CrossRoadsNews, March 14, 2015

WELLNESS

YOUTH

Nifty park features

Living history visit

As warmer weather brings the possibility for more rain and thunderstorms, residents are encouraged to prepare for potentially damaging floods. 5

An Eagle Scout’s community service project and other amenities were unveiled at the dedication of Flat Shoals Park in Decatur. 10

Original Freedom Rider Charles Person share harrowing stories of historic bus rides to end segregation during a visit to area schools. 11

Prep for flood season

YOUTH

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

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March 14, 2015

Volume 20, Number 46

www.crossroadsnews.com

District 5 seat still vacant as commissioners squabble

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb Commission District 5 is still without a commissioner, 20 months and counting, after Lee May was appointed interim DeKalb CEO. On March 10, the Board of Commissioners failed once again to agree on any of the five candidates – Markus Butts, Gina Smith Mangham, Dr. Kathryn Rice, Kenneth Saunders III and George Turner – that they nominated and interviewed last week.

Going into the meeting, some commissioners said they were hopeful they could appoint the long-anticipated interim commissioner.

But instead of approving a nominee Tues-

“It’s a completely dysfunctional board. They are playing politics with District 5 and this is the problem with this county.”

Charles Peagler

day, the commissioners fussed at each other and voted down or could not get a majority to appoint four of the five candidates.

The motion to consider Rice, the fifth candidate, did not get a second and was tabled for the BOC’s next meeting.

Charles Peagler, a District 5 resident who

watched the proceedings, said he was flabbergasted and mad as hell.

“Right now I don’t even know how I feel,” he said afterward. “You just can’t even explain that. It’s a completely dysfunctional board.

They are playing politics with District 5 and this is the problem with this county.”

Saunders, the nominee, said he was really surprised at the inaction.

“I’m disappointed about the conduct and what happened,” he said. “This shouldn’t take place. They were supposed to appoint someone to actually help unite everyone but it’s very political. It is extremely political.”

After the meeting, May said the BOC failed all of the citizens of the county.

“This is taxation without representation

in letter and in spirit,” he said. “It is an abomination that a minority bloc of DeKalb County commissioners would continue to disenfranchise the people of southeast DeKalb. They keep moving the goal posts: First, it was not Lee May about the nomination, it was about the process. Now, with the full process within their control, they failed to do so five times in a single day.”

District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton said she was disappointed at the lack Please see BOC, page 2

Obama honors Lewis, Bloody Sunday heroes Thousands mark 50th anniversary of Selma march

who despite the gush of blood and splintered bone would stay true to their North Star and keep marching toward justice.”

He said they did as Scripture instructed. “‘Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer,’” he quoted. “And in the days to come, they went back again and again. When the trumpet call sounded for more to join, the people came – black and white, young and old, Christian and Jew, waving the American flag and singing the same anthems full of faith and hope.”

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Fifth District U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who was beaten bloody on March 7, 1965, got a huge hug from President Barack Obama on March 7, 2015, at the foot of the same Edmund Pettus Bridge where white policemen attacked him and 600 other marchers with clubs and dogs to stop their peaceful march for the right to vote.

Before speaking to the thousands of people gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Obama enveloped Lewis, who introduced him, in his arms.

“It was a rare honor in this life to follow one of your heroes,” the president said. “And John Lewis is one of my heroes.”

Lewis told the crowd that 17 of the marchers were hospitalized but that they never became bitter. He said he returns to Selma year after year to be renewed to continue the fight for freedom.

“Don’t give up,” said Lewis, whose congressional district includes portions of DeKalb County. “Don’t get lost in a sea of despair. We all live in one house – the American house.”

Obama said he imagined that 50 years ago, a younger John Lewis did not wake up that morning with heroics on his mind.

“A day like this was not on his mind,” he said. “Young folks with bedrolls and backpacks were milling about. Veterans of the movement trained newcomers in the tactics of nonviolence, the right way to protect yourself when attacked. A doctor described what tear gas does to the body, while marchers scribbled down instructions for contacting their loved ones. The air was thick with doubt, anticipation and fear. And they comforted themselves with the final verse of the final hymn they sung: ‘No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;

Pete Souza/White House

President Barack Obama embraces U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who was beaten on Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., on March 7, 1965. Obama spoke at the 50th anniversary observance.

Thousands journey to Selma to mark 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday – Story, photos on pages 6 & 7.

Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you.’

“And then, his knapsack stocked with an apple, a toothbrush, and a book on government – all you need for a night behind bars – John Lewis led them out of the church on a mission to change America.”

Where U.S. destiny decided Obama said Selma was one of the places and moments where the nation’s destiny was decided.

“In one afternoon 50 years ago, so much of our turbulent history – the stain of slavery and anguish of Civil War; the yoke of segregation and tyranny of Jim Crow; the death of four little girls in Birmingham; and the dream of a Baptist preacher – all that history met on this bridge,” he said. “It was not a clash of armies, but a clash of wills; a

‘They led a nation’ In time, Obama said that the marchers’ chorus would well up and reach President Lyndon Johnson, who sent send them protection and spoke to the nation, echoing their call for America and the world to hear: “We shall overcome.”

Obama said the Americans who crossed this bridge were not physically imposing.

“But they gave courage to millions,” he said. “They held no elected office. But they led a nation. They marched as Americans who had endured hundreds of years of brutal violence, countless daily indignities – but they didn’t seek special treatment, just the equal treatment promised to them almost a century before.”

He said what they did in Selma will reverberate through the ages, not because the change they won was preordained or their victory was complete, but because they proved that nonviolent change is possible, that love and hope can conquer hate.

“As we commemorate their achievement, we are well-served to remember that at the time of the marches, many in power condemned rather than praised them,” Obama said. “Back then, they were called Communists, or half-breeds, or outside agitators, sexual and moral degenerates, and worse. They were called everything but the name their parents gave them. Their faith was questioned. Their lives were threatened.

Their patriotism challenged.”

And yet what could be more American than what happened in this place, the presi-

contest to determine the true meaning of America. And because of men and women like John Lewis, Joseph Lowery, Hosea Williams, Amelia Boynton, Diane Nash, Ralph Abernathy, C.T. Vivian, Andrew Young, Fred Shuttlesworth, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many others, the idea of a just America and a fair America, an inclusive America, and a generous America – that idea ultimately triumphed.”

But the president said that we cannot examine Selma in isolation.

“The march on Selma was part of a broader campaign that spanned generations – the leaders that day part of a long line of heroes,” he said. “We gather here to celebrate them. We gather here to honor the courage of ordinary Americans willing to endure billy clubs and the chastening rod, tear gas and the trampling hoof, men and women Please see MARCH, page 2

2

CrossRoadsNews

Community

March 14, 2015

“We need to put somebody in this seat who is there to represent the people of District 5, and not somebody … here for ‘Let’s make a deal.’”

Commissioners rank District 5 nominees, fail to pick top vote-getters BOC,

from page

1

of a consensus.

“The citizens deserve to have a voice,” she said.

After interviewing the candidates on March 3, commissioners picked their top three candidates. In the rankings, Mangham and Turner tied for first place with 9 points.

Butts was in second place with 6 points, and Rice and Saunders tied for third place with five points each.

Presiding Officer Larry Johnson suggested that commissioners vote on the two top vote-getters first.

District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon moved the motion to appoint Mangham.

“I am looking for a candidate who does her homework, looks at data Kathie Gannon and information and makes an independent decision based on what is best for the county,” Gannon said. “She seems to be someone who was showing vision and leadership in what she is doing now in the community and she also was someone that none of us know as a friend.”

