FINANCE
YOUTH
Home buying made easy
A place for making stuff
The Super Saturday Homebuyer Education Workshop and Resource Fair gives prospective homeowners critical info they need to know. 2
Decatur Makers provides a space where innovative children and adults can build and learn different forms of art and technology. 7
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
Copyright © 2017 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
June 3, 2017
Volume 23, Number 5
www.crossroadsnews.com
School District helping graduates transition to college By Angelina T. Velasquez
tive director for student advancement, said the goal is to help graduates make a smooth transition to a college campus in the fall. “During the school year, students are able to seek advice and guidance Manomay Malathip from teachers, counselors, and other staff to keep them on track,” Malathip said. “But we know that need doesn’t end once students receive their diploma. We want to
The DeKalb School District’s Summer Transition Centers staffed with professional advisers will open June 6 to help the Class of 2017 make a smooth transition to a college campus this fall.
Recent DeKalb high school graduates struggling to make the transition to college this fall can get help from the DeKalb School District’s Summer Transition Centers opening for the first time this year. The district said that starting June 6, most of its high schools will have special areas staffed with professional advisers to assist the Class of 2017 graduates who still have questions about what to do after high school, need help starting or completing enrollment/ admissions paperwork, or just need some guidance on available options. Manomay Malathip, the district’s execu- Please see TRANSITION, page 7
15,000 party at Atlanta DeKalb Carnival Lively colorful parade swamps Covington Hwy By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
It was a dance fest, a music fest and a food fest on Covington Highway when the Atlanta DeKalb Carnival came to town on May 27. Pulsating music; happy, laughing, gyrating people; vibrant colors; and food so aromatic, mouths couldn’t help watering. Thousands of paraders – resplendent in feathers, chiffon and tiny bikinis the colors of the rainbow – danced their way from the Kensington MARTA station near Avondale Estates to the Mama’s Primetime building in Decatur, where a carnival village featured performers and other events until 10 p.m. At the end, organizers of the third annual carnival, who earlier estimated crowds of 10,000, said they easily topped 15,000 people. Spectators six people deep lined both sides of the parade route, dancing along when the music moved them. Some brought lawn chairs, colorful umbrellas, tents, coolers, grills to “lime,” as the West Indians say, when they are hanging out. DeKalb Police closed several roads around the parade route for five and a half hours. Spokeswoman Shiera Campbell said Thursday the carnival was incident-free. “There were no reported crimes or incidents from Saturday’s event,” she said. Matthew “True” Nelson, an organizer with Atlanta Carnival Productions that helped stage the carnival, credits the incident-free event to the passion and culture of the Caribbean people, who carried and wrapped themselves in the flags of Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Dominica, Grenada and Panama, to mention a few. “Carnival is about love,” Nelson said. “That’s the one word for it, loving what we do. People love to make costumes. People love to dance in the streets in costumes. People love to watch people dancing in the streets in costumes. That’s just it.”
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Atlanta DeKalb Carnival spectators lined both sides of the parade route on Covington Highway in Decatur on May 27. Organizers say the crowd easily topped 15,000. DeKalb Police closed several roads around the route for five and a half hours.
Bill Murrain, who lives in Conyers, watched the parade of 22 bands on Covington Highway near the Memorial Drive McDonald’s. He said he had too much fun. “I am glad nobody took my picture,” said Murrain, who confessed to getting in the street from time to time to dance. The Panama native said he’s been to carnival in Toronto, New York and Miami and they have nothing on the Decatur event. “I have seen my share of carnivals and it was really well-done,” he said. “From the very extravagant costumes to T-shirts, it was just a lot of fun. I really enjoyed myself.” During the parade, a sea of bands of 200 to 900 people with names like Madd Colors, Inferno – The Happiest Band Alive, Madd Flava, Islandaz Mas Experience, MasVibez, Island Fuzzion and the Awakening danced down the streets to the strains of calypso.
