FOURTH OF JULY
YOUTH
DeKalb residents will have many ways to celebrate the nation’s birth, from parades and fireworks to colonial forts. 4,5
Southwest DeKalb’s LaTia Bell managed to remain competitive and maintain good grades while enduring pain from sickle cell disease. 6
Fireworks, hikes and more
Put Litter in Its Place
2018 Positive Athlete
Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER • STONECREST
Copyright © 2018 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
June 30, 2018
Volume 24, Number 9
www.crossroadsnews.com
Resurfacing to slow I-285 traffic to a crawl through July 2 Motorists using I-285 will face delays of up to two hours through July 2 as Georgia Department of Transportation work crews resurface 3.15 miles of the highway in Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton counties, weather permitting. GDOT says lane closures and ramp delays will disrupt traffic between SR 23/Moreland Avenue and Conley Road. The milling, inlay and resurfacing activities are needed due to deterioration of the roadway. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area or use I-285 eastbound to I-675 southbound detour. Message boards, signage and barrels will
alert motorists of the closures in advance and reduce traffic to one lane in the area. Motorists are also encouraged to wear seatbelts, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and plan their routes before getting on the road by calling 511 for real-time information on work status and traffic conditions. This is the fourth of five weekends of work. It will close three right lanes and the right shoulder on I-285 eastbound and westbound between SR 23/Moreland Avenue and Conley Road beginning at 9 p.m. on June 29 through 5 a.m. on July 2.
Work crews will close three right lanes and the right shoulder on I-285 between Moreland Avenue and Conley Road beginning at 9 p.m. on June 29 through 5 a.m. on July 2. Motorists may encounter long delays through the area.
Please see RESURFACING, page 2
Bryce Ethridge / CrossRoadsNews
Law limiting cell phone use takes effect July 1 Hands-free act restricts driver’s use of devices
Georgia is the 16th state to ban motorists from holding cell phones and other mobile devices while driving. Violators of the law will face penalties of $50 to $150, and one to three points on their licenses.
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Georgia motorists who like to hold their cell phones will have to go cold turkey on July 1 when the state’s new hands-free law goes into effect and makes it illegal to use cell phones while behind the wheel. Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 673, also known as the “Hands Free Law,” on May 2. The law prohibits the use of electronic devices while driving, and it bans touching your phone for anything, including talking, texting, emails, social media, and videotaping, while operating an automobile. The ban extends to phone use while stopped at a traffic light. DeKalb Police spokeswoman Shiera Campbell said the department will be enforcing the law the day that it goes into effect. “There is no grace period,” she said June 28. Campbell also said motorists should not be surprised or caught off guard about the new law. “Drivers have been aware of this law for months now,” she said. Georgia is the 16th state to ban motorists from holding cell phones and other mobile devices while driving. The law comes as the state has seen significant increases in vehicle traffic crashes, fatalities and bodily injuries. Most have been in rear-end and single-car crashes and crashes by drivers ages 15 to 25. Law enforcement officials blame driver inattention and distraction for the increases. Statistics show that the use of a cell phone while driving increases the chance of death by four times. The 15 states that passed hands-free driving laws before Georgia saw a 16 percent decrease in traffic fatalities in the two years after the law went into effect.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Violators of the law will face penalties of $50 to $100, and one to two points on their licenses. After three or more violations, the fines go up to $150 and three points on their licenses. R o b e r t Hy d r i c k , spokesman for the Governors Office of Highway Safety, says the new law is about getting motorists to spend more time driving and less time interacting with their phones. Hydrick said that Robert Hydrick many agencies and officers will likely be giving out warnings in the first few months as the goal here is to change behavior. But he said that warnings are not guaranteed, and everyone needs to make obeying the law a priority from July 1. “It is instinct to pick up our phones when driving and it is going to be take a period of transition to make hands-free the mindset,”
he said June 28. “Drivers should check to see if they can pair or connect their phone through their vehicle or if they have a phone watch.” Come July 1, drivers can only legally use speakerphone, Bluetooth technology, an earpiece, a headphone or other devices.
