CrossRoadsNews, January 3, 2009

WELLNESS

YOUTH

SPORTS

DeKalb’s newest county commissioner, Sharon Barnes Sutton, took the oath of office in December so she could be ready to serve on Jan. 1. 4

The robotics team from the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf made history when they took second place at the FIRST Lego competition on Dec. 6. 18

Two local teams – including Quortni Fambro’s Redan Lady Raiders – represented DeKalb County well in its holiday tournament held Dec. 19-23. 20

Ready for Day 1

Stunning accomplishment

Copyright © 2008 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

January 3, 2009

Tournament champions

Volume 14, Number 36

www.crossroadsnews.com

Unemployment numbers continue to soar The career center at the Goodwill of North Georgia on Columbia Drive offers job-training programs and other resources for job seekers.

DeKalb hits highest rate since 1992

By McKenzie Jackson

In November, DeKalb’s unemployment rate reached 7 percent with 28,165 residents out of work.

It was the county’s highest unemployment rate in more than 15 years. The last time DeKalb’s unemployment rate was that high was in June 1992.

DeKalb started 2008 with a 5.3 percent unemployment rate in January, but as the economy worsened throughout the year, the rate climbed steadily in the county, across the state and nationwide.

In October, 240,000 Americans lost jobs nationwide. It was the 10 consecutive month of job losses. Altogether, more than 1.2 million jobs evaporated nationally during the first 10 months of 2008. November numbers for the nation were not available at press time.

Across the state in November, the unemployment rate reached 7.5 percent, meaning 365,244 Georgians were out of work.

Metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate equaled DeKalb’s 7 percent, but counties like Newton, Clayton and Rockdale had rates of 9 percent, 8.5 and 7.7 percent respectively.

Looking for the silver lining, Roberta Morris, DeKalb Workforce Development director, said the county’s workforce of 400,411 has done better than most despite weathering the storm of major layoffs at General Motors, Siemens and Qualex. She said we lacked the manufacturing industries like

McKenzie Jacskon / CrossRoadsNews

carpet-making and building materials that have been hard-hit by the home foreclosure tsunami. DeKalb also was not hit by the closing of big auto dealerships such Bill Heard Chevrolet.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce president Leonardo McClarty credits DeKalb’s large number of entrepreneurs and small business owners with helping keep the county’s unemployment rates below the state average. But he said the county’s lower unemployment rate may be hiding underemployment.

“People could be working, but they may not be getting as many hours as they used to,” McClarty said. “So they are not making the same amount of money. Once they were working 40 hours a week, now they are working a 25-hour week.

In some cases, you may have individuals who were about to be given a pink slip and they said,‘What can we do for me to stay on,’ and they had their pay reduced.”

While jobs have dried up in some sectors, Morris said jobs in health care are going abegging.

“The jobs we are looking to fill thus far are lab techs, patient Roberta Morris care technicians, health care, IT,” she said.

DeKalb Medical knows what she is talking about. It has almost 100 vacancies for nurses, medical technologists, MRI and CT technicians, dosimetrists and medical physicists

and physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists, and medical technologists, and will be holding a job fair on Jan. 15 to try to fill those vacancies.

Morris said those jobs are going to require retraining.

“A lot of those require more of an understanding in applied science and math,” she said. “One of the approaches we are taking is meeting with some of the technical colleges so that we can offer that free to our residents.”

Elaine Armstrong, a spokesperson for Goodwill of North Georgia which runs a career center and job-training programs in Decatur, said they have seen the number of clients increase as the economy worsens.

She said they are seeing an

New year, new you. What’s your resolutions for 2009?

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce president Leonardo McClarty at left, District 5 Commissioner Lee May and community activist Ann Brown have committed to eat better, exercise more and live healthier lives in 2009. Read about their plans on pages 12,13.

average of 300 people daily, up 20 percent from when the facility first opened in September 2006.

“We have seen increased activity the past few months because of what’s going on in the economy and folks being laid off,” she said.

Armstrong said the center at 1295 Columbia Drive in Decatur is open to anyone needing to use computers for job searches. Clients can also fax resumes from the center.

Those who are interested in working in a new industry can find retraining in construction trades and get access to a micro business program for entrepreneurs, among others.

Clients can also get help writing their resumes and attend workshops in interview preparation.

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January 3, 2009

Community

Ellis said the united swearing-in is appropriate for elected officials because they should always strive to find a way to work together.

Act now to get coupons in time for digital TV

Owners of older television sets who do not have cable or satellite TV can get coupons (right) to reduce the cost of digital converter boxes.

Digital TV is coming and television viewers with older sets that use antennas must upgrade to receive the new government-mandated DTVsignals that will come from all television stations on Feb. 17.

To help them acquire converter boxes, the U.S. Department of Commerce is offering two $40 coupons per household to buy digital converter boxes, sold at electronic stores and stores with electronic departments.

With the coupons, consumers will pay $9 to $19 for the digital converter boxes, that are priced from $49 to $59.

The box will convert digitial overthe-air television signals into analog, so older television sets will be able to

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January 3, 2009

receive them. Without the converter, older television sets will go black.

The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund is encouraging families to ensure that elderly family members, the disabled, those on fixed incomes and non-speakers of English get the converter box.

Wade Henderson, the group’s president, said that people who don’t have cable, satellite service, or a new TV set need to order their DTV converter box coupons in the next couple weeks to get them in time for the Feb. 17 switch.

He said people need working television sets to access life-saving public service announcements about the weather and other issues.

“It’s about letting communities know when a hurricane is about to strike, a snowstorm threatens a white out, that a fire is blazing toward it, or that there is a natural or national disaster,” he said.

The Leadership Conference, through a partnership with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and community organizations, is providing on-the-ground assistance in Atlanta and six other cities with digital television assistance centers. The Atlanta center will be decided this month.

To order converter box coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888388-2009.

Leaders of many faiths to witness swearing-in Burrell Ellis, DeKalb’s new CEO, will take the oath of office on Jan. 5 at his church, Saint Phillip AME in Atlanta, before a plethora of ministers, rabbis and imams.

Ellis, a lawyer and two-term District 4 County Commissioner, will be joined in a Unity Ceremony by newly elected officials and returning incumbents on the Board of Commissioners, on the county’s State, Superior and Probate Courts, the District Attorney, Clerk of Superior Court, the DeKalb County Sheriff, Tax Commis- Burrell Ellis sioner, and Board of Education.

Georgia Supreme Court presiding Justice Carol Hunstein, a Decatur resident, will administer the oath of office.

Ministers expected include the Rev. George Moore, Saint Philip AME senior pastor who is hosting the event; Bishop Eddie L. Long, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Cynthia L. Hale, senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church; the Rev. Monsignor R. Donald Kiernan, pastor of All Saints Catholic Church; Imam Plemon T. El-Amin of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam; and Rabbi Neil Sandler, senior rabbi of Ahavath Achim Synagogue.

Ellis will be the county’s fourth CEO under its current form of government, and only the second African American to hold the county’s top elected office.

Ellis said the united swearing-in is appropriate for elected officials because they should always strive to find a way to work together on behalf of the public they serve.

The 11 a.m. ceremony will be in the church’s sanctuary which seats 2,200. Doors open at 10 a.m.

At 5:30 p.m., an Ellis Inaugural Reception will take place at the Holiday Inn Decatur Conference Plaza in downtown Decatur. The hotel is a new location for the reception, which was originally scheduled for Fernbank Science Museum but was relocated.

Admission to both events is free.

Saint Philip AME Church is at 240 Candler Road in Atlanta. The Holiday Inn Decatur is at 130 Clairmont Ave. For more information, call 404-929-1229.

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Community

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

“One of my first areas of concern is public safety. I just want to make sure that Memorial Drive is safe and wholesome.”

Newest commissioner takes oath to be ready on Jan. 1 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 Writers Corey M. Edwards McKenzie Jackson Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear Graphic Designer Sharif Ffrench CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday by CrossRoads­News, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings.

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By McKenzie Jackson

Sharon Barnes Sutton, the newest member of the DeKalb Board of Commissioners, took the oath of office on Dec. 22 so that she would be ready to take office on Jan. 1.

