SCENE
YOUTH
Family fun with the arts
Free reading made easy
Educational and artistic offerings will be plentiful at the Family Fun at The Woodruff Arts Center initiative on Nov. 12. 4
A literacy program run by metro Atlanta fathers and educators is expanding reading options for students at DeKalb schools. 6
Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER • STONECREST
Copyright © 2017 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
November 4, 2017
Volume 23, Number 27
www.crossroadsnews.com
Woman says Waffle House gave her drink with bleach By Rosie Manins
A Lithonia woman is suing Waffle House, claiming she was served a drink with bleach in it at the chain’s restaurant at 2842 Panola Road in Lithonia. Atavian Moore filed a civil complaint for damages in the DeKalb State Court on Oct. 25, demanding a jury trial and compensation for “severe and permanent” injuries to her intestines and other trauma, including disfigurement and permanent scarring. Moore says her ongoing serious physical and emotional injuries result from drinking bleach – served to her in a cup of beverage – at the Waffle House on Oct. 18, 2015.
esophagus, stomach and other internal areas of her body including mental and physical “We received the lawsuit last week and anguish,” her claim states. are in the process of looking into the “The Plaintiff brings this action to recover merits of it and getting all the facts. The for her pain and suffering, past, present and safety of our customers is paramount future, both mental and physical, for sums incurred for hospitals, physicians, medicaand we take that responsibility very tions and related expenses, past, present and seriously.” future, for her loss of enjoyment of life, and Pat Warner, Waffle House spokesman for her permanent disabilities and the diminished lifestyle with which she has been left as She says it has cost her more than $50,000 the bleach had been removed from the dis- a result of injuries suffered in the incident at in medical expenses to date, as well as her penser and some ended up in her drink. issue,” Moore’s claim states. “Ms. Moore continued to eat hoping to quality of life. She claims Waffle House was negligent Moore claims the drink machine had settle her stomach and eventually vomited been cleaned with bleach but that not all of in the restroom . . . she suffered injuries to Please see BLEACH, page 2
24 miles of South DeKalb roads to be repaved Federal DOT grant to help pay for resurfacing
By Rosie Manins
Eight million dollars worth of road repaving is about to start in unincorporated DeKalb, where the county has prioritized just over 24 miles for resurfacing. The work, which will impact 66 different streets in unincorporated areas of Stone Mountain, Decatur and Lithonia, is set to begin in December. It will be partially funded by just over $4 million from the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG). The rest of the cost is being borne by the county, from its general fund. The 66 streets are in need of major reconstruction but only 24.02 miles will be repaved at this time. Peggy Allen, associate director of DeKalb Roads and Drainage, said streets are given a rating between 0 and 62 depending on their condition, and the higher the rating the worse the road. All but two of the roads to be repaved this year have a rating of 34 or 35. “Once a street gets a rating over 30, you are looking at major recon- Peggy Allen struction,” Allen said. “That’s where the cost of repaving is about $400,000 per mile.” Across the county, there are about 400 miles of damaged roads that need fixing, estimated to cost about $180 million. DeKalb commissioners who see road improvements a priority approved the Special Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum which is on the Nov. 7 ballot. If voters approve, the penny sales tax will raise more than $100 million a year over six years to fix roads. The BOC has earmarked $151
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Paving, like this one on Wesley Chapel Road on Oct. 30, is coming in December for 66 streets in unincorporated DeKalb County. In December, DeKalb will be repaving 24 miles of road at cost of $88 million. It is also hoping voters will approve the Special Local Option Sales Tax on Nov. 7.
million of SPLOST funds to resurface about 318 miles of local roads. At an Oct. 3 county Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting, Allen told commissioners that the SPLOST would clear the majority of the county’s road resurfacing backlog. “We have been aiming to get all the streets with a rating of 30 or above fixed, and a year ago it didn’t seem possible,” she said. “But
now it seems we will be able to do that with SPLOST.” If approved, the SPLOST goes into effect in January. Over its six years, it will raise $388 million and 60 percent or about $240 million will be used for transportation upgrades. DeKalb’s 12 municipalities will also receive $249 million, which will be disbursed based on population size. In addition to the SPLOST, the county
is also planning a 2018 list for general road resurfacing, with about $4.2 million from the state in LMIG funding. Allen said that would amount to an additional 25 miles of county streets that will be upgraded next year. She said minor road work, like filling in potholes, is funded separately as part of the county’s regular infrastructure maintenance.