Musicians playing “pan” and other instruments rode on tractor-trailers as band members paraded and danced behind them. Murrain said it was great to see thousands of people gather in one place without any negative incidents. He said the carnival moved well with paraders stopping to dance with spectators along the way. “There was nothing untoward,” he said. “You know if it was negative, we would have heard it on the news.” Connie Anam of Stone Mountain was among a large group of spectators watching the parade at Rite Aid on Memorial Drive. “Oh my God, this is great,” she said. “This is astounding. I just love it.” It was her second consecutive carnival. “I stumbled onto it last year. I was driving along Memorial Drive and saw a crowd of people and parked my car to see what was
going on. My goodness, I was surprised.” Anam, who is from Philadelphia and has lived in DeKalb since 1993, said she loved the unity she saw displayed among all the people from the different islands of the Caribbean. “It’s just beautiful. I love the way they all come together and party. The costumes were spectacular. It’s intergenerational. I took pictures. I put them on Facebook. I appreciate the beauty of it. We all need to appreciate all that is here in DeKalb County.” Anam said more people who are not from the Caribbean should see the carnival. “Next year I am going to send an email out to all my contacts to come to see it. And MARTA should push it. It should have pictures of it in the train stations and encourage people to take the train to see it, and after it ends, take the train to the jazz festival. That’s what I am going to do.”
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CrossRoadsNews
June 3, 2017
Authorities believe Ballin, who was married 25 years, was motivated to kill her husband for his $1.2 million life insurance policy.
Gang members get life for execution-style murder of engaged couple Two gang members who brutally murdered a Stone Mountain couple, Samuel White and fiancee Sylvia Watson, in October 2016 are going to prison for life. A DeKalb jury found Christopher “Crisco” Spencer and Vernon C. Spencer “Veto Corleone” Beamon guilty of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, burglary, violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, Financial Transaction Card Fraud, and weapons offenses in connection with the execution-style murders. They were sentenced immediately
by DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson. Spencer, 27, got two consecutive life without parole terms plus 30 years. Beamon, 28, was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without parole V. Beamon plus 25 years. The deadly string of events leading to the double-homicide began on the morning of Oct. 24, 2016, shortly after Watson returned home to the couple’s Tree Mountain Parkway apartment following a doctor’s appointment. As she exited her car, Spencer and Beamon, members of the “Rollin 20’s,” a subset of the
Crips gang, approached her at gunpoint and forced her back into her driver’s seat. They ordered her to drive them to multiple ATMs and withdraw money. A bank surveillance video captured images of a terrified Watson with Spencer in the rear seat of her car. The defendants then ordered her to return to her apartment and join her fiancé. Watson and White, both 54, were forced to the floor face down while Spencer and Beamon tied their hands and feet with ropes and cords and bound them together before shooting them in the back of their heads. They then ransacked the apartment for nearly an hour, leaving with a TV and other small items. A friend who was briefly staying with the victims discovered their bodies that evening.
Spencer was captured on Nov. 2, 2016, after being identified via surveillance video images from the bank. Beamon was captured during a traffic stop in Memphis, Tenn., two weeks later. Investigators say the men targeted the couple for settlement money they were rumored to have. Authorities found no evidence of such money. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Lance Cross with assistance from DA Investigators Waine Pinckney, Richard Randolph and Sweden Bailey along with Victim-Witness Advocate Tina Williamson. DeKalb Police Detectives K. McQuilkin and B. Kershaw led the initial investigation.
Life Skills series for young people Lithonia woman found guilty again Build a Better World series will provide youth 14 to 17 with skills to navigate the employment process. They are open to the first 30 participants – call or visit the branch to register. Groups of five or more should call the branch for an appointment. Topics include resources and hands-on exercises for writing resumes, interviewing, public speaking, and self-branding. The nonprofit New American Pathways (http://newamericanpathways.org), created in 2014 by the merger of Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta and Refugee Family Services, proTeen workshops in Clarkston vides about 5,000 refugees per year with The Clarkston Library is hosting Life the necessary tools to rebuild their lives. Skills Workshops for Teens on June 15 preThe library is at 951 N. Indian Creek sented by New American Pathways. Drive in Clarkston. For more information, The 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. workshops in the call 404-508-7175. Teens and young adults preparing for that first job can attend a Life Skills series beginning June 8 at the Salem-Panola Library. The informational program for youth 14 and older and adults takes place 11 a.m. to noon. The program is open to the first 12 participants – call or visit the branch to register. The June 8 session is Dressing for the Interview, and the June 15 class is Essentials for Building a Solid Resume. The library is at 5137 Salem Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770987-6900.
