DeKalb County School Calendar Survey
The DeKalb County School System is encouraging parents to participate in their school calendar survey. Click here to view proposed upcoming calendars and to take a short survey. |
|
Candy Buy Back for Trick-or-Treaters
KOOL SMILES
1756 Candler Rd.
Decatur, Georgia 30032
Monday, Nov. 2nd
through
Friday, Nov. 6th
First 100 kids
(ages 2-16 yrs.) to drop off 3 lbs. or more of candy will receive a $5 gift certificate from Subway Sandwich Shop. |
|
Public Reading
by Pulitzer Prize Winning
Poet C.K. Williams
Tues., Nov. 10, 2009
6:00 pm
Emory University
Woodruff Library
Jones Room, Level 3
For more information, Click Here. |
|
Habitat for Humanity New Homeowner Application
DeKalb Habitat is now seeking new Family Partners, low income families who want to be homeowners. Information about qualifica- tions and applications are available on line, or from the DeKalb Habitat office, 2915 Midway Road (in Belvedere United Methodist Church). Office hours are 9 - 5, Monday through Friday.
Applications must be back at the Habitat office by November 13.
Applicants will be notified by letter about the Orientation Meeting. |
|
Home Heating Assistance
Winter can be tough in a recession. To see if you, a family member, friend or neighbor is eligible for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, click here. |
|
19th Annual Georgia Women's Assembly
Friday, Nov. 13th
8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Loudermilk Center
Sponsored by
Georgia Women for Change
Register on-line or send a check to:
Georgia Women for Change, Inc.,
PO Box 55553, Atlanta, GA 30308
Register soon--this event has limited seating.
Georgia Women for a Change, formerly the Women's Policy Education Fund, is a non-profit, public policy think tank on women's issues and a voice for all women in Georgia. Visit our website for additional information. |
Avondale Estates PUBLIX Development Update
From Avondale Commissioner David Milliron:
There continues to be no movement on the proposed Publix development in downtown Avondale Estates. A representative for the developer stated on September 28 in a public meeting that it has commingled the proposed "Avondale Marketplace" development and Maple Street Village project in Avondale Estates with two other projects outside the city and is seeking $500 million in financing. At the same meeting, the BOMC reviewed a request by the developer to extend for a second time the deadline imposed to begin repayment of $50,000 in legal fees owed the city for expenses incurred in negotiating a development agreement.
The BOMC elected to push back a little by requiring the developer to make an initial good-faith payment of $12,500 to the city by October 31st, with subsequent payments of $12,500 on March 15, May 15 and July 31 of 2010. |
|
Goodwill Career Center
Goodwill operates a Career Center in Decatur, located at 1295 Columbia Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032. It is open to the general public and equipped with people and resources to help job seekers and micro-business owners. The center provides computers with Internet access, fax machines, photocopiers, telephones, and just about any other resource you might need for job search or business development. For a calendar listing their job training events for July, please click here. |
|
H1N1 Update
The DeKalb County Board of Health is offering the H1N1 vaccine for healthy children ages 2 to 4 years old at all five of its health centers.
The nasal spray is known as live attenuated influenza vaccine.
Immunization
efforts in DeKalb County are focused on reaching healthy children age 2 to 4 years old in order to protect a population that spreads the virus and is more at risk for hospitalizations.
A small portion of the nasal spray will also be administered to priority groups that include DeKalb County Board of
Health clinical and DeKalb County Government Public Safety staff. |
2010 Census: It's in Our Hands
To find out more about the 2010 Census visit their website. |
IRS HELP
"Solution Saturday"
From Cong. Hank Johnson:
Are you struggling to pay back taxes and keep food on the table, a roof over your head or your business open? Now's the time to meet with IRS folks who can adjust those payment schedules to help you weather the economic storm.
Assistance will be available Sat., November 7
from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Atlanta Summit Building , 401 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Call (404) 588-5444 to set up anappointment. Taxpayers are encouraged to schedule appointments for this event; however, people without appointments can walk in and get help, too. |
Avondale Estates Business Association Sponsors Coat Drive
Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta (RRISA)
The AEBA is asking everyone to drop off to any of the drop off sites listed below any jackets, coats, hats, gloves and scarves for their coat drive.
Drop Off Sites
Finders Keepers
Our Way Cafe and the Beade Shoppe in the Twin Oaks Shopping Center
Hauswerks located at 5 Exeter Road
|
|
Governor Perdue Recommends Allen Barnes for EPD Director
Governor Sonny Perdue announced this week that he is recommending F. Allen Barnes to be the new Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. If approved on Wednesday by the Board of Natural Resources, Barnes will replace Carol Couch , who served as EPD Director for more than six years and recently accepted a faculty position at the University of Georgia's College of Environment and Design.
