CrossRoadsNews, April 3, 2010 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

SCENE

Congressman Hank Johnson and other dignitaries gathered at the Wesley Chapel Post Office to encourage residents to mail in their 2010 Census forms. 3

As investigators sort through murky details of the murder of Cinque Harper, the 17-yearold’s family and friends prepare to bury him. 4

Clients at AiJalon Adult Day Care in Stone Mountain are getting ready for their annual “Therapeutic Garden Project Fundraiser”. 8

Spreading census cheer

Collection effort under way

April 3, 2010

Flowers for funding

Volume 15, Number 48

www.crossroadsnews.com

Task force kicks school closings back to board Darrell Jennings said task force members were uncomfortable with the closure scenarios they were given.

The Citizen Planning Task Force charged with recommending four schools for closure, backed away from that decision late Thursday night. Instead, the 20-member panel voted to do nothing and to send the list of 10 south DeKalb elementary schools – Atherton, Clifton, Flat Shoals, Gresham Park, Kelley Lake, Knollwood, Meadowview, Peachcrest, Rowland and Sky Haven – to the DeKalb Board of Education.

The panel arrived at the list of 10 on Tuesday, after removing Avondale, Briar Vista, Laurel Ridge and Medlock elementary schools because there were no schools with capacity to absorb any of their students if they closed. Darrell Jennings, a task force member from School Board District 3, said members were uncomfortable with the closure scenarios given to them. “We had lots of questions,” he said. “We

decided that this should be a board decision.” The school system, which is facing a $115 million shortfall, says it must close four low-enrollment schools at savings of $2.35 million, to help balance its budget. The system has targeted schools with fewer than 450 students, which the state does not fully fund. The task force started with a list of 26 schools and pared it down to 10.

Redan Road bridge opens after six-month closure By Donna Williams Lewis

Redan Road has reopened to flowthrough traffic six months after floods damaged a bridge on the major South DeKalb artery. Nadine Rivers-Johnson, community association liaison for the Mainstreet subdivision, said she was ecstatic. “The community is thrilled that the bridge is open,” she said. After the bridge closed in September, Redan Road commuters were diverted through Mainstreet, a planned community of 1,164 homes with entrances on Redan and South Hairston roads. The busiest neighborhood streets soon became pockmarked with potholes as they crumbled under the additional weight that included trucks and MARTA buses. Jan Costello, a longtime resident of the Hidden Hills community across from Mainstreet, was happy to hear that the detour is over. “We’re thrilled because the detour changed not only our own commuting patterns, but we’ve also seen so much congestion on Covington Highway and cut-through traffic in our neighborhood,” Costello said. The Georgia Department of Transportation opened the bridge over Barbashela Creek, between Redan High School and South Hairston Road, at 6:30 p.m. on March 29. Mickey McGee, the DOT’s district construction engineer, says the reopening, within six months of the bridge closure, is a significant accomplishment. “Bridge reconstruction projects typically take 18 to 24 months, but our contractors worked hard and got them done quickly,” McGee said. Massana Construction Inc. of Tyrone replaced the bridge. The project cost $1.06 million in federal highway emergency funds. Other bridges severely damaged by the Sept. 21-22 floodwaters reopened last week. Bridges on Peachtree-Dunwoody Road over Nancy Creek and on State Route 166 over Anneewakee Creek have been completed. Another damaged bridge, Riverside Drive over Marsh Creek, is scheduled to reopen by mid-April, according to the DOT. As the Redan Road bridge replacement progressed, county workers stayed busy patching and repatching potholes on Main-

District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton cut the ribbon Thursday to officially open the Redan Road bridge that was damaged by last fall’s floods.

Jennifer Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The Redan Road bridge was closed in September after it was damaged by floodwaters. The reconstruction project cost $1.06 million in federal highway emergency funds.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

street Park Drive, Martin Road and other streets in the community that were used as detours. Residents there and in some adjacent communities now want some roads hit hard by the detour repaved. Mainstreet residents also are concerned about the safety of a small bridge on Mainstreet Park Drive, near Heritage Oaks

4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton. “We are not going to fight them too hard just yet, but we want it done.” Carl Glover, the county’s Public Works Department associate director, said Thursday that they are working to repave all the detour roads in Mainstreet within the next 30 days. “Our crews are over there making assessment right now,” he said. “We have to fix them first before we can repave.” Barnes Sutton said she is so happy that the bridge is open, ahead of its original April 31 completion date. “The bridge being out for so long was a big problem for this community and for residents all over DeKalb,” she said. “This is a highly traveled road, a main thoroughfare. On behalf of the CEO and the other commissioners, I want to say that we understand the cost that this was to you, our constituents. I know that it cost the businesses a lot of money; it cost the residents – that it was an inconvenience for the residents and we just

Drive. Rick Harris, president of the homeowners’ Mainstreet Community Services Association Inc., said they stayed on county officials about fixing the bridge and intend to do the same about repaving the detour roads. “We beat them up really bad about fixing the bridge,” he said after a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the bridge hosted by District Please see BRIDGE, page 4

CrossRoadsNews

Community

April 3, 2010

“Acquittal of a crime does not mean that the board’s decision was incorrect or will in any way be revisited.”