District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader seconded the motion, saying that Mangham got 2,700 votes when she challenged incumbent May for the District 5 seat in 2012.

“That is the closest that we are going to get to have someone who has votes counted for them,” he said. “She chose to run against an incumbent. She did not win but she earned those votes and that is a singular accomplishment for her candidacy.”

Nomination process The discourse nosedived when Rader gave the reasons why he could not vote for the other two top point getters – Turner and Butts.

“And here’s another thing,” he said. “I will use my vote to prevent the inJeff Rader terim CEO from casting a deciding vote to install a commissioner.”

Rader said he would not vote for Turner for the same reasons that he didn’t vote for him before.

“In spite of the fact that he now comes as a nominee from a commissioner, he is nevertheless still the nominee of the interim CEO,” he said. “This particular course does not change that. You can’t change the person by simply changing the label.”

At earlier board meetings, Rader insisted that he had no problem with Turner, just the nomination process by which he had sent before them.

Rader went on to say that May “is not infallible” in his judgment in nomination.

“The ICEO nominated and installed Jerry Clark as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Mr. Clark awaits sentencing for bribery charges,” he said. “Mr. May nominated Robert Blackman and replaced Isaac Blythers on the Board of Ethics. He himself is an appointee nominated by Elaine Boyer and elevated by Governor Deal upon the controversial indictment of Burrell Ellis so I can’t vote for a nominee of the interim CEO.” Rader said he couldn’t vote for Butts because his appointment would create a vacancy on the Planning Commission “that will be filled by another appointee of the unelected official so we just be kicking the unelected positions down the road.”

Rader said he could vote for Rice and Saunders.

He said Rice’s credentials and work in the community are well-known and that she also has run for the commission and earned votes for a seat on the board.

He said that while Mangham and Rice are clearly superior, Saunders “does not have the defects of the others [Turner and Butts].”

“In the interest of trying to get this done, I will vote also for Saunders,” he said. “So first for Mangham, and also for Saunders and for Rice.”

The vote for Mangham was tied and May was called to break the tie.

Before voting down Mangham’s nomination, May called Rader’s comments “really telling.”

“It is unfortunate that he would take the tack that he would when we are talking about coming together,” May said to applause from the audience.

May said Rader, Gannon and Nancy Jester were supporting Mangham “because they think she will come against anything that I would put forward.”

Barnes Sutton’s nomination of Turner was seconded by District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson.

She said Turner is an outstanding and humble individual who has been active in the community for many years.

“This is a man of integrity,” Barnes Sutton said. “He has not made a deal with anybody up here to sell his vote for any reason.

George Turner is not for sale and neither is

District 5.

We need to put somebody in this seat who is there to represent the people of District 5, and not somebody who is here for ‘Let’s make a deal.’”

‘Adding to the discomfort’ Barnes Sutton next turned her attention to Rader, who she said will go to any length to get what he wants regardless of the consequences.

“What does he think,” she said. “Does he think today is 12 years a slave?

S. Barnes Sutton No sir, it is not.”

The auditorium broke into cheers.

“Who do you think you are talking to people like that,” Barnes Sutton continued. “I want you to think about that when you start calling people names and questioning their integrity and impugning them in public, just as you do your fellow colleagues.

“Always playing a game, trying to set people up – call your news friends to do a bogus report, then get your other friends to

file a complaint and then you pretend like you didn’t know it in the beginning. Times up for all that, Commissioner Rader.”

Gannon said she couldn’t agree with with anything that her colleagues had said.

She apologized to the community for their behavior.

“It is just adding to the discomfort that’s up here already,” she said. “It’s just uncalled for and totally inappropriate.”

Gannon said she didn’t know Turner well either but admired his tenacity.

“But I feel that both Mr. Turner and Miss Rice have been turned down by this board so that we can move forward,” she said, “and for those reasons I cannot support he or Miss Rice as we move forward in this process.”

May said that if the commissioners cannot support Turner because of his participation in the process, they really have to throw out all five nominees.

“They all participated in the same process that I put forth,” he said. “It is hypocritical to say you can support one but not the other for they were all part of the same process.”

[Visit www.crossroadsnews.com for a longer version of this story]

Obama: Work remains 50 years after Bloody Sunday MARCH,

from page

1

dent asked.

“What could more profoundly vindicate the idea of America than plain and humble people – unsung, the downtrodden, the dreamers not of high station, not born to wealth or privilege, not of one religious tradition but many, coming together to shape their country’s course?” he asked. “What greater expression of faith in the American experiment than this, what greater form of patriotism is there than the belief that America is not yet finished, that we are strong enough to be self-critical, that each successive generation can look upon our imperfections and decide that it is in our power to remake this nation to more closely align with our highest ideals?

That’s why, Selma is not some outlier

in the American experience, the president said.

“That’s why it’s not a museum or a static monument to behold from a distance. It is instead the manifestation of a creed written into our founding documents: ‘We the People … in order to form a more perfect union.’

‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”

Obama said that these are not just words.

“They’re a living thing,” he said, “a call to action, a road map for citizenship and an insistence in the capacity of free men and women to shape our own destiny. For founders like Franklin and Jefferson, for leaders like Lincoln and FDR, the success of our experiment in self-government rested on engaging all of our citizens in this work. And that’s what we celebrate here in Selma. That’s what this movement was all about, one leg in

our long journey toward freedom.”

Fifty years after Bloody Sunday, the president said that our march is not yet finished, but we’re getting closer.

“Our job’s easier because somebody already got us through that first mile.

Somebody already got us over that bridge,” he said.

“When it feels the road is too hard, when the torch we’ve been passed feels too heavy, we will remember these early travelers and draw strength from their example, and hold firmly the words of the prophet Isaiah: ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on [the] wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not be faint.’”

For the full text of the President Obama’s speech, visit www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2015/03/07/remarks-president-50thanniversary-selma-montgomery-marches.

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March 14, 2015

Community

“In many situations we see domestic violence progress from verbal abuse ‌ to physical abuse that sometimes ends with loss of a life.â€?

‘Student Aid Bill of Rights’ to make it easier to pay for college

By Ken Watts

College students now have a “Student Aid Bill of Rights� to help them deal with the growing burden of college loans.

Pre s i d e n t B a r a c k Obama announced the initiative on March 10 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

He signed the executive order March 10 directing federal agencies to take steps to make it easier for college students Barack Obama to finance their education, pay back their loans and avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous lenders. “We can and should do much more to give students affordable ways to meet their responsibilities and repay their loans,�

Obama wrote in the executive order. “Now is the time for stronger protections.�

Obama told a cheering crowd of almost 10,000 students that the nation needs to make sure that they are not burdened by tens of thousands of dollars in debt after they leave college. “Higher education has never been more important, but it’s also never been more expensive,� Obama said.

The president said the Student Aid Bill of Rights is built on four principles: n Every student deserves access to a quality, affordable education at a college that’s cutting costs and increasing learning. n Every student should be able to access the resources needed to pay for college. n Every borrower has the right to an affordable repayment plan. n And every borrower has the right to quality

customer service, reliable information, and fair treatment, even if they struggle to repay their loans. “It doesn’t have a complicated acronym,� he said. “It doesn’t involve new spending, but it can help guide policy-makers to make college more affordable.�

The order directs the secretary of education to develop a “state of the art complaint and feedback system� that would allow students to easily file grievances about the federal financial aid process.

The directive also requires federal agencies involved in the distribution of student aid to enhance consumer protections and information disclosure during the financial aid process. It will create a task force to monitor student loan performance and trends in borrowing.