Nearly nine years after staging her husband’s murder as a home invasion gone wrong, Pamela Ballin has been found guilty again of murder, felony murder and aggravated assault. DeKalb County jurors handed down the new verdict on May 26 in the Dec. 29, 2009, death of Derrick Ballin Sr., 53, inside his Tunbridge Wells Road home in Lithonia. Pamela Ballin was Pamela Ballin originally convicted of murder in 2014 and sentenced to life in prison by DeKalb Superior Court Judge Mark Anthony Scott. She was granted a motion for a new trial in 2016 after a defense challenge regarding the testimony of a state expert. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gail Flake, who tried the case, is expected to sentence Ballin at a later date.
Authorities believe Ballin, who was married 25 years, was motivated to kill her husband for his $1.2 million life insurance policy. They believe he was planning to divorce her for alleged infidelity. On the night of the murder, Ballin, now 56, called police to their home claiming she heard intruders as she hid in the bedroom closet. Her husband was found bludgeoned, bloodied and barely conscious near the front door. He later died at the hospital. Autopsy reports showed he was beaten in the head a dozen times with a decorative statue that lay next to his body. DeKalb Police investigators found furniture carefully overturned in the home that did not match Ballin’s home invasion story. She was charged with murder in 2013 after an extensive investigation and several interviews in which she gave a series of inconsistent statements. Ballin is currently in Pulaski State Prison in Hawkinsville.
Fee-waived pet adoptions in June Nearly 500 dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies are up for adoption this month as LifeLine Animal Project prepares to relocate the DeKalb Animal Services to its new digs in mid-July. The shelter in Decatur is waiving its adoption fees of $85 to $100 for the entire month of June to help “Clear the DeKalb Shelter.” The promotion also includes vaccinations, spray/neuter and microchips, and the shelter says there is no weight, size or age restriction. The first 100 adopters will get prizes, including 50 Paul Mitchell pet grooming kits and 50 King of Pops prizes.
Rebecca Guinn, LifeLine Animal Project CEO, says the promotion is a great way to increase adoption rates without compromising the quality of care that the animals receive. “Fee-waived adoptions tend to create a buzz of excitement and bring more people into shelters,” she says. On June 17, the shelter is hosting a Mega Adoption event with music, prizes, raffles of T-shirts, pet baskets and dog training classes. Kids will get to make a leash they can keep, no-sew cat beds and interact with some of the animals. To adopt a pet, visit the shelter at 845 Camp Road or call 404-294-2996.
June 3, 2017
Community
CrossRoadsNews
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“New claims for unemployment insurance, a measure of new layoffs, dropped to the lowest level we’ve seen in nearly 19 years.”
Urban League hosting resource fair for potential homeowners Prospective homeowners can sign up for the 2017 Super Saturday Homebuyer Education Workshop and Resource Fair on June 24 at the Maloof Auditorium in Decatur. The event takes place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register, visit http://ulgatl.org/product/ super-saturday-homebuyer-workshop-andresource-fair. There will be a special focus on assisting educators, health care workers, police, firefighters and service personnel to become homeowners. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta says many potential homeowners are intimidated by the process. Participants will learn everything they need to know to purchase their first home, including simple steps to homeownership, budgeting, home loans,
homeowner insurance, and contracts and closing. They can speak with representatives from mortgage lenders; HUD-approved housing counseling agencies; Department of Community Affairs; Fulton and DeKalb down payment assistance and Neighborhood Stabilization Programs; home inspectors; closing attorneys; Invest Atlanta; first-time homebuyer industry groups; HUD, Realtors and NSP property specialists; resource representatives; and insurance providers. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is a Housing and Urban Development-certified housing agency. The auditorium is at 1300 Commerce Drive. For more information, email jbrown@ ulgatl.org or visit http://ulgatl.org.
