crossroadsnews, february 2, 2013

By Ken Watts

Hundreds of volunteers fanned out into the pre-dawn darkness on Jan. 29 to count the homeless living on the streets in DeKalb and Fulton counties and the city of Atlanta.

The census, conducted by volunteers of the Metro Atlanta Tri-Jurisdictional Collab-orative on Homelessness, found hundreds of men and women sleeping in storefronts, va-cant buildings, under bridges and overpasses, and in ravines and other known habitats.

In 2011, the most recent year for which figures are available, the Tri-J area had 6,838 homeless people. Then, volunteers counted 2,378 unsheltered homeless people and 4,460 in shelters.

The new count, conducted between 1 and 4 a.m., focused on the unsheltered homeless who are sleeping in outdoor locations, but it also included the “sheltered” homeless who are staying in emergency facilities and transitional housing programs.

The final figures are expected within a week. Dr. Josie Parker, who di-rected the count, says they hope the information is good enough to get their HUD grant increased to $12 million, up from $10 million a year ago.

“We feel we got a good count,” she said. “We had wonderful volun-teers. Over 300 people turned out through-out all the counties.”

Tri-J also conducts a homeless survey of about 700 people to get data on demographic characteristics, homeless history and home-

COVER PAGE

Census figures used to secure HUD funding

The census was conducted by the Metro Atlanta Tri-Jurisdictional Collaborative on Homelessness in DeKalb and Fulton counties and in the city of Atlanta.

Commissioners ask lawmakers to help stem annexations

Fulton County Office of Communications

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

www.crossroadsnews.comFebruary 2, 2013 Volume 18, Number 40Copyright © 2013 CrossroadsNews, iNC.

Two young businessmen’s Go Global Initiative will introduce local entrepreneurs to China’s premier manufacturing hub as well as possibili-ties. 6

Road leads to ChinaFINANCE

Free screen-ings, a robust Fitness FaceOff and perfor-mances ensured an enthusiastic crowd at Cross-RoadsNews’ expo. 2

The work of celebrated woodcarver Ulysses Davis will be on display at the Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta. 8

Healthy fun Tribute to folk artistWELLNESS SCENE

Volunteers comb metro area to count homelessPlease see ANNEXATION, page 3

less experiences. Parker says what they learn might lead

to strategies that help those in need find a better life.

The information gathered will be used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine future funding.

About 100 volunteers worked in DeKalb, where the homeless landscape is different from the city of Atlanta and somewhat of a challenge.

In the Atlanta census, teams found the homeless sleeping on storefronts, behind

churches and other buildings. “In DeKalb they tend to gather at bus

stops, under overpasses or down into gullies or dry creek beds,” Parker said.

DeKalb Police and officers from the county’s municipalities accompanied the DeKalb volunteers. Parker said officers are used to watching for the homeless, especially during severe weather.

“Police were instrumental in helping our outreach teams locate them,” Parker said. “We were very grateful to have them.”

Mark Dumas, director of Homeless

Outreach for DeKalb County, and his team focused on areas he knows well.

“On Memorial Drive near North Hair-ston, we found close to 20 people in an encampment behind a fence and down a ra-vine,” he said. “We found another 20 behind a Shell station on Columbia Drive.”

Dumas said the group didn’t just take data, but approached everyone they met with respect, delivering practical information about services for the homeless.

In return, the team got valuable tips on where to find others who need help.

Josie Parker

By Ken Watts

With the county bleeding territory and tax revenue, the DeKalb Board of Commissioners turned to the county’s legislative delegation to the General Assembly for help on Jan. 28.

At a meeting at the State Capitol, commissioners called on lawmakers to amend the Official Code of Georgia by inserting language that requires the approval of the county for annexation of areas that receive county services.

They also want to provide property owners who live in the contested areas the right to fight annexation if they want to stay in unincorporated DeKalb.

District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader, who wrote a Jan. 22 county resolution seeking a moratorium on annexation, said there is strong opposition to attempts by the city of Decatur to annex an area that includes two shopping centers and 502 residents.

“Every owner of commercial property in that area seems to be opposed to this annexation,” Rader told legislators.

District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson said it’s part of the American way to give property owners an opportunity to be heard.

“They purchased property under one system which is unincorporated and all of a sudden they’re incorporated into an area and their taxes may go up without them having due process,” he said.

Decatur passed two resolutions on Dec. 17 asking the state for permission to annex the two-tenths-mile area that in-cludes Suburban Plaza and the North De-catur Center at the intersection of North Decatur and Clairmont roads. An assortment of apartment complexes and about 60 houses also are part of the area.

Rader said the county is not opposed to all annexations but is specifically targeting the Decatur resolution.

“It’s a relatively small geographic area with a large tax base,” Rader said.

If the county loses the Suburban Plaza/North Decatur Center zones. Radar said it would still have to deliver costly

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNewsThe city of Decatur is seeking to annex an area that includes Suburban Plaza (above) and the North Decatur Center.

Larry Johnson

2 Wellness“I have been going through some tough times. It came at a great time. We

went shopping the next day. We were too excited to go right after the expo.”

Screenings, fitness demos and performances lure thousands CrossRoadsNews’ annual Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at

Stonecrest connected with thousands of East Metro residents on Jan. 26. Fitness instructors and personal trainers demonstrated fun routines to stay fit, and hospitals, health centers and doctors offered health screen-ings, information and encouragement to adults and children who want to be healthy.

When the grand prize for a $250 Mall at Stonecrest gift card was drawn, winner Kashmir Howard and daughter Rosalynd broke down in tears.

Howard said they were tears of joy. “I have been going through some tough times,” she said afterward.

“It came at a great time.”Howard said her daughter needed shoes and her son needs school

clothes. “We went shopping the next day,” she said. “We were too excited to go right after the expo.”

Fitness FaceOff judge Larry Bobo flexes his biceps during his introduction, while fellow judges Tanisha Crosby and Larry Johnson look on.

Hundreds of people signed Solicitor General Sherry Boston’s pledge to end teen dating violence.

Full Body Loving Care Chiropractic offered chair massages to visitors at its table.

CrossRoadsNews Publisher Jennifer Parker congratulates grand prize winner Kashmir Howard and her daughter, Rosalynd.

Utley Chiropractic & Wellness Center provided information about the causes and treatments for back pain, neck pain and headaches.

Kaiser Permanente was one of four providers offering blood pressure screenings at the eighth annual expo.

Dequonda Smith checks a visitor’s spinal alignment at the Injury 2 Wellness Center booth.

Joanna Ward’s team (far left) offered an energetic chair routine during the Fitness FaceOff. Wesley Franklin (at right), who once weighed 350 pounds, and his Team Wesley won the FaceOff with a spirited and entertaining step aerobics routine.

CrossRoadsNews Photos by Curtis Parker & Ken Watts

2013 Health & Wellness Expo a crowd-pleaser

CrossRoadsNews February 2, 20132

3Community“We have what it takes to withstand challenges and continue

forward, and that’s why I’m encouraged.”

Flu claims six lives in Greater Atlanta region

Panola Way student hit by SUV in critical condition

Changes to sales tax ceiling sought

CEO looks to future despite fiscal, legal setbacks

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis told business and civic leaders that struggles make us stronger.

ANNEXATION, frOm pAgE 1

“Every owner of commercial property in that

area seems to be opposed to this annexation.”