Students accused of sexual battery Teacher acquitted in sex dance case Five male Stephenson Middle School students who allegedly stripped and molested a fellow student and stuffed him naked in a locker are facing criminal charges for their role in the sexual battery incident. School spokesman Dale Davis said Thursday that the district’s public safety department is investigating the incident that involved a total of six students. “Five of the six were charged criminally,” Davis said. “The students received schoolrelated disciplinary action in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.” The students were not identified.

Reports are that the incident occurred after a track team practice. No teacher was present in the locker room at the time. Davis called the incident “isolated” and said it received an immediate response from public safety and school administrators. “The entire administrative staff at Stephenson Middle School works tirelessly to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for their students,” he said. “Stephenson Middle School is and will continue to be a safe learning environment for the students and staff.”

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Former Southwest DeKalb High would do it again. School chorus teacher Nathan He said he is not second-guessGrigsby was acquitted Wednesday ing the jury but that taxpayers’ dolby a DeKalb County jury on five lars pay for these teachers and for counts of contributing to the dethese children to be educated. privation of a minor. “Everything but education After two days of testimony, six was going on in that classroom,” jurors – three men and three womhe said. en – deliberated for about six hours Nathan Grigsby James charged Grigsby after before saying he did not commit a viewing the 68-second video of crime when students stripped and performed the incident. a lewd and raunchy sex dance on female stuHe said Wednesday that he still plans to dents in his class on Dec. 10, 2008. go ahead with prosecuting the three students After the “not guilty” verdicts were read – Jerramy Barnett, Joe’l Shumate and Kiyon aloud in DeKalb State Court, Grigsby, a 22- Benton – who performed the dance with year teacher who taught at Southwest DeKalb public indecency and disrupting a public for eight years, threw his hands in the air school. in relief before celebrating with supporters The three graduated last May. They testithat included parents and former students fied in support of Grigsby during the trial. outside the courtroom. Grigsby, who could be seen on the tape Grigsby, 46, was a popular music teacher watching the dance, told jurors he was helpat the school. He was fired in the wake of the ing another student for the bulk of the perincident that was videotaped and placed on formance and had his back to the dancers. He Facebook. For two days in January before said he wore headphones and didn’t hear the the school district fired him, more than 200 screams or the lewd lyrics and was surprised students and parents protested in his support at what he saw when he turned around. in front of the school. He said he immediately turned off the Grigsby said Wednesday that he wanted music and put an end to the dance. his job back, but DeKalb School Board ChairGrigsby said he regretted not telling man Tom Bowen said he will not get it. school administrators about the incident “Acquittal of a crime does not mean that when it happened. the board’s decision was incorrect or will in He is now the director of a choir at Agnes any way be revisited,” Bowen said. Scott College and is the minister of music Despite the not-guilty verdict, DeKalb at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lithia Solicitor-General Robert James said he Springs.

Community hero deadline extended The deadline to nominate a DeKalb Community Hero has been extended to April 8. Bettye Davis, One DeKalb’s director, said nominees must be individuals and organizations that show involvement and leadership and give of their time and talent to positively impact the county.

Nomination forms are available at www. dekalbcountyga.gov. The first Community Hero Awards ceremony will be held on April 18 at 4 p.m. at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. It is part of the National County Government Month that is being celebrated this month.

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Officials turn in census forms With DeKalb County census returns lagging the nation, 43 percent to 52 percent, Congressman Hank Johnson and DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson and Sharon Barnes Sutton went to the Wesley Chapel Post Office on Thursday to turn in their forms and inspire others to follow suit.

Former CEO and DeKalb to pay DeKalb County government and former CEO Vernon Jones will pay out damages of $185,000 to two former parks department employees for racial discrimination. A federal jury found in favor of two of the four plaintiffs in the discrimination case filed six years ago. The plaintiffs – former parks director Becky Kelly, Michael Bryant and John Drake, who are white, and Herbert Lowe, who is black – claimed that Jones, the county’s first black CEO when he was elected in 2000, orchestrated to replace three top white managers in the parks department with blacks. Lowe testified that Jones hired him to “dig up dirt” on the white managers so he could fire them. He said he was fired when he didn’t. The defendants in the case were Jones, former Parks director Marilyn Boyd Drew, Morris Williams and Richard Stogner in their individual capacities, and DeKalb County government. The county has already spent $2.5 million defending the case. The plaintiffs have spent $2 million. Michael Bryant, who died in February,

was awarded $105,000 and John Drake, $80,000. Bryant’s estate was represented by his daughter. DeKalb County will pay $74,000 of the total and personality liability was assessed against Jones and Stogner, who will each pay $27,750 and Drew, who will pay $55,500. Kelly and Lowe were not awarded damages and Williams was not assessed any personal liability. The verdict came after seven days of evidence and testimony before a jury of five whites and one black. Current DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said he viewed the verdict as a favorable outcome for the county in light of years of litigation and the amount of damages at stake. “I look forward to seeing this matter closed so that we can focus our attention on the quality of life issues that matter most to our citizens,” he said. Jones, who is running for the 4th Congressional seat held by Hank Johnson, did not comment after the verdict but said he will discuss the case at an April 2 press conference in Decatur.

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Community

April 3, 2010

“He was an honor student, He was quiet, reserved and laid back. He was not in any gang.”

