CrossRoadsNews, January 28, 2017 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

YOUTH

WELLNESS

Booking male readers

Seeing red for a cause

Toney Elementary is looking for men to share their love of books with students at the school’s annual read-in on Feb. 10. 4

DeKalb Board of Health employees want to raise awareness about heart disease prevention on Feb. 3, National Wear Red Day. 6

Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

January 28, 2017

Volume 22, Number 40

www.crossroadsnews.com

DeKalb chips in $180 million to redevelop GM site By Rosie Manins

DeKalb County is putting $180 million into public infrastructure at the old General Motors plant site in Doraville. The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 24 on an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Doraville, in which it will allocate up to $180 million various infrastructure improvements including roads and utilities. The funding will come from the anticipated tax revenue in a tax allocation district (TAD) which encompasses the former GM production facility which closed in 2008. The commissioners vote means the proposed $60 million mixed-use development

causing the county and city of Doraville governments to move ahead without its “We can hopefully create a model, not just for backing. DeKalb, but throughout this state to ensure The BOC was moved up Feb. 14 because that all our residents have the ability and equal Integral Groupneeded approval to close on opportunity to live and work and play in the another deal in the next few weeks. Before the commissioners voted, DeKalb developments that are being created.” CEO Michael Thurmond said the proposed DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond development has the full support of his administration, as long as it includes an afdaily MARTA ridership by 30,000. can finally proceed. fordable housing component. Developer Integral Group and its busiThe project near Spaghetti Junction at the “We believe that the Assembly project intersection of I-285 and I-85 in Doraville, ness partners bought the 165-acre property is one that will have a tremendously posinow called Assembly, is expected to generate for $50 million in 2014, six years after it tive impact not just for DeKalb County but 500 jobs in the near future, and up to 8,000 closed. throughout the metropolitan Atlanta region,” The DeKalb School Board refused to eventually. It also is expected to attract $1.5 billion in private investment and increase participate in the Tax Allocation District, Please see ASSEMBLY, page 3

Pedestrians can now walk on art in Decatur Multimillion-dollar makeover push in city By Rosie Manins

Downtown Decatur has gone all artsy with colorful designs covering traffic control boxes and some pedestrian crosswalks. The addition of crosswalk artwork is part of the city’s Extreme Makeover: The Downtown Decatur Edition – a multimillion-dollar push to enhance the downtown with art, new mixed-use developments, infrastructure upgrades, townhouses, and streetscape improvements. The murals on the traffic boxes were started by Decatur artist Larry Holland, who has enlisted other artists to help him transform the boxes into eye-catching art. For the creative crosswalk project, brightly colored flowers; geometric patterns; multicolored forks, knives and spoons; and footprints and paw prints have been installed on six crosswalks along a half-mile strip of Ponce de Leon Avenue between Fairview Avenue and North Candler. The seventh colorful creation is a short walk away in the 100 block of East Trinity Place. To put down the durable artwork on the pavement, crews glued vibrantly patterned thermoplastic tiles to the road. Hugh Saxon, Decatur’s deputy city manager, said the $250,000 creative crosswalk project is definitely a standout. “I’m sure there are other communities with decorative crosswalks, but I believe the city of Decatur’s are more expressive and certainly unique for our region,” he said. Saxon said that about $150,000 of the creative crosswalk budget was spent on materials and installation, and $100,000 covered items such as asphalt repairs, raised concrete speed tables, accessible ramps, and speed control barriers. Other makeover work, totaling more than $7.2 million, also is underway in the city. It includes $1.7 million for Phase Two of storm drainage upgrades; $2.9 million for North McDonough streetscape improvements; and $2.6 million for railroad crossing enhancements at Candler and McDonough. Contractors began working on crosswalks on Jan. 12 and finished 10 days later at the intersection of Ponce and Clairmont Avenue. The installation near the historic Decatur courthouse is the largest, covering three of the square’s four crosswalks with large, brightly colored flowers on an

Colorful crosswalks and murals on traffic control boxes are part of the city’s Extreme Makeover: The Downtown Decatur Edition.