Sutton, who lives in Stone Mountain, succeeds Burrell Ellis as commissioner for District 4.

Ellis represented the district for two terms before winning election as DeKalb’s new chief executive officer.

Sutton was sworn into office

by DeKalb Chief Juvenile Judge Desiree Sutton Peagler, who is her sister-in-law.

The newcomer to join the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners took the oath in front of her son, Brian Sutton, 23; daughter Bria Maddox; her sister, Cynthia Wood; and nearly a dozen friends, DeKalb commissioners and state legislators.

Sutton, who has lived in the county for more than a decade, teaches computer technology and web design at M.L. King Jr. High School in Lithonia. She ran for election twice before for seats in the Georgia House.

District 4 extends from Avon-

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Sharon Barnes Sutton (left) is sworn in by her sister-in-law, Judge Desiree Sutton Peagler, as her son Brian Sutton and daughter Bria Maddox look on.

dale Estates to Stone Mountain along Memorial Drive. Sutton said she is ready to take on the challenges.

“One of my first areas of con-

make all our other communities more viable.”

Sutton also said she wants to help bring businesses to the area that will offer good wages.

Recycling program seeks green end for Christmas trees Now that Christmas is over, don’t just trash your tree.

Instead recycle it at the 19th annual “Bring One For the Chipper” hosted by the non-profit Keep

DeKalb Beautiful, Jan. 5 to 9.

In exchange for your natural tree, the anti-litter and beautification group will give you a free dogwood seedling just for dropping

off yours at the Seminole Road Landfill.

The trees will be used as a wildlife habitat or chipped into mulch, which is used for public beatifica-

tion projects.

The Seminole Road Landfill is at 4203 Clevemont Road in Ellenwood. For more information, call 404-371-2654.

Quick Read Leaders of many faiths to witness swearing-in

Nursing student earns $3,500 Coin to help celebrate Boy 3 scholarship 19 14 Scouts’ anniversary

Burrell Ellis, DeKalb’s new CEO, will take the oath of office on Jan. 5 at his church, Saint Phillip AME in Atlanta, before a plethora of ministers, rabbis and imams.

Jenean Gardner is one step closer to making her dream of giving back to her community come true.

The Boy Scouts of America will celebrate their centennial on Feb. 8, 2010, with a new commemorative silver dollar coin.

Foundation to select scholars Teams bring home top honors Mortgage program seeks to 20 from four DeKalb schools 15 in holiday tournament stem flood of foreclosures 5 Students from Redan and Southwest DeKalb County teams won two of the DeKalb County homeowners staring down foreclosure can take advantage of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) Streamlined Modification Program (SMP).

DeKalb high schools are now eligible for academic scholarships worth up to $16,000 from the Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation.

Leadership DeKalb hosting County’s top librarian known open house 7 for sharing ideas 16 Business and community leaders can find out how to apply for admission into Leadership DeKalb’s 2010 class during open houses on Jan. 3 and 27 at the Women’s Center at DeKalb Medical Center in downtown Decatur.

Arts group reviving with pre-inaugural celebration 10

Circulation Audited By

cern is public safety,” she said. “I just want to make sure that Memorial Drive is safe and wholesome.

Once that is done I think that will spill over to other communities and

Poet Hank Stewart, veteran vocalist Fred Sawyers, BET comedian Hurricane Andrew and the NorthSide band will be performing at ARThink DeKalb’s Pre-Inaugural Celebration honoring U.S. President-elect Barack Obama on Jan. 8.

At Princeton Elementary School, media specialist Joan Abraham is known for sharing learning ideas with teachers and students.

‘Deaf Bots’ team wows judges to finish second in robotics competition 18 When the five students from the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf beat out 79 teams to win second place at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego competition on Dec. 6 at Shamrock Middle School in Decatur, they made history.

four championships in the DeKalb Holiday Tournament Dec. 22-23.

Black churches to honor leaders at inaugural ball

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The Rev. Al Sharpton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Dr. Marion Wright Edelman are among leaders who will be honored with a Keepers of the Flame Award.

Prophets to convene

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Connie Williams, Deborah Cato and Judy Shaw will be among featured guests at the Prophetic Conference in Lithonia.

Collaborative effort makes room for homeless family 21 Homeless families have spruced up quarters at the Winn House to help them make the transition back into their own home.

index to advertisers Alex Wills Inc...................................................23 ARThink............................................................8 Atlantajobs.com.....................................14,17, 22 Attorney Dwight Thomas..................................7 BaSix Knowledge Academy............................ 19 CDC Federal Credit Union.................................5 DeKalb Chamber of Commerce........................7

Ellis Inauguration 2009 Inc............................. 6 Fashion Optique............................................. 14 First Afrikan Presbyterian Church................... 21 Gateway to College Academy......................... 16 Georgia Perimeter College.............................10 Hope Schools of Excellence............................ 15 Jamaica Nat’l Overseas Ltd (North America)....2

Jason & Bradley Attorneys at Law....................11 Malcolm Cunningham Ford............................24 MARTA..............................................................3 MARTA..............................................................8 New Life Community Ministries, Inc................ 16 North DeKalb Mall.......................................... 18 PZI Jeans..........................................................11

Ray of Hope Christian Church......................... 21 Saint Philip AME Church................................. 21 Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metro Atlanta. 17 Sulton Pediatric Group.................................... 13 The Gallery at South DeKalb............................ 9 Think Factor.................................................... 15 UGA Ctr for Family Research West................. 12

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January 3, 2009

Community

“We will continue working to fully support the market and undertake efforts aimed at keeping people in their homes.”

Mortgage modification program seeks to stem flood of foreclosures

By McKenzie Jackson

DeKalb County homeowners staring down foreclosure can take advantage of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) Streamlined Modification Program (SMP).

The program, which was adopted Dec. 15 by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and 27 other lenders and servicers is intended to set standards in the mortgage servicing industry for conducting loan modification programs on a large scale.

The foreclosure prevention tool is part of the Hope Now Alliance, a cooperative effort between the US government, counselors, investors, and lenders to help homeowners who may not be able to pay their mortgages.

Under the Streamlined Modification Program, eligible borrowers include homeowners with conventional and jumbo-conforming mortgage loans made on or before Jan. 1, 2008, and those who are three or more payments past due but are not yet in bankruptcy.

Participants in the modification program can change the terms of a loan to reduce a first lien monthly payment, including taxes, insurance and homeowners association payments up to 38 percent of their gross monthly income.

They can also extend the length of the mortgage loan by reducing the interest rate up to 3 percent.

David M. Moffett, Freddie Mac’s CEO, said on Dec. 18 that the initiative builds on their current

““These efforts are helping more than 10,000 delinquent borrowers every month get back on track.”

“Our alliance with FHFA, Fannie Mae, and the HOPE NOW Alliance will help our industry bring relief to thousands of distressed homeowners.”

Herb Allison, Fannie Mae president and CEO

David M. Moffett, Freddie Mac CEO

loss-mitigation efforts that are on track to provide three out of five seriouslydelinquent borrowers with a workout this year.

“Our alliance with FHFA, Fannie Mae, and the Hope Now Alliance will help our industry bring relief to thousands of distressed homeowners,” he said.

Herb Allison, Fannie Mae president and CEO, adds that the Streamlined Modification Program is a critical component to the

company’s foreclosure prevention efforts.

“These efforts are helping more than 10,000 delinquent borrowers every month get back on track,” he said.

In anticipation of the modication program, both mortgage lenders on Nov. 26, suspended more than 16,000 pending foreclosures and evictions from owner-occupied single-family homes nationwide until Jan. 9.

Freddie Mac’s suspension affects an estimated 6,000 borrowers and Fannie Mae’s suspension affects over 10,000 homeowners.

Spokespeople for the two home-loan giants would not say how many homeowners in DeKalb County were affected by the suspensions.

But during the first nine months of this year, DeKalb had 10,083 pending foreclosures.

Freddie Mac’s spokesperson

Brad German said they hope borrowers are using the suspension period to talk with their loan servicers about workouts that may enable them to avoid foreclosure.