Allen Barnes served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region Four from 2002 to 2005, enabling him to work on the most significant issues in the eight state southeastern region. As Chief of Staff he worked with state environmental directors and with EPA's senior staff on regulatory, enforcement, permitting, and policy issues.
Prior to serving at EPA, Barnes taught natural resource policy and law as an Associate Professor at Mississippi State from 1996 to 2002.
Barnes has also served as a prosecutor in the Florida State Attorney's Office and as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney handling criminal, tort and environmental litigation. He is currently a partner in King & Spalding's environmental practice.
Barnes graduated from the University of West Florida and received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi . |
Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse
"Recently many celebrities and public figures have disclosed that they were victims of child abuse. Given the potential impact their voices could have, tell us who would be a strong advocate for the prevention of child abuse. Include why they would make a strong spokesperson, what they should do, and their call to action."
Submit your completed essay and registration form by November 13, 2009 to this email. |
|
Support Children in Foster Care
Georgia CASA has been working with the Georgia Department of Human Services/Division of Family and Children Services and Casey Family Programs for several months to bring this campaign to fruition.
We encourage you to visit the campaign website (www.RaiseMeUp.org) to learn more about this national campaign. Be sure to visit the Georgia pages to learn how you might get involved to help children in our state. Also, please feel free to forward this email to those who you believe may be interested in learning more about the campaign.
Remember, you don't have to raise a child to raise them up. You just have to raise your hand and say you'll help. |
Get Paid to Recycle Your Refrigerator or Freezer
If you are a Georgia Power customer and have a working secondary refrigerator you want to recycle, take advantage of Georgia Power's Refrigerator Recycling Program. They will pick up and recycle your second refrigerator or freezer for free and give you $35.
Here is how it works: JACO Environmental, an appliance recycler, will pick up and recycle refrigerators and freezers that are empty, plugged in and working. This program is available to Georgia Power customers, on a first-come, first-served basis. Refrigerators and freezers must be 10-30 cubic feet in size and collection crews will need clear access to the unit. Customers must own the unit(s) being recycled. Limit two units per residential address per year. A check will be mailed to you in approximately 4-6 weeks after the appliance pickup.
Call (866) 446-9250 or go online to schedule your free pickup. | |
|
|
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! |
|
Don't Forget to Vote on Tuesday!
Decatur City Commissioner Races
District 1 Fred Boykin (Incumbent)
James E. Radford Jr.
District 2 (Open Seat)
Kyle Williams
Patti Garrett
Decatur School Board Races
At-Large
Valarie D. Wilson (Incumbent)
Robert H. Pope
District 1
Marc J. Wisniewski (Incumbent)
Garrett Geebel
District 2
Bernadette J. Seals (Incumbent)
Click here for information about polling sites in Decatur. |
|
The DeKalb County Public Schools Foundation
2009 Fundraiser
Sustainable? Together, it's so doable!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Ctr Ballroom
2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30324
Walk the "Green" Carpet at 6:00p.m.
"The Best of Georgia" Silent Auction
6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
"Georgia on My Mind" Live Auction 8:00p.m.
Georgia Grown Heavy Hors d'oeuvres
Wine/Beer Bar
Business Attire
Tickets $100
RSVP online at www.dcpsf.org or by calling (678) 875-2033. |
Dearborn Park Renewal Day
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Did you know that invasive plant species like privet and ivy are taking over our community parks by strangling and crowding out native plants? Renewal Design-Build, along with DeKalb County and the City of Decatur, call on neighbors like you to help save our precious greenspaces.
The Competition
Teams compete for prize money by uprooting invasive plants in one of our local community parks. Officials from DeKalb County and the City of Decatur will judge the quality and quantity of work done to each group's designated work space. For more info.: http://www.parkrenewalday.com/.
Dearborn Park · Deerwood Drive at Midway Road Decatur, Georgia Click for map
Your group can win major cash sponsored by Renewal Design-Build:
First Prize: $1,000
Second Prize: $500
Third Prize: $300
Fourth Prize: $200
Fifth Prize: $100
*There is no rain date for this event. |
Championship Chess and the Atlanta Chess Ctr. Thanksgiving Chess Camp
& Scholastic Tournament
Camp: Friday, November 27, 2009
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Church Of Decatur Heights
735 Sycamore Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
Everyone who attends must know how to complete a full game with checkmate. At camp, players will study openings, great games, tactics, and endgames. They will participate in a variety of competitions: consultation games, simuls, and puzzles.
Tournament: Saturday, November 28, 2009
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Atlanta Chess Center
3155 East Ponce de Leon Ave.
Scottdale, GA 30079
This is a rated tournament in 4 sections: Special Grade 1 and below; Grade 3 and below; Grade 6 and below; and, Middle/HS. If you are not a current member of the USCF, you can pay $20-$25 to join at the tournament.
