Benfield Beat
 
FEB. 16-22, 2009
In This Issue
Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program
DeKalb 2009 President's Day Sanitation Schedule
Peanut Recall Update
Federal Legislative Alert
DeKalb County News
DeKalb County Homestead Exemptions
Words of Wisdom Essay
MetLife Foundation Awards
Legislative Survey
Women in Government
Enjoy the Circus and Support our Community
City Schools of Decatur System Charter Newsletter
Rep. Benfield's Eggs and Issues Breakfast
Rep. Stuckey Benfield Joins Other Georgians for Poor People's Day at the State Capitol
Rep. Stuckey Benfield Fights to Protect Homeowners and Local Control
Georgia Legislative Update
GRUS Health Care Town Hall Meeting
DeKalb County State of the County Address
DeKalb Budget Hearings
Community Calendar
Jobs/Internships/Volunteer Scholarship/Summer Programs Opportunities
Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Please click here for information regarding the TV Converter Box Coupon Program.
 
For more information regarding digital conversion please visit the following website
DEKALB ANNOUNCES 2009 PRESIDENT'S DAY SANITATION SCHEDULE
DeKalb County will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2009 in observance of President's Day. The sanitation schedule for President's Day will be as follows:

There will no collection service on Monday, February 16, 2009.
 
Monday (2/16) garbage and yard waste collection will be Tuesday (2/17).  Tuesday (2/17) garbage and yard waste collection will be Wednesday (2/18). Regular collection schedule will resume on Thursday, February 19, 2009.
peanuts 
Peanut Recall Update
 
For an updated list of all the products recalled for possible Salmonella contamination, see the FDA's list of recalls.
 
Friends and family who do not have access to the Internet can call CDC for a list of products recalled at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
For information about the outbreak and Salmonella the consumer can check the CDC website.
 
Consumers can also check the American Peanut Council website for a list of companies that are not involved in the recall and click on Salmo­nella updates.
Federal House of Representatives Page Program
For more information please click here.
New GoDeKalb Website and Newsletter
Click here to view.
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N. Decatur Road Improvements and Emory Village Roundabout 
According to DeKalb County officials, road improvements on North Decatur Road and the long-planned roundabout in Emory Village are moving forward, as roadwork began in January.
 
The roadwork consists of three phases. First, outdated water lines along North Decatur Road through Emory Village will be replaced by DeKalb County. This project began in January and is estimated to last through March. Most of the roadwork schedule for the water lines will occur at night (between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.), with the exception of Friday and Saturday nights. There may be some work done in the daytime, but it is not planned for the roadway.

Read the complete article.
 moneyhouse
DeKalb County Homestead Exemptions
If you purchased your home in 2008, you have until March 1 to file for a Homestead Exemption in DeKalb County. To be granted a homestead exemption, you must actually occupy the home, and the home must be considered your legal residence for all purposes.
 
Homestead exemption applications are accepted year-round in DeKalb County, but in order to be processed in the current year, the application must be received by March 1 with the tax commissioner's office.
 
Homeowners who receive the benefit of homestead exemption may also apply for a property assessment freeze to help offset future increases in property value.
 
Call (404) 298-4000 for more information.
 
WebLink: Georgia Property Tax Guide & Exemptions
Words of Wisdom Essay Topic
Alltel invites all current and prospective students of America's participating black colleges and universities to enter the Words of Wisdom essay contest by answering this poignant question:
 
The election of our country's first African American president that the dream of change can become a reality.
 
As a people, we've shown what we can do when called upon for change.  How are you being called to build upon this new spirit of change?
 
To learn more click here.
MetLife Foundation
Community-Police Partnership Awards
MetLife Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) are partnering for the eighth year to recognize, sustain and share the work
of innovative partnerships between community groups and police to promote neighborhood safety and revitalization.
 
For more information click here.
Legislative Survey
 
Do you support imposing a $1 increase on the cigarette tax in Georgia?
 
Click Here to take survey. 
Women in Government
New Workplace Lactation Program
Corporate Voices for Working Families has launched a new program called the "Workplace Lactation Program," designed to help working mothers who need breastfeeding support in the workplace.  Corporate Voices for Working Families is the leading national business membership organization representing the private sector on public policy issues involving working families. We aim to improve the lives of working families and the competitiveness of American businesses.
 
Please visit their website for additional information.
Enjoy the Circus and Support our Community
Now through February 22, any individual who makes a $25 gift to the United Way Critical Needs Campaign will receive two circus tickets, regularly valued at $44.  With a $50 gift, an individual will receive four circus tickets regularly valued at $88.

Each additional $25 will entitle the giver to two additional tickets.