Dos and don’ts of Hands Free Law: n A driver cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support the phone. Drivers can only use their phones to make or receive phone calls by using speakerphone, earpiece, wireless headphone, or phone connected to vehicle or an electronic watch. GPS navigation devices are allowed. n Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes and not for listening to music or other entertainment. n A driver may not send or read any textbased communication unless using voicebased communication that automatically converts messages to written text or is being
used for navigation or GPS. n A driver may not write, send or read any text messages, e-mails, social media or internet data content. n A driver may not watch a video unless it is for navigation. n A driver may not record a video, but continuously running dash cams are exempt. n Music streaming apps can be used provided the driver activates and programs them when they are parked. Drivers cannot touch their phones to do anything to their music apps when they are on the road. Music streaming apps that include video also are not allowed since drivers cannot watch videos when on the road. Drivers can listen to and program music streaming apps that are connected to and controlled through their vehicle’s radio. For more information about Georgia’s Hands Free law visit www.headsupgeorgia. com/handsfree-law/ or www.gahighwaysafety.org.
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“We hope this new law will encourage more Georgians to use this simple tool to protect themselves from fraud.”
Dancing with DeKalb Stars seeking experienced dance pros Experienced dancers can apply now to be part of the second annual Dancing with the DeKalb Stars competition coming up in October. To participate in the fun event, set for Oct. 20, applicants must submit a headshot, resume and/or reel to Dionne McGee at damcgee@ dekalbcountyga.gov by July 1. Dancing with the DeKalb Stars, which pairs dance professionals with members of DeKalb County’s legal, public safety, business and civic communities, is sponsored by the Office of the DeKalb County Solicitor-General. It raises funds through ticket sales and sponsorships for the International Women’s House and the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence. Experienced dancers and their partners compete for two titles, “Judges’ Favorite” and “Audience Favorite.” The competition, which is inspired by ABC’s popular “Dancing with the Stars” competition, gives dance professionals the opportunity to showcase their talent as they choreograph and train novices to dance. Last year’s inaugural Dancing with the DeKalb Stars competition was attended by 500 people. Stars included DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon, CEO Michael Thurmond, and former DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown.
Former Sheriff Tom Brown (left photo, at right) and Super District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon (white hat) were among contestants in the inaugural Dancing With the DeKalb Stars competition in 2017.
Tyrus Riley
Freeze or thaw Komen to help women pay for breast cancer treatment struggling to pay bills associcredit for free atedWomen “Thanks to the support of with breast cancer treatment can now get help from the Komen Atlanta Treatment our donors, we will help with new law Assistance Program. remove some of these The program, announced by Susan G. barriers for our neighbors in Greater Atlanta, will provide direct starting July 1 Komen need.” financial assistance to patients dealing with
Starting July 1, Georgians can freeze their credit, free of charge, compliments of Senate Bill 376 signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal. Attorney General Chris Carr said that a credit freeze can be a powerful and proactive weapon against identity theft. “We hope this new law will encourage more Georgians to use this simple tool to protect themselves from fraud,” he said June 27. When a freeze is in place, credit reporting agencies cannot release consumers’ credit reports or credit scores unless consumers first remove the freeze by providing a PIN or password. Since lenders and creditors rely on access to consumers’ credit files to determine their creditworthiness, denying access through a freeze makes it very difficult for an identity thief to open a new credit account or get a loan in a victim’s name. To place a credit freeze on your file, consumers must contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies: n Experian: 1-888-397-3742, www.experian.com/freeze/center.html. n Equifax: 1-800-685-1111, www.freeze. equifax.com. n TransUnion LLC: 1-888-909-8872, www. transunion.com/personal-credit/creditdisputes/credit-freezes.page Other specialized credit reporting agencies including the National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange must be contacted directly. NCTUE maintains data reported by some telecommunication, pay TV and utility service providers. To place or remove a security freeze on your NCTUE account, call 1-866-349-5355 or visit www. exchangeservicecenter.com/Freeze/jsp/ SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp. Carr say a credit freeze does not affect a consumer’s existing credit in any way. “However, if you want to apply for a new loan or credit card, you will need to contact the credit reporting agencies to have the freeze temporarily lifted or thawed,” he said. A new federal law to make credit freezes free nationwide will go into effect Sept. 21.
