CrossRoadsNews, June 24, 2017 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

SCENE

Water, water everywhere

Gospel improvisations

Stone Mountain residents were temporarily trapped in their neighborhood when a broken main sent water gushing into the street. 3

Julie Dexter and others are scheduled to perform June 24 at a Jazz Goes Gospel benefit concert at Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church. 5

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

June 24, 2017

Volume 23, Number 8

www.crossroadsnews.com

I-285 completion date now 2019 Guns legal Construction on the $34.8 million interchange reconstruction project at Flat Shoals Parkway and I-285 was originally slated for completion in September 2017.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Unforeseen water line issue stalls bridge replacement Angelina T. Velasquez

South DeKalb residents will have to wait almost two more years for the completion of the Flat Shoals Road/I-285 interchange. Georgia Department of Transportation officials told concerned residents at a June 19 meeting that the earliest the 3.5-mile project will be completed is Feburary 2019. Kathy Zahul, GDOT’s district engineer, said the delay is unplanned and caused by an unforeseen issue with a water main that runs across the interstate and has stalled the rebuilding of the Panthersville overpass bridge. “As we were building the eastbound onramp we discovered that the water line shot up at 45 degrees through the embankment directly where the new ramp will be built,” she told more than 50 residents who attended the community meeting at New Life Baptist Church. “We now have to construct a pathway beneath I-285 to relocate the water

line without stopping use of the highway or impeding water supply to residents.” Construction on the $34.8 million project, which was first proposed in 2001, began in February 2015 and was originally slated for completion in September 2017. Most of the work on the road has come to a virtual standstill in recent months. The 24-inch water line that has crippled the project will require a 30-inch casing to tunnel it beneath I-285. Zahul said it took nine months to address the waterline issue and that it will add more than $3 million to the project’s costs. The interchange construction, which has reduced lanes to one in either direction, has contributed to frustrating traffic backups. Residents and motorists who witnessed the speed with which GDOT rebuilt the collapsed I-85 bridge in Atlanta, said the agency needs to be transparent about the status of Flat Shoals/I-285 construction. The project, taking place between Pan-

thersville Road and the Sonic Drive-In restaurant at 3900 Flat Shoals Parkway, includes the reconfiguration of the interchange. Two bridges – a new I-285 overpass bridge along Flat Shoals Parkway/State Road 155, and a new Panthersville Road Bridge over I-285 – will be rebuilt. The Flat Shoals overpass bridge will provide two through lanes in each direction, bike lanes on both sides, and dual left-turn lanes either direction onto I-285. The interstate exit ramps will be widened to include dual left-turn and right-turn lanes onto Flat Shoals Parkway and on the interstate entrance ramps, and three lanes will be added where the ramps intersect with Flat Shoals Parkway, tapering to one lane toward I-285. Zahul brought a slide presentation to the meeting with photos of the plans and the construction that has taken place so far. Please see OVERPASS, page 2

on campus as of July 1

Starting July 1, college students in DeKalb County and across Georgia will be able to carry guns on campus - legally. The ability to carry firearms into most areas of public college campuses goes into effect under HB 280, which was passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal on May 4. Under the law, licensed gun owners can carry concealed weapons on college campus, except in “sensitive places” such as campus preschools, disciplinary hearings, or faculty and administrative offices. Other banned areas include athletic venues and student housing. When he signed the law, Deal said that unfortunately, in parts of the state, the path to higher education travels through dangerous territory, and that students have been targeted because they were not permitted to carry protection going to or from a campus. “In recent years, we’ve witnessed college students fall victim to violent attacks in or while traveling to libraries and academic buildings, and while traveling to and from their homes to class,” Deal said. Georgia is the second state this year to legalize guns on campuses, after Arkansas. In 2007, Utah became the first state to allow campus carry. About 10 states now have some form of campus carry, and last year, nearly 20 bills were introduced nationwide by state lawmakers. University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley, who spoke against Georgia’s bill, said the system would issue implementation guidance to all institutions ahead of the July 1 effective date. “We recognize that many have strong feelings about this new law,” he said. “It is important that we all work together across our campuses to implement the new law appropriately and continue to provide a top-quality education to our students.” For more information, visit https:// georgia.gov.