Obama urged Congress to invest more

money in making college affordable. “We’re going to be reaching out to them, trying to get them to see that this is a good investment,� he said.

In Washington, aides to House Speaker John A. Boehner praised the president for focusing on the rising costs of college but criticized him for initially proposing, then backing off, a plan to tax 529 college savings plans. “All that would do is push more families into the borrowing system,� Boehner said in a statement. “And while ‘enhancing’ the borrowing experience is all well and good, our goal should be helping parents and students avoid it as best they can.�

Last week, the House passed a plan to allow college students to use money from their 529 plans to purchase computers and other technology.

Decatur man gets two life sentences for shooting pregnant girlfriend

By Ken Watts

Carlo Simpson of Decatur is serving two consecutive life sentences plus an additional five years for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Shikhira Dunson.

Simpson shot and killed 20-year-old Dunson on Feb. 18, 2013, outside his home.

She had a 2-year-old son and was also 22 weeks pregnant.

DeKalb Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson sentenced him on March 9 after a jury found him guilty on March 6.

Simpson, 25, was convicted on charges

of felony murder, feticide, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.

District Attorney Robert James said Simpson has taken no responsibility for his actions.

Carlo Simpson “A mother was taken from her son without warning and without cause,� he said. “This was no accident. It was a deliberate and reckless act that ended with the death of a young mother and her

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At the sentencing hearing, Dunson’s mother, Johnnee Dunson, who is raising her grandson, who is also Simpson’s child, said that there is not one single day that she doesn’t think of her daughter. “What was once an amazing, beautiful, loving and gentle soul is now and forever more just ashes in the cold dark ground,� she said.

Johnnee Dunson said her daughter was not here to hear her son’s first words. “Their first Christmas together was their last Christmas together,� she said. “All of

this happened because of Carlo Simpson’s cowardly act of rage, aggression, obsession and stupidity.�

James said it is important for families to be aware of domestic violence. “In many situations we see domestic violence progress from verbal abuse and controlling behavior to physical abuse that sometimes ends with the loss of a life. We all have to remain vigilant in combating domestic violence in our community.�

If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, call the Women’s Resource Center’s 24-hour hotline at 404-688-9436.

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People 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 Ken Watts Graphic Design Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoads­News, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings.

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March 14, 2015

“Deputy Hall has shown courage and willpower to make tremendous progress.”

Former deputy celebrates a decade as a survivor

By Ken Watts

Former Fulton Sheriff ’s Deputy Cynthia Hall, who was injured in the 2005 rampage in the Fulton County Courthouse, was serenaded by more than 500 basketball fans who packed Decatur High School’s auditorium on March 7.

The fans sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to Hall, a West Virginia native who is celebrating 10 years as a survivor of the traumatic brain injury she suffered at the hands of escaped prisoner Brian Nichols who beat her in the head and face with a pair of handcuffs on March 11, 2005.

Hall beamed with pride at courtside.

The special halftime ceremony took place during the fourth annual “Jawbones vs. Sawbones” basketball game that benefits Stone Mountain-based Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse where she has been a member for nine years.

Hall was escorting Nichols to trial on a rape charge when he broke free. After attacking Hall, he went on a rampage in the courtroom that left Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes, court reporter Julie Brandau and a sheriff ’s deputy, Hoyt Teasley, dead.

Federal agent David Wilhelm also was killed by Nichols.

Hall was unconscious for 15 minutes before she was found and rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital for emergency surgery and treatment.

Surveillance video shows that Hall fought with Nichols for three minutes before she was overcome.

Nichols received the maximum prison sentence for more than 50 counts, from murder to carjacking, in 2008.

Hall says she remembers morning roll call the day she was attacked and then waking up in the Shepherd Center five days later. She does not remember much in between.

Her injuries left her with longterm impairments in cognitive and physical skills and emotional

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Former Fulton Sheriff’s Deputy Cynthia Hall suffered traumatic brain injury in the 2005 Fulton Courthouse rampage.

Fulton Sheriff Ted Jackson was among those paying tribute to her on March 7 during halftime at the “Jawbones vs.

Sawbones” basketball fundraiser at Decatur High for Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse in Stone Mountain.

function. After 17 years of service as a deputy, her catastrophic injury forced her into retirement at the age of 51.

Leaving her job abruptly and under tragic circumstances has been an adjustment.

“I miss the judges and the court reporters,” Hall said.

Another struggle has been loss of independence.

“No longer being able to drive is the hardest part,” she said.

In April 2006, Hall said her life took a turn for the better after the Shepherd Center referred her to Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse.

The rehabilitation service helps survivors of traumatic brain injuries “make the transition from medical patient to contributing community member.”

The clubhouse follows a weekday workday schedule of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Members volunteer to help out in three work units – business, kitchen or maintenance – to keep the Clubhouse running for its members.

The experience offers them support, routine, socialization and a chance to regain practical life skills.

In her nine years at Side by Side, staff members say that Hall has worked in all three units. Initially, she attended five days a week but is now down to one day a week.

Hall stays busy volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Decatur and at an elementary school near her home in Jonesboro.

The annual Jawbones vs. Sawbones benefit basketball game at Decatur High is Side by Side’s major fundraiser. It pitted lawyers against doctors and featured the halftime ceremony honoring Hall. State Sen. Steve Henson (D-

Tucker), Side by Side founder Cindi Johnson, and Fulton Sheriff Ted Jackson were among those paying tribute to Hall.

Jackson said that Hall will always be a part of the courthouse family.

“Deputy Hall has shown courage and willpower to make tremendous progress in the 10 years since the incident to where she is now,” he said, The Sawbones docs won 7973 in a hard-fought game to even their series with the attorneys at two games apiece. The game raised $70,000 to help fund Clubhouse programs.

Despite the challenges of the past decade, Hall said her faith has allowed her to move on in her recovery with no anger toward Nichols for the pain and devastation he has caused.

“My heart is full of forgiveness,” she said.

Family of man killed by Atlanta Police car wants answers

By Ken Watts

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil on March 12 in memory of 62-year-old grandfather Bernard Moore, who was struck by an Atlanta Police car on March 6.

Moore was str uck as he crossed Metropolitan Parkway Bernard Moore near Metro Audio and Auto Sales where he had worked for 10 years.

He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he died.

At a March 11 press conference at the Davis Bozeman Law Firm

in Decatur, Moore’s daughter, Ke­ Shanna Spencer, said he was a great father.

“He called every day just to check on me,” she said. “I really loved him. He was a great person.”

Atlanta Police said its Accident Response Team is investigating and will release results to the public when the probe is complete.

Attorneys Mawuli Mel Davis and Robert Bozeman, who are representing the family, said their firm is checking into witness claims that the police car may have been speeding but was on call at the time.

Bozeman said his firm has sent a letter requesting that Atlanta Police preserve all forensic evidence including information stored on the police cruiser’s event data recorder

that is similar to an airplane’s “black box.”

“The black box in a police cruiser can record information including what happened immediately before an accident,” said Bozeman.

“We’re asking that they preserve the information along with any surveillance video from the area and turn it over to the GBI.” Davis said it may have been a case of the driver getting distracted for a split second, but he said GBI involvement is key to getting an acceptable account of what caused the accident.

“The position that we have taken in every case involving law enforcement is that evidence should be immediately turned over to the GBI because that is the only way to

get an independent investigation for this family,” he said.

“For APD to investigate itself is not acceptable.”

Bozeman said there was no evidence that the cruiser tried to stop before hitting Moore.

