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In the News ...
Jacksonville Times-Union
Georgia considers horse racing as a revenue source
Legalizing bets on horse racing could bring jobs and tax revenue to the state, although winning public support for a constitutional amendment could be difficult, according to a parade of witnesses addressing a temporary committee of legislators Wednesday. To read more click here.
Athens Banner-Herald
Changing school attendance age might not work
There are some early rumblings that at least some of Georgia's public education officials want the state legislature to consider raising the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to at least 17, and possibly to 18. To read more click here.
Atlanta Journal Constitution
Arduous process leaves Decatur High with upgrade
Even nine years ago, he could see it.
On a plot of land where nothing stood, newly minted Decatur High School athletics director Carter Wilson had a vision of a facility that could finally give his basketball team its own gym and could provide the school with some of the best athletics facilities in the state in the process. To read more click here.
Atlanta Progressive News
Southern Voice Magazine Closes, May Reincarnate
Employees of Southern Voice and David magazines showed up to work on Monday, November 16, 2009, to find the locks on the door changed and a short note, reading: "It is with GREAT regret that we must inform you that effective immediately, the operations of Window Media, LCC and Unite Media, LLC have closed down. To read more click here. |
Loss of a Great Advocate and Friend
Thank you SPARK for sharing this information.
It is with great sadness that we share with you the news that former Georgians for Choice Executive Director Errin Vuley passed away Tuesday, November 17. She was in a fatal car accident in Atlanta early Tuesday morning.
The SPARK community is truly shaken by this devastating news and will always remember Errin as an activist for reproductive rights, health and justice. Errin led Georgians for Choice (GfC) for 4 years (2001-2006) and was the final director right before the organization transitioned to SPARK Reproductive Justice Now. Errin made tremendous contributions towards building the organization that is SPARK today
After her time at Georgians for Choice, Errin was the Director of Development and Communication at GOAL- A Girl's Journey of Growth and then moved on to be their Interim CEO. Most recently she joined the Points of Light Institute as their Director of Major Gifts. The list of organizations that Errin was involved with is extensive and impressive. Errin leaves behind her husband, Dana, family, friends and loved ones including her pets. She loved to dance and go away on weekend adventures. |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness
Support group for people in recovery from mental illness, Connection, meets at the Agnes Scott College Wellness Center on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays of each month. For more information, please call (404) 604-2350.
Mental Illness educational program will take place January-March on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Thursdays of January-March. Peer to Peer is an experiential program for people who have a mental illness and want to establish and maintain recovery. It is a series of two hour weekly programs led by mentors who have experience in living with mental illness. The program will be at North DeKalb Medical Center, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. For more information, please call (404) 604-2350. |
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. |
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Decatur EDtv
Homeless in Decatur: In Their Own Words
The City Schools of Decatur provides a wide variety of services to homeless students and their families throughout the year. In observance of Homeless Awareness Month, we invite you to watch the stories of two homeless women who struggled to keep their children in school while trying to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. |
Temporary child care assistance program targets families affected by recession
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) has created a new federally funded program called Temporary Child Care Assistance (TCCA) that will be operated under the state's Child Care Program. The program, which ends in September 2010, will provide time-limited assistance with child care costs for families that qualify.
To qualify for TCCA, a person must:
Be a Georgia resident
Be actively involved in either job readiness training, vocational training, technical school or college
Be unemployed or work part-time
Have income that falls within the income guidelines
Care for a child who is 12 years old or younger (or 17 years or younger if they have special needs)
To receive TCCA benefits, families must either apply directly online or call 1-866-371-8222 to receive a paper application by mail. |
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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. |
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Avondale
Estates Tree Lighting
The Avondale Estates Annual Tree Lighting will take place this year on Monday, November 30th at 7:00 pm.
The festivities start with Boy Scout Troop 6 offering all-beef hot dog dinners beginning at 5:30 pm and The Avondale First Baptist Church will be caroling at 6:30 pm.
