CrossRoadsNews, November 8, 2014 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

SCENE

Help is available for those seeking 2015 coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Feb. 15 is the deadline to enroll for 2015 coverage. 6

Christmas Decor is taking nominations for 200 military families whose homes the franchise will decorate for the holidays. 8

The Mall at Stonecrest’s popular Santa Dan will resume his reign in the big chair on Nov. 15, with an assist from Ella the Elephant. 9

Sign-up period looms

Brighter holidays in store

Jolly elf returns

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

November 8, 2014

Volume 20, Number 28

www.crossroadsnews.com

Hosea Feed the Hungry scrambling for turkeys, fixings By Ken Watts

One thousand turkeys donated by Publix and Kroger were delivered to the DeKalb County Jail on Nov. 6. Volunteers will prepare the Thanksgiving meal at the jail on Nov. 26.

to the table this year,” said Omilami, whose father, the late civil rights leader Hosea Williams, founded the nonprofit in 1971. Afemo Omilami, her husband and the group’s chief operating officer, said the holiday effort Elisabeth Omilami showcases the best spirit of Atlanta and benefits a broad spectrum of people. “The dinner is not just for the homeless,” he said. “It’s for the working poor – regular

Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless is preparing to feed 40,000 people for the holidays, but it has come up short on turkeys. The DeKalb-based nonprofit group says it needs 3,000 birds for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners but only has 1,000. The turkeys donated by Publix and Kroger were delivered Nov. 6 in group’s annual turkey drop to the DeKalb County Jail. Both grocery chains gave 500 turkeys each and $23,000. Elisabeth Omilami, Hosea Feed the Hungry’s CEO, said they are in dire straits. “We had a donor who didn’t come back Please see HOSEA, page 2

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Low turnout hampers Democrats in election Jason Carter’s hopes of occupying the Governor’s Mansion and championing education and the middle class were dashed on Nov. 4. His wife, Kate, and their sons joined him onstage for his concession speech Tuesday night.

Republicans sweep state, Senate races By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Democrats won DeKalb County handily in the Nov. 4 general election, but the county’s 53 percent turnout was not enough to help former state Sen. Jason Carter and Michelle Nunn win the governor’s office or the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Saxby Chambliss. Incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal retained the Governor’s Mansion with 52.8 percent of the statewide vote to Carter’s 44.8 Nathan Deal percent. Businessman David Perdue claimed the Senate seat with 52.9 percent of vote statewide to Nunn’s 45.2 percent. In the governor’s race, Libertarian Amanda Swofford got 1.9 percent of the vote, and in the Senate David Perdue race, Libertarian Andrew Hunt got 2.4 percent. Statewide, 2.6 million, or 49.9 percent, of Georgia’s 5.2 million registered voters cast ballots during the midterm election. In heavily Democratic DeKalb, the election results were very different. Of the 214,167 ballots cast in the county, Carter, who represented DeKalb in the state Senate, carried DeKalb with 76.9 percent of the vote. Nunn got 78.3 percent of the county’s votes, and the five black women – DeKalb’s Connie Stokes, Valarie Wilson and Doreen Carter plus Robbin Shipp and Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson – who made a historic run for statewide offices garnered 75 percent of the county’s vote.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

But when all the votes were tallied, 189,927 of DeKalb’s 404,094 registered voters did not go to the polls. It was a similar story in Fulton County, where only 267,156, or 47.6 percent, of its 561,265 registered voters cast ballots. Carter carried Fulton with 63 percent of the vote and Nunn got 64.8 percent. In Fulton, 294,110 registered voters did not go to the polls. While the state’s two most populous and most Democratic counties had low voter turnout, the rest of the state had turnouts of 60 percent to 70 percent.

In his victory speech, Deal promised “to make Georgia the best in the country for everything that you could possibly imagine – jobs, environment, family life, best place to live.” “We have it all going for us and we are going to keep it going in that direction,” he said. While defeat was not the result that he had hoped for, Carter said his eight-month campaign put education and the middle class back at the top of the state’s priority list. “We had a real debate about how to appropriately fund our schools, how to move forward with an education system that gets us where we need to be,” he said. “We had discussion about the HOPE scholarship and how to expand it, and we made sure that

middle-class families and small businesses didn’t get left behind.” Deal dedicated his victory to the life and memory of Mack Burgess, the 25-yearold campaign worker who died in an auto accident on Ga. 400 in October. Burgess’ parents, Missy and Banks, joined Deal at the podium. “Mack, we won,” Deal said after choking up. “It’s finished. May he rest in peace.” In her concession speech, Nunn said she exceeded every expectation of what was possible. “Fifteen months ago, all the political pundits said Georgia was not in play,” she said. “We put Georgia in play. We built a Please see LOW TURNOUT, page 3

CrossRoadsNews

Community DeKalb Ethics Board meets on commissioners The DeKalb Ethics Board is meeting Nov. 13 to continue its investigation into ethics complaints against five county commissioners. The 6:30 p.m. meeting takes place in Conference Room A at the Clark Harrison Building in downtown Decatur. It will be looking into complaints that District 3, 4 and 7 Commissioners Larry Johnson, Sharon Barnes Sutton and Stan Watson used their county-issued Visa purchase cards for personal purchases. The Ethics Board also is investigating complaints against Barnes and her chief of staff, Judy Brownlee, and District 2 and 6 Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader. A final hearing of Thomas M. Owens’ complaint against former District 1 Commissioner Elaine Boyer also is on the agenda. The Clark Harrison Building is at 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.

Literacy run/walk to benefit library Runners and walkers can dress up as a character from a favorite book on Nov. 15 for the 5K Run/Walk for Literacy at Piedmont Park. The family-friendly “Running With the Story” event kicks off at 8 a.m. – rain or shine. Strollers are welcome and participants will get race bibs and goodie bags. Prizes will be awarded to best costumes and to race winners in seven age categories from 14 and under to 60-plus and overall male and female masters. The race, in its fourth year, is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Registration is $25. Students pay $10, and for groups of up to four people, $70. Race-day registration is $30 per person. Proceeds benefit the Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta, a coalition of more than 30 organizations. Choose DeKalb County Public Library when you register and it will receive 50 percent of your fee. Piedmont Park is at 1320 Monroe Drive N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit literacy allianceatlanta.org.

“It is a personal honor in my first year as sheriff to open up our kitchen to this great organization.”

Lithonia launches farmers Commissioner hosts town hall meetings market, recycling center The city of Lithonia is launching a farmers market on Nov. 15 as part of its celebration of America Recycles Day. The 9 a.m.-to-3 p.m. event takes place at 6920 Main St. The recycling center and farmers market will offer locally grown fruits and vegetables and the opportunity to help with the city’s sustainability initiative. Residents will be able to sort and recycle paper, glass, cardboard, metals (aluminum and bi-metal cans), and plastics. They also can support the Pledge

2Recycle campaign by donating gently used clothes, shoes and toys. The on-site recycling services are sponsored by Integrated Waste Systems, American Textiles Recycling Services, and Tri-Cities Funeral Home. The Atlanta Street Food Coalition will provide live music and food trucks including the Breakfast Jeanie, Twelve Sixty One, Toasted Cheese Truck, Burger Box, Buen Provecho LLC, Mini Cheesecakes Truck, Island Chef Mobile Café, the Mobile Marlay, and Healthful Essence. For more information, call Jacquelyn Bridges at 773-803-9588.