Mourners remembered Moore during the vigil outside his workplace at Metro Audio and Auto Sales.

His family is seeking help from the public with burial expenses and has established a GoFundMe account in Moore’s name at http:// www.gofundme.com.

“We need the community’s support and prayers,” Spencer said. “He was well-loved in his community and his death has been difficult for all of us.”

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March 14, 2015

Wellness

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CrossRoadsNews

“Many communities across the state experience some kind of flooding after spring rains or intense storms.”

GEMA offers tips to prepare for flood threat Big South River Flooding in metro Atlanta in 2009 damaged many homes, businesses and schools. Ready Georgia provides resources to prepare for severe weather.

Spring is upon us, bringing warmer weather and a new set of severe weather threats.

Warmer weather provides ideal conditions for rain and heavy thunderstorms, which could ultimately lead to extremely dangerous conditions due to flooding. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/ Homeland Security’s Ready Georgia campaign encourages residents to understand what they need to do before, during and after a flood.

During National Flood Safety Preparedness Week, March 16-20, Georgians can prepare for the possibility of a flood, practice emergency response procedures, and learn more about local threats.

Jim Butterworth, director of GEMA/ Homeland Security, said floods are the No. 2 weather-related killer in Georgia.

“Many communities across the state experience some kind of flooding after spring rains or intense storms which produce large amounts of rain within a short period,” Butterworth said on March 11. “Taking a few minutes to prepare can make you and your family much safer.”

Floods are unpredictable and can be slow or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days. Flash floods usually result from heavy storms dropping large amounts of rain within a short period.

Nearly half of all flood-related deaths occur when people drive into floodwaters and their vehicle is swept away.

The Ready Georgia campaign offers simple, yet crucial, tips to prepare and stay informed about floods:

consider if you need additional coverage. n Familiarize yourself with terms used to identify a flood. A watch means widespread flooding is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. A warning means a flood is expected in your area within six to 12 hours. n Build a disaster supplies kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate. n Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate. n Create a communications plan and decide on a meeting place outside your neighborhood. n Determine an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local lines are overloaded or out of service. n Plan ahead for your pets. n Prepare your home. Keep important Before flooding n Know your area’s flood risk – if unsure, documents in a waterproof container in your contact your local emergency management Ready kit. Move your furniture and valuables agency or planning and zoning department to higher floors of your home. or visit www.floodsmart.gov. n Talk to your insurance provider about your During flooding policy as it pertains to flood damage and n If it has been raining hard for several

hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. n Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station, NOAA Weather Radio or the Ready Georgia mobile app for flood information. n Follow the instructions of local officials. n Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety. n Never drive through standing water. n Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. n Stay out of floodwaters if possible. n Stay away from downed power lines.

After flooding n Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe.

For more information, visit www.ready. ga.gov.

facelift kicks off A 10-acre buffer restoration event along the South River takes place on March 14 in Lithonia.

DeKalb County hosts the event beginning at 8 a.m. at the Pole Bridge Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility at 4664 Flat Bridge Road. It is part of a two-year project made possible by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and participation from DeKalb, the South River Watershed Alliance, Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, Arabia Mountain High, and Panola Mountain State Park.

The project’s primary goals are to improve water quality, enhance recreational use of the river, improve wildlife habitat, increase community stewardship, remove invasive plants, and facilitate river cane restoration.

A significant portion of the South River is in the southern part of DeKalb.

Damon E. Johnson, public information officer for the DeKalb Roads and Drainage Division of the Public Works Department, said the county will be coordinating crews along with the grant partners and there will be no additional volunteers needed for the event.

“The total amount of the project is $61,000 supported by a $34,000 grant,” Johnson said on March 10. “The county committed $14,000 in in-kind support to include staff and equipment. We hope to fulfill that commitment this weekend.”

For more information about the project, contact Johnson at dejohnson@ dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-297-4459.

Single Parents Day 5K walk, classes A 5K walk and free workshops on March 21 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will help mark National Single Parents Day. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts promptly at 9. The event is presented by the nonprofit National Leadership Group Inc. with support from DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson of District 3 and Stan Watson of Super District 7.

Participants can purchase T-shirts and register online at www.nspdusa.org or call

770-997-6868.

Lunch and snacks will be provided.

National Single Parents Day is a day set aside since 1984 to recognize and support single parents raising their children.

The National Leadership Group provides assistance to single-parent families to help improve quality of life, and it holds workshops throughout metro Atlanta.

The church is at 6400 Woodrow Road in Lithonia.

Clear out old electronics, chemicals DeKalb residents can begin their springcleaning in earnest with an electronics recycling event on March 14 and a household hazardous waste event on March 21.

Gently worn shoes will be collected at both events.

The March 14 recycling event at the DeKalb Tax Office parking lot, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur, will help fund a K-9 Memorial. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The dedication of the K-9 Memorial will be May 15 as part of the 100-year anniversary of DeKalb Police Services.

Bring old computers, televisions, cell phones, game consoles or anything with a cord to the Tax Office lot. There will be a charge for CRT TVs and monitors and wooden console, projection and plasma TVs. Free compost will be available during the event.

On March 21, DeKalb residents can bring hazardous household waste to the DeKalb Sanitation Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive in Decatur, from 8 a.m. to noon.

DeKalb Sanitation and Keep DeKalb Beautiful are providing free disposal of dangerous chemicals that are no longer being used. Early arrival is recommended.

Residents are limited to 10 gallons of paint per vehicle, and proper identification to prove DeKalb County residency may be requested.

No commercial vehicles will be allowed.

Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, artist supplies, and paint and paint-related products will be accepted.

Items such as agricultural waste, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials, and biohazardous and biomedical waste will not be accepted.

For a list of materials accepted at the transfer station, visit www.keepdekalbbeautiful.org.

Keep DeKalb Beautiful is a unit of the DeKalb Sanitation Division. For more information on these events or how to plan a beautification project with KDB, email kdb@ dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-371-2654.

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6

CrossRoadsNews

“The bridge is now a monument to the indomitable spirit of a people who would not “let nobody turn them around.”

March 14, 2015

Pilgrimage

to

reflections on selma

I now understand that nobody can stop you Cortez Dixon, 16 11th grader at Georgia Cyber Academy; lives in Hapeville. First time to Selma.

“Today made me think of Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis and the other legendary people who prayed on the bridge and were attacked by the police.

It was a life-changCortez Dixon ing experience and it made me understand why I live and why I push hard to get my education and why we should vote.

If it hadn’t been for those people in 1965, we would still not have the right to vote.

I now understand that nobody can stop you if you work hard and have a goal and are trying to reach that goal.”

It was inspirational to see all the people Anna Shelton, 73 Lives in Southwest Atlanta. Retired customer service manager. Member of Iconian Baptist Church.

“I grew up in Columbia, S.C., and participated in sit-ins.

It felt really good touching the ground where all the blood was spilt for voting rights.

It was inspirational Anna Shelton to see all the people who came.

I was 23 when the march in Selma took place. I remember seeing it on television and the dogs being set on people.

I remember crying that the dogs goin’ bite them.

Walking across the bridge today brought back all the memories, I could see al lthe ugliness. We has come a long way in 50 years but it’s not as far as I think we should be.”

Turnout sends message to Washington Donald Morris, 68 Lives in Southwest Atlanta.

“I have been coming to Selma on Bloody Sunday for years. I’ve been coming for 30-35 years.

This year, there were so many people.

It’s the most crowd I have seen down here at one time.

I was here when President Bill Clinton was here. It was crowded but it wasn’t Donald Morris like this.

