COMMUNITY
SCENE
Ease on down the road
Party for the arts
The Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending constructionrelated lane closures over the Labor Day weekend. 3
Art and live music, magic and theater performances are on tap at the Woodruff Arts Center’s sixth Free Family Festival. 4
Put Litter in Its Place Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
Copyright © 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
September 3, 2016
Volume 22, Number 19
www.crossroadsnews.com
Home Chef meal-kit plant to deliver 1,200 jobs in Lithonia By Ken Watts
Home Chef, a meal-kit delivery service, will create more than 1,200 jobs and invest $3.35 million in a new South DeKalb facility by 2020, Gov. Nathan Deal said Aug. 31. Home Chef ’s new facility will open in a leased 140,000-square-foot facility on Lithonia Industrial Boulevard. It will serve as a wholesale purchasing, assembling, packaging and distribution center. It was unclear at press time Thursday when the company would begin full operation but it is accepting job applications for positions including HR administrator, food product buyer, project coordinator and pro-
of warehouse space, access to interstate highways, and proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport which will enhance its delivery capacity to new and existing customers. “Home Chef is among the many innovative companies using Georgia’s highperforming transportation infrastructure to Ray Gilley, Decide DeKalb president grow their distribution network,” Deal said. duction supervisor at glassdoor.com/Jobs/ weekly that come with step-by-step prepara- “By establishing this new facility and utilizHome-Chef-Jobs. tion instructions. ing the state’s skilled work force, Home Chef The Chicago-based company founded It delivers more than 540,000 meals per will be able to reach more of the Southeastern in 2013 by CEO Pat Vihtelic provides boxed month and a million meals in 2015. market and meet the needs of a growing ready-to-cook pre-portioned fresh ingrediDeal said Home Chef, which has distri- customer base. ” ents directly to consumer households. bution centers on the East and West coasts, Customers have a choice of 13 meals was attracted by South DeKalb’s abundance Please see MEAL KITS, page 2
“With this unique project choosing to locate in the heart of East DeKalb, it signals to us and hopefully the rest of the business community the incredible opportunities available here for additional jobs and investment.”
Movie company making home in South DeKalb Valhalla Film Studios investing $70 million By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Starting in January, major movies will be in production in south DeKalb County. Valhalla Film Studios, which is building a 53-acre studio complex at 1415 Constitution Road, is investing more than $70 million into acquiring land and building nine sound stages totaling 206,000 square feet. The sound stages were under construction this week behind tall security fences. Studio principals James Schulz and Ryan Millsap have connections to Hollywood blockbuster films like “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Interstellar” and “Tropic Thunder.” Schulz, who has 20 years in the movie industry, said Sept. 1 that they picked the DeKalb County property after looking for more than a year and a half. “It’s inside the Perimeter and close to town,” Schulz said. “It is hard to find 20 acres inside the Perimeter.” He said they looked in the Norcross area and the west end of the city before finding the Constitution Road site. “This property suits us,” he said. “We are going to create the best studios in North America here.” The Constitution Road property, a former Duron Paints & Wallcoverings warehouse, was acquired by Plasmet Constitution and passed by quitclaim deed to Constitution 52 LLC on March 10, 2016. DeKalb County property records show the sale price was $6.7 million. Schulz said the property already had a 175,000-square-foot warehouse that they have cleaned up and painted for production offices. They are adding a 40,000-square-foot stage, a 30,000-square-foot stage, and seven 20,000-square-foot stages. Schulz also is building a 40,000-square-
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Construction is underway on nine Sound Stages that will join a 175,000 square-foot warehouse on the 53-acre Constitution Road property.
that will be used for back lots. The five-acre site has a 1910-era brick schoolhouse building on it and Schulz said they will renovate it into “cool production offices.” District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson Georgia’s generous incentives for the film industry have foot office building that will bring the studio’s transformed Atlanta into a major hub for total square feet to nearly 400,000. movie production, and while movies have When it opens, Schulz said it will be the been filmed in DeKalb, Valhalla Studios is largest sound stage in Georgia shooting films the first to make a home in the county. and television shows. Schulz said that Valhalla Studios will be Since the 53-acre purchase, Schulz said good for the area. they have bought an additional five-and-a“We absolutely do plan to have an imhalf-acre site less than a mile away and they pact,” he said. “The studios will bring a lot of have another 70-acre tract under contract wealth to the area. We will create more busi-
“It is a catalytic project that will bode well for us. In a few years we will see restaurants and other development cropping up around it.”