“We will also continue to work with our servicers to make workouts happen,” he said.

Brian Faith, managing director of Fannie Mae’s Communications on National Tenant Policy, said that Fannie Mae is finalizing a new policy that will allow tenants in foreclosed properties that it owns to stay in their homes if they can make rental payments.

“For tenants who would prefer not to enter into a lease, we will continue to offer monetary support for the transition to a new residence as an alternative option,” he said.

Faith said the new tenant policy will start prior to the end of the Jan. 9 foreclosure suspension period.

“We’ve announced a new trust agreement effective Jan. 1, 2009, and new guidelines for servicers to enable earlier intervention with delinquent and at-risk borrowers,” he said. “In conjunction with our regulator, FHFA, we will continue working to fully support the market and undertake efforts aimed at keeping people in their homes.”

Amy Bonitatibus, another Fannie Mae spokesperson, said mortgage lenders have already begun mailing out information to borrowers who qualify for the SMP. Both companies are recommending that borrowers contact their lenders even if they don’t meet the SMP qualifications.

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January 3, 2009

January 3, 2009

Finance

CrossRoadsNews

The 23-year-old leadership training organization has more than 850 graduates, including many of metro Atlanta’s top CEOs, public and private officials and entrepreneurs.

Job fair targets health care workers Registered nurses and a range of therapists can meet and talk to employers at a Jan.15 at job fair at DeKalb Medical Central Campus.

The three-hospital system, which is opening its newly renovated wing in the 2200 building, has 87 nursing and 17 other registered health care vacant positions.

DeKalb Medical also operates hospitals on Hillandale Drive in Lithonia and in downtown Decatur.

Sue Dunlap, the system’s employment

manager, said that qualified nurses or registered health care professionals can meet with employers, visit their department of interest and potentially get hired the same day.

The 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. job fair at the Bobbie Bailey Tower at 2701 North Decatur Road in Decatur is open to nurses, physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists, medical technologist, MRI and CT technicians, dosimetrists and medical physicists.

For more information, call 404-5015010.

Workshop for budding entrepreneurs Aspiring entrepreneurs can find out what’s involved in owning their own businesses at the Jan. 13 “Starting Your Own Business” seminar at the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center in Atlanta.

Topics for the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. workshop include the traits for successful entrepreneurs, market research, legal structures for business, estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection, financing alternatives, failure

factors, and business planning.

Detailed business start-up workbooks and other handouts will also be provided at the event.

Admission is $69 and pre-registration is required.

The UGA Small Business Development Center is at 2296 Henderson Mill Road, Suite 105.

To register, visit www.sbdc.uga.edu or call 770-414-3110.

Leadership DeKalb hosting open house Business and community leaders can find out how to apply for admission into Leadership DeKalb’s 2010 class during open houses on Jan. 3 and 27 at the Women’s Center at DeKalb Medical Center in downtown Decatur.

The 23-year-old leadership training organization has more than 850 graduates, including many of metro Atlanta’s top CEOs, government officials, educators, judges, nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs.

Only 50 participants are accepted to each

class annually.

The 5:30 p.m. open house will begin with light refreshments followed by a one-hour informational program at 6 p.m.

Leadership DeKalb’s graduates will answer questions and explain the non-profit organization’s value, requirements, tuition and participation.

The Women’s Center at DeKalb Medical is at 2701 North Decatur Road in Decatur.

For more information, email events@leadershipdekalb.org or call 404-373-2491.

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Community

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

Bus Route 125 could be discontinued and replaced with a route that travels to and from Avondale Station via East Ponce De Leon, North Arcadia and Winn Way.

MARTA hearings set to discuss proposed changes to Decatur bus route MARTA customers and stakeholders can give their input on proposed modifications to a route that provides service along Sycamore Drive and Church Street in

Decatur during two public hearings on Jan. 5.

Bus Route 125 could be discontinued and replaced with a route that travels to and from Avondale

Station via East Ponce De Leon Avenue, North Arcadia Avenue, and Winn Way. The meetings will begin at 7 p.m. at the Manuel Maloof Audito-

ARThink DeKalb Board of Directors Barbara Ingram, President Mereda Davis Johnson, Immediate Past President Genet Hopewell, Secretary-Treasurer Ed Silvera, Executive Director

rium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, and at MARTA headquarters, 2424 Piedmont Road N.E., Board Room, First Floor, Atlanta.

MARTA staff will provide information at 6 p.m. at both meetings.

The transit authority regularly evaluates routes and schedules and proposed adjustments to ensure better schedule adherence and ontime performance. Final changes

will be recommended based on feedback from customers and service analysis.

Comments about the proposed change can be submitted through Jan. 11, by leaving a message at 404848-5660, writing to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30324 or completing an online comment card at www.itsmarta.com.

Library closures delayed again The closing of the Hairston Crossing Library and Salem-Panola Library has been pushed back indefinitely.

The branches were scheduled to be closed this month but won’t because of more construction delays.This is the second time that the renovations and expansions of the branches have been pushed back.

Both branches are to be expanded from 4,000 to 18,000 square feet and will house book collections of 53,000 volumes.

They will have special areas for children and teens, meeting and conference rooms, a expanded computer labs and equipment.

For more information, call 404370-8450.

PRISM programs to be discussed

Tickets: $25 in advance - $30 at the door For ticket information, call (770) 484-4088 or email shirleylee@bjhlawyers.com.

ALL PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT ARTHINK DEKALB, INC., REPRESENTING A COMPENDIUM OF THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.

Stone Mountain residents can can get information and provide input about upcoming programs in their area at the Jan. 8 community meeting hosted by Pride Rings In Stone Mountain (PRISM) at St. Timothy United Methodist Church.

During the 7 p.m. meeting, residents can also share ideas about

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ways PRISM can help community members and learn of ways that they can become involved in the community. Admission is free.

The church is at 5365 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain.

For more information, contact state Rep. Michele Henson at michelehenson@earthlink.net or call 404-296-1442.

Check Out Our New Online Business Directory www.crossroadsnews.com

January 3, 2009

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Scene

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

“It is our intention to walk in lockstep with our new president by invigorating the cultural landscape of DeKalb County.”

Arts group kicking off resurgence with pre-inaugural celebration Poet Hank Stewart, veteran vocalist Fred Sawyers, BET comedian Hurricane Andrew and the NorthSide band and will be performing at ARThink DeKalb’s PreInaugural Celebration honoring U.S. President-elect Barack Obama on Jan. 8.

The 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. event at Hairston’s Dinner Club will also signal the rebirth of the DeKalb arts organization, which has been on hiatus.

Stewart, who is best known as part of the group Three Men on a Stool, has been entertaining audiences with his sultry poetry for years.

The evening’s silky vocals will come from Sawyers, who has been crooning as a backup singer for Motown and Columbia Records and worked for 14 years for the legendary Isaac Hayes.

Andrew, whose real name is William Andrew Dandy, earned his

stage moniker from a friend who lived through Hurricane Andrew in Florida and equated his fast-paced comedic style to the 1992 storm.

He has appeared on BET’s Comic View and was a finalist in both the

Canadian Mist and Def Jam competitions.

The Ellenwood resident performs at clubs and military bases worldwide and has opened for D.L. Hughley and Tommy Davidson.

The fourmember NorthSide Band has been playing R&B around Atlanta for almost 20 years.

Mereda DaVocalist Fred vis Johnson, the Sawyers (far group’s founder left), poet and immediate Hank Stewart past president, and comedian says it’s fitting Hurricane for the nonprofAndrew (above) it organization will perform at to honor the ARThink DeKalb’s country’s first Pre-Inaugural African-AmeriCelebration. can president.

“As we embark on a new era that promises a fresh political paradigm and collective involvement in government, it is our intention to walk in lockstep with our new president by invigorating the cultural landscape of DeKalb County with a

similar commitment and passion,” she said.

In that spirit, Johnson, who is the wife of 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson, said ARThink has reorganized its staffing and board of directors in preparation for making 2009 a memorable year of art and entertainment.

Barbara Ingram, the group’s newly elected board president, said DeKalb County represents an enormously rich reservoir of cultures from around the globe.