Jeff Rader

“There’s just no other stream of revenue that we

can tap into that would allow us to address the

over 400 miles of repaving that needs to be done.”

Lee May

CLAUDIA G. LAWSONDeKalb County Tax Commissioner

ATTENTIONMOTOR VEHICLE OWNERS

Effective March 1, 2013, House Bill 386 removes the sales and annual ad valorem tax on newly-purchased vehicles. A one-time title tax of 6.5% (2013), 6.75% (2014) and 7% (2015) replaces the annual tax. Here’s what you need to know:

• New one-time title ad valorem tax fee applies to all title trans-actions (new and used vehicle purchases, transfers, all trans-fers among family members, or vehicles new to the state) and eliminates payment of sales tax and annual ad valorem tax.

• If you purchase a vehicle in Georgia after January 1, 2012 but before March 1, 2013, you may have the option of paying annual ad valorem tax or a one-time title ad valorem tax fee. Vehicles purchased out of state are not eligible to opt in.

• Whether paying the one-time title ad valorem tax fee OR annual ad valorem tax, requirements for insurance, emissions, driver’s license and the renewal of your tag by your expiration date remain the same.

• If you purchased a vehicle before 2012, you will remain on the current annual ad valorem tax system.

NORTH OFFICE1358 Dresden Drive, NE

Atlanta, GA 30319

MAIN OFFICE4380 Memorial Drive,

Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30032

SOUTH OFFICE 2801 Candler Rd. #66

South DeKalb Mall Decatur, GA 30034

(404) 298-4000

www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner

services while losing millions in tax revenue to Decatur. Since the targeted area is mostly commercial, Decatur is pursuing it as a leg-islative annexation with no voter referendum attached to it.

To a question from Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, District 5 Commissioner Lee May estimated that DeKalb has lost more than $40 million in tax revenues to Dunwoody and Brookhaven incorporating as new cities.

Mum on moratorium on cityhoodThe commissioners also made a pitch

for delegation support on legislation that would amend the mandated county sales tax ceiling.

The measure would give DeKalb flexibil-ity to create a 1-cent sales tax referendum for much-needed repairs to its aging infrastruc-ture and to make capital improvements.

“There’s just no other stream of revenue that we can tap into that would allow us to address the over 400 miles of repaving that needs to be done.” said May, the BOC’s pre-siding officer.

Delegation Chairman Howard Mosby said lawmakers will move quickly to decide whether an annexation amendment is fea-sible. First, members will be polled to see who is interested in working on the measure.

“They’ll draft the bill and they’ll bring it [to the delegation] first,” he said. “We’ll vote on it and if we vote yes, then it’ll go to the

Legislature.” Under General Assembly rules, the del-

egation has until the 36th day of the session to introduce local legislation.

The meeting did not discuss a morato-rium on cityhood that was part of the com-missioners’ Jan. 22 resolution and is in a bill proposed by Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver.

A moratorium would give the county time to assess the fiscal damage from the in-corporation of Brookhaven and Dunwoody in 2012 and 2010, respectively.

Commissioners decided to leave morato-rium ideas out of their presentation for fear of generating too much dissent within the DeKalb delegation.

May said they don’t have the opportunity for many additional annexations right now.

“I think we’re at a place now where we can work through the resolutions without putting a full-fledged moratorium in there,” he said.

Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis and City Council members Rebecca Chase Williams and Jim Eyre were in the audience. They were at the Capitol for another event but dropped in on the meeting. They said they were most interested in DeKalb’s proposed 1-cent sales tax referendum and how it might affect Brookhaven.

“The DeKalb Municipal Association is already talking to the commissioners about how we can work together or agree to dis-agree on it,” Eyre said after the meeting. “It’ll be interesting to see how that turns out.”

By Ken Watts

CEO Burrell Ellis predicts DeKalb will overcome its struggles with fiscal setbacks, corruption probes and school troubles to become a stronger county.

The prediction came during his 2013 State of the County address to about 500 business and civic leaders at the Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Center.

While DeKalb deals with corruption probes into county government and ac-creditation probation with the school system, Ellis said it looks to the future despite the problems.

“Yes, we have our struggles, but our struggles make us stronger,” said Ellis, who is in his final four-year term. “We have what it takes to withstand challenges and continue forward, and that’s why I’m encouraged.”

Ellis cited the “spirit of partnership and collaboration” between his office and the Board of Commissioners in forming the 2013 county budget. He said the two branches of government worked together to develop a budget “that is lean, responsible and respon-sive to our constituents’ priorities.”

Since the onset of the housing bust in 2007, there’s been a 25 percent countywide decline in property values. In unincorporated DeKalb, Ellis said the decline is 50 percent.

He said an easy way to balance the budget would be to cut spending in half. Instead, the county will hold the line in most county departments after years of cutting to the tune of $100 million, he said.

But Ellis told business leaders that even with all the adjustments, the county will have to generate more revenue.

He has proposed a 1.69 mill property tax hike that would cost $44.50 more a year in taxes on a home valued at $200,000. The proposal now before county commissioners would give the lowest-paid county workers a 3 percent raise, build a new animal services

shelter, and improve delays in the county’s permitting and licensing departments.

“Without that modest increase, it will be virtually impossible to address all of our critical needs,” he said.

While trying to build revenue, the CEO said the county will be challenged to find ways to stem its losses. He said that’s why he and commissioners are asking DeKalb legislators to push an amendment to the state code. It would require the approval of the county for annexation of areas that currently receive county services.

“We have now reached a tipping point where continued annexation will hamper the ability of the county to adequately fund essential services,” Ellis said.

Quoting Frederick Douglass, Ellis said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

Ellis made no mention of his own struggles. He is being investigated by a DeKalb grand jury. While he was testify-ing before the grand jury on Jan. 7, agents from District Attorney Robert James’ of-fice searched his home and office and left with boxes of documents and computer hard drives.

Ellis says he has done nothing wrong. He has hired a team of four high-profile lawyers.

By Ken Watts

The death toll in the Greater Atlanta area from the flu epidemic has climbed to six.

In a report dated Feb. 1, the Georgia Department of Public Health said two el-derly women died of complications from influenza. One died during the week of Dec. 30 in Oconee County, the other the week of Jan. 6 in Hart County.

The total number of hospitalizations for influenza this season is now 716.

“That number is greater than the total number of hospitalizations we had during the flu pandemic in 2009. That was 711,” said Public Health spokeswoman Nancy Nydam.

The flu is so dangerous because it can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

It’s been a very active season for clinics and hospitals in DeKalb County. DeKalb Medical spokeswoman Cheryl Iverson said the hospital, which has campuses in Decatur and Lithonia, had 496 hospitalizations from Oct. 1 to Jan. 17. A year earlier for the same period, it had 76.

Georgia’s flu season typically peaks at the end of January and carries over into February and March. It may take awhile longer to de-termine whether the epidemic has peaked.

The Public Health Department says it’s still not too late to get a flu shot. The pre-dominant strain of flu circulating in Georgia this season is the H3N2. The strain is unpre-dictable and known to “ebb and flow,” but doctors say the vaccine is a good match and offers substantial protection.

By Ken Watts

Panola Way Elementary third-grader Moses Moore was hit by an SUV on his way to school on Jan. 29.

Ten-year-old Moses is listed in critical

condition at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. A DeKalb Schools spokeswoman said he was struck in the crosswalk at Panola Road at Panola Way Lane around 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.