nesses for restaurants and hotels. I believe we will see businesses come in. It’s going to change the area.” DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, who represents the area, toured the studios on Aug. 31 and said he was very impressed with what he saw taking shape there. “It is a catalytic project that will bode well for us,” he said. “In a few years we will see restaurants and other development cropping up around it.” Johnson said that the site, near I-285 and I-675 and 12 minutes from HartsfieldJackson Airport, is a great location for the studios, which will help property values Please see VALHALLA, page 2
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Community
CrossRoadsNews
September 3, 2016
“They talked about residents being extras in the movies. They will also be able to work with our high school kids.”
Ellenwood father found guilty in death of 6-month-old daughter Reginald Demarcus Johnson of do everything in our power to Ellenwood has been found guilty of protect our most precious comkilling his 6-month-old daughter modities – our children. So to Jordan by violently fracturing her forcibly damage such a young skull multiple times. child – then try to blame her The baby died of blunt force twin brother – is repugnant and trauma to the head. inexcusable,” James said. An autopsy showed that she had Jordan’s father told emermultiple skull fractures and bleedgency responders that he woke Reginald Johnson up to find her unresponsive with ing inside her brain. A DeKalb County jury convicted John- her 6-month-old twin brother, Jeremiah, son, 36, on felony murder and first-degree on top of her. cruelty to children charges on Aug. 29 for He suggested that the twin, who was the April 2015 death of his twin daughter uninjured, might have caused Jordan’s Jordan Johnson. death. He faces life in prison and will be senEvidence presented at trial from meditenced at a later date. cal experts and investigators showed that DeKalb District Attorney Robert James the amount of force needed to injure the called the infant girl’s death “tragic and hor- baby equaled smashing her on a table or rific.” other flat surface or an adult stomping on “It is our responsibility as parents to her head.
Home Chef plans Lithonia facility MEAL KITS,
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1
Vihtelic said his company is excited about the move to DeKalb. “We’re undergoing tremendous growth and are excited to expand our distribution footprint,” he said. “The culture of collaboration makes Georgia the ideal location for us today and tomorrow. We’re confident that DeKalb has the skilled work force necessary for us to achieve our ambitious growth goals.” The company, which expanded nationwide this year, employs more than 500 peo-
ple nationwide in marketing, technology, production and customer service. Decide DeKalb President Ray Gilley said meal-kit delivery is an exciting new concept that is taking the nation by storm and Home Chef ’s DeKalb facility will be the first meal-kit delivery service production facility in metro Atlanta. “With this unique project choosing to locate in the heart of East DeKalb, it signals to us and hopefully the rest of the business community the incredible opportunities available here for additional jobs and investment.”
The Heart of South DeKalb Festival takes place Sept. 24 in Macy’s parking lot at the Gallery at South DeKalb in Decatur.
Festival seeks vendors, sponsors Sponsorships, vendor space and advertising opportunities are available for the annual Heart of South DeKalb Festival taking place Sept. 24 at the Gallery at South DeKalb. The daylong family festival, which celebrates South DeKalb with music, performances and exhibitors, is in its fourth year. It kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with a parade of high school bands, cars, step teams, and community organizations from New Life Church at 3592 Flat Shoals Road to Macy’s parking lot at the mall. This year’s theme is “Honoring and Cel-
ebrating Our First Responders.” Sponsors to date include the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry, QuikTrip, D&K Suit City, Judge JP Boulee, Judge Mike Jacobs, state Rep. Rahn Mayo, Utley Chiropractic & Wellness Center, and Bojangles’. The mall is at 2801 Candler Road in Decatur. For vending and sponsorships, contact Paula Tate at hosd13@yahoo.com or 404683-3599. Visit www.facebook.com/HeartOfSouthDekalbFestival.