“This makes our community strong and vibrant,” Ingram said.

“There is no better way to display this diversity than through the arts.

Tickets for the event are $25.

Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $500. Sponsors will get two tickets and a listing on www.ARThinkDeKalb.com.

For more information, call Ed Silvera at 404-729-8552.

Singing workshops to teach African vocal techniques for novices, pros alike Jan. 24 is open Internationto all music lovally reknowned ers and will inAfrican vocal clude a potluck music expert Dr. lunch. ParticiFred Onovweropants will spend suoke will host the day immerstwo music working themselves shops in Pine in the complex Lake on Jan. 24 F. Onovwerosuoke Ablawa Reine r hy thms and and 25.

The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. African rich harmonies of African vocal Singing for Everyone workshop on music, covering repertoire from all

over Africa and the diaspora. No prior experience or music reading proficiency is required.

The Jan. 25 workshop, which will be 1:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., is for choral directors and music teachers.

Participants will come away with four to five songs to use with their choirs and choruses. Participants will be grounded in pronunciation, intrepretation, rhythm, vocal style, and cultural context.

Onovwerosuoke, who is known as Fred O, will help participants feel confident to use music from Africa with choral groups. He will be assisted by Ablawa Reine, a lead vocalist and dance/choral instructor and assistant director of the Children’s Choir of Benin. Reine is also cultural exchange consultant and artistic liaison at the St. Louis African Chorus.

Onovwerosuoke, an adjunct

professor of African and AfricanAmerican Music at Webster University, St. Louis, was born in Ghana to Nigerian parents. Fluent in French, English and several African languages, he travels the world teaching the music of his homeland.

Pre-registration for either workshop is $30-$80. After Jan. 11, the cost is $80. For more information, visit www.africanchorus.org/ or call 404-297-8398.

January 3, 2009

CrossRoadsNews

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Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

“Now, when I go places and people see me they say, ‘Oh my God, you’ve lost so much weight, and that really makes me feel even better.”

Good feelings from new look These days when Ann Brown’s friends see her, they ask if she is her younger sister.

Brown, who dropped 30 pounds in the last 18 months, just smiles sweetly.

“I am down three dress sizes,” says Brown, who used to tip the scales at 247 pounds and wear size 20.

Now she’ss 217 pounds and wearing size 14, and she couldn’t be happier.

After shedding the first few pounds, she said her energy level increased significantly.

But most of all she is enjoying the feeling she gets when people notice her new look.

“Now, when I go places and people see me they say, ‘Oh my God, you’ve lost so much weight,’” she said, “and that really makes me feel even better.”

Corey M. Edwards / CrossRoadsNews For 2009, her goal is to lose an- Ann Brown walks three times other 10 pounds. a week and has eliminated Brown began her most recent snacking from her diet. battle of the bulges in June 2007 with a walking club in her Belvedere community in Decatur.

But she said a complete lifestyle change is at the root of her success.

“I used to drink three sodas a day and eat 2,800 to 3,000 calories a day,” she said. “I don’t do that anymore. I don’t snack and I broil my foods.”

She has also cut out fried foods and red meat and opts instead for baked or broiled chicken or fish, vegetables, fruits and healthy snacks. “Yes, I even had to let my Fritos go,” she said. “I don’t do that anymore.”

Brown says she walks faithfully three times a week and consistently parks in the farthest parking space from the Memorial Drive Wal-Mart, where she works as a community coordinator.

When her manager offered a close parking space, she declined.

“I told him ‘I’m parking out there for a reason,’” she said.

– Corey M. Edwards

Editor’s Note: A new year with all its promise of new beginnings offers a great opportunity to start over, set new goals and push ourselves to accomplish things we have been putting off or avoiding. Many of us do it with New

Year’s resolutions. Below five of our neighbors share theirs. Maybe you will follow suit. Experts say you should make your goals achieveable, and if you fall off the wagon, just get up and start over.

Leonardo McClarty, who bench presses 245 pounds effortlessly, says a highcholesterol reading has him paying more attention to his diet in 2009.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

More fitness in store for Chamber president Being physically fit is nothing new to Leonardo McClarty.

After all, the president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is a former running back who tallied more than 1,700 yards during his college football career.

Still, the 35-year-old’s New Year’s resolution is a health-conscious one. McClarty says that for 2009 he plans to eat better.

“Basically, I will be trying to cut back on sugars, soft drinks and also some of the fried foods.”

It’s not all voluntary. During a

recent physical, McClarty – who can bench-press 245 pounds effortlessly – discovered his cholesterol was elevated.

McClarty, who played tailback for Furman University in Greenville, S.C., between 1991 and 1995 and is 17th among Furman’s career rushing leaders, said he wasn’t too thrilled about the cholesterol results.

“The thing is, I’m already active anyway,” he said. “It’s just a matter of being more conscientious about what I eat.”

McClarty has been a gym rat since his football days at Riverwood High School in Atlanta. He currently works out about three to four times a week at LA Fitness Centers in Tucker, where he does cardio exercises, the elliptical machine, bench presses and other free weight exercises.

“I also referee youth football,” he said. “I don’t have a sedentary lifestyle, I just need to be smarter in terms of what I put in my body.”

– McKenzie Jackson

January 3, 2009

Wellness

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CrossRoadsNews

“I kind of want to maintain my weight throughout the first half of the year and not gain 200 pounds like I did before.”

Bedtime, blood pressure atop priority list

More control this time around

John Evans has this New Year’s resolution thing down to a science.

After all, he has been at it for a very long time.

Evans, who turns 76 on Jan. 29, swore off sodas and other carbonated drinks in 2005. Since then he hasn’t drunk anything but water, milk and an occasional glass of homemade lemonade.

Now, two weeks past the one-year anniversary of triple bypass surgery, Evans says it’s time to start a new streak. The Civil Rights icon said his New Year’s resolution for 2009 is to improve his overall health and wellness by eating better and exercising more often.

“This year I’m going to continue to work on perfecting my diet to help keep my blood pressure down,” said Evans, a former DeKalb NAACP president who lives in Stone Mountain.

By the time he visits Washington, D.C., for President-elect Barack Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration, Evans says his new plan for health will be in full swing. The former Negro Baseball League player is planning to cut down on fatty foods and pay closer attention to the ingredients to make sure he’s keeping his blood pressure level.

His work fighting financial discrimination through his nonprofit organization, Operation LEAD, keeps him up pretty late at night.

Evans says getting to bed on time is another one of his priorities for the New Year.

“I’m constantly trying and eliminating as much as I can to maintain the level of wellness I need to,” he said.

– Corey M. Edwards

Lee May has never been one to sit around. The 33-year-old DeKalb commissioner and New Birth Missionary Baptist minister shoots hoops and lifts weights frequently.

Even so, when his wife Robin got pregnant with their first child, Ryan, in 2007, he packed on the pounds and his weight shot up to 200 pounds.

“I probably gained about 25 pounds over the whole pregnancy,” said May, who has been involved in athletics since high school. “During the pregnancy I quit working out and started eating more.”

With Robin now five months pregnant with their second child, May said his New Year’s resolution is to drop some pounds.

“I kind of want to maintain my weight throughout the first half of the year and not gain 200 pounds like I did before,” May joked. “[Robin] said she wants me to get fat and gain weight as she is gaining weight.”

To keep the pounds off, May plays basketball two mornings a week and lifts weights four days a week at his church’s gym in Lithonia.

He says not working out is not an option.

“I like to say I’m working out now for 10, 15, 20 years down the line in order to maintain a good quality lifestyle health wise in my 40s, 50s and 60s,” McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews he said.

Lee May plays basketball two times a – McKenzie Jackson week and lifts weights four days a week.

Resolutions aside, goal is to keep stress at bay Chris Morris’ goal is to shed some pounds in 2009, but she did not make it a New Year’s resolution.

After years of trying, Chris Morris says she’s done with resolutions. Instead, the Decatur resident is using prayer to help her make subtle changes throughout Chris Morris the year.

“I must, I must, I must lose the weight,” she laughed. “But it’s going to take a lot of prayer.” Morris said she will pay closer attention to what and when she eats.