Flash mob giving on Nov. 13 DeKalb residents can help fund the work of local nonprofits on Georgia Gives Day on Nov. 13. The Georgia nonprofit sector created the day as a convenient way to support organizations that do good in the community. Donors can give $10 to $10,000 to their favorite cause. Organizers are challenging the public in a “flash mob of giving” at www .GAgivesday.org over the 24-hour period. To date, the initiative has raised more than $2.6 million. DeKalb participants include the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, DeKalb Medical Foundation, the Global Village Project Inc., Team B.L.U.E., the DeKalb Library Foundation, and the DeKalb Community Service Board.

Water billing and service interruptions and the sanitation pilot program will be discussed at Nov. 10 and Nov. 17 town hall meetings that Commissioner Stan Watson is hosting in Decatur and Tucker. Both meetings take place from 6 to 8 p.m. The Nov. 10 meeting will be held at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. The Nov. 17 meeting takes place in the Mainstreet Fellowship Hall at the First Baptist Church of Tucker at 2367 Main St. For more information, call Kelly LaJoie at 404371-7031.

Super 7 District cleaning up Decatur Super District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson is hosting a community cleanup of Columbia Drive, Flat Shoals Parkway and Memorial Drive on Nov. 8. The “Super 7 Sweep” kicks off at 9 a.m. at Exchange Park, 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur. Watson is challenging residents and businesses to join him Stan Watson and “pull up your sleeves and make a difference.” For more information, contact Kelly LaJoie at klajoie@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-371-7031.

Volunteers to prepare holiday meal in jail’s kitchen HOSEA,

from page

folks who just want to be with other families. It’s about welcoming people from the metropolitan area to come and celebrate what we all have to be thankful for in our lives.” In addition to providing hot meals to the homeless for the holiday, the HFTH also delivers meals to seniors and shut-ins throughout the community. The Thanksgiving Day dinner on Nov. 27 and the Dec. 25 dinner on Christmas Day will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The dinners will be prepared in the

county jail’s kitchen. New Sheriff Jeff Mann said he is happy to continue the tradition of using the jail’s kitchen to prepare the holiday meals. “It is a personal honor in my first year as sheriff to open up our kitchen to this great organization,” he said. On the night of Nov. 26, hundreds of volunteers from across metro Atlanta will gather in the jail’s kitchen to prepare a traditional meal of roasted turkey, ham and the trimmings for thousands of homeless and disadvantaged families. DeKalb interim CEO Lee May, who attended the turkey drop, said Hosea Feed the Hungry does a tremendous amount of work

Blankets, toiletries needed for homeless Healing Stream Ministries is collecting blankets, clothing, accessories and toiletries for the homeless through Nov. 14. The Lithonia-based ministry says it wants to serve 200 homeless people with duffel bags filled with hats, scarves, gloves, shirts, towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, wet wipes, combs, Vaseline, and water bottles. Last year the group served 100 people. Its pastor, E. Gerard Scroggins, said that as Christians, we learn about God’s love inside the walls of the church, but we have to show God’s love outside the walls of the church. “We have to be reminded that even though someone needs help, they still have value. And the homeless need to know that,” he said. The duffel bags will be distributed on Nov. 29 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Exxon station on Evans Mill Road in Lithonia and at the Belvedere Plaza at Memorial and Columbia drives in Decatur. Residents and groups also can sponsor a homeless person with a $30 donation. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at www.thestreamflows.org or at the church located at 2470 Bruce St. in Lithonia. For more information, call Tracey O’Neil at 910-226-6177.

November 8, 2014

with very little. “They feed over 900 families in DeKalb County annually and we have to do more to give back to this great movement,” he said. Organizers also need donations of canned green beans, corn, sugar, flour, disposable aluminum foil roasting pans, garbage bags, and volunteers to serve the meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the dinner events, the group also provides hot showers and haircuts, clothes, toiletries and medical help. HFTH will enlist drivers and buses from local schools and churches to help transport dinner guests to the World Congress Center. To volunteer and donate, visit 4hosea.org.

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 Noon - 5 p.m. Lower Level, The Mall at Stonecrest Live Healthy & Prosper! When CrossRoadsNews presented the first Health & Wellness Expo in 2006, it immediately became the biggest celebration of health and wellness in East Metro Atlanta and has attracted more than 6,000 people annually to the Mall at Stonecrest. During the 10th anniversary celebration, we will once again provide information, health screenings and other resources to empower residents to eat healthy, be more active, and know their health status. We will also recognize the exhibitors, sponsors, performers and other supporters who have helped us carry the message of wellness to our community for the last decade.

Limited Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities available on a first-come, first-served basis.To reserve your space, call 404-284-1888 or email kathy@crossroadsnews.com

More than 6,000 attended the 2014 Expo

Deadline to Book: Dec. 19, 2014

We hope you will join us in this celebration of Health & Wellness in our community.

CrossRoadsNews

November 8, 2014

“Through our vote we make important choices about how we care for our sick, educate our children, steward our environment, and protect our citizenry.”

Jan. 6 runoff to decide District 1 seat Retired state government employee Holmes E. Pyles and former DeKalb School Board member Nancy Jester will be vying in the Jan. 6 runoff for the vacant District 1 County Commission seat. From a field of five Holmes Pyles candidates in the Nov. 4 special election to complete former DeKalb Commissioner Elaine Boyer’s term, Pyles and Jester got the highest number of votes but lacked the 50 percent plus one vote to claim Nancy Jester the seat. Pyles, an independent who lives in Stone Mountain, got 26.1 percent of the vote. Jester, a Republican who lives in Dunwoody, got 24.5 percent. She ran unsuccessfully in the May 20 primary to get her party’s nomination to run for state school superintendent. The rest of the votes was divvied up among land use attorney and former MARTA board member Wendy Butler, who got 23.6 percent; Tom Owens, a Vietnam veteran who lives in Doraville, 13.4 percent; and Larry Danese, a retired electrical and nuclear engineer who lives in Brookhaven, 12.4 percent. Commission District 1 covers an affluent swath of North DeKalb that includes portions of Stone Mountain, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Tucker and Doraville. Boyer, who represented the district for 22 years, resigned on Aug. 25 amid a federal investigation into her abuse of her county-issued purchasing card. She pleaded guilty on Sept. 3 to federal mail and wire fraud charges for theft of $90,000 of county funds and for misusing her county-issued purchasing card for personal purchases. The winner of the Jan. 6 runoff will finish Boyer’s term of office, which expires in 2016.

Ballot questions receive overwhelming approval Two constitutional amendments and a statewide referendum passed easily on the Nov. 4 ballot. Here are the results: Constitutional Amendment #1 Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to prohibit the General Assembly from increasing the maximum state income tax rate? Yes: 73.9 percent No: 26.1 percent Constitutional Amendment #2 Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow additional reckless driving penalties or fees to be added to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund to pay for care and rehabilitative services for Georgia citizens who have survived neurotrauma with head or spinal cord injuries? Yes: 69.8 percent No: 30.2 percent Statewide Referendum A Shall property owned by the University System of Georgia and utilized by providers of college and university student housing and other facilities continue to be exempt from taxation to keep costs affordable? Yes: 73.7 percent No: 26.3 percent

Incumbents beat back challengers; Parent wins 42nd Clarkston to grow with annexations Scott Holcomb

Fran Millar

Howard Mosby

In the few contested races in DeKalb, DeKalb Delegation Chairman Howard Mosby, a Democrat, easily sailed to victory with 87.8 percent of the vote to Republican challenger Freddy Holley’s 12.2 percent. Holley, a housing developer, was making his first run for public office. In the House District 81 race, Democrat M. Scott Holcomb retained his seat with 53.3 percent of the vote. Republican challenger James “Jim” Duffie got 46.7 percent. In the state Senate District 40 race, Republican incumbent Fran Millar easily retained his seat with 62.6 percent of the vote.