Studio to have big impact on area DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson looks over Valhalla Film Studios plan on Aug. 31 with studio principal Ryan Millsap
VALHALLA,
from page
1
grow in the area and bring quality jobs in the county. “There will be jobs in digital moviemaking, animations, prop construction and a host of other areas,” he said. “If we have those skills here, they will not have to bring all those workers from California.” Schulz said they have had discussions about starting a trade school to train the people they will need. Johnson said he will be looking at how
the studios could team up with Georgia Piedmont Technical College to train workers. During his visit, Johnson said that Millsap and Schulz said they wanted to create opportunities for the community. “They talked about residents being extras in the movies,” he said. “They will also be able to work with our high school kids. McNair High School is nearby and the Barack Obama School of Technology will soon be opening. We also have the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center. There are a lot of opportunities to work together.”
CrossRoadsNews
September 3, 2016
Community
3
“We’re a very, very close family and all of us are rallying and preparing for their final rites.”
Two members of one of Lithonia’s oldest families die in wreck Family and friends will celebrate the lives of Brenda Drucilla Woods and her nephew Kiman Woods at a joint homegoing service on Sept. 3 at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church. Brenda Drucilla Woods, 69, and Kiman Drucilla Woods Woods, 44, died in a two-car collision on Aug. 27 at the intersection of Thompson Mill Road and Snapfinger Road in Decatur. Their home-going celebration takes place at 1 p.m. The church is at 2152 Rock Chapel Road in Lithonia. On Sept. 2, First St. Paul AME Church
will host a musical celebration of Kiman Woods’ life at 7 p.m. Kiman, who was a gifted musician, played the conga drums at the church. The church is at 2687 Klondike Road in Lithonia. DeKalb Police said Kiman Woods the Woods’ Toyota driven by Drucilla Woods was traveling east on Snapfinger Road when it collided at the intersection with a Mercedes-Benz car that was traveling west on Snapfinger. The driver of the Mercedes was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Drucilla and Kiman Woods were pronounced dead at
the scene. Both were lifelong residents of the city of Lithonia and were the sister and nephew of former Lithonia Mayor Marcia GlennHunter and former City Council member Barbara Lester. Drucilla’s mother, the late Maggie Woods, was the first black woman elected to Lithonia’s City Council in 1972. Glenn-Hunter said on Aug. 31 that her family is still reeling from the sudden loss of two family members. “We’re a very, very close family and all of us are rallying and preparing for their final rites,” she said. Glenn-Hunter said her sister was an unforgettable person. “She was so much fun,” Glenn-Hunter
GDOT suspends lane closures for Labor Day The Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending construction-related lane closures over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The suspension starts at 5 a.m. on Sept. 2 and ends at 5 a.m. on Sept. 6. John D. Hancock, GDOT state construction engineer, said the department expects heavy traffic over the last holiday of the summer. “We are limiting construction and associated lane closures to make travel to Georgia’s lakes, parks and attractions easier and safer for all,” he said on Aug. 29. Traffic will likely be heavy in various metro Atlanta locations with college football games at the Georgia Dome on Friday and Saturday, an event on Sunday at Philips Arena, Dragon Con and Atlanta Black Gay Pride weekend activities in downtown Atlanta, plus the Decatur Book Festival and Six Flags Over Georgia. GDOT reminds travelers to exercise caution as crews may still work in proximity to highways, and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place. Also, incident management or emer-
gency, maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route. “We typically see an increase in roadway fatalities during heavy travel holidays, and with traffic fatalities up again this year, I cannot overemphasize the need for drivers to slow down, drive alert and take every precaution to protect themselves and their passengers,” Hancock said. “Buckle up, put down the cell phone and do not drive distracted or impaired. Just focus on driving.” For real-time traffic and travel information statewide, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org before heading out. GDOT also advises motorists never to get out of the car on a freeway unless your life is in imminent danger. Pull onto the nearest shoulder as far from the travel lanes as possible and call 511 for HERO assistance in metro Atlanta or 911 for medical emergency service. Georgia’s Move-over Law requires drivers to move over one lane when a law enforcement, emergency vehicle or construction crew is on the side of the road and displaying flashing emergency lights. If it is unsafe to move over, then slow down below the posted speed.
said. “Outgoing spirit, lovely personality, loved her family, loved the Lord.” She said her nephew and sister were both dedicated members of First St. Paul AME Church. Drucilla was involved in a lot of political campaigns and with environmental groups, not just in Lithonia but also in DeKalb County, and she worked in the DeKalb Superior Court Clerk’s Office, her sister said. In 2011, Drucilla was a candidate for the Lithonia City Council. Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson said the city lost two of its “committed and dedicated citizens.” “Please keep the family in prayer,” she said.