To improve her mental health, Morris, who is director of the county’s Human & Community De-

velopment Department, said meditation has become a more important part of her life in recent months.

Morris, who keeps track of the county’s foreclosures, said that as the number of home foreclosures soared last year, she needed some way to help her deal with the daily stress.

Her pastor, the Rev. Dennis Miller at Greenforest Community Baptist Church, has helped her to reflect and refocus. So far, the results have been tremendous and she’s been encouraging others to try it for themselves.

“We have to be careful to not let these things depress us,” she said. “If we’re not careful, these things can take over our lives and then we won’t exercise or focus on what’s really important in life.”

– Corey M. Edwards

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Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

“If you try every Monday, and keep at it, chances are good you may succeed within a single year.”

Institute: Renewing commitment each week can help smokers quit If your New Year’s resolution was to quit smoking for good, there’s a good chance you will be puffing away again by Valentine’s Day. Quitting smoking cold turkey is hard. According to researchers at the Institute for Global Tobacco Control at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, it takes most people seven to 10 tries to get it right.

Frances Stillman, co-director of the institute, feels smokers should take a more realistic path to quit-

ting. Stillman and her team have developed the Stay Quit Monday campaign, which allows smokers to strengthen their commitment by quitting each and every week, increasing their chances of making this the year they quit for good.

“We know there’s a high relapse rate for first-time quitters and that it takes a number of attempts for most people to stop smoking altogether,” she said. “Using each Monday to reaffirm their goal of quitting is a sensible way to stay on track.”

Sid Lerner, chairman of the Healthy Monday campaign, said the idea is a matter of simple math.

“If you just try once a year on your birthday or New Year’s, those ‘tries’ can add up to a decade before you finally quit,” she said. “But if you try every Monday, and keep at it, chances are good you may succeed within a single year.” Lerner believes that the Stay Quit Monday concept could even help Barack Obama, who admitted on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he has smoked cigarettes on and off for 20 years.

Lerner said Obama is the perfect candidate for the slow, controlled pace of the Stay Quit Monday campaign.

“Here’s a guy who wants to quit, who’s ready to quit, but who’s very busy with a stressful job and who just needs that extra motivational push each week to stay on track,” he said.

For more resources on quitting smoking and staying quit, visit the Stay Quit Monday page on the Researchers say it takes most Healthy Monday website at www. smokers seven to 10 tries before healthymonday.org/stayquit. they manage to quit.

Nursing student earns $3,500 scholarship Website has health care info

By Corey M. Edwards

Jenean Gardner is one step closer to making her dream of giving back to her community come true.

G a rd n e r, a Stephenson Hig h g r aduate, was recently awarded a $3,500 scholarship as the first Jenean Gardner runner-up in the 2008 Dr. Mark Coppage Scholarship Fund. She shared the award with fellow Georgia State nursing student Tiffany Turner.

The Coppage Scholarship Fund has awarded 112 scholarships totaling more than $288,000 since 1993. The Coppage family

matches every dollar contributed to the fund. Susan Irwin from the University of West Georgia was the scholarship’s overall winner.

The selection committee carefully screens each applicant to find the “nurses of tomorrow” who best represent Coppage, a DeKalb Medical anesthesiologist who died in a car accident on March 3, 1989, and his legacy of kindness.

Gardner said that having compassion and concern for others came from watching a long line of medical professionals in her family give back. Her mother, grandmother and aunt all served the community as nurses for many years, and she also has a cousin who is a doctor.

“It’s just in me to give back,” she said. “It’s my nature.”

Born in New York City and raised in Stone Mountain, Gardner wants to return to DeKalb Medical as a telemetry nurse after she accepts her second bachelor of science degree from Georgia State University Dec. 15. She completed her nursing residency at DeKalb Medical and says she wants to give something back to hospital and community that gave her so much.

Coppage Scholarship director Betty Castellani says it’s that kind of willingness to serve that can really make a difference in the community.

“This scholarship is given to students [like Jenean] not just because they are talented, but because they really care about their patients,” Castellani said.

Web-savvy Georgians can make educated decisions about their health care with just a few clicks.

The Georgia Department of Community Health launched its new website, http://georgiahealthinfo.gov, on Dec. 19 to provide health care quality, cost and health education information.

GeorgiaHealthInfo.gov will be implemented in two phases. The first phase allows users to access Mayo Clinic health education content, cost and quality comparison data for hospitals, cost data for common outpatient procedures,

cost comparisons of prescription drugs and quality rankings for health insurance plans.

The second phase, which will include expanded provider profile information and a decision support tool for long-term care, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2009.

Funding for the new web site was obtained from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ Medicaid Transformation Grant.

To view and use the new Web site, visit http://georgiahealthinfo. gov.

Bariatric center deemed ‘excellent’ DeKalb Medical’s Bariatric Surgery Center recently became the latest facility in metro Atlanta to receive the Cigna Centers of Excellence designation.

The designation goes to Cigna facilities that achieve thresholds for bariatric open and laparoscopic procedures and full approval by the Surgical Review Corporation and/ or Level One full approval by the American College of Surgeons.

DeKalb Medical demonstrated its compliance with a provision requiring the facility to perform at least 125 surgical weight loss surgeries each year. Other requirements include a low surgical complications rate, a goal of long-term patient follow-up, and a tracking system for outcomes.

For more information on DeKalb Medical’s Bariatric Surgery Center, call 404-501-7903.

Obama team seeking input President-elect Barack Obama wants your opinion on “What worries you most about healthcare in our country?”

The Barack Obama-Joe Biden transition team has set up an online comment page at change.gov to gather opinions on the future of the nation’s healthcare system.

More than 3,700 people across the country have already visited the site and voiced their concerns. Visitors have submitted their ideas on

everything from healthcare costs to Medicare and Medicaid to hospital closings.

The public suggestions will be used to lay the groundwork for overhauling the system.

Obama made the Internet a key tool for fostering civic engagement and fundraising during the 2008 Presidential Election.

For more information, visit http://change.gov/page/content/ discusshealthcare.

Youth

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CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

Upon successful completion of the high school program, the Simon scholars will each receive a $16,000 scholarship, payable to the academic institution.

Simon Foundation to select scholars from four DeKalb schools Students from Redan and Southwest DeKalb high schools are now eligible for one of 20 academic scholarships worth $16,000 from the Ronald M. Simons Family Foundation.

The South DeKalb schools are among four Certified Simon Scholar High Schools announced by the Irving, Calif.-based foundation on Dec. 9. The other schools are Chamblee Charter and Druid Hills High.

With its certified school program, the foundation which has offered more than $1 million in scholarships for students at nearly all of DeKalb’s high schools is now moving to offer its scholarship package exclusively to students at the four certified schools.

The schools were chosen because of their successful academic programs and/or their proven records of success with implementing the Simon Scholar program in previous years. Each school has a cross-section of students who are in need of the program which assists high-achieving students with difficult backgrounds.

The Foundation provides leadership training, community service

opportunities, college tours and ond semester of their junior year. thousands of dollars in financial Since its inception in 2004, support for college.

Ronald M. Simon Family FoundaThrough the Certified Simon tion has helped 300 students across Scholar High Schools program, the foundation will select scholars from each school’s sophomore class annually and offer them intensive support during their last two years in high school. Each selected Simon scholar will receive a laptop computer, $500 annual award, SAT prep, leadership training, and academic tutoring.

Upon successful completion of the high school program, the Simon scholars will each receive a $16,000 scholarship, payable directly to the academic institution.

Each year, up to 20 scholarships will be awarded across the four certified Simon Scholar High Schools.

To qualify for the program, students must have at least a 2.5 academic grade point average, be self-motivated and involved in community service.

To maintain the scholarship, students must achieve a 3.0 GPA or better by the second semester of their 11th grade year.

They must achieve and maintain a 3.0 GPA or better by the sec-

Applications will be available the nation, including 73 students in DeKalb County. Its goal is to one in each high school’s counseling day begin awarding 1,000 national office beginning Jan. 6 or can be downloaded at www.rmsff.org. scholarships per year.

If This Was Your Ad, Someone Would Be Seeing It Now! Call 404-284-1888 today for rates & information.