The tree lighting will follow and cider and donuts will be served. |
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Please support Oaktree Farms, Wonderland Gardens and our School Garden Initiative by purchasing your organically grown vegetables from Wonderland Gardens. Please go to our website to do so. |
2010 Census: It's in Our Hands
To find out more about the 2010 Census visit their website. |
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
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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. |
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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. |
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AgeWise Connection
With AgeWise Connection's online Benefits Navigation Center, a click of a mouse will take you to one place where you'll find information and resources relating to insurance, Medicare benefits and managing personal health information. The online Benefits Navigation Center, a program of the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, provides:
Help in navigating the Medicare system
Information on prescription assistance programs
Long-term care resources
Resources about health conditions
Tools to help as you move from one care setting to another |
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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. |
| WOW! That's Engineering! Event
In this Wow! That's Engineering! event, SWE Atlanta will be creating an experience for middle school girls (grades 6-8) where they have the opportunity to meet female engineers and technologists and hear first-hand about these exciting career paths. Women engineers and technologists present interactive activities and the girls experience the creativity and innovation that goes on in the field of engineering.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Georgia Power
241 Ralph McGill Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
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Oakhurst Community Garden Project Classes
Winter Sowing a Perennial Garden
Monday, Nov. 30, 2009
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
435 Oakview Road, Decatur, Georgia
30030
Deck the Halls: Wreathmaking
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Oakhurst
Stars on Your Window
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Oakhurst | |
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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! |
DeKalb Schools Stand Up for Recess!
The DeKalb County School Board took a bold stance last week, proclaiming recess to be a right, not a privilege.
"Breaks shall not be withheld from students in kindergarten or grades one through five for disciplinary or academic reasons" was the official wording of the resolution passed November 2, 2009.
It couldn't have happened without committed parents pushing for it. Previously, most schools in the county had recess, but it could be denied to a child for disciplinary reasons or cancelled for an entire class due to a conflict.
The group Peaceful Playgrounds has developed a Right to Recess Campaign Toolbox that includes a PowerPoint presentation on the importance of recess, along with other facts and stats so you can do the same as the parents in DeKalb County! Go check it out.
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Knollwood Elementary Assesses PE Curriculum with Heart Rate Monitors
On Thursday, November 19, 2009, at 1:15pm, fifth graders at Knollwood Elementary School in the Belvedere area of DeKalb County will become one of 18 schools in the DeKalb County School System, one per cluster, to begin a series of tests that will help to assess the effectiveness of the school's physical education (PE) curriculum. With permission from parents, students will strap a heart rate monitor to their chests during PE class for minute by minute readings to determine how much time the workout results in increased heart rates - from low to vigorous activity.
For more information about Healthy Belvedere please visit their website. |
H1N1 Update
from the
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
People recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to receive the vaccine as soon possible include: health care workers; pregnant women; people with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes; anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age; and people living with or caring for infants under 6 months old.
FLU.gov is a one-stop resource with the latest updates on the H1N1 flu. On this site, you can find information on How to Prevent and Treat the Flu, Flu Essentials and Why the H1N1 Vaccine is Safe and Recommended by Health Experts. To look up where to get vaccinated in your state, visit the Vaccine Locator. This information is updated regularly as more doses are shipped each week.
An additional resource is the CDC hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), which offers services in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Heard a rumor? Visit Myths & Facts to run a fact check.
Please forward this email to your family, friends, co-workers and networks today. Let's work together to help keep our communities safe and healthy.
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Weatherization Assistance Available
Free weatherization repairs are now available for low income families living in the city of Atlanta and Fulton County through grants from the U.S. Department of Energy. The repairs are made by the Southeast Energy Assistance, a non-profit agency that has been serving Fulton County for 28 years. Repairs include attic, wall and floor insulation, window and door repair, and repair or replacement of faulty gas appliances.