Georgia road fatalities on rise as holiday approaches Georgia traffic fatalities are on the rise as Labor Day approaches, and drivers are urged to use extra caution on the roadways over the holiday weekend. Through Aug. 29, there 921 fatalities, 21 more than the same time last year, or 3 percent more, the Georgia Department of Transportation said. In 2015, there were 1,414 traffic fatalities statewide with 900 occurring in the first eight months of the year. Garrett Townsend, AAA Georgia’s public affairs director, said removing all distractions, such as mobile devices, is the first step toward getting to your destination safely over the Labor Day Weekend. AAA offers these travel safety tips: n Buckle up. Wear your seat belt and make sure all your passengers, including young children, are properly restrained. n Drive alert. Don’t drive drowsy or impaired. Sleepiness slows your reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs your judgment, just like drugs or alcohol. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.
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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 General Manager Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. 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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CrossRoadsNews
September 3, 2016
“We couldn’t sit on the sidelines without documenting one of the most important human rights issues.”
Woodruff Arts Center hosts Free Family Festival Art and live music, magic and theater performances are on tap at the Woodruff Arts Center’s sixth Free Family Festival on Sept. 11. It takes place 1 to 4 p.m. as part of the CREATE ATL Family Fun at the Woodruff initiative and features family-oriented programming led by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art. There will be live performances from master Jamaican musicians and storytellers; scavenger hunts with Eric Carle’s famous children’s book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”; interactive musical experiences like Pop, Zing, Boom! with Dave Holland of Beatin’ Path Rhythm Events; and Alliance Live! Hollywood Squares. The High Museum of Art will offer scavenger hunt guides based on the exhibition “I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle” for families to explore Carle’s world at their own pace. Children of all ages also will be able to work with museum teaching artists to make their very own wire leaf sculptures inspired by the colors of fall. Toddler Tours will take toddlers and their caregivers on a physically interactive
Alliance Theatre’s Kathy and Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young will present a sneak peek at the upcoming production “From Head to Toe” based on the Carle children’s book of the same name. Local artist Mama Yeye will lead African dance workshops for all levels of experience inspired by the African tales of the spider Ananse and Ashley Bryan’s “The Dancing Granny.” In addition, a cast of all-Atlanta grandmothers will showcase the power of grandmothers in a 3:30 p.m. performance of “The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering” by Sharon Mehdi featuring Pearl Cleage, Alliance Theatre Mellon Playwright in Residence. The Grammy Award-winning ASO will present an instrument petting zoo: Violins, a cello, a flute and a trumpet will be on hand for children ages 5 and older to touch and try. Future music-makers will be able to design, create and play with their own egg shaker maracas at the The Free Sept. 11 Family Festival at the Woodruff Arts Center includes an festival’s free instrument-making ASO instrument petting zoo and an instrument-making station. station. To register for the festival, visit experience with art where they will strategies to interpret works of art woodruffcreateATL.org. experience dance and drama-based and learn about museums.
‘When Justice Isn’t Just’ on DVD on Sept. 13 The documentary “When Justice Isn’t Just,” which addresses the concept and reality of justice in the United States, particularly in regard to racial disparities in the criminal justice system, will be released on DVD beginning Sept. 13. It is directed by David Massey, an NAACP Image Award winner and the first AfricanAmerican to be David Massey nominated for an Oscar in the Live-Action Short Film category for “Last Breeze of Summer.” He is an adjunct professor at Pasadena City College. Filmed in cities across the coun-
try, the documentary explores why so many unarmed black people have been targeted and killed by law enforcement officers, an issue that has taken center stage in the national consciousness. The filmmakers talk to legal experts, activists and law enforcement officials who speak to the inequality within the criminal justice system. The film asks the crucial question of how to prevent more violence in this country, including black-onblack deaths. Activists, law enforcement officials, legal scholars, and family members of victims offer a range of responses. The documentary focuses on the incarceration rate of people of color, adding to the ongoing discussion about reform and renewal as
the Black Lives Matter movement and citizens nationwide question the accountability of the justice system in cases of police violence. Massey and producer Dawn Alexander have screened the film throughout the country. “We as filmmakers couldn’t sit on the sidelines without documenting one of the most important human rights issues facing America and the black community today,” Massey said. “When Justice Isn’t Just” features a broad array of people, including civil rights attorney Benjamin L. Crump, Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Melina Abdullah of Black Lives Matter, criminal attorney Tom Mesereau, LAPD Deputy Chief William Scott, and Dr. Marc Lamont Hill.
