s minds these days, tips for saving on groceries are always welcome. Rebecca DiLiberto, a lifestyle writer and author of “Penny Saving Household Helper: 500 Little Ways to Save Big,” offers a number of handy hints for saving money and trips to the market below. Add your own tips to this story by clicking on Post a Comment on www.crossroadsnews.com.

n Avoid separating bananas until you plan it doesn’t take on the flavor of whatever else

to eat them – they spoil less quickly in a bunch. n Put rice in your saltshaker to stop the salt from hardening. The rice absorbs condensation that can cause clumps. n Stock up on butter when it’s on sale – you can store it in the freezer for up to six months. Pack it in an airtight container so

you’re freezing. n In order to make cottage cheese or sour cream last longer, place the container upside down in the fridge. Inverting the tub creates a vacuum that inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause food to spoil. n Believe it or not, honey is the only nonperishable food substance, so don’t get rid of the

stuff if it crystallizes or becomes cloudy. Microwave on medium heat, in 30-second increments, to make honey clear again. n Prevent extra cooked pasta from hardening by stashing it in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, throw the pasta in boiling water for a few seconds to restore moisture. n Keeping brown sugar in the freezer will stop it from hardening. But if you already have hardened sugar on your shelf, soften it by sealing in a bag with a slice of bread – or by microwaving on high for 30 seconds. n If you only need a few drops of lemon juice, avoid cutting the lemon in half – it will dry out quickly. Instead, puncture the fruit with a metal skewer and squeeze out exactly what you require. n If you’re unsure of an egg’s freshness, see how it behaves in a cup of water: Fresh eggs sink; bad ones float.

CrossRoadsNews

February 26, 2011

Wellness

In more recent times, studies have shown garlic to have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Garlic packs a punch for flavor and curative powers Eating Healthy Life Chef Asata Reid

Garlic is one of the crown jewels of the “food as medicine” followers and is attributed with the ability to ward off all manner of germs, topical infections, internal irritants, inflammation, and acne – not to mention vampires, mosquitoes, plague and a host of other maladies. It’s hard to sift through centuries of folklore about garlic cure-alls to get to the science behind garlic, which some folk have even used to treat cancer. The Internet is inundated with garlic cures and people who swear by its healing power. “The Stinking Rose,” as it is known in Italy, is a member of the allium family and closely related to onions and shallots. As long as there has been a written human history, garlic has been included in the tale. Records show mention of garlic in the time of the building of the Great Pyramids of Giza, and garlic is used on every continent of the globe (imported to Antarctica, of course). Garlic has been used to treat smallpox, tuberculosis and dropsy (edema); to ward off evil spirits; and to evoke the presence of deities. In more recent times, studies have shown garlic to have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Incidences of cancer are lower in countries whose cuisine supports high garlic usage. Garlic has been linked to preventing disease, lowering cholesterol and combating high blood pressure. However, a 2007 trial initiated by the National Institutes of Health showed the beneficial effects of consuming garlic largely ineffective in people who already had high baseline cholesterol levels. The good news is this may actually support the homeopathic-suggested use of garlic, consumed on a regular basis, as a preventive measure against high cholesterol. The bad news is that if your cholesterol is already high, this study suggests garlic may be ineffective in lowering it. On other health fronts, garlic has been attributed to stopping the common cold, easing cough symptoms and regulating blood sugar. Garlic has been used for its antiseptic properties for centuries through topical application of poultices or the application even of raw garlic cloves, though it should be

Roasted Garlic 3 whole garlic heads 2 to 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary Black pepper Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Peel away the outer layers of skin of the garlic head, leaving the individual cloves intact; leave garlic bulb whole and don’t worry about getting all of the outer skin off – you’ll need some of it there to help hold the outer cloves. Using a sharp knife, slice 1/2-inch off the pointed end of the garlic bulbs, exposing the individual cloves of garlic.

noted that garlic can actually burn sensitive skin and membranes of body cavities. It’s a formidable antifungal and has been used to treat thrush and other yeast, correct digestive disorders, and even treat scurvy due to its high vitamin C content. Although normal culinary usage of garlic is safe, it has the ability to act as a blood thinner, much like aspirin does, and could interact with medications such as warfarin, antiplatelets, saquinavir, antihypertensives, calcium channel blockers, and hypoglycemic drugs.

Place each trimmed garlic head onto a large sheet of foil. Pour 1/2 teaspoon olive oil over the top of each bulb and let it sink in between the cloves, sprinkle with pepper and top with the herb sprig (crush it between your fingers to release the fragrant oils). Wrap the ends of the foil up to seal, like a parcel. Bake on a sheet pan or ovenproof dish approximately 45 to 60 minutes or until cloves are golden brown at the trimmed end and tender to the touch. Allow the roasted garlic to cool to the touch, then using a small knife, cut the skin slightly around each clove. You may have to use your fingers to pull or squeeze the smaller cloves out of their skins.