Hope for a child.

Hope for our community.

Hope for our world.

Hope Schools of Excellence offers students a cutting-edge, 21st century education. Wireless laptops are available for all students (pre-K3-11th grades). Students have their own laptops and attend computer lab three times weekly. They are required to become conversationally literate in two foreign languages. They choose from Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. All students are required to take Performing Arts classes in orchestra, band, chorus, or drama. Students are taught a minimum of one grade level above their current grade. HSE collaborates with High Tech High schools in San Diego and models Bill Gates’ digital age schools. Teachers use a unique combination of project-based learning and traditional textbooks.

Exploratory classes include PE, art, and videography.

Extracurricular activities include Robotics, Chess, Karate, Literary Club, Etiquette, Football, Basketball, and more. As an Oprah Winfrey “O Ambassador” participant, students are exposed to international cultures. Building tomorrow’s leaders is HSE’s focus.

Real-world internships help build strong career minded students. HSE is fully accredited by SAIS and SACS. Expect small classrooms. As seating is limited, register early to reserve your seat for the 2008/2009 or 2009/2010 school year.

Contact: 678-323-8000 or www.hopeschoolsofexcellence.com.

Open house is Sunday, January 11th, 3-6 pm; 6440 Rock Springs Road, Lithonia.

16

Youth #1 librarian known for sharing At Princeton learning for teachElementary School, ers and students,” media specialist Letcher said.

Joan Abraham is “She works colknown for sharlaboratively with ing learning ideas staff members to with teachers and determine their students. specific needs and That quality solicits the resourchelped earned her es to meet those the title of 2009 identified needs.”

Joan Abraham is the 2009 DeKalb Librar y Abraham will DeKalb Library Media Media Specialist of Specialist of the Year. represent the De­ the Year.

Kalb School System Dr. Juanita Letcher, principal in the District Metro competition of the Lithonia school, says Abra- in the spring. ham sees the big idea of learning The state’s top Media Specialist that involves making connections will be selected from among the with all stakeholders. district winners and will be an“She takes the initiative to ap- nounced at the Council of Media proach administration and staff Organizations annual conference members with ideas to enhance next fall.

Joan Abraham caption goes here like this one here. Caption goes here like this one here.

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

“Mentoring has built my self-confidence as a teacher in what I can accomplish.”

Mentoring program is ahead of the curve

By Corey M. Edwards

Five years ago, when Clarence VanLear agreed to help Chapel Hill Elementary administrators and teachers develop a student-teacher mentoring program, he wasn’t sure how much more he could do as a teacher.

But he was willing to try.

The group outlined the plans for a program that would give students the support outside of the classroom they desperately needed.

So far, the relationship between the school’s 88 mentors and 103 mentees is working with flying colors.

Administrators say they have seen improvement in student behavior and have high hopes that the mentoring program will be just as helpful in improving student achievement.

The program also works with students on conflict resolution and encourages them to maintain the high attendance rates that the school currently boasts.

While the program only asks teacher-mentors to spend at least 10 minutes with mentees per week, VanLear said interacting with students outside of the usual setting has made him a better teacher.

“Mentoring has built my selfconfidence as a teacher in what I can accomplish,” said VanLear, who teaches art. “It’s been very rewarding to me as a mentor because I have seen students I have mentored grow up and do so much better.”

Programs like the one at Cha-

Chapel Hill principal Michael Williamson attended the school’s annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Mentor-Mentee Social with his fifth-grade mentee, Andariouse Caldwell.

pel Hill are clearly what DeKalb County Schools superintendent Dr. Crawford Lewis had in mind in August when he asked every teacher and certified employee in the district to mentor a child in his or her school. By then, Chapel Hill, which has had an unofficial mentoring program for the past five years, was already ahead of the curve.

On Dec. 10, the school celebrated its teacher-student partnership at its annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Mentor-Mentee Social.

Dr. Jonnell Henry, the school’s counselor, said that the mentoring program not only focuses on what is important to the superintendent, but also focuses on the school’s target areas of academic and be-

havioral improvement.

“I think they really go out of their way when it comes to the mentoring program,” said Henry.

She notes that many teachers offer their mentees free after-school tutoring when needed. They also use the time to play educational games, help with arts activities and read to students.

“We always want to make sure we are acknowledging our children,” Henry said. “We believe if we recognize them more for good behaviors, we will see less bad behavior.”

For more information, visit http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/ chapelhill or www.dekalb.k12. ga.us/support/counseling.

January 3, 2009

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

17

“I focus on the ones who I think will fall through the system, such as first generation college students.”

DeKalb Tech program featured in education newsletter DeKalb Technical College’s Next Step Transition program was featured in the November/December issue of the American Council on Education’s Center Point newsletter as an innovative program.

In the article Kathryn Dreher, DeKalb Tech’s program specialist, explained how the college captures a new audience of students to seek post-secondary education.

“A personalized approach is essential to a successful experience,” she said. “In the Next Step program, students attend seminars as well as receive one-on-one support in a number of areas, including college terminology, study skills, and

time management.”

The two-year-old Next Step program serves DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton and Morgan counties, which together have 85,000 residents without a high school diploma.

Dreher shared her plan for personalizing and partnering for student success.

She said students are encouraged by their GED preparation instructors to take the COMPASS college placement test, required by technical colleges to assess math and writing skills and place entering students in appropriated-level courses. In turn, tutors are available to

help GED credential recipients hone requisite skills before they enroll in college classes, ensuring that they are program-ready and do not need to take remedial classes.

Another critical feature of the Next Step program is the partnering of new program participants with those already enrolled in college.

“I find people and put them together,” Dreher said. “And I focus on the ones who I think will fall through the system, such as first generation college students.”

For more information, visit www. Kathryn Dreher talks with Next Step students at DeKalb Tech new student orientation. acenet.edu/.

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Youth

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

“I ate, drank and slept the program. I would come in every morning and work on it and I would have to tell myself, ‘Breathe. Breathe.’ ”

‘Deaf Bots’ team wows judges to finish second in robotics competition

By Corey M. Edwards

When the five students from the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf beat out 79 teams to win second place at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego competition on Dec. 6 at Shamrock Middle School in Decatur, they made history.

The students from the Clarkston middle school, who entered the competition as the Deaf Bots, used American Sign Language to “communicate” commands to a robot.

The award meant the world to team captain Andrew Brown.

“I’m glad we showed everyone that deaf kids could do it,” said Andrew, who has been using Legos to design structures as high as seven feet tall since he was 7 years old.

While Andrew was enthusiastic about Legos from the beginning, it took awhile for his classmates to share his passion for the colorful building blocks. Once he won them over, Andrew and information technology teacher Assume Bakari wanted to show them what they could really do with their newfound knowledge.

Bakari arranged a field trip to the FIRST Lego League World Festival at the Georgia Dome last year.

Teammate Anthony “A.J.” Dowels said he had no idea what Legos were before he went to the competition. But after they saw the energy and team spirit, they were hooked.

Deaf Bot teammates Alex Pectu, Anthony “A.J. Dowels and Andrew Brown make some last-minute adjustments to their program at the FIRST Lego competition.

It took the team nearly a year to build and program their Lego Mindstorm robot to do the specific functions required for the competition. Bakari introduced the new Lego NXT programming software to the team in January 2008. Once they understood the program’s basic functions, he got out of the way.

“I let them do it themselves,” he said. “One thing they stressed at the competition is that the mentors and

coaches couldn’t get involved and help them.”

What began as a fun way to pass time quickly became an obsession for Andrew.

“I ate, drank and slept the program,” he said. “I would come in every morning and work on it and I would have to tell myself, ‘Breathe.

Breathe.’ ” The team entered the competition poised to win a trophy. Alex Pectu, another teammate, said the

atmosphere was infectious.

“As the day went on, I was so passionate about what we were doing,” he said.

The Deaf Bots competed in three head-to-head events. They earned points for getting their robot to perform specific tasks on a 10- by 6-foot board.

The toughest part of the competition came during the interview segment. Three judges asked the team specific questions about their

robot, programming and what role each of them played.