the crippling costs associated with breast cancer treatment. Komen Atlanta says eligible patients must have incomes at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty line and have an active breast cancer diagnosis. The program will cover things like oral pain medication, anti-nausea medication, oral chemotherapy/hormone therapy, child care/elder care, home care, transportation, lymphedema care and supplies, and durable medical equipment. Cati Diamond Stone, Komen Atlanta
Cati Diamond Stone, Komen Atlanta executive director
executive director, said no one should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the treatment they need to save their life. “Yet we know that there are many barriers that often prevent breast cancer patients from accessing the care they need,” Stone said. “Thanks to the support of our donors, we will help remove some of these barriers
for our neighbors in need.” She said the financial assistance is part of the organization’s Bold Goal to reduce current breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the United States by 2026. For more information, call the Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. at 1-877 GO KOMEN (4656636) or email helpline@komen.org.
Free emergency response training for DeKalb residents DeKalb residents can sign up now for two free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Workshops starting July 10. The first nine-week workshops begins takes place on Tuesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084. A second nine-week CERT workshop for people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, begins on July 12 and will be held Thursdays
from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters. Certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will help with the training. Participants will learn what to do before, during and after a disaster occurs and how to care for family members and neighbors. Course topics include disaster preparedness, basic fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology, team organization and
terrorism and autism awareness. The workshop, sponsored by DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency, is free for DeKalb County citizens. All participants must pass a background check. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga. gov/dema and click the “Community Emergency Response Team” menu option. For more information, contact Thomas Paige at tpaige@dekalbcountyga.gov or 678406-7858.
Section of Arabia Mountain trail closed for sewer repairs Almost a mile of the Arabia Mountain PATH trail will be closed through early July to facilitate the installation of a new sewer main. The closure of the trail between mile marker 5.0 at North Goddard Road and mile marker 5.80 at the Flatrock Spur began June 25. DeKalb’s Department of
Watershed Management is replacing a deteriorated line with a newer and larger pipe. It said the trail will reopen in early July, but the exact date is not yet known. The sewer line replacement is a part of DeKalb County’s $1.345 billion Capital Improvement Plan, which is assessing,
repairing and replacing aging sewer lines to improve sewer service around the county. Detour and trail closure signs have been placed in the area to notify cyclists and trail-users. For more information, email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 800-9861108.
Detours will be set for Moreland, Jonesboro, I-675 exits RESURFACING,
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GDOT says contractors will also close ramps and set up detours for Jonesboro Road and Moreland Avenue entrance and exit ramps for one to two hours during the weekend work. Motorists wishing to travel eastbound on I-285 to the Jonesboro Road exit (Exit 55) or SR 42/Moreland Avenue
exit (Exit 53) will be directed to continue on I-285 eastbound to the Bouldercrest Road exit (Exit 51). From Bouldercrest, motorists will be directed to I-285 westbound to Moreland Avenue. Motorists can then access Jonesboro Road by continuing south on Moreland Avenue, west on SR 160/Thurman Road, then either north or south on Jonesboro Road.
Contractors will also close the I-675 southbound entrance ramp from I-285 eastbound. Motorists will be directed to access I-675 southbound by continuing to travel eastbound past I-675 to Bouldercrest Road (Exit 51), turning around to access the Bouldercrest Road on-ramp to I-285 westbound, then taking the I-675 southbound entrance ramp (Exit 52).
June 30, 2018
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The program is available to any individual with citations issued between January 2010 and December 2017.
Amnesty offered to motorists with delinquent traffic tickets
Motorists who have open traffic cases with the DeKalb “The goal of our citation amnesty County State Court Traffic Division are being offered amnesty but they have to apply by July 9. program is to provide individuals Under the amnesty program, the court is waiving conwith open or delinquent citations tempt fees for failure to appear in court for motorists with an opportunity to efficiently resolve delinquent traffic tickets. their matters and restore their Presiding State Court Judge Shondeana Morris said the program is available to any individual with citations issued driving record.” between January 2010 and December 2017. Shondeana Morris, State Court Judge “The goal of our citation amnesty program is to provide individuals with open or delinquent citations an opportunity to efficiently resolve their matters and restore their driving outstanding warrants will be rigorously enforced when the record,” she said. Morris said remaining open cases and amnesty period ends.