Metro jobless rate at 4.5 percent
Metro Atlanta’s jobless rate in in April, down 163 or 9.4 percent April was 4.5 percent, down onefrom 1,725 in March. tenth of a percentage point from In April 2016, there were 1,882 4.6 percent in March. initial claims for an over-the-year The rate declined as employers decline of 320 or 17 percent. created more jobs and reduced the Statewide, the number of initial number of new layoffs, the Departclaims declined by 3,386, or 13.5 ment of Labor reports. percent, to 21,633, its lowest point There was a small decrease in Mark Butler since May 1998. the labor force. In April 2016, the State Labor Commissioner rate was 4.8 percent. Mark Butler said there has been a dramatic Throughout 2017, Atlanta has been in drop in initial claims for UI benefits. the top five of the nation’s 395 metropolitan “Our rate declined in April as we saw statistical areas in net job growth. more people become employed, the labor The number of jobs increased by 9,200, force continued to grow and our employers or 0.3 percent, to 2,739,500. reduced the number of new layoffs,” Butler Over the year, a total of 87,200 jobs were said. added, a 3.3 percent growth rate, up from “New claims for unemployment insur2,652,300 in April 2016. ance, a measure of new layoffs, dropped In DeKalb County, there were 1,562 new to the lowest level we’ve seen in nearly 19 claims for unemployment insurance benefits years.”
Potential homeowners can meet with representatives from mortgage lenders, HUDapproved housing counseling agencies, and other affiliated industry groups.
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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 Angelina T. Velasquez Editorial Intern Tekia Parks 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.
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June 3, 2017
“The well-being of our communities starts with the well-being of our kids, and play is critical for them to thrive.”
DeKalb-Peachtree marks historic past with air show By Angelina T. Velasquez
The ninth annual Good Neighbor Day Air Show is taking off at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport on June 10. The noon-to-5 p.m. event is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Camp Gordon, a former military training ground that was among 16 U.S. Army camps built to prepare troops for World War I. DeKalb-Peachtree Airport has been located there since 1975. In 30 years of operation, nearly 230,000 planes and helicopters annually take off and land there. Good Neighbor Day festivities, which are free to attend, include an air show featuring seven performers – Aeroshell, Dixie Wing Prowlers of the Pacific, Lima Lima flight team, Larry King, Greg Koontz, Gary Ward and Tiger and Rower Airshows. Team Aeroshell has been performing for 20 years with an AT-6 plane, which was first manufactured in 1938 for the U.S. Air Corps. Dixie Wing Prowlers of the Pacific, often referred to as a flying museum, uses the Douglas SBD Dauntless and Curtis SB2C Helldiver fighter jets from World War II. Children can frolic in a kid zone with sand castles, face painting, large inflatables and a jump ‘n slide. Spectators also can partake in helicopter and plane rides for aerial views of the area. Atlanta Blue Jazz band will perform. DeKalb-Peachtree Airport is at 2000 Airport Road in Chamblee. Parking, which will be located along Dresden Drive via Claremont Road, is $10. For more information, visit www.pdkairshow. com.
Pilots featured in the June 10 air show include Cary Rower (top, left) and Buck Roetman in front of their aircraft, Larry King at left, and Gary Ward (above).
Crochet artist’s work on display at library The artwork of Crochet by Numbers creator Todd Paschall will be on display at the Scott Candler Library beginning June 5. The Crochet Art Exhibit runs through June 30 and may be viewed during library hours. On June 12, patrons can meet the artist and discuss his work on display. The reception starts at 6 p.m. Paschall created the Crochet by Numbers program after becoming Todd Paschall dissatisfied with the graph method, and his artwork, which has a photo-realistic feel, has been featured in Atlanta galleries. Paschall was profiled in the January 2014 winter issue of Crochet Savvy magazine. Visit www.crochetbynumbers.com for more information about Paschall’s program and classes. The library is at 1917 Candler Road in Decatur. For more information, call 404-286-6986.
‘Empowered Poetry’ at Lou Walker Center The Lou Walker Senior Center’s Theatre Arts Class presents “Empowered Poetry – With a Touch of Honey” on June 5 at 2:30 p.m. in the Victory Room. It features original works by Sandra B. Taylor and is directed by Samuel O. Williams. Taylor, author of “Poetry From the Heart,” was the center’s poet laureate in 2011. “My poetry exemplifies my personal perspective and thought-provoking insight,” Taylor said. “At its essence is an inspiring, soul-stirring Sandra Taylor road map to positive living.” The center is at 2538 Panola Road. For more information, call 770-322-2900.
Decatur received the KaBOOM! Playful City USA honor for its commitment to creating spaces that promote play opportunities for children.