Community

CrossRoadsNews

June 24, 2017

“If they want to impress the community they will have to do what they say they are going to do.”

Stonecrest council tackles short-term financing, hotel tax By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The Stonecrest City Council continues to put into place the building blocks for the new city – approving a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) to provide short-term financing, and an 8 percent hotel/motel tax at its June 19 meeting. It also voted unanimously to accept various studies outlining the negative impact of sexually oriented businesses. The acceptance of the studies is a percursor to establishing regulations to discourage those businesses. The full council was in attendance and voted unanimously to borrow up to $2 million at 2 percent interest while it awaits revenues from taxes and franchise fees. The line of credit will cost the city $15,000 in fees to procure, and it must repay it in full by Dec. 31.

Adult/nude dance clubs The council voted also to accept “studies of negative public issues regarding the operation of adult/nude dance clubs,” as a forerunner to creating ordinances to regulate them.

Members of the Stonecrest City Council cast one of several votes at the council’s Jan. 19 meeting at the Stonecrest Library.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The studies found that there are increased rates of violence, drug use, sexual assaults, and lower property values where sexually oriented businesses operate. A number of residents spoke in support of accepting the studies and of regulating adult/nude dance clubs. Barbara Hall, a District 5 resident, said she was a police officer for 33 years and knows that the studies’ findings are true. “I have seen it first hand,” she told the council.

Emily Macheski-Preston, one of the city’s lawyers, told council members that they can regulate sexually oriented business but cannot prohibit them. She said many cities regulate their operating hours and whether they can serve alcohol. Lary said that while he understands those businesses have the right to operate, he does not want them within the city. “I am going to make it so difficult that they want to go somewhere else,” he said. “That’s not what we are looking for in our

town.”

Hotel/motel tax The 8 percent tax on hotel and motel rooms, bed and breakfasts and AirBnBs, will be divvied up between the city’s general fund and tourism promotion. Supporters say it will provide a needed revenue stream for the city and generate marketing dollars to promote tourism. Three pennies will go to the general fund and five pennies for tourism promotion. The tax will go into effect in September. The council also voted to give Mayor Jason Lary $650 a month or $7,800 annually for a vehicle allowance effective this June. Lary abstained from the vote and deliberations. As mayor, he makes $20,000 a year. Councilwoman Diane Adoma, who made the motion for the allowance, said that it will be done with “oversight and basic government accounting. “This is not a blank check,” said Adoma, who represents District 5. “It must be done with whatever checks and balances that needs to be in place.”

Residents compare slow pace of construction with I-85 bridge collapse OVERPASS,

from page

Tammy Grimes, a Stonecrest resident and New Life Church member, who uses the area under construcion frequently, said she doesn’t want to see an impressive presentation on the project. “If they want to impress the community they will have to do what they say they are going to do,” Grimes said. DeKalb NAACP president Teresa Hardy,

who attended the meeting, said she appreciated the update but that after three years she wants things to move along faster. “I still think we are owed to have this project completed in less than the 18 months that has been told to us,” she said. “The same effort of I-85 should be put into this.” Aside from the water line, sound barrier wall modifications and construction of the new Panthersville bridge are expected to be complete by December 2018.

Atlanta-based Pitman Construction Co. is still under contract for the project. GDOT unveiled a new www.flatshoals285. org, created to keep residents abreast of the project’s progress. The website has project plans, photos and contact information for project manager David Holland. Larry Johnson, the DeKalb District 3 Commissioner who co-hosted the meeting with state Sen. Emanuel Jones, said he has been inundated with calls and emails about

the tlength of time the project is taking, and that the construction zone is unkempt and unsafe. “I am happy that GDOT will now have a website so that you can contact Kathy Zahul and David Holland,” Johnson said. The next project update meeting is Sept. 28 at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals Road in Decatur. For more information, contact Kathy Zahul at kzahul@dot.ga.gov or 404-274-9297.

