CrossRoadsNews, May 9, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

WELLNESS

SPORTS

YOUTH

A proposal to open a bicycle center to encourage older adults to use the Arabia Mountain Trail is facing opposition from residents. 7

Three of DeKalb’s best wrestlers, including Clarkston’s two-time state champion Terrance Gaddy, signed with the same college. 8

Mayor Tonya Peterson took some time out from her official duties recently to read to pre-k students at the Little Angels Academy in Lithonia. 9

Bumpy ride ahead

Reason to smile

May 9, 2009

Reading campaign

Volume 15, Number 2

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Grady CEO willing to meet, but South DeKalb center will close By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Grady CEO Michael Young is coming to the DeKalb County Board of Commission on Tuesday to discuss his plans to close the Grady South DeKalb Health Center in Decatur but on Thursday, he wouldn’t take the closure off the table. The center which has been in the Rainbow Village shopMichael Young ping center since 1996, is one of three centers that Young is closing July 1 as part of a restructuring plan. Its 11-member staff was notified May 6 that the center will close and its patients relocated to the Grady Health Center on Warren Street in Atlanta. On Thursday, Commissioner Larry Johnson, in whose District 3 the center sits, offered to help Young find a new location for the center, but Young said he has to look for options to cut costs. He said the South DeKalb Center was losing $400,000 to $500,000 a year and was not seeing enough patients. “I am committed to sitting down and talking,” he said by telephone from Florida where Larry Johnson he was on business. “But there are a lot of challenging calls that we are asked to make.” Young said Grady is facing a $65 million deficit and that the 110,000 people who have lost their health coverage along with their jobs have turned to Grady for care.

the Center Hill Center on Atlanta Industrial Parkway. Grady spokeswoman Denise Simpson said Wednesday that the three centers offer limited services and see few patients and the centers that they will merge with offer more services. “The three together see a combined 100 patients per day,” she said. “They are being merged with centers that offer much more services.” Young said that South DeKalb Center should be seeing 100 patients a day, not the 35 to 60 that it now sees. Over the 13 years it’s been open, the South DeKalb Health Center has been active in the community. It participates in community health fairs and health expos and hosts its own annual back-to-school fairs offering immunizations and health screenings for students. Johnson, who found out about the impending closure from a Photos by Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews reporter on Tuesday, said he was Joseha and LaQuelia Paige check out at the Grady South DeKalb Center on Thursday after taking their son, Junior, to outraged. see the doctor. They, Helen Smith (seated), and center’s other users will soon have to travel farther for care. “We need primary care more than ever,” he said. “People are Tyeshia Williams losing their jobs and don’t have “We are trying to meet everyand her daughter, health care.” body’s needs,” he said. “We are tryJenelle, leave Johnson said that Grady, which ing to balance a lot of things.” the health center is supported by DeKalb taxpayers, Johnson said that South DeKalb after seeing the shouldn’t cut service in DeKalb needs the health center, which saw doctor about a without first discussing it with 6,000 patients last year. He offered cold. county commissioners. to help Young find a location that “They never discussed that is more visible than the center’s when we gave them that $23 milpresent offices inside the Kroger lion,” he said. Pharmacy at 2626 Rainbow Way, Young will meet with Commisjust off Candler Road. sioners at 4:30 p.m. at the County He suggested that Young look building at 1300 Commerce Drive at the office space vacated by the in downtown Decatur. Emory Clinic in the nearby South Attorney Robert Burroughs, DeKalb Plaza. DeKalb’s representative on the “I am going to make sure that Grady Board of Directors, said we have a neighborhood health the closing of the South DeKalb center,” Johnson said. Center was discussed at the May Young is also closing the Lindbergh Women & Children’s Health Center on Buford Highway and Please see Grady, page 2

DeKalb Police, officials gather in annual memorial to fallen colleagues By McKenzie Jackson

Recently fallen DeKalb police officers Eric Barker and Ricky Bryant Jr. and Dennis Stepnowski are constantly on the minds of officers in the DeKalb police force. On May 6, the department honored the three and 36 other law enforcement agents who have died in the line of duty in DeKalb. During the memorial ceremony in front of the DeKalb Police Memorial Wall at the historic county courthouse in downtown Decatur, officers saluted as names of the fallen officers were read aloud. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and new Public Safety director

William Miller also attended the ceremony. Barker and Bryant were gunned down January 2008 at a Decatur apartment complex. Stepnowski was killed June 2006 during a shootout in Stone Mountain. Acting DeKalb Police Chief William O’Brien said that the annual ceremony honors and remember the fallen officers. “They paid the great, ultimate sacrifice in serving and protecting the people of DeKalb County,” he said. “It is very touching to know that we have men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line.” The officers’ names are etched in the granite headstone that lists fallen police officers dating back 157 years.

DeKalb County Police officers salute as each name of an officer who died in the line of duty is called out.

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

CrossRoadsNews

Community

May 9, 2009

“We have been here eight times in the last five months. It’s close by and it saves me money and time.”

19-member commission to spearhead county’s initiative to ‘go green’ By Mary Swint

DeKalb County is going green. That’s the word from its new volunteer Green Commission, which was highlighted by county officials at a May 5 press conference/tree planting outside the Old Courthouse in Decatur. The introduction of the commission coincided with the “Greening Our Future” theme of National County Government Week celebrated May 4-9. To demonstrate their green call, DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader planted a red bud tree – provided by the Parks and Recreation Department’s nursery – on the Decatur Square during the

press conference. The 19-member Green Commission will educate the public on personal options, showcase current sustainability practices and policies, and advise the county government on new initiatives. They will serve one-year terms and will propose procedures and an appointment process for the commission. Gannon, who represents District 6, said that they also want to learn from the public and become a clearing house for ideas. Ellis said DeKalb County will lead by example and that he is going to issue an executive order prohibiting smoking in all county buildings and up to 20 feet from the entrances. The order builds on

the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance that Ellis helped pass as a county commissioner in 2002. “We will also provide support for county employees who have an addiction to tobacco products,” he said. Ellis, Gannon and Rader also urged citizens to attend the Green Commission’s May 9 kick-off at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur. The free event , which starts at 9:30 a.m., will feature 23 exhibits of sustainable products and practices by county departments, local businesses and community organizations. Participants can also tour nearby Wonderland Gardens and the first 100 visitors will get free energy

efficient light bulbs from Georgia Power. It will be cohosted by the Atlanta Regional Commission, Brown and Caldwell, Decatur First Bank, DeKalb Farmers Market, Edible Arrangements at Emory Commons, EcoSmart Shutters LLC, Georgia Beverage Association, Georgia Recycling Coalition and Wonderland Gardens. Ellis also encouraged citizens to sign up for the Sanitation Department’s Curbside Recycling Program. Since it was launched in 2005, the program has resulted in more than 22,452 tons of trash being recycled and diverted from the Seminole Landfill. Almost 26,000 households are registered for the curbside recycling

program. About 100 more sign up each week, Ellis said. The county’s goal is to sign up 20 percent of the 164,000 residential sanitation collection customers by 2010. Participants pay a onetime fee of $30 to register and $15 for supplies of 32-gallon trash bags and bins. DeKalb County is working toward certification by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) as a Green Community, Gannon said. The ARC began the first regional green certification program in the country in October 2008. Certification fosters civic pride, creates a positive image of the city or county as a place to live or conduct business, and sets an example for businesses and organizations.

