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State parks on the chopping block Last week, Georgia's state park officials revealed that in order to cope with a 39% decrease in funding from the state, some historic sites and lodges may close entirely, while others will cut their hours in half.
From Cloudland Canyon to Sapelo Island, our parks preserve and protect some of our most beautiful places. A Georgia with no state parks is not what I want to leave our children.
You can help by sending an e-mail to the governor, asking him to save our state parks.
And please forward this on. We need a public outcry to turn this around.
Georgia's state park system includes 63 parks and historic sites all over the state. You can stay in a cabin in the mountains, find a shady spot for a picnic, or paddle on a cool lake, and at a price that everyone can afford to enjoy.
From the mountains to the coast, our state parks protect amazing vistas--including Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in the southeast, a suspension bridge 80 ft above Tallulah Gorge and diverse wildlife like Leatherback sea turtles, Black bears, and Brook trout. All that is threatened by hefty budget cuts.
This year, the state parks budget was cut by nearly $4.5 million, a number that might go up after the governor's recent announcement that midyear budget cuts might be necessary. In 2010, the budget will be cut an additional $10.6 million, meaning that many historic sites will have to close their doors, maybe forever.
A Georgia without state parks would be a sad legacy for us to leave future generations. Please help us put a stop to these cuts by writing the governor today. |
Simultaneous Chess Exhibition Life Master Dave Vest, 2008 State Champ and 3 Time GA Senior Champ will do asimultaneous exhibitionat the Ironman Chess Club on Tuesday, June 16, at 7:00 pm. Players may start later.This will be a great opportunity for any player wanting to play a real game with one of the top players in the Southeast. Players are expected to write their moves. It is standard for players to have 3 passes.
The fee will be $5 for children and $10 for adults. All proceeds will be donated to The Church of Decatur Heights . Additional donations to the church will be appreciated for their 9 years of support for chess.
Players can have their games reviewed by National Master Tim Brookshear as time permits.
Ironman Free Chess Club 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month, starts 6:45 pm at The Church of Decatur Heights, 735 Sycamore Drive in Decatur. Best club for Scholastic players. Contact Coach Tim Brookshear (770) 633-6718. |
| Georgia Green Loans Available for Small Businesses
Georgia Green Loans provides up to $35,000 to help businesses green-ovate or provide a green service or product. Over $2 million is presently available and ACE is seeking additional capital to increase loans to $100,000.
For more information, please contact Appalachian Community Enterprises, Inc.'s CEO/ President Grace Fricks or VP- Lending Sandy Headley by mail: 3173 Highway 129 North, Cleveland, GA or telephone: (706) 348-6609. |
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GICH Is Looking For Your Community's Application
The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) is currently accepting applications for community participation through September 4, 2009. Communities are encouraged, but not required, to send a Letter of Intent to apply by July 17, 2009, so that the GICH Program Leaders may follow-up with you during theapplication process.
Applications for participation in GICH are available at UGA's Housing and Demographics Research Center. |
Vote for Your Favorite Georgia Aquarium License Plate
Click here to order your plate
and vote for your favorite design today!!!
The winning design will be unveiled June 25th at the Aquarium. |
Are you a CityMommy Yet?
CityMommy is an exclusive invitation-only social networking site for smart, hip moms like you!
At our website you can:
Keep up with the latest news in pregnancy and parenting
Get and give great advice
View and add to your local events calendar
Share photos and videos
Start your own groups and use our chat feature
Find mommy-tested resources and make new friends!
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Notice of Fund Availability
Request for Proposal
Foster Grandparent Program
The Corporation for National and Community Service announces the availability of Federal grant funds to support the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) in metro Atlanta, Georgia. The service area must include the counties of Fulton and DeKalb.
FEDERAL FUNDS AVAILABLE (approximately): $362,997
(Period covering (3/4 year) October 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010)
NON FEDERAL SHARE REQUIREMENT (CASH OR IN-KIND)
(Minimum 10% of the total budget)
We sincerely hope you will consider applying for sponsorship of the Foster Grandparent Program and invite you to attend a bidders' meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009
10:00 pm to 12:00 pm
Peachtree Summit Building
401 West Peachtree Street, Conference Room 18-C, 18th floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30308 (404)331-4646
If additional information is needed to assist you that determination, please contact (404) 331-4649.
Completed applications must be received by close of business, Friday, August 7, 2009 at the following address:
Bob O'Harra
State Program Specialist
Corporation for National and Community Service
401 West Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1600
Atlanta, Georgia 30308 |
| The Campaign To Save Paste
You can see all the details on the website.
Any help you can give spreading the campaign around would be great.
Here's some specifics on that:
Twitter: Please tweet it! Tweet it more than once (most of your followers don't see most of your tweets).