June 24, 2017

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“The underlying problem has not gone away: Minorities are underrepresented in all key roles behind and in front of the camera.”

Non-English students can register June 26-29

International and non-English speaking students can register June 26 to 29 for DeKalb Schools at the DeKalb International Welcome Center in Tucker. Registration takes place 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and requires a scheduled check-in-time. Students must be five years old on or before Sept. 1, and must be present for registration. The following documents are required: n Proof of residence in the school attendance area – current utility bill (gas, water, electric) or rent/lease agreement in the parents’ name, or an affidavit. n Original or state-certified copy of birth certificate. n Photo identification for the parent/guardian. n Immunization certificate – Form 3231. n Hearing, vision, and dental – Form 3300. n Social Security card (you may complete a waiver). The welcome center is at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. For more information and appointments, contact 678-676-6602.

Sewer main causing Rockland Road delay The installation of a sewer main along Rockland Road in Stonecrest is taking longer than expected and the road will remain closed through July 30. DeKalb County said motorists should continue to use detours around Rockland between North Goddard and Klondike roads. The project, which began March 8 was originally slated to end March 20. For more information, contact Mellonee Rheams at 404-771-7832.

DeKalb Watershed Management shut off water when a 16-inch water line broke near South Deshon Road.

Tekia Parks / CrossRoadsNews

Residents waterlogged by break Residents of the Wildwood Springs subdivision on South Deshon Road in Stone Mountain were temporarily trapped in their neighborhood June 21 by gushing water from a broken main. Several residents watched helplessly Wednesday morning from their steps while DeKalb Watershed Management employees evaluated the main break to figure out how to close it off. Thousands of

gallons of water were lost before crews were able to stop it. Alicia Pennie, Watershed’s spokesperson, said that a 16-inch water line broke and water was shut off for a nearby neighborhood across from Princeton Elementary. “The cause is still under investigation,” Penne said. “Crews are assessing the repairs needed right now and have not yet determined how long it will take to repair it.”

Film caucus targetting minority roles U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson is helping form a bi-partisan Congressional Caucus for Advancement of Studio, Talent and Film Diversity, announced June 21. Johnson, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), and Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) co-chair the caucus aimed at increasing opportunities for minorities in film and television. Johnson, who represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District, said he challenged the Academy of Arts and Science last year to be diverse and inclusive. “This year, Oscar nominees were more diverse and that’s good,” he said, “but the

underlying problem has not gone away: Minorities are underrepresented in all key roles behind and in front of the camera.” Ros-Lehtinen said she joined the caucus to initiate a movement that helps create diversity in Hollywood. Ruiz said the when our children and young people see their stories, their communities, their experiences, and their culture portrayed on the screen in a positive light, they are inspired to live their dreams. “There’s no better way to fulfill this vision than by increasing the diversity of on-camera and off-camera roles,” he said.

DeKalb raising millage rate, too The DeKalb Board of Commissioners has announced plans to increase the millage rate to 9.983 mills, up from 9.5 mills. Three public hearings have been set for residents to comment. The DeKalb Tax Commissioners Office says the increase will cost the owner of a $150,000 home $23 more this year. The meetings take place June 27 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and July 11 at 10 a.m. at the county’s Manual J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur . The county said June 15 that the tax it will levy this year will go up to 10.76 percentage over the rollback millage rate, prompting the increase. CEO Michael Thurmond has proposed a tentative budget of $1.3 billion for 2017. “The budget tentatively adopted by the DeKalb County Governing Authority requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate,” the county said in a statement. The county has seven separate tax levies and it says two of them are used in the required calculation for the rollback rate. The other tax levies (police, fire, designated and two bond funds) when combined with general and hospital funds produce the benchmark tax rate. “This rate is not proposed to increase, remaining at 20.810 mills,” the county said. When the total digest of taxable property is prepared annually, Georgia law requires that a rollback millage rate must be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that the previous year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred.

Ministry

2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker 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 24, 2017

Overcomers House serves people who are unemployed and underemployed and those affected by addiction.