Clients will have to go farther when Grady closes South DeKalb Center GRADY,

from page

4 full board meeting, but that no vote was taken on it. “I don’t know if it is something that needed a vote but I am surprised that they are moving that fast,” he said. “I thought it was an item for discussion.” On Wednesday, there were no signs notifying patients of the center’s impending closure. Patients who learned of the closing from a reporter said they were disappointed. “They don’t think this is essential?” asked Julia Horton, who said she had been coming to the center ever since it opened. “This covers a lot of people. It’s always busy when I

come here. It’s not like people don’t use it.” Betty McDavid, who has been a patient for five years, says the center is very convenient to her home off Columbia Drive. “I don’t know where I would go if they close it,” she said. “I have high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma. It would be hard for me to get downtown. At Warren Street, there is this hill you have to climb. With my asthma, I couldn’t climb that hill.” Tyeshia Williams, who took her 14-month-old daughter Jenelle to see the doctor about a cold, said the center is convenient to the Workforce Development class she is taking across the street at the Gallery at South DeKalb. “I am in and out. It’s so convenient.”

THE FIRST

100 DAYS

Join Leadership DeKalb for this first look at how the new administration is working for you and get a glimpse into plans for DeKalb’s future. Registration available online at www.leadershipdekalb.org or call 404-373-2491.

Joshua and LaQuelia Paige, who walked to the South DeKalb Center from their Rainbow Drive home, said it would be a big inconvenience if they could no longer take their 5-month-old son Junior to the center for his immunizations. “We have been here eight times in the last five months,” LaQuelia said. “It’s close by and it saves me money and time.” Helen Lewis, who was disabled by a herniated disc 15 years ago and walks with a cane, was upset at the news that the center is closing. “I have diabetes and high blood pressure,” she said. “I come here and I go to Big Grady too, but this is closer.” Lewis, who lives off Moreland Avenue,

said she doesn’t drive and has to get someone to take her to the doctor. Young said that Grady is prepared to provide non-emergency transportation to people to get them to the Warren Street Center. “We will make sure they have service,” he said. John Evans, founder of Stone Mountainbased Operation LEAD and a Grady advocate, said he wasn’t surprised that Grady would claim underutilization and try to close the South DeKalb Center. “In our community, that’s the common denominator,” he said. “The main thing is if they say one thing and we can prove otherwise, we can go at it.”

Community

CrossRoadsNews

May 9, 2009

Mangham contends that Smith’s new lawyers bungled the case and it was their fault that the statute of limitations expired.

Jury rules Mangham must pay $625K to former client in malpractice suit State Rep. Randal Mangham must pay $625,000 in damages for legal malpractice to a former client, a DeKalb County jury ruled Wednesday. After three d ays of te s t i m o n y, t h e jur y awarded $435,000 in compensatory d a m a g e s t o Randal Mangham plaintiff Karen Smith, and $190,000 to her lawyers for attorney’s fees because of Mangham’s handling of a personal injury case stemming from a 1995 automobile accident. The award more than doubled

the $293,000 award to Smith in a 2005 trial of the case. Mangham won a new trial last year and did not pay that award, which also included $175,000 in punitive damages. Mangham, a nine-year law maker, represents House District 94, which includes portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. The jury in this trial, which began April 29 before State Court Judge Edward Carriere Jr., did not award punitive damages. Smith hired Mangham to sue a church and driver in a personal injury case after a church bus ran her Ford Explorer off Cascade Road in southwest Atlanta in 1995. She said she suffered two herniated discs

because of the accident. In her lawsuit, Smith claimed that a series of missteps culminated in the case being thrown out of court in 2004. She complained that Mangham: n Failed to serve process on the church after filing suit in 1998; n Submitted court filings they were inaccurate, inconsistent and long overdue; n Missed a critical court appearance in 2003; n Voluntarily dismissed the suit twice, barring Smith from pressing a claim; and n Allowed the statue of limitations to expire. “This was a string of mistakes,

a failure to communicate with the client [and] an abandonment of the client,” Richard Harris, Smith’s attorney, told the jury in closing arguments. Mangham contends that Smith’s new lawyers bungled the case and it was their fault that the statute of limitations expired. He denied blame for the other legal issues. Mangham’s attorney, Jeff Sakas, made little effort to contest Harris’ characterization of Mangham’s actions. But he challenged Smith’s account of the accident, suggesting she had been speeding and distracted when the wreck occurred. He also argued that she actually injured her back years earlier as a

line worker at the Ford Motor Co. plant in Hapeville. It was unclear at press time if Mangham plans to appeal the decision. He referred calls to attorney Reginald Winfrey, who could not be reached. Jurors told attorneys at the end of this trial that they were disturbed by Mangham’s failure to respond to legal papers filed by an insurer’s attorney denying blame in the accident, and his failure to properly serve representatives of the church with the suit. That led to the church, which had closed, being dropped from the case. Atlantaunfiltered.com contributed to this report.

Police think Yancey may have new look

PSC pioneer to be keynote speaker

The manhunt for double-murder suspect Derrick Yancey is more than a month old and authorities are no closer to finding him. Yancey, a former a former DeKalb Sheriff ’s deputy and Stone Mountain resident, went on the lam on April 4 after tampering with Double-murder suspect Derrick Yancey (left) may be bald his ankle monitor while on house or sporting a beard, or both. arrest. Law enforcement officials think he may along with three different mug shots includhave altered his appearance and may be ing digitally altered photographs of what he sporting a bald head, beard or both. could look like today. Yancey, 50, is accused in the August 2008 He was also featured on the May 7 edition murders of his wife, Linda Yancey, and Gua- of “Georgia’s Most Wanted” on WAGA-5. temelaen day laborer Marcial Cax Puluc. Mikki Jones, the DeKalb Sheriff ’s spokes His escape was featured on “America’s person, said Thursday that the manhunt for Most Wanted” on April 25 and his profile is Yancey is still under way but that they had still listed on the television show’s website, no new developments.