DeKalb police say witnesses told them

the boy darted into the path of the black Mercedes-Benz SUV. The driver was not charged at press time. In a statement Thursday, Moses’ mother, Roberta Moore, thanked the public for its outpouring of love and support for her son.

CrossRoadsNewsFebruary 2, 2013 3

4 Community

index to advertisers

Commissioners ask lawmakers to help stem annexations 1

With the county bleeding territory and tax revenue, the DeKalb Board of Commission-ers turned to the county’s legislative delega-tion to the General Assembly for help.

CEO looks to future despite fiscal, legal setbacks 3

CEO Burrell Ellis predicts DeKalb will overcome its struggles with fiscal setbacks, corruption probes and school troubles to become a stronger county.

Residents opposed to plant appeal to General Assembly 5

Residents fighting a biomass gasification plant in Lithonia finally got the ear of state legislators.

Severe weather underscores need to prepare 7

As communities in northwest Georgia clean up from tornadoes, damaging winds and heavy rain this week, emergency man-agement officials say there is no time like the present to be prepared for severe weather.

Exhibit to showcase Ulysses Davis’ work 8

Every struggling musician, starving artist and kindred creative soul has endured the phrase “Stick to your day job.”

Bouie Foundation hits snag in efforts to raise funds 9

Supporters of E.L. Bouie Elementary in Lithonia have experienced “a hiccup” in their efforts to set up an independent foundation to raise funds for technology and academic projects at the school.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance ................ 10BJH Attorneys & Counselors at Law ............. 10Bobby L. Scott & Associates ......................... 10Centura College ........................................... 10DeKalb Board of Health ................................. 7DeKalb County School System ...................... 11DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office .... 3

Foundation Property Mgmt Inc .................... 11Georgia Military College ................................9Gresham Park Baseball Softball Organization 11Hibachi Grill ................................................... 5Jimmy Mickens .............................................. 11Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery..............12Ousley United Methodist Church ................. 10

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The Samuel Group ....................................... 10Top Level Real Estate ................................... 11Wade Walker Park Baseball .......................... 11Best Buy Co. Inc. .................................... InsertsWalmart ................................................. InsertsHolistic Health Management Inc. ........... InsertsWalgreens .............................................. Inserts

Quick Read

The Clifton Springs complaints are similar to those of residents throughout South DeKalb.

Residents tired of sidewalk gunk on Clifton Springs

Free Eastern redbud trees with Arbor Day membership

Clogged storm drains are dangerous and unsightly, says Robert Weaver, president of the Clifton Springs Community Council.

Residents who join the Arbor Day Foundation by Feb. 28 will receive 10 free trees to plant when the weather turns warm. They will be shipped postpaid.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

CrossRoadsNews is pub-lished every Saturday by CrossRoads News, 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 CrossRoads News are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permis-sion of the publisher.

Advertisements are pub-lished upon the representa-tion that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The ad-vertiser 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 mat-ter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement.

We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

2346 Candler Rd.Decatur, GA 30032

404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007www.crossroadsnews.com

[email protected]

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker

Graphic Design Curtis Parker

Staff WritersJennifer Ffrench Parker

Ken Watts

Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough

Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner

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LOCAL

SERVICES!LOCAL

GOODS!

By Ken Watts

Robert Weaver remembers the beauty of Clifton Springs Road when he moved to the neighbor-hood 34 years ago. These days, he is just angry when he sees what the street looks like now – accumulated dirt and debris along the curbs built up from years of neglect.

“This storm drain is completely clogged up,” he said, poking a stick into a mound of weeds, dirt and trash that block the opening. “It’s not just unsightly, it’s dangerous.”

Weaver, president of the Clifton Springs Community Council, says when it rains, water doesn’t drain properly in some spots along the 2400 and 2500 blocks of Clifton Springs, leading to big puddles in the street that cause cars to hydro-plane. It also backs up into yards, causing unsightly soil erosion.

The Clifton Springs complaints are similar to those of residents throughout South DeKalb.

After months of complaining to the county, DeKalb Public Works fi-nally responded. On Jan. 21, work-ers with heavy equipment cleared away thick dirt and weeds along curbs on the Clifton Springs/I-285 overpass and dug debris from a few nearby storm drains.

The retired postal worker was happy to see the activity but said results are inconsistent. He also doesn’t like that they have to badger the county to get basic service.

“We just want the Department

of Public Works to do its job,” Weaver said.

He recalls Clifton Springs had no sidewalks when he moved there. When the coun-ty installed them 10 years ago, residents were grateful for the improvements.

“But that’s when our problems with the clogged storm drains started,” he said.

DeKalb spokesman Burke Brennan says the vast territory and limited resources hamper its ability to stay on top of drainage issues.

“We do have regular inspec-

tions, but there are 2,100 miles of roads in DeKalb,” he said. “All have drainage requirements and we just don’t have the staff.”

On Jan. 22, commissioners considered an increase in the storm water maintenance fee from $48 to $60 that would take effect when property tax bills go out in late July. The board referred the matter to its Public Works Committee, which meets Feb. 5. The committee will decide whether to recommend that the full board approve the increase at its March 12 meeting.

Brennan said the new revenue would help clear some of the back-log of storm drain repairs.

“But for the most part, we handle drainage problems case by case as people call us,” he said.

Have drainage complaints?n Water and sewer problems: 770-270-6243 (24-hour number)n Roads and drainage: 404-297-3840 (7 a.m.-midnight weekdays); 678-794-3916 (holidays, weekends and midnight-to-7 a.m. weekdays); 770-414-6199 (8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays

Call for help

All month long, local environ-mentalists can get free trees to plant this spring as part of the national Arbor Day Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

Residents who join the founda-tion by Feb. 28 will receive 10 free Eastern redbud trees to plant when the weather turns warm.

The foundation said redbuds will help beautify Georgia for many years to come and add to the proud heritage of the state’s existing Tree City USA communities, which are cities already participating in a 35-year-old tree planting and care program it sponsors.

The 6- to 12-inch trees will be

shipped postpaid with enclosed planting instructions between March 1 and May 31. They are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.

New members also will receive a subscription to the Arbor Day Foundation’s bimonthly publica-tion Arbor Day and “The Tree Book,” which contains information about planting and care.

To join the Arbor Day Founda-tion and receive the free trees, mail $10 membership dues by Feb. 28 to Ten Free Eastern Redbud Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 or visit arborday.org/february.


5Community“You should also consider all the emissions that truck

traffic will produce going into and out the plant.”

Residents opposed to biomass plant take fight to General AssemblyGina Mangam (standing) and members of Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment told state legislators that South DeKalb is already overrun by health hazards and doesn’t need any more.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

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By Ken Watts

Residents fighting a biomass gasification plant in Lithonia finally got the ear of state legislators.

Members of Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment told state Reps. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and Dar’Shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) at a Jan. 16 public hearing at the Georgia General Assembly that South DeKalb is already overrun by health hazards and doesn’t need any more.

Edward Totten, who lives in Lithonia, said South DeKalb already has landfills, cremato-ries and explosive manufacturing connected with rock quarries.

“Why would you allow a biomass plant to come into our community that’s already loaded down with environmental problems?” he asked.

Residents who feel abandoned by the county, which approved zoning for the $60 million plant in 2011, are now looking to the legislators for help.

They argue that bringing another envi-ronmentally harmful plant to the area would be environmental racism because the area already has a disproportionate share and its air quality already is compromised.