Decatur noted as a playful city By Angelina T. Velasquez
Decatur has been recognized by the nonprofit KaBOOM! as a playful city. It boasts six parks where children can enjoy swing sets, slides and castle-like playground structures and numerous green spaces. A vacant area under the MARTA mural on West Trinity Place was transformed into an area for play funded by a KaBOOM! Play Everywhere grant for $1 million this spring. The new space is named JUMP, Join Us at the Marta Play-space, and is a gateway into downtown Decatur. Mayor Patti Garrett said she could not think of a better designation for Decatur. “The city strives to offer a variety of places to stop, be playful, have fun and engage with friends and neighbors,” she said. The MARTA play-space includes painted pavement games such as hopscotch, a bench, a balance beam, and planters promoting exercise and play. The KaBOOM! recognition program honors cities and towns ensuring children, especially those from low-income families, get the balanced and active play they need
to thrive. Once a city is recognized, it receives access to webinars, newsletters and networking events that provide the community with tools to continue evolving as a playful city. The entry to a designated city is marked with a road sign that reads: Now Entering Playful City USA. The program was launched in 2006 to build a cohort of communities making a difference in the playability of their neighborhoods. Harris Interactive polls show 59 percent of parents report there is no place to play in walking distance of their homes. In poorer neighborhoods, it increases to 69 percent. James Siegal, CEO of KaBOOM! said the nonprofit is “thrilled to recognize the city of Decatur for putting kids first.” “The well-being of our communities starts with the well-being of our kids, and play is critical for them to thrive,” he said. Decatur received the honor for its commitment to creating spaces that promote play opportunities for children. Other Georgia playful communities include Atlanta, which has been an honoree 11 times; Columbus; Fairburn; and Savannah. For more information on KaBOOM! Playful City USA, visit www.kaboom.org.
index to advertisers All Type Fence................................................. 8 Brooks & Associates........................................ 2 Comcast.......................................................... 4 Commissioner Larry Johnson.......................... 2 DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court.......... 7
Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC.................... 8 Johnson’s Antiques & Flea Market.................. 8 Jon Ossoff for Congress.................................. 3 KEM Designs................................................... 8 King Safety & Security, Inc.............................. 8
Lithonia Farmers Market.................................6 Sweetwater Subdivision.................................. 8 TELCorp Worldwide Travel............................. 8 Wells Fargo..................................................... 3
Walgreens...............................................Inserts Rite Aid...................................................Inserts Lithonia Farmers Market........................ Online Greenforest Community Baptist Church.Online
June 3, 2017
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Wellness
June 3, 2017
One of the most effective ways of controlling the mosquito population starts in your own yard.
Mosquito season arrives with unofficial start of summer Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of mosquito season in Georgia. Avoiding mosquito bites protects you and your family from mosquito-borne illness and helps prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illness, the Georgia Department of Public Health says. The DPH recommends use of EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20 percent-30 percent) or Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow all label instructions for safe and effective use. If you’re using sunscreen, apply it first followed by insect repellent. Wear light-colored clothing, including loose-fitting long sleeves, pants and socks to help protect against mosquito bites. Dengue virus and chikungunya virus are typically found in the tropics and subtropics, so pack insect repellent when traveling. Zika virus is found in many countries and territories and has been identified in parts of Florida and Texas. There has been no local transmission of Zika virus in Georgia, but there have been 118 travel-related cases since January 2016. West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes throughout Georgia. One of the most effective ways of controlling the mosquito population starts in your own yard, the department says. Get rid of unnecessary items that hold water. Tip ‘n
Avoiding mosquito bites protects you and your family from mosquitoborne illness. West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes throughout Georgia.
Toss after every rainfall or at least once a week to eliminate breeding locations for mosquitoes and prevent the spread of illness. Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools and buckets. If it holds water and you don’t need it – old tires, bottles, cans – toss it out. Also make sure doors and windows fit tightly and are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside. Mosquitoes are
most active at dawn and dusk, so avoiding outdoor activities during those hours will help you avoid mosquito bites. No matter what time you’re outside, remember to use insect repellent for the best protection against bites. For more information about mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, visit dph.georgia.gov/mosquito-borne-viraldiseases or cdc.gov/features/stopmosquitoes/.