Artist, social activist featured in Emory series Artist and social activist Theaster Gates will be featured in three free Emory University public events beginning Sept. 3. The series of talks on art and activism is hosted by the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Theaster Gates Book Library. Gates, an award-winning Chicago potter and artist who blends art installation with social practice, is best known for turning abandoned buildings in neglected neighborhoods into vibrant cultural hubs that serve the community. Gates is director of arts and public life at the
University of Chicago, where he is a professor of visual arts. Rosemary M. Magee, director of the Rose Library, said Gates brings a new perspective. “Theaster Gates embodies an engagement with art, activism, and archives that energizes all of us,” Magee said in an Aug. 24 statement. “It will be a privilege to have him present on campus during the month of September to collaborate with students, faculty and members of the Atlanta area community in pursuit of new knowledge and inspiration.” Free public events: n Sept. 3 – “‘A Race of Artists’: Examining Art and Social Activism,” an ArtDBF panel with Gates and other multidisciplinary artists
moderated by Christeene Alcosiba, Rose Library manager of operations and public programming, cosponsored by ArtsATL. It begins at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Decatur Sanctuary Stage, Decatur Book Festival in downtown Decatur. n Sept. 9 – “Are Artists Activists?” Gates conversation with Magee. It takes place at 4 p.m. at the Teaching and Learning Studio, Rose Library, Emory’s Woodruff Library, Level 10. n Sept. 22 – “Theaster Gates: Social Practice and Social Justice,” Gates closing presentation, at 7 p.m. at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 N. Decatur Road in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.emory.edu.
Register now for Open Mic Vocalists, musicians and spoken word artists have until Sept. 12 to register for the third annual Open Mic @ the Library this fall. Registration is available online at dekalblibrary.org/openmic or performers can pick up an application at a DeKalb Public Library branch. Performers must be 18 or older. Prizes will be awarded in music or singing and in poetry. The Friends of the Decatur Library group is host for the family-friendly event, which takes place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the main library, 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, including guidelines, visit www. dekalblibrary.org or call 404370-3070, Ext. 2008.
Library card sign-up raffle DeKalb residents who sign up for a new library card at Stonecrest Library through Oct. 31 can enter a raffle for a chance to win an e-reader. Patrons also may enter the raffle by renewing or replacing their current card. The drawing will be held on Nov. 1. The branch has a goal of 800 new cardholders. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-3828.
index to advertisers Blue Bubble Home Services............................ 7 City of Lithonia................................................ 7 Committee to Elect Jack Lovelace................... 3 DeKalb Board of Health..................................6 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court...................... 7
DeKalb County Purchasing & Contracting...... 7 Heart of South DeKalb Festival....................... 7 Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC................... 7 Macy’s............................................................. 8
Neal Lange Insurance..................................... 7 Quenon Smith................................................ 7 Veritas Medical Center.................................... 7 Wright Vision Care..........................................6
Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Rite Aid...................................................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts
September 3, 2016
Finance
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5
“When a catastrophe of this nature occurs, con artists seize the opportunity to prey on donors.”
Georgia DOT opens small-business help center in Decatur Eligible disadvantaged, small and veteranowned businesses seeking to pursue business opportunities with the Georgia Department of Transportation can get assistance from a new help center in downtown Decatur. GDOT’s State Supported Funding Program has opened a Business Resource Help Center to assist disadvantaged business enterprises or DBEs and registered small and veteran-owned businesses in identifying and responding to business opportunities funded by the Transportation Funding Act of 2015. These include a backlog of statewide routine maintenance projects such as crack sealing, pothole repair, concrete slab repair, drainage work, roadway striping, guardrail
repair, right-of-way clearing, vegetation maintenance, tree trimming, mowing, and litter pickup. The routine maintenance activities offer DBEs (including minority and womenowned businesses) and small and mediumsized businesses who may have not previously worked with GDOT the opportunity to establish themselves as a qualified contractor to bid on projects. Representatives from 20 small businesses joined GDOT officials on Aug. 25 at a Business Center open house, where they discussed topics ranging from prequalification to bonding. Attendees said the help center “represents the hope of real opportunity for
doing business with Georgia DOT.” Firms were eager to apply for qualification on statefunded routine maintenance projects and were looking forward to obtaining assistance from center staff with understanding the process. Newly elected State Transportation Board Chair Robert L. Brown Jr. of Decatur said the opening of the center reaffirmed his commitment Robert L. Brown and that of GDOT’s to ensuring that the department provides access to opportunities for all contractors throughout the state.