Details murky in Clarkston teen’s death as family prepares for burial By Deborah Alberto

After a monthlong search for their missing son, the Harper family in Clarkston is preparing to bury 17-year-old Cinque Harper on April 3. The family learned the Clarkston High School junior’s decaying body was found March 22 in a stolen car in the Brannon Hills apartment complex, a few short blocks from where he went missing. Police say he died from a gunshot wound. His memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Clarkston International Baptist Church, 3895 Church St. in downtown Clarkston. Cinque disappeared Feb. 26. His father, Glenn Harper, said Wednesday that he looked for him every single day. “I wasn’t the only one,” he said. “A lot of people were looking for him.” He said the disturbing news about

Parrish said his son’s death no other details brought him a were available at slight degree of press time. comfort. T.D. Brown, “At least I a Clarkston Ponow know where lice detective he is,” he said. who worked the The cirmissing person’s cumstances case, said Cinque surrounding “appeared to be Cinque’s death a good kid,” but are under invesDeborah Alberto / CrossRoadsNews that there may tigation. Cinque’s brother Khalif Harper and friends raise money have been “acD e Ka l b on Thursday to help defray funeral expenses. tivities outside of Police spokeswoman Mekka Parrish said late Thursday school that his father wasn’t aware of.” Brown said the teen was on his way to that they suspect he was shot during a home invasion. She said details were murky but collect money that was owed to him on the that investigators believe Cinque and two day of his death. “There also has been some talk about other young men were involved. She said one other man was shot by the homeowner and gang involvement,” Brown said. “There are a lot of stories floating around and the inis hospitalized and on life support.

vestigation is all over the place.” Harper says police made false assumptions about his son, listened to baseless rumors and didn’t do enough to find him. “He was an honor student. He was quiet, reserved and laid back,” he said. “He was not in any gang.” Parrish said she has not heard any talk of gang involvement among homicide investigators. Harper said he complained last week to Clarkston Police Chief Tony Scipio about the course of the investigation and three city employees were suspended as a result of his complaints. The family is struggling to pay for funeral. On Thursday, students and family friends canvassed the Memorial Bend Plaza in Stone Mountain seeking donations to help defray burial costs. Donations to the Cinque Harper Memorial Fund can be made at any Bank of America branch.

Middle school student arrested on gun charge

Detours took toll on neighborhood streets

A Chapel Hill Middle School eighth-grader was arrested Thursday on charges that he discharged a gun in a boys’ bathroom at the Decatur school. The 13-year-old male student, who was not identified, was allegedly showing off the gun which he brought to school with him. School spokesman Dale Davis said the student allegedly discharged one round of a handgun at approximately 12:15 p.m. “At the time, two other students were in the restroom,” he said. “No one was injured.” Davis said the administrative team and school resource officer quickly identified and took the student into custody. “The parents of all students involved have been contacted,” he said.

had to adapt during this time period. But we are so, so thankful and happy that this bridge was complete ahead of schedule.” The neighborhood Kroger in the Crowe’s Crossing shopping center at the corner of Redan and South Hairston roads beat county officials to the punch with the celebrating. On Tuesday, a pink handwritten sign in the store’s window read: “Welcome back valued customers. The bridge is open!” Store co-manager Horace Pullin said balloons were flying high outside and customers were served free orange juice and breakfast items on Tuesday. “We’ll be doing things all through the week,” Pullin

BRIDGE,

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said. “We’re very happy. We’re just trying to get customers back to the store now.” In an interview several months ago, Pullin said the supermarket had lost at least $60,000 in business weekly since the detour started last fall. Many customers didn’t want to maneuver through the detour to get to the store, especially during rush hour, he said then. The loss of sales resulted in loss of hours for some of the store’s nearly 100 employees. Pullin now sees better days just around the corner. The bridge reopens at a happy time for grocery stores nationwide, just as the Final Four college basketball tournament and Easter Sunday approach. “We’re hoping,” Pullin said, “that we’ll have a super weekend.”

CrossRoadsNews

April 3, 2010

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Finance www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer Deborah Alberto Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear-Warren CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews 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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Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academic Center has agreed to pay $53,000 and implement anti-discrimination policies to settle two US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission pregnancy discrimination law suits. The EEOC filed suit against the Decatur pre-school, a subsidiary of Greenforest Community Baptist Church, in May 2009 on behalf of Victoria Brown. In September 2009, it filed suit on behalf Shuntal Prince, another teacher. The EEOC says Brown received an employment offer from Decatur pre-school, but the offer was rescinded when she told headmaster Albert Walker that she was pregnant. It filed suit the second lawsuit on behalf of Prince, who had been employed as a teacher at GreenforestMcCalep since June 2006. The EEOC said Prince was terminated after she confirmed to the director that she was pregnant. Their lawsuits sought back pay and compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful termination and injunctive relief to stop the discrimination at the school. Robert Dawkins, the EEOC’s regional attorney for the Atlanta District Office, said pregnant women have an equal right to participate in the work force. “Federal law guarantees that no expectant mother should be deprived of her livelihood simply because of her pregnancy,” he said. With the consent decrees, Brown will be paid $30,000, and Prince, $23,000. The school will develop new pregnancy discrimination policy and procedures, equal employment opportunity training as well as reporting and posting of anti-discrim ination notices. Deacon James Chester, the church’s human resource director, said GreenforestMcCalep denies any wrongdoing based on its policies that were in effect at the time. He said the issues came about because the women were pregnant out of wedlock. “Since that time we have updated our policies and improved our environment,” he said. “God is a forgiving God and we are too.” Chester noted that spiritual and financial counseling is now available to all employees and that no one will be dismissed for out of wedlock pregnancies in the future.