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Election
CrossRoadsNews
November 4, 2017
All of DeKalb County’s 188 polling precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day.
SPLOST, EHOST, city elections on Nov. 7 ballot $50,000 grant for eligible homeowners
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
DeKalb residents are headed to the polls on Nov. 7 to vote on a onecent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and an Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) to fund roads and other infrastructure improve- Ted Terry ments. Residents in the county’s 12 cities and in Atlanta in DeKalb will also pick mayors and council members. Through Oct. 12, DeKalb had 501,452 registered voters eligible to cast ballots in the Nov. 7 elections. All of DeKalb County’s 188 polling precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day, and voters must go to their assigned polling precinct. City of Atlanta precincts in DeKalb County will be open until 8 p.m. for Atlanta residents only. Any city of Atlanta voter who arrives at their precinct after 7 p.m. will be given a provisional paper ballot and only the Atlanta municipal races will be counted. The SPLOST and EHOST are the only
county-wide issues on the ballot. Other top races include the mayoral battle in Clarkston between incumbent Ted Terry and former councilwoman Beverly Burks, and the four-person special election in Georgia House 89 to replace Rep. Stacey Abrams, who running for Georgia governor. Democrats David Beverly Burks Abbot, Monique Keane, Bee Nguyen and Sachin Varghese are vying for the seat. Through Nov. 1, more than 4,500 voters have cast ballots in early voting, which ended at 5 p.m. on Nov. 3. There will be no voting on Nov. 4 and 6. Municipal elections are taking place in Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker. In other elections, eight candidates – incumbents Jamie Carroll, Ahmed Hassan and Dean Moore, and Yterenickia “YT” Bell, Christopher Busing, Laura Carol Hopkins, Grant Hassan Salaam, and Jennifer Schliestett are vying for three open seats on the
Clarkston City Council. Andrea Cervone and Warren Hadlock are vying in the special election to finish the unexpired term of Beverly Burks, who resigned from the council to run for mayor. In Lithonia, four candidates – incumbents Ric Dodd, Diane Howard and TracyAnn Williams, and political newcomer Amelia Inman – are seeking three open seats on the Lithonia City Council. In the city of Stone Mountain, there are contested races for the Posts 4 and 6 seats. Diana Roe Hollis and J. Michael Rollins are vying for the Post 4 seat and in Post 6, the choice is between Judy Asher and Jasmine Little. In Tucker, incumbent Michelle Penkava is being challenged by Dave Deaton for the District 3, Post 1 seat. Voters must approve both the SPLOST and EHOST for either to become effective. In the new city of Stonecrest, Districts 1, 3 and 5 council members Jimmy Clanton Jr., Jazzmin Cobble and Diane Adoma are unopposed on the ballot. For more information, visit www.dekalbvotes.com or call 404-298-4020.
DeKalb homeowners who are still “under water” on their mortgages can get up to $50,000 to pay down the balance from HomeSafe Georgia. The federal government established the“Hardest Hit Fund,” in 2010 to provide foreclosure help to homeowners most affected by the steep decline in home prices and rising unemployment rates during the last recession. “Underwater” homes are those that appraise for less than the mortgage principal that is owed. HomeSafe Georgia is hosting meetings in DeKalb County on Nov. 4 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College and on Nov. 8 at the Wesley Chapel/William C. Brown Library to help eligible homeowners, those with mortgages under than $250,000, apply for the funds from its “Underwater Georgia,” and Mortgage Payment Reduction (aka Recast) programs. Former and first time homebuyers can also get financial down payment assistance through HomeSafe Georgia’s Georgia Dream Program.
Lawsuit claims daily pain and suffering, need for more medical treatment BLEACH,
from page
1
in its duty of care and did not properly train its employees, resulting in her being served bleach in a beverage. Waffle House spokesman Pat Warner said the company will respond to the case through the legal system.