Don’t be scammed by fake charities in wake of flooding Well-meaning Georgians are being urged to research the organizations seeking donations for disaster relief efforts for Louisiana flood victims to avoid being scammed. Thousands of Louisiana residents have been devastated by the recent flooding, and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp is cautioning Georgians to do their homework to ensure their donations go to reputable Brian Kemp nonprofits. “When a catastrophe of this nature occurs, con artists seize the opportunity to prey on donors by holding themselves
out as legitimate charitable organizations,” Kemp said in an Aug. 23 statement. “Do not be fooled by these scams. There are several helpful resources that will help you verify the existence of a charity and make sure your contribution will reach Louisiana’s flood victims in a meaningful way.” He offers the following tips: n Research charities before you contribute. The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org), the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org), GuideStar (www. guidestar.org/Home.aspx), Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), and Charity Watch (www.charitywatch.org/home) provide detailed information about nonprofits. n Be wary of telephone solicitors asking for
contributions. Ask the individual to put the request in writing and provide detailed information about the charity and its program. n Never give your credit card, debit card, or bank account information to a telephone solicitor. n If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the organization has a tax-deductible status. “Tax exempt,” “nonprofit” and “tax-deductible” are not synonymous. The IRS has a searchable database (https://apps. irs.gov/app/eos/) of eligible organizations. Georgians can contact the SOS Charities Division to report suspicious solicitations – email charities@sos.ga.gov or call 404654-6023. For more information, visit www. sos.ga.gov.
Jobless rate in metro Atlanta dips to 5.1 percent in July Metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate for July was 5.1 percent, down two-tenths of a percentage point from 5.3 percent in June. The rate in July 2015 was 6 percent. In DeKalb County, there were 2,047 initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in July, up 283 or 16 percent from 1,764 in June. In July 2015, there were 2,314 first claims for an over-the-year decrease of 267 or 11.5 percent. The metro jobless rate fell as the number of employed residents grew by 34,452 to 2,799,438. The number of unemployed resi-
dents fell by 2,844 to 150,897. The labor force, consisting of employed people and those who are unemployed but actively looking for jobs, grew by 31,568 to 2,950,335 in July. The number of jobs decreased by 500 to 2,656,200. Most of the job losses came in state and local government, including the public schools, which were on summer break. Over the year, Atlanta gained 74,800 jobs, a 2.9 percent growth rate, up from 2,581,400 in July 2015. Most of the gains came in trade, transportation and warehousing, 17,700; professional and business services, 17,200;
leisure and hospitality, 15,500; education and health services, 10,200; construction, 7,800; manufacturing, 5,600; government, 4,400; and financial activities, 3,300. Information services lost 5,700 jobs. The number of initial UI claims rose by 1,844, or 13.5 percent, to 15,469 in July. Most of the increase came in manufacturing and construction; administrative and support services, which include temporary staffing agencies; and trade, transportation and warehousing. Claims were down by 1,232, or 7.4 percent, from 16,701 in July 2015.
“We are fully committed to the success of the DBE program and the businesses that participate,” Brown said in an Aug. 26 statement. Brown has served on the board for 11 years and represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. The Business Help Center was established by GDOT to provide the firms with training, consulting services, targeted matchmaking, one-on-one assistance, meeting space and computer access. The center, staffed with SSFP business specialists to assist eligible firms, is at One West Court Square, Suite 750. It is open Monday through Friday (678-4205500). Visit www.gdotstateprojects.com.