Elena Parent

Tom Price

Democratic challenger Tamara Y. Johnson got 37.4 percent of the vote. In the open Senate District 42 race, Democrat Elena Parent cruised to victory with 74.4 percent of the vote. She will replace Jason Carter, who left the seat to run for governor. Her Republican opponent, Greg Williams, got 25.6 percent of the vote. In the U.S. 6th District race, Republican incumbent Tom Price retained his seat with 66.1 percent of the vote. Democratic challenger Robert Montigel got 33.9 percent. – Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Clarkston voters overwhelmingly approved their city’s annexation of Area 2 – properties in ZIP code 30021 – with 72 percent of the vote, but in Doraville, 62.9 percent of the voters said no to approving the act that allows the city to annex “certain land into the city.” The Clarkston annexation of the area between Montreal Road and U.S. Highway 78 and Ponce de Leon Avenue and Idlewood Road was a rerun of the annexation referendum that ended up in a tie vote in the May 20 election. Along with an Area 1 annexation that was approved in May, the 1.1-square-mile city of 6,000 will add another 7,500 residents and more than double its population. It also adds two industrial parks and commercial areas.

Campaigns mobilized, engaged new people in politics LOW TURNOUT,

from page

foundation now that needs to be cultivated, that needs to be built upon.” Nunn said that her campaign reminded people that elections make a difference in people’s lives. “We change our communities,” she said. “We change our nation. We change our world when we vote.” Speaking to Perdue supporters after Nunn conceded the race, Chambliss said Georgia made sure that Republicans take control of the U.S. Senate. “We are going to tell Mr. Obama that we are tired of this,” he said. “We are ready for hope and change. We are ready for real hope and change.” Perdue’s victory helped the Republicans, who already have a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, win control of the Senate as well. Perdue said it’s a heady responsibility. “The one thing I take away from all of this is that you want to change the direction of our country,” he told his jubilant supporters. “I think Georgia made it loud and clear tonight that we want to stop the failed policies of this administration and Harry Reid.” Perdue said he was going to Washington to get in the fight and change the direction of the country. He said Nunn ran a great campaign and he invited her supporters Darious Simmons “to get with us to make America better.” While 80,547 DeKalb voters cast early ballots between Oct. 13 and 31, the majority of the county’s 404,094 voters waited for Election Day. Darious Simmons of Decatur said he voted Ronald Williams for Nunn and Carter, but not out of blind party loyalty. “I researched them and their stands on the issues and I just agreed more with the Democrats,” he said. Ronald Williams and his wife, Doris Bussey Doris Williams Williams, also of Decatur, said they were motivated to vote by the memory of civil rights activists who died to secure voting rights for AfricanAmericans. “It’s incumbent on every black person in the United States to get out and vote,” said

Photos by Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Michelle Nunn told campaign workers they should be proud of the way they mobilized new voters and brought important issues to the forefront.

that. They don’t want to pass anything and [the people] are the ones who are suffering because of it.”

Michelle Nunn supporters console each other after her concession speech at the Hyatt Regency hotel Tuesday night.

Ronald Williams, 68. His wife said they try to vote in every election. “We saw a lot of things during those [civil rights] times,” she said. Natalie Smith said she turned out to vote to help make a difference. “We need to change something in Washington and it’s not the president,” Smith said after casting her ballot at Toney Elementary School off Candler Road. “They [Congress] haven’t been doing a good job. They’re out to get the president and anybody can see

Voting about choices In emails to supporters the next day, both Carter and Nunn said despite the election’s outcome, Georgians have much to be proud of. Carter said the biggest thing he and his wife, Kate, will take away from his run for governor is the passion they encountered across the state. “Georgians of all ages, ethnicities, incomes and neighborhoods are fighting every day for a better future they know is possible,” he said. “That passion inspired us every step of the way and will be a constant reminder to us that Georgia really is ready.” Nunn said that her campaign mobilized thousands of Georgians to turn out at the polls and engaged people who had never engaged with politics before. “Together, we have planted seeds that we must continue to cultivate,” she said. “I hope that through this election we have reminded people that through our vote we make important choices about how we care for our sick, educate our children, steward our environment, and protect our citizenry. I hope that we have restored, for many, their belief in the importance of our democratic practice.”

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Graphic Design Curtis Parker Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Billing Clerk Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. 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 CrossRoadsN ews 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 advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

CrossRoadsNews

November 8, 2014

“At the end of the day, the people with the sway and the say are the ones who vote.”

Turnout fell short of numbers needed for change Since I always like to know what’s going on at my polling precinct on Election Day, I have always waited for Election Day to vote. This year though, at the last minute on Oct. 31, I decided to drop by the Gallery at South DeKalb at 5:45 p.m. to cast my early ballot. It was two hours and 15 minutes before the early polls were to close and I figured I would be in and out in a few minutes. Was I wrong. As I approached the vacant store space housing the early polling precinct, I came upon a long line of people. I walked up to a woman and asked what the line was for. “Voting,” she said. I kept walking until I came to the thick of it. Boy was it thick. Mind boggling, I thought. It immediately reminded me of the lines I photographed during the 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama. I snapped a few photos, and later that evening I posted one on the CrossRoadsNews Facebook page hoping to energize others in my community to go to the polls on Nov. 4. Then something very unusual happened. By Monday, more than 22,208 people had viewed the post and 213 had shared it. While it wasn’t millions of views, for us that number of Facebook views was tantamount to the post going viral. I was pleased but baffled. Why did this photo ignite such a response? Maybe others were as encouraged as I was about the possibility of black folks showing up at the polls in great numbers on Elec-

Early voters line up on Oct. 31 at the Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road in Decatur. For the midterm election, the turnout across the county was 53 percent.

As I See It Jennifer Parker

tion Day and were sharing it, I thought. After all, the campaigns of Michelle Nunn for the U.S. Senate and Jason Carter for governor were generating all kinds of buzz, and DeKalb Democrats were excited about the possibilities of Nunn going to the Senate to help increase the national minimum wage and to push for equal pay for women. Maybe they were enamored with the idea of Carter becoming governor and fixing education and accepting the $40 million to implement the Affordable Care Act and expand Medicaid in Georgia. They must be sharing the photo, I thought. But on election night as I monitored the voter turnout map on the Georgia secretary of state’s Web site, I had another thought.

What if it was the Republicans who were sharing that photo to get their base out to the polls? What if they were saying to their party faithfuls, the blacks in DeKalb County are turning out? Maybe they did, but I don’t have any way of knowing for sure. What I do know from the election results is that DeKalb County, and particularly South DeKalb, did not run out on Election Day. Yes, voting was steady, but we did not find any long lines in South DeKalb. When the polls closed, the turnout across the county was 53 percent. Yes, it was a good turnout for a midterm election, but sadly it fell short of the numbers needed to make a change in state and national politics. Contrast that with Republican-strong counties like Fayette, Morgan, Oconee and Wilkinson, where turnout was 60 percent to 70 percent. Had we turned out to the polls, the outcome could have been so much different. David Perdue won the U.S.