Ray of Hope celebrating 31 years ‘Men of Faith’ topic for The Rev. Dr. William H. Curtis, who leads a congregation of 10,000 in Pittsburgh, will help the Ray of Hope Christian Church celebrate its 31st anniversary on June 25. Curtis, who is the William Curtis senior pastor of Mount Ararat Baptist Church and Rev. Trini Massie, his Minister of Worship, will be at the 10 a.m. anniversary service. Curtis will be guest speaker and Massie, a prolific composer, singer and choir director, will be guest psalmist. This is an encore

trip for both; they also preached and performed at the Ray for its 25th anniversary celebration in 2011. The Ray of Hope, which started in senior pastor Rev. Cynthia Hale’s Lithonia apartTrini Massie ment in 1986, now has more than 6,000 members. Each Sunday, more than 1,200 regularly attend services. The church is at 2778 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. For more information, visit www.rayofhope.org or call 770-696-5100.

Information session to help mothers Mothers who need help feeding their children can enroll in WIC (Women, Infants and Children) on July 1 at Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain. The 9 a.m. meeting will include information on changes to the WIC program and

free services provided by the DeKalb Board of Health. Childcare will be provided. The church is at 2201 Young Road. For more information, email Celena Stewart at celena.stewart@bereanchristianchurch.org.

Overcomers House hosts open house The nonprofit Overcomers House Inc. is hosting an open house and grand reopening fundraiser on June 24 at its new location in Snellville. The 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. event at 2100 C Fountain Square will include food and refreshment for up to 400 families.

Overcomers House, which relocated from Lithonia, serves people who are unemployed and underemployed and those affected by addiction in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. For more information, visit www.myovercomershouse.com.

Rainbow Park service

Rainbow Park Baptist Pastor Steven N. Dial Sr. will preach on the topic “Men of Faith, Men of Action” at the church’s annual Men’s Day Service on June 25. The service starts at 10:30 a.m. “Join us and bring a friend,” Dial said. Rainbow Park is at 2941 CoSteven Dial lumbia Drive in Decatur. For more information visit www.rainbowparkbatist.org or call 404-288-1910.

Fiery preacher to be at Greenforest Men’s Day The Rev. Dr. Kevin Taylor, a fiery preacher from Memphis, Tenn., will be the featured speaker at the Greenforest Baptist Church’s Men’s Day on June 25. Taylor, the pastor of Sprindale Baptist Church, will speak at the 7:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. “I Am the Man” services. Kevin Taylor The theme is “Walking in God’s Vision for Manhood.” Greenforest Senior Pastor Dr. Emory Berry says the service is open to the community. The church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, visit www.greenforest.org or call 404-486-1120.

Free prostate screens at men’s symposium Men of all ages can get free prostate cancer screenings at a June 24 symposium at Beulah Baptist Church in Decatur. Reservation is required for the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. event, co-hosted by Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, Bayer, Georgia Urology and the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition. In 2016 there were 5,570 new cases of prostate cancer and more Ken Griffey Sr. than 730 deaths. Ken Griffey Sr., a retired Cincinnati Reds outfielder who was diagnosed in 2006 and has lost four uncles to prostate cancer, will speak at the symposium. He will discuss his experience fighting the disease and will be available for photos and baseball throws. Georgia Urology’s Dr. Scott Miller and Dr. Walter Falconer will discuss early detection and screening, treatment methods and the latest research findings. The church is at 2340 Clifton Springs Road. To reserve a spot, call 404-241-3307.

‘Smart Home’ program helps cut energy costs Homeowners looking to cut their energy costs can participate in the “Smart Home Energy” program sponsored by the DeKalb Pastors Alliance. The 11-member church Pastors Alliance will educate residents on environmental changes and the cost effectiveness of utilizing energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The program kicked off on June 22 at Clarkston First Baptist Church. The “Smart Home Energy” program is promoting sustainable energy efficiency and is seeking to get homeowners to replace the ozone-depleting substance Freon, used in refrigerators and air conditioners, with the eco-friendly Puron. The phase-out of Freon usage is led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and will terminate in 2020. As part of the “Smart Home Energy” program, area churches are holding educational workshops to inform the community of finance packages requiring no down payment and credit check options. For more information, email dekalbpastorsalliance@gmail.com or contact Dr. Steven N. Dial Sr. at 404-288-1910.