Join us in supporting those most in need in our community. To take part in this special offer, visit the United Way website and click on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey logo to give to the Critical Needs Campaign and receive your Ringling Bros. tickets.
City Schools of Decatur System Charter Newsletter
 
To obtain a copy please click here.  For more information visit their website
eggs 
Please Join Rep. Stuckey Benfield at her Eggs and Issues Breakfast
Saturday, February 21, 2009
9:00 am
This Is It! Restaurant
4065 Memorial Drive
Decatur, Georgia  30032
http://www.thisisitbbq.com/

This is an opportunity for constituents to discuss issues pending in the Georgia Legislatgure with Rep. Stuckey Benfield.  A complimentary southern style breakfast will be served.  For more information, please email Rep. Stuckey Benfield.
Rep. Stuckey Benfield Joins Other Georgians for Poor People's Day at the State Capitol
 
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Atlanta Progressive News
About 75 local and state activists descended on the Georgia State Capitol Thursday, February 12, 2009, via a boisterous caravan to unveil The People's Bailout, a plan for ordinary Georgians.
 
Several progressive constituencies hold lobby days while the Georgia legislature in session. Similar to last year, this year's 29th Annual Poor People's Day involved a caravan, which launched from the Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless and ended at the Georgia Capitol.  Click here to read more.
Rep. Stuckey Benfield Fights to Protect Homeowners and Local Control
State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-Decatur) protected homeowners and local control with a NO vote on HR 1 on Thursday, February 12th.  HR 1 called for a 3 percent statewide property tax assessment cap on residential and commercial properties.  It required a two-thirds vote in the Georgia House of Representatives because it was a Constitutional Amendment, but failed by a count of 105-67.

"HR 1 would have shifted the tax burden to homeowners, halted new business from coming to Georgia and forced our schools to endure even more cuts, possibly resulting in teacher layoffs," said Representative Stuckey Benfield. "During these tough economic times the state should partner with local governments to do what is best for the citizens of Georgia instead of trying to take away local control and shift responsibility."

For more information on HR 1 please visit the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia website.

Georgia Legislative Update 

stepwork
Executive 
Roadmap for Affordable and Reliable Energy
Governor Sonny Perdue announced last week the completion of an update to the State Energy Strategy for Georgia (Strategy).  Published by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA), the 2009 State Energy Strategy Update includes a profile of Georgia's energy consumption by sector, an implementation summary of the original Strategy's recommendations, and an updated list of next steps to secure Georgia's energy future.  To obtain an electronic copy of the document click here.
 
Legislative
HB 233 - Following the vote on HR 1 (please see above) the House immediately began debate on HB 233.  It was the enabling legislation for HR 1 and a fall back position if HR 1 failed, which it did.  HB 233 places a moratorium on property value reassessment increases for two years (residential and non-residential) as of approval by the Governor in 2009.  It would end in January 2010.  In addition, the legislation states in the two year period that property values would have to be re-assessed though not applying to new construction, rezoning or in counties with millage caps.  The House passed HB 233 by a vote of 110-63.
 
HB 71- was adopted in the House by a vote of 161-13.  The bill would remove a defense to a charge of manufacturing, selling, or distributing false identification documents.

HB 116- was adopted in the House by a vote of 134-31.  The bill would extend the sales tax exemption for parts used to repair airplanes that are not registered in Georgia.
 
HB 231- was adopted in the House by a vote of 129-35.  The bill would expand the scope of projects for registered interior designers to include non-load bearing projects in existing structures.
 
HB 356- would put additional funds into the state's shrinking coffers by streamlining government and improving the sales tax collection process.  The bill transfers control over collecting sales taxes from the state Department of Revenue to local governments, allowing them to contract with private firms.  Similar plans have been tried in other states, notably Alabama, which saw a revenue increase of over $1 billion.
Georgia Rural Urban Summit (GRUS)
presents

Health Care Town Hall
Thursday, February 19, 2009
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Academy Theatre
119 Center St. Avondale Estates, Georgia 30002
For more information call (404) 304-5594 or email Brooks Emanuel.
dekalbseal 
 DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis
State of the County Address
February 18, 2009
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Manual J.Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
 bellis
 DeKalb County Budget Hearings
 
A Message from DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis
To make your priorities our county government's priorities, one of the most important tools in our toolkit is our annual budget. This is how we pay for a county government that gets the job done for you, delivering the services you expect on time, within budget, and with a smile.
 
The first budget of our new administration is now out. I want to share some of the highlights with you, especially:
The national -- indeed global -- economic downturn has had a significant impact on what we can spend. To bring the 2009 budget back into balance, I have cut $189 million from departments, but I am confident that all of our county departments will be able to continue the level of service and professionalism that you expect.
 