Senate seat with 1,355,625, or 52.9 percent, of the vote. Nunn got 1,155,990, or 45 percent. In DeKalb and Fulton counties, both strong Democratic counties, 484,037 registered voters – 189,927 in DeKalb and 294,110 in Fulton – did not go to the polls. While all of those people would not have voted Democrat, I think Nunn could have easily secured more than the 199,635 votes needed to surpass Perdue. Ditto for Carter getting enough to defeat Nathan Deal as well. The lesson here is that those of us who think our one vote doesn’t count are so wrong. The demography of our state is changing, but even if people of color grow the numbers to sway statewide elections, it won’t matter one bit if we don’t go to the polls. At the end of the day, the people with the sway and the say are the ones who vote. I hope we learn that lesson before the 2016 presidential elections. Jennifer Parker is the editor and publisher of CrossRoadsNews.

Quality of Medicare plans continues to improve By Marilyn Tavenner

Fall is a wonderful time of year – changing leaves, cooler weather. It’s also the season for people with Medicare to review their current Medicare coverage as Medicare Open Enrollment begins. As we prepare for MediMarilyn Tavenner care Open Enrollment, which began on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7, Medicare wants everyone to know that quality continues to improve both in Medicare Advantage and in the Part D Prescription Drug Program. Each year, plan costs and coverage can change. During open enrollment, seniors and people with disabilities across the country have the opportunity to review their current Medicare coverage and see if they want to make any changes for the next year. It’s important for

Circulation Audited By

people with Medicare to take the time to make sure their current situation still meets their health care needs best. To help people choose a plan, Medicare calculates plan “star ratings” for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Each plan gets a number of stars on a scale of 1 to 5 – with 5 being the best – based on quality and performance. These ratings are designed to help people with Medicare, their families and caregivers compare plans in addition to information on their premiums and benefits. This year, people with Medicare who choose to enroll in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan will have access to more high-rated, four- and five-star plans than ever before. Approximately 60 percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in a Medicare Advantage Plan earning four or more stars in 2015, compared to an estimated 17 percent back in 2009. Likewise, about 53 percent of Part D enrollees are currently enrolled in stand-alone

prescription drug plans with four or more stars for 2015, compared to just 16 percent in 2009. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, enrollment in Medicare Advantage will increase to 42 percent to an alltime high of over 16 million and Medicare Advantage premiums will have decreased by 6 percent. For people with Medicare, this is good news in how they receive care. Plans that are higher rated deliver a high-level of care, such as improving the coordination of care, managing diabetes or other chronic conditions more efficiently, screening for and preventing illnesses, making sure people get much-needed prescription drugs, or getting appointments and care quickly. A high rating also means these plans give better customer service with fewer complaints or long waits for care. If you have Medicare and need assistance, you can visit Medicare .gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227), or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance

Program. You should have received the 2015 “Medicare & You” Handbook and important notices from your current plan, Medicare or Social Security about changes to your coverage. If you’re satisfied with your current coverage, there’s nothing you need to do. Better quality in Medicare health and prescription drug plans isn’t the only good news for people with Medicare. For most seniors who have Original Medicare, the 2015 Part B premium will stay unchanged for a second consecutive year at $104.90. This means more of seniors’ retirement income and any increase in Social Security benefits will stay in their pockets. The Part B deductible will stay the same as well. Medicare is working hard to make sure this good news continues so that seniors and people with disabilities will continue to get the health care coverage they deserve. Marilyn Tavenner is administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

index to advertisers Cade-Hill Insurance Agency Inc..................... 11 Cajun Turkeys................................................ 11 Decatur Business Association.......................... 8 Dee Knows Phones........................................ 11 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court......................9 DeKalb Schools Office of Federal Programs... 5

Fabric Joint, LLC............................................. 11 Ga Health Services Network............................6 Gregory B.Levett & Sons Funeral Home......... 5 Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC.................. 11 Johnson’s Antiques & Flea Market................ 11 Macy’s............................................................12

Marten Trucking............................................ 11 Quenon Smith............................................... 11 Seabright Homes, LLC................................... 11 The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, P.C................. 11 The Mall at Stonecrest.................................... 7 Ware’s Padgett Business Services................... 5

Wright Vision Care..........................................6 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Candler Dental Associates.......................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, P.C......... Online

CrossRoadsNews

November 8, 2014

Finance

“DeKalb County has had some issues to overcome, and we have addressed these head-on.”

Scott Callan succeeds Walton as county purchasing director S co t t M . Ca l l a n , DeKalb’s acting purchasing director since April, has been appointed to the permanent position effective Oct. 27. Callan replaces Kelvin Walton, DeKalb’s former purchasing and contracting director who was Scott M. Callan the star prosecution witness in suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis’ corruption trial that ended in a mistrial. Ellis was accused of strong-arming county vendors for campaign contributions. Walton, an unindicted co-conspirator,

resigned in an Oct. 7 letter to interim DeKalb CEO Lee May. He had been suspended with his $153,000-a-year salary on April 21 and still faces prosecution for perjury. May called Walton’s successor “a proven leader Kelvin Walton who has earned the privilege of serving DeKalb County on a permanent basis.” “Scott Callan has served above and beyond the call of duty over the past six months, leading us with improvements to our P-card policy, overhauling our entire

purchasing and contracting policies, and restructuring the whole department during a very trying time in DeKalb County,” May said in an Oct. 24 statement. Callan also acknowledged the county’s rocky road in purchasing and contracting as well as its efforts to improve the department. “DeKalb County has had some issues to overcome, and we have addressed these head-on,” he said. “With our new policies and procedures in place, we are poised to proceed with the highest level of transparency and accountability.” Callan, a certified professional in supply management through the Institute of Supply

Management, is a past board member for the Atlanta Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. He currently serves on the ISM-Atlanta board as the Professional Development chair. Formerly, he was president and cofounder of CalStrat Consulting LLC, a supply management advisory consulting firm that specializes in third-party contract negotiations, advisory services, and training. He previously served as Gwinnett County’s purchasing director and has 14 years of public-sector contracting, procurement and budget experience. For more information, visit www .onedekalb.com.

DeKalb lands rebate on car charging stations Tax-Aide seeks volunteers DeKalb County has received a rebate from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s “Charge Georgia” program for electric vehicle charging stations. The program allows for a 50 percent reimbursement of costs to support installation of charging stations around the county. Charging stations already have been approved for installation, including parking areas at the Government Administration Building at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur, at the Fleet Maintenance Building at 5350 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, and at the Central Transfer Station at 3720 Leroy Scott Drive in Decatur. Interim CEO Lee May said the rebate program adds to the history of

pursuing and promoting sustainable efforts in DeKalb. “Transportation has a huge impact on sustainability, and we’re proud that Atlanta ranks second in the United States for electric car ownership,” May said in a Nov. 3 statement. “This rebate will help provide the infrastructure people need to see so they are encouraged to use or make the move to own electric cars and have a firsthand positive impact on our environment.” For its compressed natural gas fleet vehicles, DeKalb Fleet Management has an agreement with the county’s Sanitation Department to use the natural gas produced by the Seminole Road Landfill. DeKalb uses 58 CNG, 100 propane and four hybrid bucket trucks in its fleet as well as four hybrid SUVs.

By the end of the year, half of DeKalb’s tractor and front loader fleet will be fueled by CNG. And the DeKalb Police Department, which uses more than $3 million in fuel annually to power its fleet, has piloted four propane units with plans to expand to 50 units over the next eight months, cutting yearly fuel costs by more than half. Georgia colleges, universities and technical colleges; state agencies and authorities; and cities and counties are eligible to apply for the grant to install alternating current Level II and direct current quick charging electric vehicle charging stations. Construction to install the charging stations is projected to begin by early 2015.