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“Federal law guarantees that no expectant mother should be deprived of her livelihood simply because of her pregnancy.”

Greenforest Lots of jobs available for summer settles EEOC bias lawsuits

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Small businesses and other income and learn what it is to be employers can get summer help at employed,” he said. “Businesses no cost to them from the American will help to give the youngsters Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but job experience as well as get the they must apply by April 15. benefit of some free labor since all Statewide, more than 15,000 the payments will be made from youth will get summer employment stimulus funds.” through the program which runs Mitchell is also looking for June 1 to July 31. nonprofits, law firms and other Billy Mitchell State Rep. Billy Mitchell says businesses to participate and for the program is seeking businesses to offer youngsters from Stone Mountain, Lithonia, jobs, internships and apprenticeships to Tucker, Lilburn and surrounding area to aphigh school students for eight weeks over ply for the summer jobs. the summer. Eligible teens must meet certain lowBusinesses that accommodate them will income eligibility criteria. The youngsters help them gain income while learning work will make $8.50 an hour for 35 hours of readiness skills. work weekly. “With the economy the way it is, this is For more information, email billy.mitcha great opportunity for youth to earn some ell@house.ga.gov or call 404-656-0116.

Hank gives back to help deficit Congressman Hank Johnson took the term “giving back” to a new level recently when he returned $55,000 to the federal coffers from his congressional budget. Johnson said he returned the money, which represent more than 3.7 percent of his office’s budget, to the United States Treasury to help pay down the federal deficit. “As Georgians everywhere are tightening their Hank Johnson belts more than ever, so too must every member of Congress,” he said. “While our constituents are being forced to do more with less, we must redouble our efforts to be the best stewards we can of hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”

Members of Congress have the option, but not an obligation, to return budget surplus overages to the U.S. Treasury. Since he took office in 2007, Johnson has returned $109,000 to the Treasury. His office said that returning the money from his Member’s Representation Account is consistent with his fiscally responsible voting record. Since 2009, Johnson has voted against the Troubled Asset Relief Program that added $700 billion to the national deficit and voted in favor of enacting the Pay-As-You-Go system, that created the budget surpluses experienced under President Bill Clinton. Johnson, who lives in Lithonia, represents the 4th Congressional District that includes parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties.

Man indicted in 30 FEMA scams An Atlanta man accused of filing 30 fraudulent claims in five states and stealing more than $30,000 in disaster relief money, has been indicted by the U.S. district attorney. Desima James, 30, allegedly claimed he was a victim of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Hurricane Rita in Louisiana and Texas, Hurricane Wilma in Florida, severe storms and flooding in New HampDesima James shire, and a tornado and severe storms in Indiana. He allegedly represented that he was living at various addresses in the states where he filed claims. U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said James filed more than 30 fraudulent claims with FEMA, using different names, fake Social Security numbers, and various addresses to enable him to escape detection and steal

more than $30,000 in disaster relief that was intended for real victims. “He has now been caught and will be called to answer for this extensive fraud,” she said. Federal agencies including the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Homeland Security took part in the investigation. The indictment alleges that in addition to filing claims under his real name and Social Security number, James filed claims under different variations of his name, including “James Desima,” “Terrell James,” and “James Terell.” He is also accused of using Social Security numbers not belonging to him. The Jan. 26 indictment charges him with 14 counts of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, seven counts of false statements, and 10 counts of theft of government funds. If he is convicted, James could face a maximum sentence of life in prison and maximum fines of $250,000 per count.

CrossRoadsNews

April 3, 2010

Wellness

“Our shared interest is to improve the health status of the people who live, work and play in DeKalb County.”

Health report zeros in on leading causes of DeKalb deaths and injuries Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are killing more than half of DeKalb County residents. That’s among the findings in the DeKalb Board of Health’s 2010 Status of Health report unveiled March 26 by Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, the county’s district health director. Ford called the report a real labor of love and said many people put in time, talent and resources to ensure its success. “Our shared interest is to improve the health status of the people who live, work and play in DeKalb County,” she said. “Sustaining a healthy community is a community effort. The Board of Health, all by itself could not come in and fix everything that needs to be taken care of in any county. The report, which is the county’s fifth, covers data for the five years between 2002 and 2007, including the leading causes of death, injury and hospitalizations for DeKalb residents. In the reporting period, cardiovascular diseases account for 30 percent of deaths and cancers, 22 percent. Injuries – homicides and motor vehicle crashes – round out the top three leading causes with 9 percent. Ford says the report confirms what health

Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford stands beside the cover of the 2010 Status of Halth in DeKalb Report which was unveiled on March 26. It’s the county’s fifth report.