Pharmacies, police accepting old medicine to combat opioid epidemic In ongoing local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, DeKalb residents can help by safely disposing of old or unused medications at drop-off sites throughout the county. District 3 CommisLarry Johnson sioner Larry Johnson, who hosted an opioid prevention summit in May in partnership with Aetna, Morehouse
School of Medicine, Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, National Association of Counties and the nonprofit STAND Inc., is collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to expand accessibility to drop-off locations for Schedule 2 drugs. Expanding drop-off sites was among recommendations by panelists participating in the summit, which brought professionals from across the country to the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center to discuss the public health crisis.
DeKalb has reported an opioid-related death in recent days, Johnson’s office says. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes opioids as a class of drugs used to reduce pain. Prescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine and methadone. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, and heroin is an illegal opioid. Current drop-off locations include: n Walgreens, 5320 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain.
n Kaiser Permanente Panola Medical Office Pharmacy, 5440 Hillandale Drive in Stonecrest. n Clarkston Police Department, 3921 Church St. in Clarkston. n Chamblee Police Department, 3518 Broad St. in Chamblee. n Walgreens, 5985 Peachtree Parkway in Norcross. For more information, email larryjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-3712425.
Spartans’ health fair, celebrity game
Members of the Georgia Spartans semipro men’s basketball team are hosting their fourth annual health fair and celebrity basketball game on June 10 at the Exchange Park Recreation Center in Decatur. Learn 2 Live takes place 1 to 4 p.m. at the center, 2771 Columbia Drive. Partners for the event include District 3 Commissioner
Larry Johnson, Ki2FiT, Breaking the Chains Inc. and HipHopGivesBack.com. The fair focuses on educating the local community about health and fitness while providing free on-site health screenings. For more information, including game admission, visit www.georgiaspartans.net or call Jerell Shearin at 404-645-1398.
Discussion on anxiety disorders
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter will open a discussion on coping with anxiety disorders on June 15 at the Carter Center in Atlanta. The public is invited to attend and must RSVP by June 8 at https://www. cartercenter.org/news/pr/ mental-health-051617. html. Seating is limited. The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Executive Rosalynn Carter Offices Rotunda/Upper Commons at 453 Freedom Parkway. Carter, co-founder of the Carter Center with her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, will present opening remarks. Also participating are Mental Health Journalism Fellow Andrea Petersen and Carter Center Mental Health Program staffer Rebecca Palpant Shimkets. Petersen, a Wall Street Journal health and science contributing writer, will discuss her experience with anxiety. She writes about her personal story, the biology of anxiety, and the most current research on its causes and treatments in her book “On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety.” The event will be broadcast live on the
Carter Center Twitter account @CarterCenter. Viewers may join the discussion using #OnEdgeBook. Anxiety disorders affect about 18 percent of U.S. adults, the National Institute of Mental Health says. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can be beneficial in some situations. But for some people, anxiety can become excessive. And while individuals suffering may realize it is excessive, they also may have difficulty controlling it and it may negatively affect their day-to-day living. There is a wide variety of anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobias. Collectively, they are among the most common mental disorders experienced by Americans, the institute says. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 in partnership with Emory University to advance peace and health worldwide. To learn more about the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program, visit CarterCenter. org/health/mental_health. For more information about anxiety disorders, visit www. nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/ generalized-anxiety-disorder-among-adults. shtml.
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June 3, 2017
Youth
CrossRoadsNews
“To have the opportunity to come in here, make mistakes and to learn from them is such a benefit to kids and adults.” The nonprofit Decatur Makers on West Ponce de Leon Avenue boasts a 3-D printing area, metal shop, electronics shop, biology lab and more. It hosts a workshop every Wednesday.
Exploring creativity in makers space By Angelina T. Velasquez
Innovative DeKalb residents, including kids, can explore their imagination through building at Decatur Makers. The nonprofit provides a space for residents to build and learn different forms of art and technology. Irm Diorio, the group’s associate director, says they serve a range of people. “Our community is very diverse so we have artists, woodworkers, engineers and students,” he said. The space at 605 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. boasts a 3-D printing area, metal shop, electronics shop, biology lab and more. Diorio says they offer “a little bit of everything from paper-making, building tables and electric bikes and programming.” The space has shelves of donated computers, sewing machines, wood scraps and many other items to make art. Every Wednesday the Makers hosts a workshop where the public can learn how to do something new. “Probably some of the most fun classes are the ones where we built something and incorporated some glass, lights and maybe program something to move,” Diorio said. The organization started in 2014 when a few parents showed interest in developing a community of makers. Diorio says they started out small, “meeting at the Decatur recreation center and people’s basements as we grew the community.” They believed Decatur to be the perfect location for a makers space because of the eclectic art interests and diverse background of people who live in the area.