Andrew said overcoming the language barrier was a challenge, but what really impressed the judges was the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation that teammate Keyonal Singleton designed before the competition.

The presentation explained their views on current climate conditions and how robots might be able to help us in the future.

Keyonal didn’t attend the competition, but her teammates believe her presentation was the reason their team took second place.

Dr. Cynthia Ashby, the school’s director, said all the students and teachers were very pleased with the Deaf Bots’ performance in the competition.

“We’re all so proud of what they’ve accomplished,” she said.

Bakari said the Deaf Bots’ success has inspired students who are already asking about next year’s competition.

The Deaf Bots are planning to attend the annual FIRST Championship April 15 in Atlanta. They hope to move up to the highest level of the competition if they can raise $1,000 to purchase the larger Lego Terminator robot.

But for now, the Deaf Bots said they’re just happy to take home a trophy.

The Atlanta Area School for the Deaf is at 890 N. Indian Creek Road in Clarkston. For more information, call 404-296-6626.

January 3, 2009

Youth

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CrossRoadsNews

“From conservation to character building, the Boy Scouts 100th Anniversary celebrates the highest Scouting ideals of helping others and making communities stronger.”

Commemorative coin to help celebrate Boy Scouts’ centennial anniversary The Boy Scouts of America will be celebrating their centennial on Feb. 8, 2010, with a new commemorative silver dollar coin.

President George W. Bush authorized the minting of $350,000 of the coins when he signed the Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 5872) into law on Nov. 25.

Only two commemorative coins are selected for U.S. Mint production each year. The Boys Scout coins will be minted between Feb. 8, 2010, and Jan. 1, 2011.

A $10 surcharge will be added at the sale of each coin to finance $3.5 million in donations that will be distributed to local Boy Scouts councils including the Atlanta Area Boys Scouts, which serves 40,000 boys ages 7 to 20 in 13 metro Atlanta counties.

Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America, said it’s a great honor for the Scouts to be Bob Mazzuca recognized with the Centennial Commemorative coin.

“This is a treasured moment in the history of our organization and we are grateful for the millions of Scouts and volunteers who have served as the foundation of our success for nearly 100 years,” he said.

The act received strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate.

It was introduced earlier this

Through camping, community service and other activities, Boy Scouts learn character development and values-based leadership skills.

anniversary celebrates the year by Congressman highest Scouting ideals of Pete Sessions (R-Texas), helping others and making an Eagle Scout with communities stronger,” he four generations of Boy said.

Scouts in his family, and The act passed the U.S. received overwhelmSenate unanimously on ing approval with 403 Sept. 27. members of Congress H.R. 5872 states that the voting for it.

Pete Sessions commemorative coin must Sessions said Boy Scouts are a significant part of be “emblematic of Scouting’s 100 American culture, shaping the years and must have inscriptions values, citizenship and skills of mil- of the words “Liberty”, “In God We Trust”, and “E Pluribus Unum.” The lions of young men.

“From conservation to charac- coin will weigh 26.73 grams, have a ter building, the Boy Scouts’ 100th diameter of 1.5 inches and contain

90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.

Its design will be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with Mazucca and the Commission of Fine Arts. The selected design will also be reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

The Boy Scout Movement was founded by British Lord Robert Baden-Powell in Britain in 1907.

In the United States, millionaire Chicago publisher William Dickson Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America in the District of Co-

lumbia on Feb. 8, 1910.

Since its f o u n d i n g by Boyce, Boys Scouts of America, which focuses on character development a n d v a l u e s - R. Baden-Powell based leadership training, has served more than 111 million youths, including 248 who are now members of Congress.

In the past four years alone, Scouts and their William Boyce leaders have volunteered more than 6.5 million hours of service in their communities through more than 75,000 service projects.

The Boy Scouts of America kicked off a multi-year 100th anniversary celebration in early 2008. The anniversary celebration will include major national events, activities, and initiatives to engage nearly 3 million youth and 1.2 million volunteers, an estimated 50 million Scouting alumni, and the general public.

Over the next two years, it will reintroduce the contributions scouting makes in communities across the country and its impact on millions of young lives.

For more information on the Atlanta Area Council, visit www. atlantabsa.org.

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CrossRoadsNews

Sports

January 3, 2009

“We are still a young team. We are just trying to grow as a team and organization.”

Experience a stepping stone in quest for stability

By McKenzie Jackson

Southwest DeKalb has a boys basketball team that is trying to find itself.

The Panthers (5-6) have had big wins over Redan, North Springs and Watburg (Tenn.) Central, and close losses to Columbia, M.L. King and Tucker this season.

Head coach Tony Stroud said that with a young team there are going to be some peaks and valleys during the season.

“We are still a young team,” he said. “We are just trying to grow as a team and organization.”

SWD returned 12 players from last year’s team, but with only six seniors on the 15-man roster, freshmen, sophomores and juniors are often asked to make big-time plays.

After starting the season at 3-4, the Panthers ran through their first two games in the National Division of the DeKalb Holiday Tournament. They knocked off Lake City (S.C.) in double overtime in the tournament’s first round, then beat highly ranked Redan by 12 points in the second round.

In the championship game on Dec. 23, the Panthers trailed Tri-Cities 28-26 after the third quarter, but scored only 13 points during a cold-shooting fourth while Tri-Cities pulled off to a 45-39 victory.

Stroud said that at some point someone on the court must take charge.

“We don’t have as much experience, so we gotta wait for someone to take charge,” he said. “That is why I think the tournament was good for us because we can go back to practice and figure out who is the take charge guy. So the next time we get in that situation someone will take charge and help us win the game.”

Stroud said 5-foot-8 junior guard Robert McMullen is the Panthers’ top player cur-

During the Christmas tournament, freshman Kadarius Turner started in the backcourt with McMullen, and 6-foot6 freshman William Goodwin at power forward, 6-foot-7 junior Allen Stripling at center, and 6-foot-6 junior Dwight Meikle at small forward comprised the frontcourt.

Stripling, a three-year starter, and McMullen were named to the All-Tournament team.

Stripling, who also plays football, gives the Panthers a physical presence in the post that can gobble up rebounds and block shots.

Stroud said Stripling, who is grabbing 7.6 rebounds a game, is a banger.

“We want him to become a bigger scorer for us; that will help us down the road,” he said. “He gives us that big body in there.”

Meikle, who played junior varsity last season, got aggressive in the third quarter of the Tri-Cities game, driving to the basket and pulling up for three-pointers. Although most of the shots were misses, Stroud said that’s the type of attitude he wants from Meikle.

“He’s probably the most skilled guy we have, but he’s lacking experience,” he said.

“We are trying to get him to be more aggressive in a game situation. We encourage him to shoot, but of course we want him to take good shots and work within our system.”

The results of the Panthers’ games in the Sweet South Classic in Madison, Ga. Dec. 29-30 were not available at press time.

They start Region 6B-AAAA play on Jan. 9, hosting Lakeside. Last season, the Panthers McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews beat the Vikings twice. Stroud said region Southwest DeKalb’s Dwight Meikle shoots a jumper over two Tri-Cities defenders duirng the play is what the team has been waiting for.

“Hopefully, the tough games we played finals of the DeKalb Holiday Tournament. in the two tournaments will help us prepare rently. McMullen, who led the Panthers with for region games,” he said. “We are just tak16 points against Tri-Cities, is averaging 20 ing it one game at a time and trying to gain points a contest and 54 percent from three- as much experience as we can to try and get point range. better.”

Fundraiser to help buy state title rings Southwest DeKalb alumni basketball players will take on the Stan Watson Basketball All Stars on Jan. 8 to raise money for the 2008 state champion Lady Panthers team.

The 5:30 p.m. game will help the defending AAAA state champions purchase their championship rings. The team is looking to raise $6,5000 in order to purchase 30 rings.

Last March, Southwest DeKalb was one of three DeKalb County basketball teams to bring home state titles. They beat Fayette County 62-46 to win the school’s first-ever boys or girls basketball state championship.

Head coach Kathy Walton said the girls are very deserving of their championship rings.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them,” she said.

The event will start off with an Omega vs. Kappa game, then at 7 p.m. the Southwest DeKalb Alumni team will play the Stan Watson All Stars, a squad coached by former state Rep. Stan Watson.