Walk on the wild side Creative crosswalks are located at: n Ponce de Leon Avenue & East Court Square n Ponce de Leon Avenue midblock near Candler Street n Ponce de Leon Avenue & Marshall Street n Ponce de Leon Avenue & Fairview Avenue n Ponce de Leon Avenue & Clairmont Avenue n Ponce de Leon Avenue midblock near Jimmy John’s n East Trinity Place near Chick-fil-A

orange background. Audra Cooper, CEO of Autaco Development, which was involved in the crosswalk project, said its goal is twofold. “We are helping increase traffic calming for the city of Decatur as well as adding a layer to the eclectic expression in the downtown business district,” she said. The murals covering the traffic control boxes include abstract art, cartoon creatures, lifelike animals, adults, and

children. More than 20 have been painted so far around the city, with sponsorship from the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, Decatur Arts Alliance, local businesses and a crowdfunding campaign. Some of the city’s makeover projects are privately funded by developers. They include a seven-story, 90,729square-foot Hampton Inn and Suites hotel under construction on Clairmont between Ponce and Commerce Drive. The hotel with 145 guest rooms, scheduled for completion in June, will have an adjacent parking deck and an outdoor swimming pool. Two mixed-use developments also are planned. A residential over retail is planned for Church Street between Ponce and Commerce, and residential over office and retail is planned for West Trinity between Commerce and McDonough. A 22-townhouse project also is being built at 432 E. Howard Ave. Through this week, five units were sold and another five are under contract. Ongoing expansion of Decatur High School on McDonough, to satisfy rising enrollment, also is part of the makeover initiative.

CrossRoadsNews

Community

January 28, 2017

“This means jobs … investment in our transportation infrastructure, in roads, bridges, and rail.”

DeKalb County sells surplus PDK Airport land to Brookhaven By Rosie Manins

DeKalb County government is selling a 33-acre tract of wooded land on the western side of DeKalb-Peachtree Airport to the city of Brookhaven for $5.7 million. The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at its Jan. 24 Jeff Rader meeting to sell the property, at 2951 Skyland Drive N.E. near Chamblee, to the city. District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader, who represents Brookhaven, said the sale is a winwin for both parties.

“It is a reflection of our collaboration with Brookhaven to give them something that they needed and give us the opportunity to release the latent value of the property to fund other improvements,” he said. He said the proceeds from the sale will be used for airport upgrades. John Ernst, Brookhaven’s mayor, said the city will preserve the property as a permanent green space. “The city of Brookhaven is fulfilling its promise to keep Brookhaven green and vibrant,” he said. “At 33 acres, this purchase represents one of the largest continuous

green space acquisitions inside the Perimeter.” Ernst said very little will be done to the property, which he calls “the second-largest forested area within the Perimeter after Fernbank Forest.” He said that walking trails on the property will be made more permanent. Ernst and other Brookhaven officials campaigned on the promise to acquire more green space for Brookhaven residents. He thanked the county government “for the ability to preserve this gem” and said that Brookhaven officials have agreed to deed restrictions that will maintain the property

in perpetual use as green space. All residents of unincorporated DeKalb will have the same level and cost of access to the property as Brookhaven residents. The property was formerly part of the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, which is owned by DeKalb County. It became surplus about seven years ago when the airport decommissioned an underused runway after the Federal Aviation Administration decided the runway was costing too much to maintain for its low number of flights. The FAA requires surplus land to be sold at fair market value with proceeds returned to the airport’s enterprise fund.

Johnson takes coveted seat on transportation, infrastructure committee U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson has his eye on improving the I-20 East corridor through DeKalb County now that he has been given more sway regarding road projects. Johnson announced Jan. 12 that Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi informed him that he will have a coveted seat on the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He is now the only Democrat from Georgia on the committee. He will remain on the Judiciary but could lose his House Armed Services seat unless granted a waiver. Johnson said that part of his focus going

forward will be to upgrade transportation along I-20 East through the heart of the 4th Congressional District. “This means jobs. This means serious federal investment in our transportation infrastructure, Hank Johnson in roads, bridges, and rail,” Johnson said. “Metro Atlanta, and South DeKalb in particular, needs a seat at this table,” he said. “Now we have one.”

Johnson is already a member of the House leadership team, as ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law that exercises jurisdiction over antitrust laws and competition. Johnson said his new seat on the transportation and infrastructure committee will equip him even more to effectively serve the needs of the 4th District, the state of Georgia, local governments, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and MARTA. Since January 2009, he has helped bring more than $1 billion in infrastructure in-

Applications for homestead, other exemptions available Homeowners who resided in their property on Jan. 1, 2017, may qualify for a basic homestead exemption, and seniors and disabled homeowners may be eligible for other exemptions but they must apply for them. Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson says all DeKalb taxpayers who are eligible should do so before the April 3 deadline. He also encourages property owners not to wait until the last minute. The homestead exemption, which provides a significant tax savings to homeowners, must be applied for in person, by mail or via the internet because exemptions are not automatically Irvin Johnson granted. Homeowners must file for the exemptions because mortgage and other companies cannot file applications for them. By law, exemptions are not available for rental or commercial property, and there is never a fee to file. In addition to the basic homestead exemption, there are special exemptions for citizens 62 years of age and older. Eligibility is determined only by application based on age and total household income.