Angela Speir, deputy director of Georgia Watch, will be the keynote speaker at the DeKalb Senior Republican Network’s May 18 meeting in Atlanta. Sp eir, w ho was member of the Georgia Angela Speir Public Service Commission from 2002 to 2008, did not seek re-election last November. She was the first woman elected to the PSC. While a commissioner, Speir was herald-

ed as a consumer advocate and a voice for Georgians. During her service, she banned private communications between commissioners and the industries they regulate. The Republican Network meeting will be 2 p.m. at the DeKalb Republican Party office. Speir will discuss helpful consumer information such as tips on freezing your credit information, getting off mailing lists and avoiding identity theft. Admission is free. The office is at 3583-G Chamblee-Tucker Road in the Embry Village Shopping Center. For more information, call 770-451-4174.

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May 9, 2009

I have learned over the years that bullies are cowards in disguise with low self-esteem.

Children must be taught ways to deal with school bullies 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

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My heart goes out to the parents of children who are bullied at school and especially to those parents who have children that were not able to deal with bullying. It would be well if parents who know or suspect that their child is a bully could talk to them and make them aware of the severity of bullying other students. Also, perhaps the administration could set up a bullying committee wherein suspected bullies could come before the committee with their parents. Most of the time everybody knows the bully. It is no secret. Something more drastic has to be done to keep bullies from taking over in our schools. We cannot allow our children to be the one to solve this problem. We can perhaps teach them how to deal with the bully as much as possible, but let’s be real. These are children not adults. As adults, we must find the cure for bullying. Bullying has been around as long as I remember. First came the name-calling, then the advance-

Miriam Knox Robinson

ment to taking the kid’s money on the playground. Now name-calling still exists, but we’ve added cyberbullying on the Internet. With a tap of the computer keys, a child can cause serious harm with harsh words to destroy the ego of another child. And let’s not forget texting on the cellphone. At one point in elementary school, I was bullied by this girl. She used to call me names and pull my pigtails. As long as I remained afraid of her and tried to walk away she did it. Then one day I just got tired and confronted her. I hollered and screamed, “Stop and leave me alone.” At first she was stunned and tried to continue to draw attention

from the other children. At this point, a fight ensued. She ran down the hill and back into the school. After that, she never bothered me again. Now I don’t recommend physical fighting, but that is what happened to me. While physical fighting is not recommended, you can fight back in words. You must learn how to protect yourself and your space. You can look the bully in the eye. Never drop your head when talking to anyone, especially a bully. Dropping your head is a sign of weakness. With you head held high you can always look the person in the eye and can tell what their actions might be. You can tell their body language

Baseless attacks won’t deter opponents of military school Yes, we oppose the new proposed military school. When we, as the only public Magnet/Performing Arts School, asked for an auditorium and a state-of-the-art school on our current site, the DeKalb Board of Education and Dr. Lewis said, “We have a finite amount of funds.” And, we also oppose the way the Dekalb County School Board is tearing away at a school district without the expertise of the community, stakeholders, parents and students. First, no step increase for teachers; then, no out-of-area transportation for magnet schools. And now, a proposed military magnet school to begin in August with an undisclosed amount ($32 million was given to DeKalb County School District, Title 1 Funds) to be allotted to it.

We’ve never heard you mention that you care about students in the current curriculum, and the programs that can be magnified through technology. You didn’t mention DeKalb Alternative School or the Truancy School and the rest of the centers. Say, what? Sounds like the plot keeps on thickening. Dexter Porter, this article is addressed to you and the way your mentality thinks. Have you been at the board meetings for the last four years, lobbying for better schools and discipline? I already know, the answer is no! It seems like you just did a magic trick, coming out of your bag as you wrote this story to not only attack opponents of the military school in DeKalb. You attacked us as “strangers” and ones who have nothing better to do with time. And

Quick Read

Commission to spearhead county’s green initiative

you attacked parents by making the assumption that parents are not involved with their children. What about sports? Give these students some golf clubs. There are more golf scholarships going unused year after year. How about the arts? If these students knew they could be the next director, radio personality, newsmaker, screenwriter, writer, producer, I guarantee you’d see a different light. Where have you been? How do you know the military academia will host a dynamic curriculum and you cannot even name the cur-

riculum, where it comes from and what is the measurement. You even mentioned innovative instruction. How do you know? We’ve never heard you mention that you care about students in the current curriculum, and the programs that can be magnified through technology. You didn’t mention DeKalb Alternative School or the Truancy School and the rest of the centers. You also used the word “useless.” Wow! The real work that needs to be done is active citizens, no matter where, highlighting in public the total misuse, ethics, and not well-thought out plans of our local education boards. Annette Jackson, Latasha Walker and Kim Ault are parents of children enrolled at the DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts at Hooper Alexander.

New fees being developed for Academy grad to be speaker 9 2 arts center 5 Leadership Academy graduate Paul Fox

DeKalb County is going green.That’s the word from its new volunteer Green Commission, which was highlighted by county officials at a May 5 press conference/tree planting.

Jury rules Mangham must pay $625K to former client 3 State Rep. Randal Mangham must pay $625,000 in damages for legal malpractice to a former client, a DeKalb County jury ruled Wednesday.

Ellis to discuss first 100 days in office Circulation Audited By

At one point in elementary school, I was bullied by this girl. She used to call me names and pull my pigtails. As long as I remained afraid of her and tried to walk away she did it. Then one day I just got tired and confronted her.

and then if necessary you can say “stop and leave me alone” in a very loud voice and mean what you say. Don’t be afraid to let others know that you are protecting yourself and your space. Don’t ever be ashamed to let your parents and other family members know that you are being bullied so that they can let the administration know. I have learned over the years that bullies are cowards in disguise with low self-esteem. They may be jealous individuals who may wish to be as intelligent as you or some other good quality that you have and they don’t. Bullies feed off having others think that they are bad individuals. They are not really bad, they just think they are and will fool whomever they can. Do not be a victim and let bullies take charge of your life and invade your space. P. S. I am not a bully expert, just using common sense. Miriam Knox Robinson lives in Decatur.

Since it opened last fall, the new Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur has become a popular venue for events.

will deliver the keynote address at the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County’s Leadership Academy’s May 14 graduation at McNair High School.

Foster moms to be celebrated Breakfast focuses on center at Sunday brunch 6 services 10 Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Chrisette Michele will perform at a special Mother’s Day concert honoring licensed foster mothers from across metro Atlanta.

Community and faith-based groups and individuals can get information about the DeKalb Access and Resource Center at the organization’s second annual Prayer Breakfast on May 16.

Organizers of bicycle center face opposition 7 Ministry hosting day for organization that wants to family, friends 5 openA anonprofit recreational bicycle center along the

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis will give his “First 100 Days Report” at Leadership DeKalb’s Eggs & Issues breakfast on May 13 at Druid Hills Golf Club.