“We received the lawsuit last week and are in the process of looking into the merits of it and getting all the facts,” he said Nov. 1. “The safety of our customers is paramount and we take that responsibility very seriously,” Warner added. In her lawsuit, Moore says she endures daily pain and suffering as a result of the inci-
dent and will need further medical treatment for gastrointestinal issues and psychological treatment. She wants the court to determine the amount of compensation she deserves. Charles Richards Jr., an attorney on Moore’s case, which is being handled by Suwanee-based Bross, McAllister and Wil-
liams, said Moore has no comment and does not wish to be interviewed at this time. He said Moore was hospitalized at DeKalb Medical Center for four days as a result of the incident. The case has been assigned to Judge Stacey K. Hydrick. A court date for the trial has not yet been scheduled.
CrossRoadsNews
November 4, 2017
Community
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“An investigation is currently being conducted and Mr. Broome will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Work to disrupt traffic on Rockbridge starting Nov. 6
Grandson indicted in grandma’s death
Major traffic restrictions are about to take effect on Rockbridge Road, where the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management is replacing more than seven miles of main drinking water pipes. Starting Nov. 6 the section of Rockbridge Road between Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road and South Hairston Road will be restricted to a single lane from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists and MARTA passengers are urged to add extra time to their daily commutes as a result of the road restriction, due to last until spring 2018. It is the second section of construction in the $22 million Rockbridge Road water main replacement project that started several weeks ago and is expected to finish in summer 2019. The project, which is being completed in four phases, is part of DeKalb County’s capital improvement program. Lane closure signs will be in the area alerting motorists to the construction work and traffic restrictions. Overall the project will involve daily single-lane closures along Rockbridge Road between South Deshon Road in Lithonia and Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. A new eight-inch pipe is replacing the aging six-inch water main, to reduce breaks and outages and meet future demand for services.
Gregory Williams, who is accused of killing his grandmother and hiding her body, has been indicted by a DeKalb County grand jury on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, and theft by taking. Williams, 35, was indicted Gregory Williams on Oct. 26. When Millicent Williams, his 78-year-old paternal grandmother, disappeared in July from the Brookgreen Point home they shared in Decatur, investigators found blood and signs of a struggle in the home but Williams refused to tell what had happened to her. Relatives who last heard from Millicent Williams on July 23 reported her missing. Gregory Williams, a military veteran who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, was arrested on July 27 while driving her car in the parking lot of the Kroger on Flat Shoals Parkway. On Aug. 16, her badly decomposed body was found on
By Rosie Manins
Millicent Williams
I-20 westbound near the Flat Shoals Road exit. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner used dental records to identify her and determined she died of sharp force trauma to the head. Before a motorist reported seeing the body on I-20, about five miles from the house, Police searched Lehigh Lake in Chapel Hill Park and the woods near her home in the 3800 block of
Brookgreen Point. During the time Williams lived with his grandmother, police were called to the home half a dozen times. Millicent Williams requested and was granted court-ordered protection from him in 2011 and 2014. The case will be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Major Case Unit. A trial date has not yet been set. Gregory Williams, who enlisted in the Army in 1999 and was a petroleum lab specialist at Fort Bragg in North Carolina until 2002, remains in custody in the DeKalb County Jail without bond.
Bethune principal removed pending misconduct investigation By Rosie Manins
Myron Broome, principal of Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School in Decatur, has been removed from the school pending an investigation into an alleged serious misconduct that took place off school premises. Broome has been principal of Bethune Middle since 2015. He was placed on paid administrative leave on Oct. 19, the day the DeKalb County School District received a report of serious employee misconduct against him. DCSD issued a statement on Oct. 30 con-
firming Broome’s removal pending the investigation’s outcome and said a retired DCSD a d m i n i s t r at or is serving as the principal of the school. “O n O c to ber 19, 2017, the DCSD administration received Myron Broome a report of serious employee misconduct by Mr. Myron
Broome, principal at Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School. As soon as the alleged incident was reported to administration, Mr. Broome was removed from the school and placed on paid administrative leave,” the district said. “An investigation is currently being conducted and Mr. Broome will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.” The allegation of serious misconduct reportedly relates to an off-campus incident that did not involve a student. The district did not identify the nature of the complaint, but according to media reports an anonymous tipster said he allegedly groped a fellow
DCSD employee during the Georgia Department of Education’s Oct. 16-18 Statewide Instructional Leadership Conference in Macon, and that the employee’s husband contacted DCSD Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green directly on Oct. 19, stating “if you don’t do something about this, I will.” Broome’s profile on Bethune Middle’s website states that he has a degree in curriculum instruction management administration and that he has spent 18 years in the education sector, 14 of them in DeKalb. He was assistant principal at Towers High School before becoming Bethune Middle’s principal.