That’s a lot to know about garlic, and there’s more being discovered or remembered every year. My general advice is to eat garlic in its fresh or cooked form as often as you can, not only because it’s good for you, but because of the flavor it adds to nearly any cuisine. As to the garlic question I am most often asked: How do you get that garlic smell off your hands? I have no idea, but I’m open to suggestions. So if you have a tip, e-mail me at chefasata@crossroadsnews.com. I’d love to share it with other readers and try it myself.

Cooked garlic is milder than raw, and roasted garlic is absolutely sweet with a buttery texture. It’s very easy to make, and you can store your roasted garlic in a container in the refrigerator and use the soft, pliant cloves whenever you want to add the rich, sweet roasted garlic flavor to your favorite dishes. Chef Asata Reid is making the world a healthier place, one plate at a time. She teaches healthy cooking classes through Life Chef LLC. For recipes, articles and class information, visit www.lifechef.net.

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Youth

CrossRoadsNews

February 26, 2011

This year, the scholarship program will award more than $415,000 in scholarships and prizes. This is the first Lady Eagles team from New Birth Christian Academy to compete.

Miller Grove’s guard Thomas Marshall at left will be in the 2011 playoffs.

Basketball playoffs this weekend By Carla Parker

Lady Eagles’ historical first outing This was a historic year for the Lady Eagles, New Birth Christian Academy’s girls basketball team. The team became the school’s first to make it to a playoff game on Feb. 16 in the Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA) State Basketball Tournament. It was also the Lithonia school’s first year competing in the tournament. The Lady Eagles entered the playoffs with a 5-12 record and faced David Emmanuel Academy from Stillmore. They lost 24-68, but school educational

development director Kimberly Baker pronounced the season a successful one for the team. “Their goal was to make the playoffs and they did that,” Baker said. “Making the playoffs was a huge milestone for them and for the school.” Coach Jameyan Smith said the team, lead by senior Alexaundra Grayson, struggled a little in the beginning of the season but got it together toward the end. “They just clicked and started playing better basketball,” he said.

Six South DeKalb high school teams are in the first round of state basketball playoffs this weekend. The teams – Columbia, Miller Grove and Stephenson boys and girls; Redan and Stone Mountain girls; and Southwest DeKalb boys – are among 11 DeKalb schools making it to the playoffs. They are joining Chamblee and Tucker boys teams for the Feb. 25 and 26 playoffs. This is Southwest DeKalb Panthers and Stone Mountain Lady Pirates first playoff since 2006. The Lady Pirates will take their 18-10 record to Cartersville and take on the Lady Hurricanes of Cartersville High School in the Class AAA girls state tournament, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. The Panthers’ (22-5) upset of the No. 1 ranked and two-time state defending champions Miller Grove Wolverines 60-56 in the Region 6-AAAA boys’ championship game on Feb. 18 earned them a No. 1 seed for the Class AAAA state playoffs. Both the Panthers and Miller Grove (27-1) will host a first-round playoff

game. Miller Grove will host Cedar Shoals High School on Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m., and Southwest DeKalb will host Rockdale County’s Heritage High School on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. Miller Grove’s Lady Wolverines (18-9) will host Rockdale County High School on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. Redan’s Lady Raiders (23-3), who earned a No. 1 seed in the Class AAAA girls’ state tournament, will host Loganville High School on Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Redan High. The defending Class AAA state champions Columbia Eagles and Lady Eagles will play host roles on Feb. 25. The No. 1 seeded Eagles (25-3) will take on Catoosa County’s Heritage High School in Class AAA boys’ state tournament at 7:30 p.m., while the No. 2 seeded Lady Eagles (22-6) will host Allatoona High School at 6 p.m. Stephenson Jaguars and Lady Jaguars also will play host on Feb. 26. The Lady Jaguars (22-5) will host North Cobb High School in the Class AAAAA girls’ tournament at 6 p.m. The Jaguars (15-13), who enter the boys’ state tournament as the No. 2 seed, will host No. 3 seed Campbell High School at 7:30 p.m.