The people that got beat up, it was a victory for them to get voting rights.

Those people suffered for it it. They bled for it. They got hurt real bad and young people now a days don’t understand.

Anytime you can turn out a crowd like this, its sends a message to Washington.

You don’t see no violence, nobody getting beat up. We can do anything if we be ourselves, We want our voting rights protected.

Why does our voter rights have to expire.

This here will send a message to Washington. We fed up with seeing our voter rights expire.”

Many marchers carried signs about civil rights issues and the campaigns they are passionate about.

Bloody Sunday’s 50th anniversary drew

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

On March 8, 2015, I joined the throngs of people who went to Selma, Ala., to retrace the footsteps of the 600 men and women who were beaten bloody on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965.

It was a virtual sea of people flowing across the bridge all day on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Young and old.

Able-bodied. With walkers. In wheelchairs.

From the East Coast, the West Coast, North and South.

Black. White. Asian. Americans.

On Sunday, the day after President Obama’s March 7 speech at the base of the bridge, there was no organized march across the bridge. It was just thousands of people moving in a continuous wave across the silver-painted bridge that spans the Alabama River.

The bridge, named for a racist Confederate general and grand dragon of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan, is now a monument to the indomitable spirit of a people who would not “let nobody turn them around.”

History can be so ironic sometimes!

I made the trip on one of the nine Voter Empowerment Collaboration buses that left the West End Plaza at 6 a.m. Sunday for

Selma. My 17-year-old daughter, Kelli; Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson; and Princeton Elementary School parent liaison Sharon Showell also were there.

After catching the end of the Rev. Timothy McDonald’s “call to arms” sermon at Selma’s Shiloh Baptist Church, we gathered outside to join the continuous wave of people making the pilgrimage across the bridge.

Moving shoulder to shoulder with the surge of humanity, I was struck by how purposeful, orderly and polite everyone was. We were Jennifer Parker, left, with Mawuli Da and wife, Jana. so close that when I accidentally stepped on a woman’s foot, she apologized to me before I could say, “Sorry.”

Sunday was not my first time retracing the steps of John Lewis and the other men and women who were beaten bloody by police.

I went in 2012 with Evelyn Lowery, who led the annual SCLC Women Civil Rights Heritage tour to Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery to visit the monuments she helped erect to commemo-

DeKalb SCLC President Nathan Knight was among trekked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Thousand of marchers retraced the steps of the 600 marchers who were beaten on Bloody Sunday.

For more information about Bloody Sunda visit www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil-rig

o

7

CrossRoadsNews

March 14, 2015

Selma 2015

“Moving shoulder to shoulder with the humanity, I was struck by how purposeful, orderly and polite everyone was.”

reflections on selma

I could feel the spirits of those who...

Deborah Jackson Mayor of Lithonia. Third trip to Selma. First time was on the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Photos By Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The death of Jimmie Lee Jackson [in photo above] at the hands of the police in inspired the 1965 march that became known as Bloody Sunday.

w thousands to Edmund Pettus Bridge

rate the lives of people like Jimmie Lee Jackson, James Reeb, Viola Liuzzo and others who were killed in Selma during the 1965 civil rights struggles.

I’m glad I made it that year, because Mrs. Lowery would lead only one more trip before she died in September 2013.

This time the crowds were larger and without celebrity politicians around – it was the people’s pilgrimage. avis and his sons Khobi and Kharri On the Edmund Pettus Bridge, I ran into so many people from my church, First Afrikan Presbyterian in Lithonia, I was left wondering if anyone was left there for Sunday service.

Fairfield Baptist in Lithonia had two busloads of people there. DeKalb NAACP President John Evans was there. So was SCLC DeKalb President Nathan Knight; attorney Mawuli Da-

vis, his wife, Jana, and sons Khobi and Khari; and so many others.

The sheer number of people in Selma closed the street leading to the bridge. There were no police to be seen until we got to the other side of the bridge and they were not needed.

The crowd reminded me of the one I stood with on Jan. 9, 2009, in Washington to witness Obama’s first inauguration. It was united, polite and orderly.

On the march to the bridge people walked quietly or sang.

Some channeled Ferguson and the national “Black Lives Matter” campaign. “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot,” they shouted.

In that crowd Sunday, it was easy to imagine the dogs being let loose on them and the crack of billy clubs against skulls.

It was harder to accept man’s inhumanity to man.

But most of all, I was left with a new appreciation for the value of the vote.

Without the African-Americans’ right to vote, our country would not have experienced the talent of a Michael Jackson or a John Legend. We would not have black mayors, commissioners, Congress people, governors, police and President Barack Obama.

And we definitely would not have the array of black entrepreneurs, intellectuals, professionals and so on.

The right to vote allowed our country to benefit from the talents of all its citizens.

It is better for it.

“As an elected offical, this made me think of what made it possible to attain the position I have and the sacrifice that people made so that we have the right to vote.

After seeing Selma the movie and the emphasis on the 50th anniversary, I would hope that we will see the importance of voting and having more participation in elections, epecially local elections which have the most impact on people’s lives.

As I crossed the bridge, I could feel the spirit of those who have gone before and the bravery of those people and what they were willing to risk and what we take for granted.”

It reminded me of the struggles ...

Rosalyn Owens, 67 Retired state employee. Lives in Powder Springs. First time in Selma.

“It was incredible to experience this event and the bridge. I remember when we were struggling for equality. I remember the colored water Rosalyn Owens fountains.

It reminded me of the struggles we have been through. Some blacks are doing well but not everybody.

I am thankful that they were courageous...

Sharon Showell, 26 Lives in Lithonia. Parent liaison at Princeton Elementary School.

the thousands who

ay in Selma, ghts/selma.

Marchers with canes and walkers made it across the bridge.

The Wallah drummers of Atlanta joined drummers from First Afrikan Presbyterian who accompanied the Voter Empowerment Collaborative’s marchers.

“This is my first time in Selma. After I saw the movie Selma, I wanted to walk across the bridge because of what people sacrificed to make sure that we have the right in the future.

I am thankful that they Sharon Showell were courageous enough to walk across that bridge and that they did not stop.

They could have gone home but they kept going back so that we could have the right to vote.

It made me want to make a difference. not only in my life but in other children’s lives as well.”

8

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

March 14, 2015

Lighten Up, Y’all” is a collection of classic Southern comfort recipes made lighter, healthier and guilt-free.

DeKalb County honors Hosea Williams Civil rights legend Hosea Williams was honored posthumously by DeKalb County with a special proclamation on March 10.

Williams was a former DeKalb commissioner.

Daughter Elisabeth Omilami accepted the proclamation on his behalf.

Williams (1926-2000) helped lead the civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young, John Lewis and many others who joined the fight for equality.

He led the march on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965, the event now known as Bloody Sunday, and was instrumental in the push to pass the Voting Rights Act. In 1971, Williams and his wife, Juanita, founded Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. The Christian international aid organization has distributed more than $3 billion in food and clothing as well as medical, educational, toiletry, furniture and cleaning supplies to 16 Georgia counties, three states and to the Philippines, the Ivory Coast and Uganda.

In addition to his work in civil rights and philanthropy, Williams was elected to the DeKalb Board of Commissioners and served from 1990 to 1994.

A video detailing his legacy and service to DeKalb can be found via DCTV’s YouTube channel at http://youtu. Elisabeth Omilami accepts a special proclamation by be/xScrncBUzxc.

DeKalb County honoring her father, Hosea Williams.