The camp is open to the first 60 registered via email to chess@championshipchess.net. Registration is being accepted now. |
|
Rep. Benfield joins Environmental Advocates in Opposing Coal-Fired Plant in Washington County
Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield wrote the following letter to the EPD:
I write concerning Plant Washington , a proposed coal-fired plant that uses outdated technology and looms on the horizon as a white elephant, the last of its kind. Today, the energy industry is changing dramatically and federal laws are also undergoing a sea-change. In this charged atmosphere it behooves us to take our time to forestall making a hasty decision that puts people's health and lives in jeopardy for years to come.
Of grave concern is that we Georgians find ourselves generating electricity for other states or shipping it across our state all the while consuming precious airsheds and watersheds, and depositing waste from the coal combustion process onto our land. Surely this makes little sense and brings us slim or no broad economic returns when the degration of these resources is computed. To prevent our beautiful state from becoming the location of first resort for dirty energy, we need comprehensive oversight of these types of energy issues and environmental issues.
Renewable energy is here and now, and it can jump-start our economy quickly. Solar energy firms are growing at leaps and bounds and last week, within the first minutes of the $4 million rebated offered by the state for solar installations, over $14 million in projects had applied. This is the kind of problem that we want to have and this is the direction and these are the kinds of incentives that are more cost effective. The question must be asked: When will EPD and Power4Georgians be able to show us an operating agreement that will provide assurances that the $2 billion investment is worth the 120 operational jobs rather than investing in a biomass plant where the jobs generations would be more in line with the recent plant in Brantley where $130 million generated 70 jobs?
I urge you to apply great scrutiny to a project that makes no sense today, nor will it make sense 25 years from now when our children will be saddled to another 25 years of uncontrollable pollution.
To voice your concern, please write to the following agency:
Plant Washington Comments Environmental Protection Division 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Suite 1152-East Tower Atlanta, GA 30334 OR epdcomments@dnr.state.ga.us |
|
LIVE UNITED Tennis Classic
Proceeds to Benefit
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta
One of the greatest tennis players of all time,"Pistol Pete" Sampras, and American legend Todd Martin will headline the LIVE UNITED Tennis Classic on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 4 p.m. at the Atlanta Athletic Club located at 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek, GA.
WSB-TV anchor Monica Pearson will serve as the classic's honorary chair, and Murphy Jensen of Tennis channel's Open Access, will host the event.
In addition to the Sampras and Martin men's singles match, the LIVE UNITED Tennis Classic will also feature local players in an innovative tiebreak shootout format. The format highlights the skills of area juniors, wheelchair athletes and local college players.
To get tickets click here. |
 Local Business of the WeekPull-A-Part
6513 Marshall Boulevard
Lithonia, Georgia 30058
(770) 242-8844
As the premiere do-it-yourself used auto parts superstore, Pull-A-Part reduces the costs, hassles and headaches of finding quality used auto parts for less. We work with you to make it all work better. Our lots are organized, well-tended and safe. Our computerized inventory system lets you quickly select from more than 2000 cars. Removing each part yourself, you avoid expensive labor costs and mark-ups. |
|
Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta and DeKalb
2009 Fall Golf Tournament
Monday, November 9, 2009
9:00 am
Stone Mountain Golf Club
Lakemont Course
1145 Stonewall Jackson Drive
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta & DeKalb, Inc. is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, established by the Georgia Advocacy Office in the 1980s; becoming independent and incorporated in 1991. We provide protection and advocacy to people who have developmental disability labels by initiating and supporting one-to-one Citizen Advocacy relationships. We are a diverse, community-based organization. Local people make up our Board of Directors and staff. Six other independent Citizen Advocacy offices are located throughout Georgia. For more information please visit our website. |
|
The Academy Theatre presents The Conscience of Little Five Points an original play directed by Mary Saville. Hear tales from Sevananda Natural Food Market as it celebrates it's 35th Anniversary. Two (2) actors will portray over 20 characters as they talk about the impact of Sevananda on Little Five Points and the community. Funny and provocative, you'll think differently about food, about Atlanta, and maybe about yourself!
For information and tickets, please call the Academy Theatre at 404-474-8332 or visit their website. Tickets are $20 general audience and $15 for students & seniors.
The play will show on the following dates:
November 6, at 8:00 pm,
November 7, at 8:00 pm,
November 8, at 2:30 pm,
November 13, at 8:00 pm,
November 14 at 8:00 pm,
November 15, at 2:30 pm,
November 20, at 8:00 pm and
November 22, 2:30 pm |
|
Video on Living Wage
"In Search of a Living Wage: Faith in Georgia", an 11-minute video, is part of a statewide campaign from Fairness for Georgia Families. This video is designed to inform members of various faith communities and their congregations of the business and moral arguments for a living wage for all working families in Georgia. To view video click here. |
|
In the News ...