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Scene 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 Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams
CrossRoadsNews
November 4, 2017
“These are our vets and no matter who is running America, we built it and we should support it.”
Patriotic revue to celebrate vets, active-duty military There will be a patriotic song and dance on Nov. 9 when the Red, White & Blue Revue takes the stage at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center. Organizers are hoping that 200 vets and active-duty military will be in the seats if they can get businesses, civic organizations, individuals and others to sponsor vets in the community for the hour-long show. The 10 a.m. show is produced by Emmynominated producer, director and choreographer Stepp Stewart. The cast of 10 includes lead vocalists LaMonte Williams, Lauren Highsmith, Kayte Burgess, and Stewart, who also sings and dances in the show. It will feature 1940s patriotic songs like “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “America the Beautiful.”
The Red, White & Blue Revue will feature songs like “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “America the Beautiful.”
It was first produced this summer for Fourth of July. Stewart, whose father James served in the army, said the show will celebrate vets who will be honored nationwide on National Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11. He said it is important to celebrate veterans. “These are our vets and no matter who is running America, we built it and we should support it,” he said. Stewart, who also produces “A Soulful
Christmas” annually at the Porter Sanford Center, said the music for the Red, White & Blue Revue includes some of his favorites. “It’s important to have this kind of give-back,” he said. Tickets are $10 each, and Stewart said that sponsors can purchase tickets for vets they know or for any vet to attend. The Porter Sanford Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-687-2731.
Free Family Fun at Woodruff Arts Center on Nov. 12 CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisements, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.
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Families with kids can have loads of fun on Nov. 12 at the annual Family Fun at The Woodruff Arts Center initiative. During the free day of programming, they can sample a variety of educational and artistic offerings at the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum from 1 to 4 p.m. At the Alliance Theater, a performance of “Beautiful Blackbird,” a rhythmic play inspired by the award-winning Ashley Bryan folktale, will highlight how true beauty comes from within. Admission will be first-come, first-served on the day of the event. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Fall Musicale will showcase the skills of the musicians in its Talent Development Program for musically gifted African-American and La-
tino students who are committed to a career in orchestral music. Visitors will also be able to touch and make music/noise with instruments such as violins, cellos, and trumpets at the “Instrument Petting Zoo.” To help families explore art from all over the world, the High Museum of Art has customized tours for different age groups based on its November theme “Around the World in Thirty Days.” On Nov. 12, families with children 9 years and up may want to return for the Alliance Theatre’s special performance of “Alice Between,” a modern take on the classic “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Written by Neeley Gossett, a finalist in the Alliance/Kendeda Playwriting Competition, the play finds Alice as a seventh-grader
Alphonso Whitfield photos
Families can sample a variety of educational and artistic activities at the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art for free at the Woodruff Arts Center.
on her first day of school. The play, which is directed by Rosemary Newcott, makes a strong connection between “Wonderland” and middle school. The Nov. 12 programming is part of the larger Family Fun at The Woodruff Arts Center initiative, funded by a grant from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation. It offers families art making, interactive musical story times, composers-in-training sessions, instrument making, and drop-in acting classes every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and a full list of programming, visit woodruffcenter.org/familyfun.
Actress Kate Hudson to discuss new book Oscar-nominated actress and New York Times bestselling author Kate Hudson will discuss her latest book, “Pretty Fun: Creating and Celebrating a Lifetime of Tradition” with NYT bestselling author Emily Giffin at the Decatur Library on Nov. 6 – and you can listen in. The author talk, which is part of Kate Hudson the library’s Georgia Center for the Book’s Festival of Writers series, takes place 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is for adults 18 years and older. In “Pretty Fun,” which celebrates the healing power of gatherings, Hudson shares her philosophy behind gatherings, how to be in the moment, make them uniquely yours, and embrace occasions to just be together. The lifestyle and entertaining guide comes with delicious, healthy recipes and even some more indulgent snacks and beverages. Hudson, who starred in movies like “Almost Famous,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “You Me and Dupree,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “Deep Water Horizon,” and “Bride Wars,” is also the author of “Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways to Love Your Body,” which focuses on how to love your body. “Kate Hudson in Conversation with Emily Giffin,” is presented in partnership with Fox Tale Book Shoppe. There will be no book signing at this event but signed books will be available for purchase. Hudson will pose for photos with participants. Space is limited and seating will be first-come, first-served. Doors on the library’s lower level will open at 5:15 p.m. The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, visit www. dekalblibrary.org or call 404-370-3070.