Special exemptions also are available for citizens who are disabled. Applicants for senior or disability exemptions must visit one of the Tax Commissioner’s Office locations in person so that specific circumstances and required documentation – 2016 state and federal income tax returns, proof of age, and proof of disability status – are reviewed for eligibility. Office locations are at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100, in Decatur across from the DeKalb County Jail; 1358 Dresden Drive N.E. in Atlanta; and 2801 Candler Road, Suite 66, in Decatur at the Gallery at South DeKalb mall near Macy’s. Applications must be received by April 3 in order for the exemption to be granted on 2017 annual property taxes. Although applications are accepted year-round, any approved application received after the April 3 deadline will be granted for the 2018 tax year. Community or civic organizations can schedule a representative from the tax office to discuss exemption options. For questions or assistance, email proptax@dekalbcountyga. gov, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner or call 404298-4000.

vestment to Georgia via President Barack Obama’s Recovery Act and transportation budgets. Those funds include more than $168 million for mass transit, of which more than $70 million has gone to support MARTA. Pelosi said Johnson brings knowledge and bold leadership to the committee. “With many of his constituents working at the world’s busiest airport, Congressman Johnson knows that the transportation sector is critical to creating good-paying jobs and will be a strong champion for job creation for all Americans, not just the privileged few,” she said.

Leadership DeKalb taking applications for Class of 2018 Leadership DeKalb is accepting applications through March 27 for its class of 2018. Eligible applicants must work or care about DeKalb County but are not required to live within the county to participate. The 10-month leadership development class runs Aug. 17, 2017, to June 1, 2018. Through the program year, members of the class view DeKalb County from many angles, including local history, diversity, education, justice, government, economic development and health, and the class will participate in community service projects. For selection criteria and application, visit www.leadershipdekalb.org. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/LeadershipDeKalb.

CrossRoadsNews

January 28, 2017

Community Hector candidacy challenged for Stonecrest council By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Mary-Pat Hector’s candidacy for the Stonecrest City Council is being challenged because of her age. Hector is 19. Georgia law requires candidates for elected office to be 21. The only exception is in cities whose charters set a different age limit. The charter of the new city of Stonecrest is silent Mary-Pat Hector on the age issue. Hector, a Spelman College sophomore, is one of five candidates seeking the District 4 seat in the March 21 election. George Turner, also a District 4 candidate, filed the challenge on Jan. 23. In a letter to Election Director Maxine Daniels, Turner points out that the city of Stonecrest’s charter does not make an exception to the state’s age requirement: “Therefore any candidate who has not attained age of 21 is not qualified to serve on city council of the city of Stonecrest,” he wrote. “In the event that Ms. Mary-Pat Hector has not attained the age of 21, then she has not met the state of Georgia age requirement.” Turner said the county has to make sure all rules and regulations are obeyed. “This city has to get off to a good start and you have to play by the rules,” he said. “If the rules call for 21 years of age to run for office, then you have to enforce that.” The Board of Elections hearing was rescheduled to Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m.

“ This city has to get off to a good start and you have to play by the rules. If the rules call for 21 years of age to run for office, then you have to enforce that.”

DeKalb seeks lawmakers’ help on seven issues DeKalb County government took its laundry list of issues needing legislative help to the DeKalb House Delegation on Jan. 23. CEO Michael Thurmond and all seven commissioners urged the delegation to create general and local legislation to support seven county resolutions for the 2017 session. The list includes enabling the incorporated areas to share the unfunded legacy cost for employees who provided services to those areas; amending the 1965 MARTA Act; adopting standards for the creation of new cities and annexations and de-annexations; to give consideration to the payment of franchise fees to counties that provide urban services; repealing language that adversely impact the county’s property tax freeze upon

the passage of EHOST; establish a Charter Review Commission; and supporting the Association County Commissioners of Georgia 2017 legislative priorities. The ACCG priorities include creating new options for funding urban and rural transit, reforming the single county TSPLOST to make it easier to use and more flexible, providing service to juveniles, and modernizing the 911 system and creating balanced funding for it. Thurmond asked the delegation, which re-elected Rep. Howard Mosby as its chairman, to consider the impact of the SPLOST and HOST on low-income citizens. “Let’s not forget those who are struggling to feed their families and the impact on those who can least afford it,” he said.