Court sessions will be held weekdays at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Individuals who wish to clear penalties and warrants under this program are encouraged to sign up early. Online sign-up is available at www.dekalbstatecourt.net/ Amnesty and at 8:30 a.m. each day for the same service. Citizens can also sign up for notifications for their assigned court date for amnesty at www.courtinnovations. com/GADCSC. For information, visit www.dekalbstatecourt.net or call 404-294-2099. Motorists who have recently received a citation in DeKalb County, can visit www.courtinnovations.com/GADCSC to opt-in for text notices.
Alleged Clarkston rapist captured, in custody at DeKalb County Jail Corey Griffin, who allegedly terrorized women in Clarkston and other places, has been captured. Griffin, 48, who was wanted in multiple sexual assaults in the city of Clarkston and Stone Corey Griffin Mountain, was arrested in Atlanta on June 24 and transported to the DeKalb Sheriff ’s Office. Sgt. Jason E. Elliott of the Clarkston
Criminal Investigation Division said Griffin will be processed on the charges and housed at the jail pending his court dates. The DeKalb Sheriff Office said Griffin’s whereabouts came from a 911 tip. There were 17 outstanding warrants for Griffin on charges including simple assault, sodomy, obstructing or hindering a person, four counts of aggravated assault, terroristic acts, stalking, three counts of burglary, two counts of rape, false imprisonment, and home invasion. Griffin, who is 5’11” and weighs 190
pounds, was wanted since May 11 when he allegedly brutally attacked two women in their Market Street home in Clarkston. Police say he knocked on the women’s back door, telling them he was looking for yard work. The women said he left when his offer was refused. Later that day, when the one of the women returned home, she was attacked by Griffin inside her home. She was beaten with a blunt instrument and sexually assaulted. When her roommate arrived home soon after, Griffin also viciously attacked her. The
women were able to escape and Griffin fled on foot. For weeks, he evaded K-9 and helicopter searches for him but allegedly continued his brutal crime spree. Elliott said other violent crimes in the surrounding Stone Mountain area, believed to be committed by the same person, continued. Through DNA and other evidence, Georgia Bureau of Investigations Division of Forensic Services identified Griffin as the perpetrator and multiple active warrants were issued for his arrest.
Early voting starts July 2 for Super District 7 commission seat, other runoffs Early voting begins July 2 for residents of DeKalb Super District 7 to pick a commissioner, and for the entire county to select a new Superior Court judge to represent them for the next four years. Embattled incumbent Commissioner Gregory Adams, who is accused of sexually harassing his former district manager,
and political newcomer Lorraine CochranJohnson are vying in the July 24 runoff for the Commission District 7 seat. A county internal investigation found that Adams violated the county’s sexual harassment policy and recommended that he undergo sensitivity training. Tunde Akinyele and LaTisha Dear
Teen arrested in deadly shooting Seventeen-year-old Jerell Curtis was arrested on murder and aggravated assault charges on June 19 for allegedly shooting Erasmus Pratt in the face on June 9. Pratt, 17, died the same day from his inju- Jerell Curtis ries. DeKalb Sheriff ’s Fugitive Squad arrested Curtis at an apartment in Lithonia on June 19 and booked him into the county jail. DeKalb Police learned of a confrontation
between Pratt and Curtis after finding the injured Pratt. The warrants, released June 20, say Curtis and an unidentified girlfriend were seen walking toward Pratt at the Terra Creek Apartments on Central Drive in Stone Erasmus Pratt Mountain. The girlfriend is said to have walked away before the gunshots occurred. The warrants say Curtis told her he shot Pratt because he tried to rob him.
Jackson are vying for the open Superior Court seat formerly held by Judge Daniel Coursey, who is retiring. Four statewide races – Democratic primaries for state School Superintendent and the 6th Congressional District; and Republican primary races for governor, lieutenant governor, and Secretary of State
– also ended in runoffs on May 22. Early voting ends on July 20. On election day, all precincts will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The elections office is at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300 in Decatur. For more information, call 404-2984020.
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Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America.