officials have known for some time: that lifestyle choices and risk behaviors engaged in early in life can have a significant impact on health and lead to premature death. The report, which updates one done in 2005, also indicated some improvements. Between 2002 and 2007, there was a 27 percent decrease in cardiovascular diseases and a 39 percent decrease in nervous system

disease rates, which includes Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Health officials cite early screenings and increased knowledge about health, as well as more people adopting healthier behaviors, as some reasons for the decrease in cardiovascular diseases. Despite some positive trends, Ford said lots of work remains to be done to improve

health outcomes across the county. Following trends, the predominantly African-American residents of South DeKalb had worse outcomes than the county’s white residents, and women had worse outcomes than men. In the five years of the study period, diabetes rates increased 9.7 percent for black females and more women – 39.3 percent – died from stroke in DeKalb County than males, who logged in at 28.5 percent. The report also shows that whites were twice as likely to die from obstructive heart disease, including heart attacks, than blacks – 87.2 percent compared to 43.3 percent. With cutbacks in funding, Ford said it will be challenging but that we must continue to focus our collective resources, partnerships and interventions on addressing pressing health issues. The Board of Health kicks off its Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnership, (MAPP) on April 7. The 2010 Status of Health was sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, DeKalb Medical, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. It is available at www.dekalbhealth.net. For more information, call 404-508-7847.

April events to highlight autism Fair focusing on healthy lifestyle Autism now affects one out of 110 children, and the Marcus Autism Center is reaching out to the community to help give hope to thousands of families. April is National Autism Awareness Month, and the center will hold fund-raisers and other events throughout the month to heighten the visibility of the incidence of autism and the ongoing need for support. John Floyd, the center’s director, said one in 98 kids in Georgia has been diagnosed with autism. “So enlisting community support yearround is important,” he said. Autism Awareness Month events include: n An online auction. Friends of Marcus from all over the United States can bid on a variety of items at Click.Bid.Benefit; the online auction began April 1. Items include a Champion’s Lunch with Atlanta native and New Orleans Saints cornerback Leigh Torrence; summer and winter vacation packages at Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah; a Dinner Party for 10 at the Georgia Aquarium; weekly auctions of AirTran business class tickets; and packages at Barnsley Gardens and St. Augustine, Fla. The auction also includes a raffle for a

brand-new car. The raffle winner can choose a Jeep Wrangler or a Chevrolet Malibu. n More online bidding. Visit Marcus on eBay for great bargains, including designer handbags and jewelry. Proceeds benefit the children at Marcus Autism Center. n Tours. Come to Marcus for a tour or informational panel. Register online at www.marcus.org for morning tours on April 14 or an evening informational panel on April 28. n Dress-down day. Many of Marcus’ corporate partners are holding a dress-down day during April with proceeds benefiting the center. n Dine-out. Dine out at La Tavola in Virginia-Highland on May 18 with 20 percent of food sales going to Marcus. n Walk for Autism on May 23 at Atlantic Station. Grab your family, friends and neighbors and form a team. The Georgia Walk Now for Autism Speaks has raised more than $2.5 million for autism awareness, advocacy, and research and family services in four years. The 2010 event includes a walk, activities for children, a resource fair for parents, refreshments and entertainment. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the walk beings at 10 a.m. Registration is free and available at www.walknowforautism.org/georgia.

Healthy bodies and healthy environments will be the focus of DeKalb County’s Community Health Fair on April 9. The DeKalb County Board of Health is celebrating National Public Health Week and National County Government Month with the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. fair, from at the T.O. Vinson Health Center at 440 Winn Way in Decatur. This year’s theme is “Healthy Eating – Active Living.” The health fair will provide information on healthy eating and healthy lifestyle

promotion, injury prevention, dental health, and environmental health services including offers for free radon testing. Radon, a naturally occurring gas that seeps through the earth’s surface, can seep into your home and pose a danger to your family’s health. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in America. Free H1N1 flu vaccinations also will be offered. For more information, visit www.dekalbhealth.net or call 404- 294-3700.

Stakeholders to MAPP health issues Residents, elected officials and representatives from community and other organizations can weigh in on improving community health and quality of life in DeKalb County at a planning session on April 7. The Community Road Map to Health meeting, takes place 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the DeKalb County Board of Health’s Bohan Auditorium. It will address what issues are important to the community and

what assets are available. Input is sought from elected officials, commissioners, residents, students, businesses, faith groups and health care professionals. The session is hosted by the Live Healthy DeKalb Coalition and the Board of Health. The DeKalb County Board of Health is at 445 Winn Way in Decatur. To R.S.V.P., e-mail avwynn@dhr.state.ga.us or call 404294-3803.

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CrossRoadsNews

Scene

April 3, 2010

“This is an opportunity ... to perform a glorious work in a glorious setting and get to know people from all around the nation.”