“Is there anything you can do to keep this deadly plant out of Lithonia?” asked Gina Mangham, an active CHASE member.

Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson sug-gested there might be language from the federal Environmental Protection Agency that might form the basis of a state law.

Drenner asked Jackson to follow up and send her details of the language.

Jack Capp, chief of the state Environmen-tal Protection Division’s Air Protection Divi-sion, calmly took questions from Drenner and citizens while explaining how his agency

will decide whether to issue a state permit to the plant operators.

“In the end, our only authority to make a decision and grant a permit is whether or not emission standards are in compliance with the rules and the law and that’s how the decision will be made,” he said.

Green Energy Partners wants to build the plant on a 21-acre site at 1744 and 1770 Rogers Lake Road to convert wood chips into electricity to sell to Georgia Power. Develop-ers say it will generate $200,000 in revenues for the county, create 100 jobs during con-struction and 25 permanent positions, and add $50 million to the tax digest.

Opponents say the facility and truck traffic would generate pollutants that would

affect the health of residents for miles.The DeKalb Board of Commissioners

approved a 20-year contract to sell yard trimmings to Green Energy Partners before approving a special land use permit to allow the plant in June 2011.

CHASE sued the county a month later, alleging that it engaged in contract zoning by granting the contract to Green Energy, then approving the zoning to make it happen.

The group asked the judge to declare the rezoning “to be a manifest abuse of the zon-ing power and therefore illegal and void.”

The lawsuit, filed in July 2011, is making its way through DeKalb Superior Court.

Dr. Jewel Crawford, a CHASE coordina-tor, said biomass plants have been known to

emit dioxin, PCBs and other contaminants into the atmosphere.

The Rev. Stevie Banks of Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church grew up near where the proposed plant wants to locate. His mother still lives there.

“You should also consider all the emis-sions that truck traffic will produce going into and out the plant,” he said.

The EPD’s Capp said he has no timeline for a decision on a permit for the plant and thanked the residents for their input at the series of hearings.

Later, Drenner said citizen comments were “loud and clear and made a definite im-pression” on the EPD chief. She plans to brief other members of the DeKalb delegation.


6 FinanCe“We want not only the business community to have the ability explore opportunities in

China, but we also want the youth to start seeing China as only a flight away.”

Workshop examines today’s job market

Free clinic to help people in debt

MARTA bolsters state economy

Business trip to China offers connection to manufacturing hub

Metro jobless rate at 8.4 percent

Brian Reynolds (above top, standing in center) and Shakiri Murrain (at right) in China.

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Consumers struggling with debt can discuss their cases with local attorneys at free Consumer Education Clinic ses-sions on Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 at Decatur Library.

During the 5:30-to-7 p.m. clinics, members of the DeKalb Volunteer Law-yers Foundation will answer questions from consumers who have been sued for a debt and host one-on-one con-sultations. Participants should bring all documents related to their cases.

Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. For more information, call 404-370-3070.

Unemployed and under-employed work-ers who want to change careers can attend Rebuilding Employment Dreams on Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 at the Stonecrest Library.

Jerry Myers of the Legacy Harvest Foun-dation will facilitate the courses designed to prepare unemployed individuals for today’s job market. The 10-to-11:30 a.m. sessions will cover new employment strategies such as utilizing social media, resume improvement, interviewing techniques and more.

Call or visit the branch to register.The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in

Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-3828.

MARTA generates about $2.6 billion in economic activity every year and supports about 24,000 jobs statewide, a new study by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government finds.

The 94-page “The Economic Impact of Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Author-ity on the Economy and Labor Mobility of the Region,” released last month, analyzed MARTA’s direct and indirect effects on the economy from 2007 to 2011 based on its operating and capital budgets.

It concluded that MARTA’s contribu-tion to the economy of the Atlanta region is significant in terms of employment, in-come, economic output and increased labor mobility.

Study team leader Dr. Wes Clarke said they used proven economic models that in-corporated demographic and industry data from federal agencies including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Census Bureau and the Department of Commerce and determined

that MARTA’s presence boosts economic ef-ficiency because “employers are more likely to find workers who meet their needs and workers are able to commute to jobs that pay a market rate for their skills.”

The study updated a similar one done in 2007 by the Vinson Institute.

Among its findings:n MARTA’s total budget generates at least $1.4 billion in personal income for Georgia residents, directly and indirectly.n Half of all MARTA customers are com-muting to jobs in the service region of Fulton and DeKalb counties and the city of Atlanta.n Workers who rely on MARTA for work commutes hold jobs in 14 of the 18 fastest-growing industry sectors in Atlanta such as retail trade, health care, professional/scien-tific technical services, wholesale trade, and monetary and credit services.

For more information and the full re-port, visit www.itsmarta.com.

Metro Atlanta’s jobless rate rose to 8.4 percent in December, up four-tenths of a per-centage point from 8 percent in November.

It was 8.9 percent in December 2011.DeKalb County’s unemployment rate

was 8.9 percent in December. It was among 29 counties whose jobless rates ranged from 8 percent to 8.9 percent in December.

The Georgia Department of Labor said Jan. 24 that the metro rate rose because of a combination of factors – a slight increase in initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits and an increase in the labor force as more people began searching for work.

There were 115 more new claims for unemployment benefits in construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, transporta-tion and warehousing, and accommodations and food services.

While the initial claims were up from

November to December, they were down by 4,916, or 18.3 percent, from 26,828 in De-cember 2011. The decline in claims led to an over-the-year drop in the area’s jobless rate.

The labor force, those employed or ac-tively searching for a job, increased by 6,174, jumping from 2,749,348 to 2,755,522 in December. The new job seekers are counted as unemployed until they get work.

Metro Athens had the lowest jobless rate at 6.6 percent, while the Heart of Georgia-Al-tamaha area had the highest, 11.4 percent.

Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemploy-ment rate increased to 8.6 percent in Decem-ber, up one-tenth of a percentage point from 8.5 percent in November. The rate was 9.4 percent in December a year ago.

Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. For more information, visit www.dol.state.ga.us.

By Jessica Smith

Small businesses looking to cut costs should cast an eye across the Pacific Ocean to China, a country famous for its competitive manufacturing costs.

From May 1 to May 10, Shakiri Murrain and Brian Reynolds, both experts in Chinese language and culture, will take a group of 15 entrepreneurs on a Go Global Initiative to Guangzhou, the premier manufactur-ing hub of China’s leading commercial and manufacturing region.

Murrain, 31, is owner of Jade Textiles, a quality assurance and import/export company. He travels to China to import cosmetics, women’s undergarments, hoodies and sports apparel back to his clients – who range from startups, promotional product companies to universities – throughout the United States.

Reynolds, 28, owns the Phoenix-based American Education and Culture Program, which he started after graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in Chinese language and culture in 2011. The 2002 graduate of Lithonia High launched the company that develops study abroad programs to connect U.S. and Chinese uni-versities.

Though he attended high school just minutes from Murrain’s alma mater, Ste-phenson High in Stone Mountain, the two never met.

In 2005, Reynolds moved to China after discovering an opportunity to develop an in-ternational business importing and export-ing human hair. After three months abroad, Reynolds, tired of haggling with Chinese suppliers in English, enrolled in a Chinese

university to study Mandarin.Murrain, who had studied in Spain, Cuba

and Brazil, moved to Nanjing, China, in 2006 to pursue a career with an importing and exporting firm. After struggling to communi-cate, he enrolled in language classes as well.