District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader urged the delegation to give MARTA “a crack” at a half-penny sales in DeKalb for transit development. District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon, BOC presiding officer, urged legislators to “de- Kathie Gannon couple” HOST and EHOST. Language in House Bill 596, passed last year, would suspend the county’s homestead property tax freeze upon passage of a referendum for the equalized homestead option sales tax. State Rep. Tom Price said they will fix wording in the law.

GM site’s property tax break to impact school system ASSEMBLY,

from page

Thurmond said at the board’s meeting on Tuesday. He said it presents a great opportunity for the county to develop a comprehensive affordable housing policy or plan going forward. “We can hopefully create a model, not just for DeKalb, but throughout this state to ensure that all our residents have the ability and equal opportunity to live and work and play in the developments that are being created,” Thurmond said. It is envisioned that at least 20 percent of rental homes and units within the Assembly project will be earmarked for affordable housing. For the Assembly project, the TAD will expire 2047 or when the $180 million is spent. Dianne McNabb, the county’s interim chief financial officer, told commissioners that Doraville.’s redevelopment plan for that area includes $293 million in public infrastructure. The county’s funds will be restricted to the Assembly development. It is also conditional on developers spending at least $8 million by the end of 2021. Even though the school district is not participating in the TAD,

Public infrastructure projects DeKalb County’s $180 million is earmarked for: n Covered street to Doraville MARTA station n Streets and utilities n 1,500 public parking spaces n Grading and water detention n Campus square n Concrete demolition and foundation removal n West Avenue n Previously completed work and fees n Remediation n Park amenities

$58 million $33 million $30 million $17 million $15 million $6.9 million $5.1 million $4.4 million $4 million $2 million

property tax money that would have gone toward public education is being diverted to the Assembly project through a 35 percent property tax break approved by the Doraville Development Authority. McNabb said the impact on the school system will be significant.

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

January 28, 2017

“I want to expose the kids to something big and show them where their instruments can take them.”

Miller Grove symphony needs to get to Carnegie Hall 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 Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams 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. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisements, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

Circulation Audited By

By Rosie Manins

Miller Grove High School Wind Symphony and Jazz Band members will showcase their musical skills on Jan. 29 at the Unity Jazz Foundation’s third annual Culture of Jazz event in Atlanta. The concert, in the First Congregational Church at 105 Courtland St. N.E., is a fundraiser to help the band pay for a trip to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan in April. Forty-eight band members will perform three pieces of music – “Mother Earth” by David Maslanka, Eric Whitacre’s “October,” and “Wedding Dance” by Jacques Press – on the Carnegie Hall stage on April 10. The band’s six-day trip to Manhattan, which will include seven adult chaperones, will cost more than $50,000. Sunday’s Culture of Jazz concert starts at 5 p.m. Jared Brown, Miller Grove’s director of bands, is hoping to raise a few thousand dollars for the April trip. “Based on ticket sales, the Jazz Foundation will write us a donation for between $2,000 and $3,500,” Brown said. Playing Carnegie Hall is an opportunity of a lifetime for the students at the Lithonia school. The concert hall, located near Central Park, is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for both classical and popular music. Designed by architect William Burnet Tuthill in Renaissance Revival architecture, it opened in 1891 with its celebrated acoustics. It was home to the New York

Members of the Miller Grove High Wind Symphony and Jazz Band will perform Jan. 29 at the Unity Jazz Foundation’s Culture of Jazz.

Philharmonic from 1892 until 1962. The Miller Grove Wind Symphony was invited to play at Carnegie Hall last May after Brown submitted three recordings from its 2016 concert festival season. “I thought being selected to perform at Carnegie Hall was a bit far-fetched, but we got a call back,” he said. Students have been honing their melodic skills ever since. Brown said it will be the biggest performance that a Miller Grove band has done since the school was built 11 years ago. “Most of our students have never been to New York,” he said. “I want to expose the kids to something big and show them where their instruments can take them.” Brown said the trip’s cost breaks down to $1,250 per student. “At this point we’ve got 45 students who’ve each paid $500 and we’re hoping to fundraise the rest,” he said. “I’m also hoping to make it 48 students but I need to find sponsorships for those last three.”