Forts offer a view of soldiers’ lives on Independence Day 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writer Jennifer Ffrench Parker Editorial Interns Rosie Manins Bryce Etheridge 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.
Independence Day celebrations at Fort Morris in Midway, and at Fort King George in Darien will feature Colonial history through musket and cannon firings, as well as with colonial games and skills, prizes and music.
Families can celebrate July 4 with colonial games and skills, prizes, music, and musket and cannon firings at Fort Morris Independence Day Colonial Faire in Midway, Ga., or experience Cannons Across the Marsh at Fort King George in Darien, Ga. Both historic sites are operated by Georgia State Parks. At the 67-acre Fort Morris, visitors will learn about the fort’s importance during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and other conflicts. For the nation’s birthday, they can play colonial games and music, and witness musket and cannon firings. They will also get to stand within the earthwork remains and view scenic Saint Catherine’s Sound.
A museum and film describe the colonial port of Sunbury and the site’s history. Visitors can also borrow binoculars and a field guide to go birding to catch glimpses of downy woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, goldfinches, wood storks, painted buntings, great egrets and many other coastal species. Admission is $3 to $4.50. Fort Morris is at 2559 Fort Morris Road in Midway. For more information, call 912-884-5999.
Free watermelon and lemonade will be served. The fully reconstructed garrison is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia’s coast. From 1721 until 1736, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. In addition to the many fort buildings, remains of three sawmills and tabby ruins are still visible. Admission is $4.50 to $7:50. The fort is in at 302 McIntosh Road S.E. in Cannons Across the Marsh Darien. A day of artillery drills, musket firings and For more information, call 912-437-4770. soldier’s life activities takes place 10 a.m. to 4 For more information on both forts, visit p.m. at Fort King George in honor of Indepen- https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ dence Day. GADNR/bulletins/1526abd.
Decatur’s Pied Piper celebration is a community affair Participants are encouraged to step out in their finest red, white and blue for the annual Pied Piper Parade and celebration, which is sponsored by the city of Decatur and the Decatur Business Association.
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Walkers, bikers and skaters can join the city of Decatur’s annual Pied Piper Parade starting at 6 p.m. on July 4. The patriotic parade, sponsored by the city of Decatur and the Decatur Business Association, is open to anyone who wants to participate as long as they are decked out in their red, white and blue. The hourlong parade will wind its way to the historic Decatur Square for the presenta-
tion of colors and the Star Spangled Banner. Children and adults can walk, ride bikes, skate, and decorate wagons, and neighborhoods, civic organizations, and politicians may put vehicles and/or floats in the parade. People who want to drive in the parade must register their vehicle by emailing Shirley.baylis@ decaturga.com or calling 678-553-6573. Paraders will line up at 5:50 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont The “Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision” at Stone Mountain Park features music, animation, water effects, a laser canopy, and a drone fleet synced with the music.
Stone Mountain Park’s Fantastic Fourth Circulation Audited By
Since 2003
DeKalb’s most patriotic place – Stone Mountain Park – is preparing a week full of celebration for America’s birthday with its annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration taking place July 1-7. The festivities begin 9:30 p.m. each night with the “Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision.” It features music, animation, water effects, a laser canopy, and a drone fleet synced with the
music all in front of Stone Mountain’s face. It culminates in a patriotic fireworks show. The park’s attractions will open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The laser show and fireworks are included with parking admission. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Stone Mountain Park is at 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. For more information, call 800-4012407.
Ave. Pedestrians should gather on the lawn and vehicles will line up in the parking lot. Starting from the church at 6 p.m., the parade makes a left onto Commerce Drive, and meanders through downtown Decatur. A Concert on the Square Bandstand, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, starts at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and coolers. Fireworks begin at dark, around 9 p.m.
Time-honored tradition in Avondale Estates Residents, family and friends will cele brate America’s birthday at Avondale Estates’ annual 4th of July festivities, which the city calls “a time-honored tradition.” Paraders will line up at 9:15 a.m. at DeKalb School of the Arts located at 1192 Clarendon Ave. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. One hour later, it terminates at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale Road. Flag-waving residents and parade watchers will line the parade route. At dusk, fireworks will fill the sky over Lake Avondale bordered by Berkley Road and Lakeshore Drive. For the city’s traffic plan for the parade, visit https://www.avondaleestates.org/DocumentCenter/View/222/Fireworks-TrafficPlan-PDF?bidId=.