The two met in 2009 when a mutual friend introduced them via e-mail. They corresponded for two years before meeting in person. Their experiences as businessmen and Mandarin-speaking African-American U.S. expats led them to become quick friends and business partners.

Their 10-day Go Global business confer-ence will match local businesses with facto-ries in Guangzhou. They say U.S. companies can produce their products for less in China and increase their profitability.

“If you can get the same product that you would get from a distributor here directly from the manufacturer, you can get it at a cheaper price,” said Murrain, who lives in Conyers.

Murrain said buying directly from China offers local businesses an edge against larger competitors.

“If you’re not competing internationally, you’re not competing,” he said during a Jan. 29 phone call. “It’s a global community.”

The trip, in partnership with the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, will in-

clude a visit to the Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in the world. Participants will go on cultural excursions; visit factories; and take part in seminars such as “Cultural Basics & Doing Business in China,” “Price Negotiation & Closing the Deal” and “Locating Factories & the Right Supplier.”

The deadline to sign up for the May trip is March 4.

Doreen Carter, Lithonia Chamber presi-dent, said she will encourage her board to partner with the Go Global Initiative because it’s a great opportunity for local business.

“If you are serious about business, it’s a no-brainer,” she said.

Carter is headed to China in April as part of a Georgia Association of Chamber Execu-tives delegation.

Reynolds said participants will leave with knowledge, key relationships and contacts.

The two businessmen also are planning to share their international business acumen with youth from DeKalb.

Plans are afoot to host a three-week glob-al leadership summer camp for students in Beijing this July. Depending on the success of the Guangzhou trip, Murrain and Reynolds plan to offer up to three scholarships.

“We want not only the business com-munity to have the ability explore opportu-nities in China, but we also want the youth to start seeing China as only a flight away,” said Reynolds, adding that it is imperative that people of all ages who seek success in business consider “not just what’s going on down the street, but what’s going on around the world.”

For cost and more information, visit www.goglobalinitiative.com or call 678-558-2722 or 480-202-6601.


7Wellness“Tornadoes, storms and floods can devastate communities, but the

damage can be minimized if we’re prepared.”

Children’s receives national award

Severe weather underscores need to prepare for disasters

At least one fatality was reported as storms moved through Adairsville and northwest Georgia on Jan. 30. Gov. Nathan Deal has proclaimed Feb. 4-8 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Carolyn Kenny

As communities in northwest Georgia clean up from tornadoes, damaging winds and heavy rain this week, state emergency management officials say there is no time like the present to be prepared for severe weather.

Gov. Nathan Deal has proclaimed Feb. 4-8 as Severe Weather Awareness Week to encourage Georgians to better prepare for disasters.

Throughout the week, residents are asked to set aside a few minutes each day to get ready for unexpected events, practice emergency response procedures for all types of severe weather, and learn more about

threats.Charley English, di-

rector of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Secu-rity, said preparation is key to minimize injuries and deaths and property damage.

“In recent years, Geor-gia has experienced record flooding, tornadoes and wildfires,” English said in a Jan. 29 statement. “Urbanization and population growth increase the potential for these storms to impact more people and structures, so I encourage our citizens to become more aware of severe weather safety measures and to participate in the various awareness programs during Severe Weather Awareness Week.”

As part of the observation, GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign is urging people statewide to take some simple steps toward prepared-ness each day.n Feb. 4 is Family Preparedness Day. Identify a family reconnection place and purchase a lifesaving NOAA Weather Radio.

n Feb. 5 is Thunderstorm Safety. Check your patio or yard to make sure there is nothing that could blow away during a storm. Re-move dead or rotting branches from your trees to prevent storm damage.n Feb. 6 is Tornado Safety and Statewide Tor-nado Drill (issued by the National Weather Service). Identify a safe place in your home where you could take shelter during a tor-nado.n Feb. 7 is Lightning Safety. Learn the 30/30 rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you

cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.n Feb. 8 is Flood Safety (alternate drill date). Make copies of important documents, seal them in a watertight container/bag, and add them to your Ready kit.

English said the state is susceptible to almost every type of natural disaster.

“Being prepared is the best defense against the unexpected, so Georgians should use this opportunity to take simple, but po-

tentially lifesaving emergency preparedness steps,” he said. “Tornadoes, storms and floods can devastate communities, but the damage can be minimized if we’re prepared.”

The GEMA chief emphasized the impor-tance of self-sufficiency.

“During severe weather, it could take emergency workers 72 hours or more to reach certain areas in order to open road-ways and restore utilities,” English said. “By learning to be self-sufficient for three days or more, Georgians can survive circumstances that might otherwise be tragic.”

Ready Georgia offers tools that residents can use to create an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats.

An interactive Web site – www.ready .ga.gov – provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and family communications plan.

Employers can use the Ready Your Busi-ness guide to create custom contingency plans, and children can visit the ReadyKids page for age-appropriate information, vid-eos and games. For preparedness on the go, families also can download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app.

Georgians have experienced their share of severe weather in recent years, with storms causing substantial damage, injury and even death. Statistics reveal weather-related events have killed at least 352 people in Georgia, including two in 2012, and injured count-less others.

For more information, contact the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency at [email protected] or 770-724-7899 or visit www.co.dekalb.ga.us or www .ready.ga.gov.

Charley English

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston’s work with critically ill infants, children and teens with con-genital and acquired heart disease has received the gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence.

The hospital’s 27-bed cardiac intensive care unit snagged the national award on its first time ap-plying for it.

Carolyn Kenny, the hospital’s chief oper-ating officer, said the award from the Ameri-can Association of Critical-Care Nurses is a great honor.

“We strive to provide exceptional patient

care and are dedicated to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow,” she said in a Jan. 30 statement.

Children’s CICU is one of the Southeast’s largest dedicated pe-diatric units. It is the only hospital in Georgia with a unit that has been awarded a gold-level Beacon Award and one of four gold-level

pediatric CICUs in the country.The award, which is active for a three-year

period, recognizes hospital units that employ evidence-based practices to improve patient and family outcomes.


8

Ulysses Davis, left, and the busts of presidents he carved.

Essence music festival winner Greta Prince will perform at the DESA fundraiser.

Scene“I am very excited to continue the growth of Callanwolde’s fine arts program and

also develop outreach programs for those in need in our community.”

Toastmasters hosting open house

Library fundraiser to support literacyFairy-tale tea

at Callanwolde

Callanwolde Arts Center gets new executive director

Benefit with Mardi Gras flair Workshop offers couponing tips

Exhibit to showcase Ulysses Davis’ work

Fairy tales come to life on Feb. 10 when the Callanwolde Mansion hosts father-daughters and grandparents and grandkids for a delightful afternoon of delicious treats and music while visiting with Cinderella, Puss ’n’ Boots, Rapun-zel and many other beloved storybook characters.

Advance reservation only. For tickets and other information, visit ticketleap .com.

Budding coupon queens and kings can pick up tips and tricks to start saving like a pro at a Feb. 6 “Coupon Craze” workshop at the Scott Candler Library in Decatur.

The first session of the two-part series on couponing kicks off at 1 p.m. with “Beyond the Grocery Store.”

The second creative couponing ses-sion, “Putting Your Savings to Work,” takes place on Feb. 20.

Rebecca Hardeman from DeKalb County Cooperative Extension will lead the workshop.