Arabia Mountain Heritage Area in Lithonia to encourage older and physically challenged adults to ride bicycles along the path is facing opposition from area residents.

Pastor Timothy Tuggle will be speaking at the May 17 Family and Friends Day service at Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Ministry in Scottdale.

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CrossRoadsNews

May 9, 2009

Finance

“I welcome the thoughts and ideas of all DeKalb County citizens because their priorities are at the forefront of this administration.”

New fees being developed for arts center By Mary Swint

Since it opened last fall, the new Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur has become a popular venue for events. Bill Leavell, the center’s executive director, said bookings started pouring in the day after the ground breaking for the center. While some events are planned as far ahead as 2010, the Board of Commissioners has now asked the center to stop booking events until a fee schedule is approved. DeKalb Parks & Recreation, which runs the center, is preparing a fee schedule for renting the facility even while the county is developing a comprehensive arts plan for the center’s operation. Chief of staff Phillippa Brown said last week that the arts plan would be presented to CEO Burrell Ellis at the end of this week and will be announced to the public sometime in May. On April 28, commissioners had their first look at the proposed fee schedule, but they sent it back to the budget committee for more review. Commissioner Lee May, who represents District 5, said the schedule was not user-friendly and too complicated. Commissioner Connie Stokes, the board’s Budget Committee chairwoman, also wanted a closer look at the fees that would be charged to schools. She said that in the past, the schools provided meeting space to commissioners for free. The revised fee schedule is expected to come back to the full board on May 12. The center houses a 500-seat theater, a 100-seat black box theater, class rooms and lobby. Parks and Recreation has proposed different rental fees for each of eight categories of users. The lowest fees would be offered to DeKalb County and to five categories of schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations. Private individuals or families who want to hold weddings, parties, reunions and receptions at the center would pay rental fees. The highest rate will be be paid by profit-oriented organizations and businesses. The fees will be higher if admission is charged to the event. The higher the admission, the higher the rental fees would be.

Lee May

Connie Stokes

Rentals on Friday through Sunday would cost more than earlier in the week. The proposals also call for the theaters to be rented at different rates for the performance and for rehearsals in blocks of four, five or up to 10 hours. The classrooms and lobby could be rented on an hourly basis. Additional fees are proposed for use of equipment, pianos, concession stand, box office, chairs and tables. Fees for alcohol permits, security guards and technical operators are also included in the fee schedule. Rental for the theater would range from $350 for five hours to $2,360 for up to ten hours, depending on the user category and day of week. Users of the black box theater could pay from $200 to $1,075. Hourly rates for classrooms would range from $50 to $250. For four hours, the classroom would cost from $185 to $925. The hourly rate for the lobby, which seats 200 for receptions, would range from $60 to $270. The proposed fee schedule does not include fees for instruction, only rental for classrooms. Parks director Marilyn Drew said the marketing material would be simpler than the full schedule. “I don’t see how you can condense this down,” May said, adding that he wanted the schedule easy to

understand and available online. In preparing the new fee schedule, Drew said the Parks Department looked at the rates charged by Callanwolde, Georgia State University’s Rialto Center, and six performing arts centers in Atlanta, Jonesboro, Columbus, Marietta, Memphis, and Rohnert Park, California. Bill Leavell, the center’s executive director, said bookings for the center started pouring in since rhe ground breaking. While some events are planned as far ahead as 2010, the commissioners have asked the center to stop booking events until the fee schedule is approved. Events already booked include an academy’s graduation and prom in May. Others have been interested in holding wedding receptions, baby showers, fashion shows and family reunions at the new facility. Drew said they are also looking at how they can offer art classes this summer. At the April 23 budget committee meeting, Stokes, who is the District 7 commissioner, said she was disappointed there were not more programs this summer. She suggested that the Parks Department look for available grants. Drew said later that the center had only recently coming under the purview of the Parks Department and that they have been developing protocols and fees and policies. She said several arts organizations, interested in conducting classes for children, have contacted her department. She said they may hire some instructors and may rent out space to other instructors.

Ellis to discuss first 100 days DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis will give his “First 100 Days Report” at Leadership DeKalb’s Eggs & Issues breakfast on May 13 at Druid Hills Golf Club. Ellis, a 1996 Leadership DeKalb graduate, has Burrell Ellis been the county’s chief executive officer since Jan.5. During the 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. meeting he will discuss his administration’s progress to date and how he has moved towards incorporating recommendations proposed by his 40-member transition team. Ellis’ first five months in office have been eventful. He had to trim the county’s budget to $616.6 million because of declining revenues, the tanking of the housing market and the incorporation of the city of Dunwoody. He was also engaged in a spat with former DeKalb police chief Terrell Bolton that resulted in an investigation into questionable actions by Bolton and his firing

on Feb. 24. Then, on April 28 he appointed William Miller as the county’s first chief public safety officer in nine years. Ellis will also discuss the county’s revenue shortfalls, efficiency and organizational effectiveness, interdepartmental planning and collaboration, technology, public policy, regional leadership, engagement with DeKalb municipalities and special tax districts. Ellis said he is proud of what his administration has accomplished during his first 100 days in office and is anxious to share his success with DeKalb citizens. “I welcome the thoughts and ideas of all DeKalb County citizens because their priorities are at the forefront of this administration,” he said. Tickets are $25 for Leadership DeKalb members and $35 for guests. Participants are encouraged to bring canned goods and nonperishable food items for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Druid Hills Golf Club is at 740 Clifton Road in Atlanta. For more information or tickets, visit www.leadershipdekalb.org or call 404-373-2491.

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Specializing in Small Business Monthly Accounting, Personal and Business Taxes (Electronic Filing), and Business Consulting (Payroll Service, Business Plans & Audit Service)

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3636 Panola Road • Lithonia, GA 30038 (Across from the Salem Crossing Shopping Center)

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

May 9, 2009

“They wake up each morning and go about the day’s activities selflessly, sometimes forsaking their own needs.”

Kids, old and young, get chance to celebrate their mothers on Sunday Smart kids – old and young – know that it’s a good idea to celebrate their moms or mom surrogates on Mother’s Day. The annual U.S. observance, celebrated May 10 this year, became a recognized holiday in 1914 through the efforts of Anna Jarvis of Taylor County, W. Va. Two years after her mother’s death, Jarvis held a memorial for her on May 12, 1907, and embarked on a campaign to make “Mother’s Day” a recognized holiday. She also copyrighted the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day. Ironically, Jarvis, who thought too many people sent their moth-

ers printed greeting cards, soured on the commercialization of the holiday and spent much of the rest of her life campaigning against it. Her New York Times obituary quoted her as saying: “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother – and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment!” With the start of May, groups and individuals have been celebrating mothers at home, church and community events. On May 2, about 100 mothers and their

children dined at Pure Hearts Girl’s Mentoring Program’s Mother/ Daughter Breakfast at DeKalb Technical College’s conference center. Former Atlanta Houswives DeShawn Snow spoke and the group was entertained by musician Antonio Allen, spoken word artist Dayanna Jacques, and the Rekaba West African Ballet Company. Dr. Lynnette Danridge, president of the Decatur nonprofit, said the breakfast will become an annual event for the program that empowers, equips and enriches young girls with insight, pouring wisdom, and exposure to other cultures.