Seniors pot plants for fund-raiser to help build therapeutic garden By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

While the ground slept all winter, the elderly clients at AiJalon Adult Day Care in Stone Mountain have been busy. Every weekday during activity hour, they potted seedlings, created bottle gardens, and made cloth wreaths and nature crafts. On April 10, they will offer the fruits of their labors to homeowners and hobby gardeners to help raise funds for a therapeutic garden they long to wander through. Pamela Williams, AiJalon’s owner, said the “Therapeutic Garden Project Fundraiser” is in its third year. So far, they have raised $800 of the $50,000 needed to complete the garden behind the center. “It’s not a lot, but we are hopeful,” said Williams, who opened the private-pay adult day care in 2003 for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, those recovering from stroke, and those who are just lonely sitting at home by themselves. Clients get to socialize and receive mental stimulation in therapeutic group sessions that include music, arts and crafts, and other intergenerational activities. On Monday, some of the group – 14 women ages 63 to 89 and a 70-year-old man – planted herbs and obedience, a perennial that loves partial sun, to add to dozens of plants they have been potting for months. During the April 10 fundraiser, Williams said the annuals, perennials and house

AiJalon Adult Day Care owner Pamela Williams says clients need a therapeutic garden with a secure fence and walking trails as a safe, quiet place to wander.

plants, including Christmas cacti, jade and aloe, will sell for 75 cents to $10 each. The festivities will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Music and a fish fry start at 11:30 a.m., and gospel jazz artist Antonio Allen and the child singing group Amayz will perform. Winnifred Wells, 76, who has been coming to AiJalon for five years, says she enjoys playing in the dirt. “I just love it,” she said while covering

the roots of a seedling in a plastic foam cup with deft hands. Joining her at the table covered in old newspapers were Mae Simms, 63; Oga Mae Williams, 74; Alma Tuck, 76; Charlotte Barrett, 89; and Geneva Cooper, 75. The women sang old hymns as they worked and laughed easily with each other. With their memories drifting, some need help remembering their birthdays, but all

remember how to plant things. Williams said she launched the nonprofit center in her home first, and when they outgrew the space, she and her husband, Richard, built the center two years ago next door to their house on the two-acre property. Now she yearns for the terrace garden with walking trails, beautiful plants, cozy sitting areas, a pavilion and a secure fence for the clients. The garden already has been designed, and Williams said most of the trees have been cleared from the 1/8-acre plot of land where it will be built. The garden will offer clients a quiet place to wander. Williams said walking is very important for seniors. “It’s great exercise and it keeps blood pressure down and the stresses of life,” she said. “It will be somewhere they can go and be quiet. They have people telling them when to come and go, people going with them to the bathroom. They really need the freedom but it has to be safe.” Williams said she specializes in Alzheimer’s care because it is a neglected field. The center is open weekdays and clients come for one to five days. “I love the seniors,” said Williams, a certified dementia care and therapeutic specialist. “It’s my calling. God is my first passion and my seniors are my second.” AiJalon is at 424 Hairston Way in Stone Mountain. For more information, visit aijaloninc.com or call Pamela Williams at 404-499-2755.

Makeup pro to be at Macy’s stores

GPC Chorale raising money for trip

always knew he would pursue a Vincent Lee, a top Dior makeup career in the makeup industry. expert, will be hosting one-on-one He has done makeup for nubeauty consultations at a number of merous fashion shows, televised Macy’s locations in metro Atlanta events, editorial work, and music this week. videos on an international scale Lee and a team of in-store makeas well as participated in countup pros will offer clients a complete less events and experimented makeover using the season’s newest with different cosmetic lines. colors. In DeKalb County, he will be Vincent Lee He joined Dior in 2007 as at Macy’s at Perimeter Mall on April 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. He will be at Gwin- the company’s national makeup artist in nett Place on April 6 and at Town Center in Canada. Macy’s at Perimeter Mall is at 4300 Kennesaw on April 7. Hong Kong-born Lee moved to Canada Ashford-Dunwoody Road. To R.S.V.P., call at a very young age. During his schooling, he 770-396-2666.

Members of the Georgia Perimeter College Chorale won’t be singing for their supper on April 11, but they will come pretty close. The group of 14 will perform at a 3 p.m. concert at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain for a chance to appear at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. There are no tickets for the “Ticket to Sing at Carnegie Hall” fund-raising concert, but donations are The chorale will perform April 11 at Smoke Rise Baptist Church appreciated. to raise funds for an appearance at Carnegie Hall. The chorale has been invited to the four-day Masterworks Festi- music and languages that she would not have val Series with the New York City Chamber otherwise experienced. Orchestra starting on April 19 but must raise “We’ve sung in different languages – Italthe funds for the trip. ian, Spanish and German,” she said. “German Chorale director Susan McEwen said it was the hardest, but it has been a real learning will cost each student $1,424 to cover hotel, experience.” round-trip flight, transportation, profesMcEwen said performing at Carnegie sional orchestra soloists and the conductor. Hall will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Meals are not included in that cost. for most of the students. So far, the students have raised $400 “This is an opportunity for the group to apiece, and McEwen said they soon risk perform a glorious work in a glorious setting losing their deposit if they do not raise the and get to know people from all around the additional funds. nation,” she said. Fatimah Mustafaa, a student and presiThe concert is open to the public and the dent of the chorale, said that many of the group is hoping the community will hear choir students are low-income or depen- why they were invited to Carnegie Hall and dents. be willing to help them get there with their “Finances have been made worse due to donations. the economy,” she said. Smoke Rise Baptist Church is at 5901 Rashanda Barber, who sings soprano Hugh Howell Road. in the group, said that participating in the For information, contact McEwen at chorale has opened up her eyes and ears to Susan.Sigmon@gpc.edu or 678-891-3556.

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CrossRoadsNews

April 3, 2010

Schools

Supporters of tougher guidelines are hoping to institute more stringent rules with enforcement measures.