CrossRoadsNews
November 4, 2017
Wellness
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“We wanted to bring everyone together under the umbrella of the high school to learn about making good choices.”
Southwest DeKalb marks 20 years of Red Ribbon Week programs By Rosie Manins
For 20 years, students in the Southwest DeKalb cluster of schools have been pledging to stay drug-free through the annual Red Ribbon Week program at Southwest DeKalb High School. Oct. 30 – the day before the culmination of the 2017 Red Ribbon Week, observed Oct. 23-31 – was no different as the school marked its two-decade milestone with a 90-minute show involving 600-plus local children and teenagers. Students from Southwest DeKalb High School and its feeder schools – Rainbow Elementary, Chapel Hill Elementary, Chapel Hill Middle, Browns Mill Elementary, Rockbridge Elementary and Bob Mathis Elementary – packed the high school’s gymnasium Monday to hear from DeKalb educators, elected officials, former DEA employees and Olympic medal-winning track and field athlete Terrence Trammell from Ellenwood, who all reiterated the anti-drug message. Retired DEA agent Ted Golden, who founded the annual Southwest DeKalb High School Red Ribbon Week program with the school’s head counselor Robin McDonald in 1997, led students through a program of band and cheerleading performances, antidrug skits, chants and pledges, and awards presentations. Half a dozen students from the different schools placed pledges to lead drug-free lives in a funeral casket during the ceremony, and DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson presented a proclamation declaring Oct. 30, 2017, “Southwest DeKalb High School Annual Red Ribbon Week” in DeKalb County. The Panthers football team made a tribute to former head coach Michael Tanks,
Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews
Retired DEA agent Ted Golden, a founder of the annual Southwest DeKalb High School Red Ribbon Week program, leads students from the high school and feeder schools in an anti-drug pledge at the high school on Oct. 30.
who died in August 2016 after a stroke, and players pledged not to become “a black statistic.” Dr. Thomas Glanton, principal of Southwest DeKalb, said the Red Ribbon Week show is all about getting feeder school students involved in the high school and engaging with high school students, learning about what the school offers and its students can achieve, and highlighting the importance of staying drug-free. “We wanted to bring everyone together under the umbrella of the high school to learn about making good choices, staying away from drugs and bullying and staying positive,” Glanton said. The theme of Red Ribbon Week 2017 was “your future is key, so stay drug free.” Golden, who led students in an anti-drug pledge to culminate the celebration, said it was more important than ever for them to avoid illegal substances and help their peers
do the same. “A lot of folks are dropping dead from heroin,” he told students. “We want you to be conscious of that.” Trammell, who attended Bob Mathis Elementary and Southwest DeKalb High before winning two world championship gold medals and two Olympic silver medals in track and field, was happy to be involved in the Red Ribbon Week program at his former school. “It’s awesome to come back and see that the school community is thriving and there is a lot of promise still to be had,” he said. Before presenting his proclamation, Johnson, whose district includes the school, told students about his resolution to sue opioid manufacturers in the United States. The resolution, approved by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on Oct. 3, allows the county to hire a law firm to investigate and possibly pursue claims against manu-
facturers and distributors of opioid medications. “You are all dealing with it in your community,” Johnson told the students. “I want you all to be alert and stay advised, and we all have to fight these drugs.” The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that over half of all first-time drug users in the United States are under 18 years of age, and that number reached close to 1.5 million in 2013 alone. Opioid sales in America topped $9.6 billion in 2015, when more than 227 million opioid prescriptions were issued nationwide, and more than 350,000 Americans died due to drug overdoses between 2006 and 2014, mostly involving prescription painkillers and heroin. President Donald Trump declared a national health emergency in response to the opioid epidemic on Oct. 26 saying that more than 140 Americans die every day from opioid overdose. At the Southwest DeKalb Red Ribbon Week celebration, the DEA presented certificates of appreciation to former Clarkston Police Chief Tony Scipio, Southwest DeKalb High School, and McDonald, its head counselor, for outstanding contribution in assisting the Atlanta field division in the field of drug law enforcement. Soon after it started in 1997, the high school’s Red Ribbon Week program was expanded into a roadshow with help from the DeKalb Sheriff ’s Office and traveled around schools in the area with about 120 high school students. Now Southwest DeKalb High’s annual show is supported by local law enforcement officers, who engage with students through the Conversations with Cops project, and by the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia.