Here's some less-than-140 character messages: #savepaste 75 artists band together to save Paste Magazine http://tr.im/lgbEDonate to save Paste Magazine - get 75 free tracks (including one from ME)! #savepaste http://tr.im/lgbEJoin me in saving Paste Magazine - get 75 rare & unreleased songs. #savepaste http://tr.im/lgbEFacebook: Please let your friends and fans know with invites, status updates, etc. Web: Got a place for some banner ads? We've got some! Link all banners here. Blog: Got a blog? An RSS feed? Please let folks know what we're up to. Oh, and you can win a cruise from our friends at Sixthman, too. Thanks for your support. We are optimistic - the campaign is already getting a great response. | |
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The Benfield Beat is a weekly, nonpartisan publication featuring state and local government news and community events. A "job postings" feature has also been added to help people find employment during these tough economic times. Internship and scholarship opportunities for students and recent graduates are also listed. I welcome submissions for news stories, community listings, or employment postings. Submissions can be made by emailing me directly at stuckey@mindspring.com.
Feel free to circulate the Benfield Beat to friends, neighbors, and associates. You can subscribe by visiting my website at: www.benfieldbeat.com. If you would like to receive progressive news from a Democratic perspective, you can subscribe to the Political Beat by emailing me at stuckey@mindspring.com and putting "Political Beat" in the subject line.
I welcome your suggestions and feedback on entries in the Benfield Beat. I read all emails personally and do my best to respond in a timely fashion.
Thanks for reading! |
International Rescue Committee of Atlanta (IRC Atlanta)
World Refugee Day Dine Out: Make Eating Out Count
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Contact Kimberly Fulghum at (404) 292-7731 x 43 for more information.
Dine in '09 for IRC Atlanta! Your favorite Atlanta-area restaurants have pledged to support International Rescue Committee Atlanta's World Refugee Day event on June 18. By dining at Apres Diem, Cafe Alsace, Carpe Diem, Ibiza Restaurant & Lounge, Imperial Fez, or Mezcalito's Cantina on June 18, you can enjoy a fine meal and help IRC Atlanta's mission to rebuild the lives of refugees.
Since 1979, IRC Atlanta has resettled over 18,000 refugees in Atlanta. IRC Atlanta aids those who have been forced to flee their homeland due to war and persecution. IRC Atlanta works to help them restore dignity and become self-sufficient by providing basic housing, English language instruction, vocational training and place, healthcare access, and more.
Please join IRC Atlanta on June 18 to celebrate the courage of Atlanta's refugees from overseas and contribute directly to IRC Atlanta's work.
For more information, visit www.theirc.org/Atlanta. |
Legislative News The "Summary of General Statutes Enacted at the 2009 Session" is now available online via the link at the bottom of the General Assembly home page at http://www.legis.ga.gov/
Bill to de-criminalize minors by setting age of 18 to prosecute for prostitution
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
9:30 am
Room 132 in the State Capitol
Governor Perdue Announces May Revenue Figures
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of May 2009 (FY09) totaled $1,262,136,000 compared to $1,473,892,000 for May 2008 (FY08), a decrease of $211,756,000 or 14.4 percent. The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY09 compared to FY08 is 10.0 percent.
Anticipating these revenue declines, Perdue announced in late May that with declining state revenues, each state agency would see a 25 percent cut in June's allocation of the FY09 budget. This cut would represent a 2 percent annual budget cut. Perdue defends his actions based on the constitutional and statutory authority and responsibility that he has to balance the state's budget. He announced that further cuts could be anticipated. |
Proposed Fiscal Year 2010 Operating and Capital Funds Budget, Proposed Service Modifications for 8/15/09, and Proposed Fare and Parking Changes for 10/1/09.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
7:00 pm
1300 Commerce Drive
Dump the Pump
Ride Transit and Help Save the Environment
Ride MARTA on June 18th |
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Come Join Me in Powering the Grid!
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| In the News
CrossRoads News
Organic gardening project included among Healthy Belvedere grants
Gaelle Addison and her fiancé Garrick Wilson have a love for organic food. They enjoy healthy greens, carrots, lettuce and other fruits and vegetables. To read more click here.
Community Radar
The Fugees Need Bikes
This summer Fugees Family will be having a 6-week Summer Literacy Camp at Agnes Scott College. We are looking to obtain close to 60 bikes in good condition for all of our older kids to ride to camp each day. To read more click here.