AARP Tax-Aide is seeking volunteers to help Georgia taxpayers prepare and file their 2014 tax returns. Volunteers do not need to be an AARP member or retiree to participate, but they must be available weekdays. Volunteers who are bilingual in English/Spanish also are needed. They will get free tax training and will be reimbursed for qualified program-related expenses. AARP Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service. Helen Lowenthal, AARP Foundation Helen Lowenthal Tax-Aide district coordinator for South DeKalb, said in its 46-year history, the service has helped thousands of people prepare and file their tax returns. “We could not do it without our volunteers, who make an indelible mark on the communities they help,” she said. Last year, more than 800 Tax-Aide volunteers helped over 35,000 taxpayers across the state. To volunteer, visit www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer.

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Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

November 8, 2014

“We hosted a similar seminar last winter that was well-received, but people are still confused about the health insurance law.”

Health insurance open enrollment for 2015 starts Nov. 15 Open enrollment for 2015 coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace starts Nov. 15, and residents can get ready by learning about the Marketplace, seeing if they may qualify for savings, and downloading an application checklist. Feb. 15 is the deadline to enroll for 2015 coverage. Plans and estimated prices will be available in early November, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Before Nov. 15, you can enroll in a Marketplace health plan only if you qualify for a special enrollment period. Any plan you enroll in before Nov. 15 ends Dec. 31, 2014. Find out if you qualify for a special enrollment period or view plans and prices for coverage ending Dec. 31 at https://www .healthcare.gov/screener. Residents can apply for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program any time. Learn how to apply through your state agency by visiting https://www.healthcare .gov/medicaid-chip/eligibility and choosing your state. You also can apply by filling out a Marketplace application – visit https://www .healthcare.gov/screener. For a general overview of the Marketplace, start with the quick guide at https:// www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide. To find out if you qualify for savings on a Marketplace health insurance plan or Medicaid, check out the quick chart at https://www .healthcare.gov/lower-costs/qualifying-for -lower-costs that shows the income ranges. For timely email and text message reminders and important Marketplace information, sign up at https://www.healthcare .gov/subscribe.

FILE PHOTO

Many DeKalb residents got help with Marketplace enrollment under the Affordable Care Act at seminars, workshops and special enrollment events.

To get ready to fill out your application starting Nov. 15, use the checklist at https://marketplace.cms.gov/outreach-and -education/marketplace-application-check list.pdf to gather the documents you’ll need

to apply. You can contact the Marketplace Call Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) at 1-855-889-4325 and at 1-800-318-2596

TTY for the hearing impaired. Call to start or finish an application, compare plans, enroll or ask a question. For more information, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/apply-andenroll/get-ready-to-apply.

Mental health summit to present cutting-edge research, information “Mind Matters,” a one-day mental health summit with cutting-edge information from published scientists and researchers, respected physicians and directors of substance abuse programs will take place Dec. 8 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta. The summit, hosted by the Fulton DeKalb

Hospital Authority, owners of Grady Health Systems, is seeking to increase mental health awareness through workshops, a town hall forum, wellness screenings and providing access to resources. The summit, in its third year, takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will seek to

answer the question, Who Does Mental Health Affect? It is free and open to the public, but registration is required at www.eventbrite. com/e/3rd-annual-fdha-health-summitmind-matters-tickets-13170739035. Grady Health Systems CEO John Haupert, a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, will participate in a public forum at 3 p.m. Members of the public will have the opportunity to interact with health experts. Special forum guests also include two former U.S. Surgeons General, Dr. David Satcher and Dr. Regina Benjamin. During the summit’s opening reception on Dec. 7, the Brighter DeKalb Foundation will receive a 2014 Healthcare Champion award from the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority.

The foundation is the fundraising arm of the DeKalb Community Service Board, which provides behavioral health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services in DeKalb County. Brenda Cibulas, the DeKalb CSB’s chief clinical officer, said the Healthcare Champion award is Brenda Cibulas “a respected validation of our evidence-based approach to providing the highest quality of behavioral health and developmental disability services to more than 10,000 individuals annually.” The Atlanta Marriott Marquis is at 265 Peachtree Center Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.dekcsb.org and http://thefdha.com.

St. Andrews hosting ACA seminar Financial services adviser Paul Ellingson will present a seminar on the Affordable Care Act on Nov. 13 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucker. The seminar on the health insurance law begins at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The meeting is free and open to the public. The annual enrollment period for health insurance under ACA will open on Nov. 15. Ellingson is a state-licensed adviser with more than 10 years experience in health insurance who is certified under the Affordable Care Act. The seminar will focus on practical issues – how to find out if you qualify for government subsidy on your premium payments, how much the assistance can lower your deductible and co-pays, which companies will offer insurance for 2015, how to compare the different plans, what information you must provide to apply for health insurance,

what is the penalty if you do not have health insurance, what to expect when filing your tax return, and what improvements have been made to the enrollment Web site – www .healthcare.gov. There will be time for questions from the audience. Rachel Nelson, chair of St. Andrews’ Outreach Committee, said the church’s goal is to provide a needed public service. “We hosted a similar seminar last winter that was well-received, but people are still confused about the health insurance law,” she said. “Do they have to re-enroll? What should they know about filing their taxes? What options are available for next year? St. Andrews has a history of reaching out to our neighbors on issues like this.” St. Andrews is at 4882 LaVista Road. For more information, visit www.StAndrewsPresbyterian.org or email office@ StAndrewsPresbyterian.org.

November 8, 2014

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

November 8, 2014

“To some a $1,000 grant may seem small, but we know each of these great groups will be able to make a huge difference with this.”

Nominate a military family to receive holiday decorations Friends, family and residents can nominate area military families to receive holiday lights and decorations from Christmas Decor franchise’s “Decorated Family Program” through Nov. 11. The nomination form at http://christmasdecor.net/cdi2 /decorated-family allows people to explain why the military family should become a “Christmas Decor Decorated Family.” The franchise is seeking to decorate the homes of 200 military families for the 2014 holiday season to help them cope with having their loved ones deployed throughout the world. This is the 12th consecutive year that Christmas Decor is offering the program that thanks the troops for their dedication and support. The program has decorated the homes of more than 1,300 military families since its launch in 2003. Christmas Decor President Brandon Stephens said the holidays can be difficult emotionally for families with loved ones overseas. “We always look forward to doing our part to help make their holidays a little bit brighter,” he said. Winners are awarded based on their location and the impact of their story on the judges. People also can post their Decorated Family stories on the Christmas Decor fan page on Facebook to enter a contest to receive a special prize. The lucky winning families will be the ones with the most “like” votes on the Facebook page. Conyers-based franchisees Roger and Leslie Grant of Christmas Décor by Grant Lawn & Décor Services Inc. can be reached at grantlawn @comcast.net or 770-760-0973. For more information, visit http://christmasdecor.net/cdi2/ decorated-family and www.christmasdecor.net. Christmas Decor’s “Decorated Family Program” seeks to brighten the holidays of military families.

Pictured are Alan Dishman of Wells Fargo (from left), Angie Macon of the Decatur Arts Alliance, Adeidra Washington of Youth V.I.B.E., Tabitha Michael of Our House, Kim Fmdak of Women Moving On, Pat Martin of KIDDS Dance Project, and Earl Cornwell of Speak Life Worldwide.

22 DeKalb nonprofits awarded Wells Fargo grants The KIDDS Dance Project and the International Rescue Committee are among 22 DeKalb nonprofits that each received $1,000 donations as part of Wells Fargo’s 2014 Days of Giving. The Lithonia-based KIDDS Dance Project trains children and youth in the art of creative movement, classical ballet and hiphop. The International Rescue Committee in Decatur responds to global humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. The $22,000 donation to the DeKalb groups is part of $240,000 donated across metro Atlanta on Oct. 31.

