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Charles Seabrook AJC environmental columnist:
Over the years, I've visited nearly all of Georgia's state parks and all have something to offer. I've also attended many of their naturalist programs.
For less than the cost of a movie, Georgia's younger generation can learn about and experience this state's unique flora, fauna and landscape for a few hours. Here I've compiled my top-ten list of state parks:
1. Providence Canyon State Park (Stewart County). Sometimes called Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon."
2. Skidaway Island State Park near Savannah. Encompasses sweeping salt marshes, maritime forest and sand dunes.
3. George L. Smith State Park (Emanuel County). Bald cypresses are magnificent in fall.
4. Sprewell Bluff State Park (Upson/Talbot counties). A little-known gem on the Flint River.
5. Tallulah Gorge in Tallulah Gorge State Park (Rabun County). Hard granite walls form steep cliffs.
6. Amicalola Falls State Park (Dawson County). Falls plunge 729 feet in seven cascades; highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
7. Cloudland Canyon State Park (Dade County). One of Georgia's most scenic state parks; rugged geology and beautiful vistas.
8. Unicoi State Park (White County). Anna Ruby Falls is a must-see for visitors.
9. F.D. Roosevelt State Park (Meriwether County). FDR came here for treatment of polio in the warm springs.
10. Black Rock Mountain State Park (Rabun County). At 3,640 feet, it is Georgia's highest state park.
These are experiences we can't afford to deny our children and grand children--please take a minute to use Environment Georgia's website to ask the governor to save our state parks. |
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DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce
Government Affairs Meeting
Thursday, June 25, 2009
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Comfort Suites
2060 Crescent Centre Blvd.
Tucker, Georgia 30084
Topic: DeKalb County Zoning Ordinance Rewrite
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| Human Rights Atlanta
Atlantans Commemorate 40th Anniversary of Stonewall Riot and Advocate for Transgender Human Rights
March through Little Five Points and Rally at First Existentialist Congregation
Saturday, June 27, 2009
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
March begins at Freedom Park
Rally at 470 Candler Park Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30307 |
| 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! |
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Women's Policy Group
Legislative Wrap-Up and/or Advocacy Training
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
State Bar of Georgia
Auditorium
104 Marietta Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
For more information visit their website. |
| Farm to School Roundtable with Georgia Organics
Slow Food Atlanta
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
5:30 pm
Burgess Peterson Elementary School
480 Clifton Street SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30316
For more information visit their website. |
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/ |
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Atlanta Beat Announced as Ninth Team in Women's Professional Soccer
Women's Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and Atlanta Team Owner Fitz Johnson today officially unveiled the Atlanta Beat as the ninth Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) franchise at a ceremony at downtown Atlanta's Metro Chamber of Commerce with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin in attendance. The Atlanta Beat join the Philadelphia Independence as expansion teams in WPS and will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season.
Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women's soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women's professional sports are measured. The Inaugural Season kicked off on March 29 and runs through August 22, 2009, with WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. The league's eighth and nine franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in 2010. For more information, visit their website. |
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 date, at the indicated time and location:
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
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.
Musical Bookings at the Decatur Library
The Rosin Sisters
Thursday, June 26, 2009
6:30 pm
Decatur Public Library
215 Sycamore Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
musicFIRST Town Hall Atlanta
Hosted by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Atlanta Chapter
Monday, June 22 2009
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center
3181 Rainbow Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30034
An open discussion about the Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848).
Communicating Before a Crisis Workshop
Hosted by the DeKalb County Board of Health Emergency Preparedness Office
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
445 Winn Way
Bohan Auditorium
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Night of 100 Songs
Atlanta Young Singers
Monday, June 22, 2009
6:00 pm - 12:00 am
The Red Light Cafe
in Amsterdam Walk
553 Amsterdam Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
Eggs & Issues: Energy Policy
Hosted by State Rep. Karla Drenner
Saturday, June 27, 2009
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Clarkston Woman's Club
3912 Church Street
Clarkston, Georgia
For more information contact Rep. Drenner at (404) 656-0202.
5th Annual Evening for Equality
Georgia Equality
Saturday, June 27, 2009
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
W Hotel
188 14th Street NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30361
For more information or to purchase tickets click here.
River Discovery Series
Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers
Begins Saturday, June 27, 2009
Oakhurst Neighborhood Association Meeting
Monday, June 22, 2009
7:00 pm
Solarium
321 West Hill Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Monarchs and Margaritas
Dunwoody Nature Center
Friday, June 26, 2009
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
5343 Roberts Drive
Dunwoody, Georgia 30338
For more information visit their website.
The Museum School of Avondale Estates Sock Hop Fundraiser
Saturday, June 27, 2009
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Waffle House Museum
2719 East College Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
For more information please visit their website.
Go Green Expo
SoutheastGreen.com
June 26-28, 2009
Cobb Galleria
Two Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
Visit their website for more information or to purchase tickets at 50 percent off.
Emory Organic Market Box Program
The boxes contain mainly local and regional produce with some items from organic farms outside of our region for variety. The boxes come in three sizes, and you can pick up your order on Thursdays from 3-6pm at The Depot on Asbury Circle. Depot parking is available for pickup.
Please order your box by Midnight on Sunday for delivery on the following Thursday. Order online and pay with a credit card or Eagle Dollars. 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
· Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
· 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.
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 Associationhas 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
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 Games
The 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 Programs 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.
Decatur Education Foundation
Office Volunteers
Prefer volunteers who can work 2-3 days per week a few hours each day or 1-2 longer shifts. To inquire please send an email.
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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