Carolyn Horne receives a kiss from her son, Isaiah, during the May 2 Mother’s Day Brunch hosted by Pure Hearts Mentoring Program.

The Picture Lady Pinkie Webster

Foster mothers to be celebrated at May 10 Sunday brunch at the Opera

Chrisette Michele, whose mother was a foster mom for many years, will perform songs from her new CD.

Grammy Award-winning singer/ songwriter Chrisette Michele will perform at a special Mother’s Day concert honoring licensed foster mothers from across metro Atlanta. The May 10 “Sunday Brunch at the Opera” takes place 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Opera Events Facility in Atlanta. It is hosted by the Compound Foundation and encourages, celebrates and reward foster mothers for their daily work with foster children. Ebony Barley, a Compound Foundation spokeswoman, said that the foster moms were identified by state DHR Division of Family and Children

Services. They can still sign up to attend the event. “We have about 20 spots left,” she said. Compound Foundation co-founder and R&B music star Ne-Yo said foster moms deserve the event. “They wake up each morning and go about the day’s activities selflessly, sometimes forsaking their own needs,” said Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith. Michele, whose mother, Linette Payne, was a foster mom for many years, will perform songs from ther new album “Epiphany,” released on May 5.

To The Most Beautiful, Caring, Loving Mother In The World.

My Friend, My Mother Ms. Alberta White

Happy Mother's Day Love, Your Son, Nate

In addition to brunch, each foster mother will receive a gift certificate from Zen Massage, an Atlanta-area spa franchise. Compound Foundation co-founder Reynell Hay said that they hope to show the mothers a great time. “And make them feel the appreciation we all have for all that they do,” she said. Registration is required. The Opera Events Facility is at 1150 Peachtree Street in Atlanta. For more information or registration, email info@ compoundfoundaton.org or call Ebony Barley at 404-478-7834 ext. 0123.

‘Idol’ contest holding auditions Talented vocalists who are 50 years and older can audition May 16 for one of 15 spots in the North DeKalb Mall’s fourth annual Senior Idol competition. Selected contestants will vie for a $1,500 grand prize. The first runnerup will get $500. The 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. auditions will take place in the mall’s Idol Studio, outside of Burlington Coat Factory. Contestants should be prepared to sing a complete song of their choice. They must bring their own background music. The Senior Idol competition will take place Saturdays at 2 p.m. between May 30 and June 27 before a panel of judges. Singers who audition will get a DVD of their audition, an Idol t-shirt and a 8x10 headshot from Hollywood Shot. Registration is $50. The North DeKalb Mall is at 2050 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur. For more information or to register, call 404-235-6444.

Author to discuss new book at library Best-selling author Arthur Phillips will discuss his new novel, “The Song is You” on May 11 at the Decatur Library in downtown Decatur. Phillips was recently hailed as one of the best writers in America by the Washington Post. “The Song is You,” a fictional tale about creative commercials director Julian Donahue, who came to know his limits during his courtship of rising singer sensation Cait O’Dwyer, Arthur Phillips is his fourth book. He is also the author of “Prague” and “The Egyptologist.” The discussion starts at 7:15 p.m.Admission is free. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, call 404-370-8450.

CrossRoadsNews

May 9, 2009

Wellness

“We did some research and found these bikes. We thought then this would be a great idea for other seniors and disabled people.”

DeKalb County’s first case of swine flu confirmed by CDC this week Swine flu finally came home to DeKalb County this week. The DeKalb Board of Health said Monday that it got confirmation from the state Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of a positive case of H1N1 or swine flu in the county. The 36-year-old woman diagnosed with the flu, which has caused an international scare over the last week, is recovering at home. Les Richmond, the county’s acting district health director, said they are attempting to ascertain

where the women was exposed to the highly contagious virus. “We’re confident, based on follow-up of the case, that she had limited exposure to others,” Richmond said. “So far, all close contacts have reported having no symptoms or illness following exposure to this individual, and we are now outside of the period of communicability with the patient.” The CDC identifies H1N1’s contagious period from one day before onset of illness to seven days afterward. H1N1 can be spread through coughs, sneezes or droplets set-

tling on surfaces like doorknobs or telephones. Swine flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, coughing, muscle aches, headache, chills, fatigue, weakness, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea. Any person with flu-like symptoms who has either traveled to an area where H1N1 illness has been confirmed, or has been in close with a person with a suspected or confirmed infection, should see their medical provider immediately. For more information about H1N1, visit www.dekalbhealth.net or www.cdc.org.

Fighting swine flu Health experts compare H1N1 to seasonal flu and say that adults and children can take the following steps to reduce the spread of the virus. n Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. n Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. n Avoid close contact with sick people. n Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without first washing your hands. Germs spread this way. n If you get sick with flu, see your doctor and stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Organizers of bicycle center on Arabian Mountain trail face opposition By McKenize Jackson

A nonprofit organization that wants to open a recreational bicycle center along the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area in Lithonia to encourage older and physically challenged adults to ride bicycles along the path is facing opposition from area residents. Ernest Johnson and his wife, Yvonne, are seeking a Special Land Use Permit to use a single-family house at 6657 Rockland Road as the Arabia Mountain Bicycle Center. The couple is renovating the one-story home in hopes to open the center by October. But at the May 5 Planning Commission meeting, members of the Klondike Area Civic Association say they don’t want the center. Beth Abbott, who has lived on Klondike Road for 49 years, says no one in the area will welcome it. “We see no need for this to Beth Abbott be in the area,” she said. Abbot said that only one neighbor, Larry Clack, supports the center and would benefit from it. “He is a handicapped person in that area,” she said. The Johnsons bought house on three acres and spent the last six months renovating the property. Their plan is to help adults 50 years and older and those who are disabled become more active by riding multi-seat bicycles. They have seven multi-seat and disabled-ready bikes, valued between $975 to $5,000, that are made available free of cost. The Lithonia couple said they got the idea for the center five years ago while looking for a way to allow Yvonne’s mother,

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Ernest Johnson (left) and his son, William, ride a four-wheel roaster bicycle, while Yvonne Johnson, Ernest’s wife, rides a three-wheeler. Both of the bikes can driven by pedaling or electric assistance.

who has chronic foot problems, to get around easier. Yvonne said her mother, who lives in Iowa, would catch a cab to the grocery store, which was half a block away from her home. “We did some research and found these bikes,” she said. “We thought then this would be a great idea for other seniors and disabled people.” While taking a ride on the Arabia Mountain Trail last summer, the Johnsons noticed an abandoned home near the trail and decided that would be ideal for a bicycle center.