June 24, 2017

Scene Clarkston Library program on East African food, culture Up to 60 library patrons can learn about and celebrate the diverse culture and food of East Africa on July 1 at the Clarkston Library. One City, Many Stores: East Africa takes place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will explore the cuisine of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya. The library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information, call 404-508-7175.

Music, dance performances to mark museum’s anniversary Live music, actors and dancers will illustrate social activism at the Center for Civil and Human Rights on June 24-25. The performances celebrate the third anniversary of the center, which opened on June 23, 2014. The Power of Music: Live Performances takes place June 24 fron noon to 3 p.m. Musical artists inspired by social justice will be playing in the center’s main lobby. On June 29, the center will screen four short films at 6:30 p.m. The center is located at 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, in downtown Atlanta. For tickets and more information, visit www.civilandhumanrights.org.

Young beauties can sign up for ‘Miss Little So Chic’ Parents who want to see their cute children on stage can register for the “Miss Little So Chic Pageant.” Kids ages 1-12 will vie for titles of Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, Miss Social Success and People’s Choice Queen. Christiana Torere, director of the pageant, said her goal is to provide a fun community event for the youth and their parents and benefit charity. Deadline for registration is Aug. 15 at www.misslittlesochic.com.

CrossRoadsNews

“From mosaics to murals, we are redefining the ridership experience here at MARTA by intentionally integrating art throughout the entire system.”

Benefit jazz and gospel concert Jazz songbirds Myrna Clayton and Julie Dexter and saxophonist Dwan Bosman are among 17 performers scheduled to perform at the Jazz Goes Gospel benefit concert on June 24 at Greater Piney Grove Dwan Bosman Myrna Clayton Julie Dexter Baptist Church. Proceeds from the 3 to 5 p.m. event will benefit the Abel 2 organization, founded by Clayton in 2009 to provide artistic programming for and with people who have disabilities. The church is at 1879 Glenwood Ave. SE. For tickets and more information, visit www.able2.org.

Art for MARTA commuters

MARTA train stations are sprucing up with both visual and performing art. New artwork is being installed along station walls as the transit authority reinvigorates its art initiative. On June 19, commuters saw and heard performances by Moving in the Spirit dance company, cellist Jenn Cornell and percussionist Emrah Ko- Percussionist Emrah Kotan and others performed at the Five Points station on June 19. tan at Five Points station. Keith Parker, MARTA GM/CEO, said the program will aesthetically enhance and integrate art throughout the rail station. “From mosaics to murals, we are redefining the ridership experience here at MARTA by intentionally integrating art throughout the entire system,” he said. In 2016, MARTA’s Board of Directors unanimously approved investing one percent of the transit system’s annual budget for art-related programs, art-focused community activities and system-wide art restoration projects. For more information, visit www.itsmarta.com.

George Edward Tait has performed his poetry at colleges, community centers, correctional institutions, libraries, theaters and other venues.

Harlem poet at Brown Library Harlem’s poet laureate George Edward Tait will read his work and offer insight into his journey as a writer, poet, musician, educator and activist on July 1 at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. Tait, an award-winning poet, has performed his poetry thousands of times for over a quarter century in a variety of venues, including colleges, community centers, correctional institutions, libraries and theaters. He will perform at Poetry: The Music of Literature, which takes place 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tait, a multitalented musician, educator, and activist, was born in Oakland, Calif., and raised in Harlem. He graduated from Pace University in 1968 with a B.A. in English Language and Literature and a minor in French Language and Literature. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur 30034. 404-286-6980.

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

June 24, 2017

“The foundation’s research found that inexperience paired with greater exposure on the road creates a deadly combination for teen drivers.”