In December, the band raised about $250 at its annual school concert. Throughout February, Brown said he will be lobbying local businesses, churches and other organizations for sponsorships. He also is calling on South DeKalb residents to help by donating money to the band’s fundraising campaign. While in New York, band members also hope to take in a Broadway show and visit some of the Big Apple’s favorite tourist sights, including Times Square and the Rockefeller Center. The group will depart DeKalb by bus on April 7 and return on April 12. Brown, who taught at Miller Grove Middle School before moving to the high school, has been teaching music to most of the band members since they were in the sixth grade. He said the next few months of rehearsals will be a challenge, but one that’s worth it. “Our band program is quite

unique,” he said. “It’s not just a class or an extracurricular activity. It’s the joy and life of the children.” Brown said bands are a safe haven for students, allowing players to express themselves through music. He said band members strive to earn good grades so they can be involved in ensembles, which can lead to lucrative scholarship opportunities. He said that being in a band pushes students to want to be great in all areas of their academic careers. “They learn many life skills,” he said. “Our program teaches discipline, responsibility and leadership skills.“

Carnegie Hall or bust Tickets to the Culture of Jazz concert are $20 each or $5 for students. To donate directly to the Miller Grove High School Wind Symphony trip via PayPal, use MGHSBandBoosters@gmail.com or email Jared Brown at jared_b_brown@ dekalbschoolsga.org.

Men needed to 26 schools on 2017 ‘chronically failing’ list read at Toney Twenty-six DeKalb County traditional schools. It uses CCRPI McNair, Cedar Grove, and Mary schools are on the updated list of – College and Career Ready Perfor- McLeod Bethune middle schools. Elementary DeKalb County is among only “chronically failing schools” re- mance Index – scores from 2014, Men are needed to read to students at Toney Elementary School’s annual read-in on Feb. 10. Registration is being taken through Feb. 8 for the event that celebrates Black History Month. Toney Elementary’s principal, Oliver L. Dean II, said that motivating children to read is important in student achievement. “Research has shown that children who spend more time reading do better in school,” he said. Registration is available at www.toneyes.dekalb.k12.ga.us at the African-American Male Read-In link. Follow-up calls will be made to confirm participation. Check-in for the read-in begins at 8 a.m. and the reading program starts at 8:30 a.m. The school is at 2701 Oakland Terrace in Decatur. For questions or more information, contact Stanley Bradley at 678-874-2102.

leased by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. The list is down from 28. They are among 153 schools in 35 districts statewide, up 26 schools since last year. A school earning a grade of F – less than 60 – for three consecutive years is considered a chronically failing school. The 2017 list excludes alternative, special education and non-

2015 and 2016. DeKalb schools on the chronically failing list are Chapel Hill, Columbia, Dresden, Flat Rock, Peachcrest, Eldridge L. Miller, Panola Way, Browns Mill, Oakview, Canby Lane, Dunaire, Flat Shoals, Jolly, Meadowview, Toney, Fairington, Montclair, Rowland, Snapfinger, Stoneview, Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, Clifton, and Redan elementary schools and

three districts with fewer schools on the list compared to last year. The others are Bibb County (two fewer) and Muscogee County (one fewer). Chatham County (six more) and Fulton County (four more) had the largest increases. GOSA also released the 20152016 update to the School Reports website, http://schoolgrades.georgia.gov.

14 DeKalb schools noted for high academics Fourteen DeKalb County schools will receive the Highest Performing or Greatest Gains school awards for earning a threeyear average CCRPI Progress Score in the 93rd percentile. The awards, developed by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and approved by the State Board of Education, are part of Georgia’s Single Statewide Accountability System. The awards are divided in two categories – highest performing and greatest gains.

Three schools – Austin Elementary (Platinum in both categories); DeKalb Early College Academy (Gold Greatest Gains, Platinum Highest Performing); and DeKalb School of the Arts (Silver Greatest Gains, Platinum Highest Performing) – earned both awards. Five schools – Cedar Grove High, Silver; DeKalb PATH Academy Charter, Silver; Dunwoody High, Bronze; Indian Creek Elementary, Platinum; and Laurel Ridge Elementary, Gold – earned Greatest Gains award.

Six schools – Dunwoody Elementary, Bronze; Kittredge Magnet, Platinum; Montgomery Elementary, Bronze; Oak Grove Elementary, Silver; Vanderlyn Elementary, Gold; and Wadsworth Magnet, Platinum – earned Highest Performing awards. The DeKalb schools are among 218 Georgia public schools in 53 districts getting 2017 awards, up 31 schools from last year. Visit http://gosa.georgia.gov/ single-statewide-accountabilitysystem-ssas-awards-0.