The budget strongly supports public safety and continued projects of the 2006 Bond Referenda.
 
The establishment of a Chief Public Safety Officer to oversee and coordinate the operation of Police, Fire Rescue, Medical Examiners Office, the Juvenile Court, the Recorders Court (which has reportedly lost millions of dollars in revenue in the recent past) and to upgrade our 911 emergency computer software (which is severely inadequate).
Continuation of the 18-month Master Police Officer incentive plan designed to retain senior officers who attain this designation.

The allocation of 52 new positions to cover the scheduled new library openings during 2009.
Continued expedition of implementing the 2006 Bond Projects -- construction of Transportation, Library and Parks and Greenspace Projects.
 
Continued focus on upgrading public safety facilities, equipment and capabilities. The recommendation includes $1.5 million to continue the process of converting all public safety communications (radios) to state-of-the-art digital platforms. The computer system in the county's 911 Emergency Center is severely inadequate and must be fixed.

For more information on the 2009 budget, please visit their website.
 
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
St. Timothy United MethodistChurch
5365 Memorial Dr.
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
 
Thursday, February 19, 2009
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Berean Community Center
2440 Young Rd.
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30088
Community Calendar/News
 
calendarVote for Atlanta Women's Pro Soccer Team Name
Visit their website or the Georgia State Soccer Association website for more information about the contest and the team.
 
DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon Food Drive
Food collection barrels will be placed in the lobbies of the Maloof Building (1300 Commerce Drive) and 330 Ponce de Leon Ave during the month of February.  The most needed food items currently are: canned tuna, beans, soups, stews, fruit and vegetables; pastas, macaroni and cheese dinners, whole grain and low sugar cereals.
 
Online donations can be made directly to the Atlanta Community Food Bank's secure site by visiting the website of Commissioner Gannon, clicking on constituent information, then news to access the link. The food bank can leverage over $8 in food and services for every $1 donation.
 
Music for Missions Concert Series
Alice Griffin Walker and Becky Griffin Ramsey (Identical Twin Sisters who are Pianists)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
7:00 pm
Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church
3142 Lawrenceville Highway
Tucker, Georgia 30084
 
Refugee Family Services
Bosnian Feast
Saturday, February 21, 2009
7:00 pm
1866 Marlbrook Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
To reserve a seat contact Katie Olliff at (404) 299-6217 ext. 241.
 
Winnona Park Neighborhood Association
Neighborhood Conservation Planning Workshop
Friday, February 20, 2009
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Lori Gaurisco's House
1504 Oldfield Road
Saturday, February 21, 2009
9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Orientation)
1:30 pm - 5:30 pm (Review of Sustainable Applications)
Columbia Presbyterian Church
711 Columbia Drive
 
Georgia Innocence Project
Sunday, February 22, 2009
2:00 pm
The Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum
1440 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
For more information call (404) 870-7684 or send an email.
 
Tranist Lobby Day
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Citizen Lobbyists Training
Central Presbyterian Church
201 Washington Street NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Citizen Lobbying at State Capitol
To register visit the Georgia Conservancy website.
 
Emory Lavista Parent Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
9:15 am
Sagamore Hills Elementary School
1865 Alderbrook Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
 
Children's Policy Watch at the Capitol
U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-District 2)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
7:30 am
Georgia Freight Depot
Blue Room
Atlanta, Georgia
Call (404) 521-0311 or send an email for more information.
 
DeKalb County Habitat of Humanity
Applications Being Accepted for Homeownership
March 13, 2009 Deadline
For an application click here.
 
Belvedere Little League Baseball Registration
February 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2009
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Shoal Creek Park
3630 Glenwood Road
Decatur, Georgia 30032
For more information call (404) 289-3073.
 
Park Pride's Annual Inspiration Awards
Nominations due by February 13, 2009
For more information please click here.
 
Donations for Children in Transitional Housing
Initiative for Affordable Housing
To make a donation call Lisa Wise at (404) 299-9979.

Help Southern Hope Humane Society
Adopt a Stuffed Pet
For more information click here.
 
Greenprints 2009
March 25-26, 2009
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
265 Peachtreet Street NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
For more information click here.
 
Georgia Afterschool Institute 2009
March 10-12, 2009
Decatur Holiday Inn Conference Center
To register click here.
 
Providing Resources & Opportunities that Matters
PROM
United Way Women's Legacy-DeKalb
To make a donation or for more information contact Cheryl Flowers.
 