‘100 Deadliest Days’ for teen drivers, now through Labor Day New drivers ages 16 to 17 are three times as likely as adults to be involved in a deadly crash, new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows. The finding comes at the beginning of the “100 Deadliest Days” – Memorial Day through Labor Day, when the average number of deadly teen driver crashes climbs 15 percent. Over the past five years, more than 1,600 people have been killed in crashes involving inexperienced teen drivers during this period. So far this year, the Georgia Department of Transportation says the state has already had 112 fatalities involving a teen driver. Garrett Townsend, AAA Georgia’s public affairs director, said accidents involving teens increase in the summer because more teens are on the road. “The foundation’s research found that inexperience paired with greater exposure on the road creates a deadly combination for teen drivers,” he said in a June 1 statement. The AAA Foundation’s latest study, Rates of Motor Vehicle Crashes, Injuries, and

The average number of deadly teen driver crashes climbs 15 percent between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Deaths in Relation to Driver Age, analyzes crash rates per mile driven for all drivers and found that for every mile on the road, 16- to 17-year-old drivers are 3.9 times more likely than drivers 18 and older to be involved in

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s new North Druid Hills facility will boast six floors to provide care for all kinds of illnesses, conditions or injuries.

New CHOA facility to treat 1,000s

Chronically ill children are closer to receiving treatments at the new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta location. Construction on the $1 billion North Druid Hills facility began in January and can be viewed on the hospital’s site. The 260,000-square-foot facility will boast six floors to provide care for all kinds of illnesses, conditions or injuries. Development planning will continue into 2018. Once completed, more than 368,000 patients will get care at the facility.

Currently care is administered at Children’s Healthcare hospitals in downtown Atlanta, Clifton Road and Sandy Springs. The new facility will be centrally located off I-85 at 1400 Tullie Road NE. Areas of healthcare include cancer and blood disorders, diabetes, surgery and urgent care. For 100 years Children’s Healthcare has serviced children who often require a lifetime of care and coordination. For more information, visit www.centerforadvancedpediatrics.org.

a crash; 2.6 times as likely as drivers 18 and older to be involved in a fatal crash; 4.5 times as likely as drivers 30-59 to be involved in a crash; and 3.2 times as likely as drivers 30-59 to be involved in a fatal crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2015 crash data show that the number of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes increased more than 10 percent from the previous year. To reverse the trend, AAA urges parents to help reduce the number of deadly crashes by getting more involved and talking to their teens about the dangers of risky behavior behind the wheel. Matt Nasworthy, AAA’s traffic safety consultant, called parents “the front line of defense” in keeping roads safer this summer. AAA encourages parents to have conversations with their teens early and often about distractions and speeding, teach by example and minimize risky behavior when driving, and make a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers. TeenDriving.AAA.com has tools to help prepare parents and teens for the dangerous summer driving season. The online AAA StartSmart program also offers resources for parents to become effective in-car coaches as well as advice on how to manage their teen’s overall driving privileges.

Treatment for herpes explored Researchers are working on a new treatment to suppress the herpes simplex viruses in people. Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) conducted research by infecting mice with herpes simplex virus 1 and guinea pigs with herpes simplex virus 2 and treating them with an oral glutamine supplement. Glutamine is an amino acid produced by the body and found in food. It is responsible for maintaining cell integrity in the body, protein production and other functions. Researchers found the supplement improved T-cell response to HSV-1 and HSV-2

resulting in virus suppression. T-cells are responsible for fighting infections and disease in the body, Currently there is no cure for HSV-1 or HSV-2, which commonly cause cold sores and genital sores in humans. Antiviral medicines such as Valtrex and Valacylovir work to decrease the duration and number of outbreaks a person experiences. Before pharmaceutical production of the supplement can begin, clinical trials on people are needed to ensure the treatment is effective. For more information, visit www.nih. gov.