For more information please visit the website. |
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Support the Campaign to Bring Trader Joe's to Decatur! Click here to join our Face Book page |
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DeKalb Chamber and UGA Small Business Development Center to Host Small Business Boot Camp
The Boot Camp will take place on Friday, December 11, 2009 from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center located at 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA 30034. Check-in, networking and continental breakfast will take place between 7:30 am - 8:15 am.
The cost to participate is $199 which includes continental breakfast, lunch and materials. DeKalb Chamber and SBDC clients may receive an EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION RATE of only $99 if registration is received by November 20, 2009. Early bird registration for all other participants is $149.
To register, interested parties should visit the website. |
Championship Chess and the Atlanta Chess Ctr. 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.
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Season of Giving
A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur is grassroots effort to have caring neighbors and community members help low-income children and senior citizens enjoy the holidays.
Send a check and one of our volunteers will do the shopping. Make the check payable to A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur and mail it to P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.
And if you would like to help me do community outreach (contacting individuals or businesses), that would be awesome! Thanks so much and have a wonderful weekend.
Best - Keith Duprey
Join Commissioner Larry Johnson and donate a toy and bring someone joy
Take a child's name from the tree and purchase a gift
Official Kick-Off
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009
12:00 pm
Memorial Drive Walmart
3850 Memorial Drive
For more information call (404) 371-2988.
"Can Hunger" at Kroger
Atlanta Community Food Bank
Kroger customers will have three simple ways to donate at the register from Nov. 15 - Dec. 31 in this year's "Can Hunger" campaign sponsored by Comcast, B98.5 and CBS Atlanta: Scan a $1 icon, purchase a $2 Reach Out, Reuse, and Reduce Hunger recycleable grocery bag, or scan a $5 icon. Donations benefit local Feeding America food banks, including ACFB.
John McCutcheon Returns to Benefit ACFB It's becoming a post Thanksgiving tradition. John McCutcheon returns to Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Friday, Nov. 27 for his second annual benefit concert for ACFB. Don't miss this delightful songwriter/storyteller! Get all the details on the John McCutcheon concert, and order your tickets here.
Atlanta Community Food Bank
Please give TODAY to help feed our hungry neighbors. Your gift to the Atlanta Community Food Bank will mean food and most importantly - HOPE - for the hungry this holiday season.
Santa's List
People all over the world are requesting eyeglasses for Christmas this year, but Santa's not a doctor! He contacted the Lighthouse for help, and we agreed to dispense the glasses in exchange for keeping his Naughty or Nice List. Say thank you to people who go the extra mile by adding them to Santa's Nice List. Add friends to the Naughty List and send them a lump of coal! Find out more at www.checkittwice.org, or download our flyer to print and pass around to friends.
Georgia Justice Project
This year GJP will host our 17th Annual Holiday Event for more than 300 GJP clients and their families. On December 5th, together with GJP staff and volunteers, our client guests gather to share a sit-down dinner, a special program, a visit from Santa Claus, gifts for all client children, and gift cards for client families. Won't you help make this season bright by supporting this wonderful tradition?
Click here to make a contribution. |
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Local Business of the Week
141 East Trinity Place
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Established to bring back a personal commitment to customer service, Greene's promises to serve the finest nuts and candies at a very reasonable cost. Join us for Terrific Thursdays where you get 10 percent off your entire purchase. |
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Governor's Office for Children and Families Announces Training Initiative
Governor's Office for Children and Families is launching a new initiative to promote statewide training and capacity building resources in communities to improve outcomes for Georgia's children, you and families. To read more click here. |
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Naming Ceremony
You are cordially invited to join the Academy Theatre's Board of Directors
for a special dedication ceremony to commemorate the naming of the
Michele McNichols Dance Studio at the Academy Theatre on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.
Reception at 6:00 pm
Dedication Ceremony at 7:00 pm
Kindly RSVP at 404-474-8332 or by email
academytheatre@mindspring.com |
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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
Sign up NOW for Music Classes with Mr. Eric at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur!
Mondays and Thursdays
Starting November 30, 2009 for 10 weeks through February 18, 2010
9:30 am and 10:30 am
Pre-registration required--Please visit website.