Wells Fargo’s metro Atlanta employees also gave or pledged $1.8 million, a 24 percent increase over 2013, to the United Way and Community Support campaigns. Scott Asher, Wells Fargo Atlanta Area president, said the nonprofits will use the donations for the greater good. “To some a $1,000 grant may seem small, but we know each of these great groups will be able to make a huge difference with this,” he said. “And collectively this will have a major impact in our community.” The other DeKalb recipients are Be the Match Foundation, BusiNeighbor Inc., Center for Pan Asian Community Services

DECATUR TERRIFIC THURSDAYS Razz Dazz Girls

Farm Burger

The 17 Steps

visitdecaturgeorgia.com visitdecaturgeorgia.com Decatur-crossroads-nov8-2014.indd 1

Get gifty in Decatur this holiday season. Look for sales, snacks, and extended hours at local restaurants and shops during Terriﬁc Thursdays in November and December. 11/4/14 1:26 PM

Inc., Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Chris Kids, Community Health Charities, DDD Foundation, Decatur Arts Alliance, DeKalb Initiative for Children & Families, Friends of Refugees, George West Mental Health Foundation/Skyland Trail, Jerusalem House, Our House, Poverty Is Real, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Speak Life Worldwide, the Empty Stocking Fund, Women’s Resource Center, Young People Matter, and Youth V.I.B.E. Since the Days of Giving started in 1998, Wells Fargo has donated more than $1.5 million to community groups. For more information, visit wellsfargo. com.

Chess workshop for young people Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is bringing his life-size chessboard and special chess instructional skills to Stonecrest Library on Nov. 15. The KASH for Success event for young people takes place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is free to attend. KASH stands for knowledge, attitude, skills and habits. Hudson says he has used this message to make a difference in young lives for the past 15 years. “I learned that you have choices to make on the chessboard. One wrong move and you lose,” he said. “But life is not a game. A wrong move there and you could be finished.” The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www. besomeone.org.

Card-making workshop at library Adults and children can learn to make holiday cards on Nov. 15 at the RedanTrotti Library. The one-hour workshop, which starts at 10:30 a.m., is open to the first 15 participants who call or visit the branch to register. Supplies and instructions to make the card will be provided. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Redan-Trotti Library. The library is 1569 Wellborn Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770482-3821.

Perks to adopt pets this month Animal lovers can adopt a dog or cat, kitten or puppy for free and receive $200 worth of complimentary services in November with the DeKalb Animal Services “Give Our Shelter Pets a Reason to Be Thankful” promotion. The free services valued at $200 include spay/neuter, all vaccines, and microchip. Shelter Director Susan Feingold said the promotion is seeking to find homes for shelter animals for the holiday season. “All pets deserve a warm bed, a full belly and someone to love them,” she said, “and in return they bring many positive benefits to a home.” The shelter is at 845 Camp Road in Decatur. To view animals available for adoption, visit http://www.dekalbanimalservices. com/adopt-a-pet.

Musical performers at library open mic Aspiring performers can attend Open Mic @ the Library on Nov. 15 at the Decatur Library. The 1:30-to-3:30 p.m. event features all styles of music, including jazz, ethnic, folk, choral, funk, country and pop. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Decatur Library. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. For more information, call 404370-3070.

CrossRoadsNews

November 8, 2014

Scene

Santa Dan arrives at 10 a.m. for the holiday season. He sets up shop in the Sears Court and will begin immediately taking photos with kids of all ages.

Ella the Elephant to welcome Santa Dan to the Mall at Stonecrest Spirited little Ella the Elephant will help welcome Santa Dan to the Mall at Stonecrest on Nov. 15. Santa arrives at 10 a.m. for the holidays, and Ella will perform live beginning at 11 a.m.

Disney Jr.’s Ella the Elephant will help welcome Santa Dan to the Mall at Stonecrest on Nov. 15. Santa Dan arrives at 10 a.m. for the holiday season. He sets up shop in the Sears Court and will begin immediately taking photos with kids of all ages. Ella will perform live at Macy’s Court beginning at 11 a.m. Fans of all ages can see Ella and her magical red hat in four live musical shows at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Ella, a spirited little elephant with a big heart, bigger imagination and a magic hat that can transform into almost anything, stars in the animated preschool series based on the award-winning Ella the Elegant Elephant book series. The series, written by Carmela D’Amico and illustrated by Steven D’Amico, follows the adventures of Ella and her friends, Frankie, Belinda and Tiki, on Elephant Islands. The Mall at Stonecrest is at I-20 and Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.mallatstonecrest.com.

Legal Notices 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10028-2++ Donyiele Nichole Daniels filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on October 20, 2014 to change the name from: Donyiele Nichole Daniels to Carmen Donyiele Nichole Johnson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Oct. 10, 2014 Donyiele Nichole Daniels Petitioner, Pro se 5678 Cedar Craft Lane Lithonia, GA 30058 678-431-3601 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/08

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV9691-7++ Barbara M. Porch Plaintiff Vs. Andre Christopher Porch Defendant To: Andre Christopher Porch 1200 Fairview Street Decatur, GA By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 15, 2014 you are hereby notified that on October 3, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Barbara Porch, 1417 Queen Place, Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of October 15, 2014. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 15th day of October, 2014 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV9310-8++ Samayyah Robinson Plaintiff Vs. Kevin Robinson Defendant To: Kevin Robinson 3400 Edgefield Ct. Greensboro, NC 27406 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 29, 2014 you are hereby notified that on July 22, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Samayyah Robinson, 1364 Hays Lane Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of October 29, 2014. Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 29th day of October, 2014 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV9695-3++ Marlene Wilson-Taylor Plaintiff Vs. Rodney B. Wilson Defendant To: Rodney B. Wilson 14200 Vance Jackson, #2308 San Antonio, TX 78249 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 30, 2014 you are hereby notified that on Oct. 3, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Marlene Wilson-Taylor, P.O. Box 450423, Atlanta, GA 31145. Answer in writing within sixty

(60) days of October 30, 2014. Witness the Honorable Clarence Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of October, 2014 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV7698-7++ Tiffany S. Cunningham Plaintiff Vs. Zebulon Cunningham Defendant

To: Zebulon Cunningham 2909 Nells Ct. Augusta, GA 30906 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 17, 2014 you are hereby notified that on August 1, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Tiffany S. Cunningham, 4341 Ward Bluff Ct., Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of October 17, 2014. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of October, 2014 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County

State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV10435-8 ++ Angelica K. Clarke Plaintiff Vs. Marlon Mullinas Defendant To: Marlon Mullinas By Order of the Court for service by publication dated October 29, 2014 you are hereby notified that on October 27, 2014, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Angelica K. Clarke, 6202 Wesley Kensington, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of October 29, 2014. Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 30th day of October, 2014

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

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

Sex Offender

Wahebe Abdulahe 4376 Idlewood Lane Tucker, GA 30084 Charge of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Rape Convicted on 5/7/2008

Shawn Burke 3157 Canary Court Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 11/6/2012

Crescencio Espinosa 4815 Buford Highway Chamblee, GA 30341 Charge of Sexual Exploitation of Children Convicted on 10/21/2014

Sex Offender

Emmanuel Brannon 1953 Copperfield Circle Decatur, GA 30035 Charge of Attempted Sexual Assault Convicted 10/15/2009

James Delk 1756 Wee Kirk Atlanta, GA 30316 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 9/26/2014

Excellion Jackson 2577 Treasure Court Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Sexual Battery Convicted on 6/20/2012

Sex Offender

Abdulai Kabia 4815 Buford Highway Chamblee, GA 30341 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 4/24/2012

Sex Offender

Horace Lee Mason, Jr. 4846 Woodhurst Way Stn. Mountain, GA 30088 Charge of Sex Assault Convicted on 2/29/1996

Sex Offender

Eddie Milam 2806 Hermosa Drive Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Unlawful Sexual Activity with Child Under 15 Convicted on 7/5/2001

Sex Offender

Steven Spencer 4646 Imperial Hills Court Tucker, GA 30087 Charge of Sexual Exploitation of Children Convicted on 10/16/2014

Sex Offender

Daniel Montgomery 4676 Wildginger Run Lithonia, GA 30038 Charge of Sexual Assault on a Child Convicted on 3/27/1997

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

CrossRoadsNews

Youth

November 8, 2014

“We’re proud and excited to have achieved this milestone after three years of hard work.”