Teen tobacco use on the decline The e-cigarette trend among middle and high school students is losing steam as tobacco use among teens has dropped to a low of 3.9 million. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the findings in the June 16 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Anne Schuchat, M.D., CDC acting director, said the decrease is attributed to prevention and control strategies at the national, state and local levels. “Far too many young people are still using tobacco products, so we must continue to prioritize proven strategies to protect our youth from this preventable health risk,” Schuchat said. Nearly 350,000 have avoided falling into tobacco use from anti-tobacco campaigns such as “The Real Cost” that features ads across media platforms to educate teens about the harmful effects of tobacco use. “While these latest numbers are encouraging, it is critical that we work to ensure

this downward trend continues over the long term across all tobacco products,” Schuchat said. The most common products used by middle and high school students are ecigarettes, cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco. Corinne Graffunder, Dr.PH, M.P.H. director of CDC’s Smoking and Health office, echoes the significance in keeping usage numbers low. “Tobacco use in any form, including ecigarettes, is unsafe for youth,” Graffunder said. “Tobacco products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain.” As of Aug. 8, 2016 it is illegal to sell ecigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco and pipe tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 in person and online. For more information on quitting and preventing youth tobacco use, visit www. BeTobaccoFree.gov.

CrossRoadsNews

June 24, 2017

Youth

“I am so proud of all the students for participating in the workshops, competition and other NAACP events.” DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy (from left) poses with ACT-SO winners Jalah Falcher, Kalonjee Gallimore and Derrik Reid. Not pictured is Christopher Terry.

4 students for national ACT-SO Four DeKalb High School students – Kalonjee Gallimore, Christopher Terry, Derrik Reid and Jalah Falcher, who nabbed gold medals in the Georgia Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition – will compete in the national NAACP’s 2017 competition in Baltimore in July. Kalonjee, who attends DeKalb School of the Arts, won gold in Drama; Christopher of Stephenson High School won for Classical Piano; Derrik, who is home schooled, won for Dance Traditional; and Jalah, a DeKalb Early College Academy student, won for Modern Dance and will represent the DeKalb NAACP branch. The gold medals they earned at the April 15 competition at Southwest DeKalb High School were presented on May 20. Kalonjee also won silver medals for Classical and Contemporary Vocals, and Christoper also won a bronze medal for Contemporary Piano. Jalah won a bronze medal for Contemporary Dance. Destiny Crumbly, an Arabia Mountain High School student,

who is not going to the national competition, won a silver medal for Entrepreneurship and a bronze medal for STEM Engineering. DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy said the students are bright, smart and talented. “I am so proud of all the students for participating in the workshops, competition and other NAACP events,” she said. “We have an awesome group of students in DeKalb County.” ACT-SO is a yearlong achievement program that encourages high school students’ academic excellence in 29 STEM, humanities, business, visual, culinary arts and performing competitions. The national competition takes place during the NAACP’s 108th Annual Convention on July 20-26 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The DeKalb branch is raising $5,400 to send the students to the competition. To sponsor or donate or for more information, contact DeKalb NAACP at naacpdek@comcast.net or 404-241-8006.

The Lady Bulldogs’ state champion varsity girls tennis team led Chamblee’s quest to acquire the most points to win the award.

Chamblee wins All-Sports Award After 36 years of trying, Chamblee High School is DeKalb’s 2016-17 AllSports Award recipient. Chamblee beat out Arabia Mountain High by 5.5 points with the help of its undefeated varsity girls’ tennis team. This year the Lady Bulldogs tennis team – Leeza Ershtein, 12; Kendalle Smith, 12; Olena Bilukha, 11; Grace Pietkiewicz, 10; Emilya Ershtein, 10; Caitlyn Liu, 10; Sonia Karsan, 10; Madeline Meer, 10; Madison Trinh, 9; Ellie Gies, 9; and Jada Bartolozzi, 9 — won the program’s first girls’ state tennis title against Starr Mill High School. It was the first state win for the team since 1984. The All-Sports Award has been pre-

2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: modification of Custody/ Custody Change. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Ernesto Mendoza, 2889 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta, GA 30341. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jun. 12, 2017. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 12th day of Jun., 2017