New Family Registration Period
City Schools of Decatur
This registration will take place at the Central Office at Westchester (758 Scott Blvd., Decatur, Georgia 30030) on February 2-27 from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.  This information can also be found on our website (www.csdecatur.org) and on the registration webpage.
 
3rd Annual Decatur Concert
Hosted by the Dogwood Alliance
Saturday, May 2, 2009
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
For more information contact Cheryl Burnette, Beth Bond or John Beal.
 
Call for Silent Auction Items
Breakthru House 40th Anniversary Celebration
April 16, 2009
Northside United Methodist Church
Please contact Kate Boyer at (404) 284-4658 ext. 2 for any additional information.
Job Announcements
 
Georgians for a Healthy Future
Executive Director Position
Please send (via mail, e-mail or fax) a cover letter, resume, three references, and a salary history to:
Terri Theisen
Theisen Consulting LLC
7140 Northgreen Dr NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
Fax:  770-396-2385
ttheisen@earthlink.net

 
2010 Census Jobs Available
For more information, contact the local Census office or call the agency's toll-free jobs line at (866) 861-2010.
 
Director of Communication
Georgia Budget and Policy Institute
Please send resume, writing sample (i.e. clips of published op-eds, press releases, or other published works), cover letter, names and contact information of three references, and salary requirements to Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, Communications Director Search, 100 Edgewood Ave, Suite 950, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Email: aessig@gbpi.org.
 
Senior Analyst-Chronic Disease and Environmental Health
The National Association of County and City Health Officials
Qualified applicants should send cover letter and resume to:
NACCHO
1100 17th Street, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20036.
Fax: 202-783-1583
Attn: Senior Analyst-Chronic Disease/Environmental Health or email.
 
Professional Early Education Substitute Teacher Program
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta
March 23-27, 2009
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
For more information click here.
 
Careers.ga.gov Notification List
To find more extensive information about job opportunities with the State of Georgia including information about the State's Continuous Recruitment Job Titles, visit The Job Site.

Internships

Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
For more information on how to apply, click here.
 
The Democratic Party of Georgia is currently accepting Intern applications for the spring semester.
For more information visit the party website.
 
The White House Project
Women Helping Women Win Internship Program
To apply please send your resume and cover letter to Stacey Chavis.  The subject line should be Capitol Internship: Your Name.
 
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer leadership program in Washington , DC . The Institute provides America 's best and brightest African American male college students with unparalleled networking opportunities, leadership development, and lifelong mentorship.  For more information click here.
 
Volunteer Opportunities

DeKalb Rape Crisis Center
To learn about ways to volunteer please visit their website.
 
StandUp for Kids
To see training calendar and to get more information, please visit their website.
 
Scholarships
 
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program
Provides scholarships of up to $7,500 annually to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.
 
For more information go to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) page, send us an email at requests@jackierobinson.org or call (212)290-8600.
 
Columbus H. Hartwell-Young Visionary Scholarship Award
All application materials must be received by May 1, 2009.  For an application contact XTM Foundation at (404) 892-7726.
 
Agriculture Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors accepted for enrollment or students already enrolled at an accredited college, university or community college in a course of study related to agriculture or agribusi­ness.  For an application or more information click here.  Applications must be received no later than March 1, 2009.
 
Summer Programs
 
Breakthrough Atlanta (housed at The Lovett School)
Breakthrough Atlanta is looking for motivated students who want to participate in a six-year, tuition-free academic enrichment program.  Please visit their website for additional information.
Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events
Decatur Youth Lacrosse

Register now at the Decatur Recreation Center
Boys Lacrosse: Ages 7-14
Girls Lacrosse: Ages 9-14
Practices and games are held at local fields.
Volunteer coaches needed!
For more information, please visit their website or contact Stacy Green at (678) 553-6549.
 
Youth Soccer
Register now at the Decatur Recreation Center
Ages 4-6, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 (age control date is Sept. 1st, 2009)
Practices begin March 9th
Season begins March 21st
Registration Fee: $100 City of Decatur residents; $130 non-city residents.

Girls Fast Pitch Softball
Register now at the Decatur Recreation Center
Ages 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 (age control date is Jan. 1st) Practices begin March 7th
Season begins March 14th
Registration Fee: $100 City of Decatur residents; $130 non-city residents.

Coaches Needed!
Volunteer coaches are needed and welcome.  If interested, please attend the free workshop on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at the Decatur Recreation Center at 6:30 pm.
 
Be a Lifeguard or a Front Desk Attendant at a City of Decatur Pool!
To apply online to be a lifeguard, please click here.
To apply to be a front desk attendant, please contact Desiree Kaman, HR Director, Sears Pool Management, at (770) 993-7492.