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“Fireworks watchers are encouraged to ride MARTA to the event.”
Atlanta’s fireworks display taking place at International Plaza Atlanta’s fireworks show has been relocated this year from Centennial Olympic Park to the area around the World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Philips Arena.
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Atlanta and the Southeast’s biggest fireworks display has a new location this year – International Plaza and the greenspace around the World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Philips Arena. The annual July 4 fireworks show, which attracts thousands, has been relocated from Centennial Olympic Park because of massive construction underway at the park. Instead of canceling the event, Joe Bocherer, GWCCA chief commercial officer, says it’s being relocated because it is important to keep the tradition in place. “It’s our gift to the community,” he said. The Georgia World Congress Center
Authority (GWCCA), which oversees Centennial Olympic Park, said June 26 that gates will open at 6 p.m. Chart-topping R&B quartet After 7 will headline the entertainment lineup, which begins at 7 p.m. After 7, best known for hits like “Ready or Not” and “Can’t Stop,” will perform with JFly and Friends. Other artists for the celebration include Keisha Jackson, Christian Jones, Kayte Burgess, Von Grey, Hamilton Park, Dionne Farris, and Cody Matlock. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. Visitors younger than 17 must be accompanied by someone who is at least 25 years old. All bags are subject to search. Among
After 7, best known for hits like “Ready or Not” and “Can’t Stop,” will headline the entertainment lineup, which begins at 7 p.m.
prohibited items, drones, backpacks larger than 11×17 inches, coolers, glass containers, personal fireworks, tents, grills, illegal drugs, and skateboards. There will be multiple road closures around the event site. Parking is half price if booked before the event at https://gwcc.
clickandpark.com/. Admission is free. Fireworks watchers are encouraged to ride MARTA to the event. International Plaza is accessible from the MBS/Philips/GWCC Station. For more information, visit https://www.gwcca. org/events/july4/.
Stroll with a ranger to view fireworks shows from atop Panola Mountain Active kids and adults can put some steps into the two-day celebrations of the nation’s birth at Panola Mountain State Park’s Fireworks Hike on July 3 and July 4. A park ranger will lead hikers on a leisurely stroll to the top of Panola Mountain starting at 8 p.m. both days to witness the
sunset and enjoy a panoramic view of Stone Mountain and Atlanta’s Independence Day fireworks show from afar. Ages 8 and up must register in advance for the rain-or-shine event. Reservations are $20 and nonrefundable. Participants who give at least 24 hours’ no-
tice if they need to reschedule can receive transfer credits that can only be applied to a similar program. In the event of severe weather, the park may deem it necessary to cancel or reschedule the event. If this occurs, refunds will be offered to registered guests.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, bug spray, and a flashlight for the walk back down the mountain to a campfire and s’mores. Park parking is $5. Panola Mountain State Park is at 2620 Highway 155 S.W. in Stockbridge. For more information, call 770-389-7801.
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Youth
Antioch, UPS help spruce up Hairston Park
June 30, 2018
“She’s done the work herself and her character speaks for itself.”
Tennis player nets 2018 Positive Athlete award
By Bryce Ethridge
Southwest DeKalb High School tennis player LaTia Bell is the 2018 Positive Athlete for the Atlanta Region. LaTia, who graduated May 22 with a 3.8 GPA, won the award June 15 from a field of thousands, despite battling sickle cell disease since she was a toddler. Her coach Lance Davenport said that coaches, teachers, parents and fans around Georgia made more than 5,400 nominations for the award. Founded by Hines Ward, a former University of Georgia and Pittsburgh Steelers football star, and Super Bowl XL MVP, the award celebrates high school studentathletes and coaches who give back, are involved in their schools and communities, overcome difficult circumstances, and embody the seven definitions of a Positive Athlete: optimistic attitude, encouraging of teammates, servant leader, heart for others, admits imperfections, always gives 100 percent, and puts team first. She is going to the University of Georgia to study biological science/pre-med on an academic scholarship. Her goal is to become a hematologist. Davenport said the honor is welldeserved. “She’s done the work herself and her character speaks for itself,” he said. LaTia was a member of Southwest DeKalb’s tennis team for two years. In 2018 she and doubles partner Kendall Davis finished with a 6-5 record at the #1
Vince Myers
Even while missing weeks at a time of school and tennis due to debilitating pain, Southwest DeKalb’s LaTia Bell would call to support her teammates, and maintained her grades and her on-court prowess.