Legal Notices 06/10, 06/17, 06/24, 07/01

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5570-6 Joyce Wilson PLAINTIFF VS Kohem Wilson DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 30, 2017. You are hereby notified that on May 18, 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: Joyce Wilson; 707 Fair Harbor, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 30, 2017. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of May, 2017 06/10, 06/17, 06/24, 07/01

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5660 Fannie Rufai PLAINTIFF VS Adams Baguian DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 24, 2017. You are hereby notified that on May 08, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce with no 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: Fannie Rufai, 4107 Durhamshire Pl., Stone Mountain,

GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 24, 2017. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 31st day of May, 2017 06/10, 06/17, 06/24, 07/01

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5720-1 Najad Haji PLAINTIFF VS Taufiq Abdurahman DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 26, 2017. You are hereby notified that on May 22, 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: Najad Haji, 3813 Chalmers Court, Clarkston, GA 30021. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 31, 2017. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 31st day of May, 2017 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM6285 Rhakesha Monique Hunter filed a petition on May 15, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Rhakesha Monique Hunter to Rhakesha Monique Grayson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: May 25, 2017 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM6524-2 Nivea Darlene Burkett filed a petition on Jun. 01, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Nivea Darlene Burkett to A’vea Sky Ellis. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Jun. 01, 2017 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM6291-3 Michelle L. Chaney Smith PLAINTIFF VS Johnny W. Smith, Jr. DEFENDANT To: Johnny W. Smith, Jr. Sumter S.C. Jail; 1250 Winkles Rd. Sumter, SC 29153 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jun. 12, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Jun. 07, 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: Pro Se, Michelle L Chaney Smith, 622 South Hairston Rd., Stone Mountain, GA 30088. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jun. 12, 2017. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 12th day of Jun., 2017

sented to schools since the 1981-82 school year. Over the span of 35 years, Chamblee was a runner-up only four times. The Lady Bulldogs also had stellar seasons in volleyball, winning Area Title with a 37-9 season, and they made the playoffs in basketball, golf and softball. They also won soccer’s Region 5-5A title; and its track team finished third in both the DeKalb County School District Track and Field and Region 5-5A Championships. Overall the Lady Bulldogs placed seventh in the Georgia Athletic Director’s Cup, and 11th overall with a total of 707 points. For more information, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org.

06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15

Notice of PUBLICATION

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11467-10 Japheth Garrett PLAINTIFF VS Myed Robinson DEFENDANT To: Myed Robinson 112 Lester Woods Court Lawrenceville, GA 30044 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 11, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Oct. 28, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Legitimation and Custody. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Donald M. Coleman, Attorney at Law, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jun. 12, 2017. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 12th day of Jun., 2017

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2742-1 Jennie Shantiloo PLAINTIFF VS Albert G. Jones DEFENDANT To: Albert G. Jones 2837 Pebble Drive Decatur, GA 30034 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated 5th day of Jun., 2017. You are hereby notified that on Feb. 28, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Abandonment. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

and address is: Jennie Shantiloo – Pro Se an Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of first date of publication. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 13th day of Jun., 2017 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5909-7 Jamikka Wood-Rosser PLAINTIFF VS Moreo Rosser, Sr. DEFENDANT To: 2704 Eastwood Dr. Decatur, GA 30032 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jun. 07, 2017. You are hereby notified that on May 26, 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: 3823 Radcliffe Blvd., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jun. 07, 2017. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 07th day of Jun., 2017

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5923-3 Ernesto Mendoza PLAINTIFF VS Diana de la Cruz DEFENDANT To: Diana de la Cruz 3415 Clairview Dr., Apt. A Chamblee, GA 30341 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 11, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Oct. 28,

Sex Offender

Michael Horton 1646 Rice Square Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of Sodomy and Indecent Viewing of Video Recording Convicted 10/29/2015

Sex Offender

Davell Jackson 711 Banner Elk Ct. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Charge of Criminal Sexual Assault Convicted 5/13/2002

The DeKalb Sex Offenders List is published by the DeKalb County Sheriff Office. For more information call the Sex Offender Unit at 404-298-8130.

CrossRoadsNews

June 24, 2017

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