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January 28, 2017

Ministry

CrossRoadsNews

“He worked hard. He played hard. He woke up every day looking to serve people.”

Bishop Long hailed as visionary leader, caring pastor, family man By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Friends, family, and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church staff and members remembered Bishop Eddie Lee Long as a man who rose from humble beginnings to global prominence at his Jan. 25 Celebration of Life Service. They hailed him as an extraordinary man, a visionary and inspirational leader, a nurturing father, a funny husband, a giving leader, a demanding boss, an amazing teacher, and a caring and Eddie Long kind pastor. Long, 63, died on Jan. 15 after what the church called “a gallant private fight with an aggressive form of cancer.” As pastor, he grew a 300-member church on Snapfinger Road in Decatur into a megachurch of more than 25,000 at its heyday. He also planted churches around the country and the world. In tributes and the eulogy, Elder Vanessa Long, his wife of 27 years, and friends and ministers who came from as far away as Zimbabwe said he “died empty” on Jan. 15 because he poured so much into everyone. “Over the years, your bishop poured into you from his spirit,” said Bishop Neil C. Ellis. “Say what you wish, Eddie L. Long died empty. He is taking nothing to the grave outside of that which will go back to the dust.” Deacons and elders spoke of how Long made personal deposits in their lives and made them feel special. Dr. M.C. Norman, who was on the trustee board that hired Long at the Snapfinger Road church in 1987, said Long touched people from all walks of life.

“We know what to do. We are going to get back to the business of ministry. We are going to serve the community and bless others because that is what he would do. That’s the greatest thing that we could do to keep his legacy going. And not because of him but because of the God he served.” Vanessa Long, wife of Bishop Eddie Long

Over his 30 years at New Birth, Long planted churches in the United Kingdom, Africa, China and New Zealand and around the United States. Thousands of mourners lined up as early as 7 a.m. for the 10:30 a.m. service, which ended nearly six hours later with a benediction at 4:10 p.m. They came from near and far and filled the church balcony and overflow rooms. Elder Vanessa Long said when she came around the corner and saw the balcony filled, she was overwhelmed. She said her husband had a smile on his face. “I could hear him saying, ‘See I filled that balcony after all.’ It’s full again,” she said. Membership had declined from its high mark of 25,000 following a 2010 scandal in which four young men accused Long of having inappropriate relationships with them. But Wednesday’s homegoing service was not about the negative, even though several speakers, including Long’s close friend and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, alluded to it. During an emotional tribute, Sanders said that he was not foolish enough to think that there were not doubts and indecisiveness in the house right now. “But I want you to know that this man is real. Just perhaps, all the media, all the

naysayers, all the doubters. Perhaps. Perhaps you were wrong about this man.” Sanders said Long, who was a father figure to him, taught him to face adversity. “This was a man’s man. This man taught me how to stand in midst of a storm. This man taught me so much about how to even be a man.” Toward the end of his eulogy, Ellis, the presiding bishop of Global United Fellowship in Nassau, Bahamas, asked for peace for Long “now that Long had come to the end of his journey and has gone on to take his rest.” “Now people, let him alone now,” he said to a standing ovation. “Please people, all across this world, please let my friend rest in peace.” Speaker after speaker – in person and in videos – highlighted Long’s impact at home and abroad. “Bishop didn’t do ordinary,” his widow said. “That wasn’t how he rolled. He lived an extraordinary life. For those of you who knew him, you know that he died empty but he finished strong.” Ministers, deacons and staff said that Long was so big, New Birth in Lithonia could not hold him and that they were proud to have been able “to hold up the arm of a big man of God.” Many pledged to continue to carry on this big vision. Pastor Larry Taylor said Long taught

him that prosperity had nothing to do with what you get. “It’s about what you give,” he said, adding that you never left Long’s presence unchallenged and unchanged. Elder April McLaughlin, Long’s executive assistant for 20 years, said there was never a dull moment around Long, who often sang, danced and grunted down the halls of the offices in a tie-dye shirt that he loved to wear and the staff hated. “He had a sense of humor. He worked hard. He played hard,” she said. “He woke up every day looking to serve people.” In a video message, Bishop T.D. Jakes called Long “a tower of a man.” Vanessa Long said New Birth will continue. “We are going to keep moving forward,” she said. “Everything we need to move forward, he put in us. We know what to do. We are going to get back to the business of ministry. We are going to serve the community and bless others because that is what he would do. That’s the greatest thing that we could do to keep his legacy going. And not because of him but because of the God he served.” Floyd Long, the late bishop’s oldest brother, said listening to the tributes showed him his brother’s legacy. “And it is you,” he said to the audience. “As long as you walk this earth, as long as you remember your father, your pastor, your apostle, your bishop. … As long as you [speak] the words he spoke to you, New Birth will move on. New Birth will be here when all else is dust. “What now for New Birth? All of you can just look, smile back and say [quoting his late brother], ‘Watch this.’”