Tucker Middle breaks ground in STEM certification Tucker Middle School is the first middle school in Georgia to win STEM certification. The school’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics program was certified this week by the Georgia Department of Education, positioning the school to serve as a model for hundreds of other schools statewide that are attempting to win STEM certification. With the certification, Tucker becomes the fourth school in DeKalb County – and 11th overall statewide for all school levels – to earn the STEM designation. The certification refers to success in integrating science, technology, engineering and math in all subjects. DeKalb Schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond called the designation an important accomplishment.

“On behalf of the Board of Education and all our stakeholders, I applaud and congratulate Tucker Middle School on this milestone achievement,” he said. “This major accomplishment shows what we can achieve through dedication, hard work, and perseverance.” Kathy Cunningham, Tucker’s principal, spearheaded the program along with its STEM coordinator, Dr. Stephen Csukas. Cu n n i n g h a m e x pressed pride in the unique statewide recogKathy Cunningham nition. “We’re proud and excited to have achieved this milestone after three years of hard work,” Cunningham said.

Currently, 162 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders at Tucker Middle benefit from a STEM curriculum that involves 150 minutes a day of specialized instruction, an interdisciplinary approach to learning, and real-world opportunities to apply their skills with the program’s public-sector partners. With Tucker’s diverse student population, combined with a majority of female students in the STEM program, Cunningham and Csukas said they hope to prepare more females and minorities for educational advancement and STEM careers. “Females, African-Americans, Hispanics and others are under-represented in highly technical fields,” Cunningham said. “Our goal is to increase their numbers and give them the educational foundation and the confidence to know that they can succeed.”

Team Phoenix makes history at STEM event Four Wadsworth Magnet School sixthgraders made history at a recent STEM Science Bowl in New Orleans when they became the first African-American all-female team and the youngest at the 41st NOBCChE conference. Team Phoenix – Ny’Asia Bell, Victoria Smiley, Brooke Harris and Shauna Stewart – won third place in September in the Junior Division. They competed with seventh- and eighth-graders. The Science Bowl was hosted by the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. Team Phoenix was started by a group of mothers – Machelle Bell, Mary Harris, Terra Smiley and Kim Hodge – to create opportunities for their daughters to excel outside the classroom. The girls are in the gifted program and Beta Club at the Decatur elementary school for high achievers. They are avid readers and are learning a foreign language.

Wadsworth Magnet sixthgraders Ny’Asia Bell, Victoria Smiley, Brooke Harris and Shauna Stewart won third place at a STEM Science Bowl in New Orleans.

Ny’Asia would like to be a veterinarian, herpetologist and entomologist. Brooke plans to be a computer engineer, and Victoria wants to pursue a career in pharmacy or pediatric medicine. Shauna is planning to obtain a Ph.D. in botanical chemistry. Mary Harris said reading has taken the girls far beyond their years and opened their minds to infinite possibilities. “We feel that because our girls have de-

cided their career path and explored it by reading about their interests, [it] prepared them best for the competition,” she said. Harris said the girls’ success is proof that the schools and great teachers cannot be expected to do it alone in the short amount of time they have with students. “Parents must demonstrate, advocate and create experiences for their children,” Harris said.

Graduation rate rises to 62.3% The DeKalb School District’s graduation rate improved by more than 2 percentage points from 60.2 percent in 2013 to 62.3 percent in 2014. The Georgia Department of Education released statewide high school graduation rate data that showed continued improvement by DeKalb students. The statewide average improved less than 1 percent from 71.8 percent in 2013 to 72.5 percent in 2014. During the past two years, DeKalb’s rate improved by 5 percentage points from 57.3 percent in 2012 to 62.3 percent in 2014. DeKalb Superintendent Michael Thurmond said the system is proud of the improvement but there is obvious room for growth. “The report indicates a need for more Michael Thurmond rigorous intervention and support for students and parents as we progress toward our five-year goal of exceeding the state average by 2017,” Thurmond said in an Oct. 30 statement. The Education Department uses a four-year cohort methodology to calculate graduation rates that follow students from the first year in high school until their class graduates. Other highlights: n The five schools with the highest graduation rates are DeKalb Early College Academy and the DeKalb School of the Arts, both with 100 percent rates; Arabia Mountain, 98.3 percent; Chamblee Charter, 83.5 percent; and Redan, 79.9 percent. n The high schools with significant growth in percentage points are Lithonia, 9.7 percent; Towers, 9.6 percent; Stephenson, 8.1 percent; Cedar Grove, 7.5 percent; and McNair, 5.8 percent. Each of the schools is identified as a Title I school. Visit www.gadoe.org for full report.

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Financial/ Insurance

Home Improvement

Guaranteed Income For Your Retirement Avoid market risk & get guaranteed income in retirement! CALL for FREE copy of our SAFE MONEY GUIDE Plus Annuity Quotes from A-Rated companies! 800-669-5471

All Things Basementy! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-800-998-5574

PROBLEMS with the IRS or State Taxes? Settle for a fraction of what you owe! Free face to face consultations with offices in your area. Call 855-970-2032 GET CASH NOW for your Annuity or Structured Settlement. Top

Items Wanted CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Makes!. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call 1-800905-8332 TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD

GUITARS! 1920’s thru 1980’s. Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg, and Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-401-0440

Misc. For Sale Get a complete Satellite System installed at NO COST! FREE HD/ DVR Upgrade. As low as $19.99/ mo. Call for details 877-388-8575 KILL ROACHES! Buy Harris Roach Tablets. Eliminate BugsGuaranteed. No Mess, Odorless, Long Lasting. Available at Ace Hardware & The Home Depot. KILL BED BUGS & THEIR EGGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killer Complete Treatment Program or Kit. Available: Hardware Stores, Buy Online: homedepot.com DISH TV Starting at $19.99/ month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Call Today and Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 844-3348858 DIRECTV starting at $24.95/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE RECEIVER Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. Some exclusions

apply - Call for details 1-800-8974169

Miscellaneous Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in over 7 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 570 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 800-2781401

DirectTV - 2 Year Savings Event! Over 140 channels only $29.99 a month. Only DirecTV gives you 2 YEARS of savings and a FREE Genie upgrade! Call 1-800-2793018 Protect Your Home - ADT Authorized Dealer: Burglary, Fire, and Emergency Alerts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! CALL TODAY, INSTALLED TOMORROW! 888-858-9457 (M-F 9am-9pm ET) FREE $50 WALMART GIFT CARD & 3 FREE issues of YOUR FAVORITE MAGAZINES! To claim this free offer, Call 855954-3224 FREE BAHAMA CRUISE. 3 days/2 nights from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Pay only $59 port charge! Upgrades available! Call Now! 877-916-3235 FREE GOLD IRA KIT. With the demise of the dollar now is the time to invest in gold. AAA Rated! For free consultation: 1-866-683-5664

Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

CrossRoadsNews

November 8, 2014

INSURANCE

Marketplace COSMETICS

FOR RENT/LEASE

Avon. If you would like to become an Avon representative; please call Theresa at (404) 668-5842. Free Shipping purchases of $5.99 - $35. Skin So Soft on Sale. Lotion & Body Wash Specials. www. youravon.com/dymphna.