School Board to vote on stiffer ethics policy for members By Deborah Alberto

DeKalb County School Board members will vote April 12 on whether to beef up its ethics policy so that members will have stronger rules to police themselves. Supporters of tougher guidelines are hoping to institute more stringent rules with enforcement measures that could include public trials for violators and even criminal charges. Language in the new policy makes it clear that board members are not to be swayed by partisan bias and shall not interfere in day-to-day operations of the district. The policy revamping comes in the wake of state legislative efforts to force a stronger ethics policy on DeKalb School Board members. It also follows last year’s conflictof-interest controversy surrounding District 9 board member Eugene Walker’s service on the DeKalb Development Authority after he had been elected to the School Board. If the policy is approved, fellow board members will be able to impose sanctions ranging from censure, reprimand and public apology to civil action and, if warranted, file criminal charges against violators. The board is revising its policy ahead of state legislator Kevin Levitas’ attempts in the Georgia Legislature to “put some teeth” into

the DeKalb School Board’s ethics policy by creating an independent review system. Levitas, whose House District 82 in north-central DeKalb straddles I-285 east of I-85, filed House Bill 888 in November 2009. That bill is now on hold. Meanwhile, the Senate recently passed Senate Kevin Levitas Bill 84 addressing ethics policies in school boards across the state. It sets minimum ethics standards for local school boards and, in some cases, empowers the governor to remove members who don’t adhere to them. Levitas said he directed the legislation at DeKalb County because he was aware of problems within that board but did not have knowledge of problems within other counties. He said he will take a wait-and-see approach before deciding to reintroduce his county-specific bill next year. “There seemed to be conflicts of interest within the board and there needed to be procedures that would remove the board’s need to police itself,” he said. “My constituents came to me and said something needed to be done. People need to have confidence in their elected officials.”

Magnet programs’ deadline nears The deadline for open enrollment for DeKalb County Schools’ magnet programs is nearing. Applications must be made by April 16 on the county’s new School Choice Online Registration Enrollment System – or S.C.O.R.E.S. – at http://eportal.dekalb.k12 .ga.us. The magnet lottery will be May 18 through June 2. A complete description of all DeKalb County magnet schools and the guidelines are available in the Magnet School Brochure at www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about /schoolchoice/Magnet.html. Schools in the Magnet High Achievers Programs are Kittredge Magnet, Wadsworth Magnet, Chamblee Middle, Chamblee Char-

ter High, Chapel Hill Middle and Southwest DeKalb High. Schools in the Magnet Special Interests Programs are Clifton Elementary, Evansdale Elementary, Columbia Middle, Columbia High and DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts (k-7). The school district notes on its Web site that Montessori Elementary School Programs and programs at Clifton, Evansdale, Columbia Middle and Columbia High may not be available upon approval of the 20102011 budget. For more information on seat availability, eligibility and the selection process, contact magnet/theme programs director Pat Copeland at Pat_Copeland@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us or 678-676-0205.

“Tee Off with DST” Charity Golf Tournament

April 24, 2010

Durham Lakes Golf Course • Fairburn, GA www.golfinvite.com/teeoffwithdst Come join us for some golf, fun and fellowship to raise funds for scholarships and service projects for our community. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.golfinvite.com/teeoffwithdst or contact Theresa Jackson at (404) 434-1101 or email teeoffwithdst@live.com

While Levitas still thinks an independent review board holds an advantage over the DeKalb School Board’s proposed enforcement plan, he said the board has made a step in the right direction by strengthening its policy. Walker, who opposes the policy, has not been shy about expressing his views on it. “The only people benefiting from this policy are the attorneys the School Board hired to write the Eugene Walker policy.” Walker came under a firestorm of controversy last year when the Sembler Co. requested a tax abatement from the DeKalb Development Authority for its proposed Brookhaven town project. The company’s principals and family members had donated more than $19,200 to Walker’s 2008 election campaign for the District 9 School Board seat while he was still a member of the authority. The money represented about a third of all the funds he raised for the race. Walker recused himself from the Sembler vote but not before he pointed out that the law did not require him to disqualify himself. At the time, he said any suggestion that the

campaign donations had affected his judgment would detract attention from deciding Sembler’s application on its merits. Walker, who was appointed to the authority in 2001, stepped down Aug. 18 in the wake of the controversy. He said Tuesday that he is taken aback by the fallout. “I campaigned on the platform that I was serving on both boards so the School Board would have someone around the table when it comes to decisions that would economically impact the county. “A group of people who knew nothing about economics started demagoguing and telling lies.” Walker, who contends that he was transparent on all levels, said the board would not have lost Don McChesney money on the Sembler project and maintains the project would have increased revenue to the School Board and the county. District 2 member Don McChesney, who serves on the ethics committee, said the board is strengthening its ethics policy because he does not want a state law aimed just at DeKalb. “We decided that rather than have the state force a policy on us, we wanted to make our own rules,” he said Wednesday.

SWD PTSA hosting health fair Health screenings will be available April 13 at Southwest DeKalb High School PTSA’s first Health Initiative. The program, which begins at 7 p.m., will tackle chronic disease and other health care issues that disproportionately impact African-Americans. The regular PTSA business meeting will be held during the

first 15 minutes of the program. Participants will find out how to mitigate health risks, and there will be informational exhibits. Health care professionals will offer blood pressure and diabetes screenings. Southwest DeKalb High is at 2863 Kelley Chapel Road in Decatur. For more information, e-mail swd.ptsa@yahoo.com.