One of the greatest impacts the space has on the community is allowing children to explore their creativity. In many schools art programs are cut and strict curriculum does not always provide teachers with the option of incorporating art. “To have the opportunity to come in here, make mistakes and to learn from them is such a benefit to kids and adults,” said Diorio, who became a maker in the past two years. In 2015 she began as a volunteer for the organization and assisted with creating a fundraiser campaign and communications. “You’re hands-on and building things which immediately intrigued me,” she says. In 2016 she became the Decatur Makers first paid employee. “That’s a big deal for a nonprofit organization, so I’m just really happy to see this space grow and the community involvement,” Diorio said. The May 6 grand opening of the newly renovated space attracted more than a hundred people. The most popular attraction was a tree children built from branches, wood, cardboard and flowers made from decorative tissue paper. Diorio says the children were able to drill their individually designed cardboard pieces to create the tree trunk. “This corky tree is really the epitome of what we do by being hands-on with tools and equipment.” The organization offers two memberships with varying access to the space but is also open to the public on Wednesdays for workshops. For more information, visit www.decaturmakers.org.
New resource for college-bound TRANSITION,
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continue to offer resources so our graduates are well-prepared to begin their college career.” Malathip said the centers at 18 high schools across the district also will be open to graduates who have questions and need guidance on the many options still available to them. Each site is staffed with at least one post-secondary transition specialist, college adviser and financial aid adviser. “We’re collaborating with a number of higher education institutions’ admission and financial advisers, Georgia Student Finance, WorkSource DeKalb, Georgia Futures and Goodwill Career Center,” Malathip said. At 24 graduation ceremonies May 19 to May 27, more than 5,900 DeKalb seniors received diplomas and certificates of attendance. The class had 54 valedictorians and salutatorians, most of whom are headed to top schools across the state, the region and the country.
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But many other 2017 graduates remain uncertain about where to go. They are not alone. Across the country, a Harvard University study found that 10 percent to 40 percent of college-bound students fail to successfully transition to college. Malathip, who has been with the DeKalb School District for a year, said access to professionals during the summer months will help students, especially those from low-income households, in maintaining both confidence and drive in pursuing a college degree. She said the district is happy to stand in the gap. “This is our first year and we are excited for our students to take advantage of this resource,” she said. At the Summer Transition Centers, students will get assistance completing enrollment and admissions paperwork and figuring out post-secondary options. For a complete list of Summer Transition Centers with hours and locations, visit www. dekalbschoolsga.org.
Summer school begins June 5 By Angelina T. Velasquez
Hundreds of DeKalb students will be headed to summer school starting June 5 to get the extra help needed to pass courses or even to graduate. Summer schools open at more than 30 locations in Decatur, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Chamblee and Dunwoody and online through June 29. DeKalb School District spokesman Andre Riley said Wednesday they did not yet know what the total enrollment will be until the classes begin. “With at least eight programs, we’re going to cover a lot of students with different needs,” Riley said. Classes are being offered to third-, fifth-, eighth- and ninth- through 12thgrade students who struggled to meet grade level proficiency assessments or credit requirements. Students in k-12 can take programs like Rising Scholars, Extended School Year, High School Virtual, Flexible Learning, Literacy Camp, Title III ESOL, and Seren-
dipity and Georgia Virtual Schools. Elementary to middle school learners who did not perform well on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade Assessment can take the Rising Scholars Program at summer school. Third- and fifth-graders have the option of attending one of 24 host schools depending on where the student attends school during the year. Eighth-graders will be sent to Peachtree, Salem or Tucker middle schools. The Rising Scholars Program benefits students through a blended-learning approach as well as teacher-led classroom lessons. The curriculum prepares students to reach Georgia Milestone assessment proficiency. High school students can attend summer school at five locations – Redan, Lithonia, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson and Stone Mountain. Dunwoody and Chamblee high schools both offer Flex Academy, an online program focusing on mathematics. Final report cards were mailed June 1. Registration will continue until classes are full. For more information or to register, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org.