Watson’s team will include former professional basketball, football and baseball players such as Terrance Mathis, William Andrew, Dewey McClain, Perry Kemp, Frank Reed, Danny Roundfield, Steve Atwater and Edgar Fields.

There will be a shooting contest and the athletes will sign autographs at halftime.

Admission is $3 for students and $5 for adults.

Southwest DeKalb High School is at 2863 Kelley Chapel Road in Decatur. For more information, call Kathy Walton at 678-874-1942.

Two DeKalb teams bring home top honors in county’s holiday tournament DeKalb County teams won two of the four championships in the DeKalb Holiday Tournament Dec. 22-23.

The Redan Lady Raiders beat the McEachern Lady Indians 48-35 to win the National Girls’ Championship, while the Greenforest Christian Eagles won the American Division Boys’ Championship, beating North Cobb Christian 57-53.

Lady Raiders senior guard Quortni Fambro came off the bench to score a game-high 14 points in their win over McEachern. Forward Nia Evans, the tour-

nament’s MVP, and guard MacKenzie Dalrymple, an All-Tournament team honoree, had standout games.

Jamel Jones, the Eagles’ junior small forward, was named MVP of the American Division, and guard Joseph Chase was named to the All-Tournament team.

Heritage High School won the American Division Girls’ Championship by knocking off the Lithonia Lady Bulldogs and Tri-Cities beat Southwest DeKalb to win the National Division Boys’ Championship.

Redan’s McKenzie Dalrymple looks for an open teammate during the Lady Raiders’ 48-35 win over McEachern.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Former Southwest DeKalb quarterbacks move to solidify gridiron careers

By McKenzie Jackson

While one former Southwest DeKalb quarterback is putting a stamp on his college football career, another is still on the comeback trail and trying to revitalize his professional football career.

Eric Ward and Quincy Carter are making impacts in their respective football worlds.

Ward, a 2005 grad, led the Richmond Spiders to college football’s Football Championship Subdivision on Dec. 29 and Carter, a 1996 grad, signed a contract to play in Texas for the Rio Grande Valley Dorados of Arena League Football 2.

The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Ward caught a touchdown pass and threw a touchdown pass during Richmond’s 24-7 rout of the Montana Grizzlies in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The redshirt junior passed for 96 yards, ran for 54 yards and had 23 receiving yards during the Spiders’ first-ever football national championship.

Ward, 21, passed for 2,432 yards

Quincy Carter (right) kept his professional football career alive by signing to play arena football with the Rio Grande Valley Dorados in Texas.

seven touchdowns. During his career the 2006 Atlantic 10 Offensive Freshman of the Year has racked up 7,164 yards and scored 44 touchdowns.

Carter, who started three games last season with the Arena FootEric Ward led the Richmond Spiders ball League’s Kansas City Brigade, to their first national championship. signed with the Dorados on Dec. and 14 touchdowns this season, and 10, five days before the Arena Foothad a 62.1 completion percentage. ball League announced that it was He also rushed for 361 yards and canceling its 2009 season because

of economic woes.

The 31-year-old quarterback had signed a two-year contract with the Brigade in June, but left the team in mid-October after he asked management to release him so that he could return home to Texas.

The Dorados, who finished 7-7 last season, play their homes games in Hildalgo, Texas. Their 2009 season begins on March 28.

Carter, an NFL quarterback for

four seasons, said his talks with Dorados coach Marty Hammond and general manager Grant Buckborough convinced him that playing with the south Texas team was a good way to continue his football career in hopes of getting back to the NFL or Canadian Football League.

“This is an organization that is always competitive and has great fans,” he said. “I’m excited for the upcoming season.”

Last season with Kansas City, Carter passed for 575 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions.

Carter originally signed with the Brigade in May and his stint with the team marked a comeback to professional football for the former Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets quarterback.

After being cut from the Cowboys in August 2004 because of alleged drug use, he began to clean up last winter, spending seven months in a drug rehabilitation program in Florida.

January 3, 2009

Ministry

21

CrossRoadsNews

“I can’t think of a better gift to give a family during the holidays than a warm and safe place to call home.”

Black churches to honor leaders at inaugural ball The Rev. Al Sharpton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Dr. Marion Wright Edelman are among 10 black leaders who will be honored with a Keepers of the Flame Award at the African American Church Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. The Jan. 18 gala – its theme: “We Have Come This Far By Faith” – will be held at the Grand Hyatt M.W. Edelman Washington to help celebrate the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th U.S. president on Jan. 20.

Other honorees are Bishop John Hurst Adams, Robert J. Brown, Bishop Barbara Harris, Earl Graves Sr., Alexis Al Sharpton Herman, Rev. Gardner Taylor and Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker Sr. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson II, the ball’s chairman, said now is the right time to come together and honor those who paved the way for the country’s Desmond Tutu first president of African descent.

“We must honor this time in our great history, struggles and strength as well as make a commitment to the future of our community,” said Richardson, who is the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. Honorary chairs are Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, former president of Spelman and Bennett colleges, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Hooks, and Dr. John Hope Franklin.

Groups can reserve a 10-person table for $5,000. Individual tickets are $250.

For more information contact Rhue Still at RhueStill@gmail.com or call her 918-633-0052.

Participating in the ribbon cutting at the Winn House were (L to R): Andy Petzinger, construction manager, HomeAid Atlanta; Ann Carey, executive director, HomeAid Atlanta; DuVall Brumby, president of the board, HomeAid Atlanta; Dr. Joel Alvis, pastor, North Decatur Presbyterian Church; Jason Schoeneberg, board chair, Decatur Cooperative Ministry; Christy Oraelosi, program manager, Decatur Cooperative Ministry; and Beth Vann, executive director, Decatur Cooperative Ministry.

Collaborative effort makes room for homeless family Homeless families now have spruced up quarters at the Winn House to help them make the transition back into their own homes.

HomeAid Atlanta and Decatur Cooperative Ministry dedicated the newly renovated house on Dec. 18. The following week, a homeless mother and her three young daughters moved into the cozy three-bedroom, one-bath home.

The Winn House, which is owned by North Decatur Presbyterian Church, is operated by the nonprofit Decatur Cooperative Ministry that serves homeless families in the Decatur/DeKalb area.

The church turned the house into transitional housing in 1983 to honor its beloved pastor, the Rev. Al Winn, and his wife Grace.

Homeless families live there while working with Decatur Cooperative Ministry to get back on their feet.

DuVall Brumby, president of the board

Prophets to converge at conference Prophetesses ConJ. Moss, Vanessa Bellnie Williams, Deborah Armstrong and AWET Cato and Judy Shaw will Mass choir. be among the featured The free conference, guests at the Jan. 11whose theme is “From 16 Prophetic ConferGlory to Glory and Faith ence at Anointed Word to Faith,” starts at 7:30 Evangelistic Tabernacle p.m. daily.

C.O.G.I.C. in Lithonia.

The church is at 7373 Connie Williams V. Bell-Armstrong Other speakers and Covington Highway. For performers for the six-day conference in- more information, call Odessa Rodgers at clude Apostle Kearney Thomas and singers 770- 981-1283.

for HomeAid Atlanta, said the rehabilitation of the Winn House allows it once again to provide a dignified place where homeless families can rebuild their lives.

“I can’t think of a better gift to give a family during the holidays than a warm and safe place to call home,” he said. “We are thrilled to have been a part of helping to provide that gift to a deserving family this holiday season.”

HomeAid Atlanta led the renovation of the house with in-kind donations of labor and materials from more than 20 trade partners. The six-week project included

rebuilding the entire bathroom and kitchen, replacing damaged windows and siding, treating mold in the crawl space, replacing/ refinishing flooring materials, and replacing the heating and air system. Additional improvements such as the installation of more energy efficient appliances were also completed.

The project was the third partnership between HomeAid Atlanta and Decatur Cooperative Ministry. The groups worked together in 2004 to renovate two other transitional homes for homeless families in South DeKalb.

22

CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

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CrossRoadsNews

January 3, 2009

MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Thursday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

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January 3, 2009