Congressman Hank Johnson Georgia’s 4th Congressional District Proudly serving DeKalb, Rockdale, and Gwinnett Counties

2010 Congressional Arts Competition CALLING ALL ENTRIES! College scholarships will be awarded to the winners! For rules and guidelines, please visit hankjohnson.house.gov/services/ artistic-discovery.shtml Participating schools must submit commitment form by April 26, 2010. Artwork must be received by April 28.

For more information, please see your arts teacher or contact Betty Dixon in our Lithonia office at 770-987-2291. 5700 Hillandale Drive, Lithonia, 30058 • 3469 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, 30084

CrossRoadsNews

April 3, 2010

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

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CrossRoadsNews

April 3, 2010

MARKETPLACE RATES

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CrossRoadsNews

April 3, 2010

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2007 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT

10,997

11,888

Automatic, Power Package, Stk#P9130

Automatic, Power Package Stk#A1026

2006 BMW 325i Sedan

2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 4MATIC AWD

14,888

Leather, Moonroof, Wheels, Stk#M8307

17,997

14,995

Leather, Moonroof, Wheels, Stk#A1042

18,997

11,997

13,888

13,995

Leather, 3rd Seat, Wheels, Power Package, V8, Power Package, Loaded! Stk#A1041 Automatic, Stk#A1051 Wheels, Stk#A1039

14,997

15,995

15,997

2006 Ford F-150 XLT

2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE

2006 Ford F-150 XLT

Crew Cab, V8, Power Leather, Wheels, Crew Cab, V8, Power Package, Stk#A1040 Moonroof, Stk#A1047 Package, Stk#A1046

18,997

19,995

2006 Ford

Automatic, Power Package, Stk#A1061

Automatic, Power Package, Stk#A1048 2008 Ford Focus SE

Fusion SEL

Magnum SE 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LT

12 995

19,997

13,997

2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

13,997

2008 Honda Accord LX

Automatic, Power Package Stk#A1030

2008 Ford F-150 XLT

2007 Mercedes-Benz E350

2007 BMW 530i

16,888

16,997

14,497

Crew Cab, V8, Power Package, Stk#P9163

15,997

20,888

24,997

14,888

2007 Ford Edge SE

Automatic, Power Package, Stk#P9185

Crew Cab, V8, Power Leather, Moonroof, Wheels, Leather, Moonroof, Wheels, Package, Stk#A1050 Navigation, Stk#M8318 Navigation, Stk#A1052 $

2008 Ford Escape XLT

Automatic, Power Leather, Wheels, Moonroof, Wheels, Power Package, Stk#A1033 Moonroof, Stk#A1007 Package, Stk#P9168

Crew Cab, V8, Power Package, Stk#A1018 $

2006 Volvo S40 T5

25,995

16,997

2007 Ford F-150 XLT

Crew Cab, V8, Power Package, Stk#A1044

17,888

Plus! Many more to choose from! Visit us online!

Prices plus tax, tag and title.

ALL NEW LOCATION! I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive • Decatur

Sales Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 8:00pm • Sat 9:00am - 8:00pm • Sun Closed

1-800-640-9458

Parts & Service Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00am - 7:00pm • Sat 7:00am - 4:00pm • Sun Closed

www.mcautoatl.com We Now Rent & Sell

Come In Tod ay For ALL of Y our Service, Co llision and Pre-Ow ned Needs!

TRUCKS!

MOST COMPLETE FLUSH!

•Complete Chemical Power Flush •Replace Automatic Transmission Fluid •Inspect & Lubricate Linkage/Controls (Where Applicable) •Road Test

139

BRAKE FLUSH

POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUSH Includes: •Power Steering System Flush •Inspect System For Leaks and Proper Operation •Replace Old Fluid With New Fluid

Plus Tax and Hazardous Waste

Remove Old, Contaminated Brake Fluid and Install New Fluid

139

Plus Tax and Hazardous Waste

ONLY VALID AT MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM AUTO GALLERY & MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD LINCOLN MERCURY

Vans, Diesel, Trucks are higher. See service advisor for details. Plus shop supplies and tax where applicable. Please present coupon when order is written. Not valid with previous charges or with any other coupons or specials. Coupon has no cash value. Expires 4/30/2010.

See service advisor for details. Plus shop supplies and tax where applicable. Please present coupon when order is written. Not valid with previous charges or with any other coupons or specials. Coupon has no cash value. Expires 4/30/2010.

Please Contact

Art Krauss

-Body Shop Manager 4334 Snapfinger Woods Drive DECATUR

www.malcolmcunninghamautogallery.com

1-800-640-9458

SALES HOURS PARTS AND SERVICE HOURS BODY SHOP HOURS Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Sunday: Closed Sunday: Closed Sunday: Closed

Convenient Locations!

Please Contact

Lenny Bishop

-Body Shop Manager 5675 Peachtree Industrial INSIDE THE PERIMETER

www.malcolmcunninghamflm.com

770-621-0200

5C (10.5”) X 16” 20319-MCAQ (4/3) Crossroads fc (mp)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUSH