Benfield Beat
 
March 23-29, 2009
In This Issue
DeKalb County News
Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Gov. Perdue Launches State Stimulus Accountability Website
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce 71st Annual Meeting
Leadership DeKalb Application Deadline
Top Paid Executives in Georgia
Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events
Georgia Legislative Update
Join the Bring Trader Joes to Decatur Campaign
Community Calendar
Jobs/Internships/Volunteer Scholarship/Summer Programs Opportunities
Quick Links
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dekalbseal
DeKalb Zoning Community Workshops
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Porter Sanford Community Center
3181 Rainbow Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30034
 
Thursday, April 16, 2009
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
DeKalb County Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30030
 
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Montgomery Elementary School
3995 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30319
 
Community Emergency Response Team Class
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
7:00 pm-9:30 pm
For more information contact Patti Cagle at 678-406-7824.
 
DeKalb District Attorney Launches New Website
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. 
Governor Sonny Perdue announces launch of the state's stimulus accountability website
The website provides details on the state's use of funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce 71st Annual Meeting
Monday, March 23, 2009
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Crowne Plaza Ravinia Hotel
4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30346
 
For more information please visit the meeting website. 
LeadDek 
Leadership DeKalb
Application Deadline Extended to Monday, March 23, 2009
You may download the application from their website.
Want to see who the top paid Executives in Georgia are?Want to see how your salary compares? Click this link and you will see the top 25 and a box at the top where you can enter your salary to compare to the average of the top 25.
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.

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.

Georgia Legislative Update 

stepwork
Legislative
HB 118- Gov. Perdue signed the FY 2009 Amended Budget compromise the General Assembly had adopted earlier in the week for the rest of the year ending June 30th.  In DHR, it restored half of the 3.5 percent cut to health department grant-in-aid he had proposed and added another $1.2 million.  The conference committee agreed with the House to provide $2.5 million in adult mental health for non-Medicaid reimbursable services instead of the Senate's $3.4 million.  In a number of areas, state funds were reduced to reflect temporarily available federal stimulus funds.
 
HB 119- was adopted in the House by a vote of 123-49.  This is the state's $18.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2010 which begins July 1st of this year.  The budget originally proposed for 2010 was $20.2 billion.  It now stands at $18.6 billion, a $1.6 billion reduction because of lower than expected revenue.  However, the spending plan is propped up with at least $1.1 billion in federal stimulus funding from President Obama and Congress that softens the cuts to critical programs.  The budget also restores Medicaid reimbursement rates, which Governor Perdue sought to cut by 10 percent, and the 6 percent provider rates that he also wanted to stop.
 
HB 119 does not include $428 million for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grants that are passed onto local governments and shield taxpayers an additional $200 to $300 in property taxes.
 
HB 356- due to the 2010 budget not allocating funds for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grants, several members of the House introduced HB 356 to assist local governments by allowing them to collect their own sales taxes.
 
HB 229- was adopted in the Senate by a vote of 34-14.  The bill would require local school systems to conduct an annual fitness assessment and to comply with state physical education instruction requirements.  HB 229 no awaits final signature by the Governor.
 
HB 385- was adopted in the House by a vote of  149-6.  The bill would extend the State Commission on Family Violence by doing away with the sunset provision.
 
SB 155- was passed by the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee.  The bill would eliminate the 25 foot buffer requirement for Georgia's ephemeral streams.
 
HR 673- the House defeated the resolution by a vote of 68-70.  This was a privilege resolution honoring President Obama for his election as the first African American President, recognizing his past achievements and making him an honorary member of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.  The bill was reconsidered by the House and sent back to the Rules Committee for revision.
 
HR 334- was adopted in the House by a vote of 92-55.  The resolution urges the Congress of the United States to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act which supports a woman's right to make her own reproductive choices.  However, the Freedom of Choice Act is not up for debate in the current Congress.
 
SB 80- was unanimously adopted by the House.  The bill would require food processors to report lab results of any poisonous or deleterious substances in their products within 24 hours to the Department of Agriculture. Furthermore, this legislation requires those records be kept by the processor for a minimum of 2 years and they must make those records available to the Department of Agriculture upon request by the department. Violators could be charged with a felony.
 
HR 161- which I co-sponsored, was adopted in the House by a vote of 122-34.  The resolution would compensate Mr. Jerome White who, through DNA testing, was found to be wrongly convicted of rape in 1979.  HR 161 compensates him $700,000 from the state for his time in prison. The funding is spread out over 20 years in the form of an annuity as long as he does not commit another crime.
 
HR 562- was unanimously adopted by the House.  The resolution encourages all Georgians to be aware of blind pedestrians and their rights. It also directs the Department of Driver Services to review and assess their current efforts to inform new and experienced drivers that persons with visual impairments have the right of way at all times.
tradejoe 
Join Bring Trader Joes to Decatur Cause on Facebook
Click here to sign up.
Community Calendar/News
 
calendar
Decatur Arts Festival Poster Competition
For more information click here.
 
Contribute Your Wedding Dress to Local Dance Company
Decatur-based Beacon Dance is currently developing a new work focused on marriage.  We are looking for any wedding dresses that people may want to contribute to this project. Performances will be in April and June, in and around Decatur and the East side of Atlanta (at the First Existentialist Church on Candler Park Drive).