The library is at 1917 Candler Road in Decatur.

For more information, call 404-286-6986.

Peggy Still Johnson, an artist, composer, arranger and arts educator, is the new executive director of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

She begins her new job on Feb. 4.

Johnson believes the arts touch the lives and souls of the community as a whole.

“I am very excited to continue the growth of Callanwolde’s fine arts program and also develop outreach programs for those in need in our community,” she said.

She is only the second director of the arts center.

She replaces Dr. Samuel “Sam” Goldman, who led the center for 33 years. He died sud-denly in September.

Johnson will handle Callanwolde’s lead-ership and management as well as oversee the preservation and development of the historic Callanwolde Estate.

Johnson has performed vocally and as a pianist for the past 30 years in South Ameri-ca, Jamaica and across the United States.

She is founder of the 24-year-old Peggy Still School of Music, which has more than 600 students at locations in Atlanta, Alpharetta and Woodstock, and the Peggy Johnson Productions and Talent, which has worked on films like “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Big Mama’s House 3” as a composer, music supervisor, casting agent and coach.

Johnson serves on the advisory board of the Georgia State University School of Music and the board of governors in the Atlanta chapter of the Recording Academy, the orga-nization that hosts the Grammy Awards.

Peggy Johnson

Job seekers, professionals and other resi-dents who want to hone their communica-tion skills can attend a Feb. 6 Toastmasters’ Open House/Speech-a-thon at New Life International Family Church in Decatur.

The meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m., is part of Speak Life Toastmasters’ monthlong membership drive.

Participants can learn how to control but-terflies when speaking in public and develop

Book lovers can donate a dollar to the “Love Your Library” campaign at their local branch library throughout February.

The campaign, sponsored by the DeKalb Library Foundation, supports reading educa-tion for underserved adults and children.

The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy says one-fifth of adults in DeKalb County have difficulty with the English lan-guage and lack basic literacy skills.

To combat this alarming statistic, DeKalb Public Library has partnered with com-munity agencies to establish programs that promote reading and language skills among immigrants, refugees, the homeless and low-income communities and among new parents and children.

The Scottdale-Tobie Grant Homework Center reinforces school lessons for children and teens by offering reading and homework assistance.

Project Horizon helps children whose families are homeless or in transitional hous-ing improve early literacy skills and keep up with homework.

Each week at four Board of Health clin-ics, a Health Literacy Program provides aides to read with young children and distribute books and library information.

Project REAP, an acronym for “Reading Empowers All People,” is a 10-year effort to connect with immigrant and refugee children and improve their spoken English and read-ing skills. The program also teaches parents how to partner in their children’s education through parent and child reading time.

Donors get a sticker and have a heart displayed at the library. To donate online, visit dekalblibrary.org/foundation. For more information, call 404-370-8450, Ext. 2240.

communications and leadership skills needed for success in today’s competitive business climate. Accomplished and/or retired communicators can share their years of experience, tell a tale or just keep their minds agile.

The church is at 5349 Snapfinger Woods Drive. For more information, contact Monique Strong at speaklifetoastmasters @gmail.com or 404-246-6545.

The good times will roll on Feb. 9 at “Mardi Gras Auction Magic” at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia.

The inaugural fund-raiser, hosted by the DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts, kicks off with cocktails and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres are on the menu, followed by a live auction and dancing.

Greta Prince, winner of the 2011 Essence Music Festival Pebbles R&B Star competi-tion, will perform.

Proceeds will support student achieve-ment at DESA, which provides creative arts education and training as part of a K-7 Choice Arts Magnet program of the DeKalb County School District.

Dress code is masks and festive Mardi Gras wear.

The Lou Walker Center is at 2538 Pa-nola Road. For tickets, e-mail dekalbesapta @gmail.com.

By Jessica Smith

Every struggling musician, starving artist and kindred creative soul has endured the phrase “Stick to your day job.”

Lucky for African-American folk artist Ulysses Davis, that was advice soberly ignored.

A selection of his acclaimed works will be featured as part of “Patriotic Expressions: Ulysses Davis’ Presidents From the Beach Institute & Works From the Carter Library,” which opens Feb. 2 at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta.

The exhibit features a set of mahogany busts. Davis carved all of the U.S. presidents through George H.W. Bush.

Davis, who died in November 1990, was born on Jan. 13, 1913, in Fitzgerald, Ga. After dropping out of the fourth grade to work as a blacksmith’s assistant to support his family, he began hand carving wood as a hobby at age 11.

As an adult, he earned his living as a barber in a shop he built behind his home in Savannah. When business was slow, Davis con-tinued his wood carving between hair-cutting appointments.

In 1977, local art teacher Virginia Kiah brought national at-tention to Davis’ wood-carving skills, leading to his inclusion in the Library of Congress exhibit “Missing Pieces: Georgia Folk Art:

1770-1976,” which was displayed in Washington.From then on, Davis’ work whittled its way into history.“Patriotic Expressions” will be on display at the Carter Museum

through April 21.For more information, call 404-865-7109.


9Youth“Hopefully, this platform will not only inspire spirited debated among our young people

but will also encourage those participating to pursue a career in law.”

Bouie Elementary Foundation hits snag in efforts to raise funds

Students compete in mock trial

Anti-violence contest seeks entries

Chamblee High college fair, Feb. 9

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The Ryan Cameron Foundation’s fifth annual Youth Anti-Violence Contest is taking applications through Feb. 8.

The contest that seeks to raise awareness against fighting and bullying and promote safety is open to all students ages 8-19.

Third- to fifth-graders must write an es-say or poetry or create artwork on the topic of bullying. Sixth- to 12th-graders also can submit those items plus a 60-second skit on a DVD on teen driver safety or bullying.

Elementary grade winners will receive

$100 in cash and gift cards, a pizza party for their class, and a $50 gift card for their teacher.

The high school winners will get $1,500, $1,000 and $500 for first, second and third place.

The nonprofit organization was founded by actor, comedian and radio personality Ryan Cameron to help guide youth in their transition to adulthood.

For entry forms and more information, visit http://ryancameron.org/contest.html.

the Champion School, graduated from Bouie, and his son, Miles, is a fourth-grader.

“It’s been a struggle getting everything started,” he said this week.

Lakeside and Cross Keys high schools have successful foundations and their leader-ship has provided invaluable information to Bouie organizers, who have to raise $3,000 in the six-month process to establish their own nonprofit.

Lee said the Cross Keys foundation is “extremely successful,” raising money for books and scholarships. He said the Lakeside

foundation took several schools around the county under its umbrella after the DCPSF dissolved. The DCPSF was formerly Partners in Education.

The Bouie foundation co-chairs say donors and volunteers can help by giving their time, knowledge, skill set, ideas and contributions to the school.

To contribute or volunteer, contact the school at 678-676-8202 or Lewis at [email protected].

Edward L. Bouie Sr. Elementary School is at 5100 Rock Springs Road.

About 150 students from eight DeKalb County schools are vying Feb. 2 for a regional title in the 2013 Young Lawyers Division Mock Trial Competition at the DeKalb Court-house in Decatur.

Lawyers from across DeKalb and Greater Atlanta are volunteering for the free event, which is sponsored by the State Bar of Georgia.

Round 1 begins at 9 a.m. and Round 2 at 1 p.m. The Championship Round begins at 4:30 p.m. The award ceremony will be held in the Jury Assembly Room.