Atlanta Journal Constitution
Atlanta Gas Light requests additional surcharge
Residential customers would pay 95 cents more each month and small businesses an extra $2.85 a month to Atlanta Gas Light Co. if the Georgia Public Service Commission approves a proposed surcharge addition. To read more click here. |
Join Bring Trader Joes to Decatur Cause on Facebook
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DeKalb issues notice of proposed property tax increase
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted millage rates which will require an increase in property taxes by the following percentages:
Unincorporated 3.73%
Avondale Estates Special Services 0.73%
Chamblee Special Services 0.43%
Decatur Special Services 1.33%
Debt Service 6.94%
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held on the following dates, at the indicated times and locations:
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:00 am
Maloof Administration Building Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Maloof Administration Building Auditorium
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 10:00 am
Maloof Administration Building Auditorium
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners was required by State Law to publish only increases in applicable millage rates, excluding any budgeted millage rate reductions. The millage rates for the following are proposed to decrease below the Rollback Rate, as follows:
Millage Rollback Rate Proposed % Change
2008 2009* 2009** from Rollback
Unincorporated Debt Service 1.45 1.527 1.37 -10.28%
Atlanta Special Services 8.83 9.109 9.02 -0.98%
Clarkston Special Services 13.14 13.413 13.27 -1.07%
Doraville Special Services 12.55 12.746 12.67 -0.60%
Lithonia Special Services 13.21 13.948 13.34 -4.36%
Pine Lake Special Services 13.47 14.047 13.60 -3.18%
Stone Mtn. Special Services 12.95 14.576 13.07 -10.33%
*A rollback millage rate is computed to produce the same amount of revenue as the previous year excluding new growth.
** These millage rates are prior to the application of the Homestead Exemption from the Homestead Option Sales Tax. The Board of Commissioners granted a 58.3% Homestead Exemption for County operations and maintenance. Debt Service is excluded from these exemptions. The Board of Commissioners will consider the level of Homestead Exemption from the Homestead Option Sales Tax for 2009. |
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Community Calendar/News
Farm to School Roundtable
Slow Food Atlanta and Georgia Organics
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Burgess Peterson Elementary School
480 Clifton Street, SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30316
Decatur Beach Party
Friday, June 19, 2009
5:00 pm - 12:00 pm
Enjoy 60 tons of sand on "Ponce de Leon Fun Pier" and dancing on the Marta Plaza! Whether this is your first time or your 20th time at the Beach Party, you will love the big changes we are making this year! The "Beach" and Children's Boardwalk Games will all be on Ponce de Leon this year. We are moving the band to the Marta Plaza, so you can put a blanket on the lawn on the Square or dance on the Plaza! We think these changes will help everyone enjoy the festival even more this year.
Training and Education Opportunities
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia
Building Blocks of Healthy Sexual Development in Children
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Family Night at Decatur Chick-fil-A
Monday nights
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
There is face painting, balloons animals, buy one Kid's Meal get a Kid's Meal free and free Icedream for the kids!
Justice Taking Root
Southern Center for Human Rights
Thursday, June 18, 2009
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The LOFT
170 Northside Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
Georgia Watch Survey
Taking surveys of those who do not have health insurance or have inadequate coverage.
Call (404) 525-1085 or email or visit their website for more information.
Leapin' Lizards
Parent's Night Out
Saturday, June 20, 2009
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
South Fork Conservancy Community Meeting
Thursday, June 18, 2009
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Marcus Autism Center
1920 Briarcliff Road
Bellsouth Training Room on the Second Floor.
Heroes for Hunger
Atlanta Community Food Bank
Atlanta Braves
Fans who bring non-perishable food items to Braves game throughout the month of June will receive a special ticket offer for an upcoming game. Food drop off locations include Guest Relations @ aisle 146, Community Clubhouse in the Plaza and the 755 Club Lobby entrance.
New Members Lunch Reception
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, June 18, 2009
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
DeKalb Convention and Visitor's Bureau
1957 Lakeside Parkway
Suite 510
Tucker, Georgia 30084
RSVP by June 17th
SkaterAid needs used decks
Artists from around Atlanta take used decks and turn them into original works of arts to be auctioned off at the event.
If you want to learn more about the event and other ways you can support us, please visit the website.
District 3 Town Hall Meeting and Movie Night
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
6:30 pm
Rainbow Park
3145 Rainbow Drive
Decatur, Georgia
For more information call the office of Commissioner Larry Johnson at (404) 371-2988.
Parent Education Seminars on School Choice
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Please see flyer for more information.
National Summer Learning Day
Georgia Afterschool Investment Council
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The first 200 programs to register Summer Learning Day events by June 19th will receive a special package of fun giveaways that can be used during the event, including a disposable camera, magnetic photo frames, flyer disks, and a draw string backpack.
If you have any questions regarding the National Summer Learning Day, please email Ashutosh Raina or call (410) 262-5138.
DeKalb eases outdoor water use restrictions
DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis announces that DeKalb County will adopt the non-drought schedule for outdoor water use declared by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) on June 10, 2009. Under a non-drought schedule, outdoor water use is allowed three days a week on assigned days using odd and even-numbered addresses.