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Gas Prices Rising in Georgia
Georgia's average gas prices jumped 16 cents in the past week, according tot AAA Auto Club South.
Peach State gas pumps average $2.55 a gallon, compared with $2.39 last week and $2.62 this time last year.
The national average price of gasoline increased by 12 cents a gallon to $2.67 in the past week. To read more click here. |
|
Atlanta Hawks Poetry Slam 2009
The Atlanta Hawks Poetry Slam Contests, sponsored by Walmart, is a shout-out especially to you, an invite to turn your thoughts into verse and speak them aloud; to hip us to the lyrical beats of your heart, the deepest lines in your mind.
Each student who enters will receive one free ticket to a Hawks game activated with one adult ticket.
The theme for this year's contest is based on United Way's brand, LIVE UNITED, which encourages people to think about how they can work together to create a better world. What better way to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, one of the greatest wordsmiths and orators of all time, than to use your words to answer the question: What does live united mean to you?
Log on to the Community Section of www.hawks.com to learn more and download entry forms.
Key Dates:
10/1 to 11/15 Submit written entries to Atlanta Hawks
11/15 Written entries must be received by Hawks Community
Development
11/24 Top 15 finalists notified of advancing to round 2
12/07 to 12/11 Top 15 finalists participate in a mandatory poetry
workshop
1/5/10 Final judging. Particpants must perform their spoken
word pieces
1/18/10 Top winner performs during halftime of MLK Day
Hawks Game |
|
Community Calendar/News
Exercise Class for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease
Every Tuesday
11:30 am-12:15 pm
University Heights UMC
1267 Balsam Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30033
Cost is $90 for nine sessions
Call Kirsten Magee at (678) 592-6801 for more information
Avondale Estates Garden Club's Holiday Bazaar
Friday, Nov. 20, 2009
11:30 am - 3:30 pm
Avondale Estates Community Clubhouse
59 Lakeshore Drive
Avondale Estates, Georgia 30002
Douglass Debs Awards Dinner
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009
7:00 pm
Paschal's restaurant
180 B. Northside Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
Decatur Wine Festival
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Downtown on the
Old Courthouse Square
Decatur, Georgia
|
 
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) are jointly seeking applications for the Fiscal Year 2009 JARC and New Freedom program funds. Funding for these two programs is authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
Do you have a great and innovative idea about how to improve access to transportation or how to provide transportation services for older adults, persons with disabilities, and persons with lower incomes? If so, you are encourage to submit your project proposal for funding consideration. The JARC and New Freedom programs are designed to encourage creative, innovative projects that address the transportation needs of people with disabilities, individuals with lower incomes, and older adults.
The goal of the JARC program is to improve access to job sites and employment-related activities for people who are transitioning from welfare to work or for others with limited incomes. The New Freedom program provides funding for transportation programs and services that go above and beyond what is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
An application package has been created to assist you with putting together your project proposal. You are encouraged to review the goals and objectives included in the Atlanta Regional Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan available on the ARC website.
If you have any questions or require technical assistance, please contact Kenyata Smiley at (404) 463-3275 or at ksmiley@atlantaregional.com.
Applications will be accepted through December 22, 2009. |
|
National Center for Safe Routes to School
Mini-Grants Applications
Apply Now for $1,000 for Your School!
The National Center for Safe Routes to School is now accepting applications for 20 mini-grants, up to $1,000 each. Eligible applicants include: faculty, staff, or parent volunteers at elementary or middle schools; adult-supervised elementary or middle school groups or clubs; adult-supervised high school groups/clubs that wish to partner with a nearby elementary or middle school; local governments; tribal governments; and/or community-based or private non-profit organizations engaged in improving safety for and increasing the number of children who safely walk or ride a bicycle to school.
For more information, visit the website. The application deadline is October 30, 2009. |
|
Job Announcements
United Way of Metro Atlanta
Early Reading First Project Director
Early Literacy Coach
Send cover letters and resumes via email. For more information visit their website.
Safe Routes to School National Partnership
Two State Network Managers
To learn more about the positions click here.Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples in one PDF file to Robert Ping, state network director of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.
Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault
SART Coordinator
Submit resume, cover letter and three references to email. Deadline is November 2, 2009.
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Recruiting employees for Atlanta headquarters
Job applications and information about benefits are available on their website. Internship Opportunity
GoGirlGo! Atlanta Regional Office
Two collegiate level interns
Send resumes to:
Women's Sports Foundation
3525 Piedmont Road, NE
Building 7, Suite 102
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
For more information 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 theirwebsite.
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. | |
|
|
|
|
|