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Youth
CrossRoadsNews
November 4, 2017
“We just want to play a role and make sure these children have all of the resources they need to do the best they can in school.”
Little free library movement reaches South DeKalb schools The little free library outside Toney Elementary School at 2701 Oakland Terrace in Decatur.
Toney Elementary School’s new little free library is filled with books by (from left) Fathers Inc. Executive Director Kenneth Braswell, DeKalb County School District Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green, and Principal Oliver Dean at an unveiling on Oct. 27.
By Rosie Manins
South DeKalb County children now have more access to books as part of a literacy program run by metro Atlanta fathers and educators. A Little Free Library, inspired by the worldwide movement of tiny libraries all over the community, was unveiled outside Toney Elementary School in Decatur on Oct. 27. Two others will be installed outside Snapfinger and Columbia elementary schools in coming weeks. The miniature libraries are the first school-based little free libraries from Fathers Inc., a nonprofit established in 2004, which to date has put “little free libraries” in 40 barbershops across metro Atlanta. Kenneth Braswell, Fathers Inc.’s executive
director, said the organization aims to foster responsible fatherhood and engage fathers in the academic lives of their children, to improve all aspects of community. “You don’t see these libraries around urban schools a lot,” he said on Oct 27. “We just want to play a role and make sure these children have all of the resources they need to do the best they can in school.” Fathers Inc., through its Real Dads Read initiative, plans to have little free libraries in 50 metro Atlanta barbershops by the end of the year and in 100 barbershops by the end of next summer, as well as many more outside local schools for all hours access. “We are starting at this school but ultimately we want to blanket this community in little libraries, as resources and funding becomes available,” Braswell said.
Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews
The Oct. 27 unveiling was attended by more than 20 fathers, as well as DeKalb Schools Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green, whose grandson attends Toney Elementary. Green said he is excited by the school district’s partnership with Fathers Inc. and the potential to enhance the lives of local children through literacy. “This is a concerted effort to pull our young men out of the pipeline to prison,” Green said, adding that cells are built on a predictability that students who cannot read by third grade will end up behind bars. “We are pulling our babies out of that pipeline and this is an effort to make sure that they don’t travel along that track,” Green said. “I will do everything within the power of my office to ensure this partnership is sustained and expands and is successful.”
Toney Elementary fathers and students filled the new library with age-appropriate books after its unveiling, and fathers signed a pledge to read at least five books with their children by December. “We want our fathers to know that we support them and this is a special opportunity to engage the families in the community together, Principal Oliver Dean said. Worldwide there are more than 50,000 registered little free libraries, which operate on good will and honesty. Borrowers and supporters can freely take, return or donate any number of books at any time. Fathers from the school community are being encouraged to take responsibility for maintaining the little free libraries in South DeKalb, which will also be monitored by Fathers Inc.
November 4, 2017
People
CrossRoadsNews
7
“Alonzo Herndon was one of those chapters and so at a very young age I learned about the power of his life.”
Atlantan gets inaugural Herndon award Milton J. Little Jr. admires a painting of Alonzo and Norris Herndon, after receiving the inaugural Herndon Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award.