Earnest Johnson said users of his center can ride bicycles on the Arabia Mountain Trail or on a private trail that he wants to create on the three-acre property. He said there will be also be lounge areas and board games. “The two things we are trying to tackle are obesity and boredom,” he said. “A lot of seniors are bored. They are just sitting around waiting for someone to come to their house.” Yvonne Johnson said that bike riders will be exposed to nature. “This may be their only source of getting out and seeing this area,”

Senior volunteers needed

Free mammograms offered

Active adults over 55 years old can volunteer with the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Metro Atlanta Health & Preventive Services training program to help older adults and people with disabilities maintain independent, healthy lifestyles. Interested adults can find out more about the Metro Atlanta RSVP program at a May 20 volunteer session hosted by Area Agency on Aging. The session will be 10 a.m. to noon at 40 Courtland St., Atlanta. The RSVP program engages more that 400,000 older adults in volunteer service each year and serves DeKalb, Fulton, Clayton, Cobb and Gwinnett counties. Admission is free and mileage is reimbursed. For more information or to register, contact Kristie Sharp at ksharp@atlantaregional.com or 404-4630437.

Uninsured women can receive free mammography and breast exams on May 17 at Masjid An Nur in Lithonia. Essential Living for Muslim Women, a breast health and mammography initiative, is holding screenings from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Women will also get information on breast cancer and breast lumps and information on how to do breast selfexaminations. Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the U.S. and 40,480 women die annually from breast cancer. The event is free and open to women of all faith and races. Masjid An Nur is at 1996 S. Stone MountainLithonia Road. For more information, visit www. elmw.com or call 404-441-7029 or 770-365-2277.

she said. “There are a lot of seniors that haven’t even seen what this trail has on it.” Abbott, who owns two properties on Klondike Road, was the only person to speak against the Johnson’s application at the Planning Commission meeting. She said residents fear that the only way people will be able to get to the center is by bus. “This property is zoned R100,every house in that area is residential,” she said. “This is one of the last areas in DeKalb County that is not commercial and we would like to keep it R-100.”

Daryl Johnson, who lives across the street from house and is not related to Ernest and Yvonne, said he was originally opposed to the idea of the center but has changed his mind. “I see the light now; if there is a crippled man or crippled woman that needs some place to go they can go,” he said. “I’m really the only person that is close to the property anyway, so I don’t see how it will be affecting no one else in the neighborhood.” Michele Battle, the Johnsons’ lawyer, said the county’s Parks Department had concerns about the bicycles’ size, but are no longer objecting to the center. “The bikes are small enough in width that they don’t pose a problem in terms of access along the path,” Battle said. Ernest Johnson said remodeling of the house is almost complete. “All we need to do is finish the outside really,” he said. “We are looking at having a deck all the way around the outside of the house.” Before voting a full cycle deferral for the application, Planning Commission members suggested that the Johnsons discuss their plans with the PATH Foundation and the Arabia Mountain Coalition. The application will come before the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in downtown Decatur. Ernest said that whenever the center opens, he just wants it to be a peaceful environment. “We want people to be able to walk or ride out here and get a spiritual connection in the woods,” he said. “We are looking at this as being a peaceful place.” For more information, visit www.arabiabicyclecenter.org or call 770-601-8427.

CrossRoadsNews

Sports

May 9, 2009

“I’m going to go up there and do my best and do what it takes to win.”

Three of county’s best wrestlers to hook up on same college team Clarkston’s Terrance Gaddy signs a scholarship to wrestle with the Anderson University Trojans under the watchful eyes of coach Terrell Bennett and mom Tara Gaddy.

By McKenzie Jackson

When the Anderson University wrestling team hits the mat next winter, three of DeKalb County’s best will be among them. During the past three weeks, wrestlers Terrance Gaddy of Clarkston High School, Dequan Warner of Southwest DeKalb and Melchisedac Lavergne of Tucker signed full scholarships with the Trojans. Between them, the three have won four state championships, three state runners-up, a state third-place finish, almost a dozen individual DeKalb crowns, and almost a dozen individual area titles. They will join a talented wrestling squad coached by National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee Dock Kelly. Trojan wrestlers include NCAA Division 2 All-American C.J. Hamilton and two other national championship qualifiers. Southwest DeKalb wrestling coach Keith Johnson said the Anderson, S.C., school has grabbed three of DeKalb’s best. “It’s a real big deal for the coach up there because he is thinking about his future and he really has kind of an all-star team because every one of them really placed in the top three, top two of the state,” he said. Gaddy, Warner and Lavergne are not the only Georgia wrestlers heading two hours north on Interstate 85 toward a college wrestling career. Lovejoy High School’s Tobias Harris also signed a scholarship with the school. Two-time state title winner Gaddy was the first of the DeKalb trio to sign with the Trojans. He inked his letter of intent with the school during an April 17 signing day ceremony at Clarkston. In addition to winning state crowns the past two seasons, Gaddy has won three area and county championships each. Gaddy, who wrestles in the 179-pound weight class, said signing with Anderson felt good. “Basically Anderson was of-

Photos by McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Dequan Warner (seated) signs his letter of intent as (from left) Southwest DeKalb principal John Prince, Dequan’s mother Darlisa Warner, and wrestling coach Keith Johnson look on.

fering what no other schools were offering, which was a full scholarship,” he said. “I like the atmosphere up there and I feel like I can make a good contribution to the team.” Gaddy, 18, said that he is excited about going to college with Warner and Lavergne. “What better guys to go to an organization?” he asked. “We are three of DeKalb’s best. I feel we can

contribute highly.” Warner signed with the Trojans on April 20. The 119- and 125-pound class wrestler started his high school wrestling career with state titles during his freshman and sophomore seasons. His junior year he won third-place in the state championships and this past season he won second-place. Along with way he was grabbed four county

crowns and four area crowns. After Warner’s signing ceremony at Southwest DeKalb, the school’s principal, John Prince, said that Warner was probably the best wrestler to ever walk the hallways of the Decatur school. Also during the ceremony, Warner was presented a glass case that contains his wrestling uniform and pictures from his state title

Soccer standout picks small college over big schools By McKenzie Jackson

Paideia School senior soccer player Aaris Norton signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Oxford College of Emory on April 29. The 17-year-old defensive stopper chose the Oxford school over larger universities because of the school’s small and quaint community. “Paideia School is small,” said Norton, who lives in Lithonia. “There are only about 100 students in my graduating class.” Norton, who went on a recruiting trip to the college last October, said that she also liked the members of the Lady Eagles soccer team and their coach, Jim Robbins. “I bonded with a lot of the players while I was down there,” she said. “The coach wants to win a championship.” Norton will be joining a soccer squad that is coming off a 13-4 season and a sixth-place finish in the NSCAA and NJCAA D3 polls. She will be one of five metro Atlanta residents on the team, © 2008 Nill Toulme Photography including former Decatur High School Aaris Norton chose Oxford College over schools like the University of Miami and Southern Cal. forward Hannah Hooten.