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

January 28, 2017

“It is especially important for the elderly and the very young to get a flu shot.”

Wear Red Day raises awareness of heart disease prevention District Health Director Sandra Elizabeth Ford and the staff of the DeKalb Board of Health are urging residents to help raise awareness about heart disease prevention on Feb. 3, National Wear Red Day. In the United States, heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year. In DeKalb County, women have higher rates of high blood pressure and stroke deaths than men. Cardiovascular diseases – chronic diseases that affect the heart and/or blood vessels – are the top leading cause of death in DeKalb, followed by cancer, injury and respiratory diseases. Common cardiovascular diseases are hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, obstructive heart disease and stroke, the 2015 Status of Health in DeKalb Report shows.

Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford and staff at the DeKalb Board of Health urge residents to wear red on Feb. 3 to raise awareness of heart disease prevention.

Chronic diseases are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. They are often preventable and are frequently manageable through early detection, good nutrition, adequate exercise and treatment.

Obstructive heart disease, which causes weakened heart pumps due to previous heart attacks or current blockages of the vessels that carry blood to the heart, was the most common cardiovascular disease in both

black and white residents. Stroke was the second most common cardiovascular disease in both black and white residents, but the most common cardiovascular disease in Asian residents. Stroke is the sudden, severe loss of muscular control and a reduced or complete loss of sensation and consciousness due to a rupture or blocking of a cerebral blood vessel. Black residents had the highest morbidity rates of cardiovascular diseases. They also had the highest death rates for high blood pressure and hypertensive heart disease compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Hypertensive heart disease is a late complication of high blood pressure that affects the heart. To learn more about the impact of heart disease among DeKalb residents, view the full report at www.dekalbhealth.net.

Vaccine recommended as flu activity rises Cervical cancer screens urged Flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, particularly the most vulnerable populations, as the pace of influenza activity quickens across Georgia and the rest of the nation. Georgia has confirmed its first flu-related death in the state this year. The individual was an elderly adult. Flu activity is increasing statewide along with the number of hospitalizations due to flu-related illness. State Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald said every healthy individual over 6 months old should get a flu vaccine. “It is especially important for the elderly and very young to get a flu shot,” Fitzgerald said in a Jan. 10 statement. “And, when given to women during pregnancy, the vaccine can protect both mother and baby up to 6 months old from flu.” Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue. One of the

most pronounced flu symptoms is an overall feeling of achiness and malaise that comes on quickly. The DeKalb Board of Health offers flu shots at its Clifton Springs, East DeKalb, North DeKalb and T.O. Vinson health centers. For costs and more information, visit www.dekalbhealth.net. To help protect against flu: n Frequent and thorough hand-washing. n Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu. n Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes. n If you are sick, stay home from school or work. n See a doctor to get a prescription for antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, if it is deemed appropriate. Flu season can last into April. For updates, visit dph. georgia.gov/flu-activity-georgia and www.flu.gov.

No woman should die of cervical cancer, the CDC says, and women can help prevent it by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21. The Pap test looks for changes in cells on the cervix that could turn into cancer if left untreated. The human papillomavirus, or HPV, test looks for the virus that causes these cell changes. As Cervical Health Awareness Month comes to a close, the DeKalb Board of Health is asking women to make a resolution to get checked. It offers screenings at little or no cost for eligible women ages 40 to 64 – call 404-294-3700 for more information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cervical cancer can be cured when found early and treated. It is almost always caused by HPV and vaccines are available. The vaccine is recommended for boys and girls 11 to 12 years old but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26. The Pap test is recommended for women 21 to 65 and can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Women 30 or older may choose to have an HPV test along with the Pap test. Visit www.cdc.gov.

CrossRoadsNews

January 28, 2017

Scene

The quarries were an important part of DeKalb’s economy – Lithonia granite was used in paving and construction projects.