Doubles position, ranking eighth best in the county. She also posted 1-3 mark at the Singles 3 position. Sickle cell is a debilitating illness that causes crippling pain, and LaTia ended up missing long periods – often weeks at a time – of school and tennis. During those periods, she called to support her teammates, often telling Davenport to communicate her well-
wishes to the team and to tell members she would be back with them soon. In spite of the time missed, LaTia maintained her grades and her on-court prowess. She was touched by Davenport’s nomination. “It feels amazing to know that my coach sees me this way,” she said. Her mother, Keisha Fairley, is proud of her accomplishments. Fairley, a single mother raising a child with a disease she knew little about, said she faced unemployment each time she called out of work to take or visit LaTia in the hospital. She said LaTia’s positive attitude helped her a lot. “She didn’t give up and that made me strong,” said Fairley, who can’t believe how far her daughter has come. LaTia said her mother was an inspiration. “She kept an optimistic attitude and that really rubbed off,” LaTia said. Throughout high school LaTia was told numerous times that she would never play organized sports. She proved the naysayers wrong. LaTia says tennis helped her to stay optimistic in the midst of her illness. “It’s hard knowing I have all these limits, but I don’t let it stop me,” she said. In addition to recognizing positive high school athletes in Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota and Western Pennsylvania, the Positive Athletes organization, founded in 2011, has awarded more than $100,000 in college scholarships.
FDHA interns teach foster kids how to create a garden Volunteers spread mulch in beds at the park to prepare for installation of fitness equipment.
Families and kids who use Hairston Park will find a more pleasant environment because of recent work by volunteers from Antioch African Methodist Episcopal Church, United Parcel Service, and Friends of Hairston Park. During a community affair workday in the park, volunteers mulched the park beds to prepare for DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department installing fitness equipment. Gwendolyn Stegall, Friends of Hairston Park president, was grateful for the help, which saved the group thousands of dollars. She said Friends of Hairston Park, formed in February 2017, has made great progress as stewards of the Stone Mountain park. The group has established partnerships, garnered volunteer hours, and raised money for the park improvements through donations. It has also secured a $15,000 grant from UPS to help build fitness trails to encourage users to be more active, and a $10,000 matching grant from the Park Pride Community Building Grant. The Rev. Vandy C. Simmons, Antioch’s senior pastor, said church members wanted to help make the park more family-friendly. “I want to serve a church that is part of the community,” he said. “If something were to happen to Antioch, we want the community to miss Antioch.” Antioch has also helped the Friends of Hairston Park for a cleanup up the park by picking up trash. The Friends of Hairston Park will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 21 to dedicate the Hairston Park’s new playground. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, other county officials, and Olympic 4x100 relay medalist Sam Graddy are expected to attend. The dedication is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. friendsofhairstonpark.org.
Bryce Etheridge / CrossRoadsNews
Sixteen boys and girls who live at a home operated by Positive Growth Inc. got help from Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority interns to build two raised beds and plant vegetables in them.