Hosea hosting Labor of Love Career Fair Job seekers can attend the seventh annual Labor of Love Career and Resource Fair on Sept. 10 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. The 10 a.m.-to-3 p.m. event is presented by Hosea Helps (aka Hosea Feed the Hungry) in partnership with the city of College Park, Georgia International Convention Center and the North Metro Career Center of the Georgia Department of Labor. The fair is open to the public and there is no cost to participate. Job seekers interested in attending should access employgeorgia.com to create an account and resume. If you already have a resume, it can be uploaded to the site. Having an Employ Georgia account and resume will expedite the process of meeting with employers. Dress is business casual, and attendees should bring writing instruments and resumes. Companies wishing to participate should contact janice.burley-black@gdol. ga.gov to request registration forms. The center is at 2000 Convention Center Concourse off Camp Creek Parkway. For more information, visit www.dol. state.ga.us.
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Wellness
CrossRoadsNews
September 3, 2016
To date, 31 states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid under ACA. Georgia has not.
Expanding Medicaid lowers Marketplace premiums by 7 percent Expanding Medicaid has lowered Marketplace premiums in those states by about 7 percent, a new analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows. HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said the report released on Aug. 25 “identifies yet another group that would gain if all states chose to expand Medicaid – Marketplace consumers, who would Sylvia Burwell see lower premiums.” “These gains are on top of the direct benefits of expansion for millions of Americans
who would gain coverage and on top of the economic benefits for states,” Burwell said. “The administration remains committed to working with all states to expand coverage and improve the health and financial wellbeing of their citizens.” To date, 31 states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Georgia has not. The decision not to expand Medicaid is costly for states, HHS says. It denies coverage to millions of poor citizens – many of whom are working and have serious health needs. It puts many low-income individuals in insurance that is less well-tailored to their needs and their budgets than Medicaid coverage.
Petition seeks to restore bus route MARTA patrons and clients of the Clifton Springs Health Center in Decatur have started a GoPetition drive urging the transit system to restore a bus route to the DeKalb Board of Health facility, citing safety concerns. A link to the petition, which has 68 signatures as of Aug. 31, can be found at www. facebook.com/HealthyDeKalb. It was created on Aug. 17. The petition – Bring the #15 MARTA bus back to Clifton Springs Health Center – reads: Clifton Springs Health Center is the neighborhood health center for clients who live and work in the vicinity of Candler and Clifton Springs roads. The 15 South DeKalb bus provided vital public transportation between Candler Road and Clifton Springs Road for clients accessing their local health department. Currently, the 15 South DeKalb bus route
ends at Georgia State University Perimeter College, forcing clients to walk from the college to the health center using Clifton Springs Road, a very busy road with a sharp blind curve, no sidewalks, and large swamps on both sides of the road. This situation is dangerous both to our clients and employees who use the bus for public transportation. We’ve had numerous complaints and inquiries from clients, students from Georgia State University. We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge MARTA to restore the Bus 15 route that previously ran from Panthersville Road through the Clifton Springs Health Center parking lot. Please reinstate the bus route. Visit www.gopetition.com/petitions/bring-the-15-marta-bus-backt o - c l i f t on - s pr i n g s - h e a lt h - c e nt e r. html?platform=hootsuite.
By rejecting Medicaid expansion, states give up billions in economic benefits. The analysis demonstrates that the decision not to expand Medicaid also has costs for another group: Marketplace consumers, who pay significantly higher premiums than they would if the coverage provisions of the ACA were working together as intended in their state. The analysis uses 2015 data on HealthCare.gov plans and enrollment to assess how Medicaid expansion affects Marketplace premiums. It controls for differences across states in demographic characteristics, pre-ACA uninsured rates, health care costs, and state policy decisions other than Medicaid expansion, finding a 7 percent difference
in Marketplace premiums holding these factors fixed. If the remaining 19 states expanded Medicaid, more than 4 million people would gain coverage. In addition, Medicaid expansion would save states and hospitals billions in uncompensated care costs. A recent study by economists at Northwestern and Columbia universities shows the money states will “save” from not expanding Medicaid is less than the hospital uncompensated care costs generated by not expanding. Under ACA, 20 million Americans have gained health coverage as of early 2016. Visit https://aspe.hhs.gov/pdf-report/effect-medicaid-expansion-marketplace-premiums.