Norton, who chose the junior college over universities such as the University of Miami, UNC-Asheville, University of California-Berkley and the University of Southern California, said she probably would not try to play soccer if she went to a bigger school. She said she felt that soccer might overwhelm her at a larger school. Norton and her Paideia Lady Python teammates ended their season May 1 with an 0-2 loss to Walker High School in the third round of the state playoffs. Paideia (14-4) knocked off Eagles Landing Christian Academy 1-0 in the first round of the playoffs on April 23 and beat Thomasville High School 9-0 on April 28 to advance to the third round. The Lady Pythons captured state soccer crowns in 2000 and 2001, but this year marks the highest Norton had advanced in her four seasons with the team. “The team seems a lot better this year,” she said. Norton said that she wants to continue to be a part of a successful soccer team in college. “I’m willing to work hard,” she said.

wins. The case will be placed in the school’s trophy case. Warner said he is expecting the best in college. “I’m going to go up there and do my best and do what it takes to win,” he said. Johnson said Warner should do well with the Trojans. “The coach up there is going to add some college techniques to him,” he said. “It’s a good fit for him.” Gaddy, who has known Warner since ninth grade, said he is a good and determined wrestler. “When we went on the trip [to Anderson], I actually sat down and he pulled me up and said, ‘No we are not sitting down, we came here to represent.’” Lavergne signed with the Trojans on April 29. The 125-pound wrestler is a two-time county champion. Johnson said each one of the three should be an All-American by the time they graduate from Anderson. “If they go up there with a goal,” he said. “And that is their goal.”

South DeKalb represented on All-County team Nearly half of the baseball players named to the first team of the 2009 AllDeKalb County Baseball Team are from the southern end of the county. The team, which was named on May 5, includes 11 players from Towers, Miller Grove, Stephenson, Clarkston, Tucker and McNair among the squad’s 24 spots. Redan led South DeKalb teams with three players; Stephenson and Clarkston placed two on the team, and Tucker, Towers, McNair and Miller Grove had one player each. Outfielders Steve Wimpye and Patrick Smith, and infielder Joseph McCrary represented Redan on the all-county team, while Stephenson players included outfielder Patrick Smith and pitcher Geoffrey Thomas. Clarkston pitcher Jason Wynn and outfielder Ajami Bringier were named to the team, along with Towers infielder Leopold Dixon, Miller Grove infielder Rondall Oliver, Tucker pitcher Nick Bowers and McNair utility player Bradley Thomas.

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

May 9, 2009

“This is really truly not about pointing fingers for a mother has lost her child and there is nothing that we can say or do that will make that family feel better.”

Academy grad to be speaker Retired judge looking into 5th-grader’s suicide Leadership Academy graduate Paul Fox will deliver the keynote address at the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County’s Leadership Academy’s May 14 graduation at McNair High School. Fox, who is now a junior at Paul Fox Savannah College of Art & Design, will speak about how graduates can use the skills they learned in the program. This year’s Leadership Academy has more than 135 students in grades six through 12. At “The Culminating Experience,” which starts at 6:30 p.m., more than a dozen high school seniors who participate in the academy and “G.L.E.A.M.”, McNair High School’s Gregory Levett Entrepreneurship Program, will be recognized for their achievements

and leadership skills. This year’s academy graduates include Decatur High’s Ormond Castle and Miller Grove’s Akeem Middlebrooks, who are attending Tuskegee; McNair’s Brian Etheridge, who is attending Alabama A&M; Decatur’s Ezzard Glenn, who is attending Talladega; Southwest DeKalb’s Thomas Larkins, who is headed to Albany State University; and Chamblee’s Antwon Hicks, who is going to Georgia Perimeter College. G.L.E.A.M. graduates include Tevorius Higgins, Courtney Williams, William Spam, Marcus Madison, Shaquitta Woods and Kareena Pitts. Graduates will talk about their academy experiences and what the program means to them. McNair High School is at 1804 Bouldercrest Road in Atlanta. For more information, call 404288-2772.

The DeKalb School Cummings Moore, System’s internal review who was the first Afriinto the suicide of fifth can-American Superior grader Jaheem Herrera is Court Judge in Georgia, being conducted by retired is being paid $350 an Fulton County Superior hour to conduct the Court Judge Thelma Wyatt review. Cummings Moore. Lewis and they really School Superintendent want to find out what Thelma Moore Jaheem Herrera Crawford Lewis Dr. Crawford Lewis said happened and went outCummings Moore has 30 days to a student at Dunaire Elementary side the school system to find present her report on the school School in Stone Mountain, when he someone to avoid any conflict of system’s response to complaints hung himself with a cloth belt at his interest. about bullying made by Jaheem’s Decatur apartment on April 16. “The use of an outstanding inHis mother, Masika Bermudez, dependent judge, who is an expert parents to the school system and what could have been done dif- who was on the May 6 Oprah Win- in the legal field and who has not frey Show, said he killed himself previously been acquainted with ferently. “This is really truly not about because of unrelenting bullying at the school system, or the Herrera pointing fingers for a mother has school. family, guarantees that the school Bermudez said that students system’s reporting of this incident lost her child and there is nothing that we can say or do that will make called her son “gay” and a “snitch” will be thorough, unbiased and that family feel better,” Lewis said and chocked him in the boys’ impartial,” he said. during a presentation at the May 2 bathroom until he passed out. Jaheem was a first-year student DeKalb Community Council meet- She has said that she made several in the school district. He was laid ing at New Piney Baptist Church. complaints to the school and that to rest on April 28 in his native Eleven-year-old Jaheem was nothing was done to help her son. St.Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

New law promotes physical activity for youth Thoughtful essay earns trip When it was time to sign the state’s new Physical Education or “P.E.” Bill into law on April 28, Gov. Sonny Perdue turned to Glen Haven Elementary School in Decatur as the venue of choice. Perdue told students that he was glad to visit with the Glen Haven Bulldogs to demonstrate how important it is for young people to begin to monitor themselves physically at an early age. He also encouraged the students to take a scoreboard of their health so that they could win for a long time. “To win for a long time you have to be active and you have to be healthy,” he said. Glen Haven was picked for the signing ceremony to showcase the school system’s programs for administering fitness tests for students in grades three to 12. Glen Haven, like many of the district’s elementary schools, has unique student workout programs – “Jammin’ Two Minutes” and “Bulldogs on the Move” – organized by P.E. teachers Morris Roberts and Tarris Scott. Shannon Williams, the school system’s assistant director of Health