Kohl’s Kids open for nominees By Carla Parker

Kids who give of their time to others could end up with $10,000 in scholarship money from the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program. The annual Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program is ac- Kristi Campbell Tiffany Carpenter Ambriah Rawls cepting nominations through March 15 at their stores, including at the seventh grader, started the Young Readers Mall at Stonecrest, Northlake Mall and in Book Club of Decatur to teach the importance of literacy and encourage her peers to Conyers. The program recognizes and rewards read more. Ambriah, also volunteers with Hosea young volunteers, ages six to 18, who help Feeds The Hungry and at a nursing home make their communities a better place to in Conyers. live. Tiffany, 19, who has been doing volunteer Store winners get e a $50 Kohl’s Gift Card; work since she was three years old, won a $50 regional winners, $1,000 scholarships for Kohl’s Gift Card. post-secondary education; and national winHer volunteer work includes Operation ners, $10,000 in scholarships for college. Christmas Child, where she packs shoeboxes This year, the scholarship program, will full of toys, school supplies, candy and toiaward more than $415,000 in scholarships letries and send them to children overseas. and prizes to 2,100 kids in communities She is also a member of the nursing-home where it operates stores. Last year’s local winners includes Kristi ministry at Belmont Baptist Church in ConyCampbell of Lithonia, Ambriah Rawls of De- ers. She ministers to the elderly at the nursing homes through music by singing and playing catur, and Tiffany Carpenter of Conyers. Kristi, 14, a 2010 store winner, won a her violin. Kohl’s will also donate $1,000 to a non$50 Kohl’s Gift Card. The Arabia Mountain profit organization on each winner’s behalf. High School ninth grader, volunteered with To be eligible, students must be between the American Cancer Society by assisting the employees with preparing food for cancer the ages of six and 18 and not yet a high patients at the Hope Lodge. She helps to school graduate as of March 15, 2011. Each prepare sandwiches for the St. Francis Table student must be nominated by someone age Soup Program in Atlanta and makes over 220 21 years or older. Nominators must describe in details the lunch bags for the homeless on Saturdays student’s volunteer services that helped nonseveral times a month. family members between March 15, 2010 and Twelve-year-old Ambriah, was a store March 15, 2011. For more information visit winner in 2010. She got a $50 Kohl’s Gift Card. The Champion Theme Middle School www.kohlskids.com.

Adults, like state Rep. Billy Mitchell, will be reading to kids on March 2 in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The Delta’s “Spring Into Reading” will be March 5 at the Gallery at South DeKalb.

Deltas hosting Spring Into Reading Kids will read and get free books at the March 5 “Spring Into Reading” event at the Gallery at South DeKalb. The three-hour event, which is hosted by the Decatur chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., salutes famous children’s author Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel and coincides each year with his birthday. Dr. Seuss was born March 2, 1904. This year on March 2, thousands of children in DeKalb schools and across the country will participate in the National Education Association’s annual Read Across America Day. Spring Into Reading stresses the theme “Reading Is FUNdamental!” It starts at 11 a.m. near Macy’s. The program’s goal is to increase

children’s interest in reading and encourage them to write their own stories. The program, which won the Decatur chapter the Deltas’ Southern Region’s Arts and Letters Distinguished Service Award in 2008, has reached more than more than 350 children since its launch in 2006. The chapter expects to reach more than 300 children, ages 2 to 16, this year. Highlights of the 2011 program include adult-child reading sessions, a writer’s corner for the children to create their own stories, an Author’s Pavilion, an arts and crafts corner, and free distribution of books along with other motivational activities. The Gallery at South DeKalb is at 2801 Candler Road in Decatur. For more information, visit www.dstdac .org or call 678-895-9360.

CrossRoadsNews

February 26, 2011

Youth

“When the students started doing more physical activities, they became more alert. If they’re more alert, they will be be alert in the classroom.”

Photos by Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

At left, Glen Haven students learn new stretching exercises at a dance party in the gym. Above, pre-k student Cariah Postley demonstrates Hula-Hoop prowess.

Glen Haven wins dance party in statewide fitness challenge By Carla Parker

Students at Glen Haven Elementary were doing the Cha-cha Slide and the Cupid Shuffle on Feb. 22 after winning a statewide fitness challenge. The Decatur school was among the top winners of 150 schools in Georgia that entered the “Get Active, Get Fit!” School Fitness Challenge that took place between Oct. 4 and Nov. 27 last year. Glen Haven was one of 20 schools with 100 percent of its students participating in the challenge that required students to be active for at least 15 minutes on 40 out

hour break from school to dance of 55 days. For their efforts, the and sing along with Radio Disney school won the Feb. 22 BlueCross AM 590 in the gym. They sang BlueShield Georgia/Radio Disney at the top of their lungs to Justin AM 590 Dance Party, where they Bieber’s “Baby” and Katy Perry’s learned new dance moves and dif“Fireworks” and did YMCA ferent stretching exercises. dance and other dance routines Principal Cynthia Swanson said with teachers, administrators and the contest was important because school district officials. physical activity contributes to Cynthia Swanson More than 150 elementary academics. “When the students started doing more schools in 127 districts statewide participhysical activities, they became more alert,” pated in “Get Active, Get Fit.” The challenge was designed to motiSwanson said. “If they’re more alert, they will vate kids and families to achieve fitness be alert in the classroom.” For Tuesday’s party, the students got a one- together by engaging in fun activities.

Nationwide, nearly 500,000 students participated. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Georgia has the nation’s second-highest incidence of childhood obesity, which motivated first lady Michelle Obama to come to Atlanta on Feb. 9 to deliver her keynote address on the first anniversary of her “Let’s Move” campaign. Starting with the 2011-2012 school year, House Bill 229, passed by the state Legislature, will require physical education teachers to test students on endurance, strength and flexibility as well as take students’ weight and height measurements for awareness.

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CrossRoadsNews

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