Hospital Authority marks 75 years Atlanta Councilman Michael Julian Bond presented a proclamation recognizing the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority’s 75 years of service to the Fulton and DeKalb communities at the Aug. 15 City Council meeting. The FDHA owns Grady Memorial Hospital, which serves more than 600,000 of the indigent and medically underserved population. The proclamation presentation was preceded by a reception for the FDHA board of trustees and staff. The proclamation is part of a series of events being held throughout the year to celebrate the FDHA’s 75th anniversary. The FDHA launched its commemoration with a
Grady Baby recognition at the sixth annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. On Oct. 10, the FDHA’s fifth annual Health Summit will kick off with a cocktail reception honoring the architects of the Grady Memorial Hospital Corp. board and new FDHA structure. On Oct. 11, the summit will open at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta featuring nationally acclaimed speakers and activists in the health and wellness community. The FDHA promotes the general health of the community through education, advocacy and collaborative partnerships. For more information, visit http:// thefdha.org.
6-week program on chronic illness Residents struggling with symptoms of chronic illness can attend the Living Well: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program on Sept. 12 at the Decatur Library. The 10 a.m.-to-12:30 p.m. program in the Savvy Senior and Senior Advisory Board Programs series is presented by Atlanta Regional Commission, Area Agency on Aging. The class limit is 18. To register, call 404-5087190, Ext. 2257. The six-week program provides strategies for coping effectively with ongoing health conditions and symptoms such as fatigue, stress/anxiety, difficult emotions, pain, tense muscles, obesity, shortness of breath, poor
balance and arthritis. Living Well workshops will teach: n Pain and depression management. n Better management of medications. n Decision-making and goal-setting. n How to improve balance and prevent falls. n How to communicate with family, friends, and health professionals. n Healthy eating, including how to read and interpret food labels. n Relaxation techniques and how to get a good night’s sleep. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. Visit www.dekalblibrary.org.
DeKalb Medical hypertension talk Hypertension patients with questions about treatment can attend “Blood Pressure Medications – One Pill Does Not Fit All” on Sept. 9 at DeKalb Medical. The program, which is free to attend, begins at 9:30 a.m. To register, visit www. dekalbmedical.org, click on Classes & Events, then Calendar. There are dozens of high blood pressure medications – antihypertensives – available. Depending on how high your blood pressure
is, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to treat your condition. There will be a discussion of the pros and cons of various medications and how to find the best fit for you. The program starts with breakfast in the Keeton Auditorium, followed by the health talk in the theater. The medical center is at 2701 N. Decatur Road in Decatur. For more information, call 770-233-7389.
CrossRoadsNews
September 3, 2016
7 publication dated Aug. 11, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Aug. 4, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Chantimekki Fortson, 1492 Bouldercrest Rd., #86, Atlanta, GA 30316. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Aug. 11, 2016, Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 19th day of Aug., 2016
Legal Notices 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10
in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM8357-2++ Quintell Simms Plaintiff Vs. Renee Simms Defendant To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Aug. 08, 2016, you are hereby notified that the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Complaint of Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is:. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Aug. 08, 2016, Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 10th day of Aug., 2016 09/03, 09/10, 09/17, 09/24
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM8863-3++ Gretel Moxey filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Gretel Moxey to Gretel Seymour. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Aug. 10, 2016 Name: Gretel Moxey 1828 Smithfield Ave. Ellenwood, GA 30294 09/03, 09/10, 09/17, 09/24
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM8908-3++ Andrea Genille Claxton Plaintiff Vs. Samuel Loren Cooke Defendant To: Samuel Loren Cooke
620 Allana Court Stone Mountain, GA 30087 By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Aug. 22, 2016, you are hereby notified that on August 18, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce with children. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Andrea Claxton, 620 Allana Court, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Aug. 22, 2016, Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Aug., 2016
Defendant To: By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Aug. 19, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Apr. 18, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Benita E. Horton, 1437 Smithson Drive, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Aug. 19, 2016, Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 23rd day of Aug., 2016
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Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of CHILD
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9106-2++ Walter Osagie filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jul. 12, 2016 to change name from: Walter Osagie to Walter Pierre. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9104-2++ Walter Osagie filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jul. 12, 2016 to change name of minor child(ren) from: Israel Osagie to Israel Pierre. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 1912-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Jul. 12, 2016 Name: Walter Osagie 575 Pharr Rd., Unit 53364 Atlanta, GA 30355
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Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
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