Nicole Marchand Golden, the county’s

chief assistant district attorney who has served as organizer for seven years, called this year’s competitors “tremendously talented.”

“Hopefully, this platform will not only inspire spirited debated among our young people but will also encourage those participat-ing to pursue a career in law,” said Golden, a graduate of Emory Law

School.Parking is free in the courthouse deck.The DeKalb County Courthouse is at 556

N. McDonough St. For more information, call 404-371-4976.

Nicole Golden

High school juniors and seniors can attend Chamblee Charter High School’s annual college fair on Feb. 9.

The fair, organized by the school’s PTSA, will include college representa-tives from junior, two-year and four-year colleges and military, trade and technical schools. It takes place 2 to 4 p.m.

Resources for parents also will be avail-able. They and their students can attend workshops on financial aid application, career development and college study

habits. Guest speakers will present their expertise

on “SAT/ACT Preparation,” “College Fund-ing Options,” “Student Athlete Resources,” “Understanding the Financial Aid Process” and “How to Make Your College Application Stand Out.” The college fair is free and open to the public.

Chamblee Charter High is at 3688 Cham-blee-Dunwoody Road in Chamblee.

For more information, e-mail cchscollege [email protected].

Supporters of E.L. Bouie Elementary in Lithonia have experienced “a hiccup” in their efforts to set up an independent foundation to raise funds for technology and academic projects at the school.

Lewis Lee, co-chair of the fledgling foun-dation, said funds raised by the foundation also would help build up infrastructure and bring back “assistance” to teachers in the wake of county budget shortfalls,

Lee said organizers recently found out that the DeKalb County Public Schools Foundation, which was set up to accept

charitable contributions for school founda-tions, has been dissolved.

He said the Bouie foundation is working under the umbrella of the well-established Lakeside High Foundation to collect dona-tions until the Bouie foundation secures its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Bouie’s foundation is seeking financial contributions and volunteers from parents and local and national businesses.

Lee, who co-chairs the board with Jay Baldwin, has long been active at the school. His daughter, Khalia, now a sixth-grader at

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ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Sup-plies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, pre-vent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 866-993-5043

Attention Joint & Muscle Pain

financialdental

attorneys

churches

churches financial

education education

Reach More of the People Who Matter Most – Local Customers!Call 404-284-1888 to Advertise in the CrossRoadsNews Marketplace

CALLING ALL SABBATH KEEPERS!

"Learn from the burn, but forgive to live"

Are you looking for a wholesome spiritual home that serves God's truth, balance and love? Come on down to The Potter's House where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on.

We are located at 2997 South Rainbow Drive in Decatur, Ga.

The Potter’s House Sabbath School Saturdays @ 11:00 a.m.

Hour of Power Tuesdays @ 7:00 p.m.Divine Worship Saturdays @ 1:00 p.m.

(404) 808-5369 • www.sku7.com Apostle Harold Purvis

& Elect Lady Robbin Purvis

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

4262 Clausell Court | Suite A | Decatur, GA 30035P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

“EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC

JB H

Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program.

Financial aid if qualified – Housing available

CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance877-818-0783

AIRLINES ARE HIRING

DENTURES$0 CO-PAY

Must have Medicare and

Medicaid to qualify.Call for Free Report

1-800-704-3307, 24hrs

Ousley United Methodist Church Black History Programs

Join Ousley UMC as we kick off our Black History Programs for the month of February. Each Sunday will feature unique historical characters relating to the sub-theme for that Sunday.

At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: In a Changing America

1st Sunday: “Emancipation Proclamation: It’s Not Just Our History; It’s American History” Focus: End of Slavery

2nd Sunday: “Freedom: The Power of a Dream” Focus: March on Washington

3rd Sunday: “Justice: Power of Love” Focus: Civil Rights Acts

4th Sunday: “Embracing Justice and Diversity to Build Our Future”Focus: The Election and Re-election of President Barack Obama

The Black History Month Celebration will conclude with "The Black Heritage Feast"

Ousley United Methodist Church 3261 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 • 770-981-0180

The Samuel Group,

Inc.Loans for Churches, Restaurants, Day Care Centers, Multi Family

Properties, Office Buildings and other commercial properties. Purchases

or refinancing. All credit considered. Closings as quick as 7 days.

404-870-9070www.thesamuelgroupinc.com

BOBBY L. SCOTT, CPA LLCCERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Accounting • Taxes • Business ConsultationIndividuals • Corporations • Non-Profits

IRS Representation

1316 Rockbridge Road, Suite LStone Mountain, Ga. 30087

Over 30 Years Experience Member: AICPA & GSCPA

For Appointment Call(770) 638-1200 Office

Bobby L. Scott, CEO

(770) 638-1201 FaxE-Mail [email protected]


11

sports

MArKetplAce rAtesPlace 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 Market-Place, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to [email protected]. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

MarketplaceBusiness opportunities

Eat Jerky? Get Paid! $12 Biz Opp Simple. Real. Profitable. Make Money at Home. Call Now: 404-975-0460

For rent/leAseRainbow Drive Area Decatur, GA. 3BR, 2BA, Den, LR/DR, 2 Car Carport, Fenced Backyard

help wanted home services sportsreal estate

youth services

salons / hair care

sports

for rent

www.eastmetromarket.comFind Local Goods & Services

w/ Patio. Available immediately. 404-281-3415.

For sAleFor Sale. White 1997 Ford F150 VIN#1FTLF1721VKD38239. Call 404-573-2253 for info.

MiscellAneousCASH FOR JUNK CARS. Call 404-492-4147.

Still Waters, Inc.

R.O.Y.A.L.S.“Mentoring youth using the Arts”

Sing • Play an Instrument • ActFor more info: Mr. Spencer Murray, Director

313-779-25135878 Covington Hwy • Decatur, Ga. 30035 • Office: 678-570-8252

RegisterFeb. 2, 20132 pm - 6 pmintroduces

Winner of the 2012 MillerCoors Messenger Awardand 8 Awards for Journalistic Excellence

in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists’ 30th Pioneer Black Journalists Awards Competition*

East Metro Atlanta’s Best Source for Local News

2346 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30034 • 404-284-1888 • www.crossroadsnews.com • www.facebook.com/crossroadsnews

• Best Community / Public Affairs Reporting

• Best Deadline Reporting

• Best Non-Deadline Reporting

• Best News Series

* Print Category - Under 100,000 circulation

• Best Hard Feature Story

• Best Soft Feature (2) -- Tie

• Best PhotojournalismPublishing Award of Excellence

Breaking News Category

“Cell Towers Going to Schools”

SCHOOL BUSDRIVERS WANTED

Starting at $15.40 per hourDeKalb County School District

Good driving record and drug-test required.

Call 678-676-1481Hiring Now!

SELLERS:Sell your house and rent it back from the owner, and get $5,000 relocation money!! Call 1-888-269-6795 ext. 110 BUYERS: DeKalb Bank Foreclosure, 4 br, 2.5 ba, LR, DR, Den $98,500. $1,000 down, $740 per month! Must Qualify.