ˇ Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
ˇ Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses are allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Water use may occur at any time of the day on the assigned days, but to be water efficient, landscape watering should not occur between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. To read more click here. NAACP of DeKalb County Monthly General Membership Meeting
Saturday, June 20, 2009
10:00 am
South DeKalb Mall
Community Room
2801 Candler Road
Decatur, Georgia 30034
City of Decatur Budget Hearings
Monday, June 15, 2009
7:30 pm
Decatur City Hall
For more information contact (404) 371-8386
Nonprofit Space Available for Lease
The Community Foundation leases these buildings for $1.00 per year to various nonprofit organizations, and the nonprofits cover all other expenses related to the property. The nonprofits pay the property taxes and reimburse the Foundation for the cost it expends in securing property insurance coverage. The nonprofit is also responsible for all maintenance and upkeep of the building.
Currently, the Child Development Association has office space available in their North Fulton building. Located in a building with other nonprofits, the collaborative environment is ideal for a small or midsized nonprofit. For further details, please contact Donna Smythe at (770) 992-4339 or dsmythe@cdakids.org. AIDS Walk AtlantaOctober 18, 2009
Piedmont Park
2009 Walk of HEROes
The DeKalb CSB is the safety net providerfor those in need of behavioral health care and developmental disabilitiesservices. Funds to support these serviceshave been shrinking with every year that has passed for the last ten years; however, the DeKalb CSB has not been shrinking from its responsibility to the community. With dignity and care, the DeKalb CSB has continuously responded to the community's needs. For more information or to sign up visit their website.
Step Up In Georgia
A non-profit agency located in Decatur (at 4122 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.) helps teach senior citizens how to become computer proficient. They are in need of gently used laptops for their computer lab. If you have a computer to donate, please contact India Pullin at (404) 580-1903 or indiapullin@yahoo.com.
Pool Passes
Summer Family and Individual Pool Passes are now available for purchase at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. Please call Virginia at (678) 553-6544 with questions. Also, the newly renovated Glenlake Pool opens Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm, and at 10:00 am Saturday.
Season Pool Passes
City of Decatur Residents (please provide proof of residency) Individual (2-13 yrs) $50
Individual (14-59 yrs) $60
Household (5 or less) $125
Household (5 or more) $125 + 10 additional member
Non-City Residents
Individual (3-13 yrs) $85
Individual (14-59 yrs) $95
Household (5 or fewer) $175
Household (5 or more) $175 + 10 additional member
THE 2009 Georgia GamesThe Georgia Games is proud to be back this summer with its annual Championship Games. The 2009 season kicked off with the Tae kwon do event, which brought in over 150 participants of all ages and skill levels and was a huge success, a great sign that this season is going to be the best yet! Online registration is up and running, not only is it convenient, but cheaper too! All online registration is offered at a discount. Atlanta Progressive News Fundraiser
APN has always been community supported, and we are so thankful to our readers who have come through for us time and time again with donations small and large. Click here to contribute.
Decatur Career Center @ Avondale Crossing Plaza
Resources, technology and support services have been designed to help Job Seekers secure employment, and to assist in the development of Micro- Businesses.
For more information contact Dee Dee Bullock at (404) 728-8635. Center located at 1295 Colubmia Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032.
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
Applications will open on April 1, 2009
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. |
Job Announcements
Information is available at USA Jobs
You can search the data base for available jobs and post your resume online.
Public Policy Associate
Southern Center for Human Rights
To apply send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the names and telephone numbers of three references to:
Renee Myers
Southern Center for Human Rights
83 Poplar Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2122
Deadline to apply is Friday, July 10, 2009.
Youth Program Manager
Oakhurst Community Garden Project
Submit application by June 30, 2009
Please submit resume and cover letter to Stephanie. For more information call (678) 642-4977 or visit their website.
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.
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.
GALEO Program Coordinator
Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials - Position will focus on Youth Leadership & Census 2010 duties, including: developing partnerships, conducting research, analyzing trends, increasing civic engagement, youth leadership outreach program development, program research, definition, launching, and ongoing management. For more info on the position, qualifications and how to apply, visit their website.
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.
DeKalb County Animal Services
DeKalb County Animal Services and Enforcement's volunteer program - Friends of DeKalb Animal Services - needs volunteers to play with the animals at the shelter and help pose them for photos. We are looking for people to come regularly, preferably once a week. M-F 10-5 or Saturday 10-4
DeKalb County Animal Services
845 Camp Road
Decatur, Georgia 30032
(404) 294-2996
For more information please visit their website.
Oakhurst Dog Park Committee
Volunteers for the Dog Park committee will be asked to assist neighbors, conduct permit checks, and help with fundraisers to add curbside appeal to the park. Each volunteer will be ask to serve for 1-2 hours. If you are interested in volunteering please send an email to ona@oakhurst.org. | |
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