LBJ adviser to discuss memoir Joseph A. Califano Jr., President Lyndon B. Johnson’s closest domestic adviser, will read from his personal memoir about LBJ during the White House years on March 17 at the Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta.

The reading and book signing, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in the museum theater. It is sponsored by the World Affairs Council.

Johnson pushed through the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that figured prominently in the 2014 film “Selma.”

In “The Triumph and Tragedy of Lyndon Joseph Califano Johnson,” Califano takes the reader into the Oval Office as the decisions that irrevocably changed the United States were being crafted to create Johnson’s ambitious Great Society. He shows Johnson’s commitment to economic and social revolution and his legislative genius and reveals the political guile it took to pass laws in civil rights, poverty, immigration reform, health, education, environmental protection, consumer protection, the arts, and communications.

Califano served as LBJ’s top White House domestic policy aide and as U.S. secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. He is founder of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

The Carter Library is at 441 Freedom Parkway. For more information, visit www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov or call 404-865-7100.

Touch-a-Truck in Hidden Hills

Chef to dish on lighter Southern recipes

Touch-a-Truck is coming to Greater Hidden Hills on March 21, and residents can touch and explore emergency, construction and other service vehicles.

The free family-friendly event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of South Hairston and Redan roads next to Zaxby’s. There will be live entertainment and residents can meet local business owners.

Participants include the DeKalb Police Department, Fire Department, Watershed Management, and Sanitation Department.

Local businesses and entrepreneurs may set up tables for a small fee – email GHHCDC@gmail.com or call 508-591-3526.

All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corp. The volunteer organization represents the area on zoning matters and advocates for attractive business development that meets residents’ needs.

The rain date is March 28. For more information, visit www.

GreaterHiddenHillsCDC.org.

New York Times journalist Kim Severson, chef Virginia Willis and photographer Angie Mosier discuss work, reinvention in life, and their collaboration on Willis’ new book, “Lighten Up, Y’all,” on March 16 at the Decatur Library.

The talk takes place from 7:15 to 9 p.m. Books will be provided by Charis Books and More.

“Lighten Up, Y’all” is a collection of classic Southern comfort recipes made lighter, healthier and guilt-free.

Willis, a French-trained chef, also is author of “Bon Appétit, Y’all,” “Basic to Brilliant, Y’all,” “Okra: A Savor the South Cookbook,” and “Grits.” The Chicago Tribune praised her as one of “Seven Food Writers You Need to Know.”

She is the former TV kitchen director for Martha Stewart Living, Bobby Flay, and Nathalie Dupree and was the producer of “Epicurious” on the Discovery Channel

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and “Home Plate” for Turner Studios.

Willis participates in Chef ’s Move to Schools and is part of the No Kid Hungry Blogger Program for Share Our Strength.

Severson, Atlanta bureau chief for the New York Times, has won several regional and national awards for news and feature writing, including the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism for her work on childhood obesity in 2002 and four James Beard awards for food writing.

Mosier is a writer, photographer, stylist and cook.

Her work has been published in Food & Wine, Town and Country, the New York Times, Southern Living, Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, and Garden and Gun magazines.

The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, call 404-370-3070.

Lisa Robinson, CPA

Olde Town Conyers gears up for the wearing of the green with a “St. Practice Day” on March 14.

Commercial Street closes at 4:30 p.m. for the pre-St. Patrick’s Day event sponsored by the Celtic Tavern with live entertainment starting at 6 p.m.

On March 17, revelers will see green again as the city celebrates St. Pat’s Day with a parade, fun run and live entertainment.

“The World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” a Conyers tradition since 1985, kicks off at 4:30 p.m.

Mayor Randy Mills is grand marshal along with invited honorary grand marshals Bill Rogers, Bill Spivey, Marty Jones and Charles Walker, former city councilmen and former mayor, respectively. They will be accompanied by bagpiper Robert Harwell, who will play classic Irish tunes.

Local businesses and school groups also will participate in the parade sponsored by the Conyers Main Street Program. To walk in the two-block parade, meet at the corner of Main and Center streets prior to 4:30 p.m.

No vehicles will be allowed.

Brittany Evans, Main Street manager, ex-

pects a good turnout.

“The one-of-a-kind events like the parade and fun run truly make St. Patrick’s Day in Olde Town the place to be,” Evans said. “We look forward to a great crowd ready to celebrate the Brittany Evans Irish in our community’s unique way.”

The annual crowning of children’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade king and queen and winner of the Leprechaun Look-alike Contest will take place while attendees partake of complimentary Irish-themed refreshments at the Olde Town Pavilion.

The Sixth Annual World’s Shortest Endurance Run sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rockdale County follows the parade. The run, 0.1 mile from the Conyers Welcome Center to the Pointe on Railroad Street, begins with a shotgun start at 5 p.m. and participants who enter will receive a T-shirt.

To register, visit www.rockdalerotary.org or call 678-614-7374. For more information, call 770-602-2606.

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9

CrossRoadsNews

March 14, 2015

Finance

“Forced arbitration creates a discriminatory and unjust system that pales in comparison to the courts.”

Johnson renews fight on forced arbitration Habitat has two U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson is calling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to issue a “strong rule” to prohibit forced arbitration in financial services and products.

He has introduced the legislation to every Congress since 2007 and plans to introduce it again in this Congress.

Johnson, whose 4th District includes parts of DeKalb, joined U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) on March 10 in applauding the bureau for its strong Hank Johnson stance against forced arbitration in its second study on forced arbitration agreements in consumer financial services and products.

CFPB Director Richard Cordray spoke at a field hearing on the topic in Newark, N.J., where consumers got a chance to share their

experiences with arbitration.

Johnson has introduced the Arbitration Fairness Act that would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in employment, consumer and civil rights cases and would allow consumers and workers to choose arbitration after a dispute occurred.

“Beyond all doubt, forced arbitration creates a discriminatory and unjust system that pales in comparison to the courts,” he said.

“I am encouraged by the recent study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has amply proven that forced arbitration closes the courthouse doors to millions of consumers, shielding corporations from accountability while undermining our civil justice system. As the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee with jurisdiction over rule making and arbitration, I strongly believe that this study paves the

way for the CFPB to issue a strong rule that prohibits forced arbitration agreements in consumers’ financial services and products contracts.”

Johnson said the study underscores the importance of creating arbitration fairness in all consumer agreements.

“I strongly believe that the comprehensive solution to this problem is the Arbitration Fairness Act, which would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in employment, consumer, civil rights and antitrust cases and would allow consumers and workers to freely choose arbitration after a dispute occurs,” he said. “This simple fix would allow a voluntary system of arbitration.”

For more information, visit http://www. consumerfinance.gov/reports/arbitrationstudy-report-to-congress-2015 and http:// files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201503_cfpb_ factsheet_arbitration-study.pdf.

Albert Edwards appointed to SBA Fairness Board Albert G. Edwards, founder and managing director of DeKalb-based Corporate Environmental Risk Management LLC, has been appointed to the SBA’s Region IV Regulatory Fairness Board.

SBA Administrator Albert Edwards Maria Contreras-Sweet announced the appointment on March 6.

“With his invaluable counsel and support, we can achieve our primary goals,

which are to ensure that we build awareness of SBA’s programs and that we provide capital, contracting, counseling and disaster prevention to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country in an inclusive way,” Contreras-Sweet said.

Edwards, 2015 chair of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce board of directors, will serve a three-year term that concludes on Dec. 23, 2017.

The boards in all 10 of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s regions represent the voice of small business on regulatory

fairness issues.

Region IV includes Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Members advise the National Ombudsman and assistant administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness, Brian Castro.