By Rosie Manins
Atlanta businessman Milton J. Little Jr. received the first Herndon Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 21. Little, 62, is the president and CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta. He received the award at the first Herndon Game Changer Gala at the Atlanta History Center, which raised money for the Alonzo F. and Norris B. Herndon Foundation’s Game Changer Program for young entrepreneurs. The Morehouse College and Columbia University graduate said he was humbled by the award, which honors individuals who mirror the entrepreneurial and community spirit of Alonzo F. Herndon, a freed slave who became Atlanta’s first black millionaire. The award will be given annually to individuals who demonstrate the Herndon spirit of self-determination, find solutions where others only see barriers, build community, serve people, and seize opportunities to make a better life for themselves and those they care about. Little said his mother taught him black history from the kitchen table. “Before I went out to play I had a chapter I had to go through in this book that she carried around,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Alonzo Herndon was one of those chapters and so at a very young age I learned about the power of his life and what he was able to do to overcome tremendous obstacles.” Little, who controls more than $100 million in annual revenues for more than 200 groups in metro Atlanta, also
Photo Courtesy Herndon Foundation
received a lithograph of a painting of Alonzo Herndon and his only son Norris. The painting itself, by Atlanta artist Craig Alan, was donated to the Herndon Museum in Vine City by the artist and Deljou Art Group president Anthony Deljou. Herndon’s incredible story starts with his birth into slavery, as the son of his white master and his mother, who was a slave. He was emancipated as a child and went from being a penniless sharecropper to Atlanta’s first black millionaire as founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Co., one of the top African American companies in the United States. The Herndon Foundation’s Game Changer Program provides metro Atlanta students, many from Vine City, the chance to learn entrepreneurship through year-round instruction and hands-on training and advice from business mentors. It is free for participants and offers $2,500 in college scholarship money and a laptop to high school graduates. In February this year, 28 students were enrolled. The program is currently open to 10th- and 11th-graders only, for completion over two or three years. The foundation anticipates enrolling 40 students this fall, and accommodating more each year as the program expands. Program participants meet second Saturdays monthly and work on business models, marketing and other entrepreneurial skills. To graduate they must present full business plans to a panel of judges during a business expo. Sponsorship comes from the Atlanta Life Financial Group and other local businesses and organizations. More information on the program is available at www. herndonfdn.org.
Decatur alumni among Falcons’ 1st cheerleaders
Decatur High alumni (l-r) Janet Scott Cutter, Denise Bauer Forrester, Dinah McDaniel Farrell and Gail Ansley LeZontier.
In the 1960s and 70s, Decatur High School alumni Janet Scott Cutter, Denise Bauer Forrester, Dinah McDaniel Forrester, and Gail Ansley LeZontier were among the original Falcons cheerleaders, heating up the field during Atlanta Falcon games in the old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. Neither snow, sleet, nor rain stopped them back in the day. The women, members of the Atlanta Falcons Alumni Cheerleaders, got their first performance in the new Mercedes Benz Stadium on Oct. 15 during the Falcons’ game against the Miami Dolphins – and their families, including grandchildren, were there to cheer them on. At Decatur High, Cutter was a member of the drill team, Forrester was a cheerleader and drill team member, Farrell was captain of majorettes, and Ansley LeZontier was on the cheerleading squad. Cutter was a history maker at the time, becoming one of the first African-American cheerleaders on the squad in 1970. Since their Falcons cheerleading “glory days,” Forrester has been teaching school in the city of Decatur for more than 43 years. Farrell went on to dance with Classix Crew all over the U.S., and LeZontier loves babysitting her grandson who is also a Falcons fan. The Falcon Alumni cheerleaders have several reunions throughout the year but for 2017, performing in the new multi-million dollar stadium takes the cake.
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10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04
Adams, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 12th day of Oct., 2017
Legal Notices
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10326 Sharon Hudson PLAINTIFF VS Grayling Eric Roberts DEFENDANT TO: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Sept. 26, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept. 22, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Sharon Hudson, 3506 Cameron Hill Pl, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Sept. 26, 2017. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 4th day of Oct., 2017 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10326 LaShante Esty PLAINTIFF VS Vito Forman DEFENDANT TO: Vito Forman 5841 Strathmoor Manor Cir., Lithonia, GA 30058 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 04, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept. 22, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: La’Shante Esty, 5841 Strathmoor Manor Circle, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 04, 2017. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 4th day of Oct., 2017 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT
in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10413-4 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Asa Walker, Jr., filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia by and through his undersigned counsel, praying that Petitioner’s name be changed as follows: Asc Walker, Jr. to Asa Walker, Jr., Notice is hereby given pursuant to law to any interest or affected party to appear in said Court and to file objections to the name change requested in this Petition. Objections must be filed with said Court within 30 days of said Petition was filed. This the 2nd day of October, 2017 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10346-9 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Ruth Ann Murrell filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on October 2, 2017 to change the name from: Ruth Ann Cox to Ruth Ann Bragg. Objections must be filed with said Court within 30 days of said Petition was filed. This the 6th day of September 2017 10/21, 10/28, 11/04, 11/11