Gov. Sonny Perdue signs the Student Health and Physical Education Act at Glen Haven Elementary School in Decatur.

and Wellness, also testified before the Senate and House committees that formulated HB 229. Her involvement helped to spotlight the school system’s student health and fitness assessments. “Schools all over the state will begin to do what Glen Haven has done,” Perdue said. House Bill 229, or the Student Health and Physical Education Act, requires local school systems to conduct an annual fitness assessment and to comply with state

physical education instruction requirements. It also calls for school systems to provide reporting of fitness assessment results, including an annual report to the governor, and to also provide a recognition program for those students meeting standards. DeKalb lawmakers who joined Perdue for the signing included state Sen. Gloria Butler of Stone Mountain and state Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, who represents House District 89.

Election project is state’s best

Lithonia’s mayor reads to little ones During the recent Week of the Young Child, Lithonia Mayor Tonya Peterson read “Bear Feels Scared” to pre-K students at the Little Angels Academy in Lithonia. Peterson, seen here chatting with 2-year-olds Andrew and Rickoe, said Lithonia has a lot of children. “I support the businesses that provide affordable, quality childcare and after-school programs so that the parents can have peace of mind,” she said.

Ten-year-old Liyah Terrell knows that hard work pays off, and she has a blue ribbon from the Georgia Social Studies Fair to prove it. Liyah, who is in the fifth grade at Wadsworth Magnet for High Achievers in Decatur, won Best in Discipline, Class I Political Science for her project “Inside the Voting Booth: Can One Vote Make a Difference?” Her quest for the blue ribbon began in November when she entered her social studies project at the school’s fair. With first place at Wadsworth, she advanced to DeKalb County School Fair in December, where Liyah Terrell’s voting project took top she competed against 150 projhonors in the state Social Studies Fair. ects from fifth- to 12th-graders and nabbed first place and the creativity award. Her next stop was the East Metro Regional Fair in Stockbridge in February, where she won “Best in Show.” At the state fair in Hampton in March, Liyah walked away with the Best in Discipline” award. A straight-A student since kindergarten, Liyah is a member of the Beta Club, Character Club, and the Science Olympiad Club. But Liyah is no nerd. She also competes in track and field, soccer, and basketball at Gresham Recreation Center, where her mother Wannetter Terrell is director. Liyah has competed in the GRPA track and field state meet, running the 200 and 800 meters, and 4x100 and 4x400m relays. She also plays basketball.

Girl Guide/Girl Scout InFreedom Wright of ternational Conference, Ellenwood is headed to offers Girl Scouts and New York City this sumGirl Guides worldwide, mer on an all-expensean opportunity to “think” paid educational trip. of each other and give The junket is the thanks and appreciation 13-year-old’s prize for to their “sister” scouts. writing a winning global citizens essay contest Freedom Wright It is celebrated on Feb. 22 annually and girls that reflected on her Girl Scout experience and how participate in activities, games it broadened her horizons and and projects with global themes increased her cultural sensitivity. to honor their scouting in other Freedom, who is an eighth-grader countries. Freedom said World Thinking at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal, is one of 18 winners nationwide. Day taught her about different More than 150 girls submitted ways of life in other countries. “By becoming a global citiessays. In her essay, Freedom wrote zen, my goal is to strive to teach about her participation in World others the importance of being a Thinking Day activities through- global citizen, how they can have an impact on someone’s life and out her Girl Scout career. World Thinking Day, which to be a sister to every Girl Scout,” was created in 1926 at the fourth she said.

CrossRoadsNews

Ministry

May 9, 2009

Series looks at godly conversations community through stories of anConversations on Call is under cestors like Harriet Tubman, Ida B. way Wednesdays this month at First Wells, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Craft Afrikan Presbyterian Church. Laney and Gayraurd Wilmore, who Itihari Toure, a church elder and heard their inner voice and outer director of the church’s Center For community call. Afrikan Biblical Studies, said the On May 20, the topic of “Callcommunity-wide Bible study foing Is One Thing, Capabilities Are cuses on discerning God’s purpose Another: Confidence in Our Capafor our lives. She said the sessions Itihari Toure bilities, Confusion in Our Call.” The will explore, recognize and articulate personal vocations through a focused discussion will embrace a critical review of conversation about how, when and where the motivations we assign to service in the we locate ourselves in church/ministry and church and community. Conversations on Call wraps up on May our responsiveness to God’s call/purpose 27 with “Navigating One’s Call: Striving for for our lives. “When we are working according to God’s Harmony in Working Through, Serving Out will, the call to which our creator has made to & Living in One’s Call,” which will examine us, then we do not need to concern ourselves the challenges of walking in God’s call and about whether or not we will have what we balancing spirit work and life work. All sessions are held at First Afrikan need to get the work done,” she said. On May 13, the conversation will be on Church, 5197 Salem Road in Lithonia. For “How Do I Recognize It? How Do I Know more information, download registration It? Testimony and Witness for Our Faith.” form at www.firstafrikanchurch.org/images/ Participants will focus on listening for and to MayJune_Study_Registration.pdf or call the inner voice of God and the outer voice of 770-981-2601 or 770-981-1856.

Breakfast focuses on center services Community and faith-based groups and individuals can get information about the DeKalb Access and Resource Center at the organization’s second annual Prayer Breakfast on May 16. The two-year-old organization provides resources to parents with children with severe emotional disorders. It is trying to build community awareness The DeKalb Access and Resource Center is trying to build awareness of its mission to serve parents and children. about its services. The resource center is a branch of the “We want to let people know we are here DeKalb Family Policy Council, a collabora- and what we do,” she said, adding that the tion of public agencies including DeKalb Ju- center educates and empowers parents who venile Court, the Department of Family and have children with serious emotional disorChildren’s Services, the Community Service ders. She said they want parents to know that Board, the DeKalb County School System, they are not alone. DeKalb Board of Health, the Department of The free prayer breakfast will include Juvenile Justice and the DeKalb Community performances by gospel singer s and dancers. Development Department. It relocated to There will also be discussions on the center’s Stone Mountain in June 2008 from its former plans and upcoming initiatives. location in Atlanta in DeKalb. The DeKalb Access and Resource CenFamily liaison officer Tammie K. Har- ter is at 949 North Hairston Road in Stone rison said “Bridging the Gap” is the theme Mountain. For more information or to RSVP, of the 9 a.m. to noon breakfast. call 678-205-3439.

Ministry hosting day for family, friends