Movies, storytelling for Black History Month Black History Month was launched in 1926 as Negro History Week by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, author, journalist and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). The annual observance became Black History Month in 1976. It is said that Woodson Carter G. Woodson chose February for the observance because Feb. 12 was President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and Feb. 14 was the accepted birthday of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

ther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965, screening at noon. n Feb. 6 – “The Soloist,” a 2009 movie about a homeless Juilliard-trained musician, Nathaniel Ayers, befriended by a Los Angeles journalist, screening at 5:30 p.m. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. Call 404-286-6980.

Lou Walker Senior Center kickoff The Towers High Marching Band and guest speakers will help members of the Lou Walker Senior Center kick off their celebration on Feb. 1. The program begins at 12:30 p.m. and features an afternoon of history, performance and dancing. Movie series at Wesley Chapel The center is at 2538 Panola Road. For Patrons of all ages can watch a series of educational movies beginning Feb. 1 at the more information, visit http://louwalkercenWesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library ter.com or call 770-322-2900. in Decatur. Journey with Miss LuvDrop The lineup includes: Miss LuvDrop, aka storyteller Gwendon Feb. 1 – “Selma,” the 2014 film that chronicles the campaign by Dr. Martin Lu- lyn J. Napier, presents “Black History Stories

of Journeys and Achievements” on Feb. 4 at the Clarkston Library. The 1-to-2 p.m. program is suitable for patrons of all ages and is open to the first 65 participants – call or visit the branch to register. Groups of five or more should call for an appointment. Miss LuvDrop, who engages audiences through Miss LuvDrop music, movement, dancing, instruments and props, will share events and people in Black History. Napier is a member of Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia, National Association of Black Storytellers, Southern Order of Storytellers, Center for Puppetry Arts, PeachSeed Youth Tellers, Peachtree Clowning Alley & SECA, Cornerstone Community Church, and W.I.G.S. – Women Imaginative Guild Storytellers. Funding is provided by the DeKalb Library Foundation. The library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. Call 404-508-7175.

Photo exhibit showcases historic Davidson quarries The opening reception for “Reclaimed by Nature: The Historic Davidson Quarries of Arabia Mountain” with photographer Virginie Drujon-Kippelen takes place Jan. 31 at the DeKalb History Center. The free event begins V. Drujon-Kippelen at 5:30 p.m. The one-room showcase features historic and contemporary photos of a former granite

quarry at what is now the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. The quarries were an important part of DeKalb County’s economy – Lithonia granite was used in paving and construction projects, including the Historic DeKalb Courthouse. In the 1970s, the Davidson family donated more than 500 acres of the land to DeKalb for conservation and preservation. Since the land is no longer quarried, it is slowly being reclaimed by nature, although traces of its industrial past remain.

Drujon-Kippelen, originally from France, moved to the U.S. in 1991 and is based in Atlanta. She has worked as a photo editor at CNN.com and her editorial photos have been featured in the New York Times. Her personal body of work investigates the contemporary landscape and perception of nature in the urban environment. The center is in the historic courthouse, 101 E. Court Square in Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088.

legal notice

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++17FM1087-2++ Shakita Moore Plaintiff

Vs. Karriem Shabazz Defendant To: 2929 Panthersville Rd. 2821 Zane Gray Dr. Decatur, GA 30034 By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 09, 2017, you are hereby notified that on Jan. 05, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against

Trayvon Martin’s parents to discuss his life, death The parents of slain teenager Trayvon Martin will talk about his life and death and how it changed the country on Feb. 7 at the Carter Library and Museum. The reading and book signing takes place at 7 p.m. in the Cecil B. Day Chapel and is free and open to the public. Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton will discuss “Rest in Power: Trayvon Martin The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin” and how their son’s death on a dark, rainy street in a small Florida town sparked a civil rights crusade. Trayvon, 17 and unarmed, was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman on Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, Fla. Zimmerman was later acquitted. The library is at 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov or call 404865-7100.

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

Legal Notices 01/28. 02/04, 02/11, 02/18

Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin will discuss “Rest in Power” Feb. 7 at the Carter Library.

you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Shakita Moore; 2929Pantersville Rd., #D-21, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days Jan. 09, 2017. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 19th day of Jan., 2017

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Black 2007 Chevy Tahoe; the lien is established at $300.00 and the vehicle will be placed on auction on Feb. 05, 2017 at 4959 Redan Rd., St. Mtn., GA

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Intent To Incorporate – Notice is given that Articles of Incorporation which will incorporate American Blueline Association has been delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Business Corporation Code. The initial registered office of the corporation is located at P.O. Box 373327 Decatur, GA 30037 and its initial registered

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CrossRoadsNews

January 28, 2017