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5043-1 J’Juan K. Newton PLAINTIFF VS Brittany M. Wherry DEFENDANT TO: 5602 Marbut Rd. Lithonia, GA 30058 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jun. 30, 2017. You are hereby notified that May 04, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Legitimization. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: J’Juan K. Newton, 3359 Clevemont Way, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days
November 4, 2017
10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
of Oct. 11, 2017. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of Oct., 2017
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10758-8 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Brandon Ford Goltz-Lovelace filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on October 9, 2017 to change the name from: Brandon Ford Goltz-Lovelace to Brandon Ford Lovelace. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. This the 9th day of October 2017
10/21, 10/28, 11/04, 11/11
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM7610-4 Yolando Wortham PLAINTIFF VS Antonio Cluster DEFENDANT TO: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Aug. 15, 2017. You are hereby notified that Jul. 14, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Yolando Wortham, 1701 Jajet Ave., Donley, GA 30288. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Aug. 15, 2017. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of Oct., 2017
10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10879-10 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Paula Melissa Esien Whitehead filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on the 12th day of October 2017, praying that her name be changed as follows: Paula Melissa Esien Whitehead to be changed to Paula Melissa Esien. Notice is hereby given pursuant to law to any interested or affected party to appear in said Court and to file objections to such name. Objections must be filed with said Court within 30 days of the filing of said petition. This the 12th day of October 2017
10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10390-5 Bridgette Landrum PLAINTIFF VS Euell Landrum DEFENDANT TO: Efficiency Lodger 3675 Flat Shoals Rd. Decatur, GA 30034 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 10, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 03, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Bridgette Landrum, 3863 Memorial Dr., Apt. 1306, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 10, 2017. Witness the Honorable Gregory A.
10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name(s) of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10833-3 Nicole Cabbagestalk filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Oct. 13, 2017 to change the name(s) of the following child(ren) from: Emory Kai Cabbagestalk to Emory Kai McNeal. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Oct. 13, 2017 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court
of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM9918-7 Maleeya Adams PLAINTIFF VS Jabborah Harris DEFENDANT TO: 819 S. 14th St. Springfield, IL 62703 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 13, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept. 26, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for minor name change. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Bridgette Landrum, 238 Arbor Circle, Tucker, GA 30084. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 13, 2017. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 13th day of Oct., 2017
Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Oct. 20, 2017 11/04, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11014-4 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Howard Michael Kingcade filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on October 20, 2017 to change the name from: Howard Michael Kingcade to Michelle B. King. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. This the 20th day of October 2017 11/04, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
11/04, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10776 Tamasia Lamatina Cowins PLAINTIFF VS Derrick Wynel Cowins DEFENDANT TO: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 27, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 13, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Tamasia Lamatina Cowins, 624 Wesley Club Dr., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 30, 2017. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of Oct., 2017 11/04, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name(s) of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11196-8 Christina Carter-Harper filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Oct. 10, 2017 to change the name(s) of the following child(ren) from: Aubrey Drew Carter-Harper to: Aubrey Drew Carter.
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11122-10 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Abdisalan Saacid Warsame filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on October 25, 2017 to change the name from: Abdisalan Saacid Warsame to Abdikadir Mohamed Ahmed. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Oct. 23, 2017 11/04, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name(s) of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11124-10 Abdisalan Saacid Warsame filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Oct. 23, 2017 to change the name(s) of the following minor children from: Sabirin Abdisalan Saacid to Sabirin Abdikadir Mohamed; Ilyas Abdisalan Saacid to Ilyas Abdikadir Mohamed; Hirsi Abdisalan Saacid to Hirsi Abdikadir Mohamed; Sundus Abdisalan Saacid to Sundus Abdikadir Mohamed; Faahiye Abdisalan Saacid to Faahiye Abdikadir Mohamed. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Oct. 23, 2017
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DEATH NOTICES Public Notice to: Jerome Sullivan regarding the death of his son in Davidson County, NC; please contact Eunice Ventura-Cruz at 224 Thompson St., #211, Hendersonville, NC 28792
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Free Turkeys! DeKalb County National Pan Hellenic Council hosting a “giveaway” Dec. 2nd; 10am-2pm or until gone; Browns Mill Elem; 4863 Browns Mill Rd., Lithonia
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