Music Benefit for Clayton County Humane Society
Eddie's Attic
Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009
6:30 pm
Click here for additional information.
Real 2 Reel Studios to host benefit for CCHS
Eddie's Attic
Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009
6:30 pm
For more information visit website
Leapin' LizardsParents Morning Out
Friday, Nov. 27, 2009
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Arena B
Click here to reserve your spot online.
November After-School Classes
2 Crafty Chicks
Mondays
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Ages 4 and Up
November 9th, 16th 23rd
Reservation Required Classes limited to 10 Students
Workshop for Non-profit Boards and Staff
Leadership DeKalb
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Women's Center in the Dr. Bobbie Bailey Tower
DeKalb Medical Center
2701 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, Georgia 30003
Decatur Holiday Candelight Tour of Homes
Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009
5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Read more about the homes on the Tour on their website. |
 
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. |
Nurture Decatur
Nurture Decatur is a new resource for parents who seek to make informed choices as they create a whole, healthy family environment. A free lecture series continues this month at the Solarium at Historic Scottish Rite in Decatur. November topics include: The Doula Advantage (11/30) from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. These lectures bring together parents in the community to learn about and discuss ideas related to natural family living. Nurture Decatur hopes to raise community awareness about natural family living and to forge new bonds between families through discussion, personal interaction and, in some cases, demonstrations of how to apply these values and ideas in their own lives.
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We will never make a dent in metro-Atlanta's pet overpopulation crisis without low-cost spay/neuter services like the ones LifeLine provides to anyone who needs them. LifeLine, located in Avondale Estates (Dekalb County), has fixed tens-of-thousands of pets since it opened just a few years ago!
And remember, it's not just about saving lives, it's about saving tax dollars on catching, housing and killing surplus pets. Animal Control is not free! So this is an issue that effects everyone, even those who don't care about the number of animals being killed in our shelters and suffering stray on our streets and in our neighborhoods.
Please help save LifeLine by making whatever donation you can afford and passing this message to others who may be able to contribute as well.
Read about LifeLine here: www.atlantapets.org. They are truly amazing! |
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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.
YWCA of Northwest Georgia, Inc.
Family Violence Director
Resumes should be e-mailed or faxed (770-790-4042) to the attention of Holly Comer with cover letter and salary requirements. No telephone calls - please.
The Law Office of the Southern Center for Human Rights
Staff Attorney, Impact Litigation Unit
Interested candidates should send a résumé, writing sample, and the names and telephone numbers of three references via email (with "CHR Attorney Posting"as the subject line) by December 4, 2009 to: Renée Myers, Southern Center for Human Rights, rmyers@schr.org. No phone calls.
CobbWorks, Inc.
Receptionist/Information Specialist
Interested parties should visit www.cobbworks.org, register as a job seeker (if not already registered), and the follow the directions for applying for the position. NO RÉSUMÉS OR APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED OUTSIDE OF APPLYING ONLINE. NO PHONE CALLS.
Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th
Now hiring for the Holidays
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.
State Network Associate
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For more information on the position and how to apply, click here.
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Recruiting employees for Atlanta headquarters
Job applications and information about benefits are available on their website.
DeKalb Workforce Development
Please visit their website for the latest job listings
Other opportunities include:
Internship Opportunity
GoGirlGo! Atlanta Regional Office
Two collegiate level interns
Send resumes to:
Women's Sports Foundation
1946 Starvine Way
Suite 207A
Decatur, Georgia 30033
For more information visit their website.
Scholarships
Harvard University
To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $60,000 a year, visit Harvard's financial aid website or call (617) 495-1581.
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 toona@oakhurst.org.
Clairemont Elementary School
School is revitalizing its tutor program and, of course, we need YOU! If you could give 30 minutes 2x/week (or even once a week!), you would not believe the difference you could make for a struggling student. We are focusing on math for the time being and would give you materials and direction. For more information contact Holly Neil at (404) 538-1635. | |
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