Please contact D. Patton White if you have a wedding dress you would like to donate.
 
DeKalb Board District 3 McNair Area Schools Community Meeting
Thursday, March 26, 2009
7:00 pm
McNair Middle School
2190 Wallingford Dr
Decatur, Georgia 30032
For more information contact Sarah Copelin-Wood at (404) 371-1490 or by email.
 
Earth Hour 2009
Turn off your lights for one hour
Saturday, March 28, 2009
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
For more information visit their website.
 
Yard Sale Fundraiser
The Church at Decatur Heights
Saturday, April 4, 2009
For more information please email the church
 
ING Georgia Marathon
Sunday, March 29, 2009
A cheering zone has been created by the Druid Hills Civic Association at the intersection of North Decatur Road and Dowman Drive.  Spectators, be sure to wear orange and cheer your friends and loved ones along the course. ING Cheering Zones will supply plenty of inflatable noisemakers and "Go Runners!" signs.  All you do is provide the enthusiasm and noise!
 
City Schools of Decatur Reconfiguration Blog
To visit the site click here.
 
City Schools of Decatur
Informational and Listening Sessions
Reconfiguring School Attendance Zones
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
6:30 pm
Renfroe Middle School Cafeteria
220 W. Collega Ave.
Decatur, Georgia 30030
 
City Schools of Decatur Calendars for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 School Years
Copies of the calendars can be obtained by clicking here.
 
Avondale Estates Fundraising Opportunity
Every Monday night in March, at Avondale Pizza Cafe and O'Keefes, from 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm, 15 percent of food and bar purchases will go to the Avondale Estates Charter School Initiative.
Avondale Pizza Cafe and O'Keefes
2823 E. College Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
 
Charter School Petition
For Avondale Estates Charter School Initiative
To sign the petition click here.
 
White Oak Hills Neighborhood Summit
Saturday, April 4, 2009
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Saint Philip AME Church
240 Candler Road SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30317
For more information please visit their website.
 
Rain Barrel Workshop
Keep DeKalb Beautiful and DeKalb Parks and Recreation Department
Thursday, March 26, 2009
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lynwood Recreation Center
3360 Osborne Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30319
 
Bicycle Safety Training Class
Held for Glennwood Academy 4th Grade Class
Parent Volunteers Needed
March 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 and April 1, 2009
3 two hour sessions, 3 volunteers per two hours
The sessions are 8:00 am - 10:00 am, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.
For more information contact Greg White.
 
Support Fund for Spay/Neuter Efforts by Purchasing a Stuffed Pet for St. Patrick's Day
Stopping Pet Overpopulation Together, Inc.
Please visit their website for more information.
 
The White House Project
Go Run Dates Confirmed in Georgia
Friday and Saturday, June 26 - 27, 2009
Agnes Scott College
141 E. College Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
For more information click here.
Applications will open on April 1, 2009
 
Academy Theatre Upcoming Events
LoveSelf1st Enterprises Presents Shattered American Dreams
March 27-28, 2009
For information on all events please visit their website or call (404) 474-8332.
 
Summer Memberships Now Available for Emory's Student Activity and Athletic Center
The SAAC is pleased to announce it will be selling SUMMER and SUMMER EXTENDED memberships beginning SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2009.  Both the summer and summer extended membership grants patrons access to the entire SAAC.  For more information click here.
 
House of Grace Free Health Care Services
The clinic, located at 3567 Covington Highway, Decatur, GA 30032, has the capacity to provide free health care services to 15 patients per evening.  For more information call (404) 298-6078 or visit their website.
 
Spay and Neuter Your Pit Bull or Pit Mix
Atlanta Humane Society
For more information call (404) 875-6420 or visit their website.
 
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.
 
Providing Resources & Opportunities that Matters
PROM
United Way Women's Legacy-DeKalb
To make a donation or for more information contact Cheryl Flowers.
 
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
 
Voices for Georgia's Children
Policy Director
Please submit a resume and cover letter, noting how you became aware of the position.  In the cover letter or an attachment, briefly describe your reason for seeking a new position in terms of your life's journey and how this position responds to your search.

All applications must be submitted by e-mail to info@georgiavoices.org with the subject: Policy Director.  Applicants will receive acknowledgement of receipt but are asked to initiate no further communications before being contacted by Voices or an agent for Voices for Georgia's Children.  Applications should be submitted by April 1, 2009.  Starting date is targeted for May 16, 2009.
 
Information is available at USA Jobs
You can search the data base for available jobs and post your resume online.
 
Quality Care for Children
Data Manager
Resume and cover letter should be emailed to Reynaldo Green by March 27, 2009.
 
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.
 
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
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 toStacey 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 
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.
 
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Scholarships for Higher Education
For more information visit their website.
 
Summer Programs
National Bar Association Law Camp
14-17 year olds
Camp dates are from July 12-25, 2009
Washington, DC
Applications due by April 15, 2009
For more information visit their website.
 
Decatur Summer Camps
For more information click here.
Registration for Decatur summer camps is Saturday, March 28, 2009
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Decatur Recreation Center on Sycamore Street