Furnished Rooms Wesley Chapel Road area; cable, queen-sized beds, washer/dryer, $105 - $115 weekly; call Mr. Robinson 404838-6541

COUNSELING SERVICES T&L Relations, LLC, Coaching Sessions\Marriage Building/ Restoration Relationship 101, Parenting 101, Authentic MAN/All Pro DAD, 404.988.3801

HELP WANTED DRIVERS: CDL-A. REGIONAL/ OTR, HOME EVERY WEEKEND! Run Southeast/Midsouth/Midwest, full medical/dental/vision. Email acarden@bahexpress.com, 877-606-7236 ext 111 & 115

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

ATTORNEYS

Providing Insurance & Financial Services

DINING / ENTERTAINMENT

Cajun Fried & Smoked Turkeys

Never Frozen Like The Competition FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

Want to sell your home?

tyler@apextkhomes.com INSURANCE

OPPORTUNITIES

- quick close - any condition Call today 678-250-9675

Special Benefits For Those With Medicare! Dental, Including Dentures, Eye-wear, Transportation, Over The Counter Medications, Hearing Aid Benefits. Different Plans Available. FOR FREE REPORT, CALL 800-704-3307 24 HRS

THIS SIZE AD FOR ONLY $

30?

Call 404-284-1888 to find out how.

ATTORNEYS

FOR SALE

JHC

LOOKING FOR GREAT PRICES & SPECTACULAR BARGAINS?

“EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

PHONE SERVICE / REPAIR

FREE GIFT With this Ad! DeeKnowsPhones.com LOW COST PHONE REPAIRS

REPAIRS STARTING AT $30 Marten Transport, a Leading Refrigerated Carrier, is now hiring at the Tucker Terminal for: TRUCK MECHANIC to maintain our fleet of trucks. Advanced & entry level openings. Day & evening shifts available. Excellent pay based on exp. & benefits including: Medical/Dental/Vision Ins. + 401k. Paid Vacation & Holidays, Boot & tool allowance. Apply online today: www.marten.com/careers.html EEOE functioning under an AAP

I pay cash!

• SCREEN REPAIR • UNLOCKING • WATER DAMAGE • BUY / SELL • ACCESSORIES

5754 Covington Hwy. Decatur, GA 30035 Located INSIDE the Citgo Gas Station CALL OR TEXT 404 939-7792 Find Us on Instagram

If This Was Your Ad, Someone Would Be Seeing It Now! Call 404-284-1888 today for rates & information

FABRICS / UPHOLSTERY

FABRIC

DISCOUNT FABRICS & UPHOLSTERY

ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET

3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE SE DECATUR, GA 30032 ERE BELVED

ALSTON DRIVE SE

CA LER RO

ANTIQUES • AFRICAN & AMERICAN ART • BOOKS • CARPETS • CHILDRENS GAMES • COSMETICS (Avon, Mary Kay & more) • ELECTRONICS • FURNITURE • HAND CRAFTED JEWELRY • DESIGNER & CASUAL CLOTHING FOR THE FAMILY (infants, children, men, & women) • HANDBAGS • HATS • HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES • FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS • GREETING CARDS • GAMES • LUGGAGE • SEWING SUPPLIES (w/seamstress available for alterations) • SHEA BUTTER (lotions, oils, hair products, etc) • SHOES • SOCKS • TOYS • VACUUMS (including repair) • & MUCH, MUCH, MORE!!!

OVER 70 BOOTHS ALL HEATED & AIR CONDITIONED!!! WE HAVE A BRAND NEW LOOK • COME VISIT US AT:

Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody • Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Immigration Law

4153 Flat Shoals Parkway | Bldg C Suite 322 | Decatur, GA 30034

P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

State Farm Agent Since 1992

Cade-Hill Insurance Agency Inc. 628 Moreland Avenue, SE Atlanta, GA 30316-3850 www.terricadehill.com 404-663-8426 (m) • 404-622-0551 (o)

Homemade Cakes & Complete Thanksgiving Meals

770-912-9264

Terri Cade-Hill

Call us about AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

Best in Atlanta $45 and up

(no text)

Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC

LIFE INSURANCE • Universal Life • Whole Life • Term Life • Final Expense AUTO • HOME • COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE

6933-B MAIN ST, LITHONIA GA 30058 (across from Wayfield Foods)

NOW Open Mon – Sat 10am - 6pm OPPORTUNITIES

GLENWOOD ROAD

PLAZA

FREE

FABRIC WITH UPHOLSTERY

OFFER EXPIRES EXPIRES 03/31/14 OFFER 11/30/14

WE HAVE MOVED TO A BIGGER AND BETTER LOCATION! ADDRESS : 3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE DECATUR, GA 30032 PHONE : (404) 284-1543 • (404) 966-8320 HOURS : MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM E-MAIL : FABRICJOINT@GMAIL.COM WEBSITE : FABRICJOINT.COM

CrossRoadsNews

November 8, 2014

now through tues, nov. 11

vEtEranS’ day sale

3O%-75% Off StOrewiDe last 2 days! specials fri, nov 7. & sat, nov. 8

take an extra 1O%-2O% Off†

with your macy’s card or pass †exclusions apply; see savings pass. free ShippinG eVerY DaY + extra 1O%-2O% Off + free returnS at macYS.cOm! free ShippinG with $99 purchaSe

Use promo code: VETS for extra savings; offer valid 11/5-11/11/2014. Exclusions apply; see macys.com for details. Free returns by mail or in-store. U.S. only. Exclusions apply; details at macys.com/freereturns

WOW! pass

EXTRA SAVINGS ON ALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL! (EXCEPT SPECIALS & SUPER BUYS)

EXTRA 2O% Off

selecT sale & clearance apparel for hiM, her & kids EXtra 15% off all sale & clearance fine & fashion jewelry, coaTs, suiTs, dresses, iMpulse, inTiMaTes, swiM for her; Men’s suiT separaTes & sporTcoaTs; selecT shoes & hoMe iTeMs EXtra 10% off all sale & clearance waTches; elecTrics/elecTronics Also excludes: Everyday Values (EDV), Doorbusters, Deals of the Day, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, men’s store electronics, cosmetics/fragrances, athletic shoes for him, her & kids, Dallas Cowboys merchandise, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, New Era, Nike on Field, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., special purchases, services. Exclusions may differ at macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. tEXt “cpn” to 62297 to gEt coupons, salEs alErts & morE! Max 3 msgs/wk. Msg & data rates may apply. By texting CPN from my mobile number, I agree to receive marketing text messages generated by an automated dialer from Macy’s to this number. I understand that consent is not required to make a purchase. Text STOP to 62297 to cancel. Text HELP to 62297 for help. Terms & conditions at macys.com/mobilehelp Privacy policy at macys.com/privacypolicy

ValiD 11/5-11/11/2014

veterans’ day sale prices in effect 11/5-11/11/2014, except as noted. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. N4100245F.indd 1

10/29/14 11:43 AM