CERM, a small, minority-owned environmental, engineering and program management firm, has provided comprehensive solutions to address problems in transportation, environmental, water and energy throughout the Southeast for 20 years.

Legal Notices 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, 03/14

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV2223-4++ Henry Lee Harrison filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 12, 2015 to change the name from: Henry Lee Harrison to Henry Lee Bonner. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Feb. 12, 2015 Henry Lee Harrison Petitioner, Pro se 2035 Memorial Drive, Apt. 604 Atlanta, GA 30317 678-851-5309 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, 03/14

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV2192-8++ Marcus Alexander Cooper filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Dec. 17, 2014 to change the name from: Marcus Alexander Cooper to Lamar Leslie Brown. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Dec. 17, 2014 Marcus A. Cooper Petitioner, Pro se 3765 Wetherburn Dr. Clarkston, GA 30021 404-860-1105 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, 03/21

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV1592-08++ Sandra M. Howard Plaintiff Vs. Charles A. Howard Defendant To: Charles A. Howard

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Feb. 12, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Jan. 22, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Lindsey Siegel, 246 Sycamore St., #120, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 12, 2015.

Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 19th day of February, 2015 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, 03/21

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV1825-2++ Marcella Salter Plaintiff Vs. Larry Salter, Jr. Defendant To: Larry Salter, Jr. 2810 Lawrenceville Hwy., Rm. 134 Tucker, GA 30043

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Feb. 17, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Feb. 13, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Marcella Salter, 3046 Highland Park Lane, Litho-

nia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 17, 2015.

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 18th day of February, 2015 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, 03/28

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5160-10++ Ayo Alvin Ayerni, Jr. filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 15, 2014 to change the name from: Ayo Alvin Ayerni, Jr. to Alvin John Ayerni. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Feb. 6, 2015 Ayo Alvin Ayerni, Jr. Petitioner, Pro se 6775 Winterberry Ridge Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30087 678-938-9472 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, 03/28

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV1894-3++ Lucelyn JaMette Fennell Plaintiff Vs. Saheed Reginald Mustapha Defendant To: Saheed Reginald Mustapha 224 N. Third Ave. Saginaw, MI 98607

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 06, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Jan. 22, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and

to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Lucelyn JaMette Fennell, 3004 Del Monico Dr., GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 06, 2015.

Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 9th day of February, 2015 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, 03/28

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV2547-4++ April Mitchell Plaintiff Vs. Carlos Mitchell Defendant To: Carlos Mitchell

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 27, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Jan. 19, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: 743 Tarkingon Rd., S., Stone Mountain, GA 30088. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 27, 2015.

Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 2nd day of March, 2015 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, 03/28

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10170-10++ Mario Perkins Plaintiff Vs. Rukaiyah Culbreath Defendant

Americorps slots Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb is accepting applications for two full-time service opportunities through AmeriCorps.

DeKalb Habitat has been awarded two AmeriCorps member positions and is seeking applicants to serve locally in the 2015-16 service year, which begins in August.

It is seeking candidates to serve in Resource Development, developing strategies to increase revenue and in-kind donations, and as a construction crew leader to increase the number of families served through A Brush With Kindness Critical Home Repair projects for low-income senior citizens, Veterans Build projects providing housing solutions for local servicemen and servicewomen, full-home renovations, and “ground-up” construction projects.

AmeriCorps, often referred to as the domestic Peace Corps, is a network of National Service programs that engage more than 80,000 Americans each year in intensive service throughout the United States.

The programs are funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service (www.nationalservice.gov).

Applicants who are accepted as AmeriCorps members and commit to serve for up to a year with DeKalb Habitat join more than 400 other Habitat AmeriCorps members who will be placed in more than 110 communities nationwide.

Visit www.habitat.org/americorps or www.nationalservice.gov or contact Julie Hopkins at jhopkins@dekalbhabitat.org or 770-270-6813 for more information.

To:

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 24, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Oct. 27, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff whose name and address is: Mario Perkins #1108958, P.O. Box 466, Alamo GA 30411. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 24, 2015.

Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 26th day of February, 2015 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, 03/28

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV2190-2++ Jeanetta Moffett Plaintiff Vs. Jesse Moffett Defendant To: Jesse Edward Moffett

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Mar. 02, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Feb. 24, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Jeanetta Moffett, 4715 Fellsridge Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30085. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 02, 2015.

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 4th day of March, 2015 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, 03/28

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV2204-3++ Barbara Annette Milon Plaintiff Vs. Johnny Bernard Dorsey Defendant To: Johnny Bernard Dorsey 657 Magnolia St., NW Atlanat, GA 30314

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Feb. 27, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Jan. 12, 2015, the

above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Barbara A. Milon, 3100 Lumby Dr., #628, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of February, 27, 2015.

Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 4th day of March, 2015 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, 03/28

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV2544-3++ Princess Gibson Plaintiff Vs. Kermit Gibson Defendant To: Kermit Gibson

By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Feb. 26, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Feb. 19, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Princess Gibson, 1586 Line Street, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 26, 2015.

Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 4th day of March, 2015 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, 03/28

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 15CV2670-10++ Female Drakeford filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 27, 2015 to change the name from: Female Drakeford to Keysha Drakeford. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Nov. 06, 2014 Keysha Drakeford.

Petitioner, Pro se 1823 Broadway Street Decatur, GA 30035 770-557-6717

10

CrossRoadsNews

Youth

March 14, 2015

“Our goal is to provide youth with the opportunity to explore an immersive experience in STEAM content that is career-focused.”

Free computer Flat Shoals Park ramps up service for kids coding classes

By Ken Watts

Students are flocking to a series of free computer programming workshops every Monday this month at the Exchange Park Recreation Center in Decatur.

They are presented by DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson in partnership with the Iron Yard, a technology training provider.

Workshop 1 offers the fundamentals of coding in Scratch, a programming platform for children. Workshop 2 covers the fundamentals of Web design.

Jennifer Dacruz, whose fourth-grader, Christopher, wants to be a video game designer, called the workshops “a wonderful opportunity” for kids.

“Coding has become a pastime for him,” she said. “Instead of watching TV, he wants to do projects for this class.”

Johnson said giving kids early access to technology creates a work force that will breed innovation and attract business.

Call 404-371-2425 for more information.

Community activists installed and dedicated a new book box and community bulletin board at Flat Shoals Park on March 7 that they say will help children develop good reading habits and keep residents informed about neighborhood events.

The park and playground on Flat Shoals Parkway next to the Community Achievement Center in Decatur is a popular Aurie Johnson weekend gathering place for neighbors.

DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson of District 3 and Stan Watson of Super District 7 and District 5 School Board member Vickie Turner attended the ceremony.

The new book box is filled with children’s books and periodicals that kids can read onsite and return later.

Rochelle Callendar, president of Friends of Flat Shoals Park, called the book box “a first in our parks which promotes ‘reading

A new book box and community bulletin board were installed and dedicated on March 7 at Flat Shoals Park next to the Community Achievement Center.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

in the park’ for youth.”

Callendar said the community bulletin board will be an important source of information even in an age when people depend on the Internet, TV and radio.

“Two neighborhood businesses, NBE shipping and Pesos Mexican Cantina, donated money for the materials,” she said.

Stephenson High senior Aurie Johnson built the bulletin board at home as an Eagle

Scout project with the help of his father, Keith Johnson. The two installed the board at the park shortly before the dedication.

“It was a fun project,” said Aurie, who plans to attend the University of West Georgia and major in communications. “The toughest part was getting it over here to the park.”