By Bryce Ethridge
A garden of vegetables – zuchinni, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers – is growing in Clarkston, with help from a new crop of gardeners: foster kids. The 16 boys and girls, who live at a home operated by Positive Growth Inc. on Ponce de Leon Avenue, got help on June 22 from Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority interns to build two raised beds and plant the vegetables. The interns helped the kids prepare the soil for planting and showed them the importance of building healthy eating habits. For many, planting anything – and in particular, food – was a novel idea. Roberto, who recently arrived at the foster home, never thought something this interesting would happen. “It’s my first time doing it and it’s good so far,” he said while playing in the dirt. Rose Arnold, Positive Growth Inc.’s director, said good nutrition is not top of the list for a lot of children in foster care and that it was good to expose them to gardening. “Letting them see and feel and touch the process of the growth of food, not just
the fact that you can go to the store and pick it up,” she said. The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, which owns Grady Health System, said the primary focus of the project helped to identify, prevent, and educate youth on health disparities because malnutrition, lack of prenatal care, violence, and other adversities make adolescents more susceptible to mental and physical illnesses. FDHA points out that children in foster care are 1.5 times more likely to develop a chronic disease and that at least 35 percent of them suffer from poor mental health. During the weeklong G.R.O.W. initiative – Growing Renewable Opportunities for Wellness – stakeholders and participating members also taught the children about nutrition and gardening, and explained why fruits and vegetables are healthy, and why weeds are bad for gardens. They introduced the kids to gardening tools, taught them what proper soil for growing looks like, and showed them how to take care of their garden. FDHA health educator Sherard Polite said the efforts of the foster children and interns were well-received. “Science has proven that gardening allows people to live longer and reduce stress,” he said. “So it’ll be a great thing for them.” Polite said that G.R.O.W., which evolved
from the FDHA’s Michael R. Hollis Internship program, is a way to meet the children where they are. The internship, which takes place every school semester, offers university, college or vocational/technical school students and a graduate student the opportunity to work on a group project involving HIV, diabetes, stroke, heart health or access to care. It is named for the late Grady board trustee member who left a legacy of innovation, public service, and commitment to health care for all persons, particularly the indigent. This is the first time it has focused on children in foster care. Jared Wilson, an intern and a rising senior at Georgia Gwinnett College, said with the price of groceries on the rise, they felt gardening was a good and useful skill to impart to children. “I wasn’t sure [the foster kids] wanted to do gardening,” he said. “Then we reached out to Mrs. Arnold and she thought it would be a wonderful idea.” Beverly Burks, FDHA Community Outreach director, said she hopes that G.R.O.W will get the kids to reconnect with nature, among other things. “I hope that this will give them peace and harmony with all the strife in their life,” she said.
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2018
Legal Notices 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, 06/30
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1844-1 Aleeda M. Haynes-Kelly PLAINTIFF VS Robert C. Kelly DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Robert C. Kelly 6465 Crestline Terrace Norcross, GA 30092 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 25, 2018. You are hereby notified that Feb. 2, 2018, 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 Aleeda M. HaynesKelly, 264 Habitat Circle, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 29, 2018. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 29th day of May, 2018 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, 06/30
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5998-2 Britany Jones PLAINTIFF VS Ned Voungh Jones, III DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
TO: Ned Voungh Jones, III By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 24, 2018. You are hereby notified that Aug. 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 Britany Jones, 2505 Shiloh Dr., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 24, 2018. Witness the Honorable Ash F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, 06/30
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court
7
PLAINTIFF VS Gerald Leonard Cunningham DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Gerald Leonard Cunningham Alexandria P.O. St. Ann Jamaica Wis. By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated 4th day of Jun., 2018. You are hereby notified that the 25th day of Jan., 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is Carlene Rose Cunningham-Pro Se. 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 5th day of Jun., 2018
Mario Sullivan PLAINTIFF VS Garcia Raven DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jun. 06, 2018. You are hereby notified that Feb. 6, 2018, 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: Mario Sullivan #965797, Autry State Prison; P.O. Box 648, Palham, GA 31779. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jun. 06, 2018. Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 7th day of June, 2018
06/16, 06/23, 06/30, 07/07
06/16, 06/23, 06/30, 07/07
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court
of DeKalb County State of Georgia
of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1572 Carlene Rose Cunningham
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1909-8
Ministry
real estate
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Civil Action Case Number: 18FM5933-10 Gregory Stanton filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jun. 06, 2018 to change name from: Gregory Stanton to Gregory Paige Stanton. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr., 2018 06/16, 06/23, 06/30, 07/07
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name(S) OF MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
in the Superior Court of DeKalb County
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM6546-1 Tabu Sophie filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 01, 2018 to change name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Tuliya Tabu to Ahishakiye Quinthia Dorcas. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: May 01, 2018
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Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT
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CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2018