Free summer meals at select schools Children age 18 and younger will be able to obtain free breakfast and lunch meals from June 1 to July 31 as part of the DeKalb County School District’s Seamless Summer Feeding Program. All students may participate regardless of their eligibility status during the school year. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:30 to noon Monday through Friday at any school that hosts summer school classes. Families may visit www.dekalbchools-
ga.org to find a school near their home. The district also will offer summer meals Monday-Thursday at Columbia Middle School, 3001 Columbia Drive in Decatur; Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School, 5200 Covington Highway in Decatur; and Lakeside High School, 3801 Briarcliff Road N.E. in Atlanta. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Seamless Summer Feeding Program, call 678-676-0162.
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June 3, 2017 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 02, 2017. Witness the Honorable J. P. Boulee; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 10th day of May, 2017 05/27, 06/03, 06/10, 06/17
Legal Notices 17FM4723-4
05/13, 05/20, 05/27, 06/03
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4812-3 Kelah Sheniece Palmer filed a petition on Apr. 14, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Kelah Sheniece Palmer to Kaleb Shayne Palmer. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: May 03, 2017 05/13, 05/20, 05/27, 06/03
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4944-4 John Henry Bryant filed a petition on May 02, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: John Henry Bryant to John Henry Rice. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr. 27, 2017 05/13, 05/20, 05/27, 06/03
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number:
Kevin Labad PLAINTIFF VS Donnamarie Shelhorne Labad DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 02, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 17, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Kevin Labad, 222 Season Parkway, Norcross, GA 30093. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 21, 2017. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 4th day of May, 2017 05/13, 05/20, 05/27, 06/03
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM1450-3 Bianca Singh PLAINTIFF VS Gurmeet Singh DEFENDANT To: Curmeet Singh 1422 Druid Valley Dr., NE, Apt. D Atlanta, GA 30329 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jan. 24, 2017. You are hereby notified that on
Jan. 19, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Bianca Singh 1422 Druid Valley Dr., Apt. D, Atlanta, GA 30329. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 02, 2017. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 2th day of May, 2017 005/27, 06/03, 06/10, 06/17
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5506-10 Tommie Louis Benford filed a petition on May 16, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Tommie Louis Benford to Tommy Lewis Benford. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: May 15, 2017 05/27, 06/03, 06/10, 06/17
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4577-5 Judith P. Butler-Richey PLAINTIFF
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
VS Nathaniel B. Richey, Sr. DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 04, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 12, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Judith P. Butler-Richey, 1748 Clifton Way, SE, Atl., GA 30316. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 04, 2017. Witness the Honorable Gregory A. Adams; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 10th day of May, 2017 05/27, 06/03, 06/10, 06/17
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4616-6 Maria R. Vega PLAINTIFF VS Willie Ray Jackson DEFENDANT To: Unknown By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 02, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 06, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Maria R. Vega, 7102 Bruce Court, Lithonia, GA
5/27, 06/03, 06/10, 06/17
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5242-9 Kenneth Howard PLAINTIFF VS Lauren Howard DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 15, 2017. You are hereby notified that on May 05, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce without minor children. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Kenneth Howard, 751 N. Indian Creek Drive, #314, Clarkston, GA 30021. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 15, 2017. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 15th day of May, 2017 05/27, 06/03, 06/10, 06/17
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Shya Taylor, 3537 Homeward Trl., Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 16, 2017. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 16th day of May, 2017
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5107-1 Shya Taylor PLAINTIFF VS Joshua Winfert DEFENDANT To: 3537 Homeward Trl. Ellenwood, GA 30294 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 12, 2017. You are hereby notified that on May 05, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court,
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5509 Jennifer M. Morgan filed a petition on May 16, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Jennifer M. Morgan to Jennifer Marie Honeycutt. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Mar. 08, 2017 05/27, 06/03, 06/10, 06/17
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5154-7 Khalif S. James PLAINTIFF VS Crystal L. James DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 15, 2017. You are hereby notified that on May 01, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Khalif S. James, 3079 Kerr Dr., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 15, 2017. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 15th day of May, 2017
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