Minutes after the board was installed, it began filling up with community notices.

Girls compete at STEM Fair

Commission seeks students

Outright Grant for women

Fifty students have registered for BioLogue’s STEM Fair for Girls on March 21 at Exchange Park Recreation Center.

The free fair for girls in sixth to 12th grades takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by hands-on STEM activities for boys and girls. Fair contestants will compete for prizes.

Tickets are still available for the afternoon sessions, STEM Adventures: Hands-on Hodgepodge of Science, which take place from noon to 5 p.m. There is also a workshop for males of all ages about how to handle police stops.

Register at BioLogueSTEMAdventures.eventbrite.com.

Scientist and educator Gladys Delancey Bolding, founder of the BioLogue Program, said the event is the first researchbased STEM Fair for girls in the country.

“Our goal is to provide youth the opportunity to explore an immersive experience in STEAM content that is careerfocused,” she said on March 10. “Participants will explore forensic science, epidemiology, chemistry of cosmetics, microscopy, environmental microbiology, app creation, coding, physics and more.

“We also have breast cancer awareness for adults.”

Exchange Park is at 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur.

High school students have until March 20 to apply for the DeKalb Youth Commission.

Interim CEO Lee May said the Office of Youth Services is now accepting applications for the program.

“The Youth Commission is an innovative development and leadership training program established to prepare the youth of DeKalb for future leadership positions that will actively engage and educate them on local, national and global issues,” May said on March 9.

The program caters to 10th- and 11th-graders.

Students must be a DeKalb resident and enrolled in a DeKalb County high school. Selection is based on a completed application, including an essay and a completed referral from a county commissioner, school administrator, teacher, counselor or civic leader.

Selected participants will be notified in April.

Application packets are available at http://www. dekalbcountyga.gov/parks/pdf/youth_commission_student_application.pdf or from school counselors.

For more information, contact KaCey Venning at kvenning@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-687-7192.

Female students attending accredited U.S. colleges, universities and community/vocational schools can apply for a $1,500 Outright Grant.

The Hidden Hills Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association is offering the grant through the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund.

Applicants must be citizens of the United States and attending any institution authorized to confer degrees at the baccalaureate level or higher in the United States with a GPA of 3.0-4.0 or higher and must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours.

Eligible women interested in applying for the grant should contact Cheryl Battles, education chair of Hidden Hills Chapter ABWA, at cbattl@yahoo.com.

Applications must be completed by May 15. A minimum number of three eligible applications is required for the scholarship to be awarded. The recipient will be notified in July.

For 60 years, more than 16,000 women nationwide have been awarded more than $17 million in scholarships. For more information, visit www.abwa.org.

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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true –­ it may in fact be exactly that.

This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

11

CrossRoadsNews

March 14, 2015

Youth

“You have the ability to change the world. Shun negative thoughts and negative people. Keep your eyes on the prize. Never, never give up.”

Freedom Riders share history with students Original Freedom Riders Hank Thomas and Charles Person shared harrowing stories of their 1960s bus and train rides in the segregated South with students at Martin Luther King Jr. and Arabia Mountain high schools on March 9.

Thomas and Person visited the schools in Lithonia with U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) in recognition of Black History Month. The original program had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather on Feb. 17.

The program coincides with Johnson’s bipartisan resolution calling on Congress to award the Freedom Riders the Congressional Gold Medal. More than 135 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle joined Johnson to co-sponsor H.R. 671.

Thomas and Person, who were college students when they participated in the Freedom Rides, emphasized to the students that education is the key to their future.

Thomas, who owns several McDonald’s restaurants and Marriott hotels, told them that they can be anything they want to be.

“Dream big and you can become a doctor, lawyer, university president or engineer,” he said.

Thomas and Person took questions from students at MLK and Arabia Mountain after the presentations and said they were impressed with the students – most especially with Arabia’s graduation rate of 98 percent.

Person said students at both schools were attentive, and “our stories resonated with the activities of the Selma celebration.”

“The plight of black people during the

Original Freedom Rider Charles Person speaks with students at Arabia Mountain High School after the presentation on March 9.

’50s and ’60s was so degrading,” he said on March 11. “Low wages, limited job opportunities, outdated textbooks and obsolete equipment in our schools. Disrespect of our elders, calling them boy or girl. These were some of the reasons I wanted to do something about segregation.”

The Freedom Rides, which lasted from May to November 1961, included more than 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives to challenge Jim Crow laws – particularly segregated public transportation – in the Deep South.

Johnson called them “heroes” who broke the back of segregation in the South.

“The riders – including my constituent Mr. Hank Thomas, my friend and colleague Congressman John Lewis, and my newfound friend Mr. Charles Person – endured insults

and beatings and risked their lives more than 50 years ago because they believed in a different future for their children and their grandchildren,” Johnson said.

“I was pleased to be able to bring two of these heroes into our schools so young people can understand their history – where we’ve been and where we’re going.”

Person said it is “essential that we work with our youth.”

“Remember, it is not important that we understand everything that they say. It is not important that we agree with everything they say,” he said. “But it is very important that we listen.” He offered this advice to young people: “You have the ability to change the world. Shun negative thoughts and negative people. Keep your eyes on the prize. Never, never give up.”

CRN Foundation has scholarships DeKalb high school seniors who will pursue journalism careers can apply for CrossRoadsNews Foundation scholarships.

It is offering one $1,000 and two $500 scholarships to three students graduating in May and planning a major in communications, including journalism, graphic or Web design, photography, advertising or similar field, CRN Foundation President Deborah A. Jackson said.

The deadline to apply is April 10.

The Elizabeth Andrews Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of the late DeKalb Board of Education member who served 29 years on the school board.

“Ms. Andrews was a passionate advocate for DeKalb students and a strong supporter of community businesses like CrossRoadsNews,” Jackson said. “We are pleased to honor her memory and help three DeKalb students cover some of their college expenses.”

Graduating seniors who are residents of DeKalb and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible. Applicants must write a 500-word essay on the topic “Why Community Newspapers Are Still Needed in the Age of the Internet.”

The application and instructions are available at crossroadsnews.com/scholarship. Winners will be presented at the CRN 20th Anniversary Gala on April 25 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Atlanta. For more information, email dajassociates@att.net.

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

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PUBLIC NOTICE

legal

NorSouth Development in cooperation with the Housing Development Corp. of DeKalb is currently accepting bidders statements of qualification for the following professionals for Mills Creek Crossing and The Reserve at Mills Creek, two apartment communities to be located in Scottdale, DeKalb County.

• Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment Design, Procurement, and Installation Services • Signage Design, Manufacturing, and Installation Services • Playground Equipment Design, Procurement, and Installation Services • Radon Testing and Reporting Services Contracts are expected to be awarded within the next 60 days.

NorSouth is committed to subcontracting with MBE, WBE and Section 3 businesses. This project is covered under the requirements of Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968. Businesses operated

by Section 3 residents and businesses from the DeKalb County area are encouraged to apply. To find out if you are a section 3 resident or business please visit http://tinyurl.com/nbsunev.

Section 3 qualifying businesses and MBE/WBE will be given a bid scoring preference per federal, state and local requirements.

To apply please complete a Bidders Statement of Qualifications form at www.norsouthdevelopment.com. Please reference in your email the project you are applying for. Questions may be directed to vendors@norsouth.com.

12

CrossRoadsNews

March 14, 2015

ONE

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 SHOP 9AM-11PM (IT’S A SALE TOO BIG TO FIT IN A DAY!)

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N5010176F.indd 1

2/9/15 11:01 AM