1st U Realty Call 24/7

1-888-269-6795 x115

MICKENSREPAIR SERVICEwith a personal touch…

*All work and materials are guaranteed

• Additions • Basement • Decks • Roofing • Painting • Fire Damage• Tile & Hardwood Floors• Electrical • Concrete• Plumbing • Siding• HVAC Repair & Service

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

LICENSED & INSURED

770-906-7950

Gresham Park2013 Spring Baseball &

Softball Registration

Jan 26th • Feb 2nd • Feb 9th10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

2466 Bouldercrest Rd SEAtlanta, GA 30316404-244-9660

Age 3................. $90 Age 4: .............. $120Ages 5-6.......... $130 Ages 7-14: ...... $140

WANNA PLAY KICKBALLIN 2013?

THE SWEET LADY KICKERS WOMEN KICKBALL LEAGUE ....SEASON #3

REGISTRATIONSATURDAY, JAN 26 & FEB 2

3pm - 6pm @ DUGANS4975 FLAT SHOALS PKWY

DECATUR GA 30034

REGISTRATION FEE: $140 (SPACE IS LIMITED)

THE SEASON: SUNDAYS @ 3:30 PM & 4:30 PMMARCH-JUNE @ GRESHAM PARK, 2644 BOULDERCREST RDWE SUPPORT BREAST CANCER / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARNESS

FOR INFO, CONTACT KASSANDRA 678.732.56882013 SEASON SPONSORED BY PZI JEANS * DUGANS * MCDONALDS

REGISTERNOW!

SPRING 2013 BASEBALL SEASON

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Boys and Girls Ages 3-14ON-SITE REGISTRATION

COACHES NEEDED

Please [email protected]

to volunteer

January 14-March 1www.wadewalkerpark.org

January 26-March 2Saturdays from 10am-2pm*Upstairs in the Concession Stand Office*

LET’S PLAY BALL!!WADE WALKER PARK

5585 Rockbridge Road • Stone Mountain, GA 30088

A Cut Above The RestSALON DOLCÉ 2112

5995 Covington Hwy - Ste CDecatur, GA 30035 770-808-4407

5995 Covington Hwy - Ste CDecatur, GA 30035 770-808-4407

NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

• CREATING TOP TRENDS• STYLING ALL HAIR TYPES• MASTER BARBER ON DUTY

½ OFFShampoo & Style

½ OFFShampoo & Style


12

Manager’s service special

Cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions or coupons. Must present this offer to Advisor at time of write up. Expires 2/4/2013.

You Spend $100 And We Take ................. $20 Off!You Spend $200 And We Take ................. $40 Off!You Spend $300 And We Take ................. $60 Off!You Spend $400 And We Take ................. $80 Off!You Spend $500 Or More And We Take .....$100 Off!

Oil changespecial! Expires 2/4/2013.

$1495 SAturdAy & MondAy

only.


2 Wheel alignMentsLiMiTed TiMe Offer

regularly$8995 $6995

Save $20

need credit? We cAn heLp!

Service SpeciAL tire rOtatiOn!

With any service. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions or coupons. Expires 2/4/2013.

Free

iMprOve YOur Fuel Mileage


valvoline fuel System Service cleans injectors to improve fuel delivery efficiency, removes carbon

deposits from intake valves and combustion chambers and cleans the Throttle Body and

Air intake System. This process reduces tip in hesitation and improves throttle response.

LiMiTed TiMe Offerregularly$16995 $12995

Save $40

2005 BMW 545i

STK#A3169

A Must See!$17,995

2004 Toyota Sequoia

STK#A3041

priced To Sell!$7995

770.621.0200 5675 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

www.MalcolmCunninghamFord.com

Prices plus tax, tag, title, with approved credit. Includes all factory rebates. See dealer for complete details. Expires 2/4/2013.

www.MalcolmcunninghamAutoGallery.com

I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel • To Snapfinger Woods Drive770.987.9000

Sales Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm • Closed Sunday

A Division of Malcolm Cunningham Ford

YOUR FiRst, Last and OnLY stOP!We NoW ReNt

678.502.2005

2003 nissan FrOntierStK#A3154A, Crew Cab .................................................. $69952008 FOrd FusiOn selStK#A3189, Fun, Sporty .............................................. $11,9982009 hOnda civicStK#A2041, Gas Saver, like new, low Miles .............. $12,9952005 BMW X5StK#A3142, luxury and Sporty................................... $13,9952011 chevrOlet iMpalaStK#A3216, All Power, Cd, Alloy rims......................... $14,9952012 FOrd FOcusStK#A3198, Auto, new Style ...................................... $14,9952009 nissan altiMaStK#A3172, like new ................................................ $14,9952005 Mercedes-Benz c230StK#A3162, Sunroof, leather ..................................... $14,9952010 tOYOta caMrYStK#A3171, Auto, Cd, P/W, P/l ................................... $14,9952011 FOrd FusiOnStK#A3197, nice ride ................................................ $15,995

2011 FOrd taurusStK#A3196, Family Fun Starts Here ............................ $16,9952011 FOrd escape XltStK#A3174, Extra nice! .............................................. $16,9952006 Mercedes-Benz r350StK#A3175, like new ................................................. $17,9952012 FOrd MustangStK#A3200, Convertible, Auto, low Miles ................... $18,9952007 leXus es350StK#A3177, navigation, Sun roof, nice ...................... $18,9952008 Mercedes-Benz clK500StK#A3209, Sporty, luxury ......................................... $19,9952012 dOdge chargerStK#A3194, ride In Style ........................................... $19,9952008 Mercedes-Benz r350StK#S3125, navigation, Sun roof, leather ................ $20,9952009 Mercedes-Benz e350StK#A3210, low Miles, luxury .................................. $25,9952011 cadillac srXStK#A3178, new Body ............................................... $27,995

Prices plus tax, tag, title, with approved credit. offers expire 2/4/2013.

Buy for 84 months at 2.9% APR with $2000 down plus tax, tag and title with approved credit.

BUY FOR

STK#134006

$12,888$143

A MONTH

New 2013 FOrd FiesTA

OR


BUY FOR

STK#133045

$19,379$229

A MONTH

New 2013 FOrd MusTANg

OR

Buy for 84 months at 2.9% APR with $2000 down plus tax, tag and title with approved credit. Buy for 84 months at 2.9% APR with $2000 down plus tax, tag and title with approved credit.

BUY FOR

STK#138068 STK#131504 STK#135534

$21,585 $23,859$258 $285

A MONTH A MONTH

New 2013 FOrd F-150 New 2013 FOrd TAurus

New 2013 FOrd edge

OR OR


BUY FOR

STK#134560

$13,888$156

A MONTH

New 2013 FOrd FOcus

OR


BUY FOR

STK#136072

$16,888$188

A MONTH

New 2013 FOrd escApe

OR

YOURCHOICE

BUY FOR

10.5” x 16” 37616-MC

AQ

(2-2) crossroads FC (nb)

The MalcolM cunninghaM auTo group

2007 volkswagen Jetta

STK#A3160

Gas Saver!$10,995

2012 chevrolet camaro rS

STK#A3195

ready To ride!$22,995

2008 Toyota4runner Limited

STK#A3130

Sun roof, Leather!$22,995

2012 dodge charger Sport

STK#A3194

A Must See!$19,995

2008 cadillac STS

STK#A3208

nav, roof, & More!$17,995

2012 volkswagen cc

STK#A3123

Loaded, Must See!$20,995

These DeALs

AMAZING

2011 Toyota corolla

STK#A3213

Automatic, Gas Saver!$13,995

2010 honda Accord LX

STK#A3204

Auto, Low Miles!$16,995

Have Been extended For one Final Weekend!


crossroadsnews, february 2, 2013

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